We have all been in prayer for those who have been affected by our LA area Wildfires. We are so grateful to our firefighters and first responders that put their lives on the line to save people and property. Now begins the very long road to recovery, even while people are grieving the loss of their homes, places of worship, schools, businesses and whole communities.

There is much work that will need to be done that only the county and city can provide, but there are still things that we can do as individuals and a church.

• We can continue lifting the survivors in prayers.
• We can work with our sister churches and other nonprofits in the area to help provide immediate needs.
• We have collected over $7000 worth of gift cards that went to Pasadena 1st UMC to hand out to fire survivors.
• We can become trained in early response through UMCOR so that we can help survivors sift through the ashes of their homes and be a caring listening Christian presence for them to start processing all that has happened.
• We can send Long Term Recovery Teams when it is time for us to do so and keep sending them no matter how many years this recovery takes.
• Our Conference has set up a special fund-the Los Angeles Recovery Fund—where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the firestorms at www.calpacumc.org/donate.
• We will post when training is available to help with the LA Wildfires recovery.

We will not let these survivors feel forgotten and will let them know that God has not forgotten them either. We can and will bring hope.

Learn More About the Fires and Recovery Efforts

Here is a link to the video: Their Own Words: Altadena UMC Members Share their Experiences
And here is a link to the video: Rev. John Shaver shares a message of hope for the community of Pacific Palisades
Let us keep all the survivors in our prayers and help bring hope to the LA fire survivors.

Where Else Can You Support

We have a long term recovery adult work team going to the San Diego area to help people who were affected by the January 2024 flooding.
The dates are April 6 – 11. We will be more than likely doing drywall work, installing flooring or working on finish trim work. If you are interested in participating please contact Suzanne@cumchb.org.

Sunday, December 8 @ 2:00

We know that the Christmas season can be a time of loneliness, sorrow, alienation and sadness for many people. Our Congregational Care Ministers are leading a quiet, contemplative worship that offers a way for people to claim those feelings and still feel surrounded by the compassionate love of God. This worship service will create a sacred space for people dealing with difficult life issues and bring healing and hope.