COVID-19 Relief Project | Update |

posted on August 06

August 6, 2020 
 

Dear Central Valley Pastors, 

I give thanks to God for the ways you are serving your communities during the coronavirus pandemic.  I’m writing to update you on our District COVID-19 relief project. We are reaching out to vulnerable neighbors who did not receive assistance from the various governmental stimulus programs.   Self-employed persons, boutique-size business owners and undocumented workers are a key focus. 

Our process is firmly in place and this week $7,700 in grants are being mailed out to six different churches who applied for grants! Thanks be to God!   

You can join in this outreach mission in several ways.  

First, you can apply for grants to assist families connected to your own ministry.  

• Find the COVID-19 Relief application here on our CV District webpage: 

• https://centralvalley.cnumc.org/forms 

• You’ll receive a helpful set of instructions and financial and health protocols for distributing the cash grants.  

Second, we are fundraising together in a spirit of abundance trusting that God is still blessing the world through our efforts.  Our goal is to raise $60,000 in order to fulfill the needs identified by our clergy survey. If we raise more, we can be more generous. To date, we have received a $10,000 grant from our Conference Disaster Response Ministry Fund and $1,100 in individual contributions.  With joy and gratitude, invite others to use their financial resources to make a difference in others lives.    

• Use the attached letter to send to individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations in your area and invite them to be our partners. 

• They may contribute on line here: https://calnev-reg.brtapp.com/CVgiving 

• Or send a check to the conference office as indicated in the letter 

• Take a special offering in your congregation. 

• Dinuba Palm UMC has committed to raise $1,000 for this project! 

• I challenge ten other churches to match their effort. Will your church be one of those? 

 

Third, let this be an opportunity to build relationships with people in your community. Grants can be given for members and constituents, but we encourage you to reach out your neighbors including those you serve through public school programs, food banks, thrift stores and other outreach ministries.  Let your kindness and our collective generosity convey God’s love, grace, and abiding presence. 

Fourth, commit yourself to prayer for this ministry and especially the people who are struggling and suffering. 

Lastly, give thanks for this excellent project team listed below. Reach out to the liaison for your circuit if you have questions or ideas to share! 

Walking with you as we follow Jesus, 

Debra 
 

Central Valley District COVID-19 Relief Project Team 

Circuit	Name	Email
Four Rivers	Rev. Tevita Vaikona  Edward McKenzie	Tevita.vaikona@cnumc.org  edward_mckenize@sbcglobal.net
Gold N’ Valley	Julie Harris	julieharris61@gmail.com
Stan-Joaquin	Carl Morris	carl@carlwmorris.com
Merced	Nancy Reding, Chairperson	nancy.e.reding@gmail.com
Circus (Fresno)	Pastor Vicky Flores	vicky.flores@cnumc.org
Kings River Valley	CLM Patricia Felts	patricia.felts@gmail.com
Visalia	Rev. Michelle Magee	michelle.magee@cnumc.org
Kern	Shawn Collins	10headmusic@gmail.com
Project Administrator	Amanda Bulls-Stephens	bighatbulls@hotmail.com
District Lay Leader	Diana Bulls, Secretary	annteecue@comcast.net