UMCOR is the humanitarian relief and development agency of the United Methodist Church, a worldwide denomination. Compelled by Christ, UMCOR responds to natural or human made disasters—those interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own.
* UMCOR’s mission is to alleviate human suffering. We provide practical, proactive support to the most vulnerable survivors of chronic or temporary emergencies due to natural or civil causes.
* UMCOR honors cultural differences. We deliver aid to people without regard to race, religion, politics, or gender. We seek input from local communities in identifying needs.
* All people have God-given dignity and worth. The most essential partner in UMCOR’s work is the beneficiary, the ultimate end-user of our service. There are no “victims” in our vocabulary. There are only survivors whose courage, along with a humanitarian helping hand, can transform communities.
* UMCOR always works with partners—usually in local settings. Civic organizations, faith communities, school leaders and other local resources are great assets to sustainable recovery and development, particularly after massive traumatic events. They exist close to the beneficiary and will continue to serve as positive influences in the community after UMCOR’s work is complete.
* UMCOR is a good steward of our gifts and grants. Private donors can designate their gifts to our programs with the assurance that 100 percent is spent on the programs. The 8.5 million members of the United Methodist Church assure our ability to guarantee this through undesignated giving that underwrites our general administrative expenses.
* UMCOR avoids tying the promise of its relief and development activity to any religious or political viewpoint.
* UMCOR welcomes the good efforts of countless individuals and churches who support us through gifts and prayers and service. We incorporate volunteer action everywhere we can and ask our supporters to accept that sometimes it is not appropriate. We appeal to all volunteers to keep learning as their first objective so that the consequences of their service may become a true benefit.
UMCOR’s mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict or natural disasters – with open mind & hearts to all people.
FESTIVAL OF SHARING
What is the Festival of Sharing?
The third Saturday of October is the day that people of faith, from many different denominations all over the state, gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia. The groups and families bring money that has been raised and “kits” that have been assembled during the year. Volunteers help to sack rice, beans and potatoes for distribution to Missouri agencies. In the afternoon state agencies bring their trucks and trailers to receive the kits, rice, beans and potatoes to distribute to their clients. Kits, assembled for Church World Service, are loaded on a semi truck to continue their journey to other parts of the world.
The Festival is now in its 28th year and generates approximately $1 million annually.
The interfaith event is an expression of mission support and involvement that has helped improve the lives of countless individuals in Missouri and around the world.
THE PURPOSE AND MISSION
The Festival of Sharing seeks to:
· generate financial, material, and personnel resources for hunger, poverty, crisis, and injustice,
· meet and challenge injustice through advocacy and systemic change,
· promote awareness of hunger and justice issues, local and international outreach opportunities, and resource stewardship possibilities,
· encourage and enable hands-on experience with mission projects and local outreach agencies.
