Be the Hope: Local Church Resources

Below are links to three PDF files you can use for local church publications or advertisements in support of hurricane relief. Download these files to use as artwork for bulletin covers or inserts, on your Web sites, or as posters in your church building.

One: Customizable print ad (Katrina_local_ad2.pdf)
Two: Bulletin cover with message already included on tag (Katrina_bulletin2.pdf)
Three: Bulletin cover with space on tag for your own message (Katrina_blank_bulletin2.pdf)

Here are just a few ways you could use this artwork:

• Offer an opportunity for your congregation to support the efforts of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) by giving through your church, by using this message in the lines of the blank tag on the bulletin artwork: “Support UMCOR hurricane relief through this church.” 
• Customize the message to highlight what your church is doing to aid victims (food/clothing drives, bottled water, providing shelter, etc.).
• If you use the bulletin PDF as an insert instead of a bulletin cover, consider including information about relief opportunities in your church and community on the back side of the page.

This is a short article that you could copy for your newsletter or bulletin:

The United Methodist Church has developed a hurricane relief-themed USA Today ad to run Sept. 7 with the theme “Be the Hope.” As a church we can send a message to the whole country, if not to the world, that at times like these, community is important, that we need each other, and that sharing with each other is a healing process. At this time of great loss, let us become a hopeful, compassionate community.  Give through whatever means you choose. Volunteer.  Be the hope. 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is the humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church. Donations can be made through this church or to www.MethodistRelief.org. Be sure to note “hurricane relief” on your check.

United Methodist churches and agencies are granted permanent, full rights for the use of this material.