Response to our friends of Zion United Methodist Church (UMC) in the wake of the fire on June 6th has been swift and generous. Our churches, UM connections, and the community have responded with great compassion and assistance. The DSC Disaster Response network, under the leadership of Pastor Fred Heggestad, has engaged and was on site securing the Zion sanctuary the very day of the fire. On Wednesday, Bishop Hoshibata was present with Rev. Lawrence Johnson and his leadership team for prayer and support.
The Zion restoration project will be ongoing for many, many months. At this stage, there are specific needs:
- Financial contributions which will assist in supplementing insurance coverage, which has its limits (link to https://dscumc.org/zionumc/).
- Volunteers for Zion restoration over the coming weeks.
- Prayers for the Zion congregation through their time of restoration and as they gather for worship in their temporary worship location at Nevada Partners — 710 W Lake Mead Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89030.
This is an official call for ERT (Early Response Team) members, also open to additional volunteers 18 years and older.
We are beginning to coordinate debris removal teams. The first volunteer dates are listed below. Approximate hours will be 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Though worker schedules will be set in shorter shifts appropriate to the individual.
Monday, June 19 – Wednesday, June 21
Thursday, June 22 – Saturday, June 24
Monday June 26 – Wednesday, June 28
Thursday, June 29 – Saturday, July 1
Monday, July 3 – Wednesday, July 5
Thursday, July 6 – Saturday, July 8
And, if needed:
Monday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 12
Thursday, July 13 – Saturday, July 15
If interested and available, it is necessary to register. All workers must register. Please use the email ZionResurrection@dscumc.org to register with your name, contact information, and available dates.
There will be a short training to meet city safety requirements, which will be offered in the morning at the beginning of each work shift. We are looking for approximately 20 people per day on the property and everyone should be working in 30 minute cycles so we can keep people hydrated
University UMC in Las Vegas has offered multiple rooms and six showers for anyone coming from other areas. Lunches are being coordinated with local churches. Cooks may be requested as the efforts continue. If you have hard hats, eye protection, boots (no sneakers) and gloves, please bring them. More information will be provided to all who are interested.
Fred Heggestad
Disaster Relief Coordinator
Desert Southwest Conference
United Methodist Church
