? HEALTH KITS THAT SHOW OUR HEALTH: Thanks to all of our churches that have responded quickly and generously to the call for Health Kits for Haiti. There has been an incredible response. Over 27,000 kits have been sent forth from our Conference. (One of the big conferences with lots more churches and people was boasting that they had collected 20,000 kits....but we wont boast, will we?)

Many of our churches have given everyone a chance to help. One passed out cards to everyone in the congregation. Each card had just one of the health kit items on it ....bring combs....bring soap....etc. Everyone brought something the next Sunday....and then the Scouts and community groups were invited to join with church members on a Saturday morning to assemble all the kits. I hear it was a great time of building relationships....introducing some new folk to the life of the church....developing health for the community and congregation, as well as helping our neighbors in Haiti. In so many ways we are a healthy conference as we share love with our communities and world. (By the way, we have already contributed well over $225,000 for UMCOR relief in Haiti....and dont forget about your One Great Hour of Sharing offering which, with your Mission Shares, pays for the UMCOR organization so that 100% of the offerings for Haiti and Chile will go to Haiti and Chile....and wherever else Gods people experience catastrophesPraise God from whom all blessings flow!)

? HEALTH CARE FOR ALL. Jesus ministry of healing reached out to all the sectors of society. John Wesley started the first free health clinic in London because he knew of Christs concern for the spirit, mind, and body of all....plus, one of his most popular books was simple, home-cures for illnesses as a way of helping those who had no access to health care. Our United Methodist Social Principles states: Health care is a basic human right....Like police and fire protection, health care is best funded through the governments ability to tax each person equitably and directly fund the provider entities....We believe it is a governmental responsibility to provide all citizens with health care. (Book of Discipline, paragraph 162, V)

The current discussion about health care reform is ultimately a moral, not a political matter. While in my personal opinion the current proposals in Congress do not yet make health care a basic human right ....for all citizens, they point us in the right direction.

Votes in Congress appear to be coming soon. Pray about this important moral matter. I know that there are many different perspectives among us on how best to reform health care. But I would urge support for these steps forward. This week, let your members of Congress know what you think.

? GOD IS LIKE FIRE....so said Archbishop Tutu in a radio interview recently. Even when you dont understand it all....draw close....be warmed by Gods love....experience the reality....and give thanks. May it be so for you this day....and may our witness for Christ be like the fire of God.

Grace and Peace,

Pete