Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM)
  • Guidelines for UMVIM Teams

    Guidelines for UMVIM Teams

    Characteristics of UMVIM Teams

    United Methodist Volunteers in Mission:

    1. Are open to God’s blessing.
    2. Radiate Christ’s love.
    3. Share Christ’s great spirit of kindness, acceptance, and unity.
    4. Serve Christ and His people.
    5. Lift up God in all they do.
    6. Have a healthy prayer life.
    7. Think team, not self.
    8. Are flexible, patient, and relaxed.
    9. Realize that people are more important than work results.
    10. Understand that cultures are different, not superior or inferior.
    Guidelines for UMVIM Teams
    A United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) team is one that serves locally, nationally, or internationally where it is invited; works in a ministry endorsed by the host Methodist church, partner church or agency, or non-government organization (NGO); and serves in cooperation with the local host group. The intent of these guidelines is to ensure that the presence of the team will not interfere with the authority and integrity of the church leadership, thereby strengthening and upholding the local church. The team will have an UMVIM trained leader who provides training for the team, ensures completion of proper forms and insurance coverage, and is in communication with annual conference and jurisdictional UMVIM leadership.
    How Your Church Can Get Involved

    It all starts with you! Begin by calling an informational meeting to explore the possibility of forming a team – at least a year before you want to send a team. The UMVIM Coordinators are more than willing to come to your meeting to assist you. Determine who your potential leaders are. Have them attend team leader training provided by the New England Conference UMVIM Coordinator. Contact Coordinator with your interest so a training session can be planned.

    If you do not have anyone who has UMVIM experience – whether with an adult team or a youth team – have some members join an existing team. Good teams to start with are ones going to Rural Mission, United Methodist Economic Ministry or to the Gulf. The Danforth teams have taken members from all over the Conference and, as a result, have trained several new team leaders. Another option is to take your youth on a mission to Appalachia Service Project, Henderson Settlement or Redbird Mission. These ministries send you all kinds of information for your preparation as well as handle everything on site including all meals. No one needs building experience before they go. The people you send will gain valuable experience to help you form your team.
     
    Once someone is trained, with a small group of organizers, and with the help of the UMVIM coordinators, you can plan for a trip. Then announce it and call for interested members and publicize it within the church. You’re off and running!
     
    Contact:
     
    New England Conference UMVIM Coordinator
    David A. Stackpole (Dave)
    72 Meadow Drive
    Hollis, NH 03049-6230
    (603) 465-7885, Cell: (603) 244-0713