Missouri Union Presbytery » Jim Cruickshank

“Out of Chaos, Hope” Feb 2009

Jim Cruickshank — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:52:47 +0000

3 yrs after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita–recovery go on. Report of Jan 25-31, 2009 trip to New Orleans by Kathy Montgomery: “Known as “Blue Angels of Hope”, 20 members of Missouri Union Presbytery, from 9 different churches, and 3 friends joined Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and traveled to New Orleans, LA. They sucessfully provided help and hope to survivors of the 2005 hurricanes. Their reconstruction efforts were welcomed and appreciated as survivors continue to rebuild their lives. It’s truly lagniappe (God’s grace/gift) to see first-hand the appreciation and renewed hope when a family home in the lower 9^th ward is restored and dedicated. In one week, the hard-working Blue Angels assisted with 4 homes, each with unique challenges. Even though our group was experienced, skilled AND very motivated, some of the tasks were quite demanding. The Blue Angels hung, taped, and mudded sheet rock; installed bamboo flooring; installed ceramic floor tile; installed insulation; painted and trimmed rooms; framed windows and doors; and tackled two roofs – removing shingles, re-decking, sheeting and re-shingling. One roof was actually raised and suspended before this was accomplished. Whew! So much work, but SO many smiles, so much fellowship and an awesome witness for Christ… (Not to mention, aches and groans from the Blue Angels!) Mission Team volunteers stayed at the Olive Tree Volunteer Village (formerly Eastminster Presbyterian Church) in east New Orleans. This area was also heavily damaged in 2005 and has remaining problems. At Olive Tree, we shared space and friendship with 34 Presbyterians from New Castle Presbytery (Delaware/Maryland) and 11 Canadians. PDA currently operates 4 volunteer villages along the Gulf Coast and provides hospitality and connections to families in need for volunteer work teams. Just think how much more could have been accomplished with more Blue Angels from MUP! Give prayerful consideration to joining the next mission trip to the Gulf Coast in 2010.

DONATE Tools for Disaster Assistance

Jim Cruickshank — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:48:17 +0000

The MUP Disaster Assistance Mission Team needs the following new or “gently used” tools for their ongoing work or long-term recovery. Volunteers will be working to assist families and communities in demolition and re-construction following flooding. Please consider supporting this vital work by donating one or more of the following. Questions – please call Wayne Weldy at 573-784-2520 or Jim Robinson at 636-358-5227

Utility knives

Sets of screwdrivers

Tape measures

Level

Sawhorses

Generator

Heavy-duty extension cords and plug adapters

Ladders, 6’ & 8’ step and extension

Dry wall square, knives (corner & straight) mud tray, dry wall screws & bits

Assorted sand paper

Duct tape

2-Cordless drills w/metal and wood bits/extra batteries

Brooms and dustpan

Buckets: various sizes, especially 5 gal.

Flashlights and batteries

Halogen work lights

Claw hammers

Pliers – regular, needle-nose, vice grip, dike

55 gal trash bags – heavy-duty

Pry bar and wrecking bar

Circular saw w/extra blades

Keyhole saw

Flat pencils

Wheelbarrows and extra tires

Nail aprons

Dust masks/respirators

Sanding block and screens/paper

Safety glasses

Gloves, work and plastic

Pump up sprayer

Staple gun and staples

Shovels, flat and scoop

Pick

Hoe

Spud

Big sledge hammer

Bow saw

Hand saws

First aid kit

Large drink coolers

Ice coolers

Fans

Torpedo heater

Rope, various sizes & lengths

Log chains, Come-a-Long

Mechanics tools – assorted wrenches, etc.

Bolt cutters

Chalk line

Spool of wire (elec. fence/baling)

Caulk guns

Squares – carpenter, speed, sliding t-bevel, combination

Plastic tarps

Roto-Zip and bits

Miter saw and blades

Nail set

Totes, small toolboxes,

Plastic trash can w/lid

Paint brushes

Hand cleaner

Shop towels

Wet/dry vacuum

Fire extinguisher

Wood chisel

Multi-meter

Electrical tape

Masking/painter tape

Zip ties

Jig saw and blades

Assorted rasps and files

Fall Mission Trip to NE Missouri Sept 21-26

Jim Cruickshank — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:31:53 +0000

Disaster Assistance Mission Team to host Volunteer Mission Work Week in Northeast Missouri The Presbytery Disaster Assistance Mission Team is facilitating a mission work trip to flood-affected areas of the Presbytery on Sept 21-26, 2008. This is your opportunity to participate in life-changing ministry to others–either by your own labor or in support of the team with prayers, contributions, and encouragement. This labor of love and fellowship will focus on reconstruction near Winfield, Missouri.

The mission work week is flexible. You may volunteer for the full week, a couple of days or even one day. Housing will be provided at Troy and Auburn Presbyterian Churches. Space is available for 30 volunteers for each day, reservations required. Volunteers from nearby areas are encouraged to commute. Cost is $75 to cover housing, meals and other expenses. Commuting volunteers are asked to pay $10 for meals. Congregations can provide financial support and enable others to be part of this service in the name of Christ. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive by dinner Sunday, September 21. Work will conclude on Friday, September 26.

MUP – DAT will make final preparations for this mission opportunity at its monthly meeting Tues, Sept 16, 10 a.m. at Troy Presbyterian. All are invited to attend.

For information contact Kathy or John Montgomery, 573-814-1023 or cell: 573-639-1078 jomontgomery@gmail.com or Jim Cruickshank, 573-254-3398, jcruick@ktis.net

Please click below for print-friendly information and forms needed by Mission Volunteers. Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

180th for Old Auxvasse-Nine Mile

Jim Cruickshank — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:57:31 +0000

The Old Auxvasse-Nine Mile Presbyterian Church will mark the 180th anniversary (1828) of the Old Auxvasse church at its joint service on August 24th. The service will be at the Old Auxvasse church north of Calwood, MO on County Road 156.

The celebration will consist of a luncheon after the 9:30 am service, a time for remembrances, and a presentation by the musical group “Sons of the Harvest”.

Anyone wishing to share a remembrance should write to the Old Auxvasse-Nine Mile Church at 10672 County Road 184, Williamsburg, MO 63388; or email to Jim Cruickshank at jcruick@ktis.net.