Oakville, Iowa VIM

From October 11 - 16, 2009 there were 37 VIM volunteers in Oakville, Iowa for the fall 2009 VIM trip. This was for flood repair resulting in 2008. This community of 400 was devastated and only around 200 are back in their homes so far.
The workers made a significant contribution to the repairs in progress and it appears that there is much to be done yet. The community hosted a noon meal for anyone in town every day and what a treat that was to be fed and fellowship with the community. A return trip is likely and any help from the public is greatly appreciated. The recovery is a cooperative effort of the churches in the area mainly the host UM Church and the Apostolic Church in partnership with the national agency of that church.
The trip specifics are as follows - money contributions $3442.38; donated labor - 1173 hours for $18,181.50 value; expenses $2877.62.
This was a very rewarding VIM trip as much work was done and much personal growth and community fellowship was felt by the group. There were many repeat work campers in attendance. Pictures will follow - deep checking.

UM Church Camp Lucerne

October 4-9, 2009
Our VIM trip to Lucerne began with Sunday supper assembled by volunteers at the Ridgewood Retreat Center. After the meal we discussed the work to be done during the week, prioritizing and assigning it as we got to know the skills and interests of the volunteers.
Some of the work completed during our week included; power washing and staining the shower house, moving bunks and boats to shelter, cleaning and closing cabins, cutting dead trees near power lines and buildings and making/hauling fire wood. The Goldfinch cabin received upgraded windows, doors, wiring and insulation. Part of the interior paneling was completed at Goldfinch and Whippoorwill cabins. The landscaping around the Giese dining hall was ridded of invasive species, seeded and mulched. A basketball back board was scraped and repainted. One of 3 garage doors in the shop was closed in and another door replaced. Friday branches and brush trimmed along the roads were chipped.
We had only one rainy day and found plenty to do every day as we practice our flexibility. Our group took joy from our beautiful surroundings and good fellowship and felt fulfilled at completing nearly all the tasks set for us.

Bishop VIM goes to UMCSTLP - Milwaukee

On July 6 - 10, 2009 the Wisconsin Conference Bishop Lee went to United Methodist Children's Services and Transitional Living Program in Milwaukee for a VIM work camp with the extended cabinet. This was led by Jeff Cupery and included 16 adults for 3 days of assistance at the facility. There were many varied tasks done and the agency is now more on the minds of those at the conference office. While housed at Kenwood UMC the group had devotions twice a day and for this group of pastors that proved to be eventful.
The summary of the trip is as follows - Money contributions to the hosts $1085; donated labor
$5950.; trip expenses $390.
Next summer the Bishops extended cabinet VIM trip is planned to the Bad River Reservation at Odanah which is near Ashland, Wisconsin. That will be September 20 - 27, 2010.