Post-Tornado Rebuilding Mission Trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Untwisting Tuscaloosa Donations Needed

Twenty-three volunteers from the Presbytery of Genesee Valley are headed to Tuscaloosa, April 14–21, to assist in the rebuilding effort in teh wake of an EF 4 tornado that devasteated the city almost a year ago.

We will be staying at the First Presbyterian Church and will work with Habitat Tuscaloosa for the week.

The mission team was recently informed that, beginning January 1st, Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa is asking all non-local volunteers to make a physical and a financial investment into the community’s recovery and Habitat’s sustainability by making an additional donation of $100/each.

Our team decided this setback is nothing compared to the challenges this little community has faced this past year. We’ve chosen to raise the funds together and are asking you to help us reach our goal.

We’ve set a goal of $2500 and we’re calling it “Untwisting Tuscaloosa”. Please contribute to help in the effort to rebuild Tuscaloosa.

Donate here…

Saturday April 14 through Saturday April 21, 2012

Cost: $585 Includes airfare, ground transportation, housing, and group meals (does not include baggage fees)
Space is limited. Act quickly!
Registration Form
Deadline: Friday February 10, 2012

All skill levels are needed and appreciated

Those who have not had the experience of disaster recovery work are especially encouraged to participate!

Background

On April 27, 2011, an EF 4 tornado devastated the heart of Tuscaloosa. The tornado took the lives of 43 citizens. Hundreds more were injured while thousands of homes and buildings were destroyed or severely damaged.

Many of those whose homes and businesses were severely damaged or destroyed are without the insurance or financial means to clear their property, much less repair, restore or rebuild their structures. In the wake of that terrible day, thousands of people from all over the world have extended their prayers, sent aid and volunteered to work removing debris and assist in the rebuilding effort.

Tuscaloosa offers mission groups a variety of opportunities for volunteer services including rebuilding and reconstruction under qualified supervision. The First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa, in partnership with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), is hosting outside work groups to assist families in the area. Our work will be assigned to us based upon the need at the time of our arrival.

Mission Teams

A Mission Team of up to 24 volunteers from congregations all around the Presbytery will head to Tuscaloosa April 14-21, 2012.

All volunteers must be 16 years or older.
Volunteers pay their own way or receive assistance from their churches.
Every effort has been made to keep the cost as low as possible.

Significant costs for this trip are underwritten by the Congregational Development Committee of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Housing and groceries are provided by the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa.

Participation

Please read and prayerfully consider your participation in this adventure:

There are physical requirements such as carrying your own luggage, walking stairs, and physical labor at work sites.
You will be required to sign an Individual Liability Agreement and a Health and Liability Release Form.
Flexibility is a must. One of the joys of mission work is the unexpected.
Participants are expected to be involved in all group gatherings and activities including a pre-trip orientation, meals, Sunday worship at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa, and evening devotions.
There will be free time available on Sunday following worship.
Space is available but limited so act quickly! Don't be shy about asking your congregation for financial support to do this work!

Payment Schedule

Checks payable to “Presbytery of Genesee Valley”
$335 Deposit Due with Registration Form. Space will not be reserved for you without this. (Deposit refundable only if there is not enough space)
Registration Deadline: Friday February 10, 2012)
Balance of $250 due by Thursday March 1st

Proposed Itinerary

Saturday 4/14: Leave Rochester via United Airlines 12:29 PM
Arrive Birmingham, AL 4:25 PM
Travel by van to First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa (57 miles)
Sunday 4/15: Worship at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa
Free time / Tour of Tuscaloosa
Monday-Friday 4/16–20: Work Days
Saturday 4/21: Leave Birmingham via United Airlines 6:00 AM
Arrive Rochester 12:01 PM

Interested?

If you have specific questions, kindly contact at 242-0099 rather than contacting First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa directly.