Rainbow Covenant is a concept developed by the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC). NIC designates several Mission Projects that it would like to support as a Conference. The projects are designated by Advance (UMC’s Program for designated mission giving) and listed as colors of the rainbow based upon the project recipient or area of need. To obtain Rainbow Covenant status, the church must meet 100% of it’s total apportionment requirement and give to projects listed in every band of the rainbow. Below is a listing of the projects supported by the NIC. BUMC has been awarded Rainbow Covenant Status by the NIC since it’s inception (~20+yrs). The Rainbow covenant is covered in the church’s budget as part of the Missions and Outreach work group area. 2010 Budgeted Rainbow Covenant giving is as follows:
- Red Band-National Missions: Red Bird Mission
- Burgundy Band-World Mission: Andean Youth
- Orange Band-UMCOR: World Hunger
- Yellow Band-Millenial Fund: Children’s Fund
- Green Band-Conference: Garrett (Wilson Scholarship) & Bethany Methodist
- Blue Band-District: AIDS Care & Humboldt Park Homeless
- Indigo Band-Missionary: Becky Harrell (Costa Rica)
Read the Latin American Biblical University newsletters - Purple Band-Local
- Meals with Wheels
- Family Services
- Hospice
- Barrington Youth Services
- FISH
- BACOA
- Literacy Programs
- Hispanic Ministries
- Habitat for Humanity
- White Band-Sister Church –Bethel UMC
Missions Report
BUMC supports Becky Harrell’s ministry via the Northern Illinois Conference’s Rainbow Covenant (Indigo Band–$1000). Missions Ministry Group hosted a luncheon last year and Becky gave a presentation to the congregation. At the time she was assigned to a mission in Chile. She has since been assigned to Costa Rica. Her letter is below.
22 de noviembre 2010
Hola, hola todas y todos!
A few weeks back the country of Costa Rica felt an overwhelming loss as unexpected landslides and flooding occurred nationwide on the heels of tropical storm Tomas. Rain in a rainforest area is common, but the quantity of rainfall we have received this season has been more than the land could handle.
Rain is a beneficial and life giving commodity of nature, one which produces abundance. Yet months of intense storms followed by one of tropical strength, were too much for the mountains and streams to handle. In some areas, to make way for an ever growing population, trees on mountainsides have been removed and replaced with homes. But each time a tree is removed, so are their roots, which give the soil something to grasp on to. Torrential rainfall soaked the earth and sides of mountains fell, flowing as a river of mud over the homes and the lives of those living there.
One story captured me, that of a young mother found in the path of destruction, buried in her car with her baby still in her arms. The mental picture was just too much for my heart to grasp and my own river of tears flowed. Most likely she was trying to escape the 2 a.m. deluge, knowing they were in trouble. Yet, great peace came with thoughts of God with her and with her baby each and every moment, as they moved from this life to the next.
Experience and history tell us the same, this life is not without difficulties nor is it forever. Our actions and decisions as we seek a better life for ourselves and our families can at times affect others. Telling nature where to live, where to be, how to act, may leave us in great dilemma. Hindsight is the lesson of generations if we truly care for each other and seek a better life for all. Rooted in the Word as our guide, gratitude in all things will move us from acts of self to care for others.
Becky
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