The decline of heavy industry in general and coal industry in particular and the declining community populations in southern West Virginia have left many communities’ infrastructure, once built and supported by coal companies and larger community populations, neglected for many years due to declining tax bases and companies going out of business thus leading to many families without access to clean water and adequate wastewater treatment.
Dig Deep, “a human rights non-profit working to ensure that every American has clean, running water forever” has formed partnerships with United Methodists in McDowell County WV and launched the “Appalachian Water Project” bringing clean water to families starting in McDowell County, expanding into Wyoming County with ambitions to go even further.
But, they need our help.
At the 2022 Annual Conference the West Virginia Conference voted to encourage all our congregations to give generously to the fund established by the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia for the establishment of sustainable potable water systems for rural communities in Southern West Virginia.
And so, this Lenten season, we the West Virginia Conference Global Ministries Committee, Global Health and Justice and Advocacy Team, encourage churches, organizations, and individuals across the West Virginia Conference to give to the fund established by the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia for the establishment of sustainable potable water systems for rural communities in southern West Virginia.
To aid local churches in telling the story of the Clean Water project, bulletin inserts and videos are available to share each week of Lent.
Using Clean Water in Southern District Resources
To help United Methodist Churches in the West Virginia Conference walk alongside those communities in the Southern District who are affected by the water crisis we have prepared bulletin inserts and videos that you may share during worship, small groups or in Sunday School classes.
Week 1: Imagine
Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another.
Proverbs 27:19
Week 2: Justice for All
But let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amos 5:24
Week 3: Hope
A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.
Proverbs 11:25
Week 4: Partnerships
…and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:38
*** Did you know World Clean Water week is March 22nd?! What a perfect time to make a difference!
Week 5: People of Peace, Agents of Change
He has told you, O mortal, what is good,
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
Week 6: Transformation
They will hunger no more and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat,
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:16-17
Learn more about that United Methodist around the world are doing to provide clean water for people (including Appalachia!). Follow this link to read more from Global Ministries/UMCOR
The Social Principles and Book of Discipline also guide us in responding to the needs of clean water for all. Learn more here.