On Sunday, we issued a challenge to the people of Good Shepherd in the wake of last week’s historic flooding in South Carolina:
Let’s set the World Methodist Flood Bucket Record.
We don’t know what that record is, mind you, but knowing how the people of this church respond to radical challenges, we thought we’d give them this one.
We are hoping to receive 500 buckets this Sunday. In fact, we’ve already rented a 26 foot U Haul to accommodate them.
So what is a flood bucket?
1. It really is Methodist. Our United Methodist Commission On Relief (UMCOR) spearheads the flood bucket ministry all around the Methodist world. Which means all around the world.
2. It gives flood victims a hand up. By providing essential cleaning and recovery items, it empowers those struggling with flood recovery to have a stake in the clean up efforts.
3. It allows everyone at the church to be involved. Many in the church will not be able to take a short term relief trip, even to a place as close as Columbia. However, all people who call Good Shepherd home can be part of this Radical Impact Project.
4. It connects with the generosity that God has hard-wired into our DNA. The $45 or so people spend on a bucket is not a substitute for what they give to church; it is instead a sacrifice over and above regular giving.
5. It is intensely practical. Listed below are the items to place in your flood bucket. Go to a local department / home improvement store, load up, and radically impact our South Carolina neighbors this coming Sunday.
5-gallon bucket with resealable lid
- Buckets from fast-food restaurants or bakeries can be used if washed and cleaned;
- Do not use buckets that have stored chemicals such as paint or pool cleaner;
- Advertisements on the outside are acceptable.
- Liquid laundry detergent
- One 50-oz. or two 25-oz. bottle(s) only.
- Liquid household cleaner
- 12‐16 oz. liquid cleaner that can be mixed with water;
- No spray cleaners.
- Dish soap
- 16‐28 oz. bottle any brand.
- 1 can air freshener
- Aerosol or pump.
- 1 insect repellant spray
- 6‐14 oz. aerosol or spray pump with protective cover.
- 1 scrub brush
- Plastic or wooden handle.
- 18 cleaning wipes
- Handi Wipes or reusable wipes;
- No terry cleaning towels;
- Remove from packaging.
- 7 sponges
- No cellulose sponges due to mold issues;
- Remove from wrapper.
- 5 scouring pads
- Remove from wrapper;
- No stainless steel, Brillo pads, or SOS pads (nothing with soap built in).
- 50 clothespins
- Clothesline
- One 100-ft. or two 50-ft. lines;
- Cotton or plastic.
- 24-roll heavy-duty trash bags
- 33‐ to 45-gallon sizes;
- Remove from the box.
- 5 dust masks
- 2 pairs kitchen dishwashing gloves
- Should be durable enough for multiple uses;
- Remove from packaging.
- 1 pair work gloves
- Cotton with leather palm or all leather.
Assembly Directions
Place all liquid items in the bucket first. Place remaining items in the bucket, fitting them around and between the liquid items. Sponges, scouring pads, clothespins, and trash bags can be separated in order to fit all of the items in the bucket. Ensure the lid is closed securely.
Important Notes
- All items must be new except for the actual bucket and lid.
- All cleaning agents must be liquid and in plastic containers. No powders, please.
- If you cannot find the requested size of a liquid item, use a smaller size. Including larger sizes of any item will prevent the lid from sealing.
- If all of the items on the list are not included, please put a label on the bucket indicating what has been omitted.
- Cleaning buckets are only used within the United States. They are not opened to verify the contents unless there is indication that some items have been omitted.