Disaster Response
Stay Safe During Irene
As the storm bears down on the Delaware Valley, please pray for all in harms way, particularly those in the path of river and stream flooding and damaging winds. Pray for all those up and down the East Cost affected (or about to be affected) by this storm, particularly our neighbors in New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. And whether your congregation holds or cancels worship, please be mindful of the safety of your people.
Hurricane Irene Update
As our region anticipates the arrival of Hurricane Irene, I write to let you know Bishop Burkat and the synod staff hold you and all of our congregations in prayer. It is clearly going to be a difficult weekend for many up and down the East Coast. Please be safe, and please be alert to the conditions and needs in your communities. Click below to read important storm-related announcements.
Be Alert for Irene's Effects
Hurricane Irene is expected to affect our region as early as Friday night (Aug. 26). Coming on top of near-record rainfall, flooding is a concern regardless of the storm's track. Lutheran Disaster Response urges congregations to make preparations now for the impact of the storm and to provide assistance and support in communities affected by flooding and storm damage. Read on for prayers and action steps.
How You Can Help Joplin
From Kansas City, LDR-Eastern PA's Julia Menzo offers suggestions for those who want to help towns ravaged by this spring's tornado's -- Pray, Volunteer, Lead and Give. She offers this prayer for this Sunday's worship: You promise to be present in all our suffering, but we are overcome with fear and sorrow. Transform the cries of those are suffering because of tornadoes and floods. Grant consolation, courage and hope. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
'The Destruction Is Unbelievable'
"I guess pictures never fully capture...what a situation is really like, and that's how I felt driving into Joplin and then seeing Peace Lutheran and the neighborhood around it," Central States Synod Bishop Gerald Mansholt wrote in an email to colleagues after visiting Joplin Wednesday. "The destruction unbelievable, the landscape nothing bur rubble. I heard one national disaster worker say this is the worst destruction he's seen since Katrina."
ELCA Responds to Joplin Tornado
The powerful tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri Sunday night is one of the deadliest in US history, with at least 116 people known dead so far. ELCA Disaster Response is already on the ground assessing the situation and providing for immediate needs as well as planning a long-term response. Your gifts are needed to help provide for the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by these disasters. Read on to learn how you can help.
Prayers in the Aftermath of Storms
Gracious God, Spring storms rage and cause destruction and despair. Reveal your life-giving presence to those who suffer from this week's storms and tornadoes in the southern United States. Console those who mourn. Strengthen those who come to help. Give courage to those who must rebuild. In the midst of devastation and uncertainty, fill us with resurrection hope that we may cling to hope and experience new life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Help ELCA Respond to Deadly Storms
At least 300 people have been killed by storms across six states with Alabama the hardest hit. ELCA Disaster Response is already at work with local Lutheran congregations and the Southeastern Synod staff to assess what is needed. "The ELCA stands ready to respond in all areas affected," said the Rev. Daniel Rift, Director of ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. Contributions can be made to ELCA Disaster Response designated for "U.S. Severe Storms." All designated gifts will be used entirely (100 percent) in response to these disasters.
Lutherans Respond to Japan Earthquake
The ELCA is responding to a massive earthquake and tsunami March 11 that caused considerable loss of life and property in Japan. You can help make a difference: Financial gifts for the Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami can be contributed through the ELCA website. Credit card gifts may be contributed by calling 1-800-638-3522.
ELCA Raises $12.6 Million for Haiti So Far
In the year since a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, the ELCA response has been significant. More than 40,000 ELCA members contributed more than $12.6 million to support the work of ELCA Disaster Response in Haiti, feeding and sheltering more than 65,000 people, providing clean water to 2,000 families and sending four convoys of supplies. And yet the work is far from over. Visit ELCA Disaster Response online to see how you can help.
