Resources to assist the Southeastern District with
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Remember that God continues to reign. And even when the nations are in an uproar and kingdoms totter, God continues to be our refuge and strength. (Psalm 46)

Hurricane Relief - What can you do?
The Council of Presidents, working with LCMS World Relief, assigned Southern District congregations to each of the Districts of our Synod. As you may be aware, we have adopted Atonement Lutheran Church and School in Metairie, LA and St. James in Gonzales, LA. As Pastors Don Little and Dick Knapp identify needs, they will be in touch with us. In the meantime, they have asked that we specifically request financial gifts so that they may help members, workers, school families and the community to rebuild.
 
A bulletin insert is available (bulletin insert) This insert will contains information from each pastor identifying ways that help is needed. Please look at it carefully. If you are able to assist in any of the hands and feet ways identified, contact us at disasterhelp@se.lcms.org.
 
There remains a critical need for funds. We are asking that if you are receiving financial gifts for these congregations that you send them to the Southeastern District, designated for KATRINA RELIEF. We will turn those funds around as quickly as we can. An accounting of all income will be made to LCMS World Relief. We will be in touch with both Southern District pastors, working as closely as we can to support them in the recovery effort and to send the financial resources needed. We will also share information on how these funds are being used.
 
If your classrooms or Sunday school classes would like to make cards and send words of encouragement, please have them do so. Send these to the Southeastern District office and they will be packaged and sent to the two congregations for distribution. Plan to have them arrive no later than October 11, so that we can send them on to St. James and Atonement.
 
Deaconess Liz DeMik (member of St. John’s, Franconia, VA) is assisting us with the coordination of our response. She is keeping the list of those who have already volunteered to help and will match them to opportunity. If you are willing to adopt a family, travel on a work team, gather supplies, please send an email to our disaster recovery address, disasterhelp@se.lcms.org, and she will be in touch with you.

Volunteering:
LCMS World Relief is working to establish contact with the pastors and congregations in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Once we have gathered information about their needs, and after people are allowed to return to the devastated areas, we will be connecting these congregations with groups of volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer your time and service to aid in the clean-up efforts that will take place in the coming months, please send an email to lcms.volunteer@lcms.org.  In your message please include your name, address and phone number(s). If you are part of a group organized within a congregation, please include the name and location of that congregation as well.  Let us know the length of time you will be available and any type of special skills you can provide such as pastoral care, counseling, medical or childcare.  Also feel free to include any other information you think it would be important for us to know about you.
 
Local Coordination:
Trinity Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge LA is leading in the local co-ordination for LDR and LCMS World Relief. (Contact info: Rev. Scott Schmeiding, (225) 272-3110, 10925 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge LA 70815. Their website address is: http://tlcbr.teamministry.net

Lutheran Hour Ministries
Lutheran Hour Ministries is concentrating on equipping churches and church members to reach out to hurting survivors with spiritual support.
Disaster Needs  News

How to Help <http://www.lhm.org/special/hk_help.htm>   |  Churches Assisting Survivors <http://www.lhm.org/special/hk_churchassist.htm>   |  Resources for Survivors <http://www.lhm.org/special/hk_resources.htm>   |  Resources for Churches <http://www.lhm.org/special/hk_reschurch.htm>   |  Status of Lutheran Churches in Affected Areas <http://www.lhm.org/special/hk_churchstatus.htm>   |  Survivor Stories <http://www.lhm.org/special/hk_stories.htm>

The Family Safety Guide (PDF)- What would you do if your water, electricity, gas, telephone were cut off? If you were separated from family members in an emergency, would you know how to contact them? This booklet is designed to help you and your family become better prepared in case of an emergency.

National School Safety and Security Services is a Cleveland (Ohio)-based, leading national consulting firm specializing in school security and crisis preparedness training, security assessments, and school safety consulting for K-12 schools and public safety providers. “Resource: School Crisis Plan” http://www.schoolsecurity.org