Most of the Southeastern Synod territory experience some impact from Hurricane Zeta on Thursday, October 29, 2020. We are hearing of tree damage and power outages across the territory. Grace Lutheran in Long Beach Mississippi suffered roof damage and their electronic sign was destroyed. Folks still recovering from Hurricane Sally are back in the clean-up mode along the gulf coast and reassessing what new damage was sustained. The Southeastern Synod Disaster Committee is working to see how we can continue to support those who faced yet another storm. We recently funded a Baldwin County Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator, who is working with the Long Term Disaster Response Committee in Baldwin County (Gulf Shores, Alabama area), through a grant from Lutheran Disaster Response. This work is just beginning and now we are assessing other areas that need assistance. We are grateful for our partnership with Inspiritus who is beginning to determine how they will be providing a response in metro Atlanta area and beyond.
How can you help? We need your financial gift to help fund the work the Southeastern Synod Disaster Response Committee does across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. You can give to either the Southeastern Synod’s Disaster Committee here or to our partner in this work Inspiritus, and you can give to them here.
We are church together and so you can help by checking in with those affected and by praying for those dealing with the aftermath of this storm.
+ In Christ, Southeastern Synod Disaster Response Team
Southeastern Synod Disaster Team and Inspiritus share an update on what is needed and what actions are being taken now (and how to give).
And for a practical, on-the-ground response to the work of the Southeastern Synod and Inspiritus and what we are all doing to help folks find a way forward:
Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Committee is currently working in partnership with Inspiritus’ Disaster Team to provide assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally.
As a way to support our congregations and our ministers, we held a training on August 23, 2020. That training was recorded and is now available here:
Bishop Kevin Strickland, Deacon Michelle Angelet from Inspiritus and Pastor Katie Pasch, the chair of the Southeastern Synod’s Disaster Relief Team invite you to hear more about how you can prepare for the upcoming storms facing the Gulf Coast. Please consider giving to Disaster Relief either through the Southeastern Synod at www.elca-ses.org, click on the “Give Now” button or through Inspiritus at www.weinspirit.org, click on the “Donate” button or through Lutheran Disaster Response at www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/. Giving now allows the Southeastern Synod’s Disaster Relief Team, Inspiritus and Lutheran Disaster Relief to respond quickly to provide help following the storm.
Click the image above to register your congregation's Disaster Response Coordinator
In the Southeastern Synod, both preparing for and responding to disasters here in our synod and around the world is a significant part of our shared ministry. This work is directed by the Disaster Ministry Committee. Assistant to the Bishop Pr. Jill Henning serves as staff support to the committee and provides for coordination of volunteer and programmatic activities.
We partner with both Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and Inspiritus and the congregations across the synod to leverage our reach and to maximize the impact we can make in both disaster preparedness and response.
St. John's LC, Nashville, after the March 2020 tornadoes.
The links below provide descriptions of current disaster response work around the synod and beyond, with information on how to get involved. Congregations are encouraged to form work teams and schedule trips to participate in ongoing recovery work.
Middle Tennessee Tornado (3/3/2020)
Hurricane Michael - Southwest GA and Florida
North Carolina and South Carolina
Other active Lutheran Disaster Responses
Southeastern Synod Disaster Response Plan
Southeastern Synod Disaster Response Roles & Responsibilities
Join us on Facebook
Volunteers Active in Disaster (VOAD) Organizations
Emergency Management Agencies
LDR Resources - preparedness planning, bulletin inserts, worship planning and other resources
Active Shooter Preparedness - Department of Homeland Security
American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness
Contact Mr. John Boettner, Chair, Disaster Ministry Committee
Assistant to the Bishop Pr. Jill Henning is the acting Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Volunteer and Program Coordinator.
The Southeastern Synod is part of the
