DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING CLASS

Ever had an interest in helping out with disaster response? Would you be interested in learning about how Lutherans organize and mobilize when disasters strike? Want to know more about the recent hurricane response in our Southeastern District? Wondering whether you could assist. All are welcome to participate in a Basic LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Training Class at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodbridge VA, on Saturday, January 25. Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, and learn the basic nature of disasters and how Christians can support neighbors in need as the hands and feet of Jesus. Other class topics include response and deployment protocol in times of disasters, a ministry of presence, and safety practices. Here’s what you need to know.

• The Basic LERT Training Class will be on January 25, in Grace’s Fellowship Hall, 8:30 am-12:00 pm.
• The class will be led by Pastor Wayne Puls and the Southeastern District’s Disaster Response Coordinator, Deaconess Sally Hiller.
• Participants are urged to pre-register before January 10 so we have the proper materials for everyone.
• Register at www.lcms-lert.org(“Training and Deployments,” then the tile labeled  “Basic LERT Training, Grace Lutheran Church, Woodbridge VA, 1-25-25”).
• A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training materials, snacks, and a LERT t-shirt. Please bring your check (“Grace Lutheran Church,” noted “LERT Training 1-25-25”) along to the training.
• To offer a three-hour on-site class, participants must complete online training in advance, at lsc-disaster-training.moodlecloud.com.
• Please note that a Chainsaw Training Class will be held at Grace in late winter, but the Basic LERT Training Class will be a pre-requisite.
• Questions? Contact Pastor Wayne Puls (703-494-4600; wpuls@glcvirginia.org).

Additional classes are being offered throughout the District. Go to  www.lcms-lert.org (“Training and Deployments) to learn more,

Current class schedule:

1/4/25: Basic Chainsaw Training, Bethel-Claremont NC

1/9/25: Basic LERT Training, Redeemer – Parton MD

1/12/25: Basic LERT Training, Camp Linn Haven-Linville NC

1/19/25: Basic LERT Training, Camp Linn Haven-Linville NC

1/25/25: Basic LERT Training, Grace – Woodbridge VA

1/25/25: Basic LERT Training, Messiah – Charlotte NC

1/26/25: Basic LERT Training, Camp Linn Haven-Linville NC

2/2/25: Basic LERT Training, Camp Linn Haven-Linville NC

4/25-26: Basic Chainsaw Training, Concordia-Hagerstown MD

5/2-3: Chainsaw 201 Training, site to be determined

Deaconess Sally J Hiller