The Southeastern District Disaster Response Team has been activated. We are coordinating with local and state officials as well as our partners at Lutheran Servants for Christ, LERT, and LCMS Disaster Response. Resources will be needed to assist in the recovery efforts. We invite you to give toward this effort by clicking the button below. We thank you for your continued prayers and generosity during this time. Every week we will continue to update you on the situation through our weekly email, our social media, and our website here.
Hygiene and Cleaning Kits Needed for Asheville
The most important need is an immediate need for 18,000 personal hygiene kits and 15,000 flood clean-up kits. You can find the supplies list to make these kits in the link below. We encourage you to share this request with your church and neighbors. If you can help with this, please ship the prepared kits to
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
6175 St. Peter’s Church Rd.
Conover, NC 28613 USA
828-256-2970
If you have already sent items to Emmanuel, don’t worry. We have switched the address because St. Peter’s has more storage space.
We have created Amazon shopping lists for those who are looking to directly send supplies. One list is for flood clean-up and the other is for hygiene kits.
https://a.co/iFYQXsy – Flood Clean-up Kit
https://a.co/8UP8S00 – Hygiene Kits
https://a.co/c7a1ekm – Complete hygiene Kit (need to manually add St. Peter’s address at check out)
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Address: 6175 St. Peter’s Church Rd. Conover, NC 28613 USA
Phone: 828-256-2970
The address of the church that is accepting these on behalf of the community will be an option as an address at checkout – make sure to choose “St. Peter’s Gift Registry Address”
Churches and Locations Accepting Kit Drop-offs
We are continuing to communicate with other churches and organizations that could possibly help in the shipping process. We will continue to update you through our social media, our emails, and especially our website.
Faith Lutheran Church
Pastor Mike Thress
2265 Red Lion Rd Bear DE 19701-1849
Office – 302-834-1214
Mobile – 302-540-9737
Drop-off Times – M-F 9AM-Noon
Deadline (We don’t have a deadline in mind at this point)
First Lutheran in Odenton, MD
Our address is 8397 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD
Pastor Corey
252-820-4519
Text before arriving or email is best for communication purposes.
Supplies can be dropped off at the church Monday-Thursday from 9 AM-4 PM! We plan to keep drop-offs open for October.
NewThing Lutheran Church (on the campus of Concordia Prep)
1145 Concordia Drive
Towson, MD 21286
Contact Peter Couser (petercouser@concordiaprepschool.org) or call the school office 410-825-2323
Donate during normal school hours (9am-2pm preferred – Monday-Friday) and on Sunday mornings (10am-noon)
Collecting now through October 13
Faith Lutheran Church
709 W. Vernon Ave
Kinston NC 28501
Frank Kinast
Contact Number: my cell phone, 252-525-8011
Drop-off times: Tuesdays & Thursdays between 9:00 am and noon, or call the contact number for a special drop-off time.
Not sure about a deadline yet but will confer with my leadership.
Resurrection Lutheran Church
Address: 100 W Lochmere Dr. Cary, NC 27518
Contact Information: 919-851-7248, office@rlcary.org
Drop-Off Times: Mon-Fri, between 9:45 am-5 pm, NOT including 12-1:15 pm and 2:45-3:30, these are times that we have carpool for our preschool and K-8 school.
Deadline for Donations: October 31, 2024
Grace Lutheran Church
1601 Prince William Parkway
Woodbridge VA 22191
Contacts: Pastor Wayne Puls, Office Manager Danielle Klein (703-494-4600)
Drop off assembled kits at Grace by Tuesday, 10/8 (call first, and we’ll arrange for someone to meet)
Grace Lutheran Church
1200 Charles Street La Plata MD
(301)932-0963 ext. 104
Contact: Pastor Jeff Marquardt
Drop off assembled kits at Grace by Tuesday, 10/8 (call first, and we’ll arrange for someone to meet)
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Blenheim
13300 Manor Rd Glen Arm, MD 21057
410-877-4096
Drop-off times: 9-1pm Monday thru Thursday
End date: October 30
Messiah Lutheran Church
8300 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Don Bucholz – donbucholz@gmail.com
Drop off Times: Thursday 8:30-3 pm or Friday 9-noon
Delivering THIS Saturday Early- Oct 5. We will be doing this again, so after this week if people have items please have them call first to make arrangements, until we have our next window for donations.
Resurrection Lutheran
Address: 765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA
Contact Information: 757-596-5808
Drop-off Times: Monday – Friday (10-3)
Deadline for Donations: Ongoing
Church Name: St. Matthew, Bel Air, MD
Address: 1200 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21014
Contact name/Information: Julie McDonnell, webadmin@smlc.org
Drop-Off Times: Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (church office); or bring to worship on Sundays
Deadline for Donations: Sun, Oct 13
Resources for those in need
If you have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and are in need of resources, please reach out to Deaconess Sally Hiller, the SED’s District Disaster Response Coordinator at disasterhelp@se.lcms.org
Those who are looking to serve
There are many ways you can support the relief efforts for Western NC and all those affected: You can donate by clicking the button below, or you can put together kits with the info above, there are also opportunities and needs for in-person support – click Lutheran Servants for Christ where they post updates on how you can serve.
Stories of the disaster and on going recovery
“A very strange, terrible Monday morning here in the Asheville/Black Mountain area. Helene dumped her worst on this area in the same way that Camille dumped its worst on Nelson County in 1969. Camille, after leaving utter destruction in the Bay St. Louis, area (Judy’s parents had a small home in Pass Christian that was flooded) found its was as a tropical storm to the Blue Ridge mountains and there dropped 27 inches of rain in four hours. The resulting waters took the lives of 150 people (many of which were never found). In trying to get to the airport on Friday, the destruction I saw was reminiscent of what I remember of both Camille and Katrina. I have not heard reports of how much rain we had in the 24 hours of continual rain. I have only heard rumors of the death toll, 70? or more.
I am fortunate to be in the dining hall of a CCC here in Black Mountain that has a large backup generator. Food and water are being provided for the residents, but barely. And this morning, internet through my cell phone hot spot. Maybe…If you get this, it did work.
I and residents are being cared for in the most basic ways. It is so easy to forget how quickly we become accustomed to the extraordinary benefits of clean water (we are using water from a small stream to flush the toilet), electricity, and various forms of communication. I’ve not seen TV or a newspaper since Friday morning.
It is hard not to complain, It requires little thought to realize how much we have to be thankful for when we consider the chronic destruction and disruption that are being experienced – with little hope for relief – in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, etc. As I sit here at the coffee bar (no coffee) I just heard that a truck and helicopter are coming to this location with relief supplies.
Roads (Interstates and other main arteries out of Ashville are all closed.) No way out. The airport opened, I heard?, opened last night with regular flights beginning today. I have a ticket for Tuesday noon to Richmond. I am so privileged. A hundred thousand people are affected in this area.
A couple of things
- Thank God for the massive relief efforts that are now beginning to come into the area and pray for the relief administrators, amind boggling challenge even with what FEMA has learned from past disasters.
- Support the Southeastern District (or your local relief agencies) disaster response teams. President Harmon sent out a pastoral letter on Saturday encouraging support for our district’s response team for our congregations in the Western part of SC and NC.
- Pray….that God keeps us mindful when we have more than we need, of those whose survival is dependent on a daily struggle for food, water and shelter. Pray that we never forget to give God thanks.
This hymn seems appropriate, fogive the formatting, its the best I could do.
My plan (ha ha) was that today would be a continuation of my reflections on events as opportunities for caring! This morning the topic was baptisms/confirmations. New Monday, GOD WILLING?
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist’rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say’st to them, “Be still.”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
Though death’s valley I may pass,
Still Thy grace will fear surpass;
In Thy presence I will rest,
And, while leaning on Thy breast,
I will hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”
Phil Kuehnert
To connect people with Jesus through acts of compassion and mercy at times of disaster.
The Southeastern District extends the compassion and mercy of Christ by preparing congregations, schools, and missions to serve their neighbors during times of disaster and to deploy teams of well-equipped volunteers to respond to immediate and long-term recovery needs when disaster strikes. We also work with LCMS Disaster Response in coordinating a national response in times of disaster.
As news of a disaster becomes known, updates and ways to respond will be listed here as well as communicated through Connect, the District’s weekly newsletter. If you wish to have your name and contact information added to a network of individuals to aid in disaster cleanup and rebuilding, please reach out to Deaconess Sally Hiller, the SED’s District Disaster Response Coordinator at disasterhelp@se.lcms.org
To receive the SED weekly newsletter click here!
Deaconess Sally Hiller
SED Disaster Response Coordinator
Disaster Response Resources
http://se.lcms.org/resources/disaster-response-and-recovery/
Resources to assist the local congregation and her members in Disaster Preparedness and Response.
https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/disaster-response
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Disaster Response ministry responds to immediate and long-term needs following natural and man-made disasters.
Lutheran Servants for Christ (LSC)
Lutheran Servants for Christ is a disaster response ministry that exists to share Jesus’ love to those affected by natural disasters. The ministry includes but is not limited to damaged tree removal, mucking out of homes, home repairs, and the giving of encouragement. All labor and materials are provided at no charge. This Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS grew out of the SED’s need to be able to quickly respond in times of crisis. Today, LSF has a tractor to assist with debris removal, a 10-bed mobile bunk unit, and a mobile food kitchen. Rev. Wayne Puls, Hope, Wake Forest NC is the chairman.
Links: https://lutheranservantsforchrist.org/
Follow on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutheranservantsforchrist/
https://www.lcms-lert.org/
The place to sign up to serve as a volunteer and to locate places where volunteer service is needed. LCMS Districts post training opportunities as well as serving opportunities on this website.
https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfort-dogs-about.html
Launched in August 2008, the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of purebred Golden Retrievers. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are a bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ.
https://www.ogt.org/disaster-relief/
Orphan Grain Train provides disaster relief throughout the United States and around the world. Working with the people of the communities affected by various natural disasters, OGT has been able to provide needed aid and help long after the initial devastation. Orphan Grain Train helps families devastated by storms, floods, wildfires and hurricanes. When desperation is felt, OGT offers gifts of hope.
The Warehouse in the Southeastern District is the Maryland Branch, located in Millersville MD.
https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeartMinistry/
Shepherd’s Heart Ministry exists to share the love of Christ after natural disasters by offering free tree and debris removal, especially to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income families.
Like many other disaster response agencies, Hurricane Katrina was the catalyst for our genesis. Seeing the catastrophic impact on thousands of people, the members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, Alabama wondered, “What can we do?” Remembering the words of Scripture in James 2: 15,16, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” In January of 2006 the members voted to call Pastor Ed Brashier as deployed missionary to the Gulf Coast.
https://www.mercydisasterresources.org
Provides disaster training, planning, and management services to churches. We are a resource to pastors, congregations, and Districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today. Whether you’re a kid or teen, a parent or loved one, or work with youth, Ready Kids has tools and information to help before, during and after disasters.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html
Excellent resources and templates for building a response plan for families and community.
Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers’ experience.
Crisis Cleanup works best when a large number of organizations with many volunteers help a lot of survivors in a large area, all at the same time.
The Fuller Center for Housing, faith-driven and Christ-centered, promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide.
Districts throughout the LCMS partner in sharing resources and assistance in times of Disaster.
Florida-Georgia District https://flgadistrict.org/lert/
Mid-South District. https://mid-southlcms.org/human-care-disaster/
Southern District https://www.southernlcms.org/hurricane-preparedness/
Texas District https://txlcms.org/congregations/disaster-relief/
NVOAD - Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
- https://www.nvoad.org/
- National VOAD promotes cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration, and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is an umbrella organization made up of diverse disaster response agencies that includes faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations (NG0), local non-profit agencies and government partners (state, county, municipal). Many of our faith-based and NGO members also represent their national organizations while serving with us. When you put together all of our participating agencies, we are the largest disaster response organization in the State of Maryland. We create the framework for these agencies to coordinate, cooperate and collaborate–fostering effective response and recovery for the people of Maryland during times of disaster. We are a voice for the voiceless, the poor and those at the margins. We provide a safety net for all Marylanders during and after disasters.
Virginia VOAD helps to lead response efforts, communicate urgent needs to the wider National VOAD network, and provide assistance to communities affected by disaster. By adhering to the 4 Cs (Communication, Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration), VA VOAD effectively provides relief.
The membership of North Carolina VOAD consists of both locally based organizations and local representatives of National organizations. Our mission is to strengthen the capabilities of organizations working together in our state to respond to communities affected by disaster. North Carolina VOAD member organizations cover a broad range of missions and technical expertise, and adhere to the 4 Cs: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.
https://www.southcarolinavoad.org/
The membership of South Carolina VOAD consists of both locally based organizations and local representatives of National organizations. Our mission is to strengthen the capabilities of organizations working together in our State to respond to communities affected by disaster. South Carolina VOAD member organizations cover a broad range of missions and technical expertise, and adhere to the 4 Cs: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.
Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
District of Columbia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Each State has a website!
Each State has a website with resources and helps for knowing how to prepare and how to respond in a time of disaster.