From Rev. Lisa Kipp, director for congregational engagement, Lutheran World Relief: Your longstanding compassion and generosity is what makes it possible for Lutherans to be at the frontlines of major disasters. Thank you for responding so quickly this week. Unfortunately, the needs of our neighbors in Turkey are growing every hour. We are already working with...
Category: Disaster Response
February 8, 2023
Turkey Earthquake Response Update
From Rev. Lisa Kipp, director for congregational engagement, Lutheran World Relief: Your longstanding compassion and generosity is what makes it possible for Lutherans to be at the frontlines of major disasters. Thank you for responding so quickly this week. Unfortunately, the needs of our neighbors in Turkey are growing every hour. We are already working with...
October 27, 2022
After Tornado, UDLC is a Community Rock
When an EF-2 tornado struck sections of their community on September 1, 2021, the people of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church went into action. The winds and flooding spawned by remnants of Hurricane Ida left 140 families displaced and 1,400 homes with severe damage. Almost immediately the church became a hub to distribute supplies and dispense...
October 27, 2022
Volunteers Needed: Eastwick Flood Relief
Rebuilding continues following Tropical Storm Isaias in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia. Volunteers and Contractors needed! Since Tropical Storm Isaias brought devastating flooding to the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia in August 2020, the Eastwick Unmet Needs Roundtable identified 50 families who needed help with rebuilding of homes and replacement of heating and cooling systems. Volunteers...
October 3, 2022
Pray, Give in Response to Hurricanes
While the first months of the hurricane season were relatively quiet, September brought damaging storms including hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Hurricane Fiona inundated Puerto Rico with rain, reminding people of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 with near Category 5-strength winds, dumping record amounts...
June 3, 2022
Volunteers Needed for Hurricane Recovery
Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA is helping survivors recover here in Pennsylvania from both Tropical Storm Isaias (2020) and Hurricane Ida (2021). Volunteers are needed for rebuilding in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia for Isaias response, and we are hiring contractors to support recovery from Hurricane Ida for disaster case managers and for program...
September 15, 2021
Prayers From The North Eastern Diocese
We received the following message of concern and condolence from our companion synod in Tanzania following the destruction from Hurricane Ida: Greetings in the name of Jesus. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ in the South Eastern Pennsylvania Synod, receive our heartfelt greetings and deep condolence from your brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Lutheran...
September 14, 2021
Haiti Earthquake Situation Report
An update on efforts responding to the recent earthquake in Haiti, from Lutheran Disaster Response.
June 15, 2020
Churches Eligible for FEMA Assistance
When federal disaster declarations occur, and sometimes in other cases such as for anti-terrorism work, federal grants become available to houses of worship for repairs and mitigation. Please see the information below to register your congregations to be alerted if opportunities arise in your community. Greeting Partners, In the midst of a disaster it can...
April 28, 2020
Disaster Update: COVID-19 Response
Be a part of the response: Pray Please pray for people who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Give Thanks to generous donations, Lutheran Disaster Response is able to respond quickly and effectively to disasters around the globe. Your gifts...
September 10, 2019
Help With Hurricane Dorian Recovery
God, you still the storms and are a very present help in trouble. We pray for all those suffering the effects of Hurricane Dorian. Bring comfort to the afflicted and strength to those who come to their aid. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. “About 17% of all Bahamians are suddenly homeless after...
December 6, 2017
Learn. Pray. Give: California Fires
Massive wildfires fueled by intense winds continue at this writing to threaten Ventura County and the San Fernando and Los Angeles areas. More than 20 people have been killed, and more than 100,000 have evacuated in front of the explosive fires. More than 1,000 homes have been destroyed, and entire communities remain endangered. Lutheran Disaster...
November 18, 2017
Faith in Times of Disaster
How prepared are we to care for ourselves and our neighbors? A community dialogue on finding local solutions to mitigate extreme weather events will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 am to 4 pm, at Sykes Student Union at West Chester University, 110 West Rosedale Ave. West Chester, PA 19383. [ Map ] Learn about...
November 8, 2017
Council Supports Synods Affected by Disasters
The Synod Council authorized distribution of $11,000 in aid to synods that felt the impact of recent hurricanes and wildfires. The confluence of natural disasters had significant impacts in eight of the ELCA’s 65 synods at the same time. “Saint Paul encourages the church in his letter to the Romans to ”rejoice with those who...
October 11, 2017
New Creation Reaches Out to Puerto Rico
One congregation that is active in response and support of Puerto Rico is Iglesia Lutheran Nueva Creación (New Creation Lutheran Church) in North Philadelphia. While keeping in touch with her own family in Puerto Rico, Pastor Lyzette Rios of New Creation has been finding ways to care for other members of her congregation and community...
September 20, 2017
After Disasters, You Can Bring Hope
The steady flow of disasters in recent weeks can seem overwhelming. Just today, Puerto Rico experienced what CNN called ‘total devastation’ when it received a direct hit from Hurricane Maria. Yesterday another earthquake struck near Mexico City, leaving death and destruction. This on top of the suffering caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and the...
March 13, 2017
Essential Tips to Weather the Storm
The major winter storm moving into the region Monday night into Tuesday, will bring not only several inches of heavy snow, but also strong winds, and therefore likely power outages. Winds could range from 30-40 miles per hour with gusts reaching higher velocities. Snow total estimates as of 11 am on Monday range from 8″ to...
May 20, 2016
$22K Raised For Flint Water Crisis…So Far
_rfisher@sepa.org-sepia-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /> The offering at the 2016 Synod Assembly Communion Service of more than $5,400 was directed to the work of our domestic partner synod in Southeast Michigan in response to the Flint water crisis. This brings the total raised so far from our Synod to $22,655. Bishop Donald Kreiss called the gift “a true indicator of...
January 22, 2016
Winter Storm Preparations for Churches
With a winter storm set to deliver significant snow, sleet and ice to our region again, we urge you to be prepared for the possibilities of heavy snowfall, limited travel and potential power outages. Congregations can play an important role by checking on vulnerable people in the community and opening as a “comfort station” to provide...
October 21, 2015
LDR Volunteers Staffed Pope’s Visit
Lutheran Disaster Response in Eastern PA connected volunteers with a number of groups working in support of Pope Francis’ recent visit. LDR connected volunteers with the Salvation Army feeding efforts to nourish police, first responders, firefighters, and others. They also connected our specially trained Disaster Spiritual Partners volunteers with Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health to be chaplains...
September 28, 2015
LDR Gives $1.9M to Nepal Earthquake Relief
Thanks to your generosity, Lutheran Disaster Response has collected more than $1.9 million to respond directly to the Nepal Area Earthquakes. Together, we were able to provide $527,700 to respond to the immediate needs of the people and communities affected, and we will continue to walk with our brothers and sisters in Nepal to rebuild...
