In response to recent flooding in communities served by the SEPA Synod,Thrivent is reminding our church leaders that Thrivent Action Teams can be used to support disaster response efforts. See flyer which includes Service project and fundraising ideas, and includes a promotion code, NEFlood2023, to expedite processing of Thrivent Action Team kits. Download Flyer All...
Category: Disaster Response
July 31, 2023
Thrivent Resources for Flooding Relief
In response to recent flooding in communities served by the SEPA Synod,Thrivent is reminding our church leaders that Thrivent Action Teams can be used to support disaster response efforts. See flyer which includes Service project and fundraising ideas, and includes a promotion code, NEFlood2023, to expedite processing of Thrivent Action Team kits. Download Flyer All...
July 13, 2023
LDR Responds to Berks, Bucks Flooding
An update from Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA: What LCS is doing and what you can do On Sunday July 9, 2023, heavy storms impacted parts of eastern PA over the weekend, causing extensive flooding, especially in Berks and Bucks Counties. Right now, Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA, a program of Liberty Lutheran and...
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...
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...
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...
September 10, 2015
ELCA Partners to Aid Refugees in Europe
As Europe continues to absorb hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Middle East this summer, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is working with Lutheran companion churches and partners in Europe to assist people seeking refuge now and to meet their future needs. In a Sept. 9 “e-Alert” to ELCA members, the Rev....
March 18, 2015
NE Church Helps Evacuated Neighbors
When a four-alarm fire broke out on Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia Tuesday, evacuated residents were taken in for a time by St. David’s Lutheran Church. Kudos to St. David’s for being ambassadors for Christ in the neighborhood! Does your church have a plan for how to serve your community in case of a disaster...
February 7, 2014
Stay Safe in an Ice Storm
LDR-EPA has been busy following the Feb. 4-5 ice storm and related power outages. The best way to keep up with the latest opportunities and information related to LDR-EPA is to follow Lutheran Congregational Services on Facebook. In the meantime, check on neighbors, report dangerous conditions, donate to your local food bank, and let LDR-EPA know how...
June 6, 2013
Prayers for Building Collapse
Updated June 6: Your prayers continue to be needed for all those affected by Wednesday’s building collapse in Center City. More than 24 hours after the event rescuers continue to comb the rubble. A woman was rescued late last night, bringing the total of those rescued to 14. Six people are known to have died....
