Project Restore at Good Shepherd, Fremont
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont is excited to announce a new area-wide initiative called Project Restore. Over the next few years Good Shepherd, Fremont will embark on an effort to connect volunteers from around the country with local residents and towns that need assistance with mold remediation (demolition, sanitizing, cleaning) as well as construction (electrical, plumbing, drywall, mudding etc.). These services are a labor of love and do not require payment or stipulations. Good Shepherd only wants to do their part to restore and bring healing to their community. Through Project Restore, Good Shepherd will offer housing, meals, showers, supplies, and plenty of work. If you are a group or know of any groups who would like to participate, click on here to learn more and get started: https://www.goodshepherdlutheranchurch.org/project-restore-signup
Call for Congregations to Apply for Disaster Recovery Grants
All District disaster relief funds will be disbursed through the local congregations to serve their communities. Congregations can apply for grant money to help serve their local communities by meeting their bodily needs while connecting them to the congregation so they can receive God’s Word and Sacraments to meet their spiritual needs. There is a two-step process for congregations to complete. Learn more at our Disaster Report page.
Donations: The generosity of the people in and beyond the Nebraska District has been amazing, and we are grateful for your partnership. The Nebraska District office is accepting donations for disaster relief in Nebraska via our secure giving website (eservicespayments). Click here to give now and choose the category Disaster Relief. Those who prefer to mail checks instead of making a gift by credit card should indicate that the gift is given for “Disaster Relief” and mail them to:
Nebraska District LCMS
PO Box 407
Seward, NE 68434
Congregations and schools may send funds for disaster relief to one of the following organizations as well:
- LCMS World Relief and Human Care Disaster Response
- Flood relief through Mission Central
- Orphan Grain Train
- Lutheran Church Charities Nebraska Flood Relief Fund
- LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ministries
LCEF Offers Natural Disaster Assistance for Ministries
- Loan structured over 60 months
- 0% interest and no payment required for first 12 months
- Principal and interest for remaining 48 months: amortized at Cost of Funds (PDF).
- Loan origination fee waived
Please note that all loans are subject to loan underwriting and LCEF’s issuance of and terms of an approval letter. If your organization currently has a loan with LCEF, you may be eligible for additional considerations.
Please also be aware that LCEF has Disaster Assistance programs for Rostered Church Workers who may have been adversely affected by the recent flooding.
For further information please contact LCEF at 800-843-5233 (800- The LCEF).
Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Training
Responding to a disaster is a vital part of who we are as members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Responding to a disaster allows a congregation to confess Christ to their community, region and world in ways they may have never considered before. Lutheran Early Response Team Training helps prepare congregations and individual members to be better prepared when a disaster strikes, and helps them know how to respond in word and deed within their community.
If you have been trained as a part of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT), you can help us by making sure that you are registered as a part of the new national database of LERT trained volunteers. Register by using this link: https://www.lcms.org/form/lert-volunteer-info with a registration code of ‘9999.’
Visit the LCMS website to learn more about LERT training.
Comfort Dog Ministry
The Nebraska District is home to five Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs. The dogs and their handlers can be contacted for visits to congregations, schools, and within your community.
- Eddie Comfort Dog, Peace Lutheran Church, Grand Island (email / website / Facebook)
- Katie Comfort Dog, Trinity Lutheran Church, Fremont (email / website / Facebook)
- Moses Comfort Dog, Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo (email / website / Facebook)
- Nicodemus Comfort Dog, The Rock Lutheran Church, Seward (email / website / Facebook)
- Priscilla Comfort Dog, Trinity Lutheran Church, Lincoln (email / website / Facebook)
- Joanna Comfort Dog, Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln (email / website / Facebook)
Helpful Online Resources
- LCMS Disaster Response
- Business Resource Guide
- Homeowner Resources and Checklist
- Christian Family Solutions: Parenting tips to help kids cope after a crisis or tragedy
- Christian Family Solutions: Coping strategies following a crisis, tragedy, or community violence
- Fire Prevention, Preparedness and Recovery
- Hazards in the Home
- Home Emergency Disaster Safety
- Home Safety Guide
- Natural Disasters & Severe Weather
- Prepare, Plan & Stay Informed for Emergencies
- Safety in the Home: Checklists to Keep Your Family Safe
- USFA’s Fire Recovery
- Teach Emergency Preparedness in the Classroom
- Home Preparation Tips for Weather Emergencies
Recommended Government Preparedness Websites: