Oil Spill - Dundee - Pandemics - Haiti - Hurricanes - Links - Donations

From The Reporter -

Missouri Synod poised to help in oil-spill ‘storm’

"We're still in the middle of the storm," said Southern District President Kurtis Schultz in referring to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that is affecting all four states the district serves -- Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

"This is very dissimilar to a hurricane that hits in one day and we can assess the damage the next," he said.  "This isn't over and we won't be able to know for sure what the results of this disaster will be until probably August."

LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) staff members have contacted the district to determine if a response is needed at this stage of the oil spill.  Already, potentially more than 100 million gallons of crude has been expelled into the Gulf, destroying marshlands, washing up on beaches, killing wildlife, and eliminating a large portion of the coast's fishing industry.

The spill stems from a sea floor oil gusher that resulted from the April 20 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion. That explosion killed 11 platform workers and injured 17 others.

Schultz said that pastors of congregations with members in the fishing industry have told him that these members are working long hours, either helping with the cleanup or fishing when permitted…

--- Read more at The Reporter Online

How You Can Help:
- Louisiana: www.volunteerlouisiana.gov
- Mississippi: www.volunteermississippi.org
- Florida: www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org
- Alabama: www.servealabama.gov.

If you are interested in helping with the Dundee tornado clean-up, please contact Rev. Douglas Adams, pastor of Emmanuel, Britton.

He can be reached at (517) 451-8148 or pastordouglasadams@yahoo.com.  Information can also be found at www.dundeevillage.net. Check back for new information as it becomes available.

H1N1 Guide for Faith-Based Organizations - From LCMS World Relief and Human Care on the LCMS website

Listing of congregations offering podcasts, online sermons, etc. If you do not see your congregation listed and would like to include them on the list, please email Jennifer Rumberger at the District Office.

Other places to find online audio and video bible studies, etc.

Lutheran Hour

Lutheran Hour Men's NetWork

Woman to Woman

Pandemic Flu Response Document - in pdf form

The Michigan District has begun to look at advance preparation in the event that a flu pandemic occurs. The following information and resources have been compiled to help congregations and schools begin the process of becoming prepared for a flu pandemic thus lessoning the impact on our community of churches and schools.

The flu, (also known as influenza) is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Many individuals are familiar with the seasonal flu, but there are several differences between the seasonal flu and a pandemic flu. Seasonal flu is common and generally causes a modest impact on society. Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Most people have some immunity to this type of flu. The impact on individuals can be serious, but generally healthy individuals are not at risk for serious complications. A pandemic flu is a global disease event in which a serious virulent flu could be spread around the world affecting a large number of people. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and there is little or no immunity to this virus in the human population. It spreads easily and quickly from person to person across the world. The impact on society would likely be more serious potentially affecting even healthy individuals. In addition to the physical impact on humans, the economic and societal effects of a severe influenza pandemic could be very great.

The intent of this document is to provide resources for addressing key issues in congregations and schools that impact the delivery of essential services and operations. These suggestions are to assist in the planning and development of plans for individual churches and schools. This information will by no means meet every need in organizations but is meant to provide a starting place. The complete reliance on the Triune God is the main pillar of strength for accomplishing these goals, and it is in the shadow of the Almighty that we can accomplish all things.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:23

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ1- What is a flu pandemic and am I prepared if one should occur?

FAQ2- What can I do to mitigate or prevent a flu pandemic?

FAQ3- What can I do to prepare for a flu pandemic?

FAQ4- What should I do if a flu pandemic occurs in my church organization?

FAQ5- What should I do to recover from a flu pandemic in my church organization?

FAQ6- How will we contact our members if phone service or power are disrupted?

FAQ7- What is our back-up plan for church records?

FAQ8- Are we adequately insured against all potential disasters?

FAQ9- How could we deliver core congregational services such as worship, Sunday School, and Bible study to our members if they could not assemble?

FAQ10- How could we deliver core educational services such as school
to our students if they could not assemble?

FAQ11- Do we have adequate financial reserves to help our employees
should our revenue stream immediately end for an extended time?

FAQ12- Who can I contact for further information on a flu pandemic?

These questions will be answered below or in the Pandemic Checklist PDF. Feel free to click on any of the questions above to be redirected to the appropriate area below. For more information, please check the various resources and references listed. You can also download this entire Pandemic Flu Response Document - in pdf form.

How will we contact our members if phone service or power are disrupted?

* A major factor in dealing with a disaster is the focus on communication. Many congregations during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina faced a major challenge in both locating their members and determining their status. Planning before an event can help minimize the communication challenge. Develop a plan that allows for you to communicate with them but also allow them to contact you when they reach safety.

* Develop a number/plan that congregation members can call to check in with your church that is an 800 number in another location. Consider another LCMS congregation in a different state or perhaps the District Office.

* Consider gathering the following information for each congregation member:

Congregation Member
- Home Phone Number
- Cell Phone Number
- E-mail Address
- Facebook, Twitter or other Social Networking Information
- Out of State Contact and their Phone Number

* Encourage your members to plan in advance where they will go, should they be evacuated. Other information you might want for each family in your congregation records is a Family Communication Plan.

Family Communication Plan
- Contact Name
- Telephone Number
- Out-of-State Contact Name
- Telephone Number
- Neighborhood Meeting Place
- Meeting Place Phone Number

* You should plan to annually update any and all information for each family and gather it from new members as they join the church.

* In addition:

Develop an accurate shut-in list.
Develop a list of those with physical needs or limited mobility.
Share Community planning, including evacuation destinations with these people.
Gather their family communication plan and contact information.

* You might consider checking with your community about evacuation plans for "Special Needs" members of your congregation. Your church would need to ask which members fit these criteria. These could include:

Those without a vehicle.
Non-English speaking families.
Hearing or Mobility impaired.
Single working parents.
Special dietary needs ( i.e. Diabetics)

* Have all records and contact information saved electronically with someone in another area and give an electronic copy on a USB drive to one or two church leaders.

* Your church should also discuss who will be the contact person to gather updates on members.

* Consider purchasing a communication program that allows you to tape one message and then call all members with the message. You can do a "Google Search" on these services including:

School Reach
Constant Connect
One Call Now

* You might consider working with the Red Cross and community agencies to have your church designated as an evacuation site in case of a community emergency.

What is our back up plan for church records?

* Congregations and schools should have a backup system in place for all data, whether it be electronic or hard copy at an off-site location.

Are we adequately insured against all potential disasters?

* Congregation and schools should evaluate with their insurance companies for a variety of disasters including: pandemic, natural disasters, etc.

* Note: Many insurance companies do not insure against revenue loss.

How could we deliver core congregational services such as worship,

Sunday School, and Bible study to our members if they could not assemble?

* Basic Assumptions:

- Vital resources will be available such as electricity, internet, cell phone, and telephone services.

- If these are not available, the challenge becomes much greater.

- While large group assemblies may not be possible, small groups or private visitation may be allowed.

* Worship services by necessity would emphasize the Word.

- Worship services could be provided over the internet using the list of churches in the District that have online services, recorded or written sermons.

- Pastors may be able to record a weekly sermon and "podcast" it over the church web site, record a video for "You Tube," "God Tube," or some other media.

- Worship services could be provided over the radio, with recorded messages sent to local radio stations.

- The Lutheran Hour and Worship for Shut Ins may also be used to help provide in home worship opportunities.

- The District or the Synod may want to consider ways of providing a worship service over cable or broadcast TV.

* Sacramental Ministry

- The Pastor and Elders may be able to make home and hospital visits to bring communion to those who are ill. Elders would need to be trained and commissioned for this ministry. It may be possible for the Pastor to consecrate the elements and have the Elders take them to individual homes and families. In all likelihood, celebration of the Lord's Supper will be very limited.

- Individual members can be instructed on how to do an emergency baptism, if the need should arrive. Luther's Small Catechism and our Lutheran Hymnals have orders for emergency baptisms.

* Educational Services

- Small group, in home Bible Studies may be an option.

- Online Bible Study groups may also be an option for those with the right equipment.

- The Pastor could set up a Bible Study Blog on line for members to participate.

- The same resources used to deliver sermons could be used for Bible Studies

- A list of on-line Bible Studies could be made available to members including Family devotions for families of all ages and stages of life.

* Special Need Situations: Hospital Visits, Shut-In Calls, Funerals

- Because of the potential threat of the spread of disease, committal services may have to be private, for immediate family only. Funeral and memorial services may have to be delayed.

- Visits to the sick may require special clothing, if allowed at all. Churches and church staff (both lay and professional) may have to work in cooperative efforts to meet these needs.

How could we deliver core educational services such as school to our

students if they could not assemble?

* The recent pandemic episode surrounding the "Swine Flu Outbreak" in Mexico is an opportunity for us to prepare in case there is a situation in which group meetings are prohibited. Technology today allows us more opportunities to meet then ever before. Students would need access to the Internet through a computer or hand held device but teacher-led instruction could then further enhance the educational experience.

* Examples of how school or teachers could respond include:

- Create a free blog on which you list assignments, resources, concerns for students. Encourage them to post their own questions or concerns. Exchange information via e-mail attachments or mailed documents. One Web site for this is www.thoughts.com/free-blog

- Use a Web cam to have video phone conferences with students. You will be able to see them, if they have a camera, and experience face to face communication. The phone call portion is free. The site is www.skype.com/.

- Develop a Web site and then post materials there. This could include video, web sites, etc. One location is www.schoolrack.com/. Also, many content-rich websites exist that a teacher could direct students to for specific content.

- Create a podcast, which is a written or spoken format that allows audio to be downloaded. A simple teaching tool may be found at www.seminars.apple.com/seminarsonline/podcastproducer/apple/.

- Utilize a conference call format that would let you talk to a large group or even display your computer screen to the group. There is a cost, but one site is www.civi.com/.

- Form an e-mail distribution list, which allows the teacher to e-mail directions, assignments, or any other messages or documents to all students at once. Students may choose how to respond to the group, teacher etc. …

- Develop collaboration through use of a free Wiki site like www.wetpaint.com/. This site includes direction on using the site. Your Wiki allows a great deal of interaction between people in different locations.

Do we have adequate financial reserves to help our employees should

our revenue stream immediately end for an extended time?

* CEF is going to discuss at a board meeting the flexibility of suspending or adjusting loan payments in the event of a disaster.

Who can I contact for further information on a flu pandemic?

EMERGENCY AGENCIES

* Michigan Department of Community Health

- OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH/PREPAREDNESS
o 517.335.8150

- Bioterrorism Emergency Notification
o Actual or Threatened Biological or Chemical Terrorist Event
o Bus. Hrs. 517.335.8150
o After Hrs. 517.335.9030

- General Information
o Communicable Disease: 517.335.8150
o Laboratory: 517.335.8063
o After Hrs. Emergency: 517.335.9030

* Emergency help number: 911 or local emergency dispatch
* Local Emergency Manager: Check local listings in your area
* State Emergency Manager: www.michigan.gov/emd
* US Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov/
* Local Health Dept.: Check local listings in your area
* Dept. of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov/
* Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov or 800.232.4636
* Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): www.fema.gov
* Department of Homeland Security "Ready" Program: www.ready.gov
* American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

RESOURCES

* Pandemic influenza preparedness: www.pandemicflu.gov
* Recognizing flu symptoms: www.pandemicflu.gov
* Developing a family plan: www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide
* Limit the spread of infection: www.cdc.gov/flu/school
* Importance of yearly flu shots: www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r060223.htm
* Importance of yearly flu shots: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
* Controlling the spread of flu: www.cdc.gov/flu/school
* Flu Posters: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm#PrintableMaterials
* Limit the spread of infection: www.healthykids.us/cleanliness.htm
* Illness evaluation: www.healthykids.us/chapters/sick_main.htm
* Isolate sick children: http://nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/XMLVersion/Chapter_3.xm
* Caring for ill family members: www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan/sup5.html#box4
* ICS Training: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS100SCA.asp
* Site Emergency Plan: www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1593_3507-14743--,00.html

REFERENCES

* Website specific to pandemic flu: www.pandemicflu.gov
* American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
* Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
* Michigan State Police: http://www.michigan.gov/msp

Building Homes and Hope in Haiti - Learn/Donate

Florida-Georgia District - Gathering Supplies and Collecting Donations

LCMS Response

LCMS World Relief Bulletin Insert - color

LCMS World Relief Bulletin Insert - Black and White

LCMS, LCMS World Relief and Human Care and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti

ST. LOUIS, April 16, 2010-Volunteers and staff of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), along with members of a Haitian Lutheran church, began work last week on the first three of several hundred new homes to be built for survivors of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.

LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), the LCMS mercy ministry, worked hand-in-hand April 7-10 with local Haitians and LCMS volunteers to begin the project, "Building Homes and Hope in Haiti." Housing assistance has been a top request of Rev. Marky Kessa, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH), LCMS's partner church in Haiti.

"Thousands of people have no shelter but flimsy bed sheets over their heads,'' said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, WR-HC's director of disaster response. "But thanks to the generosity of LCMS members, we are helping some Haitians move closer to getting off the streets and back into homes. I thank God for those who have given and pray others will continue to give so we can show the mighty work of our Savior through this home-building project.''

Two LCMS volunteers from Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Royalton, Ohio, two from St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chesterland, Ohio, and one from Redeemer Lutheran Church, Springfield, Mo., joined four WR-HC staff members and ELCH church workers at Peace Lutheran Church in Jacmel, Haiti, to start work on three homes representative of the hundreds of homes planned for construction in the earthquake-devastated city of Jacmel, some 70 kilometers south of Haiti's capital city of Port-au-Prince. Additional homes will be built in Leogane and another location yet to be determined. In a related project, LCMS WR-HC is also working with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston to send 100 prefabricated homes to Haiti.

On behalf of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (the mercy arm of the LCMS) is working cooperatively with LCMS World Mission (the mission sending arm of the LCMS), LCMS congregations and districts, and U.S. and international partners to provide immediate and long-term relief for the people of Haiti and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti.

Congregations interested in organizing volunteer teams to help the rebuilding effort in Haiti are invited to contact LCMS World Relief and Human Care at 800-248-1930, ext. 1380. To read the latest news about the LCMS Haiti relief effort, or to give, please visit: www.lcms.org/worldrelief.

Lutheran World Relief

The earthquake in Haiti has taken all of the resources Lutheran World Relief had in its warehouse. There will be a special collection of quilts, soap and health kits. Two collection sites have been set up in Michigan. One at St. John Fraser (Saturday, April 17, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and the other at Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church, Howell (Saturday April 17, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Sunday April 18 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) For more information, call Doris August 586.293.7777 or Pat Schuknecht at 517.552.7218.

CPH - Books for Haiti

Concordia Publishing House in partnership with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod World Relief and Human Care has launched the Help for Haiti Campaign. Through this campaign, they hope to distribute 20,000 French translations of the Arch Book, "Jesus Blesses the Children" to Haitian youngsters and families. The books will be distributed through congregations connected with The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, a sister Synod of the LCMS. Donations to Help for Haiti can be made now through Easter Week (April 11). Every $10 donation received provides 6 books along with material aid. Four dollars of every ten dollar donation will be given directly to help fund relief efforts. To donate, please visit www.concordiaoutreach.org or call 800.325.3040. Contributions can also be mailed to Concordia Gospel Outreach/Help for Haiti at 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63118.

Good Shepherd, Lake Orion - Building Hope in Haiti Conference

With the deadly earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, many want to reach out in one way or another. Good Shepherd, Lake Orion has been involved with ministry in Haiti since 2003 and is planning an exciting opportunity in April. The Building Hope in Haiti Conference (April 23-25) will have guest speaker, Pastor Marky Kessa the president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. Pastor Marky will share his insights and vision and his passion for spreading the Gospel in Haiti. There will also be presentations by Nora Leon, the president and founder of Caribbean Children's Foundation, which supports the Children of Israel Orphanage and by the Izidor family, as they share their vision for the new orphanage site of the Children of Israel Orphanage and their desire to take in many of the now-orphaned children wandering the streets of Port au Prince. We will also hear information "hot off the press" from LCMS World Relief regarding building homes for homeless earthquake victims. This is a rare opportunity and Good Shepherd invite syou to join them on Saturday, April 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. There will be a morning coffee/sweets break, lunch, and afternoon refreshments. Pastor Marky will then preach at the 5 p.m. Saturday evening service. Registration for the day is $50. For more information, contact the church office at church@gsls.org or 248.391.1170.

A word of advice and caution

The arrest on charges of child abduction of 10 Baptist missionaries in Haiti who said they simply were trying to help some orphaned children leads me to share a word of advice and caution, especially to well-intentioned congregations and individuals who become involved in mission work outside of the United States. The 2007 Synod convention adopted Resolution 1-10, which resolved:

"That we encourage all districts, individuals, congregations, institutions, organizations, and auxiliaries of the LCMS through the Board for Mission Services to support our sister and partner churches through prayer, sharing resources, communicating, and encouraging each other through visits and financial means" and

"That we encourage all these entities in coordination with the Board for Mission Services to team with other sister and partner church congregations in praying for each other, sharing resources, communicating, and encouraging each other in the work the Lord has placed us here to do."

There is a reason for working through and in coordination with the Board for Mission Services. Our mission staff has expertise in working in other countries and is familiar with their laws and regulations. Coordination through the mission board can help prevent circumstances such as those that were faced by the 10 missionaries in Haiti who found themselves in jail. (Thankfully, eight have now been released from jail.)

Further, the LCMS and our overseas partner churches have agreements that govern our working relationships. Without an understanding of those agreements, one may cause offense to our partner-church leaders by working in a region without their knowledge or blessing. No matter the good intent, such actions can strain our relationships with our partner churches and may actually hinder future mission activities.

This advice and caution is offered knowing the good intent of many who are involved in mission work in other countries. It also is shared out of concern for the well-being of those who serve and those who are being served.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike - News

The Texas District is gearing up for long term responses to the needs following Hurricane Ike.

Congregations continue to report damage of their facilities and homes of members. People who desire to volunteer in different capacities of clean up can visit the following website to ‘register’ your intent and availability: www.txdistlcms.org click on Ike Disaster Relief Volunteer Form. Financial contributions to aid the Texas victims may be mailed to: Texas District, LCMS; 7900 E Highway 290; Austin, TX 78724. Please mark on the envelope “Hurricane Ike.” You may also use the following link to contribute with a credit card: www.regonline.com/2008HurricaneIke.

Reporter Online - News Article 'Points of blessings' follow Ike's destruction.

Hurricane Katrina News

Katrina Update - August 2009 -

Only Halfway Done!

Dear Friends in Christ,

That's what the New Orleans Times-Picayune wrote earlier this week - that the Hurricane Katrina recovery may only be halfway done after four years.

We're looking at this cup as half full! We plan to mark the fourth anniversary [K4] of Katrina by celebrating the half that is done (much thanks to you all!)

Will you help us with the second half?

We are asking congregations across the country to hold their own K4 Restoration (Half Done!) Sunday on one of the five Sundays in August. On your church's Restoration Sunday, will you please:

- Pray for the people still struggling to recover from Katrina;
- Tell others about the tremendous amount of work yet to be done;
- Plan or encourage a mission trip, and send volunteers;
and
- Hold a door offering to support our ministry?

We cherish your prayers, we are driven by volunteers, and we assure you that your gifts will be used to the Glory of God and in the Name of Jesus Christ!

For K4 resources like bulletin blurbs, inserts and PowerPoint presentations, please click here.

"Thank You!" We're greatly encouraged by so many who are dedicated and excited to continue this good work!

Let the "Second Half" begin! In Christ!

Rev. Dave Buss
Director, RAI Ministries [Camp Biloxi and Camp Restore]
www.RAIMinistries.org

P.S. We would like to recognize and pray for you! Would you please reply to this email with your congregation name and city so we can list you in the worship folder for the "All Southern District K4 Worship Service" to be held at Camp Restore on August 29th [K4]?

The following are sites where you can find out about funding, volunteering, material donations, shelters, projects, needs and other ways that you might assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina:

Texas District Katrina Relief - Looking Beyond Recovery: www.texasmmf.org/katrina/

Orphan Grain Train - OGT is the LCMS partner for shipping material aid. Visit the website for daily updates on food and material goods needs and relief efforts.

Lutheran School Portal - This site has a wealth of information on Lutheran schools around the country offering aid to displaced students and their families.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Offering loan assistance to roster church workers and organizations and a Special Interest Program available which allows an LCEF investor to designate all or part of the interest they earn to LCMS World Relief or other disaster relief sources.

Laborers for Christ -Developing a plan to identify small (3-4) worker teams to be available to provide assistance.

*NEW* - Stephen Ministries

Thrivent Financial - they are matching donated dollars given by Thrivent members up to $1 Million Dollars to help assist with the relief efforts. (MUST use their matching donation form)

LCMS Synodical Offices - can assist you with bulletin inserts and give you updated information regarding our fellow LCMS congregations that have been devastated by the hurricane.

Lutheran Social Services: www.lsss.org

LINC Houston: www.linchouston.org/

LCMS Lutheran World Relief and Human Care: http://worldrelief.lcms.org

LCMS Search Site: www.lcms.org/ca/www/katrina/search.asp

The Mercy Network: www.themercynetwork.org

Texas District Emergency Response: www.txdistlcms.org/emergency/katrina2005.html

Wheat Ridge Ministries: www.wheatridge.org/projects/hurricane_katrina.shtml

Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov

The American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

Salvation Army: http://www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf

United Way: http://national.unitedway.org

United Way Hurricane Katrina Resource Guide: http://katrina.uwtgc.org/index.html

If you would like to send a financial donation to Michigan District Adopted Congregations please send it to:

Michigan District, LCMS
3773 Geddes Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Please Earmark for "Katrina Relief - Michigan District Assigned Ministries"