Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

LERT volunteers are needed to grind stumps at Concordia Seminary. The stumps are the aftermath of a recent tornado. Some of the stumps may need to be sawed off at ground level.  It is anticipated that this will require multiple deployments to complete the work.

     Location:

     Concordia Seminary

     801 Seminary Place

     St. Louis, MO 63105

     Meet in the parking lot between the chapel and the ball field @ 8:00 a.m. 

Water and Gatorade will be provided. When the Seminary is open, lunch will be provided in the cafeteria.

Volunteers are requested to wear yellow LERT shirts or vests. Hearing protection, eye protection, sturdy boots and gloves are required. Chainsaw volunteers are required to wear PPE.

The site supervisor is Doug Seifert, 314-402-9884.

At about 7:15 p.m. Friday, Mar. 6, a tornado touched down in Beggs, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The E-3 tornado killed two people, injured two others, and destroyed at least four homes. The Beggs tornado is one of at least 7 confirmed tornadoes that touched down in eastern Oklahoma on Friday.

A Level 1 damage assessment was conducted on Mar. 8, which determined a minimum of 22 trees will need to be felled, bucked and limbed, then moved to the curb or loaded into county roll-off dumpsters.

Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church will be hosting local LERT volunteers for debris cleanup and chainsaw operations. However, we will be meeting daily at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) every morning before deploying to the work sites.

Emergency Operations Center

6962 Happy Camp Rd, Beggs, OK 74421

Volunteers should plan to meet at the EOC at 9:00 am.

Personal Protection Equipment & Gear:
Personal PPE and required equipment for chainsaw operations. Please bring it if you have it. 
Clothing appropriate for the year
Steel-toed work boots (required for chainsaw usage)
Safety glasses/eye protection
Sturdy work gloves

Meals are being coordinated through the host church.

All volunteers must register on the LERT website and select their preferred days to work.

This is a local LERT team event. No housing provided. 

Local LERT Mercy Event – Volunteers Needed! Certified LERT chainsaw volunteers, MT100, and dump‑trailer drivers are needed for a service event on March 14 at North Florida Christian Camp, Keystone Heights, FL. 

To help keep chainsaw skills sharp or learn new ones, we are clearing trees for a new parking lot. Several trees will be felled and removed. Volunteers must bring their own steel‑toed boots and PPE. (If PPE is needed, it will be provided.) Lunch, water, and hydration drinks will be available on site. 

If you are LERT chainsaw‑certified and looking to gain more hands‑on experience with felling or bucking trees, brush off skills, or just looking for a great way to spend the day working outdoors, this is an excellent opportunity to build your skills while serving the community.

Meet at 9:00 am at the camp, located at North Florida Christian Camp, 6779 Camp Road, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. 

There is no cost to participate.

North Florida Christian Camp is set in a beautifully wooded area next to a beautiful lake. Some of our LCMS churches use the camp for congregation, confirmation, and youth retreats. They rely on volunteers for many large projects, including this one.

The Oklahoma District will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, March 14. The chainsaw training serves to increase our dedicated LERT volunteers' capabilities to help those who don’t have the means or skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members to provide this service safely and efficiently.

This training consists of two parts: a morning classroom session and an afternoon hands-on session outdoors.

The morning classroom session will be a lecture-style class and will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3700 Woodland Rd., Bartlesville, OK. All LERT-qualified volunteers are invited to attend. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. to complete registration and to receive class material. The morning session will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.

The afternoon session is hands-on with a chainsaw. Those wishing to participate in the hands-on training must attend the morning classroom session. The afternoon session will be held outdoors from Noon to 4:00 p.m. (or later if needed) at a private residence. The address will be provided at the morning session. You must have previously completed the LERT basic training class and the morning classroom session to participate in this class. Those wishing to attend both sessions should register for both. 

Those aged 14–17 may attend the classroom portion and become a dragger, but will not be able to become a puller or chainsaw operator until they have reached the age of 18. Others wishing to volunteer as draggers or pullers only, need not attend the afternoon session. 

To be authorized to use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator, you must attend BOTH the classroom and "hands-on" sessions. Afternoon hands-on participants should bring, if they have: Chainsaw, bar oil, gas-oil or synthetic fuel mix Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, gloves, steel-toed boots) Participants must wear steel-toed work boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed in the outdoor session. Outdoor work clothes and boots should be appropriate for the weather at the time. Shorts are not allowed. Some chainsaws and PPE will be available for training if you do not have your own.  Those who are under the age of 18 will not be allowed to operate a chainsaw. 

During the training, you will learn the following: 

Training Costs: 

A lunch will be provided before the afternoon session.

Please contact Denny Rader if you have any questions about the training.

Email: okdrfom@gmail.com. Cell phone: (918) 946-7961

This LCMS SED Disaster Response event is being listed in response to Hurricane Helene Relief efforts, which are taking place in Avery County and those surrounding (Watauga, Mitchell, Yancey, etc.).

The purpose of this volunteer opportunity is for participants to serve their neighbors with the love of Christ. This includes caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by the hurricane, spending time encouraging those affected with the many mercies of Jesus Christ.

Teams will be hosted primarily at Camp Linn Haven -an LCMS RSO- staying in the Retreat Center, where amenities include:

Downstairs

Upstairs

The Camp also sits in a nice, safe location with grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants all within a reasonable driving distance.

Use of the Retreat Center costs $200/night.

If the Retreat Center is unavailable, the acting host will inform teams of alternative housing if applicable.

Teams should be prepared to cover all housing and meal costs as a part of their planning.

Participants are encouraged to arrive the day before their work week begins and depart after the work week is completed. If teams need to adjust arrival and departure times, please contact the acting host to discuss those details. In this case, the host is Heather Bassett, and her information is listed below.

Clothing appropriate for the season and climate.

Additional packing information may be provided by team leaders if needed.

Projects are highly susceptible to change depending on a number of unknown factors; therefore, teams are asked to maintain flexible and patient mindsets regarding planning. Worksites vary based on team capabilities and the ongoing needs of the community.

While teams with differing backgrounds are always welcome, much of the work needed in Western NC is construction-based projects. Any individuals with trade experience are highly encouraged to consider volunteering.

Previous Work Projects have involved debris removal, insulation replacement, plumbing, drywall work, ceiling repairs, rebuilding walls, porches, and so much more.

LERT background checks are required for this Deployment because we work in people's homes. The LCMS LERT system will take you to the Sterling Volunteers website to get your background check (no cost to all LERT volunteers) when you sign up for this LERT Deployment.

Make sure your tetanus shots are up to date! Consult your physician for any other recommendations they may have for working in a dirty environment.

LCMS Disaster Response covers the hosting costs. Volunteers should bring funds for incidental expenses.

This is a working LERT Deployment. Expect eight (8) hour work days and to be tired at the end of the day!

Join the team with Forged by Fire at the Southern District Office in Slidell, LA as we pack around 200 five-day shelf-stable food boxes. This is an indoor event, so no need to worry about the weather that day! We will start at 9 a.m. and finish by 11 a.m. 

You will still have plenty of time to enjoy the day!

You should be prepared to stand for 2 hours and lift up to 25 lbs. 

Soft drinks and water will be provided.

The district office is located at 100 Mission Drive, Slidell, LA 70460

This LCMS SED Disaster Response event is being listed in response to Hurricane Helene Relief efforts, which are taking place in Avery County and those surrounding (Watauga, Mitchell, Yancey, etc.).

The purpose of this volunteer opportunity is for participants to serve their neighbors with the love of Christ. This includes caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by the hurricane, spending time encouraging those affected with the many mercies of Jesus Christ.

Teams will be hosted primarily at Camp Linn Haven -an LCMS RSO- staying in the Retreat Center, where amenities include:

Downstairs

Upstairs

The Camp also sits in a nice, safe location with grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants all within a reasonable driving distance.

Use of the Retreat Center costs $200/night.

If the Retreat Center is unavailable, the acting host will inform teams of alternative housing if applicable.

Teams should be prepared to cover all housing and meal costs as a part of their planning.

Participants are encouraged to arrive the day before their work week begins and depart after the work week is completed. If teams need to adjust arrival and departure times, please contact the acting host to discuss those details. In this case, the host is Heather Bassett, and her information is listed below.

Clothing appropriate for the season and climate.

Additional packing information may be provided by team leaders if needed.

Projects are highly susceptible to change depending on a number of unknown factors; therefore, teams are asked to maintain flexible and patient mindsets regarding planning. Worksites vary based on team capabilities and the ongoing needs of the community.

While teams with differing backgrounds are always welcome, much of the work needed in Western NC is construction-based projects. Any individuals with trade experience are highly encouraged to consider volunteering.

Previous Work Projects have involved debris removal, insulation replacement, plumbing, drywall work, ceiling repairs, rebuilding walls, porches, and so much more.

LERT background checks are required for this Deployment because we work in people's homes. The LCMS LERT system will take you to the Sterling Volunteers website to get your background check (no cost to all LERT volunteers) when you sign up for this LERT Deployment.

Make sure your tetanus shots are up to date! Consult your physician for any other recommendations they may have for working in a dirty environment.

LCMS Disaster Response covers the hosting costs. Volunteers should bring funds for incidental expenses.

This is a working LERT Deployment. Expect eight (8) hour work days and to be tired at the end of the day!

LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Basic Training Event, for new volunteer certification, or as a refresher for previously trained. Taking the training does not commit you to any specific deployment (on-site work), although we encourage active participation when possible! Each deployment is completely voluntary. 

Basic training prepares volunteers to be received at LERT disaster sites, to respond when life hurdles happen, and to assist survivors in need.  Completing Basic LERT training will also help your area team grow to serve the community for local missions of mercy. This event serves to fill a gap of needed LERT team(s), specifically in Iowa District West and the surrounding LCMS districts.

Basic training is materials and discussion-based.

A $20 registration fee per person includes dinner, LERT training materials, an ID badge, a certificate, and a T-shirt. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials during sign-in. (Badges, certificates, and shirts will be sent after completion of training)

Sign-in and light dinner at 5:00, training 5:30 - 9:00 pm.

Please have your registration check made out to "IDW" and note "LERT Training 3/26/26" in the memo. Exact cash will be accepted, but checks are preferred. 

Questions? Please contact Julie Mann at 515-408-9696 or Julie@IowaDistrictWest.org

You are invited to a work day at Pastor Kan's home in Panama City, Florida. The property still has trees that need to be taken down and cut up from Hurricane Michael. Would you like to help? 

Join us on March 28th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided! Sounds like a party, and the only thing missing is YOU!

Chainsaw Safety Gear & Equipment

If you plan to operate a chainsaw, please bring the following, if available:

The deployment address will be emailed to registered volunteers as we get closer to the deployment date. For more information about this workday, please contact Brad Bien at 1-850-803-2959

Since this is an outdoor event, if it rains, we will have to reschedule. 

LERT background checks are required for this Deployment because we are working in people's homes. The LCMS LERT system will take you to the Sterling Volunteers site to get your background check (no cost to LERT volunteers) when you sign up for this LERT Deployment.

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Eternal Shepherd on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and learn the basic nature of disasters, and how Christians can support church workers, families, congregations and the general public as the hands and feet of Jesus during these trying times. Other class topics include response and deployment protocol in times of disasters, a ministry of presence, and safety practices. Following the Basic LERT Class, a 1-hour Stop the Bleed class will be offered.

Class registration must be made at www.LCMS-LERT.org. Participants are urged to pre-register by March 14, 2026, so we have the proper materials for everyone.  Class fee is $35. This will be done in partnership with LCMS Disaster Response. Nicole Beattie will be the instructor. If you have questions, please contact Nicole Beattie at jnb137sc@bellsouth.net

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training and will receive the training materials from the instructor during the class. Participants who are 14 years of age or older will receive their LERT volunteer ID card, certificate of completion, and LERT t-shirt after the training has been completed and processed.

Please arrive by 8:30 am to complete registration and sign in. The training will run from 9 a.m. to Noon. After a break for lunch, a One-hour Stop the Bleed class will be offered.

What will we study? This will be a discussion-based class covering topics including, but not limited to:

1)      Christian Care in times of disaster

2)      A Ministry of Presence

3)      Lutheran Early Response Teams and How They Function

4)      Utilizing the LERT Website

5)      Safety Protocol

6)      Congregation Preparedness and Mercy Teams

7)      Connecting with Additional Training and Service Opportunities after this Class

Pastor Paul with Forged by Fire Ministries will be in Selma, Alabama, on Saturday, April 4th, helping Trinity Lutheran with their annual community outreach event. Volunteers should arrive around 10 a.m., and we will be serving around 11 a.m. till we run out of food. You will get a quick orientation before we start serving.

Location: Trinity Lutheran, 1900 Marie Foster St, Selma, AL

This is a rain-or-shine event, so be prepared to check the local weather forecast.

Be prepared to stand the entire time on concrete. Please also wear closed-toe shoes, no jewelry, and if you are serving food, be prepared to wear gloves. Those will be provided. 

Bring your smile and desire to share your love of Jesus to this community! 

We will also be handing out our cross necklaces at this event.  

LCMS Disaster Response and the Southeastern District will conduct a three-day Advanced/Storm Clearing Chainsaw training on April 23–25, 2026. Training will be held at  Camp Linn Haven, 1308 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC. Participants are expected to arrive on April 22. Senior LERT Chainsaw Trainers will equip LERT Chainsaw Operators with information to safely address common situations that may be found in a storm tree debris clearing situation; techniques are also applicable to more “normal” tree cutting situations, and can be applied to other complex situations.

This hands-on class seeks to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of LERT Chainsaw Operators so they can more efficiently, effectively, and safely address storm-damaged tree clearing operations on responses. It also meets the requirements for LERT Chainsaw Trainer training. This class is open to any LERT Chainsaw Operator; participants do not have to be LERT Chainsaw Trainer candidates or interested in becoming one to participate.

NOTICE: Participation in this class does not automatically mean the participant is or will be aLERT Chainsaw Trainer. Those interested in being a Trainer must complete the Trainer Application process, which includes approval of your DDRC and a current LERT Chainsaw Trainer.

General Information 

·      Housing: We will be staying at Camp Linn Haven, in a group cabin.

·      What to bring:

o   Bedding, towel. Participants should bring a pillow, twin sheets/blanket, or sleeping bag for bunk beds. Please let us know if these items are needed.

o   Weather-appropriate clothing (temperatures can range from 40’s to upper-70’s, slight chance of rain; check the weather outlook before you come).

o   Chainsaw PPE – chaps, helmet, eye protection, gloves, steel-toed boots. Limited PPE may be available; please advise us if needed. Participants must wear PPE for the class.

o   Chainsaw equipment – chainsaw, tools, wedges, and other desired equipment. Chainsaws will be available for use if transporting a chainsaw is a problem, but we prefer operators use their own saws. Chainsaw fuel and bar oil will be provided.

·      Meals: Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks) will be provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

·      Location: The camp is located in western North Carolina. Airport information:

o   Asheville (AVL): approximately 72 miles

o   Transportation to/from the Asheville airport can be arranged; any other transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the participant.

·      Health Conditions: This is a hands-on class that will require participants to handle chainsaws and trees in the woods.

·      Prerequisite: Participants must have previously completed the LERT basic Chainsaw Operator training to participate in this class, be comfortable operating a chainsaw, and be knowledgeable in felling, limbing and bucking trees.

·      Class Size: This is a hands-on class, so class size is limited to 10 participants.

·      Trainers: The class will be led by senior LERT Chainsaw Trainers, each with years of chainsaw storm-clearing experience.

·      Registration Deadline: April 8, 2026.

Cost for the class is $50. Checks may be made payable to Lutheran Servant for Christ and brought to event.

Schedule

·      Wednesday, 4/22       Travel day: Arrive between 3:00 – 9:00 pm

·      Thursday, 4/23            Morning – classroom instruction

                                    Afternoon – field exercises

                                    Evening – saw maintenance, group discussion

·      Friday, 4/24                Daytime – field exercises

                                    Evening – group discussion

·      Saturday, 4/25            Daytime – field exercises

                                    Evening – group discussion

·      Sunday, 4/26               Travel day: Leave by 10:00 am                                  

·      Class hours: 8:00 – 5:00.

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Training Event, for new or renewing/reviewing volunteer certification. Enables volunteers to be received at disaster clean-up sites. Prepares groups to serve on a local team that stands ready to respond when disasters occur and when victims of storm damage need assistance. This event helps fill a gap in the number of LERT teams needed, specifically in the St. Louis, Mo. area and the surrounding counties of the Missouri District.

The $15 per-person registration fee covers supper, training materials, a certificate, and LERT volunteer T-shirt. Your LERT Trainer will distribute the credentials and t-shirt several weeks after the class.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and coffee, water and soda will be available. Class starts at 5:30 pm and runs until 9:00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come at 5:00 pm before the class for supper and fellowship, which Village will provide.

Please send registration fees to Village Lutheran Church, 9237 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124. Please write, "LERT Training 4-24-2026" on the memo line of the check, and "LERT Training" on the envelope.

Questions? Please contact Kris Schuldt at pitchatent@centurytel.net 314-971-5747, or Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson 314-278-7050.

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3100 Starkey Rd, Trinity, FL from 9 - 2 on Saturday April 25, 2026.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs and how Lutherans can support families, congregations and the public as the hands and feet of Jesus during a disaster.  

A lunch will be provided. The registration fee is $35 - individual, $60 - couple, or $75 - family, and will cover the costs of manuals, ID Badge, trainer expenses and a T-shirt. Cash or checks, payable to "Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response" or "FGLER", or credit card (3% fee added).

Training material will be distributed on the day of training by your LERT Trainer, and afterwards by the coordinator. Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact Mark Trivilino, (913) 209-9324, TMA41@yahoo.com. 

In the chaos of disaster, it's important to stay focused on the task at hand. This training will help you focus on the most important thing to remember as you prepare to respond to a disaster in your community or beyond. At the center of our LERT Volunteer training is one thing: MERCY! Christ's mercy is the basis for everything we say and do. This training event will equip you to be an effective volunteer should a disaster strike your community. After a brief introduction regarding the goals and theological rationale of LCMS Disaster Response, the LERT volunteer training will address the following:

*Christian care in times of disaster

*A Ministry of Presence

*The LERT Program and how it works with other responders 

*Introduction to Disaster Response

*Service Opportunities after a Disaster & Safety Protocol

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1800 S 84th Street, Lincoln,  Nebraska 68506, on April 25, 2026.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and how Christians can support church workers, families, congregations and the general public as the hands and feet of Jesus during times of loss.  

Registration is required online at www.LCMS-LERT.org.  When you click the "sign up" button on this page, you will first be asked to create an account if you don't already have one.  Once you have completed the site registration, you must return to the site to register for the class.  Each volunteer must have an email address to register.

A registration fee of $25 per person will cover the cost of snacks, training materials, LERT T-shirt and credentials for disaster site access.  Please bring a check to the training made out to the Nebraska District LCMS Office and note "LERT Training April 25, 2026" on your check.  Participants are urged to pre-register before April 11, 2026, so we have the proper materials for everyone.  Last-minute registrations are welcome; however, course materials may be limited if you’re not pre-registered.

The training will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Participants should arrive by 8:30 am to complete registration and sign in.

The three main sections of the training are:  1) An introduction to Disasters and the LCMS Disaster Response program, 2) Lutheran Early Response Teams, and 3) Safety Measures

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 years or older are eligible for certification as LCMS LERT volunteers.  All LERT materials will be distributed during the class. Your LERT Trainer will distribute your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete.

If you have questions, please contact Mick Onnen at DisasterResponse@ndlcms.org or 402 364-3370.

Join us for a North Wisconsin District Basic LERT Training event

On Saturday, April 25th

Starting at 9 am (Doors open at 8:00 am for 8:30 am check-in)

At Christ Lutheran Church 

Located at 1208 W. 14th Street, Marshfield, WI 54449

Together, we will address the nature of disasters and explore our response as members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  The goal is to prepare congregations and individual members to be better prepared when a disaster strikes and to help them know how to respond within their families, congregations, and in Word and deed within the greater communities.  

A late lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the event

The class fee is $40 per person. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all materials during and after the class.

Please feel free to call or email Pastor Andy Weden at Peace Lutheran Campus Center with any questions or concerns- phone: 715-345-6510  email: aweden@uwsp.edu

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw Training will begin with classroom training at Village Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO and in-the-field hands-on training at Concordia Seminary, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Prerequisite:
Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.
(Note: A Basic class is scheduled at Village Lutheran on April 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.)

Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist individuals who may lack the resources or skills to undertake this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure that LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and effectively.

Training topics include chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing trees, and safe debris removal.

When registering, you will choose one of two options:

Age Requirements:

Safety Gear & Equipment (required for afternoon hands-on participants):

Training Costs:

Contact Info:

If further information is needed, please contact Kris Schuldt 314-971-5747 or Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson 314-278-7050.

This event is sponsored by SED Disaster Response and is in partnership with Mt. Pisgah, Hendersonville, NC.

The purpose of this event is to give participants an opportunity to serve their neighbor with the love of Christ by caring for their physical needs and helping with tree work and debris removal.

This project will involve tree work and debris removal, activities common to storm-damage recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in the Spartanburg, SC area. 

LERT background checks are required for this Deployment because we are working in people's homes. The LCMS LERT system will take you to the Sterling Volunteers site to get your background check (no cost to all LERT volunteers) when you sign up for this LERT Deployment.

Work staging:  Spartanburg SC Emergency Management Building, 175 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303

Housing Details:

Participants will need to bring their own PPE and equipment.

Clothing appropriate for the season.

Toiletries and prescription medicines

Sturdy shoes/work boots will be necessary for carrying sheets of drywall down steps that have had carpet, etc., removed. 

Work gloves

Protective eyewear

Long pants (jeans) and work shirts (of course, socks, etc.!)

Bedding and towels.
 

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at Camp Wartburg, Waterloo, Il , from 1:00 - 4:00 pm on Saturday , May 2.

This training is in conjunction with the LCMS-Southern Illinois District Disaster Response Retreat and will be held on the afternoon of the retreat. 

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn the basic nature of disasters, understand opportunities to respond to personal needs and how Lutherans can support families, congregations and the public as the hands and feet of Jesus during a disaster.

Anyone 14 years and older who is interested is invited to attend this LERT training session. You will receive a manual, your certificate of completion, a volunteer ID card, and a T-shirt upon completion.  Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The registration fee is $20 per person and should be paid at the time of the training. This fee helps cover the costs of manuals, ID Badges, t-shirts and trainer expenses. Please make checks payable to the LCMS-SID and bring checks or cash with you on the day of training. Please note on the memo line: 'LERT Training'. This training is normally $35 per participant, but is being offered during the retreat at a discounted fee. 

Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact either Matt Biermann (618-967-5522 or pmedic78@gmail.com) or Bryce Cramer (618-201-1806 or bcramer197364@gmail.com). 

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 165 Camden Woods Pkwy E, Kingsland, GA  from 6 - 10 on Friday, May 15, 2026.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs and how Lutherans can support families, congregations and the public as the hands and feet of Jesus during a disaster.  

A light dinner will be provided. The registration fee will be covered by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, which will cover the costs of manuals, ID Badge, trainer expenses and a T-shirt.  Training material will be distributed on day of training and after the training.  Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact Marcia Potter at marciapotter705@gmail.com.

In the chaos of disaster, it's important to stay focused on the task at hand. This training will help you focus on the most important thing to remember as you prepare to respond to a disaster in your community or beyond. At the center of our LERT Volunteer training is one thing: MERCY! Christ's mercy is the basis for everything we say and do. This training event will equip you to be an effective volunteer should a disaster strike your community. After a brief introduction regarding the goals and theological rationale of LCMS Disaster Response, the LERT volunteer training will address the following:

*Christian care in times of disaster

*A Ministry of Presence

*The LERT Program and how it works with other responders 

*Introduction to Disaster Response

*Service Opportunities after a Disaster & Safety Protocol

Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 165 Camden Woods Pkwy, Kingsland, GA 31548. Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist those who may lack the resources or skills to perform this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and efficiently. 

Training topics include: chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing fallen trees, and safe debris removal.

Prerequisite:

Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.

When registering, choose one of two options:

1.  Morning Session Only (4 hours): LERT Chainsaw Safety

·      Classroom-based safety training only

·      Does not include hands-on chainsaw operation

·      Participants will learn how to work safely with and around chainsaw operations

·      Open to all LERT-qualified volunteers, even if they do not plan to operate a chainsaw

2. Morning + Afternoon Sessions (8 hours total): LERT Chainsaw Safety and Operator

·      Includes the morning classroom safety session and the afternoon hands-on training

·      Required for anyone who wants hands-on chainsaw operation training

·      Completion of both sessions is required to be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator for disaster response.

Age Requirements:

Safety Gear & Equipment (required for afternoon hands-on participants):

Training Costs:

Contact Info:

Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at jmathews@fgler.org. 

The Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response, in partnership with the Florida-Georgia District and Trinity Lutheran Church, will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Intermediate Chainsaw training on Friday, May 29, 2026. Training will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road, Athens, GA. The chainsaw training serves to increase our dedicated LERT volunteer’s capabilities to help those who haven’t the means or skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. We want to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently. 

Lunch is provided. 

You must have previously completed both the Basic LERT training class AND the LERT Basic Chainsaw class to participate in this class. This is an Intermediate level class; LERT chainsaw operators must be comfortable operating a chainsaw.

During the training, you will learn the following:

Participants should bring, if they have:

Training Costs: 

Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at joel@mercydisasterresources.org. 

Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road, Athens, GA. Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist those who may lack the resources or skills to perform this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and efficiently. 

Training topics include: chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing fallen trees, and safe debris removal.

Prerequisite:

Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.

When registering, choose one of two options:

1.  Morning Session Only (4 hours): LERT Chainsaw Safety

·      Classroom-based safety training only

·      Does not include hands-on chainsaw operation

·      Participants will learn how to work safely with and around chainsaw operations

·      Open to all LERT-qualified volunteers, even if they do not plan to operate a chainsaw

2. Morning + Afternoon Sessions (8 hours total): LERT Chainsaw Safety and Operator

·      Includes the morning classroom safety session and the afternoon hands-on training

·      Required for anyone who wants hands-on chainsaw operation training

·      Completion of both sessions is required to be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator for disaster response.

Age Requirements:

Safety Gear & Equipment (required for afternoon hands-on participants):

Training Costs:

Contact Info:

Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at jmathews@fgler.org. 

Please complete this process only if you intend to volunteer for an upcoming LERT deployment.

If you would like to procure your LERT background check (or need to renew an expired LERT background check) so that you are prepared to respond to future LERT Deployments, please use this event to do so.

As you try to sign up for this event, you will be redirected to the Sterling Volunteers site to enter your information. LCMS Disaster Training covers the cost of LERT background checks. It is made available to you at no cost.

Please note that the background check is good for one (1) year and must be renewed annually if you wish to keep current.

LERT Background Checks are required for all LERT Deployments in which the following activities/conditions are taking place:

You can read our blog post about background checks here: Why Background Checks? | LCMS Disaster Response (lcms-lert.org)

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If you have questions regarding your background check, LERT volunteers should contact Sterling Volunteers at:

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