Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16190 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, Building 3, from 6-10 pm on Friday, June 26.

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.

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 or older will receive the certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete.  Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Your LERT trainer will distribute all the LERT materials before and after the class. A lunch will be provided.

The registration fee is $25 per person. This fee helps cover the costs of manuals, ID Badges, t-shirts and trainer expenses. Please make checks payable to Family of Christ Lutheran Church and bring them with you on the day of training. Please note on the memo line: 'LERT Training'.

Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact Donnie Moore, dmoore@familyofchrist.org or 615-981-1162.

Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Tampa FL is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on Saturday, June 27, 2026.  This training is intended to increase LERT volunteer’s skills, knowledge and safety in chainsaw operation so they can provide a critical service to those who do not have the skills or means to perform this dangerous work following a disaster.  The training is  for those who want to operate a chainsaw on aLERT event.  It is being held at:

Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16190 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647  (Building 3)

Participants may arrive at the site at 7:30 a.m. to register.  Class will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m.  Your LERT Trainer will distribute all material for, and after, the class.

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.  

During the morning classroom training, participants will learn:

Safe operation of a chainsawPersonal protective equipment (PPE)Injury preventionHow to buck and limb storm-damaged treesHow to properly clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner andProper saw maintenance

The afternoon session is hands-on training in field chainsaw operation, where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills.  This training is limited to 10 participants.

To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster response sites, you must attend BOTH the morning classroom and afternoon "hands-on" sessions.  

Class registration must be made at www.lcms-lert.org

Cost of Training: 

Registration (includes training, lunch and snacks) -- $50. (Couples: $85) Pay at the time of training; Checks payable to “Family of Christ Lutheran Church – LERT” or pay online at FGLER.org

Participants should bring (if you have them):

Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix.Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves, and steel-toe boots).Participants must wear steel-toed boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed in the afternoon field session.Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time. Shorts are not allowed.

LCMS LERT Chainsaw Trainer Joel Mathews will lead the training event. If more information is needed, contact the site coordinator, Donnie Moore,  dmoore@familyofchrist.org,  615-981-1162 (Cell / Text)

Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Tampa FL is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING for non-operators on Saturday, June 27, 2026.  The training is for those who want to know how to work within a chainsaw team, how to be safe working around them, and general information (but not operate a chainsaw).  Open to anyone age 16 and up. Maximum of 30.  It is being held at:

Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16190 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647  (Building 3)

Participants may arrive at the site at 7:30 a.m. to register.  Class will begin promptly at 8:00 am and conclude at 12:00 pm(Noon).  Your LERT Trainer will distribute all material for, and after, the class.

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.  

During the morning classroom training, participants will learn:

Safe operation of a chainsawPersonal protective equipment (PPE)Injury preventionHow to buck and limb storm damaged treesHow to properly clear debris in safe and beneficial manner andProper saw maintenance

This training is limited to 30 participants.

Class registration must be made at www.lcms-lert.org/need

Cost of Training: 

Registration (includes training, lunch and snacks) -- $15. Pay at the time of training; checks payable to “Family of Christ Lutheran Church – LERT” or pay online at FGLER.org

LCMS LERT Chainsaw Trainer Joel Mathews will lead the training event. If more information is needed, contact the site coordinator, Donnie Moore,  dmoore@familyofchrist.org,  615-981-1162 (Cell / Text)