Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) 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 happen and where victims of storm damage need assistance. This event serves to fill a gap in the LERT teams needed, specifically in the Cole Camp area and the surrounding counties of the Missouri District.

The $35 per-person registration fee covers lunch, training materials, a certificate, and aLERT volunteer T-shirt. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials after the class.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and coffee and juice will be available. Class starts at 9:00 am and runs until noon. Everyone is encouraged to remain after class for lunch and fellowship, which St John will provide.

Please send registration fees to "St John Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, Mo. 65325. Please write LERT on the envelope."

Please note "LERT Training June 13, 2026" on your check.

Questions? Please contact Kris Schuldt at pitchatent@centuytel.net 314-971-5747 or Michael Wilshusen 314-258-0527.

As a training and team-building activity on Saturday, June 13, LERT from Faith Community Lutheran Church will assist a local congregational member in disassembling a small shed on the property and performing other yard cleanup. Gather at the church at 9 am. Bring the tools listed by the site supervisor. Lunch will be provided. Sign up ASAP for this deployment if attending (the sooner, the better!).

Description

Trinity Lutheran Church needs vegetation (ground cover and brush) and light tree removal work to help make the campus safer and more secure. A tractor with brush hog mower, and a Bobcat MT100 will be available to assist in the debris clearing.

Location: 4001 NE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34479.

Work to be Done: Felling dead and smaller unwanted trees, limbing trees, removing brush, trimming hedges, brush hogging ground cover, moving cut debris further into the woods.

Skill Level: Chainsaw Volunteers must be LERT Chainsaw Operator trained to operate a chainsaw. Plenty of other non-chainsaw work to do.

Equipment: FGLER will have chainsaw and Bobcat equipment; personal rakes, hedge trimmers, pitchforks, etc. would come in handy. Bug spray might come in handy.

 Meals: Lunch and drinks will be provided.

CONTACT:  Joel Mathews at 813-215-8098 or jmathews@fgler.org

An intermediate first aid training class will be presented to all LERT volunteers. In addition to some basic first aid training, this class will include hands-on training in using an AED, portable oxygen bottle, and tourniquets. It will also include CPR and Stop the Bleed training.

The instructors for this class are members of SCCAD. (St. Charles County Ambulance District)

The class will take place in the Fellowship Hall of Immanuel Lutheran Church from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

No cost for this class.

We are only able to have 20 students at a time, so please sign up soon if you are planning on taking this class.

Location:

Immanuel Lutheran, 632 E. Hwy. N, Wentzville, MO.

Through the LERT program, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is helping a local disabled veteran regain access to his own backyard. Our dedicated volunteers will construct a new deck with stairs and handrails, creating a safe and accessible space for him to eventually enjoy a fire pit. Additionally, we are trimming back hazardous tree limbs over his roof to prevent costly storm damage.

Lunch, snacks & water will be provided.

We will be meeting at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on June 2 @ 8:00 am for carpooling or a caravan to his home in Bartlesville, OK.

Our LERT team has been asked to install gutter guards at 2 adjacent buildings in Wentzville, Mo., for a member of our congregation who is unable to install them himself.

All materials will be supplied by the homeowners. Volunteers will need to provide their own tools, etc., necessary to do this work. A ladder will be provided.

All LERT volunteers are encouraged to wear a yellow LERT shirt or vest. 

Any questions, contact Kris Schuldt at 314-971-5747 or pitchatent@centurytel.net.

As a team-building activity on Saturday, June 20, volunteers are requested to assist in the retrofit of the new food ministry trailer for the Oklahoma District disaster response. The mission of the ministry is to serve those affected by disasters at deployments, mercy work and training events.

The plan is to assemble a rolling cabinet, build shelves and install an e-track system for securing cooking equipment and other essentials during deployments. 

Volunteers are requested to bring their portable drill motors and various bits for the planned work.

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church will sponsor the team-building event. We will gather at the following location at 8:30 a.m.:

9462 E. Yorkshire Ave. Claremore, OK.

Bring the tools listed by the site supervisor.

Lunch will be provided.

Sign up ASAP for this deployment if attending (the sooner, the better!).

Description

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church is sponsoring a clean-up day.  We have a large, multi-stem oak tree next to and over a mobile home that needs to come down. We will need volunteers to serve as lift ground crew, cutters, pullers, and draggers. We also have an entry step assembly that will be replaced. FGLER will have a Bobcat MT100 and will rent a lift to assist with tree removal and debris clearing.

Location: Archer, FL (Southwest corner of Gainesville). The address will be provided to those who signed up.

Work to be Done: Removal of limbs and felling of a large oak tree. Clean up piles of tree debris, placing them into a large pile or a dumpster for removal. Entry steps will be torn down and replaced with prefabricated steps.

Skill Level: Chainsaw Volunteers must be LERT Chainsaw Operator-trained to operate a chainsaw. Bobcat operator. Some carpentry ability for the steps. 

Equipment: FGLER will have a lift, chainsaws and Bobcat equipment. Personal carpentry tools will be needed.

Meals: Lunch and drinks will be provided on site. A post-event grilled dinner is planned for the team at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Gainesville.

CONTACT:  Joel Mathews at 813-215-8098 or jmathews@fgler.org

First Lutheran Church in Chattanooga, TN, will host a Basic LERT class on June 26, 2026. Class will begin at 5:30 pm (EST) and should take 3 hours to complete. 

Location

Belvoir Christian Academy

800 Belvoir Ave

Chattanooga, TN 37412

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and will learn about 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.

Class registration must be made at www.LCMS-LERT.org. Participants are urged to pre-register by June 12, so we have the necessary materials for everyone. Late registration is still welcome, and the trainer will plan to have additional materials. A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training and materials. Please bring your checks or cash along to the training. Checks should be made out to First Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training June 26" on the check.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Trae Fistler, the LERT trainer for the event, at traefistler@gmail.com.

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

Your LERT Trainer will distribute all materials. Please arrive by 5:15 pm to complete registration and sign in. Snacks will be provided.

What will we study? These are the main topics of the training:

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

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.

Basic LERT Chainsaw Training will take place on Saturday, June 27 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Conover, NC from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Classroom training will be at St. Peter's Lutheran with field training to follow at a private residence. 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.

This class is limited to 12 participants as their will be 2 LERT Chainsaw Instructors onsite. Cost for class is $35.00. Lunch will be provided. Checks may be made payable to Shepherd's Heart Ministry. Please note on the check that this is for Chainsaw training.

During the training, participants will learn:

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

ALL REGISTRATION IS ONLINE at at www.lcms-lert.org.

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:

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: 

Participants should bring (if you have them):

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:

This training is limited to 30 participants.

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

Cost of Training: 

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)

The Mid-South District will provide LERT Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Belvoir Christian Academy, 800 Belvoir Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37412.  Chainsaw training strengthens our LERT volunteers' ability to help people who lack the means or skills to perform this dangerous work after a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently.

Snack and lunch will be provided.  Bottled water will be furnished at the site.

You must have previously completed the Basic LERT Training class to participate in LERT chainsaw training. If you haven't, please register for the Basic LERT training on 6/26/2026.  

During the training, you will learn the following:

Those ages 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.

The morning session is a classroom lecture.  All LERT qualified volunteers are invited to attend.  The afternoon session is hands-on with a chainsaw.  The morning session MUST be attended to participate in the afternoon (operations) session.  To be authorized to use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses as an LCMS Chainsaw Operator, you MUST attend BOTH the classroom and hands-on sessions. LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials.

Afternoon hands-on participants should bring, if they have: chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix, chaps and Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, gloves, and steel-toed work boots).

Participants must wear steel-toed work boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed during the afternoon session. Outdoor work clothes and boots 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 or work near saw operations.

Training costs: 

Class capacity is 15.

Should you have any questions, please contact the chainsaw trainer Rev. Trae Fistler at 515-571-1378 or traefistler@gmail.com.

Trinity Lutheran in Baton Rouge, La., will host a Basic LERT class on July 12th. Class will begin at 12:30 p.m. and should take 3 hours to complete. 

Location:

Trinity Lutheran
15160 S Harrell’s Ferry Road
Baton Rouge, LA

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and will learn about 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.

Class registration must be made at www.LCMS-LERT.org. Participants are urged to pre-register by July 1st, so we have the necessary materials for everyone. A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training and materials. Please bring your check along to the training. Checks should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training July 12th" on the check.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Paul Ernewein, the LERT trainer for the event, at giveblood2@gmail.com 

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

Your LERT Trainer will distribute all materials. Please arrive by 12:15 p.m. to complete registration and sign in. The training should finish by 3:30. Snacks will be provided.

What will we study? These are the main topics of the training:

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

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 105 Luther Way, Dothan, AL 36301, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and will learn about 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.

Class registration must be made at www.LCMS-LERT.org. Participants are urged to pre-register before July 24th, so we have the proper materials for everyone. A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training and materials. Please bring your check along to the training. Checks should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training August 1st" on the check.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Paul Ernewein, the LERT trainer for the event, at giveblood2@gmail.com.

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 or older are eligible to receive a certificate of completion as LCMS LERT volunteers. All LERT materials will be distributed during the class. You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete.  Your LERT Trainer will distribute all materials. Please arrive by 9:30 a.m. to complete registration and sign in. The training should finish by 2. Lunch will be provided.

What will we study? These are the main topics of the training:

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

Consider joining the LCMS Basic LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Volunteer Training led by Pastor Sean Chapman, Atlantic District Disaster Response Coordinator. (DDRC). 

Federal guidelines recommend that disaster-response volunteers receive appropriate training before serving in affected communities. This training equips participants to respond safely, effectively, and compassionately when disasters impact churches and communities.

The Basic LERT training focuses on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans serving as Early Responders. It is part of the LCMS Synod-wide disaster response program, supported by a national network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Response Teams. Upon completion of the training, LCMS participants fourteen years and older will receive a certificate, LERT identification badge, and aLERT T-shirt.

In the midst of disaster, it is essential to remain focused on what matters most. At the heart of LERT volunteer training is one central principle: mercy. Christ’s mercy guides everything we say and do as we serve those affected by crisis. This training will help equip you to be an effective and compassionate volunteer, whether responding within your own community or deploying to another disaster site.

Following a brief introduction to the goals and theological foundation of LCMS Disaster Response, the training will cover:

Location: Our Savior Lutheran Church

We encourage all LCMS members who are 15 or older and are interested in serving others through disaster response ministry to attend.

This training will be hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Location:

Our Savior Lutheran Church

63 Mountain View Ave.

Albany, NY 12205

Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by the Atlantic District to provide LERT Basic & Intermediate Chainsaw training on August 7th-8th  in Albany, NY. This chainsaw training increases our dedicated LERT volunteers’ capabilities and gives them the capacity to extend mercy from the congregation to those who lack the means or skills to perform this dangerous work in their communities.

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

During the training, you will learn the following:

To be authorized as a LCMS LERT Chainsaw operator or dragger, volunteers must attend both the classroom and hands-on training/workday.

 Volunteers will need to bring the following if they have:

BASIC & INTERMEDIATE CHAINSAW TRAINING & WORKDAY SCHEDULE
 
Friday, August 7, Classroom   
5:00 – 5:30 pm  Check-in/Registration
5:30 – 9:30 pm  Basic Chainsaw Safety Training
 
Saturday, August 8, Hands-on Training & Workday
8:00 - 8:15 am    Check-in/Registration 
8:15 - 4:00 pm    Hands-on Chainsaw Training & Workday

Location: 

Our Savior Lutheran Church
63 Mountain View Ave.
Albany, NY 12205

**Attendees will travel to a site in Fuera Bush, NY, for Hands-on Training & Workday.

Cost: There is a $35.00 fee for those taking Chainsaw Training.

Our Savior Lutheran Church will provide dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday.  

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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