Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

TOUCH A TRUCK  is a Community Event to promote Safety and Disaster awareness. Be prepared to give tours of the LERT trailer and talk with guests about Safety and Disaster Response.

Event Time: 12noon to 3pm

Location: King of Kings Lutheran Church, 306 E Madison St., Gardner, KS

Volunteers: 10-12 people to staff multiple stations and the food booth.  Helping setting up will begin as early at 10a and then clean up could be until approximately 4pm.

Details: Please wear your LERT shirt and ball cap. Please bring your own lawn chair, water bottle and a towel to wipe down beverages.

LERT volunteers are needed to grind stumps at Concordia Seminary. The stumps are the aftermath of a recent tornado. It is anticipated that this will require multiple deployments to complete the work.  

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.

Straight line winds went through the Bemidji, MN area causing damage. Residents have asked LERT for chainsaw assistance to help cleanup.  Rev. Gary Rehborg is the Site Coordinator. He or a team member, will meet ALL PARTICIPANTS in the parking lot of the Cenex service station on US Hwy 71 south of Bemidji, MN.   Please meet between 7:30-8:00 am so we can begin work as a team.

If further information is needed, please call Rev. Rehborg for help at 763-370-3441. 

Housing: This is a multi-day deployment; there are no housing accommodations provided for this deployment, housing may be secured at any of several hotels in the town of Bemidji. 

Meals: Participants are responsible for their own breakfast and supper; lunch, snacks and water will be provided at the work site.

Reminder: Bring your PPE, saws, gas, oil, tools, and other equipment you desire for the job.     

Participants need to have a medical card in case of emergencies.

A basic 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 on how to use an AED, tourniquets, and CPR.

The instructors for this class are certified instructors of the local fire department.

The class will take place in the Rock Community Firehouse from 8:00am to noon.

Upon successful completion, all participants will be certified in First Aid, CPR and AED at no charge.

Any questions please contact Kurt Wagner 314-724-7120.

NE KANSAS LERT - COMMUNITY AWARENESS EVENT

When: Sept. 13, 2025

Event Time: 9am – 2pm (10-12 people needed per shift)

Where: Paola Kansas Town Square (Paola, KS)

Scope of work: Raise community awareness of LERT and LCMS Disaster Response and how we respond to Disasters and Critical Incidents in the KC/Gardner community and state-wide. Volunteers will staff the LERT vendor table sharing the “LERT Story” with visitors and handing out flyers and LERT brochures. We will be offering grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. 

Gear: Suggested........Please wear your KS District LERT Lime Green T-shirt if possible. If you don’t have one, wear a safety yellow LCMS Disaster Response LERT T-shirt. Feel free to add some LERT headgear to your ensemble. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, lawn chair and a hand towel.

Questions? Please contact event organizers Dale Melancon (913) 522-2684

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3700 SE Woodland Rd, Bartlesville, OK  74006 from noon to 3:30 on Saturday October 4, 2025.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn the basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs and how Lutherans can support families, congregations and the public as we demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ through the actions of out hands and feet.

A registration fee of $25 dollars will pay for training materials, certificate/ID card and LERT Volunteer t-shirt.  Make checks payable to Redeemer Lutheran and on the memo line "LERT Training 10-04-2025".  You may mail it to the church or pay on the day of the class.   Please pre-register before 09-19-2025 so we may have the proper materials for everyone, however last minute attendees are also welcomed.

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT Training session.  However, only LCMS members 14 years or older will receive certification as LCMS volunteers.  You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt from LCMS Disaster Response after the training is complete.

Class participants should arrive by 11:45 to complete registration.

Early in the morning of June18, an F-1 tornado hit Camp Lutherhoma in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  This was a peak time for the camp which held about 100 campers and staff at the time.  By the Grace of God no one was injured.  Campers were sent home and the next week of camp was cancelled.

Oklahoma District LERT teams arrived at camp within 12 hours of the tornado and the clean up began with the assistance of non-LERT volunteers and camp staff.  Over the next week the vital areas of the camp were cleared and a new group of campers arrived 10 days after the tornado.

Many areas of the camp remained uncleared.  It was decided to clear the remaining areas when campers were not present.  It is time to return to camp to finish our work.

This deployment will require at least two chainsaw operators per session along with support staff of pullers and draggers.

You may register for the entire deployment, for one day or for a 1/2 day.  You are strongly encouraged to pre-register as it is difficult to accommodate others.

Bunks in the cabins will be provided.  Bring your own bedding.  Showers are available on site.

All meals will provided as will snacks, water and electrolyte replacement drinks.

Bring your own PPE, a limited amount of PPE is available

Deployment will begin 10-15-2025 and end 10-19-2025

Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, IN (English district) will be hosting LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) training on Saturday, October 18th from 9am-3pm. This training enables volunteers to obtain or renew their LERT certification, which enables them to participate in deployments or to stand ready to help if a disaster occurs close to home.

A registration fee of $30 per person will pay for lunch, training materials, certificate/ID card, and LERT volunteer t-shirt. Youth who are 14 years of age or older may earn LERT certification.

Training will take place at Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont from 9am to 3pm. Doors will open at 8:30am, and participants should enter through the main (east) entrance.

Please send registration fees to "Peace Lutheran Church", 355 East State Road 120, Fremont, IN 46737. Please note "LERT Training" on the memo line of your check.

Have questions regarding the location or lunch? Contact Rev. Jared Rudolph at pastorrudolph@plcms.org or 260-495-4306 ext. 303

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1300 Beltline Rd, Collinsville, IL, on Saturday, October 18, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs in disasters, and how Christians can support families, congregations and the public as the hands and feet of Jesus during trying times of natural disasters. A lunch will be provided.

The registration fee is $35.00 per person which helps cover the cost of the LERT manual, ID badge, a disaster response T-shirt, and lunch. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Please note on memo line 'LERT Training'. Checks may be brought the day of training. The LERT Trainer will distribute all training and post-class materials.

Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date, Oct 4, (if at all possible, but walk-ins are welcomed). For questions or additional information, please contact Bryce Cramer (an SID disaster response trainer), bcramer197364@gmail.com or 618-201-1806.

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 for or 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:  

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Jackson St., Madison, NE 68748 on October 18, 2025. Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and learn the basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs in such disasters and how as Christians, can support families, congregations and the public, as the hands and feet of Jesus, during these trying times.

Please register for LERT at www.lcms-lert.org, and sign up for this training class at the same web-site. A registration fee of $35 per person will help cover the cost of lunch and snacks, training materials, aLERT T-shirt and credentials for disaster site access.  Please bring your registration fee made out to Nebraska District LCMS, and note "LERT Training October 18, 2025" on your check. Participants are urged to pre-register before October 5, 2025 so we have the proper materials for everyone, however last minute attendees are also welcomed. If you have questions, please contact Dylan Woodall at dwoodall1993@gmail.com.

All interested participants are welcome to attend this LERT training session. However, only LCMS members who are 14 years or older will receive certification as LCMS LERT volunteers. You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt from LCMS Disaster Response after the training is complete. Your LERT trainer, Dylan Woodall, will distribute all the necessary LERT materials during and after the class.

The training will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Participants should arrive by 8:30 am to complete registration and sign in.

What will we study? These are 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

7)      Local Mercy Teams Serving Between Disasters

A Basic LERT Training class will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. at Bethany Lutheran Church 9101 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn the basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs, and how Lutherans can support families, congregations, and the public as we demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ through the actions of our hands and feet.

Please pre-register through the LCMS - LERT website (https://www.lcms-lert.org) prior to 09-27-2025 so we may have the proper amount of materials for everyone. It will be necessary to set up aLERT profile on the website. A limited number of walk-in registrations are available on the day of the event. Class participants should arrive by 8:30 am to complete registration.

A registration fee of $35 will pay for training materials, certificate/ID card, LERT Volunteer t-shirt, and lunch. Checks are payable to Bethany Lutheran and on the memo line "LERT Training 10-18-2025".  You may mail it to the church or pay on the day of the class.   All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT Training session.  However, only LCMS members 14 years or older will receive certification as LCMS volunteers.  You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt from LCMS Disaster Response after the training is complete.

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

The goal is of this training is to prepare congregations and individuals to be better prepared when a disaster strikes and help them know how to respond. The LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) model will be presented.  Participants will learn how to develop local teams of trained volunteers to respond when disasters occur. Congregations are encouraged to send a group of people to this training for ready application when they return home.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the training session. However, only LCMS members who are 14 years or older will receive qualification as LCMS LERT volunteers.  You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after completing the training. Your LERT trainers will distribute all the LERT materials prior to class.

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

Training is on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Camp Omega near Waterville, MN, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.  4:00 PM doors open for check-in, registration completion & materials pickup.  The LERT training class begins at 4:30 PM.  (NOTE:  This training is good standing on its own, but if you would like to participate in the Basic Chainsaw Safety training the next day, please sign up for that as well!  There is overnight lodging at the camp.   See www.lert.org____________ to sign up for that.

Pre-registration is required and online.   Find the "Sign up" button on this page to register!  Because materials are ordered based upon pre-registrations, your early registration (by October 10) is greatly appreciated by event planners.  Walk-ins are welcome but cannot be guaranteed classroom materials.  IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS/CONCERNS - please call 507-369-8705.

[Note: When you click the "sign up" button on this page you will be asked to register an account if you don't already have one.  Part of the one-time registration process is granting permission to use class pictures, reading and acknowledging the liability waiver, and selecting T-shirt size. Note: every volunteer needs their email address when they register.]  

Payment:  Cost is $25 per person (includes all materials, refreshments, and dinner).  Pay at the training. 

This LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Training Event is for obtaining new or renewing/reviewing volunteer certification, enabling volunteers to be received at disaster clean-up sites. This training prepares groups to be on a local team that stands ready to respond when disasters happen, and where victims of storm damage are in need of assistance.

A registration fee of $30 per person will pay for lunch, training materials, certificate/ID card, and LERT volunteer t-shirt. LCMS Youth who are 14 years of age or older may earn LERT certification.

Training will take place at St Paul Lutheran Church, South Bend from 9am to 3pm. Doors will open at 8:30am, and participants should enter the doors underneath the awning.

Please send registration fees to "St Paul Lutheran Church", 51490 Laurel Rd, South Bend, IN 46637. Please note "LERT Training" on the memo line of your check.

Have questions regarding the location or lunch? Contact Jeff at weissj87@gmail.com or Doris at stpaulsboffice@gmail.com 

Minnesota South District is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on October 25, 2025.  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 training will be held at Camp Omega on October 25, 2025.  (Camp Omega is located near Waterville, MN – their address is 22750 Lind Ave., Waterville, MN).  Directions to the training site will be provided to registrants before the day of training.  Class will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and conclude between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.  Your LERT Trainer will distribute all material for the class.

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.  (Basic LERT training will be held the afternoon/evening of October 24 for those who need to meet this Basic training requirement.  The fee to attend the chainsaw training on October 25 will cover the cost of the Basic LERT training for those needing to attend both.)

During the training, participants will learn:

·      Safe operation of a chainsaw

·      Personal protective equipment (PPE)

·      Injury prevention

·      How to buck and limb storm-damaged trees

·      How to properly clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner

·      How to fell trees and

·      Proper saw maintenance

The morning session is classroom training.  The afternoon session is hands-on field chainsaw operation training where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills.  This training is limited to 15 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, breakfast, lunch and snacks) - $50.

·      A link to pay online will be given upon registration.  (payment must be given TWO WEEKS BEFORE the training.)

Participants should bring:

·      Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix (if you have these items)

·      Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves and steel-toe boots) (PPE needs can be found at Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot and Menards)

·      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.  If more information is need contact the site coordinator, Rev. Kristian Bjornstad ((507) 369-8705 or fysherofmen@gmail.com)

Please consider attending LCMS LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) volunteer training offered by Lutheran Church Charities. Federal guidelines indicate that volunteers responding to a disaster should be trained and certified. Should a disaster strike, you could deploy to a disaster site and serve those affected in a church and community. This training will inform LERT team volunteers on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. This training is part of a Synod-wide disaster response program, facilitated by a national network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Teams. After the training, you will receive a certificate, ID badge, and T-shirt.

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 for or 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:  

 This training will be hosted by Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, MI

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 November 15, 2025.  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

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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