A basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Rd, Bakersfield, CA from 9:00am - 2:00pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn about the basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs and how Lutherans can support pastors and other church workers, LCMS congregations, and their communities with Christian mercy after a disaster.
Lunch and snacks will be provided. The registration fee is $15 per person for NON ST JOHN MEMBERS which helps cover the costs of training materials, ID badge, and a T-shirt. Training material will be distributed on day of training and after the training by your LERT Trainer.
If you are not a member of St. John's, please make checks payable to St. John Lutheran Church and bring it with you on the day of training. Please note on memo line "LERT Training".
Registration should be completed prior to 3/1/2023. For questions or additional information, please contact Jim Hudgins at hudgins_james@hotmail.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 and for serving during the ordinary days of congregational life. 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 Protocols
- LERT teams in ordinary congregational life
