A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1470 24th Avenue, Columbus, Nebraska 68601 on March 22, 2025 . 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.
A registration fee of $35 per person will cover the cost of lunch, 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 and note "LERT Training March 22, 2025" on your check. Participants are urged to pre-register before March 10, 2025, so we have the proper materials for everyone. Last minute registrations are welcomed, however course materials may be limited if you’re not pre-registered. If you have questions, please contact Mick Onnen at DisasterResponse@ndlcms.org or 402 364-3370.
All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training, however, only LCMS members who are 14 years or older are eligible for certification as LCMS LERT volunteers. All LERT training materials will be distributed during the class. Your LERT Trainer will distribute certificates of participation, volunteer ID cards, and T-shirts after the training is complete.
The training will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 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:
- Christian Care in times of disaster
- A Ministry of Presence
- Lutheran Early Response Teams and How They Function
- Utilizing the LERT Website
- Safety Protocol
- Congregation Preparedness
- Local Mercy Teams Serving Between Disasters
