A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 S. Country Club Rd, El Reno, OK on Saturday, October 10, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
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 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 September 28, 2026, so we may have the proper materials for everyone. A registration fee of $20 per person will cover the cost of training materials, a T-shirt and snacks. Please bring your check or cash to the training. Checks should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church and note "LERT Basic class 1-10-2026" on the check.
If you have difficulty registering or if you have any questions about the course content, contact Don Kelle, the LERT trainer for the event, at okddrc@gmail.com
All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT Training; however, only LCMS members 14 or older are eligible to receive a certificate of completion as aLERT volunteer. 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.
Please arrive by 8:30 for registration. The class will begin at 9:00 am and will finish by 12:30. There will be ample opportunity for questions during and after the class.
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. Congregational Preparedness and Mercy Teams
