Emmaus Lutheran Church in South Bend, Ind, will host a Basic LERT class on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The class will begin around 12:45 p.m. E.D.T., after a light carry-in lunch following Bible class, and it should take about 3-4 hours to complete.
Location
Emmaus Lutheran Church
929 Milton Street
South Bend, IN 46613
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 5, 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 Emmaus Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training July 19" on the check.
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Josh Osbun, the LERT trainer for the event, at pastorosbun@gmail.com.
All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 or older are eligible for credentialing 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.
Emmaus will celebrate the Divine Service at 9:00 a.m.
A brief time for snacks and visiting with one another in the undercroft immediately follows the service, after which is Bible study.
Bible study ends around 11:45 a.m., with a light carry-in lunch provided for those who will be staying for the LERT training.
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
