Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at K&K Dirtworks, 10841 1100 N, Evanston, IN 47531, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. 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 the hands and feet of Jesus during a disaster.  

Snacks will be provided. Class will start promptly at 5:00 p.m. 

The registration fee is $35 per individual and covers the cost of manuals, ID badges, trainer expenses, and a T-shirt. Training materials will be distributed on the day of training and after the session by your LERT Trainer.

Registration should be completed at least two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact Doug Netherton at Doug.Netherton@gmail.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

The Indiana District will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw training on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location

K&K Dirtworks Inc

10841 East County Road 1100 North

Evanston, IN 47531

The chainsaw training serves to increase the capabilities of our dedicated LERT volunteers and to share the love of Christ by helping those who don't have the means or skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members to provide this service safely and efficiently.

To participate in this class, you must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class. (A class is scheduled for 3/6/26 at 5 p.m.)

During the training, you will learn the following:

When you sign up, select the shifts for your desired level of training:

· Morning (4 hrs) - LERT Chainsaw Safety (classroom only)

· Afternoon (4 hrs) - LERT Chainsaw Operator (morning classroom and hands-on)

The morning session is a classroom lecture open to all LERT-qualified volunteers, even if you do not plan to operate a chainsaw. The afternoon session provides hands-on training with a saw and is open only to those who attend the morning safety session.

Anyone 16 and older may attend. Participants aged 16 up to their 18th birthday cannot operate a chainsaw, but may train and serve as draggers or swampers. Those attending both sessions must have the same safety gear required for chainsaw operators.

To be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator for disaster responses, you must complete both the classroom and hands-on sessions (sign up for both).

Afternoon hands-on participants should bring the following items, if available:

Training Costs: 

Please contact Matt Knepper at 812-549-5463 for further information, if needed.

Matt Knepper will be teaching this training with mentor Trae Fistler.