Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

The goal is of this training is to prepare congregations and individuals to be better prepared when a disaster strikes and help them know how to respond. The LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) model will be presented.  Participants will learn how to develop local teams of trained volunteers to respond when disasters occur. Congregations are encouraged to send a group of people to this training for ready application when they return home.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the training session. However, only LCMS members who are 14 years or older will receive qualification as LCMS LERT volunteers.  You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after completing the training. Your LERT trainers will distribute all the LERT materials prior to class.

The three main sections of the training are:  1) An introduction to the LCMS Disaster Response program, 2) Congregational Preparedness and 3) Lutheran Early Response Teams.

Training is on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Camp Omega near Waterville, MN, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.  5:00 PM doors open for check-in, registration completion & materials pickup.  The LERT training class begins at 5:30 PM.  (NOTE:  This training is good standing on its own, but if you would like to participate in the Basic Chainsaw Safety training the next day, please sign up for that as well!  There is overnight lodging at the camp.   See www.lert.org____________ to sign up for that.

Pre-registration is required and online.   Find the "Sign up" button on this page to register!  Because materials are ordered based upon pre-registrations, your early registration (by October 10) is greatly appreciated by event planners.  Walk-ins are welcome but cannot be guaranteed classroom materials.  IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS/CONCERNS - please call 507-369-8705.

[Note: When you click the "sign up" button on this page you will be asked to register an account if you don't already have one.  Part of the one-time registration process is granting permission to use class pictures, reading and acknowledging the liability waiver, and selecting T-shirt size. Note: every volunteer needs their email address when they register.]  

Payment:  Cost is $25 per person (includes all materials, refreshments, and dinner).  Pay at the training. 

Minnesota South District is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on October 25, 2025.  This training is intended to increase LERT volunteer’s skills, knowledge and safety in chainsaw operation so they can provide a critical service to those who do not have the skills or means to perform this dangerous work following a disaster.

This training will be held at Camp Omega on October 25, 2025.  (Camp Omega is located near Waterville, MN – their address is 22750 Lind Ave., Waterville, MN).  Directions to the training site will be provided to registrants before the day of training.  Class will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and conclude between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.  Your LERT Trainer will distribute all material for the class.

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.  (Basic LERT training will be held the afternoon/evening of October 24 for those who need to meet this Basic training requirement.  The fee to attend the chainsaw training on October 25 will cover the cost of the Basic LERT training for those needing to attend both.)

During the training, participants will learn:

·      Safe operation of a chainsaw

·      Personal protective equipment (PPE)

·      Injury prevention

·      How to buck and limb storm-damaged trees

·      How to properly clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner

·      How to fell trees and

·      Proper saw maintenance

The morning session is classroom training.  The afternoon session is hands-on field chainsaw operation training where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills.  This training is limited to 15 participants.

To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster response sites, you must attend BOTH the morning classroom and afternoon “hands-on” sessions.

Class registration must be made at www.lcms-lert.org.

Cost of Training

·      Registration (includes training, breakfast, lunch and snacks) - $50.

·      A link to pay online will be given upon registration.  (payment must be given TWO WEEKS BEFORE the training.)

Participants should bring:

·      Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix (if you have these items)

·      Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves and steel-toe boots) (PPE needs can be found at Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot and Menards)

·      Participants must wear steel-toed boots.  Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed in the afternoon field session.

·      Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time.  Shorts are not allowed.  If more information is need contact the site coordinator, Rev. Kristian Bjornstad ((507) 369-8705 or fysherofmen@gmail.com)

Join us Sunday, Nov. 9th, from 2-4 pm, for a General Cleanup of the homeless encampment located at the Pigs Eye Regional Park, East St. Paul, MN.  LERT trained and non-trained volunteers are welcome - 18 years and older.   No background check is necessary.

We will be picking up garbage, clearing brush, mowing tall grass, etc.  We will also have the opportunity to have a ministry of presence by sharing a hot dog cookout with the residents. 

Garbage bags, gloves, general yard tools, etc., will be provided.  

Carpooling is advisable as parking is limited at the 1200 Warner Rd., St. Paul, address. 

Dress appropriately for the work and the weather.  If you have either a LERT T-shirt or work vest, please bring them along to wear.  We will have some available for those who don't have them.

Thank you for your consideration!