Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1800 S 84th Street, Lincoln,  Nebraska 68506, on April 25, 2026.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and how Christians can support church workers, families, congregations and the general public as the hands and feet of Jesus during times of loss.  

Registration is required online at www.LCMS-LERT.org.  When you click the "sign up" button on this page, you will first be asked to create an account if you don't already have one.  Once you have completed the site registration, you must return to the site to register for the class.  Each volunteer must have an email address to register.

A registration fee of $25 per person will cover the cost of 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 Office and note "LERT Training April 25, 2026" on your check.  Participants are urged to pre-register before April 11, 2026, so we have the proper materials for everyone.  Last-minute registrations are welcome; however, course materials may be limited if you’re not pre-registered.

The training will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Participants should arrive by 8:30 am to complete registration and sign in.

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

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 years or older are eligible for certification as LCMS LERT volunteers.  All LERT materials will be distributed during the class. Your LERT Trainer will distribute your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete.

If you have questions, please contact Mick Onnen at DisasterResponse@ndlcms.org or 402 364-3370.

Emmanual Lutheran Church, York Nebraska is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on May 9, 2026.  This training is intended to increase LERT volunteer’s skills, knowledge and safety in chainsaw operation so they canprovide a critical service to those who do not have the skills or means to perform this dangerous work following a disaster.  The training will be held at a private residence near McCool Junction, Nebraska, 68401 on May 9, 2026.  Directions will be provided to registrants.  Participants should arrive at the site by 8:15 a.m. to register.  Class will begin promptly at 8:30 am and conclude between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.  

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.  

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 safe and beneficial manner and

·       Proper saw maintenance. 

The morning session is classroom training and all LERT qualified volunteers are invited to attend.  Those ages 14 to 17 may attend the morning session because they may be draggers on disaster sites, but are not allowed to be pullers or operate chainsaws. The afternoon session is hands-on field chainsaw operation training where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills.  The training is limited to 10 participants.

To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses 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: 

·       Morning and afternoon (LERT Qualified Chainsaw Operator) - $30

          (Must be 18 years or older to operate a chainsaw during the afternoon training)

·       Morning Classroom Training Only (Non-Operator) - $15

Pay at the time of training; checks made out to Nebraska District LCMS. Fees will cover the cost of materials, snacks, lunch and post- class materials. Those who complete the first half (only) will receive a chainsaw safety certificate. Those who complete both parts will receive a chainsaw operators certificate and ID card.  

Afternoon hands-on participants should bring (if they have them):

Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix, Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves, and steel-toe boots). 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. A limited number of PPE will be available for training purposes if you do not have your own.

Please contact Brian Mead (859) 576-1892 or Mick Onnen (402) 364-3370 if more information is needed.