Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

Iowa District East - LCMS will be hosting a Basic LERT Training on May 1, 2026, at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca. It will be immediately followed by aLERT Chainsaw Training. This is especially for congregations that already have LERT teams with congregational members who would like to be trained. Participants will learn how they and their congregation can serve their community in times of disaster in a safe and effective way. Topics to be covered will include:

Participants will receive a t-shirt, LERT ID card and a certificate of completion. A suggested fee of $10 is asked of participants and will be collected at the training. Supper is provided if you stay for Chainsaw Training! Your LERT trainer will distribute all training materials.

Questions? Please contact Daniel Sanchez at dsanchez@lcmside.org

The course will run from 2 PM to 5 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026. Please arrive by 1:45 PM to complete registration and sign in.

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 165 Camden Woods Pkwy E, Kingsland, GA  from 6 - 10 on Friday, May 15, 2026.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn 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.  

A light dinner will be provided. The registration fee will be covered by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, which will cover the costs of manuals, ID Badge, trainer expenses and a T-shirt.  Training material will be distributed on day of training and after the training.  Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact Marcia Potter at marciapotter705@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

There are two elements of this Saturday, May 16th LERT training and deployment:

THIS PAGE IS THE REGISTRATION FOR THE BASIC LERT TRAINING

Basic LERT training:  It's goal is to prepare congregations and individuals to respond effectively in the event of a disaster and to understand how to serve as LERT volunteers. The LERT organizational and safety procedures will be presented, as well as ways congregations can deploy volunteers to local and more distant disaster sites.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the training session. However, only LCMS members who are 14 years or older will receive a certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete. Your LERT trainers will distribute all the LERT materials during and after the class.  Cost is $20 per person (includes all materials and refreshments).  Pay by cash or check at the training.

This training and deployment will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Camp Omega, 22750 Lind Ave, Waterville, MN 56096.  The LERT training will be held in the Lower Beta room.  There will be signs and directions for the Work Day participants when you arrive.

LERT TRAINING PRE-REGISTRATION:   Find the "Sign up" button on this page to register!  Because materials are ordered based upon pre-registrations, your early registration by May 3rd is greatly appreciated.  Walk-ins are welcome, but we cannot guarantee 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 the T-shirt size. Note: every volunteer needs their own email address when they register.] Once you have an account, you can sign up for this training, which will allow you to participate in other trainings, deployments and local responses.  

LOOK FOR THE SEPARATE REGISTRATION FOR THE The Camp Omega Work Day.  YOU CAN REGISTER FOR BOTH THE TRAINING AND THE WORKDAY ACTIVITIES as described here: Join others in Christian fellowship while preparing Camp Omega for the arrival of over 1,600 children and adults for Camp Omega’s summer ministry programming. Entire families are welcome to join in a fulfilling day of service, fun, and recreation. 

Camp Omega summer counselors will lead the youth and children in age-appropriate service projects and recreational activities. The weekend kicks off Saturday morning with check-in starting at 7:30 am and ends Saturday evening with a campfire devotional. Join us for any part of the weekend that works for your schedule. Pre-registration is requested.

Arrive anytime after 7:30 am and depart anytime before 9:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch, supper and evening campfire devotions are provided.  This event is FREE!  More information about Camp Omega is here:   Camp Omega Work Day

There are two elements of this Saturday, May 16th, LERT training and deployment:

THIS PAGE IS THE REGISTRATION FOR THE CAMP OMEGA WORKDAY

CALLING ALL LERT VOLUNTEERS!  Join others in Christian fellowship while preparing Camp Omega for the arrival of over 1,600 children and adults for Camp Omega’s summer ministry programming. Entire families are welcome to join in a fulfilling day of service, fun, and recreation. 

Camp Omega summer counselors will lead the youth and children in age-appropriate service projects and recreational activities. The weekend kicks off Saturday morning with check-in starting at 7:30 am and ends Saturday evening with a campfire devotional. Join us for any part of the weekend that works for your schedule. Pre-registration is requested.

Arrive anytime after 7:30 am and depart anytime before 9:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch, supper and evening campfire devotions are provided.  This event is FREE! 

More information about Camp Omega is here:   Camp Omega Work Day 

Please register on this page for LERT, but PLEASE REGISTER AT Camp Omega AS WELL so that Camp Omega is prepared for you to come as well!

This LERT deployment will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Camp Omega, 22750 Lind Ave, Waterville, MN 56096.    There will be signs and directions for the Work Day participants when you arrive.

LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Training Event, for new or renewing/reviewing volunteer certification. Enables volunteers to be received at disaster clean-up sites. Prepares groups to serve on a local team that stands ready to respond when disasters happen and where victims of storm damage need assistance. This event serves to fill a gap in the LERT teams needed, specifically in the Cole Camp area and the surrounding counties of the Missouri District.

The $35 per-person registration fee covers lunch, training materials, a certificate, and aLERT volunteer T-shirt. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials after the class.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and coffee and juice will be available. Class starts at 9:00 am and runs until noon. Everyone is encouraged to remain after class for lunch and fellowship, which St John will provide.

Please send registration fees to "St John Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, Mo. 65325. Please write LERT on the envelope."

Please note "LERT Training June 13, 2026" on your check.

Questions? Please contact Kris Schuldt at pitchatent@centuytel.net 314-971-5747 or Michael Wilshusen 314-258-0527.