Disaster Response

Photo essay: A photographer’s look back at 2020

LCMS Managing Photojournalist Erik M. Lunsford shares some of 2020’s definitive moments.

‘Take Heart’ retreats uplift, refresh pastors during COVID-19

The LCMS Office of National Mission is partnering with DOXOLOGY on a series of retreats to help pastors and the souls in their care rest in the Gospel.

Photo essay: Hurricane Sally: A sprint becomes a marathon

The initial assessment of Hurricane Sally’s damage revealed that 19 congregations in Alabama and Florida were affected. The storm impacted the entire community, including schools, the district camp and members’ homes.

Photo essay: Responding to Hurricane Laura in Louisiana

St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles sustained significant damage, including to its sanctuary, which had two opposing walls completely blown out, destroying the stained glass and ruining most of the building’s contents.

Hurricane Sally response and recovery: A sprint becomes a marathon

Hurricane Sally made landfall on Sept. 16 as the second major storm to hit the LCMS Southern District in a matter of weeks.

Hurricane Sally brings further destruction to southern LCMS districts

Just weeks after Hurricane Laura hit the coast of Louisiana, Category 2 Hurricane Sally made landfall in Alabama, damaging LCMS churches and members’ homes.

Upcoming retreats offer pastors respite from pandemic

The LCMS Office of National Mission has partnered with DOXOLOGY on the retreats, which are planned for Sept. 28–30 in Bel Aire, Kan., and Oct. 5–7 in Donaldson, Ind.

Hurricane Laura to require long-term, collaborative response

The Category 4 storm made landfall near Cameron, La., on Aug. 27.

Lutherans respond after ‘derecho’ wind storm devastates Iowa cities and farms

On Monday, Aug. 10, the storm tore through the Midwest, taking down trees and power lines, leveling corn crops, and cutting the area off from power and phone signals.

Soldiers of the Cross—Amplified grants aid rostered and non-rostered church workers

The Synod’s long-time Soldiers of the Cross grant assistance program has been “amplified” so that not only those workers who are on the Synod’s roster, but also lay workers in LCMS churches, schools and organizations, may apply for assistance. 

Michigan floods lead to widespread evacuations

Along with local authorities, the LCMS Michigan District is currently assessing the situation.

Quick reference guide available for times of disaster

The easy-to-use guide offers advice on what to do before, during and after a tragedy or disaster.

Grants assist church workers impacted by pandemic

As of April 30, $321,452 had been distributed in 229 grants to workers across the Synod.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund partners with Synod to assist church workers during pandemic

As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LCMS will use Soldiers of the Cross as one means to continue to assist LCMS church workers and their families. 

LCMS President Harrison video: Much cause to rejoice and give thanks

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, brings a message of encouragement and joy to the church during the coronavirus pandemic.

Devotional booklets to use during crisis situations

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod provides four devotional booklets to bring God’s comfort and peace during the coronavirus pandemic and other crisis situations.