Register now for Disaster Response conference

Lutheran Early Response Team volunteer Terry Sanders clears debris left from Hurricane Ian at a North Port, Fla., home in October 2022. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

The 2023 LCMS Disaster Response Conference will be held Sept. 6–8 at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis.

Under the theme “Walking Together in Disaster Response,” the conference will include feature presentations, case studies, group discussions and practical breakouts.

The first day of the conference is meant for LCMS district disaster-response coordinators (DDRCs) and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trainers. The second and third days are open to anyone with an interest in disaster response.

This year, a specialized track will focus on providing spiritual care after disasters, and Continuing Education Unit credits will be available to pastors and other church workers who attend these sessions.

“The Disaster Response Conference is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in the LERT program to network and learn from each other’s experiences. Together, we will learn new ways to engage and support future volunteers so that we may better walk together and serve our neighbors in disaster,” said the Rev. Michael Meyer, director of LCMS Disaster Training and managing director of Congregations and Districts for the LCMS Office of National Mission.

The first day of the conference will feature a workshop on volunteer site coordination with Joel Mathews and the staff of LCMS Disaster Response, as well as a session on insurance and risk management by Judy Davis Helms.

Sessions on the second and third days of the conference will include topics such as the response to recent floods in Missouri, the response to Hurricane Ian, engaging youth and college-age volunteers, disaster response chaplains, Recognized Service Organizations in disaster response, general site safety, muck out and drywall removal/repair, food preparation and distribution, grants and equipment, and more.

Registration is $75 per person, which includes conference lunches and a banquet on Thursday night.

Register and learn more.

Posted July 14, 2023