notes: Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438. -> Per call to Rocky Mease/Lutheran Chaplain for Our Saviors 5/10: Currently has a team cleaning up the Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg (See private/internal use contact notes for additional details) ------------------------------------------------ Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438.
other_contacts changed.

notes: Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438. -> Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438.

notes: Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438. -> Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438.

main_phone: -> (620) 672-6203
mgt_contact changed.
address: -> Second and Thompson
notes: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - -> Our Saviors Lutheran Church Second and Thompson P.O. Box 192 Pratt, KS 67124 Pastor: Rev. Timothy J. Henning Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains From <NEWS@ELCA.ORG> Date Mon, 7 May 2007 17:20:08 -0500 Title: Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2007 Lutherans Assess Storm Damage in U.S. Great Plains 07-080-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Preliminary damage assessments are under way after severe storms struck the U.S. Great Plains May 5-6. At least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were injured as storms spawned about 75 tornado touchdowns in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director, Lutheran Disaster Response -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). "The majority of the media coverage for these storms has focused on Greensburg, Kansas," said Feltman. About 90 percent of the town's infrastructure was lost. Greensburg is closed except to its 1,500 residents and search and rescue teams. Disaster response volunteers are not being allowed access while the emergency phase of the disaster continues, she said. Roger Kruger, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, traveled to the affected region May 7 to perform initial assessments and to connect with disaster partners in the area. On May 8 local Lutheran clergy and representatives from the LCMS Kansas District and ELCA Central States Synod will gather at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pratt, Kan., to discuss the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities. Our Saviors Lutheran is a congregation of the LCMS. "Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, in the form of emergency hardship grants and spiritual and emotional care. Once the town has been reopened, we will also be working in coordination with local congregations to coordinate volunteer teams for debris removal and clean-up. Plans are being made for volunteer teams to begin working this weekend. After an initial assessment has been completed, we will help to organize residents in meeting long-term unmet needs and volunteer coordination will likely continue through the rebuilding phase," said Feltman. "We lift up in prayer those who (have) lost loved ones and suffered property damage in this sudden and tragic event. With the understanding that the loss of life could have been much more widespread, we also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the warning systems that aided the residents of Greensburg in preparing for the incoming storm," she said. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Lutheran Church MO Synod website: Update From Greensburg Ground Zero May 7 Rev. Tim Henning and members of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensburg, Kansas, were salvaging what remained of their homes and church Monday. LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn Merritt and Director of Districts and Congregations Rev. Carlos Hernandez were by their sides providing pastoral care and assurance that the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will accompany them as “one people” through this devastating loss. The tornado, which struck Friday night, has claimed nine lives so far. Peace Lutheran was destroyed and at least 13 member families lost their homes. “360-degrees in every direction it’s a massive debris field,” said Merritt. “[The destruction] is even more [complete] than Katrina, if you can believe that.” He watched Rev. Tim Henning, pastor at Peace, and a few members recover the church register. “Nothing else was salvageable,” said Merritt. He also watched a family, members at Peace, sort through the belongings strewn about their basement. Insurance companies have not arrived in Greensburg, and while many people Merritt spoke with are in too much shock to talk about the future, two families said they will not rebuild. “The town is about a mile wide; the tornado was about 1.7 miles wide,” said Merritt. “There’s no town. It covered the entire town.” In response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care granted an initial $30,000 to provide for emergency needs and temporary relocation for families of Peace. The grant will be administered by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pratt, Kansas, located 30-miles from Greensburg, where Rev. Henning is also pastor. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will also match donations up to $200,000. To make a donation, send checks to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked “Kansas tornadoes”. Credit card donations are accepted by calling 1-888-930-4438.
zip: 00000 -> 67124
latitude: -> 37.645034
longitude: -> -98.734251
make_payable_to: -> LCMS World Relief and Human Care