St. John's Group Email Update on Friday storms: from the Missour District Office LCMS

Christ is Risen!  He is Risen indeed!  Hallelujah!  I pray that your Easter worship was uplifting and celebrative. 

 

I'm sure that you join me in giving thanks to our gracious heavenly Father for providing protection for all who were directly impacted by the severe weather in the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area this past Friday.  The T.V. images are almost beyond comprehension, aren't they?

 

Saturday morning I phoned each church office and/or pastor that I believed might have been impacted by the severe weather.  There were only a couple of instances where I had to leave a voice mail.  From personal contacts I can report to you that of those I spoke with, no LCMS church or associated property sustained any significant damage.  Further, only one pastor reported having a member that lost their home.  Others reported some tree damage, yard debris, fences blown down, etc. 

 

If you, a member, or someone in your community did sustain damage and are in need of immediate financial assistance, please contact Glen Merritt (314.996.1395) at Lutheran World Relief and Human Care.  He and his department will guide you to the application process for such assistance. 

 

Other agencies or organizations providing assistance are:

 

United Way's 211 is serving as the central information point for all activity related to the disaster.  If you know of someone affected by the tornadoes, have them call 211 to access help.  Operators are available 24/7.  Dial 211 (just like 911 in an emergency) from a landline or (314) 421-INFO from a cell phone.  Information is free and confidential.

 

If your congregation wants to help:

• Call United Way's 211 for volunteer opportunities.  They are coordinating information on how best/where to volunteer.  Dial 211 (just like 911 in an emergency) from a landline or (314) 421-INFO from a cell phone. 
• Response organizations ask that you NOT just "show up" in a neighborhood to help as this could have unintended negative consequences.  Please volunteer through a disaster response organization.
• Service International organized a clean-up effort today in the Bridgeton area.  Volunteers were to report to Grace Church (2695 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights) and wear work boots/hard-soled shoes.  While this work will probably go on all week, please contact United Way's 211 each day to see if volunteers continue to be needed at this location or at new locations.
• Please do NOT start a clothing or supply drive in your congregation.  While these items may be needed down the line, at this point there does not exist a mass collection facility and the need for specific items is as yet undetermined.
• Be aware that the recovery effort will take months.  Continue to be in contact with United Way's 211 for ways in which your congregation can get involved on an on-going basis.
• You can donate money to the following organizations:
  • Lutheran Family & Children's Services of Missouri - designate the gift for St. Louis Disaster Response.  They will focus on long-term recovery needs
  • American Red Cross
  • Salvation Army
  • If you choose to donate to other organizations, please do your research to determine their reputation and effectiveness

 

God bless your day,

Rev. Ray Mirly