Several tornadoes have ripped through multiple states causing loss of life and massive devastation, and the threat of more tornado outbreaks is looming. Hundreds of people must now find a way to rebuild their lives, homes and communities after the tornadoes destroyed almost everything they had.
Lutheran Disaster Response is at work, assessing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the tornadoes. Through our extensive network of ELCA members, local congregations, synods and Lutheran Social Service affiliates in the affected area – Lutheran Disaster Response will help wherever we are needed.
We are a church that rolls up its sleeves and gets to work. We know it will be a long road to recovery, and your gifts are needed now to begin coordinating volunteers, rebuilding homes and offering spiritual and emotional care to those in need.
What you can do:
Pray
As communities work to recover, please keep them and those who work on their behalf in prayer. You can use these prayers and resources in your worship services.
Give
Your donation to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for “U.S. Tornadoes,” will be used entirely (100 percent) to help families whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by a disaster. Donations from people like you allow this church to respond to those in need.
Connect
To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:
- Use this bulletin insert to inform others of the ELCA’s response to U.S. tornadoes.
- Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
- Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.
Saturday, May 3
You can still bid on the silent auction items, even if you cannot be at the Gala in person!
Register with BidPal, enter a credit card, and bid away! If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Phil Geleske at phil@briarwoodretreat.org or 940-241-2099
Disciple Project
Give yourself and youth a gift by sharing time at Texas Lutheran University at the only intentional cross-generational leadership school in our church. The Disciple Project is a learning community where we stretch our imagination and increase our capacity as leaders. This is time away from our busy lives to learn practices and skills for following Jesus in a changing time. People in 8th grade through adults are encouraged to be part of this special experience! This event is offered by LEAD, a ministry of the Texas-Lousiana Gulf Coast Synod. Information flyer TLU Health Form
The Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) will offer a Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive on its campus in Austin, Texas on May 25-30, 2014.
The Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive is a resource for Lutherans and those of other denominations who recognize the growing need for competency in the Spanish language and an understanding of Hispanic culture in light of the increasing Hispanic population in this country and in the church. The course focuses on study of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Click here for registration information.
Upcoming Events in the NT-NL Mission Area and Beyond:
- May 3: Briarwood’s Run for the Roses Gala
- May 6: NT-NL Table Talk: A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle!
- May 25-30: Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest’s Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive
- Jun. 22: Refugee Day
- Jun. 23-27: Disciple Project at Texas Lutheran University (Gulf Coast Synod)
- Jun. 30-Jul 2: Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Region 2 Conference, “Many Voices, One Choir” in Charlotte, NC
- Jul. 18-20: Lutheran Men in Mission’s Triennial Gathering, “Guys, Guts, and God’s Glory”
- Jul. 24-27: Women of the ELCA’s Ninth Triennial Gathering, “Of Many Generations”
- Jul. 28-30: Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Region 3 Summer Conference
- Sep. 7: “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday