wfn.org | Lutherans Initiate Response To Wisconsin Tornadoes

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 19, 2005

Lutherans Initiate Response To Wisconsin Tornadoes
05-148-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is
working with Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and
Upper Michigan, Milwaukee, to provide assistance to people
affected by a series of tornadoes that struck in south-central
Wisconsin Aug. 17. Most seriously affected was Stoughton, Wis.,
where at least one person was killed, more than 20 people were
injured, and several homes and buildings were destroyed or
damaged.
     LDR is a joint ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     Early reports from Stoughton -- where four ELCA
congregations are located -- are that some Lutherans' homes were
either destroyed or damaged, said Healther L. Feltman, LDR
director and director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.  The
church buildings were spared any serious damage, she said.
     Just 48 hours before the Aug. 18 Stoughton tornado,
buildings at Christ Lutheran Church, Stoughton, were severely
damaged in a fire, said the Rev. George G. Carlson, bishop of the
ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, Madison.  The fire
destroyed the congregation's gymnasium and school, and caused
serious damage to the sanctuary, he said.  The congregation plans
to conduct worship in the parking lot this Sunday, Carlson said.
Carlson will be at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday to lead
worship with the pastors, the Rev. Paula A. Geister-Jones and the
Rev. Scott D. Geister-Jones.
     LDR, through LSS of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, plans to
provide skilled volunteers to assist with debris removal in
affected areas and will offer spiritual and emotional care to
anyone who needs it, Feltman said.  In addition, Lutherans plan
to work with a long-term recovery committee to provide help in
rebuilding homes for people who have little or no insurance, she
said.
     Feltman emphasized that financial gifts to LDR will be put
to good use in situations like this one.  There is no guarantee
of federal assistance, she said, leaving relief and recovery work
to private organizations such as LDR and LSS of Wisconsin and
Upper Michigan.
     "Gifts to LDR are needed," she said.  "In situations like
this, the church is being called to live out its mission and
stand with these people."
---
Domestic Disasters:
Editors:  When listing organizations receiving funds to aid
survivors of major disasters inside the Unites States, Puerto
Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:
   ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764,
   Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line:	1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet:  http://www.ELCA.org/disaster

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news