August 19, 2005

CHICAGO – 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."

ELCA News Service