September 26, 2008

CHICAGO – People are re-entering Galveston, Texas, and it is "incredibly emotional," according to the Rev. Michael W. Rinehart, bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Houston. Along with synod staff and others, Rinehart will travel to Galveston Sept. 26 to survey damage left behind from Hurricane Ike. "We're bringing generators, food and water," he said.

Most of the 122 congregations in the synod "have been impacted in some way," reported Rinehart. Church buildings have sustained some structural damage, and "many of our members' homes have been impacted," he said.

"There was water everywhere at First Lutheran Church, Galveston. The sanctuary, built higher than the rest of the building, sustained water damage and about three to four feet of water stood in the parish hall and offices," Rinehart said. Founded in 1850, First Lutheran is the oldest church in the ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod.

"We've had calls from across the country offering help, and that has been very touching," said Rinehart. "We're not ready to house volunteers, to supply the kind of hospitality and housing needed, but we're planning to work ecumenically to coordinate volunteers and maximize our resources," he said.

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a collaborative ministry of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, will help coordinate volunteers, said Rinehart.

At a Sept. 25 meeting of synod pastors, LDR staff "emphasized that the goal is to alleviate the suffering of all, not just Lutherans," said Rinehart. He said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, LDR executive director, told pastors that LDR "serves by need, not by creed. And, that has become our evangelism purpose in our disaster response efforts."

Rinehart said about 60 pastors of the synod attended the meeting, along with staff of LDR and of Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. (LSS of the South), Austin, Texas. Staff of LSS of the South shared information about insurance and self- care. The meeting took place at Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena, Texas.

During the meeting the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, phoned in to "express love and concern on behalf of the entire church (and to) share his hope that support is forthcoming," said Rinehart.

ELCA News Service