November 6, 2009

CHICAGO – Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are among those helping in the aftermath of a tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas. An Army psychiatrist allegedly shot and killed 13 people and injured another 30 people Nov. 5 on the grounds of the country's largest military base.

The Rev. Michael T. Lembke is an ELCA pastor and chaplain for III Corps at Fort Hood. His daughter, Heidi Lembke, is a seminary intern at Immanuel Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in neighboring Killeen, Texas.

Heidi Lembke said a prayer vigil will be held the evening of Nov. 6 at Fort Hood. "All are invited to join us in prayer across the globe," she said. "We, as a community, appreciate prayers as this is a difficult time for the entire Fort Hood-Killeen area."

Communication with the fort is limited. Heidi Lembke said the whole community is "rallying together to support those for whom yesterday was life altering." She said her father "is quite busy right now attending to the needs of soldiers and their families."

"Blessings to you, and thanks for your support," she added.

Information about donations for those affected by the Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood is at http://www.hood.army.mil/newsreleases/20091106-03.xps, on the Web.

ELCA News Service