ELCA NEWS SERVICE March 27, 2009 ELCA Offices in North Dakota, Minnesota Closed Due to Flooding 09-073-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) Northwestern Minnesota Synod, Moorhead, and the church's Eastern North Dakota Synod, Fargo, are closed as residents in both states deal with record-breaking floods. The ELCA Northwestern Minnesota Synod is located on the campus of Concordia College, one of 28 colleges and universities of the ELCA. Concordia cancelled classes March 24-27 to allow students, staff and others to participate in sandbagging and other flood control efforts. As of noon on March 27, the Red River stood at 40.66 feet, setting a record, said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, director of Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is a collaborative ministry of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The previous record was set in 1897, when the river crested at 40.1 feet, Massey said. The river flows north through eastern portions of North Dakota and western Minnesota. The National Weather Service predicts the river will crest between 42 and 43 feet by March 28. "The river may remain at that level for a week," Massey said. In western North Dakota, ice jams on the Missouri River are also causing serious concern. In addition, many small and rural communities across North Dakota and Minnesota are completely underwater, he said. "We want to make sure that rural communities are not forgotten," as reports about the situation in larger cities continue, Massey said. Evacuation plans have been initiated at Bethany Homes, Fargo, and Eventide, Moorhead, two Lutheran senior living facilities. Lutheran elementary schools in flood zones have also closed. "Many Lutheran congregations are also expected to be affected by flooding," Massey said. Once flood waters recede, LDR will coordinate volunteers for cleanup and recovery. "We ask people wishing to come and help to please be patient while we first ensure that the local communities are safe. We will arrange opportunities for volunteers in the coming weeks," he said. - - - Worship resources for times of natural disaster are at http://www.ELCA.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship.aspx on the ELCA Web site. Information about volunteer opportunities and Lutheran Disaster Response is at http://www.ldr.org on the Web. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog