ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 29, 2012  

ELCA congregations face challenges after a week of natural disasters
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      CHICAGO (ELCA) -- After a week of natural disaster across the
United States, the congregations and ministries of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are now in the process of assessing
damages and getting to work in the recovery process.
      In Colorado, where four separate wildfires have consumed over
20,000 acres of land, the Rev. Julie Britsch of Christ the King Lutheran
Church, an ELCA congregation in Colorado Springs, had to evacuate along
with 95 percent of her congregation.
      "There's a road that goes all the way around [the church] in a
horseshoe shape," Britsch said. "The fire came around the horseshoe and
it's still burning on both sides."
      As of now the church is still evacuated. Britsch said they were
able to remove small things from the building like the computers,
congregational records, and the congregation's charter.
      "We've contacted almost all our members either through email or
facebook or phone," Britsch said. "Everyone I spoke to was just so happy
that everyone was safe and property is just property. It's the people
that matter."
      One family in the congregation did receive word that they'd lost
their home. Britsch also said that the Rev. Keith Knoff who leads the
nearby ELCA congregation Mount Cavalry Lutheran Church also lost his home
to the fire.
      There is still no word on when the congregation will be allowed to
return to their buildings or homes. Britsch has made arrangements with
Ascension Lutheran Church, another ELCA congregation in Colorado Springs,
to hold services for her congregation this Sunday.
      ELCA Disaster Response is in the area assessing the situation,
determining needs and the appropriate response. They have begun helping
working with other local services to evacuate several foster homes and to
find alternative housing arrangements.
      Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, an outdoor ministry of the ELCA, is also
under evacuation.  The campers and staff were first moved to Trinity
Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Co. ELCA Disaster Response has now
disbursed funds to help Sky Ranch continue their ministry at Highlands
Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center near Estes Park, Co.
      Wildfires are also threatening parts of the ELCA Montana Synod.
The Rev. Amanda Liggett of Zion Lutheran Church in Roundup, Mont.
said, "We're doing alright. Lots of people have lost a great deal in the
last 24 hours, but no human lives as far as I know."
      Several power poles have been destroyed near Broadus, Mont.,
leaving all of Powder River County without power.
      ELCA Disaster Response is working with local partners to assist in
the evacuation of two assisted living centers, one in Ashland, Mont. and
one on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. In conjunction with St. John's
Lutheran Ministries and Lutheran Social Services of Montana, it is
helping to provide food, toiletries, and medical supplies.
      In Duluth, Minn., record-breaking rainfall caused flash flooding
when more than 7 inches of rain fell over the course of 48 hours.
Flooding also destroyed roads and homes, and for days the city of Moose
Lake was unreachable.
      While a few ELCA congregations in the area were flooded, no
buildings have sustained significant damage. Most of the destruction
encountered so far has been to infrastructure, although one staff member
of the ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod lost her home.
      Two ELCA congregations, Hope Lutheran Church in Moose Lake and
Grace Lutheran Church in McGregor, are serving as meeting places for
people affected by the floods. Hope Lutheran is also planning to host
Camp Noah starting Aug. 20. Camp Noah is a day camp program designed to
help children deal with the effects of natural disasters.
      In Florida, Tropical Storm Debbie also created sporadic flooding as
many rivers crested over the flood stage. There were four fatalities in
the state, but no report of ELCA congregations or members being affected.
      ELCA Disaster Response has been working with Lutheran Services
Florida to stay connected to congregations and to provide flood buckets
in affected areas.
     For more information, visit http://blogs.ELCA.org/disasterresponse.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

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Melissa Ramirez Cooper
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