Lutheran Disaster Response
Since 1973, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) has shared God’s hope, healing, and renewal with people impacted by disasters and other humanitarian crises. LDR accompanies partners worldwide across the disaster cycle: response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness. Key work includes providing emotional and spiritual care for affected people and leaders who respond, assisting communities holistically to meet varied needs, and preparedness planning and providing long-term recovery by addressing unmet needs months or years after a disaster strikes.
Serving, Connecting, & Equipping Congregations:
Our local LDR team provides communication, connections, skills training, and opportunities to serve our neighbors. In 2026, individuals from different congregations across our synod for two disaster response trips.
Adults traveled to North Carolina for a second time to help restore and rebuild communities affected by Hurricane Helene under the guidance of LDR Carolinas and Interfaith Assistance Ministry.
Youth spent a week in Rochester, PA, to help the work of Hosanna Industries in providing critical home repairs.
How can congregations support Lutheran Disaster Response?
Congregations can support LDR locally or globally through participation, education, and donations.
Participation:
Skills to Serve is skill building sessions for anyone who has considered signing up for a mission work trip but didn't feel they had the qualifications. "Skills to Serve" offers useful tips, tutorial videos, and opportunity to practice to help individuals learn new skills and build confidence for participating in disaster response.
September 19: Drywall & Trim
Download Handouts >>January 16: Drywall Finishing Tools & Safety
St John Lutheran Church (601 Washington Ave, Carnegie, PA 15106)March 13: Flooring, Siding, Downspouts, & Gutters
St. Peter's Lutheran Church (202 Van Buren St, Evans City, PA 16033)
Education:
Donation:
Synod Trip to North Carolina 2026
Synod Youth Trip to Rochester 2026
Skills to Serve Training
