Our Blog
How much difference can a hot dog make?
How would you raise money to help with disaster relief? While at the South Carolina Synod Assembly in Columbia early in June, a pastor came to us and asked if we could provide some materials for his congregation. They had already planned a hot dog cookout fund raising event for domestic disaster relief and wanted the funds to go to Lutheran Disaster Response, but they did not have any materials to give out.
Of course, if you saw our display at either the NC or SC Synod Assembly, you know we have plenty of materials from Lutheran Disaster Response and LDR Carolinas.
Not only did they have a great event and raise lots of money, but they were also able to get news coverage of the event which showed our LDR Carolinas brochure! You can watch the news clip here.
Not to miss a great opportunity to meet a congregation who is interested in supporting Lutheran Disaster Response, Pastor Ray went to the event to provide some additional information about LDR Carolinas and our work here, which is done thanks to a generous grant from Lutheran Disaster Response.
Our thanks to Pastor Hobby Outten and the congregation of Springs of Grace Lutheran Church in Inman, SC for their generosity and for a great cookout. Also, thanks to Thrivent for helping to support this event.
If your congregation would like to have a fund-raising event to support Lutheran Disaster Response or LDR Carolinas, please let us know. We can provide information, materials, and we’ll even show up if invited!
Synod Assembly Wrap Up
At the recent North Carolina and South Carolina synod assemblies, we had the opportunity to speak on stage for a few minutes about the work we are doing as coordinators for LDR Carolinas. We also chatted with many attendees about the work they are already doing in their congregations and communities or the questions they have about preparing for disaster. It is encouraging to know how many are already involved or interested in being involved.
Right now, we are doing what many organizations in VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) refer to as “blue-sky work.” This is the crucial work of preparation before disasters occur. The photo above with a dark cloud encroaching on the bright blue sky reminds me of the importance of this work.
Of course, potential disasters in the Carolinas are not just severe storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, or ice storms that come from clouds in the sky. Other natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires are possible. Sadly, there are also potential disasters which are caused – either accidentally or intentionally – by humans, such as train derailments, explosions or fires in manufacturing facilities, and events like the substation attack in Moore County, NC in December 2022, which caused an extended power outage. We need to consider which of these events are most likely to occur in our own communities to make the appropriate preparations.
Lutheran Disaster Response shares God’s hope, healing, and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. The work of LDR Carolinas is a natural extension of our shared faith and our desire to share God’s love with others, especially in difficult times. Our work is focused in two specific areas: helping congregations prepare for disaster and creating a network of resources across North and South Carolinas.
Helping congregations prepare for disaster includes working with rostered ministers and lay leaders to develop a plan to respond to disaster, identifying or developing congregational resources, and coordinating with local organizations.
Creating a network of resources includes identifying churches with disaster plans, as well as those who can provide emergency shelters and other community resources. Identifying individuals with the skills, experience, and a desire to help, and making connections with other organizations that respond to disaster are crucial.
If you (or someone from your congregation) completed a Congregational Preparedness Survey and returned it to us during the synod assembly, you have taken the first step in becoming part of this network! If you have not completed a survey yet, you can download one here and email it back to Ruth Ann Sipe at [email protected]
We are planning to hold regular Zoom meetings for anyone interested in learning more about our work together. Look for an invitation in your email or in the synod e-news to join us for the first meeting.
Many of those at one of the synod assemblies also used one of our solar charging stations to charge their phones or other electronic devices. These stations, which can be recharged by AC power or with a solar panel, are available to provide emergency power in case of a power outage. Many also asked about purchasing one for your congregation or personal use. For more information, contact Ray Sipe at [email protected] .
Please contact us if you have other questions or would like one of us to meet with your congregation or conference to discuss disaster preparedness!
Hurricane Preparedness
While hurricane season begins on the first day of June, now is the time to prepare.
May is recognized as Hurricane Preparedness Month in South Carolina. Other states observe Hurricane Preparedness Week during the first week of May. If you check any of the websites or social media pages for the National Weather Service or the National Hurricane Center, you will see that they have posted many tips to help you prepare for hurricane season, which is June 1 – November 30.
We have listed several links on our website to help you find ways to prepare yourself, your family, your congregation, and your community for hurricane season. When looking at the ways to prepare, always prepare yourself first so that you are better able to help others.
According to the American Red Cross, your personal preparedness should include an evacuation plan, a preparedness kit, and a way to get current weather information. Your evacuation plan should be shared with others so that they have some idea of where you plan to go. You should include contact information for yourself and your family as well as contact information for your evacuation destination.
Your preparedness kit should include the basics like water, food, and medications, plus first aid supplies, flashlights, spare batteries, and a portable weather radio. SCEMD, ReadyNC, and many other websites all have list of supplies that you might include in your kit.
In the Carolinas, there are pre-determined hurricane evacuation zones. If you live in a coastal area, it is important to Know Your Zone. Visit the North Carolina or South Carolina websites to learn more about zones. Information about the 2023 Hurricane season forecast is available courtesy of The Weather Channel.
You can find more detailed information about hurricane preparedness in North and South Carolina at the state hurricane websites.
Once your personal preparedness plan is in place, then you can create one for your congregation. A planning guide is available from Lutheran Disaster Response and can be downloaded here.
Need more help planning? Let us know and we can meet with you and your congregation council or other groups to help create a plan.