Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran church in American (ELCA).
LDR accompanies individuals, families, and congregations in communities preparing for and responding to disasters. It operates through a nationwide network of affiliates who are prepared and equipped to coordinate disaster response efforts. Our affiliates provide disaster services through four core components: hardship grants, spiritual and emotional care, volunteer coordination, and long-term recovery. The Upstate New York Synod serves as the LDR affiliate for upstate New York. The LDR Leadership Team, under the guidance of volunteer coordinator, Gary Roller, promotes preparedness and is available to respond to both preparedness and disaster response needs of our communities and congregations.
Mission - LDR Upstate NY will demonstrate Christ’s compassion for people by promoting health, healing and wholeness for disaster survivors and by advocating congregational and individual preparedness. We will seek to develop partnerships in responding to disaster needs both across upstate NY and beyond as needs arise and the resources of our congregations are available.
How to Get Involved with Preparedness
1) Host a congregational preparedness event.
2) Promote preparedness of congregational members & your church
3) Join the LDR Leadership Team. Contact Gary Roller at ldrunyteam@gmail.com.
How to Get Involved with Response
1) Support current disaster response with resources by raising funds or assembling supply kits.
2) Recruit and deploy volunteer work teams
LDR – In times of disaster on our synod territory national Lutheran Disaster Response grants maybe available. The majority of support for LDR in upstate New York comes from congregation and individual donations. You can help. Make checks payable to:
Upstate New York Synod, 5811 Heritage Landing Dr. 1st Floor, E. Syracuse, NY 13057 and note “Local LDR” in the memo.
Documents for Download
Suggested Prayers for disaster
Suggested Scriptures for disaster
Noah Bible Study (3 documents - Lessons to be Learned from Noah, Leader Guide, and Participant Worksheet)
Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guide - UNYS
Preparing for Disasters - A Guide for Lutheran Congregations
Intruder in Building or Church Property
Family Winter Safety and Preparedness Tips
Learn more about LDR here: http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/
Other disaster information:
New York Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster - https://nyvoad.communityos.org/cms/
Ready Campaign - https://www.ready.gov