Congregation Liaison: Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee
Staff Liaison: Pastor Lara Forbes
Many disasters impact our world. As needs arise, information can be found here about donating to relief efforts.
Current Opportunities to Help
Helping the People Effected by the Violence in The Middle East (Israel & Gaza)
July 2024
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and Bishop Eaton have recently sent an urgent appeal to respond, “to the horrific, ongoing violence in and around Gaza”. And called on all of us to “continue to pray for those who suffer and grieve”. LDR is working with their partners in the region to help meet the essential needs of the people there. Right now, it is difficult to get much aid into the area. The current plea is to help LDR stand ready for when the cease-fire comes, and their partners can reestablish work in Gaza.
Our Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee has directed $1,000 from the New Opportunity fund to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) directed to the “The Middle East Crisis”. The ELCA has a longstanding relationship with partners in the region, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Augusta Victoria Hospital.
The need is great. If you are able, you are encouraged to provide support for the people affected by this violence. You can do that directly at the Lutheran Disaster Response website at this link: https://community.elca.org/middle-east-crisis. Ensure the designation is “Middle East Crisis”. Or you can write a check to Saint Andrew’s and put “Middle East Crisis” on the memo line.
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) assures that your gifts designated for “Middle East Crisis” will be used entirely (100%) to provide long-lasting support to those whose lives have been impacted by disasters in the region. Here is a link to Bishop Eaton’s message.
Helping the People Effected by the Violence in The Middle East (Israel & Gaza) – November 2023
You have undoubtably read or heard about the ongoing violence in Isael and Gaza. Thousands of innocent civilians are caught in the middle of this. You may be wondering how you can help these people impacted by this situation.
First off, pray for the families of innocent civilians whose lives were lost, as well as pray for healing for all the injured, fearful and traumatized. May God’s healing presence bring them peace and hope in their time of need.
Our Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee has directed $1,000 from the New Opportunity fund to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) directed to the “The Middle East Crisis”. The ELCA has a longstanding relationship with partners in the region, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Augusta Victoria Hospital. Lutheran Disaster Response is providing support to Augusta Victoria Hospital so it can arrange accommodations for patients and staff unable to return to Gaza.
The need is great and urgent. If you are able, you are encouraged to provide support for the people affected by this violence. You can do that directly at the Lutheran Disaster Response website at this link: https://community.elca.org/middle-east-crisis. Ensure the designation is “Middle East Crisis”. Or you can write a check to Saint Andrew’s and put “Middle East Crisis” on the memo line. Donations made directly to LDR rather than through the church will reach the people affected quicker.
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) assures that your gifts designated for “Middle East Crisis” will be used entirely (100%) to provide long-lasting support to those whose lives have been impacted by disasters in the region. For further information about LDR’s efforts visit: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/Middle-East-Crisis
Ongoing Needs
For information on Lutheran Disaster Response and opportunities to donate online to specific causes, visit their website.
In the past, Saint Andrew’s has supported Lutheran Disaster Response efforts for:
- Helping the People Affected by the Wildfires in Hawaii – August 2023
- Support for People of Syria and Turkey Affected by Two Powerful Earthquakes – February 2023
- Support for People of Ukraine – from June 2022
Please pray for all whose lives have been affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Pray for the responders and for those providing ongoing care to affected communities.
The need for assistance continues. Donations can be made online at the Lutheran Disaster Response website or by a donation payable to Saint Andrew’s with “Lutheran Disaster Response” and the specific area of need noted in the memo line. Funds collected will be forwarded to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response.