LERT Disaster Services

LCMS Central Illinois District - Lutheran Early Response Team

The Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteer training program is provided by the LCMS Office of National Mission. Together we will walk through a simple training program designed to help participants serve as a trained Christian volunteer when a disaster strikes. This training is part of a Synod-wide disaster response program, facilitated by a network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Teams, under the direction of LCMS Disaster Response. At the close of the program, participants receive a certificate of participation and a LERT volunteer credential issued by LCMS Disaster Response. At the center of our LERT volunteer training is one thing— MERCY! Christ's mercy is the basis for everything we say and do.

To report a disaster in Central Illinois or to schedule disaster training, please contact Stephen Born.

LERT Training

Check back often as new events are added throughout the year.

Basic LERT Training Events

None scheduled at this time.

The registration fee ($35.00) will include a light breakfast, lunch, manual, and credential card. Please make checks payable to the church. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is appreciated.  

You will need to register for access to the LCMS LERT website first and then you can view training events and deployments.

Please join us for the Lutheran Early Response Team volunteer training program.  Together we will walk through a simple training program designed to help you serve as a trained Christian volunteer when a disaster strikes and to help your family and congregation to be prepared for disasters.  This training is part of a Synod-wide disaster response program, facilitated by a network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Teams, under the direction of LCMS Disaster Response. 

In the chaos of disaster, it's important to stay focused on the task at hand.  This training will help you focus on the most important thing to remember as you prepare for or to respond to a disaster in your community or beyond.  At the center of our LERT Volunteer training is one thing:  MERCY!  Christ's mercy is the basis for everything we say and do.  This 6-hour training event will equip you to be an effective volunteer should a disaster strike your community.  After a brief introduction regarding the goals and theological rationale of LCM Disaster Response, the LERT volunteer training will address the following:  

  • Christian care in times of disaster
  • A Ministry of presence
  • The LERT Program and how it works with other responders
  • Introduction to Disaster Response
  • At the work site:  Debris clean up, tarp and patch, flood and mud clean up, chainsaw safety, and necessary paperwork.

For further information, please contact Stephen Born at (217) 220-0162 or email at bornstephen@yahoo.com.

Advanced Chainsaw Training Events

None scheduled at this time.

The registration fee ($35.00) will include a light breakfast, lunch, manual, and credentials card. If you are already LERT Chainsaw certified, the event is considered continuing education, so there is no charge for re-training. A $5 to $8 offering is welcome to help pay for your lunch.

To register, follow the registration link below.  You will need to register for access to the LCMS LERT website first and then you can view training events and deployments.

All participants will need to bring pants, helmet, ear protection, gloves, chainsaw, chaps, fuel, and bar oil. If you do not have these items, they will be provided to you. 

For further information, please contact Stephen Born at (217) 220-0162 or email at bornstephen@yahoo.com.

Donations

Donations for LERT can be sent to the LCMS Central Illinois District, 1850 North Grand Ave. West,
Springfield, IL  62702. Please be sure to note on a check’s memo line that the donation is for LERT.

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