From the ELCA News Service:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has made worship resources available May 21 in response to recent severe storms across the Midwest. Through Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA members and congregations are supporting tornado survivors in partnership with local Lutheran affiliates and ELCA synods.
In a letter to congregations the Rev. Michael K. Girlinghouse, bishop of the ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, asked members to pray for affected communities and all those involved in recovery efforts.
“Over the last two days, we have watched in horror and awe as the fury of nature has devastated communities in central Oklahoma,” said Girlinghouse. “Tornadoes swept through Carney, Little Axe and Shawnee on Sunday evening and through Moore on Monday, destroying homes, businesses and lives. We weep with those who lost loved ones in Moore and with those who are still waiting to find out if their loved ones are okay. The deaths of children in their elementary school are particularly troubling.”
A tornado in Moore, Okla., was part of a May 18-19 storm system that swept across Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. According to news reports, 24 people are confirmed dead with 20 in Moore and four in Oklahoma City. The tornado, which traveled on the ground for 20 miles, demolished an elementary school and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. Search-and-rescue teams continue to search for survivors and assess the extent of the damage.
“I have always been convinced that God gathers us in communities exactly for times like these. As Genesis tells us, it is not good for us to be alone,” Girlinghouse wrote in his letter. “As we support and care for one another through times of tragedy and disaster God’s presence, love, support and mercy are experienced and shared. God is with us as we are with one another in God’s name. We are the body of Christ for one another.”
Two ELCA congregations in Kansas were impacted by tornadoes May 19. Zion Lutheran Church in Hollenberg, Kan., and Good Shepherd Lutheran in Washington, Kan., both sustained damage to church property. No one was injured in the storms.
“Both churches had the hand of God protecting them,” said Judy Hill, an ELCA rostered lay leader who serves both congregations.
“We’re working with our synods and local partners to provide assistance for long-term recovery to help those impacted by these tragic storms,” said the Rev. Michael Stadie, director for domestic Lutheran Disaster Response work.
ELCA worship resources available at http://www.ELCA.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship.aspx and information about Lutheran Disaster Response is available at http://www.ELCA.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/eAlert.aspx.
