Rebuild requires some skilled volunteers and some less skilled to assist the skilled volunteers. Start forming your teams today and call 218-443-4970 to schedule with the volunteer coordinator in Minot.

You can download the forms and send them to LDRvolunteer@lssnd.org

Make a difference in the lives of those waiting to make their house a home again!

This summer communities across North Dakota experienced the power of flooding water. As they rebuild and recover, you can help by joining together to provide a powerful Flood of Love.

Resources related to flood recovery and response, including information about volunteer coordination, spiritual care during disaster, ways to give financially to support recovery efforts, and much more are available at wndsynod.org

» Download Letter: Help rebuild Minot

Electricians are needed in Minot

Contact Lutheran Disaster Response at (218) 443-4970 to volunteer or ask questions. You can warm hearts as well as homes!

Learn about the Flood of Love project…

For more information about the fund and how you can help, visit the WND Flood of Love website.  You can also watch the “Flood of Love” video on YouTube or use the “Flood of Love” bulletin insert in your church.

Donations may be sent to:

Flood of Love – Congregational Rebuild Fund
Western ND Synod
PO Box 370
Bismarck, ND 58784

Gifts may be designated for “Individual Assistance” to assist individuals and families affected or “Congregations” to assist with congregational rebuild for congregations that have sustained property damage.

Volunteer:

Lutheran Disaster Response of ND is coordinating volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering call 218-443-4970 or go to www.lssnd.org. Volunteer housing and training is available.

Resources:

Visit the WND website for flood resources, including videos, articles, recovery tips, and coordinating volunteer groups.

When disaster strikes, sometimes all that is left to cling to is your faith! That’s why Lutheran Social Services and Lutheran Disaster Response work hard to put faith in action. With one flooded home after another all across North Dakota, the need is great and Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota is there to meet the need.

Can I volunteer?

Photo: Boat Tour 6-26-11 from KX News Minot

Your generous help is needed in this effort through prayers and by volunteering. To volunteer call 1-800-366-9841 or email LDRvolunteer@lssnd.org.

To request help with your flood cleanup tasks or to apply for financial assistance, call 1-800-950-2901.

Where can I give to support Flood Response and Recovery?

Financial donations may be sent to the Western North Dakota Synod office (external link) and designated for Flood Relief. In this way, funds can be channeled directly to congregations or through Lutheran Disaster Relief. Send to:

Attn: Flood Relief
Western North Dakota Synod
PO Box 370
Bismarck, ND 58502

In addition, financial donations to Lutheran Disaster Response will provide assistance to those without sufficient means to recover on their own. Donate online (external link) or mail donations to:

LDR
PO Box 389
Fargo ND 58107

Lutheran Disaster Response of ND (external link) is a program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota (external link)

Ah, Spring! The words sound so sweet… Yet the Lenten journey continues. The way of the Cross is still before us.

Dr. Harry Wendt, of Crossways International, says, “If we want to follow Jesus, we need to look good on wood.” I see the cross manifesting itself in the lives of those who give of themselves for the sake of others; often times for people they don’t even know. It’s what a child of God does in following Christ. Some are laying sandbags, others give of their life and time by feeding those doing the heavy lifting. The cross of Christ for each of us can take many shapes. Yet the mystery of it all is that when we lay down our lives for the sake of others, we truly find life. Sometimes we are even able to be joyful in our giving and in so doing, we reflect the image of the God by whom we were created. Imagine that.

Water may threaten buildings, but the Church stands strong. Even though water has threatened to destroy their community, the people of God at Zion Lutheran in Churchs Ferry are seeking to find a way to further the mission of God’s Church, even as they are facing the difficult task of bringing the ministry at that place to a close. The members of Maple-Sheyenne Lutheran are looking to help NDSU’s campus ministry even as they are canoeing in-and-out of their own homes. These, along with many others throughout our synod, are inspiring me and others as they keep the mission of God in front of them. Imagine that.

The “Extra Mile” continues through May. Thank you so much for going the extra mile for the sake of our ministry partners! We will wrap up this journey in May, with our mission partner ministries continuing on strong because of your support. Some goals have been reached (motorcycles for the C.A.R.), while others are ongoing. You are making a difference both locally and globally. In addition, keep Diane Billie and pastors Randy Schlecht and Chad Brucklacher in your prayers as they represent us in the Central African Republic. Upon their return, consider inviting them to share their stories of what God is doing through our ministry together.

Financial realities continue to shape the way in which we do ministry together. Our synod assembly will be very important in the life of our synod for the future. Keep our church, our synod, and our synod council in prayer. God is continuing to shape us into the image of Jesus. I look forward to the day when Christ is fully formed in all of us.

Even in the midst of many challenging things, God’s work through our hands is so evident. I thank God for the privilege of serving along side of you all; for the staff who serves you so well; for the grace and mercy you have shown me as I seek to live out this call faithfully. God is good; all of the time.

» Download: The Lenten Journey Continues Bulletin Insert (download .pdf file)

With the updated flood forecasts, the probability of flooding in several regions of North Dakota is rising. Here are a few suggestions of what you can do to prepare to minimize your loss during a natural disaster:

• Move snow away from your house’s foundation.
• Prepare a Family Emergency Plan: Identify an out-of-town contact who can communicate with separated family members; buy a cellphone or prepaid phone card to call family during an emergency; and subscribe to local alert services.
• Gather financial information (checks, saving books, cash, insurance policies, etc.) and store in a waterproof bag.
• Gather important papers, documents and irreplaceable family memorabilia and store in an airtight plastic waterproof container.
• Store photo negatives off-site such as in a safe deposit box.
• Make a list of valuables and take pictures of items and rooms. This is a valuable resource should your property sustain damage.
• Make a contingency plan for lodging outside of the path of danger.
• Keep a basic emergency supply kit (external link) accessible.
  This kit should include: 
  • water
  • 3-day supply of food and snacks
  • flashlight
  • NOAA Weather Radio and batteries
  • first aid kit
  • prescription medications
  • change of clothing
  • bedding and pet supplies
• If necessary, plug and seal floor drains, toilets, and sinks in lower level of your home to prevent water backup.

To download a kit checklist and get more information on disaster readiness, visit www.ready.gov (external link)

For more flood preparedness information, visit www.ldr.org (external link)

A Message from the Bishop:

For the past 15 years, Lutheran Disaster Response (external link) has led the way in disaster response and recovery in North Dakota. Whether it was helping residents recover from the tornado in Northwood; responding to floodwaters in the Red River Valley, around Devils Lake or the Missouri River; Hands Across North Dakota; drought recovery in southwestern North Dakota—this program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota (external link) has worked with local pastors and community leaders to identify needs… organized the volunteers… worked in tandem with the Great Plains Food Bank, another program of Lutheran Social Services of ND, to provide emergency supplies… led coordination of other charitable organizations with government agencies to assure the wise stewardship of resources… and assisted with connecting people who had unmet disaster needs to the proper resources.

As a Lutheran, you can be proud of this tradition of service carried out in your name for all people of North Dakota, regardless of age, gender, religion or national origin.

Today we are facing a critical convergence of events—the possibility of major flooding and the potential repeat of statewide flooding as in 2009. Along with this, a shortfall of funding will keep Lutheran Disaster Response from providing any meaningful disaster response this spring.

Lutheran Disaster Response needs our help. Their absence would create enormous hardship for any part of our state afflicted by a natural disaster this year. We ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation, in any amount, to aid in this critical need. All funds will go to pay direct expenses for statewide disaster preparedness, response and recovery of Lutheran Disaster Response. A portion of these funds may also be used for direct client assistance.

Lutherans can help lead the way for the continued ability to shed Christ’s light and love on those most vulnerable. Thank you for your prayerful reflection on this request. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Bishop Bill Rindy

How You Can Help:

• Donate Online (external link)
• Donate By Mail
  Make checks payable to Lutheran Disaster Response and mail to:
  PO Box 389 – Fargo, ND 58107
• Volunteer (external link)
  Call 1-800-366-9841 or email LDRvolunteer@lssnd.org

New Life for Your Church: a Workshop with Paul Nixon

March 22-23, 2010
Quality Inn in Jamestown, ND

Nixon is the author of I Refuse to lead A Dying Church. This workshop, sponsored by the North Dakota Conference of Churches (external link), will challenge church leaders (lay and clergy) to refuse to accept the status quo for our churches and our faith, and to intentionally move to rebuild the church, its membership and its faith. Register online (external link) at or call Elisha at (701) 226-8037. Registration is $40.

Volunteer for Hospice

Hospice of the Red River Valley (external link) is in need of volunteers to visit patients in your area! Volunteering for Hospice is a powerful way to help friends and neighbors at a critical time. Volunteers would provide companionship by reminiscing and sharing stories, giving wheelchair rides, writing letters or cards, running errands, helping with a meal, and sitting with a patient so caregivers may have a break. Please consider this opportunity by contacting Muriel Leach, Volunteer Coordinator, at (701) 356-1565 or mleach@hrrv.org

“Bucks for Bags” Sandbagging for Caring for Children

Make sandbagging money for the Caring for Children program by volunteering to fill bags in Fargo (external link). The city of Fargo is currently offering $75 to registered non-profit agencies (external link) for every 100 hours a group spends filling sandbags. If you volunteer, you can choose the Caring for Children program as the agency to receive the money for your hours worked. Sandbags are being filled from 8 am-8 pm Monday through Saturday at Sandbag Central; park at the Coliseum, 807 17th Ave No, Fargo and take a bus to Sandbag Central. Buses run every half hour. Before going, groups of 5 or more should call FirstLink at (701) 476-4000 to sign up.

Caring for Children (external link) provides access to health, dental and mental health care services for eligible North Dakota children, ages birth to 19. These children are from working families who do not qualify for government funded programs but whose parents cannot afford private health insurance. Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND initiated the program in 1989 and provides all administrative costs as an in kind donation. Therefore, 100% of all donations go directly to provide care for children enrolled in the program.

Lutheran Social Service Quilt and Kit Collection

Lutheran Social Service of North Dakota (external link) continues to collect quilts and kits for various programs:

• New American Services is collecting quilts for new arrivals. Contact Darci Asche or Lynette Seminole at (701) 271-1604 to make arrangements for delivery.
• Great Plains Food Bank is collecting quilts for Haiti relief. Call Joann Matthews at (701) 476-9102 for details. The Fargo Food bank is open 8-12 and 1-5 pm Monday to Friday.
• Lutheran Disaster Response is collecting quilts, health kits, school kits, sewing kits and layettes for the annual LWR drive. Pick up is at LSS, 1325 11th St S, Fargo the week of May 17-21, 2010 and at Midwest Motor Express, 2215 No Washington, Grand Forks the week of May 20-21, 2010.

Human Sexuality and Faith Dialogue

“For the Bible Tells Me So” (external link), a 90-minute documentary film addressing human sexuality with stories of real people as they have struggled with concerns in the context of their faith, is available for showing in your congregation. Discussion leaders who are members of Lutherans Concerned (external link) are available to come and lead in discussion and dialogue. All are invited to share in this educational opportunity, sponsored by the Hunger and Justice committee of the EaND Synod. If you would like this program brought to your congregation, contact Vicki Schmidt (701) 282-0480 or veschmidt45@msn.com.

» Download: Synod Opportunities: March 2010 (download .pdf file)

Faith Lutheran Church – West Fargo, ND

Flooded with Love
Record breaking flood waters threatened homes and communities in the Red River Valley in the spring of 2009. Faith Lutheran (West Fargo, ND) extended hands of appreciation to all city workers for their work above and beyond the call of duty during the flood.

Rate and Comment (external link)

Martin’s Lutheran Church – Casselton, ND

In the spring of 2009, the Red River flooded to historic levels. As the waters got higher, the congregation of Martin’s Lutheran Church rose to the challenge of transforming the church to a nursing home for 12 memory care patients who were displaced due to the flood.

Rate and Comment (external link)

First Lutheran Church – Fargo, ND

Homeless and Hungry
In 2005, ten young people had an idea to help the homeless. They saw a need in their own back yard. Now, over 1000 people have participated in Homeless and Hungry, a movement that has taken a community by storm. This event is about THE CHURCH coming together to help “the least of these.”

Rate and Comment (external link)

See all submitted videos at http://www.godsworkourhands.org/ (external link)

» Download the sermon: A Post-Flood Journey through the 23rd Psalm (download pdf file)

A Post-Flood Journey through the 23rd Psalm

based on the Psalm for the day Psalm 23 (external link)

The Lord is my shepherd,

When the Lord is your shepherd several things are true.  First, sheep don’t go interviewing which shepherd they wish to follow.  It is the shepherd who purchases or raises them and calls them by name. Through water and the Word and our trust in that Word, God makes us His sheep.  Through the God-given gift of faith, we become children of God, heirs of the kingdom.  While growing up in elementary school, one could often hear words like “My big brother could beat up your big brother” or “My mom’s better than your mom.”  Having the “biggest and best” protector, provider, defender back in elementary school was pretty important.  It’s even more important now.

I shall not want.

In the Small Catechism, Martin Luther reminds us “God give daily bread to all people, though sinful” and that daily bread includes all that is needed for life.  We have had an amazing spring.  Instead of manna, as we have fought the storms and floods, we have seen God’s providing of “daily bread” in the forms of good government, amazing friends and neighbors (some of whom we did not even know!), and something called favorable weather.  While we might be inclined to argue with the Creator of the universe over what constitutes “favorable,” several times we have received what we needed just when we needed it.

All people receive daily bread.  [Optional Humor to make a point:  A farmer and his family brought his son to college.  They stopped as a family at a local eatery for lunch, where they were surrounded by lots of college students and  "city types."  The farmer lead his family in table grace and at the conclusion, one of the students inquired, "Hey Hayseed, does everybody do that where you're from?"  After a slight pause, the farmer replied, "I guess everyone except the pigs."] Perhaps the Good Shepherd wants us to realize where this daily bread comes from and to receive it with thanksgiving.

He makes me lie down in green pastures–

At the end of a long winter, any sign of life is encouraging.  On the hillsides of Israel, it can be a long walk between patches of grass.  Sometimes one can’t even see the grass, there is so much space between the blades.  Do you know green pasture when you see it?  Do you recognize those times and places when the shepherd wants you to rest?  So many times we don’t have time for life, wishing for some “better” day to come.  That thing about remembering the Sabbath… it is meant to be a gift from God to you and me.  The great philosopher, Yogi Berra, once said, “When you see a fork in the road, take it.”  Next time you see a green pasture, take time to enjoy the rest.  You may need that time of recovery for the journey.

he leads me beside still waters;

Perhaps you have had enough of water this spring.  The truth is we need water.  Our bodies need it to survive.  Water is becoming one of the most precious resources in the world.  In spite of our recent dislike of water, may we give thanks, even with floods fresh in our memories.  Martin Luther often spoke of needing to be reminded of his own Baptism. That water is a life-giving water… through it  he restores my soul by washing away our sins and giving us His righteousness.  Without the leading of this gracious shepherd to and through still waters, we would surely perish.

He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Have you ever wondered why the Creator of the Universe wants to be in relationship with you?  You are the crowning glory of God’s good creation.  You also have the capacity to drag God’s name down.  How many of you grew up in a small town?  You know what I’m talking about when I say, “Aren’t you ____’s son?  Aren’t you ______’s daughter?”  Part of the reason for the way in which you lived your life in the small community was to bring pride, not shame, to your parents.  We commission each “newborn soldier of the Crucified” to “Let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  Did you catch who gets the glory?  (pause) Are you willing to share or even release that glory to the good shepherd who is leading you?

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff– they comfort me.

Valleys can be wonderful places to live.  They are often filled with streams and meadows, sometimes even rich, flat farm land.  But as we have seen throughout our state this past spring, valleys can have attitudes, valleys can be dangerous, valleys can threaten life.  The strange thing about valleys is that without some high places, there is no valley.  While this may seem obvious, it is important that valleys are only for a time or season.  Even while we are in the deepest, darkest valleys, our Shepherd never leaves us.  The rod and staff that are meant to frighten off and defend against that which would assail us bring comfort.  We are not destined for destruction, but we are precious in the sight of our good shepherd.  In the novel, “The Shack,” the character representing God the Father often says when someone is brought up, “I’m especially fond of him or her.”  The main character replies, “You seem especially fond of a lot of people.”  God created you, shepherds you and loves you with an everlasting love.  Deal with it.  I hope it brings you comfort to know that God is especially fond of you. :-)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Have you seen the video on You Tube or even on national TV of the flood in Fargo set to music.  It will bring a tear to your eye, maybe even more than a few.   Bishop Larry Wohlrabe of NW MN synod commented “So many times disasters are called “acts of God.”  Yet the real acts of God are seen in the filling or passing of a sandbag by total strangers to help you save your home, in the making of a sandwich by hands too weak to  lift 40 pounds, in consoling phone calls and well wishes posted on blogs by those who are praying for you from literally around the world.”  We are blessed to be part of such a community, part of such a flock, sheep of such a shepherd.  In fact, it’s overwhelming if you allow yourself to feel it… it overflows… (pause)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

By now you can tell that this last verse is obvious.  It flows from all we have seen and heard in the verses before.   The great love we have witnessed from the best shepherd of all will indeed carry us though anything.  I mean that… anything.  There is nothing in all of creation that will be able to separate us from the Love of God.  Jesus has indeed gone to prepare a place for us so that where he is, we may be also.  And He will come again and take us home, where as beloved sons and daughters we will see and taste the goodness of God forever.  Amen?
Amen!

If you or members of your congregation and/or community are affected by the Spring 2009 Floods, please contact the Eastern North Dakota Synod Office at (701) 232-3381 or 877-895-4598 for help and information.

Visit the following sites for flood information and for ways you can help victims of the flood:

• Lutheran Disaster Response (external link)
• FEMA: Emergency Managers National Situation Updates (external link)
• Ready.gov: Floods (external link)
• NOAA – National Weather Service: US Flooding (external link)

Donations

If you wish to make monetary donations for flood victims in our synod/area you may make all checks payable to the EaND Synod, designating in the memo line one of the following:

• Lutheran Disaster Response, ND – Spring 2009 Floods
• Pastoral Support
  (assisting congregations to financially support their pastors while congregations are in recovery)
• Flood Disaster Support
  (general, where needed most)

Worship Resources

• Worship resources for your congregations can be found in the Resource Center Collection Sheet: Resources in the Midst of Floods

Thank you for doing God’s work using your hands.