Southern California Wildfire Response
Prayers Needed - Southern California Wildfires
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As a result of a very significant Santa Ana wind event, several devastating wildfires have been burning in multiple areas in Southern California. Thousands of homes and other structures have burned, and unfortunately there have been fatalities and injuries.
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Several of our PSD congregations and schools are in or near the fire areas, with some having to evacuate. As of this point, we are not aware of property damage to churches and schools but have been told some members and student families have lost their homes. We will provide more details to our district as we receive them. Please be in prayer for our brothers and sisters affected by these terrible fires.
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Your Pacific Southwest District has a standing emergency relief fund in place to assist our churches and schools, their people and community. If you would like to donate to this fund, please click the button below. You have the option during the donation process to designate your gift to benefit those affected by the Southern California fires. 100% of funds donated to Emergency Relief will be used to support those in need. Any excess funds will be saved for future emergency/disaster relief.
How to Help
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Pray - Continue to lift up the victims, first responders, communities and all of us in prayer as we experience this significant disaster. This includes praying that we recognize the opportunities we have to share the light and love of Jesus to so many in need.
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Donate - Victims will have a significant immediate need for financial resources to purchase basic items, pay for hotel stays, pay for meals, etc. The PSD has a standing fund which you can donate funds to for this purpose. One way we will use these funds is obtaining Visa gift cards to distribute to area churches, school and other entities so they can bless their members, students and communities.
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​Checks can be sent to:
​Pacific Southwest District – LCMS
16355 Laguna Canyon Rd. #300
Irvine, CA, 92618
Memo: SoCal Wildfire Relief
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100% of funds donated to Emergency Relief will be used to support the congregations, schools, and individuals who have been affected by the fires. Any excess funds will be saved for future emergency/disaster relief.
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Love - Be the hands and feet of Jesus as you care spiritually for those you may come in contact with that are affected by this disaster, and even those who may not be in the immediate area but are traumatized. This especially applies to active, caring listening as they share their trauma and needs. Look for information soon on how you can receive rapid training to effectively provide "spiritual first aid."
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As the needs of the community become clear we will update this section with ways in which you can provide assistance. ​
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PLEASE NOTE: As the situation is rapidly developing, if you call, text or email pastors, church/school leaders, members, etc. in the affected areas offering help, they very likely are unable to respond. Please understand they are focused on their members, students, etc. for the immediate future.
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PSD Disaster Response Contact
The District contact for disaster response coordination is PSD COO Jon Niederbrach. Email disaster.response@psd-lcms.org or call 949-854-3232 x222.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2
Resources
For confidential counseling, referrals, and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
Concordia Health Plan members also have access to the employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health resources available at this link.
For insurance questions and guidance, the California Department of Insurance has personnel available at 800-927-4357.
Online resources for wildfire survivors are available at this link.
For help in finding disaster services, call 211 or visit the 211la.org website at this link. This site includes access to apply for temporary housing through Airbnb.
Call 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov to apply for federal disaster assistance.​
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Free meals are being distributed by World Central Kitchen at multiple sites near the fire areas. Locations are listed at this link.
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Clothing, pallets of bottled water, and other donated goods are available at a donation center located in the parking lot at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
Red Cross shelters available
​If you or someone you know is in need of shelter due to the fires, the latest list of available Red Cross Shelters is available at this link. Shelters available at the time of publication are:​​
​​Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
El Camino Real Charter High School
Northridge Recreation Center
Westwood Recreation Center
Pan Pacific Recreation Center
Stoner Recreation Center
Calvary Community Church
Dream Center
Glendale Civic Center
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
All Saints Episcopal Church
Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3)
Lord, We lift up our eyes to the hills and see danger, threat, and fire. We ask with the Psalmist, “Where our help come from?" It comes, as it always has and always will, from You Lord, the maker of heaven and earth! Give Your help, that is Your strength and support, to all those in need. Amen.
Resources for Children
Resources for children from Lutheran Church Charities
Children are strongly affected by disasters like the fires, even if they are only seeing news reports. Below are resources specially created to help identify when a child is struggling with trauma and resources to help navigate it.
Documents:
Common Reactions to Trauma - PDF
Videos:
Trauma For Kids - Coping With Childhood Trauma, Resilience, Self-Care, Grounding Techniques - Video
This video guides children through the 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique.
Almighty Father, Give strength and courage to the first responders serving throughout our communities. Many are weary and overwhelmed. Send relief and assistance, enabling them to find moments of rest. Amen.
Lutheran Church Charities offering Spiritual First Aid Rapid Training
LCC's Spiritual First Aid rapid training program teaches people how to be spiritual first responders and mental health champions in times of crisis or trauma.
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First Lutheran - Venice
Date and time coming soon!
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St. John's Lutheran - Orange
Sunday, January 19th from 5-7:30pm - a light meal will be provided
Online and in-person at the Pacific Southwest District office
Monday, January 20th from 7-9pm, and Tuesday, January 21st from 10-12noon
Look for sign-up information soon!
Dear Lord, Comfort those grieving loss, whether of life, home, or security. Send helpers into their lives to meet their immediate needs and to bear witness to Your love. Provide hope in the midst of grief, as only You can, because You are near with everlasting life and security that can never be taken away. Amen.
Reports on affected churches and schools
Note: As the situation is rapidly developing, if you call, text or email pastors, church/school leaders, members, etc. in the affected areas offering help, they very likely are unable to respond. Please understand they are focused on their members, students, etc. for the immediate future. Look for more information soon on how needs can be addressed.
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New Updates
Palisades Lutheran Church - Pacific Palisades, CA
At least 12 members have lost their homes. Members (especially elderly) scattered in different places; one blind member still not located. Loss for members is not fully known. Pastor challenged with trying to contact members.
Historic First Lutheran - Pasadena, CA
Confirmed 5 members have experienced total losses. Unable to contact 9 members. 4 members homes miraculously spared.
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Previous Updates
Palisades Lutheran Church - Pacific Palisades, CA
Members (especially elderly) scattered in different places; one blind member still not located. Loss for members is not fully known. Pastor challenged with trying to contact members.
Historic First Lutheran - Pasadena, CA
Confirmed seven members have experienced total losses.
Faith Lutheran - Tujunga, CA
Some members impacted. Our organist and his family live in Altadena and had to evacuate. They are staying at the church, but they found out their home is ok. Others have had no electricity for several days. But thank God no major losses or injury.
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Pilgrim Lutheran Church/Pacifica Christian High School - Santa Monica, CA
Some members evacuated. Some Pacifica student families have lost homes.
Trinity Lutheran - Simi Valley, CA
In "the eye of the storm" with lots of wind but no smoke or fire.
Mt. Olive Lutheran - Pasadena, CA
Evacuation of some members, including pastor and family, along with his parents. Planning online services for this weekend.
Gethsemane Lutheran - La Crescenta, CA
Members are currently safe and secure, and the church property remains undamaged.
Emmaus Lutheran School - Alhambra, CA
Church is safe and cleaning up debris from winds. Relative of school family lost home.
Our Savior Lutheran - Arcadia, CA
Faring well. Families without power with some evacuated. Congregational vice president is waiting to hear if they lost their home (young family of 5). Planning to have regular Sunday services for now.
First Lutheran Church - Venice, CA
One family lost their home in the Palisades fire. It seems like everyone has one or more close friends or family members who lost their house.
First Lutheran Church - Monrovia, CA
Church was without power and preschool closed. Aware of several people who have lost homes but no members.
Hope Lutheran Church and School - Glendora, CA
Doing fine so far. One school family evacuated but home is intact.