Home > Disaster Response > When Disaster Strikes – How NALC Congregations Can Help

With the arrival of the spring/summer storm season and its resulting floods, tornadoes, and fires, what should NALC pastors or congregation leaders do when a natural disaster strikes in their community or in an area where the congregation is able to or desires to provide assistance?

Since the NALC is a small church with widespread congregations, it is important that you contact us when a disaster occurs in your area.

First and foremost, if the disaster is close by, make sure you are safe.

Next, contact the NALC Disaster Response Coordinator, Pastor David McGettigan ([email protected]; 609-742-2449), as quickly as possible so the prayer power of the NALC can be unleashed. Be sure to also contact your Mission District to see if your local NALC disaster response team can provide assistance.

NALC Disaster Response has resources and capabilities to assist in early response and longer term recovery. We can open the gates to material resources, networking, counseling, training, and volunteers.

Remember, the key is early communication! The sooner we learn of a disaster in your area, the more quickly NALC Disaster Response can respond to the needs of your community.

Contact the NALC Disaster Response Coordinator, Pastor David McGettigan, at [email protected] or 609-742-2449.

Disaster Response Fund

The Disaster Response Fund provides resources to:

  • respond rapidly when domestic natural disasters occur,
  • alleviate human suffering,
  • provide transitional assistance, and
  • enable those affected to begin the rebuilding process.

The NALC’s Disaster Response Coordinator administers the use of the fund, working cooperatively with and through local NALC congregations and members, as well as other compatible disaster relief organizations such as LCMS Disaster Response.

Please note: This fund is for domestic disasters only. Gifts for international disaster relief should be directed to Lutheran World Relief or the international relief organization of your choice.

Donate online to the NALC Disaster Response Fund or mail your gift payable to the North American Lutheran Church; 2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220; New Brighton MN 55112-2202, noting “Disaster Response Fund” on the check memo line.

To contact the NALC’s Disaster Response Coordinator, click here.