DISASTER RESPONSE
Recent Chainsaw Training Class
​Ten volunteers from Grace and other local LCMS congregations participated in a full-day chainsaw training class at Grace on March 29, 2025. One of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's senior chainsaw instructors, Joel Mathews, led the class. The morning classroom session focused on safe operation of a chainsaw, personal protective equipment (PPE), and injury prevention. The afternoon outdoor session covered the physics of cutting trees, and bucking and limbing fallen trees.
February 2025 NC Mission Trip
Volunteers from Grace and three other local LCMS congregations spent five days helping rebuild homes in western North Carolina that were damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. They worked in three different homes, tackling a wide range of demolition and rebuilding projects (installing insulation, hanging sheetrock, mudding and taping, textured ceiling, paint, subfloor removal and repair, ceiling removal, etc.). Volunteers stayed and ate meals at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, Hendersonville NC.
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Many volunteers are needed still in western North Carolina. Contact Pastor Wayne Puls for information on how to get involved.
Recent Disaster Response Training Class
Ten members of Grace, along with fourteen members of six other local LCMS congregations, took part in a basic-level disaster response training class on January 25. They were introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, and learned about the basic nature of disasters and how Christians can support neighbors in need as the hands and feet of Jesus. Other class topics included response and deployment protocol in times of disasters, a ministry of presence, and safety practices. The class was led by Pastor Wayne Puls and the Southeastern District’s Disaster Response Coordinator, Deaconess Sally Hiller.
October 2024 NC Mission Trip
In October, four volunteers from Grace did some disaster response work in North Carolina, aiding homeowners and congregations impacted by Hurricane Helene. Much work remains to be done, of course, and many volunteers are still needed. We are aiming to send another team of volunteers in February or March, with specific dates to be determined soon. If you’re interested in participating, or would like to be kept up to date on plans for this mission trip, please let Pastor Puls know. More information to come soon.
