We pray for those affected by fire

Fire in California and the American West has left thousands of people homeless and communities devastated. Many more people feel the trauma as the impacts of the destruction ripple through their world.

At PEACE Lutheran Church, we hold all those affected by fire in our thoughts and prayers.  We lift you all up, praying that God would touch your lives and give you comfort and hope.

We offer this litany for you to use as you seek God’s hand in your life. A litany is a kind of prayer that uses a series of petitions (things we ask for) followed by a refrain. We hope you find this kind of prayer leaves you feeling calmer, more centered and more secure. We hope you feel God’s loving arms around you, embracing you! May you feel courage from Him filling you and steadying you amid the fear and uncertainty you may face!

Litany for Times of Fire

You can help: DONATE TO FIRE RELIEF

Many people have asked what can be done to offer support and encouragement for those who have suffered terrible, sudden loss.  We are suggesting donations to two agencies; Lutheran Social Services of Northern California (for Northern California fires) and Lutheran Disaster Response (for fires in southern California and elsewhere).

Donations to Lutheran Social Services can be designated through their “October Wildfire Relief Fund” for needs in northern California in general.  To donate to specific congregations, indicate the name of the congregation in the designated donation box. 100% of these monies will be given directly to churches and ministries that have been affected by the fires.

Donations to Lutheran Disaster Relief can be designated to “U.S. Fire Relief” and will be used more generally to support churches and ministries and communities that have been affected by fires in southern California and throughout the West. 100% of donations so designated will be used by LDR to offer support to affected communities.

The need will continue as people rebuild their lives. Your donation STILL makes a difference!

Message from Bishop Mark Holmerud

October 2017: We have been in direct communication with the pastors of congregations in the fire-affected areas in our synod.  Here is the latest information we have about the fires that continue to burn in northern California:
  • All our churches in Napa and Santa Rosa remain undamaged, and the homes of the pastors of these congregations are also unharmed
  • At least five families from Bethlehem Lutheran in Santa Rosa have lost their homes
  •  A few families from other congregations in the area have yet to learn if their homes have survived.
Please remember in prayer the congregations in the fire areas: Bethlehem, Faith, and Thanksgiving Lutheran Churches in Santa Rosa; Cross and Crown Lutheran in Rohnert Park; Napa Valley Lutheran in Napa; Galilee Lutheran in Kelseyville; Grace Lutheran in Ukiah; St. Mark’s Lutheran in Fairfield; and Peace Lutheran in Grass Valley. Other congregations near to these fires are already offering assistance as they are able. Please keep all in these communities in your prayers, as well as the firefighters and other first responders who are assisting in providing rescue and safety. 
 
A SUGGESTED PRAYER from the ELW Armed Services Prayer Book:
 
Loving God, in the communion of Christ, we are joined with the sufferings of all.  Be with those who are enduring the effects of the fires which are burning in our area of witness and service.  Protect those in the path of danger.  Open pathways for evacuation and shelter.  Help loved ones find one another in the chaos.  Provide assistance to those who need help.  Let your love be made known in those who seek to bring order in the chaos.  Help us to shoulder the burden of suffering, and make us bearers of the hope that is your healing gift in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen
 
God’s Peace,
Bp. Mark