Home Flood of 2008

Flood of 2008

The city of Cedar Rapids (as well as other parts of Iowa) experienced record flood levels beginning on or about 12 June 2008. While Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church itself is high above the flood waters and remained dry, our hearts and prayers go out to those members, families, friends, and others throughout the community who have lost so much in this catastrophic flooding. In an effort to help both those in need and those who desire to volunteer, we have put together the following information. We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.

Update: Thursday, 19 June 2008

Churches United to Facilitate Volunteering

At weekend services, forms will be handed out so that people can indicate their interests, skills, etc. Churches United will maintain a database and contact appropriate volunteers as they are made aware of the needs.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently aware of at least one opportunity for the Holy Redeemer family to provide assistance. As many know, Vicar Craig has been volunteering with the Big Brother, Big Sister organization for some time. His "little brother's" grandmother is in need of assistance. Holy Redeemer will plan to offer help this Saturday (21 June 2008). Contact Vicar Craig, Pastor Brenda, or the church office for more information.

Pastor Brenda has also been in regular contact with member families who have been displaced. They will be contacting the church as they determine their needs for assistance. Some may also need help this weekend. Pastor will be contacting volunteers to let them know details as they are solidified.

Volunteers should meet at the church at 8:30 AM.
You should wear boots, long pants, and rubber gloves; you may also wish to wear a mask. Last, but not least, it is recommended that you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.

Wednesday, 18 June 2008

On 17 June 2008, Pastor Brenda, Vicar Craig, and Brett Nitzschke attended a meeting for pastors and congregational leaders at First Lutheran Church. Also at the meeting were Bishop Philip Hougen, Bishop-elect Michael Burk, and Pr. Michael Stadie, an LSI rep who coordinates Lutheran Disaster Response in our area. Following is some of the information provided at this meeting.

What is Lutheran Disaster Response?

It is a collaborative ministry of the ELCA and the LCMS. Following a major domestic disaster, LDR seeks to minister to the urgent needs of those most in need, regardless of faith or creed.

What is an "effective recovery"?

• Depends on local citizens becoming quickly engaged in the responses along with the traditional first responders
• Identifies the needs and aligns appropriate donated goods or services to the most urgent need
• Provides a transition from response to long-term recovery, while keeping the community engaged throughout the healing period

It is important to know that organized volunteer efforts at clean-up and recovery may still be 2 to 3 weeks off at this point. Relief organizations are still assessing needs and will be looking for ways for people to plug into those areas.

In this effort, Churches United will be serving as a “clearing house” for connecting needs with volunteers. Congregations will be able to tell CU that they are willing to help, and when needs arise, CU will contact the appropriate people to match up needs and volunteers.

PLEASE NOTE: Clothing donations are not needed at this time. The Red Cross is overwhelmed, but will ask if specific needs arise.

Monetary donations are most helpful now. Here at Holy Redeemer, you can write a check to the church and designate the memo as “LSI—Flood Relief.” This will ensure that the funds stay in Iowa. If you are a Thrivent member, you can have gifts of up to $150 matched, but you must have a form from them, and checks must be made to LSI.

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Members in Need

If you are a member who has been displaced from your home or are otherwise in need of assistance related to the flooding, please contact the church office. Pastor and other church staff continue to make efforts to contact those in flooded areas and determine what needs you may have. Many others in the congregation have been asking if there are ways to help you. If you can contact the church, we will make every effort to line up the appropriate assistance.

Volunteers

For those who wish to volunteer, your best starting point is to contact Serve the City at 378-0337.

We understand that many of you are concerned for fellow members (as well as the community at large) and wish to help them directly. At this point Pastor, Jan, and others are calling on our members regularly and making them aware of the desire to help. For many, it is still too early in the process to know exactly what is needed. However, if you are interested in helping, please contact the church and provide appropriate information - contact, availability, special skills, etc. As calls for assistance come into the church, staff will help to line up those who have expressed interest in volunteering.

Donations

As the flood relief effort is now a state and federal aid effort, it is recommended that all those wishing to donate first contact the Red Cross. The Red Cross can provide information about what is needed and where to take it. This process helps in coordinating efforts to get needed aid to the appropriate locations.

Our local Red Cross chapter is the Grant Wood Area chapter, located at 6300 Rockwell Drive NE. The phone number is 393-3500 and the website is http://www.grantwood-redcross.org.

ELCA Disaster Repsonse

The clergy, bishop, and bishop-elect of the Southeastern Iowa Synod will be meeting today (Tuesday, 17 June 2008) to discuss next steps in responding to the flooding. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Other Information

If you are aware of other information that may be helpful to our congregation members or the community at large, please contact one of the following: Pastor Brenda Peconge or Jeff Hand (web site administrator). You may also contact the church office.