Wildfire Synod Update
We know that many people throughout our synod are keeping a close watch on wildfires now happening in our RMS territory, particularly some larger fires (Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain) that are currently threatening areas where RMS congregations and members live. I wanted to reach out with an update about how we are responding, what we currently know, and some help we need from you.
Our response:
- Our synod minister team has been in the process of reaching out to congregations we know are close to larger fires (including King of Kings and Tabor in Pueblo, CO and United Church of the San Juans in Ridgway, CO) to offer prayer, check in about impact, and open lines of ongoing communication.
- We have convened the RMS Disaster Response team and are looking to add some additional members, particularly from conferences and congregations closest to fire impact. We will be meeting weekly for the foreseeable future to coordinate rapid response as needed.
- As you may have seen on RMS social media, and we will share in the EConnection early next week, we have an RMS disaster fund and invite any and all who have means to contribute to offer financial gifts (more below).
What we know:
- So far, we have heard from some congregations that they have member families who have been evacuated, some of whom have not yet been able to return to their homes. We are not currently aware of any confirmed losses of property or life connected to our synod.
- Right now, our affected congregations and communities are in immediate response mode and the fires are ongoing, so it may take time to provide an assessment of impact and need. Our RMS disaster team is being mobilized to be ready to coordinate with those congregations to offer help as soon as we can.
- Our office is working earnestly to keep track of areas that are or may be affected so that we can reach out. However, we are aware that new fires are being reported regularly, that there are some fires in other areas of the synod (Utah, New Mexico) that could become a greater threat, and there are also associated risks of flash flooding.
What we need:
-
Prayer: We would be grateful if deans serving in conferences currently affected by wildfires could reach out as you’re able to check in with pastors, deacons, lay leaders or members of congregations in affected areas, to offer prayer and colleague support. Please also invite your conference congregations to include the fires, affected communities, firefighters etc. in prayers of the people.
-
Giving: At this time, the most helpful response from congregations and individuals is financial giving to our RMS Disaster Response fund. The easiest way to do this is to click on the green “Give Now” button on the synod home page and find “RMS Disaster Response” in the dropdown menu. We ask that all gifts be designated for RMS Disaster Response so that we know a) it is meant for synod disaster response vs. a pass-through gift to national Lutheran Disaster Response, b) we have the flexibility to respond to new fires and/or related disasters like flooding, c) if gifts outpace need, we can reserve gifts for response to future disasters.
- Information: While we are trying to identify every place in our synod that might be affected, we do not always have on-the-ground knowledge and awareness, especially as these fires are volatile and new fires are starting. If you learn of congregations or people in your conference who are being affected, please reach out to our office to make sure we know and can respond.
Thank you for your partnership and for your support for your siblings in Christ. Please continue to be on the lookout for more information coming via EConnection and social media, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with updates, questions, or to get involved.
Blessings,
Bishop Meghan
Contact Information:
-
Aspen Acres Fire Disaster Assistance Center-29 Lehigh Ave Pueblo
Use the buttons below if you would like to donate toward disaster relief.