Lutherans Helping Fire Victims

​Lutheran organizations and other agencies we work with are already at work in the devastated areas. For updated news on the wildfires from Bishop Mark of our Synod, visit the Sierra Pacific Synod's Fire Update page using the nearby button.

Most of the town of Paradise is gone, including Paradise Lutheran Church. There are conflicting reports as to whether the church was destroyed or damaged, but one thing is clear – many, many of the members of Paradise Lutheran have lost their homes, some for the second time (there was another fire in that area in 2008 that destroyed nearly 100 homes). Most of the people who were evacuated have sought shelter in Chico, while others have gone to be with relatives. Faith Lutheran in Chico and First Lutheran in Orland are providing food support to shelters that have been established in the area.

Please remember in prayer the congregations in the fire areas: Paradise Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran in Chico. 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.

Here are some ways you can make a difference

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California
You can make a difference for those affected by the fires when you make a gift to LSS of Northern California's 2018 Wildfire Relief Fund. 100% of donations received by LSS of Northern California will go to those who need assistance.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is making trips to Lake County delivering emergency food, including Kitchen Collective meals, canned goods, fresh bread, peanut butter and jelly, applesauce, eggs, cereal and milk, and fresh produce to our partner, Lucerne Alpine Senior Center. With the help of local volunteers at the center, provisions of food were distributed throughout the region to our Lake and Mendocino county neighbors who have been impacted by the Mendocino Complex Fire. Redwood Empire Food Bank Director of Operations, Steve Armstrong, spent the day traveling to Lake County evacuation centers and local resource hubs and will continue to stay in close communication with our partner organizations to monitor the ever changing need for help.                          
Lutheran Disaster Response, working with the Sierra Pacific Synod and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, is monitoring the situation and communicating with those impacted. We stand ready to provide assistance in the long-term recovery efforts once the fires subside.
When disaster strikes, Christians are quick to look for ways to help those in need, whether it means lending a hand or making a monetary donation. In addition to relief efforts your church may be involved with, Thrivent members can help victims in the following ways:
  • Donate. Make a personal donation. The Thrivent Member Network - Pacific Sierra Region will match individual personal donations - up to $100,000 - made on Thrivent.com to assist specific disaster relief organizations. Thrivent will cover all the processing fees so 100% of the donation goes to help those in need.*
  • Volunteer. Thrivent members can share their time and talent to help with recovery efforts by leading a volunteer Thrivent Action Team. Eligible members can also direct Choice Dollars®.
Visit the Disaster Response page on Thrivent.com for details on these opportunities.