The Rev. Laura Shally

The Rev. Laura Shally, on leave from call, is now coordinating the Southeastern Synod's disaster recovery efforts in Sevier County and Gatlinburg, TN following the wildfires earlier this month.  She is working closely with Pastor Jim Korzun and our brothers and sisters at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg as they gear up to house volunteers for the long term recovery.  Our Savior will also be a site for emotional/spiritual care as well as hosting disaster recovery support groups.  At this time it is reported that 263 families are still displaced from the fires. This does not include those who have found housing with friends and family.  Over 200 work orders are waiting for volunteers to help.  The need for assistance will be great in the coming weeks and months. 

In Savannah, Pastor Jim Nelson, Deacon Allison Ward, Jim Ward and Al Kates, Disaster Response Coordinator for Lutheran Services of Georgia, are hard at work gathering others to begin the work of long term recovery after the damage from Hurricane Matthew.  Holy Spirit, Savannah is preparing to host volunteers.   We are grateful for their commitment to caring for their community and leading the way for a Lutheran response to meet the needs that exist there.

We also continue to support the long term recovery in Mississippi following damage from the March 2016 floods.