Lutheran Church Charities is on the ground in Southern California coordinating teams to support those affected by the Los Angeles Fires. We will come alongside churches and residents through Community Care Events, train congregations with Spiritual First Aid™ Rapid Training Workshops, and bring compassionate care to the public during LCC K-9 Comfort Dog visits.
SPIRITUAL & TANGIBLE RESOURCES
FOR GOD’S PRESENCE IN GRIEF
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
PRAYER
Almighty God, in Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son, Jesus to be a Good Shepherd. You promise that whoever follows and trusts Him will have forgiveness of all our sins and everlasting life. Lead and walk now with this community through this dark valley. Grant Your tender mercy and draw close to all who mourn so that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son who saves and holds the victory over death. In Jesus' name, Amen
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
PRAYER
Almighty God, in Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son, Jesus to be a Good Shepherd. You promise that whoever follows and trusts Him will have forgiveness of all our sins and everlasting life. Lead and walk now with this community through this dark valley. Grant Your tender mercy and draw close to all who mourn so that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son who saves and holds the victory over death. In Jesus' name, Amen
FOR PEACE TO REPLACE FEAR AND ANXIETY
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
PRAYER
God you are gracious and loving. You know the shock and sorrow that this tragedy has brought upon all in this community. Many are frozen in fear and filled with anxiety in the face of this evil. You invite us to cry out to You for peace, courage, and rest. Please hear our cries, see our need, and deliver Your peace, courage, and serenity to our troubled hearts. Grant Your tender mercy and draw close to all who mourn so that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son who saves and holds the victory over death. In Jesus' name, Amen
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
PRAYER
God you are gracious and loving. You know the shock and sorrow that this tragedy has brought upon all in this community. Many are frozen in fear and filled with anxiety in the face of this evil. You invite us to cry out to You for peace, courage, and rest. Please hear our cries, see our need, and deliver Your peace, courage, and serenity to our troubled hearts. Grant Your tender mercy and draw close to all who mourn so that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son who saves and holds the victory over death. In Jesus' name, Amen
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
PRAYER
Almighty and Merciful God. Remember all those in sorrow and grief over the death of loved ones. Take into Your care names of survivors, whose hearts are heavy with sorrow and grief. Though unable to understand and make sense of these things that have happened give to all troubled and grieving hearts faith and courage to face the days ahead. Mercifully embrace the frightened in Your love, empower the weak with Your strength, restrain the wicked by Your might, and preserve the righteous in Your grace, giving us Your peace so that, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son who saves and holds the victory over death. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
PRAYER
Almighty and Merciful God. Remember all those in sorrow and grief over the death of loved ones. Take into Your care names of survivors, whose hearts are heavy with sorrow and grief. Though unable to understand and make sense of these things that have happened give to all troubled and grieving hearts faith and courage to face the days ahead. Mercifully embrace the frightened in Your love, empower the weak with Your strength, restrain the wicked by Your might, and preserve the righteous in Your grace, giving us Your peace so that, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son who saves and holds the victory over death. In Jesus' name, Amen.