LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive

Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:
Here’s the April 7th edition of “Comfort & Renew Online,” a weekly e-newsletter provided by LDRNY.  If you have something to share, please drop an email to mikki@LDRNY.org.

Medical Examiner ends identification process of victim remains

The NYC Chief Medical Examiner has announced the end of the process of identification of remains of those killed on 9/11. For many people, especially the relatives and loved ones of 1,161 victims not identified, moving on is not an option. For LDRNY Executive Director John Scibilia's thoughts and more information, go to www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.

Lilly Endowment Invites Applications for Clergy Renewal Program

The Lilly Endowment 's 2005 National Clergy Renewal Program anticipates awarding as many as 100 grants -- of up to $45,000 each -- directly to Christian congregations for the support of a renewal program for their pastor.  Possible programs may include an uninterrupted period for reading and writing, directed research at a theological school, a study trip to religious sites or travel for other purposes, quiet time for rest and prayer, or special visits with family and friends. Pastors may use up to $5,000 of the grant for post-leave, follow-up counseling, spiritual direction, continuing education, or personal fitness programs that might be an outgrowth of the clergy renewal experience.  For more information, go to http://www.ldrny.org/Resources/Resources4.asp

LDRNY promotes preparedness for emergencies, weather events

Being prepared for any emergency, disaster or trauma means having the right tools and information in your head, your hand and your home. That’s the advice of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York’s Dr. John J. Scibilia, who is promoting emergency preparedness and readiness for churches, schools and families in the Metropolitan New York Synod (MNYS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Already, several organizations have already scheduled him, including the Atlantic District, a Conference of MNYS churches, and the Lutheran Schools Association. To schedule a one-hour readiness presentation for your school, church or workplace, contact him at, 866-864-1600. To read the full story and see photos, go to www.LDRNY.org.

Events, programs and training on www.LDRNY.org

You’re reminded to check the LDRNY.org website often for a complete listing of events taking place around Ground Zero and in lower Manhattan, and for programs and training relating to 9/11. They’re listed here:

http://www.ldrny.org/comfort/comfort3.asp

Art show of patron saints runs through April 17

There’s still time to visit the art show at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, Manhattan (ELCA) to see the sculptures of patron saints most affected by 9/11. The church, at 619 Lexington Ave. at 54th Street, is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The show, which runs through April 17, was recently covered in the Financial Times. The article by Clare Henry said, “With so much controversy over the official memorial at Ground Zero, it is encouraging to see one independent memorial already commissioned and achieved, with no fuss and a good result.” To read more, go to www.LDRNY.org Click on Top News.

Go Bags are a great idea

LDRNY’s Go Bag is the most comprehensive disaster-preparedness bag on the market today. The red standard backpack is filled with more than 50 items to help a person survive in the first 24 hours following a disaster or emergency. Items include a flashlight, water, energy bar, whistle, rain poncho, mylar blanket, hand-warmer packet, radio and compass, first-aid kit, toothbrush, hand-sanitizers, ID holder, DNA/fingerprint kit, pen and pad, and much more. The suggested contribution for the Go Bag is $70 each, plus $7.50 shipping/handling, and can be obtained by calling LDRNY at 1-866-864-1600, or by visiting the website, www.LDRNY.org. Click on the red logo on the homepage to get more information and an order form.

Take a planned Faith Walk around Ground Zero
With spring around the corner, and more people planning to visit New York City, LDRNY partner Koinonia NYC invites you to take a Faith Walk around Ground Zero. Faith Walks are inspirational and educational tours of Ground Zero and surrounding landmarks, encouraging healing and hope in the face of despair. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, or want to read more about others' experiences, go to www.LDRNY.org. Participants always report back that they liked the Faith Walk. Here is a comment from one person: "It was informative, very moving, and certainly uplifting. In your very kind and thoughtful manner, you put us all at ease.Your friendly way made us all able to participate and enjoy this opportunity."

Make a gift to LDRNY
LDRNY is grateful for the gifts it receives. If you'd like to make a donation to honor or memorialize someone, send a check to LDRNY at the address below. Tell us who should be notified of the gift, and please provide an address. Thrivent members will have their gift matched. Contributions are a great way to remember someone.

You may now make a gift to support the work of LDRNY among the hidden victims of Sept. 11 online, thanks to Lutheran Community Foundation's Charity Finder. Go to
http://www.thelcf.org/donors/charityfinder_details.asp?charity_id=145

Helpful sites you may want to visit

• Lifenet www.9-11MentalHealth.org 1-800-LIFENET.

LDRNY contact info
To contact LDRNY, call 1-866-864-1600, or send an email to Mikki@ldrny.org Visit the website for information on any of our programs – www. LDRNY.org.

LDRNY
22 Cortlandt St. 
New York, NY10007

1-866-864-1600
212-406-9736

www.LDRNY.org
Dr. John J. Scibilia, Executive Director (john@ldrny.org)