Lutherans respond & pray for tsunami victims  

Lutherans in the greater New York area are praying and responding to the devastating after-Christmas tsunami that killed thousands in Asia.  

Pastor Daniel Peter and his wife, Sarah, a candidate approved for ordination, serve the Ashirwad South Asian Ministry in the Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA. Dr. E.J. Rethinasamy is mission developer for South Asian Ministries for the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. All three have been trying to reach relatives and friends in the affected areas. Messages and specific prayer requests from Pastor Rethinasamy can be found here.

ELCA and LCMS are providing relief, and supporting the relief efforts of partners such as Lutheran World Relief. LWR is providing essentials with long-time partner in India, CASA. Teams trained in disaster response are in the southern coastal areas of India, providing people with clean water and food.  

For more information, bulletin inserts, prayers, litanies, or to make a gift:

ELCA: www.elca.org/

LCMS: www.lcms.org/

Tax Break Extended Until January 31!

New legislation allows those who donate to tsunami relief to claim deductions for the 2004 tax year.   This applies to all gifts made before Jan. 31, 2005. 

For a comprehensive list of relief agencies, and information on volunteering, visit the USA Freedom Corps website .

Click here to read messages from Bishop Bouman andPresident Benke.

Bishop Bouman presided at a NYC service for tsunami victims.  Watch the video here.