01/10/2025 PM update on wildfires in Southern California

Thank you people of the Pacific Southwest District for your continued prayers on behalf of our brothers and sisters affected by the Southern California wildfires.

How to help

So many of you are likely wondering how you can best help the victims of these terrible fires. At this early point, based on guidance we have received from expert disaster responders from the LCMS Synod office and Lutheran Church Charities, the most effective ways to help right now are:

• Pray - Continue to lift up the victims, first responders, communities and all of us in prayer as we experience this significant disaster. This includes praying that we recognize the opportunities we have to share the light and love of Jesus to so many in need. See below for a prayer you can offer.
• Donate - Victims will have a significant immediate need for financial resources to purchase basic items, pay for hotel stays, pay for meals, etc. The PSD has a standing fund which you can donate funds to for this purpose (see below). One way we will use these funds is obtaining Visa gift cards to distribute to area churches, school and other entities so they can bless their members, students and communities.
• Love - Be the hands and feet of Jesus as you care spiritually for those you may come in contact with that are affected by this disaster, and even those who may not be in the immediate area but are traumatized. This especially applies to active, caring listening as they share their trauma and needs. Look for information soon on how you can receive rapid training to effectively provide "spiritual first aid."

Resources

For confidential counseling, referrals, and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.

Concordia Health Plan members also have access to the employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health resources available at this link.

For insurance questions and guidance, the California Department of Insurance has personnel available at 800-927-4357. Online resources for wildfire survivors are available at this link.

For help in finding disaster services, call 211 or visit the 211la.org website at this link. This site includes access to apply for temporary housing through Airbnb.

Call 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Free meals are being distributed by World Central Kitchen at multiple sites near the fire areas. Locations are listed at this link.

Following is an update based on information we have received as of this point.

Donate to relief for wildfire victims

As the devastation from the Southern California fires continues to be revealed, the best help that can be offered now are donations to help victims with their immediate needs. This will help provide gift cards and other funds that the PSD will provide to those affected. Your Pacific Southwest District has a standing emergency relief fund in place to assist our churches and schools, their people and community. If you would like to donate to this fund, please click the button below.

Red Cross shelters available

If you or someone you know is in need of shelter due to the fires, the latest list of available Red Cross Shelters is available at this link. Shelters available at the time of publication are:

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center

10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd

Pacoima, CA 91331

El Camino Real Charter High School

5440 Valley Circle Blvd

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Northridge Recreation Center

18300 Lemarsh St.

Northridge, CA 91324

Westwood Recreation Center

1350 S Sepulveda Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Pan Pacific Recreation Center

7600 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Stoner Recreation Center

1835 Stoner Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Calvary Community Church

5495 Via Rocas

Westlake Village, CA 91362

Dream Center

2301 Bellevue Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Glendale Civic Center

613 E Broadway

Glendale, CA 91206

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

300 East Green Street

Pasadena, CA 91101

All Saints Episcopal Church

132 N Euclid Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91101

Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3)

601 W McKinley Ave

Pomona, CA 91768

Reports on affected churches and schools

Note: As the situation is rapidly developing, if you call, text or email pastors, church/school leaders, members, etc. in the affected areas offering help, they very likely are unable to respond. Please understand they are focused on their members, students, etc. for the immediate future. Look for more information soon on how needs can be addressed.

New updates:

(No new updates at this time)

Previously published:

Palisades Lutheran Church - Pacific Palisades, CA

Members (especially elderly) scattered in different places; one blind member still not located. Loss for members is not fully known. Pastor challenged with trying to contact members.

Historic First Lutheran - Pasadena, CA

Confirmed seven members have experienced total losses.

Faith Lutheran - Tujunga, CA

Some members impacted. Our organist and his family live in Altadena and had to evacuate. They are staying at the church, but they found out their home is ok. Others have had no electricity for several days. But thank God no major losses or injury. 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church/Pacifica Christian High School - Santa Monica, CA

Some members evacuated. Some Pacifica student families have lost homes.

Trinity Lutheran - Simi Valley, CA

In "the eye of the storm" with lots of wind but no smoke or fire.

Mt. Olive Lutheran - Pasadena, CA

Evacuation of some members, including pastor and family, along with his parents. Planning online services for this weekend. 

Gethsemane Lutheran - La Crescenta, CA

Members are currently safe and secure, and the church property remains undamaged.

Emmaus Lutheran School - Alhambra, CA

Church is safe and cleaning up debris from winds. Relative of school family lost home.

Our Savior Lutheran - Arcadia, CA

Faring well. Families without power with some evacuated. Congregational vice president is waiting to hear if they lost their home (young family of 5). Planning to have regular Sunday services for now.

First Lutheran Church - Venice, CA

One family lost their home in the Palisades fire. It seems like everyone has one or more close friends or family members who lost their house. 

First Lutheran Church - Monrovia, CA

Pastor and family evacuated their home in the Eaton Fire area at 2:30am yesterday and were staying at their business office as no hotel rooms were available. Church was without power and preschool closed. Aware of several people who have lost homes but no members.

Hope Lutheran Church and School - Glendora, CA

Doing fine so far. One school family evacuated but home is intact.

We continue to pray together:

Lord,

We lift up our eyes to the hills and see danger, threat, and fire. We ask with the Psalmist, “Where our help come from?" It comes, as it always has and always will, from You Lord, the maker of heaven and earth! Give Your help, that is Your strength and support, to all those in need.

Calm the winds and ease the flames by Your power over all things. Give strength and courage to the first responders serving throughout our communities. Many are weary and overwhelmed. Send relief and assistance, enabling them to find moments of rest.

Comfort those grieving loss, whether of life, home, or security. Send helpers into their lives to meet their immediate needs and to bear witness to Your love. Provide hope in the midst of grief, as only You can, because You are near with everlasting life and security that can never be taken away.

Guide Your people to reach out to our neighbors with the grace and mercy of Christ. Enable us to listen and humble us to serve in the most helpful ways. Work in the lives of those who don’t yet believe with the gift of faith.

Lord, throughout it all, direct our eyes to the hill on which You suffered for us. Assure us by Your death and resurrection that You overcome all things and redeem them for Your good purpose. Watch over our going out and coming in now and forever. In the name of our eternal help, Jesus Christ.

Amen

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson

PSD President

mike.gibson@psd-lcms.org

www.psd-lcms.org

16355 Laguna Cayon Rd. #300

Irvine, California 92618

949-854-3232