RMS Disaster Response
About RMS Disaster Response
Wildfires continue to affect communities across the Rocky Mountain Synod, particularly in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. Families have faced evacuations and property loss, while firefighters and emergency responders continue working under dangerous conditions. National fire activity remains high, with dozens of large fires still uncontained across the country.
The RMS Disaster Response Team is active, connecting with congregations and community partners to identify needs and coordinate support. You are invited to accompany those impacted through prayer, by sharing information about needs in your community, and through financial gifts designated for RMS Disaster Response.
How You Can Help
Picture Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
Authorities respond to the Aspen Acres Fire near the community of Beulah, in Pueblo County. June 29, 2026
Impact - As of August 20, 2026
Members of the RMS Disaster Response Team: Cathy Jacobs, Pastor Katie Chullino, Pastor Alena Lamirato and Pastor Pam Challis, Melanie Nehls Burow, Yvonne Wilken, Pastor Tim Orlowski and Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
After a little more than a month of meeting together as a team, we are grateful to share the following updates. First, we celebrate the response in Pueblo, Colorado, in partnership with King of Kings Lutheran Church. Together,
- We distributed $6,000 to seven very grateful families. The main fire danger is over, and everyone who was under extended evacuation has returned home. The three families who lost homes are doing okay for now and are planning to rebuild on-site.
- The RMS is sending a $5,000 gift from our Synod Disaster Response Fund to the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA to support wildfire response efforts in the Spokane area.
The speed with which we were able to distribute disaster response funds was made possible because the congregations involved were already enrolled in ACH payments with the synod. This allowed funds to be transferred electronically and put into the hands of local communities quickly, without waiting for checks to be processed and mailed.
It’s a helpful reminder of the value of congregations enrolling in ACH, not only for regular synod giving, but also for moments like these when a timely response can make a meaningful difference. Enroll today!
As we move from the immediate response of these past several weeks toward longer-term recovery, our prayers continue for communities affected by other fires across our region and we remain ready to attend to the needs of our synod and neighbors. Thank you for your care and generosity.
