Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were invited to Charlotte, North Carolina, by Rev. Dr. Pres. William Harmon of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District and Pastor Steven Newberg of Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte in response to the shooting on Monday, April 29, that killed four law enforcement officers: Officer Joshua Eyer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, North Carolina Department of Corrections; and Thomas Weeks, U.S. Marshals Deputy. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Faith (St. Stephens - Hickory, North Carolina), Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida), Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, South Carolina), and Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and their handlers spent the week visiting with countless law enforcement personal, 911 dispatchers, EMS workers, firefighters, military personal, and their families. The teams also set up an LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion memorial to honor the victims. They gifted several departments an LCC Heart of Mercy & Compassion to show their love and appreciation. The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were customized and shipped quickly to Charlotte last week when LCC learned of the shooting. Kyra Carbone, Top Dog for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, North Carolina), received the hearts, packed them up, and headed to Charlotte for the evening candlelight vigil. The hearts were presented there, and many signed them, offering sincere support and appreciation for the officers and compassion to the families in their loss. The messages of comfort, just like the candles at the vigil, provided light in a dark time. The next day, the HMCs were taken to the “Fallen Officer Memorial Statue,” adjacent to the police headquarters in Charlotte -- a fitting place to remember the four officers who lost their lives boldly serving the Charlotte community. The four crosses and hearts displayed here will allow the community more time to engage with the hearts and crosses, offering notes of love and gratitude. On Friday, May 3, the teams were honored to be present at the funeral of Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Teams were all deeply touched to witness the procession of law enforcement with the bagpipes, drumming, and American flag flying high above. It was incredible to witness the support of the law enforcement community coming together from all over the country for their fallen brother and his family. Each first responder God put in our path exemplifies the teachings of Christ, showing compassion, mercy, and sacrificial love to those in need. Behind their outward strength lies the weight of immense responsibility and the toll of constant exposure to trauma. The demands of their profession and the relentless stress take a heavy toll on their mental well-being. Their sacrifice is not just physical but emotional and spiritual as well. We recognize the importance of supporting their mental health and offering them the same care and compassion they so willingly give to others. As we offer our gratitude to first responders, please lift them up in prayer, seeking protection and peace for their weary souls. May the Lord's guiding hand continue to sustain and protect them. We want to thank our wonderful LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handlers for all their efforts in Charlotte. They had a full schedule but showed up to each first responder with an open heart full of love and compassion. We also thank Paul Soost for his outstanding leadership on this deployment. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the support from our generous donors. Thank you for allowing us to say, "Here I am, send me," and be there for Charlotte. "I wanted to send an email simply restating our overwhelming gratitude for your team and organization. You responded to our community without hesitation and were a comforting, calming presence for us all week/weekend. We cannot thank you enough for what each of you and your dogs do in tragic times such as these. We have had SO many people talk about the impact you made on them. Please share this with each team that dedicated their time to us at CMPD this past week. Thank you, and God bless you!" Lt. Amy Wheaton Learning and Wellness Service Group Peer Support Administrator Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department At LCC, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of our volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference in their local communities. Our HMC Affiliate Churches are thriving with volunteers who are deeply committed to the ministry. We recently had the opportunity to ask them why they chose to be a part of the HMC ministry and what it means to them. Their heartfelt responses truly reflect the spirit of compassion and service that defines our organization. We are blessed to have such dedicated individuals supporting our mission, and we look forward to continuing to work together to bring hope and support to those in need. Below are the responses we received:
LCC Provides Spiritual Resources to Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Memorial Site in Lahaina, Maui4/17/2024
Thank You to All Our Volunteers for Being the Heart and Soul of LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion4/16/2024
April is National Volunteer Month. LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion staff work alongside volunteers daily. We’d like to recognize and thank those exceptional people who act in Christ’s name for this ministry. Volunteers are involved in many steps while crafting our Hearts and Crosses. For the hearts, a manufacturing volunteer utilizes a CNC water jet machine to cut the hearts to precise specifications. Then, many more volunteers sand and paint the hearts. For the crosses, the boards are painted, then cut, then painted again before the hardware is added to complete the construction. Because of our volunteers, we can keep our costs low and our production high so that we can respond to more events nationwide to bring God’s love to all. Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Each heart and cross shows the love of a community that is present in times of need and the love of Jesus, which is eternal. Our affiliate churches are also always working to be ready to respond nationwide with crosses. Pictured are volunteers at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin, who recently built 13 crosses to be prepared for a national deployment! These five volunteers worked as a team to finish the crosses this past weekend. Their enthusiasm is evident in their commitment to this ministry. Thank you, St. Paul's! We are looking for churches who want to take part in this extraordinary outreach opportunity by partnering with LCC as an HMC affiliate. Your church is invited to become an affiliate today and see the impact LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry can make in your community! At LCC, we believe in spreading the love and hope of Jesus through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry. HMCs can be given to celebrate a victory, honor service, or simply as an expression of love or encouragement. Last year, 730 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were gifted by LCC staff and our affiliate churches. These hearts were given for a variety of reasons – celebration, gratitude, encouragement, and comfort. As an affiliate of LCC's HMC Ministry, you would be able to bring hope and love to your community. Whether you're looking to provide comfort to those in need or simply spread the message of Jesus through a tangible gift, our HMC Ministry is the perfect way to make a difference. Join us in spreading the love and hope of Jesus through the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry. Become an affiliate today and see the impact it can make in your community.
Lutheran Church Charities now has 17 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion affiliates in 14 states. Click here to see the map. For more information about HMC, visit www.heartsmc.org.
A HEART OF MERCY & COMPASSION IN MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT TIMOTHY S. EVANS This week, the LCC staff responded to our community by gifting a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to the Mount Prospect Fire Department in memory of Lieutenant Timothy S. Evans, who passed away unexpectedly on March 30. Lieutenant Evans worked in our community for 29 years as a firefighter/paramedic and will be sorely missed. The firefighters at the station house were very grateful for the HMC and offered to bring it to the visitation for the community to sign. Join us in honoring the first responders in our community and nationwide for their unwavering commitment and service. A HEART OF MERCY & COMPASSION FOR REVEREND RAY AND ALICE RAMSBURG IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SERVICE
LCC THANKS HMC VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE April recognizes all those who give their time and energy during National Volunteer Month. At LCC, we are proud to honor the 17 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Affiliate Churches for their dedication and service. These churches not only support their members but also extend their compassion to the community by preparing hearts and crosses for deployment. Join us in celebrating the inspiring work of one of our newest affiliates, Christ the Redeemer, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as they come together to build their first crosses for deployment. Together, we can make a difference and spread love and kindness wherever it is needed most. The HMC team introduced the crosses and the ministry as a whole, to the church last weekend. The pictures below show the crosses displayed around the church.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 Rockford, Illinois Last week, the city of Rockford, Illinois, faced moments of unimaginable shock, fear, suffering, and loss after two violent incidents struck this community.
We are so grateful to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams of Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois), Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois), for being there for the Rockford community. Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Tim Laabs, LCC staff, brought four hearts and crosses to pay tribute to the four lives lost. The victims' names were inscribed on each heart, and prayers were lifted for strength and support. The solemn procession to the vigil site, with hearts and crosses in hand, symbolized a collective effort to uplift and remember. Witnessing the outpouring of flowers and silent contemplation at the foot of each cross was a poignant reminder of the impact of loss. When the vigil location was suddenly relocated, community members were the first ones to pick up the crosses and move them to the center of the vigil to ensure the names remained at the forefront, showcasing a deep commitment to honoring and cherishing the memories of those no longer with us. We pray that the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion served as a reminder of the hope we find through Jesus Christ.
God asks us to love one another and carry each other’s burdens. We are thankful for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams that responded to be there for the Rockford community to love, support, and listen, always carrying Jesus with them. Jac-Cen-Del High School - Osgood, Indiana LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Dove (Peace - Fremont, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana), and Naomi (Holy Cross - Indianapolis, Indiana), traveled to Jac-Cen-Del High School in Osgood, Indiana, to be with the students and staff who are mourning the loss of Carson Hughes who meant so much to this small community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams spent two days at Jac-Cen-Del High School, middle school, and elementary school in Osgood at the request of Superintendent Sam Melton after their community faced the heartbreaking loss Carson Hughes, a senior at Jac-Cen-Del High School, was reported missing on Friday, March 15. After three emotional days of searching, police found his body at Versailles State Park. "Carson was a senior and honor roll student at the high school. Many remembered him for his infectious smile, kindness, and love for his family, friends, and faith. Carson’s passion was photography. His beautiful photos earned Carson much recognition and awards for his work, skill, and passion." (from Carson's Obituary) "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Community is important when we suffer loss as it helps us to process and heal. As LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams gathered around the hurting students and staff, Jesus was there with them, an anchor in the storm of grief and uncertainty. The handlers and ministry partners, with Claudia, Dove, Magdalene, and Naomi Comfort Dogs by their side, sat with the students, listening and comforting them. The students and staff signed the Heart of Mercy & Compassion for Carson with messages for his family. The students colored pictures of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in the coloring books, encouraging more conversation and smiles. Carson’s friends and classmates rotated between the Comfort Dogs, seeking their comforting touch and warmth. It was good to see smiles and the heaviness of grief ease from the young shoulders. The school has requested that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs return to Jac-Cen-Del High School in May to continue to support the students in their grief. With the anticipation of prom, finals, and graduation, it may be difficult for the students, especially the seniors who will miss their classmate Carson. The teams of Claudia, Dove, Magdalene, and Naomi Comfort Dogs replied, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) and said they would return in May to be with the students and staff, strengthening the cherished connections already made. York Community School - Elmhurst, Illinois
We are thankful the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers could be there for the students and staff, walking alongside them in their grief.
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
In light of the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, and the recent stabbing attack in Rockford, Illinois, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion volunteers are uniting to BE THERE to provide support and comfort to the affected communities. Driven by their faith and compassionate spirit, these dedicated individuals are committed to being a source of solace and assistance for those in need. We are ready to BE THERE! Baltimore, Maryland Rev. Dr. Pres. William Harmon of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District and Deaconess Sally Hiller, District Disaster Response Coordinator of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Baltimore, have extended an invitation to LCC to bring our K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to provide support and comfort to the community and to help those who have been deeply affected by the tragic event. Among the teams ready to respond is LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland). Additional LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams stand by, prepared to offer their services whenever they are needed to assist the shocked and hurting community during this difficult time. Rockford, Illinois Pastor James McCoid of Christ The Rock Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois, extended an invitation to LCC to bring our K-9 Comfort Dogs to offer solace and support to the community in the wake of a senseless act of violence that killed four beloved members of the community on Wednesday.
Additionally, LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry (HMC) has placed four hearts and crosses to pay tribute to each victim and in encouragement for community members to sign and write messages to each of the victims' families, embodying the spirit of compassion and unity during this difficult time. We pray that the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion will serve as a reminder that people across the nation love and support them, and that both communities would find solace in the presence of these comforting reminders of the hope we find through Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus! Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
School Bus Accident in Rushville, Illinois A horrible tragedy happened on Monday, March 11, in Rushville, Illinois, when a school bus with three preschool students collided with a truck on the way to school. The accident took the lives of five precious and loved people: David Coufal (72), Noah Driscoll (3), siblings Andrew Miller (3) and Maria Miller (5), and Angela Spiker (57). The small community of 3,000 was deeply affected by the loss of David, Noah, Andrew, Maria, and Angela. School was canceled until Thursday to give the students and staff time to process the shock of this tragedy. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was invited by Michelle Miller from Schuyler-Industry Schools to be at the schools on Thursday as the students and staff returned. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Dinah (Trinity - Auburn, Illinois), Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, Illinois), and Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri) and their dedicated teams replied, "Here am I, send me," when they learned of this request to be there for the preschool, teachers, high school, and middle school students. Michelle and the Schuyler-Industry Schools staff were thankful that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams would support the students and staff as they returned to school. They did not feel alone in their grief and sadness after losing three young preschool students, their bus driver, and the grandfather of one of the students. The over 2-hour drive to Rushville was not an easy one for the teams, as they faced numerous challenges along the way. Despite the storms, strong winds, and debris on the road, the teams persevered and made it to their destination safely. With God's protection, they were able to overcome adversity and arrive in Rushville ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead. Their resilience is a testament to their commitment and dedication to their mission to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
The children and counselors found comfort in signing the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, one for each person killed. They filled the hearts with messages of love and support. At the vigil, the night before school resumed, the Mayor said, “When a tragedy hits like this… we come out and help…we get stronger.” The students spent time coloring in the LCC K-9 Ministry Coloring Books that LCC sent for the students and staff. Mini Stuffed LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the Comfort Dog cards for Dinah, Esther, Jordan, and Noah were left in the school office for the school to give out when needed. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams made many new friends during this visit, which significantly impacted all of the handlers since every person the team met was affected by this tragedy. At the end of the day, Michelle Miller became emotional as she told the handlers how much it meant to her that the teams were there. She said she had a wonderful day, which surprised her because she dreaded it so much. We hold in our hearts and prayers the families of those killed and for the community as they continue to grieve the loss of these five precious children of God. We pray they feel the hope, comfort, and strength only God can provide. Concordia University - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Loss of Two Elementary School Students in Texas
Support for the Family of Rev. Michael Scholz On Saturday, March 16, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, Illinois), Mercy (Our Savior - Louisville, Kentucky), Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Tabby (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri), and their teams were there to support the family of Rev. Michael Scholz with comfort, warmth, and love. Rev. Scholz and his wife, Amy, have been wonderful supporters of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry for many years. It was with much love that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams wanted to be there for the Scholz family and their friends.
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like these. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
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