The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams continue to serve and bring comfort to the community of Waukesha, Wisconsin, that was devastated by the Christmas parade tragedy. On Sunday, November 21, the driver of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) plowed into participants and observers at a Christmas parade killing six people, including an 8-year-old boy, and injuring 62 others.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Pastor Peter Schmidt from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha and were present at the Waukesha Candlelight Vigil that night.

LCC K-9 and HMC Ministry teams continue to serve with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer.

The hearts/crosses are placed at the Veterans Park memorial site for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the six lives lost so far.

Additional hearts/crosses were left with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and ministry teams serving Waukesha, Wisconsin starting Monday, November 22- present:

Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois)
Candace (LCC Staff based in Wisconsin)
Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois)
Hagar (Faith Lutheran – Appleton, Wisconsin)
Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois)
Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, Wisconsin)
Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin)
Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois)
Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois)
Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin)
Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin)

On Saturday, November 27, Bekah, Charity, Mary, Rhoda, Sage, Samson, and Zoey Comfort Dogs and their handlers were invited to spend time with members of the Waukesha High School marching band and their families at Waukesha West High School. The Waukesha High School Band was part of the annual Christmas parade last week and was impacted by the horrible tragedy of that day.
 
The students, families, faculty, and community members gathered together at Saturday’s bonfire to draw strength and comfort from one another. The Waukesha High School students and their families sought comfort and love from the Comfort Dogs. During these times of loss and hurt, all we can do is show up with love and let those who are hurting know we are there for them.

On Monday, November 29, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were at two schools affected by the Waukesha parade tragedy.

Hagar, Rhoda, and Samson Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time with each class at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School. Monday was the first time the students had been back to school since the parade crash. Having the Comfort Dogs there brought a happy distraction during a very difficult time. The K-9s spent time giving the students much love and attention as they continue to process and heal from this tragedy that affected their hometown.
 
"The dogs are just doing their jobs in essence," said Gary Kilvinger, Lutheran Church Charities handler for Charity Comfort Dog. "That's what they're trained to do, to bring this calmness to people's lives."

Clarendon Elementary, Mukwonago, Wisconsin, was the other school that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams visited on Monday. Bekah, Charity, and Mary Comfort Dogs were there to capture the tears and receive the students' sweet hugs and gentle touches. The Comfort Dogs were good listeners and responded to the children and teachers with their soft, understanding eyes and unconditional love.
 
When the school counselor saw the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs arrive Monday morning, she breathed a sigh of relief. "People have dogs, but these dogs bring another level of comfort I have never seen. Your dogs helped in so many ways. Your teams are amazing."
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to serve these two schools and their compassionate and dedicated teachers and principals.

On Monday evening, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams visited and served the City of Waukesha 911 Dispatch and Police Department who had responded to the horrible incident at the Christmas parade. 
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary, Rhoda, Sage, Samson, Zoey, and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Candace, Charity, Eve, and Julia were there to love and comfort these brave men and women who give of themselves, their skills, and knowledge to help in difficult times. God gives us each other to lean on, love, and pray with when we are hurting. 

A Heart of Mercy & Compassion was presented to the City of Waukesha 911 Dispatch and Waukesha Police Department in appreciation of their dedication and service.
 
Please keep the Waukesha community and the first responders who serve them in your prayers as they continue to heal.

LCC never goes where we are not invited. LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministries NEVER charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Please keep the Waukesha, Wisconsin community in your prayers following the devastating tragedy.

There are many people coming to the Put Your Hands Together (PYHT) Food Ministry in Hillside, Illinois, for food relief during the holiday season. Bringing the love of our Lord Jesus, his hope, and comfort during a stressful time for many struggling individuals and families has always been PYHT's mission.

Dedicated LCC volunteers Rob and Jennifer Fosness recently led a team of volunteers in a painting event for the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry. Along with several other volunteers, including members of St. Matthew’s, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, LWML, eighty hearts, and sixty fish were painted to help build stock at LCC for serving those who are suffering and in need or to celebrate a victory, honor service, as an expression of love, or to be an encouragement in the face of adversity.

Thank you, St. Matthew, for your passion for assisting in this meaningful and growing ministry of sharing mercy, compassion, love, and hope of Jesus through presence and prayer.

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

At 4:39 pm on Sunday, November 21, the Waukesha Christmas parade route was packed with families and children of all ages who were present for the festive occasion when a fleeing vehicle drove recklessly into the route. Six people have been killed – four female adults and one male adult with ages ranging from 52 – 81, and one 8-year-old boy who passed away on Tuesday. Six children are critical and approximately 62 other victims with injuries ranging from critical, serious, and fair conditions. Eighteen patients between the ages of 3 to 16 were taken to Children’s Wisconsin Hospital, including three sets of siblings.
 
In less than 24 hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Pastor Peter Schmidt from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha and were present at the Waukesha Candlelight Vigil that night.

Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO deployed with LCC K-9 Ministry teams and brought hearts/crosses through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), Crosses for Losses Ministry to help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event.
 
LCC K-9 and HMC Ministry teams served with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer. The hearts/crosses are placed at the Veterans Park memorial site for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the five lives lost so far. Additional hearts/crosses were left with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Monday night the community of Waukesha came out to support each other after Sunday’s devastating tragedy. Attendees shared their grief, honored the victims, sought comfort, and found hope. A simple touch of the hand placed on the soft warm fur of one of the Comfort Dogs, hugging tightly one of the plush LCC K-9 Comfort Dog stuffies, prayers from the handlers or the opportunity to write their messages to the families on the LCC Hearts of Mercy and Compassion for each of the victims helped them process their grief.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Candace (LCC Staff), Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), and Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin), along with their ministry teams were present at the vigil to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.

LCC K-9 Ministry teams have already been invited to visit the following:
 
Pewaukee School District: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity and Rhoda and their teams visited teachers and staff on Monday, November 22, in preparation for the students to return to class on Tuesday.
 
Waukesha Emergency Service Group: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs invited to the Friends & Family Resource Center at Carroll University Campus Center this week to be a calming presence for anyone who is in need of counsel or help.
 
Hales Corner Lutheran Church: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog attended prayer service on Tuesday, November 23, to comfort those who are grieving.
 
Beautiful Savior Lutheran School: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will visit each classroom to comfort students and staff on Monday, November 29.
 
Waukesha Police Department & Dispatch: On Monday, November 29, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will visit night shift officers, dispatch, and support staff that responded to the parade tragedy to thank them for their service and comfort them as they continue to process what they experienced that night.

Through these tragic times, we hold on to each other and God’s love and presence. LCC K-9 Ministry teams will continue to serve in Waukesha and the surrounding community as invited wherever they are needed.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassions Ministry never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

Your donations have also provided assistance to teachers at the Lutheran Schools in Jeremie District. Because of your support, many of the teachers have had their homes repaired, and food has been provided for the school children. Our pastors and teachers continue to care for their neighbors and students and are grateful for your continued support!

On Saturday, November 20, LCC held a basic LCMS Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) training for new members at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, led by Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response. There were a total of 14 in attendance, from the following university and churches in Illinois:
 
Concordia University Chicago, River Forest
Immanuel, Palatine
Our Savior, Chicago
St. John, Wheaton
 
It is good to see how the disaster response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need.