Sarah Sekki, LCC Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion presented an inspiring message at the Blessed Is She luncheon on Tuesday, where First Lady Mrs. Sharon Dawn and the CUC community welcomed more than 40 women for an afternoon of faith and fellowship. As the keynote speaker and graduate of Concordia Chicago, Sarah encouraged attendees to live boldly and confidently in Christ’s promises each day.

Drawing from the luncheon’s theme based on Luke 1:45—“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her”—Sarah opened her presentation with a reflection: “Blessed are we, when we believe that God will fulfill His promises to us, and that we let Him lead us in our lives, to bring Him glory. Every day.” Her message emphasized trust in God’s guidance and the importance of surrendering daily life to His will.

At the heart of her talk was a simple yet powerful reminder: “Behind every good deed, is God, in the lead.” Through this perspective, Sarah encouraged women to recognize God’s active presence in their lives and to trust in His power to work through them. The luncheon served as a meaningful time of encouragement, connection, and renewed faith for all in attendance.

The LCC Cares Ministry team highlighted the powerful impact of compassionate outreach through LCC Care Teams during a recent presentation at the LWML Spring Rally at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crown Point, IN.

They shared how Spiritual First Aid training equips volunteers to step into their communities, and beyond, with empathy, presence, and Christ-centered hope, offering care to those facing difficult moments in life.

The message resonated deeply with attendees. Following the presentation, several participants shared that while they are already active in a prayer ministry, they feel called to expand their outreach. They expressed interest in receiving Spiritual First Aid training and collaborating with neighboring congregations to form a unified Care Team to serve their communities more effectively.

In conjunction with the rally, participants also organized a food and diaper drive. Donations collected will support the food pantry at Tabor Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL, and the Breakfast with Baby Ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, IL, meeting critical, tangible needs for families experiencing hardship.
 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generosity and servant-hearted spirit shown by all who contributed. Their actions are a meaningful reflection of God’s love in motion.
 
Those interested in learning more about LCC Care Teams or scheduling a presentation for their church or group are encouraged to email [email protected]

At the invitation of Travis Grulke, Michigan DDRC and Rev. Jonathan Mumme, Associate Director of Theology at Hillsdale College, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) conducted a Basic and Intermediate LCMS LERT chainsaw operation and safety training on April 10 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI.

The classroom instruction was led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructor Pete Springmire, who provided comprehensive training on proper chainsaw use, safety procedures, and best practices. Team Leader Joel Powless assisted during the hands-on workday portion of the training.

On Saturday, April 11, seven Michigan LERT team members put their training into action, serving as sawyers and draggers to clear leaning, downed, and dead trees and limbs from the church property. Under the close supervision and guidance of LCC chainsaw instructors, these newly trained sawyers gained practical experience in safely felling and bucking trees.

The event was not only a valuable learning opportunity but also a meaningful act of service. It provided participants with hands-on skill development while fostering fellowship and teamwork in support of the church community.

Responding to Devastation

Eleven LCC LERT volunteers from the South Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Districts served this past week in Edwardsburg, MI—a community heavily impacted by EF3 tornadoes on March 10. Tragically, this storm claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and left many families displaced, with homes and properties suffering varying levels of damage.

Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Pastor Paul Doellinger of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cassopolis, MI, to assist the neighboring community with chainsaw work. The church graciously hosted the LERT volunteers. Led by Mark Brueggemann, LCC Regional Crisis Manager (SWD), the team served at six homes during their deployment.

Restoring Property and Hope for an Elderly Widow

One of the team’s most impactful visits was to the home of an elderly widow whose property was covered with fallen trees. Her son, overwhelmed by the destruction of the home he grew up in, walked the team through the damage, repeatedly asking, “Where do I even begin?”

The LERT volunteers stepped in with compassion and determination, working diligently to restore order and safety. Their efforts brought not only physical relief but emotional comfort. At the end of the day, they presented the widow with a slice of one of her trees, carved with a cross and signed by the team. Overjoyed, she shared, “I can’t believe what you accomplished in just one day! Many thanks to all of you!”

While the team could not solve every challenge the family faced, they brought the presence, hope, and love of Jesus to those they served.

Helping Neighbors Rebuild and Feel Safe Again

The team also worked at two neighboring properties. At the first site, although some trees had already been removed by insurance crews, significant debris remained along the fence line. Volunteers cleared downed trees and limbs, restoring safety and accessibility.

Next door, a home had been severely damaged by large trees during the tornado. The homeowners and their four dogs had taken shelter inside during the storm—thankfully escaping injury, though understandably shaken. The property still required extensive chainsaw and pole saw work to remove dangerous hanging limbs and fallen trees.

Both homeowners expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts and care. One even treated the team to pastries from a local bakery—a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation. It was truly a day of being a blessing to those in need.

A Grateful Community Response

At another site, the volunteers assisted Mr. B by removing two downed trees near his pond and clearing two trees leaning dangerously over railroad tracks behind his home. As with others, they presented him with a cross-carved slice of wood.

Later, he shared this message on social media:
“I received some much appreciated help from some volunteers from the Lutheran Church today. They cut up and cleared some trees and brush on my property from the tornado. They came from Wisconsin and truly cared for me while here. They even presented me with a plaque they made from my cut wood. God bless them all!”

Serving with Willing Hearts

LCC Disaster Response extends sincere thanks to the following LERT volunteers for their faithful and compassionate service:

Illinois

• Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif

Wisconsin

• Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti
• Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls – Roger Kautz
• St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Bev Brueggemann, Stu Natale
  
• St. Paul, Sheboygan Falls – James Fasse, Mark and Jody LaPean, Pete Strains
  
  

Through their hands-on service and heartfelt compassion, these volunteers made a lasting impact—helping not only to clear debris, but to restore hope in a community recovering from tragedy.

The Cares Ministry recently received a letter from a Pastor Ron Rock, Vacancy Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL, asking for help in finding a reliable vehicle for a grandmother in need. 

Interested in Donating a Vehicle?
Your unused or older vehicle—whether it's in great shape or needs a few repairs—could become a life-changing gift for a family in need. To learn more about how to donate, please email: [email protected].

For LERT volunteer and team leader Mark Razny, serving the community doesn’t always require a chainsaw or a muck bucket. Sometimes, all it takes is being there when someone asks.

When he heard that the neighboring community of Crete, IL, had endured a very tragic week, he knew the townspeople needed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — and ready to respond were the teams for Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, IN), and Michael (LCC Staff).

Crete’s tragic week began on March 23, when a woman allegedly shot an ex-boyfriend and then killed his mother and father in their home. Later that week, a grandfather and his three grandchildren were trapped in a burning home and perished. Three days later, a large family gathering allegedly turned into a domestic dispute and gun battle with three people shot, one of whom died at an area hospital. Two others are still in critical condition.

For a community of 15,000, Crete was rocked by this series of tragic events.

Recognizing the impact on its residents, Crete officials organized a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) last weekend and requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be present for help in offering mental health and support services for the community.

Over two days at the Crete Public Library, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers sat with, encouraged, and prayed with residents, children, town officials, and first responders who needed a few moments of quiet, peace, and encouragement.

On Thursday, Caleb and Michael visited with children and Crete residents, bringing smiles and joy. Their soft fur and waggy tails served as a welcome break from the anxiety and hurt felt around town.

On Saturday, Jael joined Caleb and Michael for a second afternoon of presence, cuddles, and friendly pets. Handlers listened to stories and offered support for the trauma that the community was still feeling.

“In a small community, to have three incidents like that in a few days is heavy and heartbreaking,” one handler said. “The people we met were so thankful to have some time to put that out of their minds and connect with a caring person. We were grateful to be able to be present with them.”

LCC thanks the following K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers: 
Hollye Blossom (Jael)
Joe Cunningham (Caleb)
Dan Fulkerson (Michael)
Kristen Kearney (Caleb)
Nancy Lashenik (Jael)

At Marie Montessori at Marsh School, Bella was a beloved student, known for her creativity, kindness, and joy.

A published author as middle schooler, she had a remarkable spirit and was gifted at expressing herself in ways that inspired her classmates.

When she passed away in April, the loss was immense for the entire school community.

“Together, we remember, we grieve, and we honor a life that meant so much to so many,” the school shared on its Facebook page.

To help students process their sorrow and sadness, four LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Illinois and Wisconsin visited the campus in Rockford, IL, to spend time with the 130 seventh- and eighth-graders

Responding to the call to be there for the school’s oldest two grades were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel – Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI) and Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), who sat in on an English lesson with seventh-graders and cuddled with eighth-graders between classes.

As only a comfort dog can, the four golden retrievers nuzzled students’ arms and positioned their bodies next to their middle school friends for pets and hugs.

“These seventh-grade boys sat and pet Bethesda for 20 minutes while their teacher read them a story from a book they were studying in English. I was so wonderful to watch the love being shared between them,” shared one handler.   

“The staff was so kind and Bella was very loved by her teachers and classmates. They had lots of wonderful memories of her.”

Bella had recently shared her heart and care for others through a book she wrote called YOUniquely Made about embracing one’s own story.

Her classmates also recalled in 2024 when Bella’s artwork was selected to be the design for a special jersey of the Rockford IceHogs, a local minor league hockey team, which was celebrating a literacy initiative. The school shared the video short the team filmed about her: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1293018398709355

The LCC teams could sense God’s presence and love during their visit, praying for the students, teachers, and staff.

“Through the crisis of the loss of a fellow student, so many sad hearts finding a bit of healing and comfort with the dogs’ help. It was beautiful to witness the love for a fellow student who lived a remarkable life,” another handler said. “These students loved on each other, loved and hugged our dogs, and were loved on by their teachers and support staff.”


LCC joins in the ongoing prayers for peace and comfort for the entire community of Marie Montessori at Marsh School.

Found

Luke 15:4-6 (NIV)
 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”

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Seven

Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV)
 “Then Peter came up and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven time, but seventy-seven times.’”

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Both puppies are starting to bond with their volunteer apprentice trainers as they work on socialization, training, and new adventures ahead.

Please enjoy following them on social media as they start their journeys to become LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. 

The memorial took place at First Baptist Church of Trussville, Alabama—a sanctuary so large it seemed to stretch endlessly. Yet what filled it most was not its size, but its spirit.
 
“There was this whole ocean of blue uniforms… at least 200.”
 
Dress blues. Crisp, solemn, unified. Rows upon rows of Air Force personnel stood shoulder to shoulder—pilots, crew members, spouses—each one carrying both grief and pride.
 
Karen, herself an Air Force veteran and the wife of a pilot, found connection easily.
 
“It was easy for me to talk with them… asking if they had worked or flown with Major Klinner.”
 
What she discovered was extraordinary. Not only had many known him—they had flown beside him. Some had traveled across the country, from places like Washington and Oklahoma, just to be there.
 
“Friends traveled across the country to his memorial… not family, but the ones who flew with him.”
 
Because when you serve together—especially far from home—you become something deeper than coworkers. You become family.

But what defined Major Klinner most was not just his service—it was his faith.
 
“Major Klinner was a strong Christian, who lived out his love for God—always.”
 
This wasn’t a quiet or occasional faith. It was visible—in his devotion to his wife and three young children, in his friendships, in the way he treated strangers, and in how he carried himself in the demanding world of military aviation.
 
The eulogies painted a clear picture:
 
“What a life walking with the Lord should look like.”
 
Again and again, speakers shared how he put others first—how he reached out, encouraged, and uplifted.
 
“He always reached out to others… always thinking about others.”
 
And in the midst of overwhelming grief, the service never lost sight of something eternal.
 
“The service included a Gospel message… a reminder to the 1,000 folks there that our grief isn’t without a greater hope.”
 
At the close, the pastor spoke words that seemed to gather the entire day into a single truth:
 
“Today is a day to honor Alex Klinner, but at the end of the day, it’s really about honoring the God that Alex loved and served.”
 
Karen reflected simply: “That’s what I want expressed at my memorial someday.”

Karen brought with her a tangible symbol of compassion—a “Heart of Mercy & Compassion” for attendees to sign. What began as uncertainty turned into a powerful act of unity.
 
“Most were happy to sign the heart.”
 
Each signature became a prayer, a memory, a message of love that would travel back to the families.
 
A Public Affairs Officer ensured that all three hearts would reach their respective families—and even be shared with squadron members who couldn’t attend.
 
It was a quiet but profound reminder: even in loss, love continues to move.

In the end, this was more than a memorial. It was a testimony.
 
A testimony of service.
Of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Of sacrifice.
And most of all—of faith.
 
“Please continue to pray for our service men and women—fighting and flying—and for their families here at home.”
 
Because behind every uniform is a story. Behind every mission is a family. And behind lives like Major Klinner’s is something eternal—something that points beyond loss to hope.
 
And in that sanctuary, filled with an ocean of blue, that hope was unmistakably present.