Lutheran Church Charities held a Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) Chainsaw Training and Service Event Workday at Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, on April 29-30. On Friday evening, the Basic LCMS Chainsaw class was co-led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructors Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire. On Saturday, twenty-six basic and advanced chainsaw certified LCC staff and L.E.R.T. team members worked as chainsaw and heavy equipment operators and draggers to clear downed and dead trees, limbs, and brush along the camp roads. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Executive Director expressed his sincere thanks for all of the work completed to prepare for campers. The ten first-time chainsaw operators received individual instruction and guidance from advanced team leaders as they began to safely practice felling and cutting trees and limbs, as well as serving with chainsaw team members. A new chainsaw operator stated, “I never thought I would learn so much about chainsaws and safe operation - and have so much fun with a group of people I had never known before. I definitely want to serve in this way.” These L.E.R.T. team volunteers came from the following Illinois and Wisconsin churches: Illinois Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel Powless Immanuel, Belvidere – Karyn Salgado Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete Springmire Immanuel, Dundee – Michael Brocato, Matt Flynn, Terry and Denise Fuelling, Doug and Kelley Hoyt Immanuel, Palatine – Chris Johnson Lord of Life, Elburn – Kevin Krage, Max Metz, Vince Miller, Larry Zagorski Our Savior, Chicago – James Hampe St. Paul, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich St. Peter, Rockford – Ken Kiviranta St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Anna Piro Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman Zion, Beecher – Jan Schulz Wisconsin St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann One of the participants sent the following note of thanks after the training: “Thank you all for a great time spent with the group at Walcamp. As always, the presentation on Friday was done so well and Saturday's work was very beneficial for the new people. We enjoy the company of such dedicated people and always come away uplifted.” The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund so that, when invited, we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) members Jim Beckley (Prince of Peace - Palatine, Illinois) and Bob Pautsch (Trinity - Roselle, Illinois), were asked if they could help a Carpentersville (Illinois) Habitat for Humanity family by clearing a dead oak tree that had fallen onto the roof. Prior to L.E.R.T.'s arrival, Habitat staff was able to remove the branches from the roof but were unable to remove the tree trunk. Jim, Bob, and Habitat volunteer staff removed what remained of the tree trunk and hauled the pieces up a long steep hill to Jim's trailer and Bob's van to be removed from the site. The homeowner was very appreciative of the assistance. At weekend worship services on April 30 and May 1, Lutheran Church Charities was the Featured Mission Partner at Prince of Peace (POP) Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois.
The K-9s were able to visit with the Sunday School classes and the Adult Bible Study to bring love and comfort to the participants. Deb Baran, LCC Director of Communications thanked the congregation for their continued support of all LCC Ministries, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, thanked the congregation for their generous support of LCC Disaster Response. Jim Beckley, Prince of Peace L.E.R.T. Team Leader, spoke to the congregation about how the Palatine L.E.R.T. team serves three ways - the congregation, local communities, and deployments to other states as requested.
The Palatine L.E.R.T. team is assembling Blessing Buckets, which are specific items that can be given to a disaster-affected family by a L.E.R.T. team member as they are being ministered to and served in the name of the Lord. LCC is grateful to Prince of Peace and its members for their partnership, support, and prayers. At the Elk Grove City Council Meeting on April 27, 2022, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California) received the Elk Grove 2022 Mayor’s Volunteer Award in the category of Service Organizations & Groups. These awards are designed to recognize volunteers who have made a significant impact on the quality of life in Elk Grove, California. Nominees must exemplify one or more of the following:
When the Mayor introduced Micah and the team, she mentioned she had actually met Micah a few times. Lee Hunter accepted the award on behalf of the team with humble thanks for the recognition. We felt blessed that LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah and her ministry team are showing Jesus’ love in a special way and making a difference in our community.
On Wednesday, April 27, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was the guest of the Thornwood High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Reader Awards Luncheon. The event recognized the efforts of students dedicated to making reading a vital part of their lives. Librarian Patti Brucki hosted the event and presented various awards to students who excelled in their commitment to reading. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff) greeted the students and brought love and compassion to all in attendance.
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