Blog Archives

Candlelight Vigil For Officer Michael Chesna

7/24/2018

On Sunday July 15, Officer Michael Chesna of the Weymouth Police Department in Massachusetts was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to arrest a man. The suspect fled, and then allegedly killed a woman before being taken into custody by police.

On July 16, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Obadiah (Christ – Scituate, Massachusetts) attended a candlelight vigil in honor of both victims, and offered compassion and comfort to the many people who came to mourn together.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..." - Psalm 34:14

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Nursing Home

7/24/2018

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Damaris (Memorial – Katy, Texas) visited a nursing home this past Tuesday July 17. She did rises and hugs, bringing joy, mercy, comfort, and compassion to residents. Everyone was happy to enjoy her. One lady was hesitant until her roommate began to hug Damaris, then they both shared petting Damaris. It is truly a gift from God to bring comfort to the elderly.

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Recognizing New Lord of Glory LERT Volunteers

7/24/2018

Kathy O'Day, Director of Disaster Response for LCC, was asked to join Rev. Brian Davies at Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, Grayslake, Illinois to recognize seven new LERT trained volunteers during both Sunday morning worship services. Kathy also led a class between services on what a LERT volunteer does to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Rev. Davies encouraged members of the congregation to become LERT certified so they can become a LCC LERT team in the Northern Illinois District. Approximately 25 people attended the class and were very interested to hear how they, as the church, can respond to those in their congregation, community and beyond affected by a disaster. Many indicated they would like to become LERT certified and form a tea

Distraught Families Homeless and in Need of Assistance

7/19/2018

LCC Responds to Massive Apartment Fire in Prospect Heights, Illinois

Jesus said: "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

In less than 24 hours, LCC began working with Prospect Heights Mayor Nicholas Helmer to support over 150 first responders from 50 local departments who bravely responded to the tragic fire that destroyed multiple buildings in an apartment complex.

NBC Chicago: Aerial Footage Shows Immense Damage in Prospect Heights Fire

Eighty-eight apartment units were affected and over 200 people, adults and children, are displaced losing everything they have. Please donate now to help LCC provide financial assistance to these families.

GIVE NOW

Early this morning, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Emma, Jacob (LCC Staff), Seth and Marie (Comfort Dogs in Training) visited one of the temporary housing shelters to bring comfort and hope to distraught families. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will continue to visit shelters and on-site where the fires occurred.

The Comfort Dogs always bring relief to all of the first responders.

LCC Disaster Response is working with local response agencies, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to provide resources for the displaced families. The LCC headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, will serve as the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) location for the local agencies to deliver services to individuals and families.

LCC Disaster Response is working with local response agencies, the Red Cross, and other COAD partners to provide resources for the displaced families.

Please pray for everyone responding and impacted by this tragic fire. If you are so moved, please donate to help LCC help our closest neighbors as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.

Serving Together, Serving Others, in the Name and Presence of Jesus.

Tim Hetzner
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry

TM 50 Boom Lift Training

7/17/2018

St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois, hosted the first TM 50 Boom Lift Operation & Safety Advanced Chainsaw training on Saturday, July 14. It was co-led by Lutheran Church Charities Advanced Chainsaw Team Leaders Derek Kowalczyk, Ed Boerman and Steve Chester. This training was developed by LCC using OSHA and ISA safety standards to be the mandatory LERT training to operate the boom lift, and work as the lift ground safety crew.

There were seventeen Advanced Chainsaw LERT affiliates representing:
Cross, Yorkville
Prince of Peace, Palatine
St. John, Wheaton
St. Peter, Hampshire
Trinity, Lisle
Trinity, Roselle

It was a very informative and hands-on training. Groups were able to train with harnesses, safety equipment, and rigging to practice safe operation of the boom lift and rigging techniques while using the lift. LCC is equipping advanced chainsaw LERT team members with effective and safe knowledge vital for LERT volunteers to utilize when removing trees after storms.

Learn to Lead Four-Part Devotion Series Begins

7/17/2018

Start your day with a free devotion from Tim Hetzner, President/CEO of Lutheran Church Charities. This new four-part devotional series "Learn to Lead," begins next Tuesday, July 24.

devotion archives

C.O.P.S Kids Camp

7/17/2018

The LCC K-9 Police Ministry had the honor of helping with C.O.P.S. Kids Camp from July 8th to July 14th in Wisconsin. The Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) organization hosts the annual event to bring together survivors of fallen law enforcement officers from across the country. The camp involves many activities and sharing experiences to help support the survivors. Police Ministry Dogs Shiloh (Christ Our Savior - Dixon, Illinois), Eve (St. John’s - Lombard, Illinois), Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois), and Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin) served in various ways throughout the week. They welcomed survivors on arrival, comforted them during counseling sessions and other activities at camp, and helped with farewells on departure day. Please remember the survivors of fallen law enforcement officers and other first responders in your prayers.

Donate - K-9 Police Ministry Fund

Wings of Mercy

7/17/2018

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry attended the Wings of Mercy fundraiser to meet and greet the supporters of this wonderful charity. K-9s Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois), Kye (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois), and Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus helped bring comfort and compassion to all in attendance.

Since 1991, Wings of Mercy pilots have been donating free flights to distant medical facilities for patients who cannot afford to fly commercially. They take the travel expenses out of a person's treatment choices.

Donate - Kare 9 Military Ministry Fund

Paws at the Pool

7/17/2018

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry based at Immanuel Church in Belvidere, Illinois, welcomed four hundred guests from the Belvidere community to the free event, Paws at the Pool. Pups, partying, popsicles and prayer! Five pool passes for season 2019 were given away to some lucky attendees. Everyone had a blast! LCC K-9s in attendance were Eunice (LCC Staff), Bekah (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin).

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Rummage Sale

7/17/2018

.On Thursday, July 12, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mahlah (Our Savior – Milford, Illinois) and Comfort Dog-in-Training Myra visited Our Savior Lutheran Church in Momence, Illinois, for their fundraising rummage sale. The proceeds of the sale will be going to help the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund