8 CHURCHES FROM COLORADO, KANSAS, AND NEBRASKA REPRESENTED AT NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL GATHERING7/31/2024
Last weekend, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado came together for the North Central Regional Gathering, hosted at Trinity Lutheran Church Fremont, Nebraska. In all, 10 teams of comfort dogs, handlers, and ministry partners from eight churches (plus three soon-to-be LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams) joined for a time of worship, fellowship, remembrance, thanksgiving, and training. “There was much joy, love, collaboration, and celebration as the teams came together, uniting old and new friends,” the group agreed. “It was a time to learn, grow, and give thanks to God for this ministry.” The weekend was a busy one as the teams received training and certification in Spiritual First Aid™, another tool for the teams to use as they encounter people who have experienced trauma. The teams also enjoyed some refresher handler training to sharpen their skills and confidence in working with their LCC K-9 Comfort Dog. Participants included 10 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from eight churches in three states:
Joining the group were three Soon-to-be LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams:
The Regional Gathering also included the handler team from Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo, Nebraska, who had LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Moses, before he passed away earlier this year. Moses was the first Comfort Dog placed in the state of Nebraska almost 12 years ago. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams in the North Central Region were able to celebrate the impact Moses and his team had, including hundreds of relationships formed over a dozen years of ministry work. “It was a wonderful opportunity to surround the Moses Comfort Dog team in love and prayer,” Gathering attendees said. On Saturday, Comfort Dog teams engaged with congregation members of Trinity Lutheran at a meet and greet before the evening church service. There were so many smiles as people saw the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, handlers and ministry partners lined up to greet them. The room was filled with conversation and laughter — a wonderful time to share God’s love and comfort. “We are thankful for the warm hospitality and delicious food provided by Trinity Lutheran during the training. The volunteers at Trinity went all out to make everyone feel welcomed,” some of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams and LCC staff remarked. ![]() Four LCC Comfort Dogs and their handlers shared God's love, hope, and comfort at the national conference of Bereaved Parents of the USA at Hilton Washington Dulles Airport last weekend. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Kezia (Emmanuel Lutheran, Baltimore, Maryland), Solomon (King of Glory Lutheran, Williamsburg, Virginia) , and Abraham (Trinity Lutheran, Hicksville, New York) joined LCC Comfort Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way Lutheran, Ashburn, Virginia) at this important and emotional event. Founded in 1995, Bereaved Parents of the USA is a national organization for families who have lost a child. For the last couple of years, the group has invited Lutheran Church Charities to provide a safe, loving presence for attendees. “It is a time for the handlers and ministry partners to carry God's light during those moments of sadness and loss,” the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams agreed. Handlers and ministry partners also presented more than 100 Hearts of Mercy and Compassion, each bearing the name of the loved ones who had passed away. These special hearts were given to each parent, sibling, and grandparent who attended the conference and memorial service. The handlers, ministry partners, and comfort dogs listened quietly as attendees shared stories and memories of their lost sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. Many welcomed gentle hugs of support. Emotions flowed genuinely and without reservation . One woman shared with the LCC Comfort Dog team, “I have been here year after year, but have no new pictures or stories to share of my child, I only have my memories.” Attendees support one another and celebrate the lives of those they have lost, but the warmth and kindness a comfort dog can touch them deeply. Many bereaved parents buried their faces and their tears in the soft fur of Kezia, Abraham, Amos, and Solomon. One of the Comfort Dog handlers shared, “I have never received more hugs while being out with Amos! We saw that those who were suffering felt the promise of hope in our prayers for them. Our compassion reminded them that Jesus’s love is present in their loss and they were comforted by our presence.” The Hearts of Mercy and Compassion also proved meaningful. Each one bore the name of a loved one who had passed away. Handlers and ministry partners saw emotion and appreciation on their faces. Some hugged the hearts they received tightly to their chest. One parent sat down next to Kezia Comfort Dog with a Heart and said, “This is my daughter.” Another handler shared, “There was one older woman who wasn’t familiar with our ministry. She was very overcome with appreciation for the Heart she received and asked us if we believed in Jesus. We all said ‘yes!’ She said, “Well this really gives me hope and inspiration.” ![]() Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response ministry continues to assist in cleanup efforts across the Northern Illinois District (NID), which was affected by a derecho that produced 70 to 110 mph winds on July 14. The severe storm also spun up 39 tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service Chicago. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response; Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager; Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders, and volunteers have been assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners the last two weeks with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. They have worked through multiple church communities within the district, completing 34 sites, including several homes that were multi-day jobs due to the extent of the damage and at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries in Kingston, Illinois. The LERT teams will continue to serve next week until the requests for assistance are completed. The derecho traveled 394 miles across four states, according to NWS Chicago. At times, the storm was 60 miles wide across northeast Missouri, eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana, which caused widespread power outages that lasted nearly a week, plus a swath of damaged homes and businesses and scores of uprooted trees. "Extensive damage and dangerous limbs" — stories of care, professionalism, and sharing faith
Northern Illinois Good Shepherd Lutheran, Elgin – David Vollrath Immanuel Lutheran, Batavia – Bill Pietsch Immanuel Lutheran, Belvidere – Karyn Salgado Immanuel Lutheran, DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire Immanuel Lutheran, Dundee – Jon Bartel, Bill Conforti, Carl Fischer, Terry Fuelling, Matt Flynn, Doug and Kelley Hoyt Lord of Life Lutheran, Elburn – Ken Johnston, Kevin Krage, Max Metz, Jeff Straughn, Larry Zagorski Peace Lutheran, Beecher – Jan Schultz Prince of Peace Lutheran, Palatine – Jim Beckley St. John Lutheran, Wheaton – Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Jim Long, Dave Mummah Lutheran, Anna Piro, Sherri Sanders, Jonathan Schaefer St. John Lutheran, Elgin – Bernie Zimdahl St. John Lutheran, Sycamore – Steve Brown St. John Lutheran, Union – Rick Miller St. John’s Lutheran, Wilmette – Tom Morrison St. Paul Lutheran, Rockford – Dean and Carol Ulrich St. Peter Lutheran, Arlington Heights – Lois Lehman St. Peter Lutheran, Schaumburg – Missy Dieckman, Sean Freres, Ken and Vicki Kiviranta, Bob Royce Trinity Lutheran, Lisle – Tim Blake, Ed and Jan Boerman, Adam Collinson, Ken Scott, Kent Worrell Trinity Lutheran, Roselle – Kristin Bilar Indiana Christ Lutheran, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn South Wisconsin Brookfield Lutheran – Laura Ciletti, Roger Kautz St. Paul Lutheran, Grafton – Mark and Beverly Brueggemann, Stu Natale St. Paul Lutheran, Janesville – Lark and Terry Sanders LCC partners Mission Haiti and Habitat For Children Ministries are hosting a Vacation Bible School this week, and with more than 400 children participating, the energy is high and the enthusiasm is contagious!
LCC President/CEO Chris Singer joined them via Zoom to share a message of hope and compassion. The VBS theme is “Praise the Lord Always,” using Psalm 117:1: “Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the Lord.” ![]() On July 24th, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel and his veteran handler Jim Morrison had the privilege of being present to bid farewell to the veterans embarking on the remarkable journey of Honor Flight Chicago #116. While all Honor Flights hold a special place in our hearts, this particular event carried two extraordinary aspects that made it truly memorable. Firstly, this flight marked a significant milestone as it transported the 11,000th veteran to our nation's capital, where they would visit various military memorials and sites to pay homage to their sacrifices. Additionally, what made Honor Flight Chicago #116 even more exceptional was the presence of veteran Edward Wall on board. Edward's remarkable service spans across World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, showcasing his unwavering dedication and bravery. Meeting Edward and engaging in heartfelt conversations with him was a profound honor and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans. The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry has served at the Honor Flight Chicago since 2018, providing comfort and support to veterans at five processing stations in the baggage claim area before their flights. The Comfort Dogs have been a source of solace and companionship for these brave individuals, offering a sense of calm and reassurance during what can be a stressful time. The event resonates with our mission, highlighting the importance of honoring our veterans and their invaluable service to our country. Join us in celebrating the emotional and unforgettable moments of this event as we continue to uphold our commitment to serving those in need with love and care. Honor Flight Chicago recognizes the bravery, determination and patriotism of our nation’s senior war veterans with a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington, D.C. The trip is only one day, but the experience is life-changing. LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve!
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders, and volunteers have been assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners since last Tuesday with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. They have worked through Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elburn, Illinois, completing 18 sites, including several homes that were multi-day jobs due to the extent of the damage and at Walcamp. The LCC LERT teams will continue to serve next week until the requests for assistance are completed. Working Together to Make a Difference Northern Illinois and the South Wisconsin District LERT volunteers partnered to work at two sites in Janesville, Wisconsin. One of the sites required the new Nifty Lift 64 to remove multiple widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops) from four trees. The homeowner had surgery right before the storms, so she could not do any cleanup and was grateful for all of the help, mercy, and compassion shown to her. Bringing Relief to a Family with Significant Property Damage
Twenty-Five LERT Volunteers Make Walcamp Safe to Reopen This Week On Saturday, 25 LERT volunteers worked at clearing downed and damaged trees and widow makers from Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCSM) Recognized Service Organization (RSO). The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week. We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed Inspiring the Next Generation of Helpers
My dad Bill Alar was part of the Lord of Life LERT group. He started the group with Larry. My dad loved being able to help others. Unfortunately, we lost him very unexpectedly 2 years ago. He never would have imagined the LERT crew coming to save us. I didn't even have to reach out for help. At 5:00 a.m., the next day Ken Johnston sent me a message telling us not to worry because LERT was already on it. Within a few hours, Larry was here to get things rolling. The amazing group of people have worked incredibly hard all week long. There aren't enough or the right words to thank everyone. It was truly a blessing. - Jen Alar LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
![]() Lutheran Church Charities Human Care ministry continues to support Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, and its Restoring Hope food pantry as the Houston metro region recovers from Hurricane Beryl. Last week, the church’s food pantry distributed food to 270 families, according to Restoring Hope director Lauren McCardell. “We are still seeing a higher than usual amount of people seeking food assistance,” she said. “We are grateful for all the donations, so we can continue to help those who are hurting and in need. We know we serve a God who is faithful.” The food pantry has low supplies or is out of staple items, including cereal, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, pasta, soup, Hamburger Helper, and other goods. Earlier this month, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of the food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need. In response, LCC donors and some area grocery stores have contributed $8,800 of food, said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry. Because of impacts and delays, their usual large food shipment will not arrive until the end of summer. Due to long-term power outages, many families have lost their food, and stores have been slow to reopen and restock their shelves. Additionally, many people have lost wages because their workplaces have remained closed without electricity. “There is still a great need to provide food support to the Houston metro area as they rebuild their lives,” Snider said. “We are grateful to all those who have donated, and we ask for your continued prayers and generous support to help people recover from the hurricane.” Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help. Click the button to learn more about how LCC Human Care is providing assistance to families affected by Hurricane Beryl and other efforts. We are thrilled to report that one of our Human Care appeals has made a significant impact on a family in need. Through the generosity of our donors, the Nichols family was able to repair their roof, addressing a crucial need in their household. A recent update from the pastor highlights the positive effects of this support on the family. ![]() Greetings, Mr. Nichols's health is still very fragile, but he and his wife keep God at the center of everything they do. The generosity of the saints has allowed them to have the outside of their roof repaired, which has stopped the water from leaking into the kitchen. Thank you for all the support from the family of God to the Nichols family. We continue to ask you to pray for the family. God's blessings! Pastor Bryan A. Reeves Immanuel Lutheran Church Richton Park, Illinois
This approach underscores the importance of sincerity and allowing one's faith to guide the message. By encouraging individuals to write from their heart, recognizing the Holy Spirit's prompting, we can offer messages that reflect God’s love.
At another vigil recently, high school friends wrote messages that bring memories of the friends they lost, speaking of their smile and laugh or an inside joke that takes a personal tone. It is also common to add Scripture references like were added - Romans 8:18 and Psalm 62:2 – messages that hold great encouragement for a believer. At memorial sites across the nation, individuals are encouraged to contribute personal messages on the hearts. The HMC placard at the memorial site invites visitors to share memories of the person, offer words of encouragement or a message of hope. In Rockford, Illinois, earlier this year, a young visitor bowed his head in contemplation as he deliberated over what to inscribe on a Heart of Mercy & Compassion. Similarly, in Charlotte, North Carolina, vigil attendees solemnly penned messages in honor of first responders who had died in the line of duty. Often, the overflow of heartfelt messages extends to encompass the arms and legs of the cross. This abundance of support surrounding a family is a profound blessing indeed! Messages of gratitude also fill the hearts when we gift hearts to honor veterans, first responders, church workers, or volunteers. These heartfelt tributes express deep appreciation for their dedicated service and selfless contributions. By trusting in the Holy Spirit, individuals can offer words of love, hope, and compassion that will be cherished by the family for years to come. Anyone can contribute to this mission by signing or gifting a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to someone in need. Let us all come together to offer comfort and support during life's most difficult moments.
CLICK HERE to learn more how you can request a Heart of Mercy & Compassion for someone in need. ![]() “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences a parent can go through. Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse in Wisconsin is an organization that provides support and love to parents and families who have lost a child. Recently, at their annual Memorial Walk, families were able to honor their lost children by stopping at signs placed along the route. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was also present, offering comfort and providing support to these families. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) and their handlers offered a quiet place to collect one's thoughts at the end of the walk. One boy spent most of the day with the Comfort Dogs and their handlers processing the big emotions of losing his beloved brother. "Our boy loved these dogs! He spent the whole time cuddling them. Thank you for giving him this opportunity! He needed the comfort after he saw his brother sign." The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry grieves with these families and provides emotional and spiritual support to help them through their grief. If you want to support the work of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, consider donating to help them continue to provide comfort to those suffering and in need. |
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