In a remarkable display of teamwork and dedication, LERT volunteers from three churches joined forces last week to tackle the daunting task of removing a massive tree from Christ The Rock Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois.

Pastor Jim McCoid expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, acknowledging their hard work and commitment to restoring the church's property.

Christ The Rock, Rockford
Mike Buhl, Bill Davidson
 
Lord of Life, Elburn
Kevin Krage, Larry Zagorski
 
St. Paul, Rockford
Dean Ulrich

Lutheran Church Charities remains steadfast in its mission to foster community involvement and support during challenging times, reminding us of the importance of coming together to uplift those in need. Join us in this vital work; your support can make a difference for families facing crises.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) were invited by the Loveland Police Department to participate in the first Fentanyl Awareness Community Event. The event was held at Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, Colorado. This important and needed event drew together community members and organizations to create awareness and combat the horrible losses of life due to fentanyl use.

The goal of the event was to raise awareness and provide education and resources to community members about the dangers of fentanyl. The event was geared toward students, young adults, and parents with an emphasis on how to start those difficult conversations. The keynote speaker was Andrea Thomas, founder of Voices for Awareness, who lost her daughter to fentanyl poisoning. There were several other families present who had lost family members to fentanyl. The Northern CO Drug Task Force Detective and Senior Deputy DA also spoke about their key points being Educate. Act. Prevent.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Devorah and Zacchaeus were present to greet and connect with friends they already knew (first responders, teachers, health care providers, etc.) and to meet many new friends from near and far. A moment in time to strengthen relationships and give support to families impacted by the damaging effects of fentanyl use.

Devorah’s and Zacchaeus' teams look forward to being present when more education and awareness events are held in the future to offer comfort, support, and friendship. We thank God for opening this door for the Comfort Dog Ministry at Redeemer Lutheran Church Fort Collins to support the Loveland community in this way.

 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2 )

The church has a community garden that has been operating since 2011. It began with a social justice advocate who learned how many people in their community face food insecurity.  She partnered with another church member who had a passion for gardening.  Together, they grew a team of volunteers who had the desire to help people in need. Over the years, they have developed local partnerships and share their food with several food pantries.

The leadership team recognized more people want to be involved but are limited by their work schedules. They increased involvement by starting the adopt-a-plant program, passing out seeds to church members to grown in their own backyards, and bring the fruits and vegetables back to the church, to contribute to the food that gets shared with the food pantries.

The 1,400 pounds of food they've provided this year is a testament to the impact of their efforts. Their commitment to addressing food insecurity through their garden and adopt-a-plant program is truly inspiring. 

Their Breakfast with Babies program is equally impressive. Once a month, they serve over hundred families by providing a welcoming space for parents and young children to build community by sharing a meal and offering essential items, such as clothes, shoes and baby items. People who participate often bring the items back when they are done with them so they can share them with other families. As a way of thanking the church, many parents decide to become volunteers to pass the blessing to others.

This cycle of giving, allows them to contribute back to the program, creates a strong sense of community and mutual support. These initiatives show how churches can leverage their resources and community connections to make a significant difference in people’s lives. It’s a great example of faith in action, meeting tangible needs while fostering a sense of belonging and support.   

These initiatives show how churches can leverage their resources and community connections to make a significant difference in people’s lives. It’s a great example of faith in action, meeting tangible needs while fostering a sense of belonging and support.