 With shock and heartbreak still weighing heavy on the community of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Lutheran Church Charities deployed teams of K-9 Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Care ministries on Monday to bring support and encouragement after a tragic mass shooting and fire resulted in four deaths and eight injuries. On Sunday morning, a motorist crashed a truck into a Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse and began shooting, then set a fire that consumed the building. “Our hearts are broken at the senseless loss of life in Grand Blanc, Michigan, this week,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. Lutheran Church Charities seeks to be present with those who are mourning and are devastated by this terrible tragedy. We have staff and volunteers on-site to listen, encourage, and pray with those who need a shoulder to lean on. Our prayer is that God will bring comfort through His holy presence today, this week, and over the weeks to come.” Amid grief and loss of their neighbors and friends, Pastor Robert Scott of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc invited LCC to serve alongside them this week to offer care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to the hurting community. Responding were six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Indiana and Ohio, who were present at Faith Lutheran Monday night and will serve the community in the comfort of Jesus through Friday, visiting with families, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and community members. LCC staff members are bringing Hearts of Mercy & Compassion in honor of the victims to be displayed at memorial sites. A community vigil will take place next week. Additionally, LCC will have volunteers trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to provide support to the public, especially those who have been deeply affected by this tragic incident.  On Tuesday, Rev. Singer sent out a special appeal to assist LCC in responding to the Michigan tragedy and urged LCC supporters to pray for the families and individuals affected. Comfort Dogs teams for Caleb (Immanuel Valparaiso, IN), Claudia (Trinity Toledo, OH), Damascus (St. Paul Napoleon, OH), Eternity (Cornerstone Carmel, IN), Jared (Holy Cross Fort Wayne, IN), and Magdalene (Cornerstone Carmel, IN) began their ministry efforts at Faith Lutheran to meet with members of the congregation who knew victims of the shooting and fire. The teams also connected with nurses outside Henry Ford Genesys Hospital to pray with them and relieve some of the stress of the week. Later this week, K-9 teams will meet with law enforcement officers and attend a Wednesday night prayer service at Faith Lutheran, where community members have been invited to attend. Sarah Sekki, director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and Denise Snider, director of LCC Care Ministry, arrived Tuesday and coordinated setting up hearts and crosses at memorial sites and lining up help resources within the Grand Blanc community. A community memorial event is scheduled for next Tuesday.
 Standing near the entrance of the ministry’s nearly 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Schaumburg, IL, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer looked around the industrial space. Concrete floor. Four cinder block walls. Metal corrugated roof. “Now look around again,” Rev. Singer said. “Ordinary warehouse. Ordinary machinery. Ordinary people. But in God’s hands … guess what this is? Extraordinary. And we give thanks to God for that. It’s dependent upon Him to take and use these ordinary parts and make it useful to His will and His purpose.” On Friday, with members of the LCC Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers on hand to consecrate a facility gifted to Lutheran Church Charities in 2024, Rev. Singer and LCC commissioned the building and thanked God for the blessing it is to Disaster Response and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministries. Special guest Rev. Dr. Ross E. Johnson, director of Disaster Response for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, attended the short ceremony that included Scripture readings, singing of the Doxology, and a ribbon cutting. The warehouse, located about 12 miles from LCC headquarters in Northbrook, IL, will house all of LCC’s heavy equipment for Disaster Response. This includes two Chevy pickup trucks, two boom lifts, a bobcat with grapple, Polaris, dump trailer, and equipment and hauling trailers for various types of crisis response. It also holds an inventory of disaster response supplies, tools and safety gear. Additionally, the building has a workshop space for Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to cut wood crosses, paint hearts, and store inventory. For years, much of the heavy equipment for LCC Disaster Response had been parked outside, subject to the harsh sun or brutal cold, with nowhere else to put it.
Now, the warehouse keeps vehicles and machinery safe from the elements. Deac. Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC facilities manager, have worked for months cleaning up from an old diesel storage depot, moving in equipment, and organizing the space so everything fits. “We can keep all our trailers and heavy equipment under one roof now,” said O’Day. “It will help us to maintain equipment better, keep inventory of supplies, and offer indoor trainings and workspace. It has been a real blessing to the Disaster Response ministry.” HMC Director Sarah Sekki expressed her appreciation as well. “HMC is grateful to have a new space to train volunteers and a hub for all our supplies,” Sekki said. “Having ample room for large-scale builds and assembly workshops will be a tremendous blessing.”  Within hours of the sudden loss of Kevin Larson, a beloved special education teacher at Kaneland High School in Maple Park, IL, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministry was on campus, offering immediate solace to students and staff. The rapid response highlighted the deep trust the school community places in these gentle visitors to provide care and calm in times of grief. Larson, who dedicated 20 years to Kaneland High and was set to retire in just two years, left behind students and colleagues mourning not just a teacher, but a mentor and friend. Recognizing the need for immediate emotional support, the school quickly reached out to request the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. Six teams — Abednego, Eunice, Gethsemane, Samson, Shadrach, and Tobias Comfort Dogs — along with their handlers, were present during one of the most difficult days the school has faced. “Seeing the dogs come so quickly after such a sudden loss was incredibly meaningful,” said one handler. “It reminded everyone that even in moments of tragedy, help and comfort are never far away.”  Throughout the visit, students and staff embraced the dogs, sharing tears, hugs, and memories of Larson’s humor, kindness, and dedication. One student noted that a hug from Gethsemane was exactly what she needed, while a teacher who had been particularly close to Larson found relief in the quiet presence of the dogs and their gentle reminder to care for himself as he supported others. The Comfort Dogs have been regular visitors at Kaneland High, forging long-standing bonds with students and staff. Their presence on this day, however, was uniquely critical. Handlers observed the immediate calming effect: students leaving the library with smiles, teachers taking deep breaths, and the atmosphere subtly shifting from overwhelming grief to shared comfort. “Even though the dogs may only provide a small glimpse of God’s peace,” a handler reflected, “that small light can make an enormous difference, especially when it arrives quickly, when it’s needed the most.” By responding swiftly and with compassion, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs ministry helped Kaneland High School begin the healing process, honoring Kevin Larson’s legacy while offering hope and solace to a grieving community.   When people hear about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, they often picture our golden retrievers arriving in the aftermath of tragedy—walking into spaces heavy with grief, loss, and pain to bring hope and peace. And while that’s true, what many don’t see is the other side of this ministry: how our Comfort Dogs walk beside people before tragedy happens. On September 19, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Grace, Michael (LCC Staff), and Comfort Dogs in-training Bethesda and Sharon visited the Chicago Police Department 8th District for Officer Wellness Day. This event was designed to demonstrate ways that CPD is actively promoting wellness and resilience within the department. For officers, wellness isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about emotional and spiritual support. Police officers face intense pressure daily. The weight of their responsibilities, combined with the unpredictability of their work, can take a toll long before a crisis ever hits. That’s where the Comfort Dogs come in. Quiet, gentle, and nonjudgmental, the Comfort Dogs are a living reminder that wellness and peace can be nurtured every day. Their presence helps officers take a breath, reset, and know they are cared for—not only when tragedy arrives but in the daily grind of service and sacrifice. As one officer said while petting Grace, “It’s like the stress just melts away for a moment.” Those moments add up, creating a foundation of strength that helps officers face whatever comes next. The visit was even featured in a WGN news segment on officer wellness efforts. You can watch the Comfort Dogs in action here: Chicago Police prioritize officer wellness with quiet rooms The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is committed to walking alongside first responders not only in their darkest days but also in their everyday service. Because caring for those who protect and serve is not just about responding to tragedy—it’s about helping prevent it by building resilience, fostering peace, and bringing comfort before it’s needed most.  Just over two years after Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana welcomed Magdalene Comfort Dog in March 2023, the congregation has now commissioned a second K-9 Comfort Dog to serve alongside her. On Sunday, September 28, Eternity Comfort Dog officially joined the ministry, becoming a partner in bringing comfort and hope to those in need. Commissioned as part of the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Eternity and her team are prepared to share mercy, compassion, and the love of Jesus in times of crisis and disaster. Sometimes, a wagging tail can bring encouragement when words fall short. Eternity’s ministry is grounded in John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Her commissioning marks the completion of nearly two years of intensive training. Eternity will visit care facilities, schools, nursing homes, and travel throughout Indiana and beyond to support communities experiencing crisis or tragedy.
 The celebration at Cornerstone was filled with joy as six other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Indiana and Ohio joined Magdalene and Eternity for the commissioning service. “What a weekend! My heart is so full after my commissioning service, and I’m so thankful I got to share it with my Comfort Dog friends—Michael, Jael, Caleb, Jared, Damascus, and of course my new bestie, Magdalene,” Team Eternity shared on Facebook. “I’m so excited to work alongside all of you as part of this amazing ministry. The adventure is just beginning!”
The day also included the commissioning of Magdalene Comfort Dog’s new military handler. Lutheran Church Charities officially welcomed the following Cornerstone Lutheran team members into the K-9 Ministry family:
Follow Eternity on Facebook as she shares Jesus’ love and comfort with people in her community and across the country.  LCC has been blessed to walk alongside historic St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Chicago’s Pilsen community for many years. Though small in size, this faithful congregation shines brightly in a neighborhood where many families struggle to meet daily needs. With the help of devoted volunteers, St. Matthew’s offers clothing, shoes, food, and other essentials—often serving as the only church in the area providing this kind of care.
Yet their ministry extends far beyond physical support. Every act of compassion becomes an opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ. Many who first came to St. Matthew’s seeking food or clothing have since discovered a church home, becoming part of a welcoming family of faith. Over the years, God has used this ministry to bring about baptisms, weddings, and countless lives transformed by the Gospel. Pastor Cesar Sifuentes and his wife, Deaconess Elly, serve faithfully with humility and love. But they cannot do this work alone. They depend on the prayers and generosity of people like you to continue caring for their neighbors and pointing them to Christ. Your support makes a lasting impact. Together, we can help St. Matthew’s keep its doors open—meeting needs, sharing hope, and welcoming all who seek both physical and spiritual care. Did you hear? Three new golden retriever puppies have joined us! This autumn, we’re thrilled to welcome three adorable female pups to LCC. The moment Harmony, Journey, and Trinity arrived, smiles and joy filled the room. Each of these sweet pups also has her very own Bible verse.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs In Training Harmony, Journey, and Trinity have already started to bond with their new volunteer apprentice trainers and look forward to the training, socialization, and new adventures ahead.
Please enjoy following them on Facebook as they begin their journey to become LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. Lutheran Church Charities is always recruiting new volunteers to help train these amazing animals in the Chicagoland area. We will have more puppies arriving soon and need more volunteers to nurture and train them. If you are interested in joining us on this mission, please contact LCC at [email protected] for further information or visit our website.  We recently received a letter from Pastor Steve Kass (pictured) asking for help to support Manuel and his family as they settle into our community. Manuel, his wife, and their three young daughters recently made our community their home, relocating from Romania in search of a brighter future. Before coming to the United States, Manuel spent several years as a refugee in Italy, working tirelessly and saving every penny so he could provide his family with the opportunities they deserved. Life was full of challenges, and corruption and limited opportunities made it difficult for him to secure the future he dreamed of for his children back home. Now in the U.S., Manuel is determined to build a better life for his family. One of the biggest hurdles he faces is the lack of a reliable vehicle. Having a car would make it possible for him to commute to work and take care of his family’s day-to-day needs with ease. Manuel has become a cherished member of our church family, and we are committed to walking alongside him as he works toward a brighter future. We invite you to join us in supporting Manuel and his family—through your prayers and, if you feel led, by donating a vehicle or contributing toward the purchase of one. Together, we can help them move forward with hope and stability. With gratitude, Pastor Steve Kass Family in Faith, Glendale Heights, IL 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 years, some of the heavy equipment for LCC Disaster Response had been parked outside, subject to the harsh sun or brutal cold, with nowhere else to put it.
No longer. On Friday, September 26, Lutheran Church Charities will dedicate a nearly 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Schaumburg, IL, at a commissioning ceremony attended by the LCC Board of Directors and ministry guests. Gifted by a generous donor in 2024, the warehouse has undergone months of sprucing up, equipment move-in, and massive organization by Deac. Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response, and Jamie Miller, LCC facilities manager. The building will house all of LCC’s heavy equipment for Disaster Response. This includes two Chevy pickup trucks, two boom lifts, a bobcat with grapple, Polaris, dump trailer, and equipment and hauling trailers for various types of disaster response. It also holds an inventory of disaster response supplies, tools and safety gear. “The warehouse allows us to keep all our trailers and heavy equipment under one roof, free from the weather that can cause damage,” said Deac. Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response. “We will be able to maintain equipment better, keep inventory of supplies, and offer indoor trainings and workspace. It has been a real blessing to our Disaster Response ministry.” The warehouse will also serve as a site for LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry to cut wood crosses, paint hearts, and store inventory. Honoring Marty Johnson, Pete Springmire, and Tim Hetzner for Their Outstanding Service  The annual National LCMS Disaster Response Conference was held last week in St. Louis, MO, bringing together leaders, trainers, and volunteers dedicated to serving those impacted by disasters. Fourteen LCC staff, LERT trainers, leaders, and team members were in attendance. The conference included several presentations, including one by Deaconess Kathy O’Day on Disaster Site Assessments, providing valuable training and insights for LERT volunteers, leaders, and trainers. This year’s conference also recognized outstanding service in disaster response ministry.  Volunteer Servant of the Year Award Congratulations to Marty Johnson of St. John Lutheran Church, Wheaton, IL, and Pete Springmire of Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeKalb, IL, for receiving the 2025 LCMS Disaster Response Volunteer Servant of the Year Award. Part of their award letter reads: "Those who work in disaster response know that families and individuals need help after a critical event, perhaps more than at any other time in their lives, and that the challenges to meeting those needs can be significant. Over the past year, you have served as a model for service in the LCMS—showing love to our neighbor in difficult circumstances. You have willingly given of yourself for the benefit of others. Thank you for your enduring commitment to these works of mercy in the church. We pray that you will continue to serve your hurting brothers and sisters in Christ in both body and soul, and that you provide continued leadership in your congregation and district." These men are truly a blessing to all they willingly serve and teach!  Lifetime Service Award In addition, congratulations to Tim Hetzner, former LCC President/CEO and current LCC Spiritual Ambassador, for being named the 2025 Disaster Response Lifetime Service Award Recipient by LCMS World Relief and Human Care Disaster Response. Part of his award letter reads: "With profound appreciation, we commend you for your lifetime of faithful service to Christ’s church through LCMS Disaster Response. Your legacy of mercy work is a testimony to the Gospel itself – bringing hope, healing and the presence of Christ to those who suffer." We give thanks for the faithful work of all who serve in LCMS Disaster Response and celebrate these leaders whose commitment continues to inspire and bless many. LCC attendees included:
Trinity LERT Helps at Seminary’s Annual Jambalaya Celebration On Tuesday, September 16th, the day before the LCMS Disaster Response Conference, Rev. Paul Ernewein of Forged by Fire Disaster Relief Organization has been hosting an annual Jambalaya Fest at Concordia Seminary St. Louis to graciously feed and serve the seminary students and their families, faculty and staff.
This year the Trinity Lutheran Church LERT from Lisle, IL also served Chicago dogs and beef sandwiches. Lutheran Church Charities staff and LERT volunteers also help with meal prep, serving and cleaning up, as well as answer questions about what LERT is. It is a great event that is well attended and enjoyed by all. |
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