In John chapter 10 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been invited by Principal Barbara Kozisek and Rev. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President, Missions, Human Care and Stewardship in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Iowa District West to comfort students, faculty and staff on Friday, October 4, as they mourn the tragic passing of their beloved Pastor. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eddie (Peace Lutheran – Grand Island, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michael’s – Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska) are deploying to comfort and support Pastor Henderson’s wife, three children and other family members, congregation, school, first responders, and the communities he served. Pastor Henderson was described as "a long-time chaplain of all area public safety agencies and first responders" in a news release Wednesday. While reviewing church surveillance, multiple officers were able to identify the attacker from past encounters, according to the criminal complaint. According to Police Chief Roger Porter of Fort Dodge, “Pastor Al was a brother to all of us. He was a pastor to every law enforcement and fire agency in this area. This is very tough for all of us.” In addition to his chaplain work with area first responders, Pastor Henderson was active in the group Serving Our Servants, which supports public servants. Among other activities, it has provided water and food to first responders and raised money to buy Fort Dodge police officers new dress caps for formal occasions. News release From St. Paul Lutheran Church Dear Friends in Christ, In John chapter 10 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” While we do not know all the details, Pastor Al Henderson walked in the steps of Jesus last evening. As the pastor and shepherd of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa he laid down his life for his sheep. Pastor Henderson began each of his worship services, regardless of the time of year, with the same words, “Christ has risen!”—and his congregation faithfully responded, "He has risen indeed alleluia!” Our hope today is in the Good News of Jesus Christ that pastor Henderson faithfully proclaimed for over 30 years of pastoral ministry. He is now seeing his Lord face to face in glory. He will be deeply missed by his family, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, law enforcement, first responders and firefighters of the Fort Dodge region as well as members of the community. Pastors of Iowa District West are at St. Paul’s today in the sanctuary to comfort anyone who wishes to stop by. There will be a prayer service at 6 pm in the sanctuary with an outdoor candlelight vigil at 7 pm. Peace in Christ, Pastor Steve Turner President, Iowa District West the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to the Fort Dodge, Iowa, and surrounding communities. Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses. Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams responded to two emergency site visits at elementary schools in California and Illinois. The K-9s and their handlers were on-site offering compassion and presence to students, staff, and families to help them process the grief they are experiencing.
On Sunday, September 22, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Aaron attended a community vigil and returned on Monday, September 23 to the school with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah. The K-9s and their handlers worked closely with counselors and staff to support the students during this very sad time. The K-9s also visited Justin-Siena High School in Napa, California throughout the week, where the mother of the child is a staff member. The students and staff reached out with open arms to receive comfort from the teams.
Troy Shorewood Elementary – Shorewood, Illinois On Wednesday, September 25, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Adeena (St. John - Burlington, Illinois), Jeremiah (LCC Staff) and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff) visited the Troy Shorewood Elementary School in Shorewood, Illinois to bring mercy and compassion to the students and staff after the sudden death of a student. The K-9s were especially helpful to the students and staff in dealing with this tragedy. LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
The following LCC K-9s and their handlers were also in attendance: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana) Emma (LCC Staff) Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois) Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana) Ruthie (LCC Staff) Susie (St. Peter – Arlington Heights, Illinois) Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Flex (LCC Squad) Nigel (LCC Staff) Sue was a teacher at St. John's and she was happy to see many of her former students come to celebrate with her. Following the service, a luncheon was given by the St. John’s Loving Hands Women’s Group and members of the Chime Choir and Adult Choir.
Sue’s role at LCC is Education Consultant and Volunteer Management. While a Lutheran school teacher, she developed a unique Comfort Dog Curriculum that helped motivate her third and fourth grade students as they learned how to write. She sees the possibilities to expand the “comfort curriculum” to students both younger and older. Click here to read more. Please join LCC staff in welcoming Sue to her new role as she follows God’s lead to Make A Difference to those we serve! Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) welcomes six new Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) certified members! On Saturday, September 28, LCC held a Basic LCMS LERT training for new and re-certifying team members at St. John Lutheran Church in Beecher, Illinois, led by Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response.
All attendees had to travel around flooded roads to participate, so it was very appropriate to learn about how to do disaster response. The following churches and LERT teams were represented: Illinois Alleluia - Naperville Immanuel - Steger St. John – Beecher Zion - Beecher Indiana St. John – Dillsboro It is good to see how the disaster response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need. |
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