 Thanks to a generous donation from Rogers Vending Services, LCC was able to connect several local ministries with catering equipment to support faith communities all over the greater Chicago area. From a large propane grill to mixing bowls and spoons, this donation will serve the community in many ways. The generosity of the Rogers Family will bless:
Our volunteers came from 11 congregations around the district:
 Do you care about moms-to-be facing homelessness alone and without support? If so, Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries (RLOM) could use your good, clean rummage and/or your help for a few hours or more to prepare for a big benefit sale for RLOM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, Illinois.
Volunteer Help Needed: October 17, 19, 20 and 21 Rummage Sale: October 22 – 23 Proceeds will help RLOM open a Christ-centered maternity home (coming soon in the Northern Illinois District) for single moms in crisis. The Maternity Home will offer them help, hope, a safe place to live, and a loving family atmosphere - all without cost to the residents to live there while they have an opportunity to finish their education, get a better job, and build life skills (budgeting, saving, and household management) for a brighter future. CLICK HERE for a flyer including a list of needed items, as well as the rummage drop-off, sale dates, and times. Help is needed for set-up, sorting, pricing, and organizing pre-sale; cashiers, baggers, and floor helpers during the sale; and end of sale box-up and tear down. Please also help us get the word out about this sale by inviting family and friends to come shop for household treasures! Contact event organizer Lois Prokosch (a member at Immanuel, Elmhurst) by phone or text at 630-935-2744 or email at lprokosch@comcast.net for questions or to sign up to volunteer.   On Wednesday, October 6, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry had the honor to be present at a historic event, greeting the veterans participating in the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago departing from Chicago Midway International Airport in Illinois. Honor Flight Chicago partnered with Operation HerStory to fly 93 female veterans from 63 to 104 years old representing all branches of the military for a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor and thanks. The women veterans on the flight served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Slated for October 2020, the flight had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The all-female veteran flight was meant to shine the spotlight on the women who have given so much in times of war. Ginny Narset (MSgt, USAF, Retired), Chairperson and Founder of Operation HerStory, felt that the contributions and the sacrifice of women in the military are too often ignored or overlooked. This one-day trip gave the veterans the opportunity to visit the war memorials built in their honor, including the Women in Military Service For America Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.  The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers have served at the Honor Flight Chicago since 2018. The Kare 9s have brought much-needed stress relief to the veterans as they prepare for their Honor Flight. Many of these men and women have never been on an airplane or haven't flown in many years. They are a bit apprehensive about what the day has in store for them. They all want to have an opportunity to pet the Kare 9s. Many share their war stories with the Kare 9 veteran handlers. Some become emotional as they relate their experiences in service to our nation. "The presence of the comfort dogs adds comfort and calm to the chaotic day. Many veterans say that it was the best part of their day," said Doug Meffley, Director of Communications, Honor Flight Chicago. This year, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry had its own reason to celebrate. Attending the first All-Female Honor Flight Chicago was National Guardsman Brianna Neumeyer, LCC’s first young female active-duty veteran handler for LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin). Brianna is 28-years-old and serves in the U.S. Army National Guard. She is majoring in physical therapy at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). Her work with the military led her to her major as she wants to help and work with veterans in their physical rehabilitation once she graduates. “I’m hoping that when I graduate, I can use dogs to help with physical therapy for veterans. My goal throughout my career is to provide better access to vets and soldiers serving in the military and better promote injury prevention measures through physical therapy. I think using animals in that setting will greatly help stressed or frustrated soldiers stay optimistic and motivated to overcome whatever ailment they may have,“ shares Brianna.  Brianna holding the leash of Kare 9 Sage during handler training at LCC in August 2021.  She will be doing clinical and other visits with veterans and active-duty military due to her connections through CUW. "I am excited to be part of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry and have been looking forward to attending the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago. It was a wonderful opportunity for Kare 9 Sage and me to serve the brave women veterans, connect with them, and thank them for their service. It was great to see in person the women who helped to shape the role of females in the military. Being there and seeing how easily these women bonded with each other and me without ever meeting before proved there's more than just a brotherhood in the military. Having an event dedicated to women was great because, without them, we wouldn't have the female presence in the military like we do today," said Brianna.
Many veterans were looking forward to the camaraderie, meeting other female veterans, and forming new friendships. Before the flight, World War II veterans Josephine Bogdanich (104) and Betty Horseman got plenty of love and comfort from LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff).
Village of Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam smiled when she spotted LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad). She recognized him from other veteran memorial events where the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was present and is a big supporter of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.  The Operation HerStory heroes arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport to a water cannon salute. Among others, welcoming them at the terminal was LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia). He brought with him a “Thank You for Your Service” sign filled with messages written by Our Savior's Way congregation members.
 Even though the Kare 9s and their veteran handlers come to bring comfort and compassion to the Honor Flight veterans, they are often the ones touched by the simple humility of these men and women.
LCC is honored to have played a small part in the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago and show support to these inspiring women veterans. It was a privilege to honor them and to let them know that they haven't been forgotten. Thank you for your service! The following LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their veteran handlers and/or ministry partners served at the first All-Female Veteran Honor Flight Chicago on October 6, 2021: LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) with U.S. Army Veteran Gary Cummings LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Asher (Faith - Lake Forest, Illinois) with U.S. Army Veteran Bill Hume LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) with U.S. Navy Veteran Gene Weisbecker LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad) with U.S. Army Veteran Fred Vanstrom LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff) with U.S. Army Veteran Jim Morrison LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin) with U. S. Army National Guardsman Brianna Neumeyer Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. We are so grateful to all the firefighters who risk their lives for us every day. One way we can help these heroes is by educating ourselves on fire prevention. All week long, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were busy visiting fire departments across the country during Fire Prevention Week.  LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Eunice (LCC Staff), Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), along with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad) enjoyed serving at Fox River Grove Fire Department's Open House! It was very well run, and included activity stations for the kids to learn different aspects of fire safety and ambulance experiences. The firefighters were so nice to all of us!! They can't wait to come back and visit. Thank you to all of the first responders that welcomed us and opened their doors to their community. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) had such a fun time at the Belvidere Fire Department Open House. It was a great way to kick off Fire Prevention Week and meet many new friends.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Moses (Christ Lutheran - Cairo, Nebraska) and his handlers visited the Cairo, Nebraska, Fire Department volunteer firefighters doing fire safety training at the local school for fire safety week. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mahlah (Our Savior - Milford, Illinois) enjoyed spending time with the heroes of the Watseka Fire Department. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eve (St. John’s - Lombard, Illinois) did a great job greeting the kids at the Lombard Fire Department Open House! It was great to reunite with the firemen, police, and the local community. We hope the Fire Departments were feeling all our appreciation this week! LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs-in-Training Asa and Moriah, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jacob (LCC Staff) and Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois) had a wonderful time at the Addison Fire Protection District Open House as they visited with kids and adults. We thank these firefighters for their protection every day. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) and his handlers had a blast visiting the new Fire Station 2 and Training Center in Rowlett, Texas. It's a long-awaited upgrade for this fire station. Triton's handler picked up the gear these first responders have to wear and she said the Comfort Dog vest is like a feather compared to what they wear on calls. The last two years, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron & Gomer (St. John’s - Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran - Yuba City, California) and their ministry teams had the honor to visit and comfort the many Cal Fire Fighters and those that support them.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana) and Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) were invited to the Beecher Fire Department to welcome the community. They had a fashion show with the firefighters in everyday clothes and also all geared up. They had fire demonstrations outside on how fast a fire spreads, the different trucks, and the ambulance. We were also able to tell firefighters to thank you for what they do and for fighting the fire at St Paul's a few weeks ago. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jael was also invited to George Earl Elementary for a fire prevention week. Jael Comfort Dog greeted the Hobart firefighters who came to the early learning center. She listened with the children while they learned how fires are put out. It was a wonderful day to listen as the children heard the firemen talk about fighting fires with their equipment and truck. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jael was also able to visit each classroom and spend time with the students while her handler read a book about other types of working dogs. In honor of national fire prevention week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby & Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) picked ten local fire stations in Colorado that they often visit to honor and present with a "Thank You" card signed by their team members and a Thin Red Line Challenge Coin. They had the honor of meeting the new Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Fire Chief on his first day on the job, a groundbreaking of a brand new fire station in Johnstown, Colorado, and several firefighters coming off of calls rescuing and helping people, tired and worn. They have standing invitations to visit anytime and even to stay overnight! Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator says, "Through these visits, we learned that we have mutual respect for each other. One word we have in common in our mission statements is Compassion. I love that, and we see that in each and every firefighter we meet. The 'thank you's,' smiles, and 'this is the best thing ever' keep us going back to visit them. May God continue to bless them and keep them safe as they exemplify Commitment, Compassion, and Courage. Thank you, firefighters, for what you do day in and day out." "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington) and his ministry team had a wonderful time with the Spokane Sheriff's chaplains and the Spokane City Police chaplains during a luncheon last week. Isaac Comfort Dog and his handlers had an opportunity to attend the National Faith and Blue Weekend put on by the Spokane Police Chaplaincy, Spokane Police Foundation, and City of Spokane Police Department to build bridges and break biases between the police department and the community. There were the chaplains, bomb squad, SPD & SWAT teams there. The team at Redeemer, Spokane Valley, Washington, are eager to serve the police officers of their community with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac as their bridge to share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Jesus Christ. Isaac Comfort Dog and his team are excited to be part of God's plan to serve the police in their community.
On Friday, October 8, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was privileged to serve at the visitation for Scott Haugh in Freeport, Illinois. Scott served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery in Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War. Scott and his wife, Louann Coates-Haugh, were longtime friends and supporters of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry. Scott will most certainly be missed by all who knew him.
LCC received the following thank you letter from Village of Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham:
Dear Deac. Kathy: On behalf of our entire grateful community, our Woodridge Village Board, the Village of Woodridge and myself, we want to thank you all for your tremendous outpouring of help, kindness, and sacrifice that was shown to us on the fateful day of June 20, 2021. When our community was hit by the EF-3 Tornado, along with Naperville and Darien, without any hesitation, your organization reached out to help us, whether it was by sending employees or lending heavy machinery, providing donations, or sending us a caring note of support. All of this means so much to our community and there are truly not enough words to fully express our thanks. We cannot begin to tell you how very much we appreciate all of you and wanted thank you for coming to our aid when we needed it the most. Please accept this letter of gratitude and thanks from all of us - our entire grateful community. Your kindness will be felt for generations to come within the Woodridge community. Our Heartfelt Gratitude, VILLAGE OF WOODRIDGE Gina Cunningham Mayor A Tree City USA Community since 1992 |
Categories
All
Archives
January 2023
|
RSS Feed
Location |
|