The "Beautiful Feet Conference" was held at Concordia University Chicago this past weekend. This conference was attended by 120 college students from across the country and allowed them to explore domestic and international mission work opportunities. The conference, which takes its name from Isaiah 52, "How beautiful … are the feet of him who brings good news", is planned by college students for college students and hosted each year on a different campus of the Concordia University System (CUS). Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, was invited to be a presenter at a mission breakout session. She spoke on the topic, Disaster Response: A Ministry of Presence. LCC will be offering Basic L.E.R.T. training on campus on November 20. Several students who attended the breakout session expressed an interest in becoming certified. Lutheran Church Charities was also an exhibitor at the conference to show the students the different ways they could make a difference in the lives of those in need they may serve. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Myra, (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois), Zippy (Trinity - Roselle, Illinois), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff) and were also present to meet and spend time with students over the weekend. LCC received the following thank you note from a veteran at the Honor Flight Chicago on September 16, 2021. Dear Friends of Lutheran Church Charities/Kare 9 Military Ministry, Long time LCC volunteer, Steve MacKay, was presented a Heart of Mercy & Compassion in memory of his mother, Louise, who God called home on October 29, 2021. Brothers in Christ from several Men’s Bible Study groups at Steve’s home church, Immanuel Lutheran in Palatine, Illinois, signed the heart with words of comfort to lift Steve up in this difficult time. Steve is very active in a Men’s Bible Study and the combined L.E.R.T. (Lutheran Early Response Team) partnership of Immanuel and Prince of Peace, Palatine, Illinois, Lutheran churches. Please keep the MacKay family in your prayers before and after a Celebration Service for Louise’s life held this Saturday at Immanuel. On Tuesday, November 2, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers responded to Central Lutheran School, New Haven, Indiana, after the sudden loss of their beloved Principal Weber. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana) and his handlers had been visiting the school before the principal's death and had established a good relationship with the school. The students and teachers were struggling and in need of the comfort and presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams served at Central Lutheran Church: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna and Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Dove (Peace - Fremont, Indiana) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana) There were many moments that day where you could see God at work through these handlers, ministry partners, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. So many of the children noticed the cross and fish symbol on Claudia's vest and were excited to know she went to church and school. One of the teachers cupped Claudia's face in her hands and stared at her with tears in her eyes! A young girl from third or fourth grade quietly said to the handler, "I really needed Jared today." Then she went on to say that she was having a "sad day." The way she said it so quietly and softly but with such palpable emotion demonstrated the incredible comfort the dogs bring to those hurting. Mr. Weber's fourth-grade son came into the gym, and the dogs and handlers circled the boy with love. He looked so happy! Grinning from ear to ear. He petted two or three dogs at a time, hugging many of them. It was so heartwarming as he had not talked much, let alone smiled since his father passed away. The focus was entirely on him and his aunt, who was with him. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry received a request from Siena College, Loudonville, New York, to be on the campus on Wednesday, November 3, to bring much-needed love and comfort to the students after the tragic death of Dominic Paglia, a junior at the college. Five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut traveled 2-3 hours or more to bring the mercy, compassion, and presence of Jesus Christ to these hurting students and staff. Before the LCC K-9 ministry teams could even make their way to the Siena College Student Union, they were greeted by the students at the entrance. So many smiling faces were seeking the love and attention of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. "It was tremendous, and we can't thank the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team enough! The students came by in droves to spend time with the dogs, and it was exactly what we needed." - Dyann, Assistant Director, Student Activities & Leadership Development | Siena College A Heart of Mercy & Compassion was brought as well for the students and staff to sign their messages and prayers. It will be presented to Dominic's parents later this week. People often say, "I cannot believe you came here for us. Why did you come?" "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ..." Philippians 2:1-30 The handlers and ministry partners left Siena College with so many blessings in return: "Seeing the smiles on the students' (and staff) faces was such a lift for me personally. Even though I have a lot going on personally, my day was made by serving others. My heart is full – even though it was a VERY long day, I was so uplifted myself. It's kind of hard to explain how serving others makes such a difference in our own lives….." Handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lydia "A God moment for me was watching Dyann watching the kids smiling and then her coming down to have her moment with Lily and seeing her release some of her stress" Handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lily "A God moment for me was when two of the students realized Leah was the dog that had made regular weekly visits to their high school. They both said it was like having a 'little piece of home' with them." Handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Leah "A God moment for me was the young woman that was afraid to pet the dogs. But when she sat down next to me and trusted me to guide her to work through her fear." Handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Abraham The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams serve at Sienna College: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Abraham (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Leah (Immanuel - Danbury, Connecticut) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lily (Good Shepherd - Old Bridge, New Jersey) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lydia (Messiah - Lynnfield, Massachusetts) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Maggie (Christ the King - Newtown, Connecticut) Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance is a traveling memorial that aims to bring healing to those affected by America’s longest war. The Wall lists the names of nearly 11,000 individuals lost in the war on terrorism. On the other side is a timeline of the conflict dating back to 1983. This memorial wall is be hosted by Scheels in Johnstown, Colorado, November 5-9 to honor and respect the cost of Freedom. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado), along with their veteran handlers were invited by the Johnstown Scheels Community Relations Coordinator to their Veterans Day event to greet and be present near the wall for those who visit it in memory of a fallen soldier or loved one. They met several veterans and other people from organizations that support veterans. Kare 9s Cubby and Devorah were present at Scheels with their veteran handlers, who all served our country, and LCC's ministry partner, Monica Ramsel, to be present to staff, shoppers, and military veterans. Being part of the event has been a true blessing to our ministry and community. The K-9s have connected us with veterans and civilians from throughout the U.S. that know and have met other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers. It’s an excellent opportunity to bring comfort and relief to those we meet who may be struggling with life, are related to our veterans or being a veteran, or to those just needing a smile and a hug. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia) and his team were excited to learn that Ken Wehmeyer, the veteran handler for LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Abner and Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), was traveling on the Honor Flight Austin, arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, November 5. Kare 9 Amos and his ministry team went to the airport to surprise Ken on his arrival. While there, they helped to welcome the other 50 veterans on the Honor Flight who were honored to know how much we appreciate their service. It was so nice to help make them smile! "After petting Amos, the two Vietnam veterans pictured below approached me to learn about the sign I was holding. It read 'Thank you for your service' and was signed by many of the members of our congregation. They were genuinely touched to know that they were appreciated and prayed for. One of them told me how our welcome was so much better than the one he’d received when he first returned. He talked about the names he was called, and I could see that it still hurt all these years later. We were so honored to be able to show them love and appreciation." The Honor Flight DCA crew is not organizing big arrival events this year due to Covid-19 but is allowing the public to attend on their own. They were thrilled to have Amos there as the veterans so enjoyed him. They invited us back the next day to help greet another Honor Flight of veterans returning to Florida after their memorials visit. We were able to share love and appreciation for another 200 veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. It was a blessed weekend!
20 LCC K-9 Ministry Teams — 16 Public Schools — 9,000 Students Last week, the LCC K-9 Ministry was honored to serve West Aurora School District 129, Illinois. Twenty LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their dedicated handlers and ministry partners visited sixteen different schools and served over 9,000 students. It took the LCC K-9 Ministry teams five days to make sure they visited with the students at each of the schools. Some of the teams traveled many hours to be there for the students and staff of West Aurora School District 129. The teams enjoyed seeing the happy smiles not only from the students but the teachers and principals. The moods shifted and brightened as the students realized the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to see them. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited the Aurora School District for the first time in February 2018, after the horrific Henry Platt Company shooting. Then in December 2020, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs deployed again to visit with the District but this time virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighteen LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from ten different states visited each classroom through a virtual visit. Although those were fun visits on Zoom, it was wonderful to arrange in-person visits with the students and staff this year. The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, handlers, and ministry partners joined and worked together for this very special visit with our friends from West Aurora School District 129: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Anna (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Bekah (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Benjamin (LCC Staff) LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Dove (Peace - Fremont, Indiana) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Isaiah & Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul - Janesville, Wisconsin) LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zippy (Trinity - Roselle, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in Training Asa LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in Training Beloved LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in Training Moriah "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." Proverbs 17:17
LCC never goes where we are not invited. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. $54,000 Scholarship Fundraising Goal Met! Your generosity and commitment to the ministry of Christ the King Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, Illinois, has made another year of education possible! Pastor John Brazeal, Principal Geri, and the staff and students share their deepest gratitude for you! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts Lutheran Church Charities, for the difference you have made and are making in the ministry of Christ the King. The people who support your efforts sometimes do not realize the great difference you make in the many organizations and people you help. God sent us here. God keeps us here to make a difference in the lives of others, and YOU HELP TO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE! God moves you to work through the many ministries you touch. Principal Geri shares how the educational impact of Christ the King School makes a difference in the lives of so many: Just over the past few months, kids who once went to school here come back and thank us for making a difference in their lives. Some of the children who gave you the most difficulty in your class make you see what God can do when you become a village. LCC is thankful for the generosity of our donors and your continued commitment to ensuring the ministry of Pastor John and Geri Brazeal is able to keep making a difference in the city of Chicago!
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