LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were requested to be at Wauconda High School on Monday, December 11 to support and comfort the grieving students and staff. Wauconda High School administrative staff and counselors provided time for the students to be together to process Mr. Gillen’s loss and to share memories of him as a teacher and trainer. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Michael (LCC Staff), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) were a welcome and loving distraction from the hurt and pain they were going through. A Heart of Mercy & Compassion was given to the staff to sign with their own comforting messages to pass on to Mr. Gillen’s wife. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers have been providing comfort, love, and a safe place for students at Wauconda High School to go to during times of difficulty and loss during the last five years. It is a relationship we cherish and sustain. We lift up in prayer Mr. Bob Gillen's wife, his parents, students, colleagues and those who knew and loved him for God’s comfort, peace and healing. On Saturday, December 9, the LCC Comfort Dogs were at Newark Liberty International Airport to join United Airlines volunteers for their Fantasy Flight, a day for seriously ill children and their families to experience the joy of flying to the North Pole. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abraham and Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, New York), Amos (Our Savior’s Way - Ashburn, Virginia) and Kezia (Emmanuel – Baltimore, Maryland) and their teams were present to BE THERE and help make holiday wishes come true for more than 75 children and their families as they arrived at the North Pole for a day of cheer.
Many of the United volunteers remembered the comfort dog teams who attended the last Fantasy Flight held before the pandemic and they were so excited to see them again. One flight attendant explained that the comfort dogs and the interactions they witnessed on that day was the inspiration for them to become a foster who is now raising guide dog puppies for service to others. After a day of celebration and joy, the volunteers all gathered behind the band in a parade through the entire terminal where travelers and staff all stopped to watch, video, and clap or wave in celebration. This simple act reached so many with the message of joy, hope and love.
Wolf Gustaveson, 19 years old and Francis Martinez, 18 years old were excited about their education and their future in the automotive industry. Wolf and Francis are dearly loved by their teachers, friends and family. Please pray all those who are heartbroken by their tragic loss to be filled with the comfort, healing and hope of Jesus
LCC's Human Care Ministry supports soup kitchens, food pantries, lending closets, refugees, and veterans just to name a few. Your Donations Make A Difference In The Lives Of Those In Need |
| Thanks to the generosity of a donor, Lutheran Church Charities was able to provide a much-needed gift of a van to a single mother of six. Jessica had lost her only means of transportation in a multi-vehicle accident and was unable to afford a replacement due to mounting medical bills. This thoughtful donation has enabled her to resume her daily routine, including driving her children to school and going to work. We are grateful for the donor's generosity and the positive impact it has had on this family's life. |  |
We have received an update on Jessica and her family from Pastor Doug Warmann of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois, whom the congregation has been assisting over the past year in partnership with LCC.
Dear Christian Friends,
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. It has been quite a year for Jessica, the widowed mother of six, and her children, but God has been faithful. She welcomed her sixth child, a son, in March. He continues to grow and is crawling and preparing to walk.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. It has been quite a year for Jessica, the widowed mother of six, and her children, but God has been faithful. She welcomed her sixth child, a son, in March. He continues to grow and is crawling and preparing to walk.
 | We rejoice that the mother was finally able to receive some support for the children from social security. She is currently trying to work multiple shifts at UPS to provide for her children. For months, we prayed for an SUV for Jessica and her family. It became a critical need when she was in a car accident, and her van was damaged beyond repair in October. We are thankful she and her oldest son were not seriously injured in the crash. Our prayers were answered when someone recently donated a vehicle to LCC that could meet her needs. |
Lutheran Church Charities has been a tremendous blessing to this family and a joy to work with. Your prayers and help have been critical in providing encouragement and hope to this family as they continue to grieve the loss of the father.
Thank you so much for your care!
Pastor Doug Warmann
Trinity Lutheran Church
Roselle, Illinois
Hear from Jessica herself in a video where she shares her incredible story.
Thank you so much for your care!
Pastor Doug Warmann
Trinity Lutheran Church
Roselle, Illinois
Hear from Jessica herself in a video where she shares her incredible story.
We are thrilled to announce that a generous donor has provided a low mileage vehicle to Lutheran Church Charities, which we passed on to Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries. This organization is a registered service organization of the LCMS and is working on a new program to provide safe and stable housing for single expectant and postpartum mothers in Northern Illinois.
The vehicle will be an essential resource for these mothers, enabling them to take care of their daily responsibilities, attend doctor appointments, and work. We are grateful for the partnership with Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries and for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of these mothers. Thank you to our generous donor for their support!
The vehicle will be an essential resource for these mothers, enabling them to take care of their daily responsibilities, attend doctor appointments, and work. We are grateful for the partnership with Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries and for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of these mothers. Thank you to our generous donor for their support!
 | As the winter season approaches, the refugee community is in dire need of warm clothes and coats to survive the harsh weather conditions. Your generous donations made a significant difference in the lives of these individuals who are already facing tremendous challenges. Your contributions offer not only warmth but also a sense of love and care to those who have been displaced from their homes. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! |
| St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hampshire, Illinois, has once again shown their compassion for the unhoused community by donating new shoes and socks through a Thrivent Action Team Grant. This act of kindness has not only provided new footwear for those in need, but it has also conveyed a message of love and care. We commend their generosity and hope that their actions inspire others to follow in their footsteps. |  |
| Seven Wheaton and Warrenville churches and the public schools of District 200 invited more than 750 families to participate in the annual DuPage County Christmas Sharing Program. At the festive event, 214 families received fresh food and produce, gift cards, a box of non-food items, diapers, children’s coats, new toys, and more. St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois, was one of three host distribution sites and partnered with Gary Methodist and Trinity Episcopal of Wheaton. Many congregation and LERT volunteers sorted and organized donated items, handled administrative tasks, directed traffic, packaged food, distributed goods, and greeted guests. |   |
It was a joyous and organized chaos with many hands and hearts caring for our neighbors. Our LERT volunteers are humbled to serve at this event. The remaining food, diapers, and sundries were donated to the People’s Resource Center of Wheaton, where the items will be given to additional families in need.
“The interaction with the [LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs] opened the door for [Police Officers] to open their hearts and to begin to really recognize that it was okay to be impacted by the tremendous and impactful work that they do.” Tim Brown, Assistant Chief of Police of the Loveland Police Department, Colorado
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress…May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support." (Psalm 20:1-5)
"Sure, bring [Cubby] in," Tim Brown, Assistant Chief of Police of the Loveland (CO) Police Department, said to Bonnie Fear, a handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado), over the phone. That one conversation a few years ago, and his response, started a relationship between the Loveland PD and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry that continues today.
 | "We were looking for places to take Cubby, and one of the areas we wanted to tap was the first responders and the police station," said Bonnie, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator. "Tim bonded with Cubby right away. And then we just left the door open. He didn't schedule anything, but whenever I had an opening, I would ask if it would be okay if we brought Cubby, and his answer was always 'absolutely’. That became like an open-door visit." Nowadays, many law enforcement officers feel less support from their communities and have ranked wellness and morale as one of the biggest challenges in 2022.* First responders are under an incredible amount of stress |
Since partnering with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Tim Brown has seen a shift in the department. Interacting with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs has helped officers open up about the emotional impact of their work.
| "You could see people building walls as they experience different events. When the comfort dogs began to come and visit, we saw a lot of those walls begin to just drop. The interaction with the dogs sort of opened the door for them to open their hearts and begin to really recognize that it was okay to be impacted by their tremendous and impactful work," Tim shared. Bringing the Comfort Dogs to the police station and the dispatch center facilitated those conversations, recognizing that every day is stressful. "I see the dogs and their handlers come into the dispatch center, and all the people curled up and stuck with their headphones take that moment actually to breathe and relax. As they pet the dog, you just see there's a transfer of love and compassion about what's going on," Tim said. |   |
The comfort dogs definitely have a calming effect. The body of scientific research clearly indicates the calming effects of petting a dog can contribute to lowering blood pressure and reducing heart rates. They also help with improving mood and allowing responders to focus on communities they serve.
"We have regularly scheduled appointments every month, and we show up, and they look forward to it. It makes their day. We want to be there for them. They want to hold these dogs, and they want to lay on the floor with them. That is so meaningful for their mental health, their workday to be with the dog to bring the release of whatever they're experiencing. They can't thank us enough for showing up," shares Bonnie.
"We have regularly scheduled appointments every month, and we show up, and they look forward to it. It makes their day. We want to be there for them. They want to hold these dogs, and they want to lay on the floor with them. That is so meaningful for their mental health, their workday to be with the dog to bring the release of whatever they're experiencing. They can't thank us enough for showing up," shares Bonnie.
 | Law Enforcement Officers use the love and the care they receive from LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams to support their communities in powerful ways. "The commitment, love, and sense of belonging that comes from the shared partnership between first responders and the LCC program with their comfort dogs is overwhelming. The faith and love you share with your community members cannot be measured and cannot be overstated. So, it is as minimal as those words sound. Thank you so much for all that you do, for all that you've done, and for all that you'll continue to do for all of the folks in your communities and the members of God's world," Tim said. |
The LCC K-9 Ministry embraces the unique, calming nature and skills of AKC Purebred Golden Retrievers to interact with people of all ages and circumstances. LCC trains Comfort Dogs and handlers who serve every day in their local communities. When invited, they are also deployed in times of disaster and crisis to bring comfort to all those affected.
LCC currently has over 130 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs serving in 27 states.
* Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D. (December 15, 2022) What officers said were the biggest challenges of 2022 (and why leaders should pay attention), Police 1
LCC currently has over 130 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs serving in 27 states.
* Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D. (December 15, 2022) What officers said were the biggest challenges of 2022 (and why leaders should pay attention), Police 1
Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference
in the lives of First Responders serving their communities.
in the lives of First Responders serving their communities.
This video shows how interacting with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs has helped Loveland PD officers open up about the emotional impact of their work.
| LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma, Hannah (LCC Staff), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in-training Samaria attended the annual WINGS “Sweet Home Chicago” fundraiser for women and children in abusive homes. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this extraordinary fundraiser. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is happy to BE THERE to support this amazing fundraising event held by WINGS who provides shelter for victims of domestic violence. Victims who are actively fleeing a violent situation can find refuge at WINGS Safe Houses – with or without their children. WINGS Safe Houses provide temporary shelter, safety planning, food and clothing. The family and child advocates who staff these Safe Houses can also help residents access critical services such as counseling, legal advocacy, and assistance securing orders of protection. | |
“It was our blessing that they came to offer their service. It's a blessing that you will find people to take the time to leave their homes, to come and help someone in need.” Thelma Diane Harris
| On January 12, 2023, massive tornadoes struck historic Selma, Alabama, and the surrounding area, causing widespread damage to homes and property. One EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 23 miles through Selma. It affected one-third of the town; the tornado damaged or destroyed 3,300 homes, businesses, schools, and churches. Within days, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) arrived in Selma to BE THERE for the community in their time of need. |  |
Twenty-seven LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers completed work at sixty-two sites during two weeks of serving in Selma. They were able to provide debris removal and utilize chainsaws, lifts, and bobcats to remove many downed and damaged trees from tornado-devastated properties.
"All I Could Do Was Cry Out to God to Protect Me"
Selma resident Thelma Diane Harris walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the Civil Rights March in 1965 and now gives tours and shares stories of her beloved Selma.
She has seen many changes during the last several decades, but the destruction she saw everywhere after the tornadoes brought her to tears and caused her heart to ache for her community. She was grateful that her home was not damaged by the three large pine trees that fell in her yard and next to her house.
"All I Could Do Was Cry Out to God to Protect Me"
Selma resident Thelma Diane Harris walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the Civil Rights March in 1965 and now gives tours and shares stories of her beloved Selma.
She has seen many changes during the last several decades, but the destruction she saw everywhere after the tornadoes brought her to tears and caused her heart to ache for her community. She was grateful that her home was not damaged by the three large pine trees that fell in her yard and next to her house.
 | She shared how scared she was to hear the sounds of trees falling and glass breaking as the tornado passed through her neighborhood. She stated, "All I could do was cry out to God to protect me." After the tornado passed, she went outside to see many of her neighbors' homes destroyed. She could hear some crying out for help from under debris. Thankfully, no one perished, but many of her friends had lost everything. |
She was grateful for all of the help that had arrived to help her community. She was incredibly thankful for the LCC LERT volunteers who worked at her home all day to make it safe again.
"It was our blessing that they came to offer their service. God manages to have angels all around us. I say that they are our guardian angels," Thelma shares.
Other homeowners affected by the tornadoes shared that many groups had stopped to assess their property damage, but no one returned to help. When LCC showed up with a boom lift and other heavy equipment, the homeowners couldn't believe the teams would bring all this equipment from so far away to help make their properties safe again, at no cost because of generous donors who support LCC’s Disaster Response.
"It was our blessing that they came to offer their service. God manages to have angels all around us. I say that they are our guardian angels," Thelma shares.
Other homeowners affected by the tornadoes shared that many groups had stopped to assess their property damage, but no one returned to help. When LCC showed up with a boom lift and other heavy equipment, the homeowners couldn't believe the teams would bring all this equipment from so far away to help make their properties safe again, at no cost because of generous donors who support LCC’s Disaster Response.
 |  |
LCC LERT volunteer teams walk alongside the people they serve to share the love of Christ and BE THERE for them as they rebuild their lives after a disaster.
Thank you for BEING THERE with LCC to make a difference
in the lives of Thelma and other families affected by the tornadoes.
in the lives of Thelma and other families affected by the tornadoes.
This video shows how LCC Disaster Response volunteers were able to BE THERE and make a difference in the lives of residents of Selma, Alabama.
Stairs, Check!
Glass elevator, Check!
Walking ramp, Check!
Food and tissue on the ground, Check!
Security guards on Segway, Check!
Noisy crowds, check!
Great opportunity to train and socialize, YES!
Glass elevator, Check!
Walking ramp, Check!
Food and tissue on the ground, Check!
Security guards on Segway, Check!
Noisy crowds, check!
Great opportunity to train and socialize, YES!
| Monday night, nine of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training, Abednego, Lazarus, Meshach, Olive, Rejoice, Samaria, Saul, Shadrach, and Zechariah, along with their volunteer apprentice trainers, had a class at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois. It was an excellent opportunity to practice the dogs' commands with a variety of distractions and still stay focused on their volunteer apprentice trainer. |  |
Despite all the chaos, the Comfort Dogs in training still responded positively to the "look" command, giving their full attention to their trainer. The dogs did a fantastic job sitting patiently, looking out the glass window as the elevator descended to the lower level. Still, the greater challenge for these nine retrievers was walking upstairs filled with broken chips, pieces of popcorn, and leaves without trying to gobble up those enticing items. Thankfully, only one partial potato chip was retrieved!
 | The wonderful reward for all the Comfort Dogs in training and their fantastic volunteers was to stop and visit with people of all ages. The smiles that suddenly appeared on children's and adults' faces were better than all the twinkling lights on the tree. It takes a lot of practice, patience, and persistence to be an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, but these young pups have been working hard at it with their dedicated volunteers since they were eight weeks old. We thank our volunteer apprentice trainers who prepare these Comfort Dogs to one day be placed with a church whose mission is to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those who are suffering and in need in their community and beyond. |
Explore becoming a volunteer Apprentice Trainer with
Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry!
| LCC is currently in need of more volunteer apprentice trainers in the Chicagoland area as we will soon be including additional golden retriever pups to our K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry training classes. Those sweet pups will need volunteers to assist in their fostering, socializing and training. Being an apprentice trainer is an unforgettable and rewarding experience. Many of our apprentice trainers choose to participate in the training program for many years because of the community of volunteers, their own spiritual growth, staff they work with, and because they know that the dogs have a greater purpose |  |
Responsibilities include:
· Fostering golden retriever pups (owned by Lutheran Church Charities)
· Training
· Socializing
· Weekly Training Classes
· Exercising
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog weekly training classes are held in Barrington, Northbrook, and East Dundee, Illinois. If you live within 50 miles radius of the training locations and would like more information about the volunteer commitment CLICK HERE to learn more!
· Fostering golden retriever pups (owned by Lutheran Church Charities)
· Training
· Socializing
· Weekly Training Classes
· Exercising
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog weekly training classes are held in Barrington, Northbrook, and East Dundee, Illinois. If you live within 50 miles radius of the training locations and would like more information about the volunteer commitment CLICK HERE to learn more!
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bring Love and Joy to Children Participating in United Airlines Fantasy Flight
12/5/2023
| United Airlines has hosted the "Fantasy Flight" for over 30 years at O’Hare International Airport. The event is a volunteer effort by United employees and sponsors for families with children who have serious illnesses. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a cast of characters make the day more special. They fly through the sky and land at the “North Pole” in just 45 minutes. On December 2, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were once again invited to BE THERE to spread joy and love to the children and their families as they boarded a plane for the magical journey to the "North Pole.” |  |
The Comfort Dogs brought smiles to the children's faces as they posed with their families for Polaroid pictures, and each child received a special card with their picture and a cuddly stuffed dog to cherish.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone – Carmel, Indiana), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Emma and Michael (LCC Staff), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in-training Samaria and their teams added unconditional love and comfort to this event, and spread endless smiles to these brave kids who endure so much.
Please join us in praying for each child the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs met and for their families as they face unimaginable challenges. We pray that God will watch over them and bless them with strength.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Magdalene (Cornerstone – Carmel, Indiana), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Emma and Michael (LCC Staff), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in-training Samaria and their teams added unconditional love and comfort to this event, and spread endless smiles to these brave kids who endure so much.
Please join us in praying for each child the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs met and for their families as they face unimaginable challenges. We pray that God will watch over them and bless them with strength.
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