“All Aboard for the Polar Express!” shouted a conductor welcoming families to the WINGS Sweet Home Chicago event this weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Chicago, IL, as it transformed into a festive wonderland, where families came together to create unforgettable memories.
 
Amidst the live music, gingerbread house making, and delightful breakfast, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to add to the joy of the event. With their gentle presence and loving nature, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, IL), Emma and Grace (LCC Staff), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul’s - Janesville, WI) brought love and comfort to children and adults alike, fostering emotional connections that resonated deeply with all attendees.
 
One delighted conductor perfectly summed up the magic of the day, exclaiming, “Christmas wishes DO come true!” These wonderful moments reflect LCC’s commitment to bring love and comfort during both joyful and challenging times.

The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.

This Christmas season, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs spread warmth and joy at the annual holiday party for the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Milwaukee Air National Guard, WI.
 
Held on December 7, the event radiated with laughter and togetherness, featuring festive activities like bounce houses for the children and a delicious home-cooked meal that united families in celebration. The presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin)  Dora (Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) alongside their compassionate handlers, enriched the atmosphere, fostering meaningful connections with military members and their families.
 
Each year, these relationships deepen, as the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams cherish the opportunity to celebrate alongside those who bravely serve our country. We are profoundly grateful for their sacrifices and commitment, and this festive gathering serves as a reminder of the community’s support and appreciation for our heroes.
 
We invite everyone to continue participating in LCC's mission, helping to uplift and provide compassion to those in need, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness lives on throughout the year.
 
The 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, has had a long and illustrious record of service to the State of Wisconsin and the United States of America. From natural disasters to service in the Korean War, Desert Storm, Restore Hope and Deny Flight, the men and women of the 128th Air Refueling Wing have responded to changing world events and tasking requirements with dignity, honor and courage.

On December 7, the magic of the holiday season came alive at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, IL, where LCC's K-9 Comfort Dogs helped bring joy and hope to families facing challenging times. The United Airlines Fantasy Flight was a day filled with magic and warmth, as over 65 children battling childhood cancer and other serious illnesses embarked on a heartwarming journey to the “North Pole”. This extraordinary event, made possible through the collaboration of United Airlines, Cal’s Angels, and Make-A-Wish Illinois, offered these brave families a cherished holiday experience filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, IL), Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, OH), Eden (Peace - Columbus, NE), Emma (LCC Staff), Gethsemane (in training), Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE), and Rejoice (St Paul's, Janesville, WI), offered love and comfort amidst the bustling atmosphere. Each child received a cuddly LCC K-9 Comfort Dog stuffie to take home, ensuring that the warmth of this experience would linger long after the event.

As holiday season can be particularly tough for those navigating illness, we invite you to join us in remembering these families in your prayers, asking for God’s love to envelop them in strength and peace. Together, we bring hope to the hurting and remind them that they are never alone.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2

Dear Friends and Compassionate Community,
 
Nick is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva, Illinois. Nick’s life took a devastating turn at the beginning of November when he fell from a ladder, resulting in a severe knee injury that requires surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
 
Struggling with a complex meniscus tear and facing the daunting realities of being uninsured, Nick has depleted his savings on medical expenses while desperately seeking work to replace his lost income. Despite our efforts to assist him with rides and gas, Nick is quickly falling behind on his responsibilities and obligations. His rent is due, child support is past due, credit cards are maxed, and very little is coming in.
 
Nick is a man who has always lifted others up, never wanting to burden anyone with his struggles. He went as far as starting a construction ministry to help the less fortunate. He’s stated many times that this is his calling and it is one of the main driving forces keeping his head up right now.
 
Now, he finds himself in a position where he needs our help to get caught up and put this behind him. Let us come together as a community to show Nick the love and support that he so selflessly gives to others.
 
Your contributions can directly aid Nick in his recovery process, allowing him to regain his footing. Every little bit counts and can make a world of difference in his life.
 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for considering this call to action. Your involvement embodies our commitment to serving those in crisis, reflecting the love of Christ in our community. Together, we can help Nick stand strong again and remind him that he is not alone in this fight.
 
With hope and appreciation,
 
Pastor Jamie Holt, Lead Pastor
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
St. Charles, Illinois
(written on behalf of Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva, IL)

Last week Plum Grove Junior High School, Palatine, IL, faced a tragic and sudden death when one of their seventh-grade students. Angela Guan died after being hit by a vehicle during fall break.  Angela was known as a hardworking, compassionate student who was respected by her classmates and teachers. Angela was an artist who enjoyed drawing as a way of expressing herself. She was a conscientious and dedicated student which was reflected in earning a place on the Advanced Honor Roll. Angela was loved and her unexpected death leaves a hole in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

The counselor from the school district invited the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be there on Tuesday, November 26, to support the teachers after their staff meeting to help them process their grief and find comfort in the quiet and calming presence of Hannah Comfort Dog (LCC Staff), and Comfort Dogs in training Eternity, Gethsemane, and Glory with their handlers. LCC staff member Tim Laabs was also there with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion with Angela’s name written on it for teachers to write loving messages.

On Monday, December 2, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, Illinois), Grace (LCC Staff), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) were there first thing in the morning to welcome and be a comforting and loving presence for the students as they returned to their school and classrooms without Angela. It was not easy seeing the empty desk where Angela sat or the realization they would not have another opportunity to see Angela’s smiling face or hear her warm laugh.  Later that morning Samson Comfort Dog (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) and Comfort Dogs in training Eternity, Gethsemane, and Glory were there to continue to comfort, listen, and be with the grieving students and staff.

We pray for Angela’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers as they navigate their loss and grief of her death. We pray they seek the welcoming and comforting arms of Jesus.

What do 1500 teachers, pastors, and other church workers from Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio have in common besides their faith in Jesus Christ and their desire to serve the children and families of their respective congregations?  Spending two days in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) Connections Conference, of course! 

Each of these people, many of them leaving directly after the conference to head to travel to family for Thanksgiving, made the time to come and worship together, attend workshops, and connect (or reconnect!) with others to increase their knowledge and skills to better teach and connect with their students and their families. 

While they were there, many of them stopped by the LCC table to learn more about the various ministries of LCC; K-9 Comfort Dogs, Disaster Response, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Care Teams, and more. 

Many also stopped for a moment of stress release during their busy conference days to pet Jared Comfort Dog (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, IN), Caleb Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Valparaiso, IN), and Emma Comfort Dog (LCC Staff).  The smiles and positive attitudes that came from these educators at the conference showed that their students will definitely feel the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus when they and their teachers return from Thanksgiving break and begin their Advent journey this year!

In addition to the Fort Wayne event, LCC staff and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada) and Salome (Faith Community - Las Vegas, Nevada) were present at the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS conference in Phoenix, Arizona. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams for Genesis (Good Shepherd - Turlock, California​), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), and Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California) attended the California–Nevada–Hawaii District of the LCMS conference in Monterey, California. The teams continued their mission of outreach and compassion, and the interactions at these events created a supportive atmosphere where attendees felt encouraged to share their experiences and learn more about how LCC can assist in their ministries. 

"Prayers for PK" echoed throughout the St. Louis area over the past nine months as Penelope Kate "PK" Karrenbrock (age 9) bravely fought cancerous tumors in her spine. A beloved member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, Missouri, PK was surrounded by the unwavering support of her church family, who lifted her up in prayer and hosted prayer vigils in her honor. Her journey touched hearts beyond the local community, with over 12,000 followers on Facebook keeping vigil and offering constant prayers for her healing.
 
Though PK has now passed, her father, Doug, shared these poignant words: “We didn’t get the answer we wanted, but we stand firm in believing that God’s ways are far better than we could ever comprehend.” Through it all, the family clung to the comfort and strength of Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."
 
In honor of PK, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team at Immanuel Lutheran crafted a beautiful heart and cross, a symbol of the love and faith that carried her through her battle. May the deep peace of God surround the Karrenbrock family in this time of grief, and may they find solace in the continued prayers and support of their faith community. Though the road is dark, may they be uplifted by the light of God’s love and the prayers that continue to surround them.