Hearts were heavy with deep sorrow last week in Louisville, Kentucky. The tragic crash of United Parcel Service’s Flight 2976 took the lives of three crew members on board and at least 11 people on the ground, which shocked and devastated a community grieving alongside union workers and aviation professionals.

For Lutheran Church Charities volunteer Clyde Lang, a Louisville native, it was a lesson about God’s timing and being prepared as His vessel.  

Back in the spring, Lang has reached out to LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministry, wanting to help build crosses after seeing them around the country. From May to October, he had constructed 18 for LCC — which turned out to be more than enough for the memorial site in his hometown.

“I never imagined using them in my own community,” Lang said. “But I am so glad that we were here, to be with those grieving.” 

With the crosses Lang made as part of the HMC  ministry, LCC responded quickly to an invitation from Rev. Eric Estes, Pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Louisville, to bring HMC staff, volunteers, and K-9 Comfort Dogs Eternity and Magdalene (Cornerstone Lutheran - Carmel, IN) to minister and care to first responders, medical staff, and families affected by the tragedy.

When Sarah Sekki, director of LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, learned that Clyde’s crosses were already in place, she made plans for the 6-hour drive from Chicago to Louisville.

Just a few hours away were K-9 Comfort Dog teams Eternity and Magdalene in Carmel, IN, who also could make the drive to Northern Kentucky.

The group arrived Thursday in time for a candlelight vigil sponsored by the Teamsters Union Local 89, bringing hearts and crosses for the public to sign. With representatives from the mayor’s office, the Teamsters, Independent Pilots Association, and American Federation of Labor, the K-9 Comfort Dogs’ presence brought calm and serenity to a group still reeling from the shock of the crash.

On Friday, the Eternity and Magdalene teams made visits across the city, presenting hearts filled with messages of love, thanks, and prayer for those who had been carrying so much emotion. Visits included the Okolona Fire Station, University of Louisville Health Hospital, and the Louisville 911 Call Center.

At each stop, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and dispatchers all got on the ground to pet Eternity and Magdalene for a moment to exhale and talk with LCC handlers.

That evening, the teams set up hearts and crosses at the Louisville Waterfront, site of a second memorial event. During the program, the tragedy’s 14th victim was named, which gave Eternity and Magdalene a fresh opportunity to provide comfort and compassion. Families, coworkers, and friends held each other close as they cuddled in with the dogs and around the crosses.

Each heart and cross stands as a symbol of love, reminding the community that God has not left them. His mercy, hope, and people surround them even in the heaviest sorrow.

Please continue to lift up the Louisville community, the families who lost loved ones, and all who have served so faithfully through this tragedy. May God’s comfort meet them in the midst of their grief and bring peace in the days ahead.

LCC asked K-9 Comfort Dog handlers who deployed to Louisville last week to describe their time spent with the community, first responders, and medical personnel.

Assurance
“We bring assurance of God’s love to those suffering in the midst of tragedy.”

Connection
“Our presence provided a way to connect and to show support and comfort to those serving the community.”

Trust
“I wasn’t sure I should go to a Louisville. When we got there, we didn’t have a ton planned, but we had to trust that God would open doors for us, and He did — the vigil, the firehouse, the hospital. All of the people we met trusted us with their stories, which will remain with me forever now as a part of mine. Giving up control and trusting in Him allowed me to show up and be present where I needed to be.”

Enlightening
“I was trying to think of words to describe eye-opening. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what I heard and saw when I was there. From the 911 dispatchers to seeing a group of people who didn’t know each other pray together, this is why I love what we do so much.”

Grateful
“I heard many times, ‘Thank you for coming here.’ Whether that was at the vigils, the firehouse, the hospital, or the dispatch center, we just kept hearing, ‘Thank you for coming and also for thinking about us.’ I am grateful that there are those in this ministry that are willing to give of their time and resources to come to a community that is hurting to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus.”

This past weekend, Lutheran Church Charities hosted a series of disaster response trainings across the country, preparing new volunteers to bring mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus to those affected by disasters. These trainings took place simultaneously in Michigan, California, and Texas, showcasing the nationwide reach of LCC’s ministry and the growing number of volunteers ready to serve.

“These trainings demonstrate how ordinary volunteers can be empowered to serve in extraordinary ways,” said LCC leadership. “By equipping volunteers across the country at the same time, we are growing a nationwide network of trained responders ready to assist those in need.”

The weekend’s events highlight the continued growth of LCC’s disaster response ministry, showing how more trained volunteers are stepping forward to bring compassionate service and practical help to communities affected by disaster.

It was a chilly November weekend in Kearney, Nebraska, but inside the Younes Conference Center South, hearts were warm and spirits high. With nearly 700 middle school students, their adult leaders, and a handful of very special four-legged guests gathered for the Nebraska District Middle School Youth Gathering on November 8–9.

The air buzzed with excitement — the kind only a few hundred energetic sixth, seventh, and eighth graders can bring. Between worship, learning sessions, and laughter-filled activities, one special ministry quietly wove through the noise: the Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog Ministry.

The Teams Who Came to Serve
From Seward to Columbus and even Ellsworth, Kansas, five golden retrievers came ready to do what they do best — offer peace, presence, and unconditional love.
Nicodemus Comfort Dog – The Rock, Seward, NE
Glory Comfort Dog – Christ, Lincoln, NE
Meshach Comfort Dog – Peace, Grand Island, NE
Keren Comfort Dog – Immanuel, Ellsworth, KS
Eden Comfort Dog – Peace, Columbus, NE

While most exhibitors might stand behind a booth, these gentle servants were invited to walk among the youth — to be in the middle of the action, offering a quiet touch for those who needed a break and a soft head to pet when words were hard to find.

Moments That Mattered
Every handler could tell a story — and each one revealed the quiet power of presence.

Meshach’s handler shared about a young boy who stopped to pet Meshach and unexpectedly opened up about his family’s challenges. “He shared something deep and meaningful to him,” she said. “Without the comfort dog, he never would have stopped to talk — or to receive that bit of comfort.”

Nicodemus’s team echoed that sentiment. One father approached them, still grieving the loss of his own dog. “He never would have talked to two women about his hurt and loss without Nico,” a handler reflected. “God’s love is so big — much bigger than Nico — that you never know how and when He can touch people.”
And for one overwhelmed young girl, Glory Comfort Dog provided exactly what her name promises. Amid the busy crowd, she quietly sat by Glory, stroking her fur and breathing a little easier. “Just petting her gave her the comfort she needed,” her handler shared softly.

Eden’s team found joy in reconnecting with youth who already knew her from school visits or community events. “It proves that our ministry is making a huge positive influence in our troubled times,” they said. Even during quieter moments, their interactions with hundreds of young people reaffirmed the mission.
Then there was Keren’s story — perhaps the most tender of all. A young girl with severe social anxiety found refuge beside Keren during a loud and overwhelming session. Her mother, seeing how calm she became, asked if Keren could stay near. “God always puts us where we need to be,” Keren’s handler said. “And sometimes, He surprises us with how many others need comfort too.”

Big Gatherings, Bigger Love
With nearly 700 participants, the gathering was a joyful whirlwind. For many, the comfort dogs were a grounding presence — a reminder that God’s love shows up in soft fur, kind eyes, and listening hearts.

One of Nicodemus’s handlers recalled how even those working the event — a custodian and a food service worker — were touched by the ministry. “God’s love is so big,” she said. “Much bigger than Nico — and that’s saying something!”

And sometimes, the ministry reached beyond those who came to the event. As one handler recalled, a woman delivering cinnamon rolls peeked into the worship center, wide-eyed at the sight of hundreds of youth singing together. “Who are they?” she whispered. When told they were middle schoolers gathered to worship, her only response was a hushed, “Wow.”

Right place, right time — God’s timing, every time.

More Than Just a Gathering
As the weekend came to a close, the youth left with new memories, new friends, and perhaps a bit of dog hair on their clothes. But more importantly, they left having seen — and felt — what it means to show the love of Jesus.

In the quiet moments between the songs, laughter, and games, God worked through paws and patience, through fur and faith, to remind every heart — young and old — that His comfort comes in many forms.

The quiet hum of voices softened as the doors opened. One by one, they padded in — golden coats gleaming, blue bandanas swaying gently with every step. Fourteen LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs entered the hallway, their calm presence filling the space with warmth and peace.

Blue — Renée Michelle Ressler’s favorite color — seemed to surround everything that morning. It was in the scarves worn by the handlers, in the bandanas tied around bouquets, and in the tears and smiles of those who came to remember her.

Renée, only 46, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 31, from a pulmonary embolism. She was a woman of deep compassion, faith, and purpose — a wife devoted to her husband of 21 years, Bret, and a loving mother to her two daughters, Grace and Ella. Her passing left a space impossible to fill, yet her legacy of care continues to ripple outward through every person she touched.

A Family Woven in Ministry
For the Ressler and Piske families, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry isn’t just a mission — it’s a calling that has shaped their lives and the lives of so many others.

Renée was the daughter of Sue Piske, the “Top Dog” for LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah and Kye (Permanently Deployed) and now part of the In Process team, and the daughter-in-law of Elanie and Terry Ressler, who served as apprentice trainers and later handlers for Bekah and Kye. Together, these families have spent years helping others through moments of pain and loss, always led by faith and compassion.

So when the news of Renée’s passing reached the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, hearts stirred and plans began forming. Invited by Renée's family, handlers and dogs from across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin came together — 14 teams in all — to surround the family who had so often surrounded others.

Comfort That Shows Up
The Comfort Dog Ministry is built on the simple, powerful act of showing up. Whether in times of tragedy, disaster, or quiet grief, these dogs — and their handlers — bring the presence of Christ through calm, compassion, and love.

This time, they came for one of their own.

“I often use the illustration of a tapestry when I think about how God works,” shared Tobias’ handler. “He weaves things in one area that connect with another. Think about how many dogs are out serving that learned from Elaine and Terry. All the love that those three gave over the years came back to them. I didn’t have to move heaven and earth to be there. But I would have.”

Handlers spoke of the deep sense of unity that filled the room — the unspoken understanding that this ministry isn’t just service; it’s family.
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“We show up for others in their time of need,” said Charity’s handler, “and in those moments, bonds are formed that last for years. When one of us becomes the person who needs support, it never ceases to amaze me that everyone moves heaven and earth to be present. I still catch myself smiling when I see that crew of 14 dogs rolling in.”

From Abednego to Shadrach, Jael to Mary, the comfort dogs offered what words could not — quiet companionship, unconditional love, and the reassurance that no one grieves alone.

Threads of Memory and Grace
Throughout the visitation and memorial service, moments of connection reminded everyone why the Comfort Dog Ministry exists.

One handler, who had previously served with Ezra Comfort Dog (Permanently Deployed), recalled a profound encounter.

“A woman came up to me who remembered Ezra from years ago,” she said. “They had bonded at a book signing for Extraordinary Dogs. She hadn’t heard that he’d passed. We both cried, but it was heartwarming to know she was keeping him alive in her memories. I realized God led me to this funeral not just for Sue and her family, but for her too. We never truly know the effect these dogs have on others.”

Another handler reflected on the generosity that had come full circle that day.
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“The Ressler and Piske families have been so generous with their time and talent,” said Samson’s handler, “that everyone wanted to be there to give back. It was touching to see how much the dogs mean to people — even a single mention of one who’s gone brings tears.”

And among the children who came, there were moments of innocent joy. Shadrach's ministry partner shared how the kids’ faces lit up when offered a Little Jesus plush. “Their sincere ‘thank yous’ were beautiful,” they said.

A Legacy of Listening
Beyond her family’s deep ministry roots, Renée’s own life was defined by compassion. She worked in the medical field, where her colleagues remember her not only for her dedication, but for her ability to truly listen — to make each person feel seen, valued, and loved.

Her kindness, humor, and quiet strength inspired those who worked beside her. Whether at home, at work, or among friends, she gave her full heart to every moment.
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“The feeling of family, love, and support between the teams — and between the former teams of Immanuel, Belvidere — it’s something you can’t quite describe,” shared Mary’s handler. “I felt so blessed to be part of this family.”

Love That Comes Full Circle
As the memorial service ended, the dogs rested quietly beside chairs, their calm presence steady and sure. Blue bandanas caught the light, a shimmering reminder of the color Renée loved — a reflection of her grace and her spirit.

The ministry she and her family have nurtured over the years came together that day, not only to grieve, but to give thanks — for a life lived with purpose, for faith shared freely, and for love that never stops showing up.

Through every comforting paw, every prayer offered, and every hug exchanged, Renée’s legacy continues — woven into the tapestry of compassion that defines the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

Her story now joins the many others of comfort, faith, and love — carried forward by golden paws, gentle hearts, and the color blue.

Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for answering the call to serve: 

Abednego  – Immanuel, Crystal Lake, IL
Believe Comfort Dog in training with Apprentice Trainers
Charity – Brookfield Lutheran, Brookfield, WI
Claudia  – Trinity, Toledo, OH
Eunice – LCC Staff
Gethsemane  – Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL
Hannah – LCC Staff 
Jael  – Trinity, Hobart, IN
Julia – LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry  – King of Glory, Elgin, IL
Mary  – St. Paul's, Janesville, WI
Michael – LCC Staff
Samson – Zion, Marengo, IL
Shadrach – Prince of Peace, Palatine, IL
Tobias – Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL

Call it a “great Golden sandwich.”

With LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams sending off service members on this month’s Stars & Stripes Honor Flight in Milwaukee, WI, celebrating them as they landed in Washington, D.C., and then welcoming them back at day’s end, there was a lot of tail-wagging joy and Golden Retriever salutes across the country this week.

Lutheran Church Charities saw nine K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia work together to thank and honor 161 veterans and their guardians as they flew from the Midwest to the nation’s capital and back again to recognize their service.

In all, three planes’ worth of heroes, many who served in World War II and Vietnam.

The day began with Charity Comfort Dog (Brookfield Lutheran Brookfield, WI) and her team on hand early Saturday morning to wave to the veterans and see them off from Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee.   

Teams Solomon (King of Glory Williamsburg, VA), Amos (Our Savior Ashburn, VA), and Kezia (Emmanuel Baltimore, MD) were at Dulles Airport in Virginia to greet the veterans as they landed and express appreciation for their service. With flights from Green Bay, WI, also arriving, more than 190 vets total made the “Flight of Champions” trip.

Solomon, Amos, and Kezia also met up with them at the memorials in Washington, D.C. Amos, Kezia and Solomon’s teams gathered for a photo at the Lincoln Memorial and then walked alongside those that went to the Vietnam Memorial.

When the veterans returned home, Samson (Zion Marengo, IL), Rejoice (St. Paul’s Janesville, WI), Mary (St. Paul’s Janesville, WI)), Charity, Sage (CUW Mequon, WI), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills Greenville, WI) teams all were there to celebrate the whole day.

One handler at Dulles shared this beautiful moment, “After petting the dogs, a veteran said, ‘Today was perfect. I’m getting a little emotional’ and pointed to the tear forming in his eye. He gestured toward the dogs again and reiterated, ‘Perfect.’ ”  

Another handler commented about shaking hands with all 190 veterans: “We made sure each one felt truly seen, valued, and appreciated. The emotions were powerful—as they always are at Honor Flight arrivals. The veterans don’t know there will be crowds gathered to celebrate and welcome them home, and the surprise moves many deeply.”

One veteran responded, “This is bringing tears to my eyes.”

Another asked in amazement, “Where’d you get all these people?”

Each moment was a reminder of the humility and grace these heroes share — and how God uses simple acts of love, presence, and gratitude to bring comfort and healing to those who have served.

At the Vietnam Memorial, one veteran searched the wall for the name of his childhood friend and then showed his picture. He shared that his friend had gone home for just two days to meet his new baby, returned to Vietnam, and never came back.

Another veteran paused at a pair of boots left at the wall and quietly recalled how often their feet were wet because they didn’t have enough dry socks to wear.

A third handler recalled, “As we waited for the planes to land, we met with people gathered to welcome an Honor Flight arriving from Macon, GA, which had 13 veterans onboard, including a 101-year-old man named Jerry, who was a Screaming Eagle during WWII. His family was there and reminded us that the youngest WWII veterans are now 97 years old!”

For all the K-9 Comfort Dog teams, It was a privilege to walk with these heroes, listen to their stories, and witness how God brings comfort and connection even through the weight of remembrance.
 
Serving at Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee, WI, were:
Charity (with Becky and Gary Kilvinger)
Mary (with Tom and Cheryl Skelly)
Rejoice (with Faith Larson)
Sage (with Billy and Abigail Matt)
Samaria (with veteran Brian Rollefson and Katie Rollefson)
Samson (with  veteran Jeffery Schulman and Christine Schulman)

Serving at Dulles Airport in Virginia were:
Amos (with Jodi Folta and veteran George Folta)
Kezia (with Ric Durham and Ed Cohen and former police officer Patrick Donnelly) 
Solomon (with Dawn Forgit and veteran Philip Forgit)

Even in the saddest moments and memories, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs can bring comfort through their gentle presence.

Two weeks ago, LCC Comfort Dogs Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, MD)  and Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, VA) and their teams attended an American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Out Of Darkness Community Walk in Washington, D.C., an event that brought people together to remember lost loved ones and bring hope to those affected by mental health struggles.

The Kezia and Amos teams shared smiles, encouragement, and God’s love with attendees, reminding everyone they met that they are not alone — and the love of Christ brings light in dark places. It was the teams’ fifth appearance at an Out Of Darkness event.

Before the walk, the teams sat with a couple who shared that their son had taken his life in March, and before that, their beloved dog had passed away a year ago. As the husband gently petted Kezia, he told us that just last week, he had dreamt of his son walking with their old dog. “In that tender exchange, we knew that God was present — offering a sacred moment of comfort and connection through Kezia’s gentle presence,” said handler Jodi Folta.

The teams also met some veterans from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., spending the day at the D.C.  memorials. One veteran insisted on having his picture taken with Kezia and Amos. “We were honored to thank them for their service, and he expressed deep gratitude for being acknowledged and appreciated,” Folta shared.
 
She continued: “Each encounter that day was a reminder that God’s love reaches into every heart and every story — bringing healing, hope, and light. Remember: You are loved.”

This past weekend, Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin, hosted a deeply moving “God’s Littlest Saints” service as part of its All Saints’ Day worship. The special gathering invited families who have experienced the loss of a child before birth to come together in remembrance, prayer, and hope.

Pastor Dan Thews led the service, sharing a message centered on the resurrection hope we have in Jesus and the comforting promises found in God’s Word — the assurance that one day we will meet, embrace, and know the children taken from us too soon. Families joined in grieving together, praying together, and praising God for the divine purpose and eternal life of all God’s Littlest Saints.

As part of the service, families were invited to order a Heart of Mercy & Compassion in honor of their Little Saint and to write messages of encouragement for others walking a similar path. Following All Saints’ Day worship on Sunday, members of the congregation were also invited to add their own messages of hope, prayers, and words of comfort on each heart. Within minutes, the small wooden hearts filled with heartfelt notes—some members even took the time to sign each of the 20 hearts being prepared for the families.

Jessica Ganzen, Faith’s HMC Ministry Coordinator, reflected on the powerful impact of the event:

“What I didn’t anticipate were the number of members who, after seeing the hearts displayed, lovingly shared their own stories of losing a Little Saint. Whether it was a recent loss or one that happened decades ago, members tearfully spoke about their children—sometimes multiple—finding renewed hope in the resurrection promise of Jesus and comfort in the outpouring of support from our congregation.”

She added that the hearts created a sacred space for open conversation about one of life’s most painful experiences.

“The hearts gave our congregation the opportunity to talk openly about one of the most difficult things—carrying one another’s burdens and honoring individuals and families who, in some cases, had silently suffered.”

Faith’s Heart of Mercy & Compassion Team is now preparing 20 hearts in total—some inscribed with a precious name, others simply bearing the message “God’s Littlest Saint”—as lasting tributes to these beloved children and the enduring hope found in Christ.

On Sunday, October 26, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westlake, OH, was filled with joy, worship, and wagging tails as they celebrated the commissioning of Honey Comfort Dog and the St. Paul K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team.

It was more than a service—it was a community coming together. Teams from across the region joined in the celebration, including Damascus Comfort Dog (Napoleon, OH), Claudia Comfort Dog and Lazarus Comfort Dog (Toledo, OH), Dove Comfort Dog (Fremont, IN), Saul Comfort Dog (Parma, OH), and Eternity and Magdalene Comfort Dogs (Carmel and Cornerstone, OH). Together, they created a living testament to God’s love and compassion in action.

During the commissioning, the pastor blessed Honey and the team, sending them forth to serve God’s people with comfort, compassion, and unconditional love. The congregation cheered, prayed, and celebrated this new chapter, knowing that Honey’s presence would touch countless lives.

Honey’s own verse, Psalm 119:103 (NIV), perfectly captures her mission: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Every wag of her tail and every comforting nuzzle will serve as a living reminder of God’s sweetness and grace

When Loss Strikes

Daniel Kevin “Danny” Bayles was an energetic 11-year-old who lit up every room he entered. A beloved Sunday School student at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL, Danny’s sudden death from an unexpected medical issue left his family and community in shock. For the town of Manhattan, Illinois, grief was immediate and overwhelming.

In these moments of heartache, the presence of compassion can make the unbearable a little more bearable. For Danny’s family and friends, that compassion came in the form of Michael, Jael, and Caleb—the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs—and the dedicated volunteers of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT).

Comfort in Motion

Pastor Doug Hoag requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs for Danny’s wake and funeral. But the sheer scale of the anticipated attendance required more than dogs alone. The Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) was called in to assist with logistics, crowd management, and spiritual care. Some LERT members, trained in Spiritual First Aid, worked side by side with the comfort dogs' teams to meet both practical and emotional needs.

Handlers with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb, Jael, and Michael recall powerful, quiet moments: Danny’s grandmother sitting on the floor, surrounded by the gentle presence of the Comfort Dogs, finding solace in their warmth. Children, uncertain and grieving, would pause on their way to the snack room to pet a dog, allowing a moment of comfort to soothe their hearts. One handler said, “Like God is always there for us, the dogs were there for them to bring them comfort.”

A Community Comes Together

LERT volunteers coordinated overflow parking, shuttle buses, and the post-service luncheon, working alongside church members to ensure every aspect of the funeral and reception was handled with care. Team members—Michelle Buell, Tom Buell, Mike Voight, Jennifer Kojro-Badziak and family, Jenny Kwasniewski, Mike Hemme, Kim Blecke, Deaconess Barb Hemme, and Team Lead Mark Razny—demonstrated how collaboration multiplies comfort.

Just four days later, Manhattan faced another heartbreaking loss when Chance Hunnicutt was killed in a bicycle accident. Grief rippled across the community, and a support network called “Manhattan Strong” formed to aid both families.

A Unique Partnership in Ministry

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs trained to provide comfort, LERT volunteers trained to provide spiritual and practical care, and congregations ready to support—all working together to meet the deep needs of a hurting community. Their partnership turns tragedy into an opportunity for connection, faith, and healing.