LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve!
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders, and volunteers have been assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners since last Tuesday with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. They have worked through Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elburn, Illinois, completing 18 sites, including several homes that were multi-day jobs due to the extent of the damage and at Walcamp. The LCC LERT teams will continue to serve next week until the requests for assistance are completed. Working Together to Make a Difference Northern Illinois and the South Wisconsin District LERT volunteers partnered to work at two sites in Janesville, Wisconsin. One of the sites required the new Nifty Lift 64 to remove multiple widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops) from four trees. The homeowner had surgery right before the storms, so she could not do any cleanup and was grateful for all of the help, mercy, and compassion shown to her. Bringing Relief to a Family with Significant Property Damage
Twenty-Five LERT Volunteers Make Walcamp Safe to Reopen This Week On Saturday, 25 LERT volunteers worked at clearing downed and damaged trees and widow makers from Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCSM) Recognized Service Organization (RSO). The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week. We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed Inspiring the Next Generation of Helpers
My dad Bill Alar was part of the Lord of Life LERT group. He started the group with Larry. My dad loved being able to help others. Unfortunately, we lost him very unexpectedly 2 years ago. He never would have imagined the LERT crew coming to save us. I didn't even have to reach out for help. At 5:00 a.m., the next day Ken Johnston sent me a message telling us not to worry because LERT was already on it. Within a few hours, Larry was here to get things rolling. The amazing group of people have worked incredibly hard all week long. There aren't enough or the right words to thank everyone. It was truly a blessing. - Jen Alar LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve! If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
![]() Lutheran Church Charities Human Care ministry continues to support Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, and its Restoring Hope food pantry as the Houston metro region recovers from Hurricane Beryl. Last week, the church’s food pantry distributed food to 270 families, according to Restoring Hope director Lauren McCardell. “We are still seeing a higher than usual amount of people seeking food assistance,” she said. “We are grateful for all the donations, so we can continue to help those who are hurting and in need. We know we serve a God who is faithful.” The food pantry has low supplies or is out of staple items, including cereal, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, pasta, soup, Hamburger Helper, and other goods. Earlier this month, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of the food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need. In response, LCC donors and some area grocery stores have contributed $8,800 of food, said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry. Because of impacts and delays, their usual large food shipment will not arrive until the end of summer. Due to long-term power outages, many families have lost their food, and stores have been slow to reopen and restock their shelves. Additionally, many people have lost wages because their workplaces have remained closed without electricity. “There is still a great need to provide food support to the Houston metro area as they rebuild their lives,” Snider said. “We are grateful to all those who have donated, and we ask for your continued prayers and generous support to help people recover from the hurricane.” Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help. Click the button to learn more about how LCC Human Care is providing assistance to families affected by Hurricane Beryl and other efforts. We are thrilled to report that one of our Human Care appeals has made a significant impact on a family in need. Through the generosity of our donors, the Nichols family was able to repair their roof, addressing a crucial need in their household. A recent update from the pastor highlights the positive effects of this support on the family. ![]() Greetings, Mr. Nichols's health is still very fragile, but he and his wife keep God at the center of everything they do. The generosity of the saints has allowed them to have the outside of their roof repaired, which has stopped the water from leaking into the kitchen. Thank you for all the support from the family of God to the Nichols family. We continue to ask you to pray for the family. God's blessings! Pastor Bryan A. Reeves Immanuel Lutheran Church Richton Park, Illinois In March, we asked for your support for a fourth-grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, Illinois, whose husband suffered a stroke. Thank you for your generous donations! The family's need is still great. Please read the following update from Pastor Bill Yonker. Chad came home from the hospital but is not able to walk, feed himself, or take care of his sanitary needs. His wife Shelly, our fourth-grade teacher at Immanuel, is having surgery and will not be able to lift over 5 lbs for the next 8 weeks. With school starting for Shelly in a month, this has added stress and strain not only on the caregiving but figuring out the logistics of Chad's continued care. Their children and parents have been so faithful in helping, but three of the four kids are going back to school soon and the fourth one lives out of state. Prayers and assistance are needed in this new chapter of their lives. God's blessings to you! Pastor Bill Yonker, Senior Pastor Immanuel Lutheran Church East Dundee, Illinois Please prayerfully consider donating to help the Pieper family in their time of need. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated and would go a long way in easing their burden. Let's come together to support this family in need. Posted: March 13, 2024 LCC received a request from Pastor Bill Yonker of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Illinois, to help support the school's 4th-grade teacher after her husband suffered a stroke. ![]() Recently, a tragedy happened to one of our school teachers and her family here at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Illinois. Chad Pieper, 49-year-old husband of our 4th grade teacher, Shelly Pieper, had a massive stroke while at a school basketball tournament in Peoria, Illinois. For the last three weeks, Shelly and Chad have been in Peoria at the hospital. Chad‘s recovery has been very slow-going to the point where they have not even been able to transport him back to our home area hospital. Shelly and Chad have four children. Their oldest son is out of college, their second son is in college, their daughter is a senior in high school getting ready to go to college, and their third son is an eighth grader at Immanuel. Twice, Chad has been admitted to the ICU in Peoria and continues to need advanced care for his recovery and rehabilitation. Immanuel, church, and school, as well as a neighboring church are seeking funds and assistance for Chad‘s hospital stay and future care. If you are able to contribute any support to past hospital bills or future rehabilitation and healthcare, the family and our church and school would be so grateful for the blessings you could give. Please prayerfully consider this request, and I also ask that you would offer prayers of comfort, peace, and future hope for the Pieper family. Yours in Jesus, Pastor Bill Yonker Immanuel Lutheran Church and School East Dundee, Illinois
This approach underscores the importance of sincerity and allowing one's faith to guide the message. By encouraging individuals to write from their heart, recognizing the Holy Spirit's prompting, we can offer messages that reflect God’s love.
At another vigil recently, high school friends wrote messages that bring memories of the friends they lost, speaking of their smile and laugh or an inside joke that takes a personal tone. It is also common to add Scripture references like were added - Romans 8:18 and Psalm 62:2 – messages that hold great encouragement for a believer. At memorial sites across the nation, individuals are encouraged to contribute personal messages on the hearts. The HMC placard at the memorial site invites visitors to share memories of the person, offer words of encouragement or a message of hope. In Rockford, Illinois, earlier this year, a young visitor bowed his head in contemplation as he deliberated over what to inscribe on a Heart of Mercy & Compassion. Similarly, in Charlotte, North Carolina, vigil attendees solemnly penned messages in honor of first responders who had died in the line of duty. Often, the overflow of heartfelt messages extends to encompass the arms and legs of the cross. This abundance of support surrounding a family is a profound blessing indeed! Messages of gratitude also fill the hearts when we gift hearts to honor veterans, first responders, church workers, or volunteers. These heartfelt tributes express deep appreciation for their dedicated service and selfless contributions. By trusting in the Holy Spirit, individuals can offer words of love, hope, and compassion that will be cherished by the family for years to come. Anyone can contribute to this mission by signing or gifting a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to someone in need. Let us all come together to offer comfort and support during life's most difficult moments.
CLICK HERE to learn more how you can request a Heart of Mercy & Compassion for someone in need. ![]() “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences a parent can go through. Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse in Wisconsin is an organization that provides support and love to parents and families who have lost a child. Recently, at their annual Memorial Walk, families were able to honor their lost children by stopping at signs placed along the route. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was also present, offering comfort and providing support to these families. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) and their handlers offered a quiet place to collect one's thoughts at the end of the walk. One boy spent most of the day with the Comfort Dogs and their handlers processing the big emotions of losing his beloved brother. "Our boy loved these dogs! He spent the whole time cuddling them. Thank you for giving him this opportunity! He needed the comfort after he saw his brother sign." The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry grieves with these families and provides emotional and spiritual support to help them through their grief. If you want to support the work of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, consider donating to help them continue to provide comfort to those suffering and in need. ![]() On Saturday, July 13, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry handlers Jim with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel, Gene with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus, and Toni with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jeremiah presented a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to the widow Nancy and daughter Lynda of Doward Douwsma, a veteran who served in Naval Air Intelligence in the Vietnam War from 1961-1965. Doward was stationed in Guam and flew in many missions. He was in hospice for over a year, and Jeremiah and his handlers visited him regularly throughout the year, including weekly visits toward the end. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry provided emotional and spiritual support to Doward and his family during his final days, and it was an honor to visit Doward and his family. Lutheran Church Charities Human Care and Disaster Response ministries continue to provide cleanup and recovery efforts across the Houston metro region, almost 10 days after Hurricane Beryl left a wake of debris and damage to homes (photo credit: Nancy Beckcom, Trinity Lutheran Church Tyler, Texas). More than 40 families from Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, have requested help for chainsaw assistance and debris removal after suffering significant tree and wind damage to their homes and vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of Houston area residents are still without power. In response, LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer coordinated the mobilization of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) from Trinity Lutheran Church in Tyler, Texas. ![]() The Disaster Response volunteers have been on the ground in Spring, Texas, and Tomball, Texas, cutting trees and limbs and clearing debris from 15 homes — with at least 26 more families lined up for assistance in the next two to three weeks, said Deaconess Suzanne Fingerle of Trinity Klein Lutheran. Last week, LCC Human Care organized a resupply of Trinity Klein Lutheran's food pantry, which ran out of goods and groceries after a surge in need. "Orphan Grain Train and other distributors have stood up to help fill the shelves for the church and community, and we are so thankful for their donations of food and supplies," said Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care ministry. Currently, Trinity Klein Lutheran is serving 150 families (or roughly 1,000 people) per day — a 50 percent increase from normal demand, said Lauren McCardell, director of the food pantry. "We know families are beginning the long process of cleanup. In some cases, they are rebuilding their lives," LCC’s Snider said. "At such an important moment for them, we stand ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible goods, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.” The cleanup and recovery work started after Dan Reimer, interim executive director at Trinity Klein Lutheran asked LCC to provide assistance to Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations and families around the Houston metro area. LCC is able to provide this assistance because generous donors and volunteers are willing to serve and give. But additional assistance to provide food, logistics, and home-to-home support and care is still strongly needed, Singer emphasized. "Any financial support you can offer will go directly to helping families in the Houston area," Singer said. Thanks to donors like you, LCC will continue to BE THERE to provide mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling and in need along the Texas Gulf Coast. Your faithful prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Beryl and those responding with help. LCC never goes where we are not invited. |
Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Lutheran Church Charities Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders and volunteers began assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners immediately with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. Currently, they have 21 requests for assistance and expect this list to grow during the week. LCC leadership is also reaching out to churches in the district to see if they or their congregation members may need assistance. LERT teams are ready to respond where needed. |
![Picture](/uploads/7/9/9/3/79931806/published/img-0862-resized.png?1721247297)
The LCC LERT team served out of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, using skid steers and the new LCC boom lift that was given to LCC Disaster Response by a generous donor. The team removed widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops), and dangerous trees and limbs left after an EF-3 tornado that struck the town six weeks ago.
Lutheran Church Charities and the Mid-South District extend their thanks to the following LERT volunteers:
ILLINOIS
Lord of Life, Elburn – Larry Zagorski
St. John, Wheaton – Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Rich Wren
St. John’s, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
![Picture](/uploads/7/9/9/3/79931806/published/img-0903.jpeg?1721247791)
The family is very thankful for the team’s expertise in safely and efficiently removing all of the limbs without damaging their home. They are feeling safer now and can stop worrying that the next storm could cause further damage. All of the LERT volunteers are glad they could make a difference for several families and share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Christ with them.
If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
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