Thank You to All Our Volunteers for Being the Heart and Soul of LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion4/16/2024
April is National Volunteer Month. LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion staff work alongside volunteers daily. We’d like to recognize and thank those exceptional people who act in Christ’s name for this ministry. Volunteers are involved in many steps while crafting our Hearts and Crosses. For the hearts, a manufacturing volunteer utilizes a CNC water jet machine to cut the hearts to precise specifications. Then, many more volunteers sand and paint the hearts. For the crosses, the boards are painted, then cut, then painted again before the hardware is added to complete the construction. Because of our volunteers, we can keep our costs low and our production high so that we can respond to more events nationwide to bring God’s love to all. Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Each heart and cross shows the love of a community that is present in times of need and the love of Jesus, which is eternal. Our affiliate churches are also always working to be ready to respond nationwide with crosses. Pictured are volunteers at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin, who recently built 13 crosses to be prepared for a national deployment! These five volunteers worked as a team to finish the crosses this past weekend. Their enthusiasm is evident in their commitment to this ministry. Thank you, St. Paul's! We are looking for churches who want to take part in this extraordinary outreach opportunity by partnering with LCC as an HMC affiliate. Your church is invited to become an affiliate today and see the impact LCC's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry can make in your community! At LCC, we believe in spreading the love and hope of Jesus through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry. HMCs can be given to celebrate a victory, honor service, or simply as an expression of love or encouragement. Last year, 730 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were gifted by LCC staff and our affiliate churches. These hearts were given for a variety of reasons – celebration, gratitude, encouragement, and comfort. As an affiliate of LCC's HMC Ministry, you would be able to bring hope and love to your community. Whether you're looking to provide comfort to those in need or simply spread the message of Jesus through a tangible gift, our HMC Ministry is the perfect way to make a difference. Join us in spreading the love and hope of Jesus through the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry. Become an affiliate today and see the impact it can make in your community.
Lutheran Church Charities now has 17 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion affiliates in 14 states. Click here to see the map. For more information about HMC, visit www.heartsmc.org. LCC received a request from Pastor Jay Reed of Light of the Valley Church, Elk Grove, California (pictured with his wife, Shannon), for financial support for an Air Force veteran and teacher. An Air Force veteran and classroom teacher who is suffering from the effects of acute long COVID-19 has not been able to return to teaching due to respiratory problems and fatigue. The VA is representing her for disability with social security, but that has become a lengthy process. She needs funds to help her with car payments and some other basic expenses. Her shortfall is roughly $600 per month. Light of the Valley Church is coming alongside with some financial help as well as trying to help her get connected to more resources in our community. Thank you for your consideration! Pastor Jay Reed Light of the Valley Church Elk Grove, California Please prayerfully consider donating to help. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated and would go a long way in easing the burden. Let's come together to support this veteran and teacher, who has given so much to others.
Lutheran Church Charities is always recruiting new volunteers to help train these amazing animals. If you are interested in joining us on this mission, please contact LCC at k9trainers@LutheranChurchCharities.org or click here for further information.
We are incredibly grateful to Naperville Running Company for their generous donation of 58 pairs of shoes, which will make a significant impact on foot care for homeless individuals. Proper footwear is crucial for those with health issues like diabetes, providing protection from injuries and reducing the risk of infections. These essential shoes will be distributed at the free foot clinic located at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, ensuring that those in need receive the care and support they deserve. Earlier this year, Sharon contacted LCC asking for assistance finding a set of bunk beds and kitchen stools that she needed for her apartment as she prepared to become a foster parent to teenagers aging out of foster care. Working through Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois, and many gracious donors, LCC met Sharon's needs. This past week, Sharon received word that she has been approved as a foster parent and can expect a teen in the near future. Foster parenting is a very rewarding and fulfilling calling but it can be challenging and stressful. Being a single parent is always difficult. Being a single foster parent comes with some extra challenges. In faith, we know that our loving Lord always equips those He calls to do His work. Please keep Sharon and other single parents in your prayers. Pray that God surrounds them with people who encourage and support them in their calling. Pray that He guides and strengthens them, filling each new day with hope. Listen to what God says about children Psalm 68:5, Deuteronomy 10:18, Deuteronomy 10:14, James 1:27. As you consider how God may be calling you and your Church to care for orphaned children, take heart. "He who calls "you is faithful; he will surely do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24) Click here to read Sharon's full story. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams exemplify compassion and empathy as they provide solace and support to individuals experiencing grief, shock, and suffering. Through their presence and attentive listening, these dedicated teams offer a comforting presence, fostering deep connections with those in distress. In the last few weeks, their unwavering commitment to being there for others brought solace and support to many in need, truly embodying the essence of compassion and care. Their commitment to spreading love and healing is commendable, and we are grateful for their invaluable service. "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10 Vigil to Honor Lives Lost in the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse - Baltimore, Maryland On Monday night, a beautiful vigil was held in honor of the six men who lost their lives following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. Between 400 and 500 people from the community came together at Sacred Heart of Jesus to support one another and honor the lives of their six Hispanic brothers, Maynor Suazo-Sandoval, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Castillo, Miguel Luna, Carlos Hernandez, and Jose Lopez.
After the prayer service, there was a candlelight procession that LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Kezia's team joined and offered moments of comfort and love as everyone walked together through the neighborhood of Baltimore. During the procession, everyone stopped in solidarity six times to pray and honor each of the victims—one minute of silence to remember each of these men, God's beloved children. Six helmets and vests, draped over crosses, were carried in front of the crowd. It was an evening of coming together to honor the victims and their families and to take strength in knowing that God is with their community and will remain with them as they move forward. Monday night's prayer service and candlelight procession was a reflection of loving and supporting their neighbor and reflecting His love. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:1-5) Passing of a Young Father - Odell, Nebraska Odell, Nebraska, suffered the tragic loss of Kolin Kotas, a compassionate, humble, and generous soul who left his place on earth on March 28. Kolin, husband of Brittney, father of two young sons, ages 12 and 10, and a daughter, age 5, son, brother, friend, and supporter of his community, was 36 years old. Odell is a small community of 300 people who know and love one another. It is a community filled with people of strong faith in the Lord who come together to help each other when in need. Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Eden (Peace Lutheran - Columbus, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie & Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska) saw the power of this love and support for one another at the funeral service for Kolin at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell. This small church was overflowing with over 450 people that filled its basement, the first floor, and front lawn, all coming together in their grief to say goodbye to Kolin and to support his grieving family. There was so much love witnessed by the sheer number of hugs and tears being shared. Morgan Toensing, a member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Concordia, Missouri, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jessy and Thomas, asked for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Nebraska to be present at her brother-in-law's funeral service. Morgan grew up in Odell, and much of her family is still there. Morgan remembered the comfort and love she had received from Jessy and Thomas Comfort Dogs and their team and wanted that same presence and support for her family on the difficult and emotional day of Kolin's funeral. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Eden, Joanna, Katie & Phinehas, and Nicodemus immediately responded with, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) after learning of the request for support and comfort for Kolin's three young children, his young nieces and nephews, children he coached in baseball, football and basketball, his family, and friends. Pastor Stuckwisch, Our Savior Lutheran Church, led a beautiful service for Kolin. This was a difficult funeral for Pastor Stuckwisch as Kolin was an active member of Our Savior's, participating in various church activities, such as bell choir and church council. He was also instrumental in building the new church, generously offering his skills to the congregation. Kolin was also the pastor's friend. During the funeral service, Phinehas Comfort Dog and his handler stayed right by Kolin’s young children, providing a safe, comforting place during such an uncertain and scary time. Phinehas sensed exactly what the boys needed as he stayed close beside them. Pastor Stuckwisch also gave a children’s message, as at least 50 children attended the funeral service. The children overflowed into the center aisle to hear him share about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and the importance of giving hugs so that people know we care about them. He pointed out that our Comfort Dogs give hugs. One of Joanna Comfort Dog’s handlers reflected, “I will never forget the smile on a little girl’s face when she looked up at me and said, 'I really like her. She’s so soft.' It was truly love in action at that moment, as the adults sitting in the pews saw the children receiving comfort from the special children’s message and then smiling as they watched the children gently petting and hugging the Comfort Dogs.” After the service, Pastor Stuckwisch came over to visit with Eden and Nicodemus Comfort Dogs. The handlers thanked him for the beautiful service and acknowledged how it must have been a very personal and difficult one for him to do. It was in that safe and loving place with the handlers who loved and cared for him that he could release the tension and tears he was carrying. As he shared his emotions, he received hugs of comfort from the handlers, just like he spoke about during his children’s message. Another powerful moment shared by a handler was meeting Morgan, who requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry's presence on behalf of her family. The handler introduced herself to Morgan and gave her a big, encompassing hug. It was a heartwarming and emotional moment, knowing that she trusted a total stranger who was there with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. The power of a simple hug can be so comforting and reassuring, especially during times of grief. It's amazing how a gesture as simple as a hug can convey so much comfort, love, support, and understanding without the need for words. It was a beautiful God moment, reflecting on how the children's message was based on that. Even on one of these hardest days for the Kotas family, God was with them, sending others to be with them in their grief, to show His love for them. God held their hand in His that most difficult day, and He will remain with them, leading them through their grief and brokenness. As Psalm 139:10 promises, "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." No matter what happens, He goes with them, leading and holding them with His right hand. God will meet them even on their most challenging and darkest days. His hand grabs hold and doesn't let go.
School Bus Accident - Buda, Texas The families, students, and staff at Tom Green Elementary School in Buda, Texas, faced a horrible tragedy when a truck heading in the opposite direction veered into the wrong lane and struck their school bus filled with 44 pre-kindergarten students and 11 adults as they were returning to school from a field trip to Bastrop County Zoo on March 22. This horrible accident took the precious lives of 5-year-old Ulises Rodriquez Montoya and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, who was in the vehicle behind the bus. The return to school after this tragic event was an emotional and challenging time for the students, parents, and staff at Tom Green Elementary School. With heavy hearts, parents brought their children to school, knowing that one of their classmates, Ulises, would not be there. The school staff, however, was prepared for this difficult transition. Social workers and other support staff were available to provide assistance and comfort to the students, staff, and parents who were affected by the tragedy. Despite the sadness and worry that permeated the school, the community came together to support one another, ensuring that the students felt safe and cared for.
Loss of 8th-Grade Student - Pontiac Junior High School, Illinois Last week, the Pontiac Junior High School community in Illinois mourned the loss of Ashton, a beloved 8th-grade student known for his infectious smile and love for mathematics. Returning to school without him was heart-wrenching for many who had known him since kindergarten.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 Vigil of Fallen Police Officer Jonathan Diller
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
Lutheran Church Charities Shares Its Expertise at the "Ready Response Conference" in Houston, Texas4/10/2024
The President/CEO of LCC, Rev. Chris Singer, and the Director of Disaster Response, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, recently shared their expertise at the Ready Response Conference in Houston, Texas. Invited by Pastor Dan Schepmann and Stephanie Knea, Director of Serving Beyond at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, they engaged with the congregation through insightful presentations during worship and Bible Study sessions. Rev. Singer and Deaconess O'Day led a roundtable discussion with the church's leadership team, exploring the benefits of becoming an LCC affiliate for enhanced ministry partnership and support. Seventy-five participants attended a variety of training opportunities. Rev. Singer presented Spiritual First Aid, and Deaconess O’Day led Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) and Assessment training. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator David Ricks led a Basic Chainsaw training. Gloria Dei’s Holy Smoker’s food ministry team prepared delicious meals each day as they have done in previous disasters.
We welcome 55 new LCMS LERT volunteers and a new Texas District LERT team! Gloria Dei Lutheran Church looks forward to serving its community as a new LCC affiliate. It is good to see how the disaster and crisis response ministry continues to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need.
A HEART OF MERCY & COMPASSION IN MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT TIMOTHY S. EVANS This week, the LCC staff responded to our community by gifting a Heart of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to the Mount Prospect Fire Department in memory of Lieutenant Timothy S. Evans, who passed away unexpectedly on March 30. Lieutenant Evans worked in our community for 29 years as a firefighter/paramedic and will be sorely missed. The firefighters at the station house were very grateful for the HMC and offered to bring it to the visitation for the community to sign. Join us in honoring the first responders in our community and nationwide for their unwavering commitment and service. A HEART OF MERCY & COMPASSION FOR REVEREND RAY AND ALICE RAMSBURG IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SERVICE
LCC THANKS HMC VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE April recognizes all those who give their time and energy during National Volunteer Month. At LCC, we are proud to honor the 17 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Affiliate Churches for their dedication and service. These churches not only support their members but also extend their compassion to the community by preparing hearts and crosses for deployment. Join us in celebrating the inspiring work of one of our newest affiliates, Christ the Redeemer, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as they come together to build their first crosses for deployment. Together, we can make a difference and spread love and kindness wherever it is needed most. The HMC team introduced the crosses and the ministry as a whole, to the church last weekend. The pictures below show the crosses displayed around the church. |
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