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.  Your Generosity Allowed LCC to BE THERE for the Lewiston Community in Their Greatest Time of Need11/8/2023
 Our time in Lewiston, Maine, was a powerful and moving experience for the LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams. God guided us to the people who needed us most. We were blessed with opportunities to extend love and compassion not only to the individuals who knew the victims of the tragedy but also to the family members of the perpetrator. We're following in Jesus' footsteps, showing that compassion knows no boundaries.  BEING THERE with the Lewiston Community During our visit, we had the privilege of reaching out to various corners of the community. We visited schools where the presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs helped children process their emotions and start the healing process. In healthcare facilities, we provided comfort to the staff who have been working tirelessly to tend to the wounded. We also spent time with the first responders who ran into danger to protect the Lewiston community. The impact of your support has been felt at every turn, and we couldn't have done it without you. It's a testament to the power of love, compassion, and community coming together.  Helping the Community Heal Lutheran Church Charities held a Community Healing Event on Thursday in downtown Lewiston. LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer was joined by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) New England District President Rev. Robert D Beinke and Rev. Timothy Sandeno (Redeemer - Gorham, Maine) at the event to offer spiritual support to the grieving community. The event also provided people with the opportunity to spend time with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and sign the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC). LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were special guests at the Maine Nordiques hockey game and asked to do the puck drop to start the game. It was a blessing for the teams to be recognized by the Lewiston community in this special way. Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for saying, "Here am I; send me!" and answering the call to serve: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana), Claudia (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Gideon (St. Michael's – Bloomington, Minnesota), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Kezia (Emmanuel – Baltimore, Maryland), Lily (Good Shepherd – Old Bridge, New Jersey), Lydia (Messiah – Lynnfield, Massachusetts), and Magdalene (Cornerstone – Carmel, Indiana). We thank Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Response Coordinator for managing the teams on the ground, and Jody Lockwood for being the point person for the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and crosses. Thank you for BEING THERE by working through Lutheran Church Charities
7 Killed & Dozens Wounded and Traumatized  "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
 On Tuesday, July 5, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams, and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), Crosses for Losses were present at a Prayer Vigil at Highland Park Presbyterian Church to help bring comfort and hope to those grieving. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams will continue to serve the Highland Park community as requested.  LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah & Kye (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Emma (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jacob (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Levi (Immanuel - East Dundee, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them. Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities. Serving Together, Serving Others in Need, as We Serve Jesus!  Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities  The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were invited by Cal Fire to visit with the courageous fire fighters at their base camp in Placerville, California. The Caldor Fire is threatening South Lake Tahoe. Several days last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron and Gomer (St. John’s – Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Rahab (St. Andrews – Stockton, California), with their handlers, each spent time with these brave men and women. So many were happy to see the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams. A number of them remembered the Comfort Dogs from the Dixie Fire, as well as other fires from last year.  The Cal Fire base camp personnel was reduced on Friday but the Comfort Dog teams still met people from Alabama, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. Some have been gone for over two months, most are gone 2-6 weeks. Several Cal Fire managers went out of their way to come and thank the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams for being there.
Please join us in praying for God’s continued safety and protection for all these brave men and women as they continue to battle these aggressive fires.
Early this morning, LCC Disaster Response received an invite from Rev. Ed Brashier, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) District Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southern District. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, LCC staff member Tim Laabs, and Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw team leaders Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire will arrive in Alabama on Sunday, March 28, to help Pastor Brashier assess widespread tornado damage to help determine where L.E.R.T. teams will be needed in the coming weeks. LCC NEEDS YOUR ASSISTANCE TO HELP FAMILIES, HELP CHURCHES, AND PREPARE FOR DEPLOYMENT! Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General 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. LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.
SPECIAL APPEAL: LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Teams Deploy Today after shooting in Boulder, Colorado3/23/2021
 On the afternoon of Monday, March 22, 10 people were killed, including a Boulder Police Officer, and employees and shoppers traumatized when an individual began randomly shooting in the store. Schools in the area were immediately put on secure lockdown and residents instructed to shelter in place during the incident and investigation. In less than 24 hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited and will be on-site to be present throughout the community with employees, residents, and first responders who are trying to cope with this senseless tragedy.  Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Anastasia, are working with Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Director of Crisis Deployment. Bonnie, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and their ministry teams were in Boulder Tuesday afternoon to help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event. Upon arrival, Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah brought much needed smiles and comfort to the Alpha Phi and Chi Omega Sorority Houses on the University of Colorado Boulder Campus, which has 35,338 students. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eddie (Peace – Grand Island, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), and Priscilla (Trinity – Lincoln, Nebraska), along with their ministry teams, will arrive Wednesday to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.  Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley heroically died in the line of duty and is survived by his wife and seven children. His father stated that he took his job as a police officer very seriously, loved his family more than anything, and he believed in Jesus Christ. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them. Please join LCC in keeping the families, first responders, and the community in your prayers as they move through these extremely trying times.  Two students died, multiple injured "For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13  Thursday, November 14 started out like any other day at Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California as students gathered in the early morning hour in the common area. The day would quickly come to an abrupt halt as a 16-year-old student opened fire taking the lives of two students and then turning the gun on himself inflicting, what turned out to be, a fatal shot. Within an hour of the shooting, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) was invited by Pastor Joseph Beran, Bethlehem Lutheran SCV (Santa Clarita Valley) Church in Santa Clarita, California to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be with the students, faculty, and community that surrounds Saugus High School. In less than 24 hours LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were on their way. The first on the ground was LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Aaron (St. John - Napa Valley, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada) followed by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ruthie (LCC Staff) with LCC Director of K-9 Ministries, Rich Martin. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were also assisted by St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Stockton, California and Faith Community Church in Las Vegas, Nevada who sent ministry team partners. Both churches are in the process of starting a K-9 Ministry. Central Park in Santa Clarita located less than a mile from Saugus High School soon became a gathering place that was also used as the reunification center for students and their families. There, at the flagpole, a vigil was set up for remembrances where the flag displayed at half-staff. The K-9s and their handlers met with many students, their families, and the community at Central Park, Mountain View Park, and Bethlehem Lutheran SVC. They also met with first responders to thank them for their services. One evening, the teams had a chance encounter with a Cal Fire Strike Team that was staging for the upcoming Santa Ana winds. The command station for the recent fires in the area served as the same one for the shooting. There were many “divine” appointments where God had led individuals into the presence of the teams to share their stories. Please keep the Santa Clarita community in your prayers as they continue to move forward after the tragic event. LCC never goes where we are not invited and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Two students died, multiple injured, some critical "For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13
LCC never goes where we are not invited and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite. Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this devastated community and the first responders who serve them. Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses. 
Pastor Henderson was described as not only a pastor to his congregation but also a friend to many. He was also the chaplain for the Fort Dodge Police, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, District 7 Iowa State Patrol, and the Fort Dodge Fire Department. On Friday morning a convoy of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks with lights flashing traveled to St. Paul Lutheran School where a chapel service about Pastor Henderson was held for the students and faculty along with a special half-staff flag ceremony in his honor. Throughout the day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited the classrooms and met the staff and parents. The K-9s also visited the local fire station and first responders.The following LCC K-9 teams served in Fort Dodge: Eddie (Peace Lutheran - Grand Island, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michaels – Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity Lutheran – Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska).
Late afternoon, the K-9s were stationed at the visitation for Pastor Henderson. It was evident that Pastor Henderson was very well thought of and had benefited many people in and near the community of Fort Dodge. In addition to the congregation and general public, many police, fire department personnel and first responders came to give their respects to Pastor Henderson and his family. The K-9s greeted the attendees as they moved through the visitation line. On Saturday morning, the K-9s were present at the church for Pastor Henderson's funeral service planned for one thousand people. More than 60 pastors from the district were in attendance, as were large groups of police and first responders. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were on-site offering compassion and presence to all. Please join LCC in praying for Pastor Henderson’s family, the congregation and students, first responders, and all those within the community who grieve the passing of their beloved pastor and friend.
LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy Today to Dayton, Ohio, for 2nd Shooting in 24 Hours Dayton, Ohio – 9 People Killed and Over 27 Wounded El Paso, Texas – 20 People Killed and Over 26 Wounded “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 Our Comfort Dogs are on the road to Texas and Ohio for the shootings as I write this – with the other Comfort Dogs clearing their schedules (yes, they have busy schedules and we have to honor commitments of individual needs each day in their community) to be able to deploy. My heart breaks when I think of all the individuals, families, and all the First Responders that are affected by these senseless acts. I want to cry out and say “HOW LONG OH LORD” will this continue. I know His answer – Be Faithful in Doing what I called you to do – Bring my PRESENCE to those suffering and show my Mercy and Compassion to them. Give them HOPE that the world can’t and never will. So that is what we are doing! Keep all in your prayers as we have many moving parts in deploying and serving. Another community is devastated by senseless shootings in less than 24 hours! Many are asking “when will this stop?” We don’t have the answers to all of these tragedies, but we do have comfort, reassurance and hope through our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ! Early this morning, August 4, at 1:00am, people were still enjoying a beautiful summer night in the heart of Dayton’s Oregon District waiting in line to enter Ned Peppers Bar when a man approached and began shooting. Already, 9 people have been reported killed, over 27 wounded, and countless numbers traumatized as they ran to escape an unimaginable attack on their lives. Lutheran Church Charities has been invited by Rev. Kevin Wilson, Ohio District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Mark Carlson from Emmanuel in Kettering, Ohio and John Pyron, Manager for Disaster Services with Lutheran Social Services. Rev. Phil Esala, former pastor at Emmanuel, is also assisting with deployment arrangements. LCC K-9 Ministry teams are in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today for the Passing of the Vest ceremony for newly placed LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jared at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Many teams are immediately deploying to be present and bring comfort in the midst of this tragedy to a devastated community. The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are the first, with more coming, to serve this devastated and hurting community, and all of the first responders who bravely serve them: Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), and Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana). LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put Boots and Paws on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite. Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to another frightened community. Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.  Tim Hetzner
President/CEO Lutheran Church Charities |
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