 Last week, the heart and soul of Lutheran Church Charities LCC shone brightly as 12 dedicated LERT chainsaw volunteers gathered to participate in the "Saluting Branches" event at the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. This noble initiative was further supported by three additional LERT volunteers who lent their hands at the Wood National Cemetery in West Allis, Wisconsin. The mission of this event is profound: to honor American service men and women by providing essential tree and landscape care for the national cemeteries that serve as hallowed resting places for our veterans. This year marked the eighth consecutive year that LCC LERT has proudly served those who have bravely defended our freedom. The commitment of our volunteers is a testament to the compassion and respect that underpins our organization's mission. As they trimmed trees, cleared brush, and tended to the grounds, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and gratitude. One volunteer shared "Being part of this event reminds me of the importance of honoring our heroes. It’s not just about the work we do; it’s about the respect we show to those who served and have given so much for our freedom.”
The following LERT volunteers felt that it was truly an honor to participate in this special event:
As we reflect on this meaningful event, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through volunteering your time, donating resources, or simply spreading the word about our initiatives, your support is invaluable. Together, we can continue to honor and uplift the legacy of our veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
 Helping a Church Secretary with Storm Damage Cleanup Lutheran Church Charities was contacted by Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana, to help assist their church secretary, Mrs. B., in removing a storm-damaged tree from her front yard in Griffith, Indiana. Half of the tree had fallen onto a neighbor’s garage during the storm and there was fear of more damage if the remaining damaged tree fell. This past week, the following LERT volunteers, along with Mrs. B's husband, felled and cut up the tree into firewood and placed the limbs on the street for pickup. Mr. and Mrs. B. were grateful to have the assistance and that their property was made safe again. They extend their sincere thanks to the following LERT volunteers: Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire Christ Lutheran, Valparaiso – Milan Coburn
 A Beacon of Hope after a Derecho Mrs. Z. faced an overwhelming challenge when a large tree limb fell on her car during the Northern Illinois derecho in July. While visiting BC Auto Body for repairs, she told Steve Chester, the owner and a member of the St. John Wheaton LERT, about other tree damage that she could not afford to take care of on her property. He referred her to Lutheran Church Charities for an assessment, and this past week the St. John Wheaton LERT volunteers and garden club members spent two days removing damaged tree limbs, trimming, cutting brush, and doing general maintenance on Mrs. Z's overgrown property. Mrs. Z. and Lutheran Church Charities extend their thanks to the following volunteers for being the hands and feet of Christ to a local neighbor in need. Immanuel, Dundee LERT – Matt Flynn St. John, Wheaton LERT – Steve Chester, Marty Johnson, Julie Madden, Dave Mummah, Anna Piro St. John Wheaton Garden Club – Bill Cooper Thanks to the unwavering support from LCC volunteers, she found not only practical help in clearing the debris but also a sense of belonging and emotional reassurance. This experience underscores the vital role of community in times of crisis, reminding us that together, we can rebuild and heal.
 In a remarkable display of teamwork and dedication, LERT volunteers from three churches joined forces last week to tackle the daunting task of removing a massive tree from Christ The Rock Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois. Pastor Jim McCoid expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, acknowledging their hard work and commitment to restoring the church's property. Christ The Rock, Rockford Mike Buhl, Bill Davidson Lord of Life, Elburn Kevin Krage, Larry Zagorski St. Paul, Rockford Dean Ulrich Lutheran Church Charities remains steadfast in its mission to foster community involvement and support during challenging times, reminding us of the importance of coming together to uplift those in need. Join us in this vital work; your support can make a difference for families facing crises.
 Lord of Life, Elburn, Illinois, LERT chainsaw team members Larry Zagorski and Max Metz helped two disabled homeowners remove damaged trees from each of their properties. One homeowner, confined to a wheelchair due to muscular dystrophy, had a leaning tree toward his deck and roof that was in danger of falling and causing much damage. The other man has multiple ongoing serious health issues and needed help felling and removing a dead tree in his yard. He enjoyed talking with and helping the teams as much as he could. Both individuals expressed their deep appreciation for the work done to make their homes safe and the care shown to them. Larry and Max said they felt they were the ones blessed to do this, especially during this Christmas season of giving.
It was a joyous and organized chaos with many hands and hearts caring for our neighbors. Our LERT volunteers are humbled to serve at this event. The remaining food, diapers, and sundries were donated to the People’s Resource Center of Wheaton, where the items will be given to additional families in need.
This past weekend, Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers Steve Brown, Pete and Christel Springmire served with several congregation members of St. John in Sycamore, Illinois clearing their property of trees and limbs. Next spring will be this church’s 150th anniversary and they have begun preparation of the grounds and church for this celebration. Scott Pumroy, church property co-director worked with all of the volunteers and expressed his thanks for their hard work and willingness to serve.
 On Saturday, October 28, LCC held a Basic LCMS LERT training for new and recertifying team members at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois, led by Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response.
There were a total of sixteen in attendance from the following teams or churches in Illinois and Indiana: Good Shepherd, Frankfort Peace Lutheran, Beecher Prince of Peace, Palatine St. Paul’s, Bourbonnais Christ Lutheran, Valparaiso, Indiana It is good to see how the disaster response ministry is continuing to grow with volunteers willing to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ in service to those suffering and in need.
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