HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION (HMC) CELEBRATES 5 YEARS!

Happy birthday to our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministry, which was launched on this day five years ago! Since January 2020, HMC has provided hearts and crosses to individuals, families, and groups who have suffered loss or are honoring a loved one. Hearts also are given to celebrate victories, recognize milestones, express appreciation, and uplift people during adversity.
 
“We thank God for the opportunity to share in the sorrows and celebrations of people He dearly loves,” said HMC Director Sarah Sekki. “The circumstances and settings change, but every heart given communicates the love, hope, and presence of Jesus our Savior.”
 
HMC hearts and crosses are hand-crafted and prayed over by woodworking volunteers in multiple locations across the country. The heart itself universally depicts love and is painted blue to represent hope. Hearts may also include a red, blue, yellow, or white stripe to acknowledge connection to service as a first responder. Some hearts are purple to recognize our veterans. All hearts have an Ichthus fish with a Scripture verse as a symbol of God’s grace

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In the last five years, Lutheran Church Charities has worked with pastors and churches to bring Hearts of Mercy to memorial sites, schools, churches, law enforcement stations, hospitals, shelters, and other locations as a physical symbol of God’s mercy, compassion, and presence.

Hearts of Mercy are also given at the observance of Confirmation and Baptism. Presented as gifts, each heart is uniquely personalized with a name and often filled with hand-written messages of support.

Hearts of Mercy are also given at the observance of Confirmation and Baptism. Presented as gifts, each heart is uniquely personalized with a name and often filled with hand-written messages of support.
 
“Lutheran Church Charities has grown as a ministry because of the emergence of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “HMC has opened up new means for us to offer care and show compassion in public venues and in private moments. Even after we leave, HMC hearts and crosses remain to show ongoing love and support for families and communities. We pray that the LORD would continue to use HMC to advance the good news of the Gospel and grow His kingdom across the country.”
 
This month, LCC will highlight significant HMC ministry moments and imagine how God might use this ministry in the future.

LEARN MORE & DONATE – HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION

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Hearts of Mercy For Baptism Celebration

What an exciting and joyful celebration for Bethlehem Lutheran in Raymore, MO! Their HMC team recently had the privilege of creating three beautiful Hearts of Mercy for one family, as they celebrated the baptism of their precious children! These little ones—just 2 months, 3 years, and 6 years old—have been welcomed into God’s family in a powerful way!
 
The HMC team worked quickly and lovingly to craft these special Hearts of Mercy, each featuring a baptismal shell and the promise-filled verse from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
 
What an amazing reminder of God’s perfect plan for these children’s lives, and an incredible blessing for this family and the entire church community. May these children grow up knowing the love of their Savior and the amazing plans He has for them!