 Lutheran Church Charities, in partnership with The Coming King Foundation, announced a Care & Remembrance Gathering featuring the installation of 95 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and the unveiling of the Hill Country Flood Memorial Wall honoring the 137 lives lost in the tragic disaster over the Fourth of July weekend along the Guadalupe River Basin. This public event — led by LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and hosted by Kerrville artist Max Greiner — will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, on the grounds of The Empty Cross monument at The Coming King Foundation Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas. “Our hearts are with the people of the Texas Hill Country after such a devastating tragedy,” Rev. Singer said. “Respectfully and compassionately, we desire to be present with the community for a time of reflection, prayer, and mourning. Even amid sorrow and grief, we believe God is close to the brokenhearted and offers hope and comfort. We invite all who are hurting and in need of support to attend this Remembrance Gathering with us and our ministry partner The Coming King Foundation.”  In addition to the 95 HMCs, which are being delivered from Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas, LCC will deploy a contingent of 29 staff members and volunteers, including eight K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Texas and Oklahoma and a four-member LCC Care Team from Gloria Dei Houston The Hill Country Flood Memorial Wall, a 160-foot undulating limestone structure designed by Greiner, traces the curvature of the Guadalupe River. Bronze plaques will bear the names of those lost in the flood and will recognize the first responders, volunteers, and churches that provided critical care and support. LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMCs) will be displayed in front of the Memorial Wall as an interactive tribute. Attendees will have the opportunity to write personalized messages of hope, love, and encouragement for the families of those who passed away. The Care & Remembrance Gathering also will feature eight LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Texas and Oklahoma. These purebred Golden Retrievers and their trained handlers will provide emotional support, prayer, and peaceful companionship to help attendees process stress, grief, and loss. In addition, LCC will deploy a four-member Care Team trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to offer compassionate, trauma-informed care.  Volunteers serving in Kerrville this week include: Pax Comfort Dog, St. Paul Fort Worth, Texas Phoebe Comfort Dog, St. Paul Fort Worth, Texas Olive Comfort Dog, St. Paul Fort Worth, Texas Handlers: Janice & John Marut, LuAnn Kelly, Laura Lewallen, Bob Hampton, Veronica Vorva, LaRae Witsaman Triton Comfort Dog, Messiah Plano, Texas Handlers: Marti Martz, Jane & Jerry Baedke Elijah Comfort Dog, Our Redeemer Wichita Falls, Texas Handlers: Kelly Shivertaker (Bethany Austin, Texas) and Ken Wehmeyer (Bethany Austin, Texas) Persis Comfort Dog, Christ The Redeemer Tulsa, Oklahoma Handlers: Roxy & Steve Hurry, Lori Knoepfel Gabriel Comfort Dog, Messiah Houston, Texas Handlers: Janet & Charles Cook Joy Comfort Dog, Gloria Dei Houston, Texas Handlers: Karen & Kim Gastler The 95 hearts and crosses are being driven 22 hours from LCC headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, with stops at Christ The Redeemer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and St. Paul, in Fort Worth, Texas. Eric Wendelbo of Christ The Redeemer will deploy as an HMC volunteer. An LCC Care Team from Gloria Dei Houston will include Susanne Franson, Fred Heiner, Roberta Heiner, and Dawn Petersen. “We are so grateful for these servants of Christ to join us for the Remembrance Gathering and show comfort and care to the community of Kerrville,” said Rev. Singer. “We know that they are traveling hundreds of miles to be there for people who are still hurting and in need. We are so thankful for their help.” The Gathering event marks LCC’s third ministry trip to the Hill Country region as part of its ongoing disaster response and community support efforts.  Junior High Youth Spread Sweetness for a Cause
Even more support emerged last week when the Junior High youth at Trinity Lutheran in Villa Park, IL, held a Lemonade/Cookie Sale fundraiser to help families impacted by the July 4 flood in the Texas Hill Country. With bright smiles, homemade cookies, and ice-cold lemonade, the youth set up their stand to raise funds for those still struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastating flooding in Texas. The floods, which left many families displaced and in need, struck a chord with the group, inspiring them to take action in the most heartfelt way they knew — serving up treats with a side of compassion. Adding even more warmth to the day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC Staff) made a special appearance, greeting visitors with his gentle presence and wagging tail. Children and adults alike couldn’t resist stopping for a friendly pat, a quick photo, and a cool drink. Michael’s visit reminded everyone that comfort and care can come in many forms — sometimes with fur and four paws. Neighbors, church members, and passersby came out to show their support, turning the sale into a community gathering filled with laughter, generosity, and shared purpose. Every glass poured and cookie sold helped bring hope to families hundreds of miles away. The Junior High youth proved that you don’t have to be a grown-up to change the world — just willing to lend a hand, bake a cookie, and pour a little lemonade for those in need. Lutheran Church Charities can provide this assistance because faithful, generous donors and volunteers are willing to support and serve. Thanks to you, LCC will BE THERE as long as necessary to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need. Comments are closed.
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