LCC INSTALLS NEW K-9 COMFORT DOGS MINISTRY IN-PROCESS COORDINATOR

On July 31, Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer conducted the installation service of Stephanie Keller as LCC’s new K-9 Comfort Dogs Ministry In-Process Coordinator.

During the ministry’s normal weekly devotion time, Rev. Singer welcomed Stephanie to the organization, recognized the calling she had received, and asked for God’s blessing on her service to others and LCC.

“Gracious and most merciful Lord, by Your Holy Spirit You have given Your people diverse and singular gifts,” Rev. Singer prayed. “We thank You for providing faithful men and women in Your church to assist the Office of the Holy Ministry and to support Christians in their vocations. Grant Your Holy Spirit to Stephanie and adorn her with wisdom and power from on high that she may serve faithfully in her work to the honor and glory of Your Holy name.”

In her role with LCC, Stephanie will manage LCC’s church affiliates that are preparing and training to receive a comfort dog.

“The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministry has been an important part of my life for over 10 years, and I am so blessed to have been called to be a part of it,” Stephanie said. “This ministry makes a difference in so many lives every day, and helping new churches to become the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need him is both humbling and a joy."

Referring to Colossians 3:12-15, Rev. Singer encouraged Stephanie to follow Apostle Paul’s exhortation to early church believers to be known for humility, mercy, kindness, and patience.    

“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves,” Rev. Singer read, “you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you; so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

As the service concluded, the LCC staff affirmed a willingness to receive Stephanie, honoring, supporting, and praying for her.

Stephanie has served as a school teacher and librarian at LCMS schools in the Northern Illinois District for more than 30 years and has master’s degrees from Dominican University and Concordia University Chicago. She also has been an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handler for many years. 

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