L.E.R.T. Mercy in Action

Annual L.E.R.T. Chainsaw Training and Workday at Walcamp

Lutheran Church Charities held the annual L.E.R.T. chainsaw training and service event workday at Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, on May 14-15. On Friday evening, the Basic LCMS Chainsaw class was co-led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructors Ed Boerman (ISA Certified Arborist), Marty Johnson, and Pete Springmire.

On Saturday, thirty-six basic and advanced chainsaw-certified LCC staff and L.E.R.T. team members worked as chainsaw and heavy equipment operators and draggers to clear Walcamp grounds of downed or damaged trees, limbs, and brush.

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The ten first-time chainsaw operators received individual instruction and guidance from advanced team leaders as they began to practice felling and cutting trees and limbs.

The following L.E.R.T. team volunteers participated in the annual L.E.R.T. Chainsaw Training and Workday at Walcamp:

Illinois
Cross, Yorkville – Scott McGregor
Good Shepherd, Elgin – David Vollrath
Good Shepherd, Frankfort – Joel and Lori Powless
Immanuel, Belvidere – Carl Jurgens
Immanuel, DeKalb – Pete and Christel Springmire
Immanuel, Dundee – Doug and Kelley Hoyt
Immanuel, Palatine – Tim Laabs
Immanuel, Shobonier – Fran Collins
Lord of Life, Elburn – Matt Luhman, Zachary Luhman, Jeff Straughn, Larry Zagorski
Mt. Olive, Rockford – Tom Newton
Prince of Peace, Palatine – Jim Beckley
Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry – Alan Holm
St. John, Sycamore – Steve Brown
St. John, Wheaton – Steve Chester, Palmer Goodwin, Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Dave Mummah, Anna Piro
St. John, Wilmette – Tom Morrison
St. Paul, Matteson – Dennis Pieper
St. Peter, Arlington Heights – Ed Damman
St. Peter, Schaumburg – Ken and Vicki Kiviranta
Trinity, Lisle – Ed Boerman, Mike Kostecki, Dick Sonntag
Trinity, Villa Park – Jim Long
 
Iowa
Trinity, Davenport – Ken Stotmeister
 
It was a good day to enjoy being outside in God’s creation with much work being accomplished, chainsaw lessons practiced, and teamwork enjoyed with brothers and sisters in Christ. Walcamp Operations Director Bill Indelli expressed his thanks to all present for their willingness to serve to prepare the campgrounds for the ministry they do.