LCC CARE TEAMS DEPLOY TO MADISON, WISCONSIN, TO OFFER HOPE AND CARE TO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AFTER SHOOTING
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Other Ways to Help Us Be There
LCC Disaster Response LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion LCC Human Care LCC K-9 Ministries |
Posted: December 23, 2024
Last Wednesday LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, WI); Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI); Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, WI), Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), and Michael (LCC staff) attended special services at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of the Living Christ to bring comfort and peace to youth in Madison. Though these students don’t attend Abundant Life Christian School, the recent tragedy has deeply shaken them, leaving many scared, unsure, and searching for hope.
In times like these, it’s more important than ever for these young students to gather and support one another. Being together allows them to share their fears, find comfort in community, and remind each other that they are not alone. It’s normal to feel scared in the wake of such heartbreaking events, but by leaning on each other with love and understanding, they can begin to heal and find hope.
Parents, too, shared their gratitude for the care and comfort brought by our teams. They carry the heavy burden of protecting their children in an uncertain world and often feel the same fears their kids do. Last night’s gatherings were a reminder that even in the darkest times, love and light can shine through when we show up for one another.
We ask you to join us in prayer. Pray for the students and families of Abundant Life Christian School as they grieve unimaginable loss. Pray for the youth of Madison, that they find strength in each other and the presence of Christ. And pray for parents everywhere, that they find peace in knowing God’s love is greater than fear.
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing His light, love, and hope to a hurting world. |
More than Just a Name on a Heart
Names are integral to LCC's Heart of Mercy. Each name carries with it the weight of memories, the warmth of connections, and the essence of lives lived among us. Remembering those we have lost is not just an act of remembrance; it is a way to honor their legacy and keep their spirit alive within our hearts. These names deserve to be spoken, cherished, and forever remembered by those who loved and cared for them.
After the shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, WI, last week, the names of the victims were not released. At the vigil, we placed crosses labeled simply as "Teacher" and "Student," symbols of the precious lives we are mourning. The community's heartfelt messages reflected the deep emotional connections we share. One educator wrote, "Teachers are full of heart; you will always be in ours," while another expressed, "Your loss is greatly felt from one educator to another." To the student, “I wish I got to know you personally,” and “God is wiping the tears (away) from this precious child.”
After the shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, WI, last week, the names of the victims were not released. At the vigil, we placed crosses labeled simply as "Teacher" and "Student," symbols of the precious lives we are mourning. The community's heartfelt messages reflected the deep emotional connections we share. One educator wrote, "Teachers are full of heart; you will always be in ours," while another expressed, "Your loss is greatly felt from one educator to another." To the student, “I wish I got to know you personally,” and “God is wiping the tears (away) from this precious child.”
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Later in the week, we learned the names of those lost: Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old who loved art and was an avid reader, and Erin West, age 42, who was described as “kind and caring.” These names represent two of God’s precious children, and we will continue to pray for their families as they begin this grief journey.
As soon as we found out the names of the two precious lives lost, Dianne Moore, from the HMC team of St. Paul’s in Janesville, WI, was quickly working to Cricut the names of Rubi and Erin. That afternoon, she and her husband, Tom. made the 45-minute journey to Madison, where the crosses were displayed in front of Abundant Life Christian School. One at a time, she took them into the car, applied the Cricut-ed name, and carefully coated over it with polyurethane to protect the names long-term. She then returned the hearts to their crosses for more of the community to sign. The Hearts of Mercy are now complete—each bearing the name of those taken too soon. May their memories be honored and never forgotten. |
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Posted: December 18, 20204
Lutheran Church Charities staff and LCC affiliate churches and volunteers were on the ground last night at a community candlelight vigil to mourn the lives of a teacher and a student who were slain in a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. Six other students were injured in the assault with two in critical condition.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Wisconsin and Illinois joined an LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care team and two Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams to offer hope, peace, support, and the presence of Christ to the hurting community. In remembrance of the victims, HMC set up two hearts and crosses for the vigil at the Wisconsin State Capitol building, both of which were filled with messages of encouragement and sorrow.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Wisconsin and Illinois joined an LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care team and two Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams to offer hope, peace, support, and the presence of Christ to the hurting community. In remembrance of the victims, HMC set up two hearts and crosses for the vigil at the Wisconsin State Capitol building, both of which were filled with messages of encouragement and sorrow.
Rev. Rodney Serbus, Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, invited LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and Lutheran Church Charities to minister to the Madison community. While at the vigil, Rev. Singer shared the purpose of LCC's presence with the gathered community and multiple media outlets.
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“We know that what happened at Abundant Life Christian School is devastating for the school and the community. Our hearts are broken,” Rev. Singer said. “They need our prayers during this heart-rending time. LCC will be there and will offer the hope and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ."
In addition to attending last night’s vigil, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Spiritual First Aid teams will visit Lutheran Church of the Living Christ and Bethlehem Lutheran for Wednesday night youth group gatherings tonight to uplift junior and senior high students and their parents. Both congregations have members who know families from Abundant Life Christian School. To support those seeking Scripture and spiritual resources for mourning, encouragement, and healing, LCC invites them to the Madison, Wisconsin web page. |
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Led by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog staff member Dona Martin, the Lutheran Church Charities contingent included:
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Lark and Terry Sanders with Rejoice Comfort Dog, St. Paul’s Lutheran, Janesville, WI; Cheryl and Tom Skelly with Mary Comfort Dog, St. Paul’s Lutheran, Janesville, WI; Jenni Hoffmeyer with Tobias Comfort Dog, Lord of Glory Lutheran, Grayslake, IL; Chris Schulman with Samson Comfort Dog, Zion Lutheran, Marengo, IL; Sue Olson with Michael Comfort Dog, LCC Staff Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry Dianne Moore, St. Paul’s Lutheran, Janesville, WI; Dawn Sinur, St. Paul Lutheran, Grafton, WI; Mark and Bev Brueggemann, St. Paul Lutheran Grafton, WI; Sarah Sekki, Director Human Care Ministry - LCC Care Teams (Spiritual First Aid) Denise Snider, Director Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities can BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need. |
Posted: December 17, 2024
LCC CARE TEAMS DEPLOYING TO MADISON, WISCONSIN, TO BE THERE
FOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL & COMMUNITY AFTER SHOOTING
One teacher and one student killed,
while six other students injured
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
while six other students injured
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
Lutheran Church Charities and LCC affiliate churches and volunteers are deploying to Madison, Wisconsin, today to offer care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to the hurting community of Abundant Life Christian School after a teacher and student were killed yesterday morning in a mass shooting that also injured six other students.
Rev. Rodney Serbus, senior pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, has invited LCC to bring K-9 Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care Teams to provide support and comfort to the community and to help those who have been deeply affected by this tragic incident.
LCC will be present at a community candlelight vigil today at 6 p.m. at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Rev. Rodney Serbus, senior pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, has invited LCC to bring K-9 Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care Teams to provide support and comfort to the community and to help those who have been deeply affected by this tragic incident.
LCC will be present at a community candlelight vigil today at 6 p.m. at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Your support can help us BE THERE!
LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer is calling on LCC supporters to pray for the families and individuals affected during this time of sorrow. Abundant Life Christian School draws students from about 200 homes and 56 churches, according to the school website.
Rev. Singer is engaged in ongoing conversations with multiple LCMS churches and local congregations to coordinate ongoing means of support.
“We know that what happened at Abundant Life Christian School is devastating for the school and the community. Our hearts are broken,” Rev. Singer said. “They need our prayers during this heart-rending time. LCC will be there and will offer the hope and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Rev. Singer is engaged in ongoing conversations with multiple LCMS churches and local congregations to coordinate ongoing means of support.
“We know that what happened at Abundant Life Christian School is devastating for the school and the community. Our hearts are broken,” Rev. Singer said. “They need our prayers during this heart-rending time. LCC will be there and will offer the hope and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
LCC places hearts and crosses at memorials and vigil sites and visits with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministry teams as a reminder to hurting communities that people across the nation love and support them. LCC seeks to provide those impacted by tragedy with opportunities to process their grief and receive messages of love and hope, ultimately finding solace only in Jesus Christ.
Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.
Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.
At LCC, we only go where we are invited.
We never charge those we serve.
We never charge those we serve.
LCC is able to offer this early response care because of generous and faithful donors and volunteers who are willing to give and serve.
“It’s the end of the year, and any financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping the ministry work of our K-9 Comfort Dog teams, HMC teams, and LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care teams,” Rev. Singer said.
If you are compelled to give, please donate to the Crisis Response For Wisconsin Fund. Thank you sharing in the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
Please keep the Madison community in your prayers. May the LORD open doors for these teams to deliver the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus.
Thank you for being a part of Lutheran Church Charities ministries.
Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!
“It’s the end of the year, and any financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping the ministry work of our K-9 Comfort Dog teams, HMC teams, and LCC Spiritual First Aid™ Care teams,” Rev. Singer said.
If you are compelled to give, please donate to the Crisis Response For Wisconsin Fund. Thank you sharing in the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
Please keep the Madison community in your prayers. May the LORD open doors for these teams to deliver the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus.
Thank you for being a part of Lutheran Church Charities ministries.
Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!
