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September 10, 2025

Seeing the Sunset Again: LERT Volunteers Restore Hope for Local Elderly Homeowners

On Saturday, September 6, four Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers from Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville, IL, brought light and hope back to the home of an elderly couple.

The couple’s yard had become heavily overgrown with brush, bushes, and trees, blocking sidewalks and even covering the windows of the house. The volunteers worked for hours, cutting, trimming, and hauling until they filled a large dumpster to capacity. But their impact went far beyond clearing a yard—it restored hope to a husband who had been battling illness and discouragement.

Afterward, the homeowner shared his heartfelt gratitude in a note to the volunteers:

"For the first time in years, I can see the sunset from my windows and my door. I can’t thank you enough. You were a literal God-send. Throughout the day and night, we kept looking outside and saying, ‘Wow, it looks so good.’

What you gave us was so much more than a cleaned-up yard. For the first time since my diagnosis four years ago, I’ve been talking about the future again—things I want to do and get done. Coming home from a week in the hospital to this transformation gave me so much hope. I had grown so depressed that I had given up, but now I feel renewed. My wife says she feels like she has her husband back.

What you did for us is far more than the actual work accomplished. It has given us hope. You are dear and amazing people, a light in a dark world. Thank you a million times over.”

For this homeowner, the simple gift of light through the windows—and the sight of a sunset—became a powerful reminder of hope and renewal, made possible by the kindness of volunteers. It was a blessing to bring HOPE and share the mercy, compassion, and presence of Jesus with these homeowners in need.

God's Comfort and Love Shining Through In Minnesota

“Your willingness to drop what you were doing and travel here — to be present, to sit with those in pain, and to share the calm, comfort, and hope of Christ — was such a blessing.” – Pam Lienemann, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN

In moments of deep tragedy, the presence of God’s people can bring peace that words alone cannot. On August 27, the Minneapolis community was shaken when two young children from Annunciation Catholic Church lost their lives and 18 others were injured during a shooting at morning Mass. The weight of grief was heavy, yet the love of Christ shone through as Lutheran Church Charities’ Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and K-9 Comfort Dog teams answered the call to serve.

For five days, ministry teams partnered with local congregations, first responders, and grieving families—walking alongside them in prayer, offering hugs, listening, and creating spaces of comfort. Hearts and crosses bearing the names of Fletcher Merkel, age 8, and Harper Moyski, age 10, became touchstones for community gatherings and vigils, where words of love and support flowed freely.

From children serving others at the memorial site, to first responders quietly receiving appreciation, to strangers comforting strangers through shared tears—God’s hand was evident in countless small but profound moments. Unseen workers, such as medical examiners and 911 dispatchers, were lifted up with encouragement and compassion from the teams and comfort dogs.

Though the pain of loss remains, stories of strength, resilience, and faith are emerging. Each hug, prayer, and quiet act of care became a testimony to the truth that Christ’s light shines brightest in the darkness. 

Read the full story of how God’s love continues to shine in Minneapolis.

Hear LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer’s devotional reflection on this contrast between good and evil.

LERT Volunteers Prevent Damage, Provide Firewood for Families

Yesterday, a team of 12 LERT chainsaw volunteers worked together to remove a large, dangerously leaning tree from the Caring Hands Thrift Shop in Yorkville, IL. Caring Hands, a ministry of Cross Lutheran Church, provides essential support to families in need.

The tree posed a serious risk to the thrift shop, a neighboring business, and nearby fences. To ensure safety, Lutheran Church Charities utilized two lifts simultaneously, allowing operators to carefully reduce the tree’s weight from both sides.

Once the tree was down, volunteers cut the wood into firewood-sized pieces and stacked it for clients to take home and use. All brush was gathered and hauled to a burn pile at the church.

This was a highly technical project, but the team embraced the challenge with skill and teamwork—serving both the church and the community with dedication.

Honoring Heroes: A Day of Remembrance and Healing

On Saturday, September 6, the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight carried one World War II veteran, five Korean War veterans, and 101 Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day of remembrance and reflection. These heroes visited the memorials built in their honor, paying tribute to their service and remembering their fallen brothers and sisters.

When they returned home, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, joined by the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry, was there to greet them. The Comfort Dogs and their dedicated handlers welcomed the 107 veterans with the words many had never heard before: “Welcome home.”

For some, it was an emotional first. For all, it was a moment of deep honor and gratitude.

Read more about this moving Honor Flight homecoming.

Comfort Dogs Bring Healing to 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit

In July, the Wauconda Park District, IL, hosted the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, a powerful traveling tribute honoring those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001—including the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice—and all who continue to battle 9/11-related illnesses. Sponsored by the Illinois Moose Association through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the exhibit offered visitors an immersive, educational experience that helped bridge generations: some attendees vividly remembered that day, while others had not yet been born when it happened.

To support this meaningful event, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to share their unique gift of presence. Their calm companionship brought smiles, comfort, and peace to visitors and volunteers alike—reminding everyone of hope and healing even in times of sorrow.

Read the full story about the comfort dogs’ role at this special event.

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