March 16, 2011 In This Issue

Featured StoriesOpportunities in Haiti

Families in NeedMinistry Needs

K-9 Parish Comfort DogsTim's Pick of the Week

Upcoming EventsHow To Support LCC

Tim's Pick of theWeek

LCC connects needs withresources, working with more

than 400 congregations tohelp Christians "Make a

Difference in People's Livesand in God's Kingdom"

To meet our staff, click here

For more information aboutLCC and its human care

ministry, please contact LCCstaff at:

LCC Keeping Close Contact with Missionary on theGround in Japan - Help NeededHelp Lutheran Churches in Japan as they share the hope ofChrist in the midst of terrible devastation.

Missionary Jenae Siebarth (pictured below)spoke by Skype with LCC's Rich Martin from herhome in Japan on Tuesday morning. WhileJenae is safe, there are millions left withoutpower, reliable water, shelter, or food sources.

Maximize the impact of your donations throughLCC as 100% of every dollar donated goes toour Lutheran Church partners in Japan as theyserve their countrymen with the Gospel in theirdesperate hour of need.

Please continue to check our website, www.LutheranChurchCharities.org for currentupdates. Click here to donate to the Japan Relief Fund Click here to read Jenae's updates and prayer requests from Japan

Click here to read the original appeal

Click to hear the interview (video, approx 3 min.)

Church burned by extremists

College students take a break to playsoccer

LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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Christians Attacked by Muslims in Ethiopia - 59Churches Burned and Thousands Displaced

Thousands of Muslim extremists reportedly setfire to 59 churches and at least 28 homes inJimma (zone), in western Ethiopia in the pastweek. More than 4,000 Christians in the areahave been displaced as a result of the attacks,according to the Jimma Times. Police havearrested 130 people in connection with thechurch burnings, the newspaper reported.

Through our partners there we have learned theattacks in western Ethiopia resulted in the deathof a Mekane Yesus (the Lutheran Church inEthiopia) member and at least 12 of thechurch's buildings in the region were damagedor destroyed by fire. The attacks reportedly

began after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating the Quran by tearing up a copy.

While the attacks have subsided, there is much work ahead to restore the Christianministries affected. 100% of your gift to LCC will go to our ministry partners in Ethiopia asthey share the grace and forgiveness of Christ with their attackers and rebuild theirchurches.

Click here to donate to the Ethiopia Church Fire Fund

Click here to read the original appeal

College Students Working Haiti

Update: The Mission Team has arrived safely inJacmel. On Monday the team began the weekworking on the Guest House in Jacmel. The GuestHouse is being built for the Evangelical LutheranChurch in Haiti by a partnership between theOhio District and LCMS World Relief andHuman Care. When completed it will be used tohouse Missionaries and Mission Teams working inHaiti. LCMS World Relief and Human Careprovided scholarships for the students to covertheir expenses while in Haiti.

Watch our website -www.LutheranChurchCharities.orgfor pictures and updates as they continue work inJacmel and then distribute shoes and reliefsupplies in a tent city.

Please continue to pray for them as them bring the Mercy and Compassion of Christ tothose in need in Haiti Click here to view photos from this trip

Click here to donate to the Haiti Shoe Fund Click here for a video and hear one of the college students describe how God workedthrough the Haitian people to change her outlook on life.

New Disaster Response Training Scheduled ForApril

LCC partners with St. John Country Club Hills tooffer Congregational Preparedness Training to allcongregational leaders in the NID. The training isscheduled for Saturday, April 2nd from 8 AM to11 AM. Registration cost is $20 per person. Registrationcan be paid by credit card online at time of registration orby cash or check at the door.

Congregational Preparedness Training (CPT) addresses questions like "Do we have acontingency plan in the event that the pastor becomes a victim of a disaster?" or "In theevent that a tornado is bearing down on our church on Sunday morning during worshipservice, who should be the person to say we need to evacuate the sanctuary, and where isthe safest place for all these people to go?" Having recognized that God often uses disaster to open doors for his Church to doministry, participants address questions like "What are some ways that our congregationcan offer Christ's comfort to the community after a disaster?" or "What happens to thechurch budget - can designated funds be used in times of crises?" Click here to register for the CPT training on April 2, 2011. For more information, callDianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org.

The following Saturday, April 9th, LCCpartners with Immanuel Lutheran Churchin Freeport to present a LERT Training.Registration and Coffee begins at 9 AM withclass starting at 9:30 AM sharp to 12 PM. Lunchis included. Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of

the training materials, meal, and the LERT T-shirt, which is required to be worn in adisaster response situation. Registration can be paid by credit card online at time ofregistration or by cash or check at the door. This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety,work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. Click here to register for LERT training on April 9, 2011. For more information, call DiannaBonfield at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org.

Help 1 By Youth Make a DifferenceThe 1 By Youth day of servicescheduled for Saturday, May 7 isa massive event designed to rally1,000 or more Christian youth andtheir adult leaders for a single dayof transformational service in asingle neighborhood. To makethis happen we'll needapproximately 100 volunteers towork 'behind the scenes' inpreparation for and during theevent. Click here for more details

Lenten ResourceThree Days and Three Nights: How Can That Be?Tim is available to do a LIVE Presentation to your Church orGroup

If Jesus was crucified on Friday and the tomb was empty on Sundaymorning, where do we get three days and three nights? Join TimHetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, as heanswers this puzzling question. Tim also looks at the "apparent"contradictions in the Gospels surrounding the Passion Narrative of Jesusand shows how when understanding the historical background the"apparent" contradictions disappear!

Click here for online ordering To schedule Tim for a Three Day Three Nightspresentation, call 866-455-6466 or email him atLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Help Support Former Iraqi Muslim Attend SeminaryRequest by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam ChristianFellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran MuslimMission Association (CLMMA)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Waleed, a former Iraqi Muslim, is planning to pursueordination from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis,Missouri through the Ethic Immigrant Institute ofTheology (EIIT )program. We need your prayers and

donations in order to meet the challenges we have in providing for his living expenses herein Chicago as well as his tuition and education fees.

This month marks the third anniversary of Salam Arabic Fellowship in Chicagoland . Weare planning to expand our ministry by using Waleed to plant a sister church for Salam inthe North side of Chicago. Also, we will incorporate more Farsi in our ministry in order toaccommodate more Iranians who do not speak Arabic. Click below to read the amazingstory of how God called Waleed to faith through Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Click here to read Waleed's story

Click here to donate to education fees

Click here to donate to living expenses

Thank You from Grace Christian Academy LCC received the following email from Grace ChristianAcademy

To LCC and its newsletter readers:

Just wanted to say thanks for your support ofGrace's "Battle of the Praise Bands II". It was agreat event, filled with music and fellowship. Thehighlight was having the Grace children sing "LordI Lift Your Name on High" accompanied bymusicians and singers from ALL the praise bands!As you can see by the picture, it made for a verycrowded stage.

Although "Praise and Promise" of Concordia,Berwyn came in first with the most votes, the real winner was our school as over

$1100 was raised for our Scholarship program. Thanks to all who attended,participated and supported us with prayer. Hope to see you at our banquet and liveauction on April 10!

Fill the Bus for Haiti

Immanuel Lutheran Church - Richton Park,along with their community members, made acommitment to help the children of Jeremie, Haiti, inparticular the 30 orphaned children living with PastorIsaac Jacquet.

They have decided to do this by purchasing a pre-owned school bus that will be used as a shippingcontainer. Filling this bus with the many neededitems will involve anyone wishing to participate.

The cost of this project is substantial and will befunded through donations and fundraising events.

The kick-off for this fundraiser will be a FREE concert on Saturday, March, 19th at RichSouth High School, 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, 60471. Concert begins at 3pm.

The concert will feature Immanuel's Children's Choir and a presentation by FERNANDOJONES of the BLUES KIDS FOUNDATION (see www.BluesKids.com). Following theconcert, a short DVD (six minutes) will be shown to introduce you to the orphans in Haiti.

Tickets will go on sale that day for Immanuel's annual "HAM DINNER" to be held onSaturday, April 30th . All proceeds will go to "Fill The Bus". Free samples will be available.

For more information call Immanuel Lutheran Church at 708-748-0558.

Click here to donate

Affordable Christian Mental Health and SubstanceAbuse Counseling Services Available!

What if you really need help - you need a counselor Christiantherapist to talk to - or have substance abuse issues you need todeal with but your insurance won't cover it or you just can't affordto pay the costs for therapy out of your own pocket? Good News!For a limited time (until 6/30/11), the Meier Clinic in Wheaton, ILis offering a low sliding scale fee for all new clients who make anappointment with Klaus Mehrl. Klaus has served as a parishpastor in the LCMS for 25 years and is completing his graduatestudies in professional counseling. He is a certified substanceabuse counselor with the State of Illinois and is also a CertifiedSex Addictions Therapist Candidate.

Meier Clinics recognizes and utilizes Christian principles and toolsin the healing process along with sound psychological practices.

For more information about the programs and services offered at the Meier Clinics, pleasecall: (630)653-1717 or (800)848-8872 or visit www.meierclinics.org.

Meier Clinics2100 Manchester Road Suite 1510Wheaton, IL 60187

For more information about Pastor Mehrl, please visit his website at www.hope-for-you.com.

Opportunities in Haiti Help Make A Difference

Update from Sue Gross, Haitian Lutheran MissionProject LCC has received the following update from Sue Gross from Christ Lutheran Churchin Orland Park who is currently in Haiti with her Mission Team. They are running aneyeglass and medical clinic in Jeremie. Among other things, they are training local Haitiansto administer basic health care to school children and the elderly, as well as teachinghygiene to children and prenatal care to expectant mothers.

Please continue to pray for them as they show Christ's Love and Compassion to thepeople in Haiti.

Dear Friends Of Haiti

Today we were blessed to serve over 200 people atour medical and eye glass clinic held in Jeremie.We were visited by people who remembered usfrom last year and came to thank us for returning.Verlande was the young lady who had both legscrushed in the earthquake last year. We prayedwith her one evening after church last year in herhome. She made a remarkable recovery and spentmuch time with us the last two days. Although sheis still in much pain she is walking again.

Things are changing in Jeremie. Pastor's Church is growing and many local peopleare receiving us with open arms. The school in Jeremie that several of you helpedbuild is open and serving about 176.

Tomorrow we will go to Dame Marie, this is the school that we sponsor throughTrinity Hope's Feeding Program

Click here to donate to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund

Help Provide Clean Drinking Water for All OurLutheran Schools in Haiti

LCC, in partnership with LCMS World Relief and HumanCare, is raising money to put a Hydraid® BioSand waterfilter in each of the 82 Lutheran Schools in Haiti. The costof each filter is $185.00 and will provide clean drinkingwater for all the students in the school. Hydraid®BioSand water filters are a simple filter with no movingparts. The filter combats the leading causes of death anddisease in the developing world by reducing parasites,bacteria and viruses found in contaminated water.

"Part of our plan is to place larger HydrAid filters in eachof the schools, therefore providing fresh water for thestudents. Using the Lutheran Schools as a setting,

parents of students will be invited to attend a water sanitation class which includes theopportunity to obtain one of the family-sized filters." Glenn Merritt, LCMS WR-HC. Help Make A Difference for an entire school. Click here to donate

UPDATE: Haiti: All We Want for Christmas is aToilet!Request from Susan Gross, Haitian Lutheran Mission Project

LCC received the following update from Sue Gross: First Toilet Built Because of Your Support!Thank you for Making A Difference

Toilets are being built in Jeremie, Haiti to prevent thespread of Cholera and other diseases. The first ofseveral was built at the Dame Marie Lutheran School.There are 34 schools in Pastor Isaac's district and hehopes, eventually, to have a toilet built at each location.Thank you so much for the donations he has received sofar.

Sue Gross The Haitian Lutheran Mission Project

These children are asking for a TOILET for Christmas. Yes, that must sound strange tomost of us but it is true. Cholera is invading the country of Haiti. Clean water and toilets areneeded to prevent thousands of deaths. Click here to read Pastor Isaac's letter Click here to donate

Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to ProvideAssistance to the following:

Haiti Disaster ReliefHaiti Shoe FundEmmanuel Lutheran Church, Aurora IL - Homeless Family FundSt Paul Lutheran Church, Thornton IL - Housing Assistance Fund

Families in NeedHelp Make A Difference

Single Mother of Five Fleeing Abusive SituationNeeds Vehicle to WorkRequest from Pastor Brian Davies, Lord of Glory LutheranChurch, Grayslake, Illinois

Our congregation has been working with a woman and her fourchildren (5th one is due any time) who recently sought refuge nearus after fleeing a physically abusive situation. We have helped herget running water for her new place of residence, as well asproviding beds, furniture, clothes and other needed items. Afterhelping her enroll her children in school, we have now alsoprovided an avenue for her to begin working again so that she canbuild her life here. Her last great need is a vehicle. She told usthat she had stopped going to church a couple of years agobecause she had lost hope. She said this was the first time shesaw a church really doing what the Bible says we should do. If you

have been waiting to donate a vehicle, here's a great, real need that a vehicle wouldimmensely bless.

Thanks for considering this need, and please join me in praying that God would continueto provide for her and her children!

If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Single Man in Need of Transportation for WorkRequest from Pastor Loy Schlote, Our Savior Lutheran Church,Joliet, Illinois

We are working with a man who was connected to ourcongregation when he was younger. About 5 months ago hewas released from prison. He was able to enroll in arehabilitation program at Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora.He is nearing completion of a program to help retrain menand reintegrate them into society. He has the opportunity towork delivering papers but does not have a vehicle or theability to buy one right now. If someone has a van (or anyvehicle large enough to use to deliver papers) that they coulddonate to him it would be such a blessing as he continues towork to put his life back together.

If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Single Mom of Two in Need of Financial AssistanceRequest from Pastor Brian Truog, Cross Lutheran Church,Yorkville

A single mom of two grade school age children is struggling to paybills - especially rent. She is unable to work because of chronichealth problems. Her two children also have health problems,especially the 10-year-old son who has ulcerative colitis. Due tolack of child support and mounting medical bills, she struggles topay the basic bills of rent, phone, etc. Any assistance would besuch a blessing to this young family.

Click here to donate

Other Stories Still Seeking SupportEbenezer, Chicago in Need of Boiler Repair Urban Children's Choir Looking for Volunteers Housing and Car Repairs Needed for Single Woman and Her Mother Nine-Year-Old Ethiopian Boy Needs Surgery in the United States Washer and Electric Dryer Needed Request from Rev Abraham Mengesha, EECMY-CES President of the LutheranChurch in Ethiopia Help Lutheran Hour Ministries Build Wells in Ghana - Each Well Costs $3,300

Items Free for the AskingLCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To request anitem on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask that theycall us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be made toconnect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church thenplease call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who canassist you.

2847 Approximately 119 Canvas Laptop bags with business logo on the side. (SBPStrategic Business Partners)2846 Mauve colored Wardrobe with 2 doors on left side to close off closet forhanging clothes and one door on right to close off 4 shelves for storing clothing2845 Light pine corner wardrobe with 4 open shelves on each side2844 White 2 drawer night stand2843 maple sewing cabinet ( no sewing machine)2842 Small oak writing desk Has 7 drawers ( two of which are file drawers) andtwo leather & oak chairs and a desk lamp2841 gold brown and orange early american style high back sofa2840 Heavy Oak wood coffee table & matching end table and Lamp2839 Maple wood rocking chair and throw blanket2838 Mauve colored Entertaiment center Two doors on right side to close off TVand 4 storage drawers on Left2836 Maple, Starck Spinet Piano with Bench. Needs to be tuned (Photosavailable)2835 Large 50" Mitsubishi Big Screen Television in light wood cabinet with doorclosure. Incudes a VHS. (Photos available)

For More Items Available, click here to view the list on our DONATE page...

To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated,CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM

Ministry NeedsHelp Make A Difference

Help Crossways International Bring the Word of Godto Christians in the Philippines and Make ADifference to Thousands of Lives Tim Hetzner - President of Lutheran ChurchCharities comments: This training can literallyimpact thousands of lives with the savingmessage of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is avery important country to support the ChristianChurch by helping them Get the Story Straight -and Get the Story Out. Click here to read the request

Click here to donate

Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, Israel inDesperate Need

Recently, I was in contact with Four Homesof Mercy in Bethany, Israel. Because ofthe current situation in the Middle East, and inIsrael and Palestine in particular, they are indesperate need of support to be able tocontinue their ministry of serving those childrenand adults with physical and emotionaldisabilities. Their staff has not been paid inmonths and yet they continue to serve thosethat are "the least of these".

Bethany is where Jesus always stayed when he was in the area of Jerusalem, and hisreason was it was the poorest of the poor that lived there (Simon the Leper). Can youconsider helping this Christian Mission that I have been connected with for well over 20years.

To donate click here and God Bless you!

Tim HetznerPresident, Lutheran Church Charities

Help a Congregation Located in a Prime MissionField in Los AngelesRequest from Pastor ST Williams, St. Paul Lutheran Church,Los Angeles, California

Update: LCC sent your donations to St. Paul and received thefollowing from Pastor Williams:

The St. Paul family is so grateful for your prayers andliaison blessings of LCC. We had a ConsecratedStewards Celebration this past Sunday. Your gift wasone of the many blessings we gave Thanks and Praiseto God for. Peace and blessings always! Thank youagain for your partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christto the all the nations of the world

In March 2011, St. Paul

will celebrate its 86th year of Word and Sacrament Ministryin the City of Los Angeles (South-Central). The Celebrationis entitled "we have come this far by faith" Romans 3:21-24.

We are seeking partners and fellow laborers of the Gospelwho have a desire to come along side an urban/inner citycongregation and assist with the financial deficits thechurch is facing under this present economic downturn.This will help sustain the future of the mission and ministryas he along with the members work under the guidance ofthe Holy Spirit to bring fulfill the Great Commission in the City of Los Angeles and theworld.

Click here to read more from Pastor Williams

Click here to donate

Help Bring See Through the Scriptures to Haiti and theDominican Republic Crossways International's See Through the Scriptures(STS) has been translated into French and Spanish, andhas been used in Haiti and the Dominican Republic for anumber of years - taught mainly by a Lutheran pastorwho has conducted numerous training events for clergyand teachers. As you can well imagine, the people wholive in these two countries have little or no money - moreso than ever before as a result of the 2010 earthquake.

Crossways International does not have access to thefunding needed to provide the required materials. However, copies of the STS materialscan be produced in the Dominican Republic for $2 each. We would love to be able toprovide Christians in these two nations with one (better, two) thousand copies of STS.

Please, can you help us do this?

A personal note from Dr. Harry Wendt, President, Crossways International Chloris and I would love to be able to write out a check to fund theabove projects. However, we live on a limited income, and giveabout 25% of it each year to CI's mission and other charitablecauses. Sad to say, CI has been badly hurt by the present economicdownturn. Can you come to our aid, or make suggestions regardingpossible sources of funding? To date, CI's ministry has helped about3,000,000 people around the world - and requests for access to ourwritten/graphic materials continue to come in. Rest assured thatour goal remains: "To reach the most people with the Best Message for theleast cost."

Click here to donate

Malaria Initiative

Update: LCC received the following email from a Pastor in Ghana who receivedtreatment for Malaria from Dr. Busse during her recently medical mission trip to Ghana.The results have been wonderful! Below is now another testimony on the value thistreatment can bring to the Christian Church - at pennies a dose. This is all being done toprovide the Christian Church another tool to touch lives with mercy and compassion andhealing - in the name of Christ.

I am very very happy to write to inform you that your malariatreatment I received in Kumasi when you came to Ghana workswell and it is better than any other treatment I have ever receivedfor malaria. Malaria kills many many children in Ghana as well asadults. I will be very happy if you can come to Bawku to help us.We are hoping and praying to see you. Ever since I received thetreatment I never experience malaria again at all.

COME AND HELP US TO BE FREE FROM MALARIA!Pastor Celtus AlaleBawku Lutheran Mission West Africa, Ghana

For more on the Malaria Initiative, click here Visit their web site: www.malaria01.org or E-mail: malaria01@yahoo.com

Click here to view a video about this project

Click here to donate

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against theauthorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces ofevil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

The Gospel is Still the Best Way to CounterTerrorism!Help Support our Lutheran Outreach Efforts in Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the few countries in theMiddle East that still has a Christian population.It is a strategic country to reach Muslims in theMiddle East. The Lutheran Church has beenactively involved in Gospel outreach in Lebanonsince the 1950's. Because of Mission cutbacks,support is desperately needed to continuebringing the Gospel to those of the Islamic faith.

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran ChurchCharities, will be traveling to Lebanon to meet with our Lutheran Missionaries there to helpshare the story of the work that is going and can be done! They are desperately in need ofour support and prayers during this time of unrest in the Middle East. If we want toeffectively fight terrorism, we need to use the only weapon that will make a difference - theGospel of Jesus Christ.

Please help our fellow Christians in Lebanon continue to proclaim theGospel and serve those in need with the Mercy and Compassion ofChrist.

To help, send your support to: Lutheran Church Charities, 333 W Lake St, Addison IL60101 or call LCC at 866-455-6466 or click here for online donations.

Dr. Rev. Bernie Lutz shares a brief history of Middle East Lutheran Ministry (pdf)

LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab shares why heasked LCC to Get Involved (video - 1:50)

LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab describes theneed in Lebanon, with introduction by PeteImlah, LCC's Director of Mission and Outreach(video - 4:22)

Click here to view more videos from Pastor Hicham Chehab's interview

Click here to donate

Items Available to a Ministry2837 (50) like-new Lutheran Worship Hymnals. Books are imprinted with churchname.2836 Maple, Starck Spinet Piano with Bench. Needs to be tuned (Photosavailable)2835 Large 50" Mitsubishi Big Screen Television in light wood cabinet with doorclosure. Incudes a VHS. (Photos available)2833 Yamaha Stereo Receiver2822 several hundred 90-minute audio tapes2821 Sony Master tape duplicator w/two slave units that allows duplicating of 11tapes at one time

For More items, click here to view the latest updates on our DONATE Web Page...

Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals and MinistriesAll vehicles that are donated toLCC go directly out to families orindividuals through ourcongregations. NO vehicles aresold.

LCC has received numerous requests fromchurches for vehicles for families in need ofreliable transportation. The need for cars andvans to provide a means for getting to work,school and medical appointments has neverbeen higher.

If you have a working car or van please consider donating it to LCC for one of thesefamilies. All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NO vehicles are sold.

Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others that are still waiting forsome word...

Single Man in Need of Reliable Transportation for Work Single Man in Need of Reliable Transportation Car Needed for Pastor in FloridaVan Needed for Faith, StickneyCars Needed for Immigrant Families

Click here for the complete page listing the needs

If you have a vehicle to donate, please contact LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.orgor call 866-455-6466

LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs

Comfort Dog Update LCC Comfort Dogs at St Patrick's Day Parade in Palatine

On Saturday, March 12th, the LCC ComfortDogs were invited by the Outreach Board ofImmanuel Lutheran Church in Palatineto participate in the Palatine St Patrick's DayParade festivities . This was the city ofPalatine's first St Patrick's Day Parade andImmanuel Lutheran Church had a tent set upoutside the Palatine Train Station and offeredfree hot cocoa to those passing by.

As chilly as it was on Saturday, many individualsfound warmth from the hot cocoa and ComfortDogs Butter, Leo, Tara, and Tillie - who werepresent. LCC appreciates the invitation from

Immanuel Lutheran Church and we commend you on your outreach efforts during thisevent. We also want to say thank you to the handlers who - even though it was so cold -greeted folks, shared about the K-9 Comfort Dogs and pointed people to the Immanueltent.

LCC Comfort Dogs Get A Special Treat A special thank you goes out to the kindergarten students andtheir teacher Amanda Fritz at St Paul Lutheran School inBourbonnais, Illinois for the special dog treats. AmandaFritz contacted Pete Imlah and shared that she and thestudents wanted to do something very special for the K-9Parish Comfort Dogs. As part of their Lutheran Schools Weekfestivities the kindergarten class made homemade dogssnacks as their service project. On Monday, March 14th LCCreceived a box of dog treats and the Comfort Dogs LovedThem!!!! Thank You!!!

LCC Comfort Dog Shami Visits Lace Elementary School

On March 10, Shami the LCC K-9 ParishComfort Dog of St. John Lutheran Church inDarien, paid a visit to Lace Elementary School.She came with two express purposes, to inspirekids to read and spread her special kind ofcomfort and joy. The visit was arranged by St.John handler, Heather Conard, whose son is astudent at Lace. From 8:30 to 9:45am pairs ofthird graders were afforded the opportunity tocome and read to Shami. Time had to be limitedto 5 minutes so that a maximum number ofstudents could participate. Although time was

short, each student left with a sense of accomplishment and a winning smile on their face.It was then off to 4th grade classroom visits. Each class greeter her with a rousing shoutof, "SHAMI!" Shami's visit to Lace also provided the opportunity to PR St. John's upcomingEaster Eggstravaganza which will take place on April 16th from 9am - noon. Thiscommunity event is geared towards kids and families with and Easter egg hunt, plenty ofgames and, of course, some good ole' fashion K-9 Comfort!

Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit

Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry

Now Available: Join Tim Hetzner this fall as he leads aCHRISTKINDL MARKETS trip to the Czech Republic,Germany and Austria, November 27 to December 5, 2011 December is the time for the Christkindl Markets (AdventMarkets) in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria, atradition that dates back hundreds of years. Literallytranslated, the street fairs are Christ-child markets. Theyhappen in nearly every city and village, large and small.They are always cause for celebration and for shopping,for some roasted sausage, music on the streets and theinsides of centuries-old churches, and, of course, somehot, spiced wine. Let this be an invitation to focus on Advent and theComing of Christ in bringing in the Christmas Season. Tim HetznerPresident, Lutheran Church Charities Click here for more information on this trip

Join LCC Staff Member Tim Kurth on a Mission Tripto Kenya

As the newest member of the Lutheran Church Charitiesstaff I am pleased to invite you to join me on a short-term mission trip to Kenya this coming August. Togetherwe will serve the neediest children in that countrybringing them help and hope in the name of Jesus.Working with Kenyan folks I've known for over a dozenyears means the projects will be meaningful and well-prepared. This is a combination medical/construction tripso we are looking specifically for doctors and nurses tojoin us.

If you are not able to join the team please consider sponsoring someone from your churchand encourage others to become sponsors, as well. Click here for more details...

Help us Feed People in NeedIn Disaster Response and Outreach Events

Because Christians do food well - and food is alwaysneeded in a Disaster Response situation and otheroutreach events, LCC is looking for a FOOD WAGONthat we can cook and serve food from. Needs to beportable - can be a pull trailer or mobile unit. If you know of anyone who has one they would like todonate, or if your group would like to help purchase one

that would be shared with our NID congregations and beyond, please contact Tim Hetznerat LCC at 866-455-6466.

Thrivent Choice - Help Support Making ADifference Through Lutheran Church Charities Thrivent Choice is the new charitable grantprogram through which Thrivent Financial forLutherans members are able to direct Thriventcharitable funds. Eligible members aredesignated Choice Dollars, based on insurancepremiums, contract values, and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership which are directedby the member to Lutheran organizations.

LCC Emergency Assistance Fund

LCC gets requests daily concerning people who need assistance,and it is increasing because of the current economic times we areliving in.

LCC works through our churches to provide assistance by makingthe need known - and dollar per dollar we give the money to achurch to help the family or individual. However, we receive somerequests that are emergencies, and money is needed that day orthe next day and we can't always get the need out in our weeklyemail newsletter first.

Would you consider making a gift to our LCC EmergencyAssistance fund so that when these emergency needs occur we can help (through ourchurches) quicker? This is an important way for the Body of Christ to share the Mercy andCompassion and Proclamation of Christ.

To contribute please click here

Thank you for continuing to Make A Difference! Tim Hetzner

How to Conduct a Successful Mission FairLCC's Newest Resource FREE for Congregations!

Has your church considered hosting a Mission Fair for yourcongregation? For your Community? Tim Hetzner and staffof LCC have put together an online resource that can helpyou do this. It is a step by step guide on how to plan asuccessful Mission Fair - along with sample letters andeverything you will need. In fact, if you are planning aMission Fair, LCC will help you promote it - all free ofcharge.

Request your copy of HOW TO CONDUCT ASUCCESSFUL MISSION FAIR here or call LutheranChurch Charities at 866-455-6466

Looking for Ways to Share theMercy and Compassion of Christto Those in Your Church andCommunity? Free seminar or one-hour lecture by TimHetzner

We are in hard economic times. "Times are terrible" manysay. But just think what a blessing God has given us toshare the Mercy and Compassion of Christ! The door is

wide open for the Church to be the Church. Jesus showed us by his life that we are to bethe church that "Does Feet" (John 13). People say that they would "do" Mercy andCompassion Ministry, they would reach out topeople in need, but their church simply does nothave the money right now to do it, things aretight! Dear Christian brothers and sisters, itdoesn't take money to touch those in need andpain - it takes you and your willingness to followJesus' example. If you would like Tim Hetzner, President ofLutheran Church Charities, to come out andshare ways for you and your church to reach your members and community with the Mercyand Compassion of Christ - without money - contact us at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org. We would be more than happy to come andwork with you! By the way, we can even bring our K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs with us. Thisalso will NOT cost you!

Looking to be in a Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? YourSmall Group?Indicate Your Interest Here

Register Online - Click Here

Looking to Host a Bible Study?

WORD AMONG US Bible StudiesLutheran Church Charities In-Depth Bible Studies -WORD AMONG US - May be your Solution!

Free for Congregations!If you would like to be a host site click here

If you would like to join an existing class -click here

If you would like to take a course by Internet - click here Short-Format Courses

James: 5-week coursePhilippians: 5-weekcourseJude: 1-week courseJonah::3-week courseProverbs: 10-week courseKnow that God Exists: 1-week courseEsther: 5-week course

Long-Format Courses

Cover To Cover: A JourneyThrough The Bible60-week courseThe Gospel of John31-week courseApocalypsis Jesu Christus: The Book of Revelation30-week course

For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email atWAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Tim's Pick of the WeekLegends of Luternia: The Prince Decides by Thomas Sabel

With the help of an ex-mercenary turned pastor, an over-educated,priggish dragon, and a map that continues to change, Prince Ulrikturns the tables on the evil Mage who sent him on a quest doomed tofailure to regain the throne and restore the faith. The quest forcesUlrik to decide which is more important-duty to the crown or the loveof a comfortable home he has always known.

Legends of Luternia: The Prince Decides is a Christian fantasy set inthe land of Luternia where the prince's adventures lead him todiscover the importance of God's Word and Sacraments. With asubtle hand, Thomas Sabel guides the reader into the importance ofthe church in the Christian's life.

The Author

Thomas Sabel developed The Prince Decides from campfire storiestold on family vacations. He is a Lutheran pastor who divides his time

serving a small parish in Otis, Indiana, teaching at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne and Ivy-Tech Community College,and writing. His work has appeared in various professional andliterary journals. He lives with his wife and two sons in Fort Wayne,Indiana.

LCC Staff and Comfort Dogs Availablefor Church Functions and SchoolChapels!

For more information on scheduling LCC and the K-9 ParishComfort Dogs for an event or chapel at your church, contact LCC at866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

To help support the growing Ministry of theComfort Dogs click here... To find out information on how yourcongregation can get one of the LCC K-9 ParishComfort Dogs Click here Follow the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs onFacebook - you do not need to have a Facebookaccount to view photos and updates!

COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ...You recognize this prayer written by MartinLuther ...Come Lord Jesus, be our guestAnd let thy gifts to us be blessed. AmenIf we really mean this prayer and want Jesus tobe our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also?

Consider becoming a part of LCC's individualchallenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST -AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to help feedthe hungry.

Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert

Job Seekers and Employers - Connect Online!Christians contact us frequently who are looking foremployment - either because the company they are with hasdownsized, closed or has had layoffs. If you are looking forpeople to hire and would like to consider a fellow Christianfor a position, please check here www.ServantAtHeart.org. Job seekers can post their resumes, and employers canpost job openings. Access to Expanded Job Listingsthrough National Labor Exchange...

Servant at HeartLutheran Church Charities' Online Christian BusinessDirectoryLooking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an online ChristianBusiness Directory called Servant@Heart. This online directory allows:

Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. Others to seek out Christian businesses.

Each member of the directory has their church and pastor identified in their listing.

Search at ServantAtHeart.org to find Christian businesses or to have your businesslisted. You can also go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call (866) 455-6466.

It is the people of God working together that fully allows God to build for His Kingdom!

Spirit of Life Chorus Series SPIRIT OF LIFE CHORUS is a 100+ member ecumenical Christian concertchorus performing in church sanctuaries and auditoriums throughout the northernIllinois area. Formed in the fall of 1989 with 17 charter members, today, SPIRIThas grown to over 100 singers and musicians. Our solid, musical reputation ofdynamic concerts with strong emotional appeal is performed from the heart ofeach member. "SPIRIT" style music is presented with a joyous dedication tobringing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to all who listen.

The members of THE SPIRIT OF LIFE CHORUS cordially invite you to "OpenArms Are Inviting You" as we present a wide variety of spiritually uplifting music

as we conclude our twenty-first year of proclaiming His glory. Come join us this spring and enjoy the diversity of ourprogram as we stand in His presence and sing His praises.

See you at the concert!

LombardSunday, March 13th Christ the King Catholic Church1501 Main St, 60148Concert time: 4:30 p.m.

Arlington HeightsSunday, March 20thFaith Lutheran Church431 S. Arlington Heigths Rd., 60004Concert time: 4:00 p.m.

WoodstockSunday, March 27th First United Methodist Church201 W. South St, 60098Concert time: 4:30 p.m.

Carol StreamSunday, April 3rd Our Savior Lutheran Church1244 W. Army Trail Rd., 60188Concert time: 4:30 p.m.

Des PlainesSunday, April 10thImmanuel Lutheran Church855 Lee St, Concert time: 4:30 p.m.This is a benefit for theImmanuel Lutheran School

Wood DaleSunday, May 1stHoly Ghost Catholic Church254 Wood Dale RdConcert time: 4:30 p.m.

Click here for the full schedule

Open House at Saint Luke Lutheran School

Sunday, March 20 from 12:00 pm -1:30 pmMonday, March 21st from 9:00 am - 10:30 am Saint Luke Lutheran School 410 S. Rush StreetItasca, IL

Saint Luke Lutheran School, Itasca, is hosting an open house on Sunday, March 20th, from12:00 - 1:30 pm, and Monday, March 21st, from 9:00-10:30 a m. Saint Luke is a fullyaccredited school that offers full day child care and quality education, Preschool - 8thGrade. If you are looking for a school that is Christ centered, academically strong andrespectfully operated you need to visit. If you can't attend one of our open house dates takeadvantage of our weekly "Drop In and Learn More" days, Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 am, orcheck us out on our website saintlukeitasca.org or call 630-773-0396.

Career Fair and Seminars

Friday, March 25 from 1-4 pm St. John School Gym 4231 W. 183rd St. Country Club Hills, IL Across the street from the City Complex of Country Club Hills and Amphitheater

· Seminars on franchising, start your own business plus resume and cover letter writing · Resume help from Governor State University· Military recruiters - Army, Army National Guard and Air Force and others· Colleges and Universities - South Suburban, Governor's State University, The IllinoisInstitute of Art, DeVry University, Moraine Valley · Hospitals and Temporary Agencies · Local businesses, including Illinois State Police · And more!

For further information: Pat Couch 708-799-6770 Or Teena Dorn 708-957-4491St. John Office 708-798-4131

Ready to get wild about VBS? Join us for Group's VBS U Training Event

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 9:00 am - 12:00 pmImmanuel Lutheran Church200 North Plum Grove Rd Palatine, ILContact: Deaconess Brenna Nunesor Diana Broj at 847-359-1549 or youthdeaconess@ilcp.org

At PandaMania VBS U you'll learn the tricks of the trade from Group's VBS veterans. Thistotally hands-on training gives volunteers pointers on everything PandaMania VBS. Bringall your key leaders!

From fundraising, recruiting, decorating to clean-up, pack-up and follow-up...you'll learnto plan, coordinate and pull off your church's best VBS ever! Come network with otherVBS leaders and earn your degree in everything PandaMania!

Bonus: · Exclusive giveaway for participants · Raffles for FREE Group products

Advance Registration: Group publishing offers a discounted rate of $18 per person if you register in advance. Hurry,the late registration fee is $25 per person and applies one week prior to the event.

Register Online: Visit Group's VBS website www.groupvbsu.com

Love and Logic Returns to St. John's Algonquin

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church300 Jefferson St. Algonquin, IL Love and Logic returns to St. John's with the following:

February 26th - Love and Logic for the Single Parent March 12th - Parenting Teens with Love and Logic April 5th - May 10th - Becoming a Love and Logic Parent

Please call the church office to get more information and pre-register @ 847-658-9300.

Wonder Full World - a Travel-Themed Retreat for Women

Sunday, April 10, 2011 Our Savior Lutheran Church1244 West Army Trail Rd. Carol Stream, IL

Wishing you could get away for a mini-vacation? We've got your ticket! WonderFull World is an unforgettable travel-themed retreat the women of Our Savior aredoing together, and you're invited!

It includes worship, Bible study, and laughter. At Wonder Full World we'll "travel" to each of the seven continents andexplore wonders of a woman's heart, such as "I wonder if I matter to God" or "I wonder where God is when life is hard."We'll find the answer to each of these questions in the Bible and discover more of God's amazing love for us.

Register now--Registration is $30 until April 1, and it includes lunch and dinner.

See the website for more information: oursavior.com, call or email Karen Beckley, kbeckley@oursavior.com; 630-483-3143x120.

Mark the date - April 10 - the retreat begins at noon, and runs until around 7:30 pm.

Banquet and Auction - Grace Christian Academy

April 10, 2011 Skylite West Banquets 7117 Ogden Ave. Berwin, IL Join us in the fun as we raise $35,000 for the Scholarship Fund at our FIRST EVER LIVEAUCTION!

Watch Us Grow!

Reservations are required to attend. Tickets are $40 per person, or save $25 and reservea table of ten for only $375!

Contact Diane at 773-762-1234 ext. 6 for more information, or to make a donation to ourauction.

Little Lambs to Host Art Show and Dinner 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 4-7 pm Concordia Lutheran Church 3144 South Home Ave Berwin, IL

While the Sistine Chapel in Rome has a permanent exhibit of art by Michelangelo,Raphael, DaVinci, and Botticelli, Berwyn's Concordia Little Lambs Preschool will hosta special one night showing of their creative endeavors. The school's Art Fair andDinner 2011 is scheduled for Saturday, April 16th from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at theirchurch facility located at 3144 South Home Avenue.

A meal of spaghetti, salad, rolls, and dessert will be served. The cost of tickets for theevent will be $10 for adults and $5.00 for children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and undereat for free. A family pass can be purchased for $25.00. A raffle will also be held. Allproceeds will go to benefit the Preschool Program and Scholarship Fund.

Little Lambs Preschool has a long-standing reputation of quality Christ-centered preschool education in Berwyn and itssurrounding communities. It is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Tuitionassistance and multiple-child discounts are available. Call 708-795-7963 to arrange for a school tour, to secure moreinformation, or to enroll.

Click here for event flyer

Afternoons in the Arts - A Fine Arts Camp

June 27 - July 1st from 9 am - 12:30 pm St. John's Lutheran Church and School505 S. Park Rd. LaGrange, IL

A creative program that encourages and challenges kids' artistic expression throughmusic, movement, drama and visual arts while nurturing their relationship withJesus.Experienced, professional teachers provide a positive and caring environment.

Early registration by June 1st: $125 ($100 each additional child per family)After June 1st: $150 ($125 each additional child per family)

Register online at www.SJLaGrange.com/arts

Upcoming Events - Click Here for a complete listing of Upcoming Events

How To Support Lutheran Church Charities

All contributions go dollar per dollar to the causes listed in this newsletter.

If you would like more information on how to help or if you have items to share please contactTimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org or send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison,IL 60101or contribute at our web site at http://www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call us for credit carddonations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466