THE DOG HOUSE

Proclamation

Led by God, equipped as disciples through Word and Sacrament, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all. This mission of Trinity Lutheran Church was written and adopted by the members in 2018. The Lizzie Comfort Dog Ministry is just one of the active ways we at Trinity are living out that mission. Trinity’s mission is closely related to the mission of the LCC Comfort Dogs: “Share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.” So, one might ask, “How can a Comfort Dog lead us in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?”

Lizzie has actually been trained not to bark, especially when vested for work. You might think that this would make it more difficult to “proclaim” God’s love. However, like many ministries of Christ, actions speak louder than words. We are equipped by God’s Word as he speaks to his disciples, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13: 15-17

Lizzie events take us out into the community to reach out to those suffering and in need of Jesus’ love. Lizzie and her handlers visit nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, safe shelter, hospitals, and the homeless. We attend funerals, fallen police officer memorials, comfort veterans and their families at American Legion meetings and visit the sheriff’s office with Lizzie. We are invited to schools to read with students and share about Lizzie and her work. At the airport we spend time with airport workers, the USO and passengers to relieve the stress of working and waiting that is part of today’s air travel. In extreme circumstances, we respond with comfort and love to those in crisis from natural and man-made disasters in our region.

Lizzie gives us access, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the works God has prepared for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10). Showing up with Lizzie, a dog who is trained to be calm, not bark, and be petted and hugged, draws people into a circle of love. Lizzie allows us to proclaim God’s love in action to young and old, the healthy and the infirm, the stressed, the grieving, the anxious, the exhausted and depressed. Many people who know and follow Lizzie on social media thank us for our ministry and the love we share. Others ask us to keep them in prayer. People meeting Lizzie for the first time often ask, “Whose dog is this?” “Why are you here?” We can share Lizzie’s card with her Bible verse and sometimes a word or two of proclamation. We love because He (God) first loved us. 1 John 4:19.

LIZZIE COMFORT DOG TEAM STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The comfort ministry is a team ministry. The weekly schedule includes both repeat and onetime events and all handlers are encouraged to commit to one or more of these each week. In addition, each team member specializes in one or two of the ministry goals. Cindy Baldwin is the voice of Lizzie on social media, responds to inquiries, schedules events, and leads the handlers. Lois Lucas provides the primary care for Lizzie, ensuring that Lizzie is healthy, groomed, and ready to serve where needed. The Freesemans, Allens, and Baldwins are her back-up caregivers. Greg Lucas and Todd Freeseman specialize in serving the military and law enforcement community. Leslie Allen organizes the monthly Lizzie Team breakfasts and is always looking for willing workers to augment our offerings. Lynne and Kevin Kuzeff have been our “go-to” couple for crisis response since they are willing and able to travel. Scott and Sandi Idleman provide extra support on Sundays and church events. Katie Freeseman is back to school for another year but always makes time for Lizzie events when she is in town. Like all members of Trinity, the handlers have other claims on their time at church in addition to family, work, and school. This stewardship of time and talent is supported by our families, friends, and other Trinity members who cook, provide child care, walk the neighborhood with Lizzie, and go with us into the community as ministry partners.

In January, Pastor Webb and William Webb traveled with Cindy and Lizzie to be trained as LCC handlers in Northbrook, IL. Cathleen and Lauren will wait until June to be trained. We are always looking to expand this vital ministry with more handlers and ministry partners. We especially need handlers and helpers who can be available for daytime events. Please contact a team member if you have an interest in making this ministry a part of your stewardship of time and talent.