May
May 18, 2022 - Comforting
LCC Comfort dogs are trained to give and receive love, patience, and hugs from everyone they meet. They learn a "lap" command where they can lay across someone’s lap and distribute their weight to be careful and provide better proximity to give and receive hugs. This physical contact is especially vital for the residents we visit at Waltonwood and Ashby Ponds. Amos craves contact with others and loves to be touched, pet, and hugged. This ability to connect is an important bridge for our ministry as we go out to relate to and serve others.
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:24-25
May 11, 2022 - Mother's Day
Amos was at worship this past Sunday for Mother's Day to give comfort to all OSWLC mothers in attendance. We pray for all mothers - Heavenly Father, we are grateful for every woman You have created. Bless them with love and the peace that can only come from You. Amen.
"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you." ~Isaiah 66:13
May 4, 2022 - National Military Appreciation Week
The month of May marks the beginning of National Military Appreciation Month, a time to thank all those who serve and have served, including their families. To our nation's service members past and present, we say "Thank You" for your service and sacrifice and we lift prayers for you and your families, knowing our Heavenly Father is always by your side.
Kare 9 Amos serves our military community in a variety of ways wherever we are invited, including VA Hospital visits, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Events, VFW, and American Legion events. Each Kare 9 Amos handler is a veteran who shares the bond of duty, service, and memories that allow us to reach and serve military members and their families in our community. If you are part of our military community or would like to help us serve military members and their families in the Kare 9 Amos Military Ministry, we would love to hear from you!
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” ~ Harry S. Truman
April
April 27, 2022 - National Volunteer Week
Last week was National Volunteer Week and Amos would like to tell you about a special group of people:
- They accompany and guide Amos in his work.
- They are always ready to share God’s comfort and compassion with those we meet.
- They protect, train, play with and care for Amos, making sure all his needs are met.
- They pray with and for those we meet, and all of you.
- They are Team Amos, his caregivers, handlers, and ministry partners.
We give thanks to all those who volunteer their time, talents, and energy to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. "I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people." Leviticus 26:12
April 20, 2022 - Bringing Comfort
Our dear friend Rachel is always a blessing to see when Team Amos visits Maple Grove at Ashby Ponds Senior Living. Rachel is the staff escort who accompanies us when we visit residents. We have developed connections and friendships with many of the "regulars." She shines with God's love as she makes sure that each resident feels like the most special person in the room. Rachel is a messenger of comfort.
Our Heavenly Father calls on us to bring comfort and compassion to the world around us. In simple ways: a kind word, a smile or hug, a caring heart, and when praying, we are the sources of comfort for one another. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
April 13, 2022 - Jill's House Camp Highroads
This weekend Amos was excited to return to Jill's House Camp Highroads in Middleburg. The weekend camp is a fun-filled place for campers with intellectual disabilities to enjoy adventure and community while their families renew and rest at home. Amos's friends light up when he walks in and then the cuddles take over! It's a blessing to share God's love through our presence as we visit, laugh, and listen while our friendships grow and Jesus's light shines through our fluffy connection. Wherever we go, the people around us see that Jesus shows up.
During Holy Week we remember that we are the redeemed, the light of life! Through us, Jesus shows up. Can you think of someone who needs Jesus in their life, who needs YOU to show up?
"Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do: and greater works than these will he do because I am going to the Father. " ~ John 14:12
April 6, 2022 - God's Hands and Feet
Amos shared an amazing weekend in Williamsburg, Virginia with his friends Kezia Comfort Dog of Emmanuel (Baltimore), Solomon Comfort Dog of King of Glory (Williamsburg), and the fantastic middle school youth gathering from all over the Southeastern District, LCMS. We were so happy to greet our friends from OSW along with the other attendees as they arrived each day. We held two packed breakout sessions for the youth to learn more about our ministry and how we are the hands and feet of Christ. We hope they are encouraged by the comfort dog teams and remember that they can be the voice of Christ to the people around them. Please pray for God’s presence and blessings over our middle school youth and may the awesome work of God lift them up as they grow in their faith.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." Ephesians 4:29
March
March 30, 2022 - Coming Together
You may have seen Amos a little more last week as he joined his team and many of you in attendance at the town halls to meet and listen to the two Senior Pastor candidates. It seems that when we come together to consider the needs of our congregation and the community we are also reminded of our many ministry gifts and how God is at work doing more than we can ever know. As we find new or renewed meaning in our mission let us be more motivated than ever to use our gifts in His saving work!
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. " 1 Corinthians 12:27-28
March 23, 2022 - Spring is Here
This past week Team Amos started to notice more green on their visits. We're enjoying the change in weather by spending more time outdoors visiting others and joining in the springtime celebrations. The arrival of spring brings with it a joyful time full of energy, renewal, and growth. It is a wonderful reminder that through Christ we are given new life!
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
March 16, 2022 - Lutheran Schools Week & Training
Last week Amos joined his Open Arms friends for chapel as they celebrated Lutheran Schools Week and then traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the Southeastern District LCMS Disaster Response conference and training. Team Amos joined Team Seth, from Eternal Shepherd, Seneca, South Carolina, and Team Solomon from King of Glory, Williamsburg, Virginia at the conference to share the comfort dog ministry with attendees and other guests. We were truly blessed by this opportunity to share love and grow in ways to respond to those in need.
“Being able to bring hope, help, and healing - gifts of God for His people- becomes the best way that we are able to connect people with Jesus.” Sally Hiller, SED Disaster Response Coordinator.
March 9, 2022 - Pastor Peterson
This week we are hurting as we begin to mourn the loss of Pastor Peterson. He held a special place in our hearts and in the life of our congregation. He was intentional about ensuring the Comfort Dog Ministry was reaching those he knew to be in need and he would regularly stop us in church to inquire about our visits or to point us to someone or someplace that Amos should visit. He knew that the way through tough times is in connecting with and caring for others.
As we pray for the Peterson family and for each other, we turn the Bible verse assigned to Amos as part of his name - “The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in need he saved me,” ~ Psalm 116:6
March 2, 2022 - Sharing God's Love
This week during our classroom visits at Open Arms, students volunteered to read to Amos - they love to have an attentive listener! Some children sang and danced for Amos, while others snuggled and talked to him. We are blessed by these moments to share God's love and truly enjoy our time spent experiencing Jesus together. Our regular visits are opportunities to remind ourselves of what God has called us to do. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." ~ 1 Peter 4:10
February
February 23, 2022 - Love is Most Important
It is truly powerful how acts of love create such an impact for those who receive them and is also reciprocated back to us. Team Amos experiences this love each week and we know that God is indeed with us. He guides us and allows us to share His love through us with those who are in need. This week's prayer before worship reminds us of who we are and what is the most important thing we can do each day - Love.
Heavenly Father, teach us to love like You. Move us to have compassion for our neighbors, forgiveness for those who have wronged us, and courage to admit when we are wrong. We desire to be more like You. Teach us Your loving ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.
February 16, 2022 - Showing Kindness
Last week, Amos and his team kicked off "Kindness" week a little early with a surprise for the hardworking educators and staff at the elementary school he visits each week. The team attached notes to flowers to let them know they matter, they are loved, and they are special.
February 9, 2022 - You Are Loved
You are loved,
You are enough,
You are beautiful,
You are worthy,
You are irreplaceable.
Love, God
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:7
February 2, 2022 - God's Love
Team Amos happily returned to visits this week with students and staff at Bull Run Elementary School. Our time together allows us to share God's love in simple ways: we listen (Amos is really great at this) and provide words of encouragement. We know that just being present, offering a smile, or other acts of kindness are what God's love is all about.
God's love is for everyone. How can you show God's love to someone today? In James 1:22-25 we are told: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
January
January 26, 2022 - We Are Called to Love
We are blessed to be invited to join the classrooms at Open Arms where Amos's weekly visits give students the opportunity to experience and share the love of Jesus. When we are all together, reading, hugging, and petting Amos, the children see that Amos and his handler are there just to show love. The way we love shows who we are. As disciples of Christ, we are called to love God and to love others unconditionally. This call is a reminder of how God loves us.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:35
January 19, 2022 - Be Flexible and Trust in God
This week we had a number of our regular visits paused due to weather or virus-related cancellations. Covid has taught us all that we all have to be flexible and trust in God who leads us. Changes in plans mean we find other ways to keep Amos in top working shape, like a recent training trip to the Dulles International Airport. We were able to work on his focus and skill around a variety of different sounds, smells, and activities. In the arrivals area, we visited with TSA agents and staff, and greeted many stressed, happy, hurried, and exhausted passengers in need of comfort.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
January 12, 2022 - Comfort Dogs Unite!
This weekend Amos traveled to Williamsburg and joined LCC K9 Kezia Comfort Dog (Emmanuel, Baltimore) to worship and witness LCC K9 Solomon Comfort Dog and his handlers and ministry partners as they were installed in service at King of Glory. While visiting their congregation we met several families who used to live in Ashburn and worship at OSWLC. We are doubly blessed to have this extended church family and to now have two LCC Comfort Dog ministries in Virginia.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?’ And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” ~ Isaiah 6:8
January 5, 2022 - Happy New Year
Begin this New Year knowing that our Heavenly Father loves YOU. Happy New Year!
December
December 29, 2021 - Sharing God's Love
Amos was privileged to meet and greet so many visitors at our Christmas Eve worship services. God wants us to be connected, sharing His love. Let us continue to shine His light into the new year.
>“Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” 1 Peter 5:14
December 22, 2021 - Preparing for Christmas
As we prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus's birth this week, we look to those around us and truly see those who need comfort and love. On Friday, we visited our friends at Bull Run Elementary School to wish them a safe and happy holiday vacation, and the students surprised us with dozens of heartfelt birthday cards for Amos! They have a great friendship in Team Amos.
Over the weekend, we visited a local cemetery for wreath-laying to remember and honor our fallen veterans. We also came together as a team to celebrate another year of comfort with fun and cheer. Monday, Amos's 5th birthday, is a day off for Amos to relax while he celebrates all of God's blessings. We'll continue to visit our dear friends at Open Arms and Ashby Ponds this week and then hope to see you all at one of the Christmas Eve services on Friday.
May you receive the blessings of God's greatest gift! Merry Christmas from Team Amos!
December 15, 2021 - Christmas Card Mailing
Each Christmas, Team Amos participates in a Christmas card mailing with other LCC Comfort Dog affiliates around the country. This year participating teams collected packages of 31 cards representing 40 comfort dogs. Each of the participating teams, including Amos, will be delivering up to five of these packages of cards to their designated recipients to share Jesus’ love and let them know we love them and are praying for them. Recipients include those who are recently widowed, in failing health, first responders, stressed educators, faithful followers, those who are lonely, and those in need. The Comfort Dog teams also sent a card to our congregation, which we have on display for you to enjoy in the Narthex. Merry Christmas!
As you prepare your hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus' birth, please continue to pray for those who are suffering and in need.
December 8, 2021 - Sharing God's Love
Team Amos works daily to share God’s love in our community.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.“ ~1 John 4:7
December 1, 2021 - Thank You Lord
Last week during Thanksgiving, God provided many opportunities to give thanks and share His love. In our visits to Ashby Ponds, we were able to meet our friends’ family members and linger longer with those wanting more comfort. During Open Arms chapel time, we heard the children joyfully and loudly singing “Let everything God made say Thank You Lord!” As we head into this Advent season we wish you blessings and time spent loving one another.
November
November 24, 2021 - Thanksgiving
In this time of Thanksgiving, Team Amos gives thanks for the blessings we receive that God has given, including the love, support, and prayers of our church family.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
November 17, 2021 - World Kindness Day
During this week’s visit to Bull Run Elementary, our friends were celebrating World Kindness Day. Through their words, actions, and even the clothes they were wearing, they are great examples of how to share kindness with one another every day.
“The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” Micah 6:8
November 10, 2021 - Honor Flight
Team Amos was excited to learn that Ken, a veteran handler for the Austin, Texas area comfort dogs, was traveling on the Honor Flight Austin that arrived at Reagan National Airport on Friday! As a community of over 130 Comfort Dogs, we are able to connect and provide comfort throughout the country. Amos and his veteran handler went to the airport to surprise Ken on his arrival.
While there, Team Amos helped to welcome the other 50 veterans and let them know how much their service is appreciated. After petting Amos, the two Vietnam veterans pictured approached us to learn about the sign we brought. It was the “Thank you for your service” poster that was signed by many of the members of our congregation during Amos' three-years in ministry celebration. The veterans were genuinely touched to know that they were appreciated and prayed for. One of them told us how our welcome was so much better than the one he’d received when he first returned from war. He talked about the names he was called and we could see that it still hurt all these years later. We were so honored to be able to show our veterans the love and appreciation they deserve and the Honor Flight crew invited us back to greet the Veterans returning to Florida the next day. Our team was thrilled to be able to recognize their service and show our appreciation.
As we approach Veterans Day this week we ask for grateful prayers for the men and women who serve our country and ask that God bless them and the families that support them.
November 3, 2021 - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Virtual Hug Day
The past year and a half have shown us the importance of a hug and that it should never be taken for granted. We recently celebrated LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Virtual Hug Day to spread love and comfort even when we can’t be there physically. We filled our social media with hugs and asked followers to share virtual hugs with loved ones. Check out the hashtag #ComfortDogVirtualHugDay on your social media platforms to see LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs giving hugs all across the country.
October
October 27, 2021 - Open Arms Trunk or Treat Event
This weekend God provided a beautiful fall morning for the Open Arms Trunk or Treat community event. Amos was happy to provide hugs and he received lots of pets. Many of the visitors know Amos from his visits to Open Arms or their local school and were eager to introduce him to their family.
Team Amos was also able to enjoy fellowship with many families who had come from the mission field beyond our church walls. We know that God places people in our path for a reason and, with Amos as the bridge, we were able to show Jesus’s love and compassion in a way that connects our community to God and the church.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
October 20, 2021 - Maryland Army National Guard
On Saturday morning, Amos and his veteran handler joined other comfort dogs, Abraham of Hicksville, New York, Kezia of Baltimore, Maryland, and Lily of Old Bridge, New Jersey to bring comfort to the soldiers of a Maryland Army National Guard unit who recently lost their comrade and friend. This unit has faced many challenges and uncertainties and needs our prayers that they may feel God’s loving presence as they continue to serve our country.
“For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love...” Lamentations 3:31-32
October 13, 2021 - First All-Female Honor Flight Veterans
Team Amos joined the crowd of greeters gathered on Wednesday morning to welcome the first all-female honor flight veterans as they arrived at Dulles Airport from Chicago. It was a festive and patriotic celebration with much-deserved fanfare!
We are honored to play a small part in showing support and recognizing these inspiring women who are among our nation's war veterans. We are grateful to all of you who were able to sign the thank you card Amos presented to these veterans to help show how deeply grateful we are for their service.
October 6, 2021 - Thank You for Celebrating with Us!
It was a joy to celebrate our third year of comfort dog ministry with many of you at church on Sunday. We are truly grateful for the abundant prayers, love, and support our ministry has received and we praise God for this congregation and the ways that He has used our church to serve others.
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:12
