LCR University - Fall 2014

LCR University

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection Adult Faith Formation Catalog Fall 2014

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly..." -Colossians 3:16

Handle with Care. The catalog you are holding looks like many others you may have seen in the past. It contains descriptions and schedules for adult Sunday school classes, Bible studies and small groups. What makes this pamphlet different from others is that it is the start of a revolution.

Specifically, this pamphlet does not just list classes and groups that will meet at LCR this year. It is an introduction to a new way of looking at how we can grow in fellowship and faith. It is the start of a transformation of our church and the start of a transformation within each of us.

There is a team of people that have been working on putting all of the pieces in place. We believe that this is not merely a program to implement, but rather a calling. The Holy Spirit is providing the direction and the push behind Adult Faith Formation at LCR. If you listen you may hear God’s whisper calling you as well.

A Transformation? Every day we receive messages from our friends, coworkers and the media that urge us to fit in and conform to the rules of the culture around us. Romans 12:2 gives us a different message: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect."

(NRSV) The mission of Adult Faith Formation is to make disciples. We are all on this journey together. We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in Knowing, Growing and Going. Hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit and join us. Find a group (or more than one) that will help you to transform your life. We have tried to provide different options and different schedules. If there is something you would like that is not on our current list, let us know.

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The Big Idea The Big Idea is a year-long, church-wide, study of the scriptures. The lesson each week will cover the scripture that is used the following Sunday in our worship services.

The study is intergenerational – it will be the lesson in our children’s Sunday school, confirmation and two adult Sunday school classes, along with several mid-week groups. This will enable our families to discuss what they are learning each week with one another. It also provides an opportunity for members of the congregation to connect with one another and the Holy Spirit in a new format that can help grow and transform our ministries in a powerful way.

The complete list of weekly scriptures will be available on our website. A printed copy is available in the Narthex.

Every Monday we will send out an email with the scripture for the week and some thoughts and questions from Pastor Dave, as well as follow up from the past Sunday’s sermon. The contents of the email will also be posted on the website, LCRmarietta.org, and our Facebook page, facebook.com/LCRmarietta. If you aren’t signed up to receive our Upcoming Events emails, please contact Sigrid in the Church Office.

For your convenience, we’ll also keep printed copies in the library.

Discussion groups of The Big Idea begin on September 2 for integration into worship on September 7. As the lesson is new each week, you can jump in at any time.

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Course Offerings for The Big Idea Sundays  9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 8 of the Family Life Center, downstairs. The instructor is Richard Leon.  11:00 a.m.-noon in the Conference Room, starting on October 26. The instructor is Dan Gilroy.

Weekday Men's Groups *  The Whisper Group: Mondays at 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, led by Pastor Dave.  Men’s Breakfast Group: Wednesdays at 7:30-9:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room, led by Pastor Dave.

Co-ed *  Co-ed Bible Study: 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.-noon in the Gathering Room, led by Pastor Dave.

* More information on these groups can be found in the following pages.

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Sunday Morning Offerings Challenges in Christian Parenting Today Lovingly referred to as "group therapy", this group examines the challenges that we are all facing in applying Christian principles to modern parenting. The goal is for our children to be grounded in faith, kind of heart, and strong in character. Media, school policies and personal challenges contribute to the discussions as we search scripture for support and guidance. Links to parenting articles are emailed weekly to form a basis for the discussions.

This group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45 -10:45 a.m. in Room 6 of the Family Life Center, downstairs. The group is led by Ingrid Ott.

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Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a Spiritual Awakening Diana Butler Bass, one of contemporary Christianity’s leading trend-spotters, exposes how the failings of the church today are giving rise to a new “spiritual but not religious” movement. Using evidence from the latest national polls and from her own cutting-edge research, Bass, the visionary author of A People’s History of Christianity, continues the conversation begun in books like Brian D. McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity and Harvey Cox’s The Future of Faith, examining the connections—and the divisions—between theology, practice, and community that Christians experience today. Bass’ clearly worded, powerful, and probing Christianity After Religion is required reading for anyone invested in the future of Christianity.

This group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the Conference Room. New works on church history and theology are the primary fare, interspersed with DVD lectures by leading religious scholars.

Class leadership rotates on a weekly basis among the group.

The facilitators are Ed Aebischer and Carol Littge.

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Study of the Lord's Prayer The Lord's Prayer will be examined through the lens of Martin Luther and how we are called to respond to this prayer.

The Half-Timers is a co-ed group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Robinwood. Our mission is to explore what it means to be faithful in the second half of life through study, service and fellowship.

Leaders are Kirk and Jill Gadebusch.

“The Messengers� Men's Group This group is comprised of our younger men, defined as before retirement age. It meets the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Robinwood. The topic of study will be determined by the group when it meets.

There is plenty of room; come, build relationships with the men at LCR as we join together to fulfill God's call in our lives.

The leader of this group is Kirk Gadebusch.

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The Wired Word Is our world confusing? Do you find little reason for hope each time you watch the news? Are you trying to make sense of it all? The Wired Word may be for you.

Each week we will have a group discussion on a topic pulled from that week's headlines. It will include biblical commentary and discussion questions as we struggle to understand God's will for us regarding these difficult topics.

Come, find hope through applying God's word to your world.

You will receive an email each Thursday with the topic and suggested Bible verses that will be covered on Sunday. Each week is different, so feel free to drop in at any time.

The group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the back corner of the Gathering Room. The leaders for this group are Chuck and Karin Storla.

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Forgotten God: Reversing Our Neglect of the Holy Spirit In the name of the Father, the Son, and… the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two? As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit - the Helper - so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. For the most part, today’s church has admired the gift, but neglected to open it.

Breakthrough author Francis Chan digs deep to get at the true source of the church’s power—the Holy Spirit. Chan contends that we’ve ignored the Spirit and shows us how to see opportunities for the Holy Spirit to lead us to have a positive impact in our Christian walk. This is done through scriptural support and compelling narrative form. Chan’s invitation is to stop and remember the One we’ve forgotten, the Spirit of the living God. This class meets on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. - noon in the Conference Room. It is a discussion group that seeks to find God's will through the topics it covers. We will be discussing Forgotten God from September 7 to October 19. After that we will be joining The Big Idea lectionary study.

The leader of this class is Dan Gilroy.

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Wednesday Nights at LCR A variety of opportunities for mid-week fellowship and learning are offered on Wednesday nights.

Buffet Dinner 5:45-7:00 p.m.

A catered dinner is provided that includes an entrée, salad, bread, dessert and drinks. The cost is $9/adult, $6/child or $25/family. Children 5 years and younger are free. The menu & RSVP list is posted in The Gathering Room and at LCRmarietta.org. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday!

Confirmation Classes 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Grades 7 & 8 in the Youth Pavilion. Leader is Andrea Roche.

Adult Devotionals 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Located in the Gathering Room. The topics will be listed in the weekly. Upcoming topics include:  9/3: Moral & Biblical Lessons from Classical TV, led by Jim Kirk.  9/10: History of Norway's Medieval Stave Churches, led by Mike Mynhier.  9/17: Laura Keefe, Executive Director of Y.E.L.L.S.: Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading and Serving, presented by George O'Donnell.  9/24: Marie Marquardt, author of Living Illegal, The Human Face of Unauthorized Immigration, presented by Ed Aebischer.

Alleluia Choir 6:15-6:45 p.m. th All kids K-5 grade are welcome to meet in the Choir Room!

Celebration Choir 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Meets in the Choir Room Praise Team Rehearsal 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Meets in the Sanctuary Choirs are led by Helen Phelps.

LCR Sunday School and Small Groups Group Leader

Time and Location

Type

Studying

Richard Leon

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Room 8, FLC

Co-ed

The Big Idea

Ingrid Ott

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Room 6, FLC

Co-ed

Challenges in Christian Parenting

Ed Aebischer

9:30-10:45 a.m.

Conference Room

Co-ed

Christianity After Religion

The Half-Timers Kirk & Jill Gadebusch

1st & 3rd Sundays 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Robinwood

Co-ed

Study of the Lord's Prayer

The Messengers Kirk Gadebusch

2nd & 4th Sundays 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Robinwood

Men, PreRetirement

To be determined by the group

Chuck & Karin Storla

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Gathering Room

Co-ed

The Wired Word

Dan Gilroy Sept 7 to October 19

11:00 a.m. -noon Conference Room

Co-ed

Forgotten God: The Neglect of the Holy Spirit

Dan Gilroy Begins Oct. 26

11 a.m.-noon Conference Room

Co-ed

The Big Idea

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LCR Weekday Small Groups Group Leader

Time and Location

Type

Studying

The Whisper Group Pastor Dave

Mondays, 8-9 a.m.

Sanctuary

Men

The Big Idea

Pastor Dave

Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. or Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.

Robinwood

Co-ed

Book of John

Mary & Martha Sandy Brosch

Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Conference Room

Women

Band of Sisters and In His Steps

Marge Mynhier

Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m.

Conference Room

Women

Parables of Matthew

Current Events Ed Aebischer

Wednesdays, 5-6p.m.

Conference Room

Co-ed

Social Issues and Current Events

Men's Breakfast Pastor Dave

Wednesdays, 7:30-9 a.m.

Gathering Room

Men

The Big Idea

Faith Walkers Margaret Perry

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.

Meet at Chattahoochee Access off Columns Dr.

Women

Bible from Book Club Perspective

Wednesday Night Devotionals

Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.

Gathering Room

Co-ed

Assorted Topics

Linda Upchurch

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Upchurch Home

Women

Strong Women. Soft Hearts

Co-ed Bible Study Pastor Dave

1st & 3rd Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-noon Conference Room

Co-ed

The Big Idea

Weekday Classes and Groups for All The Book of John Join us for an in depth thematic study of John, as we pay particular attention to the identity of Jesus Christ and His relationship with God. These classes meet Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., starting on September 3 OR Mondays, 9:30-11:00 a.m., starting on September 8. This group meets in Robinwood and is led by Pastor Dave.

Classes are limited to fifteen people and require advance registration. The September classes are currently filled, but will be repeated in January for those that are interested.

Co-ed Bible Study This is a large group that meets every other week with Pastor Dave for Bible Study, fun and fellowship.

We have even been known to go out to lunch after Pastor is done with us! We will be studying The Big Idea, along with many at LCR. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 10:30 a.m. - noon in the Gathering Room. Come and join us as we study God's word and seek to do God’s will.

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Current Events This "All Things Considered" smallgroup forum meets to discuss current domestic and global events through a lens of faith. Subjects may come from The Lutheran, ELCA Social Statements, newspaper op-eds, or topical Bible studies from The Wired Word. LCR members with expertise in the specific area as well as outside resource persons are drawn on as discussion leaders.

Scheduled topics this fall include:  Clinical Depression: A Counselor's View  Living Illegal: The Human Face of Unauthorized Immigration  Guatemala Close-Up: Mission Field Challenges and Opportunities  Economic and Income Inequality: What Lutherans Can Do  Recent church-wide statements on education and criminal justice This group meets on Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. Stick around for some fellowship and food at the Wednesday Night Supper.

The leaders of this group are Ed Aebischer and Jerry Weyrauch.

Weekday Groups for Women Band of Sisters and In His Steps Author Cathy Gohlke introduces us to Maureen O'Reilly who has nothing to lose by leaving behind the shambles of her life in Ireland. Her best option for her protection and that of the “younger sister� seems to lie in America. But every step toward freedom seems to fall away, and her claims on hope are burned before her eyes. The hardships pile up, and the initial struggle to survive is replaced by more dreadful realities that seem too terrible to be faced.

Can men and women of different classes and backgrounds come together to seek God's will and live out Jesus' love to others? The themes of Band of Sisters are clear and convicting. These include the importance of following God's will for your life, the reality of trafficking and slavery for women in America, and the call we have to help those who are suffering. The characters in this book read and discuss the book In His Steps by Charles Sheldon.

The Mary and Martha Bible Study read both of these books over the summer and will be discussing them beginning September 15. After this, we will look at the relationship between Martin Luther and his wife, Katie.

This group of women meets on Monday mornings from 10:30 a.m.-noon in the Conference Room. They combine Bible study with doing needed tasks around the church, just like Mary and Martha would!

Group leaders are Sandy Brosch and Patty Pantelakis.

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Signs of the Kingdom / Studies in Matthew Matthew's account of the Good News shows a Jesus who weaves profound new teachings from the threads of ordinary life experience.

Matthew also weaves in bright strands of ancient prophecies fulfilled, his way of showing the unbroken line of God's faithfulness in action, from creation to resurrection and beyond.

We will get a glimpse of Jesus' formidable intelligence and political skill as he nimbly engages his adversaries. We see Jesus as a forward-thinking leader who takes care to equip people for the mission that one day will be theirs: making disciples throughout the world.

This group meets on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Conference Room. We will begin on September 9.

Group Leaders are Marge Mynhier and Helen Phelps.

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Strong Women, Soft Hearts The book Strong Women, Soft Hearts has quickly become an important study for women of all ages. Through inspiring real-life testimonies, Paula Rinehart writes as both a kindred spirit and a compassionate counselor to women feeling robbed of their passions and trapped by life's disappointing realities.

Women who long to be released from the burden of hard choices and perpetually empty souls will be empowered to rediscover dreams long lost and refocus energy misguided. Strong Women, Soft Hearts cries out for women to embrace passion and approach life as something to be lived, not merely survived.

The group meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Upchurch home. There is room for three more members and we would love to have you. Please contact Linda if you’re interested.

Group Leader: Linda Upchurch Faith Walkers This fall we will be studying The Bible from a Book Club Perspective. We meet at the parking lot on Columns Dr. to walk the trails along the Chattahoochee, then stop for our devotion and discussion. In case of rain, we will meet at the church. This group meets on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

Group Leader: Margaret Perry

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Weekday Groups for Men The Whisper Group This is a small group that meets to begin their week focused on The Big Idea and the upcoming scripture lesson. The group is based on discussion and meditation.

This group meets on Monday mornings from 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. It is led by Pastor Dave.

Men's Breakfast This large group meets for breakfast and discusses The Big Idea. It is an opportunity for the men of LCR to enjoy some fellowship and get acquainted.

The group meets on Wednesday mornings from 7:30-9:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room. Discussions are lead by various members. Pastor Dave and John Didicher are the facilitators.

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Coming Attractions Church-Wide Advent Study: The Advent Conspiracy We all want our Christmas to be a lot of things; full of joy, memories, happiness. Above all, we want it to be about Jesus. What we don't want is stress, or debt, or feeling like we "missed the moment". Advent Conspiracy is a movement designed to help us all slow down and experience a Christmas worth remembering. But doing this means doing things a little differently, a little creatively. It means turning Christmas upside down.

[WORSHIP FULLY] Christmas marks the moment where God's promise was fulfilled and love took form, tiny fingers and all. It is a moment that deserves our full attention and praise. We put “Worship Fully” as Advent Conspiracy's first tenet because we believe the level of our involvement at Christmas is based entirely on how much we are celebrating Christ's birth. He deserves celebration; one that is creative, loud and directs every heart His way.

[SPEND LESS] Quick question for you: What was the one gift you remember getting for Christmas last year? Next question: What about the fourth gift? Do you remember that one? Truth is many of us don't because it wasn't something we necessarily wanted or needed. “Spend Less” isn't a call to stop giving gifts; it's a call to stop spending money on gifts we won't remember in less than a year. America spends around $450 billion dollars during the Christmas season, and much of that goes right onto a credit card. By spending wisely on gifts we free ourselves from the anxiety associated with debt so we can take in the season with a full heart.

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[GIVE MORE] We know what you're thinking. "Wait, didn't they just say I should spend less, and yet here they are telling me to give more? What gives?" The most powerful, memorable gift you can give to someone else is yourself. And nobody modeled this more than Jesus. So what does this look like for you?

Tickets to a ball game or the theater? A movie night? The main point is simple: When it comes to spending time with those you love, it's all about quality, not quantity.

[LOVE ALL] It all boils down to love. Love from a savior. Love to a neighbor in need. By spending just a little less on gifts we free up our resources to love as Jesus loves by giving to those who really need help. This is the conspiracy three churches began a few years ago, and has since grown to an international movement where thousands of churches have raised millions of dollars to love others in life-changing ways.

More details are coming. For more information, visit adventconspiracy.org.

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Adult Faith Formation Team The Adult Faith Formation Team was formed by Pastor Dave in the winter of 2014 in order to unite all of the independent offerings in adult education at LCR and integrate them into a single ministry focusing on spiritual growth and the building of God's kingdom through the development of disciples. Our efforts began with the church-wide study of the book, The Power of a Whisper and the Holy Week fasting program.

We are seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we work to build opportunities for all at LCR. Our goal is to help you to KNOW more about God in order to GROW your relationship with God so that you are empowered to GO and serve God as you are called to do.

Our tasks are many and our hands are few. If you feel called to aid us in this vital ministry, please contact the team leader, Sue Logan, or Pastor Dave.

May God bless you as you grow in God’s grace, The AFF Team: Sue Logan Dave Helfrich Betsy Olson Mark Olson Carrie Peeples Chuck Storla Karin Storla

Children’s Sunday School 9:45–10:45 a.m.

Pre K - K Room 12 2-3 year olds Room 11 3rd - 4th Grade Room 10

1st - 2nd Grade Room 1 5th Grade Room 9 6th-8th Grade Room 4 21

4814 Paper Mill Road Marietta, GA 30067 770.953.3193 lcrmarrieta.org