Knowing, Growing and Going Not only is this the vision of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, this is the focus of our Spring small group offerings for 2015. Through the church seasons of Epiphany and Lent, along with our year long study of The Big Idea, we’ll be exploring new ways that we can grow in our knowledge and understanding of the bible and translate that into action through involvement in missions and outreach projects. If you are new to LCR, haven’t found a small group to settle in with, or are looking for a fresh perspective in your studies, we invite you to explore the offerings in this catalog. If you have questions about any group, please feel welcome to contact the designated leader or anyone on the Adult Faith Formation team, listed below. The mission of Adult Faith Formation is to make disciples. We are all on this journey together, and we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in Knowing, Growing and Going. We have tried to provide a variety of topics and schedules to make it easy for everyone to find a group. If there is something you would like that is not on our current list, let us know! 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
The Big Idea is a year-long, church-wide, study of the scriptures that began in September 2014. 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 several adult Sunday school classes and 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 is available online or by contacting the Church Office. Every Monday we will send out an email with the scripture for the week and some thoughts and questions from Pastor Dave. The contents of the email will also be posted on the website, LCRmarietta.org, and our Facebook page, facebook.com/LCRmarietta. For your convenience, we’ll also keep printed copies in the library. Discussion groups for The Big Idea begin again on January 11, for integration into worship on January 18. The lesson is new each week, so you can jump in at any time. To be added to the weekly distribution list for The Big Idea, contact the Church Office or subscribe online at LCRmarietta.org.
Course Offerings for The Big Idea Sunday Studies 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 6 of the Family Life Center Leader: Richard Leon 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 8 of the Family Life Center Leader: Ingrid Ott 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Conference Room Leader: Dan Gilroy Weekday Studies Mondays The Whisper Group: This small group meets weekly from 8:009:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary to begin their week with discussion and meditation. Leader: Pastor Dave Wednesdays Men’s Breakfast Group: This large group meets weekly from 7:30 -9:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room. It is an opportunity for the Men of LCR to enjoy fellowship and discussion over breakfast. Leader: Pastor Dave Thursdays Co-ed Bible Study: This large group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon in the Gathering Room. Come and join as we study God’s work and seek to do his will, while having fun and enjoying fellowship! Leader: Pastor Dave
Sunday Morning Offerings Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most Marcus J. Borg, preeminent theologian and Bible scholar, reflects on his life and how he developed his most bedrock convictions and why they matter. The result is a manifesto for all progressive Christians who seek the best path for following Jesus today. With each chapter embodying a distinct conviction, Borg writes provocatively and compellingly on the beliefs that can deeply ground us and guide us:
God Is Real and A Mystery Salvation Is More About This Life Than an Afterlife The Bible Can Be True Without Being Literally True Jesus' Death on the Cross Matters, But Not Because He Paid for Our Sins God Is Passionate About Justice and the Poor To Love God Is to Love Like God
Rich in wisdom and insight, Convictions is sure to become a classic of contemporary Christianity. This study is hosted by the Contemporary Religious Thought Group, which meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45 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. Facilitators: Ed Aebischer Carol Littge
The Wired Word: Current Events Studies These groups will discuss events pulled from the news and reflect on what God's Word tells us regarding how to respond. Studies will be derived from the Wired Word curriculum. The curriculum includes biblical commentary and discussion questions. Come and find hope through applying God’s word to your world.
The Half-Timers Co-Ed Group The Half-Timers meet 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: Kirk & Jill Gadebusch The Messengers Men’s Group
This group is comprised of our middle-aged 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. There is plenty of room; come and build relationships with the men at LCR as we join together to fulfill God's call in our lives. Leader: Kirk Gadebusch Sunday Co-Ed Wired Word This group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 3 of the Family Life Center. Each week is a different topic, so feel free to drop in anytime. Topics and bible verses are sent out every Thursday, so it is suggested you contact the leaders if you plan to attend. Leaders: Chuck & Karin Storla
LCR Sunday School and Small Groups Group Leader Richard Leon
Ingrid Ott
Ed Aebischer The Half-Timers Kirk & Jill Gadebusch
Time and Location 9:45-10:45 a.m. Room 6, FLC 9:45-10:45 a.m. Room 8, FLC 9:30-10:45 a.m. Conference Room 1st & 3rd Sundays 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Type
Studying
Co-ed
The Big Idea
Co-ed
The Big Idea
Co-ed
Convictions
Co-ed
Current Events & Wired Word
Men
Current Events & Wired Word
Co-ed
The Wired Word
Co-ed
The Big Idea
Robinwood nd
The Messengers Kirk Gadebusch Chuck & Karin Storla Dan Gilroy Begins Oct. 26
2 & 4th Sundays 9:45-10:45 a.m. Robinwood 9:45-10:45 a.m. Gathering Room 11 a.m.-noon Conference Room
Children’s Sunday School 9:45–10:45 a.m.
Pre K - K Room 1 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
LCR Weekday Small Groups Group Leader
Time and Location
The Whisper Group Pastor Dave
Mondays, 8-9 a.m.
Mary & Martha Sandy Brosch
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Marge Mynhier
Sanctuary
Conference Room Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Conference Room
Current Events Ed Aebischer
Wednesdays, 5-6p.m.
Men's Breakfast Pastor Dave
Wednesdays, 7:30-9 a.m.
Faith Walkers Margaret Perry
Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
Wednesday Night Devotionals Linda Upchurch Co-ed Bible Study Pastor Dave
Conference Room
Gathering Room
*Resumes in March* Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Gathering Room Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Upchurch Home 1st & 3rd Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-noon
Type
Studying
Men
The Big Idea
Women
Book of Acts
Women
Book of John
Co-ed
Social Issues and Current Events
Men
The Big Idea
Women
God’s Blessings
Co-ed
Assorted Topics
Women
Strong Women. Soft Hearts
Co-ed
The Big Idea
Gathering Room
Lenten Worship
Ash Wednesday February 18 Maundy Thursday April 2 Good Friday April 3 Easter Sunday April 5
Wednesdays at LCR A variety of opportunities for mid-week fellowship and learning are offered on Wednesdays. Many are scheduled around our Wednesday Night Dinner and all are open to anyone who wishes to join. Buffet Dinner 5:45-7:00 p.m. $9/adult, $6/child or $25/family. Ages 5 and under are free. A catered dinner is provided that includes an entrée, salad, bread, dessert and drinks. The menu & RSVP list is posted in the Gathering Room and at LCRmarietta.org. Please RSVP no later than Tuesdays at noon! Confirmation Classes Grades 7 & 8 in the Youth Pavilion. Leader: Andrea Roche
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Adult Devotionals 7:00-8:00 p.m. Meet in the Gathering Room. Topics are listed in the weekly. Alleluia Choir* 6:15-6:45 p.m. th All kids K-5 grade are welcome to meet in the Choir Room! Celebration Choir* Meets in the Choir Room
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Praise Team Rehearsal* Meets in the Sanctuary
8:00-9:00 p.m.
*Led by Helen Phelps
Faith Walkers We will resume walking in March with a devotional theme of “God’s Blessings”. We meet at the parking lot on Columns Dr. for a lively 3 mile walk along the trails of 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. Leader: Margaret Perry
Current Events Study Group This "All Things Considered" small-group 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 for 2015 include the ELCA’s new social justice statement and selected lessons from the Wired Word 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 Wednesday Night Sinner. Leaders: Ed Aebischer Jerry Weyrauch
Strong Women, Soft Hearts This spring we will continue our study of the book Strong Women, Soft Hearts. 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 more members and we would love to have you. Please contact Linda if you’re interested. Leader: Linda Upchurch
Weekday Women’s Groups The Book of Acts The book of Acts provides an eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It connects the life and ministry of Jesus to the life of the church and the witness. Emphasis is given to the Holy Spirit and his role in the faith development of the apostles and the early church. 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. Leaders: Sandy Brosch Patty Pantelakis The Book of John An in depth thematic study of John, paying particular attention to the identity of Jesus Christ and His relationship with God. This study was developed by Pastor Dave and originally presented during the fall of 2014. This group meets on Tuesdays from 10:0011:30 a.m. in the Conference Room. Leaders: Helen Phelps Marge Mynheir
Save the Date Epiphany Begins
January 6
Confirmation Resumes
January 7
Wednesday Night Dinner Resumes
January 7
Children’s Sunday School Resumes
January 11
Congregational Townhall
January 14
Congregational Townhall
January 22
Annual Congregational Meeting
January 25
Circle of Friends Gathering
January 11
Ash Wednesday
February 18
Daylight Saving Begins
March 8
Circle of Friends Gathering
March 8
Palm Sunday
March 29
Maundy Thursday
April 2
Good Friday
April 3
Easter Sunday
April 5
Confirmation
May 3
Circle of Friends Gathering
May 17
Freedom To Grow Campaign Completion
June 30
Vacation Bible School
July 13-17
Church-Wide Lenten Study "Do you have a hunger for God? If we don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul's appetite for God. Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is the path of pleasant pain called fasting." - John Piper
The AFF team has prepared a Lenten study with two components: a bible study about fasting that we are inviting small groups to partake in, and a weekly devotional for groups and individuals called Bright Sadness. Additional small group study opportunities may be added to help build a congregational focus on these studies. Additional information will be published in the Weekly newsletter as it becomes available. We hope that you will prayerfully consider making this seven week commitment to the ancient discipline of fasting. Anyone who is unable to fast is still very welcome to follow along with the spiritual disciplines and teachings of these studies. Our journey through Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 with a worship service and imposition of ashes at a 7 p.m.
The Converge Fasting Bible Study Fasting has been called the forgotten spiritual discipline. Although it is found throughout Scripture, it is often neglected by modern Christians. Is there power in fasting? Does it really make a difference? How does fasting relate to prayer? In this study, Ashlee Alley considers the biblical basis for fasting and explores ways modern Christians can make this ancient discipline part of their faith walk. The topics and Scriptures will come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God. Bright Sadness Devotional Guide Bright Sadness is a term used by the Orthodox church to describe lent because it is a time of both celebration and mourning. This weekly devotional guide is designed to increase our appreciation of Easter. It contains scripture readings and meditations to direct our hearts to God and suggestions for ways to fast. The fasting suggestions are progressive to aid us in slowly understanding and increasing our fast as lent progresses.
4814 Paper Mill Road Marietta, GA 30067 770.953.3193 lcrmarrieta.org