LCR University Faith Formation Catalog
Always Being Made New This phrase may sound a little familiar by now. It is the tag line for the campaign of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our “parent” church organization. As a Global church, it serves as a reminder to boldy respond to the needs of God’s creation with a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. What does this mean at LCR? We hope that it means new ways to care for our community. New ways of honoring timeless church traditions. New life from old words of scripture. For each of us, it’s starting each day made new by inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell in and among us. These pages contain information about programs and events facilitated by LCR this Spring. As the ground freezes and then thaws, as we watch tree branches once again fill up with new blooms and buds, and creatures of all kinds emerge from hibernation, may you be reminded that God has new gifts, challenges and love for you each day. Our prayer is that this catalog helps connect you with opportunities to celebrate that you are always being made new in Christ!
Contents
SPRING 2016
Special Studies & Short Term Classes
p. 2
Lenten Study
p. 4
Sunday Groups
p. 6
Wednesdays at LCR
p. 9
Weekday Groups
p. 10
Special Events
p. 12
Calendar
p. 13
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Special Studies & Short Term Classes Faith5: Faith Acts In The Home This tool is for all ages and shapes of families; for people when they’re together and when they’re apart. Take five minutes a day to go through these five steps: Share, Read, Talk, Pray and Bless. We’ll spend a few weeks talking about this tool and practical ways to implement this into your family’s routines. Led by Pastor Stephen Friedrich Sundays at 9:45 a.m., 1/10 to 2/7, Room 6 Wednesdays at 7 p.m., 1/6 to 2/3, Conference Room Sign-Up at LCRmarietta.org/events
Grounded: Finding God in the World - a Spiritual Revolution by Diana Butler Bass Grounded unpacks how people are finding new spiritual ground by discovering and embracing God everywhere in the world around us—in the soil, the water, the sky, in our homes and neighborhoods, and in the global commons. This book observes and reports a radical change in the way many people understand God and how they practice faith. In doing so, Bass invites readers to join this emerging spiritual revolution, find a revitalized expression of faith, and change the world. Led by Ed Abesicher, Contemporary Religious Thought Group Sundays at 9:45 a.m. beginning January 10 $12 book fee, contact Ed at ed.aebischer@att.net
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Parables: Because/Therefore
Ordinary Grace is a brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. It is an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.
For the 7 weeks between Christmas and Lent we are studying the “Because/Therefore” theme in the Parables of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Because Matthew 20:1-16, Mark 4:38 and Luke 15:1-10… therefore Matthew 25: 14-30, Luke18: 1-8 and Luke 16:19-31.
Led by Meribeth Cooper, Women’s Book Club Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m., Library $12 book fee, contact Meribeth at mfmhcooper@bellsouth.net
Led by Dan Gilroy, Co-Ed Sunday School Sundays at 11 a.m., December 27 through January 31
Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting
Devotions from the Garden by Miriam Drennan
In America, waiting presents an enormous challenge. We are impatient, "fix-it" kinds of people — and not all situations can be fixed. This book presents seven spiritual gifts that waiting can teach us: Patience, Loss of Control, Live in the Present, Compassion, Gratitude, Humility, and Trust in God.
Devotions from the Garden takes you to that place where senses are restored as dewdrops settle and butterflies gather to witness the miracles of God’s creation bloom and grow. The Faith Walkers will be studying these devotions as they walk the trails of the Chattahoochee river. Group meets at the Columns Drive parking lot.
Led by Marge Mynhier, Women’s Bible Study Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Conference Room
Led by Margaret Perry, Faith Walkers Wednesdays at 9 a.m. beginning 3/9
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Observing Lent Becoming a PRAY-er: A Lenten Journey Deepen your Relationship with God to Discern How God Wants YOU to Use your Time and Talents. “Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee…” -Luke 4:14a NRSV You’ve heard it many times. “I just don’t have time to pray”. Yet the actions of our life are our Prayer to God. This study is designed to open up options to deepen our relationship with God while we go about the busyness of our lives. It is a way for each of us to step outside the box about how we learned to pray, how many of our prayers become rote and many times we just recite the prayers. This is an EXPERIENTIAL study; the activities are the KEY part of the study, to reinforce the method to become more aware of God’s grace, God’s presence and what God wants for our lives. To listen for God’s Whispers -- directions to each of us. This study will explore 6 ways to pray and touch on at least a dozen more. The activities provide the insight into each method. The key element is for the participants to step outside the box and even if uncomfortable, try the prayer form and use this form for the following week. Six Ways to Pray Breath Prayer: Be still and know that I am God Guided Meditation: You are mine Lectio Divina: Sacred Reading Teach me your way, O Lord Signs, Symbols & Icons: Let the little children come to me
Labyrinth/Journey Walk: Follow me, and I will make you fish for people PRAY-er in Motion: Jesus constantly on the move 4
“For years I gave up something for Lent. I didn’t find this very hard. So a few years ago instead of giving up something I decided to deepen my personal relationship with God and to add activities to my life to increase my prayer time with God and learn how to incorporate pray as an active constant part of my day even during the busyness of life, work, and travel. What this study will provide is some of the ways each of us can incorporate prayer thus deepening our relationship with God and to discern what God asks us to do”. -Karen Albrecht The study will be taught at various times throughout the weeks of Lent. For those not able to attend a class a weekly suggestion will be provided to help you as you discern your call to serve God and the greater church.
Lenten Hikes All ages and abilities are welcome as we hike the trails along Sope Creek and the Chattahoochee River. Sundays in Lent, meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. to carpool. We’ll be back by 2:30 p.m. Bring a lunch or eat before you arrive. God’s creation. Led by Pastor Stephen Friedrich February 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13 (Hunger Walk)
Lenten & Holy Week Worship Our journey through Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10 with a worship service and imposition of ashes at a noon and 7 p.m. Weekly services will continue on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. until March 16. Holy Week is celebrated with Maundy Thursday worship on March 24 at 7 p.m. and Good Friday services at noon at 7 p.m. on March 25. Palm Sunday and Easter are celebrated during regular Sunday worship times.
More information and sign-ups available in January at LCRmarietta.org/lent 5
Sunday Groups At-a-Glance
Sunday Morning Offerings Group Leader
Time and Location
Type
Studying
Richard Leon
9:45-10:45 a.m. Choir Room, FLC
Co-ed
The Big Idea
Ingrid Ott
9:45-10:45 a.m. Room 6, FLC
Co-ed
Faith 5 + The Big Idea
Ed Aebischer
9:30-10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Co-ed
Grounded
Kirk Gadebusch
2nd & 4th Sundays 9:45-10:45 a.m. Robinwood
Men
Current Events & Wired Word
Dan Gilroy
11 a.m.-noon Conference Room
Co-ed
Parables + Lenten Study
This group is comprised of middle-aged men, defined as before retirement age. 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.
Led by Kirk Gadebusch, 9:45 a.m. in Robinwood
Contemporary Religious Thought Group This group is a co-ed mixed-age forum for discussion of new theological perspectives on the biblical narrative, church history, and faith and spirituality concerns. Led by Ed Aebischer, 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Room
Co-Ed Big Idea The Big Idea is a year-long, church-wide, study of the scriptures. Each week will cover the scripture that is used in our worship services. Led by Richard Leon, 9:45 a.m. in the Choir Room
Families & Parenting Parents are welcome to join us during the Sunday School hour each week for discussion and support. Led by Ingrid Ott, 9:45 a.m. in Room 6 of the Family Life Center
Co-Ed Sunday School
CUT ALONG LINE - PLACE IN BIBLE, PLANNER OR ON THE FRIDGE OR SHARE WITH A FRIEND
The Messengers Men’s Group
Contact information for small group leaders can be found in the Church Directory. Spare copies are kept in the Library in the FLC.
Alleluia Choir
9:30 - 9:45 a.m. All kids K-5 grade are welcome to meet in the Choir Room! th
Children’s Sunday School Pre K-K Room 11 2-3 yr olds Room 12 1st-2nd Grade Room 10 3rd-4th Grade Room 9
9:45–10:45 a.m. 5th Grade Room 8 6th-8th Grade Room 4 9th-12th Grade Youth Pavilion
Lively discussion and a commitment to spiritual growth are the driving forces behind this group. All are welcome!
Sunday Worship
Led by Dan Gilroy, 11 a.m. in the Conference Room
Traditional Worship 8:15 a.m. Praise Worship 9:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
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Weekday Groups At-a-Glance
Wednesdays at LCR
Time and Location
Type
Studying
Whisper Group Pastor Dave
Mondays 8-9 a.m. Sanctuary
Men
The Big Idea
Mary & Martha Sandy Brosch
Mondays 10:30 a.m.-noon Conference Room
Women
Women’s Study Marge Mynhier Men's Breakfast Pastor Dave Faith Walkers Margaret Perry Current Events Ed Aebischer Wednesday Night Devotionals Linda Upchurch
Tuesdays 10-11:30 a.m. Conference Room Wednesdays 7:30-9 a.m. Gathering Room Wednesdays 9 a.m. Resumes in March Wednesdays 5-6 p.m. Conference Room Wednesdays 7-8 p.m. Gathering Room Wednesdays 7 p.m. Upchurch Home
Co-ed Bible Study Pastor Dave
1st & 3rd Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-noon Gathering Room
Suzy Mellott
Thursdays 9-11 a.m. Conference Room
Women
Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting
Men
The Big Idea + Lenten Study
Women
Devotions from the Garden
Co-ed
Co-ed
Social Issues and Current Events Assorted Topics
Women
Co-ed
The Big Idea + Lenten Study
CUT ALONG LINE - PLACE IN BIBLE, ON THE FRIDGE OR SHARE WITH A FRIEND
Group & Leader
A variety of opportunities for mid-week fellowship and learning are offered on Wednesdays. Many are scheduled around our Wednesday Night Dinner and 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
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Grades 7 & 8 in the Youth Pavilion. Led by Andrea Roche
Adult Studies
7:00-8:00 p.m. Meet in the Gathering Room. Topics are listed in The Weekly. Organized by Pastor Dave
Celebration Choir
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Meets in the Choir Room Led by Helen Phelps
Praise Team Rehearsal Women
8:00-9:00 p.m.
Meets in the Sanctuary Led by Helen Phelps
Contact information for small group leaders can be found in the Church Directory. Spare copies are kept in the Library in the FLC. 8
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Men’s Breakfast
Weekday Groups
This large group is an opportunity for the Men of LCR to enjoy fellowship and discussion over breakfast weekly.
The Whisper Group This men’s small group meets weekly in the Sanctuary to begin their week with discussion and meditation on the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.
Led by Pastor Dave Mondays, 8-9 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Mary & Martha This group of women combines Bible study with doing needed tasks around the church, just like Mary and Martha would.
Led by Pastor Dave Wednesdays, 7:30-9 a.m. in the Gathering Room
Current Events Study Group This "All Things Considered" small-group forum meets on Wednesdays to discuss current domestic and global events through a lens of faith. Led by Ed Aebischer & Jerry Weyrauch Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. in the Conference Room
Led by Sandy Brosch & Patty Pantelakis Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Conference Room
Wednesday Women’s Bible Study
Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
This women’s group always has room for more members and we would love to have you. Please contact Linda if you’re interested in joining.
Led by Marge Mynheir Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Conference Room
Led by Linda Upchurch, lindasupchurch@yahoo.com Wednesdays, 7 p.m. in the Upchurch Home
Faith Walkers
Pastor’s Bible Study
We meet at the parking lot on Columns Dr. for a lively 3 mile walk along the trails of the Chattahoochee River, 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.
Come and join as we study God’s work and seek to do his will, while having fun and enjoying fellowship!
Led by Margaret Perry Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. at Columns Dr. by the Chattahoochee
Led by Pastor Dave 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Gathering Room
Thursday Women’s Bible Study Contact information for small group leaders can be found in the Church Directory. Spare copies are kept in the Library in the FLC. 10
Led by Suzy Mellott Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. in the Conference Room 11
Special Events
Save the Date
Fellowship First
Epiphany Worship
January 6
Confirmation Resumes
January 6
Wednesday Night Dinner Resumes
January 6
Children’s Sunday School Resumes
January 10
Circle of Friends Gathering
January 10
Congregational Townhall
January 20
Congregational Townhall
January 21
Annual Congregational Meeting
January 24
Confirmation Retreat
January 29-30
Guatemala Mission Trip
February 2-10
Ash Wednesday
February 10
Summer Program Registration Opens
February 15
Council Retreat
February 19-20
All GA Youth Retreat
February 26-28
Daylight Saving Begins
March 13
Co-Ed Via de Cristo Weekend
Circle of Friends Gathering
March 13
Via de Cristo is a Spanish phrase meaning “Way of Christ.” We have adopted this phrase to refer to a powerful, three-day retreat ministry. Our highly structured weekend retreats begin on Thursday evening and end on Sunday evening. They are designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian leaders and bring them to a new awareness of living in God’s grace. Our next co-ed weekend is April 28 - May 1. Please contact Pastor Dave if you are interested in attending or working the weekend.
Hunger Walk
March 13
Palm Sunday & Easter Egg Hunt
March 20
Maundy Thursday
March 24
Good Friday
March 25
Easter Sunday
March 27
Via de Cristo Co-Ed Retreat
April 28-May 1
Confirmation Sunday
May 1
Circle of Friends Gathering
May 15
Synod Assembly
May 27-29
Our Fellowship team invites you to join us from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month for special treats & programs in the Gathering Room. Plan to stay between services to get to know one another!
Hunger Walk This annual fundraiser benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank and LCR’s team also raises funds on behalf of Lutheran Services of Georgia. This is a 5k Walk/Run held in downtown Atlanta on Sunday, March 13. You can participate by walking/ running, fundraising or sponsoring the team! Sign-up beginning in February at LCRmarietta.org/events
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STORAGE
GATHERING ROOM
PANTRY
KITCHEN NURSERY
LIBRARY WOMEN’S RESTROOM
CONFERENCE ROOM
MEN’S RESTROOM
ROOM 12
ROOM 11
ROOM 10
ROOM 9
ROOM 8
ROOM 5
ROOM 6
BOILER ROOM
CHOIR ROOM DIR. WORSHIP & MUSIC
BATHROOMS
ROOM 4
4814 Paper Mill Road Marietta, GA 30067 770.953.3193 lcrmarrieta.org