LCR University

Faith Formation Catalog

SPRING 2016

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 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

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

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.

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

Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting

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.

Led by Marge Mynhier, Women’s Bible Study Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Conference Room

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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

Parables: Because/Therefore

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 Dan Gilroy, Co-Ed Sunday School Sundays at 11 a.m., December 27 through January 31

Devotions from the Garden by Miriam Drennan

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 Margaret Perry, Faith Walkers Wednesdays at 9 a.m. beginning 3/9

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

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“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

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Sunday Morning Offerings

The Messengers Men’s Group

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 Lively discussion and a commitment to spiritual growth are the driving forces behind this group. All are welcome!

Led by Dan Gilroy, 11 a.m. in the Conference Room

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Sunday Groups At-a-Glance

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

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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-5th grade are welcome to meet in the Choir Room!

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

Pre K-K Room 11 5th Grade Room 8 2-3 yr olds Room 12 6th-8th Grade Room 4 1st-2nd Grade Room 10 9th-12th Grade Youth Pavilion 3rd-4th Grade Room 9

Sunday Worship

Traditional Worship 8:15 a.m. Praise Worship 9:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Weekday Groups At-a-Glance

Group & Leader 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

Tuesdays 10-11:30 a.m.

Conference Room

Women Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting

Men's Breakfast Pastor Dave

Wednesdays 7:30-9 a.m.

Gathering Room

Men

The Big Idea +

Lenten Study

Faith Walkers Margaret Perry

Wednesdays 9 a.m.

Resumes in March

Women Devotions from

the Garden

Current Events Ed Aebischer

Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.

Conference Room

Co-ed Social Issues and Current Events

Wednesday Night Devotionals

Wednesdays 7-8 p.m.

Gathering Room

Co-ed Assorted Topics

Linda Upchurch

Wednesdays 7 p.m.

Upchurch Home

Women

Co-ed Bible Study Pastor Dave

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

Co-ed

The Big Idea +

Lenten Study

Suzy Mellott Thursdays 9-11 a.m.

Conference Room Women

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Contact information for small group leaders can be found in the

Church Directory. Spare copies are kept in the Library in the FLC.

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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 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 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Meets in the Sanctuary Led by Helen Phelps

10:45 a.m. in Robinwood. Our mission is to explore what it means to be faithful in the second

Leaders are Kirk and Jill Gadebusch, gadebusch@bellsouth.net,

This group is comprised of our younger men, defined as before Sundays of each month

10:45 a.m. in Robinwood. The topic of study will be

room; come, build relationships with the men at LCR as we join

Weekday Groups

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 Sandy Brosch & Patty Pantelakis Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Conference Room

Tuesday Women’s Bible Study

Led by Marge Mynheir Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Conference Room

Faith Walkers

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.

Led by Margaret Perry Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. at Columns Dr. by the Chattahoochee

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Contact information for small group leaders can be found in the

Church Directory. Spare copies are kept in the Library in the FLC.

Men’s Breakfast

This large group is an opportunity for the Men of LCR to enjoy fellowship and discussion over breakfast weekly.

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

Wednesday 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 Linda Upchurch, lindasupchurch@yahoo.com Wednesdays, 7 p.m. in the Upchurch Home

Pastor’s Bible Study

Come and join as we study God’s work and seek to do his will, while having fun and enjoying fellowship!

Led by Pastor Dave 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Gathering Room

Thursday Women’s Bible Study

Led by Suzy Mellott Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. in the Conference Room

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Special Events

Fellowship First

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

Co-Ed Via de Cristo Weekend

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.

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Save the Date

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

Circle of Friends Gathering March 13

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

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4814 Paper Mill Road Marietta, GA 30067

770.953.3193 lcrmarrieta.org

NURSERY

LIBRARY

CONFERENCE ROOM

WOMEN’S RESTROOM

MEN’S RESTROOM

GATHERING ROOM PANTRY

KITCHEN

STORAGE

CHOIR ROOM

DIR. WORSHIP & MUSIC

BATHROOMS

ROOM 4

ROOM 5

ROOM 6

BOILER ROOM

ROOM 8

ROOM 9

ROOM 10

ROOM 11

ROOM 12