Christmas Eve Worship at LCR

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Join us on December 24 as we celebrate the birth of Christ with carols, festive music, and Holy Communion. Each service offers a joyful and meaningful way to step into the hope and light of Christmas.

4:00 pm Family Service

A fun, joy-filled celebration designed especially for families. Children are invited to take part in a lively nativity procession, complete with costumes, as they help lead worship and sing the first hymn. It’s a wonderful way for kids to experience the Christmas story up close. Families interested in participating can reach out to Carter for details and ways to get involved.

8:00 pm Candlelight Service
A traditional evening service featuring candlelight, beloved carols, and a peaceful moment of reflection as we welcome the newborn Christ.

All are welcome. Invite friends, neighbors, and family to share in the beauty of this night

How Your Ministry Support Can Help Save You Taxes

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By Cathy Ritchie, Enrolled Agent

As we approach the end of the year, there are some actions you can take that may help lower your taxes while continuing to support the ministries of LCR. With new tax law changes set to take effect January 1, taking action before the end of the year might be beneficial depending on your situation.

New Changes*

  • Beginning in 2026, charitable contributions may be limited for people who itemize — contributions will have to be reduced by 0.5% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
    Example: with $100,000 AGI, the first $500 of contributions will not be deductible.
    Additionally, overall itemized deductions may be limited depending on your AGI.

  • For people who don’t itemize deductions (take the standard deduction), beginning in 2026 there’s good news — you may be able to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) of monetary contributions.

“Oldies but Still Goodies”

There are a couple of strategies for making charitable contributions that can help you on your taxes whether or not you itemize:

  • Donation of Appreciated Stock — If you donate stock that has increased in value, you can avoid paying capital gains tax and may be able to deduct the fair market value of the stock at the time of your donation, saving even more money.*
    LCR appreciates your completion of this type of donation by December 15 to ensure the contribution is completed by year end. Contact the office for donation information.

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) — If you are at least 70½ years old, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution of up to $108,000 from your IRA.
    The distribution will be excluded from your income, saving you money on taxes whether or not you itemize, and lowering your AGI.*

*As with anything tax-related, before you take action it’s recommended that you discuss your personal situation with your tax advisor.

A Tribute to Meribeth Cooper, Faithful Friend and Leader

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by Marge Mynhier

On August 3, a beautiful Coral Bark Maple, accompanied by a commemorative plaque, was dedicated to the memory of our sister in Christ, Meribeth Cooper.

 

Meribeth was a faithful participant in the Tuesday Morning Bible Study and led the LCR Book Club, keeping it active during the COVID years. In her honor, the group is now known as Puddy’s Pages—a tribute to her childhood nickname.

We are grateful to the members of her Bible Study, the Book Club, the Mary and Martha Bible Study, and the Wednesday Morning Men’s Group (of which her husband Mike is a member) who contributed to the purchase of the tree.

 

Hiring: Director of Worship and Music Ministries

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Lutheran Church of the Resurrection is an ELCA congregation located in Marietta, GA just outside of Atlanta. The LCR community is passionate about worship, connecting in community, and serving others down the street and around the world. Join an active and engaged congregation with the staff, lay leaders, and resources to make a difference in the world around us.

Director of Worship and Music Ministries
With the Pastor, the Director of Worship and Music Ministries is responsible for providing two distinct worship experiences that inspire and motivate deeper relationships with Jesus Christ through experiential, celebratory services and rich, uplifting music. The Director of Worship and Music is responsible for the Worship Music Ministries for both service settings at LCR and serves as the focal point for all seasonal musical activities as well as events including funerals and weddings. The Director of Worship and Music is responsible for growing and evolving the music ministry. Please see attached PDF for a full ministry description.

To apply, submit your resume to hr@lcrmarietta.org

Breathe in the Spirit, Breathe out God’s Peace

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In Scripture, the breath of God is the source of life itself. From the opening verses of Genesis, where God’s Spirit breathes across the waters, to the risen Christ who breathes on the disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” breath is a sign of God’s presence and renewal. Every inhale is a reminder that our lives are held by grace, and every exhale can be a release into trust.

Breath practices have been used across Christian history as a way to enter prayer, calm the mind, and draw closer to God. In our busy, restless world, learning to slow down and breathe deeply is not only good for our bodies but also for our souls. It creates space for us to be still and know that God is near.

Last month, we experienced a beautiful expression of this through our Sound Bath Experience with wellness practitioner Keon Roebuck. Surrounded by the gentle tones of singing bowls, chimes, and drums, participants were guided into rest, clarity, and renewal. Many left with a sense of peace they had not felt in a long time, testifying to how the Spirit can move through sound and silence alike.

We are excited to welcome Keon back on Sunday, November 9 at 5:00 pm for another evening of restoration. This time, the gathering will focus on Breath Works in combination with a Sound Bath. Together, we will explore how intentional breathing can help us release tension, center our hearts, and become more open to God’s presence.

What is “Breath Works”?
A Breath Works session gently guides participants through simple breathing exercises designed to calm the nervous system, release stress, and bring the mind and body into balance. Through focused breathing patterns, participants often experience a sense of grounding, greater clarity, and deeper spiritual openness. Combined with the meditative sounds of singing bowls and chimes, Breath Works can become a powerful practice of rest and renewal in God’s presence.

Events like these remind us that spiritual renewal does not have to look the same for everyone. Some find connection through song, some through silence, and others through breath and movement. What unites us is the God who meets us in every practice of stillness and joy, calling us back to wholeness.

Details on how to sign up for the November event are available on our calendar. We hope you will join us in discovering the gifts of breath and sound as we continue to grow in faith, rest in God’s Spirit, and renew our lives for the journey ahead.

Join us for a Pet Blessing!

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Bring your pets—furry, feathered, or scaled—for a joyful afternoon service of animal blessings in the spirit of St. Francis.

We’ll also be collecting donations for the Homeless Pets Foundation, a local nonprofit that rescues cats and dogs from high-risk shelters in Georgia. Working with Beyond Pets Animal Hospital, the foundation specializes in caring for medical and at-risk pets, giving them the second chances and loving homes they deserve.

Requested Donations

Cleaning and Medical Supplies
Non-latex gloves (sizes Medium and Large)
Sanitizing wipes
Hand sanitizer
Paper towels
Laundry detergent

Dog Supplies
Exercise pens
Kongs (all sizes)
Nylabones (all sizes and flavors)
Rope toys
Assorted toys (durable and washable)
Dog treats (all shapes and sizes)
Large jars of peanut butter
Large rolls of Natural Balance dog treat
Soft (baby) blankets
6′ nylon leashes
Nylon martingale collars – petite, small, medium

Cat Supplies
Washable toys (without small detachable parts like bells, buttons, strings, etc.)
Cat wand toys
Catnip
Cat treats
Washable cat beds
Plastic litter pans (approx. 16″ x 12″)
Plastic scoops
Cat nail trimmers

Gift Cards to Purchase Supplies
PetSmart
Pet Food Express
Petco
Staples
Office Depot
Costco
ACE Hardware
Home Depot
Gas Gift Cards

Miracles Take Time: Building Confidence and Hope for Young Women

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Rev. Karen Castillo, president of the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG), describes her church’s work for women and girls not as something miraculous, but as a gradual awakening within their communities.

ILAG, one of the Lutheran World Federation’s newest member churches, joined in 2018. Today it has 17 congregations in three regions of Guatemala, most of them in remote areas serving indigenous communities where female leadership has not traditionally been welcomed.

From the beginning, ILAG has been shaped by a commitment to education and equality. That vision started with Castillo’s parents, who founded the church 29 years ago, and it continues today through Casa Milagro, or Miracle House—a boarding school for girls on ILAG’s campus in Guatemala City.

Casa Milagro houses 15 girls, ages 10–20. Its purpose is to help young women repair their self-esteem, become empowered against abuse, and prepare to support themselves through education and small-business training.

“We listen. Our policy is to never tell congregation members what they need. We listen to what they want. Our ministries come from the needs of the people,” Castillo explains.

Through this listening, Casa Milagro was born. While families were initially hesitant to send their daughters, trust slowly grew. Today, girls at Casa Milagro not only learn that abuse is unacceptable but also gain the courage to speak up, return to their villages with confidence, and share their experiences with their communities. Each girl attends alongside a “buddy” from her village, ensuring mutual support when they return home.

Castillo acknowledges the challenges of leading in a male-dominated society but points to the slow transformation of both men and women in the church as they studied scripture together and discovered a vision of equality rooted in God’s love.

Casa Milagro graduates are visible signs of this transformation. They return to their communities not with superiority, but with humility and strength, modeling new possibilities for girls and women across Guatemala.

At LCR, we are honored to partner in this work. You’ll have an opportunity to support the Milagro Women’s Education Center at our upcoming Guatemala Gala on Friday, September 12, 2025, 7:00–9:00 PM at the Atlanta Country Club. Join us for dinner, speakers, and a raffle benefiting this life-changing ministry.

Read the full interview with Rev. Castillo at lutheranworld.org/news/guatemala-miracles-take-time-and-trust

 

 

Help Empower Girls in Guatemala: Gala and Service Project This September

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Mark your calendars for Friday, September 12 at 7:30 PM and join us at the Atlanta Country Club for an evening of dinner, fellowship, and celebration in support of the Milagro Girls School. This special gala is one of the key ways we sustain our connection to and care for the students of Milagro.

Pastor Karen Castillo will be our keynote speaker for the evening, and the program will include both a raffle and auction featuring exciting items. Tickets are available for individuals or you can reserve a full table for ten guests. Sign-up will be available online soon. Watch our communications for the link!

As part of our God’s Work. Our Hands. weekend, the Guatemala Partnership Team invites you to help create a meaningful gift for each of the 19 girls currently enrolled at Milagro. We’ll be making personal jewelry gifts to send with our love and encouragement during Pastor Karen’s visit. No experience needed—just come lend your hands and your heart.

Your participation is vital to the success of this event and our ongoing partnership. To learn more or get involved, contact Suzanne at suzanne@demost.net 

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