Last week, the Sunday School children went out to the garden to honor Earth Day.
The children released ladybugs, sang the song, “Who made the Sky so Bright and Blue” and said a prayer to thank God for creating such an amazing earth.
It was a joy to join Data Delete Recycling to present a check to Brumby Elementary for $6,211.45. These funds were raised through our February community electronics recycling event! Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event possible.
The church staff recently took two days to get away for development and team-building as we enter this new chapter of the LCR story with Pastor Rich. They enjoyed fellowship, learning, good coffee, and fun.
Part of the retreat focused on planning for the future and fostering effective communication within the team and congregation, drawing from resources provided by Duke Divinity School.
Additionally, the staff took time for personal and team development through professional assessments and discussions with Dr. Kristina R. Gutierrez from the Midwest Ministry Development Center who co-authored the book, Health, Holiness & Wholeness for Ministry Leaders.
The retreat highlighted the importance of addressing conflicts, refining job descriptions, and maintaining personal-professional boundaries for a balanced ministry approach, with plans for future retreats to further enhance teamwork and skills.
Join our New Adult Bible Study as we explore the significance of water in the Bible!
With over 700 mentions and 122 verses centering around this element, we’ll investigate its pivotal role in narratives such as Noah’s ark, Moses parting the Red Sea, Jonah’s journey, and the miracle of turning water into wine, among others. Engage in teachings and discussions to uncover the profound meanings of water for you.
When: Sundays at 9:45 am, April 14 – May 26
Where: Lower Level Room 8
Questions? Contact Dan Gilroy.
A note from Pastor Rich Leseganich
Dear Partners in the Gospel,
A recent children’s sermon, in which we considered the ‘wide space’ found in the back of a truck, is a good metaphor for the church as we enter the Easter season. We celebrate the rising from the confines of a tomb into the world, bringing a message of hope and salvation, where no one is excluded.
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection must be a ‘wide space’ where everyone with whom we encounter can be met with the power of the good news of Christ. Have you noticed the recent efforts to create vast spaces so everyone has a place in our midst? Check out our website’s new pastoral care form to get everyone needing prayer or pastoral care the ministry they need. Join our new member orientation to learn about Lutheran theology and what that looks like at LCR. Please pull up a chair and meet some new friends at our Easter Breakfast. Bring your kids to experience the fun of a highly interactive children’s message on Sunday morning. Register for this summer’s Vacation Bible School. Search for some of the 1,200 eggs available in our Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt! Encourage visitors to sign in using the new QR code in the pews and throughout our building. We will make a financial contribution to bless others in our community and world and extend welcome to our visitors.
Read more in the Weekly! Look at the opportunities to create a vast space serving others at LCR, in our community, and worldwide. Indeed, we are on a mission to deepen people’s relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. Join us on a journey that lasts a lifetime and beyond!
Dear Saints at LCR!
We are off to a running start! My time with you continues to be filled with booked calendars, individual meetings, pastoral care calls, and many meetings to set the stage for a bright future. Some new things in progress include:
Shortly, we will have an even more convenient and efficient way to connect me as your pastor and build a meaningful relationship! In the future, watch for some unique Bible Studies and other offerings. Your generous financial support and prayers are vital to enabling ministry in this place.
I also need to acknowledge once again the hard work that was put into the installation worship service and installation. If you participated in any way or offered prayer, thank you! It is good to be among you. My family and friends who attended repeatedly expressed what a warm and vibrant center of ministry they experienced at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
Thank you again for the warm welcome.
Excited for the Future,
Pastor Rich+
After Pastor Ruth’s retirement a bridge pastor was appointed to help in the time until Pastor Rich arrives in late January 2024. Here is a short note from Pastor Bonnie:
I’m so looking forward to serving with you as you transition to your new pastor. This is a brief introduction to let you know a little bit about me. I am a baptized child of God, who is so grateful to God for many blessings. One blessing that I am especially grateful for is that I grew up in a family and in churches that taught the love and grace of God are for all. Each and every person has value and should be treated with respect and dignity.
Another special blessing is that I have been married to my best friend, David for 37 years. He graduated from Walton High School, and I graduated from Wheeler. We have three young adult children. Our first grandbaby is due to be born this spring. We love to hike, travel, read, cook and bake.
After graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, I worked as an RN in hospitals and in the church. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) was completed under the supervision of The Reverend Dr. Martha Rutland. After graduating from Luther Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree, I was ordained as an ELCA pastor and called to serve a small congregation as a solo pastor. Several years later, I served a large congregation as an associate pastor.
Most recently, I served as the Interim Pastor at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Douglasville for a year and a half as they prepared to call Pastor Jamie Witt. I completed the Interim Ministry Training from the Interim Ministry Network. It is an honor to accompany a congregation in times of transition.
That is a little snapshot of my story. I look forward to getting to know you and your story…starting with some time on December 6 at 6:00 pm during our Advent Dinner in the Gathering Room.
Pastor Bonnie Esther Lanyi
There is so much to be thankful for in yet another year of ministry at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
We’ve continued in our service to the community with hundreds of MUST Wednesday Lunches, a school supply drive, building and cooking for Habitat for Humanity, raising money for Brumby Elementary, continuing to tell the story of the people of Guatemala, and on and on.
But serving is only one part of our story. The people of LCR continue to be a catalyst for bringing folks together — providing connection and community. From deck renovations to provide more gathering space to dinner parties and book clubs and bonfires and events like our Reformation Concert and Oktoberfest Dinner, we do gathering well. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in those efforts!
We’re thankful for the seeds of new life that we are glimpsing in our children and youth ministry programs. This year we’ve celebrated 5 baptisms, 7 First Communions, 5 Confirmations. We also welcomed guests at our Vacation Bible School and held a Youth Bonfire. We are excited to see where God leads these ministries in the new year.
Of course that only scratches the surface on all the amazing services, special events, and ongoing programs we engage with as a church community but we wanted to at least start the conversation as we thank God for all God has done through you – the people of LCR – this year.
