Spring Good Fellowship Dinners

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Our Spring 2026 Good Fellowship Dinners are coming up (February, March, April, and May), and we’d love for you to be part of them. These gatherings are a meaningful way to connect, share a meal, and grow in fellowship together.

🗓️ Sign-up deadline: Sunday, January 25, 2026

All the details on how it works and how to sign up are available below:

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

All adults are invited. If you are single or part of a couple and only one of you is available, you may bring a guest, or we will find another person to join the dinner.

Every month, new hosts are assigned for each of ~8-10 people (including the hosts).  The hosts and guests are rotated monthly to allow everyone an opportunity to meet as many of the other participants as possible.

The dinners will be held in the host’s home or other location of the host’s choosing.  Approximately 2 weeks before their assigned month, hosts will set up the date and time, and contact the assigned members in their group.  Please try to give assigned guests as much notice as possible.  The dinners may be brunch, lunch, outdoor barbeques, picnics, buffets, seated dinners, etc.  Flexibility and creativity are encouraged.  

If you cannot attend one of the dinners you are assigned to, please let your hosts know ASAP.  The hosts then have the option of contacting a substitute from the substitute list, or inviting anyone else from LCR they may choose.  If you cannot find someone, please let Nancy Papp know ASAP and she will try to contact someone.

The hosts provide the main entrée, and each person will be contacted regarding what to bring:  hors d’oeuvres, bread and salad, side dish, or dessert.  This will be coordinated by the hosts.  Be the first in your group to RSVP so you can choose which one to bring!  Everyone brings their own beverages, beer, or wine.  The hosts usually provide water, coffee, and/or tea.

If your assigned hosts have not contacted you by the beginning of the assigned month, please feel free to contact them or Nancy Papp.  Due to scheduling issues, the hosts may occasionally have to delay their dinner until the following month.  If there is a month that you cannot host, indicate when you sign up and Nancy will try her best to accommodate you when scheduling.

Register by sending an email to Nancy: nancy.papp@harrynorman.com

Questions?  Nancy Papp nancy.papp@harrynorman.com 678.595.0466 or Jill Gadebusch jillgadebusch@gmail.com 404.819.8197

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

Saplings in the Garden!

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The Saplings group that meets on our church campus spent time in The Promise Garden this week planting garlic and bunching onions! It’s always a joy to see young hands at work: learning, growing, and helping care for God’s creation.
(Photos shared with permission from the Saplings Director.)

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

LCR needs YOU for Faith Formation

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By LeAnn Haack

Faith is a lifelong journey and commitment that does not stop after Sunday morning’s sermon.

I am sure all of us have experienced growth in how we view God and church over our lives, and that change does not take place in a vacuum. It takes a village to nurture our faith community, and we all have a role to play. The requirements are simple – an open heart and a willingness to listen and share with others. You do not need a divinity degree to contribute to the vitality and strength of LCR’s faith community.

Faith Formation can be an intimidating and daunting phrase, and it was with some trepidation that I agreed to join the team two years ago. I had spent years as a Sunday School teacher and member of a small group quietly out of the spotlight. I was already part of faith formation at LCR, but joining the team opened my eyes to how much opportunity we had for nurturing and deepening faith. I am asking each of you to consider stepping up and contributing more of yourself to our faith community.

Children, Youth, & Family

We will be hiring a Director of Church, Youth and Family soon, but we still have an urgent need for children’s teachers and volunteers to coordinate children, youth and family events.

Please consider stepping out of your comfort zone with these volunteer opportunities!

• Teach a children’s Sunday School class and have some fun time with kids reading stories and doing crafts.

• Organize or chaperone a fun event, such as Trunk or Treat, youth bonfire, or game night.

• Thrivent members utilize grants of $250 to sponsor an event at LCR.

• Fill the quiet bags for children to use during Sunday morning worship.

Adults

Faith formation does not stop after confirmation, and we are committed to providing adults of all ages opportunities to develop their faith together. I know many of us are engaging in regular prayer, worship and Bible study, but I am asking for all of us to consider taking additional steps.

• Join a Sunday School class or small group. This is a great way to connect with other members, and the source of most of my strong relationships within LCR. Most groups take the summer off but in September we will provide a list of groups you can join.

• Participate in Immerse Bible study. Even if you did not participate this spring, you can still join in. Groups will be starting back up in September.

• Moderate an adult small group. You do not have to teach, but be willing to get the conversation going. It could be an Immerse book club group, but any interest or topic would work.

• Join the Faith Formation core team. This involves meeting once a month, working with staff and Pastor Rich to develop new ideas and support the overall faith formation opportunities within LCR.

God’s blessing and thanks to all of the volunteers that continue to support LCR’s faith formation. Your contributions make a difference for all of us.

Please contact LeAnn Haack at leannhaack@bellsouth.net if you are able to help or have questions.

Summer Sounds at LCR: Two Post-Worship Recitals

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This July, linger a little longer after worship and enjoy two special musical offerings in the sanctuary.

On July 6, our Director of Worship Julian Calvin presents a Lunchtime Piano Recital, featuring works by Beethoven and Chopin, three lively Scott Joplin rags, and a bold arrangement of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. It’s a joyful mix of classical and American piano traditions.

Then on July 20, take in the rich, expressive sounds of the organ during an Organ Recital: Classics & Spirituals, featuring music by Buxtehude and Rheinberger, along with moving arrangements of well-known Spirituals.

Both recitals begin after worship, around 11:00 a.m. and last about 45 minutes; a perfect way to pause, reflect, and enjoy the gift of music.

Faith on the Ground: A Lutheran Response to Hurricane Helene

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by Mark Brosch

Eleven people from three different Lutheran Churches traveled to Avery County North Carolina to offer helping hands to people who were devastated by Hurricane Helene. The trip was of benefit to the victims and heart wrenching but rewarding to the volunteers.

It is projected that recovery from this storm, in this area, will take up to 20 years. Until it can be seen firsthand, it is hard to imagine, and even harder to communicate the devastation that was caused by this “once in forever” storm. Mountain creeks turned into raging rivers. Severe flooding at 4,600 feet in elevation. Mudslides and landslides. Trees down everywhere, bridges washed out (in many cases, still), homes severely damaged at best, totally gone at worst. Personal belonging ruined or lost. Lives lost.

The base camp for this team of volunteers was Lutherock Camp and Conference Center (A Novusway campsite). Located in the heart of Avery County, on the west side of Sugar Mountain, Lutherock took a massive hit from Hurricane Helene. Roads washed out, estimate of 2,000 trees downed, rooms flooded. There was concern at one point that the camp would be in condition to have “camps” in 2025. But thanks to the many volunteers and donators Lutherock will open for business the first week in June.

Part of the team’s efforts on this trip was to finalize some projects (replace rotted cabin floor, tree and debris removal, install deck railing that was wiped out by mudslide) that needed to be done before camp could open. Mission accomplished!

The major work done by the volunteers was working with two “clients” (better name than “victims”) in the Avery County Community. These two projects were coordinated through Western Carolina Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). One team worked on the house of a single mom with three kids. The goal was to start the installation of flooring throughout the entire house. The team stayed a bit longer on Saturday and finished the entire house. Mission accomplished!

The other team worked at a house owned by a senior couple . Their house was built elevated 8” above ground level. At the peak of the flood, seven inches of water got into the house. Not as far along the recovery road as others, this team’s goal was to do debris and trash removal and paint the interior of the house. The team got all the walls and ceilings painted throughout the house and the deck was cleared to the point where the couple could sit outside and dream of moving back into their house. Mission accomplished!

Of course, there were the evening dinners and social hours that are such a meaningful part of a trip like this. Meeting new friends, sharing, joking, playing games and just relaxing make for a perfect recovery time. Mission accomplished!

But the real mission that is accomplished on a disaster recovery trip like this is what the volunteer takes home. In this case, what is received is much better than what is given. Receiving the appreciation, the smiles and looks of “there is hope” from the Clients is something that is never forgotten. Hopefully, there will be other trips in the future that others will be able to experience “Mission Accomplished”!

 

 

 

Click the images below for a glimpse into this project!

Serving Through Fellowship

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by George O’Donnell

During the month of March, the LCR Serving Ministries (Outreach) Team is assisting by serving the refreshments during our weekly Fellowship Hour between services on Sunday mornings.

On March 9, the LCR team for Must Ministries will be serving and having an underwear collection for MUST clients, on March 16 the LCR team for YELLS will be serving and on March 23, the LCR Team for Guatemala will be serving.

Serving others is at the heart of our congregation and these teams look forward to serving the members of LCR as they do the broader community outside of our church throughout the year.