Empowering the Next Generation through YELLS

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A Story of Your Generosity At Work

For 10 years, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection has proudly partnered with YELLS (Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, and Serving) to invest in the lives of young people and strengthen our community. LCR has shown up again and again to support the mission of YELLS — and the impact continues to grow.

YELLS is more than an afterschool program. It’s a powerful movement that equips young people to become community leaders and changemakers. As their Executive Director, Laura Keefe, writes, “The world needs caring leaders ready to build their communities, and LCR is helping nurture that through your support of YELLS.”

 

Through your generosity, YELLS has been able to:

✔️ Empower 117 youth across their programs in 2024

🎓 Celebrate 100% of seniors graduating and beginning college

📍 Expand beyond Franklin Gateway to launch a second site in Fair Oaks, growing from 9 to over 40 elementary students in just one year.

 

These youth are making a real difference — writing proposals, organizing community events, and mobilizing neighbors for change. 

LCR’s involvement has extended far beyond check-writing…though we collectively shared $5,000 in funds from our budget in 2024. LCR members have also repaired YELLS facilities, mentored students, participated in community events, and given special support from our Endowment Fund during a critical time in their work last year.

“We’ve been beyond blessed to have Lutheran Church of the Resurrection as such an engaged partner,” Laura shared. “You and your entire congregation are valued members of our YELLS family.”

As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to walking alongside YELLS in their work to raise up leaders who learn, lead, and serve — and we’re honored to be part of this vibrant, hope-filled mission.

To learn more or get connected talk to George O’Donnell or Richard Leon or visit yellsinc.org

Watching A Miracle Unfold

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By Suzanne Demosthenes

LCR has walked alongside Pastor Karen Castillo since the inception of Milagro and has been instrumental in the development of this amazing ministry. Her heart was burdened by the plight of girls within her Guatemalan culture. Most often, life offered no options beyond an expectation that they would marry and have children at a very young age.

As Pastor Karen traveled among the rural congregations, mothers wanted more for their daughters and in faith and courage entrusted them to a different future. Milagro, “miracle,” began with three young ladies; this year, there are nineteen attending. We celebrate their individual accomplishments. Finishing a high school education is foremost, and pursuing technical skills in baking, sewing, accounting, or business gives them experience and leadership abilities to return to their community able to support themselves. Some have pursued further education in nursing, law, or education. LCR has offered both prayerful and financial support.

We are privileged to have partnered in this ministry both personally in traveling there to teach skills, offer encouragement, and provide mentoring. The annual cost for each girl is $4000. Our annual Gala event has been a major fundraiser and is set for September 13th but our hope is that Milagro will be at the forefront of our outreach efforts throughout the year.

Please consider joining us as we travel there in November for a hands-on project as Milagro Casa renovates their sleeping and classroom space to accommodate the increasing number of students. There is no greater opportunity than this to experience God’s presence.

Here is a link for donations to Milagro at LCR: tinyurl.com/LCRmilagro

 

Palm Sunday with Purpose: The Impact of Eco-Palms at LCR

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As we approach Palm Sunday on April 13, 2025, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR) is proud to continue our tradition of using Eco-Palms in our worship services. This choice reflects our commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship.​

Promoting Social Justice

In regions like the Central Petén of Guatemala, harvesting palm fronds is a vital source of income. Historically, gatherers received minimal compensation for their work. By choosing Eco-Palms, we ensure that these communities receive a fair price, improving their livelihoods and supporting sustainable economic development.​

Environmental Stewardship

Palm forests play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and preventing deforestation. Sustainably harvesting palms provides financial incentives for local communities to protect these valuable ecosystems. Each palm plant can produce 2 to 5 harvestable leaves over a 2 to 4 month period, allowing for continuous, eco-friendly harvesting practices.​

By incorporating Eco-Palms into our Palm Sunday observance, LCR actively supports ethical practices that benefit both people and the planet. We invite our congregation to reflect on the positive impact of this choice and join us in celebrating a more sustainable and just Palm Sunday.​

Read more at Lutheran World Relief: Why Eco-Palms Are a Better Choice for Palm Sunday

Serving Others Through Art

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By Margaret Perry

A group from LCR picked up paintbrushes to serve the community through The Foundation for Hospital Art. Their work will become part of colorful murals placed in hospitals, care homes, and other facilities—completely free of charge.

To learn more about this project, visit hospitalart.org.

📸 Pictured above: Sandy, Margaret, Sandy, Vicky, Cindy, and Linda.

MUST Ministries

Supporting MUST Ministries: Help Provide Essential Items for Those in Need

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On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Fellowship Hour will shine a spotlight on our ministry partner, MUST Ministries, and their Hope House Shelter. Hope House provides food, shelter, and essential resources for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

To support their work, we are collecting new underwear and socks in all sizes for adults and children. These basic necessities are often overlooked but are in constant demand. Providing these items can offer dignity, comfort, and warmth to those who rely on Hope House for support.

We invite you to bring your donations to the Gathering Room on March 9 and stay for refreshments as we learn more about the impact of MUST Ministries. This is a simple yet meaningful way to serve our neighbors and share God’s love in a tangible way.

For more information, contact Dana Jelinek or Heather Boyer.

🔗 Learn more about Hope House: mustministries.org/marietta-must-hope-house

Our Promise Garden: Growing Together, Giving Back

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LCR’s Promise Garden is a vital part of our community, impacting lives in so many ways. Preschoolers learn about growth and food, special needs adults from Circle of Friends gain confidence, and volunteers come together to plant, weed, and care for the garden. The fresh produce we grow is donated to the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center’s Food Pantry, providing healthy options for families in need.

This winter, the garden may be quieter, but our team is preparing for an exciting group onion plant on Saturday, February 8, from 10 AM to noon, coinciding with the Recycling Event. Onion slips will be planted to grow bulb onions, a favorite among Food Pantry clients.

Everyone is welcome to join in! Bring warm clothes, gloves, and a helping hand. For more information or encouragement, contact Margaret Perry at margperry@bellsouth.net. Together, we can grow food, community, and hope!

2025 Habitat for Humanity House Construction Begins

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LCR volunteers will begin building another Habitat for Humanity house with the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat. This time the house will be built in Canton for a deserving family that has completed an extensive qualifications process.  Workdays will be Saturdays in January through April from 8:45 am – 3:00 pm.

Join us on one of the build days (see the list below) or consider making a donation to the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat to help support this vital ministry.

To get details, enroll for the build, or donate go to: https://www.lutheranhabitat.org/

 

About the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat

The Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity is an organization consisting of 12 Lutheran Churches located in Cobb, Fulton and Cherokee counties who have agreed to partner with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to eliminate substandard housing. The Coalition has been building houses since 1993 and has built at least one and sometimes two houses per year. Our motivating belief come from James, Chapter 2: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works.” The Lutheran Coalition for Habitat is a 501(c)3 organization.

 

Build Dates for 2025

Workdays are on Saturdays from 8:45 to 3:00. Please select the “2025 Build” tab for more detailed information.

1/18/25 First Nail, First floor walls – FULL

1/25/25 First Floor Walls

2/1/25 Second Floor System

3/8/25 Siding – Week 2 – FULL

3/15/25 Exterior Painting

3/22/25 Exterior Painting

4/12/25 Pre-Landscape

4/19/25 Landscape

 

Save the Date: Taste of Habitat – September 12, 2025

The 21st Annual Taste of Habitat Fundraising Event returns on September 12 from 7 – 9 pm at St. David’s Episcopal Church at 1015 Old Roswell Road, Roswell, GA. This is located between Holcomb Bridge Road and Mansell Road.

Our goal this year is to raise $40,000 to build Habitat homes in Metro Atlanta.  More than 60 fabulous chefs from the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat churches will be sharing the foods they love to make.  It’s a fun “date night” (adults only) with outstanding food & drink, great fellowship, and live music.  There will also be a Silent Auction and trivia contest!

If you have any questions, need additional information, or want help scheduling a work day, please contact John Osberg at josberg@bellsouth.net or (678) 687-3232.

Clear Out Clutter and Support Hurricane Relief with Electronics Recycling

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Join us on February 8 from 9:00 AM to noon in the LCR parking lot to recycle your old electronics and securely shred documents, all while supporting hurricane relief efforts!

Now is your chance to recycle those old electronics and shred documents to clear up some of your post-holiday clutter at our free community event in the parking lot of LCR.

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, in partnership with Data Delete Recycle, invites the community to recycle all obsolete and outdated electronics. RAM Shredding will be securely shredding and recycling your old documents. Proceeds from the event will benefit hurricane relief efforts.

 

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