LCR

1950 Nagel Road
Cincinnati, OH  45255

THIS LETTER WILL OPEN THE DOOR TO A RICHER LIFE FOR YOU!!

To give you strength in good times and difficult times,
LCR extends you this personal invitation…

Dear Neighbor,

Life’s difficulties often leave us searching for something more…

Your mother or father dies suddenly, your brother or sister has cancer, an illness or injury strikes you or your children, you lose your job or are going through financial trouble.

Or perhaps you struggle with raising children in a world that threatens their young lives in so many ways.  Or maybe you are frustrated with all the pain and suffering in the world, with too few hands to help those who are poor, hungry or devastated by hurricanes or fire or earthquakes. 

It can be overwhelming.  We know – many of us are going through the same difficulties, but with a difference.  We feel God’s presence in our lives and in each other.

A FEW BLOCKS AWAY IS A UNIQUE COMMUNITY THAT CAN ENRICH YOUR LIFE

Almost all our members and visitors notice that there is something special about LCR – a unique and vibrant spirit – and they feel God is alive and present in our worship and work. 

But I’m getting ahead of myself.  My name is George Parker, and I’m a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR).  I’m just a member – not a staff person or leader of any group or committee.  But I have been a member for many years.  I married my wife at LCR and raised our two sons in the church.

I felt called to write you this letter – not to ask for money or for you to “sign up” for anything – but to personally invite you to come and visit us to experience God’s presence among us.  And just maybe, to find help in dealing with life’s difficulties.

And yes, this letter may lead you to richer life, as LCR has for many of our members, who have found strength, hope, peace and joy here.  Our faith and the faith of our children become stronger in this community, and we support and care for each other, and we reach out to help those in our community, across the country and beyond. 

THIS LETTER COULD BE YOUR HELICOPTER!

Have you heard the joke about the man stranded on the roof in a flood?  A boat comes by to rescue him, but he turns it down.  He tells them he is waiting for God to rescue him.  A second boat comes for him as the water rises, but he tells them the same thing.  Finally, a helicopter lowers a rope to save him as the water reaches his chest, but he waves them away. 

He drowns and goes to heaven, complaining to Saint Peter, “I thought God would rescue me.”  St. Peter chuckles and responds, "I don't know what you're complaining about; we sent you two boats and a helicopter!" 

It’s an old joke, but you know…this letter could be your “helicopter.”  Grab the rope…read on.

WAIT, I’M NOT A LUTHERAN!

Most of us are not either – or at least we didn’t start that way.  We welcome people of all faiths – even those of no faith!  (Yes, we struggle with our faith, too.)  We are from Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, and other backgrounds that didn’t involve any church or religion.  For example, my wife was raised in the Catholic Church, like roughly one out of every seven of our adult members (we even have a former Catholic priest among our members!).  You will be warmly welcomed regardless of your faith background.

By the way, you don’t have to be a member (or a Lutheran) to participate fully in one of our worship services.

YOU WILL FEEL GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR WORSHIP

Text Box: “The people of LCR truly provide a feeling of ‘family’ and are so welcoming to new members! I think that Pastor Zorn is instrumental in this feeling, and he is a huge reason behind us joining LCR. His sermons are powerful and from the heart, and his continued involvement with so many aspects of the church are amazing! He has so much energy. I love LCR and am looking forward to the future there.” – Maggie D.You may have seen our new worship area driving by on Nagel near Clough – you might even think it looks like a lighthouse.  We think it’s beautiful and comfortable (padded seats), but the important thing is what goes on inside! 

Our worship services are a special opportunity to get in touch with God and each other.  What’s so special?  I think it’s the friendliness in the way we welcome each other and our visitors, and a joyful, energetic spirit.  You will see it in the way worship is led by our Pastor (more about him later), and the way people participate. 

What’s it like?

Text Box: “We discovered the church by driving by. Our first visit on Saturday evening was great. We were a little nervous not knowing anybody, especially since my husband was not raised with any type of religious background. But we felt very comfortable from the get-go. We had both my daughter and my husband baptized at the same time. It was very powerful, something we will never forget.” – Laurie C.It’s a relaxed setting, so everyone dresses casually.  Most people arrive a few minutes early so they can greet each other and get settled.  Even though we have almost 500 members, you will feel like you are in a “small” church.  You will almost never have a problem finding a seat because we are spread across four different worship services (except for Christmas Eve and Easter).

As you enter the worship area, you are handed a bulletin that makes the service easy to follow – it includes everything you need.  There is always a lot of music, prayers, readings from the bible and a sermon.  We also celebrate Holy Communion at every weekend service (sharing a communion meal of the bread and wine).

WILL I SEE PEOPLE LIKE ME?

You will certainly see people like your neighbors!  Most of our members are from Anderson Township or Clermont County.  So we are your neighbors.  All ages and life stages are represented at LCR, from singles and young newlyweds to retired empty nesters, but families with children or teens are probably the largest single group.  We have lots of kids, which makes our “average” age younger than many churches.

To some extent, the people you see will depend on which service you visit.

YOU CHOOSE THE SERVICE THAT FITS YOUR SCHEDULE AND PREFERENCES

Very few churches our size offer so many different choices!  Although each service follows the same general format, each has a different atmosphere:

Text Box: Saturday afternoon, 5:30 pm – Talk about a convenient time!  This is our “regular” traditional service at a non-traditional time.  It’s favored especially by couples without children and those whose schedule makes it difficult to attend on Sunday.  Some members go out for dinner together after this service.

Early Bird Sunday Service – 8:00 am – A quiet, meditative service without musical accompaniment.  In the summer, weather permitting, we hold it outside in our Memorial Garden.

Regular Sunday Service – 9:15 am – Our “main” service that draws more people than any other service.  It also attracts many families with children, because it includes a special message for children and because Sunday School immediately follows it.

Between Services -   Sunday School (Sept. 23 – May 4) – 10:45 – 11:40 am (more about this later) and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.

Joyful Noise Service – 11:45 am (11:15 am in the summer through Sept. 16) – You can sleep in and still get to this service!  It’s a contemporary, praise worship service with music by the Joyful Noise Band, an enthusiastic and talented group drawn from our members that combines guitars, trumpet, keyboard, percussion and vocals.  Unlike the other services, music is similar to the popular music you can hear on Christian radio stations.

EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF OUR NEWEST WORSHIP SERVICE –
CREATED FOR YOU!

Okay, I admit it.  I’m biased.  But the Joyful Noise Service is my favorite!  It wasn’t created for old-timers like me, but as a way to reach out to you, our neighbors.  It pulses with fun, joy and excitement!  The band plays and sings, everyone sings along, and people clap in time with the music.  For me, it’s a bit of heaven to see all the younger children invited up front, jumping around and helping beat out the rhythm for a song like “He Reigns.”

Here is what a couple newer members say about the Joyful Noise service:

Text Box: “I had never been to a Lutheran church before, so the Joyful Noise service was very different than my other church, but I felt very comfortable the first time I came in. People were very friendly, down-to-earth. A lot of awful nice people. The music is not way out there, but music I could relate to. It fits the whole service. I tell people, just come and see for yourself. You will feel like you’ve really worshipped the Lord! I love the church.” – Janet N. “We went to the Joyful Noise service by accident, but it was a pleasant surprise. People were genuinely friendly, which impressed me a lot. At least two people came up and introduced themselves. I’ve been to other churches; that never happened before. The Joyful Noise service is really a celebration, you can feel the enthusiasm in the clapping and genuine singing. It’s a powerful experience.” – Brian R. Join us for an inspiring and uplifting time together! 

OUR PASTOR WILL HELP STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH!

Text Box: “I felt an instant connection between Pastor and the congregation. It's apparent from the first visit, that he not only knows everyone's name, but he has a handle on where you're at spiritually. He's not pushy or judgmental.” – Wendy K.Wait until you hear Pastor Zorn’s sermons!  You might be surprised when he comes out from behind the pulpit to give his sermon without notes.  And you will probably be intrigued with the way his message strikes home as he connects the bible reading with the issues we all face in our lives. (Maybe that’s because he left a successful career in corporate finance to become a pastor.)  The sermons will inspire you, uplift you, teach you, and maybe challenge you.  You will enjoy them, too. 

Text Box: “Henry Zorn stands tall among the pastors I've known. You can tell it when you look him straight in the eye: This is a guy who knows how faith meets life. This is also a pastor who works alongside of people who get something done.” - Bob Sitze, Director for Hunger Education, ELCA National Church HeadquartersOf course, our Pastor does more than give sermons.  He is our spiritual leader, guide and teacher.  He teaches in a variety of ways – in sermons, of course – but also in teaching our youth in catechism class and people considering becoming members of LCR. 

He is also there to give support and comfort at the most exhilarating (and devastating) times of our lives – the baptisms of our newest tiny members, the marriage of our children, their confirmation in the faith, and in our suffering in illness or the death of a loved one, and in celebrating their memory a last time.  In these things Pastor Zorn takes special joy and pride because these are the some of the most important moments of our lives.

I guess a lot of people like their Pastor, but ours is a treasure!  Pastor Zorn has been our spiritual leader for the last ten years – and recently made a long term commitment to stay at LCR. 

A message from our Pastor:

Greetings from the community of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection!  The essence of Christ’s message is that we love God and neighbor.  We believe that we are sent into the world to work for justice, alleviate suffering, and offer hope.  Perhaps that explains why we are a vibrant and diverse Christian congregation that openly welcomes our neighbors. 

It may also explain our consistent growth over the past decade.  In 2004 we added new worship and meeting space to accommodate our growth. The motto of our latest building efforts was, “we have built space for you!”  We invite you to visit and experience the joy that we have in knowing Christ and each other.   God’s peace,

Henry Zorn, Pastor
 

DO YOU WANT THE BEST FOR YOUR KIDS?

Imagine your children being taught the same positive values you teach them at home – instead of the values they get from the pop culture around us.  If you want the best for your children, bring them to church!  Even a U.S. government sponsored study completed this spring provided convincing evidence that children of churchgoing parents behave better, are more socially adjusted than other children and do better in school (see: www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=25549 ).

Text Box: “The LCR members involved with the Sunday School program are all very caring and dedicated to teaching LCR's youth. Each week the children learn from the bible… according to age, and through it all, how to become loving and caring Christians. The Teachers consistently prepare well and serve as wonderful role models for the youth of LCR.” - Ann A.With almost 150 members under age 18, instruction in the faith is important at LCR.  You can start your children as young as age 3!  Sunday School classes are taught by volunteer teachers and are offered free for our members…and visitors and friends. 

You see, you don’t even have to be a member to get your children started.  Just bring your child or young adult to the appropriate classroom (see the diagram later in this letter).  The classroom doors are all marked with the grade level.  Classes start on Sep 23, but new students are welcome at any time during the year.

Grade levels are combined, but a rotating curriculum makes sure that each student gets different material every year.  Here are the classes and a little about what is taught:

3-4 year olds –                 bible story, games and play time (most parents stay with their child during class for this grade level only)

Pre-K & Kindergarten -    bible story, interactive activity and music

1st & 2nd grade -               bible lesson or story, interactive activity (such as a craft or game)

3rd & 4th grade -                how to read the bible, and find books and verses

5th grade -                         focus on the bible reading used in worship that week

6th & 7th grade -                study and discussion on the bible lesson of the week

8th grade -                         study, reflection & discussion on the bible lesson of the week

9th – 12th grade -             issues facing teens, group activities

 

Starting in the sixth grade, students may also participate in catechism, a special 3-year study program that leads to confirmation in the faith.  The first two years are a study of the bible and the Lutheran faith; the last year is experience-based activities.  During this year, students participate in group events, such as serving at a soup kitchen, visiting a homeless shelter and attending churches of other faiths.

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN

Sunday School is not just for kids!  An adult “Sunday School” is also held between the Sunday services at 10:45 (beginning Sep. 23) in the church library.  An evening bible study is also held in member’s homes, and special classes are held from time to time.  See our website for more details:  www.lcresurrection.org .  Click on “Education” in the left margin.

Text Box: “When I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, you would think I was everyone’s sister they way they treated me! I received a flood of notes, cards, and phone calls. When I had to get to Clifton every weekday for six weeks for radiation treatments but wasn’t allowed to drive, I had a couple dozen ‘chauffeurs’ volunteer to drive me to those treatments. The kindness, caring and concern given me by Pastor Zorn and all the members of LCR is something I will cherish forever. And to think I was just looking for a new place to worship!” – Kathleen R.HELP FOR THE MOST DIFFICULT TIMES

You will find LCR a warm, welcoming community.  But in this community of people caring about each other, that warmth goes well beyond the welcome you will get when you walk in the door.

I have personally felt the caring nature of the LCR community.  My wife, who has a terminal disease and is in a wheelchair, gets calls, visits and cards almost every month.  It never fails to brighten her day.  Some are from our friends at church, but many are from a special group of members who have volunteered to provide help and support to those in difficulty – the Caring Ministry Teams.

You see, after providing this type of support informally for many years, we decided to create a formal structure to allow members to help each other.  Several different teams provide prayers, visits and cards to those who are homebound or ill, childcare for those dealing with an emergency, comfort and help during preparation for a funeral, and many other types of support when needed, such as meals and transportation.

Text Box: “Almost three years ago I made a terrible decision to drive while I was intoxicated. I caused a crash that took the life of an elderly woman, and spent two years in prison. It was very difficult to forgive myself, and I didn’t really expect it from anyone else. Well, that certainly was not the case with the people of LCR. In prison, I received 8-10 cards and letters from LCR members each week, and people drove three hours each direction to share their love and support for me. Their prayers and support lifted me up every day, and gave me the strength to survive. Their love and forgiveness was amazing.” – Michael W.As you can see from the comments in the boxes, our members are uplifted and touched by God’s grace in being helped by this community of faith.  But just as important, the lives of those providing the help are enriched by the experience.

 

 

 

YOU CAN TOUCH THOSE IN NEED – LOCALLY AND BEYOND

Did you ever write a check for a charity, and feel disappointed you couldn’t do more?  Did you want to be more directly involved, but were uncertain how?  At LCR, you can contribute both financially as well Text Box: “Our Virginia mission trip with the youth was a great experience. It gave us chills to hear words of heartfelt thanks from the director of the project. I hope everyone has a chance to do this once in their life.” – Alyson E.as directly by contributing your time and talents to help those in need.  One of our members calls it “hands on” Christianity.

For example, we don’t just contribute money to a needy church in the U.C. area; we help man the soup kitchen.  In addition to contributions to many local charities, LCR members volunteer to help staff the Once Around Thrift Shop, build Habitat for Humanity homes, and deliver meals to St Peter Claver Boys School.  

But our efforts are not restricted to Cincinnati.  LCR has sent our members, including our teenagers, on several mission trips out of state.   Does it seem surprising that normally self-centered teens want to go on a mission trip?  It does to me.  But we start them young!  From catechism trips to serve in a soup kitchen to a youth group trip to dig a drainage ditch in Virginia, they experience the joy of helping others.

Text Box: “There are a lot of activities at LCR to actually do some good in the world. It is a place to truly be God's face to people who need it. All of the mission trips to Louisiana have been very rewarding for us and for the people down there.” – Justin L.Text Box: “One thing I especially appreciate about LCR is the focus on spreading our faith through helping the community and our world. From the Katrina rebuilding trips to World hunger efforts, LCR takes Christian principles and applies them to daily life. With all the violence in the world that comes from conflicting religions, it feels good to be part of an organization that actively works to improve the world around us.” – Julie P.I guess our biggest mission experience in recent years has been the trips to the New Orleans area.  When hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana coast, we contributed money and supplies, but more important, some of us went there to help rebuild in the months after the storm.  Pastor Zorn led the first team of members to Slidell, Louisiana, and we have sent a team of members back four times since then. 

This year, we are making two trips to Slidell, in June (completed) and November.  The experience of helping tear down destroyed walls and build new ones has been, for many, life-enriching.  (See our website for information and a link to the blogsite we created – www.lcresurrection.org .)

HELP A POOR AND HUNGRY WORLD

Some years ago, we established a sister church relationship with a Lutheran church in former East Germany.  Our members have visited them several times, and their members and their Pastor have been to see us twice in recent years – their third trip was this summer.  Lasting friendships have grown between us. 

We also directly support a missionary in Africa, and are currently working to add a sister church in Guatemala, an effort that will be more focused on helping the poor.  A team will be visiting Guatemala in May, 2008.

Beyond our shores, the needs are so great!  In recent years, reaching out to those who are poor and hungry has become much more of a priority.  The tragedies of thousands of children who die every day from malnutrition and the millions who go to bed hungry every night cry out for our help. 

We are fortunate to be part of a larger church (the ELCA; see www.elca.org ) that contributes (directly and through development funds) over $20 million a year to help those who are hungry.  Pastor Zorn has been directly involved in church-wide world hunger efforts, and our own gifts toward hunger are significant. In fact, out of 11,000 congregations, LCR is one of five that was recognized this year for its work in the fight against hunger! 

NOW IT’S TIME FOR YOUR GIFT!

Did you expect a gift?  (You probably also expected a catch.)

Well, I guess this is not your normal sales letter.  This is usually the part where I promise you the sun, moon and stars…for a certain amount of money. 

But there’s no hook or gimmick here…or any cash required.  The opportunity at LCR for greater peace, hope, strength and joy in your life is a gift to you.  It may even be the best one you have ever received!  It’s not instant, it won’t solve all your problems, but it will enrich your life.  Your faith and the faith of your children will become stronger, and you will find support for the difficult times in your life and the chance to reach out to those in need.

LIMITED TIME OFFER – ACT NOW!

Not really!  There is no time limit on God’s grace or our invitation.  But why wait?  Put LCR on your calendar today while it’s on your mind.  Come to one of our worship services on this Saturday or Sunday. 

Clough Pike
 
You are not making a commitment to join – just to visit.  You can be a visitor as many times as you want, as long as you want.  Nobody will pressure you to join.

HERE’S HOW TO FIND US – WE’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Text Box: Nagel Road

LCR

1950 Nagel Road
 
Because you’re so close, you may already know where we are.  But if not, the map will show you.  We’re on Nagel Road close to the intersection with Clough Pike.  You can also reach us by turning on Nagel Road from Beechmont.  Drive in and park in any spot you like.  But if there are any open spots next to the entrance with a “Visitor Parking” sign, park there.  Those spots are reserved for you!

FINDING YOUR WAY INSIDE IS EASY

Beechmont Ave.
 
The diagram on the next page will help.  Just come through the double glass doors (coat room on your left) for a few feet.  Take a right at the first large hallway, which will take you straight into the worship area.  (Before you take that right, note that Sunday School classrooms are straight ahead; the Fellowship Hall is to your left.)

Just before you enter the worship area, an usher will give you a bulletin that contains everything you will need to follow the service.  (If you are visiting the Joyful Noise service, you will also get a song book.)  Sit anywhere you like.  Welcome!

Just so you know how to find the restrooms, classrooms and library (for Adult Sunday School), we’ve included a rough floor plan below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

If you’re still not sure you want to visit, but would like more information, we welcome your questions.  We invite you to:

·        Call the church at 474-4938.  Ask for Pastor Zorn or request one of our members to call you.    (If no one answers, leave a message.)

·        Check out our website:  www.lcresurrection.org

·        Return the enclosed card (or drop it in the offering plate)

KEEP HOLDING THAT ROPE!

In talking about this letter to others, I have described it like a friendly chat over a cup of coffee with one of our neighbors.  I hope you have enjoyed this time together – I have!

But the one thing that would give me even greater joy would be to know that this letter has been your helicopter and that you grabbed that rope and held on.  See you at LCR!

Sincerely yours,

 

George Parker
LCR Member

P.S.      A few years ago, City Beat magazine named LCR one of Cincinnati’s most welcoming churches.  But if you visit and decide LCR is not a fit, we won’t be disappointed!  We don’t have a corner on God’s grace; there are many other good communities of faith in the area.