Holy Week and Easter

Our Holy Week observance will begin on Palm Sunday, April 9; move through the dramatic events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; and then culminate on Easter Sunday, April 16 with the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Maundy Thursday (April 13) and Good Friday (April 14) services are at 7 pm. Our 4th graders will celebrate their first com-munion at the Maundy Thursday service. Easter festival worship with holy commun-ion is at 8:15, 9:45, and 11:00. More de-tails on each service are on page two.

The EDGE high school youth will serve an Easter Breakfast from 7:30-11:00 am, with the proceeds going to support their summer mission trip to Washington, D.C.

MAP /VRG Survey Updates

The next step in our strategic planning pro-cess is underway with the online VRG (Vernon Research Group) survey being available through April 9. This survey dives deeper into some of the findings from our recent MAP (Mission Assess-ment Profile) survey. A VRG survey is being sent to Marion community members for their feedback on how LCR can be of service in our community. The results of the VRG survey will be shared with the

staff, Church Council, and Long Range Planning Team on April 18.

Community leaders are also being sur-veyed in one-on-one conversations. On Sunday, April 23, Pastor Jana Swenson of Kairos & Associates will lead a “Community Audit” or panel discussion with some of these leaders during our wor-ship services. Save the date and join us for a look into the needs of our community.

A Few Reminders

Seminary Intern Status – We will learn on April 7 if we will have an intern from Luther Seminary next fall.

Bible Camper “Giving Tree” - Our annu-al fundraiser will be from April 23-30. The Tree will be in the gathering space with “ornament envelopes” for your gifts. Each camper will receive a $150 scholarship ($75 for mini-campers) from the General Fund in addition to Giving Tree gifts.

Attention Graduating Seniors – Bill & Ann Biderman and Barry Morrissey Schol-arship applications are now available on the church bulletin board. The Morrissey scholarships are for LCR seniors entering a nursing program, while the Biderman scholarships are for any LCR senior going to college. Deadline for receiving applica-tions is Monday, May 1.

Inside this Issue

Adult Faith .............. 5

Youth Ministry…..... 4

Confirmation……… 9

Council News.......... 11

EDGE Youth……… 9

Fellowship……...….. 8

Ministry ................... 3

Prayers ................... 10

Stewardship………. 11

Wee Wisdom........... 8

Worship .................. 2

Volume 58: Issue 4 April 2017 Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

Talk Cross

Sunday, April 2 – Come Out! Preacher: Pastor Miranda Today is our final message in our “Stories of Life-Change” sermon series before we head into Holy Week. Dur-ing this series, we have been looking at powerful stories of lives being changed when encountering Jesus. Today, we hear the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We learn of Jesus' power over death. Jesus encounters a grieving community with compassion, love, and the power to transform even death into life.

Palm Sunday, April 9 – Straddling Two Worlds Preacher: Pastor Dennis On this Palm Sunday, we hear in Matthew’s gospel that “they brought a donkey and a colt, and put their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them” as he entered Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:7). As Jesus somehow straddles two ani-mals on his ride, he also straddles two worlds or kingdoms. Following Jesus means doing the same - living with a foot in both kingdoms. Our EDGE youth will lead worship at the 9:45 and 11:00 services today.

Maundy Thursday, April 13 - In Remembrance of Me Preacher: Pastor Miranda Join us for corporate confession and forgiveness with the option of laying on of hands. Our Gospel reading is from the last supper Jesus has with his disciples before his death. Jesus washes his disciples feet, and he teaches them “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Our 4th Grade students will celebrate their First Communion, as we share in Holy Communion together. The altar will be stripped as a sign of Jesus’ aban-donment, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1).

Good Friday, April 14 - Cross Connections Preacher: Pastor Dennis Join us for a Service of Light and Darkness as we experience readings from the Passion according to John. The Older Hymns will share special music. Between each reading we will sing reflective hymns, and we will extin-guish candles throughout the service. In John, Christ is exalted on the cross. The service ends with a procession of the cross, a sign of the world’s redemption.

Easter Sunday, April 16 - He is Risen! Preachers: Pastor Miranda (8:15); Pastor Dennis (9:45 & 11) Join us for celebratory services as we worship our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will sing praises and hear the testimony of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Holy communion will be served at all services.

Bright Sunday, April 23 - What’s Going On in Our Community? Our message today will be in the form of a panel discussion with community leaders, led by our Kairos consult-ant, Pastor Jana Swenson. They will share their insights as to the challenges and ministry opportunities facing our community. Remember to wear your fun colors on this Bright Sunday, when we celebrate the joke God played on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead.

Sunday, April 30 & May 3 – The Purpose of the Church Preacher: Pastor Dennis As we consider future possibilities through our strategic planning process, we’ll begin a new five week sermon series on the purpose of the church. Today we’ll look at the story of the early church from Acts 2, as well as in our baptismal and confirmation liturgies and our ELCA constitution. The purpose of worship will be our focus.

Easter Lilies Lilies can now be ordered to beautify our worship space for Easter Sunday. You may place your order using one of the bulletin inserts or by calling the office (377-4689). Orders must be placed by April 2nd; each plant is $10. We will prepare an Easter insert listing loved ones you would like to honor by your purchase. Flowers can be taken home after the Easter services.

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Worship

Average Worship Attendance

March 351 Year to Date 399

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Mission of Hope Lunch Program

As a follow-up to last fall's Loving Generously stew-ardship videos, we will be serving a noon meal on Thursday, April 6 to the clients of Mission of Hope in Cedar Rapids. We have been approved for a $250 Thrivent grant to help purchase the food for the meal. We’ll depart from the church at 11:30 am and finish up by 1:30. We are hoping to do this every other month at Mission of Hope. If you are interested in helping by cooking food, serving on the lunch line, or in some oth-er way, contact Linda Schminke or Sharon Hill.

Stephen Ministry Update

Through Stephen Ministry, congregation members re-ceive training to provide emotional and spiritual care to people experiencing tough challenges in life. We are gathering a group together to be trained as Stephen Ministers here at LCR. For those who want to come alongside and support others in a more intentional way, this ministry may be for you. You would receive 50 hours of training (practical, hands-on learning) in order to provide Christ-centered care. You will use the skills you learn not only in your caring ministry but also in your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. You will also be helped and supported in your ministry by a team of Stephen Leaders, who will help you grow as you help others. For more information or to learn how you can become a Stephen Minister, contact Pas-tor Miranda at 815-291-5793 or miranda@lcrmarion. org.

LCR is Matthew 25 “Church of the Year”

On Tuesday, April 18, Lutheran Church of the Resur-rection will be honored as “Church of the Year” at a Matthew 25 Celebration from 4:30–6:00 pm. Here is an excerpt from their letter: “We at Matthew 25 appreciate the effort LCR exerts to make this community a better place. We are extremely grateful to see you live out God’s mission through your partnership with us. We have seen this extended in many ways including: con-sistent financial support directly transforming lives in our communities; participating in Transform 2016, a

week devoted to neighborhood rehab projects; and

providing Thanksgiving boxes to families in need.”

Ministry Camp EWALU Work Weekend

You are invited to a weekend of service, fun, food, and fellowship on Friday and Saturday, April 28-29. Help us get ready for the summer camping season. Lodging and meals are free! You can stay for both days or just part of one. A detailed flyer is on the en-tryway bulletin board; please RSVP by April 21st so

we know how many to expect. Thank you for volun-teering at Camp Ewalu.

Landscaping Spring Work Day

A workday has been scheduled for Saturday, April 22, beginning at 9 am. Please bring your own rakes in case there are not enough to go around. Thank you for helping Resurrection look beautiful!

Crossroads / Mission of Hope

The bins under the coat rack in the gathering space are used for collecting items for Crossroads and Mis-sion of Hope. Donations are taken down every Wednesday by LCR volunteers. Some items that are always needed are: paper products (diapers & wipes, toilet paper); canned meats, fruits, and vegetables;

soap, etc. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing con-tributions.

March-April Mission Envelopes

During the season of Lent, we will join our fellow ELCA congregations in the ELCA World Hunger ‘40 Days of Giving’ emphasis. Our mission envelope gifts in March and April will be sent to this project.

This is a special opportunity for us to come together to lift up the church’s hunger and poverty ministry. In this

500th anniversary of the Reformation, we will call to mind Martin Luther’s concern for the poor of his day and his call for economic justice. Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger through our mission envelopes will help our global family earn a fair, sustainable living with dignity.

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Sunday School Sunday School Director &

Co-Director of Children’s Ministries Tammy Evans

tammy@lcrmarion.org

Wednesday Night Live A fellowship and service

opportunity for all 3rd - 5th grade students.

NO REGULAR WNL

during Lent.

WNL Director & Co-Director of

Children’s Ministries Jill Hansen

jill@lcrmarion.org

June 13-16: Preschool/Kindergarten Vacation Bible School

July 10-14: Elementary Day Camp with EWALU counselors!

Registration Forms in Gathering Space and Online.

Saturday, April 8th: EASTER EGG HUNT - 3:00-4:30 All are welcome, and help is too!

Donations of candy, stickers, small trinkets to fill the eggs are welcome Also, please sign up to bring apple slices or grapes for our snack station.

We will have a craft station, snack station, and a storytelling station in addition to hunting eggs to fill an egg carton.

Sunday School students are making invitations to welcome friends or neighbors. We will also be inviting our neighbors from Marion Cares.

Sunday School News Preschool and Kindergarten friends

have been learning about Jesus’ helpers and friends as well as how they can be helpers.

1st—5th grade students are in a unit called “What WOULD Jesus do”? How did he show love? By serving

humbly, praying, forgiving, and loving thy neighbor.

Our Lent meal was a great success. The kids were able to raise $641 for their CrossRoads shopping trip this spring. Thank you to everyone who attended and were so generous in your giving. A big shout-out to the families

who contributed supplies and labor. Our meal wouldn’t be a success without you! THANK YOU!

EWALU Giving Tree Fundraiser

Look for the Giving Tree in the Gathering Space after Easter.

The Giving Tree will only be up April 23 –30.

All funds raised will go to additional scholarships for EWALU campers.

donations in gathering space

basket >>>

Adult Faith Development Adult Opportunities in March

There are many ways you can grow in faith and friendship with others from LCR! ♦ We Must Plant the Church: The Story of Lutherans in America This six-week video series serves as the sequel to our popular “Reformation Roots” class. We’ll meet in the far end of fellowship hall on Sundays from 9:45-10:45 and learn the story of how Lutherans came to America and began a new church. Topics include: April 2 – On New Soil: The Colonial Lutherans April 9 – In Times of Trial: Arriving in Waves April 23 – To Meet Human Need: Building Institutions April 30 – Working Together: Lutherans Uniting

♦ Sunday morning bible study meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45, led by Jim & Linda Cornally, discussing Samuel and David.

♦ Brown Bag Bible Study – Bring your lunch to the café on Thursdays from 11:30-12:30 as we discuss the upcoming gospel text for Sunday. Pastor Dennis leads this informal discussion.

♦ NEW Small Group Offering - Get off the bench! Be part of a small group while we study Kathy Johnston’s book, “Press Towards the Mark.” Disciplines and strategies used in athletic training are also used for spiritual growth. We will be meeting at 7 pm on 2nd & 4th Thursdays starting April 20th. We meet at Linda & Bob Erlandson’s home. Check out the Pathways Small Group display in the Gathering Space for details of other groups that are in session at this time, covering a variety of interesting topics.

♦ Women’s Circles - Lively discussion using studies from a variety of interesting sources. Rebecca Mary Martha Circle - first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 in the fellowship hall; contact - Harriet Van Gilder. JAM Bible Study - second Monday of each month at 1:00 in the church lounge; contact - Marcie Vogel.

♦ Biblical Fellowship meets on 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm in fellowship hall, led by Charlie Clauss.

♦ Brewing Up the Bible will meet on Wednesday, April 12th. Join us at Louie’s Scoreboard (740-10th Ave. in Marion) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm for fellowship, scripture, and adult beverages if desired. If you have any questions, contact Ramon (malinon@gmail.com).

New Member “Coffee with the Pastors”

Learn about membership at LCR on Sunday afternoon, April 2, from 2-4 pm. Pastor Dennis and Pastor Miranda will be available for coffee and conver-sation with anyone wanting to learn about who we are, why we exist, and what we’re about. We’ll tour the building, learn about our five purposes and marks of discipleship, and learn your stories. New members will be received on Palm Sunday, April 9th.

Reformation: Then and Now Roundtable Discussion

Come to Faith Lutheran in Marion on Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30 for a lively discussion on the Reformation, led by two professors - one Lutheran and one Roman Cath-olic. Dr. Martin Lohrmann is Assistant Professor of Lutheran Confessions and Heritage at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque. Dr. Jacob Kohlhaas is Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at Loras College in Dubuque. Resurrection is co-sponsoring this event with Faith Lutheran and Ascension Lutheran.

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WEE WISDOM Fellowship Lenten Supper

Wee Wisdom families will serve our final Lenten supper on Wednesday, April 5. Join us in the fellowship hall from 5:15-6:30 for meatball subs. Your freewill offering will help pay for new mulch on the playground and sup-port the kids’ giving project with Heifer International.

Easter Breakfast

On Sunday, April 16 from 7:30 to 11:00 am, the EDGE Youth will be offering pancakes, eggs, sausage, and fruit to support their mission trip to Washing-ton DC this July.

Thanks

I wish to thank my church family for the prayers, food, flowers, and the many, many cards during my recent sur-gery and recovery. A special thank you to the Galileans, Choir, and Pastor Miranda. - Dee Young

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt or-ganizing is underway and the anticipation is growing! We are look-ing forward to seeing your friends and neighbors join our

LCR families for this event on Saturday, April 8 from 3:00-4:30 pm. Please contact Shelly Beaver (tsbeav97@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Spring Scrapbooking Event

Get ahead of all those photos and memorabilia piling up at home by setting aside a day to put them into your scrapbooks. We’ll meet on Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm in the church fellowship hall. Everyone feel free to encourage your non-member friends to attend, too, as we have an a fantastic space to work in! Call Donna at 319-432-4148 for further information.

Preschool News

• April 5th Wee Wisdom families will be serving up delicious meatball subs at the Wednesday night Lenten meal. Come and taste, and welcome new faces to LCR! Proceeds will help out their class Heifer project as well as buying mulch for the playground.

(our meatball mascot) • Hy-Vee Receipts are

still welcome! This year’s round will be over on March 31st so please have your re-ceipts turned in by April 3rd. We will continue this “free” and easy way to assist our preschool next year as well. Watch for a grand total coming soon! THANK YOU!

• DHS inspections were done in

March and Wee Wisdom Pre-school came through with fly-ing colors! The full report is posted on the bulletin board outside our room. Thank you LCR for your support!

Wish List: Small plain terra cotta pots

www.weewisdommarion.org Registration for 2017-18 is full, but

there is a waiting list for both programs CONTACT

WeeWisdom@lcrmarion.org or 377-4689 Shelly Beaver & Michelle Heidelbauer

EDGE Youth

Confirmation Discipleship Training, Prayer, Fun, & Friendship for 6th-8th graders!

Wednesdays 7:00-8:15 pm

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Schedule Update for Confirmation:

Wednesday April 5th Worship together as a family for @ 6:00 or 7:00 pm

Thursday April 13th and Friday April 14th Worship together for Maundy Thursday

and Good Friday worship services @ 7:00 pm Wednesday April 19th

Large Group Night Wednesday April 26th

Small Group Night for 6th & 7th and EDGE Night for 8th

8th Grade Students: April 14th – Email typed bulletin information to the church

office; including Faith Statement, Mission Statement, & Confirmation Verse to the church office.

April 26th – Edge Night: 8th graders will join the High School Students for Edge. Special time 7:30-9:00 pm

The 8th Grade Retreat at Camp Ewalu was a fun time of growing in relationship with one another and with Jesus as students enjoyed time away

to bond and work on their Faith Statements.

During Lent, our students take the stage and teach their peers about topics they have studied and prepared. Our students are doing a great job

at Student Life Series!

Each Sunday morning, EDGE students meet

together before service to study

the scripture reading that will be taught on in service. They

wake up bright and early to

spend this time with each other!

Prayers

Prayers are

requested

for:

Those hospitalized in March: Those dealing with, or recovering from, illness or surgery: (Resurrection members) Dave Jensen, Myrna Springer, Elizabeth Buck-eridge, Lyle Bischof, Terry Van Gilder, Wayne Mase, Dan Tegtmeier, Pat Duwe, Marj Chappell, Dee Young, Eldon Jacobsen, Vera Olson, John Dolphin, John Wilkinson, Arvis Hahn, Orval Spilde, Kay Clauss, Dorothy Rinderknecht.

(Family and friends of our members) Amy Thompson, Bob Nelsen, Patricia Relly, Rex Reeves, Katie Decker, Jeff Law, Ginna Lestina, Austin Hayward, Harley Clymer, Darv Enderson, Paul Whitmore, Stephen Berridge, Cathy Burns, Luke Larson, Ken Harding, Pat Gadient, Jim Travis, Denise Schoby, Anita Hesse, Matt Cook, Angie Hanley, Wyatt Hemphill, Ione Spilde Nesteby, Carolyn Spilde, Jon Forsythe, Carl & Marge Richardson, Pat Eisentraut, Arlene Hediger Those living in care facilities: Aloha Franklin (Bickford Cottage), Edna Miller (Emery Place), Esther Burrack, Betty Novotny (Linn Manor), Evelyn Holm, Virginia Smart (Winslow House), Phyllis Bishop (Village Ridge), Millie Fuller (Keystone), Bob & Jan Berridge (Garnett Place), Noel Motter (Hiawatha Care Cen-ter)

Those in military service: Jacob Kriegel, Haley Eickstaedt, Thomas Mastrod-di, Donnie Hartman, Will Fritz, Steve Fritz, Bill Heil, Marissa Whitney, Aaron Moose, Eric Krause, An-drew Sawyer, Chrystal & Paul McDonough, Todd Kopperud, Alec Belin, Dillon Peyton, Mickey Ka-cena, Steven Anderson, Michael Berridge, David Berridge, Matthew Courter, Nate Hatch, James Vick, Adam Eilers, Andrew Zimmerman, Caleb Re-dell, Alex Bruce, Todd Christopherson, Nicholas Eilers, Matthew Clark, Joe Hollister, Brad Kielty, Anthony Martin, Matt Carson. Those who rejoice: • Ed & Barb Ohl on the birth of a new great-

granddaughter, Lucy Mae Zitelman, on 3/10. • Scott & Sally Immerfall on the birth of a new

granddaughter, Everette Berlynn Immerfall, on March 17th.

Those who mourn: • Kevin & Stephanie & family on the death of his father, Joe Schrader, on Feb. 26th. • Orv & Jo Alitz on the death of their daughter,

Elizabeth Clause, on March 6th. • Barbara Bunting on the death of her daughter,

Darlene Minx, on Feb. 14th. • Scott & Sally Immerfall on the death of his

mother, Dona Immerfall, on March 18th. • Jesse & Miranda Klosterboer on the death of

his grandfather, Les Pautsch, on March 15th.

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Please let the office know about prayer needs or when you wish to have a name removed. The names of friends and family who are dealing with illness will be listed for 2 months.

Treasurer's Report for February 2017

February Year to Date General Fund Receipts $48,212 $114,556 General Fund Expenses $62,649 $117,063 Cash Balances 2/28/17 2/28/16 General Fund $29,578 $46,676 Clearing Accounts $73,939 $68,990 Building Fund $40,793 $54,426

The Church Council met for their an-nual retreat on Saturday, Feb. 25 at EWALU. Here are the minutes from the February retreat and March 21 meeting:

Retreat - Officers elected are: President - Brandon Provolt Vice President - Ryan Phillips Co-Secretary - Maryann Wegener, Sally Reck

2017 Purpose Champions: Adult Discipleship – Maryann Wegener Fellowship – Jamie Reider Outreach - Alan Garlow Social Concerns – Sally Reck Stewardship/Budget – Ryan Phillips Worship – Linda Schminke Youth Discipleship - Dan Dennis, Michelle Heidelbauer

The Council reviewed the role of a Council member; LCR’s vision &

mission; and the upcoming schedule

of the Mission Assessment Profile and the Vernon Research Group survey. The first Leadership Gathering will be on March 2 for Council, staff, and the Long Range Planning Team. The minutes for the Jan. 17 Council meeting and Jan. 29 annual meeting were approved. The Treasurer’s report was approved, with a balance on Jan. 31 of $45,869. Discussion items: Sem-inary intern – four candidates were interviewed by Pastor Dennis on 2/21-22. We will hear from Luther Semi-nary on April 7 as to whether or not we will get an intern this fall. Open forums - these were well received in 2016; our hope is to do several more

Church Council

Building Fund Update

Building Fund gifts through 2/28/17 $23,642

2017 Building Fund pledges through February $25,111

Offerings received toward those pledges $22,712

% of pledges received in cash 90%

Mortgage Balance on 3/1/17 $86,425

Your purple envelopes and Lenten midweek offerings (plus Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) will support various mission partners through the General Fund. 100% of your gifts will be sent to partners such as: ♦ Local ministries – Marion Cares, Mission

of Hope/Crossroads, Linn County Jail Chaplaincy, EWALU

♦ State and Global Ministries – Wartburg Seminary; Lutheran Campus Ministries

at ISU, UNI and Iowa; ELCA missionar-

ies Jackie and Patrick Bencke in Kuma-moto, Japan; and Lutheran Services in

Iowa

Thanks for your faithful support!

Stewardship

in 2017, starting in late spring or early summer. Five year vision goals - these were reviewed in depth in January, will be reviewed again on a quarterly basis.

March 21 meeting – the secretar-y’s and treasurer’s reports were approved. The General Fund bal-ance on 2/28 was $29,578. Ap-proval Items: A fundraising request for the “Bible Camp Giving Tree” was approved. Discussion items: Staff changes – Matt & Tammy Evans submitted their resignations as 9:45/11:00 worship leader and Children’s Ministry Director, effec-tive the end of May. Their job de-scriptions are being reviewed be-fore the jobs are posted and the hiring process begins.

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Holy Week & Easter

Maundy Thursday - April 13 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday - April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday April 16 @ 8:15, 9:45, 11:00 am

- - - - - - - - - -

Easter Breakfast - Sunday, 7:30-11:00 am

LUTHERAN CHURCH of the RESURRECTION 3500 - 29TH AVENUE MARION IA 52302 (Address Service Requested)

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Marion, Iowa Permit #11

www.lcrmarion.org

Contact Us Church office hours:

Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm Phone: 319-377-4689 Fax: 319-377-4680

office@lcrmarion.org

Pastor Dennis Johnson - dennis@lcrmarion.org Pastor Miranda Klosterboer - miranda@lcrmarion.org

Sunday Sch. Coordinator Tammy Evans - tammy@lcrmarion.org Wed. Night Live Coordinator Jill Hansen - jill@lcrmarion.org

Youth/Young Adult Coordinator Katie Kascel - katie@lcrmarion.org Volunteer Coordinator Marcia Edwards - marcia@lcrmarion.org Office Manager/Treasurer Evelyn Beck - evelyn@lcrmarion.org

Secretary Emily Carson, office@lcrmarion.org Custodians - Marsie Sherzer & Jamie Fenoglio