Risen Savior Lutheran Church

06/02/2026

Sawdust, Bible Study, and Savannah Roots: Welcome, George & Jeanette!

Our series continues as we introduce the Cunninghams, who have been part of our Risen Savior family since April of last year. While they recently moved here from the Atlanta area, Jeanette has long-standing ties to the region; her mother was raised in Savannah and grew up attending Wesley Monumental downtown.

George and Jeanette’s own story together also has deep roots—they first met when they were just 13 years old! Though they went their separate ways for a time, they reconnected in college and have been a team ever since.

Their path to the WELS began in Atlanta. They were without a church home, praying for the Lord's guidance, and doing some online browsing of congregations. Jeanette discovered A Mighty Fortress and loved the message she heard. She had to share it with George, and they both felt that it was worth an in-person visit to the church. After hearing the Word shared so clearly, they knew their prayers had been answered and they have been part of the synod ever since.

The couple moved to their current home "out in the country" to be closer to their two children and four teenage grandchildren. They are currently in the thick of a downsizing project and home renovations to make their space "teenager-ready." Between the construction dust and the hour-long commute to church (or really anywhere), their life is full, and they are happy to be exactly where they are needed.

George stays busy with carpentry—for example, he recently built a chicken coop for their daughter. Jeanette finds her recharge time through reading and walking on the treadmill while listening to Christian podcasts and authors like C.S. Lewis, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Dr. Lee Warren.

Both George and Jeanette share a great enthusiasm for the Word. Jeanette is a diligent student of her Lutheran Study Bible, often diving into the notes to ensure she is learning God's Word accurately. George took up the challenge of reading through the entire Bible for the first time in his 50s and is now on his third journey through the Scriptures, finding fresh insights with every pass.

While they are currently navigating some physical hurdles and a long commute, George and Jeanette make it a priority to join our Tuesday morning Bible study and Sunday morning Worship whenever they are able. Be sure to stop and say hello to them when you see them—we are blessed to have them join our church family.

05/30/2026

Join us Sunday for worship with Pastor Mark! Livestream is available by clicking the link / image below:

Join us for worship starting at 11AM on SundayAcknowledgements:...

05/29/2026

Flashback Friday to our dear Stephanie’s bridal shower back in April. What a blessing it was to celebrate and shower her with love! ❤️ We are so thankful for the time, talents, and kindness Stephanie shared with us during her two and a half years here. While we are so sad to see her go, we know she will continue to be a tremendous blessing wherever life takes her next. God be with you till we meet again.

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

Join us tomorrow at 11AM for worship with Pastor Mark! Livestream is available by clicking the link/image below:

Join us for worship starting at 11AM on SundayAcknowledgements:Setting One from Christian WorshipUnless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from Th...

05/22/2026

Thankful Thursday: We thank God that another school year is drawing to a close. We extend our heartfelt blessings to our students and families, wishing them a restful and rejuvenating summer, and remembering the hymn verse we sang in chapel this morning: “Go, my children, with my blessing; never alone, waking, sleeping, I am with you; you are my own…”. Risen Savior Christian Academy, Risen Savior Lutheran, Georgia

05/21/2026

Our series of new member introductions continues this week with the Burris family, who made the cross-country trek from California to Georgia in January. While moving coast to coast is a grand adventure, they already know several people. Andrea is the daughter of Debbie Sprague, whom we introduced earlier in this series, and the family shares a long history with the Douglas family; they attended the same church and school together back in California. Andrea and Randal are settling into their new community along with their three children: Parker (5th grade), Jackson (2nd grade), and Rory (3-year-old preschool). All three children are enrolled at Risen Savior Christian Academy, keeping the family active in our school circles from the start. During the week, Andrea and Randal balance demanding professional roles. Randal is a CPA, which keeps him particularly busy during tax season, and Andrea works as an LPN in utilization management. Their 'off-the-clock' time is often spent supporting their children's athletic interests. You might spot them at a field or track, as Parker plays soccer and softball, while Jackson stays busy with baseball and running. Their faith journey is a meaningful part of their story. While Andrea was raised in the WELS tradition, Randal did not have a church background until the two began dating in high school. He found steady mentorship in his pastors, particularly Brian Pechman (a previous pastor here at Risen Savior), who baptized, confirmed, and married him. Randal shares that he has been deeply shaped by the various pastors he has worked with over the years, noting how their different leadership styles each played a role in his spiritual growth. For Andrea, going through membership classes again with Randal was a welcome opportunity to revisit and reflect on the foundations of her faith while helping him navigate his own. To relax, the family enjoys a variety of interests. Andrea likes walking and visiting the pool, while Randal enjoys golf and is a home brewer - though he notes his equipment is still packed away for the moment. The couple also enjoys a competitive game of cribbage with the Douglas family! The Burris family arrives with a heart for service and leadership. Randal brings a wealth of experience from his previous congregation, where he served eight years as treasurer and six as president. Andrea, who spent six years on her former school board, has already begun making connections through the Altar Guild and BUNCO Beauties (and you'll see Parker taking her turn serving as acolyte!). As they settle in, they look forward to observing and discovering where their skills can best support the needs of Risen Savior. We are delighted to have them with us and look forward to the many ways they will enrich our church family.

05/19/2026

Ministry Monday: “God’s own child I gladly say it, I am baptized into Christ!” 🕊️⛪️

What a gift to watch the Holy Spirit at work! Jesus bless these new and sweet little sisters in Christ!