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C O M P A S S Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, MN Fall 2025

CONNECT

CO M PA S S FA L L 2 0 2 5 LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos and email addresses. Send prayer requests to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.

Phone: 763.420.5015

Website: lordoflife.org

Email: office@lordoflife.org Enews (weekly): lordoflife.org/enews

Facebook: facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran, lolcyf

YouTube: youtube.com/lordoflifeluth Instagram: instagram.com/lordoflife, cyf_lordoflife.org

how do you choose to connect?

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3 Welcome 4-5 Real Loving Church 6-7 Fall Kickoff 8-9 Music Makes Connections 10-11 Connect Within Yourself Conversation + Connection 12-13 Neighborly Connections Connection Games 14-15 Connect with Nature 16-17 Caring Connections 18-19 Summer Interns 20-21 Summer 2025 22-23 Opportunities to Connect

Compass is a guide for those along the path of faith who seek to grow closer to Jesus Christ. It is a quarterly ministry from Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA). Paper is one of the most sustainable natural resources. After reading, please recycle or share with a friend or neighbor, inviting them to Lord of Life’s community of faith. You don’t need to be a member to receive Compass. To receive it in the mail and/or electronically, call 763.420.5015 or email bevm@lordoflife.org.

© 2025 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

WELCOME In 1623, when he was serving as the dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, John Donne preached words that still resonate today: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Donne was quite ill when he preached this sermon, so his own situation gives greater weight to these words.

His point is that the entirety of humankind is connected.

Even though the myth of the “self-made person” persists, it is false. Each of us is part of a wide network of other people, and each one of us is truly connected to each and every other person.

Fascinatingly, Donne coined the phrase “for whom the bell tolls” in the same sermon. His point was that when a church bell would ring at the death of a parishioner, a person need not ask who died, because whoever passed away was connected to each person who heard the bell. While that starves gossip, it points to our abiding connections with one another.

This issue of Compass focuses on our connections to one another and the ways God works through the life of this congregation to keep us connected: to God, to one another, to the community around us, and to the entire world.

Peace,

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REAL LOVING CHURCH

by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

In the song “Shattered (Turn the Car Around),” Marc Roberge of the band O.A.R. sings, “All that I feel is the realness that I’m faking.”

These words have stuck with me for years and I’m not quite sure if they’re profound or shallow.

I’ll leave that debate to the poets among us. I am sure, however, that these words often feel true for a whole host of people, including me.

We live in a highly curated and deeply filtered time. Influencers take dozens of pictures in order to, quite ironically, capture one “casual” shot. Countless apps have ways to filter our photos to make us look different than we actually do. Public figures and politicians have significant investments in their stylists and make-up artists so they can present themselves in a particular way.

None of this is news. This is an open secret, a charade we willingly play. So, I wonder, how many of us could say, “All that I feel is the realness that I’m faking.”

And of course, as people of faith, the question begging to be asked is: Is this what God desires for us?

The filters? The artifice? The false selves presented as the real thing?

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In Matthew’s gospel, there are multiple instances of Jesus condemning hypocrisy. For instance, in Matthew 6:16, Jesus says, “And when you fast, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites.” The origin of the word “hypocrite” comes from the Greek theater. It is a compound word that literally means “an interpreter from underneath.”

Actors in that age would wear large stage masks to show which character they were playing.

Over the years, this literal definition of hypocrite became what we know as the figurative mask-wearing when a person pretends to be one thing when, underneath, they are another.

God clearly does not call us to hypocrisy. There is no need to fake our realness. Our faith in Christ can instead embolden us to be real, to be authentic, to be honest.

If we are committed to an honest and authentic faith in Christ, that will lead us to embody what Jesus told his disciples at the Last Supper: “This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) I was recently talking with someone who had worked in a different Christian tradition’s bureaucratic structure. In reflecting on his experience over those years, he said, “Too often, the question that got asked was, ‘What does the Bible say?’ Sure, that’s important,” he continued.

“But in light of Jesus, the first question needs to be, ‘What does love demand?’”

What does love demand?

God first loved us (1 John 4:10), so we have been freed to love others just as Jesus has loved us.

In different circumstances, love looks different. When someone is grieving, they don’t need a pep talk. But when someone needs encouragement, love may just look like a pep talk.

To be real and loving means that we have an honest and authentic faith that is shaped by the love of Christ to love others.

So, then, what does it mean to be the church? There’s a model offered in Acts 4:32-35: The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common.

The apostles continued to bear powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and an abundance of grace was at work among them all. There were no needy persons among them.

Those who owned properties or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds from the sales, and place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Then it was distributed to anyone who was in need.

At its best, church is a community that cares for others, even when that care seems as extravagant and unlikely as this story from the early Christian church.

My abiding hope is that Lord of Life will be a Real Loving Church: a community that cares for others with an honest and authentic faith because we have been shaped by the love of Christ.

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SEPTEMBER 7 8:30AM-12PM Kick off a new fall series in worship and pick up a drink from the coffee truck. Kids age 2 through students in 6th grade will begin a new year of Church School!

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Hang out with friends, eat ice cream on the lawn, and browse the Gift Economy event.

SEPTEMBER 7 3-4PM

SEPTEMBER 14 5:30-7PM

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD

GAMES

Invite your friends and come jam in the backyard at Lord of Life. There will be live music from Coloring Shadows, food on the grill, lawn games, and a whole lot of fun!

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music

makes connections

What do you think of when you hear the song, Amazing Grace? If you are like most of us, you start humming the tune which brings back a memory from your life that was significant. You may remember how you felt in that moment or just the comfort of others surrounding you or maybe the peace of God’s love at that time. Music gives us an immediate emotional response that sparks memory and connections to the world around us. So why do we have these responses to music we may not have heard in years?

I am not a scientist, so I am going to explain memories in an elementary way. We have neurons in the brain containing information and experiences. Dendrites connect neurons to each other (they remind me of little plant roots). If we learn new information or experience something new, dendrites grow. If we don’t, dendrites disintegrate and disappear. If we keep using new information of experience (such as practicing an instrument) it becomes stronger and stronger. This is why studying for a test the night before will not help in the long term. It is also the reason I can still play from memory Clair de Lune on piano from eighth grade, but can’t remember the song I played yesterday. Another way to create stronger dendrites in our brain is through emotional and spiritual connections. If we have a strong emotion in learning, a memory becomes stronger; therefore, when we remember something, we also remember the emotion. Singing is a very effective way to remember information and involve emotion at the same time.

So how does this relate to singing and the church? Music first became a part of the church service in the medieval ages. Only a high priest could sing the Gospel lesson. It was believed that the human voice was the only instrument given from God that could enter the sacred house. Later on, other male priests or clerics could sing together reading the Gospels from one common book of chant. In the 1200s, churches added congregational singing, then choirs were formed to help with the singing of hymns. The connection from one “holy” voice was increased to a whole congregation singing together, feeling the spirit of God. So, music and singing is our direct connection with our memories and our connections with God. You may now understand why people who have severe memory loss will still remember songs from their youth. Singing is a perfect way to connect with those we love. You may think of a time when you felt very lost, but you heard a familiar song and you felt the comfort of God within you. You may have felt very alone—but singing together with the whole congregation opened you up to connecting with others. I remind the choir that we will not always know when a piece we sing will touch someone’s life and bring them comfort, support, or encouraging words that they needed in that very moment. In those moments, we are servants of God, triggering memories and feelings and connections in faith.

I hope you will prayerfully consider singing with the Canticle Choir—bringing beauty, joy, and hope to so many. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:15-8:45pm.

Canticle Choir Director Maggie Sabin 9

connect within yourself

by Javon “Mookie” Clark

Music legitimately connects me to the earth in all aspects. When I was younger I struggled with mental illness. Even at ten years old, I attempted suicide. After finding music, those thoughts are well beyond what I have been thinking lately.

Music is the reason I am still alive—it has kept me going.

I believe self-expression as an artist should be above all, even if you ruffle some feathers. Everyone has a story to tell and nobody else can tell your story—it has to be authentic to you. Being vulnerable in my art makes it easier for people to connect with me. I welcome you to experience my song on the facing page so we can be connected as well.

Since August of 2023, Mookie has been a building maintenance team member at Lord of Life. He creates art in music and choreography. He is living his best life with

credit: 38th_Street_Media

his daughter, Tsubaki, and son, Osiris (three and two years old respectively).

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Close

Your

Eyes

(Close your eyes, you can see the words with no disguise) Let me get a moment that’s opposite from the silent; some say to go with it; me I choose to defy it.

Music when invoked at the purest state of confinement, can take you off balance like losing spinal alignment.

Honestly it don’t know where I’m going as I write this one, picturing sarsaparilla skies painting me slight kisses.

Seeing my life looking through night vision; if I turn it off then darkness consumes my bright picture....

Losers win and the winners lose, areas of grey only stain the vision and bend the rules; Scholars get replaced with just hollering artists and ignorant fool.

Diamonds have one thousand faces, yet they all obscure the view. .....and me I might be one of them, so I walk a path where a threat will think before running up.

I’m told to “Do Me,” lessons from life did sum that up; Now Me, Myself, and I go for distance; who wants to run with us?

(Close your eyes, you can see the words with no disguise) If you close your eyes picture my daydream in the back drop, my nightmares in the foreground incinerates every padlock....so no secrets when helping the souls deepen; though reality is cruelest, I’m the strongest where most weaken.....

Still I’m speaking without a cause yet they’re begging for an encore I see it without applause, I’m leaping into the jaws of a planet the never pauses while keeping me in a box....

I’m screaming LET ME OUT because dealing with others stresses me out!

The truest bonds keep me rooted strong and lift until I left the ground…..

If you topple every tree in my forest without a warning the warring around the world would stop and bless the sound....

Or maybe I’m delusional, dumbing down my noise never works because it’s still confusing them....and that’s the ticket I’m winning because I’m losing them.

If sutras sowed the eyes I would blow the mind who’s defusing him?

So listen with an open mind, it’s never simple because the easy ones are close to lies, some paint the pictures, they’re invisible to open skies; the way to see it is to listen and just close your eyes.

(Close your eyes, you can see the words with no disguise) YouTube qr code:

give a listen!

artist: mookie the magician song: close your eyes

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conversation + connection Brewed Theology is a once-a-month opportunity to connect with others and have meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting. Each month is a new conversation and not a continuation. While geared towards those in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s—all are welcome! Meet at OMNI Brewing, 7pm, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; no purchase required. Visit

“Attending Brewed Theology has been instrumental in my personal faith journey. I look forward to the meaningful conversations and take the learnings with me into everyday life.” ~Bailey

lordoflife.org/brewedtheology so we can get an idea of who is coming (this helps structure the time). Come as you are and as you’re able!

for more info, visit lordoflife.org/brewedtheology

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“Since Lord of Life has a large congregation, Brewed Theology allows me the chance to have honest conversations and share faith in a relaxed smaller group environment.

It helps me grow spiritually and connect with others without pressure.” ~Dawn

neighborly connections

by Design and Media Specialist Bev Mello

Several years ago, Lord of Life connected with Settled, a ministry partner to end chronic homelessness.

Lord of Life has built three tiny homes and a fourth is nearing completion this fall. This fourth tiny home will be located on the sacred grounds of one of our neighbors in Maple Grove’s faith community, Church of the Open Door.

Rose Larson, one of Open Door’s pastors, lived in a tiny home community (Sacred Settlement) at Mosaic Christian Community, church land in the eastside of St. Paul.

One-third of its tiny homes are “intentional neighbors,” and two-thirds of the homes are people who have come out of chronic homelessness.

Rose graciously agreed to share more about the status of Open Door’s Sacred Settlement in this issue of Compass:

I’ve personally witnessed the deep friendships and life transformation that grow within these communities— for everyone involved. Over the past year, we’ve been in the design phase, working closely with churches and neighbors we’ve come to know and love through this journey, and we look forward to continuing that collaboration. Now, we’re entering the build phase—beginning preparations for the 12 tiny homes that will soon be nestled into the beautiful landscape.”

To all of Lord of Life’s contributors who have supported this mission—financially and

image courtesy of church of the open door

“We’re filled with excitement as we move forward with the Sacred Settlement and deeply grateful for the churches and community partnerships that have come together over the years—especially with Lord of Life!

This is a beautiful, unifying kingdom movement for God’s glory.

physically—a grateful thank you for your efforts in creating community + connections! lordoflife.org/settled

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Old Testament Connections PASSOVER

DEAD

UNLEAVENED BREAD

JUDAH

MATZAH

ASHER

PARSLEY

GALILEE

LEVI

RED

EGG

JUBILEE

GREAT

PURIM

JOSEPH

HORSERADISH

Familiar with New York Times online games—specifically Connections?

In both games on this page, find groups of four words that have a specific connection to each other. They’ll have a similarity or be in relationship to each other, sharing a commonality. Above are Old Testament references. Below are New Testament connections and words Jesus said, which may be familiar and connect with you. Give it a try before seeking answers (Page 23).

Make connections!

New Testament Connections

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JOHN

BRANCH

EPHESIANS

MEEK

FRUIT

COLOSSIANS

MARK

PHILIPPIANS

MERCIFUL

LUKE

POOR

GALATIANS

VINE

PEACEMAKERS

MATTHEW

ABIDE

connect with nature

by Communications Executive Director Sarah Lee

Outside of my old apartment, there was a bush that I think functioned as a bird condo. In the mornings, there would be what sounded like a giant flock of birds chirping away. I never saw enough birds to, in my mind, make this amount of joyful racket, but I certainly heard them. It seemed like they always had something to say.

I, like I’m sure many of you, am fascinated by St. Francis of Assisi and his love for the natural world. He was said to have preached to birds and animals, believing that God’s redemption was for all of creation, and therefore the good news should be spread not just among humans, but among everything that God made. I imagine that many saw him talking to the nature around him and thought he was senile, but hundreds of years laters, his legacy lives on.

I don’t plan to go out talking to birds, but not because I don’t believe that God’s redemption extends to them. Maybe it’s because I think the birds, and all of nature, have more to say to us. The Bible is full of reminders of ways nature points us to God. Jesus tells us to look to the birds and how they don’t worry, reminding us to trust God to provide (Matthew 6:26). The Psalms tell us that “heavens are telling the glory of God” and Isaiah says “the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” as a sign of God’s renown (Psalm 19:1 and Isaiah 55:12-13). Nature has a lot to say to us if we listen.

It’s often easy to connect to God through the grandeur of nature—a majestic mountain range or a vast ocean—but even the smallest pieces of God’s creation point us to our creator. Maybe connecting with God is as simple as listening to (or perhaps talking to) the birds.

You—along with furry, finned, or feathered family members— are invited to the annual blessing of the animals event on the south lawn the first Sunday in October at 1pm. Rain or shine! unsplash+: tashamarie

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With open arms, we welcome all women who have lost their spouse. It is a comforting connection to meet others in their journey with the Holy Spirit leading the way for those who are Alone Together.

—Diane Everson, Widow Support, third Mondays, 10am

We connect fellas with the common values of Jesus as their rock, a willingness to be kind, and the ability to share with and support others with a cancer diagnosis.

We have extra chairs and always a place for those who are touched by cancer. Welcome!

—Gregg Backstrom, Men’s Cancer Support, first Mondays, 7pm

connections

The divorce support ministry is an opportunity to connect with people (both women + men) who are hurt or broken. It allows us to grow and focus on God, faith, and moving forward in a new journey.

We live in community connecting with one another in love and support.

—Bill Freeland, Divorce Support, Wednesdays, 6:30pm

© lightstock

A cancer diagnosis is hard to deal with and our women’s cancer support group connects us with others experiencing a similar journey.

We connect on a deeper level with faith-driven meetings where we have a short devotion, updates, discussions, prayer requests, then close with the Lord’s Prayer. —Joann Cross + Rachel Ross, Women’s Cancer Support via Zoom, first Mondays, 7pm

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lordoflife.org/support

love one another In John 13:34, Jesus says “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” As a community of Christians, we offer love and support to all. One of the ways we do that is through many care and support ministries.

If you find yourself in need, we hope that the church is one of the first places you turn. Lord of Life believes in the power of prayer to lift up needs, wants, desires, and praise. You may submit prayers to lordoflife.org/pray. Prayers are distributed to the network and are lifted up by many voices. This is an effective and reassuring tool to know that your siblings in Christ are with you, bringing petitions to our loving God. You are not alone.

At the same time, Lord of Life helps with resources. Knowledge is power if you are facing something new or are in need of support. We have a list of resources including books, podcasts, and many organizations or websites to help you. The resources page is lordoflife.org/liferesources. If you are not online, call the office (763.420.5015) and ask for care ministries.

Lord of Life also offers many opportunities to connect with others who are experiencing transition or have special needs. We offer many groups that meet—online or in-person—at Lord of Life. These groups may be lay-led or pastor-led support groups to help navigate through challenges in our lives. As the church, we offer an invitation to all. You do not need to be a Lord of Life member to participate. Whether it’s a job transition, loneliness, cancer, grief, or a need for healing and recovery, mental health, divorce, or caregiving—there’s a support group that may meet your needs. Visit lordoflife.org/support or call the church office and ask for care ministries to find out more about these groups.

This fall, we will be starting a Caring Connections ministry to answer the need of those experiencing loneliness and who may be unable to get to church for any reason. There will be an informational meeting on September 28 at 11am. This ministry is a great opportunity to live into our faith by caring for others. If you are reading this and unable to get to church for the meeting, please call (763.420.5015) and ask for care ministries or me directly (763.420.5015 x109). I will be delighted to help you!

Whatever you may be going through, know that you are not alone and that “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9b). And as disciples of Christ, we are eager to join you on your journey.

in Christ’s tender love and care,

Pastor, Care Ministries

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THANK YOU, 2025 SUMMER INTERNS!

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Mae Tygum I have been blessed with the opportunity to intern here at Lord of Life, the place where I began my faith journey. Interning has strengthened not only my connection with God, but also with others, more than I could have ever imagined. Being able to work both behind the scenes and in front of so many young eyes has taught me how much I can do and create and has driven my passion for spreading the Lord’s love, kindness, and grace.

Mae is a sophomore at the University of WisconsinEau Claire studying special education.

Emily McCarvel This summer was busy in a good way, full of people, places, and a lot going on.

But even with the pace, there’ve been these really grounding moments of connection. Random conversations that hit deeper than expected, or just feeling really present with people I care about.

It’s made me think about how faith can show up in those small, unexpected ways, not always loud, but real.

Emily is a sophomore at Southern New Hampshire University studying psychology.

Johanna Delp

This summer, I felt my connection with God strengthened by building relationships with youth volunteers and leaders. I’ve been inspired to grow in my faith when watching youth arrive at church prepared to lead others with compassion, patience, and energy.

God has been at work and I’ve seen it in small group discussions, games, and crafts.

Witnessing these connections helps me realize that my faith has grown the most when I’m in a community that is committed to one another’s success.

Johanna is a junior at Luther College studying psychology.

Claudia Ross

I’m grateful for the opportunities to connect with children, families, and co-workers at Lord of Life. God has used these connections to strengthen my faith.

During the summer my role primarily involves working with younger children. As much as I prep to teach them, they always end up teaching me so much as well. Through witnessing children sharing, lending a helping hand, and singing about Jesus’ love—I’ve been reminded of the childlike faith we’re called to.

Claudia is a junior at Bethel University studying elementary education.

Ethan Smith

This summer has been a very memorable experience working with high school youth through the new Summer Nights ministry. My faith and connections have grown immensely through instruction and interaction with not simply high schoolers—but youth of all ages. I hope that the meaningful connections I have made and the messages I have communicated will last a lifetime with these individuals.

Ethan is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota studying accounting and finance.

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Summer 2025

high school summer nights

play and pray

high school mission trip

summer stretch leaders

summer stretch

preschool vbs

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adventure vbs

middle school mission trip

Lord of Life will gather for “An Evening of Remembrance” on November 2 at 7pm. This will be a time when we remember loved ones who have passed into their eternal homes. We will create a sacred space steeped in prayer, music, an invitation for reflection, and a message of hope. Whether you have vacation bible school (vbs)

lost a loved one this past year or longer, you are welcome to receive a powerful experience of God’s love.

We hope you will join in.

—Pastor LisaMarie, Pastor Karen, David Frank

summer stretch

Centering prayer is a spiritual practice and a contemplative prayer group has been meeting for a few years at Lord of Life. Centering prayer is a method of Christian silent prayer that deepens our relationship with God. It is prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within. The method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to deepen that relationship.

Beginning in September, the contemplative prayer group will meet on both the first Tuesdays and the third Tuesdays in the Prayer Chapel at 2pm. Come as you are and as you are able.

bible camp

—Linda Botner, Pastor Karen

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thanksgiving worship

eve

Give thanks, worship together, enjoy pie (more choices than simply pumpkin!)—join in at 7pm on Wednesday, November 26, in the sanctuary. Invite a friend or neighbor to build community + connections!

Church School registration is open (lordoflife.org/churchschool)!

faith + family connections

The first class of Church School will be Sunday, September 7. To ensure timeliness for kiosk check-in that morning, register online today!

For families of all shapes + sizes—join in at the Kalahari Resort in the

unsplash+: maryam sicard

Block Party, Sept. 14! Live music by

Wisconsin Dells! Enjoy the fun of a water park

Coloring Shadows, food on the

with family faith time on November 7-9. Visit

grill, face painting + more!

lordoflife.org/FamilyRetreat for more deets.

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Backyard

Early bird discount by October 7!

see pages 6-7

W O R S H I P Saturdays 5:30pm

Sundays 8:30, 9:45, 11am

First Sundays 6:30pm

holy communion every week,

holy communion first + third Sundays,

contemplative Taizé worship with

livestreamed on YouTube

livestreamed on YouTube

annointing, if desired

Childcare available (birthage two) during Sunday morning worship

Connections Answers (from Page 14)

Old Testament Connections

Festivals: Purim, Jubilee, Passover, Unleavened Bread Lakes + Seas: Red, Dead, Great, Galilee Four of Jacob’s 12 sons: Asher, Joseph, Judah, Levi

For all events, changes, recurring ministry events, and announcements, visit lordoflife.org for the most current information. For a list of baptisms, bereavements, welcome to new members, and weddings, visit lordoflife.org/congregational life. And, you are invited to Lord of Life’s prayer network (lordoflife.org/prayernetwork) to pray for the community.

Food for Passover/Seder Meal: Matzah, Horseradish, Egg, Parsley

New Testament Connections The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Some of the Apostle Paul’s letters: Colossians, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians People who are blessed in the Beatitudes: (Matthew 5:3-12) Poor, Meek, Merciful, Peacemakers In John 15:5, Jesus says: “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.”

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Lord of Life

NonProfit Org. U. S. Postage

PAID

7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313

Hopkins, MN Permit 252 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION

Name Address City, ST 00000-0000

We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. ~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people.

We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. ~Brené Brown

© lightstock

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ~Jesus, John 13:34