Lord of Life LifeTIMES April 2013 by Lord of Life Lutheran Church

LifeTIMES

A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota

He is RISEN! The Season of Easter by Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home Ministry

es, there is a season of Easter. Actually, the Easter season in which we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord begins on Easter Day and lasts 50 days ending on Pentecost. This year it began on March 31 and ends on May 19. Continue celebrating Easter by reading Psalms 148, 149, and 150. Whom do you need to tell about the empty tomb of Christ? How? Ascension Day is the fortieth day of Easter and always falls on a Thursday. This year Ascension Day is May 9. Read about Jesus being taken up into heaven in Acts 1:3-11. What is the importance of Jesus’ final promise and command to you? (v. 8) What steps can you take to be actively involved in telling others about Christ? Pentecost Sunday is the fiftieth and last day of Easter. In 2013, Pentecost Sunday will be May 19. It is the birthday of the Church through the Holy Spirit. Read the story of the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost in Acts 2. What does it mean to you to be filled with the Holy Spirit? What steps can you take to be better prepared for God’s use?

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

April 2013

Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life. —Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy spirit 2-6

generosity 7

worship Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Third Monday Healing Service at 6:30 pm on April 15 in Lord of Life’s Prayer Room Third Wednesday worship at 2 pm on April 17 at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in Maple Grove Third Sunday worship at 9:30 am on April 21 at Good Samaritan Society - Ambassador in New Hope

April 6/7 Preaching: Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Peter Middlecamp and Amy Cerepak (9:45 and 11 am)

adult children youth family (cyf) 8-10 11-14 contact info 15

April 13/14 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Bel Canto (all services), Kate Ostaffe (11 am) April 20/21 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble, Preludes April 27/28 Preaching: Pastor Dave McCarty Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: One Mission One World musicians Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.

Pastor Karen Sue Greimel was ordained at Lord of Life on Sunday, February 24. God’s many blessings to Pastor Karen Sue as she embarks on this new stage of her ministry, serving as Pastor of Pastoral Care at Lord of Life! Pictured are the pastors and rostered lay leaders attending her ordination.

pastoral staff Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, x105, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Todd Buegler, Pastor, Children Youth Family, x109, todd@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, x104, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, x144, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. David Lippitt, Pastor, Congregational Care, x122, davidl@lordoflife.org Rev. Dave McCarty, Pastor, Outreach and Mission, x147, davem@lordoflife.org

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

This is My Father’s World

spirit

pril 22 is Earth Day and with the Lord of Life Creation Care Team we will celebrate God’s gift of creation during worship on April 20 and 21.

This is My Father’s World is a great song that we’re going to sing at the close of worship that weekend. Do you believe this IS my Father’s world? If you do, how do you think our Father is feeling about our care of His world? Imagine that you’re the parents of a teenage child who you leave at home while you go on vacation. Your beloved child decides this would be a wonderful opportunity to have a party. And the whole junior class shows up, and the house gets trashed.

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

You come home from Florida a day early—oooh, bad luck—and walk in to see a house where food, garbage, and aluminum cans are strewn everywhere. How do you respond? “Oh honey, we’re so happy you have so many nice friends. Don’t worry about the mess. We’ll clean it up. We’re just glad you had fun while we were gone.” I don’t think so. More likely it’s, “Get down here and start cleaning. You’re grounded until you’re thirty. What were you thinking? Don’t you have any respect for us and for this house?” In a similar way God has left us, his teenage children, in charge of his beautiful creation. And we haven’t been very responsible either. Someday God’s coming back and how do you think He will respond? “I’m happy that you polluted the rivers and fouled the air and caused the destruction of thousands of species of plants and animals. I’m just glad you had fun while I was gone.” I don’t think so. More likely it’s, “Get down here and start cleaning. What were you thinking? Don’t you have any respect for me and my creation?” This is my Father’s world. This is God’s home, and God doesn’t like it when his home is trashed. But it’s not too late. God does know what’s happened, but I think we’d still be wise to get to work before He gets home. What are you going to do to help clean up the mess? For this is our Father’s world.

Adopt-A-Park

by Kevin Klitz, Creation Care Team

ord of Life is looking for volunteers to help celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up a local Maple Grove park. This family-friendly event will be Sunday, April 21 from 1-2 pm at South Elm Road Neighborhood Park, 17255 66th Place North, Maple Grove. Please sign up in advance on the hallway bulletin board for this Creation Care Team-sponsored event. Questions? Contact Jane Bergstrom.

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

spirit

he last session of Life Long Learning at Lord of Life for this academic year is right around the corner! Many wonderful classes are offered during session 5 - see the schedule below.

Registration and more information may be found at lordoflife.org/L5. We welcome suggestions for future class offerings; contact Donna Rohrer (prdonnarohrer@gmail.com) with your ideas.

SESSION 5 Week of April 7 - Week of May 5 SUNDAY MORNING 8:30

1. Prayer School Pastor Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec 2. Humanity in the Midst of War—An Introduction to Humanitarian Law Bob Munson

9:45

1. Introduction to the Book of Mark Ina Barton 2. Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Renae Larson

11:00

1. Why Jesus? The Thread through the Old Testament Pastor Donna Rohrer 2. Faith + 1: How Christianity Informs Our Music Choices and Vice Versa Adam Bunge

TUESDAY EVENING 6:45

1. Why Jesus? The Thread Through the Old Testament Pastor Donna Rohrer 2. Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Renae Larson

WEDNESDAY EVENING 6:30

Transitions: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Jr. High or Middle School Members of Lord of Life’s Children, Youth & Family Ministry Team

7:30

Introduction to the Book of Mark Ina Barton

One Mission One World Weekend Celebrate the many amazing missions of Lord of Life at One Mission One World Weekend, April 27/28. If you have participated in any Lord of Life mission trip, please wear your trip shirt and participate in the choir, which will sing one song during worship. Stop in Fellowship Hall after worship to learn more about One Mission One World.

St. Olaf Lutheran Partnership Representatives from St. Olaf Lutheran in north Minneapolis will be coming to Lord of Life on Wednesday, April 17 for dinner and fellowship, and a continuation of the discussions begun at our Urban Ministries brainstorming session on February 17. Meet in Fellowship Hall for dinner at 6 pm and to discuss ways we can work together. Topics for discussion include: Summer Festival/Revival, mentoring, drama, youth activities, service opportunities for small groups, etc. Please come show your support, and see how your gifts and passion can be used to serve alongside our partners in north Minneapolis. Please RSVP to Pastor Dave McCarty.

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

spirit

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together baptisms

bereavements

welcome to new members

February 2 Lily Helen Lewis

Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.

Larry & Sherry Benedict with Braden and Ethan

Mary Amundson and family at the death of her mother

Dennis & Christala Culhane with Sophie

Steve Cady and family at the death of his mother

Andrea Guy with Trent Ward and Ethan and Kellen Guy

Susan Carroll and family at the death of her father

Shawn & Annie Hoellein with Aiden

February 9 Chace Scott Anderson Ayla May Roth February 10 Avery Joy Bergman Matthew Warren Criswell Addilyn Jane Springer Karina Jane Sustad February 16 Jacob Robert Hemmesch Evan Joseph Ruhoff February 24 Lucas John DeVries At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Saturday, April 13, from 10-11 am; no preregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office.

weddings February 2 Kaitlyn Collins & Adam Tembreull February 9 Pat Skoglund & Bruce Dutcher

David Frank and family at the death of his father Bonnie Franta and family at the death of her mother Bob Hewitt and family at the death of his brother Kari Lokken and family at the death of her mother Sue Lupton and family at the death of her mother Tina McCarty and family at the death of her grandfather

Gail Blackmon

Craig Paavola Matt & Melissa Slyter with Madelyn Taylor Wilson & Julie Hagen Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members— but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church & its programs financially. Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/newmembers for more information. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

Marilynn Wachter and family at the death of her father

February 17 Jody Hoehle & Depes Littlefield

Would you like to share an original photo or artwork or poetry or a God moment with your Lord of Life faith family? We would love to share it in a future issue as space allows; you are encouraged to contact LifeTIMES Editor Bev Mello.

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

spirit

Word for Women New Study

ou are invited to explore Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference? This five-week study addresses questions such as: Is God listening? Why should God care about me? Why do so many prayers go unanswered? Why does God let the world go on as it does and not intervene? Does prayer really help with physical healing? Theologian Philip Yancey says, “If prayer stands as the place where God and human beings meet, then I must learn about prayer.” Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference? is an invitation to pray to a God who loves us and wants to interact with us. Together let’s explore prayer! The study begins April 3 and meets Wednesdays from 9:30-11 am. For more information, please contact Karen Nelson.

hope there is

every Tuesday at Celebrate Recovery Saturday Night Dinner

Let Go!

re you stuck trying to “keep it all together?” Have you tried everything on your own to “fix” a difficult situation? Jesus calls to us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Step 3 states “we made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.” We don’t have to tackle all of life’s issues alone. No issue is too big for God. Don’t worry if you “let go” of a situation; God will never let you go. You will be warmly welcomed at Celebrate Recovery where you will quickly see that you are not alone, and there are many folks learning to let go and to trust God. Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday beginning with dinner at 6 pm followed by programming from 6:30-8:30 pm. Programming for children K-6th grade is also available with childcare for infants-age 5. No registration is needed. For more information contact Michelle Welinski.

Celebrate Recovery, Celebration Station, and the landing will host a dinner on Saturday, April 6 following worship from 6:30-7:30 pm. “Denial Burgers” and “Serenity Sausage” along with “Keep Coming Back Onions” will be served. Thanks in advance for your support of this ministry!

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

generosity

february 2013 budget year-to-date Actual

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

Budget Difference

$504,537 $496,491 $57,944

$64,082

$8,046 ($6,138)

$562,481 $560,573

$1,908

Capital Campaign Nears Two-Year Mark

he three-year Capital Campaign to raise funds for the building addition at Lord of Life will reach the two-year mark on April 30. As of March 15, $2.4 million had been received towards a $3 million dollar goal. The total cost of the project that expanded Fellowship Hall, and created a new youth area, adult education space, prayer room, commons areas and 100 parking spaces was $3.9 million dollars. Our hope is to pay off all of that debt in the next two years. If you would like to make a special gift for that purpose, it would be most appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who has given and who continues to give towards the beautiful addition. In a very difficult economic period, Lord of Life members stepped up and exhibited a culture of generosity. This new space has expanded our programs and created a pleasant and welcoming environment for members and visitors alike. Thank you! Lord of Life Weekly Giving — February 2013

consider a gift of stock

$90,000

Whenever the stock market rises, it is a good time to consider making a gift of appreciated stock to the church. Such a gift has tax advantages for you and is a generous way to support Lord of Life.

$80,000

The stocks need to have been held for more than a year, and then the total value of the stock gift is credited to you as a charitable donation without you being taxed on the gain. Please check with your financial advisor to receive more information and to decide if this way of giving is a good idea for you.

$40,000

Gifts of stock are receipted on the date the stock is received in the Lord of Life account. Please contact Colleen Anderson at 763.420.5015 x103 or colleen@ lordoflife.org to notify her of your stock gift (including type of stock, number of shares, and date of transfer) and for necessary account numbers for the stock transfer. Thanks for considering this gift to Lord of Life!

$70,000 $60,000 $50,000

$30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

2/3 2/10 2/17 2/24

Actual $50,921 $50,438 $54,722 $80,320 Budget $62,219 $62,219 $62,219 $62,219 finance staff Colleen Anderson, Finance Director, x103, colleen@lordoflife.org Lenora Little, Finance & Stewardship Assistant, x139, lenoral@lordoflife.org Lisa McCarty, Finance Assistant, x151, lisam@lordoflife.org Sandie Saar, Finance Assistant, x101, sandie@lordoflife.org

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

adult

Emergency Foodshelf Network thanks Lord of Life I just wanted to send out a huge thank you to all of the Lord of Life volunteers who came to help out at Emergency Foodshelf Network on February 4. As always, everyone did a fantastic job and overall you helped serve over 1,100 Minnesotans in need during your visit. Not a bad way to start off the new year! I am looking forward to working with your group every month throughout 2013 and am excited to see the positive impact Lord of Life volunteers have on fighting hunger in our state. Thank you for your true dedication to EFN and hunger relief – we are so lucky to have you as ongoing volunteers. Sarah Sarah Havey | Volunteer Coordinator Emergency Foodshelf Network Volunteer to sort or package food at EFN on Monday, April 1 at 7 pm in New Hope. C3ers—you can earn service hours! Sign up at lordoflife.org/efn or contact Jane Bergstrom.

2013 Acts 29 Mission Trip For the second year in a row, the Acts 29 Mission Trip will be going to Minot, North Dakota. The dates of the trip are July 21-27. In the summer of 2011, Minot was devastated by flooding - 25 percent of Minot’s houses were destroyed and over 11,000 people were evacuated. Even though the flooding happened two years ago, there are still many houses that need rehab work so that their owners can move home. We will be staying and working through Hope Village. Visit their website at hopevillagend.org. The trip is open to persons age 16 years and older and to all skill levels. If you are interested in this trip, stop by the narthex tables on the weekends of April 6/7 or April 13/14 for more information. Also, an informational meeting will be held on Sunday, April 14 at 12:15 pm. Questions? Contact trip leaders Merle or Michelle Waldron at mmwaldron@comcast.net or 763.420.5388.

Lord of Life volunteers presenting a check for $910 from Joy of Giving donations to the Emergency Foodshelf Network

Source MN at Men’s Breakfast

t the next Men’s Quarterly Breakfast on Saturday, April 20, come and hear about a meaningful Twin Cities ministry, Source MN. From 7:30-9 am in Fellowship Hall, you will have an opportunity to meet the executive director of Source, Peter Wohler, an ordained minister. Source MN is located in south Minneapolis; it helps homeless, disenfranchised youth and victims of sex trafficking. Source has relationships with over 70 urban and suburban churches. Source and church leaders have recognized that many of the current homeless youth who migrate to south Minneapolis come from suburban neighborhoods. Source MN offers a safe Christian environment for young, marginalized, and often homeless men and women along with a life skills program to help them with a new beginning. It is not just a sober house or drug rehab institution. In addition to reaching out to homeless youth, Source MN offers support to women who have recently come out of sex trafficking. Source opened a newly renovated housing facility at the end of January 2012; eight women were helped in that facility during 2012. Many of Lord of Life’s youth have already volunteered at Source MN in the Summer Stretch program the past two years. There are opportunities for other members of Lord of Life to volunteer in a variety of ways this coming year. Come and listen to Peter Wohler on April 20. Please sign up at lordoflife.org/mensbreakfast or on the bulletin board.

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

From Seed to Table

eed to Table gardening event – you do not need a green thumb, large space or knowledge of vegetables to attend this event. In fact, you are our very audience! Join us Saturday, April 6 at Lord of Life from 8 am–12 noon for educational seminars that will teach you about the next generation of gardening. We will show you easy, healthy and functional ways to grow vegetables in your current living space.

adult

Three main tracts of seminars will be presented in 45-minute segments during the morning event. You will have the choice to attend presentations centering on beginning gardening, healthy cooking (with recipes and taste testing), and container-style gardening. Attendees will be presented with the following educational seminars: •

Non-traditional Gardening/Gardening in Small Spaces: How-to information on container gardening will be presented. Those who live in apartments, condominiums, townhomes or hungry-animal infested areas will get tips to create appropriate gardens for their space.

•

Beginning Gardeners: These presentations will focus on the basics. This will teach the participant where to start and what you need to know in order to grow healthy vegetables.

•

Healthy Cooking: Complete with samples and take-home recipes, these food demonstrations will show participants how to cook and experiment with fresh vegetables in their own meals.

Register online at lordoflife.org/lifegarden or in person at the event. Entry fee is $5 per person and payable at the door.

Cancer Prevention Study

Care Ministers

Relay for Life Breakfast

• help individuals working through grief after the death of a loved one. • visit the sick in hospitals, homes or nursing homes. • comfort the lonely and depressed. • be a friend to someone who needs a friend. • reach out to members of the congregation who need a concerned listener.

Lord of Life is excited to be one of 15 sites in the Twin Cities that will be host to a groundbreaking study, CPS3 for the American Cancer Society. This study will take place on Friday, June 21 from 7:30-11:30 am. Get more information on how you can participate in the study at the Relay for Life breakfast or visit lordoflife.org/cancerprevention for more details.

Enjoy breakfast between services on Sunday, April 21, sponsored by current and past Relay for Life walkers and the Women’s Cancer Support Group. You will get the opportunity to view a slide show of past relays while eating your breakfast, as well as the opportunity to talk with walkers to learn why it’s so personal for them to participate in the relay. It’s not too early to start thinking about this year’s Relay for Life - mark your calendars for July 19, 6 pm at Osseo Sr. High. You can even join a team at breakfast!

Care Ministers are trained members of the congregation who regularly offer Christian love, a listening ear and prayer support in a confidential environment. They also are knowledgeable about additional resources within and outside Lord of Life that may help. Care Ministers:

Care Ministers receive initial training, as well as ongoing support and education. The next training is Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 4, from 9 am to 4 pm both days. For more information, please contact Pastor David.

adult ministries Jane Bergstrom, Administrative Assistant, x142, janeb@lordoflife.org Karen Nelson, Administrative Assistant, x138, karenn@lordoflife.org Michelle Welinski, Missions/Ministries/Pastoral Care/Wedding Supervisor, x118, michellew@lordoflife.org

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

adult

Memorial Blood Drive The next blood drive at Lord of Life is Tuesday, April 9, from 2:307 pm. To make an appointment, visit mbc.org/searchdrives, then enter sponsor code 0022. You may also call Lord of Life’s main church office to schedule an appointment. Remember to bring a valid photo ID to the blood drive. Thanks for giving the gift of life!

Grief Support

If you have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you know how difficult the journey of grief can be. Grief support is offered every Tuesday at 6:45 pm. Come and find support and hope from others who are traveling this road. Come at 6 pm for dinner. Questions? Contact Pastor Karen Sue.

Women’s Cancer Support Group

Women’s Cancer Support group meets the first Monday of each month at 7 pm at Lord of Life. Come for laughter, hope and support. Questions? Contact Jessica Nord at nordj@me.com or 763.494.9469 or Jayne DeGroote at degroote@comcast.net or 763.670.9060. God bless!

OWLs Events

Worship at Rose Arbor, April 17 at 2 pm Service Project, April 26: Beginning at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall labeling LifeTIMES There is no Faith, Food & Fellowship in April due to Easter.

...older, wiser, or Lutheran? Even if you are not, you will be warmly welcomed at all of the OWLs’ events. Sign up for all activities is on the bulletin board near the welcome desk in the narthex. Visit lordoflife.org/owls for more photos as well as stories of recent events. Questions about this vibrant seniors’ ministry? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@ embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.

Skyrock Farm and Organ Museum, April 18: Hear several dance organs, see hundreds of carousel horses and a full-size working carousel, and learn about the restoration process. Lunch on your own at the Choo Choo in Loretto.

save the dates Thursday, May 2: Bring a friend to see the humorous one act play “You won’t get a pill by asking Dr. Jill” presented by “In the Groove.” We begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Thursday, May 16, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Enjoy acres of spring flowers and woodlands on a narrated tram tour. Visit the gift shop and art exhibit. Lunch on your own in the Arboretum restaurant. Thursday, June 6, Annual Picnic: “Big Band Swing” with the 70-member Synod Senior Band (Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA). The fun begins at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Thursday, June 20, Minnesota Twins Baseball Game: Seats in the Home Run Porch section, cost is $25 for Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox. Leave church at 10 am and return about 4:30 pm. Lunch is on your own at the stadium.

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

children youth family

Club 56 April Event Who: All 5th and 6th graders and their friends What: Indoor rock climbing at an awesome facility – Vertical Endeavors in Minneapolis – and The Bridge for Youth service project. When: Saturday, April 27 Time: 11 am check in; 5:15 pm pick up Cost: $25 includes rock climbing and lunch (pizza) Service Project: The Bridge for Youth - Donate socks! Bring in a new pair(s) of socks or clothing items to donate to youth in need (ages 10-17; sizes medium, large and extra large). The Bridge for Youth helps create a safe environment for runaway and homeless youth in the Twin Cities where kids feel safe to share their stories and get the help they need. Club 56ers will donate new socks (or clothing items) and together we will take them to the shelter. The kids will get a chance to learn about what The Bridge for Youth does for the community, watch a video, and ask staff some questions. Register at lordoflife.org/club56 or in the CYF office. Adult volunteers are needed and attend for free. Contact Amanda Clancy to volunteer. Waiver: Vertical Endeavors requires all participants to have a signed waiver on prior to entering the climbing area. Please download and print a waiver from the website, sign, and bring to the event.

mark your calendars!

Church School registration for Fall 2013 opens May 1. Registration information can be found at lordoflife.org/ churchschool. Church School Ministry Leader Appreciation is April 6 and 7. Stop by the Leadership Center (across from the Youth Room) before or after Church School for some refreshments and treats as we thank you for your dedication to Lord of Life’s Church School ministry.

CYF Summer Faith & Fun

Registration is open for all of our great summer ministries for children and youth! Visit lordoflife.org/summer for links to great programs including: Vacation Bible School - preschool and elementary; Half Pint Camp; Elementary Camp; Club 56 Adventure Days; Family Camp; Jr. High Camp; Jr. High Mission Trip; Summer Church School; Summer Stretch.

Lutheran College Fair

Hey sr. highers—are you starting to think about college? Lord of Life is hosting a Lutheran College Fair on Monday, April 22. Come get information and talk to admissions representatives from Lutheran colleges and universities throughout the country. Here’s the schedule: 6:30 pm—Registration 6:45 pm—Financial Aid Seminar 7:30-9 pm—College Fair (with refreshments)

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

children youth family

7th and 8th Graders Sundays, 6-7 pm April 7 Honor Who?!? April 14 Respecting Life April 21 Love, not Sex! April 28 Take it or Leave it!

Sr. High Sundays! Every Sunday at Lord of Life, sr. highers gather for worship, hanging out, having fun and talking about Jesus. 7 pm is Ecclesia worship then 7:30 pm is Express sr. high youth group time.

Sundays @ 7 pm April 7 Preaching: April 14 Preaching: April 21 Preaching: April 28 Preaching:

Pastor David Lippitt Elizabeth Pedersen Raul Garcia III Elizabeth Pedersen

Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm April 10 Honor Who?!? April 17 Respecting Life April 24 Love, not Sex! May 1 Take it or Leave it! 9th Graders Sundays, 6-7 pm April 7 Jesus Ethic: April 14 Jesus Ethic: April 21 Jesus Ethic: April 28 Jesus Ethic:

Substance Abuse Bullying Technology Entertainment

Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm April 10 Jesus Ethic: Substance Abuse April 17 Jesus Ethic: Bullying April 24 Jesus Ethic: Technology May 1 Jesus Ethic: Entertainment C3 Saturday Retreat is from 9 am-7 pm on April 20. If you still need to fulfill a retreat for C3, this is the place to be. Cost is $52.

Come be a part of this time when we explore stories that Jesus told and wanted us to learn lessons from— April 7, 14, 21, 28 Start with worship from 7-7:30 pm then fun, lesson, devotion, group game and challenge question from 7:30-8:30 pm

children youth family (cyf) Amanda Clancy (“Clancy”), Grades 5-9, x106, amandac@lordoflife.org Kirstin Delp, Early Childhood and Childcare, x113, kirstind@lordoflife.org Raul Garcia III, AiM, Confirmation (C3) and Grades 7-9, x121, raul@lordoflife.org Julie Hagen, AiM, Grades 1-4, x129, julieh@lordoflife.org Heather Hjelmstad, Ministry of Inclusion, x143, heatherh@lordoflife.org Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home, x107, lynnl@lordoflife.org Elizabeth Pedersen, Grades 10-12, x130, elizabethp@lordoflife.org Kim Pietrzak, Childcare, x124, kimp@lordoflife.org Pennie Soppeland, CYF Support, x132, pennies@lordoflife.org Debbie Zaic, CYF Office Manager and Registrar, x128, debz@lordoflife.org

Sr. High Youth Small Group Leaders for Summer Stretch

If you are a sr. high youth and want to be involved in Summer Stretch, we are in need of some sr. highers to help as small group leaders. It’s a great time to learn to lead a small group and have fun during the summer. If you are interested in helping, contact Raul Garcia III.

AWOL 2013 The groups are all set and the planning is underway! This summer, 80 youth and adults will be heading out to build houses for families in need with Habitat for Humanity. It’s going to be a great summer! AWOLers—our next planning meeting is Sunday, April 7 at 12:30 pm!

Hey, facebook friends— like us on facebook.com/lolsrhigh!

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

What is Love?

children children youth youth family family

A 9th grade C3 group was given a photo challenge. A new word was texted to them every day for a week. Their job was to find or take an inspiring photo of that word, snap a picture of it, and upload it to Instagram (a popular website for sharing photos). The girls also had fun coming up with pictures, Bible verses, and inspiring stories to go along with their pictures. Thank you to Abby Bendickson, Jenna Thron, Nicole Kutter, Camille Lilleberg, Lauren Curtis, Brooke Dorn, and Natalie Weiker in Amanda Clancy’s C3 group for sharing images based on the word “Love!”

ELCA World Hunger Appeal

It’s time to return your Hunger Banks. Many of you have been collecting coins in your banks during the season of Lent. Each time you ate a meal you remembered that there are other people who are hungry and you placed coins in your bank. Please return those banks to Lord of Life any time in April. They may be dropped off in your Church School room, the CYF office downstairs, or the main office. Thank you very much. ELCA World Hunger Appeal provides relief, development, education, and advocacy. For more information on this and other projects of the ELCA, visit elca.org/goodgifts.

souper bowl of caring

Over 577 cans of soup were collected in February for the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. Our great After School Program (ASP) attendees packed the cans and delivered them to CROSS, our area foodshelf. They received a tour of CROSS and learned about hunger in our area. Thanks go to our ASP kids and all those who donated soup!

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

children youth family

April Bible Verse: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1

Mad Scientist Workshop ‘Life in a Bubble!’

Happy April! by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool

K April Book Pick: Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

aring Kingdom begins the month of April with a celebration of Spring! As life begins anew, we will experience all aspects of this wonderful time of transition. From learning about the life cycle of plants and what they need to grow to actually beginning the process of planting a garden thanks to our friend, Ms. Alice Woodard, the coordinator of Lord of Life’s LifeGARDEN. Yes, Karing Kingdom will have its own garden plot this spring! Green thumbs will be everywhere! We also will learn about what happens at a restaurant with a field trip to California Pizza Kitchen. While there we will learn all aspects of what it takes to get your pizza to you while at the restaurant. We even get to make our own pizzas!

Little Miss finds one small act of love can grow into something big and beautiful.

School pictures and Usborne Book Fair will be on Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18. End-ofthe-year conferences will be held Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30. Please note regular classes will not be held on those days.

karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel, Director, x127, kingdom@lordoflife.org Teachers: Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, Carly Tappe

Registration continues for the 2013-14 school year. For more information please contact us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127. Beach Day!

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

contact info WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FAX 763.420.7286 Visit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for more specific contact information plus photos of all Lord of Life staff.

What’s Next? We’re hosting a special “What’s Next?” Growing Families of Faith event for 6th graders and their families! Date:

Sunday, April 21

all you can eat pancakes!

Junior and senior high youth will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 27 from 8-10 am to raise money for their summer trips. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased starting April 1 in the main office or from trip participants.

Time: 4 -5:30 pm Where:

Samaritan Hall

As you’re getting ready to enter jr. high or step deeper into middle school, and enter Lord of Life’s confirmation (C3) program, you’ll have lots of questions: • What’s it like to be a 7th grader? • How does confirmation work? • What’s the deal with Summer Stretch? With Jr. High Camp? • How do service hours and worship notes work? • What issues are we going to be dealing with at the jr. high, and how can our faith help us with them? What’s Next? will be a great event for 6th graders and their families to come, get questions answered, share a meal, and have good conversation together about what happens at church, at school, and in your families the next couple of years. Childcare for younger children will be provided. Register at lordoflife.org/gff. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Todd.

3rd Annual CYF Fun Run/ Walk!

ast year, over 75 people ran, walked or volunteered at our CYF Fun Run/ Walk. It was so fun to see youth, families and adults come together not only to support our CYF summer trips and camps, but also to participate in a healthy, fun event. We hope you can join us this year on Saturday, June 1! Registration and information are available at lordoflife.org/funrun.

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. The deadline for the May issue is April 1 (no foolin’!). Copyright 2013 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

caught reading lifetimes

Chick and Chris Lane are caught reading LifeTIMES outside the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

After the first snowfall of the season in Herat, Afghanistan, Kirk Hoover is caught reading LifeTIMES

April 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a