LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
ConversaTions wiTh esus J
J
esus changed the life of every person He met through powerful words and experiences. During weekend worship as well as midweek services, we are examining a different conversation that Jesus had with someone. Our hope is these conversations will inspire us to have our own conversations with Jesus. April 3
The Adulteress
April 5/6
The Outsider
April 10
The Rich Man
The Holiest Time of the Year
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pril is a significant month in worship as we conclude our Lenten series, Conversations with Jesus, and move into Holy Week and Easter, concluding with First Communion for our fifth graders. Here are details:
holy week
Palm Saturday/Palm Sunday, April 12/13: We celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry
On Palm Sunday at 6 pm, with supper preceding at 5 pm, Lord of Life welcomes an inspiring theatrical event, Witnesses, performed by Jonathan Swenson. A great family event! See Page 15 for more details.
Thursday evening services begin at 7 pm in Samaritan Hall. Soup supper precedes worship at 6 pm. Enjoy conversations with each other at supper, then delve deeper in the theme of Conversations with Jesus. Again this year, sermons will be given by pastors who are members at Lord of Life and are retired or employed elsewhere.
April 2014
into Jerusalem. In addition to Bel Canto and Canticle Choir, Church School children will sing at all services. Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren will preach.
Maundy Thursday, April 17: This service commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren will preach at this service of Holy Communion, which begins at 7 pm. Good Friday, April 18: Experience the last days of Jesus’ life through Scripture
readings, songs, symbols, and a reading of The Giving Tree. This family worship at 10 am in the sanctuary is appropriate for all ages.
Prayers at the Cross, a choral work by Lee Dengler, will provide the centerpiece for this service, which will begin at 7 pm. The Canticle Choir and a small group of instrumentalists will provide music; Lord of Life member Gordon Martin and Pastor Karen Sue Greimel will narrate.
easter
Easter Saturday/Easter Sunday, April 19/20: Services celebrating the resurrection of our Lord will be on Saturday, April 19 at 5:30 pm and Sunday, April 20 at 8, 9, 10, 11 am and 12 noon. Special music will be provided by the Praise Band on Saturday and the Canticle Choir and Lord of Life Brass on Sunday. Pastor Peter GeisendorferLindgren will preach at all services. Saturday and Sunday, April 26/27: Holy Communion will be celebrated, and fifth graders will receive their First Communion. See Page 13. Pastor Todd Buegler will preach.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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 2-7
generosity 8
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 Healing service on Monday, April 14, from 6:30-7:30 pm in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel Third Wednesday worship services April 16: 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes and 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in Maple Grove Third Sunday worship at 9:30 am on April 20 at Ambassador - Good Samaritan Society in New Hope April 3, Midweek Lenten Service at 7 pm April 5/6 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am)
adult children youth family (cyf) 9-11 12-14 contact info 15 pastoral staff Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Todd Buegler, Pastor, Children, Youth & Family Ministry, todd@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. David Lippitt, Pastor, Congregational Care, davidl@lordoflife.org Rev. Dave McCarty, Pastor, Outreach and Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org
See Page 8, specifically bullet point 8, about these photos and the Capital Appeal.
April 10, Midweek Lenten Service at 7 pm April 12/13, Palm Saturday/Palm Sunday Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music: Saturday: Karl Hinkle Sunday: Canticle Choir and Bel Canto April 17, Maundy Thursday at 7 pm Friday, April 18, Good Friday 10 am: Family Worship Service 7 pm: Canticle Choir (see cover for more details) April 19, Easter Saturday/April 20, Easter Sunday Sunday services at 8, 9, 10, 11 am, and 12 noon Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir and Lord of Life Brass April 26/27 Preaching: Pastor Todd Buegler Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.
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April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
spirit Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
A Living Hope by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel
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s I consider the words of 1 Peter, I feel thankful not only for God’s gift to us of Jesus, but that this gift is a living hope. We can live with the hope of eternal life. This hope brings thankfulness to our lives here on earth and life eternal. The celebration of Easter brings us living hope which springs forth thankfulness.
Living hope is crucial when life gets spinning. I am reminded of the first time I went to an aerobic step class. Admittedly, I was not very coordinated and seemed to lose my balance frequently. The instructor noticed this and started regularly reminding the class, in a very loud voice...“Find a focal point and don’t take your eyes off it!” Amazingly this worked! When I found a focal point I was steady, I found hope that I would not fall and hope that I could keep up doing the right steps. It really worked! The same is true in our lives, when we hold Jesus as our focal point...we might be spinning, but there is hope in staying steady. Watch out if you take your eyes off Jesus. This is not just a one-shot deal, we must stay focused on Jesus throughout the day, and this is our living hope! God has done a great work for us in Christ Jesus. As believers we are called in to a living hope of eternal life. Our hope is no longer based on circumstances and prospects; it comes through Jesus’ resurrection, and is therefore independent of those things. It has a life of its own that can endure even the worst experiences of life in this world. It is a hope that is grounded in what God has already done by raising Jesus from the dead. What a privilege we have as God’s children. He gave us a focal point to keep us steady, a focal point that will never change and never leave. Where is your focus? Find Jesus and don’t take your eyes off Him!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior And life more abundant and free! Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion For more than conquerors we are! His Word shall not fail you, He promised; Believe Him and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
—Pastor Karen Sue
—Helen H. Lemmel, 1922
looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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spirit
Lord of Life Lives Christ Together baptisms
Jon Lilleberg and family at the death of his father
At Lord of Life we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is on Saturday, April 12, from 1011 am; no preregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office at 763.420.5015.
Kim Nelson and family at the death of her father
February 2 Everett William Hilk Brody Steven Holmstrom Jax William Loney Kayla Elizabeth Van Klei
Noreen Roehl and family at the death of her father
Joyce Peterson and family at the death of her husband Karen Rick and family at the death of her father
welcome new members Dan & Lisa Dreifke with Jadde, Cameron, and Paige
February 9 August Ray Labat
Doug & Kathy Jensen
February 16 Lena Rose Anderson Jakob Jordan Mizner Wyatt Oswald Kelly Steffl
Diana Hoffman with Alexander and Emma
Matt & Holly Rath
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Jerry Bergstrom and family at the death of his uncle Lucy Chisato-Rodvik and family at the death of her sister Patty Davidson and family at the death of her father Chuck Denninger and family at the death of his father Debra Elhardt and family at the death of her mother Steve Fraasch and family at the death of his mother David Frank and family at the death of his mother Joan Holmes and family at the death of her sister-in-law Deb Hughes and family at the death of her father Diane Hughes and family at the death of her father Dave Ingvaldson and family at the death of his mother Nancy Iverson and family at the death of her husband Mark Lauer and family at the death of his mother
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April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Credo Designs, Ltd. - see Reflections of Faith article across from this image.
February 23 Charles Joseph Royer
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. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.
spirit All are welcome on April 9 at 9:30 am—
What Is a Christian Life?
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s shared in the March LifeTIMES, Walter Sundberg, writer and professor at Luther Seminary, is speaking on April 9 at 9:30 am to Word for Women. His topic will be The Great Commission, Jesus’ command at the end of the Gospel of Matthew to make disciples of all nations. He will also share about two of the great Protestant missionaries who heeded Jesus’ call: William Carey and Hudson Taylor, both of whom carried out their work in the 19th century. Of particular interest in his talk will be the lessons they have about what a Christian life is that can be applied to our lives today. Although this is a Word for Women event on April 9, everyone is invited and encouraged to come hear Walter Sundberg speak. Bring a friend!
Reflections of Faith
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his resource center at Lord of Life has many items to share your faith—among them a wide variety of beautiful faithfilled greeting cards (see image at left).
Hope Lodge Service Project—
“Grab and Go” Bags by Shar Moseng
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f you are looking for an easy service project for your family or a small group, consider making “Grab and Go” bags for Hope Lodge. Hope Lodge is a home away from home for adult cancer patients and their caregivers who travel more than 40 miles to receive treatment. “Grab and Go” bags are a convenient snack option for patients as they make oftentimes daily trips to the medical center.
Nathan Anderson, a Lord of Life C3 group leader, recently hosted a “Grab and Go” bag assembly party at his home. This was a great opportunity for the girls in his group to work on their service hours. The girls spent quality time together eating pizza and preparing more than 90 bags for the guests at Hope Lodge. They spent half the time decorating the bags with inspirational statements such as Bible verses or quotes. They spent the rest of their time filling the bags with beverages and packaged snacks. They finished off their evening by delivering the bags to Lord of Life. Please consider “Grab and Go” bags for your next service project. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/hopelodge or contact Paula Thomas at pkthomas5@hotmail.com. (left to right) Rod Anderson, Kaylin Carel, Jordyn Anderson, Morgan Oleksiw, Justin Anderson (photobomber), Ellen Lindquist, Kylee Hofner, Nathan Anderson, Julane Anderson.
This specific card is one of “Glimmers” by Credo Designs, Ltd. On the back are Jottings from the Artist, Marva Sheriff. It reads, Life is full of ups & downs, joys & sorrows, hills & valleys, and blessings & disappointments. Yet interestingly enough, we are never alone—even in the darkest of days. And if we have “eyes to see,” glimmers grace our days, bringing encouragement, strength, and hope. They are gifts from above. It gives me great joy to design greetings, hoping to send a little glimmer into someone’s day! You are encouraged to visit Reflections of Faith, open during the weekend between worship services and during the week. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at 763.420.5015 x118 or michelle@lordoflife.org.
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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5
spirit New Learning Opportunities for Session 5—
L5 One-shot Forums
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oming Sunday mornings this spring, One-shot Forums will be an exciting new option for the final L5 session this program year. One-shots are the opportunity to hear a new speaker and new topic each Sunday morning. No registration is needed. Come once, twice, or all four Sundays. We have invited terrific speakers to share their expertise. March 30: Loss of Dreams: A Special Kind of Grief. Mr. Ted Bowman, trainer, educator, and consultant, specializes in change and transition, whether it occurs in families, an organization or the community. Ted will explain how plans for ourselves and others get interrupted and taken from us as a result of death, diagnosis, divorce, dismissal, or other loss events in our lives. Ted will present perspectives and resources for keeping hope alive. April 6: God’s Treasure: Ethnic Difference. Dr. Eric Barreto, assistant professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, will discuss the tendency to imagine that our faith “solves” the problems of diversity by making us all one, the same. In contrast, Dr. Barreto will explain how the author of Luke-Acts views our differences as a gift from God to be treasured, not a difficulty to be overcome. April 27: This is Your Brain on Prayer. Rev. John Henrich, ELCA pastor and licensed psychologist, will speak about how spiritual practices affect our health and well being. New research from the field of neuroscience suggests that prayer and spiritual practices have an impact on reducing stress and anxiety, and actually change the structure of the brain for the better. Based on research by neuroscientist Andrew Newberg in his book, How God Changes Your Brain, we’ll explore how prayer, meditation, and spiritual practice shape who we are and how we see the world and God. May 4: Hoping for More: On Cancer, Faith, and Grace. Dr. Deanna Thompson, professor of religion at Hamline University, gets paid to talk about God for a living, but a Stage IV cancer diagnosis at age 42 interrupted the conversation. Come join her in the discussion about how we talk about God’s presence, God’s activity, and God’s grace in the midst of the worst times of life.
One-shots are a great opportunity to give L5 a shot! Invite your friends and neighbors. Identical sessions will be offered at 9:45 and 11 am each Sunday morning listed above. Take a shot at L5 One-shot Forums this spring!
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April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
spirit
Be Transformed
by Michelle Welinski, Director of Pastoral Care, Missions, Ministries, and Wedding Supervisor
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Photo by Jenny Rogalski
ou may be pleasantly surprised to see so many happy people the first time you come to Celebrate Recovery! With all the struggles they are enduring, how can they be so joyful? I remember my first couple of weeks, sitting around the table with other mothers who had children struggling with an addiction. How in the world can they laugh or get through a day without crying? How in the world are they able to work? These were all things I was struggling to do in the height of my son’s addiction. I so desperately wanted what these other mothers had… Every week at Celebrate Recovery, the room is full of people who have joy and peace in the midst of their struggles. We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. —Maya Angelou Those other parents in my small group had learned how to surrender their problem to God. And I needed to learn to do that, in order to have that same peace and joy that was radiating from them. When someone brings their struggles and pain to the Father and are finally ready to place it at His feet, there is incredible peace and joy that overcomes us. It is then that life begins to happen. There is nothing more beautiful than someone coming to the point of surrender and letting go of whatever they have been carrying. That can only bring a celebration within our heart. Yes, I love to see the butterfly on the other side of the struggle, but I also get great joy in watching the caterpillar just starting the process. It’s not easy, but so worth it. Remember…“You are a child of God, loved beyond measure.” Expect to be transformed by the love and grace of our one true Higher Power, Jesus Christ.
Check out Celebrate Recovery every Tuesday night. Dinner is served from 5:45-6:30 pm, large group from 6:30-7:30 pm, then with gender-specific small groups beginning at 7:30 pm. Childcare is provided; programming for Celebration Place (children) and the landing (teens) runs at the same time. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinksi at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.
Men’s Breakfast
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athering on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 am for a great breakfast and fellowship, the men of Lord of Life will end the morning with outdoor service projects to spruce up Lord of Life’s campus for spring. If you like to work outdoors with your hands, this Earth Day weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to do just that! The service projects are subject to the weather cooperating and the snow melting. If it is not conducent to working outside, Blake Toms is planning to share a short video from the Earthbound® series with a theological look at why we should take care of the earth. Bring a friend or neighbor!
May 11 is Mother’s Day—
Mother’s Day
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ne Mission One World is sponsoring the Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11, and we need your help! The theme will be Mothers around the World. Particularly for those involved with One Mission One World, please consider offering your talents for planning, decorating, prepping the meal, and recruiting volunteers to serve mothers and families on Mother’s Day! Contact Connie Luebke at leeconlub@comcast.net to volunteer.
give the one you love your time and attention Give your spouse a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend in a comfortable and private environment away from distractions. The next weekend is April 25-27 at the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson in Duluth, Minnesota. Apply now at GodLovesMarriage.org, or contact Peter and Phyllis McMahon at mcmahonp@comcast.net or 763.561.1575 for more information. Weekends fill fast and pre-registration is required. You are encouraged to give the one you love your time and attention in a Marriage Encounter Weekend!
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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february 2014 budget year-to-date
generosity
Actual
Total member contributions All other
Difference
$504,369 $504,445 $58,284
Total receipts
Budget
($76)
$57,925
$360
$562,653 $562,369
$284
Why a Capital Appeal?
Because of God’s great mercy, offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service (Romans 12:1). Because of your generosity, we raised $2,900,000 to build a 20,000 square foot addition completed in 2012. Because we have this new space: •
We offer many new adult learning options Sunday mornings
•
Word for Women, Celebrate Recovery and C3 are able to have more groups
•
Outreach ministries have dedicated space in the Service Center for collections
•
Expanded Fellowship Hall can accommodate large funeral receptions, annual Veterans’ Day Dinner, OWLs luncheons, and of course, donut fellowship on Sunday morning
•
Reflections of Faith provides an opportunity to find faith-related gifts and resources
•
Samaritan Hall creates enhanced education opportunities for all ages and an alternative worship venue
•
Prayer Chapel provides space for quiet reflection and meditation
•
Commons areas offer great locations for conversation and relaxation
Because our initial 3-year campus development campaign is ending April 30, 2014. Because we want to save money both on a balloon payment in early 2016 and in interest over the 20-year life of the mortgage. Because of all this, we are undertaking a 20-month campaign starting on May 1, 2014, to eliminate the $1,100,000 debt and provide 10% of the total dollars given to outreach ministries. Watch your mailbox for more information about the Capital Appeal and how you can be involved.
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — February 2014 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0
2/2
2/9
2/16
Actual $53,997 $51,547 $53,251 Budget $59,105 $59,105 $59,105
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2/23
$70,141 $59,105
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
adult
OWLs Events Thursday, April 3: “American Curry Pie with Aamera Siddiqui” who is a playwright and performer. Ms. Siddiqui will perform a one-woman play regarding life in a Muslim home. Mark your calendar and bring a friend! A freewill lunch will be served in Fellowship Hall beginning at noon. Thursday, April 17: Travel to the Old Log Theatre for lunch and the play, “Steel Magnolias.” This event is full.
save the dates Thursday, May 15: We’ll visit the city of LeSueur and begin with an hour-long tour of Cambria, the only family-owned Americanmade quartz surface company. We will have a Pizza Ranch lunch buffet. After lunch we will tour the LeSueur Cheese Company, a division of Davisco Foods International, and visit their retail shop. Both tours require an hour of walking and standing; no canes or walkers may be used. We leave at 8:30 am and return at 3:30 pm. Cost is $16 including lunch. Thursday, June 19: Save the date for a visit to Fort Snelling.
There’s nothing like a beverage with a paper umbrella in it!
A February Outing
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n February 20, the OWLs enjoyed a delicious ‘French Creole with an Island Flare’ meal which included seafood bisque, sorbet, chicken in wine sauce and wonderful pineapple fritters with rum ice cream. It was all planned, prepared, and served by the culinary students at Hennepin Technical College. It’s a good place to go for lunch. After lunch, the OWLs headed to the Maple Grove History Center, located in the southeast corner of the Public Works Building. The History Center is still a work in progress yet they have collected pictures, maps, and other memorabilia from the Maple Grove area. They showed a slide show of Maple Grove when it was mostly farmland. The OWLs left the museum in another heavy snowstorm!
...older, wiser, or Lutheran? Even if you are not, you will be warmly welcomed at all of the OWLs’ events. Please sign up for all activities 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.
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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adult “I was hesitant to go on this mission trip. The out-of-pocket expense and feeling like maybe my volunteer time could be better placed locally kept me from committing...then I really began to feel God working to make everything happen.”
Give It to God and Trust Him by Pat Bolin
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fter recently returning from my second dental mission in the Dominican Republic, I have been asked to share some of my experiences.
The dental team is pretty small so you have the chance to get to know one another as well as the Dominican people you work with (dentists, interpreters, cooks, community health providers, and neighbors). We were the first to open the new dental clinic just built by the Dutch mission team. Our schedule for the week consisted of setting up the clinic with all of the equipment and items we had packed away in storage from last year plus all of the supplies we brought with us, attending a local church service, and then seeing patients from Monday-Friday. The clinic was then inventoried at the end of the week and everything was packed up and put back into storage. It is everyone’s hope that the new building will eventually be staffed full-time by Dominican dentists. We all took turns having a day off of clinic to go to schools in the area and teach about dental disease, hygiene, and prevention to the kids. It was very humbling for me to see all of the rampant decay in very young people’s mouths. There were people in a lot of pain who just wanted their teeth extracted and some hoping that we could make their smile look more presentable. In total we saw 220 patients, doing 258 extractions, 175 restorations, 25 partial dentures and 10 prophys (cleanings). Our top priorities were taking people out of pain and educating them on how to prevent dental disease. I was hesitant to go on this mission trip. The out-of-pocket expense and feeling like maybe my volunteer time could be better placed locally kept me from committing. Pastor Dave told me to keep praying about it, give it to God, and trust Him. Then I really began to feel God working to make everything happen. On the trip we had daily devotions, prayer several times a day, and worship in the evening. The power of being with other Christians, praying and talking to God daily, and seeing what the results are when you are God’s instrument in doing His good work is very fulfilling!
For more information about One Mission One World, contact Pastor Dave McCarty or visit lordoflife.org/OneMissionOneWorld. In the top and the bottom photos, Pat Bolin is at left.
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April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
adult
Save the date: May 16-18—
Time Again for the Men’s Retreat!
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ven with winter refusing to loosen its grip, it’s that time of the year to think about our Annual Men’s Retreat. As in the past, the retreat is a great time to renew friendships or make new ones and to grow in your faith. This year we are returning to Shores of St. Andrew in Spicer, Minnesota. We are privileged to have Doug Haugen, executive director of Lutheran Men in Mission, as our guest presenter. The focus of Doug’s presentations and our small group conversations will be relationship building. As in the past, the plan is to golf on Friday at Koronis Hills Golf Club and Saturday at Eagle Creek Golf Course in Wilmar. The cost for non-golfers is $110 and for golfers $150 (the golf fee on Friday is extra). For non-golfers, St. Andrew Lake affords fishing and boating and a nearby state park for hiking, photography, etc. The dates are May 16–18. Limited spots are available, so sign up and reserve yours online today at lordoflife.org/mensretreat. Sign-ups close on May 1. For more information, contact Pastor David at 763.420.5015 x122 or davidl@lordoflife.org.
10th Anniversary Benefit Dinner—
FreedomWorks
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n Thursday, May 29, Lord of Life is the location for FreedomWorks’ annual benefit dinner. The keynote speaker will be Minnesota’s own Kevin Kling. Monologist and playwright Kevin Kling appears often at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He is a commentator for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and has authored five books. See Kevin’s full biography on FreedomWorks’ website, myfreedomworks. com. Thank you for your support of the FreedomWorks ministry through Lord of Life. Save the date and bring a friend!
efn The next packing date at the Emergency Foodshelf Network is Monday, April 7, from 4-6 pm. The next Fare For All at Lord of Life is Thursday, April 10, from 4-6 pm. For more details, please visit lordoflife.org/efn.
acts 29 This year’s Acts 29 mission trip is headed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We will work with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding homes damaged by the tornadoes of 2011. The mission trip dates are July 26-August 3. The deadline to sign up for this mission trip is May 18. For more information, contact Merle and Michelle Waldron at 763.420.5388 or mmwaldron@comcast.net.
Acts 29
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
July 26-August 3, 2014
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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children youth family
From Elizabeth Pedersen’s Senior High Ministry eNewsletter—
Lenten Reflection
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e often confuse unconditional love with unconditional approval. God loves us without conditions but does not approve of every human. God’s unconditional love means that God continues to love us even when we say or think evil things. God continues to wait for us as a loving parent waits for the return of a lost child. It is important for us to hold on to the truth that God never gives up loving us even when God is saddened by what we do. That truth will help us return to God’s ever-present love. O God, when I am most tempted to give up on myself, help me to remember that You never give up on me.
Elizabeth Pedersen, Senior High Ministry PS: Lenten devotional materials are on a table in the narthex—help yourself! Excerpt from Called to Life, Called to Love: Lenten Reflections from the works of Henri J. M. Nouwen © 1996 Creative Communications for the Parish. All rights reserved.
Fun Run/Walk!
How About Breakfast?
saturday, may 31
It’s our Fourth Annual Fun Run/Walk! Registration is now open for ALL to join us as we walk, run, and volunteer in support of our summer trips and camps for children and youth. Event includes a 1-mile or 5k+ run/walk around Rice Lake. Join us! Questions or to register, visit lordoflife.org/funrun.
Sr. High Sundays
Join us on Sundays at Lord of Life for worship, building friendships, and living our faith—all are welcome! Only three Sundays are left: April 13, 27, and May 3. 7 pm Ecclesia worship 7:45 pm Express sr. high youth group
Summer Mission Trips
AWOL: Marquette, MI June 14-24 AWOL: Philadelphia, PA July 12-23 Sr. High A Work of Love (AWOL) Mission Trips: Travel with a group of sr. high youth to serve and share God’s love by building homes with Habitat for Humanity. For youth currently in grades 10-12; more info is at lordoflife.org/awol. Jr. High Mission Trip: All youth who will finish grades 6-9 by June 2014 are invited to join the Rockford, IL mission trip on June 15-21. We will be working on low-income housing and helping at the local foodshelf to organize and serve food. More details are at lordoflife.org/jhmissiontrip.
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sunday, april 13 and saturday, may 3
Please join us for breakfast! April’s menu will be french toast, sausage, muffins and fruit. Yummy! All April donations will support sr. high youth on A Work Of Love (AWOL) mission trips. The May breakfast will support both junior high and senior high youth going to camp and mission trips. Tickets are $8 for the May breakfast.
Jr. High Bible Camp sunday-friday, july 6-11
Exciting news! A Lord of Life benevolence grant is helping reduce the cost of jr. high camp by $100 for the first 40 campers registered—original cost was $430. If you have already registered or have questions, please contact Debbie Zaic. All youth who have completed grades 6-9, pick up a registration at the Youth Booth or CYF or register directly at lutherpark.com. Luther Park’s a blast! C3 Sundays on April 13, 27 5-6 pm: Pizza Plus! Family Meal 6-7 pm: C3 Groups 7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia Worship 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore C3 Wednesdays on April 16, 30 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 Groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Pizza Plus! Family Meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 Groups and One-shot Forums
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
children youth family
ELCA World Hunger Appeal
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uring Lent, Church School children are collecting money for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal using special banks set on their dining tables. It’s not too late to pick up your bank at the Youth Booth. Ideas for your Hunger Bank include: • Count the canned goods in your pantry and add that number of coins to your hunger bank. Thank God for your food. • Add coins to your bank at each meal. Say a new table grace. • Spare change from your pockets each day may be placed in your bank. Remember those who will benefit from these seemingly small coins. Please return banks to Church School classes or the main office any time after Easter (April 20). Thank you!
First Communion Festivals—
Families of 5 Graders th
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irst Communion instruction for 5th graders and their parents is Saturday, April 12, 9-11:30 am or Monday, April 14, 6-8:30 pm. If you have not signed up for one of these sessions, please do so immediately. Sixth through ninth graders who have not received instruction are also invited to attend. Students will receive Holy Communion Saturday/ Sunday, April 26/27, at the service they usually attend. For more information visit lordoflife.org/ firstcommunion. Festival invitation letters were sent to all 214 fifth graders and their parents in early March.
Club 56
Our End-of-Year Bash is Friday, May 16! All current 4th, 5th and 6th graders are invited. This year will be the biggest and best yet—with cardboard maze, laser tag, Agape concert, crazy hair, photo booth, and more. You’re not going to want to miss this— bring a friend!
good friday
On Friday, April 18, at 10 am, come experience the last days of Jesus’ life through Scripture readings, songs, symbols, and a reading of The Giving Tree. This family worship is appropriate for all ages.
palm sunday/easter
On Palm Sunday weekend, April 12/13, all Church School children will help lead music during worship; children will meet in their regular classrooms. On Easter weekend, April 19/20, all children will worship with families. We wish all families a happy Easter and pray that God surprises each of us with peace and newness of life!
registration info
Church School registration for fall 2014 opens May 1. Registration information may be found at lordoflife.org/churchschool. CYF summer registration is open for all children and youth summer ministries. For details, visit lordoflife.org/summer.
Seek, Live, and Share an Active Faith
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ord of Life Children, Youth and Family Ministry encourages all to seek, live, and share an active faith in Jesus Christ.
Growing Families of Faith (GFF) hopes to provide events and tools to help you grow your family’s faith and to facilitate connections with other Lord of Life families. Growing Families of Faith events include families of all shapes and sizes. Some events are aimed at specific age groups. Families do not have to be members of Lord of Life to participate.
Upcoming events include: April 12 & 14: First Communion Festival, a milestone learning event for 5th graders and their parents April 18: Good Friday Family Worship, 10 am service April 26/27: Fifth graders receive their First Communion, all services, a milestone event for 5th graders May 4: What’s Next? From 3:30-5 pm, a milestone event for 6th graders and parents May 18: High School Graduation Recognition, 11 am, a milestone for high school seniors Visit lordoflife.org/GFF for more information.
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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children youth family
April Bible Verse is: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Happy April!
by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool
April Book Picks
God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergen Papa Bear lovingly shares the true story of Easter while taking Little Cub on a walk through her arctic world.
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elcome back Karing Kingdom friends, we hope you had a safe, fun, and happy spring break! April begins with quite a few Q’s as we discover Queens (Kings, too!), Quilts, and Quails, all beginning with the letter Q. Next it’s the letter E for Easter as we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. The letter E is followed by the letter I for Insect, as the warmth of spring brings some creepy crawly friends to life. Last but not least it is the letter P for Planting as we use our green thumbs in our traditional yearly sunflower planting at Karing Kingdom. A family fun day is planned for all on Friday, April 25, as we welcome Bob the Beachcomber to help chase away all those winter blues and welcome the warmth of summer! Lunch will be provided following the performance.
karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel, Director, x127, kingdom@ lordoflife.org Teachers: Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, and Carly Tappe
We’ll be looking forward to the Usborne Book Fair along with Karing Kingdom’s class pictures on April 16 and 17. Say cheese! Karing Kingdom is closed Good Friday, April 18. Conferences will be held Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29. There will not be regular classes on conference days. Please note that we are closed for spring break March 31-April 4.
Spring Is Here by Will Hillenbrand A knock-knock and a toottoot won’t get Bear out of bed, so Mole cooks up a special treat!
Karing Kingdom Preschool continues to take registration for the 2014-15 school year. For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please call 763.420.5015 x127 or email us at kingdom@lordoflife.org.
Experiencing Dino-Dig!
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April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
contact info WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FAX 763.420.7286 ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 V isit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for a full staff listing with photos. PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran
One Actor - 8 Characters - A Fresh Look at Jesus
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ou see him everwhere. He is worshiped by some, mocked and despised by others. Love him, hate him, or try to ignore him... it’s hard to get away from Jesus. So what is it about Jesus that has caused people to discuss and debate him for 2,000 years? It is my belief that Jesus came on a mission to reveal the heart of God. I hope these “Witnesses” will leave you with a great sense of God’s heartbeat for you. During the performance, feel free to laugh, cry, clap, reflect and respond in any way you feel led. It’s my belief that Jesus would be (and is) just fine with that! —Jonathan Swenson
...for all ages here at Lord of Life!
sunday, april 13 5 pm supper 6 pm performance
Launched in the summer of 2010, Paraphrase Theatre is a faith-based theatre company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit paraphrasetheatre.com or contact Jonathan directly (JPSwen@yahoo.com).
1978 Lord of Life Lutheran Church Charter (ELCA) Lord of Life is a community of people called together by God’s Holy Spirit who confess Christ as Lord. We wish to be a church whose door is open to all people. And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will strive to educate, comfort, aid and spread the word of love in Christ’s name. We believe worship is of most importance in our life together as we receive God’s love through Word and Sacrament. We will be involved with seeking justice in our community, state, nation, and world. We hold high the dignity and worth of every human being as created in God’s image and forgiven in Christ. We hope to be a serving church, in the name of Him who came as Servant of all.
April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN
ADDRESS 7401 COUNTY ROAD 101, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-4313 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED - TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL
Permit #14
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 2014 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
why a capital appeal?
BECAUSE of God’s great mercy... Romans 12:1
see page 8
caught reading lifetimes Jenni Mueller with a beefeater at the Tower of London, photo by Ben Mueller!
Some of Lord of Life’s After School Program (ASP) kids along with Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson and CYF staff Julie Wilson!
John and Susan Manrodt are caught reading LifeTIMES in Aruba.
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April 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a