April2015final

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

LifeTIMES Holy Week

April 2015

Palm Saturday, March 29

Worship at 5:30 pm Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren preaching Music: Praise Band and Church School children

Palm Sunday, March 30 Worship at 8:30, 9:45, 11 am

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren preaching Music: Canticle Choir and Church School children

Maundy Thursday, April 2

Worship at 7 pm, Soup Supper at 6 pm Pastor Karen Sue Greimel preaching Music: Soloist Joseph Ellickson

Good Friday, April 3

Family Worship at 10 am Children, Youth & Family and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren (see Page 14) Worship at 7 pm “Return to Me” by Canticle Choir, a worship service of readings and music

Easter Saturday, April 4

Worship at 5:30 pm Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren preaching Music: Praise Band

Easter Sunday, April 5

Worship at 8, 9, 10, 11 am and 12 noon Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren preaching Music: Canticle Choir and Brass 8, 9, 10, 11 am and Gratz Boys’ Choir at 12 noon

LOR D OF L I F E L U T H E R A N C HU R C H ( E LC A ) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

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 Sunday evening is Ecclesia worship at 7 pm Third Sunday, April 19, worship at 10 am at AmbassadorGood Samaritan Society in New Hope

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

PASTO RA L S TA F F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor, Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor, Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor, Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor, L5/Adult Bible Study, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE OF CO N T E N T S Worship Schedule / Pastor’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-3 Lord of Life / Celebrate Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 Generosity / L5 Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 One Mission One World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

�hrist is �ise�

Third Wednesday, April 15, worship at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room Healing Service is Saturday, April 25, directly after worship at 6:30 pm in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel

Palm Saturday/Palm Sunday, March 28/29 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band and Church School children Sunday: Canticle Choir and Church School children Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Soloist Joseph Ellickson Good Friday, April 3 10 am: Children, Youth, Family Staff and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 7 pm: Pastor Sarah Bunge and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren “Return to Me” by Canticle Choir, a worship service of readings and music Easter Saturday/Easter Sunday, April 4/5 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren See Cover for Worship Times and Special Music April 11/12 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble

Table of Contents / Worship schedule

April 18/19 Preaching: Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Soloist Amy Cerepak (11 am)

2 April 2015

�e is �isen �ndee�!

April 25/26 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Soloist Joseph Ellickson (11 am) Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.

People Who Know the Tomb Is Empty

by Pastor Sarah Bunge, Evangelism and Worship

Which part of Jesus’ story is absolutely critical to your Christian faith: • The birth of Jesus • The life and teachings of Jesus • The death of Jesus, or, • The resurrection of Jesus If you could have only one of these be true, which would it be?

Pastor Sarah Bunge

Years ago I was asked this question. It took some time for me to really consider the options. God coming to live, to really dwell with us is a big deal.

Jesus’ lifestyle is an example for our own. And we wouldn’t know about the kingdom life if it weren’t for Jesus’ teaching and preaching. The crucifixion, while horrible, is life-saving for us. Our theology is grounded in the cross.

Eventually I realized that it was The Resurrection.

Without a doubt Easter was the thing that I most need to be true. I desperately need Easter! Easter is the defining element of our Christian faith. Death could not stop our God! Each of us is shaped by this—the greatest of all miracles— as we now get to live as Easter People! We are not people of death who have no hope. We are not people who hang our heads and live in grief. Rather, we are Easter People! People who know the tomb is empty. That God is more powerful than death itself. That nothing can stop our God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Easter is our story and we get to live our lives in its joy, hope, and victory!

God bless you as you live out Easter Joy, —Pastor Sarah

Pastor’s Message April 2015 3

L

ord of

baptisms

L

ife

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age.

The next baptism class is April 11, from 10-11 am; no pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

Jan Stecker and family at the death of her father

February 1 Skylei Marie Melchoir

welcome to new members

February 7 Austin Ryder Nelson Elliot James Payton February 8 Nora Theresa Bernard

Rob Thomsen and family at the death of his mother Ryan & Holly Melchior with Logan Melchior, Mason Swanson, Hunter Swanson, and Skylei Melchior John & Mary Adix Dan Trudeau

February 15 Charlotte Lauren Palm Ashlynn Nicole Saldana Mendele

Josh Martin & Colleen Halligan with Noah Martin and Callie Martin

February 21 Liesl Eleanor Haugen

Wade & Brandi Schuknecht with Asher

February 22 Wesley Dean Abebe

Paul & Jane Borgstrom with Reese and Kyler Al & Deidre Tomczak with Tyler

bereavements

Mike & Heather Mueller with Mason and Matthew

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

Stephanie Meixner with Holden and Nathan

Ron Cramer and family at the death of his father Norm and Chuck Eck and family at the death of their wife/mother

Jason & Tasha Klesk with Audrey Steve & Barb Brandt Keith & Laurie Sonstegard with Jack and Max

John Hanson and family at the death of his mother

Craig & Karri Theis with Haley and Alivia

Alicia Hoffmann and family at the death of her father

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 and 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.

Fiona LaPoint and family at the death of her father

Lord of Life

Chad & Laura Nelson and family at the death of their son

4 April 2015

Desire His Power

by Michelle Welinski, Director of Pastoral Care, Missions and Ministries How much time did you spend the first three months of the year worrying about something that hasn’t happened? I know I spent too much time worrying about things that were out of my control. Did you know that worry can become an obsession? What happens when we worry?

It can cause a lack of sleep, irritability, strain on relationships, and feelings like life can be out of control which ultimately leads to being unproductive. Worry can be such a timeconsuming obsession, can’t it?

At Celebrate Recovery, I am learning that worry is the direct opposite of faith and is fear in disguise.

I am learning that while I don’t have control over those things, “out of my control,” I do have control over allowing myself to be obsessed or not. I am learning to seek God daily, saturating my mind with His Word through prayer, and turning those things causing me worry, over to Him. I need to set balanced limits in my life so I don’t get overwhelmed, and then I need to surround myself with the amazing people God has placed in my life.

I do not need to worry (easier said than done sometimes) or to be fearful for anything I am facing in my life. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of selfdiscipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Worry can be an indicator of something that needs to be dealt with in our life.

I don’t want to be timid—I truly desire His power in my life. God is in control, so I don’t have to worry about it.

Celebrate Recovery is every Tuesday evening.

Optional dinner is from 5:45-6:30 pm with programming from 6:30-8:30 pm. Childcare is provided as well as Celebration Place for children K-6. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

Celebrate Recovery April 2015 5

Stewardship (and everything else) Begins with God

by Pastor Chick Lane

My friend and colleague Grace Duddy Pomroy has written, “Stewardship begins with God and how God has shown love for us. We are first receivers. We belong to God and all that we have belongs to God. Out of this receiving, we are freed in Christ to love, give, and serve.” —Stewards of God’s Love, Page 14 Often when we think of stewardship we start by asking, “What do I have that I can use for others?” Grace suggests that this is a really good second question. Our first question should focus on God. “How is it that God has gifted me? What is it that God has entrusted into my care?” When we have asked these questions first, and thus focused on our loving God, then we are ready to ask the second question, “How can I use this for others?”

There is probably no better week in the year for this focus on God than this week: Holy Week. In this week we remember God’s great love for us in Jesus Christ. In this week we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. We remember the betrayal in the garden. We remember Jesus’ trial and his awful death on the cross. In this week, after a short silence, we remember with trumpet blast Jesus’ resurrection. Through all of this, we also ponder all that Jesus’ last few days mean for our lives—the forgiveness of sins, holy communion, life everlasting.

In this week, as we remember so much, we also remember that God is the source of everything. We remember specifically that God is the source of all that we are and all that we have. In this most holy week, can we also pause to give thanks for these things, and then ask the great stewardship question, “What has God entrusted into my care that I can use for others?” The answer to that question, by the way, is “everything.”

—Pastor Chick

Good Things Happened

In 2014 Lord of Life volunteers worked 791 hours at The Food Group which equates to 47,390 people served. And shown in the photo below, several of these volunteers presented a $180 check from Lord of Life’s Joy of Giving. Because you came to help and because you shared your financial gifts—good things happened!

Budget Year-to-date February 2015

Actual

Budget

Total member contributions

$530,916

$514,845

$16,070

$66,059

$58,539

$7,520

$596,974

$573,385

$23,590

All other Total receipts

On April 6 from 4-7 pm, The Food Group welcomes volunteers to pack food at their warehouse in New Hope. Sign up at lordoflife.org/thefoodgroup or contact Jane Bergstrom.

Lord of Life’s next Fare for All is scheduled on Thursday, April 9, from 4-6 pm in Samaritan Hall.

Difference

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — February 2015 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0

2/1 2/8 2/15 2/22

Generosity

Actual $56,442 $62,268 $62,806 $84,813 Budget $58,355 $58,355 $58,355 $58,355

6 April 2015

April 12 - Dr. John Martinson

Coaching - Not Just for Athletes or Executives: Conversations for Deeper, More Supportive Relationships

ONE-SHOT FORUM

All One-shot Forums are 9:45 or 11 am in the Luther Room (lower level). For biographies on speakers, visit lordoflife.org/L5.

Coaching is most frequently associated with sports. Teams and individuals perform at their best when aided by a coach. Today corporations frequently use coaching for the same purpose, to enable executives to provide their best possible leadership. Coaching conversations are not only helpful to athletes and executives—these conversations are also helpful to each of us who seek to be the best we can be desiring deep, genuine relationships. This forum will focus on an overview of coaching and how we can apply the principles to the conversations we have with family, friends and colleagues.

April 19 - Dr. John Henrich

To Forgive or Not to Forgive...That Is The Question!

Forgiveness is both a theological concept and a psychological process.

God forgives us, but we often have trouble translating that reality into forgiveness for those who hurt us. What are internal steps to forgiveness; what gets in the way? What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Dr. Henrich will share clinical research involving forgiveness and evidence that shows forgiveness is good for us. He will also focus on four steps of forgiveness, what can be helpful in reaching forgiveness, what keeps us stuck in anger, hurt, and bitterness.

April 26 - Dr. John Henrich

Seven Principles for a Successful Marriage We’ll examine Dr. John Gottman’s book, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Research with 650 couples over 14 years led Dr. Gottman to discover seven principles in most successful marriages. What happens in our brain when we fall in love? Why do we fall out of love? And what’s the glue that holds us together through ‘better or worse, sickness or health, richer or poorer?’ We’ll also discuss the surprising fact that 69% of marital conflict is unsolvable, but those marriages that learn to live with unsolvable conflict and have a sense of humor are more successful.

May 3 - Dr. Matt Skinner

Everything You Need To Know About Jesus in 45 Minutes There’s a lot we can’t know about Jesus, and there’s also a lot we can know. But what things are really essential? How do we explore who Jesus was and what the Bible says about Him in ways that honor both the depth and the simplicity of the good news? Join in as we look at some basic claims the Bible makes about Jesus. These claims help us understand the Jesus who roamed Galilee 2000 years ago. Just as important, they help us see who God is, who we are, what it means to live a life of faith, and how we can communicate the gospel to others.

L5 Forums April 2015 7

Love That Flowed

My name is Gary Nelson and I have been a member of Lord of Life since 1988. Over the years, I would read in the weekly bulletin about the many mission trip service opportunities that our church supports. For the past several years, I found myself saying, “Someday I’m going to go on one of those trips.” However, I never acted upon that urge.

In October 2014, I read about the 2015 trip to the Dominican Republic (DR). It sounded like an interesting service opportunity, and I contacted Pastor Dave for more details.

Enough of the “someday” and on with registration!

This was a big step for me—way outside my comfort zone. Up until that time, my only church-related activities had been attending weekly worship and volunteering at The Food Group.

I had never registered for a retreat or a Bible study class. The DR trip was definitely a leap into the deep end of the spiritual pool for me.

To see and feel God at work through my hands and the hands of my Christian brothers and sisters was truly amazing. Equally amazing was the bond that we built and shared through our daily prayer and worship. The love that flowed between our team and the wonderful Dominican people was incredible.

How has my experience in the Dominican Republic changed me? It has created a new understanding for me about how God works through us, His servants, to perform His many wondrous works. By getting to know the stories of the other team members, I also learned about the special ways they had been called into service.

Finally, my DR experience has given me a changed perspective on how I view our community and my role in the community. I have made a personal commitment to increase my participation in community service, and I have initiated that commitment by volunteering at Sharing and Caring Hands and at Maple Hill Estates.

Thanks be to God for providing me with such wonderful service opportunities!

Lord of Life Ministries

—Gary Nelson

8 April 2015

acts 29 Acts 29 is a short-term mission trip within the United States. We travel to areas that have been hit by natural disasters and help rebuild homes. Acts 29 started in 2007 after Hurricane Katrina—this will be our ninth mission trip.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, we will work with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding homes damaged by the 2011 tornadoes. Dates of the trip are July 25-August 1.

For more information, stop by the narthex table on the weekends of April 11/12 or April 18/19.

Also if you are interested in going, please plan on attending a short informational meeting on Sunday, April 19 at 12:15 pm in Room 125. The deadline to sign up for the mission trip is May 17.

Questions? Visit lordoflife.org/acts29 or please contact Merle and Michelle Waldron at 763.420.5388 or mmwaldron@comcast.net.

“how God works through us”

To Serve and Help People

by Dr. Monica Alley (shown in middle photo on the left side) I packed my bags and made the journey to the province of San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic for a dental mission trip. I came to serve this community which has no access to dental or medical care. I felt I was prepared for the experience. Looking back now—I laugh at my naïveté!

before

after

The dental clinic had been updated over the years by dedicated volunteers from Lord of Life and around the world. We felt privileged to have comfortable accommodations. Food and lodging was provided by our mission partner, Servidores Mundiales. All came with a desire as I did, “to serve and help people.”

That first morning we awoke to roosters crowing and a majestic sunrise over the mountains. Our mornings always began with worship and fellowship but the first morning was incredible as we looked up to the mountains praying for guidance to help and serve. The clinical day began at 8 am, yet we could hear footsteps and motorbikes in the wee hours—people lined up since 5 am. We saw patients of all ages and a variety of oral conditions. Rarely did we see anyone who simply needed dental prophylaxis (dental cleaning). Many of the young children had severe decay needing extractions. There were adolescents missing front teeth and molars—at a time when self-esteem is affected the most. Adults had severe dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Their dental condition is simply due to lack of access to dental care. Dental care means travelling four hours to see a dentist in Santo Domingo.

As a team we worked long and hard but were energized by each other. We performed oral surgery, fillings, and provided dental prostheses. The entire dental team worked with the utmost empathy creating an atmosphere of reassurance for the patients.

Lord of Life Ministries

All said and done, we were happy to provide dental care but sad we were not able to provide all the care we wanted to because of the incredible need which exists. We often wondered what this mission trip meant to all of us. As dental professionals we wanted to complete procedures and eliminate dental disease. The experiences we gained and the love and gratitude we received confirmed our priorities. The faith and mission as a Christian was the ultimate goal that we were seeking, and faith without action is of little value without love. This trip built relationships and taught me the value of simple things in life along with a sense of gratitude for every blessing we receive from above.

April 2015 9

Fore!

by Jean Campbell You may be looking for ways to enjoy being outside this summer. Lord of Life’s women’s golf group may be the perfect opportunity!

For eight years, a group of women has been golfing together on Wednesday afternoons. We are not in a league. We are simply a group who golfs together at the same course and timeframe each week. All skill levels are welcome and we play primarily at the Brookview Par 3 (Highway 55 and Winnetka). Tee times are scheduled between 4:30-5:15 pm and play usually takes 1½-2 hours.

One person calls in for the number of tee times we need each week. If you have a calendar conflict, let us know ahead of time—you are not charged for an absence. After golfing we go out to dinner at a nearby restaurant.

We try to play May-September (or as long as the weather is nice!). Come join in on Wednesday afternoons. It’s a fun, easy way for exercise and laughs with “the girls.” No scarves, mittens or boots required!

We are planning a 2015 Preseason Gathering at Nancy Fraasch’s home. Catch up with or meet fellow golfers while enjoying appetizers. Date has not yet been decided—call Jean Campbell (763.557.8638) for details.

To register with Lord of Life’s women’s golf group, visit lordoflife.org/social or sign up on the church bulletin board.

Green fees are $12.50 per round ($9 with patron card, $9.50 for seniors, $8 for seniors with patron card. Patron card is $30 and includes more discounts in addition to the green fees discounts.) Call Brookview Golf Center (763.512.2300) if interested in their patron card. You must apply in person at their clubhouse; however, you may want to print and complete the application (brookviewgolf.com/patron/ application) ahead of time.

Older Wiser Lutherans april

Thursday, April 9 (note date change): Life all around us tells us to be on guard against fraud.

Associate State Director for community outreach for AARP, Jay Haapla will share how to identify and fight against fraud. You don’t want to miss this informative gathering. We begin in Fellowship Hall at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Bring a friend—see you there!

Wednesday, April 15: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 12:45 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, April 16: The Wildlife Science Center is a non-profit, science-based education facility home to the largest captive population of privately maintained wolves in the United States. Over 25,000 people annually attend educational programs specializing in wolves and other Minnesota predators. Along with over 35 critically endangered red, Mexican gray, and other gray wolves, the Wildlife Science Center is also home to black bears, foxes, lynx, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, porcupines, and birds of prey. We will leave church at 9 am. After a presentation at the Wildlife Center, we will have lunch at Norman Quack’s restaurant and return by 3 pm. Cost is $13 with lunch on your own.

Friday, April 24: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9 am—God’s Work. Our Hands.

save the date Thursday, May 7: Where did you attend grade school—was it one of Minnesota’s schoolhouses?

Photographer Doug Ohman will share stories and pictures of schoolhouses filled with memories of days gone by. Bring a friend and enjoy the fun with freewill donation lunch beginning at noon in Fellowship Hall.

Lord of Life Ministries

Thursday, May 21: The Oliver Kelley Farm is an 1860s working farm in Elk River. Mr. Kelley was the founder of the first national agricultural organization known as the Grange. We will have a guided tour of the farm, which is a national historic landmark.

The farm is ADA-accessible, but there is walking involved. We will enjoy lunch at Rockwood Grill before heading to the farm. We will leave church at 10:30 am and return at 4 pm. Cost is $9 with lunch on your own.

10 April 2015

See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events. Cancellations due to weather will be on the authority of the event leader and made at least 24 hours in advance when possible; calls will be made to all participants. Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.

Children’s Clothing Store

by Sandy Munson We’re starting to plan for the 5th Annual Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Children’s Clothing Store early this year, with a spring collection in May (clean out those fall/ winter clothes before summer) as well as our regular fall collection period in late September. We don’t have the exact dates for collection, so watch Sunday bulletins and lordoflife.org/LSS for details.

who

Lord of Life congregation donates fall/winter clothing for sale to LSS clients

what

Gently used and new children’s clothing in sizes infant-adult with a great need for new underwear/socks in all sizes in unopened packaging

where Center for Changing Lives, 2500 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis when

October 9, 1-4 pm to set-up October 10, 8:15 am-2 pm (sale time 9 am-1 pm), and clean-up

We need people to donate, sort, set-up, and clean-up. Men, women, and supervised teens are needed to help set-up the room and lay out all donated clothes at LSS on Friday afternoon, and to assist shoppers, serve as a check-out person, keep the tables of clothes neat, and be a general warm, welcoming helper. Watch for more details as we get closer to collection dates. Questions? Please contact Sandy Munson (rsmunson@ embarqmail.com) or Linda Zwick (lkzwick@comcast.net).

april 11

Sharing and Caring Hands, Rick Anderson at arick13@yahoo.com

april 18

You are invited to the Men’s Quarterly Breakfast at 7:30 am at Lord of Life. The guest speaker is Brian Bornick who served several tours in the Middle East. He will share his experiences and his relationship with Christ and how that has impacted him. There will be a hearty freewill donation breakfast.

Please sign up online or on the bulletin board near the Welcome Desk and invite a friend or neighbor!

may 2

Silent Knights North Minneapolis Spring Clean-up, Blake Toms at blake.toms@regiscorp.com Men’s Retreat at Shores of St. Andrew with fellowship, optional golfing, and more—stay tuned!

The keynote speaker will be Bill Butters, a retired professional hockey player in the WHA and the NHL. Music for the evening will be provided by the Gospel legend Robert Robinson, who has been called “God’s canary.”

Tickets for the April 30 dinner and benefit are $35 with sponsorship tables of 12 for $500. Purchase tickets online at FreedomWorksDinner.eventbrite.com. Registration begins at 6:15 pm with a buffet dinner at 6:45 pm. Music begins at 7:25 pm with the program to follow.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to learn more about FreedomWorks, visit the Welcome Back Center in Minneapolis or the volunteer opportunities at myfreedomworks.com. Questions? Contact Lord of Life members Greg or Cheryl Myhr at gcmyhr@embarqmail.com.

Visit lordoflife.org/realmen for more information.

April 2015

Lord of Life Ministries

may 15-17

On Thursday, April 30, Lord of Life will host the annual FreedomWorks benefit and dinner. Your participation in this event allows FreedomWorks to further their mission of stopping the revolving door through post-prison ministry programs.

11

Holy Moments in Detroit

by Elizabeth Pedersen, Senior High Ministry There is not much I don’t love about my job. I work on an amazingly talented and committed team, I get to hang out with generous, loving, complicated, and hilarious teenagers. And I partner with some of the most dedicated and faithful leaders in our congregation. But the best part of my job?

Mission trips. I love them. I love them because I love planning them, but mostly I love them because of the experience they give to those of us who go on them. It’s nearly impossible to explain, but between and underneath serving others, working together and dwelling in God’s presence, something really holy and meaningful happens on mission trips.

There’s nothing else like it … or so I thought…

So every year, our Children, Youth and Family (CYF) team from Lord of Life travels to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza (or the “E”).

It’s a five-day conference where CYF people from across the country gather for renewal, education, and connection. It’s one of my favorite places in the whole world: reconnecting with seminary friends and professors, engaging in practical and theoretical workshops, worshipping as a community, sharing stories, struggles and joys with colleagues, being challenged to dream, laughing so much your face hurts, feeling God’s presence so much it takes your breath away … that’s the Extravaganza. (left to right) Brenda Polis, Susan Listberger, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Elizabeth Pedersen, Jeff Bourbonais, Craig Doerrmann

Lord of Life Ministries

This year, the E was in Detroit and what made it special was that for the first time, I was able to bring along four of our senior high adult leaders. It was so great to have them there to learn more about the ELCA Youth Gathering (which is happening in Detroit this summer), to grow in their own ministry and leadership, and to get a taste of the greater CYF community of which they are a part.

But the best part? It was all the stuff that happened between and underneath the workshops, general sessions, and networking. Maybe it was the theme of this year’s Extravaganza (Story: God’s, Ours, Yours, Mine) or maybe it was because the five of us all entered fully into the experience (probably it was both), but I can’t say I’ve had more meaningful and holy conversations anywhere else in my life than I did over that weekend in Detroit. I am so incredibly blessed by the gift of sharing in the real, true stories of Brenda, Susan, Jeff, and Craig.

That’s what it’s really all about—the holy & meaningful comes when you let your story be known, when you live into who God created you to be, and let yourself be seen as a child of God, loved beyond measure. It’s not a very easy thing, though. And the moments in our lives when it feels safe to do so are pretty few and far between (like once a year when you’re on a mission trip or at an Extravaganza), but do they need to be? What would it look like if we lived this way all the time? Could you do it? I am trying, and I hope you will, too.

12 April 2015

“

holy & meaningful comes when you let your story be known, when you live into who God created you to be

Christ, Community, Confirmation— sr. high sundays Start your week off right with Sr. High Sunday! Hang out with your church friends, have some fun and talk about faith. We start at 7 pm with Ecclesia worship, followed by Express youth group at 7:45 pm.

All are welcome!

5th annual fun run/walk Saturday, May 30, 9 am

Kick off the summer and get your rear in gear at the fifth annual Children, Youth & Family (CYF) Fun Run/Walk! All are welcome to participate in a 1 mile or 5k+ run/walk around Rice Lake. Proceeds support summer trips and camps for children and youth. Registration is open!

Visit lordoflife.org/funrun for more details.

Questions? Email Elizabeth Pedersen at elizabethp@lordoflife.org.

C3

sundays

April 19, 26 5-6 pm C3 Groups (7th Grade Only) 5:30-6:30 pm Family Meal 6-7 pm C3 Groups 7-7:45 pm Ecclesia Worship 7:45-8:45 pm Explore

wednesdays

April 22, 29 4:30-5:30 pm 5:30-6:30 pm 6:30-7:30 pm

C3 Groups Family Meal C3 Groups

pancake breakfast Saturday, April 25, 8-10 am

jr. high explore

Tickets are $8. The breakfast is a fundraiser for junior and senior high youth going to jr. high camp, jr. high mission trip, sr. high ELCA Youth Gathering, and AWOL.

and games and exploring our faith together on April 19

Come check out Explore—it’s a fun time with worship

jr. high mission trip & jr. high bible camp Mission Trip: June 14-20 Bible Camp: July 12-17

Lord of Life’s jr. high mission trip is headed to Rockford, Illinois. Cost is $375 with $150 non-refundable deposit due at registration. Jr. high Bible camp is at Luther Park in Danbury, Wisconsin. Cost is $430 with $100 discount for the first 40 campers. For more information on both of these opportunities, visit lordoflife.org/summer.

Hunger Banks

and 26 from 7:45-8:45 pm.

Questions on C3? Contact Raul or Clancy!

Summertime!

Registration is open for Summer Stretch, Vacation Bible School, Adventure Week, camps, and more! Discounts may still be available for the first 100 campers for Half-pint, Elementary, and Junior High.

For more information and to register, visit lordoflife.org/summer.

You’ve been filling your ELCA Hunger Bank throughout Lent and it’s time to return them.

You may bring your bank to your Church School class, the Youth Booth or the main church office any time in April.

Lord of Life Ministries

ELCA World Hunger provides individuals and communities with immediate access to food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies and care. Whether providing meals to people who are homeless in New York City or providing survival kits to refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this work ensures that the most basic of human needs are met.

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End-of-year Bash

June 5

Club 56

June 5—save the date!

It’s the Club 56 End-ofyear Bash for all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Are you ready to par-tay? Visit lordoflife.org/club56.

College Care Packages

Who doesn’t love getting mail—especially when you are going through college finals! Would you like your college student to receive a special package filled with goodies to remind them they are loved and supported? The After School Program students will be putting together special packages to send to college students at the end of April, just in time for finals! Donations can be dropped off in the Service Center. We are looking for microwave popcorn, bags/boxes of candy, Pop Tarts®, tea packets, gum, and granola bars. Register your college student for a care package at lordoflife.org/carepackages.

Good Friday Family Worship Experience the last days of Jesus’ life through Scripture readings, songs, symbols, and a reading of The Giving Tree. This family worship experience is appropriate for all ages.

10 am friday, april 3 Lord of Life Sanctuary

First Communion

Holy communion is one of two sacraments observed in the Lutheran Church; baptism is the other sacrament.

Communion instruction and receiving one’s first communion are extremely important parts of Christian education and milestones in one’s faith journey. Please hold our fifth graders and their families in your prayers as they join us at the table on April 11/12 at all services.

More information on first communion may be found at lordoflife.org/firstcommunion.

Church School

On Easter weekend, April 4/5, all children worship with their families. We wish all families a blessed Easter.

Church School Lessons: April 11/12: Holy Communion/Lord’s Supper April 18/19: Great Commission April 25/26: Earth Day

Lord of Life Ministries

souper bowl results

14 April 2015

Thanks to generous donations of Church School and C3 students, families, and other caring adults, Lord of Life’s Souper Bowl of Caring donation to CROSS was over 525 items. Families and individuals will be fed with peanut butter, jelly, chili, stew, fruits, veggies, tuna, chicken, and other canned goods helping them through a time of need.

Pajama Day! April Bible Verse: “He is not here. He is risen!” Luke 24:6a

Christ Is Risen Indeed

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool

The Easter Garden: A Lenten Experience for Children

by Marcia Stoner and Daphna Lee Fiegal The Easter Garden is a special place to explore the story and symbols of Holy Week.

Happy Easter! And a warm welcome to spring (we hope)!

We begin the month of April with “J” is for Jesus, continuing our Bible lessons on love and service for others. With the changing of seasons, it’s time to brighten up a bit with “Y” is for Yellow. The end of April we’ll prepare for our spring planting with “G” is for Garden. April is also filled with a trip to Stages Theater to see One Dog Canoe (the Minnesota version of The Mitten), class pictures, an Usborne Book Fair and end-of-the-year preschool conferences on April 27/28.

Yes, we are a busy bunch!

Celebrating 20 Years 1995-2015 For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please contact us at kingdom@ lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.

Learning about science with a bubble workshop!

Karing Kingdom Preschool April 2015

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RETU RN S E RV I CE RE QU E S T E D - T I ME S E N S I T I V E MAT ER IAL L O RD OF L I F E L U T H E R A N C HU R C H ( E LC A )

Nonprofit US Postage Paid

7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org

Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church printed by Wallace Carlson Printing 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.

Deadline for the May issue is April 1. Copyright © 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work. Our Hands.

Packed school snacks for kids and afterwards were caught reading LifeTIMES

One Mission One World Dominican Republic missionaries—see Pages 8-9 for stories!

Tom Gulliford and Mary Olson were caught reading LifeTIMES in Parnell, New Zealand

16 April 2015