April 2016 LifeTIMES magazine

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

LifeTIMES

CHRIST Is Risen

Courtesy of Merle Waldron

He is risen indeed

April 2016

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

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 PASTOR A L S TAF F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT, karilynw@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE OF CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Pastor’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-3 Lord of Life’s Family of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 L5 Forums / Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

COVER P H O T O Thank you to Merle Waldron, current council president, for sharing his work. “This shot was taken on June 29, 2015, in Amery, Wisconsin during a family vacation. It was in Michelle’s aunt and uncle’s garden after dinner, and I only had my iPhone. It had rained most of the afternoon, had just stopped, and the sun was trying to come out.” Fresh, living flora overcoming a dark, inert boulder—a wonderful dichotomy symbolizing our resurrection life in Christ. Happy Easter!

april worship and music April 2/3 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Augsburg College Gospel Choir and Jazz Ensemble SNL@LOL: Sunday Night Live! at 7 pm (see Page 16) April 9/10 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Kari Lyn Wampler (11 am) April 16/17 Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto and New Life Ensemble April 23/24 Pastor Sarah Bunge Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Peter Middlecamp (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) April 30/May 1 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise and Alleluia! (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am)

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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 Sunday, April 17, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday, April 20, worship at 1 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 Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

Worship and Music

Administrative Professionals Day is Wednesday, April 27! Lord of Life is blessed to have this hard-working team of professionals serve the congregation and staff. Please take a moment to thank them for their smiles, helpfulness, and service.

2 April 2016

Lord of Life’s Administrative Support Team— (left to right) Seated: Carrie Petrie, Karen Klevar, Jenny Rogalski, Diane Carlson Standing: Kate Janka, Office Manager Nancy Bourbonais, Sandy Zappa

Trust Each Day to Jesus Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Peter and I went on a six-day cruise at the beginning of February. We were supposed to stop at three ports in Mexico and Honduras, but because of unforeseen circumstances we were only able to stop at one. When we boarded the ship, all of the passengers and crew had definite plans of how we were going to spend the next few days, but because of engine problems and turns in the weather, our plans were changed. We had a good experience on our cruise, but our journey took quite a different path than we had originally anticipated. We ended up with more time to read and less time to explore.

Our little vacation was a reminder to me of all of the surprises we all face on this journey we call life. Some of those surprises are good and some are bad. We can have everything mapped out and planned, but then something happens to change our course ... maybe our job is moved to another part of the country, or maybe there is an unplanned pregnancy, or maybe our spouse dies, or, or, or. We can all fill in the blanks with the surprising things that have happened in our own lives or the lives of people we love.

The reality is, we can never know for certain what tomorrow will bring. That is true for all people at all times.

The good news, for those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, is that we don’t have to be afraid of what the future holds, because we know that we will not face that future alone. Jesus has promised to be our constant companion—no matter what. The words from Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 5-8, are helpful for us to remember: God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” No matter what twists and turns our lives will take, we can trust each day to Jesus.

And that is the one thing we can plan on.

Life Together: connecting, caring, praying

by Renae Larson and Rob Treptau

Rob’s Story: I am a dyslexic adult. Several tutors worked with me through my growing up years to teach me to read, but I’d always hit a wall and give up. I was angry at God and blamed Him because I couldn’t learn to read and write.

basics of reading. Tutoring is expensive, and I could no longer afford to continue. I became acquainted with Pastor Karen Sue Greimel when I began coming to Celebrate Recovery. She has helped me in many ways during this journey. I realized I needed more guidance in continuing to make progress with my skills of reading and writing.

Renae’s Story: I am a retired teacher, trained in special education. I love to volunteer if I can find a worthwhile use of my time and the location is near my home. Pastor Karen Sue announced before Christmas that we had a man in our church —continues on Page 6

Pastor’s Article

A few years ago, when I was in a rehab program, I really began to know a loving God and began to pray to Him. I wanted to be able to read the Bible. I wanted to be Definition: Dyslexia is a able to read so I could find passages general term for disorders that and look things up. Some counselors involve difficulty in learning to in the program found me some CDs read or interpret words, letters, that I could listen to. Another located and other symbols, but that do not an easy-to-read Bible for me. Later, affect general intelligence. my sister found a tutor who used —Oxford Dictionary a method that helped me learn the

April 2016 3

Lord of Life’s baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, April 10, at 11 am.

No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

February 6

Kate Ellen Sweeney February 14

Clara Nannette Dubel

Nash Emery Hoegh

Catherine Marie Scott

Malin Lia Vakoc February 21

Olivia Esther Moore February 28

Hal Robert Nordling

Taylor Ann Peterson

Camden Gerald Rothenbueler

Clara Jo Schommer

Lucca Joan Tru Worth

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.

Family

Sandy Munson and family at the death of her aunt Rachel Nash and family at the death of her mother Chris Petersen and family at the death of his grandmother Tyler Petersen and family at the death of his grandmother Brittney Shull and family at the death of her brother Jake & Melissa Vogel and family at the death of their daughter Bill Zajac and family at the death of his son

weddings February 27

Peggy Gray & Dick Huseth

Steven Bohnsack and family at the death of his uncle

welcome to new members

Clint & Tedde Eckstrom and families at the death of their sister-in-law

Leah Oie

Chris & Melissa Knutson with Kaeli and Blake

Chris Fargo and family at the death of his mother

Aaron & Kristin Opheim

Rik & Cleo Groves and family at the death of their friend

Rob & Jenna Parks

Garrett Hanson and family at the death of his grandmother

Scott & Dawn Schnell with Jordyn

Gayle & Terri Hanson and family at the death of their mother Kay Horntvedt and family at the death of her cousin Heather Lillehei and family at the death of her grandmother

Familiy of Faith

Scott More and family at the death of his mother

4 April 2016

Mark & Ashley Scheierl Jennifer Stanfield with Isaac Seyoum 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. For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/membership.

You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

of

Faith

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:1-2 NIV

A God Moment Celebrate Recovery (CR) Ministry—

It’s a Big Event!

by Michelle Welinski Lord of Life is excited to be hosting a national training event on Saturday, April 2, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Hundreds of church leaders from around the Midwest will be descending upon our church to learn more about starting and maintaining CR in their own churches and communities.

Two training tracks will be running simultaneously throughout the day. For churches learning about and possibly starting CR, The Journey Begins is a great opportunity to hear from founders John and Cheryl Baker.

The Journey Continues is for churches that are already up and running yet looking for additional training and networking.

There will also be three working lunch breakout sessions. Leaders can learn the value of programing for the whole family.

One breakout is to learn about Celebration Place for elementary children. Another session is about The Landing for teens. The third breakout will share how to start CR Inside, a prison ministry. I’m guessing many of you had no idea that CR was this big!

There are many opportunities to volunteer including kitchen help, resource sales, parking assistance, building facilities tasks, and more.To volunteer, please contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

by Kay Mourer A while ago I was in need of a refrigerator repair. The company I had purchased the appliance from had to locate a repair person, as they outsource their repairs. My experience with this had not been pleasant in the past, but there was nothing I could do except wait and see who showed up this time.

To my surprise and delight, the young repairman was not only knowledgeable and efficient—he was one of the best examples of a Christian I have seen in a long time.

After he had fixed the problem, he also took the time to repair the door which had not closed correctly since I had purchased the refrigerator over a year ago. He simply said, “Not a problem, let me go to my truck and see if I have a part.”

We chatted as he completed the task at hand. As he cleaned up and was getting ready to leave, I offered him a twenty dollar bill. He smiled and graciously declined my offer—it was against company policy to accept tips. Imagine my surprise! I immediately thought to myself how honest this young man was because the company would have no idea that I had tipped him. But He would know!

The repairman thanked me again and then asked if I belonged to a church. We both smiled, as I was wearing one of my Lord of Life tshirts. I told him, yes, that I am a member at Lord of Life in Maple Grove. What he said next, and then asked me to do, warmed my heart. He asked if we supported any ministries to help hungry people. I mentioned Source MN and Feed My Starving Children. He asked if I would donate the twenty dollars to Feed My Starving Children. I, of course, told him I would! We talked a minute or two about how blessed we both were; he again thanked me. We hugged and before he walked out of my home, I felt as though we had truly shared “a God moment.”

Family of Faith

I dropped off the money at church later that day, donating it in the repairman’s name. As I walked out of the building, Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV) came to mind, “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

April 2016 5

Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran (L5)—

—continues from Page 3

who had some reading skills, but would also like to learn to write. Rob had been in my L5 class a while ago and I’d enjoyed his presence.

Later I’d seen him studying at church and asked what he was doing. He told me then that he’d been unable to read and was working with a tutor. I expressed my admiration for someone who worked so hard at attaining a goal. When Pastor Karen Sue asked for a volunteer, I assumed Rob was the person seeking help. I decided this was something I could do. We meet at church and have been working together since January.

Our Story: Rob is working hard and progressing in his skills. I’m having a chance to teach again. We both enjoy our sessions together. I’m learning so many things from him. His innate talents in building, fixing things, his love of nature, and his life experiences are teaching me things. He brings other materials that he is interested in. He says he likes when I give him homework and answer his questions. I love hearing him read from his Bible and we use a devotional for part of our instruction so we can share our faith as well. Life Together is good for both of us and a friendship is just an added benefit.

April L5 Forums

L5 Forums are offered on timely faith topics taught by highly regarded professors from Luther Seminary or area colleges and other professionals in and around our community.

Identical sessions are on Sundays at 9:45 and 11 am in the Luther Room. There is no cost and no registration is required.

April 3: Wholehearted Living, Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

A one-shot version of the Word for Women conversation on Wholehearted Living. We will talk about engaging from a place of worthiness while cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to create the lives we want to live. Based on Brené Brown’s work, The Gifts of Imperfection, available for purchase in Lord of Life’s Reflections of Faith gift and book shop.

April 10: Moving Beyond Millenial Anxiety: Taking a Theological Turn in Ministry to Young People with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dr. Andy Root

For more information on how you can share Life Together, please contact Pastor Karen Sue (763.420.5015 x144 or ksgreimel@lordoflife.org).

It appears that everyone is nervous about losing young people in our congregations. Yet, this presentation will call us to take a deep breath and relax. It will argue that if the church is to minister to the young, it needs to take a theological turn. What exactly does it mean to make a theological turn in youth ministry? We will discuss turning away from a technological perspective, which sees youth ministry as providing solutions or as a means to a goal. But a theological turn doesn’t necessarily mean turning to theology; it means moving to the theological. It seeks for the act of God in the lives and concrete experience of young people. We will explore why and how this turn matters immensely and how it ministers to young people in our congregations.

April 17: Christianity in an Age of Religious Diversity, Dr. Deanna Thompson

Recently Christians have been thinking more broadly and creatively about how living, talking, and even practicing with those from other faith traditions, affects Christian understanding of our own beliefs and practices. Join Hamline Religion Professor Deanna Thompson and explore several examples of serious Christian engagement with other faith traditions and how they challenge and open up ways of seeing Christian faith from new vantage points.

April 24: In His Footsteps - Our Holy Land Experience, Pastors Karen and Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

L5 Forums

6 April 2016

Skip the 12-hour total flight time! From a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this past fall, come see photos and hear stories from Pastors Karen and Peter about walking in His footsteps.

Embracing Stewardship

by Pastor Chick Lane Pastor Peter suggested I use this month’s article to talk about a new book I have co-authored.

I’m pleased to do that.

The book is entitled, Embracing Stewardship: How to put stewardship at the heart of your congregation’s life. The first four chapters of the book provide a basic introduction to stewardship in the congregation, suggest some reasons why stewardship ministry is often difficult, and provide some helpful ways to look at stewardship from a larger perspective.

The last eight chapters encourage eight pathways a congregation might follow to improve its stewardship ministry.

The target audience for the book is congregational stewardship leaders, congregation councilmembers, and pastors. Our hope is that groups of these people will read the book together and let it guide their congregation’s stewardship ministry for several years.

My co-author is Grace Duddy Pomroy. Grace and I worked together at the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary. One of the great delights of writing the book was working together to blend two very different voices.

Grace is a 28-year-old, female, lay person. I’m a few years older than that, and obviously, a male pastor. Interestingly, Grace was a good friend in college with Pastors Peter and Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren’s son, Matthew.

This book builds on some themes from my first book, Ask, Thank, Tell. The conviction of that book, and this one, is that stewardship, properly understood, has nothing to do with the congregation getting enough money to pay the bills.

Rather, stewardship is grounded in the fact that everything belongs to God, and God has entrusted some of what God owns into the care of each of us. That care, or management, is our stewardship. Living and giving generously is not done so that our congregation can stay afloat financially. Rather, we live and give generously because God has been generous to us, and God calls us to live generously with that which God has entrusted into our care.

Budget Year-to-date February 2016 Actual

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

Budget

Difference

$568,595

$564,099

$4,496

$65,141

$61,383

$3,758

$633,736

$625,482

$8,254

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — February 2016 $90,000

Grace’s powerful contribution to the book is to expand our understanding of stewardship far beyond money into the realization that everything belongs to God, and therefore all of our lives are about stewarding God’s time, talents, earth, relationships, and more. She also does a great job of helping people my age understand some of the unique stewardship challenges and opportunities faced by her generation.

Lord of Life is certainly a part of Embracing Stewardship. I have used and improved some of the book’s ideas in my work as your pastor of stewardship and generosity.

$80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000

Both of Pastor Chick’s books, Ask, Thank, Tell and Embracing Stewardship, are available in Lord of Life’s Reflections of Faith gift and book store.

$40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28

Actual Budget

$76,671 $69,783

$66,024 $69,783

$74,157 $69,783

$55,903 $69,783

Generosity

April 2016 7

Introducing One Mission One World: The Holy Land, a new adult ministry at Lord of Life—

Holy Moments in The Holy Land

by Bev Mello I am probably the last person who thinks Lord of Life needs another ministry.

Let me explain. As editor/designer of LifeTIMES, it is my job—and my joy—to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Yet in a congregation of 8,438 baptized members and 43 adult ministries (not including music, worship, children, youth, and family ministries), we only have a finite number of pages to promote, thank, share, encourage, inform, recognize, educate, celebrate, and so on. I remind myself this is a wonderful problem to have because it shows the Holy Spirit at work doing good works to glorify our Father in heaven.

But adding another adult ministry—and I am enthusiastically introducing it?! The story begins …

at the Jordan River

Our first day may have been my favorite. Worshipping on a boat in the Sea of Galilee. Seeing a valley on the horizon through which we know for a fact He had walked! Our first scripture lesson on the shore at Tabgha where the miracle of loaves and fishes occurred. Visiting Capernaum where His ministry flourished with teaching and healing.

Lord of Life Ministries

When I stood in the Sea of Galilee, Lord, reflecting on your dusty, dirty feet from walking through this land— was the water the same temperature for you as it was for me? How cleansing and refreshing it must have felt for you. And when you walked on this water and calmed the disciples fears during a storm, let it be so for my heart when it is in turmoil and distress. May I come back to this very moment and feel your peace.

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April 2016

Led by Pastors Karen and Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Pastor Dave and Lisa McCarty, over 60 followers of Christ walked in His footsteps this past fall. After about 12 hours total flight time, tired yet eager Midwesterners filled two buses, coined green or yellow bus for their window placards, ready to begin the journey. Our yellow bus guide and author, Peter Sabella, shared, “Tourists pass through places, but pilgrims let places pass through them, allowing their hearts to be changed.” 1 Yes, we visited basilicas and churches, graves and gardens.

Yes, they are important to our beliefs. But our faith is not based on monuments. Our living faith is a relationship with Jesus Christ and a collection of precious, sweet moments. Quiet moments. Holy moments.

Below are three moments (with my thoughts during those moments) out of a multitude that I experienced in this holy land.

Another day we went through our first Israeli checkpoint to the Jordan River. Under a lovely open-air structure on a beautiful morning, we worshipped and sang praises to God affirming our baptisms. Our pastors said, “You are a child of God, loved beyond measure,” and made the sign of the cross on our foreheads.

Was it at this particular place in the river, Lord, where John baptized you?

I saw this dove there and thought of the one that lit on your shoulder with our heavenly Father’s blessing. What an honor to be a child of God. Here I am broken, weak, undeserving. How can you love me? And you love me beyond measure? Incomprehensible.

My gratitude for your agape love overflows like the muddy water in the River Jordan—it is the impetus for me to love others as you first loved me.

Our second hotel was in an oasis called Jericho, the oldest city on earth. The evening was magical with a gentle, desert breeze at the outdoor restaurant/pool. How exotic to hear Middle Eastern music through speakers, see a Muslim woman enjoying a hookah, and fun to share a few laughs with other pilgrims.

The sky was clear, filled with bright stars, when I took a night swim.

They’re the stars of Abraham! This same tent of stars would have glittered over your head, Lord, laying down to sleep after a day of walking the path to Jerusalem and crucifixion. Did you look up at them reflecting on how wondrous is our heavenly Father’s creation—from the stars in the sky to the grains of sand in the Judean desert?

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb Pastor, Christmas Lutheran Church

The Holy Land Ministry Team Cindy Cadwallader • Sandy Cornelius • Barb Claseman • Bryan Claseman • Joan Freeberg as Luther Seminary contact • Dave Hobson • Rose Hobson • Barb Janssen • Greg Janssen • John Jenneke • Dan Little • Pastor Dave McCarty, Outreach and Missions • Terri McCarthy • Bev Mello • Cheryl Myhr • Greg Myhr • Oly Quast • Sharon Quast • Jennifer Riziq • Joan Schulkers

Three simple, holy moments. But the most powerful experience of all during this pilgrimage was not listed anywhere on the itinerary. I have no idea exactly when it happened—yet it hit hard. The Holy Spirit filled my heart with compassion to act in support of the people of Palestine. I felt a call to serve—and I am not the only pilgrim who answered that call. Once back in Minnesota, a ministry team was formed. In January, we decided to focus on education and health through Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.

Under Pastor Mitri Raheb’s leadership, Christmas Lutheran works at the individual level providing support, education, health, and heritage programs.

They are a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). In the same way as Lord of Life is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Christmas Lutheran is a member in that body of Christ except on the other side of the globe. Partnering with Christmas Lutheran, Lord of Life will equip local community members— children, youth, students, families, seniors—to assume a proactive role in shaping a brighter future. They are dedicated to helping Christianity survive and thrive. Hope is what they do!

More than ever before, we are a global village. What can we do? Tell the story. Increase awareness. Promote education. Attend Pastors Karen and Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren’s presentation on April 24 (see Page 6). Hear Pastor Mitri Raheb speak at Lord of Life on May 25 (see sidebar). Pray for all the people in this holy land.

Peter E. Sabella’s Closed for Renovation – On the Road to Emmaus – A Spiritual Guide of the Holy Land Towards a Permanent Pilgrimage, 2016 Emerzerian Printing, Jerusalem, Page 20, quote of Rev. Peter J. Miano, Society of Biblical Studies.

1

Internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and recent recipient of Sweden’s Olaf Palme award, Pastor Mitri was born and raised in Bethlehem, Palestine, and has served as pastor of Christmas Lutheran since 1968. He is also president of Diyar, a consortium of Lutheran institutions that he founded in 1995.

We encourage you to attend and bring a friend!

April 2016

Lord of Life Ministries

You do not need to have taken a pilgrimage and walked in His steps to be a part of this new Lord of Life adult ministry. To learn more, stop by the narthex tables on April 16/17 or 23/24 and visit lordoflife.org/theholyland.

Lord of Life is honored to welcome Pastor Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem’s Christmas Lutheran Church for an open forum, Hope Is What We Do—Introducing Bright Stars of Bethlehem, on Wednesday, May 25. The forum begins at 7 pm in our sanctuary and is open to the public.

9

2B REAL Men Events breakfast

On Saturday, April 23, David Wall, author of The Ultimate Scoring Drive – Defeating Eleven Barriers to a Victorious Life, will tell us how football illustrates the joys and challenges of following Jesus. Come for breakfast at 7:30 am and stay to hear the story behind his book. This is also a preview for the May men’s retreat when David Wall will lead us in a book study.

Acts 29 Mission Trip

by Merle and Michelle Waldron 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 summer is the 10th mission trip; we are returning to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We will work with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding homes damaged by the 2011 tornadoes. The dates of the trip are July 23-31.

For more information, stop by the narthex table before or after worship on April 2/3 and April 9/10.

retreat

Also, if you are interested in going on this mission trip, please plan to attend a short informational meeting on Sunday, April 10, at 12:15 pm in Room 125. The deadline to sign up for the mission trip is May 15.

This is a great time to renew friendships, or make new ones, and to grow in your faith. On May 20-22, the annual men’s retreat will be at Shores of St. Andrew in Spicer, Minnesota. As mentioned above, David Wall will lead a book study blending football and faith to illustrate the overwhelming victory found in following Christ.

More details and registration is at lordoflife.org/realmen.

Questions? Please contact Merle and Michelle Waldron at 763.420.5388 or mmwaldron@comcast.net.

service

Serve with other Lord of Life men to pack food for Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, April 21, from 8-9:30 pm in Blaine. To sign up, contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org).

FreedomWorks Annual Benefit/Dinner

by Greg and Cheryl Myhr On Thursday, April 28, 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 of incarceration through this post-prison aftercare ministry located in north Minneapolis.

Lord of Life Ministries

The evening will be filled with faithaffirming testimonials from past and current program participants tied together with music from Gospel legend, Robert Robinson (at right).

10 April 2016

If you are unable to attend the event, would like to learn more about FreedomWorks, or are looking for volunteer opportunities, visit myfreedomworks.com or contact Greg or Cheryl Myhr at gcmyhr@embarqmail.com.

Older Wiser Lutherans april

Thursday, April 7: “Naturalist Looks at Spring in Minnesota … Christians’ View of Nature” Jim Gilbert’s Nature Notes may be heard on WCCO Radio on Sunday mornings. His observations have been part of Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendars since 1977. He has written five books on nature.

Jim and his wife have hosted 20 ecotours to Costa Rica, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, and Kenya. Begin at noon with a freewill donation lunch and devotion by Pastor Sarah.

Wednesday, April 20: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

Thursday, April 21: Enjoy a tour of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church (Mindekirken) in south Minneapolis. Also included will be a tour of the Norway House with exhibits of Norwegian art and more. Leave church at 8 am and return by 2 pm. Cost is $11 plus lunch on your own at 50th Street Café.

Celebrating God’s love and our love for each other, the OWLs journeyed with Pastors Karen and Peter to the Holy Land at the annual Valentine’s Day party on February 11. After feasting on cranberry chicken then cherry cheesecake, Pastor Donna Rohrer shared of God’s glory and love poured out on each of us.

With David Frank on piano, Dana Brinton delighted us singing Funny Valentine and L-O-V-E.

Friday, April 22: Coffee’s always on for LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am!

save the date Thursday, May 5: Lord of Life in the Future will be the topic of conversation with Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Council President Merle Waldron. A freewill donation lunch will be served at noon in Fellowship Hall.

Communication in the family is important— don’t miss it!

Thursday, May 19: Journey back in time at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in St. Paul. We leave church at 9:15 am returning by 3:30 pm. Cost is $11.50 plus lunch on your own at Cossetta’s.

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.

oh, come all ye faithful ...

Lord of Life Ministries

... and Lord of Life volunteers did come to the first Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) Northwest Metro Mobilepack on February 24-28! So many people volunteered to make it possible packing over 1,774,160 meals which will feed more than 6,000 children for a year.

Currently 6,200 children die every day from starvation. Their lives depend on volunteers to pack this scientifically formulated food that is culturally acceptable worldwide. Organizations in nearly 70 countries around the world will distribute these meals to children in greatest need. Thank you to all who helped make this a huge success and to Lord of Life for its financial support.

‘God’s Work. Our Hands.’ is truly alive at Lord of Life! —Denny & LaVerne Kinvig April 2016

11

Scholarships

Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry (MFSM) is accepting applications for several $500 scholarships for children of parents who served or are serving in the military, and whose families are Lord of Life members.

Students should be enrolled in a college or other postsecondary program. Applications will be reviewed by the MFSM scholarship committee; scholarships will be awarded in August 2016.

Application forms are available in the main church office; completed applications may be submitted May 1-July 1 to the attention of Karen Nelson.

A reminder for families planning their summer—the Hamel Rodeo is July 7-10! For more information, visit lordoflife.org/militaryfamilysupport.

For information about Lord of Life’s children, youth, and family summer events or to register, please visit lordoflife.org/summer.

april schedule

C3 and middle school/high school

Sundays: April 10, 17, 24

5-6 pm: C3 groups (7th & 8th grade only) 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-7:45 pm: April 3, SNL@LOL in Samaritan Hall

10, 17, 24 Ecclesia worship in Samaritan Hall 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore middle school youth group

Express high school youth group

Wednesdays: April 13, 20, 27

College Care Packages

Want to send some love and treats to your college students for finals? At the end of April, Lord of Life’s After School Program (ASP) children will decorate packages, fill them with treats, and write a note of support for college students. Help us by giving donations of small snacks and treats such as microwave popcorn, gum, candy, granola bars, snacks, and/or tea—any items that will fit into a small box. Register your college student for a care package at lordoflife.org/carepackages.

4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups

Fall registration opens on May 15 for Church School (2 year olds–6th grade), C3 (7th–9th grade), and confirmation (10th grade). Watch your mail for more details.

Divided Parents, Whole Kids

by Michelle Welinski

thursday, april 14, 6:30-8 pm

Parenting can be challenging, especially when raising children between two homes. Whether your kids are infants or adults, whether you are just beginning to think about separation or have been living apart for years—this class can help.

Lord of Life Ministries

Led by Erin Kassebaum, divorce mediator/parenting consultant, and Amy Friese, divorce/parenting coach, Divided Parents, Whole Kids will provide practical strategies for co-parenting, including: •

how to avoid the common mistakes many separated parents may make

•

how to reduce the impact of conflict on your children

•

how to become the parent you intended to be

12 April 2016

Join the conversation at this co-parenting class at Lord of Life. Childcare will be provided, however, you must register at resolutiondivorceservices.com/classes so that we can properly staff for the number of children who will be here that evening. There is no cost for this class.

Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski (763.420.5015 x118 or michellew@lordoflife.org).

Reminder:

First Communion

Return ELCA World Hunger banks to Church School class, the Youth Booth, or the main church office any time in April.

Lord of Life’s 5th graders have completed instruction on holy communion and are now ready for a very special faith milestone.

Please pray for Lord of Life’s 5th grade students and their families when they receive their first communion on April 2/3 and April 16/17. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/firstcommunion.

Thank you.

End-of-Year Bash!

Open to all current 4th and 5th graders, Friday, May 20, is the End-of-Year Bash!

From 5-9 pm, enjoy inflatables, laser tag, crazy hair, karaoke, campfire, photo booth, pizza, and so much more— friends are always welcome! Cost is $15.

Register at lordoflife.org/elementary.

Thanks to Lord of Life’s After School Program (ASP) kids for their work in packaging all Souper Bowl donations!

Souper Bowl Results

God’s Work. Our Hands.

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life has participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring since 2008. In those nine years, 4,870 food items have been collected. Lives have been changed and the nation has seen the impact of young people working together to help those in need. Thank you for transforming the time around the Super Bowl football championship into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving. This year, Lord of Life collected 605 canned goods for the shelves of CROSS Services.

These donations will feed families in Maple Grove, Rogers, Dayton, Osseo, Champlin, and Corcoran.

April 2016 13

All Families Matter

The Segedy Family (left to right): Lena Jo, Matt, Nora, Heidi, Bergen

by Heidi Segedy Our family has been living with autism since our daughter, Nora, was diagnosed before the age of two; she is now 10 years old. Life with a child who has special needs can be very complex. Things you may take for granted become more difficult to manage. Even a trip to the store has a completely new dimension of chaos. So for me and my husband, Matt, church became one more thing we couldn’t do very easily. We could attend—but one of us had to watch Nora so that spouse just missed out—it was difficult. And it is not judgment-free in taking an autistic child out into a world that doesn’t know autism or understand that our beloved Nora has it. People look at Nora and because she has no physical signs of her ‘awesomeness,’ they make assumptions based on her behavior. That can be very hard to watch as a parent, so sometimes it’s just easier to stay home.

That is until we found out about Lord of Life’s Ministry of Inclusion program—it has changed our lives so much! After the very sudden loss of my father in January 2013 while planning his funeral, we met with Pastor Peter and Lori Schwartz. My dad was such a popular guy, the funeral home couldn’t hold a group of our size and suggested Lord of Life. It took Lori all of about five minutes to recognize we were dealing with a special needs child and that we were taxed! She told us about Ministry of Inclusion and all the families it had helped. It was great to hear of a church with options for families like ours.

That summer, we tested the waters for our kids with Vacation Bible School (VBS). Nora had her own buddy each day—and our son, Bergen, was able to attend as well. It was the first time they were able to do something together as siblings, without a parent to monitor. They both loved it! It was the start of something wonderful indeed.

Now including our youngest, Lena Jo, we’re in our third year of Church School heading into our fourth year of VBS! Nora loves attending church. She starts asking for “Jesus School” sometime around Tuesday each week and is always first in the car on Sunday mornings. It could be the toys in the nursery, the time with her buddy, or her connection to God that motivates her on any given day. And I am totally OK with any of those being the reason she wants to come to Lord of Life! I love that our

With Nora at Church School are buddies Maddie Leyse (left) and Corina Nohr (right)

other children get to attend Church School as well, and most importantly, that we get to go to church as a family.

It would be heartbreaking to leave Nora at home each week so the other kids could attend. Alternatively, I can’t imagine if I had to give up my worship time to watch over Nora while Bergen and Lena Jo were in Church School.

As Lori put it when she saw me at one of those first stress-free services, everyone needs a chance to get filled back up with Christ’s love. I am thankful that I am able to do just that each Sunday morning—all because Lord of Life decided families like mine matter and kids like ours should get to learn about God and Jesus! We can’t thank the volunteers and staff enough who make this program possible—it has truly changed our lives.

I can honestly say the only good thing that came from losing my beloved father was the last gift he gave me— Lord of Life.

Lord of Life Ministries

april church school calendar

14 April 2016

April 2/3:

Regular Church School classes - First Communion, Jesus Ascends

April 9/10:

Regular Church School classes - Peter Heals

April 16/17:

Regular Church School classes - Emmaus Road

April 23/24:

Regular Church School classes - Earth Day Celebration

April Bible Verse: Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Happy April!

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool Yes, spring has sprung at Karing Kingdom Preschool. April is filled with bouquets of fun, so let’s get started!

How Kind

by Mary Murphy One good turn deserves another, and another, in this universal tale about the contagiousness of being kind.

We begin with the wonderful letter K which includes kangaroos, kites, and kisses. Our Usborne Book Fair is also featured the first week—with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. We’ll spring into S is for spring with flowers, bunnies, and frogs. And don’t forget to bring your smiles, as picture days are April 13 and 14. Next up, we’re all about the ocean with the letter O. We end our month with the letter R for rain and learning about the plant life cycle.

Please note that conferences are on Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26. No regular classes will be held on these days.

For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please contact us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.

Thank you, Karing Kingdom, for your support to Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Be a Lord of Life Instagram follower!

From Pastor Peter’s “Shhhh...” sermon, Bridgette Niezwaag transferred what she heard to their family life via Instagram.

/lordoflife

Pajama Day is always cozy, cozy—and fun!

Lord of Life Ministries April 2016 15

LO R D O F L I F E L U T H E RA N CHU R CH (E LCA ) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org

Nonprofit US Postage Paid 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 church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & 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 © 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

R E T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D

SNL@LOL sunday, april 3, at 7 pm

loud funk music inspiring relevant preaching join in for this new worship experience

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

After making sandwiches for the Nourishing Our Neighbors ministry, these Lord of Life Childcare staff members are caught reading LifeTIMES then threw strikes at Brunswick Zone

Sarah Sipe, Rachel Ross, and Deb Seifert skiing at Indianhead in Michigan

Before Maple Grove Senior High’s SnowDaz, Lord of Life’s Kevin Northagen, Thomas Houser, and friends were caught reading LifeTIMES

With LifeTIMES used as one of their teaching tools (see Life Together on Page 3), Renae Larson and Rob Treptau are truly caught ‘reading’ LifeTIMES with Pastor Karen Sue Greimel between them!

16 April 2016