LifeTIMES April 2017

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

LifeTIMES

April 2017

Holy Week

—see Page 4

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/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

PASTORAL S TAF F 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. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@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 Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org

Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Holy Week / Family of Faith.......................................................................... Pages 4-5 Holistic Wellness: Intellectual / Generosity................................................. Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................ Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15

april

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Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

8/9

Palm Saturday/Sunday Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

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/lordoflifeelca

TAB LE O F CO N T E N T S

worship

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

music

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)

Wednesday Lenten Worship

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‘Funky Faithful’ Sons of Almighty: 7 pm Pastor Sarah Bunge

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Maundy Thursday Worship: 7 pm Pastor Dave McCarty

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Good Friday Family Worship: 10 am Good Friday Traditional Worship: 7 pm Pastor Sarah Bunge

15/16 22/23 29/30

Easter Saturday: 5:30 pm Easter Sunday: 8, 9, 10, 11 am, 12 pm Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem First Communion Celebration Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Arbor Day Events

Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Wednesdays: All midweek Lenten worship is in the sanctuary at 7 pm with soup supper (freewill offering) ready at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall Third Sunday: April 16 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: April 19 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living

Worship and music may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for more details.

Worship & Music

nail your cross to the cross

2 April 2017

In Jesus’ day, the cross was a symbol of pain and suffering, which ultimately led to a cruel death. In Mark 8:34-35, He said to the disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” What that means for Christians, particularly during the reflective season of Lent, is we put to death our own sin and any selfish plans or desires. By doing so, we are free to serve and commit our lives to work in God’s perfect will. A large, wooden cross is located in the back corner of the sanctuary. You are invited to bring a cross that is meaningful (yet you are willing to part with), and ‘nail your cross to the cross.’

Empowered to Be His Best

by Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren I have been traveling to Iowa City quite often lately … to visit my new granddaughter, Maren. I have noticed that every time I make the trip, I see something new or different along the road. Most recently, a sign pointing me to Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan caught my eye. In case you are interested, the giant frying pan is located in Brandon, Iowa. I thought it a bit odd that this 1200-pound frying pan only had the designation as Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan and not the World’s Largest Frying Pan, but apparently that title is held by a 2-ton frying pan somewhere in North Carolina.

Since time immemorial we human beings have wanted to be the biggest or the fastest or the greatest at things. We want to stand out and be noticed ... for being smart or athletic or owning a large frying pan.

In the ninth chapter of the gospel of Mark, Jesus and His disciples are walking on the road to Capernaum; the disciples were discussing something among themselves.

When they arrived at their destination, Jesus asked His disciples, What were you arguing about on the road? Instead of answering Him, they kept quiet, because on the way they had argued about which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus sensed their competitive spirit and addressed it with them. Jesus took their desire to be the best and gave them something of real value for which to strive. This was a true teaching moment for Jesus; He gathered all of His disciples together and sat down and shared with them and with all of His future followers the secret of true greatness. He said, If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and servant of all. Probably not exactly what the disciples had in mind.

But as Christians, we are called to greatness. We are called to having the World’s Largest Hearts, treating others with the World’s Greatest Compassion, and sharing the good news of the World’s Saving Grace. In this season of Lent, may God empower each of us to be His best.

Pastor’s Article April 2017 3

Palm Saturday/Sunday

Holy Maundy Wednesday Thursday April 12

April 13

Wednesday 7 pm

Thursday 7 pm

Sunday 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am

‘Service Service’

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is celebrated by church school children singing and waving palm branches.

Join in with the ‘Funky Faithful’ and Sons of Almighty for a worship service about serving God and neighbor— the holiest work we do.

Derived from Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave the disciples at the last supper: to love with humility by serving one another and to “do this in remembrance of Me.”

April 8/9 Saturday 5:30 pm

Join in festival worship welcoming Jesus with “Hosanna in the highest!”

From 9 am-12:30 pm, enjoy a delicious French toast breakfast in Fellowship Hall supporting summer high school mission trips!

Holy Week Good Friday

Easter Saturday/Sunday

April 14

April 15/16

Family Worship 10 am Family worship uses Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, and explains Jesus’ cruxifixion to children (see Page 14).

Saturday 5:30 pm

Holy Week

Traditional Worship 7 pm A traditional Good Friday worship service.

4 April 2017

Sunday 8, 9, 10, 11 am, 12 pm The tomb is empty; come and hear the Easter proclamation, “Christ is risen—He is risen indeed!” in worship with choir and brass. Families worship together on Easter weekend.

Also, join in the annual Easter Egg Hunt (see Page 14)!

baptisms

weddings

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

The next baptism class will be Sunday, April 9, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

February 4

Madeline Gail & Tim Klesk

February 4

Jameson Richard Lynch

Logan Michael Means February 11

Bentley Michael Coffman February 12

Vivian Wren Hatteberg

Connor Gregory Jorgensen February 18

Hayden Anthony Cimperman February 19

Gabriella Linda Johnson

Roark Jameson Gardner Meunier

Brecken Jace Wirth February 25

Charles Vincent Nafstad February 26

Magnus Kirk Dancer

Owen Hanlin Hornberger

welcome to new members Dom & Brittany Barber with Titus and Maliya Jason & Maren Geyen with Lucas, Noah, and Julia Luke & Rachel Hammer with Molly Steve & Sara Hornberger with Owen Don & Shirley Johnson Bryan & Megan Kleen with Ethan and Olivia Kevin & Julie McGuire with Liliana and Sam Matt & Jess Nelson with Cam Brian & Kelin Schultz with Elise, Quinn, and Coen Luke & Steffani Weekly with Ben, Morgan, and Maisy Zach & Jacenta Wirth with Trey and Brecken

Family Faith of

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.

Lori Anderson and family at the death of her mother Gregg Backstrom and family at the death of his brother Jan Brynteson and family at the death of her mother Theo Edeburn and family at the death of his stepfather Mike Franta and family at the death of his father Joan Hance and family at the death of her mother Ellen Hanson and family at the death of her aunt Jeremy Jordet and family at the death of his brother Jim Lambrecht and family at the death of his brother Roger Larson and family at the death of his father Lisa McCarty and family at the death of her father Dennis Peterson and family at the death of his sister John Travis and family at the death of his aunt

Family of Faith

Angie Roberts 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. 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.

April 2017 5

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

We Are Growin’ or Dyin’

by Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler We are creatures of comfort. We gravitate to those things that don’t require new ways of thinking and behaving, that require little energy from us, or those things that feel easy. With the introduction of something new, we are forced to grow. It challenges us to change. And when that happens most of us get uncomfortable, anxious—resistant even. Growth ceases. When the growing ceases, life comes to a halt.

And thus begins the demise of life.

We see this all around creation. Take for instance, I plant an apple seed. In order for that seed to ever turn into a living tree—it is going to require growth and the willingness to push through the challenges of what lies ahead. It will be necessary to lean into the resistance of the growth process. To become a tree, it will require the plant to push through the exterior of the seed, then push through the soil. Once above ground, new leaves will continue to push through the trunk and branches forming new limbs, into its maturity. Trees continue to sprout and grow throughout the course of their lives. It can be a slow process, but with patience and the willingness to grow, the tree can then blossom and bear fruit.

“It will be necessary to lean into the reSistance of the growth process.”

Human nature fights against this process. We resist it! With growth comes uncertainty and often vulnerability, which is uncomfortable and we don’t like it. Nevertheless, when we are able to lean into the resistance, we create the life we want. Make a commitment to exercising. Meditate consistently. Take a break from hand-held devices.

Stop smoking. Learn to communicate in a new way with a loved one to get the relationships you desire. Go in search of new parenting tools. Ask for what you need. Stop drinking. Say I’m sorry. Travel in a new direction. In all the ways we resist change, we are shutting down, closing off from life. This, I believe, is a necrosis of the soul. We cannot stay vibrant and vital participants in this life if we are unable to embrace growth and change.

Surely growth will not always be met with great enthusiasm, but we can ask: What does this journey hold for me?

What might God be doing in this new and uncomfortable place?

Holistic Wellness

To shut down life is to shut down to what might be in store for you. To open up and receive the change—no matter how difficult—we open ourselves to life. We embrace life. Growth, change, and adversity then become opportunities to live.

Visit lordoflife.org/wellness to learn more about this holistic wellness initiative.

6 April 2017

How Is Your Coveting Quotient?

by Pastor Chick Lane

I’ve been thinking about consumerism a lot lately. Consumerism describes the culture-driven need to always want what I don’t already have. Consumerism drives us to think, If only I could have that new car, this new outfit, the latest cell phone, my life would be happier than it is now. Advertising is designed to create these ‘if only’ feelings in us. The problem, of course, is that as soon as I get the object of my desire, my desire shifts to a new object. This is, quite obviously, a vicious circle that leaves us constantly unsatisfied, constantly longing for more.

I’ve recently started reading the book Money and Possessions by Walter Brueggemann, who is perhaps the best-known biblical scholar of this generation. The book looks at the broad range of biblical passages that speak of money and possessions, and there are many, many that do.

Brueggemann begins his book by looking at the commandments that deal with coveting. In the Lutheran version of the ten commandments, there are two that deal with coveting, so this must be really important. He says that although we usually think of coveting as only desiring something, it really has to do with both desiring something that we don’t have, and then taking steps to acquire the desired object.

Since I’ve been thinking so much about consumerism lately, my mind went there as I read about coveting. Isn’t coveting a helpful way to think about the unrelenting desire that you and I have for the ‘something else’ that will bring us happiness? We look at other people, whether in advertising or in real life, and covet what they have, thinking that if we had what they have, then we would be as happy, as beautiful, as perfect as they appear to be. Then we take the necessary steps to acquire the desired object, only to discover that now there is something else that we covet, and off we go again.

The only way to get out of this rat race is to recognize that God has entrusted into our care all that we need—all that we need for daily life, all that we need to be happy. When I realize this, then my coveting quotient will start to go down, and I will finally be satisfied with the me that God has created and loves beyond measure.

Budget Year-to-date February 2017 Actual

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

$633,787

Budget

Difference

$588,828

$44,959

$68,611

63,570

5,041

$702,397

$652,398

$49,999

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb Save The Date: April 19

The Holy Land ministry is honored to host Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine on April 19.

About 250 people were fortunate to hear him speak here a year ago in May. His words touched many hearts as we have learned of all the good work he does as Jesus’ hands and feet for the people of Bethlehem and beyond. In Samaritan Hall, there will be an informal reception with light refreshments/book signing (6:45-7:15 pm), a presentation/ open forum (7:30-8:15 pm), followed by another book signing (8:30-9 pm).

Pastor Mitri’s new book, The Cross in Contexts, will be available for purchase.

Help spread the word—bring a friend!

For more details, please visit: lordoflife.org/theholyland brightstarsbethlehem.org mitriraheb.org.

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — February 2017 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000

2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26

Actual Budget

$106,266 $71,958 $70,172 $70,172

$63,987 $70,172

$56,288 = $298,499 $70,172 = $280,688

Generosity

$0

April 2017 7

One Mission One World: Mobile Hope at Maple Hill Estates—

A New View of the Future

by Brian Dejewski, Director of Operations

The expression ‘giving is better than receiving’ tends to get mocked … usually by those who have not experienced the joy and ‘filling up’ that comes from serving others and making a difference. Thanks to Lord of Life, the students of Maple Hill Estates recently had a chance to feel that alongside many from the church.

On February 22, Mobile Hope partnered with Lord of Life to pack food at Feed My Starving Children. Families in poverty are often on the receiving end of kindness, but we like to provide opportunities for families to feel the ‘joy of giving’ for themselves without expectations for anything in return. That is what we saw during this service event as kids got to pack food for those around the world.

Exposure to these kinds of activities as well as new visions for their future in education, employment, and entertainment all contribute to Mobile Hope’s mission: Honor God by building a culture of achievement in mobile home communities.

This winter we also ventured to a university, where students could envision what it might be like to sleep in a dorm room, study on campus, and play sports for a college team. Next month we are planning a trip to a local veterinarian clinic for students to see what a veterinary care career looks like. These ‘vision trips’ provide an exposure to new opportunities; we hope students see the potential in their own future that we see in them.

Future trips are planned for Boston Scientific, Dunwoody Institute, and law enforcement.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunities to explore what those plans might be if they have never seen those things modeled or simply haven’t had the confidence or encouragement to pursue them.

Thank you for being a part of Mobile Hope—and for helping to cast a new vision for the beautiful things that might be in the lives of the students and families we touch. May God bless you as you step into His plans for your life!

Lord of Life Ministries

Located in Corcoran less than a mile from our church building, Mobile Hope at Maple Hill Estates is a mobile home community. There are many ways to get involved including homework help on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information on this and other opportunities, visit lordoflife.org/mobilehope.

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April 2017

Thank you to all who contributed—through donations, time, service—to Feed My Starving Children’s MobilePack in February. In just five short days, Lord of Life played a significant role as ‘children of God, sent to serve the world’ and were part of the 4,937 volunteers who packed 1,645,920 meals!

Lord of Life Ministries April 2017

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Sponsored by the Creation Care Team—

Lifelong Learning Forum

On Sunday, April 30, come to hear Jim Gilbert, consulting naturalist for WCCO Radio’s Nature Notes, author, and environmental studies teacher at Gustavus Adolphus College. Caring for God’s Creation is the topic at 9:45 and 11 am in the Luther Room.

Women’s Golfing Fun

by Jean Campbell After a challenging winter, you may be looking for ways to take advantage of being outside this summer. Lord of Life’s women’s golf group may be the perfect opportunity.

For 11 years, a group of women have been golfing together on Wednesday afternoons at the Brookview Par 3 course in Golden Valley (Highway 55 and Winnetka). Tee times are 4:30-5:15 pm; play usually is 1½ hours. The central location/time makes it possible to come directly from work; afterwards, we enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

We are not a league. We are simply a group that golfs together at the same course and timeframe each week.

One person calls in for the number of tee times needed each week. If you know you have other commitments for particular Wednesdays, you would let us know ahead so we don’t count you when we reserve tee times.

You do not have any expense for the Wednesdays that you miss. We try to play May-September, or as long as the weather is nice!

Mr. Gilbert has a master of natural science degree from the University of Oklahoma and has studied botany for 40 years. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Mr. Gilbert’s decades of study.

For more information, visit lordoflife.org/social.

Older Wiser Lutherans april events

save the date

Thursday, April 6: “Journey to Easter - Faith in the Home” with guest Lynn Leisen! Lynn will share about Jewish traditions specifically the Passover Seder meal.

Faith, Food, and Fellowship begins at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Come, and be blessed!

Thursday, May 4: Spring Duo with Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem and David Frank. Pastor Joel will give devotions and share about himself. We will “sing joyfully to the Lord” (Psalm 33:1) old familiar hymns with David Frank leading. He will also share the history of some special hymns. Bring a friend! Freewill donation lunch begins at noon in Fellowship Hall.

Wednesday, April 19: Worship services at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

Lord of Life Ministries

Thursday, April 20: Spend a day at the Minnesota Zoo viewing all their newborn animals and so much more.

Leave church at 8 am and return by 3 pm. Cost is $20 plus lunch on your own at the zoo.

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Friday, April 28: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

April 2017

Thursday, May 18: Let’s board a coach bus and journey to Austin, Minnesota, with a full day touring the Spam Museum, Spam labs and a tour of Mower County Historical Society. Lunch at Pizza Ranch. Leave church at 8 am, return at 6 pm. Cost is $35 including lunch.

Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board, or visit lordoflife.org/owls.

Acts 29

’Bama Bound This year’s Acts 29 mission trip is to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from July 2229. We will work with Habitat for Humanity building or rebuilding homes. If you are interested in this mission trip, stop by the narthex table on April 22/23. Also, an informational meeting will be Sunday, April 30, 12:15 pm, in Room 125.

Questions? Contact Merle or Michelle Waldron at 763.420.5388 or mmwaldron@comcast.net.

An Evening of Freedom & Faith

by Cheryl and Greg Myhr Again this year, Lord of Life is blessed to host the annual benefit dinner for the FreedomWorks ministry. 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. The evening will be filled with faith-affirming testimonials from past and current program participants tied together with music from gospel legend, Robert Robinson.

If you 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.

Lord of Life Ministries April 2017

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Palm Sunday Breakfast!

Summer Staff Paid Positions Lord of Life offers an abundance of fun summer ministries to help children and youth grow in their faith. To support summer programming from age three through 12th grade, paid staff opportunities abound to learn, serve, and have a

On April 9, 9 am–12:30 pm, come enjoy a delicious French toast breakfast and support high school youth on A Work of Love (AWOL) mission trips this summer. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/awol.

great time! High school graduates and older can apply today at lordoflife.org/summerpdstaff.

april schedule

C3 is Confirmation. Christ. Community. for middle school/high school Sundays: April 9, 23, 30 5-6 pm: C3 groups 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-8 pm Explore middle school youth

Express high school youth Wednesdays: April 12, 26 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups

Attention all 4th and 5th graders—

Year End Bash

Join in on May 19 from 5-9 pm in the backyard (rain or shine!) and throughout the building for fun and fellowship to end the school year. This event will feature inflatables, a campfire, photo booth, great pizza, and so much more. Friends are always welcome; the cost is $15.

Registration will open on April 15. For more information and to register, visit lordoflife.org/elementary.

Lord of Life Ministries

Year End Bash » May 19 » $15 » Registration opens April 15 » Year End Bash » May 19

12 April 2017

It may not be an easy decision for parents to send their kids to an overnight camp two hours away from home. However, there is something transformative about a summer camp experience. The camp experience affects not only the

Why Camp?

camper, but their family, too. Shores of St. Andrew is a faith-centered, safe and controlled environment in which your child will make their own decisions about simple things (what activity they want to do ... what clothes they are going to wear) and

about important things (who they will hang out with … who will be their friends).

Camp is a place where kids will be in relationship with nature, God, and others. Camp allows kids to play, learn, and grow in a place filled with possibilities unavailable to them in everyday life.

In a recent study of the impact of a Christian camp experience, it was found that attending camp increases faith practices post camp. Most notably children read the Bible, pray at home, and participate in faith conversations at a higher rate than those who do not attend a Christian camp.

Lord of Life is blessed to have a close relationship with Shores of St. Andrew!

For all youth camps and activities, as well as vacation Bible school information—visit lordoflife.org/summer.

What’s Next?

What’s Next? is a special milestone event for 6th graders and their families that takes place each spring.

Register for either Sunday, April 30 (3:30-5 pm) or Monday, May 1 (6-7:30 pm) at lordoflife.org/whatsnext.

Lord of Life Ministries

Your child is entering into a new stage in their lives—they begin to enter into adulthood and shape the kind of man or woman that they will become. They may be asking many questions about life and about their faith. This is why we have C3 - Confirmation. Christ. Community. Therefore, we have this event with a two-fold purpose.

The first is to help you enter into some faith conversations with your child as they enter into a new stage of their lives. The second is to explore the C3 ministry, what’s involved, and answer questions.

April 2017 13

First Communion

Church School

Holy communion is one of two sacraments observed as Lutherans; baptism is the other.

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 22/23 at all services.

King crucified; Students sing in worship

Scholarships

For children of parents who served or are serving in the military and whose families are Lord of Life members, $500 scholarships are available. Applications are accepted April 1-June 1 in the main office. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/ militaryfamilysupport.

All ages are invited to Lord of Life’s backyard! Bring a basket or a bag and be ready to hear the Easter story from Pastor Sarah. Rain or shine—the hunt is on for Easter Saturday, April 15, at 3 pm.

Christ is risen!

Good Friday Family Worship 10 am, April 14

Experience the last days of Jesus’ life through scripture readings, songs, symbols, and a reading of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This family worship is appropriate for all ages.

ELCA World Hunger

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

April 8/9:

April 22/23: Thomas

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)—

14 April 2017

Jesus condemned

April 15/16: Families in worship

There are two more instruction sessions available for 5th graders (or middle school students who have not received instruction).

Please sign up now; more information is at lordoflife.org/ firstcommunion.

Easter Egg Hunt

April 1/2:

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. You make a difference.

Return ELCA Hunger Banks at any time in April.

April Bible Verse: Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Happy April!

God Gave Us Easter

by Lisa Tawn Bergren Pappa Bear and Little Cub share a conversation about this most special day of the year. This beautifully written book includes appropriate analogies that help young children understand the meaning of Easter.

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

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel Yes, spring is definitely in the air at Karing Kingdom Preschool. April begins with the letter A for April showers. Next it’s the letter E for Easter as we learn about this most sacred of holy church celebrations; Easter is also Chapel Chat’s theme. Karing Kingdom will be closed on Friday, April 14, in observance of Good Friday. The following week is the letter K for kingdom. We will learn about the kingdom of God and sharing God’s love with a visit to the residents of Arbor Lakes and Rose Arbor Senior Living. End-of-the-year conferences will be Monday, April 24, and Tuesday, April 25. There are no regular classes on conference days; nursery care will be provided. We end April with our yearly planting of sunflowers.

Karing Kingdom is having an Usborne Book Fair on April 5/6, with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. The final parent ‘meet and greet’ will be Monday, April 10, and Tuesday, April 11; nursery care will be provided.

Wacky Hair Day! Lord of Life Ministries April 2017 15

LO R D O F L I F E L U T H E RA N CHU R CH (E LCA )

Nonprofit

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

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 (no foolin’)! Copyright © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

caught reading lifetimes

After their last Body and Soul Yoga class, Instructor Audrey Johnson (holding February issue) and fellow yogis were caught reading LifeTIMES!

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

In Whitefish, Montana, for a men’s snow retreat—there’s something about this photo submission that’s a little bit ‘fishy and flaky!’ (left to right) Seated: Morgan Schleif, Dale Nelson, Dave Lund Standing: Craig Gust, Greg Janssen, Lee Newman, Paul Dahlberg Not pictured (but there in spirit): Tim Jordahl, Pastor Dave McCarty After church school, Grant Thelen was caught reading LifeTIMES with brother Jens enjoying his artwork!

16 April 2017

See Page 9 for more photos!