A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
LifeTIMES
April 2018
Christ is risen ... He is risen indeed!
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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.
PASTOR A L S TAF F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus
april
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. Prayer requests to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.
7/8
music
L O R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C HUR CH (ELCA)
First Communion Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 8: Jack Brass Band
14/15
First Communion Pastor Chick Lane
21/22
Earth Day Celebration (see Page 8) Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem New worship liturgy begins (see below)
28/29
Pastor Karen Greimel
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 Third Sunday: April 15 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: April 18 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living
Worship schedule may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most current information. TABLE OF CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith ............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 Generosity.........................................................................................................Page 6 Lord of Life Ministries.................................................................................Pages 7-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16
New liturgy introduced April 22—
The Work of the People
Lord of Life will be changing things up just a little bit by learning a new worship setting on Sunday mornings. Beginning April 22, this is an opportunity to sing familiar words with new tunes as a way to keep our attention and keep us invested in worship.
Worship & Music
The order of worship is called the liturgy, which means “the work of the people.” It’s how we, as the people of God, join our hearts and voices together to offer God worship and praise.
2 April 2018
This promises to be a fun time of learning as a community as we remain open to the work of the Spirit all around us! (And, yes, we will continue to use Lord of Life’s liturgy on Saturday evenings and the third Sundays of the month.)
An Economic Resurrection
by Senior Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren In January I traveled to rural India to observe a program Lord of Life has been financially supporting through Lutheran World Relief (LWR). The project is named Women in Food Security, and its purpose is to help women farmers build sustainable farming practices in one of the poorest parts of the world.
In their patriarchal society a young girl would rarely attend school, get married at an early age (possibly as young as 12), then spend her life serving her husband and his parents and tending to their land. At mealtime women only get to eat if there is food left over after the men and boys have been fed. These cultural practices have generated a legacy of female illiteracy, malnutrition, and low birthweight babies. LWR’s program works by organizing 10-12 women in self-help groups. In these groups, women learn how to achieve better crop yields and also learn about nutrition and gender equality. In each village we visited with women who are participating in the program. They dressed in colorful saris, and through translators, told us of all they had learned about seeds, crop rotation, organic fertilizers and pesticides, and nutrition. They proudly spoke of yields that had tripled and provided enough food for families as well as a micro-finance program that resulted in the disappearance of predatory money lenders. It has been an encouraging resurrection-like experience for program participants. I look forward to sharing more with you about LWR and the work we are are doing in India. For more photos of Pastor Peter’s trip to India, visit lordoflife.org/lwr. For another faith-into-action article, see Susan Manrodt’s story,“We Can All Make a Difference,” on Page 11.
Pastor’s Article
Photo courtesy of Cari Armstrong
Photo courtesy of Katie Dahl
My traveling companions and I journeyed to the Indian state of Bihar, which borders both Nepal and Bangladesh. We visited three villages: JoraAam, Kusumdih, and Pandelih. These villages are very remote; in Kusumdih we were the first white people they had ever seen. Life in these communities is difficult for everyone, but especially for women.
April 2018
3
Lord of Life’s
Family
baptisms
bereavements
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, April 15, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).
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 of Faith
February 4 Delaney Jane Johnson February 11 Reese Elizabeth Carlton Graham Palmer Scott February 18 Wallace Gerald Dahl Charlie Gregory Truso February 24 Callan Troy Nelson February 25 Maggie Elizabeth Dodd Mia Gabriella Grages Jade Kathryn Lyness Tessa Pauline Oestreich Lukas Ross Peck
4 April 2018
Gene and Marilyn Bratsch and family at the death of their infant grandson Joanne Brown and family at the death of her uncle Jean Butterfield and family at the death of her mother Bryan Claseman and family at the death of his friend Deb Hughes and family at the death of her mother Kristina Kampa with Finn, Leif, and Soren and family at the death of their mother/grandmother Kirsten Keller and family at the death of her grandmother Phil Leith and family at the death of his cousin Ashley, Karen, and Kelly Lindahl and family at the death of their grandmother Bill Lohse with Ryan and Samantha and family at the death of their father/grandfather Joe and Julie Moreau with Sara and family at the death of their stepdaughter/daughter/sister Judy Mottaz and family at the death of her father Sharon Quast and family at the death of her aunt Sydney Robinson and family at the death of his grandfather
of
Faith welcome to new members
Ron Saar and family at the death of his great uncle Sandie Saar and family at the death of her uncle Kathy Saatzer and family at the death of her father Dave Stanley with Ryan and Tyler and family at the death of their mother/grandmother Debbie Thompson and family at the death of her great uncle Wendy Tollefson and family at the death of her father Sara Travis and family at the death of her aunt Mike Zaic with Ally, Megan, and Hattie and family at the death of their wife/mother
Brian & Liz Blom with Amelia and Lucy Rod & Nancy Bubke Peter & Amy Gale with Eli and Nora Kate Janka Sharol Tyra Eric & Jessica Verdoorn with Everett and Corinne 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.
Family of Faith April 2018 5
Stewardship Begins with God by Pastor Chick Lane
When most of us think of the word stewardship, it is common to start by thinking about ourselves. This is natural. We may think of our money and ask, “How much do I have that I can give?” We may think of our talents and ask, “What am I good at that I can share?” We may think of our time and ask, “What can I do to help?” Holy Week provides us with a great time to consider the fact that this may not be the best starting point. During Holy Week, more than in any other week of the year, we think about all God has done for us. Especially now we think of the gift of Jesus, God’s only Son, and his willingness to suffer and die so our sins might be forgiven. We look to Jesus’ resurrection and know that as Jesus rose from the dead, so too one day shall we. In Holy Week, everything begins with God and God’s great love for God’s people. Stewardship actually begins in the same place—with God. When we think of stewardship, the best place to start is with God. When we do this, our questions change. Now we ask, “How would God have me use this money God has entrusted into my care?” Time and talents change to, “How has God gifted me, and how would God have me use these gifts for the good of others?” When stewardship begins with God, we put the emphasis where it belongs. When I start with God, and give God the credit, then I take my rightful place as one who makes good use of that which started not with me at all, but rather with the One who is the source of all good things. Stewardship begins with God.
For information on March’s suicide prevention event, see top left on Page 12.
Budget Year-to-date — February 2018 Actual
Total member contributions All other
Budget Difference
$578,627 $569,350 $9,277 $79,993 $71,800 $8,193
Total receipts
$658,620 $641,150 $17,470
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — February 2018
$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000
Generosity
$20,000
6 April 2018
$0
2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25
Actual Budget
$81,469 $77,788
$102,141 $ 77,788
$76,426 $77,788
$52,427 = $312,463 $77,788 = $311,150
Older Wiser Lutherans april events Thursday, April 5: “Farm Heritage” with Gordon Fredrickson sharing the complex relationship between agriculture and the food we eat, the environment, the economy, our lifestyles, our agricultural heritage, and new technology. Welcome spring with a new appreciation of God’s creation. Begin at noon in Fellowship Hall for a freewill donation lunch. Wednesday, April 18 (note date change): Travel to Old Log Theater for a delicious lunch and delight in watching the play, Guys and Dolls. Leave the church building at 11 am and return by 5 pm. Cost is $55 which includes lunch. This event is full; contact Karen Nelson to be placed on a waiting list.
save the date Thursday, May 3: “Reformation Music History” with David Frank. Music of the Reformation enriches our worship today. Come hear about the times and cultural background of our hymns. You will be blessed. A freewill donation lunch will be served beginning at noon in Fellowship Hall.
Word for Women
Word for Women’s next study will be on Biblical Violence and the Prince of Peace: How the Cross of Christ Helps Us Read Scripture. Under Pastor Joel’s instruction, we will explore how Jesus’ story helps us read and reframe the acts of violence in the Bible attributed to God, using Greg Boyd’s book, Crucifixion of the Warrior God, among many others. Held on Wednesdays from 9:30-11 am, women of all ages who are interested in developing their personal faith, supporting each other, and serving together are invited. Members and nonmembers are welcome to explore faith through the Bible and other fun and interesting media. Childcare is provided. Photos on this page are from the May 2017 brunch; visit lordoflife.org/wordforwomen for more info on this ministry.
Thursday, May 17: The OWLs will board a coach bus and travel to Superior, Wisconsin, to tour the Bong Veterans Historical Center. We will stop at Tobies in Hinckley for brunch on the way up. Leave the church building at 9 am and return at 5:45 pm. Cost is $50; brunch is on your own. Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.
Lord of Life Ministries April 2018 7
At the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge—
Volunteering and Friendship by Dee Ann Ross
I have been friends with Gen Paltier (at right in photo) for almost 20 years; it all started at a neighborhood garage sale. I had bought my first house in northeast Minneapolis in the spring of 1999. I was helping my next door neighbor run their garage sale, and Gen came to check things out. We struck up a conversation that turned into a friendship. It’s a friendship that has included trips, golf lessons, dinners, baking Christmas cookies, sewing lessons, helping each other out with advice, projects, and volunteering together at Hope Lodge. In August 2011, I got married and we moved to Maple Grove. Gen was afraid she would never see me again, but we found a way to keep our friendship alive. I invited Gen to a volunteer activity which has provided a lot of joy to me in my life—at Hope Lodge in Minneapolis. Gen is now a “regular” on the signup volunteer list for Hope Lodge! She has also sewn for the church craft and bake sale, hosted potluck dinners for Lord of Life volunteers, and has become a friend to many.
Visit lordoflife.org/hopelodge to learn more about this ministry and its volunteer opportunities.
What makes the story a little more interesting is the fact that Gen is 94 years young. She lives in the house she was born in and still drives out to Richfield every week to get her hair done. I feel that bringing her to Hope Lodge has been an inspiration to many of the patients, caregivers, and other Lord of Life volunteers. Gen and I both look forward to the Monday nights we spend at Hope Lodge making new friends and strengthening our friendship.
Sponsored by the Creation Care Ministry—
Earth Day Celebration
Lord of Life Ministries
The Adopt-a-Highway section on Highway 101 from Gleason Fields to just south of Rush Creek Golf Course is maintained by Lord of Life to keep our environment clean and to be good stewards in the community.
8 April 2018
If you can assist with highway cleanup on Sunday, April 22, at 1 pm, please contact Kevin Klitz (kevinmklitz@gmail.com). You are also invited to stop by the Creation Care display near the main office.
©Adobestock
On April 21/22, we invite your participation in an Earth Day celebration! Events planned include biking/ walking to church, handing out seeds, and cleaning our adopted highway. After all worship services that weekend, pollinator seeds will be given away to help support pollinators, including monarch butterflies, which continue to decrease in number threatening the circle of life. Data from National Geographic shows 2013 was the lowest year for the monarch butterfly population due to a 21% decrease in U.S. milkweed acreage and deforestation in Mexico. The population has rebounded, but only to half its normal population.
Powder and Prayer
by Paul Dahlberg, Dave Lund, Pastor Dave McCarty, Sean Miller, Dale Nelson, Dan Nohr, Morgan Schlief Last month, several Lord of Life men courageously conquered the big mountain at Big Sky Montana. Well, “conquered” may be a matter of interpretation, but we sure had fun! We skied, snowboarded, and took in the beauty of God’s creation. Conditions were incredible and lift lines were nonexistent, a great combination. The final day was actually some of the best powder skiing many of us had ever experienced. Yet even with some of the best snow providing us with such enjoyment, we never lost sight that it is God’s magnificent creation. During our evening devotion, we got to know God better, each other better, and even ourselves better.
Shown (left to right) are: Sean Miller, Pastor Dave McCarty, Dale Nelson, Morgan Schleif, Paul Dahlberg. Not pictured: Dave Lund and Dan Nohr
Tim Jordahl wasn’t able to join us but sent along an insightful and engaging devotional book centered on wisdom, courage, and significance. Our weekend was meaningful in many ways and toward the end we contemplated God’s love and grace during Holy Communion. Then we shared one single word that we’d like others to use to describe us someday. The one word we each selected was one we aspire to and together they are: humble, kind, faithful, considerate, helpful, patient, and trustworthy. When we left Big Sky, our prayer was to continue growing in faith courageously living a life of significance that God desires for us. Interested in next year’s ski trip? Contact Dave Lund (Dave.Lund@outlook.com) or Dale Nelson (DaleN40@comcast.net).
Golfing Groups
Lord of Life’s golfing groups are not in a league—yet they offer a great time for fellowship while enjoying (most of the time!) hitting a little white ball with a long stick. All skill levels are welcome in both the men’s and women’s groups. For Lord of Life women, Wednesday afternoons during May-September are a great time for nine holes of golf. It’s a great mini-retreat from work or family responsibilities, a time to meet new friends, and to have fun. Following golf, enjoy dinner together at a nearby restaurant and build friendships. Tee times generally are between 4:30-5:15 pm at Brookview/Golden Valley or Eagle Lake/Plymouth.
©Shutterstock
For several years during May-August, Lord of Life men have scanned the horizon in preparation for a perfect drive. Needless to say—many are still working on making those perfect drives. In that pursuit, join other men on Thursday afternoons (5 pm tee time) at Pheasant Acres in Corcoran. Our goal is to have fun with others who enjoy the game of golf.
For more details, visit lordoflife.org/social. Questions? Contact Jean Campbell the women’s group and Greg Janssen (763.420.6461) for the men’s group.
Lord of Life Ministries
(763.557.8638) for
April 2018 9
Photo courtesy of Jo Lucas
One Mission One World: The Holy Land—
“Next Year in Jerusalem!”
Traditionally after a Passover seder meal, Jewish people give a toast to each other with the phrase, “Next year in Jerusalem!” For many Lord of Lifers, next year is when they really will be in Jerusalem. As of press time, 30 people have registered for the 2019 pilgrimage, with spots available for more to join in. The Holy Land team continues to support several important causes in Israel and Palestine, among them is the ministry of Pastor Carrie Smith with the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s English-speaking congregation. In Jerusalem, Pastor Carrie shepherds a flock comprised of many nationalities, all proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord. Yet as you may know, the Christian church in the Holy Land is in danger of extinction. Christianity is dying out in the land where it all began. Today, only 1-2% of the population is Christian as many leave to find a life free of fear and discrimination. Pastor Carrie’s passion in social justice and proclaiming Jesus’ message of love and redemption brings hope to so many. One of the stops in the 2019 pilgrimage itinerary will be to celebrate Christ’s resurrection right alongside her and the Redeemer congregation. The toast “next year in Jerusalem!” may also be an invitation for you to be in the Holy Land during Lent when Christians the world over anticipate sharing the Easter proclamation: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!
Lord of Life Ministries
To learn more about the Holy Land ministry, the 2019 pilgrimage, and what a Christian’s life is like in Jerusalem from Pastor Carrie’s blog, knitpurlpraypreach, visit lordoflife.org/theholyland. There are also pilgrimage brochures available at church.
10 April 2018
“Untitled” by Eyad Obeid will be on display May 16 at Lord of Life. See below for more information about this Palestinian art exhibit.
This Year—Maple Grove and Minneapolis! in maple grove
Lutheran pastor and theologian, social entrepreneur, author and advocate for peace— Palestinian Christian Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb will speak at an open forum on Wednesday, May 16, at Lord of Life. His most recent book, Diaspora and Identity: The case of Palestine, will be available for purchase as well as signing by the author. Held in the sanctuary, there will be time for questions and answers with Pastor Mitri (shown at right), along with a brief presentation from Beth Nelson Chase, executive director of Bright Stars of Bethlehem. Lord of Life is also honored to showcase Palestinian artists’ paintings in an exhibit open to the public that same evening. The focus of this informal gallery is to educate and raise awareness on the plight of Palestinians in the Holy Land. One of the paintings which will be displayed is shown at the top of this page. More details will be in May’s LifeTIMES—for now, please save the date and welcome a friend or neighbor to share in the evening.
in minneapolis During May 17-19, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis, is a three-day event, Windows into Palestine. This festival will feature film, dance, visual arts, musical performances, Middle East cuisine tastings, and more. For details including volunteer opportunities, visit windowsintopalestine.org.
Garage Sale Season Is Coming—
We Can All Make a Difference
by Susan Manrodt Last year Anna spent the summer away from home. When she came back to Maple Grove, she decided to rearrange her room and purge a lot of “stuff.” You see, Anna had a tough year dealing with lots of issues. She knew she would be starting at a new school and she knew some of her old clothes no longer fit—so there were lots of things to dispose of. I am Anna’s grandmother. We decided Plan A was to bring clothing to a favorite resale shop, yet they were temporarily not accepting clothing. Plan B was to donate it or have a garage sale. Anna liked the idea of the garage sale, and I knew I also had some items to contribute. Our entire family became involved particularly my daughter-in-law Lisa, Lisa’s family, friends, and neighbors, plus our six granddaughters.
a gathering of men Join in this new group that meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month. From noon2 pm, enjoy lunch with the church staff, then fellowship with other men. No registration is needed. Need a ride? Contact Tom Wilson (763.442.5823 or twilson282@comcast.net).
job transition group Lord of Life’s Job Transition Group serves those considering a job change, entering the workforce for the first time, or exploring new opportunities. Ministry goals are to provide information, contacts, and leads to support them in their search. Meet the first and third Tuesday morning of every month from 7-8 am. For details, visit lordoflife.org/job-transition.
While gathering items at that time, I thought about all affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and Hurricane Irma on its way to Florida. We decided to donate all proceeds to those communities struggling after hurricanes. Tuesday: We arranged items, put up tables, and priced items. Wednesday: At Word for Women I mentioned the sale to friends who immediately handed me cash. Lisa got her friends to donate and they came to help. Thursday: In the spirit of the states involved, I made Florida Key Lime bars, Houston Carmelitas, and Minnesota chocolate-covered peanut butter bars to sell. Friday: The sale began! We had steady traffic all day and the weather cooperated. Shoppers were a blessing. One fellow was sending items to Africa, so we gave him shoes, clothing, and books. Another person came to tell us about his ministry to north Minneapolis families. Many made donations of cash, many purchased items and said to keep the change. Granddaughters Anna and her sister Isabel (below right)
Saturday: Our granddaughters helped with the sale. Everyone took a turn arranging items or staffing the cash box. My husband and son even made deliveries of furniture or other goods that didn’t fit in cars.
With a new garage sale season coming soon, may we all choose to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. I know it made a difference in ours!
Lord of Life Ministries
Photo courtesy of Greg Manrodt
At the end of the garage sale, Anna (shown in photo at left) had sold a few things for which she received some money, at least seven families got rid of unneeded items, all of the bars were eaten (some were paid for ). We made a donation of $1000 to Lutheran Disaster Response.
April 2018 11
suicide prevention event For those who may not have had the opportunity to hear Maris Ehlers on March 12, a video is available at http://www.lordoflife.org/suicideprev. Although tailored specifically toward parents/youth, all may find it beneficial to learn facts vs. myths on suicide and its prevention. A special thank you to Maris for sharing her message. An April Refresh event will be on anxiety coping techniques, see Page 6 for more information.
andrew
Lord of Life Ministries
april volunteer opportunities 4/2: Provide food or serve a meal at Hope Lodge (4:15-8 pm) 4/9: Make sandwiches for those who are homeless with Nourishing Our Neighbors (10-11 am) 4/12: Do various food shelf, front desk, etc. tasks at CROSS (9-11:30 am) 4/12: Make a shawl or learn how to get involved with the Prayer Shawl ministry (7-8 pm) 4/14: Prepare/serve breakfast to people in need at Sharing and Caring Hands (8:30-11 am) 4/16: Pack and sort food at The Food Group (4-6 pm) 4/16: Provide food or serve a meal at Hope Lodge (4:15-8 pm) 4/19: Prep and serve food as well as clean up after for FreedomWorks (4-7:30 pm) 4/23: Make sandwiches for those who are homeless with Nourishing Our Neighbors (10-11 am) 4/25: Provide food for or serve dinner at Source MN (4:15-6:45 pm) 4/30: Provide food or serve a meal at Hope Lodge (4:15-8 pm)
12 April 2018
Working as an intern was a great opportunity to not only help strengthen other people’s faith, but it helped me to continue to grow in mine. I enjoyed coming to work every day and seeing our amazing youth. On top of that, I learned many useful skills outside of ministry to apply toward my career. I recommend that you apply to be a ministry intern. Andrew is in a red shirt, bottom right in photo above.
gage The main reason for volunteering my first year was to get service hours for confirmation; the second year was because I liked it so much I wanted to do it again. The most rewarding part of VBS for me was helping kids learn about God and seeing them grow from learning the songs to learning the verses—and they’d go from being super shy to not wanting to leave by the end of the week. I’d encourage others to consider volunteering as a great way to get service hours. You will have tons of fun if you just buy in! It’s a good workout keeping up with the kids’ energy. It helps teach leadership skills. It’s also a good time to meet other leaders. Gage is in a green shirt in the center of the photo below.
Summer Leadership Opportunities
by Kirstin Delp, Executive Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Want to make a difference this summer? Consider volunteering or applying for employment in summer programming, such as preschool, elementary, and evening Vacation Bible School (VBS), Adventure Week, Summer Stretch, and more! Read what some of last summer’s leaders have shared about their experience:
jacinta I worked with Adventure Week and VBS because I thought it was a great opportunity to help youth of the church connect more with God and their community while having fun. The most rewarding part was when participants would have a look on their face of pure accidental happiness or the face of understanding when they connected with what we were teaching them. You should apply if you are excited about working with a passionate group of people who want to give the best possible experience to youth and families by helping them grow in their faith. In the photo at left, Jacinta is in a red shirt.
mady I started as a high school volunteer for Summer Stretch, yet seeing how much fun I had with the kids and other leaders—it was a no-brainer to be a leader again when the opportunity presented itself. As much as you may think that you’re helping kids learn more about God and helping their community, the kids also help you. They teach you how to make the most of every situation, to always see the good in others, and to simply have fun!
Middle School/High School Students: visit lordoflife.org/svp
High School Class of 2018/ College-age Students: visit lordoflife.org/summerstaff
Lord of Life Ministries
The summers that I spent either as a high school leader or on summer staff were the best; I looked forward to going to work (not only because they always had coffee) and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It’s one or two days out of the week when you get to spend time with fun people who are just as curious to learn about their faith as you are— plus you get to do a lot of fun activities with friends! Mady is in a grey hoodie at far left in the photo at right.
April 2018 13
First Communion
Holy Communion is one of two sacraments observed in the Lutheran Church; 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 all fifth graders and their families in your prayers as they come to the table April 7/8 or April 14/15 during all services. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/firstcommunion.
parents, please note For the most up-to-date information on summer/fall faith formation with 2 year olds - 10th grade (church school, confirmation classes, affirmation of baptism), stay tuned to lordoflife.org/cyf.
Year-end Bash! The weather didn’t dampen spirits last year—save the date for this year’s bash! For current 4th-5th graders, visit lordoflife.org/elementary for more details.
May 18, 5-9 pm, $20
College Care/Scholarships college care packages Send some love and treats to college students for finals! After School Program (ASP) children will be decorating and filling packages with treats and a note of support for college students at the end of April. Help them by giving donations of small snacks and treats: gum, candy, granola bars, snacks and/or tea (anything that will fit in a small box). Drop off donations in the Service Center by April 22. Register college students for a care package at lordoflife.org/carepackages.
Lord of Life Ministries
scholarships available
14 April 2018
Sponsored by Military Family Support Ministry (MFSM), several $500 scholarships are available for children of parents who served in the military and whose families are Lord of Life members. Students should be enrolled in college or other post-secondary program. Applications will be reviewed by the MFSM scholarship committee and will be awarded in July 2018. Scholarship applications will be accepted April 1-June 1. For an application, contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 or karenn@lordoflife.org).
This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Happy April!
by Karing Kingdom Assistant Director Carly Tappe
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes The wonders of the changing seasons are revealed in this lushly illustrated rhyme by a beloved author.
Spring has sprung at Karing Kingdom Preschool. April begins with the letter U for the United States of America. Next up is the letter G for Garden and Grow. In Chapel Chat we will hear the parable of the sower. The last week in April will be all about the letter Y and all things “yarn!” Our final parent ‘meet and greet’ for the year will be April 9/10. During the final meeting, we will make teddy bears for Crescent Cove, Minnesota’s first children’s residential home for respite and hospice care. Childcare will be offered. On April 19/20, we will take all classes to the Rum River Art Center for a fun interactive art experience. Spring conferences will be April 23/24; nursery care will be provided. There are no regular classes on conference days. For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, email kingdom@ lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127. Karing Kingdom continues to take registrations for the 2018-19 school year.
chapel chat with pastor donna “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’ ” —Matthew 19:14 (New Living Translation)
Karing Kingdom Preschool April 2018 15
L O R D O F L I F E L U T H E RAN 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 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 to bevm@ lordoflife.org. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the May issue is April 1 (no foolin’!). Copyright © 2018 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
TIME SENSITIV E MATERIAL RETURN SERV ICE REQ UESTE D
Day Celebratio h t r n Ea
Name Address City, ST Zip
See Page 8
caught reading lifetimes In Big Sky country—even if it was cloudy—the 2018 men’s ski group was caught reading LifeTIMES on mobile devices (visit lordoflife.org/lifetimes).
Caught Reading LifeTIMES
Shown (left to right) are: Dan Nohr, Morgan Schleif, Paul Dahlberg, Dave Lund, Pastor Dave McCarty, Sean Miller, and Dale Nelson.
16 April 2018
See Page 9 for their story!