Lord of life lutheran
APRIL 2021
C O M P A S S
I N D E E D by Pastor Emeritus Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren (peter@lordoflife.org)
Easter morning worship begins with these words: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. In so doing, we emulate Jesus’ disciples who after his resurrection said in Luke 24, verse 34, “the Lord is risen indeed.” It is a proclamation that has endured through the centuries in all corners of the Christian church. The use of the word “indeed” is important. Many questioned whether Jesus was raised from the dead. But the disciples by their words and actions revealed that they were indeed certain of the truth of the resurrection. Overnight they were transformed from a confused and frightened group of followers, into a courageous, emboldened community that would sacrifice everything to follow Jesus. At the discovery of the empty tomb the world changed for the
INDEED................................................................2-3 BIBLE 101: EASTER PEOPLE.............................4-5 community life / hope...............................6-7 SUPPORT GROUPS.............................................8-9
A RHYTHM OF PRAYER BOOK REVIEW........... 10 CoVID UPDATE / COntact Us ........................... 11 2
disciples and for us. We don’t need to be afraid. We are forever safe in God’s hands. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Will we have problems? Of course we will have problems. Is there a good chance that we will die eventually? A 100 percent chance. Should that make us nervous? No. Because Jesus has already taken on himself the worst that death can do and then Jesus rose from the dead. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. One of my favorite characters in history is Winston Churchill. What I love most about him was his sheer pugnacity. He once gave a commencement address during World War II, while staring down Hitler. The whole text of the address was, “Never, never, never, never give up.” And he never did.
Winston Churchill planned his own funeral. And he did so with the promise of the resurrection in mind. At the end of the funeral service, a bugler positioned high in the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral played Taps, the universal signal that says the day is over. Or in this case that life is done. But then came a very dramatic moment. It happened just as Churchill instructed. Another bugler was placed on the other side of the massive dome, and he played the notes of Reveille, the universal signal that a new day has dawned and it is time to arise. Churchill never gave up because he believed that at the end of history, the last note will not be Taps, it will be Reveille. Jesus has opened the door to heaven.
There is hope beyond the grave. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Easter is the reminder that death does not have the final word. A reminder that death is not the end of our relationship with God, but rather a new beginning. Easter is the hope that has held human beings together for two millennia in the face of broken relationships, economic hardships, disease, pain, and in the end, death itself. We need never, never, never, never give up. God has won the victory. It’s morning. Reveille is playing. It’s time to get up. It’s Easter. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
3
E A S T E R
P E O P L E
by Pastor Dave McCarty (davem@lordoflife.org)
Bible 101
Greetings, Easter People! It’s fabulous that we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ at the same time of year when everything outside is springing to new life.
Springing to new life is what God gives us Easter People through the faithfulness of Jesus whose sacrifice takes on the past, present, and future sin of the world. That is followed by God overcoming death and raising Jesus to life which allows us to be confidently comforted that we too will be raised from the dead. In Romans 6:4-5, the Bible says it well, “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” That quote is from the Apostle Paul, an Old Testament scholar who knew how important history was to what we’ve come to know as the Easter event. • Have you ever thought of how we historically became “Easter People?” • Have you ever wondered how the Old Testament points toward Easter? I think it’s important to understand that our entire Old and New Testaments point toward Easter because the entire Bible points toward God’s love for humanity. 4
This all started when God created humanity: Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:27), who were tempted and sinned (Genesis 3). That’s followed by Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 4-11). God’s “Easter plan” began when God made a promise to an old couple named Abraham and Sarah that they would have a huge family and someone in that family would save the world (Genesis 22:18). Abraham and Sarah’s family consists of a group of well-known people: Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Ruth, Esther, David, Solomon, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and more. All of these were impressive people but none of them were good enough to save the world. Then came Jesus. Jesus came to earth as one man to pay the price of sin that began with one man, Adam (Genesis 3 and Romans 5). Jesus was there in the beginning which is hard for us to comprehend, and was hard for those around him to fathom too, especially when Jesus told them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58 and Exodus 3:14 for the divine “I am” origination). Jesus came to fulfill the promise that God made to Abraham and Sarah that through one of their descendants God would save world, and Jesus was their Great, Great, Great, Great . . . Grandson (Matthew 1:1-16 for the complete geneology).
For 2,000 years, from Abraham to Jesus, people had tried to get it right on their own and couldn’t (see 1 and 2 Chronicles). Likewise, for the past 2,000 years we have tried to get it right on our own and couldn’t (see the evening news). History has shown that only God was able to pay the price for the past and future sin of the world, which is why God gave a human self as a sacrifice for God’s own creation (Easter People), and why God is the only one who is able to make things right. We have every reason to celebrate being Easter People! How do I know? Well . . . as the song says, “The Bible tells me so.” I encourage you to dig deeper—get involved in a Bible study or small group with others at Lord of Life (lordoflife.org/discipleshiponline). But most of all, believe “For God so loved the world that God gave God’s only Son, so that everyone who believes in Jesus may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Amen.
5
C O M M U N I T Y
L I F E
baptisms
welcome new members
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the next baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/baptism.
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
February 6 Summer Anne Filer Brendan Dale Filer
more information, contact Katie Gartzke (katieg@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life faith community.
February 7 James Orville Bratland February 13 Paul Rudolph Martinek February 14 Hailey James Glawe Addison Leanne Gonzalez Sawyer Grace Rippel February 27 Eli Adam Peterson February 28 Asher John Mellgren
weddings For details on your wedding, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org).
6
Thank you to Lord of Life member and Word for Women participant, Roxanne Current, for this lovely floral in acrylics on canvas. She shares, “Hope is my personal word for this year. I seem to be hoping for a lot these days with the pandemic, social unrest, racial injustice. I know (and hope) we all have it within us to make the world a better place . . . even small acts/changes can make a difference. We all need to do something. Hebrews 10:23 reads: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for God who promised is faithful.” (NIV) If you have gifts in creative writing, painting, photography, poetry—particularly as it relates to your faith—you are encouraged to contact Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org). All ages are welcome to share their work which brings connection to each other and glory to God!
7
S U P P O R T
G R O U P S
by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)
About a year ago, we would not have touched each other with caring and support as symbolized in this photo—during a lockdown‽ And yet now because of Zoom technology, Lord of Life support groups have been meeting faithfully, not missing a week or month depending on their regular schedules. How has that been going? Glad you asked! Here are summaries from some support group leaders fulfilling a decree of Christ about carrying each other’s burdens. If you know these folks—please offer a word of thanks for their dedication and caring for the body of Christ at Lord of Life.
Joann Cross & Rachel Ross, Women’s Cancer Support Group—
We’re a group that no one plans to join! Pre-pandemic we met in the Prayer Chapel—such a nice setting for an intimate group. With Zoom, at first it was difficult because we are sharing a very tough topic; it can be hard to determine where everyone is at in their journey. But so much good has come from it! We even had one member who had her chemo and wasn’t feeling well . . . she jumped on Zoom from bed which was awesome because she needed our group that day. Our meetings are the same with a devotion, brief messages, then reminding everyone of the format. We touch base with each person and work hard to keep on topic. We know time is valuable but we also know our topic cannot be dictated by time restraints. After updates, we say the Lord’s Prayer together then members jump off when they want. We continue with questions and answers and sometimes simply connecting for fellowship. Post-pandemic, if we have options, we would like to offer both Zoom and in-person support. We feel we have had such value for many but still feel a human connection in person is necessary, especially for our group of women. It would be nice for the days when people don’t feel up for driving to church and for those who need to get out of their house. Having both options would meet the need for all. 8
Carry each burdens and wil fulfil law of C
—Galatians 6:2 (
h other’s d so you ll the Christ.
(CEB)
Ethan Yale, Celebrate Recovery—
In Celebrate Recovery, our weekly meetings are important to maintain connections and support. It’s not the same as being in person yet overall we’ve seen a small but steady increase of new attendees as well as returning participants since transitioning to Zoom. We have made good use of all that is available online for the large group lessons and testimonies and the small group sessions remain very personal and meaningful. Nothing replaces ‘face-to-face’ small group meetings, yet it’d be interesting after the pandemic is over to consider how to reach out to a greater membership through a hybrid approach. Gail Blackmon, Scott & Joy Roeglin, GriefShare—
GriefShare is such a valuable tool and so badly needed, especially during a pandemic. Broken lives have happened with that as an added layer of grief. And it’s unbelievable that so many have had to suffer alone without family or friends. Many can’t see themselves breaking down or crying in public or talking in groups so end up in the car alone, in the parking lot, or outside a hospital—and with that follows guilt and other layers of pain. The personal aspects of meeting physically are not there such as tears, lowered heads and eyes, yet Zoom has its place because so many people can’t or won’t drive at night or they have social anxiety difficulties. We welcome new members constantly; some are sent from outside physicians or counseling or Lord of Life as well. Gregg Backstrom, Men’s Cancer Support Group—
I facilitate the support group yet the true leaders are the superstars who have become my friends. Zoom has been a blessing. Gathering together (physically) is the preference but we’ve made do. Our group is down a little in numbers but overall we’re in a good place. It was a necessity to learn a new skill set! We discussed post-pandemic recently. I think the consensus is that we’ll be meeting in person when we can—but try to incorporate Zoom as an option. We have added new members over the past year and have a spot open for whomever would wish to join us. If you’re a fella navigating cancer, this is your place for a listening ear, understanding, and support. For more information on Celebrate Recovery, counseling, GriefShare, Job Transition, Men’s Cancer, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), prayer, Refresh resources, and Women’s Cancer support groups—visit lordoflife.org/support.
9
A
R H Y T H M
O F
P R AY E R
by Pastor Kaitlyn Forster (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am the worst at maintaining a Lenten practice. I place too many expectations on myself when I do, and the guilt sets in pretty hard when I inevitably don’t live up to those spoken and unspoken expectations. I’ve given up trying so hard, but that doesn’t mean that I have given up spiritual practices. Finding ways to connect with God and faith are incredibly life-giving and meaningful. My practice this season—not Lenten, just this season of life—is to read a prayer a day from A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal, edited by theologian Sarah Bessey. Then I take a few moments to let the words sink in, wonder where God is showing up, and offer my own prayers back to God. If I miss a day, that’s ok. There’s always tomorrow. What I love about this collection of prayers and meditations is that it is a collection of voices pondering where God is in our world today. They offer vulnerable reflections and help me realize that I do not travel through these tough days alone. Weaving in scripture, breath prayers, and quotations, they are organized into three categories: Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation—providing thoughts for wherever the Spirit is leading that day. The closing of the first prayer, “A Prayer Against Efficiency” written by Micha Boyett, continues to grasp my imagination: “Order us, that we may stand within time holding your hand. That we may know we are enough, not because of what we make of these hours, but because within these hours—with you— we are being made (Page 4).” If you’re like me and need something to ground you in your prayer life, then this book is a beautiful place to rest, and yet, be challenged. 10
C O V I D
U P D AT E
For the most current update on Lord of Life’s Covid-19 protocol—including in-person worship in the sanctuary beginning Sunday, April 11— visit lordoflife.org/covid19 for a video from Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem.
[Jesu s said ]
For where two or three
are gathered in my name,
—Matthe w 1 8:20 ( C EB )
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (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. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.
PASTORAL STAFF
WORSHIP / CONNECT
Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org
Visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most up-to-date worship schedule. To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org). To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstrand (chelseyg@lordoflife.org). For all ministry events and calendar items with the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—visit lordoflife.org.
lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflife /cyf_lordoflife
/lordoflifeluth
Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. After reading, share it with a friend or neighbor inviting them to the Lord of Life faith community. To receive Compass in the mail and/or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Credits: Roxanne Current, Lightstock, Pexel, and Unsplash. Copyright 2021 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
11
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313
NonProfit Org. U. S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4665
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Name Address City, ST 00000
12