August 2016 LifeTIMES

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

LifeTIMES Lifelong Learning

August 2016

Learning can be so exciting! Recently my two-year-old grandson, Rohr, and I watched his daddy with a new lawn mower—I said his daddy sure had a big grin. Rohr asked me what a grin was then he grinned saying, “Daddy, I like your big smile grin.” Learning new words—what fun! Granddaughter Ivy (11 months old) moves quickly to her favorite toy at our house and pushes the ‘on’ button right away.

They are little sponges absorbing knowledge every minute.

We can be like that, too.

We can let the Holy Spirit work in us opening our eyes, and our hearts, to the wonders in the Holy Bible.

© Lightstock

This year’s Lifelong Learning offers something for everyone.

From come-when-you-can Bible studies led by our pastors to forums to more in-depth Monday night studies, find a good fit that works for your faith journey. Word for Women and the men’s Faith Fellowship Football groups are also offered. Get closer to God and deepen your faith with Lifelong Learning. More details are on Pages 8-10. God bless you and see you this fall!

—Pastor Donna Rohrer

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

@lolcyf

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

TAB LE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith.............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 Save the Dates / Generosity......................................................................... Pages 6-7 Lifelong Learning....................................................................................... Pages 8-10 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................Pages 11-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15

august worship and music August 6/7/8 Pastor Donna Rohrer Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Locklin Road (see Page 3) Monday: David Frank August 13/14/15 Pastor Sarah Bunge Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Jack Brass Band (see Page 3) Monday: David Frank August 20/21/22 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: River City Barbershop Quartet Monday: David Frank August 27/28/29 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Mark Nesse Monday: David Frank

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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 Mondays at 7 pm during June/July/August.

Lord of Life Summer Worship Series—

The Parables of Jesus Worship and Music

August

2 August 2016

August 1 August 6/7/8 August 13/14/15 August 20/21/22 August 27/28/29

Pharisee/Tax Collector Talents Two Sons Rich Fool Lost Sheep

Worship is in the backyard, weather permitting.

Third Wednesday, August 17, 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 Third Sunday, August 21, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope

Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

What’s in Your Will?

by Pastor Chick Lane

The importance of having a will has been in the news lately. Following Prince’s tragic death, it was learned that he did not have a will. Newspapers included articles on how this was going to make the distribution of his assets very complicated. Television news included interviews with experts stressing how important it is for everyone to have a will.

It is important to have a will. It is also important to ask the question, “What’s in your will?” In addition to leaving assets to family members, many people use their will as a way to continue giving to causes that have been important to them during their life. Many people name their church in their will.

I’d like to encourage you to join many other Lord of Life members who have named the Lord of Life Endowment Fund in their wills. Your gift to the Lord of Life Endowment Fund will always remain in the fund. The earnings from your gift will continue to support ministries important to Lord of Life for years and years to come. Just as you have been supporting Lord of Life, your gift to an endowment fund will support the congregation through the future.

My wife Chris and I have Lord of Life in our will. Obviously, the largest portion of our estate will go to our children. A smaller portion will be divided between Lord of Life and the college we both attended. It is important to us to know that these two institutions which are so important to us now will continue to have our support in the future.

Naming Lord of Life in your will is easy to do. All you need to do is work with your attorney or other advisor to make sure that you include the Lord of Life Endowment Fund in your estate plans at whatever level you desire. After you have done that, please contact Finance Director Heidi Hustoft in the church office, so the church has accurate information about who has named the congregation in their will.

Thanks for considering Lord of Life as an answer to the question, “What’s in your will?”

locklin road - august 7

jack brass band - august 14

For more than a decade, Locklin Road has played Celtic and original folk music with vocals, guitars, mandolins, bodhran, whistles, an occasional fiddle, banjo, and more.

Whether playing as the original trio of Dan Kowalke, Sheri O’Meara, and Gregg Weigand—or now as a quartet with Tom Greenwald— it’s musical storytelling from traditional and contemporary Irish songs to original work.

Locklin Road has performed several times at Lord of Life; you are in for a treat during worship on Sunday, August 7!

The CD, For Your Soul, by the Jack Brass Band was in StarTribune’s Best Local Albums of the Year list on July 1.

Chris Riemenschneider wrote, “A true New Orleans-style second line band isn’t worth its weight in brass if it doesn’t know how to bring old gospel standards to life. The Twin Cities’ reverential but re-inventive brass band traditionalists follow up their fun 2014 collection (For Your Body) with this devout and seriously soul-rousing collection of funeral procession classics, including SweetJesus-inducing versions of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Do Lord’ with powerhouse singer Robert Robinson.” With the Jack Brass Band, there will be ‘soul-rousing’ worship music at Lord of Life on Sunday, August 14!

Pastor’s Article August 2016 3

Lord of Life’s baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, August 21, at 11 am. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

June 5

Colby Paul Cota

Carly Jane Meehan

Hannah Lynn Meehan June 11

Brady Park Flynn June 12

Savannah Kirsten Fahl

Sydney Louise Fahl

William Paul Nelson

Jaxson Glenn Steinkraus

McKenna Marie Steinkraus June 19

Craig Robert Fulgency

Grayson James Fulgency

Adelynn Kathleen Riley June 25

Teagan Elizabeth Nelsen June 26

Emersyn Lorraine Bergman

Samuel Robert Brock

Piper Kay Treptau

Have you had a baptism or wedding in your family—or are you a new member? You are invited to share a photo for these ‘Family of Faith’ pages.

In addition, you are invited to share faith stories/testimonies, original creative photographs, or other artwork. For more details, please contact LifeTIMES Editor Family of Faith

Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org).

Thank you.

4 August 2016

Family

Thank you to all the artists—Gail Blackburn, Val Coopet, Karen Dorholt, Mary Hill, Carol Hoel, Sandy Jakubic, Shirley Kehrberg, Susan Manrodt, Tim Nelson, Terri Rosen, Anne Stapleton, Barb Wessman—who have either shared their work or are a part of Lord of Life’s Tuesday morning painting class. The informal art gallery in Fellowship Hall, Beauty in God’s World, has been enjoyed this summer. If you like to paint, bring your supplies and join in on Tuesday mornings at 9 am, generally held in the downstairs Art Room.

The sunflower watercolor below is by Val Coopet with the Minneapolis skyline watercolor on the next page by Susan Manrodt.

of

Faith

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.

Robin Andriunas and family at the death of her mother Anne Johnson and family at the death of her father Marla Kryzer and family at the death of her father Kelly Kudla and family at the death of her uncle Pamela Lenaghan and family at the death of her husband Barb Lindberg and family at the death of her father Chris Petersen and family at the death of his mother Kim Stoltzman and family at the death of her father

welcome to new members Brent & Cori Borgstahl with Ryan Jack & Christine Cahill with Abby and Olivia Darin & Anna Ciavarella with Sophia and Lucas Craig & Regan Debban with Rhys and Riley Rob & Susan Koppenhaver with Jadyn and Shae Peter & Sarah Lofgren with Dean and Eve Andy & Janet Meade with Drew and Josh Ryan & Tory Mohr with Bodey, Mav, and Haak Rebekah Netten Mark & Nicole Wright with Ryan 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 Lord of Life’s family of faith.

weddings June 4

Alicia Johnson & Simon Verchota

Sabrina Garritsen & Craig Appelquist

Ann Berglund & Kirby Koch June 11

Amanda Hanson & Jeffrey Sieger

Kristen Hendrickson & Tyler Perleberg June 18

Nicole Wallace & Ryan Peterson

Tessa Frederiksen & Anthony DeMarais June 25

Courtney Kurtzbein & Travis Johnson

Family of Faith

Do you enjoy painting?

See article on facing page.

August 2016 5

Save the Dates Save the Dates Save the Dates august / september 2B REAL Men—

Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs)—

Every Thursday: Men’s golf group at 5 pm, Pheasant Acres

August 17: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

Golf Club. All are welcome. Contact is Greg Janssen (greg@gregjanssen.com).

August 23 is Draft Day—see Page 9 for details!

Monthly Breakfasts: August 27: Celebrate Recovery with

Don Clark. September 24: 1M1W-Dominican Republic with Kirk Hoover. October 22: Prayer School with Cynthia & Larry Pivec and Pastor Karen Sue Greimel. November 19: LifeTogether with Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/realmen for more details of upcoming events.

August 26: Service project labeling LifeTIMES at 9:30 am September 8 (note date change): God in the Christian and Muslim Traditions. Hamline University’s Professor Deanna Thompson speaks on the Muslim faith and Christians living respectfully and peacefully with our Muslim neighbors. Noon with a freewill donation lunch.

September 15: Tour Hennepin History Museum in south Minneapolis. Please note: must be able to climb 1½ flights of stairs. Lunch at Black Forest Inn, serving authentic German food. Leave Lord of Life at 9 am and return by 2 pm; all-inclusive cost is $20.

See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events.

looking ahead to 2017 March 21-April 3, 2017 October 13-23, 2017 Lord of Life’s One Mission One World: Uganda mission trip has been scheduled. For more information, contact Laura Dirks at 763.557.6331.

From a congregational meeting, it was suggested to share staff photos of each department within Lord of Life—this is the sixth photo. Keeping our building humming with heat, air conditioning, shoveled sidewalks, carpets free of donut crumbs, and a whole lot more—the custodial team is greatly appreciated!

Save the Dates

Shown below are (left to right) Greg Smith, Jack Rice, Jim Lambrecht, Resources Director Don Delp, Raymond Delp, Ken Carraux, and Dan Carter.

6 August 2016

Pastor Donna Rohrer will be leading a tour to Germany, In the Footsteps of Martin Luther—Celebrating 500 Years of the Reformation. There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, September 15. More details soon!

Loaves of Love

Beginning its third year of ministry on September 1, Loaves of Love will be making olive and herb bread to start off the year! Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread—and breaking into a hot, tasty loaf you’ve made yourself is even better. Led by Lisa Gerber and Mo Orendorff, the group meets from 5:30-8:30 pm in Lord of Life’s kitchen.

Once a month the group learns a new bread recipe, takes a loaf home, receives a recipe card, and bakes for a Lord of Life ministry at the same time. Space is limited to ten people so you are encouraged to sign up early. For all the 2016 Loaves of Love dates, visit lordoflife.org/loavesoflove and contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org) to register.

Call Committee Update

Formed in March and introduced during worship in May, Lord of Life’s Call Committee is hard at work. The charge is to develop and implement a plan for congregational organization and leadership as Pastors Peter and Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren move into retirement in the next several years.

What has been done so far?

The committee has developed a process to determine the requirements and characteristics ideal for a lead pastor at Lord of Life. Through many networking circles (including our synod’s bishop), we have begun to identify and study candidates’ preaching style, background, and experience. Those who demonstrate strengths in the identified requirements/characteristics will be contacted to open a discussion about the opportunity.

What are next steps?

We will continue to identify potential candidates. As mutual interest is found, we will get to know them as they get to know us. Because each candidate has a different set of circumstances, the search process may go quickly or it may take time. The call committee, the council, as well as Pastors Peter and Karen, are flexible and will do whatever is necessary for the succession to work.

What will the transition look like?

The preferred candidate will be recommended to Lord of Life’s Council who will then vote on presenting the candidate for a congregational vote. Lord of Life’s new pastor will be called as lead pastor; Pastor Peter will continue as senior pastor. The lead pastor and senior pastor will work in concert for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition before Pastor Peter becomes pastor emeritus. Once the lead pastor is comfortable in the role, s/he will lead a new call committee to search for Pastor Karen’s replacement. Through this time of transition, Pastor Karen’s role will shift as she, too, transitions to pastor emeritus.

What is a pastor emeritus?

The role depends on the details of a particular congregation and the desires of the retiring pastor(s) as well as the new lead pastor.

Duties could include serving in an advisory role, preaching occasionally, and performing funerals, weddings, and baptisms as requested.

Are we prepared financially?

Yes, the call committee and council have made preparations to carry out this plan successfully while keeping the church in a strong financial state.

Please pray for this process. It is important for us to trust the call process, prayerfully deliberate, and reflect on God’s will for Lord of Life.

Alan Albrecht, chair, with Skip Lieser, Susan Listberger, Tina McCarty, Gretchen Peel Merle Waldron, council president Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, advisor Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, advisor

Actual

Total member contributions All other

Budget

$1,669,164 $1,602,033 $130,064

Total receipts

Difference $67,132

$134,515

($4,452)

$1,799,228 $1,736,548

$62,680

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — June 2016 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

Actual Budget

$70,192 $55,566

$57,425 $55,566

$59,088 $60,339 = $247,045 $55,566 $55,566 = $222,266

Generosity

The call committee is committed to open communication. Submit questions or comments at lordoflife.org/callcommittee; more details are also on that page.

Budget Year-to-date June 2016

August 2016 7

Lifelong Learning Sundays

8:30 am Discover the Bible Are you feeling a tug to dig deeper into God’s Word, but aren’t sure how to start? Come join in as we discover how to find our way through the Bible and how this bestselling book is telling the story of God’s love for all creation. Pastor Donna Rohrer, Sept. 18 - Oct. 9

9:45 am A Study of Philippians Each week is a standalone class. Come as often as you can! Bring your Bible and your coffee and your donut.

Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Sept. 18 - Oct. 9

8:30 am The Christmas Story How many wise men came to visit Jesus? Were they kings? It is early, but come and learn what is in Scripture, what has become tradition surrounding this miraculous event, and why this story is told in different ways.

It is the beginning of the greatest story ever told!

Pastor Donna Rohrer, Oct. 23 - Nov. 13

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4 Philippians is the Apostle Paul’s letter of joy. Come and explore the difference between ‘happiness,’ which can depend on the current circumstances of our lives, and ‘joy,’ which depends on our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sept. 18, Joy in Suffering, Chapter One Sept. 25, Joy in Serving, Chapter Two Oct. 2, Joy in Believing, Chapter Three Oct. 9, Joy in Giving, Chapter Four

Lifelong Learning

9:45 am 1 and 2 Corinthians More than love, we will talk about what it means to see dimly in our lives now. How does love fit into this?

Pastor Donna Rohrer, Oct. 23, 1 Corinthians 13

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August 2016

Often called The Stewardship Chapters, Paul encourages Christian communities to care for one another, and encourages generosity as a vital component of Christian life. Pastor Chick Lane, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 2 Corinthians 8 and 9

Gifts for God: Each of us is a unique child of God with a role to play in the work of the kingdom. Living into that uniqueness brings the whole potential of the Spirit to life.

Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, Nov. 13, 1 Corinthians 12:1

11 am Prayer School: ASAP - Always Stop and Pray!

Prayer School is the place where you get comfortable talking to, listening to, and understanding God. Each class offers a time of teaching, of practicing what you’ve learned, and of sharing. All are welcome—from beginners to seasoned prayer warriors—the Holy Spirit will meet you right where you are.

Pastor Karen Sue Greimel with Cynthia and Larry Pivec, beginning Sept. 18

lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning

Mondays

6 pm Faith, Fellowship, Football: Men’s Study We will discuss what true victory in life really looks like, what gets in the way, and how closely following Christ moves us down the field to victory. Small group discussion will include the book, The Ultimate Scoring Drive, and getting to know each other. After discussion at church, we’ll head to Rush Creek Golf Club and watch Monday Night Football together! Pastor Dave McCarty, beginning Sept. 12

Draft Night, Tuesday, August 23, with pizza & pop!

Meet at 6 pm in the Luther Room. We’ll use ESPN Fantasy Sports for our fantasy football league. The number of leagues will be determined based on number of ‘players’ signed up (lordoflife.org/2BrealmenFFF). Leagues will be managed by Commissioners Jason Listberger and Chris Tollefson.

Tuesdays

7 am Faith, Fellowship, Football: Men’s Study At Three Squares Restaurant in Maple Grove, we’ll have a chance to do a recap of the weekend’s (and Monday Night Football) games. There will also be an online opportunity to participate if you can’t make either session ‘live.’ See more details at left including Draft Night on August 23.

Pastor Dave McCarty, beginning Sept. 12 —Lifelong Learning continues on next page

7 pm Ezekiel The first part of Ezekiel shows why God must punish the wicked people still in Judah.

The second part shows that God will bring His people back to their land and that their faith and position before God will be restored. Ezekiel is captive in Babylon when he writes this book. We will learn how, even when things look very dark, God is still with us. And, I know two songs from the stories in this book! Pastor Donna Rohrer, beginning Sept. 12

Lifelong Learning August 2016

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Lifelong Learning

lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning

—Lifelong Learning continues from previous page

Wednesdays

9:30 - 11 am Word for Women Is God always first in your life or can some other things creep in and become your priority? Idol Chatter with Pastor Donna Rohrer, beginning Sept. 14

For some, money may not bring greater happiness or satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety. With the book, Enough, study the Bible’s financial wisdom with keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. Enough with Pastor Chick Lane, every Wednesday in October

Thursdays

7 - 8:30 pm Small Group Study, Merle and Michelle Waldron, beginning Sept. 15, at Lord of Life 7 - 8:30 pm Elder Care Transitions or ‘Oh my goodness, what are we going to do about Mom and Dad now!’ Most of us really don’t know much about this subject until an unexpected life event happens—then decisions need to be made with a loved one. Learn from an experienced leader in senior housing, assisted living, and memory care who will provide relevant information as well as helpful reference materials. Lisa Toms, Sept. 15 only

Fridays

Forums — Save the Dates Sunday, Oct. 16, The Art of Living Inside Out: Martin Luther’s ‘Freedom of a Christian’ for Today Most of us spend too much time chained to the ‘performance principle’ or the idea that our self-worth or status is dependent on how we look, what we have achieved, or what others think of us.

Martin Luther suggests that at the heart of the Christian faith is a liberating message of freedom. In Christ we are freed from self-concern to be of service to our neighbor and the world. Professor Mark Tranvik, Augsburg College

Sunday, Nov. 20, The Christian Church in the United States: Where is it headed and what does that mean for Lord of Life? Senior Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

What book of the Bible, chapter, and verse is Pastor Peter writing?

Answer below.

6:30 am Men’s Bible Study Small Group, Chris Tollefson, at Perkins Restaurant in Maple Grove 7 am Men’s Bible Study Small Group, Merle Waldron, at Starbucks near Maple Grove Kohl’s

Saturdays

10

August 2016

Answer: Ephesians 2:8.

Discover the Bible on Sundays may be just for you!

Lord of Life Ministries

7:30 am Men’s Bible Study Small Group, Jeff Mason, at Lord of Life

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

Changing Lives in Your Own Backyard

by Brian & Jill Dejewski Lord of Life youth in the Summer Stretch program have been making a difference at Mobile Hope at Maple Hill Estates. Each week, a different group of about 25 youth would come out to the mobile home park, hear about the ministry of Mobile Hope, and then get a little ‘buddy’ student from the park to befriend for the morning. This larger group would then choose one of the many amazing playgrounds around the Twin Cities to go visit. The morning was spent playing, talking, and loving on the kids.

We were so impressed by the youth in this program! One week a few Maple Hill kids, who are known to ‘stretch the rules’ a bit, asked to come along. We were somewhat hesitant but agreed after talking with them and setting expectations. Not only did these students enjoy their time with the youth, one of them was spotted on the bus ride home holding hands with his older ‘buddy!’

Lord of Life students took their job seriously—and did it well!

As we approach the end of the summer, we look back on a full calendar of events such as VBS Camp, Sports Camp, Onsite Summer School, Taco Tuesday Community Suppers, summer camp in northern Minnesota, and so much more. These are more than activities, but rather strategic tools used to grow educational readiness, build community trust, and communicate spiritual hope.

We are now looking ahead to the fall. On the schedule will be the relaunching of our Homework Help program four days a week, open evenings at the Hope Center, The Journey youth program, a weekly worship service, small group Bible studies, and ongoing food distribution with the help of CROSS foodshelf. Many of these activities require volunteers. In fact, Mobile Hope needs about 65-70 volunteers every week to run its programs—just for our Corcoran location!

Beyond that, we have recently expanded to another site 15 minutes north in Dayton that will be needing volunteers as well.

May we appeal to all those who took advantage of short-term missions experiences over this past year … those trips are powerful and allow you to experience God working through you to touch the lives of those you encounter. Back home, the busyness of life can quickly squeeze-out opportunities to experience that more locally. Mobile Hope offers these kinds of experiences for you and your family less than a mile from the church doors. Consider joining in and see God work through you changing lives in your own backyard.

For more information, contact Polly Trandahl at 763.478.8836 or visit lordoflife.org/mobilehope.

Lord of Life Ministries August 2016

11

Introducing Lord of Life’s elementary ministry leader—

Welcome, Kelly!

Hi! My name is Kelly Rodger, and I am eager to begin working at Lord of Life in elementary ministry. I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. I have an elementary education degree from Luther College and a brand new master’s degree from Luther Seminary, where I focused on children, youth, and family ministry. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing golf, reading, and being outdoors. If you see me around, please introduce yourself—I am looking forward to meeting you!

Kelly’s email address is kellyr@lordoflife.org and her first day was July 19!

Summer Nights

All middle school and high school youth are invited to hang out in the church’s backyard for a bonfire with s’mores, games, music, and fun with friends! First and third Tuesdays every summer month from 7-9 pm. No registration required. In case of inclement weather, Summer Nights will be held inside the building. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/summernights.

August 10 is the deadline for contributing to this summer’s service projects—ELCA Good Gifts Latrines and the toilet paper collection.

Thank you for your Lord of Life Ministries

generous support!

12 August 2016

lordoflife.org/summerserviceprojects

Lord of Life Partners with The Food Group—

Christ, Community, Confirmation (C3)—

As many families know, groceries can be a large part of a monthly budget. A couple years ago, Lord of Life became a Fare for All location through The Food Group. One Thursday a month, everyone can save up to 40% on their grocery bill. The next Fare for All is Thursday, August 4, from 4-6 pm.

Small groups for the 2016-17 year are quickly filling up! Please register now at lordoflife.org/c3. Any requests for small groups may not be honored if registrations are received after August 7. C3 will begin the week of September 11.

Also that day, the ‘Shoe’ Away Hunger bus will be onsite at Lord of Life! There will be new and gently used shoes available for purchase. Every purchase will help provide food in the community. Shoe size 0-6½ suggested donation is $2; the size 7 and up suggested donation is $5.

Questions about C3? Contact Neil Christians at neilc@lordoflife.org.

C3 Registration

‘Shoe’ Away Hunger

For details on Fare for All and ‘Shoe’ Away Hunger, visit lordoflife.org/thefoodgroup. Shoes shown are not representative of what will be available for purchase.

An Apple a Day

Lord of Life’s community garden, LifeGARDEN, now has a young apple orchard— and it survived a powerful summer thunderstorm soon after planting! The trees are part of Quinn Stanley’s (below left) Eagle Scout project. Along with help from Summer Stretch youth (below right) and LifeGARDEN Manager Bob Zappa (at right), 15 trees were planted. The three varieties are all from the University of Minnesota: Honeycrisp, State Fair, and Zestar. The trees will mature and bear fruit in about three years. Lord of Life is blessed to partner with CROSS foodshelf for distributing the future apple harvest to their clients. And congratulations, Quinn, on achieving Eagle Scout with best wishes for continued success from everyone at Lord of Life.

See Page 11 for more about Lord of Life’s Summer Stretch youth serving in the community.

Lord of Life Ministries

Channel 12 featured this story on June 23—visit Lord of Life’s Facebook page or directly on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=IAHsFwJUGc8.

August 2016 13

Looking Ahead for Children, Youth, and Family September 7: C3 Small Group Leader Training September 10/11: Rally Weekend Church School begins at 5:30 pm Saturday and 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am on Sunday for ages 2 years - 6th grade. Join in each week for a chance to sing, play, pray, get to know each other, and grow in faith! Registration required (lordoflife.org/churchschool).

ial speacy! d la b dayor

11

7 13

10

14

18

September 11 and 14: C3 begins

September 18: Ecclesia, Explore, Express begin

After School Program (ASP) begins on September 13—

Faith Is Nurtured on Tuesday Afternoons

On Tuesday afternoons during the school year, ASP gives 1st-5th graders faith-based programming after the school day. Time is divided between a snack, quiet homework time, fun, and fellowship which includes a variety of service projects, science experiments, movie-making, and crafts.

After the school day ends, a Lord of Life bus will pick up Basswood, Rush Creek, and new this year, Meadow Ridge elementary students and bring them to Lord of Life. Because of bussing restrictions, there is a 20-student limit per school. Parent pick up from Lord of Life is at or before 6 pm. All children are invited to join in for ASP, however, bussing is only provided for those attending the schools listed above. You are welcome to bring your child to Lord of Life to participate.

The ASP fall session is September 13-December 13. Cost is $85 per child if s/he attends Basswood, Rush Creek or Meadow Ridge; $70 per child if s/he attends a school where transportation is not provided.

Registration opens August 1 at lordoflife.org/afterschoolprogram. Questions? Contact Kelly Rodger (kellyr@lordoflife.org), the new elementary school ministry leader. See Page 12 for Kelly’s introduction!

Lord of Life Ministries

Preschool Vacation Bible School created many sweet summer smiles!

14 August 2016

© Doodle Art Alley

September 13: After School Program begins for grades 1-5 (see article below)

August Bible Verse: So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

Happy August!

Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller Mr. Rabbit has new neighbors—otters!

But he doesn’t know anything about otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? So begins the discussion on how to be a good neighbor and friend. Just follow the Golden Rule, treating others the same way you would like them to treat you!

Lord of Life Childcare (nursery) is now hiring part-time staff. Shifts include weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.

If you like working with children, this is the job for you! If you are interested, contact Childcare Program Lead Carly Tappe (carlyt@lordoflife.org).

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel Summer is in full swing, and it is difficult to imagine that preschool is just around the corner. We hope that you are enjoying every moment of this beautiful summer! Our carrot garden is growing well along with some tomatoes and squash that we added later. It looks to be a grand harvest.

If you have not turned in your enrollment packets, please do so at this time.

Looking ahead to September, please note that our Get Acquainted Day is Thursday, September 8. This open house gives students and parents time to meet their teachers and classmates in our preschool. School will begin the week of September 12. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

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

kalahari family retreat

Lord of Life Ministries

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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

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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 September issue is August 1. Copyright © 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

caught reading lifetimes Prior to their A Work of Love (AWOL) worship send-off, these AWOLers were caught reading LifeTIMES before heading to Colorado Springs on July 16!

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

With three PokéStops and a gym at Lord of Life, Pokéman Go’s Charmander was caught reading LifeTIMES. Gotcha!

With Lord of Life’s bed race entry in the staging area prior to Maple Grove Days’ parade are (left to right) Kermit Amann, Colin Grillo, Scott Wagner, Tom Wilson, and Depes Littlefield representing 2B REAL Men ministries.

See Page 6 for upcoming men’s events!

16 August 2016

A precocious ten-month-old, Lillian Mae Suing is caught reading LifeTIMES!