Lord of life lutheran
AUGUST 2020
C O M P A S S
THIRD IN A SERIES OF DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICES:
R O L E
SERVE
M O D E L S
by Pastor Dave McCarty (davem@lordoflife.org)
Philippians 2:3-8 reads, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.” In Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he names the perfect role model for Christians to follow. God came to us as Jesus, fully God and fully human, and showed us by example how we are to live out our faith. God not only became human, but took on the role of a servant. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors and be their servant. If the King of Kings can humble himself and serve the least of these, I too can set aside my own interests and desires and simply help someone else. Many in our community of faith have followed Jesus’ example, and as a result, we have a church of thousands of servants supporting the needs of neighbors— locally and all over the world.
Discipleship practices: serve ..............2-3 summer stretch service........................4-5 community life / psalm 136:6...............6-7 LEARN & SMILE!.............................................8-9 How do you serve?...................................... 10 contacts .......................................................... 11 2
The pandemic has exposed needs that were hidden before and has also caused us to be creative and thoughtful about how we serve. Many of the ways we may have served in the past are no longer feasible or might even put others at risk, which means we’ve had to think differently. It’s made us really think about Paul’s statement, “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Early on in the pandemic we found the best way “I can help!” was to stay home and make a financial donation so food could be purchased for those living in the “food desert” of north Minneapolis, who didn’t have access to a grocery store. As the
months have gone by we’ve found additional ways to help while wearing masks and socially distancing. We’ve dropped off tons of food, formula, and diapers at the church parking lot, and with CROSS and Gethsemane Lutheran, those items were distributed to our neighbors in need. At the same time, a group of members “silently,” as part of the Silent Knights, have gone out and mowed lawns for people in our community. There are many ways to safely serve and there are many, many who are living out their faith by serving safely. When asked, “Why do I serve?,” we all have our own answer. I’ve asked Barb Mewaldt, who leads the Lord of Life team that serves at CROSS, and Blake Toms, who leads Silent Knights, that question: The simplest answer to the question, “Why do I serve?” is that Jesus commands us to love our neighbor. Service is the manifestation of that love. We are all beloved children of God and, as members of one family, we love and take care of each other. I use my talents to take care of those who need my skills. In turn, when I am in need, I gratefully accept the service of others. I have always benefited from this exchange. It is what makes a healthy community and is why I serve.
I serve because it is the way we were raised. My parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, were great role models. I serve because it brings me into the community—friends and relationships have developed from serving others. Serving makes me feel good, knowing that I’m helping others, hopefully making their lives better. I serve because I feel that it’s something I want to do, not have to do. And finally, I serve because I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, and what a better example to follow than to live one’s life in the service of others.
—Barb Mewaldt
—Blake Toms
Discipleship Practice: Learn is to participate in at least one Lord of Life service opportunity each year and practice at least five acts of kindness each week.
lordoflife.org/discipleshiponline 3
SHINE by Serving— Journal Today’s service project was . . . YouTube Lord of Life channel with Neil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8kxWnyQo3Y
How did it make a difference in your/someone else’s life?
Morning Kick Off
Question: What stood out to you in the video? Read: Matthew 20:25-28
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify God in heaven. —Matthew 5:16
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•
How might the video connect with these Bible verses?
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Do you like to serve and help others? Why or why not?
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What service project is your favorite? What do you like most about it?
•
What do you like most about serving others?
Jesus teaches us that to be great, one must become a servant of others and see others as better than ourselves. We serve others by walking beside them through the difficult times in their lives.
How is it an expression of your faith?
How did you grow or what did you learn about yourself from it?
What made this service project fun for you?
SUMMER STRETCH 2020—
L E T
Y O U R
Lord of Life’s Virtual Summer Stretch has helped middle school youth make a difference in the community while staying safe at home. With life so uncertain and changing week-toweek, two separate sessions were offered. Each week, a mailing was sent to youth including a gift and an at-home service project. The first week’s mailing was a Summer Stretch t-shirt and journal!
L I G H T
S H I N E
Austin R.
Jordan O.
Groups began Monday mornings on Lord of Life’s YouTube channel kicking off the week. Middle School Ministry Director Neil Christians would explain the weekly gift and at-home service project options. Then groups met Wednesdays via Zoom to talk about the week’s theme and what everyone experienced. Highlighted on these two pages are youth photos and other materials while focused on the Discipleship Practice: Serve. Summer Stretch affirms middle school youth as they form faith and shine in their own unique way. Youth discover they matter and make a difference contributing unique gifts and skills. Small groups provide an environment of trust, where youth share about experiences and faith. We know that fun and friends matter, too! Youth from all grades and schools connect in virtual online large group and small groups. During the 2020 summer pandemic, our middle school youth let their light shine!
Sydney L. 5
C O M M U N I T Y baptisms
weddings
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).
For details on having your wedding at Lord of Life, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson (763.420.5015 x118).
June 14 Aria Marie Oestreich June 20 Delia Rose Otto June 27 Maverick John Peck
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those we have lost in our community and for those grieving the loss of a loved one. May there be comfort in the promise of the resurrection.
Jeff Day and family at the death of his sister David Elhard and family at the death of his father The family and friends of Ed Hatlem at his death Ed Reichow and family at the death of his father
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L I F E
welcome new members Tim Minnihan & Julie Hildreth Matt & Kate Baumann with Eli and Lucy 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 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.
. . . wh o s pread o ut the ea rt h on t he wa t ers, f or God ’ s steadfast lo ve endures f orever
—Psalm 136:6
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L E A R N
&
S M I L E !
by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)
We all are learning so much during these days of a pandemic. For instance, in spite of covering mouth and lips—a mask cannot hide a genuine smile. Known as the “Duchene smile” named after a French neurologist, this body language occurs with muscles around the mouth and the eyes. It’s recognized as the most authentic measure of happiness. Emotional connection also occurs in other ways including tilt of head, eyebrow movement, and more. With faces half covered—we can still connect emotionally learning more about each 0ther. What have our pastors learned so far during this pandemic? For more on emotional connection in spite of masks, visit today.com/health/ smile-behind-face-mask-can-be-recognized-others-body-language-t183257.
Pastor Dave: I’ve learned a lot. I’ve
Pastor Kaitlyn:
learned how to Zoom. I’ve learned
During the stay-at-home order,
I really really don’t like wearing masks
I have learned about new ways of being
but I care for people’s health more than I hate masks so I wear mine. I’ve learned I really miss
Pastor Karen Greimel 8 is on sabbatical.
community. We may be physically separate
but there’s a drive and yearning to gather tog
all four services during a weekend. I’ve especially
and I’ve seen some really positive ways th
learned how much I appreciate holy communion.
technology can bring people together. These
I’ve learned wonderful new ways to worship. I
ways of being that we are exploring bring me
could go on and on but the list might start to
for the future because they remind me of h
look like a Top 100 of things I’ve learned,
interconnected we are and allow us to me
which would highlight how little I
one another in the very things that
knew before. Stay safe,
make us human.
everyone!
Pastor Donna: I keep reminding myself, “This too shall pass.” I have been reading the Psalms. I read them aloud. As an extrovert, this gives me a chance to be “expressive.” With some of the Lament Psalms, I think about what the children of Israel had to go through traveling across the desert from Egypt and being taken captive by the Babylonians. While I have a wonderful home and everything I need, I still struggle with feeling captive some days. I have even stood up and sort of “yelled” a Lament Psalm out the window. But remembering God is holding my hand calms me. Thanks be to God for the Bible and all the stories and Psalms we have to comfort us!
Pastor Chick: During the pandemic, I’ve confirmed something I already knew— worship is very important to me. What has surprised me is how worshipful worship can be via television. Yes, I miss singing. Yes, I miss the choir and the wonderful music in our sanctuary. But I can worship God and God’s Word can embrace me via TV. I’ve learned how much I miss God’s people. I miss—singing together, praying together, talking together, comforting God’s people, being comforted by God’s people. I will weep with joy when we worship together again. Until then, in true Minnesota fashion, I’m doing fine.
Pastors Karen & Peter: We haven’t been venturing out a lot, but when we do—we exclusively
ed,
gether at new hope
how et
wear “Cadwallader 2020™”masks. Learnings are that God always feels the most present when you need God the most. A helpful reminder of something we already knew. We are also pleased to report that even 24-hour-a-day companionship does not diminish joy in each other’s presence. Yet, even though we are happy together, these days of social distancing have us yearning to be face-to-face with all those we hold dear— which includes so many of you who are holding this month’s Compass.
Pastor Joel: I’ve learned this is an incredible time to be the Church! The reality of the Covid-19 pandemic means we must be creative, flexible, and humble in how we live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we prayerfully and joyfully remain rooted in community when physical distancing needs to be practiced. My faith has been buoyed by so many kind words from members and attenders who have expressed their love and support. It’s inspiring to hear stories of your deep love for God and neighbor in the ways you are rising to meet the challenges we face.
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Merle Waldron (photo above) was one of many helpers during July donation events in the Lord of Life parking lot. Along with several others in north Minneapolis, the CROSS truck was unloaded, bags of groceries were prepared, with diapers and more distributed with partner Gethsemane Lutheran.
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you Howdo
serve?
Thank you to all who serve, give of time or donations, and work toward a better community!
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. Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive Compass in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Copyright 2020 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
PASTORAL STAFF
WORSHIP/MUSIC SCHEDULE
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. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org
lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
Visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most up-to-date worship schedule.
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflife /cyf_lordoflife
/lordoflifeluth
Photo credits include Tucker Johnson, our pastors, plus Lord of Life’s youth and families. If you have photographs or artwork or creative writing to share about faith or serving—connect with Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org).
c o n ta c t u s To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson at 763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org. To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstrand at 763.420.5015 x128 or chelseyg@lordoflife.org. For all ministry events and calendar items with the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—please visit lordoflife.org.
You have an opportunity to give to and through our church in a way that will make a difference today and in the future, both for our congregation and through two valuable ministry partners. This fund is called, “I Can Help!” •
One-third of the funds support CROSS Services and Gethsemane Lutheran Church to feed hungry people
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One-third of the funds provide emergency financial assistance to Lord of Life members who are in need
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One-third of the funds support ongoing ministry at Lord of Life
Visit lordoflife.org/icanhelp for current info!
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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
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Lord of Life families have been ‘shining their light’ from Family Faith Boxes. Filled with fun, faith-filled activities—a box is mailed encouraging families to grow in faith together. With fresh, new surprises each month, visit lordoflife.org/summer to order your August box!