Lord of Life LifeTIMES August 2012

LifeTIMES

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

August 2012

L5: Life Long Learning at Lord of Life WELCOME TO THE EXCITEMENT!

What is L5?

With the new addition at Lord of Life and so much more space, we are inviting you to come for an extra hour a week to learn and grow in your relationship with God. Many people have stepped up to offer a wonderful schedule for 2012-13, filled with a variety of opportunities. Each of these members of Lord of Life are putting together a session of five classes to share their passion with you. There are many different topics, and we hope that one of them will grab you and you will take that step to grow in your faith.

How could it work for me?

Opportunities are available every Sunday morning, with a Bible study and a topical class each worship hour. The idea is that you get two for one: An hour of worshipping our Lord and Savior and an hour to dig deeper into a topic of interest. There are also times for you to come on Sunday evenings and during the week.

There are classes if you are new to studying the Bible and a little nervous, to more in-depth studies. There are relevant topics to help you in parenting, marriage, health and wellness, establishing spiritual habits, connecting faith and service, and strengthening relationships.

What about my family? What about worship?

If you have children in Church School, you too can be learning at L5 and then worship together as a family. This will be new for many of us, but as Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we can help each other to be more faithful to our lifegiving, grace-filled God. What do I do?

Please read through the catalog on the next few pages. Find a class that interests you and embark on this new and exciting venture to help us live abundant lives as Children of God. Bring a friend! And grow together.

Check out the registration information online at lordoflife.org/L5 or visit us in the narthex beginning the weekend of August 18-20.

Certificates Available For those who wish to track their L5 progress, we are providing an opportunity for participants to receive “credit” for the classes they take. You have the option to write a short reflection paper at the end of each class. For every five classes completed, you will receive a certificate.

Plan to grow your faith at L5, Life Long Learning at Lord of Life.

It all starts the week of September 16. We are excited to see God at work as we continue to be Life Long Learners at Lord of Life.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

faith formation

We are happy to be able to offer L5 classes free of charge. Individual classes may be using books that will be available for purchase by participants.

L5 Class Descriptions

Session 1 – Week of September 16-Week of October 14 SUNDAY 8:30 am Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec Have you ever thought God was outside your network? Do you find yourself asking God, “Can you hear me now?” If you want to change your “prayer plan” and get a better connection, have we got a plan for you! Prayer School offers a hands-on class for everyone who desires to know God better and hear him more clearly. Come for one 5-week session or as many sessions as you’d like, as all of the classes will be different.

8:30 am Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Pastor Donna Rohrer This class will help those of you who feel intimidated by the Bible. We will find our way around the Bible, learn how it is put together, discover tools to help us understand what we read AND find God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s help in understanding why this is such an incredible book.

9:45 am Isaiah: The Man…The Time…The Message – Part 1 Pastor David Lippitt The Book of Isaiah is a long and complex collection of narrative, poetry and prophetic announcements. Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. In this 10-week course we will examine Isaiah’s message and its relevance for our life and faith.

9:45 am Wiser Women – God’s Power in the Midlife Experience Joan Freeberg Women of a “certain age”– embrace the midlife power God has given you!

Midlife is a time of exciting creativity, growth and healing. A unique time to look inward, to try something new, to rediscover your strengths and aspirations. This class will help you along that transformational midlife journey, toward the woman you are called to be for the second half of life.

11 am Exercise Daily…Walk with the Lord Beth Kanthak You are destined for great things through Christ! This class will support and encourage you to follow God’s will in your life. You will learn practical tips on how to enrich your spiritual health, center your emotional health in Christ, and enhance your physical health to better serve the Lord. After putting principles into action, you will be motivated to serve Christ in a stronger, more godly way. Come experience growth, inspiration, inner peace and a personal touch from God.

11 am Mormonism Pastor Donna Rohrer With the Republican presidential candidate being a Mormon, we will explore their practices. We will find things in common and also what sets us apart as Lutherans and our belief that We Are Saved By Grace Through Faith In Jesus Christ.

6 pm Alpha, Part 1 Tom Brady, Larry Pivec, and Larry Stokes Alpha is a 10-week course to find out more about the Christian faith, get to know others, and to have fun doing it. You will have an opportunity to meet other people while enjoying fellowship and a meal and through large and small group settings. This course is for new Christians or for those interested in growing their faith. There is a series of talks presented in the large group and time for discussion of questions or issues in small groups.

TUESDAY 6:45 pm Mormonism Pastor Donna Rohrer With the Republican presidential candidate being a Mormon, we will explore their practices. We will find things in common and also what sets us apart as Lutherans and our belief that We Are Saved By Grace Through Faith In Jesus Christ.

6:45 pm Wiser Women – God’s Power in the Midlife Experience Joan Freeberg Women of a “certain age” – embrace the midlife power God has given you!

Midlife is a time of exciting creativity, growth and healing. A unique time to look inward, to try something new, to rediscover your strengths and aspirations. This class will help you along that transformational midlife journey, toward the woman you are called to be for the second half of life.

WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm Parenting Teens, Part 1 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren The Parenting Teens Class is specifically designed for those parenting 11-18 year olds. The 10-week class will be a mixture of video and conversation focused on equipping teens for life by looking at: Keeping the End in Mind; Meeting our Teenager’s Needs; Setting Boundaries; Developing Emotional Health; and Helping Teens Make Good Choices.

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7:30 pm Isaiah: The Man…The Time…The Message – Part 1 Pastor David Lippitt The Book of Isaiah is a long and complex collection of narrative, poetry and prophetic announcements. Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. In this 10-week course we will examine Isaiah’s message and its relevance for our life and faith.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

faith formation

L5 Class Descriptions

Session 2 – Week of October 21 - Week of November 18 SUNDAY 8:30 am Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec Have you ever thought God was outside your network? Do you find yourself asking God, “Can you hear me now?” If you want to change your “prayer plan” and get a better connection, have we got a plan for you! Prayer School offers a hands-on class for everyone who desires to know God better and hear him more clearly. Come for one 5-week session or as many sessions as you’d like, as all of the classes will be different.

8:30 am Breaking the Ties that Bind Pastor David Lippitt Psychology tells us about the over-riding influence of family of origin on emotional and spiritual health. This course will examine dysfunctional patterns through the story of Abraham and his family depicted in Genesis.

Participants will experience personal insight and gain effective tools for “breaking the ties that bind” in their own family of origin.

9:45 am Isaiah: The Man…The Time…The Message – Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt The Book of Isaiah is a long and complex collection of narrative, poetry and prophetic announcements. Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. In this 10-week course we will examine Isaiah’s message and its relevance for our life and faith.

9:45 am Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway? Preparing for Advent and Christmas Lynn Leisen and Michelle Welinski In the weeks preceding the celebration of Christ’s birth, we are bombarded with images of a ‘good’ Christmas. Unfortunately, these images have little to do with either reality or faith. When Christmas does come, it often finds us spiritually, emotionally, and financially exhausted. Feelings of guilt about misspent resources undermine the great joy we could experience at the celebration of Christ’s birth. In this class we’ll cover everything from gifts and Santa to Christmas cards and dealing with family. We will help each other create a joyful, stress-free Christmas!

11 am Where Did All These Lutherans Come From? (And Where Are We Going?)

Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel From the start with Martin Luther back in the Reformation through the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988 to today, we continue to be led by God’s guidance and grace. Where is the Lutheran church today, and how did we get here? Together let’s explore the Lutheran experience over the years, so that we better understand who we are in the present. Let the exciting journey begin!

11 am One Mission One World – Exploring Missions Marty Sager and Pastoral Intern Dave McCarty In this study we will explore the theology of missions plus various options of conducting mission work. We will delve into the positive impact and touch on some of the obstacles too. We will explore a variety of mission options, allowing plenty of time to answer your questions. You will hear from leaders of Lord of Life’s One Mission One World team. Come discover what part of mission work God has planned for you.

6 pm Alpha, Part 2 Tom Brady, Larry Pivec, and Larry Stokes Alpha is a 10-week course to find out more about the Christian faith, get to know others, and to have fun doing it. You will have an opportunity to meet other people while enjoying fellowship and a meal and through large and small group settings. This course is for new Christians or for those interested in growing their faith. There is a series of talks presented in the large group and time for discussion of questions or issues in small groups.

TUESDAY 6:45 pm Where Did All These Lutherans Come From? (And Where Are We Going?)

Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel From the start with Martin Luther back in the Reformation through the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988 to today, we continue to be led by God’s guidance and grace. Where is the Lutheran church today, and how did we get here? Together let’s explore the Lutheran experience over the years, so that we better understand who we are in the present. Let the exciting journey begin!

6:45 pm God Is a Man (No, She’s Isn’t!)

Adam Bunge and Pastor Sarah Bunge This class will explore gender imagery of the Divine in scripture, church history, and worship.

WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm Parenting Teens, Part 2 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren The Parenting Teens Class is specifically designed for those parenting 11-18 year olds. The 10-week class will be a mixture of video and conversation focused on equipping teens for life by looking at: Keeping the End in Mind; Meeting our Teenager’s Needs; Setting Boundaries; Developing Emotional Health; and Helping Teens Make Good Choices.

7:30 pm Isaiah: The Man…The Time…The Message – Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt The Book of Isaiah is a long and complex collection of narrative, poetry and prophetic announcements. Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. In this 10-week course we will examine Isaiah’s message and its relevance for our life and faith.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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faith formation

L5 Class Descriptions

Session 3 – Week of January 13 - Week of February 10 SUNDAY 8:30 am Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec Have you ever thought God was outside your network? Do you find yourself asking God, “Can you hear me now?” If you want to change your “prayer plan” and get a better connection, have we got a plan for you! Prayer School offers a hands-on class for everyone who desires to know God better and hear him more clearly. Come for one 5-week session or as many sessions as you’d like, as all of the classes will be different.

8:30 am I Don’t Have Time to Talk with God David Chase Our lives are so busy and filled with family, work, and many distractions.

How can we make time to bring God into our daily lives? Learn to overcome the obstacles of time, worthiness and doubt to reach a close relationship with our Lord and Father.

9:45 am Minor Prophets but a Major Message, Part 1 Pastor David Lippitt This 10-week survey course will examine the place of the minor prophets in the history of Israel and in the Bible. We will begin our study with Amos, Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk in part one and conclude with Jonah, Joel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi in part two.

9:45 am Called to Be Disciples! Part 1 Gehry and Jan Sower Jesus, in Matthew 28:19, says, “…go and make disciples of all nations.”

Wow! Who does that? What does that really mean? What are the requirements to be identified as a disciple? How do you ‘make’ someone a disciple? In this 10-week consideration of discipleship, we will explore these and related questions. The emphasis will be on our individual security in Christ, freeing us to act confidently however God leads us.

11 am Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism, Part 1 Ina Barton and Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism is a 10-week course to learn more about being a Lutheran and make public affirmation of your faith. Those who are confirmed may take this course as a review of Lutheranism. There is a mini retreat on March 7 from 5:30-10 pm and a Service of Affirmation of Baptism on March 16 at 7 pm. We will study the Small Catechism, including The Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed and Ten Commandments. We will review the sacraments of Holy Communion and Holy Baptism and learn why Lutherans do what they do.

11 am Exercise Daily…Walk with the Lord Beth Kanthak You are destined for great things through Christ! This class will support and encourage you to follow God’s will in your life. You will learn practical tips on how to enrich your spiritual health, center your emotional health in Christ, and enhance your physical health to better serve the Lord. After putting principles into action, you will be motivated to serve Christ in a stronger, more godly way. Come experience growth, inspiration, inner peace and a personal touch from God.

6 pm The Marriage Course: Ten Weeks to a Better Marriage, Part 1 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren The Marriage Course is a 10-week, video-based experience that offers time for individual couples to communicate about important topics including: Building Strong Foundations; The Art of Communication; Resolving Conflict; The Power of Forgiveness; The Impact of Family – Past and Present; and Love in Action.

TUESDAY 6:45 pm Faithful Finances Pastor Chick Lane The Bible was “written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31) To enrich this life, God’s word provides practical guidance as to how we are to live in Jesus’ name now, including in our financial lives. This course will look at important teachings from the Bible concerning our financial lives, and will offer practical suggestions as to how our financial lives can align with God’s word.

6:45 pm What Can We Learn from the Wayward Women of the Bible?

Wendy Showalter Lord of Life’s Lenten worship services have featured Biblical character portrayals the past two years. If you enjoy learning more about Biblical characters in a creative way, this class is for you. Get acquainted with the infamous wayward women of the Bible through history lessons, scripture and group discussion: Eve (the first wayward woman), Potiphar’s wife and more. Remember – “girls just want to have fun!”

WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm Tough Questions of Life and Faith Pastor Todd Buegler There are difficult questions of faith that pop up throughout our lives. “Why would God let that happen?” “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

“Why is there suffering?” “Does God cause disasters?” While there are no easy answers to these questions, there are insights we can glean from the teachings of scripture, and the way that God works in the world, that can help us better understand these questions.

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7:30 pm Minor Prophets but a Major Message, Part 1 Pastor David Lippitt This 10-week survey course will examine the place of the minor prophets in the history of Israel and in the Bible. We will begin our study with Amos, Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk in part one and conclude with Jonah, Joel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi in part two.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

faith formation

L5 Class Descriptions

Session 4 – Week of February 17 - Week of March 17 SUNDAY 8:30 am Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec Have you ever thought God was outside your network? Do you find yourself asking God, “Can you hear me now?” If you want to change your “prayer plan” and get a better connection, have we got a plan for you! Prayer School offers a hands-on class for everyone who desires to know God better and hear him more clearly. Come for one 5-week session or as many sessions as you’d like, as all of the classes will be different.

8:30 am Exploring Spiritual Gifts Using the MBTI Pastor David Lippitt The Myer’s Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a useful tool for personal growth and self-understanding. It is widely used to assess career choice, learning style and relationships. In this course participants will explore how understanding and utilizing their psychological type can deepen and enhance aspects of their own spiritual journey.

9:45 am Minor Prophets but a Major Message, Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt This 10-week survey course will examine the place of the minor prophets in the history of Israel and in the Bible. We will begin our study with Amos, Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk in part one and conclude with Jonah, Joel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi in part two.

9:45 am Called to Be Disciples! Part 2 Gehry and Jan Sower Jesus, in Matthew 28:19, says, “…go and make disciples of all nations.”

Wow! Who does that? What does that really mean? What are the requirements to be identified as a disciple? How do you ‘make’ someone a disciple? What knowledge and skills must one possess to fulfill Jesus’ command? In this 10-week consideration of discipleship, we will explore these and related questions. The emphasis will be on our individual security in Christ, freeing us to act confidently however God leads us.

11 am Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism, Part 2 Ina Barton and Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism is a 10-week course to learn more about being a Lutheran and make public affirmation of your faith. Those who are confirmed may take this course as a review of Lutheranism. There is a mini retreat on March 7 from 5:30-10 pm and a Service of Affirmation of Baptism on March 16 at 7 pm. We will study the Small Catechism, including The Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed and Ten Commandments. We will review the sacraments of Holy Communion and Holy Baptism and learn why Lutherans do what they do.

11 am For Heaven’s Sake! Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully Pastor Sarah Bunge and Lynn Leisen Journey with us as we study Marilyn Sharpe’s fabulous, practical, easy-toread book, For Heaven’s Sake! Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully. From the back of the book: A realistic, encouraging, and supportive book for all who want to nurture faith in Jesus Christ in the home—while using proven methods for raising great preschoolers. Full of practical suggestions for daily life together, For Heaven’s Sake! Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully will be your guide as you navigate this formative time in your child’s life. Ideal for parents, grandparents, teachers, and childcare providers.

6 pm The Marriage Course: Ten Weeks to a Better Marriage, Part 2 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren The Marriage Course is a 10-week, video-based experience that offers time for individual couples to communicate about important topics including: Building Strong Foundations; The Art of Communication; Resolving Conflict; The Power of Forgiveness; The Impact of Family – Past and Present; and Love in Action.

TUESDAY 6:45 pm Earthbound: Created and Called to Care for Creation Blake Toms and Associate in Ministry Alice Woodard This class will be based on an adult education series on DVD created to help Christian communities of all kinds discern their role in caring for God’s creation. We will explore the care of creation as Christian vocation, and uncover a number of barriers that have kept us from being faithful to that calling.

By discovering some of our misconceptions about Scripture’s portrayal of creation we will begin to recognize God’s call to us to relate to the whole creation as our vocation and experience how God’s people throughout the Church are living out that call.

WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm TTYL*: Communicating in Today’s Family *Talk To You Later Lori Buegler It’s time for dinner. Should you text your child? Tweet it? Post on her Facebook wall? Or just yell up the stairs? What’s the right answer? Is there a right answer? The variety of communication options for us can seem endless and overwhelming. We will explore together how we communicate in healthy ways (both interpersonally and through technology) and how we share our faith and values within our family.

7:30 pm Minor Prophets but a Major Message, Part 2 David Lippitt This 10-week survey course will examine the place of the minor prophets in the history of Israel and in the Bible. We will begin our study with Amos, Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk in part one and conclude with Jonah, Joel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi in part two.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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faith formation

L5 Class Descriptions

Session 5 – Week of April 7 - Week of May 5 SUNDAY 8:30 am Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec Have you ever thought God was outside your network? Do you find yourself asking God, “Can you hear me now?” If you want to change your “prayer plan” and get a better connection, have we got a plan for you! Prayer School offers a hands-on class for everyone who desires to know God better and hear him more clearly. Come for one 5-week session or as many sessions as you’d like, as all of the classes will be different.

8:30 am Humanity in the Midst of War – An Introduction to Humanitarian Law Bob Munson When the news media report the tragic toll of war, many of us ask, “What contribution can I make to a more peaceful world?” This American Red Cross course teaches that we can make a significant contribution by understanding and educating others about international humanitarian law (the Geneva Conventions) which provides the nations of the world with the legal means to prevent needless suffering during armed conflict.

Equipped with this understanding, people can better evaluate military and governmental actions during armed conflict and demand adherence to the law. In doing so, we all take a step toward peace.

9:45 am Introduction to the Book of Mark Ina Barton The primary objective for the class is to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through study of the unique perspective presented in Mark’s Gospel of the life, words, actions and mission of Jesus of Nazareth.

The class is an overview of the theological themes and embedded in the narrative: Jesus as Healer; Jesus Victorious over Demonic Forces; Jesus and Discipleship; Jesus and the Gentiles; Jesus on the Road to the Cross; Jesus as Son of God. These words of Jesus Himself serve as the study’s foundational Biblical text: “(T)he Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV).

9:45 am Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Renae Larson This class will help those of you who feel intimidated by the Bible. We will find our way around the Bible, learn how it is put together, discover tools to help us understand what we read AND find God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s help in understanding why this is such an incredible book.

11 am Why Jesus?, the Thread through the Old Testament Pastor Donna Rohrer In this class we will travel through some of the stories from Adam and Eve to Abraham to Jacob and his sons to King David to life with judges to the times of the prophets and see why their choices led God to come to earth as a human, as Jesus the Christ.

11 am Faith + 1: How Christianity Informs Our Music Choices and Vice Versa Adam Bunge This class will explore expressions of faith in popular music featuring artists that you will not hear on KTIS.

TUESDAY 6:45 pm Why Jesus?, the Thread through the Old Testament Pastor Donna Rohrer In this class we will travel through some of the stories from Adam and Eve to Abraham to Jacob and his sons to King David to life with judges to the times of the prophets and see why their choices led God to come to earth as a human, as Jesus the Christ.

6:45 pm Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Renae Larson This class will help those of you who feel intimidated by the Bible. We will find our way around the Bible, learn how it is put together, discover tools to help us understand what we read AND find God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s help in understanding why this is such an incredible book.

WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm Transitions: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Jr. High or Middle School Members of Lord of Life’s Children, Youth and Family Ministry Team Life is full of transitions. One of the most abrupt that we make in life is the shift from elementary school into jr. high or middle school. Everything changes: Kids change physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually; the culture at the new school doesn’t come close to resembling elementary school; and the questions and issues we need to address as parents move into a whole new (and scary) area. In this course, we’ll talk about the issues around these changes, including bullying, self esteem, sexuality, and more.

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7:30 pm Introduction to the Book of Mark Ina Barton The primary objective for the class is to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through study of the unique perspective presented in Mark’s Gospel of the life, words, actions and mission of Jesus of Nazareth.

The class is an overview of the theological themes and embedded in the narrative: Jesus as Healer; Jesus Victorious over Demonic Forces; Jesus and Discipleship; Jesus and the Gentiles; Jesus on the Road to the Cross; Jesus as Son of God. These words of Jesus Himself serve as the study’s foundational Biblical text: “(T)he Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV).

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

faith formation

Meet the L5 Instructors Ina Barton Adult Confirmation/ Lutheranism Introduction to the Book of Mark I, like all human beings, am a mixture of happy and sad, traditional and contemporary, earthy and spiritual. Sometimes, to the wonderment of my family, I have even been known to behave in a “rowdy” way. Salient points about the “I/ me” that interacts with the world are these: I am an Older Wiser Lutheran – yes, an OWL, by the grace of God; a widowed wife who misses the love of her life in a most acute fashion; mother of three beautiful and compassionate daughters; grandmother of five wonderful and caring grandchildren; a graduate of Luther Seminary with a Master of Arts in Church History/Theology. Most of all, through God’s gift of faith, I know that I am a ransomed and redeemed sinner created for eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Because of God’s gracious outpouring of divine love in my life, I desire to proclaim and share that love with all. Thanks be to God! Tom Brady Alpha I have been a member of Lord of Life since 1998 and have served on the Finance Committee and the Lord of Life Council. I have been involved with the leadership of the Alpha course due to the significant impact Alpha had on my faith journey after being a participant in the course. I have also been blessed to witness the effect Alpha has had on many people at Lord of Life. Alpha is a great way to meet people and to renew your faith in Jesus Christ.

Lori Buegler, Director of Communications TTYL*: Communicating in Today’s Family *Talk To You Later Growing up in a family of seven children, I had lots of opportunities to communicate (and miscommunicate) in a large family. I am fascinated by the technological advances of the past few years, and the benefits and challenges they have added to a family’s ability to communicate. In my position at Lord of Life, I love learning more about how people interact and the best way to communicate our message of the grace and love we have through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Todd Buegler Tough Questions of Life and Faith I’m married to Lori, and together, we have two sons, Nathan and Samuel. I’ve been blessed to be on staff at Lord of Life since September of 1987. My work has primarily been in the area of faith formation for children, youth and young adults and their families. I have a strong interest in the intersection of culture, technology and faith, enjoy talking about questions of life and faith and love good coffee.

Adam Bunge God Is a Man (No, She’s Isn’t) Faith + 1: How Christianity Informs Our Music Choices and Vice Versa Adam is a man.

Pastor Sarah Bunge God Is a Man (No, She’s Isn’t) For Heaven’s Sake! Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully Sarah Bunge joined Lord of Life a couple years ago.

Sarah has a 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son, along with a fabulous husband Adam. Sarah has passion coming out of her eyeballs, but she gets particularly excited when she discusses sharing faith in your marriage, family, life, and world.

Every family is strengthened by sharing faith experiences and practices together, and her family is proof. Sarah is the pastor of mission and outreach at Family of God Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Park.

David Chase I Don’t Have Time to Talk with God I have been part of Lord of Life for a little over 15 years and have been involved in Adult Ministries for much of that time; including mission work in Jamaica and Tanzania, Celebrate Recovery, and a trained Care Minister. With over 20 years of experience as a project manager and corporate trainer, I hope to work together to help you reach that individual time in each day, when you and the Lord can share time together to share the love He has for you.

Joan Freeberg Wiser Women – God’s Power in the Midlife Experience I have been a wife, mom, teacher and accountant, and I am grateful to have this new opportunity to lead an L5 course! Author Joyce Rupp wrote the following words in her book on midlife spirituality, Dear Heart, Come Home. “I am searching for some unknown treasure, hidden in the field of life, to be found only with your skilled direction, God. It must be you who stirs me so, who urges me along.” I quote them here because they beautifully summarize so many conversations I have been part of with other women. God’s urging and those conversations provided the direction for this course for women.

Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Parenting Teens Adult Confirmation/ Lutheranism I have been half of a parenting team for 24 years.

Peter/I raised two kids who made it through the teen years and are now young adults. I have a great empathy and respect for parents who have teenagers, and I look forward to the opportunity to be part of a group that will share our collective wisdom, ideas and support with one another.

Pastor Karen GeisendorferLindgren and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren The Marriage Course We met in high school (Minnehaha Academy) in 1971. . . 10 years later we were married. And at this point we have been married for over 31 years. We have both been pastors since 1983. We have never led a marriage class together before, so we thought it was about time. We are very interested in supporting marriages – ours and yours! We hope you will join us on those midwinter Sunday evenings as together we celebrate marriage.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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faith formation

Karen Greimel, Pastoral Associate Prayer School Where Did All These Lutherans Come From? (And Where Are We Going?)

My husband and our three daughters have been members at Lord of Life for over 19 years. I have served in a number of ministries over the years and graduated from the Masters Institute Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in May 2011. I joined the Lord of Life staff in August 2011 and have been blessed with a strong desire to walk with others through life’s challenges. My passion is for them to grow in their personal relationship with God. Prayer is one of the most important ways we can know the Lord, his love, healing, strength and will for our lives. It is a privilege and pure joy to pray with others.

Beth Kanthak Exercise Daily…Walk with the Lord Beth has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a Minor in Corporate & Community Fitness. She has been a fitness educator for over 19 years as a personal trainer, wellness coach, health & wellness presenter, family fitness and wellness and nutrition consultant. Beth is passionate and skilled in helping individuals take responsibility for their well-being and developing a healthy lifestyle. Her goal is to help you achieve your desired changes and live a happier and healthier life. Her teaching approach is engaging and interactive, sincere and personable. Through her teaching you will become motivated to achieve long-term health.

She believes every aspect of life improves when you are functioning with optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Pastor Chick Lane Faithful Finances Pastor Chick Lane is Director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, in St. Paul.

He has served as pastor of three congregations, served on the staff of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is the author of Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation, published by Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

8

Renae Larson Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Teaching was my career for thirty-four years.

Most of those years were in the Mounds View School District. I worked with elementaryaged children in both classroom and special education settings and did some teacher in-service. I joined Lord of Life eight years ago. My activities here involve being a small group leader in Word for Women, planning and participating in OWLs activities, Worship Team lay reader and pianist for Rose Arbor’s monthly worship. I’m eager to teach this class to help “open the doors” for others who want to discover the treasures we find in the Bible.

Lynn Leisen, Director of Faith in the Home and Milestone Ministry Whose Birthday Is it, Anyway? Preparing for Advent and Christmas For Heaven’s Sake! Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully Lord of Life Lutheran Church is a community where families are encouraged, equipped, and supported in living out their faith. This is my passion. This is what I feel called by God to do!

I love helping families realize that God lives in their lives no matter where they are... at the lake, school, the ball field, or even at Target! I know that parents want their children to have a strong faith in God. I also know that many parents have little or no idea how to make that happen other than dropping them off at church and letting the ‘professionals’ do the faith nurturing. I’d love to help families weave the sacred into the fabric of their daily lives. Together, let’s learn to seek, live, and share an active faith in Jesus Christ!

Pastor David Lippitt Isaiah: The Man…The Time…The Message Breaking the Ties That Bind Exploring Spiritual Gifts Using the MBTI Minor Prophets but a

Major Message Rev. Dr. David Lippitt graduated from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, in 1975. He served on the staff of Lord of Life from 1993-2001 and also since 2005. As the primary instructor in the Adult Bible Study (ABS) program, Pastor David has taught courses on Romans, Revelations, Job, Psalms, Acts of the Apostles, the Bible and the Land, and the Gospel of John. In addition to his pastoral training and work, he has an M.S. degree in marriage and family therapy and a Ph.D. in psychology. Pastor David also is involved in private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist in Minnesota. He brings immense knowledge, enthusiasm and joy to his teaching.

Dave McCarty, Pastoral Intern One Mission One World: Exploring Missions Dave McCarty has been married to his high school sweetheart Lisa for over 32 years. They have 3 children: Stephanie, Michael who is married to Nikki, and Laura. Dave has been attending Luther Seminary while working in the insurance industry. He has been Pastoral Intern at Lord of Life as part of his seminary training and will be completing that and receiving a Masters of Divinity degree this August. Dave and his family have been active in short-term mission work for many years. Dave has participated in and/or led mission projects in Minneapolis, several states in the US, Africa, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

Bob Munson Humanity in the Midst of War – an Introduction to Humanitarian Law Bob Munson is a licensed social worker who retired from the American Red Cross (Minneapolis area) after 16 years as the Director of Emergency Services. In that capacity, he has taught this class since 1994.

His interest in this subject comes from his experiences in the U.S. Peace Corps (Venezuela, 64-68) and his international work with the Red Cross. For six years Bob was Vice Chair of the Division of Global Missions for the national Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Prior to the American Red Cross, Munson served for 20 years as the Director of Congregational Resources for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. He and his wife, Sandy, serve as Ambassadors between Lutheran Social Service and Lord of Life.

Larry Pivec Prayer School Alpha Ever since God has gotten my attention (a burning bush type encounter) I have longed to know who this amazing God is and why He cares for someone like me. Over the last seven years I have taken many classes on prayer, and every time I walk away desiring an even closer connection with God. It is my desire to share that passion with others who wish to know God through prayer.

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Pastor Donna Rohrer Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Mormonism Why Jesus?, the Thread through the Old Testament Having been ordained in 1995, and retiring this year, I have found over the years that I love digging into scripture and working to look at the big picture of the stories and history and life lessons that are in the Bible and sharing that love with others. There is always something new that pops up even in the most familiar passages. I sometimes wonder how they could rewrite my Bible and add the new things.

Always finding relevant things totally reinforces that the Bible is the Living Word. I love being a Lutheran and reading and sharing God’s love through the lens filled with grace.

We are grateful to Donna for jumping in as a new member and serving as chairperson of the L5 task force.

Marty Sager One Mission One World: Exploring Missions Marty is a confirmed Lutheran and he has been a member of Lord of Life since 1994. He has had 8 years of mission involvement. This number of years has given him many different and new points of view. He has been involved with the sr. high youth group since 2004. He has been on Sr. High AWOL Habitat for Humanity trips to different parts of the US each year since then.

Marty has also been involved with international mission work. He took his first trip to Tanzania, Africa in 2007. He has been leading the trip every year since 2008.

Wendy Showalter What Can We Learn from the Wayward Women of the Bible?

Wendy has taught everything from swimming to acting to building a marketing plan. Wendy has brought her theater background to our Lenten Worship Services for the past two years. She now shares her passion for digging a little bit deeper and asking more questions – this time about females in the Bible.

Since entertainment/stimulation is a large part of learning, Wendy is excited to make this class fun yet thoughtful.

Gehry Sower and Jan Sower Called to be Disciples!

Gehry: I’ve been a person of faith all my life, helped by the fact of growing up in a Christian home and marrying a woman of strong faith. In my faith walk I’m most passionate about discerning what God truly expects of us, while discarding the often-divisive excess baggage. At Lord of Life I have been active in and supportive of a number of ministries especially related to missions, which always has a soft spot in my heart. I also enjoy discussions on theological topics and this year I am trying to determine what hope there may be for improving my golf game.

Jan: Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to develop my spiritual walk. Whether planning worship services, leading Bible studies or traveling with mission teams to Tanzania and Jamaica, I have always felt God leading me to the next adventure. Little did I know that the Holy Spirit had yet another plan for my spiritual growth! I began to meet with a woman who helped me understand the meaning of Jesus’ call to discipleship in “The Great Commission”.

My own experience meeting one-to-one with another Christian gave me a passionate desire to give everyone the chance to grow by being challenged in their faith! Gehry and I, along with the pastoral staff, saw the opportunity for those at Lord of Life to experience and put into action the concept of discipleship when we introduced Spiritual Mentoring Ministry in 2010.

Larry Stokes Alpha I have been a member of Lord of Life for 17 years.

I’m married, and my wife and I have three daughters.

Throughout the years I have been involved in many Bible and book studies here at Lord of Life. However, the one that has seemed to have the most impact on people is Alpha. I was part of the first Alpha study here many years ago and have continued to be involved with it in some capacity ever since.

If you ever find yourself asking, “What is the meaning of life?” or “Is this all there is to life?” then Alpha is for you.

faith formation Blake Toms Earthbound: Created and Called to Care for Creation Graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in 1980 with a degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Biology. I have worked for the Minnesota DNR’s Wildlife Research Department on a Timber Wolf/ White Tailed Deer research project. I have also worked for Reynolds Aluminum Recycling as a buy back plant manager. Currently, I help lead Lord of Life’s Creation Care Team bringing environmental tips and issues to attention of the congregation.

Michelle Welinski, Director of Missions, Ministries and Pastoral Care Whose Birthday Is it, Anyway? Preparing for Advent and Christmas I have been a member of Lord of Life since 1985 and absolutely love being part of this growing faith community. People are always surprised to learn that I live in Elk River and drive “all the way to Maple Grove”. My standard line is “I don’t think twice about driving to Ridgedale to shop, why would I think twice about driving in to work and worship at a great church!” I’ve been married for 36 years and have 3 children and 4 fun grandchildren.

I love the rituals and traditions that have been passed down to me and now I have the joy of passing them on to my grandchildren. In my spare time I like to scrapbook, read and laugh with my friends from Word for Women. I have even been known to take a nap!

Alice Woodard, Associate in Ministry, Director of Worship and Garden Ministry Earthbound: Created and Called to Care for Creation In 2004 I received the Master of Arts degree in Congregational Leadership from Luther Seminary, with a concentration in liturgical theology. I was commissioned in 2006 as an Associate in Ministry and have been working full time at Lord of Life as Director of Worship ever since. In 2007 I became a Master Gardener in Hennepin County and in 2010 started LifeGARDEN, the community garden at Lord of Life, the first community garden in Maple Grove. For me worship and gardening are very closely related – what better way to offer praise to our creator than by working the earth God has so graciously provided for us?

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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faith formation

L5 Class Schedule SESSION 1

10

Please register online at lordoflife.org/L5

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

Week of Sept. 16 - Week of Oct. 14, 2012

Week of Oct. 21 - Week of Nov. 18, 2012

Week of Jan. 13 - Week of F

SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY MORNING

8:30

8:30

8:30

1. Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec

1. Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec

1. Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greim

2. Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Pastor Donna Rohrer

2. Breaking the Ties that Bind Pastor David Lippitt

2. I Don't Have Time to Talk w David Chase

9:45

9:45

9:45

1. Isaiah - The Man...the Time...the Message, Part 1 Pastor David Lippitt

1. Isaiah - The Man...the Time...the Message, Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt

1. Minor Prophets but a Majo Pastor David Lippitt

2. Wiser Women - God's Power in the Midlife Experience Joan Freeberg

2. Whose Birthday Is it, Anyway? Preparing for Advent & Christmas Lynn Leisen and Michelle Welinski

2. Called to be Disciples! Part Gehry and Jan Sower

11:00

11:00

11:00

1. Mormonism Pastor Donna Rohrer

1. Where Did All These Lutherans Come From? (And Where Are We Going?)

Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel

1. Adult Confirmation/Luther Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lind

2. Exercise Daily...Walk with the Lord Beth Kanthak

2. One Mission One World - Exploring Missions Marty Sager and Pastoral Intern Dave McCarty

2. Exercise Daily...Walk with t Beth Kanthak

SUNDAY EVENING

SUNDAY EVENING

SUNDAY EVENING

6:00

6:00

6:00

Alpha, Part 1 Tom Brady, Larry Pivec and Larry Stokes

Alpha, Part 2 Tom Brady, Larry Pivec and Larry Stokes

The Marriage Course - 10 We Part 1 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lind Geisendorfer-Lindgren

TUESDAY EVENING

TUESDAY EVENING

TUESDAY EVENING

6:45

6:45

6:45

1. Mormonism Pastor Donna Rohrer

1. Where Did All These Lutherans Come From? (And Where Are We Going?)

Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel

1. Faithful Finances Pastor Chick Lane

2. Wiser Women - God's Power in the Midlife Experience Joan Freeberg

2. God is a Man (No, She's Isn’t!)

Pastor Sarah Bunge and Adam Bunge

2. What Can We Learn from t of the Bible?

Wendy Showalter

WEDNESDAY EVENING

WEDNESDAY EVENING

WEDNESDAY EVENING

6:30

6:30

6:30

Parenting Teens, Part 1 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Parenting Teens, Part 2 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Tough Questions of Life and F Pastor Todd Buegler

7:30

7:30

7:30

Isaiah - The Man...the Time...the Message, Part 1 Pastor David Lippitt

Isaiah - The Man...the Time...the Message, Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt

Minor Prophets but a Major M Pastor David Lippitt

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

faith formation

or pick up a registration form in the office.

Feb. 10, 2013

SESSION 4

SESSION 5

Week of Feb. 17 - Week of Mar. 17, 2013

Week of Apr. 7 - Week of May 5, 2013

SUNDAY MORNING

SUNDAY MORNING

8:30

8:30

1. Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec

1. Prayer School Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel and Larry Pivec

2. Exploring Spiritual Gifts Using the MBTI Pastor David Lippitt

2. Humanity in the Midst of War - An Introduction to Humanitarian Law Bob Munson

9:45

9:45

or Message, Part 1

1. Minor Prophets but a Major Message, Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt

1. Introduction to the Book of Mark Ina Barton

t1

2. Called to be Disciples! Part 2 Gehry and Jan Sower

2. Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Renae Larson

11:00

11:00

ranism, Part 1 dgren and Ina Barton

1. Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism, Part 2 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Ina Barton

1. Why Jesus?, the Thread through the Old Testament Pastor Donna Rohrer

the Lord

2. For Heaven’s Sake! Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully Pastor Sarah Bunge and Lynn Leisen

2. Faith + 1: How Christianity informs our music choices and vice versa.

Adam Bunge

SUNDAY EVENING

SUNDAY EVENING

6:00

6:00

The Marriage Course - 10 Weeks to a Better Marriage, Part 2 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Finances

TUESDAY EVENING

TUESDAY EVENING

6:45

6:45

1. Earthbound: Created and Called to Care for Creation Associate in Ministry Alice Woodard and Blake Toms

1. Why Jesus?, the Thread through the Old Testament Pastor Donna Rohrer

mel and Larry Pivec

with God

eks to a Better Marriage,

dgren and Pastor Peter

the Wayward Women

Faith

Message, Part 1

2. Discovering the Bible, Conquering the Fear Renae Larson WEDNESDAY EVENING

WEDNESDAY EVENING

6:30

6:30

TTYL*: Communicating in Today's Family *talk to you later Lori Buegler

Transitions: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Jr. High or Middle School Children, Youth and Family Ministry Staff

7:30

7:30

Minor Prophets but a Major Message, Part 2 Pastor David Lippitt

Introduction to the Book of Mark Ina Barton

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

11

faith formation

Faith Formation for the “Under 18” Set… Lord of Life Children, Youth and Family Ministry encourages all to seek, live, and share an active faith in Jesus Christ.

W

e have always had a strong commitment to ministry with young people and their families at Lord of Life. This fall will be no exception. Our new addition provides space and opportunities for new directions that will engage our young people in their relationship with God.

Here are some of the highlights for the upcoming year:

For all of our ages

A new “kiosk” based check in system for nursery, Church School and C3 will allow greater safety and security for our kids and better data management for the church.

It will be quicker too! Stop at a kiosk, enter your phone number, “check in” your kids for their classes and receive 2 nametags: one for your child to wear and one you use to pick up your child. Only parents with the correct nametag will be able to pick up their child.

The new kiosk check-in system

Early Childhood Ministry

Infants and toddlers will experience music and stories in the nursery.

We’re adding a 2-year-old Church School class for the very young in the space attached to the nursery.

3, 4 and 5 year olds, and kindergartners will now meet in Trinity Hall and the 3 smaller classrooms downstairs in the new building space.

3 year olds through kindergartners will use an all-new curriculum called “Spark” from Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

For questions, please contact Kirstin Delp (kirstind@lordoflife.org)

Lower Elementary Ministry

We welcome Julie Hagen to her new position directing programs for this age group.

Instead of moving from room to room each week, all of our kids in grades 1-4 will now meet together in Samaritan Hall.

They will experience a combination of large group teaching and small group conversation as they learn about God’s great love for them.

There will be more opportunities for music and media in this program.

They will use a new curriculum called “Spark” from Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

For questions, please contact Julie Hagen (julieh@lordoflife.org)

What a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn and grow in our faith in a welcoming, non-threatening place where classes are taught by those who are passionate about their topics! Together in worship and together in learning, sharing our love for God and each other – that’s the glory of L5!

Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel

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August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Upper Elementary Ministry

faith formation

Our 5th and 6th graders will now meet in the Youth Room.

They will experience a combination of large group teaching and small group reflection.

They will use a new curriculum called “Re:Form” from Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

There will be a strong emphasis on both learning, and on building community and making friends in faith.

For questions, please contact Amanda Clancy (amandac@lordoflife.org)

Jr. High Ministry

Opportunities for Confirmation Ministry (C3) happen at 6 pm on Sundays and 4:30 and 6:30 pm on Wednesdays.

On Sundays from 5-6 pm and Wednesdays from 5-7 pm, we’ll have a meal served in Fellowship Hall for our jr. highers. Family members and anyone else in the building are encouraged to join us for this meal!

At 7 pm on Sundays and 5:45 pm on Wednesdays, we will have “Ecclesia,” a 25-minute devotional worship experience with music, scripture and a short message from one of our pastors or staff. All are welcome!

10th grade small groups are invited to re-connect this fall in the weeks prior to confirmation as they prepare for their service of Affirmation of Baptism at the end of October.

After Ecclesia, at 7:30 pm Sundays, jr. highers are invited to participate in “Explore,” our all-new jr. high youth group in Samaritan Hall.

A new jr. high learning time will happen Sunday mornings.

For questions, please contact Raul Garcia III (raul@lordoflife.org) or Gerad Remus (gerad@lordoflife.org)

Sr. High Ministry

Our all-new sr. high youth group, “Express” will meet in the Youth Room and The Gathering on Sunday nights at 7:30 pm.

Sr. highers are invited to join and help provide leadership for Ecclesia, our Sunday (7 pm) and Wednesday (5:45pm) worship experience.

Leadership Team, Mission Trip (AWOL) groups and Peer Ministry will continue and will be scheduled to meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm.

A new sr. high learning time will happen Sunday mornings.

For questions, please contact Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org)

The studies are pretty conclusive: For a young person to grow in their faith, their parents, who are their primary faith mentors, need to be growing in their faith too!

I’m really excited about L5 because I think it’s going to raise the bar for the whole church. I can’t wait to see families growing in their faith together.

Pastor Todd Buegler

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

13

spirit

Getting To Know God Through Prayer

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

T

he great author and man of God, Oswald Chambers said, “Only when a man flounders beyond the grip of himself and cannot understand things does he really pray.”

We all know that prayer is important in our relationship with God, but when things are going well, prayer is often viewed as an interruption and is usually the first thing to go when we are busy. As Chambers points out, it is when we are faced with something we do not understand such as a death or illness that we seek the Lord in prayer.

Then when trouble appears and we turn to prayer, we realize how inadequate our prayer life can feel. Personally, when I face times of trouble it seems my prayers are a means of getting what I want and I am not always being open to receiving God’s holiness, wisdom and purpose.

It’s helpful to remember that as we bring our prayers to God, the reason for prayer is not a way to get things from God, but a way of getting to know God. Remember also that prayer reveals the presence of God, which is equally present at all times and in every situation. I have heard it said many times that prayer changes us and then we change things. Prayer gives us the opportunity of getting to know ourselves and God better.

So when you are brought to prayer, bring everything before God remembering that your prayers are heard, not because you are praying in a certain way, in a specific pattern or in earnest, but because Jesus suffered for you. Never forget that the basis of prayer “is not what it costs us, but what it cost God to enable us to pray.” (Oswald Chambers) Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel

worship 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 (during June/July/August) at 7 pm with Holy Communion Healing Services will resume on the third Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 pm August 4/5/6 Preaching: Pastor Todd Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Locklin Road Monday: Kate Ostaffe and Alexandra Stenerson August 11/12/13 Preaching: Pastor David Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Edeburn Family Monday: Elyzabeth Karkos August 18/19/20 Preaching: Pastor Peter Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Pat Balder, Jack Brass Band Monday: Morgan Burkum, Sara Bowman, Emily Ahlers August 25/26/27 Preaching: Pastor Peter Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Lord of Life Quartet Monday: Marie, Corrin, and Gretchen Pallansch Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.

L5 is all about a life-long adventure in growing in our relationship with God and deepening our understanding of who Jesus is calling us to be. I am so grateful that with our new building addition we now have the space to provide a place for these growth experiences to happen for all the adults of our congregation. My prayer is that each of us will say yes to the invitation to be a part of this exciting new adventure and that we welcome the possibilities of what God can do in us and through us! Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

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August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together baptisms

spirit

bereavements

6/3

Owen Francis Nelson Zahra Michelle Thomas

6/9

Addison Faith King Dylan Richard Tronerud

6/10

Evelyn Grace Dehmer Calan Matthew Fornasiere Paige Ellen Goodale James Daniel Lindell Jolea Robyne Peterson

6/16

Lucy Elizabeth Dorn

6/17

Lola Evelyn Sivertsen

6/23

Jackson Paul Gauder Jacob William McElroy Julia Kristen Neu

6/24

Malen Ellis Banbury Gia Indira Patel Palmer Gray Rebarchek Wodtke

6/30

Molly Joan Warner

Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.

Judy Curtiss and family at the death of her mother Ellen Hanson and family at the death of her uncle Sean Hernandez and family at the death of his sister Nita Hill and family at the death of her mother Jackie Irene and family at the death of her father Sue Jammes and family at the death of her brother Dennis Johnson and family at the death of his mother Barry King and family at the death of his father Bob Lanning and family at the death of his sister-in-law Cindy Mans and family at the death of her mother Melinda Tucker and family at the death of her uncle

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Saturday, August 11, 10-11 am in the downstairs Theater; no preregistration is necessary.

welcome to new members

weddings

Grant and Nancy Fernelius with Ellie

June 1 Brittany Cook/Jesse Olson

Renee Kelly/Nathan Rice

David and Brianne Gauder with Jackson

June 2 Karen Maus/Carl Stenoien

Jeff and Astrid Merrifield

June 8 Stephanie Nelson/Kyle Winberg

Shannon Veglahn/Marcellus

McMullen IV

Mark and Brooke Peterson with Anne

June 9 Kelli Mattson/Aaron Moerke

Ashley Brausen/Matthew Hunter

Josh and Susan Tietje with Aaron and Anna

June 16 Kathryn Anderson/Corey Nelson June 22 Alissa Norcutt/Kyle McCormick June 23 Michelle Walther/Patrick Mader June 29 Kristen Raitz/Mark Kodet

Derek and Samantha Berube Kay and Leo Felcher

Rick and Judy Kindseth

Joe and Heather Springer with Alyssa and Anthony 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 & its programs financially.

You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

June 30 Carly Schiebel/Eric Tappe

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

15

giving june 2012 budget year-to-date Actual

Budget Difference

Total member contributions 1,414,471 1,442,809 All other

113,606

Total receipts

(28,338)

118,448

(4,841)

1,528,077 1,561,256

(33,179)

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — June 2012 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000

Ugandan Ministry Partner Visits Lord of Life

By Laura and Kent Dirks

$10,000 $0

6/3 6/10 6/17 6/24

Actual $48,085 $55,138 $46,821 $59,466 Budget $55,257 $55,257 $55,257 $55,257

Last month we were pleasantly surprised to learn that our Ugandan friend and ministry partner Pastor Peter Obbo was coming to the U.S.A. A church parish from Louisiana sponsored his visit and coordinated speaking engagements for him out east and in the southern region of the U.S. We were fortunate enough to have him visit Minnesota as well! He was very pleased to be able to thank and greet all the supporters from Lord of Life during this visit.

Additionally, he was able to visit Mark Crea at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), the source of the food that has been shipped to his village over the past several years. Mark and his staff were pleased to hear of the huge impact FMSC has made in his community over the last several years. Both Pastor Obbo’s ministry and FMSC are recipients of Lord of Life’s benevolence dollars, which come from your offerings.

Throughout our history as a church Lord of Life has always emphasized the importance of Christian education. But because of space limitations we have done a better job of educating our children than we have of educating our adults.

Our building addition now allows us to provide learning opportunities for all ages.

Through the new L5 program there will be lots of options for classes. My hope is that everyone finds at least one class to take and that adult education can become as vital to us as the education of our children.

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 16

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

children adult/ youth outreach family

OWLs events

Please note: There will not be a Rose Arbor Assisted Living worship service on August 15. The next worship service will be Wednesday, September 19.

Thursday, August 2: Faith, Food, and Fellowship “Soft Olympics” beginning at 10 am in Fellowship Hall followed by a freewill donation lunch. Don’t miss the special activities which are sure to provide a fun time. Bring a friend for a fun and entertaining morning.

Thursday, August 16: Target Field Tour and Hubert’s - Our guide will share the behind-the-scenes areas of Target Field with us. Then we’ll walk across the plaza for lunch at Hubert’s. Leave Lord of Life at 10:15 am and return about 4 pm. Cost for transportation and tour is $18; lunch on your own at Hubert’s.

Wear your Prayer Shawl to worship September 22/23 Watch for more information in the September LifeTIMES

Friday, August 17: Service project at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall for labeling LifeTIMES.

Save the dates

Thursday, September 6: Faith, Food, and Fellowship “Where were you on 9/11?” with guest Bob Munson sharing his experiences with the Red Cross. We begin at 10 am followed by a freewill donation lunch. Please bring new underwear or socks for children of all ages to be donated to Lutheran Social Service.

Thursday, September 20: Train Ride and Woodcarver’s Museum - How long has it been since you’ve ridden on a train? Join the OWLs on a fall day as we go to Spooner, WI for a historical excursion ride on a beautifully rebuilt train. On the return trip, we’ll visit the Museum of Woodcarving in Shell Lake, WI. It is the largest collection of woodcarving in the world that was created by one man, Joseph Barta. Bible scenes are revealed chronologically. Leave Lord of Life at 8:30 am and return about 5 pm. $45 covers transportation, lunch and all admissions.

Faith formation is a lifelong process and is a way for us to get to know ourselves better, and also get to know God in a new way or deeper way. Intellectual curiosity combined with an openness to the Holy Spirit can result in some real eye-opening and oftentimes life-changing experiences. I am really excited about the new Life Long Learning program here at Lord of Life. The variety of courses and subjects has something for everyone. Pastoral Intern Dave McCarty

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

17

children youth family

Karing Kingdom Preschool

Happy August! We hope you are enjoying the warmth and wonder of summer!

And right now the last thing on your mind is the upcoming school year. However, time does surely fly by when you are having fun!

Wacky Hair Day at Karing Kingdom

So here is just a gentle reminder to all our families who are enrolled for the 2012-13 school year. All enrollment information was due the end of June. If you have any questions

Church School Ministry Teams/Volunteers

Fall Church School is just around the corner! Want to help welcome children as they arrive to Church School?

Lead a small group? Assist with the tech crew? Please visit lordoflife.org/ministryteams to find descriptions for the various ways you can volunteer as a ministry team leader.

Take a look – see what opportunities speak to you. Where do you see yourself using the gifts and talents you have been given? Don’t be afriad to step out and get involved!

Club 56 Adventure Day

concerning the enrollment packet, please contact us as soon as possible. Our “Get Acquainted Day” is Thursday, September 6. This special day gives students and parents alike the opportunity to meet and greet their future classmates and teachers, and also to familiarize them with our classroom setting. The schedule for “Get Acquainted Day” is as follows: M/W/F AM Pre-K 9-9:45 am M/W/F PM Pre-K 10-10:45 am T/TH AM 3-4 yr. olds 11-11:45 am T/TH PM 3-4 yr. olds 12-12:45 pm Preschool begins the week of September 9.

If you have any questions concerning preschool availability, enrollment information or “Get Acquainted Day” please call Karing Kingdom at 763.420.5015 x127 or email us at kingdom@lordoflife.org.

Leadership Team Training

Want to be part of Lord of Life jr. and sr. high leadership team? Help shape jr. and sr. high ministry and learn valuable skills to be a leader in our church and community.

We are having a weekend retreat for planning and training for this awesome team. Don’t miss it!

Jr. and Sr. High Leadership Team Retreat Camp Onomia in Onamia, MN August 10, 11, 12 Leave Lord of Life on Friday, August 10 by 6 pm Return to Lord of Life on Sunday, August 12 by 12 noon Pick up a permission slip and leadership team application from the CYF offices or print one from the website!

The Sandwich Project and Cascade Bay Water Park Tuesday, August 21 lordoflife.org/club56adventure

I am excited about L5 and the opportunity it affords adults to grow in mind, body, and spirit. The course listings cover a variety of interesting and stimulating topics that apply to matters of faith and life. It is my fervent hope that every adult at Lord of Life will take advantage of this program and sign up for at least one course this inaugural year. Pastor David Lippitt

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August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

contact us WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FAX 763.420.7286

1978 Lord of Life Lutheran Church Charter (ELCA) Lord of Life is a community of people called together

by God’s Holy Spirit who confess Christ as Lord. We wish to be a church whose door is open to all people.

And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will strive to educate, comfort, aid and spread the word of love in Christ’s name.

We believe worship is of most importance in our life together as we receive God’s love through Word and Sacrament. We will be involved with seeking justice in our community, state, nation and world.

We hold high the dignity and worth of every human being as created in God’s image and forgiven in Christ. We hope to be a serving church, in the name of Him who came as Servant of all.

pastoral Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren..............Senior Pastor...........................................x105 Rev. Todd Buegler......................................Pastor, Children Youth Family..................x109 Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren.......Pastor, Adult Ministries.............................x104 Rev. Dr. David Lippitt..................................Pastor, Congregational Care....................x122 Karen Greimel............................................Pastoral Associate....................................x144 Dave McCarty.............................................Pastoral Intern..........................................x147 administrative suppor t Nancy Bourbonais......................................Database, Calendar.................................x126 Rhonda Evans-Hofer..................................Kitchen Lady............................................

Lori Schwartz..............................................Membership, Funerals, Hospitality...........x111 Diane Carlson, Sandy Zappa.....................Main Office Receptionists........................x100 Karen Klevar...............................................Membership, Hospitality...........................x116 adult ministries Jane Bergstrom..........................................Administrative Assistant...........................x142 Karen Nelson..............................................Administrative Assistant...........................x138 Michelle Welinski........................................Missions, Ministries, Pastoral Care, and Wedding Supervisor.................................x118 children youth family (cyf) Amanda Clancy (“Clancy”).........................Grades 5-6...............................................x106 Kirstin Delp.................................................Early Childhood........................................x113 Raul Garcia III, AIM....................................Grades 7-9...............................................x121 Julie Hagen.................................................Grades 1-4...............................................x129 Heather Hjelmstad......................................Ministry of Inclusion/Nursery Mgr.............x143 Kate Knutson..............................................Junior/Senior High Ministry Intern............

Lynn Leisen................................................Faith in the Home.....................................x107 Elizabeth Pedersen....................................Grades 10-12...........................................x130 Gerad Remus.............................................Confirmation (C3)......................................x102 Pennie Soppeland......................................CYF Support............................................x132 Jill Valerius..................................................Children’s Ministry Intern..........................

Debbie Zaic................................................CYF Office Manager and Registrar..........x128 communications Lori Buegler................................................Communications Director.........................x146 Bev Mello....................................................Comm. Design & Editor, LifeTIMES.........x108 Stephanie Smith.........................................Web ......................................................... finance Colleen Anderson.......................................Finance Director.......................................x103 Lenora Little................................................Finance & Stewardship Assistant.............x139 Sandie Saar................................................Finance Assistant.....................................x101 karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel............................................Director, Karing Kingdom Preschool........x127 Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, Carly Tappe systems and custodial Ken Carraux...............................................Maint. Eng./Systems Administrator..........x120 Joel Kivi......................................................Custodial Supervisor................................

Jim Deger, Jon Doerrmann, Jim Lambrecht, Karen Nilson worship and music Dana Brinton...............................................Children’s Music Ministries.......................x135 David Frank................................................Director of Music......................................x203 Lee Fuchs...................................................Adult Choirs and Bel Canto......................x202 Jordan Lippitt..............................................Audio/Visual Technician...........................x145 Alice Woodard, AIM....................................Worship and LifeGARDEN Ministries.......x114

August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

peter@lordoflife.org todd@lordoflife.org karengl@lordoflife.org davidl@lordoflife.org kareng@lordoflife.org davem@lordoflife.org nancyb@lordoflife.org rhondah@lordoflife.org loris@lordoflife.org office@lordoflife.org karenk@lordoflife.org janeb@lordoflife.org karenn@lordoflife.org michellew@lordoflife.org amandac@lordoflife.org kirstind@lordoflife.org raul@lordoflife.org julieh@lordoflife.org heatherh@lordoflife.org lynnl@lordoflife.org elizabethp@lordoflife.org gerad@lordoflife.org pennies@lordoflife.org debz@lordoflife.org lorib@lordoflife.org bevm@lordoflife.org stephanies@lordoflife.org colleen@lordoflife.org lenoral@lordoflife.org sandie@lordoflife.org kingdom@lordoflife.org kenc@lordoflife.org joelk@lordoflife.org danab@lordoflife.org davidf@lordoflife.org leef@lordoflife.org jordanl@lordoflife.org alicew@lordoflife.org

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Nonprofit US Postage Paid ADDRESS 7401 COUNTY ROAD 101, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-4313 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED - TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork.

The deadline for the September issue is August 1. Submissions may be edited. © 2012 Lord of Life Lutheran

caught reading lifetimes

Above: Laura Lind, Sandy Hofman, Julie Burzlaff, Lisa Gedker and Susan Schwartz caught reading LifeTIMES at the Area VII Handbell Musicians of America Festival in Duluth. Over 400 ringers playing together...awesome!

Above: Bob Rodenberg caught reading the LifeTIMES in front of Mayo Clinic in Rochester - keeping the faith on his long and winding Rochester road. Visit Bob’s Caring Bridge site at caringbridge.org/ visit/robertrodenberg.

Left: Mission Tanzania Team members (Lily Johnson, Jason Rodvik, Katie Storlie, Katie Martineau, Jonathan Cadle) caught reading LifeTIMES in Tanzania at the Ifuwa Primary School.

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August 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a