Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, MN Spring 2025
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313
Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. Compass is a guide for those along the path of faith who seek to grow closer to Jesus Christ.
One of my favorite cartoons and toy lines as a kid was Transformers. I still have the original Optimus Prime character from my childhood in my office. The idea is that Transformers are robots that, well, transform into trucks, cars, planes, and more. It’s proven to be an enduring brand, as new toys and cartoons are still produced today. Transformers were (and are) fun! That’s the point.
Transformation is a necessary (and potentially fun) part of our lives, too. A key difference between us and the toys, however, is that they transform from one thing to another and then back. The sort of transformation our faith in Christ invites us to embrace is always something new.
One of the great promises in the book of Revelation is when God declares, “See, I am making all things new!” (21:5) God is not making all new things, but God promises to bring transformation to make all things new. That includes you and me. That happens at the culmination of time and it happens here and now.
I hope this issue of Compass extends an invitation to you to consider just what sort of transformation God is inviting you to embrace. It’s so fun to have a dynamic God who brings newness, life, and hope at each and every turn!
In Christ,
A WICKED TRANSFORMATION
by Executive Pastor Kaitlyn Forster (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org)
Like many others, I was really excited to hear that Wicked was becoming a movie this past year! I grew up with a love for musicals, and Wicked has always been one of my favorites. To be able to go see it in a movie theater carried just as much excitement as seeing the live production so many years ago. I was curious as to which parts would be the same, which parts would come from the book, and which parts would have new perspectives and adaptations.
The story that the movie and production are based off is the book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, written by Gregory Maguire. Though the Broadway production seems to have more differences than similarities. Both chronicle the early lives of Elphaba—aka “the Wicked Witch of the West” and Glinda—as you may guess— “the Good Witch of the North.” They account for the years before they were labeled with those titles and were roommates at school.
Coming from very different backgrounds and upbringings, Elphaba and Glinda could not be more opposite from one another. Yet, because they got to know one another through living together, an unlikely friendship developed. They were able to name and acknowledge their similarities and differences and were transformed
Now, I won’t give away the full plotline. I highly encourage you to check it out for yourself—it’s fantastic! But I think it is a powerful example of what being transformed can look like, whether that transformation is due to a relationship, or love, or a life of faith. When we take the time to be fully present to the people around us and to God at work within ourselves—which is
sometimes very difficult to do—it gives us the potential to experience the world in new ways. Or in terms of Wicked, to defy gravity and because of the connection “be changed for good.”
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote from a prison cell and was very uncertain about the outcome for himself. He didn’t know if he was going to live or die because of the ways that he was proclaiming Christ instead of Ceasar. But that letter is known to be his “letter of joy.” It is the warmest of all the letters that we still have access to, with the intent that even if he never left that jail cell that the people would still know the deep love of Christ.
That love is not one that is all sunshine and roses, but as outlined in Chapter 2, Christ emptied himself for the sake of the world. Transforming himself on the cross, he proved that death does not have the last word. God’s love prevails through whatever calamities on earth arise. Paul was transformed by the love of Christ, which is what urged him onward in his leadership and faith journey.
We, too, can find hope and transformation in big and little ways. When we are present to the world and the needs around us. When we work through difficult feelings and encounters. When we choose to let the love of Christ lead the way. We can proclaim a love that changes us for good.
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...
Philippians 2:4-5
...for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13
MIDWEEK WORSHIP
by Director of Music David Frank (davidf@lordoflife.org)
Lenten worship will take place at 7pm on Wednesdays from March 12 through April 9. This year we are doing an ancient practice called the “Imitation of Christ” which receives the Gospel through the lived life of Jesus rather than through direct words and teachings.
Like us, Jesus listened and learned in his childhood (Luke 2:46), had to discern his career path in adulthood, balanced work and rest, was invited to dinners, hosted gatherings large and small, made a meal (John 21:9), dealt with conflict, cried, sang (Matthew 26:30), felt alone, had family and friends, and experienced death. To each of these things he brought and shared God’s love and grace and made them holy. He was both true God and true man.
Through songs, readings, and personal reflections we will follow Jesus all the way to the cross.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
—Luke 2:46
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread.
—John 21:9
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
—Matthew 26:30
AN ANTIDOTE TO OVERSTIMULATION
by Emerging Worship Leader/Design Strategist Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org)
I recently made the mistake of playing twenty minutes of an online game called Stimulation Clicker. I should never have checked it out.
The game opens with a button on a blank screen that says, “Click me.” Each click of the button gives one “stimulation,” the game’s point system. Three clicks in, I’ve earned a bouncing DVD symbol that dances around the screen. Then I get a few more. Then I earn a news ticker at the top of the screen. Then a gif of a hydraulic press squishing donuts, each squish generating points. Then a video of a Twitch streamer who reacts to every achievement, a fake inbox with notifications to clear, time-sensitive pop-up rewards, and more and more and more, layered on top of the twenty DVD symbols still bopping around in the background.
Huge mistake.
I drove to work that morning in silence. I was extra sensitive that day, an unrelenting tension in my shoulders. I laughed at myself in my misery, “What the heck was I thinking? The real world is overstimulating enough as it is! Never again!”
This is why I need contemplative worship.
We started First Sundays Contemplative Worship because, after experimenting with it during Advent, several people told us, “I need this to continue!” And honestly, I feel the same way.
These hour-long services are simple. We sit in the dark. We sing four repetitive Taizé songs. We hear a passage from a contemplative writer. We sit in silence for minutes at a time. Prayers for healing are offered after worship. The giant screen we use for weekend worship stays off, replaced by the flicker of candles and the patterns the windows make on the ceiling. Song, prayer, silence.
Of course, we know that true silence isn’t possible. Stomachs will gurgle; someone will cough. But we aren’t trying to achieve silence here; we’re trying to welcome silence. And at some point during worship, the silence becomes stillness, and the darkness becomes a gentle, welcoming presence. It’s in these moments when the Holy Spirit resonates in a way we can feel.
First Sundays through May 6:30pm
In a world of pop-up ads, notification banners, email subscriptions, and smartwatch buzzes, I need contemplative worship. It’s in these worship experiences where I can, at least for an hour, encounter the God who meets us in the dark.
CREATION CARE
I grew up in a small town on the Iron Range where I had access to the woods and lakes in the area. Our cabin was nearby, and we would spend time at the lake year-round. I enjoyed all that the area’s natural surroundings afforded.
Science was always a favorite subject—so with a love of the outdoors and my interest in science—I pursued a degree in environmental studies. After graduating from college, my first job was as a research assistant at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on a white-tailed deer and timberwolf interaction study. I livetrapped deer and tracked wolves. My next career move was to become a manager of an aluminum recycling buy back center. Following that, I was a computer programmer for a company that made rechargeable batteries.
I’ve been a part of Lord of Life’s Creation Care ministry since it was formed. The intent of the group is to inform our faith community through Earth Day celebrations, tree sapling giveaways, organic recycling, highway clean-up, and the Blessing of the Animals event in the fall.
I hope we have been able to open your hearts and minds to this wonderful world God has given us and know it’s worth protecting
—Blake Toms
I believe we are all called to take action to make the world a better place than we were born into. For me, one of the substantial callings is to positively affect our worldwide environment. Humans have shown it can and does have local, regional, and global effects on the environment (e.g., species extinction, rivers polluted until they ignite, ozone holes—that still exist by the way). The seriousness of these effects include potential for food growth and supply disruption, disruption in ability to reside in current geographies, and significant health issues.
These potential effects are significant enough to result in measurable negative outcomes in my (and our) children’s lives. I don’t believe it is just to have future generations pay for our selfishness. As Genesis 1:28 states, “...have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” The key word is dominion, in which the text indicates mastery over these things (i.e., master the fruitfulness of the earth). As with all large-scale challenges, it is hard to assess how we, as individuals, can achieve a major impact; yet, all individuals collectively can certainly do so.
—Kevin Klitz
CARE MINISTRY
I feel fortunate to have grown up on a farm and to have had lots of time to play outdoors as a kid. I played “house” out in the woods under giant willow trees along a creek and often strolled the farm to collect wildflowers that I would bring home for my mother. My first three years of school were in a one-room, country schoolhouse, where we ate lunch outside under the oak trees when the weather was nice. On early summer evenings at dusk, my brother and I would go outside with glass canning jars and catch fireflies in our yard. When I was a teenager, my friends and I would lie on our backs on clear summer nights and look for falling stars as we gazed up at the Milky Way.
I’ve just always loved being in nature and learning more about the world. That love of nature led me to the Creation Care ministry at Lord of Life. I knew God wanted us to care for creation and I wanted to be a part of that effort.
—Julie Jones
Earth Day was established 50+ years ago! Learn via resources and video and more about the Creation Care ministry’s past initiatives: lordoflife.org/creationcare.
Stay tuned to weekly enews (opt in at lordoflife.org/enews) for details on upcoming spring events such as Highway 101 clean-up and adopt-a-parks. You are invited to make a difference— families are welcome!
A special thank you to Blake, Julie, Kevin, and the entire ministry for listening to God’s call in their lives to take action for greener transformations in our community and world!
earth day in april
Trees april 26/27 in narthex
TASTE + SEE cheesy broccoli soup
“Soup’s on!” will be heard during the season of Lent beginning Ash Wednesday, March 5, after 11am worship and preceding 7pm worship (ready at 5:30pm).
Prior to all midweek 7pm Lenten worship services, savor nourishing, tasty recipes (vegetarian and meat options) prepared by Kitchen Manager “Chef Shane” Awker and Cook Roger Christenson, and served by faithful kitchen volunteers.
Meet and have fellowship—it builds a transformative community are invited to join in for this freewill offering meal. The wild rice soup on Page 13 was the winner of last year’s bracket for favorite soup— bon appétit tout le monde!
1 tablespoon butter
½ onion, chopped
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups vegetable stock
wild rice with ham soup
6 tablespoons margarine or butter
½ cup flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked wild rice
⅛ cup diced onion
⅛ cup diced carrots
⅛ cup diced celery
⅓ cup diced ham
½ teaspoon salt
MOTHER + SON TRANSFORMATIONS
Faith, like any relationship, evolves over time, shaped by experiences that define us. My own journey began in the church of my childhood, where youth group and mission trips to Mexico instilled in me a deep sense of faith, community, and service. Those moments were transformative, teaching me faith that is more than belief—it’s lived through action.
When Kaiden was born, I knew I wanted him to have the same foundation. That’s why we chose Lord of Life as our church home. Volunteering in the confirmation program has been a powerful experience, allowing me to see faith through fresh eyes. Watching students wrestle with questions, find connections in Scripture, and develop their personal relationship with God has reinforced my own faith.
At Lord of Life, I’ve learned that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about embracing the journey. I hope Kaiden experienced the same growth through mission trips, summer camp, and confirmation. More than anything, I pray he encountered the deep love and grace of God in a way that transforms him, just as it has transformed me.
Faith is a lifelong journey, and though the path isn’t always clear, we are never alone. With God and a supportive community, we walk forward together, growing and discovering the beauty of faith in every step.
I have grown up at Lord of Life; it is my second home and I have always felt welcome. I have experienced countless activities, but the most transformative has been the mission trip to Hendersonville, NC and last year’s trip to New Orleans, LA for the ELCA Youth Gathering. I was pretty nervous for both trips at the beginning, but within a day, I was chatting with other teenagers, making great connections. Those two trips were eye-opening experiences as both places were completely new and different. I had never been to either place and being able to integrate myself in those faith communities was such an amazing experience. I truly saw Christ on each trip.
I was baptized here, received first communion, and affirmed my baptism after three years of C3 confirmation—all while volunteering or participating in activities. Between Church School, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, and teaching C3, I don’t know what my faith journey would have looked like without Lord of Life. Because of God’s grace, I know I want to live the rest of my life as a Christian and serve God in the best ways I can.
I’m graduating from Wayzata High School this May and will be attending Iowa State University. It will be one of my first priorities to integrate into an ELCA church. I also plan on joining Christian-related clubs. These opportunities will not only help maintain my Christian faith, but also lead me to make great relationships with new people.
After college, I plan on living in the same area where my family lives now so I can continue to attend Lord of Life. I am very interested in becoming a real estate agent. I’m also hopeful that when I have kids, they will grow up in this church to experience how transformative God can be in their lives.
—Kaiden Prickett
“...we learn to lean into our faith in a loving God who longs for us to be healed...”
“...think about God’s transformational power in Jesus Christ.”
by Pastor LisaMarie Doerrmann (lisamaried@lordoflife.org)
It was only a few short months ago when we were preparing for and celebrating a birth—the birth of Jesus. God transformed from God the Creator to God the Savior. “And the word became flesh,” as the Gospel of John so eloquently describes it.
As we move from winter to spring, we see transformation in God’s creation, as brown turns to green, bare branches sprout buds that will become leaves and flowers. Animals make their way out of hibernation, and we put our winter coats away for a few months. This cycle of seasons is part of God’s design, creating an opportunity for creation to transform and grow anew all around us.
And as we move through Lent, we prepare for an amazing transformation—the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion, death, and burial. The transformative power of God in Jesus who took on our sin and suffering and was raised to new life. God’s love in Jesus Christ creates new life everyday for all of us. And we are promised a resurrection into eternal life in God’s presence for eternity following our earthly journey.
We experience the transformational power of Christ in Lord of Life support groups. Care ministries provide many support groups which include:
• Cancer support for men + women
• Caregivers’ support
• Celebrate Recovery
• Divorce
• GriefShare
• Job Transition Group
• Widows “Alone Together”
These groups provide the ability to share our authentic life stories both of joy and struggles within a safe and nurturing gathering. And within these gatherings, we realize that we are not alone. It is within our sharing together that we learn to lean into our faith in a loving God who longs for us to be healed. When we witness healing, each of us is changed, with new insight, knowledge and newfound love that we can share with others. God working in us, and in those around us, allows us to be created anew each and every day.
Easter is a great time to pause and think about God’s amazing transformative power in Jesus Christ. In our rhythm as a faith community, let us remember each day the fullness of God’s transformative love that came into the world, ministered to all, and who reconciles all people to Godself. As the ancient longing states in Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” At Easter, that plea is now fulfilled. Christ conquered death so that we may live transformed, today and every day
Word for Women is a Bible study that is engrained in the rhythm of Lord of Life’s mission and ministry and has been for many years!
Over 100 women meet at 9:30am on Wednesday mornings (and online) to learn, grow, and build relationships.
They begin with a large group teaching time (which is livestreamed on our YouTube page for anyone to learn from—you don’t need to be female!), then move into small groups to dive deeper into the topic and to support one another. Visitors and new participants are always welcome! There is even an online small group that meets over zoom who welcomes in snowbirds and those who are unable to travel to Lord of Life.
One highlight from this year included a series on Women of Faith through the ages. Starting in the Bible, they explored women of the
Old Testament, Jesus and Women, and Women in the New Testament. Then as Christianity began to grow, they learned about 15th century mystics—women of peace, and even made its way to more modern-day women of faith like Dorothy Day and Harriet Tubman. It was powerful to explore how women today can find themselves in the stories of faith from those who have gone before them.
There are still many weeks left, with Word for Women concluding May 14. Consider joining in, especially for the Lenten series on other faith traditions!
Be transformed through learning with others.
youtube.com/lordoflifeluth
Calling all 3rd, 4th ,or5th gra
aders! 4 5
Youth experience transformation with fun, friendships, and faith at 345, a youth group for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders! Through engaging lessons, exciting activities, and hands-on service projects, they explore God’s love in a way that’s both meaningful and memorable. It’s a safe place to laugh, learn, and make a difference together!
Joinin: lordofife.org/345
LETTING GO IS NOT EASY
by Pastor Karen Wight Hoogheem (karenwh@lordoflife.org)
I was awestruck by the rapid development during the first year of my children’s lives. I noticed some grief as each month passed, saying goodbye to the cute twomonth-old smile to welcome the joy-filled three-month-old giggle.
Raising a child comes with tiny moments of death and resurrection.
John 12:23-24
Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
Jesus promises that new life emerges through death. A seed dies in the earth, and then it bears much fruit as a plant. So it is with us.
Letting go is not easy, but the God of resurrection invites us to trust in the cross-shaped promise of transformation to new life in Jesus Christ.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Ash Wednesday Worship, March 5, 11am + 7pm
Soup following morning worship and preceding evening worship beginning at 5:30pm
First Sundays Contemplative Worship, March 2, April 6, May 4, 6:30pm
Midweek Lenten Worship, March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 7pm
Holy Land Forum with Rev. Joan Deming, March 30, 11am
GriefShare new series beginning April 1, 6:30pm
LifeGarden registration opens, April 1
Maundy Thursday Worship, April 17, 7pm
Good Friday Worship, April 18,10am and 7pm Easter Worship: Saturday, April 19, 5:30pm
Sunday, April 20, 8, 9, 10, 11am, 12pm
Creation Care Earth Day Weekend, April 26-27
Creation Care Adopt-A-Park, May 4
Getting Ready for C3 Confirmation, May 4, 5 and Sept. 3
Sent to Serve Saturday, May 10
Men’s Retreat, May 16-18
Saturdays: 5:30pm with livestream
Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, 11am with livestream
Church School (age two-6th grade) during Sunday worship (register: lordoflife.org/churchschool)
Childcare available (birth-age two) during regular Sunday worship
Visit lordoflife.org/congregationallife for a list of baptisms, bereavements, weddings, and new members. And, you are invited to Lord of Life’s prayer network (lordoflife.org/ prayernetwork) to pray for the community.
Stay connected with recurring events:
345 Youth, second Tuesday
Alone...Together Women, third Monday
Brewed Theology, second Monday, (OMNI Brewing)
C3 Confirmation Ministry, Sunday + Wednesday
Canticle Choir, Wednesday
Caregiver’s Support, second + fourth Monday
Celebrate Recovery, Tuesday evening
Children’s Choir, Thursday evening
Centering Prayer Community, first Tuesday
Fellowship with the Fellas, first + third Tuesday
FreedomWorks Connection, third Thursday
Gethemane Clothes Closet, first + third Saturday
Gethsemane Food Market, Monday
Griefshare, new series beginning April 1
Holy Land Ministry, first Thursday
Hope Lodge, third Monday
Job Transition Group, first + third Wednesday morning
Love to Paint, Tuesday afternoon
Men’s and Women’s Cancer Support, first Monday
Men’s Bible Study: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday
Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs), first + third Thursday
Prayer Shawl Ministry, second Thursday
Ring and Sing, Thursday
Sharing and Caring Hands, second Saturday morning
Word for Women, Wednesday morning and online
Visit lordoflife.org to learn more about these and all Lord of Life’s ministries!
Lord of Life
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313
Name Address
City, ST 00000-0000
Yesterday I was clever,
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.
