COMPASS
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, MN Winter 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Welcome
Rhythm: A Spiritual Practice
Self-discovery + the Enneagram
lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflifeluth
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflife /cyf_lordoflife
Lightness + Darkness
Taizé
Identity Statement
New Ministry: Caregiver Support
Gethsemane
Taste + See
Parenting Rhythms
24 You Belong! Rhythms of the Word
Peace in the New Year
Compass is a quarterly ministry from Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA). Paper is one of the most sustainable natural resources. After reading, please recycle or share with a friend or neighbor inviting them to Lord of Life’s community of faith. You don’t need to be a member to receive Compass. To receive it in the mail and/or electronically, call 763.420.5015 or email bevm@lordoflife.org.
Copyright © 2025 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Concordia Concert + FMSC Special + Recurring Events
The Camden Closet + Food Shelf
W E L C O M E
I’m a swayer in worship. It’s not something I choose to do, but I always find myself swaying to the rhythm of the music whenever we stand to sing. There’s something knit into me that connects with the music and makes me move. It’s as though God created this connection between my embodied reality and the melodies around me.
God has knit rhythm into our lives in countless ways. It’s right there in the very first chapter of the Bible, with the orderly account of creation, a rhythmic unfolding of this amazing world. Those words are not meant to be literal, but to be a poetic understanding of the nature of God’s relationship with this world.
There’s the rhythm a parent and infant cuddling together feel, as heartbeats and breath synchronize. There’s the rhythm of a school year, a life of faith, and a game of pickleball. It’s all somehow connected to God’s great gift of creation.
Hopefully this issue of Compass will keep you attuned to these divine rhythms and inspire you to live and move in concert with our gracious Creator, Savior, and Sustainer
R H Y T H M : a spiritual practice
by Pastor Karen Wight Hoogheem (karenwh@lordoflife.org)
Last spring, I started taking piano lessons again. As a child, practicing piano was one of my favorite activities and a great stress relief as I journeyed through elementary school, junior high, and high school. I am thrilled to be back at it as an adult!
My piano teacher, Miriam, is showing me a new way to play the piano. Her gentle reminders to pay attention to my form and relax my wrists help me play the piano in a more lyrical way. When I get it right, the quality of the sound is markedly different, and I like it! Learning something new has disrupted my rhythm. With Miriam’s encouragement, I can leave behind some habits that served me well as a child and learn a new way to play music as an adult.
One of the challenges of my new piano music is the rhythm. For example, Miriam and I are practicing a duet for an upcoming recital. She told me the duet sounds deceptively simple when, in fact, the rhythm of the piece makes it quite difficult to play. Both Miriam and I count carefully to get the rhythmic timing of our parts just right to play the song together.
Rhythm shapes our daily lives. We get into a rhythm that becomes a comfortable way to go about life (or play the piano). Sometimes, like a duet with challenging parts, the rhythm of life with other people is difficult to navigate. A relationship might change, like when my oldest child moved to college this fall. The rhythm of our family is completely different without Hannah in the house. Her rhythm is totally new as she navigates life in a new city and school on her own.
God invites us to a rhythm of life that deepens our awareness of God’s presence in our midst. God’s invitation encourages reflection. Journaling is one of my favorite spiritual practices to go about this kind of meditation.
I invite you to reflect on the rhythm of your life with these questions as writing prompts:
• What rhythms in my life have fallen into a well-worn pattern? Who can encourage me as I try something new?
• How does the rhythm of my life coincide with the rhythms of the people with whom I live? Work? Play? Are we like duet partners who are in sync with one another? Or is our rhythm off in some way?
• What is the rhythm of my spiritual life? Do I have enough quiet and alone time with God? How does my relationship with God empower my life and service with the world?
As someone who worships regularly, I am grateful for the rhythm of the church year. The Lutheran hymnal (Evangelical Lutheran Worship or ELW) says this about the pattern of our life together:
Time is a gift of God’s creation. People order time in various ways, often based on the rhythms of nature. The church organizes time by the church year. It tells the story of God, who is beyond time, acting in history – above all through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
—ELW, Page 13
Worship and the seasons of the church can give shape to our lives, keeping our attention on God and Christ’s hope-filled promise of life through death.
As individuals who live together in a community of faith, I am grateful for the rhythm of life we share. I pray that we find comfort in the traditions of our past while stepping into the future with great courage and hope, always trusting in the One who promises life and love, giving shape to the rhythm of our life together.
“God invites us to a rhythm of life that deepens our awareness of God’s presence in our midst. ”
—Pastor Karen
S E L F - D I S C O V E R Y
by Deacon Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org)
I’m not sure if it’s because I recently entered my 40s or because of the experiences life has offered me in adulthood (probably both), but over the last several years, I’ve been moving through a time of personal transformation. And a big part of this transformation is thanks to the gift of the Enneagram, which is a personality framework that focuses on nine different core motivations that impact how people move through life. When I first learned about the Enneagram, it was in preparation for one of Lord of Life’s Connect Life events (now known as Brewed Theology). Our assignment was to listen to a podcast and try to determine which number we might be before coming together for conversation at the event. Upon listening to the podcast, I knew what my number was immediately.
After that initial dip into the Enneagram, I dove in headfirst, reading books and listening to any podcast I could get my hands on. I was fascinated. And I had never felt so seen! I had learned about other personality typing systems before, and knew where I landed in many of them, but this was different. The Enneagram gave me insight, not only into my own personality and the motivations behind my behaviors, but it also gave me invaluable insight and awareness into other people’s motivations. It provided a deeper understanding of why we are the way we are—and that we are not alone!
In my case, the Enneagram helped me realize that the impulse I have to point out things that are wrong (typos, decor, justice issues, etc.) isn’t just me—it’s a thing for Enneagram Ones who have a basic desire to be good and right. And for my husband, the Enneagram helped him realize that seeking approval from others isn’t just him—it’s a thing for Enneagram Sixes who have a basic desire to feel safe. And when you start to understand the motivations behind the things you do, the more you can get curious about your needs and the needs of those you’re in relationship with—leading to more awareness, compassion, and transformation in your life As I said, it’s a gift
Curious to learn more about the Enneagram? I’ve found that the best way to learn your number is to dive into the work: read a book, listen to podcasts, talk to friends (or me!) about it. There are inventories out there that can give you an idea of where to start, but make sure you don’t stop there, and be open to the possibility of other numbers. In the end, you are the only one who can determine your core motivation.
If you’re all-in on the Enneagram and are ready for a deep dive, join in on the Journey of Faith + the Enneagram intensive five-week program this January. More information and registration to come at lordoflife.org/transformation.
Learn to use this self-discovery Enneagram diagram in January. lordoflife.org/transformation
L I G H T N E S S + D A R K N E S S
by Communications Executive Director Sarah Lee (sarahl@lordoflife.org)
Winters in Minnesota are characterized by a lot of things—cold, snow, winter sports, and, of course, darkness. It can feel like we barely see the sun when we’re driving to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. The tradeoff we make for long, bright days in the summer is long, dark nights in the winter.
It can be tempting to view darkness as a negative thing, as a representation of evil or despair. While the lack of sunlight can have very real adverse effects—think seasonal depression and vitamin D deficit—there is much to be found in darkness, too.
In the children’s book God’s Holy Darkness, authors Sharei Green and Beckah Selnick remind us of the many instances in the Bible where darkness and blackness are holy and good. From the darkness out of which God crafts all things in the creation story, to the dark cloud of the presence of God in the temple, to the night sky where the angels appear telling of the birth of Jesus, there is no shortage of instances where God chooses to be revealed in holy darkness
Maybe, then, the nights of winter can be a gift. In the rhythms of the seasons, we are invited to explore the richness of darkness, the wonder of night. At Christmas, we can remember that the good news came first to the shepherds, in the quiet of night. In the new year, we can be encouraged by the new life that begins in the dark, like a seed buried deep in the soil. As the days and nights shift and change, from light to dark and everything in between, God is present in it all.
Earlier this year, a special committee of both council and staff members took on the task of updating Lord of Life’s identity statement. Over the course of four months, the team evaluated and discerned a theological and practical understanding of who God is. That understanding informs who God is calling Lord of Life to be—leading to the creation of this identity statement approved by the council in August 2024.
I D E N T I T Y S T A T E M E N T
God loves all people completely, without question or qualification.
At Lord of Life, God’s love and the story of Jesus Christ live at the center of all we do. You are loved, and we hope you’ll feel that here.
Jesus is the clearest picture of God we have.
Jesus’ radical inclusivity, concern for those who are oppressed, and example of self-giving love and humility shape how we understand God and what it means to be a person of faith. Following Jesus changes how we show up in the world, our homes, our work, our daily lives, and as a faith community. At Lord of Life, you’ll be invited to follow Jesus by being a good neighbor, pursuing justice, serving the community, and using your gifts to make a difference in the world.
All people are made whole and set free through God’s grace; there’s nothing you need to do to earn it.
There are no requirements to belong here or receive God’s gift of redemption. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are offered for all, no exceptions.
God created you and celebrates you just as you are. We value racial equity, gender equity, accessibility, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in every area of shared life and leadership. We believe every person has inherent worth and follow Jesus’ example by offering the widest possible welcome for all, especially for those who have been marginalized.
Being part of a worshiping community is transformative.
The Holy Spirit is at work in this community, inviting us to a lifelong faith journey. You’ll find opportunities for all ages so that all people in our congregation are encouraged and equipped to follow Jesus in every area of life. Together, we grow in our faith through these five discipleship practices: worship, learn, serve, give, and invite.
Each person comes to the table with unique life and faith experiences, and each person’s journey is valuable.
We welcome different voices and perspectives and value diversity of thought. You don’t have to have faith or life all figured out to be here. There are people at all stages of their faith journey at Lord of Life. You are invited to participate at whatever level feels right for you, whether that is just showing up for worship (online or in-person) or diving into every opportunity available.
Lord of Life is part of the wider Christian Church in the world, and is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Learn more about the ELCA at elca.org/about.
T A I Z E W O R S H I P
by Design + Media Specialist Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)
Calm. Quiet. That’s what is needed more of in the world. Taizé worship has been experienced for several years at Lord of Life. It has a long history in the contemplative community.
Bringing a sense of unity and peace, Taizé worship is practiced in a monastic community in Taizé, France. The movement was initially created by a Swiss man: Roger Louis SchützMarsauche, familiarly called Brother Roger. Traditionally, the worship services are marked by simplicity, silence, confession, reconciliation, and prayer. There is no preaching.
The “brothers” of Taizé committed themselves to a lifetime of simplicity, service, and community. Brother Roger was especially eager to bring Catholics and Protestants together.
Held by candlelight in the sanctuary with acoustic music, Taizé worship is a spiritual experience soothing to your soul, calming holiday nerves or worries in general. A healing touch with a special anointing of scented oil will also be available to all who long for relief from the many burdens of life: physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Join in 6:30pm on Sundays during Advent beginning December 1.
Let’s prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord.
N E W M I N I S T R Y
Caregiver Support
by Pastor LisaMarie Doerrmann (lisamaried@lordoflife.org)
Family caregiving is on the rise in our society. We may be caregivers, anticipating caregiving needs, or know someone who is caregiving. While being a primary caregiver can be as intense as aroundthe-clock care for a person with late-stage Alzheimer’s, it can also include meeting needs that come with advanced aging, such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, transporting loved ones to doctor’s appointments, and being a medical advocate.
“Family caregiving may be the most satisfying work we ever do, but it can come at a great personal sacrifice of time, energy, and income. Caregiving carries a high risk for depression and increases health risks for the caregiver. It is very common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed and alone. But caregiving does not have to be harmful to your health. There is research that clearly shows that family caregivers who connect with support, do better.”
—Minnesota Board of Aging
To help navigate these challenging journeys, Lord of Life is looking forward to partnering with Lutheran Social Services to provide a caregivers support group. We will meet on the second and fourth Monday from 10:30am-12pm beginning in January. Registration will be available at lordoflife.org/caregiver. If questions or need assistance, please connect with me or Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org). All are invited. Come, be rooted in God’s love, receive the support that you need, and be a blessing to others gathered.
And Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
11:28-30
G E T H S E M A N E
Serving at Gethsemane in Minneapolis continues to be an impactful opportunity to directly improve the lives of those in need. Your time and effort are essential to provide vital resources and support to individuals and families facing hardship. Each task, no matter how small, contributes to a greater cause of compassion and care. Your willingness to serve is immensely valued and greatly appreciated as Lord of Life and Gethsemane endeavor to build a more compassionate and supportive community for everyone.
The Camden Closet
“I volunteer at Gethsemane for both the food shelf and The Camden Closet so I can help people with basic needs. Lord of Life’s presence reminds me of this quote, ‘There will always be a reason why you meet people. Either you need them to change your life, or you are the one who will change theirs.’ Both are possible at Gethsemane.”
—Barb Lindberg
“I like having a day outside of my home doing ‘hands-on’ work. I stock bakery products, produce, refrigerated foods and frozen foods. I assemble extra boxes of assorted food that clients can take if they need it. Most of all, I enjoy the teamwork with other volunteers, greeting clients with a welcome and sending them off with a wish for a good week. Everyone is welcome at Gethsemane!”
—Robert Gacek
Food Shelf
© Gethsemane
“If our loving, incarnate God is present in all of creation, then God is certainly present in acts of commensality.”
“There’s no requirement in these moments to stop and conduct a formal prayer; all you have to do is notice.”
T A S T E + S E E
by Design Strategist/Emerging Worship Coordinator Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org)
My most important spiritual practice—more than leading worship, more than contemplation, more than any other act of devotion, if I’m honest—is commensality.
Commensality is the act of eating and drinking together. Gathering with loved ones and sharing something delicious, particularly something delicious and homemade, is something I find so spiritually meaningful. This is where I see God most clearly.
This is so apparent, in fact, that on my wedding day, my husband included this sentence in his vows: “Brian, you sing like it’s nothing, and you cook like it’s everything.” The congregation laughed at this, but Tyler and I knew that he was stating a sincere truth.
There’s something special that happens during commensality—telling stories over a messy charcuterie board, toasting a passed loved one with their favorite wine, laughing while passing around a friend’s favorite salad. As Barbara Brown Taylor says in her book, An Altar in the World, “These activities require no extensive commentary, no lucid theology. All they require is someone willing to bend, reach, chop, stir. Most of these tasks are so full of pleasure that there is no need to complicate things by calling them holy.”
If our loving, incarnate God is present in all of creation, then God is certainly present in acts of commensality. Even in our Bible, the psalmist writes:
“You cause the grass to grow for the cattle and plants for people to cultivate, to bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine and bread to strengthen the human heart.”
Psalm 104:14-15
While many of us typically pray before a meal, I invite you in this season full of holidays and gatherings to make your meal a prayer. Notice the loved ones gathered with you. Incorporate foods with different textures, colors, and flavors and appreciate each one. Pay attention to how your body feels: Are you full? Are you energized? Are you sleepy? Is your heart gladdened?
There’s no requirement in these moments to stop and conduct a formal prayer; all you have to do is notice. Notice that in the clinking silverware, the laughter around the table, the spinach stuck between your teeth, and the warmth of something delicious shared between loved ones, God is present. Taste and see the goodness of God.
P A R E N T I N G
by Children, Youth + Family Executive Director Kirstin Delp (kirstind@lordoflife.org)
We all have roles to play in our lives, roles that can be defined by relationships, the work we do, the places we live, and the gifts we have. In each role we live out, there is a rhythm. One role some of us share is the role of parent.
I have carried the title of parent for over 26 years, and in raising three kids, I have some experience in the realm of parenting. Even with experience, I find each day brings opportunities to learn new things about being a parent.
One thing I have learned is that being a parent is about living in the present and simultaneously looking ahead to what is next, sometimes without much space to do both.
Being a parent means each day comes with lots of to-do items. Meals, snacks, homework, activities, diaper changes, playtime, how much screentime, downtime, carpools, 45 hours of practice driving—there is always so much to fit in.
Each day also comes with future items to take care of. Medical appointments, school enrollments and open houses to get ready for next year before this year is over, the cycle of activity registrations—we are simultaneously driving to fall activities and receiving information about next summer’s activities. Each new life stage comes with hints of what is coming next!
Yet, the here and now tension also brings us more than just calendaring and to-do lists. We plan healthy meals today and introduce physically active opportunities so that our kids might grow up to be healthy. We look for ways to give kids opportunities to help out at home so they learn to take care of their own space when they are out on their own. Always, as parents, we just try to do our best now to raise our kids to be great grown-ups.
“For parents of faith,
is one important experience
R H Y T H M S
For parents of faith, the baptism of their children is one important experience that is both present and future.
Baptism—a moment where parents bring their often very young children, to stand before a congregation, to experience a sacrament of water and Word, to gather around the baptismal font to be reminded that this tiny baby is indeed a child of God, and to make some promises to put some things in place in the midst of raising this child that they might learn to live out a life following Christ.
We make these promises, we take photos, we gather with families to celebrate—and then sometimes life gets messy and complicated. Not always are these promises at the most forefront of our thoughts, but we do our best. We might pray together, go to worship together, or find ways to serve with each other.
Which brings us to confirmation—or Affirmation of Baptism. Just this past October, Lord of Life celebrated with families of 124 confirmands. These 10th graders stood before a sanctuary filled with family and friends and made promises about leading a life of faith. At the baptismal font once again, they not only were reminded that they are children of God, but took a moment to remind each person gathered that they, too, are children of God. And again, there were photos and celebrations, as there should be.
While the celebrations of Affirmation of Baptism held those 10th graders at the center, it was also a time of celebration for those who made those baptismal promises. It was a time for parents to remember that they lived in the now of living out those promises to raise their kids to learn to be faithful, a time for those parents to see their 10th graders take on those promises as their own, and it was a time to remember—while enjoying the now of celebrating the confirmation students—that there is more work to be done ahead, walking alongside these young people, continuing to support them as they continue to grow in faith throughout their lives.
the baptism of their children that is both present and future.”
R H Y T H M
two-year-olds
Families with two-year-olds are invited to begin their faith learning at Lord of Life by receiving their first Bible. Together, the children and parents explore the new Bible by finding images of animals, people, and Jesus. Families are encouraged to develop a time and place at home where they can read the Bible and pray together.
kindergarteners
Parents and children gather to receive their next Bible from Lord of Life, a Bible that reflects their developmental changes. Children now can understand the baptismal promise to share God’s Word. Parents take time to share baptismal memories with their child and why they want their child to learn about God. Children can choose a Bible from two options. They explore their new Bible by reading one of the stories with their parent(s).
T H E W O R D
third graders
Each fall, all 3rd graders and a caring adult are invited to a learning event prior to presentation in the sanctuary when parents place the Bibles in their children’s hands fulfilling their baptismal promise. The Adventure Bible was designed with kids in mind. It features full color and includes many notes and cool features! At the Bible learning event kids learn about the Bible, like how to look things up. Kids also learn about how special their Bible is.
confirmation
Students entering confirmation receive a Bible and use it throughout the threeyear small group experience. One entire confirmation year is dedicated to learning about the Bible. This Bible is special because on the back it reminds students they are a child of God, loved beyond measure, and sent to serve the world. Also, the C3 (Christ, Community, Confirmation) Bible inside cover has the Ten Commandments, Apostle’s Creed, and Lord’s Prayer as an easy reference for students.
Y O U B photos from the Come
The renowned Concordia Choir from Moorhead, Minnesota, will be performing in concert at Lord of Life at 2pm on Sunday, February 23. This is a ticketed event and sells out! They are known for their beautiful sound, great attention to detail, and wide-ranging repetoire
Concordia is ranked as one of the ten best college choirs and their performances are distributed by iTunes and Concordia Recordings. Scan code at right or visit concordiacollege.edu for more choir information and to purchase tickets. —David Frank, Director of Music
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian non-profit with a mission to “feed God’s starving children.” This year’s NW Suburban Mobile Pack will be on February 20-22 at Lord of Life! Save the date and serve (plus have fun while doing it) like these youth did last year at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church during THISS (The Huge Interchurch Social and Service). You can make a difference in the lives of so many children!
© Concordia Moorhead
WORSHIP S P E C I A L E V E N T S
Thanksgiving Eve Worship with pie after, Nov. 27, 7-7:45pm
Advent Taizé Worship, Sundays, Dec. 1-22
6:30-7:30pm (see Page 10)
CROSS Food Drive, Dec. 7-8
CROSS Toy Drive through Dec. 8
Family Movie Night, Dec. 14, 6:30-8pm
Cantata Worship + Craft/Bake Sale, all services, Dec. 14-15
Christmas with Brooklyn Big Band, Dec. 21, 5:30pm
Family Advent Worship, Dec. 22
Travelers’ Christmas, Dec. 23, 5:30pm
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 10am, noon, 2, 4, 6, 8pm
Summer registration opens (lordoflife.org/summer), Jan. 6
One Big Cozy Sweater Worship, Dec. 29, 9:45am
Self-discovery + the Enneagram, Jan. 4, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 9am (see Pages 6-7)
Karing Kingdom alumni registration opens, Jan. 8
Karing Kingdom general public registration opens, Jan. 15
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) Mobile Pack, Feb. 20-22 (see facing page)
Youth Band + Choir lead worship, February 23, 11am
Concordia College Choir Concert, February 23 (see facing page)
Saturdays: 5:30pm with Livestream Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, 11am with Livestream Church School (two-6th grade) during regular Sunday worship
(register: lordoflife.org/churchschool)
Childcare available (birth - 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 needs of the community.
Stay connected with recurring events:
Alone...Together, third Monday
Brewed Theology, second Monday, 7pm (OMNI Brewing)
C3 Confirmation Ministry, Sunday + Wednesday
Canticle Choir, Wednesday
Caregiver Support, second + fourth Monday (see Page 11)
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 (see Pages 12-13)
Gethsemane Food Market, Monday (see Pages 12-13)
Griefshare, Tuesday evening
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 Small Groups: Mon. 6pm, Tues. 7am, Sat. 7am
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
Visit lordoflife.org to learn more about these and all Lord of Life’s ministries!
Lord of Life
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
Name Address
City, ST 00000-0000
PE A C E
in the new year
We have been placed in a world of space and time, and through the rhythms in our lives, have been blessed with God’s love. Grant that in the new year we may know God’s presence and action within our hearts, see God’s love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives joy forever—the coming of God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
—adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Propers, Page 63