Lord of life lutheran
DECEMBER 2021
C O M P A S S
L E T
T H E R
by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)
When God speaks, things happen. The imaginative telling of the creation story in Genesis 1:3 says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) God sends light. God’s word fulfills its purpose.
LET THERE BE CHRISTMAS.....................................2-3 BIBLE 101: IN A MESS...............................................4-5 community life / REFORMATION WEEKEND...... 6-7 CHRISTMAS CANTATA..............................................8-9 FAITH & FAMILY........................................................... 10 REFORMATION WEEKEND / COntact Us ..................11
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In his telling of the coming of Jesus, perhaps the gospel writer John had these ideas in mind when he wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through him, and without him
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not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5) At its very heart, the Christmas story is all about God making good on God’s promises. Just as God created light, God sends the light of Christ to shine hope, peace, joy, and love into the world. We happen to celebrate during the darkest time of the year, so perhaps the contrast of our days with the light of Christ can offer us a reminder that God’s Word—Jesus Christ— fulfills his purpose. God does not remain aloof and distant. God gets right down into the thick of things. The One who declared, “Let there be light” is willing to be born
as a vulnerable infant into the perilous existence each one of us faces. This God is worthy of our praise and worship. It’s why we belt out “Joy to the World” and we croon “Silent Night.” We sweetly sing “Away in a Manger” and imagine “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The Word, who was in the beginning, has come and will accomplish the purposes for which he was sent: salvation, life, health, wholeness, renewal. So it is that every year we both hold onto the traditions that keep giving life and we are renewed with the current realities we face. Christmas may not automatically be a joyful time for all of us. That does not change the coming of Christ we celebrate. If the fanfare and joy make sense to you, celebrate it! If you need to grieve or lament, just know that there is this
God made known most fully in Jesus Christ who grieves right alongside you. Even in our darkest days, the light of Christ shines. God continues to declare: Let there be light. Let there be hope. Let there be peace. Let there be joy. Let there be love. Let there be Christmas.
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Bible 101
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by Pastor Emeritus Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren (peter@lordoflife.org)
Do you ever wonder what it was really like on that first Christmas?
Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:5-7
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Karen and I often get Christmas cards that have a picture of the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the livestock, all beautifully positioned in the stable in Bethlehem. Those pictures appear so perfect. It looks like Mary just had a makeover at Simonson’s and the shepherds are wearing new robes from Nordstrom. Even the cows seem to be smiling. It is a lovely picture. But I wonder. I wonder because I’ve been in a lot of barns and a barn is a messy place, and I don’t think Mr. Clean™ scoured the stable before the holy family’s arrival. And remember that the nine-month pregnant Mary just rode on a donkey for 70 miles from Nazareth and then gave birth to a baby, in that barn, without an epidural. It was a messy place. Jesus is the king of the universe, and yet he enters human history wrapped in obscurity and poverty and humility. Why?? Because God wants to make this point crystal clear: that there is no place he won’t go, no thing he won’t do, no depths he will not descend, in order to bring his power and love and grace and peace and goodness to anybody who will have him. Anybody. Anywhere. This will be a sign to you about this Jesus. You will see God in life’s messy places. Which is fortunate because we are messy people, even when we pretend like we aren’t. Karen and I also get many of your Christmas cards with the beautiful family picture and the letter bragging about your perfect children. I want to shout, “I know your children, who are you kidding?” Loveable, yes. Perfect, not so much. Those cards are as inaccurate as the air-brushed pictures of the manger.
The fact is our lives get messed up, too. We don’t get into college. Or we never find a job that we really like. Or the marriage ends disastrously. Or we struggle with infertility. Or there is a cancer diagnosis. Or we are never going to be able to retire because we can’t afford it. Life gets messy. The message of Christmas is that the mess of your life doesn’t scare God at all. Because Jesus started his life in a mess, in a barn, and ended his life in a mess nailed to a cross. And in between the first day and the last day, he mostly just hung out with some pretty messed up people. God is not afraid of our mess. In fact, God wants to come into our messy lives. Because there is no place he won’t go, no thing he won’t do, in order to bring his power and love and grace and peace and goodness to anybody who will have him. Including us.
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C O M M U N I T Y baptisms
Kent Schmid and family at the death of his father
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the next
Brenda Schmitzer and family at the death of her friend
baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church office
Alice Woodard and family at the death of her mother, Reba Woodard
(763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/baptism.
October 3, 2021 Connor Joseph Aslesen October 7, 2021 Madison Rae Fuhrman October 9, 2021 Carter Ryan Stanley October 10, 2021 Quinn Marie Domaas Beckett Minnihan Eli Shahin Sanati-Zaker Declan Nathaniel Sjoselius Keegan Mary Wehrman October 17, 2021 Eli James Boysen Cal Daniel Van Pelt Grant Edward Barthel October 30, 2021 Reese Jane Eklund
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
Elly Anderson and family at the death of her cousin
John Wright and family at the death of his brother, Fred Wright
weddings For details on your wedding, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org ).
October 9, 2021 Rachel Todd & David Biljan October 10, 2021 Carol Estocko & Robert Gacek, Jr. October 22, 2021 Allison Cwikla & Samuel Valerius Megan Antolick & Salman Khan October 23, 2021 Krista Sorensen & Kevin Asmus
welcome Will & Heather Kattner with Wrenna 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
Marty Greimel and family at the death of his mother, Dawn Greimel
all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith,
Joan Hance and family at the death of her sister, Linda Carlson
serve others, and support the church and its programs
Dick Huseth and family at the death of his cousin Renae Larson and family at the death of her sister Kristen Palmer and family at the death of her mother, Judy Rydell Larry Saar and family at the death of his nephew, Scott Johnson
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financially. For more information, contact Katie Gartzke (katieg@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit
lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life faith community.
During Reformation Weekend (October 30-31), 134 tenth graders affirmed their baptismal promises during four confirmation services. Also receiving Bibles were 67 third graders—see Page 11, as well as visit our social media sites for more photos!
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“Let There Be Christmas”
December 11-12 during all worship services featuring Bel Canto, Canticle Choir, and full orchestra 8
C H R I S T M A S
C A N T A T A
by Deric Craig (dericc@lordoflife.org)
This service in song is a joyous celebration of hope and peace for the Christmas season using carols, narration, congregational participation, and original anthems. From jubilant songs of praise to reflective carols of peace, this cantata is filled with moments designed to energize the spirit of the season. The work is best summed up in the words of the composer, Joseph M. Martin: “In one great crescendo of purpose, the season of Christmas sweeps us into its arms with an unfettered flourish of festivity. The glare of this explosion of activity often overshadows the fragile light that is the spiritual center of this sacred time. Simply, and with unexpected gentleness, Bethlehem’s star flickers to life like a candle in the winter wind just when the night is longest. It kindles in the open heart a deep hope that warms and illuminates. It is by this dancing light of promise we discover the miracle of the season. Emboldened, we are drawn close to the manger. By this candle of faith we see the Child of God, wrapped in the simple, the Creator embraced and held by God’s own creation. It is this glorious impossibility that proclaims, Let there be song . . . as a young mother’s lullaby becomes a symphony of praise that wakes the nations. Let there be faith . . . as ancient scrolls unfurl to reveal the living Word of God. Let there be wonder . . . as each seeker’s eyes reflect a glory that melts away doubt and reveals the treasure of belief. Let there be grace . . . and discover the heart of God. Let there be Christmas . . . and let the music of life begin and never end!”
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F A I T H
&
F A M I L Y
by Lynn Leisen (lynnl@lordoflife.org)
Advent is a time for families to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. That preparation comes in as many forms as there are shapes and sizes of families. Rituals and traditions are important. They help families identify themselves and tell their family stories. They demonstrate what the family values and believes, and how much the family values its faith. Here are some suggestions for making your celebration a faithful remembering of Jesus’ birth. Do what feels right for your family. Try something new. If it’s not right, don’t force it. There are plenty of meaningful ideas to try: Pray together. Perhaps this Advent your mealtime or bedtime prayer could be your favorite Christmas carol. Light an Advent wreath and read a Bible verse or devotion each day, each Sunday, or whenever you have time. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect. Decorate the tree together. Share stories about the ornaments. Leave space under the tree for a nativity set. Jesus is the greatest gift. Tell the Christmas story as you set up the nativity set. Make sure there is a “touchable” set for young children. What fun it will be to lay around the lit tree and tell the story of Jesus’ birth using a nativity set night after night during Advent! Take a drive to look at lights. Try to find lights and displays that point to Jesus. If it brings you joy, bake cookies together or shop for fun pre-decorated cookies. They make a nice gift for friends and neighbors, too! Make worship a priority. The music and message this time of year is special for the whole family. Invite other family members, neighbors, and friends to worship with you.
Please don’t feel pressured to do more. Keeping your celebration simple and custom-made for your family will allow you to enjoy a peaceful, Christ-filled Christmas. God’s peace to you and your family. 10
During Reformation Weekend (October 30/31), third graders received Bibles and confirmands affirmed their baptismal promises—see Page 7 and visit our social media sites for more photos!
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.
PASTORAL STAFF
WORSHIP / CONNECT
Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org
Visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most up-to-date worship schedule.
Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org
lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org). To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstrand (chelseyg@lordoflife.org). For all ministry events and calendar items with the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—visit lordoflife.org.
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Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. Paper is the most sustainable natural resource. 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 office@lordoflife.org. Credits: Lightstock. Copyright 2021 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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Merry Christmas! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, TRAVELERS CHRISTMAS 5:30pm with holy communion, children’s message, and candlelight
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, CHRISTMAS EVE 11am* with children’s message 1pm with children’s message 2:30pm with children’s message 4pm with children’s message and candlelight 5:30pm with candlelight 8pm with candlelight 9:30pm* with Canticle Choir and candlelight
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, CHRISTMAS DAY 9:45am with holy communion (no worship at 5:30pm)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 8:30, 9:45, and 11am with holy communion, Christmas stories and songs Livestreaming is available on December 24 at 1 and 4pm, December 25, and all services on December 26. *Masks are required for the 11am and 9:30pm Christmas Eve services; masks are recommended for all other services.
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For more details, visit lordoflife.org/christmas