A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
LifeTIMES
February 2015
Lord of Life’s Capital Campaign Benevolence Grants—
V V V V V
First Recipients
Last year Lord of Life undertook a capital campaign for the purpose of eliminating the debt on our new addition. As part of that effort we decided that 10 percent of the gifts were going to be given to organizations working to help those broken by life’s circumstance or living on the margins of society. The Lord of Life Congregation Council is proud to announce the recipients of the first $40,000 in grants:
>>>Breakthrough Ministry: $5,000
These monies provide transportation, shelter, and meals to homeless individuals in south Minneapolis.
>>>Brooklyn Avenues for Homeless Youth: $6,000
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This donation provides transportation funding for homeless youth at this new facility in Brooklyn Park (top photo).
>>>CROSS / Meals on Wheels: $5,000
This funds the majority of the CROSS (Christians Reaching Out in Social Service) Meals on Wheels program for 2015.
>>>FreedomWorks: $3,800
This grant provides security doors and an upgraded security system to this post-prison aftercare ministry in north Minneapolis.
>>>Mittens on a Mission: $2,500
This allocation provides a cutting machine, industrial scissors, and cloth material for our Lord of Life ministry.
>>>Mobile Hope / Maple Hill Estates: $12,500
V V V V V
Right in our own backyard of Corcoran, these dollars purchase fitness equipment for their new community center (middle photo).
>>>SourceMN: $3,300
This allocation supports a family living on-site for two months in south Minneapolis.
>>>Sub-Saharan African Youth/Family Services: $1,950
This grant support materials needed for the women’s selfsufficiency program, Under One Roof, in St. Paul (bottom photo). As funds are received throughout 2015 further grants will be awarded. Thanks for making these gifts possible. Top:
Michelle and Councilmember Merle Waldron present check to Brooklyn Avenues for Homeless Youth’s Executive Director Deb Loon Middle: Mobile Hope / Maple Hills Estates’ community center Bottom: Councilmember Joan Freeberg delivers check to the Sub-Saharan African Youth/Family Service quilters. February 2015
—Pastor Peter
“For me to live is Christ”
Philippians 1:21a
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FAX 763.420.7286 Visit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for a full staff listing with photos. PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran
Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life. —Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy
PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor, Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor, Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor, Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor, L5/Adult Bible Study, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS Worship Schedule / Pastor’s Message........................................................Pages 2-3 Lord of Life Lives Christ Together...............................................................Pages 4-5 L5 February Forum and Session 4 Classes.................................................Pages 6-7 Generosity............................................................................................................. Page 8 Lord of Life Ministries..................................................................................Pages 9-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool.............................................................................. Page 15
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Lord of Life choirmember Joy Elizabeth Todd and Lee Fuchs, Director of Choirs, shown in U of M Fairview Hospital after a successful kidney donation from Joy to Lee. From everyone at Lord of Life—prayers continue to be uplifted for a smooth and strong recovery, Joy and Lee!
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 Sunday evening is Ecclesia worship at 7 pm Third Sunday, February 15, worship at 10 am at Ambassador - Good Samaritan Society in New Hope Third Wednesday, February 18, worship at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room Healing Service on Saturday, February 28, directly after worship (about 6:30 pm) in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel
January 31/February 1 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) February 7/8 Preaching: Pastor Sarah Bunge Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Soloist Kari Lyn Wampler (11 am) February 14/15 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble February 18 - Ash Wednesday Worship Services with Imposition of Ashes 11 am: Pastor Donna Rohrer preaching and Soloist Dana Brinton 7 pm: Pastor Donna Rohrer preaching and Canticle Choir All are welcome for soup luncheon following the morning service and soup supper preceding the evening service in Fellowship Hall February 21/22 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Lord of Life Brass
Table of Contents / Worship schedule
February 26 - Midweek Lenten Service - 7 pm Faith Reflection - see Page 3 ‘Let It Go’ for more details Soloist Alexandra Trudeau
2 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
February 28/March 1 Preaching: Pastor Sarah Bunge Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.
Trust God’s Love For You
It’s February. Christmas and the beginning of the new year are now fading memories. During February, we often turn our thoughts to Valentine’s Day and that, of course, makes us think of chocolate, gifts (again), and love. “Suppose your son asks for bread. Which of you will give him a stone? Or suppose he asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake? Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:9-11 NIRV Pastor Donna Rohrer
I like these verses because it reminds me how much God loves me. It also makes me think about times I make it hard for God to give me good gifts because I think I already have what I need figured out. I don’t always trust that God’s loving ways will make everything even better. This story, too, reminds me to trust that God loves me and wants the best for me: A little girl was at the check-out line with her mother. She spied some plastic pearls on the end cap and fell in love with them. She begged and pleaded with her mother to buy them. Finally, the mother gave in. The girl loved those pearls and didn’t even want to take them off for bathtime or bedtime. As time passed, the pearl’s luster cracked off and the beautiful sheen was gone. But still, the girl loved them. One night her father came to tuck her in and said he had something wonderful for her, but she needed to give him her pearls first. Oh, no, she said. I love them. He told her that if she just gave him the pearls, she would really like what he had for her. No, she pleaded. Take my best dollie, but please, daddy, not my pearls. She finally agreed, and with tears in her eyes she handed her well-loved pearls to her daddy. He placed beautiful, real pearls in her hands.
Can you let go of the things you are holding on to in your life and trust that God has the best gifts yet in store for you? My prayer for you is that you can and do trust God’s love for you. —Pastor Donna
Let it Go
Worship with us on Thursday evenings during Lent and hear faith stories from people who have grown in their faith by letting something go. What’s holding you back? Is there something that you need to let go? Often letting go is one of the hardest things we do, but the results can be truly life-giving. Gather with others as we explore this topic and hear God’s word of comfort and assurance.
see worship schedule at left for details Thank you to Lorraine Erickson for this frosty window photo!
Pastor’s Message
Ash Wednesday - February 18
“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015 3
Lord of Life baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is February 7, from 10-11 am; no pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).
December 6 Jayce Lee Jacobson Carter James Fulton Lucianna Mae Noll Easton Anthony Donahue December 7 Zeke Raymond Sevald Gavin Lucas Hoellein December 21 Julia Kristine Sustad December 27 Hazel Drake Benjamin December 28 Avery Elaine Sill
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
Dana Albers and family at the death of his father Elly Anderson and family at the death of her cousin Sherry Benedict and family at the death of her grandmother Nancy Bourbonais and family at the death of her father Dennis Cliff and family at the death of his aunt Kristine Dooley and family at the death of her aunt Nancy Fraasch and family at the death of her mother Dave Ingvaldson and family at the death of his aunt Karen Ostaffe and family at the death of her father Angela & Tom Pautz and family at the death of their grandson Mike Recker and family at the death of his father Larry Rosenbush and family at the death of his mother Joni Tardiff and family at the death of her brotherin-law
Lord of Life Lives Christ Together
Happy Valentine’s Day February 14
4 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Keith Wessman and family at the death of his father Cynthia & Mike Wilson and family at the death of their godson
Lives Christ Together weddings December 5, 2014 Kristin Langanki & Danny Cassidy
welcome to new members Paul Dickman & Jenny Selzer Gene & Jan Eggersgluess Dave & Jaime Engebretson Ryan & Michelle Francis with Avery, Drew, and Brynn Adam & Mindy Gallagher with Laeney and Fiona Dave & Barb Kolb with Jackson John & Shelley Markve with Hannah and Ella David & Jodi Miller with Jackson Mike & Julie O’Clary Jon & Tara Stein Kurt & Kim Zellers with Reagan, Will, and Ben
Beloved,
let us love one another For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God . . . ...
1 John 4:7-8
Lord of Life Lives Christ Together
God is love
Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church and its programs financially. Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/newmembers for more information. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.
“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015 5
Sunday, February 15
Identical Sessions at 9:45 & 11 am
Dr. Deanna Thompson
ONE-SHOT FORUM
Who:
A bunch of wild, fun-loving people dressed as lumbrrrjacks
What: Polar Plunge for Minnesota Special Olympics Where: Fish Lake, Maple Grove When: Saturday, February 7, time tba For more information and a link to register, visit lordoflife.org/realmen.
Martin Luther: His Life & Significance for the 21st Century
As we approach the 500th anniversary (1517-2017) of Martin Luther’s nailing the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church door, people around the globe are thinking about the relevance of Martin Luther for the next 500 years. Named the most influential person of the last millennium in 2000, Luther continues to be studied, his work mined for applicability in the new millennium. • What are some of Luther’s most enduring ideas? • What are some ideas we (especially Lutherans) should insist are left behind?
Coleaders Mo Orendorff and Lisa Gerber taught several Maple Hills Estates’ girls how to make dough into pretzels. Loaves of Love’s next meeting is on Thursday, February 12, from 5:30- 8:30 pm, learning to make brioche. Limited space is available; registration is through Jane Bergstrom. For more details on this exciting Lord of Life ministry—visit lordoflife.org/loavesoflove.
Join Luther scholar and Hamline religion professor Deanna Thompson as we explore these questions and examine some creative uses of Luther’s thought today. Dr. Thompson is passionate about strengthening people’s knowledge of Christian tradition, while at the same time approaching this material from the perspective of personal, communal, and contemporary relevance. Please welcome Dr. Thompson to Lord of Life for this forum. —Joan Freeberg
L5 February Forum
marriage retreat
You are invited to attend a marriage retreat on February 13-15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Brooklyn Center. Apply online at GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Pete & Phyllis McMahon at 763.561.1575 or mcmahonp@comcast.net for more information. Pre-registration is required.
6 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
There is no registration required for an L5 forum. To register for Session 4 classes on the next page, visit lordoflife.org/L5 or pick up more details and a registration form at church in the main hallway at the L5 bulletin board. Lord of Life is happy to offer L5 classes/forums free of charge. Individual classes may be using books that will be available for purchase by participants.
L5 Class Descriptions
LIFE LONG LEARNING AT LORD OF LIFE
Session 4 - Week of February 22 - Week of March 22 SUNDAY 8:30 am Islam, Pastor Donna Rohrer We are all Children of Abraham, so let’s find out some of the differences and similarities we have in our faith lives. What unites us as brothers and sisters in this world and what divides us? What is a day like in a Muslim’s life? What are the books, traditions, and laws that guide their lives? Can we find peace? 9:45 am The Compassionate Christ in the Gospel of Luke 2, Pastor Donna Rohrer We will listen to the words of Luke as we travel with Jesus to Jerusalem. The Jesus Luke shares with us is the person who prefers to be with the underdogs, outcasts, and regular people like us. The stories and parables show that Luke sees the joy Jesus finds with us. Come and share in the joy! 11 am Prayer School, Pastor Karen Sue Greimel with Larry & Cynthia 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.
11 am Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism 2, Pastor Karen GeisendorferLindgren and Ina Barton, (open for those who have taken the first class) 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 will be a Thursday evening mini-retreat and a Saturday evening Affirmation of Baptism service. 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 As Families Grow Older, Lisa Toms As Families Grow Older is designed to assist older adults, families/family caregivers and elder care professionals in planning and providing loving care for elderly members as they grow older. As Families Grow Older is composed of five modules that address important issues in aging including family dynamics, care giving, health issues, living arrangements, and financial and legal concerns.
6 pm Parenting Teens 2, Karen Nelson 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. Great responses from everyone who took this class previously; very helpful video and conversation.
MONDAY AT 7 pm The Compassionate Christ in the Gospel of Luke 2, Pastor Donna Rohrer We will listen to the words of Luke as we travel with Jesus to Jerusalem. The Jesus Luke shares with us is the person who prefers to be with the underdogs, outcasts, and regular people like us. The stories and parables show that Luke sees the joy Jesus finds with us. Come and share in the joy!
Body & Soul Yoga, Audrey Johnson Come and enjoy an hour of yoga! One of the best gifts you can give God and others is to be the best you can be, body and soul. We will focus on breathing, stretching, holding poses, core and relaxation. We will use our breath to come within, letting go of judgment and competition of ourselves and others, stretching to accept where we are and what we can do, holding poses to parallel the tough things in life and through all, reminding us that God will help us. We will also offer prayer in our movements; taking time to be still.
TUESDAY AT 6:45 pm Islam, Pastor Donna Rohrer We are all Children of Abraham, so let’s find out some of the differences and similarities we have in our faith lives. What unites us as brothers and sisters in this world and what divides us? What is a day like in a Muslim’s life? What are the books, traditions, and laws that guide their lives? Can we find peace?
WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 pm L5 Session 4 Classes
Spiritual Practices: Finding Holy in the Midst of Hectic, Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson If you desire to develop or enhance your spiritual practices, but find your on-the-go lifestyle is constantly getting in the way, this class could be for you! Each week, we will set aside time to find holy in the midst of our hectic schedules by creating a space for spiritual growth through engaging practices, thoughtful dialogue with others, and personal reflection. Each class will teach a diverse practice for individuals and families that can be easily transferred from the classroom into our daily lives, with the intention of offering meaningful ways to connect with God outside of the church.
“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015 7
Thanks to Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry, over 200 pounds of cookies and other baked goods were shipped to soldiers all over the world in December. Lucy Chisato-Rodvik shared, “We packed them so carefully I fully believe even the krumkake will arrive intact!” Shown below is Maryl Jordahl and her son, Bret. Thank you to all who participated and made a difference.
Make a Difference
by Pastor Chick Lane Have you ever been asked what you hope to accomplish in this life? Most people who are asked this question, somewhere in their answer, say, “I’d like the world to be better because I was here,” or “I’d like to make a difference.” We all want to make a difference. We all want at least one small corner of the world to be better because we are a part of it. There are many different ways people strive for this goal. Since you are reading LifeTIMES, I’d like to suggest to you that one way you make a difference is through your involvement in Lord of Life. Lord of Life has a positive impact on literally thousands of children and youth. Lord of Life has a positive impact in our congregation, in our community, and around the world through approximately 45 adult ministry groups. Each week at Lord of Life approximately 1,500 people gather to sing God’s praise and hear God’s word. Your financial support of Lord of Life makes all of these activities possible. Your participation in the various ministries of Lord of Life make them more than they would be if you weren’t there. Whatever you do—whether it be attend worship, lead Church School or Confirmation, serve in a ministry in Maple Grove or halfway around the world—all of these things are making a difference in the world. All of these make the world just a little better because you are here. On behalf of Lord of Life, and on behalf of all those people who are touched by Lord of Life, I want to say, “Thanks for making a difference.” —Pastor Chick
Budget Year-to-date November 2014 Actual
Total member contributions All other Total receipts
Budget
$2,689,045 $2,649,389 $220,721
Budget Year-to-date December 2014 Difference $39,656
$212,506
$8,215
$2,909,766 $2,861,895
$47,871
Actual
Total member contributions All other
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — November 2014 $270,000
$80,000
$240,000
$70,000
$210,000
$60,000
$180,000
$50,000
$150,000
$40,000
$120,000
$30,000
$90,000
$20,000
$60,000
$10,000
$30,000
$0
0
Generosity
11/2 11/9 11/16 11/23 11/30
Actual $80,174 $52,810 $82,810 $83,753 $53,744 Budget $55,954 $55,954 $55,954 $55,954 $55,954
8 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Difference $20,616
$227,650
$7,398
$3,428,014 $3,400,000
$28,014
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — December 2014
$90,000
$3,192,966 $3,172,350 $235,048
Total receipts
Budget
12/7 12/14 12/21 12/28
Actual $96,175 $70,377 $255,020 $96,677 Budget $134,524 $134,524 $134,524 $134,524
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older wiser lutherans (OWLs) calendar
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Thursday, February 5: Surprise? The secret is out! Pastor Sarah Bunge will be giving devotions on the theme “For God so loved ... He gave.” The Brava! women’s chorus returns to serenade with special songs to touch the heart. We begin with a freewill donation lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall. Wednesday, February 18: Worship at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room.
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Thursday, February 19: The play God Girl by Kristine Holmgren is about a spirited Macalaster College graduate who was a member of one of the first classes of women accepted to the Master of Divinity program at Princeton Theological Seminary. It reflects on the hard work, humor, and heartbreak experienced by brave women who dared to break through the stained glass ceiling within the Protestant church. We will leave at 9 am. Cost is $28. Lunch will be on your own at the St. Paul Grille. This event is full; however, there is a waiting list. If you’d like to add your name, contact Karen Nelson. Friday, February 20: Service project labeling the March LifeTIMES at 9:30 am. All are welcome and coffee’s on!
save the date Thursday, March 5: Storyteller Pati Kachel is returning to delight us with Irish Tales and Other Blarney. Chase the March wind and cold away with fun, food, and fellowship! It all begins with a freewill donation lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall. Thursday, March 19: We will be traveling by coach bus to Wabasha, Minnesota, and the National Eagle Center. We will learn about the habits of eagles and meet the live bald and golden eagle ambassadors. March is the month when the eagles return to the Mississippi. We’ll probably spot some of them on our drive to Wabasha as well as from the Eagle Center’s viewing area. Lunch will be in a private room at the Eagle Center. We will leave church at 8:45 am and return at 4 pm. The cost is $30 which includes lunch. See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events. Cancellations due to weather will be on the authority of the event leader and made at least 24 hours in advance when possible; calls will be made to all participants. Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.
On a December 18 visit to Como Park, the OWLs toured the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory with various tropical gardens and a sunken garden filled with hundreds of colorful pointsettias. After a box lunch, a zookeeper brought in a parrot, a snake, and a most entertaining sloth; the OWLs learned all about these interesting creatures.
december faith, food, & fellowship With mittens and/or scarves for donation to RiverWorks, the OWLs gathered for their annual Christmas party on Thursday, December 4. After feasting on cranberry chicken with all the trimmings, the OWLs enjoyed the Flemming Fold Family Singers who sang a variety of Christmas music, gospel songs, and alpine folk yodeling. The angels told the terrified shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring YOU good news.” Pastor Peter reminded the OWLs that the good news is for each one of us.
Jeff & Judy Mason enjoyed seeing and learning about a real sloth so they picked up a stuffed sloth for their grandson.
Lord of Life Ministries “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015 9
One Mission One World (1M1W) Jamaica—
Serving in Haiti—
by Mary Lynn KenKnight Take a breath … imagine watching the sun set into a distant horizon framed by sparkling ocean and mountainous islands while quietly considering the effects of kindness in our world. Sound interesting? If so, open your mind and calendar to 1M1W Jamaica on March 28. A team of volunteers will be completing work projects at West Haven Orphanage and Clifton Boys’ Home. These projects have been selected to improve the living conditions of the residents and staff.
Hello, my name is Anna Harlan and I am a sophomore at Totino-Grace High School in Fridley. This spring, I have been given the amazing opportunity to travel to Haiti with some of my peers. I have always found that I can best experience Christ through other people, so I am looking forward to the chance that I have to meet and form relationships with those in Haiti.
Serve and Grow in Jamaica To Those Who Go Without
Left: Anne Johnson unpacking suitcases filled with generous donations from Lord of Life members. Below: Madelyn KenKnight and LeahAnn Paulsrud serving with joy.
we need your help
Each of the missionaries brings a suitcase filled with supplies donated by the generous members of Lord of Life. 1M1W Jamaica is in desperate need of upright rollerbag suitcases with strong handles. Please ask family and friends to donate any and all suitcases for use to transport critical supplies. Please note, donated suitcases will not be returned. If you are planning to upgrade your luggage in 2015, rather than discard your old luggage, please donate it to the mission program. In addition, we are in need of boys’ and men’s belts, adult-size bibs and medical gloves. A complete donation list is available by the Jamaica display located next to the front office. Donations are requested February 28-March 22.
Lord of Life Ministries
God’s love is spreading throughout the beautiful island of Jamaica and the missionaries from Lord of Life are growing in faith. Thank you for your strong support.
10 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
The main focus of my trip is distributing shoes to those who go without. To some, a pair of shoes is the difference between an education and being bound to a life of poverty. When in Haiti, I will wash feet, size, and distribute shoes to the Haitians in places like churches, community centers, and orphanages. It is estimated that an average American woman has 20 pairs of shoes, but usually only five of those pairs are worn on a regular basis. So, I am asking you to look in your closet for shoes that you are willing to donate for my trip to Haiti. Gentlyused or new is preferred, but any shoe is accepted. The shoes can be any style: heels, dress shoes, flip Soda bottle sandals are an example flops, sandals, athletic shoes. All are Haitian women’s shoes—what’s in welcomed. The shoes can be any size of your closet? as well, and all sizes are needed. From February 1-March 15, there will be a bin in Lord of Life’s Service Center to drop off shoes for my trip to Haiti. Please contact me at anna.harlan@me.com or Pastor Dave McCarthy with any questions regarding my trip or shoe drop-off. If you would like updates on how my trip is going or how the shoes are making a difference, please let me know. Thank you for helping me make an impact on those in need. —Anna Harlan
sr. high sundays Start your week off right with Sr. High Sunday! Hang out with your church friends, have some fun and talk about faith. We start at 7 pm with Ecclesia worship, followed by Express youth group at 7:45 pm. All are welcome! jr. and sr. high ski/snowboard day retreat Saturday, February 14, at Afton Alps
8:30 am-8:30 pm $50 per youth Let’s have some fun in the snow! Families are welcome to ski all day. Don’t miss out! Registration still open—visit lordoflife.org/ jrhighskiretreat.
club 56 Saturday, February 28, at Vertical Endeavors
Christ, Community, Confirmation—
C3
sundays February 8 and 22 5-6 pm C3 Groups (7th Grade Only) 5:30-6:30 pm
Family Meal
6-7 pm C3 Groups and L5 7-7:45 pm
Ecclesia Worship
7:45-8:45 pm
Explore
wednesdays February 11 and 25 4:30-5:30 pm
C3 Groups
5:30-6:30 pm
Family Meal
6:30-7:30 pm
C3 Groups and L5
10:30 am-3 pm
jr. high explore
$30 per child
Come check out Explore—it’s a fun time with worship
Indoor rock climbing where we’ll conquer our fears and climb to new heights! Register at lordoflife.org/club56.
and games and exploring our faith together on
Available in Reflections of Faith at Lord of Life, these devotional books and many others may be just what you’re looking for ... for yourself, a friend, a C3 student, a child. You are encouraged to stop in Reflections of Faith to see what there is for faith resources and gift ideas as well.
Lord of Life Ministries
On January 18, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) Development Director Barb Shimshock received nearly $15,000 from Lord of Life’s October 2014 donations. In photo (left to right) are Pastor Sarah Bunge, Pastor Karen Sue Greimel, Ms. Shimshock, and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren.
February 8 and 22 from 7:45-8:45 pm.
“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015
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Lord of Life Ministries 12 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ� Philippians 1:21a
lordoflife.org/summer
Lord of Life Ministries “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015 13
Lord of Life Ministries
lordoflife.org/summer
14 February 2015 “For me to live is Christ� Philippians 1:21a
February Bible Verse: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16 (NRSV)
Happy February! by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool
Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin This book asks the question, “How can we bring peace to the world?” For you must have peace first in your heart for there to be peace in the world.
We begin our month with “D” is for Dr. Seuss, enjoying some of our favorite Seuss stories. It is also our Donut and Dads Week in which we celebrate the gift of our fathers. Dads can enjoy a donut treat along with their child at the beginning of class during the first week on February. Love is in the air at Karing Kingdom as we enjoy the letter “V” with some Valentine fun with party food, games, and special Valentine deliveries! An exciting parent/child Mad Science Workshop is on Tuesday, February 17, with the theme “Bubble Science.” Next up is Pajama Day where we’ll be sawing zzz’s all day long. We end our month with the letter “Q” for Queens and Kings. Some royal fun will surely be in bountiful supply. Our new endeavor for our friends at the Ronald McDonald House is to make fleece blankets for the residents. We call it our “Karing Covers made with LOVE” project—we are eager to see how many blankets we can make for them. February will be a full month of fun and learning!
Celebrating 20 Years 1995-2015 Registration is open for the 2015-16 school year. For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please contact us at kingdom@ lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
Laura McCarty and her therapy dog, Duran, providing humane educational activities with Karing Kingdom preschoolers.
Karing Kingdom Preschool “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a February 2015
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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. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the March issue is February 1. Copyright © 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Maple Grove, MN Permit #14
ash wednesday february 18
services with imposition of ashes at 11 am and 7 pm
all are welcome see worship schedule on Page 2 for more details
caught reading lifetimes
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Ringing in the new year were Kim Paine, Marie Reiter, and Terri Bekken on New Year’s Eve
Complete with ukelele & leis—Jake, Jordyn, and Tyler enjoyed the Maui, Hawaii, waves. Thanks for packing a LifeTIMES, Jenny Rogalski!
Cheryl & Greg Myhr and Rhonda Evans-Hofer used their hands to do God’s work at FreedomWorks’ annual New Year’s Day pig roast
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February 2015
“For me to live is Christ”
Philippians 1:21a