February 2016 LifeTIMES monthly magazine

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

LifeTIMES a still small voice

we must allow ourselves to be interrupted by god —dietrich bonhoeffer

lent

2016

all church book study

—See Page 6

midweek worship thursdays at 7 pm

February 2016

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (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. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

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 PASTO RA L S TA F F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT, karilynw@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Pastor’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-3 Lord of Life’s Family of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 Lent 2016 / L5 Session 4 and Reflections of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 Generosity / Message from Strategic Operating Committee . . . . . . . . Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-18 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Ash Wednesday is February 10 with worship at 11 am and 7 pm ... more about Lent 2016 in schedule at right and on Page 6.

february worship and music February 6/7 Pastor Dave McCarty Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Alleluia! Children’s Choir (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) February 10, Ash Wednesday Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson Service with Imposition of Ashes at 11 am and 7 pm. Soup luncheon follows the morning service and soup supper precedes the evening service in Fellowship Hall.

11 am: Soloist Lee Fuchs 7 pm: Canticle Choir February 13/14 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto and Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Bel Canto (11 am) February 18, Midweek Lenten Worship 7 pm in Samaritan Hall with soup supper preceding in Fellowship Hall. See Page 6 for more information.

February 20/21 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble February 25, Midweek Lenten Worship 7 pm in Samaritan Hall with soup supper preceding in Fellowship Hall. See Page 6 for more information.

February 27/28 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am)

<> 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

Worship and Music

Third Wednesday, February 17, worship at 1 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

2 February 2016

Third Sunday, February 21, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

Your Prayer Verse Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love for I put my trust in you.

Teach me the way I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.

—Psalm 143:8 After the first month of 2016, how is the new year going for you? This is the year that prayer will continually flow between you and God. Oh, yeah … it’s always flowing between you and God. Can you feel it?

What you may not realize is that in order to feel that flow of prayer you need to commit daily times for focused prayer. As author Jennifer Kennedy says, “Prayer is not your one shot at God. This is not the time to get all your orders in to the heavenly warehouse before He runs out of exactly what you want.”

Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

Prayer is when we invite the Lord into our heart and our life recognizing its flow.

It’s something we look forward to doing, like spending time with a loved one.

When I was in seminary (of all places) I experienced what I call ‘prayer fatigue.’ I felt like I was praying the same prayers with the same words over and over. My heart wasn’t in it. I was distracted by my studies and frustrated that I felt no flow of my prayers. Was there something simple that I could do to pull myself out of the rut?

Since I seemed to be so good at saying the same prayer with the same words, I decided not to fight it. I prayed that God would show me a verse and I planned to say it every morning. The verse was Psalm 143:8, “Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love for I put my trust in you. Teach me the way I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.”

I prayed it over and over focusing on the words and their individual meanings and how they fit together. It took a while, but as I prayed, the words came to life. I was changed by this daily prayer— my verse of 2010. Since then I have prayed a special verse each year.

You can do it too! Ask the Lord to show you a special verse, then pray that verse every day and soon you will see that very scripture come to life.

When we make a commitment to pray God’s word, prayer is flowing … we become aware of it, participate in it, and are blessed by it.

If you would like some help finding your verse, please email me at ksgreimel@lordoflife.org.

Teach me the way I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.

—Psalm 143:8

Pastor’s Article

© Unsplash

Bless you!

Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love for I put my trust in you.

February 2016 3

baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, February 14, at 11 am. No pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

December 6

Grace Nicole Nowak

Stella Jane Offerdahl

Sylvia Rose Offerdahl December 19

Anna Christine Craig

Colin deJonge Craig

Olivia Margaret Craig

Lord of Life’s

Family

weddings December 4

Jennifer Selzer & Paul Dickman

December 20

Evan Michael DeClercq December 25

Helena Carol Jones

Gabriella Lynn Steinmetz December 27

Brennan Carter Dyba

Breyanna Nicole Alyse Dyba

Cameron Robert Dyba

Hailey Marie Dyba

Harold Lane Lamacraft

Luke Major Podratz

welcome to new members Juli Anderson with Tristan Barrent & Jessie Dahl with Elliot Den & Jan Elsberry Mark & Jan Kulda with Meara, Clarissa, Evan, and Quin Brian & Laura Offerdahl with Stella and Sylvia

bereavements

Chuck & Mary Schmaltz

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

Kia Ullrich with Ali and Mason

Gustavo Ibarra Amador and family at the death of his mother

Dave & Julie Smith with Brooke, Bree, and Bryn Ryan & Sara Wolfe with Asher Conrad & Nicole Yaddof

Cora Bourbonais at the death of her grandmother Jennifer Bourbonais at the death of her grandmother Nancy Bourbonais and family at the death of her mother Amy & John Griffith and family at the death of their nephew Brian Gross with Brandon and Rachel and family at the death of their wife/mother Clayton Jensen and family at the death of his wife Barbara Modlin and family at the death of her mother Ross Nyberg and family at the death of his mother Familiy of Faith

Vince Palyan and family at the death of his father Kathleen Seavert and family at the death of her husband

4 February 2016

Would you like to share an original photo, original artwork, or your own poetry or a God moment? I would love to share it with your Lord of Life family as space allows. Thank you.

—Editor Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)

of

© Julie Benz, Minnesota Photography Club

Faith

Family of Faith

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. For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/membership.

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

February 2016 5

a still small voice

lent

2016

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer

all church book study

All Church Book Study

Lent is the time in the church year that we set aside special time to grow in our faith.

During the weeks between Ash Wednesday (February 10) and Easter (March 27), we will gather for special Thursday evening Lenten worship.

Our weekend worship during Lent will focus on themes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, Life Together. We are inviting everyone to read Life Together (available for $8.50 through the Reflections of Faith shop at church–see next page), and then meet with others in small groups to discuss the book. Small groups will be offered at many different times during the week, in order to fit a variety of schedules. To sign up for a small group, visit lordoflife.org/lent.

Midweek Lenten Worship on Thursdays at 7 pm in Samaritan Hall—

Still Small Voice The prophet Elijah was told he should stand on the mountain because soon God would pass by. First came a strong wind, then came an earthquake, then a fire but God wasn’t in any of those powerful things.

Then came a still small voice and that was God’s presence. We know that God can move in mighty ways and also in subtle ways. This Bible story, found in 1 Kings 19, is a really great reminder of the softer, subtler ways that God operates.

During our midweek Lenten worship services, we’ll explore the “still small voice” of God. Some ministries here at Lord of Life receive a good amount of air-time, attention, and publicity. There are others, however, that happen very quietly, behind-the-scenes, and without much fanfare.

Lent 2016

Come and hear the testimonies of your faithful brothers and sisters who minister quietly, serving the Lord in their own way.

We gather for worship in Samaritan Hall at 7 pm each Thursday night during the Lenten season.

6 February 2016

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran theologian and pastor, was hanged by the Nazis for his role in the resistance movement including a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Life Together is the account of Bonhoeffer’s experience in an underground seminary community during the Nazi years. It is a great book describing how our life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. Bonhoeffer invites us into Christian community strengthened by personal prayer, common worship, everyday work, and Christian service.

Give yourself the gift of a meaningful Lenten experience by joining in a study of Life Together.

—Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Lent 2016 Life Together Schedule Week of February 13, 14

Chapter 1: Community

Week of February 20, 21

Chapter 2: The Day with Others

Week of February 27, 28

Chapter 3: The Day Alone

Week of March 5, 6

Chapter 4: Ministry

I hope you’ll join us!

Week of March 12, 13

—Pastor Sarah Bunge

Chapter 5: Confession and Communion

Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran Session 4 Weeks of February 14 - March 13

LIFELONG LEARNING AT LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN

Sundays 8:30 am

The Road to Coronation / Crucifixion, Pastor Donna Rohrer

No Experts Here: Fatherhood, Ty Thayer Prayer School, 11 am Pastor Karen Sue Greimel and Cynthia & Larry Pivec Parenting Our Teens/Video (see Page 13 for details), 6 pm Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT

9:45 am

For class descriptions, instructor bios, and to register—visit lordoflife.org/L5.

Mondays 7 pm

33 The Series–Part 4, Don Clark

The Road to Coronation / Crucifixion, Pastor Donna Rohrer

Wednesdays 6:30 pm

Parenting Our Teens/Video (see Page 13 for details), Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT

Thursdays 6:30 pm

David: Seeking a Heart Like His, Dottie Sterling

Reflections of Faith

Located in the education wing near the Service Center where you drop off donations, Reflections of Faith is a small store filled with wonderful faith-based gifts, books, jewelry, greeting cards, and home décor.

Open on weekends before and after worship, you are invited to stop in and browse. Reflections of Faith is also open during the week depending upon volunteer availability. If it is closed when you would like to shop, please stop by the office and speak with the receptionist who will find someone to help you.

Stop in Reflections of Faith soon— it is a reflection of your faith.

L5 / Reflections of Faith

In addition to items mentioned above, Reflections of Faith also features several music CDs. The Jack Brass Band, a New Orleans street jazz group, has provided special music during Lord of Life worship through the years. Their new all-gospel release, For Your Soul, with very special guest vocalist Robert Robinson, is now available for purchase. Some tracks are Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, Over in the Gloryland, and an all-time favorite, When the Saints Go Marching In.

February 2016 7

On Thursday, December 31, 2015, at 11:58 pm—as the Times Square ball was dropping—an online end-ofyear donation was received by Lord of Life.

Wow!

by Pastor Chick Lane Lord of Life ended 2015 in amazing fashion.

On Christmas Eve, over 7,100 people gathered for worship. That broke the all-time attendance record, which was set just last year, by almost 600 people. A week later, when all of us had our final giving completed, members and friends of Lord of Life gave over 5% more than we gave the previous year.

Wow! In a time when the most frequent message about churches is a message of decline and scarcity, Lord of Life is experiencing a time of growth and abundance. So let us ask the great Lutheran question, “What does this mean?”

First of all, it means that on behalf of your congregation, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your participation in Lord of Life—for being in worship and for serving others through the many ministries of our congregation.

Thank you for your generous support of Lord of Life. As we say each week during worship in the Thanksgiving Moment, it is because of you and your financial gifts that we are able to make a difference—in our congregation, in our community, across our country, and around the world. First, thanks to you.

Second (and this should probably be first), thanks be to God. Our year-end Wow! is a sure sign that God’s Spirit is moving among us. What we do together we do not do on our own. What we do together we do because of God’s presence in our midst. God is stirring us to action and response. Thanks be to God for that.

Third, all of this brings us a challenge. In Luke 12:48, Jesus says, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” Our challenge is, “What are we called to do with what God has entrusted into our care.” Our congregation’s growth provides us with an incredible opportunity. How shall we respond? What is it that God has in mind for Lord of Life in 2016?

Finding out should be very exciting.

Online giving is a great example of another avenue of stewardship for Lord of Life members. Although it may not be encouraged to give such a dramatic, up-tothe-last-minute donation, online giving may be useful in your 2016 spending plan!

For more information about direct debit giving and/or special gifts, visit lordoflife.org/give.

Budget Year-to-date December 2015* Actual

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

Budget

$3,365,533 $3,258,825 $240,382

Difference $106,708

$237,750

$2,632

$3,605,915 $3,496,575

$109,340

*subject to audit review summer 2016 Lord of Life Weekly Giving — December 2015 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000

Generosity

$0

8

February 2016

12/6 12/13 12/20 12/27

Actual Budget

$133,261 $83,493 $251,674 $143,062 $131,797 $131,797 $131,797 $131,800

A Succession Plan for Our Senior Pastor Why do we have a succession plan for our senior pastor?

Pastors Peter and Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren anticipate they will transition into part-time ministry positions with Lord of Life in the next few years. The Lord of Life Council has implemented a planning process to prepare for this transition.

In 2014, the council authorized a Strategic Operating Committee (SOC) to develop a 2020 organizational structure and long-term succession plan for the time when Lord of Life will need a new senior/lead pastor. The committee was also charged with developing a plan to reorganize key staff leadership positions. In January 2015, the council approved the 2020 organizational structure and timeline to implement the plan. Many of the organizational changes have already been implemented.

What is a succession plan?

A succession plan for Lord of Life is a plan of action that would happen in the event the lead pastor position would need to be filled, either temporarily or permanently. It also includes a plan for the organizational and administrative structure to support the lead pastor, the staff, and the ministry of Lord of Life. The purpose of a succession plan is to ensure continuity of the mission, ministry, and programs of Lord of Life.

Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Senior Pastor

A short-term succession plan has been developed. In 2013, the council approved a short-term succession plan to be implemented in case of any emergency in which the lead pastor could not perform his or her duties. An administrative structure to support a short-term plan was established.

A long-term succession plan has been developed by the SOC. The succession plan includes a goal to call an executive pastor to eventually transition into the lead pastor role and for Pastor Peter to move into an emeritus role at Lord of Life.

Who are the members of the Strategic Operating Committee?

Al Albrecht, retired Lord of Life executive administrator Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, pastor of programming, learning, and missions Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, senior pastor Gretchen Peel, past Lord of Life council president Skip Lieser, past Lord of Life council vice president / strategic planning chair Merle Waldron, current Lord of Life council president What is the process for finding an executive pastor?

The SOC has worked with Pastor Peter and Pastor Karen to develop revised job descriptions for a lead pastor and for an executive pastor. The SOC has also developed a list of position requirements and characteristics critical for these two positions, based on Lord of Life’s mission statement and ends policies, along with input from the Church Assessment Tool.

The SOC is using various resources, including the Minneapolis Area Synod and consultants, in a search for experienced Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastors who would be —continues on next page

Lord of Life Ministries February 2016

9

—continues from previous page

considered for the executive pastor position. When the best candidate has been determined, the congregation will vote on calling that pastor to Lord of Life.

What is the transition process and how long will it take?

The transition process may take several years. Under the revised staff leadership plan and executive pastor job description, the executive pastor will initially assume many of the responsibilities of the current pastor of programming, learning, and missions. During a 6-month time period, all responsibilities of the current position of pastor of programming, learning, and missions would be moved to the executive pastor or other leadership positions. During the following 12 to 18 months, the executive pastor would assume lead pastor responsibilities and would then move into that position. The plan would be for Pastor Peter and Pastor Karen to move into part-time positions.

men’s events

What is next?

The SOC is currently working to identify experienced ELCA pastors who demonstrate skills and characteristics to be a successful executive pastor then eventual lead pastor for Lord of Life. A specific timeframe will be developed and communicated to the congregation as this search process proceeds.

Polar Plunge is Saturday, February 6, at 1 pm.

Contact Jason Listberger if you want to jump: Jas_listy@yahoo.com.

How can you share questions or comments regarding this succession plan and process?

You can submit your questions and/or comments to the SOC at lordoflife.org/soc. They will be reviewed and responded to by the SOC in LifeTIMES.

2B REAL Men is pleased to announce monthly—not quarterly—Saturday morning breakfasts to explore different activities/ ministries. Each month will feature a topic with breakfast, discussion, and fellowship. On February 27, the Silent Knights ministry will be shared. Freewill donation breakfast will start at 7:30 am and wrap up at 9 am.

WhirlyBall is Saturday, February 6, 2-3 pm in Maple Grove. Cost is $10; register at lordoflife. org/2brealmenwhirlyball.

For more details about 2B REAL Men including event registrations, visit lordoflife.org/realmen.

word for women Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)—

FMSC MobilePack™ Event

Although there is enough food in the world for everyone to have adequate nutrition, an estimated 925 million people are chronically hungry. Here is an opportunity for you to be a part of something that will make a huge impact on hunger.

Lord of Life Ministries

On February 24-28, the northwest suburbs will have thousands of volunteers packing two million meals at the Egan Company Warehouse in Champlin. This could be a great team building exercise for C3 groups, families, and Lord of Life ministries. Volunteers will measure and scoop ingredients, seal bags, and prepare boxes for shipping.

For details about this event including location, hours, and more, visit lordoflife.org/fmsc.

10 February 2016

Every week on Wednesday mornings, women of all ages are welcome to join in for Bible study, prayer, and small group fellowship.

Word for Women (WFW) encourages women in their Christian faith through the study of the Word, along with prayer support, fellowship, and service. All women, both members and nonmembers, are invited to explore their faith.

We are currently studying the gospel of Mark.

Word for Women meets Wednesdays at 9:30 to 11 am during the school year.

A New Beginning

by a Celebrate Recovery participant I am a woman in my 60s. I was raised in a dysfunctional family. My first marriage was abusive. My second marriage was better; however, it too had some huge issues.

Unfortunately my husband died too early.

I ended up in another very abusive relationship. The abuse came from my partner and his family. In February 2015, this relationship brought me to a serious suicide attempt. At that time, I was very angry that he came home early and gave me CPR while the paramedics were on their way.

Do you feel or deal with being angry, defeated, lost in depression, lonely, abused, controlling, weight issues, feel a loss of love, chemical dependency, jealous of others?

This just touches on some of the issues people are working through each week at Celebrate Recovery.

We learn we all have problems and that there is a path we can take to happiness and love again. We learn how to walk with God in our everyday life through learning and applying the 12 Steps and 8 Recovery Principles based on the Beatitudes.

Together, we learn being human is full of challenges here on earth but sharing them with the support of others and our program makes life a much better place.

I can say after joining Celebrate Recovery in May, I am a much happier person and for the first time in my life I like myself. I am learning so much. My life is not perfect but I laugh again. I have tools to work with when life seems dark. I also have such a great support group of friends now. They really love and support me at all times.

Your blessing for a better life is right here at Celebrate Recovery.

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday evening. Optional dinner is served from 5:30-6:15 pm, with programming beginning at 6:30 pm. Childcare is provided.

Programming for children age 5-5th grade. No registration is needed—simply show up.

For more information, please contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

we learn being human is full of challenges here on earth ... but sharing them makes life a much better place

blessed

are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Lord of Life Ministries

© Pixabay Pages 10 and 11

—Matthew 5:3

February 2016

11

Thank you to all volunteers and community partners.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

by Dale Mallberg and Michael Yu “Give back to the community” is what members of Lord of Life said in a church survey a few years ago. That has been our ‘battle cry’ for the Military Family Support Ministry (MFSM). Our mission has been very simple: to support veterans and their families.

This past December brought three opportunities to put our faith in action.

Through partnership with Keller Williams Realty, Hamel Lions, Maple Grove Lowe’s, and our own OWLs (Older Wiser Lutherans), we supported 11 needy veteran families with $8,000 worth of donations and gift certificates.

One of the participants said, “It was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for us.”

Another December opportunity we christened as ‘Operation Baked Goods.’ For sailors on the USS Eisenhower as well as 45 local veterans in transition shelters, MFSM had busy Christmas elves baking delicious holiday cookies. Over 240 pounds were shipped out to sea for the Eisenhower’s December-February mission. We wanted to send them our support and love with a taste from home.

And last but not least, a holiday meal was prepared by MFSM volunteers for over 100 men, women, and veterans who are homeless. We had enough dinner for an Army company! Held in the Veterans Administration Hospital auditorium, we also worked with veteran residents of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) preparing 23 care packages for the USS Eisenhower. We enjoyed fellowship with the veterans and also provided them with handmade hats created by Seese Neumann and mittens created by Laurie Ahrens and family. It was an actionpacked night with lots of moving pieces, three full cars, lots of donated cookies, and fabulous support from Lord of Life.

Thank you to everyone: Blue Star Moms, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BYR) of Maple Grove, Hamel American Legion, Hamel Lions, Bruegger’s/Caribou Maple Grove, and Hamel VFW. Thank you also to those who gave through Lord of Life’s Joy of Giving program with individual and anonymous donations—it is greatly appreciated! We hope everyone had a merry Christmas.

Lord of Life Ministries

Save the date for the Hamel Rodeo: July 7-10!

12 February 2016

For more information about Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry, visit lordoflife.org/militaryfamilysupport.

Parenting Course

During Session 4, Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn S. Wampler, MA, LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will be offering an L5 series on parenting. From many years of teaching and counseling experience in conversation-style workshops, Kari Lyn will lead us through the important tasks of raising children. Each session will address a new parenting dynamic with plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions. There are two opportunities to join the conversation: Sundays at 6 pm and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, both while C3 is in session.

January 31/February 3: Parenting Trips

On this journey of parenting we all stumble and fall.

We will discuss expectations, consequences, balancing activities, media, reasoning with your child, and setting limits. We will also discuss strategies to avoid the stumble.

February 21/24: Sexuality

Discussing sexuality with your child may be very awkward, but it is such an important conversation for their wellbeing. Join in as Kari Lyn presents to C3 classes then break into our own group discussion on establishing healthy conversations about sexuality.

February 28/March 2: Life Stages

Each stage of a child’s life has unique tasks and challenges.

We will discuss what you can expect with each stage of development and how to parent them all effectively.

March 6/9: Parenting the Tough Stuff

No matter how hard we try as parents, our kids may encounter difficult times such as depression, self-injurious behavior, defiance, or chemical issues. Here we will discuss how to identify and navigate these difficult situations.

March 13/16: Spiritually Leading your Kids Pastors, youth leaders, and Church School teachers are important; but there is no greater influence on a child’s faith than their parents. Walking with your child in their faith and exemplifying the Christian life will serve your kids lifelong. Join in as we discuss just how to do that.

Older Wiser Lutherans february

save the date

Thursday, February 11 (note date change): OWLs’ Valentine Party! “Love in the Holy Land” with Pastors Peter and Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren sharing and showing pictures about their travels through the Holy Land. Bring a friend! We begin at noon with a freewill donation lunch.

Thursday, March 3: “Servant Hands and Hearts” with guests from Loaves of Love and CROSS. Chase the March winds away and come hear about these exciting ministries.

Faith, Food, and Fellowship at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. See you then!

Wednesday, February 17: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm

Thursday, March 10 (note date change): Come join in for planting at 101 Market’s “Joe’s Basket Days.” Leave church at 9:30 am; return at 2:30 pm. Cost is $2 plus the cost of the plants you plant in the 12" or larger container(s) you bring or purchase there. They will grow your plants; you pick them up in May. Enjoy lunch (your own cost) at Cowboy Jack’s afterwards. Get a head start on spring!

Thursday, February 18: Enjoy an afternoon at the Old Log Theatre for lunch and the play The Wedding Singer. We will leave church at 11 am and return by 4 pm. The all-inclusive cost is $51. Don’t miss it!

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.

February 2016

Lord of Life Ministries

Friday, February 26: LifeTIMES labeling at 9:30 am … coffee’s always on!

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“It is for freedom that Christ set us free.” Galatians 5:1

A Changed Life

by George Lang, FreedomWorks Director If we want to see what a changed life looks like, we have to look no further than Sam McGown. Sam spent his life running the streets in St. Paul. Sam shares, “I was addicted to drugs, sex, violence, and crime. I tried to fill my life with things that just emptied me.

I finally surrendered my life to Christ in prison. The streets and prison was the only thing I ever knew, so before I got released I decided to go to FreedomWorks.”

Sam served two prison sentences totaling eight years behind bars. He came to FreedomWorks from Lino Lakes Correctional Facility. He was desperately trying to change his life, and he knew he could not do it on his own.

Sam McGown at FreedomWorks

During Sam’s 15 months at FreedomWorks, he developed into the man God called him to be. He learned how to resolve conflicts without resorting to old physical behaviors. He has recently been offered a position catapulting him into a new career. Sam’s deep commitment to his church resulted in becoming a deacon on the worship team and leading recovery groups. At FreedomWorks, Sam is involved in the mentor training program and is a strong role model to all the residents— and now living in the FreedomWorks graduate house.

FreedomWorks is a 6- to 12-month Christ-centered residential discipleship program that offers 19 spaces for men who are looking for Christ to lead them in their new life. We also offer the option of an extended residency. The core of FreedomWorks is building community in each of the men’s lives. We do this by providing supportive networks around the men through volunteers involved in community living, Biblical studies, career development, computer training, and fellowship dinners/events. But the heart of the community is in mentoring.

Sam McGown before FreedomWorks

Like Sam, each resident obtains a mentor during the second phase of the four-phase program. All mentors are offered training and supportive groups. We have also developed an online mentor training curriculum.

In July 2014, an independent study for the Department of Corrections shows lower recidivism rates are achieved in reentry models that provide a community base and mentoring. This is not news for us at FreedomWorks. The world is finding out what the Bible has always taught us. We have maintained less than a 7% recidivism rate over the last ten years. “All things are possible through Him who strengthens us.”

Philippians 4:13.

Lord of Life Ministries

But successes are only achieved through kingdom partners such as Lord of Life. Your support provides over 1,500 community meals and personal care products for the men. We host our annual benefit dinner in the church building in addition to the financial support and amazing volunteers who support FreedomWorks. We cannot thank all of you at Lord of Life enough.

14 February 2016

To learn more about FreedomWorks’ mission and mentoring, visit myfreedomworks.com or lordoflife. org/freedomworks.

FreedomWorks Mentor Craig Anderson with Sam

Celebrating Lord of Life’s 5th anniversary of the Hope Lodge ministry—

Hope Abounds - for Five Years!

by Shar Moseng On February 28, 2011, Lord of Life’s very first dinner was served to guests and caregivers at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Minneapolis. The original intent was to share a simple meal. Looking back, we are amazed at this ministry’s evolution and the positive impact made on so many people. Accomplishments include: •

144 dinners to 5,040+ guests and caregivers; only one dinner cancelled due to inclement weather

•

4,160 volunteer hours given preparing, serving, conversing, and cleaning up after dinner

•

Hundreds of recipes shared with guests

•

Thousands of Grab ‘n Go bags

While all of these accomplishments are impressive, it’s the human element … the fellowship, the personal and spiritual connections, the sense of community that is truly the heart and soul of this ministry.

volunteers

Volunteers have a personal imprint on Hope Lodge. Terry Robertson delights guests with shakes made with his homemade ice cream.

Stacy Sparks offers comfort by sharing her own survivor story.

Jen Baldwin provides prayer support. We can’t forget Carly Valentine, David Frank’s Christmas carols, Lori’s birthday cupcakes, and Dawn’s desserts, not to mention countless families that have served on holidays, made hats and blankets, donated Bingo prizes, worked in the gardens, washed windows, cleaned kitchens, baked cookies, and served ice cream.

The list could go on!

Jeanne Berglund: I keep going back because the “attitude of gratitude” is stronger there than anywhere else. It never ceases to amaze me because it seems like these are the people who would be least likely to be thankful; yet they’re not. They’re amazingly resilient and hopeful.

Janet Seim: I am always inspired when I spend time at Hope Lodge. Each resident has their own personal struggle but when we all join together there seems to be strength and support among the “family.”

Paula Thomas: My decision to connect with this ministry was sealed when I realized the manager there was someone I babysat for in my little hometown.

Since then, hundreds of Lord of Life members have served. The guests and caregivers trust us and appreciate that we provide a spiritual connection.

guests and caregivers

We could never have envisioned this … happy Hope Lodge anniversary, Lord of Life! We can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring.

Lord of Life Ministries

This ministry is ultimately all about the guests and caregivers. Each time we serve brings many verbal expressions of gratitude, hand-delivered thank you notes, and requests for the church address. Perhaps the following message says it all, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation for generously giving time and resources to us at Hope Lodge. You fed us. Your meals gave nourishment to our bodies. Your presence put smiles on our faces. And it was always a joy to see your smiling faces too. Like kids, we always looked forward in anticipation to your arrival. Again thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you are and all that you do. You guys are angels on earth.”

February 2016 15

Summer 2016 2016

February 20-21 is camp weekend during Church School for 1st– 6th grade/C3 with VBS info during 2 year-kindergarten Church School!

summer church school Children age 3-completed 3rd grade. Sunday worship services May 29-September 4. No registration required; no cost.

preschool-kindergarten vacation bible school (vbs)

Cave Quest! Children age 3-completed kindergarten. Two identical sessions: June 20-23 or June 27-30 from 9 am-12 noon.

elementary vbs

Children completed grades K-5. Three identical sessions: July 18-21 or July 25-28 or August 1-4 from 9 am–3 pm.

adventure week

Children completed grades 1-5. June 13-16 from 9 am–3 pm.

camp

Shores of St. Andrew in New London, Minnesota. Campers enjoy a fun-filled experience with new friends, campfires, worship, games, swimming, and learning about God!

Half-pint: Children completed grades 1-3: July 10-12

Elementary: Children completed grades 3-5: July 10-15

Middle School: Youth completed grades 6-8: July 10-15

New! High School: Youth completed grades 9-12: July 10-13

middle school trip

Stay tuned for information about a middle school trip!

summer stretch

Youth completed grades 6-8 on Wednesdays or Thursdays throughout the summer; Valleyfair in early August!

summer nights

Youth completed grades 6-12. Tuesdays June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 16; 7–9 pm in the backyard; indoors if inclement weather.

For more information, including costs and registration (opens February 20), visit lordoflife.org/summer.

Lord of Life Ministries

Yes, Virginia, there will be a summer ... and when it arrives, join in for bonfires during Summer Nights!

16 February 2016

february schedule C3 and middle school/high school

Sundays: February 21, 28 5-6 pm: C3 groups (7th & 8th grade only) 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups / L5 class 7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia Worship in Samaritan Hall 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore middle school youth group

Express high school youth group Wednesdays: February 3, 24 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups / L5 class

AWOL is great because it gives you a wonderful chance to learn more about yourself, connect with others, make long-lasting friendships, and connect with God. –Matthew Paidar, grade 12

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He that loves not, does not know God, for God is love.

I John 4:7-8

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I love going on AWOL trips ... it is such a great way to explore the country while doing God’s work!

–Noelle Polis, grade 12

Looking ahead to Summer 2016—

A Work of Love (AWOL) high school mission trips

Join in this summer on a trip to serve, make friends, discover who God created you to be, and have more fun than you ever thought was possible! Informational meetings are Sunday, February 21, at 12:15 or 5 pm.

AWOL is for youth currently in grades 9-12.

June 12-21

AWOL: Buffalo, New York

July 16-26

AWOL: Colorado Springs, Colorado

‘lost and found’ at lord of life Wondering where’s your favorite travel mug? Stop by the lost and found area in the hallway across from Reflections of Faith—it may be there amongst other treasures.

More information is at lordoflife.org/awol. Questions?

Contact Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org).

Lord of Life Ministries February 2016 17

Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.

—Souper Bowl of Caring Founding Prayer

Pizza, cheesy salsa dip, chips, those little BBQ wieners …

Most of us have a pretty extensive list of goodies for our Super Bowl parties, but in 1990, a youth group in Columbia, South Carolina, acted on the prayer at left. Inspired to create a fun way to reach out to those in need on Super Bowl weekend, the youth invited friends at 21 area churches to join in collecting donations. The collaborative effort raised $5,700; the youth donated every penny to local charities.

January 30 - February 15

Collection is at the display near the main office. The following items are suggested: Preschool-K

Peanut butter & jelly

Grades 1-2

Spaghetti-O’s ®

Grades 3-4

Canned fruits & veggies

Grades 5-6

Chili & stew

C students/adults

Canned meat & chicken & tuna

3

Since then, ordinary young people in schools and congregations in all 50 states have generated an extraordinary $8,000,000+ in cash and food items for soup kitchens, food banks, and other charities. In addition, hundreds of thousands of youth have experienced joy and satisfaction by giving, serving, and inspiring people of all ages to follow their generous example.

—Lynn Leisen Lord of Life has been involved in the Souper Bowl of Caring since 2008—4,265 cans of food have been donated to the CROSS Services foodshelf! CROSS Services is a non-profit organization serving families and individuals living in Rogers, Maple Grove, Osseo, Champlin (West), Corcoran, and Dayton.

Learning Generosity at Christmas

Christmastime provides many opportunities to teach children about sharing God’s love with others. The kids in Lord of Life’s After School Program had a chance to learn about generosity in December when they wrapped Christmas gifts for families in our partner congregation, St. Olaf Lutheran Church in north Minneapolis. Lord of Life families bought gifts for eight St. Olaf families in what has become an annual tradition of outreach. Special thanks to Thrivent Financial for an action team grant used for wrapping supplies and batteries for toys.

Lord of Life Ministries

There are many opportunities for families and individuals to volunteer at St. Olaf.

Contact Suzie Olson at suzanneo@lordoflife.org for more information.

18 February 2016

February Bible Verse: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

February Is Fun

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool Happy February to all our students and families!

Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler

by Margery Cuyler When Mrs. Ruler asks five kindergarteners to miss recess, she’s got a special plan up her sleeve.

She’s about to teach a new golden rule: KINDNESS IS COOL! Soon the entire class is doing so many good deeds that their kindness board barely fits their classroom!

From clearing the table to helping the elderly … kindness is contagious.

This month we will highlight the letters P, V, Q, Z, and L. Special deliveries will be made this Valentine’s Day during our fun and festive Valentine’s Day parties.

An in-school family picnic, featuring the Splatter Sisters, will be held on Tuesday, February 16, at noon. We end the month with Lutheran Schools Week.

Our Chapel Chat theme for February is The Parable of the Lost Sheep.

For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please contact us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.

Bringing gifts to the newborn King ...

... involved in actions and song ...

... and at times maybe not so much. ;)

Bravo to all the beautiful, talented Karing Kingdom cherubs on their performance!

Lord of Life Ministries

2015 Christmas Program

February 2016 19

LO R D O F L I F E L U T H E RA N CHU R CH (E LCA ) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org

Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks.

To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & 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 © 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

R E T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

With the One Mission One World Bake/Craft Sale about to begin, volunteer cashiers Steve Monson and Kara Luoma are caught reading LifeTIMES. Thank you to everyone involved in this fund-raising event!

Rick and Joe Norenberg are caught reading LifeTIMES at the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, Ireland!

20 February 2016