A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
LifeTIMES
Love in the
is
Air —see Page 3
February 2017
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflife
/lordoflife /lolcyf
/lordoflifeluth
/lordoflifeelca
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 S TAF F Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org
february
worship
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
4/5
music
LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren
11/12
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: ‘My Funky Valentine’ music with Julius Collins and Sons of Almighty
18/19
Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem
25/26
Pastor Dave McCarty
Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Third Wednesday: February 15 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living Third Sunday: February 19 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope
TAB LE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith.............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 Holistic Wellness: Physical / Generosity...................................................... Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................ Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15
Worship and music may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for more details.
A warm welcome to Joel Wight Hoogheem, our new lead pastor. Pastor Joel started at Lord of Life by attending the congregation council retreat on January 14 and leading worship that weekend. He has jumped in with both feet since then, meeting with various groups and learning the ins and outs of our family of faith. Working alongside Pastor Peter the next 18-24 months will be a time of transition. Joel most recently served Worship and Music
at St. Philip’s in Fridley. His wife, Pastor Karen, is
2 February 2017
on staff at Faith Lutheran in Coon Rapids. Please introduce yourself to Joel and his family (their children are Hannah and Ian) when you see them.
Love Is in the Air by Pastor Sarah Bunge Seemingly the month of February our whole culture becomes a subplot of love— filled with pink and red candies, over-priced stuffed animals, chocolates, and flowers. As Christians, we have love as our plot every day,
of every month,
of every year,
of every generation, of every millennium.
“On February 11, you are invited to 5:30 pm worship with ‘My Funky Valentine’ music by Julius Collins and Sons of Almighty—visit lordoflife.org/funkyfaithful!”
Love is how it all began, “for God so loved the world;” God sent Jesus to this cosmos. Jesus shared love with us—radical, wild, astounding, incredible, and sacrificial love. And then, Jesus died displaying God’s love for the world “so that whoever believes” will be saved. On March 1, we will begin walking together toward the cross, as we do each Lent. First we’ll mark our foreheads with the cross on Ash Wednesday, and then we’ll consider how to better practice faith in each of our homes. If you have a way of sharing faith within your family, please let me know; I enjoy hearing about different methods and traditions. Plus, Lent 2017 will feature Lord of Life families practicing faith together. Love is how God’s story began. Love is how God’s story will end. The amazing grace of our God is for you. And you. Yes, and even you. And you, too. Let us be agents of God’s great love this month!
Pastor’s Article
GodLovedso
February 2017 3
Lord of Life’s
Family
baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, February 12, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015). December 3 Jax Steven Lemmage December 4 Kallia Rae Bjornstad Chase Nicholas Duffy Penelope Ann Heggestuen December 9 Mavis Elnora Flaherty December 10 Sonja Rose Halbe December 11 Eli Joseph Lee December 18 Rylee Marie Schulkers December 25 Lincoln Joseph Holmstrom Ava Jean Pyzdrowski December 26 Rona Lilian Olson December 31 Elizabeth Paisley Schloesser
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. Kristi Ball, Dana Craig, and Betty Olson and families at the death of their father and husband Dale Dingman and family at the death of his cousin
Family of Faith
Jeanne Koopman and family at the death of her brother
4 February 2017
Chris Lapham and family at the death of her friend
of
Faith Luann Lieske and family at the death of her aunt Harry Mercer and family at the death of his sister Charlene Lyons and family at the death of her mother Sandy Moffatt and family at the death of her husband Noreen Roehl with Dalton and Brandon and family at the death of their mother and grandmother Jane Schmidt and family at the death of her mother Blake Toms and family at the death of his brother
weddings December 22 Stephanie McCarty & Christian Jasper
welcome to new members AJ and Lindsey Stevens with Annie and Josie David Frank Elizabeth Halsey Andy and Joey McFarland with Jackson and Lou Eric Mizner & Jessica Heise-Mizner with Maverick, Chloe, and Jakob Mizner Stacy Mueller Mary Mutz with Taylor and Jordan Arden Olson and Jennifer Oberstar with Annika and Rona Olson
You are a masterpiece created in God’s image - see Page 16.
Family of Faith
© AtopSerenityHill.com
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 2017 5
This Lord of Life wellness initiative encourages us to balance life so we can live into the fullness of our relationship with God. This is the first of six articles. —Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler
Holistic Wellness: Physical
by Anne Addix Is physical wellness merely the absence of disease? Is it defined by how you look in the mirror? Is it self-centered? Or, does being well mean you feel energized, strong, and capable? Typically, people associate physical wellness with ‘diet and exercise,’ or ‘deprivation and willpower,’ which is an unsustainable recipe. Instead, true physical wellness needs to come from a more loving standpoint. Shifting the focus from ‘diet and exercise’ to ‘nourishment and activity’ steers us toward self-care, away from how we look toward how we feel, as well as what we can do. God created our bodies to be temples for the Holy Spirit. God filled the world with nourishing foods that enable us to thrive. And God made us amazingly agile. So why is physical wellness so elusive? In the grocery store, unlike the Garden of Eden, real food is hard to find. False information, misleading labels, and food-like products dominate every aisle. (God did not create Cheetos®!) The real food—the only food that properly nourishes us—requires a little searching. Without it, at best we end up with depleted energy; at worst, with arthritis, diabetes, or cancer. Our bodies are also designed to be active. Body movement increases metabolism and strengthens bones and muscles. It also opens our arteries, improving brain and heart health. This optimizes energy, sleep, mental health, and prevents countless diseases.
action points 1. Nourish yourself. Educate yourself, and eat more real food. You don’t “deserve” unhealthy treats: you deserve to be well and feel good—the way God intended! 2. Sit less, move more. Walk; cook; garden. Park further away. Learn a few quick strength exercises. Just MOVE! 3. Implement just one or two changes at a time. Effective goals are attainable goals! Child of God, you are loved. Put the mirror away. Nourish and activate. Provide a healthy temple for the Holy Spirit, and you will be enabled and empowered to better serve God and one another. Don’t simply survive, thrive!
Holistic Wellness
Lord of Life member Anne Adix has over 20 years of experience in physical therapy. Along with her husband, John, they have two daughters, Elise and Maren. Anne is also a coleader of two confirmation groups. Visit lordoflife.org/wellness to learn more about this initiative and to register for holistic wellness classes.
6 February 2017
You Are Not Alone by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel A safe place is waiting for you. A safe place without judgment. A safe place with support, empathy, and resources—particularly when it comes to a mental health journey. NAMI-MN (National Alliance on Mental Illness - Minnesota) offers family and friends of individuals living with a mental illness an opportunity to meet with others to share concerns, compare experiences, and learn from each other. This meeting is led by a trained facilitator and meets the third Monday of every month; the next meeting will be February 20, 7-8:30 pm. Come to a safe place. There is no charge for this meeting; no registration is necessary. Questions? Contact Pastor Karen Sue at 763.420.5015 x144 or ksgreimel@lordoflife.org.
The Paradox of Generosity by Pastor Chick Lane
I’ve been reading a book I received for Christmas, The Paradox of Generosity. When you are a pastor of stewardship and generosity, this is the sort of book you ask for, receive, and enjoy reading. The book is written by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson, two research sociologists at Notre Dame. The remarkable claim of the book is captured in the subtitle, Giving we receive, grasping we lose. On the basis of their research, the authors are convinced the paradox of generosity is that while it might appear giving time and money away would be a net loss for a person, since they would have less left for themselves; in reality, giving time and money away generously brings an increase of the very things most of us long for in life. The authors list five measures of wellbeing: happiness, bodily health, purpose in living, avoidance of depression, and interest in personal growth. They insist their research shows that giving generously, volunteering, and being generous in relationships with family and neighbors can cause improvement in these five measures of well-being in your life. I have long believed Christians are called to live generous lives. I believe the Bible is very clear about this. Living and giving generously is the Christian way of life. Hoarding and stinginess are not. Now Smith and Davidson come along and say that this sort of living is not only the Christian thing to do, it will also make you a healthier, happier person. I hadn’t really thought about it this way, but their scientific research is consistent with my unscientific observations. Most generous people I know lead much happier lives than stingy people I know. The authors even go so far as to say their research indicates that generous couples are much happier in their relationship than are stingy couples. Generosity is good for marriage. I have talked with a few people over the years who have said, I just can’t afford to be generous. I have too many bills and commitments. Smith and Davidson (and the Bible) would say, You have it all wrong. You can’t afford not to be generous.
Budget Year-to-date December 2016
Congregational Action Needed—
Your Input Is Valued
The CAT (Church Assessment Tool) is an online survey, available January 26-February 13 at lordoflife.org/cat. It will measure satisfaction and energy within the congregation and identifiy directions for the future. The 95 questions provide you with an opportunity to give honest feedback on Lord of Life. It should take 20-30 minutes to complete; paper copies are available in the office. Everyone age 16 and older should participate. Lord of Life first took the CAT in 2013. By retaking it now, we will have an opportunity to assess the progress we have made and determine if priorities have changed. We have a goal of 750 participants— please support this important tool!
Actual
Total member contributions All other Total receipts
Budget
Difference
$3,717,146 $3,521,520 $236,522
$195,626
$241,250
($4,728)
$3,953,669 $3,762,770
$190,899
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — December 2016 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0
12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25
Actual Budget
$123,104 $102,736 $84,609 $382,573 = $693,023 $156,152 $156,152 $156,152 $156,154 = $624,610
Generosity
February 2017 7
Freedom in Christ
by FreedomWorks Executive Director George Lang I entered into FreedomWorks residential program after being released from prison in 2006. After holding several different positions, I currently serve as its executive director. During the past decade, I have had the privilege of serving many men with whom I was once incarcerated.
Mentor Eric Olson (left) with Jeff Anderson
In 2005, I first met Jeff Anderson while we were inmates at Lino Lakes correction facility; he was in his final years serving a life sentence. Apart from living behind bars, Jeff and I shared several things in common. Among them, our lives had no hope before coming to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and we both heard about the FreedomWorks vision and how it could support our new lives in Christ post-prison.
Jeff was released in January 2016 after serving 33 years. As one could imagine, Jeff ’s transition would come with many challenges. As much as one can plan for the reintegration process after a life of incarceration, just the mountain of barriers themselves would have had most people quit before even starting. But for Jeff, quitting was not an option. He held on to the promise in Philippians 4:13, “We can do all things through Him that strengthens us.” He also held on to the FreedomWorks vision he first learned about years before. After incarceration, FreedomWorks transitions men into society through a residential discipleship program centered in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We offer 19 spaces for men looking to further their relationship with Christ upon release. FreedomWorks builds community in each of the men’s lives through a supportive volunteer base involved in Biblical studies, life skill and cognitive development, and weekly fellowship dinners. But at the heart of the ministry is its mentoring program. In early 2016, Eric Olson completed FreedomWorks online mentoring course training. For the past nine months, Eric and Jeff have been in a formal mentor/mentee relationship. This relationship has been invaluable to Jeff, but it is not one-sided. Eric often states, “The rewards from our relationship have blessed me tremendously and most of the time I feel guilty over getting more out of it than I give.” One year after Jeff ’s release, his life continues to be centered in Jesus Christ. He works fulltime for a local union shop and recently became a FreedomWorks staff member. Jeff now serves as residential manager, holding residents accountable while helping them make a successful transition for themselves. Our mission is made possible by support received from Lord of Life, as well as other churches and donors. I would like to thank you for the generosity in supplying resources to support program and outreach dinners, personal care products for the men, space to host our annual benefit dinner, financial support, and an amazing list of volunteers. We cannot begin to thank you all enough.
Lord of Life Ministries
To learn more about FreedomWorks mentoring and other volunteer opportunities, visit lordoflife.org/ freedomworks or their website, myfreedomworks.com.
8
February 2017
Clifton Boys’ Home is a family of boys, ages 6-18, in Jamaica. They would be called orphans, yet One Mission One World: Jamaica missionaries who have met, played, and lived with them—know they are a family. Unfortunately, Clifton burned to the ground on Sunday, January 15. The boys are safe, yet lost everything—home, clothes, school uniforms and supplies. Yet they didn’t lose their faith or their family which includes us at Lord of Life. We hope the boys will stay together and their home rebuilt. Please keep them in your prayers as we come alongside our Jamaican brothers and sisters supporting them as they develop a plan moving forward. —Pastor Dave McCarty
Up, In, and Out: Living Your Faith Boldly—
In a Suitcase
One Mission One World: Jamaica will be collecting supplies for their mission trip (March 25–April 1). In addition to large, rolling suitcases, other supplies will be needed. Suitcases will not be returned. From February 19-March 12, please check the “In a Suitcase” display near the main church office for details on what will be needed. Thank you for your support! —Karen Nelson
2B REAL Men
by Chris Tollefson How can we be more bold in our pursuit of God, bolder in walking alongside other Christians, and reaching out in our circles of influence? You are invited to breakfast on February 18, 7:30-9 am. Lutheran Men in Mission’s Kyle Pedersen and Doug Haugen will lead some provocative discussion on what it means to be bold, daring, godly men!
save the date
July 21-23 is the Bold Gathering men’s conference at Marriott Downtown Minneapolis. For more information, visit boldgathering.com. To sign up for events or to learn about this ministry, see the bulletin board or visit lordoflife.org/realmen.
Calling All ‘Green’ Cars
Lord of Life Ministries
by Kevin Klitz Lord of Life’s Creation Care Ministry is sponsoring a unique car show this spring! It will feature high-efficiency vehicles along with their owners who are willing to answer questions and share the positives and/or negatives about their vehicles. Vehicles of particular interest include: Ford’s C-Max/Fusion hybrid models, Golf TDI, Honda’s Civic hybrid/Fit/CR-Z models, Leaf, Lexus CT 200h, Prius, Volt, smart car, Tesla, or Scion IQ. To prepare for the car show, we ask owners to contact me (kklitz@toraxmedical. com). Depending upon the response, more details such as date/time for this ‘green’ car show will be announced. We will appreciate the sharing of your knowledge! February 2017
9
Bunco
by Sharon Quast Do you play Bunco or would you like to learn how to play? If so, come join other Lord of Life women for fun and fellowship! If this sounds just like what you need, and the second Tuesday works for your schedule, or for more information—please contact me at grammyq@hotmail.com.
Marriage Refresher by Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler
9 am - 2 pm, March 11, $15 per couple Our marriages are the foundation of the life that we build, yet it is often the last thing on our ‘to do’ list. For this half-day workshop, learn new skills for a healthy marriage and a new appreciation for one another. Register at lordoflife.org/wellness.
Older Wiser Lutherans february events
February 2: Annual OWLs’ Valentine Party with guest Steven Marking for a journey down Our Mighty Mississippi. Festivities begin at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Invite a friend and share in the joy of God’s love for each of us and rejoice in God’s creation. February 15: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm. February 16: The OWLs will enjoy a Minnesota Orchestra Coffee Concert, Russian Knights; included will be a talk by Philip Gainsley about music as well as inside information about the orchestra. Cost is $33; lunch on your own at Brit’s Pub. Leave church at 9:30 am, return by 3 pm. February 24: LifeTIMES labeling at 9:30 am: God’s Work. Our Hands.
save the date
March 2: ‘Music to Chase Winter Away’ with Joanne Bolles. Faith, Food, & Fellowship begins at noon in Fellowship Hall; freewill donation lunch.
Lord of Life Ministries
March 16: Come! Join in as we look forward to spring planting with “Joe’s Basket Days” at 101 Market. Bring a pot 12" or larger for planting or you can buy one at 101 Market. They will grow your plants; you pick them up in May. Leave church at 9:30 am, return at 2:30 pm. Cost is $3.
10
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 participants. Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@ lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board, or visit lordoflife.org/owls. February 2017
You are a masterpiece created in God’s image - see Page 16.
On January 15, Pastor Joel (left), FMSC Executive Director/CEO Mark Crea, and Pastor Peter thanked the congregation for the $25,000 of donations received in October— which was matched totaling $50,000.
That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it is already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.” Jesus replied, “They don’t have to leave. Why don’t you give them something to eat?” Matthew 14:15-16 CEV
Partnering to Feed the World
by Pastor Dave McCarty In the gospel story above, Jesus teaches us that feeding the body is important in order to feed the soul. From February 22-26, we hope you and 1,000 Lord of Life volunteers will partner with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) volunteers to pack 2,000,000 meals for starving and malnourished souls around the world. Thanks to your generosity, Lord of Life purchased the food—now we need helping hands to pack it. You are encouraged to sign up family and friends, neighbors and coworkers at lordoflife.org/fmsc. Lord of Life’s One Mission One World (1M1W) ministries work with ministries and churches in the very same communities of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda to receive this healthy, nourishing food. •
•
Laura Dirks will be leading the mission team to Uganda this spring and has seen firsthand the impact of this food. In 2007 and 2008, some of the children were severely malnourished with weak, extended bellies, skin rashes, and a vacant look in their eyes, Laura shares. Now we see those same children smiling, running, and attending school—we know this food has made a lifesaving difference. In Jamaica, Phil Leith has witnessed many years of FMSC benefits at Westhaven Children’s Home and Clifton Boys’ Home. Phil says, I have not only seen them eat the food, but have also delivered it to orphanages, churches, and schools. One year the food fed at Westhaven was packed back in Minnesota by the person serving the prepared meal at the orphanage—this person and his son signed the box when they packed it. Quite a coincidence! It really drove home the process that packing here actually does serve children where it is needed around the world.
Here in Maple Grove, Denny and LaVerne Kinvig have been Lord of Life’s FMSC adult ministry leaders for many years. They, too, have witnessed the benefits this food brings to those in need. May I extend a very special thank you to Denny and LaVerne who have been such a blessing through their tireless work.
As the adult ministry leaders with FMSC, we would like you to know how thankful we are to all who gave to the Kids Gotta Eat October campaign. We are so very grateful for your support to this vital ministry that feeds our world’s hungry children. God bless you all!
Denny & LaVerne Kinvig February 2017
Lord of Life Ministries
Together we are partnering to feed the world!
Lord of Life—
11
february schedule
C is Christ, Community, and Confirmation for middle school/high school 3
Sundays: February 5, 12, 26 5-6 pm: C3 groups 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-8 pm Explore middle school youth Express high school youth Wednesdays: February 1, 8, 15 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups
From Adult Ministry Leader Suzanne Olson—
St. Olaf Thanks You Dear Lord of Life—
Our partnership is a blessing to St. Olaf and the north Minneapolis community it serves in so many ways. Your congregation responded generously to a call for hockey equipment. Your donations not only keep our four hockey teams equipped, but also provide skates for people to use at the three outdoor rinks in north Minneapolis that we use to introduce children and families to skating. Most recently, Lord of Life once again provided Christmas gifts for St. Olaf families in need. Thank you for your ongoing generosity. May God bless you in 2017.
Lord of Life Ministries
Pastor Dale Hulme
12 February 2017
Summer Youth MissionTrips—
Info Meetings
High School: A Work of Love (AWOL) to Marquette, MI, June 17-27 or Hendersonville, NC, July 15-25 Informational meetings on February 5 (12:15 pm) or February 8 (7:30 pm). More information is at lordoflife.org/awol. Middle School: Chicago, IL, July 23-28 Informational meeting on February 12 (12-12:30 pm). More information is at lordoflife.org/msmt.
Looking Ahead
You are a masterpiece created in God’s image - see Page 16.
We may be midwinter yet many Lord of Life families are looking ahead to summer—visit lordoflife.org/summer for registration and more details!
Adventure Week Who: What: When: Time:
Children completed grades 1-5 A week of service, games, trips and fun! June 12-15 9 am-5 pm
Preschool Vacation Bible School Who: What: When: Time:
Children age 3-completed kindergarten Children will move station-to-station with crafts, activities, games, Bible adventure! Identical sessions, June 19-22, June 26-29, or July 10-13 9 am-12 noon
Elementary Vacation Bible School
Who: What: When: Time:
Children completed grades K-5 A week of worship, games, singing, crafts, learning about God and more! Identical sessions, July 17-20; July 24-27 or July 31-August 3 9 am-3 pm
NEW! Evening Vacation Bible School
Who: What: When: Time:
Children age 3-completed grade 5 Learn about God through fun activities, games, crafts, and much more! June 26-29 6-8 pm
Feed My Starving Children
Sign up your family to serve together at Feed My Starving Children. Sign up one adult then add up to four additional individuals to serve together on Wednesday, February 22 (no C3 that night). Shifts: are 5-7 pm or 7:30-9:30 pm. Register at lordoflife.org/CYFfmscreg. For more information about the MobilePack™,see Page 11.
Camp at Shores of St. Andrew
Half-pint Camp: Completed grades 1-3, July 9-11 Elementary Camp: Completed grades 3-5, July 9-14 Middle School Camp: Completed grades 6-8, July 9-14 High School Camp: Completed grades 9-12, July 9-12 What: A fun-filled experience where youth meet new friends, enjoy campfires, worship, games, swimming, and learn more about God!
Summer Stretch
Middle school youth completed grades 6-8 June 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 July 5/6, 19/20, 26/27 August 3 - Valleyfair Summer Stretch is a weekly program where middle school youth experience service, recreation, Bible study, and worship. High school and young adults may apply for staff positions at lordoflife.org/summerstretch.
Lord of Life Ministries
Who: When: What:
February 2017 13
To Look at Things Differently
by Ashley Rudin A few years ago I volunteered during vacation Bible school and someone mentioned the Ministry of Inclusion’s buddy program. It caught my attention right away. I have a strong passion for working one-on-one with individuals who need assistance. I have been a buddy for three years now; it has taught me to look at things differently. Each child is unique—I have learned about personality differences and how to build relationships. Being a buddy, I realized some kids are afraid to be themselves. Each and every kid is optimistic and intelligent yet doesn’t show it. That’s where my role comes in: to boost their confidence and self-esteem. I want to to make a positive impact in their lives, and this is just the start. © Teresa Braccini
Being a senior in high school, I am thinking about my future. Before I was introduced to the kids, I was clueless about my career path. Being a buddy was such an unforgettable experience that now I’m considering a child psychology major. There’s something about being around my buddies that always puts a smile on my face. I want to continue to make a difference throughout my lifetime like these kids have made a difference in mine.
Souper Bowl of Caring Through February 14, bring your canned goods to the collection area near the main office. All donations benefit CROSS. Thank you! Preschool-K: peanut butter & jelly Grades 1-2: Spaghetti-O’s® Grades 3-4: canned fruits & veggies Grades 5-6: chili & stew C3 and Adults: canned meat, chicken & tuna
Church School
February 4/5: Woman at the Well February 11/12: Stories of Healing February 18/19: Bread of Life February 25/26: Living Water
Giving My Time for Others by Anna Harlan
Growing up, service has always been a big part of my life. I’ve grown to find lots of meaning by giving my time for others. This has been demonstrated by serving in mission trips to third world countries, spending an evening at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) with my tennis team, and most recently, being a buddy on Sunday mornings with Nora. I’ve found a lot of meaning in the quote, “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.” —Dieter F. Uchtdorf
For more info about the buddy program, visit lordoflife.org/ ministryofinclusion.
Nora has given me the chance to realize that working with beautiful, amazing, important children like her is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have discovered my own life and happiness through reading Bible stories, singing If You’re Happy and You Know It more times than I can count (extra props if it’s sung with a funny accent)! Nora’s joy is overwhelming and has the power to turn my mood around in a short time. Her smile is like no other; I can honestly say it lights up the room. Her ability to show love and compassion without words is something that is so admirable to me and anyone who has the privilege of knowing her. I didn’t know much about the buddy program when I reached out to Carly Tappe with Lord of Life’s Ministry of Inclusion. But I’m so glad I did. Without doing so, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to meet Nora. And without the privilege of spending time with her, I would see God, love, and life quite differently.
14 February 2017
© Lahzeh Photography
Lord of Life Ministries
First off, I’d like to share that I don’t feel like I ‘serve’ Nora. To me, service seems to have a sort of prejudice, as if the person being served is somewhat ‘less than’ or ‘poor,’ and that’s not the case at all. I can honestly say from the time I’ve spent with Nora—she’s served me more than I have served her.
February Bible Verse: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
Happy February! by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel
The I LOVE YOU Book by Todd Parr This book celebrates the unconditional love between a parent and a child— from the heartfelt to the light hearted. This is a wonderful book for families to share together while reminding their children how much they are loved each and every day.
Yes, love is in the air at Karing Kingdom as we celebrate this month of love-filled hearts! We begin with R for rainforest. Going deep into the tropical jungle to learn about many of the forest’s residents. All things Q is next from quails to queens and quilts to Qtips®, we’ll discover just how many Q things there are! Karing Kingdom’s Valentine’s Day parties will be celebrated on Monday, February 13, and Tuesday, February 14. Food, fun, games, and most importantly, those valentine deliveries are all in store on this special day celebrating love! We end February with the true meaning of unconditional love, J is for Jesus. Our February kindness projects are making valentines for veterans and collecting new children’s books for the Maple Grove Gold Program mission trip to Costa Rica. Karing Kingdom Preschool will be closed Friday/Monday, February 17/20, for President’s Day.
For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, contact us at kingdom@ lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
There is exciting news to announce for Karing Kingdom Preschool! We are introducing our new Assistant Director Carly Tappe. Carly will continue to teach preschool as well as work as the Childcare/Ministry of Inclusion Ministry Lead. Outside of Lord of Life, Carly and her husband Eric are busy, proud parents of 20-month-old Lucas. Please join me in congratulating Carly on this new step in her journey! —Director Angie Schiebel
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Lord of Life Ministries
Stacey Repinski Phototraphy
Pajama Day!
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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
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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 © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
R E T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D
Happy
Valentine’s Day! You are a masterpiece in God’s image. Grab crayons, markers, metallic gel pens to color this issue for your masterpiece! Along with your name, return whatever page(s) you’d like to the office; they may be used in Lord of Life displays or promotions. Visit Reflections of Faith for a variety of books & projects for kids and adults— happy coloring!
caught reading lifetimes
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Taking a break from their sewing machines are (left to right) Sally Osier, Cindy Olson, Martha Simonsen, and Lynn Anderson. Visit lordoflife.org/mittensmission to learn about this ministry that warms people’s hands—and hearts.
16 February 2017
In Lord of Life’s Service Center, prepping a new oven before kitchen installation are (left to right) Hunter Gray, Ken Carraux, and Craig Junkermeier caught reading LifeTIMES!