January 2014 LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. —Psalm 37:7 A January Devotion on Page 7.

Januar y 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

January 2014

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

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

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Healing service on Monday, January 13 from

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6:30-7:30 pm in the Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel Third Wednesday worship services on January 15: 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes, 2 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in Maple Grove Third Sunday worship at 9:30 am on January 19 at Ambassador Good Samaritan Society in New Hope

January 4/5 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band adult children youth family (cyf) 9-11 12-14 contact info 15

Sunday: Dana Brinton, Soloist January 11/12 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

pastoral staff Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Todd Buegler, Pastor, Children, Youth & Family Ministry, todd@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. David Lippitt, Pastor, Congregational Care, davidl@lordoflife.org Rev. Dave McCarty, Pastor, Outreach and Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Bel Canto (all services) January 18/19 Preaching: Pastor Todd Buegler

Family and friends of an enthusiastic cast braved the cold and snow to enjoy “Ring, Christmas Bells!” on December 8. A familiar story was told in new and musical ways.

The show was written, arranged, and directed by David Frank. The stars and their guests enjoyed a wonderful ham dinner. Bravo!

A full cast photo is on Page 13 with video of the performance at lordoflife.org/ christmasmusical.

More photos are on facebook.com/ lordoflifelutheran.

Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble January 25/26 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Soloist (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.

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Januar y 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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What’s Your Story?

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love stories. I remember as a child, my parents reading me stories. A good story would transport me into the world of my imagination. I would see myself in the midst of the drama … as one of the characters (usually the hero). The adventures of the characters would become my adventures, and I would both suffer and celebrate alongside them.

Pastor Todd Buegler

I still love stories. I am captivated by good books, by good TV shows and movies that tell a compelling story. Now, I love reading books to our boys. We’ve read the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and the Harry Potter series. These stories, and the others we’ve read, teach some moral or ethical idea about life: it may be justice, or overcoming obstacles, or standing up for one’s beliefs.

I tell our confirmation students all the time that whether we like it or not, “our lives are a story” with a beginning, a middle and an end. There is drama, comedy, joy, and conflict. And that people will look at our lives and can gain an understanding of what is important to us by the actions we take and the words that we speak. The only choice we have in the matter is what kind of story we want to tell.

I think there is value in reflecting on the story of our lives. Are our stories simple, or complex? What kind of values do they mirror? Are they consistent? Are they stories of joy, or stories of challenge? Do they feel like an epic film, or more like reality TV? As people of faith, we need to remember that ultimately, God creates the places where our stories are lived out. While God allows us freedom to make decisions, to choose the paths we take, God has hopes and visions for our lives.

For guidance, we look to the scriptures, which show us God’s story and our place within it. The scriptures are full of stories of imagination and wonder, joy and terror, love and loneliness, human need, sorrow, hope, redemption and resurrection. We have all experienced many of these things. The scriptures are not just ancient history…the scriptures intersect God’s story and our own story.

It feels like every time I read the Bible, even some of those stories I’ve read many times before, I learn something new about my own life and my own faith.

Our lives are a story. What is the story that your life will tell? What are the values that your life’s story will share? I’d encourage you to take some time this month to think about these questions.

My hope is that our lives reflect the hope that God has for each of us. May your story and God’s story be woven together, and may this story be one of grace and love, hospitality and faithfulness, and of justice and peace.

Blessings in the new year!

Pastor Todd

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Lord of Life Lives Christ Together baptisms

bereavements

weddings

November 3 Piper Grace Lamb Charlie Marie Schoenbauer Sophie Lou Schoenbauer

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

November 16 Kelly Ehnes & David Hedlund

Galen & Karonne Becklin and family at the death of their niece

welcome new members

November 9 Francis Baldwin Singer

Karen Braun and family at the death of her mother

November 10 Deacon James Bolnick Wyatt Michael Cerepak Kyla Jane Coleman Sean Myung-Dae DeMarais Brooklyn Leah Westrum November 16 Adeline Michaelene Lodgaard November 17 Aiden James Kevitt

Tina DeRosier and family at the death of her mother

Pat & Nicole Becker with Mackenzie and Riley

Lori Handberg and family at the death of her mother

Randy Burge & Anna Lauer with Logan

Heather Hjelmstad and family at the death of her uncle

Tony & Kristin Cimperman

Shelly Hooper with Samantha, Hanna, Sarah and family at the death of their husband/father DiAnn Johnston and family at the death of her sister

November 24 Arden Margaret Barnhouse Charlotte Hope Barnhouse Lillian Elizabeth Timm

Robert Kauffman and family at the death of his wife Nicole Lee and family at the death of her mother

November 28 Emma Olivia Lindgren

Greta McConville and family at the death of her father

November 29 Emilio Dominic Duque

Mary Oldenkamp and family at the death of her mother

November 30 Zoey Grace Hartley At Lord of Life we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is on Saturday, January 11, from 10-11 am; no preregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office at 763.420.5015.

Randy & Melissa Bakeberg with Ava and Cooper

Suzanne Olson and family at the death of her sister Steve Rekstad and family at the death of his father Louise Smith and family at the death of her father David Thang and family at the death of his father Chris Tollefson and family at the death of his grandmother

Ryan & Janel Hurtado with Bennett and Caden Jenna Knoblauch Erik Lodgaard & Nicole Goese with Adeline Lodgaard Rose Mendel Joni Miller Bob & Jo O’Neil Jim & Char Wiest Krista Wilson 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 & 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.

Jeff Vakoc and family at the death of his mother Julie Wilson and family at the death of her mother

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Offered on Tuesdays at 6:45 pm beginning January 14—

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Being a Member of Lord of Life

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his popular L5 class is for those interested in membership at Lord of Life and those who are already members, but want to explore more fully what being a member of Lord of Life can mean. All of our pastors are involved in teaching this class, so it also will give individuals the opportunity to get to know each pastor better.

January 14 – “Being a Lutheran” Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren will be about the basics of Lutheranism including the Reformation, key points of Lutheran doctrine, the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), and ecumenism.

January 21 – “Life-long Faith Development” Pastor Todd Buegler will describe the Lutheran understanding of the Word and Sacraments and how our faith walk is a life-long experience.

January 28 – “Expectations of Membership” Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren will share the history of Lord of Life, and what it means to be a member of our congregation.

February 4 – “The Journey Inward and the Journey Outward” Pastor Karen Sue Greimel and Pastor Dave McCarty will team up for this session to talk about the way the nurturing of our inner spiritual lives is connected to reaching out in mission and service to the world.

February 11 – “Using Your God-given Gifts” Pastor David Lippit will help us understand the unique gifts God has given each one of us and how we can best use those gifts in ways that are personally meaningful and bless those around us.

To learn more about other classes available during L5’s Session 3, see article on next page and visit lordoflife.org/L5 to register.

Thank you to Ann Little for sharing her wintry watercolor with the Lord of Life family. Beautiful!

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spirit “For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do the good things which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Word for Women Winter Study

by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

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iscover who God made you to be by exploring your S.H.A.P.E., which is your unique blend of spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences. Supported

by Scripture, this study will empower you to unlock your Godgiven potential, purpose, and plan. Embrace not only how special you are, but also your specific gifts.

reflections of faith Interest has been positive for Reflections of Faith, our new resource ministry located in the space near the Service Center. This past Christmas, people were able to find beautiful nativities, Advent calendars and Christmas music. New items recently received include CDs of introspective readings with background harp music. Open during weekend worship services and occasionally during the week (depending upon available volunteers), Reflections of Faith is a resource for items which are thoughtful reflections of your faith. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Michelle Welinski.

marriage encounter weekend Start the new year right!

Enjoy a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend with one-on-one time with your spouse in a comfortable and private environment away from distractions. The next weekend is February 14–16 at the Minneapolis Boulevard Hotel in Brooklyn Center.

Apply at GodLovesMarriage. org, or contact Peter and Phyllis McMahon at mcmahonp@comcast.net or 763.561.1575 for more information. Weekends do fill fast and preregistration is required.

All women are invited to gather together on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11 am. The study begins January 8 in Fellowship Hall. This Word for Women study will begin with large group time which will include a presentation by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel and also at various times, worship, service projects, coffee and treats. After gathering in a large group, we will break into small groups for further study and conversation. All are welcome and childcare is available. For more information or to register, please visit lordoflife.org/ wordforwomen.

A Step Toward Learning

by Karen Nelson

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t’s a new year and it could be a great time for you to try something new! L5 Session 3 begins the week of January 12 and we are very excited about the classes being offered: •

Prayer School continues to inspire and teach with many of the participants staying on for multiple sessions.

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Would you like to figure out what gifts God has given especially to you? Join Pastor Karen Sue in Spiritual Gifts.

•

We are offering Adult Confirmation at 11 am (note the time change) with Ina Barton. We have been moved each year by the expressions of faith from the participants of that class.

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Pastor David Lippitt will take you through Paul’s letters to the Galatians.

Pastor David always goes deeper with extended information about the time and landscape.

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Or would you like to learn about the different “love languages” for members of your family and yourself? We are offering a class on Love Languages.

•

New to L5, we have Body & Soul Yoga on Monday evenings.

There is something for everyone. Take a step toward learning. Spend an extra hour at church on Sunday mornings or come back on a weeknight—try it, we think you’ll like it!

For more details on upcoming L5 classes, visit lordoflife.org/L5.

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Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. —Psalm 37:7

A January Devotion

by Darlene Bowden Muschett

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“

arlene, you must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle; will you please stop talking?” Thus spoke my late, beloved Father Harry to me when I was about four years old, long before CDs and tapes existed. I admit that I have continued in my loquacious, extroverted ways.

Several years ago, it was difficult for me to be silent before the Lord. I was afraid of silence because I didn’t always like the memories and thoughts that surfaced.

Fast-forward a few decades. Surely God has a sense of humor: I now enjoy silence very much. Most mornings I sit in silence as I wake up with that first cup of coffee. Sometimes I silently repeat a sacred word or phrase—Jesus, God, yours, Lord.

Other times I simply sit still, seeking to open myself to that amazing Presence.

When my mind wanders—when, not if—I try to remember, as someone said, that each time my mind wanders and I return to the silence, God is so glad to welcome me back, over and over and over again.

Let us pray. Dear God, remind me often that sometimes I can pray simply by sitting in silence with you. Amen.

Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress from The Word In Season, Volume 82, Number 1.

Reprinted with permission.

Strengthen Your Faith

Men’s Quarterly Breakfast—

Prison Ministry

by Dan Faulkner

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ome to the Men’s Quarterly Breakfast on Saturday, January 18, from 7:30- 9 am to learn more about Interchange Freedom Initiative (IFI) a faith-based interdenominational prison ministry.

The objective of IFI is to connect volunteer mentors with offenders at Lino Lakes Prison for Men and Shakopee Prison for Women who desire to change and chart a new life after release. Our guest speaker for the morning will be Jeff Lundquist, IFI coordinator. A freewill donation will be received for the breakfast.

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ia de Cristo is a spiritual retreat. It is designed to strengthen and renew your faith and to bring you a new awareness of living in God’s grace. A Via de Cristo weekend is three days in length, beginning on Thursday evening and ending the following Sunday evening. The participants live, study, worship and commune together daily. Via de Cristo gives those attending a living understanding of basic Christian truths. There is music and singing, food and fellowship, time for laughter and time for prayer.

The first set of 2014 Via de Cristo weekends will be held on January 16-19 for men and on January 23-26 for women. Held at Lutheran Church of the Master in Brooklyn Center, this would be a great way to start the new year. The other weekends for 2014 will be held in June and October.

Questions? Please contact Tony and Diane Sjolander at tdsjolander@comcast.net or Merle and Michelle Waldron at mmwaldron@comcast.net for more information or to get an application. You may also visit mnviadecristo.org.

REAL Men’s Ministry

Polar Plunge

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oin the team of “real men” for the 2014 Polar Plunge at Fish Lake Regional Park! The event is on Saturday, February 1.

If you have questions about this event or to register, visit lordoflife.org/realmen. If you have questions on this event, feel free to contact Jason Listberger at listb005@umn.edu.

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november 2013 budget year-to-date

generosity

Actual

Budget

Difference

Total member contributions $2,649,849 $2,634,094

$15,755

All other

($9,965)

$212,988 $222,953

Total receipts

$2,862,837 $2,857,047

$5,790

Where God Wants Us To Be

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he Church Assessment Tool (CAT) that we took last fall had a number of questions that related to the important area of generosity. This was one of them: As you think about your financial giving to the church, what influences your decision-making? The question asked responders to rank the influences below in order of importance and this is what we said.

1. My personal faith and understanding of being generous in supporting God’s work in the world.

2. The effectiveness of our church’s ministry in making a real difference in my life and in the lives of others.

3. The current state of the economy.

4. How well our church manages its finances.

5. How engaged our church is in reaching out to the needs of the world.

By a substantial margin the most important influence on giving was the understanding that being a faithful Christian meant that you should be generous. Outside factors or even how the money was spent was secondary to the need to be generous as God has been generous to us.

The second influence was also important and it focused on the effectiveness of Lord of Life’s ministry and our ability to make a difference in people’s lives.

The interesting thing about the remaining responses is the sharp distinction we made between the first two answers and the last three. The last three were largely interchangeable and they were almost always rated 3, 4, or 5. People gave even when the economy was bad. They were largely unconcerned with management of the finances. (I actually think the low level of importance we gave management is a result of our good management. If there was some malfeasance number four would go to the top.)

This is interesting stuff. And it is only 1 of 100 questions we asked. There is much work to be done as we analyze where we are as a church and where God wants us to be.

—Pastor Peter Lord of Life Weekly Giving — November 2013

council corner

$80,000

by Tom Campbell, Congregational President The annual congregational meeting will be January 26, at 12:15 pm in Fellowship Hall. Highlights of the meeting will be a presentation on the results of the CAT (Church Assessment Tool) survey taken in October as well as approval of the 2014 budget. A light lunch will be served.

For the entire list of those on Lord of Life’s Council as well as minutes from their meetings, feel free to visit lordoflife.org/ council.

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$70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

11/3

11/10

11/17

11/24

Actual $69,207 $65,261 $68,907 $76,582 Budget $74,119 $74,119 $74,119 $74,119

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Emergency Foodshelf Network

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ince 2007, Lord of Life has donated more than 15,000 pounds of food and over $24,000 to help fill empty plates with healthy and hearty foods. The Healthy Food Drive results from November are shown in the graphic above. The generosity of everyone who contributed ensures that Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) is able to continue serving the hunger needs plaguing all of our local communities; every donation, both large and small, helps bridge hunger gaps in families and individuals. You make a difference!

fare for all Mark your calendar for Lord of Life’s next Fare For All on January 9 from 4-6 pm. Stretch your food dollar by purchasing through EFN right here at Lord of Life in Samaritan Hall. This has been very well-received by our faith community. Share the information with your neighbor or invite them along with you!

next packing date in their warehouse

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ord of Life’s 20/30 Vision is a ministry for those around the ages of 20-30 who want to build friendships with others who share the same faith and values, develop a more personal relationship with Jesus, and learn more about the word of God. Their goals are to: •

Make young adults feel a part of the church

•

Meet people of similar faith

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Share and learn from each other’s experiences

•

Ask questions

•

Create a sense of ownership, contribution to the church

Some of the events for 20/30 Vision are small group Bible study, Hallelujah happy hour, and volunteering at Sharing & Caring Hands. For more details on any of these events, please visit lordoflife.org/2030.

The next packing date at EFN is on Monday, January 6, from 4-7 pm.

Families with children ages 12+ are welcome to serve (12-16 year olds require a parent or guardian to serve with them). C3ers receive service hours for volunteering. EFN can accommodate 10-50 volunteers. You may work the whole shift or as long as you are able to volunteer. Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety and dress appropriately, as you may get dusty. No training is needed!

CROSS’ Executive Director Elizabeth Johnson shares a ‘thank you’ to Lord of Life for providing food, clothing, and fresh produce from LifeGARDEN. To learn more about CROSS and how you can make a difference, visit lordoflife.org/cross.

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adult

On November 21 the OWLs were off to Cottage Grove visiting Cedarhurst, a historic countryhouse which has hosted meetings of many prominent people including four U.S. presidents. After a short tour of the mansion, the OWLs moved to the Tea Room where they were served a nine-course tea. The menu consisted of scones, tea sandwiches, cookies, sorbet with champagne, and of course, several pots of Cedarhurst Blend Tea. It was a fun way to enjoy a snowy afternoon.

Upcoming OWLs Events - You Are Invited

Thursday, January 9 (Note date change): Warm Hearts for Cold Hands is the theme and the fun begins at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Plan to stay for a freewill donation lunch. Representatives from Mittens on a Mission will share about their ministry. We will help prepare mittens for those in need. You are welcome to bring preshrunk, 50% or greater wool-blend sweaters and fleece items for cutting. If you have a pair of fabric scissors, please bring them!

Wednesday, January 15: Worship at Rose Arbor beginning at 2 pm Thursday, January 16: The Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake is a nationally-recognized research and education center specializing in wolves and other predators. Visit a colony of captive gray wolves and learn about wolf ecology, biology, and behavior. Part of the event will be outside so dress warmly. Lunch on your own at Norman Quack’s restaurant. Leave church at 9 am and return at 3 pm. Cost is $14.

Friday, January 24: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

Coffee is always on! ...older, wiser, or Lutheran?

Even if you are not, you will be warmly welcomed at all of the OWLs’ events. Please sign up for all activities on the bulletin board near the welcome desk in the narthex.

Visit lordoflife.org/owls for more photos as well as stories of recent events. Questions about this vibrant seniors’ ministry? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.

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save the dates Thursday, February 6: Valentine Party - The 3 C’s with Eleanor Ostman. Our guest is the author of the book, Always on Sunday. For 30 years, she was a writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press with her Tested Recipes column. We will begin in Fellowship Hall at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Bring a friend! You will not want to miss the party.

Thursday, February 20: Hennepin Technical Center and Maple Grove History Center - In the Hennepin Technical Center’s gourmet dining room, enjoy lunch prepared by culinary students. Then visit the Maple Grove History Center to learn about the history of our community.

We’ll leave church at 10:30 am and return at 3 pm. Cost is $22 which includes lunch.

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Hope Lodge

Celebrate Recovery

by Michelle Welinski

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here is a story of a man who was walking along and suddenly fell into a deep dark pit. He brushed himself off and tried to get out, however the walls were too tall and there were no footholds or handholds for him to grab. Three people came walking by and saw the man in trouble. They offered to help. One extended his hand, but it did not reach. One threw a rope but it was not long enough. The third got a ladder but it, too, was not long enough.

Just then a stranger came walking by and asked if he could help. The three told him all the ways they tried to help the man down in the pit. Much to the surprise of the three people, the stranger jumped down into the pit with the stranded man. The man explained all the ways the others tried to help him and how they failed, and “now there are two of us in the pit... what were you thinking?” The stranger just smiled and said, “I’ve been down here before, and I know how to get out.”

ring in the new year!

Join the fun as Celebrate Recovery sponsors a churchwide New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31 from 5:45 to 10 pm! Come for dinner (freewill donation) enjoy the movie Home Run, play games, sing karaoke, visit with old and

And so it is with Celebrate new friends. All are welcome.

Recovery. There is no need to Mark your calendar! isolate yourself with shame, guilt, despair, loneliness, regrets and more, over something Questions? Contact you have done or experienced.

Whatever is hurting you, don’t Michelle Welinski at michellew@ be alone. Let other Christians lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118. jump into the pit with you.

While we can’t “fix” what you are going through, we can walk alongside you as you find new ways out of your painful situation. There is always HOPE. This is the start of a whole new year. The possibilities for renewed growth, do-overs, restored relationships, etc. are endless. You don’t have to be alone.

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday with dinner at 5:45 pm and programming at 6:30 pm. Childcare is available for birth-5, programming for K-12th grade. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@ lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

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he need for charitable giving does not end with the holiday season. Please consider donating supplies or your time at The Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis. The Hope Lodge is a home away from home, free of charge, for adult cancer patients and their caregivers who travel more than 40 miles to receive treatment.

donating supplies Hope Lodge is in need of the following supplies: • Paper products to include paper towels, tissues, napkins, toilet paper, and garbage bags • Cleaning supplies such as hand soap, disinfecting wipes, and plastic gloves • Linens such as white towels (bath, hand, and washcloth) and blankets (full & twin) Donations can be placed in the appropriate Service Center bins at Lord of Life.

donating time Prepare and serve a meal for the guests at Hope Lodge every other Monday. The dates this month are January 13 and 27. Meet at Lord of Life at 4:15 pm to carpool (or meet directly at Hope Lodge by 5:30 pm), returning to church between 7:30-8 pm.

Visit lordoflife.org/hopelodge for more information.

Please consider growing in your faith through service at Hope Lodge. The staff at Hope Lodge, the patients, and their caregivers truly appreciate Lord of Life’s involvement in this ministry.

Mittens on a Mission Sew-A-Thon

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ittens on a Mission needs your help on Saturday, January 11, from 9 am-1 pm.

We have lots of mitten kits ready to be sewn; then they are distributed to those who are homeless in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Please bring your machine and we’ll provide the rest of the supplies. It will be a fun-filled sew-a-thon. Please RSVP to Donna Rizner (dcrizner@aol.com or 612.720.9801) so we can have enough tables set up and goodies to share. Thanks “sew” much!

—The Mitten Sisters Donna Rizner and Vicki Dixon

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children youth family

Hey kids of all ages! You are encouraged to share an original photo, artwork, poetry, or a God moment

sr. high sundays

Photo by Jenny Rogalski

with your Lord of Life faith family. We would love to share it in a future issue as space allows; please contact LifeTIMES Editor Bev Mello at

Want a great way to start your week? Join us on Sunday nights for Ecclesia worship at 7 pm and Express youth group at 7:45 pm. All are welcome! More info is at lordoflife.org/srhighsunday.

bevm@lordoflife.org.

jr. high ski/snowboarding family retreat Let’s have some fun in the snow at Afton Alps!

Families are welcome to come ski/snowboard all day on February 15. Cost is $45. Visit lordoflife.org/ jrhighskiretreat for more info and to register.

sr. high ski/snowboard retreat

There are still spots available for our annual trip to Bozeman, Montana for three FULL days of skiing and snowboarding.

Don’t miss out! Dates are February 13-17 and cost is $475 which includes: • 3 days skiing/snowboarding (2-Bridger Bowl, 1-Big Sky) • transportation by deluxe motor coach • 3 nights lodging at the Days Inn • 3 continental breakfasts • program costs

jr. high ultimate lock-in

For grades 7-9 on January 24, from 10 pm-6 am at the Maple Grove Community Center. Registration deadline is January 22 at lordoflife.org/ultimatelockin. Cost is $25 plus bring a canned food item.

C3 Sundays on January 5, 12, 26

5-6 pm: Pizza Plus! Family Meal

6-7 pm: C3 Groups and L5

7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia Worship

7:45-8:45 pm: Explore

To register, go to lordoflife.org/shskiretreat or pick up a paper registration at church. Questions? Contact Elizabeth Pedersen at elizabethp@lordoflife.org.

a work of love (awol) mission trips

C3 Wednesdays on January 8, 15, 29

4:30-5:30 pm: C3 Groups

5:30-6:30 pm: Pizza Plus! Family Meal

6:30-7:30 pm: C3 Groups and L5

It’s going to be an amazing summer! We’re taking two AWOL mission trips where we’ll work with Habitat for Humanity building houses. It’s a life-changing experience!

AWOL: Marquette, IL June 14-24 AWOL: Philadelphia, PA July 12-23 (dates to be confirmed)

C3 Leaders’ Huddle on January 8 at 5:30 pm: We gather all the leaders together for training and conversations about how things are going. It will be a great night to touch base, share stories, get to know each other, support and be supported, and learn a few things, too. Hope to see you there!

Learn more online (lordoflife.org/awol) or at an informational meeting in the theater on Sunday, January 5, at 12:15 pm or Wednesday, January 8, at 7:30 pm.

7-8:30 pm Sundays Explore dates are January 5, 12, 26 Sr. High Sundays!

Every Sunday night, sr. highers gather for worship, and community at church. All are welcome! More info is at lordoflife.org/ srhighsunday.

Come check out Explore and hang out. It’s a fun time with worship and games and just exploring our faith together.

7 pm—Ecclesia worship in Samaritan Hall

Sundays nights @ 7 pm

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©iStock

7:45 pm—Express sr. high youth group

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789 Kids!

winter release day

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es, 789 kids received Christmas gifts via Lord of Life’s Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift drive in November. Each gift brings joy, hope, and smiles to a child whose life has been haunted by poverty, disaster, disease, or war. More than that, each box brings the true meaning of Christmas—God’s gift to mankind, the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Operation Christmas Child works in partnership with local churches where the boxes are distributed. Shoebox gifts enable vulnerable children in places like Nepal, South Sudan, and India to get involved with local churches and discover how much God loves them.

Over 100 million shoebox gifts have been given to children since 1993. Thank you for supporting this ministry!

january church school

January 4/5: 2-year-old weekly Church School begins! Regular Church School for 2 yr.–6th grade, 3rd/4th grades begin learning about worship during Church School January 11/12, 18/19 and 25/26: Regular Church School for 2 yr.–6th grade, 3rd/4th grades continue learning about worship during Church School February 1/2: Regular Church School for 2 yr.-2nd grade and 5th–6th grades, 3rd/4th grades worship with families and sing in worship

children youth family

On Monday, January 20 from 9 am–4:30 pm, children in grades 1-6 are invited to go ice skating. Cost is $20 and bring a bag lunch. We will have the rink to ourselves and skate rentals are provided. We will also see a magic show, participate in service projects, and have fun hanging out with our friends at Lord of Life! Please register at lordoflife.org/releaseday or in the CYF office downstairs.

after school program Aubrey (above) was with parents Drew & Lauren Nieson dropping off their Operation Christmas Child boxes in November.

The winter semester of Lord of Life’s After School Program (ASP) begins on Tuesday, January 7. This faith-based after-school program includes drama, science, cooking, games, and more for all children in grades 1-4. Busing is provided for Basswood and Rush Creek Elementary schools. Parent pick up is at or before 6 pm. More information and registration is at lordoflife.org/asp. Questions? Contact Julie.

Families Serving Together sunday, january 26

This Growing Families of Faith event is for the whole family; children and parents learn together. It is from 3:30-5 pm followed by optional dinner ($3 per person). Childcare will be available for children under 3 years. Our time with presenters Michelle Welinski and Lynn Leisen will include: • Biblical basis for family service

• Presentation and sharing of ideas • Family discussion time • Work on service projects ($5 suggested family donation for materials) • Take-home information/resources Please let us know you’re coming so that we have enough supplies. Sign up at lordoflife.org/GFF. Thank you.

Bravo to the “Ring, Christmas Bells!” cast with another photo on Page 2.

For more information about Church School or to help lead Church School, please contact Kirstin Delp (2 yr-kindergarten), Julie Wilson (1st-4th grade), or Amanda Clancy (5th/6th grade).

Januar y 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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children youth family

January Bible Verse: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 18:24

Welcoming the New Year

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool

January Book Picks

If It’s Snowy and You Know It Clap Your Paws! by Kim Norman Come frolic in the snow with this peppy pack of cold-weather friends—an irresistible wintry story!

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appy New Year—and welcome 2014! We are ready for a flurry of fun this January at Karing Kingdom Preschool. We begin the month with “W” is for winter as we explore our frosty winter wonderland. Next we’re off to Maple Grove Library to learn all about this wonderful resource in our own backyard. The following week it’s “Z” for ZOOM, ZOOM with things that go! Then it’s “X” for X-ray, topped off with Pajama Party fun. January also includes an all-school family picnic with entertainment provided by The Splatter Sisters!

Registration for the 2014-15 school year begins on Monday, January 6, for currently enrolled families; alumni families may register beginning Wednesday, January 8. Open enrollment begins on Monday, January 13.

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

From watercolor to minions to books galore, Karing Kingdom is a place of learning... with fun while doing it!

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Januar y 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel, Director, x127, kingdom@ lordoflife.org Teachers: Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, and Carly Tappe

contact info WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FAX 763.420.7286 ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 V isit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for a full staff listing with photos.

PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran

1978 Lord of Life Lutheran Church Charter (ELCA)

After a rigorous evaluation process, including a selfassessment family survey completed by students’ parents, Karing Kingdom received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Congratulations to Karing Kingdom!

Photo at left:

Lord of Life is a community of people called together by God’s Holy Spirit who confess Christ as Lord. We wish to be a church whose door is open to all people. And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will strive to educate, comfort, aid and spread the word of love in Christ’s name.

We believe worship is of most importance in our life together as we receive God’s love through Word and Sacrament. We will be involved with seeking justice in our community, state, nation, and world.

We hold high the dignity and worth of every human being as created in God’s image and forgiven in Christ. We hope to be a serving church, in the name of Him who came as Servant of all.

In November Karing Kingdom Preschool held an Usborne Book Fair with the intention that any proceeds would go to the Ronald McDonald House in the form of books.

The book fair was a huge success and we earned over $1000 in free books for the house. This photo is just one of the enthusiastic classes sharing smiles on this accomplishment. Thank you to everyone who purchased books!

Januar y 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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ADDRESS 7401 COUNTY ROAD 101, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-4313 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED - TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

Permit #14

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. The deadline for the February issue is January 1.

Copyright 2013 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

caught reading lifetimes

Max, Ellen, Nora, and Joel Kivi are caught reading LifeTIMES on Cocoa Beach, Florida Chris & Tina Lund with Mason, Nolan, and Ryan along with grandparents Wendy & Christopher Konop at Lord of Life’s Family Retreat at Kalahari Water Park in Wisconsin Joe & Barb Groebner are caught reading LifeTIMES in Ireland!

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Januar y 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a