January2015

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

LifeTIMES

January 2015

God’s mercies are new every morning

by Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

At the beginning of a new calendar year we often make resolutions of how we are going to be better this year than we were the last. Perhaps we are going to eat healthier, exercise, read more books, watch less TV . . . the lists each of us could write may have quite a few similarities. And of course trying to do better and be better is not a bad thing. But what resolutions often have in common is that they are all about me . . . or you . . . they are about us. They are all about our willpower and stamina and good intentions. And again—it’s not a bad thing to want to be the best we can be. But I have been thinking about making another kind of resolution this year . . . a resolution that focuses not on me, but on God. —continues on Page 3

January 2015

“For me to live is Christ”

Philippians 1:21a

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

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

Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life.

—Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy

PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor, Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor, Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor, Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor, L5/Adult Bible Study, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS Worship Schedule / Pastor’s Message........................................................Pages 2-3 Lord of Life Lives Christ Together...............................................................Pages 4-5 Word for Women and L5 Session 3 Classes / February Forum..............Page 6-7 Generosity............................................................................................................. Page 8 Lord of Life Ministries..................................................................................Pages 9-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool.............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES............................................................................... Page 16

Sunday evening is Ecclesia worship at 7 pm Third Sunday worship on January 18 at 10 am at Ambassador - Good Samaritan Society in New Hope Wednesday, January 21, worship service at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room January 3/4 Preaching: Pastor Sarah Bunge Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Soloist Dana Brinton January 10/11 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto (all three services), Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Duet with Val Lari and Amy Cerepak (11 am) January 17/18 Preaching: Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble

Table of Contents / Worship schedule

January 24/25 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Soloist to be announced (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) January 31/February 1 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:30 and 11 am) Riley Brown caught a great ride at Kalahari in November—more photos are on Page 14 and on facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran.

2 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

God’s mercies are new every morning —continues from cover

Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

I am going to resolve this year to simply be thankful for our amazing God each day. I am going to regularly repeat the words of Lamentations 3:22-23 and claim them for my life. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote the Book of Lamentations soon after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The previous book in the Bible is the Book of Jeremiah—in that book Jeremiah predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and in the Book of Lamentations he looks back on it.

Lamentations is known as the book of tears—a funeral dirge written for the fallen city. But right in the middle of all of the lament and sadness Jeremiah writes these words, recognizing that whatever we are going through in life God is with us, loving us and giving us new life.

He writes, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Those were amazingly comforting words for a people who were feeling hopeless, and they are amazingly comforting words for each of us.

Whether the circumstances in our lives are positive or negative, whether we are able to stick to our self-improvement resolutions or not, we have a God who loves us beyond measure. His love for us will never end. Each day we start with a clean slate—because God’s mercies are new every morning.

What is really important is that God is faithful, even when we are not. Happy New Year!

—Pastor Karen

Pastor’s Message “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015 3

Lord ofL baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is the second Saturday of the month, January 10, from 1011 am; no pregistration is necessary.

To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

November 1 Soren John Kampa November 2 Isabella Mia Sarratori November 9 Caleb Edward Johnson November 15 Marais Paige Tschann November 22 Bennett Hans Zellers Lacey Luella Ross November 23 Juliahna Edith-Marie Blenkush Adriana Faith Loaney Rylee Lyn Halzle Aria Rose Smith Cecelia Jane Holman Isaiah Joseph Johnson-Arigu Wyatt Francis Borman November 29 Liam Scott Davis

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together

November 30 Madison Elizabeth Schwalbe Miles Daniel Eichten

4 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

LifeLivesChrist Together bereavements

weddings

welcome to new members

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 1 Kathryn Keiman & Jordan Lippitt Nora Hansen & Brandon Johnson

Vijay & Monica Alley with Rhea

Bill Freeland and family at the death of his uncle Carole Hoel and family at the death of her mother Julie Korbel and family at the death of her grandmother

Chuck & Pat Berger

November 15 Chris & Jordan Golomb with Bella, Brittany Larson & Christopher Cowger Max, and Lila November 29 Kaarin Hardtke Alyssa Madsen & Travis Froland Stefanie Carufel & Max Sherohman Denny & Betty Havel with Krista Havel and Carissa Bjorklund December 5 Kristin Langanki & Daniel Cassidy

Steve Monson and family at the death of his mother

Lynn Hendrickson Ron Huser & Allison Ilstrup with Adam, Abby, Anders, and Anika Gary Ilstrup

Ken Roelofs and family at the death of his mother Jim Ufford and family at the death of his mother

Gerald & Noreen Roehl Ken & Kami Sine with Sydney Mike & Kayla Sustad with Karina and Julia Greg & Andrea VanKeuren

healing services in the new year The word of God instructs us to pray for healing and God brings healing in many ways. It might be healing from a physical ailment, a spiritual healing, healing of a broken relationship, healing from an addiction, a sense of peace that calms the heart to face the uncertain road ahead or strength that moves us from grieving to hope.

All are invited to Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel for a short meditation, anointing, and healing prayer following Saturday night worship at 6:30 pm on:

February 28

May 16

August 22

November 21 There will be no healing service in January 2015. Please contact Pastor Karen Sue at ksgreimel@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x144 if you are in need of a prayer appointment, pre-surgical prayer service, hospital/home/rehab or assisted living visit.

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together

Are any among you suffering?

They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick?

They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015 5

ONE-SHOT FORUM

Sunday, February 17 Dr. Deanna Thompson Sacred Rhythms book and participant’s guide will be available in Reflections of Faith.

Martin Luther: His Life & Significance for the 21st Century

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

James 4:8 Word for Women Winter Study—

Sacred Rhythms

Word for Women will kick off the new year with a scripture-based study of spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God’s transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Sacred Rhythms reintroduces contemporary Christians to ancient practices with a focus on praying the Scripture, the need for solitude, discernment, and Sabbath. When we practice spiritual disciplines, our study of scripture is enriched as we see deeper into the words of God and their meaning for our lives.

Wednesday, January 7, at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall begins the six-week study of Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformations. Workbooks for this study will be available in Reflections of Faith, and if you wish to go deeper, you could also purchase the book. Word for Women sessions begin with a large group time which includes a presentation/teaching and also at various times, worship, service projects, coffee and treats. After gathering in a large group, we 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.

Word for Women / L5 February Forum

via de christo

Via de Cristo is a three-day retreat designed to renew and strengthen your faith. The next set of weekends will be held on January 22-25 for men and January 29-February 1 for women. If you have questions or are interested in attending, please contact Tony and Diane Sjolander at tdsjolander@comcast.net or Merle and Michelle Waldron at mmwaldron@comcast.net.

6 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Dr. Thompson is passionate about strengthening people’s knowledge of Christian tradition, while at the same time approaching this material from the perspective of personal, communal, and contemporary relevance. She is a respected scholar of Martin Luther and is a professor of religion at Hamline University.

There is no registration required for L5 forums. To register for Session 3 classes, visit lordoflife. org/L5 or pick up more details and a registration form at church in the main hallway at the L5 bulletin board.

We are happy to be able to offer L5 classes and forums free of charge.

Individual classes may be using books that will be available for purchase by participants.

L5 Class Descriptions

Session 3 - Week of January 11-Week of February 8

LIFE LONG LEARNING AT LORD OF LIFE

SUNDAY 8:30 am Wiser Women: God’s Power in Second Half “U” (all new!), Joan Freeberg WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE - There is so much to learn about God’s power in this exciting new frontier of life! God’s creative activity in the world allows us to live longer and healthier lives. In this class we will examine what it means to be part of the new movement to redefine age as potential for carrying out God’s mission in the world. How is God calling you in the second half of life?

8:30 am Holy Spirit in the New Testament, Pastor Donna Rohrer We talk about the Holy Spirit as part of the Triune God. But not very much.

Using the New Testament, the creeds, and other helps—let’s find out how important the Spirit is in our lives.

9:45 am The Compassionate Christ in the Gospel of Luke - 1 Pastor Donna Rohrer We will listen to the words of Luke as we travel with Jesus to Jerusalem.

The Jesus Luke shares with us is the person who prefers to be with the underdogs, outcasts, and regular people like us. The stories and parables show that Luke sees the joy Jesus finds with us. Come and share in the joy! This class continues into Session 4.

9:45 am Quiet Time—Getting to Know God More Intimately, Sheryl Britsch We spend time with family and friends to develop and deepen those relationships. How do we build a relationship with God? Scripture says that Jesus would often withdraw to a quiet place to have time with the Father. This class will explore what quiet time is, various ways to approach it, and benefits from spending time with God and getting to know him more intimately.

11 am Prayer School, Pastor Karen Sue Greimel with Larry & Cynthia Pivec Have you ever thought God was outside your network? Do you find yourself asking God, “Can you hear me now?” If you want to change your “prayer plan” and get a better connection, have we got a plan for you! Prayer School offers a hands-on class for everyone who desires to know God better and hear Him more clearly. Come for one 5-week session or as many sessions as you’d like, as all of the classes will be different.

11 am Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism 1, Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Ina Barton Adult Confirmation/Lutheranism is a 10-week course to learn more about being a Lutheran and make public affirmation of your faith. Those who are confirmed may take this course as a review of Lutheranism. There will be a Thursday evening mini-retreat and a Saturday evening Affirmation of Baptism service. We will study the Small Catechism, including the Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed and Ten Commandments. We will review the sacraments of Holy Communion and Holy Baptism and learn why Lutherans do what they do.

6 pm Parenting Teens 1, Karen Nelson The Parenting Teens class is specifically designed for those parenting 11-18 year olds. The 10-week class will be a mixture of video and conversation focused on equipping teens for life by looking at: Keeping the End in Mind; Meeting our Teenager’s Needs; Setting Boundaries; Developing Emotional Health; and Helping Teens Make Good Choices. Great responses from everyone who took this class previously; very helpful video and conversation.

MONDAY AT 7 PM The Compassionate Christ in the Gospel of Luke - 1, Pastor Donna Rohrer We will listen to the words of Luke as we travel with Jesus to Jerusalem. The Jesus Luke shares with us is the person who prefers to be with the underdogs, outcasts, and regular people like us. The stories and parables show that Luke sees the joy Jesus finds with us.

Come and share in the joy! This class continues into Session 4.

Body & Soul Yoga, Audrey Johnson Come and enjoy an hour of yoga! One of the best gifts you can give God and others is to be the best you can be; body and soul. We will focus on breathing, stretching, holding poses, core and relaxation. We will use our breath to come within, letting go of judgment and competition of ourselves and others, stretching to accept where we are and what we can do, holding poses to parallel the tough things in life and through all, reminding us that God will help us. We will also offer prayer in our movements; taking time to be still.

TUESDAY 8:30 am Holy Spirit in the New Testament, Pastor Donna Rohrer We talk about the Holy Spirit as part of the Triune God. But not very much. Using the New Testament, the creeds, and other helps—let’s find out how important the Spirit is in our lives.

6:45 pm Wiser Women: God’s Power in Second Half “U” (all new!), Joan Freeberg WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE - There is so much to learn about God’s power in this exciting new frontier of life! God’s creative activity in the world allows us to live longer and healthier lives. In this class we will examine what it means to be part of the new movement to redefine age as potential for carrying out God’s mission in the world. How is God calling you in the second half of life?

WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 PM

L5 Session 3 Classes

Made to Crave, Michelle Welinski “All God’s girls have issues. All of us. Every single one of us. We haul around a bucketload of issues. There are painfully thin women weighted down spiritually and emotionally by feelings of defeat the same as women many sizes larger than them.” Join the discussion on Made to Crave, written by Lysa Terkeurst, as we learn about ourselves and our need for additional spiritual empowerment. There is a spiritual battle going on in our lives. When tempted by food choices, learn to draw on scripture to fill those longings. Food was never meant to fulfill the deepest places of our hearts reserved for God alone. This is not a ‘diet discussion’ rather a spiritual growth journey. Each week we will watch a video clip, and talk about the chapters we read during the week and share personal insights. The book will be available for purchase in Reflections of Faith as well as the optional study guide.

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015 7

A Time for Gratitude

by Pastor Chick Lane The beginning of the New Year is always a time of reflection and planning. Many of us find ourselves looking back, reflecting on the past year—the good, the bad, and the “somewhere in between.” We also find ourselves planning for the next year, hence the well-known New Year’s resolutions. We will exercise more. We will lose weight. We will do better than we have done in the past.

Jeff and Paige Peterson with Manna Packs from Feed My Starving Children—a delivery to Jamaica is planned for January 2015.

Hungry in Body and Spirit Lord of Life has been in partnership with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) for over ten years. In orphanages, “throw away” children receive FMSC food that allows them to grow strong. At West Haven Children’s Home, an orphanage in Jamaica for children who are disabled, missionaries have personally delivered, stored, and fed FMSC food to the children.

A single bag of food, which provides meals for six children, costs around $1.15 to produce, and 94% of all FMSC donations goes directly toward the food program.

A $35 donation provides one meal to 182 children.

Lord of Life has a scheduled packing time on Saturday, January 17, from 9-11 am. For registration information, visit lordoflife.org/fmsc. If this day or time does not work for your schedule, visit FMSC.org/volunteers and pick a special date other than those set aside for Lord of Life.

Individuals and families at Lord of Life are continuing to work toward helping Feed My Starving Children to meet their goal to “feed God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit.” Thank you for your support!

Due to the early printing of this issue along with a need to post all donations by year-end, both November & December’s financials will appear in

Generosity

February’s LifeTIMES.

8 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Reflection and planning are good activities. I’d like to encourage you to add another word to your list of things you do this time of year, and that word is gratitude. As you reflect on the past year, think with gratitude of all the blessings God has showered on you. Only you can know your list of that for which you are grateful, but it is very important that you know that list. It can be so easy to go through life as if we alone are responsible for all that has come our way. A few moments of reflection can be enough to realize that God is the source of all, and that other people—family, friends, and colleagues—have brought so much into our lives. As you reflect, be grateful.

As you plan for next year, the word gratitude still works. As you consider what you will do better in 2015, how about resolving to be more grateful?

How about a commitment to stop more often, look around, and give thanks for all those whose lives are a blessing to you? How about a commitment to stop more often, look up, and give thanks to God for all the blessings God has showered upon you?

For many of us, life moves at such a pace that finding time for gratitude can be difficult. In this time of reflection and planning, commit yourself to finding that time, and to being grateful.

—Pastor Chick

congregational meeting Lord of Life’s annual congregational meeting will be in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, January 25, following the 11 am worship service. The main agenda item is approval of the 2015 budget.

Central Lutheran On Thursday, November 13, the OWLs visited Minnesota’s ‘Lutheran Cathedral,’ Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. Pastor Christopherson and Docent Karen Snyder told us about the history and workings of this active church with its beautiful floral motif stained glass windows, wood carvings, and magnificent organ with almost 57,000 pipes.

Started by a few Norwegian families in 1919, the church was built in the late 1920s. During our visit, organist Mark Sedio played Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past on the wonderful organ. Because Central is in a low-income area, Pastor Melissa Pohlman shared about their Restoration Center where they hold services, feed crowds and donate food, clothing, household goods, health care, and job training. Donations are always welcome. The OWLs headed to the downtown Hyatt for lunch.

Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs) Calendar Thursday, January 8: “Lunch and a Movie” at 12 noon with freewill donation lunch. Ina Barton & David Frank will share a special New Year devotion. Celebrate the New Year with friends! Immediately following the movie, there will be an informational meeting about a May weekend trip to Pella, Iowa, for the tulip festival.

Wednesday, January 21: Worship service at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room.

save the date Thursday, February 5: Surprise! Mark your calendar for the annual Valentine Party starting at noon with a freewill donation lunch. You do not want to miss the surprises!

Thursday, February 19: The play God Girl by Kristine Holmgren is about a spirited Macalaster College graduate who was a member of one of the first classes of women accepted to the Master of Divinity program at Princeton Theological Seminary. It reflects on the hard work, humor, and heartbreak experienced by the brave women who dared to break through the stained glass ceiling within the Protestant church. We will leave at 9 am and return at 3 pm.

Cost is $28. Lunch will be on your own at the St. Paul Grill.

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.

Lord of Life Ministries

Wednesday, January 21: Hello, Dolly! at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater’s production of the Tony award-winning musical. Dolly Levi is a delightful, scheming busybody who makes her living as a matchmaker in New York City. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of this legend in American musical theater. Leave Lord of Life at 10:30 am and return at 4 pm. Cost is $56, including lunch.

Friday, January 23: Labeling LifeTIMES in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Coffee’s on!

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015 9

Back row: Cynthia Libby, Craig Zinter, Kermit Amann, John Snyder, Tom Wilson, Steve Williams Middle row: Oly Quast, Sharon Quast, Gehry Sower, Tom Spoden, Barb Modlin, Gary Modlin, Deb Ryan Front row: Merle Waldron, Michelle Waldron, Al Peterson, Chris Lapham, Missy Benson, Deb Williams, Lisa Trainor

The book of Acts is the story of the early church. It has only 28 chapters; the 29th chapter is still being written today by His people. In Acts 1:8, just before Jesus went back to his Father in heaven, it says . . .“and you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 29 in Tuscaloosa

Acts 29 Missions 2007 - Biloxi, MS 2008 - Ocean Springs, MS 2009 - Ocean Springs, MS 2010 - Ocean Springs, MS 2011 - Port Sulpher, LA 2012 - Minot, ND

Lord of Life Ministries

2013 - Minot, ND

10 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

2014 – Tuscaloosa, AL 2015 - to be determined

by Michelle and Merle Waldron One way to describe Acts 29 is we are storm chasers.

We go to places in the United States where there has been a natural disaster and provide the labor to rebuild homes and lives. We have learned—it’s not about building a house. It is about being His witnesses; we listen to the homeowners’ hurts, fears, dreams, hopes, and encourage them through prayer and come alongside them. And we continue to write His story here on earth. Acts 29 facts include: • length of trip is one week • cost varies $25-200 plus transportation • 8-20 people per trip, ages range from 18-78 years old • roughly 7,000 hours of labor provided • projects range from painting to jacking a house up and putting it back on its foundation

We partner with local civic and spiritual organizations that provide housing, meals, materials and homes to work on. This is done so that we can concentrate on being the Lord’s hands, feet, and heart to those in need.

For more information, visit lordoflife.org/acts29 or contact Michelle or Merle Waldron at mmwaldron@ comcast.net to learn of the Acts 29 destination in 2015.

Men’s Quarterly Breakfast Book cover image used with permission.

On Saturday, January 10, from 7:30-9:30 am, please join in as we study and discuss Tim Wright’s Searching for Tom Sawyer - How Parents and Congregations Can Stop The Exodus of Boys from Church.

Did you know that 70% to 90% of boys will leave the church in their teens and early twenties? We feel that our vision as a men’s ministry is to equip and empower men of our congregation to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus becoming true disciples of Christ. But if we are losing so many young men at such an early stage, this becomes a struggle for us as a ministry. Searching for Tom Sawyer offers a compelling vision and practical principles for how we can change that storyline to forge boys into heroic men, leaders, and followers of Christ.

You are invited to enjoy a great breakfast and then view a video of Tim Wright sharing his insights into this issue. We will discuss how as a ministry we can try and tackle and broaden our ministry vision to the young men of our congregation.

For more information, visit lordoflife.org/realmen.

marriage encounter

Chris Tollefson’s C3 class

Start the new year right and enjoy a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend on February 13-15 at the Minneapolis Boulevard Hotel in Brooklyn Center. It’s one-on one time with your spouse in a comfortable and private environment away from distractions. Weekends fill fast and pre-registration is required. Apply now at GodLovesMarriage.org, or contact Peter & Phyllis McMahon at mcmahonp@ comcast.net or 763.561.1575.

Lives Are Being Transformed

It’s the time of year when people are making New Year’s resolutions.

When you look back at the resolutions you have previously made, how many of them have you been successful at? To have any kind of successful life change you need two things: a new energy source and a structure or template to guide that energy.

That is what you will find at Celebrate Recovery. You will find energy and support being surrounded by other Christians who are making life changes. You will learn the structure of the 12 Steps, supported by biblical foundations and how to apply them to your everyday life. You will see life transformation in others and yourself too!

Take your first step towards making a sustainable life change by coming to Celebrate Recovery. Every Tuesday night dinner is served from 5:45-6:30 pm, followed by worship, teaching, and genderspecific small groups. Childcare is provided, and programming for elementary age children is provided, too.

First Five is a social group that will give a chance for those of us in our first five years of marriage to come together. First Five is hosting a fun event for those in the Lord of Life community. If you’re in the first five years of marriage—you are invited!

Join in for WhirlyBall in Maple Grove on Sunday, January 11, at 3:45 pm for food, fun, and fellowship. Cost is $25 per couple which helps cover the WhirlyBall court rental. We’ll play from 4-5 pm with dinner afterwards at an additional cost. Please register by contacting Betsy & Ty Thayer at starzie_19@yahoo.com. More information about WhirlyBall can be found at WhirlyBalltwincities.com.

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015

Lord of Life Ministries

Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118 or Pastor Karen Sue Greimel at ksgreimel@ lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x144.

first five

11

Serving at Lord of Life and in the community, congratulations to Raul as a leader in faith and as soccer coach for the Park Center Pirates Girls Soccer Team. It was a season to remember!

God Moments as Youth Minister and Coach

by Raul Garcia III, Associate in Ministry, Confirmation & Junior High Ministries

Those of y’all that don’t know who I am I’m a huge soccer fan and God fear’n man. I have the pleasure and honor of being called here at Lord of Life to serve our junior high youth and families as well as being the girls’ varsity head soccer coach at Park Center High School in District 279. I live in both worlds of athletics and serving at Lord of Life. I love my call here at Lord of Life and my call as a coach. I have done both for most of my adult life for 20+ years.

This year was a very special year for my Pirate ladies as we had a very successful soccer season.

We made Park Center Girls soccer history! The statistics include: • most wins in conference history (10) • most wins in a season (18) • most all-conference players (5) • most all-state players (3) • ranked in top ten during the majority of the soccer season • making state tournament for the first time in school history • section head coach and assistant coaches of the year ...and other accolades.

With all the success of this awesome season, I particularly love the little things that make coaching amazing for me, fills my cup as a coach, and as a faithful man of God. I am a coach/teacher who wants to make a positive influence in a young person’s life both on and off the field. Life lessons happen everywhere and helping prepare my players for life and using soccer as a tool is amazing. Don’t get me wrong—I love to win—but it’s not about winning even though this year was a great season for us.

I love the fact that my girls asked to pray before each game, expected me to pray with them, and also wanted me to lead the team in prayer. I sat with girls who have broken down in tears and talked about their heartbreaks, stresses of school work, friends on drugs, mom getting sick, or praying in the hospital with a player and family before they have surgery for a torn ACL. I love my time as a coach before and after our training sessions where I can sit with players and we can talk about life, school, and faith. We had an amazing season this fall and I will always remember our success and awards we received—yet I will especially remember those God moments we had that helped make this season successful.

Raul and his wife Rhea have two daughters: Grace (14) and Trinity (10).

They have lived in Maple Grove since 2005 and are very involved in their daughters’ interests of gymnastics, cheerleading, soccer, and school events.

Lord of Life Ministries

Congratulations, Park Center Pirates!

12 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

senior high summer 2015 This summer Lord of Life is taking two senior high trips: an AWOL (A Work of Love) mission trip in June and the ELCA Youth Gathering trip in July. Come learn more about both trips at one of two informational meetings in Samaritan Hall on Sunday, January 11, at 12:15 pm -or- Wednesday, January 14, at 7:30 pm.

More info at lordoflife.org/srhighsummer. senior high sundays Start your week off right with Sr. High Sunday! Hang out with your church friends, have some fun, and talk about faith. We start at 7 pm with Ecclesia worship, followed by Express youth group at 7:45 pm. All are welcome!

ultimate lock-in January 23 from 10 pm-6 am Deadline to register is January 21!

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Maple Grove Community Center

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$25 plus a canned food item

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Grades 7-9

jr. high leadership team January 14, 5:30-6:30 pm If you want to be part of the jr. high leadership team and want to develop your leadership skills in helping shape and run our jr high program, this opportunity is for you. Come check it out! We’ll be in The Gathering. Dinner is included.

junior/senior high ski/snowboard day retreat February 14, 8:30 am-7 pm, $50

Let’s have some fun in the snow! Families are welcome to come ski all day on February 14 at Afton Alps. Bring your valentines and make some memories. Registration and more at lordoflife.org/jrhighskiretreat.

Questions? Contact Raul or Elizabeth.

Christ, Community, Confirmation—

C

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sundays

January 4, 11, 25 5-6 pm C3 Groups (7th Grade Only) 5:30-6:30 pm Family Meal 6-7 pm C3 Groups and L5 7-7:45 pm Ecclesia Worship 7:45-8:45 pm Explore

wednesdays

January 7, 14, 28 4:30-5:30 pm 5:30-6:30 pm 6:30-7:30 pm

C Groups Family Meal C3 Groups and L5 3

jr. high explore

Come check out Explore—it’s a fun time with worship and games and exploring our faith together on January 4, 11, 25 from 7:45-8:45 pm.

leaders’ huddle

save the date Tuesday, March 3 5:30-10:30 pm Jr. High to Minnesota Wild Hockey! $30 includes game ticket & transportation, first 42 youth to register gets a ticket and space on the bus!

Register at lordoflife.org.

church school January 3/4: Children worship with families

January 10/11: 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.

For more information about Church School or to help lead Church School, please contact Kirstin Delp (2yrKindergarten), Julie Wilson (1st-4th grade), or Amanda Clancy (5th-6th grade). after-school program The winter semester of Lord of Life’s after-school program (ASP) begins on Tuesday, January 6. This faith-based afterschool 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. winter release day On Monday, January 19 from 9 am–5 pm, children in grades 1-6 are invited to a day of fun. Cost is $25 and bring a bag lunch. We will participate in a museum-to-go class, watch a movie at the Rogers theater, and have fun hanging out with our friends at Lord of Life! Please register at lordoflife.org/releaseday or in the CYF office downstairs.

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015

Lord of Life Ministries

On Wednesday, January 7, 5:30 pm, we will gather all the leaders together for training and conversations about how things are going. It is a great night for us all to touch base, share stories, get to know each other, support and be supported. And learn a few things, too! The leaders’ huddle includes dinner in the Luther Room—we hope to see everyone there!

Join Joyful Noise children’s choir in the new year! We rehearse on Thursday nights from 6-7 pm and sing in church the first week of the month.

Come join in the fun and start singing. Register at lordoflife. org/joyfulnoise or contact Dana Brinton with questions (danab@lordoflife.org).

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< encourage o ne another <

Lord of Life’s annual family retreat at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells brought 127 people in families of all shapes and sizes. The theme was “Encourage One Another” with family worship time, devotions, and of course, water park fun.

Lord of Life Ministries

775

children, 775 gifts

amily Retreat Kalahari 2014 F

In 2014 Lord of Life brought joy and hope to 775 children in desperate situations worldwide through simple, gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and evangelistic materials that tell the Good News of God’s love. Please continue to pray that God will touch the heart of every child who receives a shoebox gift, and that God will bring many children and families to faith in Christ. Thank you for your generosity.

14 January 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

families serving together

Each month, parents with children in 2-yearold through 9th grade Church School and C3 classes receive an e-newsletter called Families Serving Together. This newsletter highlights a different service organization each month and includes several opportunities for families to serve together. You’ll find appropriate activities for all ages with varying degrees of commitment. If you’ve missed an issue, you may find past newsletters on the Family Resources page at lordoflife.org/familyresources.

January Bible Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1

A Brand New Year

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool

How Big Is a Million?

by Anna Milbourne Pipkin, the smallest penguin, is always asking questions. And what he really wants to know most of all is “how big is a million?”

Happy New Year from Karing Kingdom Preschool! We begin the month of January with a flurry of fun as we celebrate winter. A trip to Maple Grove Library is included in this month of frosty fun.

Next we’re off to the North Pole to visit some of our artic polar pals.

There’ll be a sudden heat wave in Karing Kingdom when our school is transformed into a tropical paradise. Families will enjoy a beach party and picnic featuring Bob the Beachcomber. We conclude our month exploring the gifts of our five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

Registration for the 2015-16 school year begins in January. The schedule for registration is:

Current family registration: Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Alumni family registration: Monday, January 12, 2015

Open registration for general public: Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Celebrating 20 Years 1995-2015 For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please contact us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.

Church doors open at 7 am with registration beginning at 8 am. There is a non-refundable fee of $100 due upon registration.

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a January 2015

Karing Kingdom Preschool

Yellow Day!

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by Wallace Carlson using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@ lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the February issue is January 1. Copyright © 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work. Our Hands.

A Church School class is caught reading LifeTIMES—even upside down?!

January 2015

Acts 29 is caught reading LifeTIMES with more photos and story on Page 10!

“For me to live is Christ”

Philippians 1:21a