January 2016 LifeTIMES

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

LifeTIMES Peace

© Unsplash

be with you.

January 2016

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

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

—Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy

january worship and music January 2/3 Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Brava! Women’s Chorus January 9/10 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto and Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Bel Canto and Taylor Wilson (11 am) January 16/17

PASTO RAL S TA F F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band

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, Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org

Sunday: New Life Ensemble

Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT, karilynw@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am),

January 23/24 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Joyful Noise (11 am)

TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Pastor’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2-3 Lord of Life’s Family of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

January 30/31 Pastor Sarah Bunge Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Soloist Joseph Ellickson

<> Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion

More photos of the Legacy of Love children’s Christmas musical on Page 12!

Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Third Sunday, January 17, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday, January 20, worship at 1 pm at

Worship and Music

Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community

2 January 2016

room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

Today, Tomorrow, Always and Forever Two thousand years ago the disciples were scared to death.

Jesus had died on the cross and they didn’t yet know about the resurrection. They were hiding in a room with the doors locked when, the Bible says, “Jesus came and stood among them.” The very first thing Jesus says to the disciples, John 20, verse 19, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.”

I love this. He says, “Calm down. Take a deep breath. It’s going to be ok.” Jesus could have walked into the room and said to His followers:

“Why did you guys leave Me?

Why did you abandon Me?

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Where were you when I needed you most?”

That’s what any of the rest of us would have done. But Jesus didn’t criticize them.

He didn’t scold them or reprimand them. Instead, He says, “Peace be with you.”

In fact, this is so important, do you know the second thing that Jesus said to the disciples? In John 20, verse 21, Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.” He wants to make sure they didn’t miss it the first time. Peace be with you.

Like the disciples, too often our lives are anything but peaceful. It can feel like we’re living in a hurricane! Everything’s whirling all around us! There is pressure from all sides, work has its deadlines, children scream for attention, our families have difficult expectations. World events make us anxious. It seems as if we can’t find a moment’s peace.

As the new year begins, we can be overcome with worry or guilt or fear. But as He did with the disciples, God still comes and says, “Peace be with you.” Calm down, take a deep breath, it’s going to be ok. Peace be with you. The words are so nice that He says them twice. Peace be with you.

Today, tomorrow, always and forever, may God’s peace be with you.

In John 20, verse 19, Jesus says,

Pastor’s Article

© Lightstock

“Peace be with you.”

January 2016 3

baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, January 10, at 11 am. No pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

November 1

Evelyn Mae Borgos

Greta Marie Mattson

Emily Ray McDonald November 7

Kenzie Isabelle Nelson November 8

Hadley Grace Cimperman

Porter Stanley Craig November 14

Morgan Kaylin Brown

Evelyn Grace Endean

Lois Jean Singer November 21

Axel William Mundy November 22

Leah Kathryn Barthel

Payton Danielle Engen

Archer Thomas Hansen

Holden Larry Hesse

Caitlin Annetta Royer November 28

Thomas Dean McCarty November 29

Henry Steven Kain

Boden Jude Swanson

Bridget Starz Thayer

Lord of Life’s

Family

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.

Deb Bernu and family at the death of her husband LisaMarie Doerrmann and family at the death of her father Dan Dorholt and family at the death of his mother Brenda Ferm and family at the death of her mother Lois Helm and family at the death of her mother Terri Hendrickson and family at the death of her grandmother Suzy Houser and family at the death of her grandmother Chris Lapham and family at the death of her father Renae Larson and family at the death of her sister Jerri Lynn Leyse and family at the death of her father Phyllis McMahon and family at the death of her mother Kelly Moffitt and family at the death of her father Elizabeth Pater and family at the death of her husband Lisa Sharp and family at the death of her mother Jerry Sorenson and family at the death of his sister Sharon Thielke and family at the death of her sister Debbie Thein and family at the death of her sister

Family of Faith

Margaret Wieker and family at the death of her mother

©PewShot

4 January 2016

of

Faith

weddings November 7

Allison Rebhorn & Adam Vogel November 21

Shaun Hughes & Christopher Swanson

The Season of Epiphany January 6 is Epiphany Day. But it’s also a season.

In fact, this season of the church year leads us right up to Lent. I really like this season. Just like people often say when an amazing idea suddenly comes to their mind, Epiphany means ‘to show’ or ‘make known.’ Light is the symbol of this season, beginning with the star the Magi followed, all the way to Jesus’ clothes at the Transfiguration. I like to add to these images a more modern spotlight. Each week during worship, we’ll hear Scripture that will shine a spotlight on another feature of our Savior.

See you in church!

—Pastor Sarah

welcome to new members Nick & Shelly Beissel with Brady and Max Carl & Michelle Carlson with Eleanora and Oliver Dick & Carol Carlson Bobby DeWitt & Rachel Ivascu with Samuel and William DeWitt Becky Erickson with Britta and Max

Thank you to Liturgical Arts and Loaves of Love ministries for the November altar display. Pictured below are (left to right): Dana Brinton, Dawn Dahlberg, Lisa Gerber, and Mo Orendorff.

Bryan & Jessica Klick with Lucas Evelyn Lee Nick & Michelle Mlinar Steve & Kate Zaver with Will and Maggie 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.

Family of Faith January 2016 5

It Is Not Too Late

by Pastor Chick Lane This past November, all Lord of Life members were asked to make a financial commitment to the congregation for 2016 giving. Hundreds of households have already done this. If you haven’t made your commitment, it is not too late.

Also, if you can’t find your mailing with pledge information, that isn’t a problem—everything is online (see below).

As you may recall, Lord of Life is making a major change in how we handle our mortgage costs. In the past, we have had both a regular fund and a building fund. Now, because of the success of our last capital appeal and the positive impact of refinancing our mortgages, we are eliminating the building fund. Our ongoing ministry and mortgage costs will be handled through the general fund.

What this means for Lord of Life members is that if you have given in the past to both the general fund and the building fund, you are encouraged to combine those gifts into your 2016 giving to the general fund. If you have only given to the general fund in the past, you are encouraged to increase your giving to that one fund.

A very legitimate question is, “Why should I do this?” The answer has two parts. First, since all of Lord of Life’s mortgage costs will now be paid out of the general fund, moving giving from the building fund to the general fund is how you can continue to provide for the wonderful building that our congregation calls home. Second, and perhaps even more importantly, Lord of Life is doing great ministry in our Lord’s name; there is even more to do. Our impact in the community, our country, and the world can expand even more when we have more financial resources to do the work that God has for us to do.

If you haven’t made your 2016 Lord of Life financial commitment yet, please go online to do so. You can complete a pledge at lordoflife.org/pledgeform. If you wish to give electronically through our direct debit program, you can find information and sign up at lordoflife.org/directdebit.

The deadline for ministry grant applications is February 1—

Ministry Grants

by Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Lord of Life is just completing a 20-month capital appeal that has helped to pay the mortgage on our building addition. As part of this appeal, we are tithing on all the funds we receive. Tithing is the biblical precept of contributing 10% of one’s income to God’s work. Under this formula, we have already designated over $50,000 to special outreach projects. We anticipate having another $30,000 to contribute to worthy organizations when the campaign ends.

As we did a year ago, we are in the process of discerning how to best allocate our tithe. In this regard, we are now accepting applications for grants to special projects.

Preference will be given to projects that: 1. Expand outreach ministries that provide direct services to those living on the margins of society (i.e. those who are homeless, immigrants, and transient persons) 2. Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances 3. Provide opportunities for members of Lord of Life to serve If you are interested in applying for these grants, please complete a grant application form at lordoflife.org/grants. The deadline for these applications is February 1, 2016.

An example of a ministry grant and its application in the community is shared on the next page.

Budget Year-to-date November 2015 Actual

Total member contributions All other

$2,768,977 $2,744,616 $225,467

Total receipts

Budget

Difference $24,362

$224,769

$698

$2,994,444 $2,969,385

$25,059

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — November 2015 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000

Generosity

0

6 January 2016

11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22 11/29

Actual $48,626 $63,037 $61,327 $98,431 $56,306 Budget $72,465 $72,465 $72,465 $72,465 $72,465

In October 2014, Lord of Life’s Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Ambassadors Sandy and Bob Munson submitted a request for a ministry grant from the mortgage payoff tithe (see article on previous page).

Final word on the grant was received last summer and a new fence was installed near the Center for Changing Lives in south Minneapolis.

Lord of Life’s men’s ministry, Silent Knights, spent a Saturday morning tearing out the old, smaller garden and preparing that area for spring grass seeding. This interior space allows clients who live in surrounding LSS housing to have an area for their kids to run and play safely.

Later this spring, there may be additional opportunities for further refinements to the lawn area with some planting of perennials, as well as possibly helping to install other additions within the park.

Generosity January 2016 7

Social Opportunity for Lord of Life Women—

Bunco

by Myra Faust We are a group of Lord of Life (LOL) women who get together the second Tuesday of each month for “game night.” We play a simple dice game called Bunco, enjoy some snacks, and have a great time. We welcome new members; join in monthly as your schedule permits.

There is a hostess sign-up in advance and different women host the event in their homes each month.

B ecause everyone needs fun in their lives!

U will have wonderful fellowship with other LOL women!

N o stress ... an easy dice game with plenty of laughter!

C ome see us in action!

O n the second Tuesday of the month!

Mittens on a Mission

The next sew-a-thon is Saturday, January 9, from 9 am to noon. Lord of Life’s Mittens on a Mission ministry creates mittens from wool sweaters and fleece. Bring in any old sweaters to the Service Center—they will be transformed into warm mittens! The mittens are then delivered to men and women who are homeless in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mittens on a Mission meets monthly at Lord of Life from fall through winter. Fleece and wool sweaters are always needed.

If you would like directions and patterns to make mittens at home, contact Donna Rizner at dcrizner@aol.com. More information and registration is at lordoflife.org/mittensmission.

Questions? Please contact Sharon Quast (grammyq@ hotmail.com or 763.443.5135) or Myra Faust (golfbabe60@ gmail.com or 612.850.2621) for more information.

God’s Work. Our Hands. Great Coffee.

Lord of Life member Lisa Korus loves her coffee. And she brews up support for several ministries in our congregation!

As manager of Caribou Coffee in Maple Grove’s Lunds & Byerlys, Lisa has organized many coffee promotions of Amy’s Blend in three Maple Grove locations.

Lisa has been very involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Lord of Life has been given literally hundreds of pounds of coffee in the last two years.

This coffee has then been given to Lord of Life’s Cancer Support group members, Hope Lodge, and the Fairview Cancer Center in Maple Grove.

Lisa shares that Caribou Coffee contributes 10% of total purchases to cancer care. She recognizes many loyal customers as our members and appreciates their continued business.

Lord of Life Ministries

In addition to the Lunds & Byerlys location, Caribou Coffee is at 8073 Wedgewood Lane North (near Cub Foods & Kohl’s) and 11627 Fountains Drive (in The Fountains in Arbor Lakes) in Maple Grove.

8

January 2016

Joyful Students

For more information about Lord of Life’s One Mission One World ministries, contact Pastor Dave McCarty (davem@lordoflife.org) or visit lordoflife.org/globalpartners.

by Kent Dirks During my last visit to Uganda, I was able to visit the classes in session, enjoying those classrooms that were constructed last year by Hope 4 Kids International and Lord of Life. As you can imagine, the joy in these kids is infectious ... how can a person not smile when you see smiles like this facing your direction. What’s more interesting is that in spite of the hardships these kids face outside of school and in school, they’re still joyful.

Although my friends and colleagues were able to help supply a couple hundred textbooks during my June visit, there are still not enough books to provide at least one book at each desk for three children to share. Please join me in praying that some of their hardship at school is diminished by the next time I visit.

Celebrate Recovery every Tuesday at Lord of Life—

Heroin Use in Maple Grove?

by Michelle Welinski

Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding yes. Prescription opioid pain medications such as oxycontin and vicodin can have effects similar to heroin; they are currently among the most commonly abused drugs in the United States.

This abuse can lead to heroin which is not an “inner city” problem; it is prevalent in white, upper-class, highly educated neighborhoods.

so what can you do •

Keep control of medications; if possible lock them up.

•

After a medical procedure, don’t automatically accept a prescription for 15-30 days of pain meds.

•

As parents, talk with your children about the dangers of this and any other drugs.

•

Talk to other parents and grandparents about this trend. This type of drug addiction is also prevalent in older adults.

disposing of prescription pain meds The Maple Grove Police Department recently installed a 24-hour drop box in their lobby. It looks similar to a green ‘mailbox.’ Blacken out your name on the label, drop the original container in the drop box, close the door. That’s it!

Still not convinced? Visit lordoflife.org/celebraterecovery to watch a video of a local family who has been touched by this devastating addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with any kind of addiction, you are invited to Celebrate Recovery for support and encouragement.

There is no embarrassment or shaming. Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday evening. An optional dinner is 5:306:15 pm with programming from 6:30-8:30 pm. Childcare is provided; for more information visit lordoflife.org/ celebraterecovery.

Please know that Lord of Life’s pastoral staff is here to help you and your family members. For more information, contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015. Together we can make a difference.

January 2016

Lord of Life Ministries

I have not had any knees or hips replaced, yet. However, I have had family members with replacement parts and teeth pulled. Don’t be fooled; kids and adults snoop in relatives’

and friends’ homes. It is of the utmost importance to properly dispose of unused pain medication.

9

Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran (L5)—

L5 Session 3 begins January 10 sundays 8:30 am

Bible Study of Timothy and Titus with Pastor Donna Rohrer

9:45 am

Bonhoeffer: His Life, Teachings, Martyrdom with Professor Mark Tranvik

11 am

Prayer School with Cynthia and Larry Pivec and Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

6 pm

Parenting Our Teens with Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

For adult education class descriptions and biographies of instructors, visit lordoflife.org/L5.

mondays 7 pm

33 The Series, Volume 3, with Don Clark

7 pm

Bible Study of Timothy and Titus with Pastor Donna Rohrer

wednesdays 6:30 pm

Parenting Our Teens with Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

thursdays 6:30 pm

David: Seeking a Heart like His with Dottie Sterling

Greg and Cheryl Myhr are featured in the most recent Luther Seminary STORY magazine. In addition to being active leaders at Lord of Life, they have also been taking classes in the Lay School of Theology for almost ten years. Ask Cheryl and Greg about their experience at Lord of Life Ministries

Luther Seminary.

10 January 2016

Deck the Halls

by Joyce Martin On December 3, arriving in Christmas colors, the OWLs gathered in the decked out Fellowship Hall. They dined on chicken Kiev while enjoying good fellowship. Pastor Peter encouraged us to “re-gift” the wonderful gift who came to each of us at Christmas … Jesus, our Savior. Steven Marking, his wife, JoAnn Funk, and violinist, Gary Schulte, thrilled us with their God-given gift of music. Given by the OWLs and Thrivent Financial, mittens, hats, and scarves adorned the Christmas tree. Two bags of winter garb were donated to Palmer Lake Elementary and Maple Hill Estates.

Older Wiser Lutherans january

save the date

Thursday, January 7: “Lunch and a Movie” beginning at noon in Fellowship Hall. Forget about the cold weather!

Come enjoy a warm lunch, a good movie, and popcorn with friends.

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

Wednesday, January 20: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, January 21: Do you like classic cars? If so, be sure to join the OWLs on a guided tour of Ellingson Classic Cars in Rogers. If not, come and enjoy the fellowship. Cost is $7 plus lunch on our own at Maynard’s before the tour. Leave church at 10:30 am and return by 3 pm.

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

Friday, January 22: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. God’s Work. Our Hands.

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

January 2016 11

AWOL Kansas City 2015 — good-lookin’ group & good-lookin’ fence!

january weekly schedule C3 and middle school/high school Sundays: 3, 10, 24, 31 5-6 pm: C3 groups (7th & 8th grade only) 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups / L5 class 7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia Worship in Samaritan Hall 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore middle school youth group

Express high school youth group Wednesdays: 6, 13, 27 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups / L5 class

a work of love AWOL 2016— June 12-21: Buffalo, New York

ultimate lock-in January 29, 10 pm-6 am

July 16-26: Colorado Springs, Colorado For youth currently in grades 9-12; registration opens in February, visit lordoflife.org/awol.

Grades 6–8 at Maple Grove Community Center Register at lordoflife.org/middleschoollockin

Bravo to over 75 performers in the 2015 Legacy of Love children’s rock musical on December 6!

More photos are on Lord of Life’s Facebook pages as well as lordoflife.org/ childrenschoir for a complete list of cast members.

Lord of Life Ministries

Again, bravo!

12 January 2016

Faithfulness to All Generations

by Tina McCarty Our son, Evan, is in third grade at Kimberly Lane Elementary. For several weeks this past fall, he was really looking forward to and preparing for receiving a new Bible given by Lord of Life. When my husband, Jason, and I finally put this Bible into his hands during Reformation weekend, Evan was ecstatic! He brings it to Church School faithfully. He has been reading it quite often, looking up Bible verses at night with his devotion and asking his loved ones to underline their favorite verse in it; he is still so very excited about having this new Bible. Soon after receiving it, Evan asked about my first Bible.

I was tickled to bring out my first Bible and share it with Evan. My first Bible was also given to me at Lord of Life— 30+ years ago! (It was not in this current building but in the original Lord of Life building on West Fish Lake Road.)

I cannot recall if it was third or fourth grade for me, yet Lord of Life was the young congregation that placed the holy Scriptures in my hands (through my parents as well), too. I am grateful for our church and the staff who made this possible in 1984 and in 2015. Psalm 100:5 says, “For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting. And His faithfulness to all generations.”

Amen to that from the McCartys!

Lord of Life Ministries

The McCarty Family— Jason & Tina with Evan (8), Noah (7), and Caleb (4).

January 2016 13

After School Program (ASP)

ASP begins on Tuesday, January 5, for the winter/spring semester. This faith-based after-school program includes games, art, cooking, and more for all children in grades 1-5.

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/afterschoolprogram.

Church School January 2/3:

Children worship with families.

January 9/10: 2-year-old weekly Church School begins! Regular Church School for 2 year-6th grade, 3rd-4th grades begin learning about worship.

A Warm Welcome to Neil Christians

by Kirstin Delp, Director of Children, Youth & Family

We are happy to announce Lord of Life’s new Middle School ministry leader, Neil Christians, will be joining our staff on January 3.

Neil is passionate about helping others discover their own gifts for ministry and to help others grow as leaders. So, he fits in well with Lord of Life’s Children, Youth & Family team. Originally from New Brighton, Minnesota, Neil has more than 22 years experience in youth ministry. After graduating from the University of Minnesota - Duluth, he received his master’s degree from Luther Seminary. Not only passionate about ministry, Neil also loves music, Harry Potter, movies, Doctor Who, volleyball, and technology.

Please join us in welcoming Neil to the Lord of Life family.

Release Day!

Sky Zone…Popcorn…Norm…

Lord of Life Ministries

Elementary Release Day for grades 1-5 is on Monday, January 18, from 9 am-5 pm. Join in for a day filled with fun! We will spend the morning at Sky Zone, then head to a St. Michael theater for lunch and the new movie, Norm of the North (and popcorn, too!).We will also do a service project for the Hope Lodge residents. Cost is $25 per student. Each student needs to bring a bag lunch and Sky Zone waiver. Space is limited to 50 students.

For more information and to register, visit lordoflife.org/ releaseday. Questions? Contact Carly Tappe at carlyt@ lordoflife.org.

14 January 2016

It’s a Record!

In 2015, Lord of Life’s shoebox gifts brought joy and hope to 922 boys and girls around the world. The previous record of 825 boxes was set in 2011. Your Operation Christmas Child gifts contained toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and love. When boxes are given to the children, they also receive a booklet written in their own language, which tells the story of Jesus. Thank you for your generosity sharing gifts and the love of Jesus Christ with children and their families around the world.

January Bible Verse: “Give, and it shall be given to you.” Luke 6:38

Happy New Year 2016 Acts of Random Kindness: Spread Love and Happiness With Good Deeds in 100 Days

by Annette Marsh Have you ever smiled at a stranger and watched their face brighten? That is a random act of kindness. Some random acts of kindness are small and they seem like they do not matter— but they do!

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool We hope you enjoyed the Christmas holiday and are ready to jump into a brand new year! We begin January exploring the letter “W” and all the Wonders of Winter. Next it’s “J” for Jungle as we travel deep into the tropical rain forest. Our final letter of the month is the letter “D.” Dinosaurs, Dads, and Donuts will help us learn about the letter D. First, we will have an in-school parent/child Dino-dig with the Minnesota Children’s Museum (nursery care will be provided). We will then honor our fathers with a special Dads and Donuts day at school.

January is also registration time for the 2016-17 school year. Current Karing Kingdom families’ registration is Wednesday, January 6, at 8 am.

Alumni registration is Monday, January 11, at 8 am and open registration for the general public is Wednesday, January 13, at 8 am. More details are available at lordoflife.org/karingkingdom.

Our Chapel Chat theme for January is The Parable of Talents.

Karing Kingdom’s January Kindness Projects are SoleCare for the Soul and Make-A-Wish.

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

In the holiday spirit, Karing Kingdom parents, preschoolers, and staff served as bell ringers for

Lord of Life Ministries

Shield and Bell © Courtesy of The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army!

January 2016 15

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

Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

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

To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork.

Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the February issue is January 1. Copyright © 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

About 75 Lord of Life youth performed in the “Legacy of Love” Christmas musical on December 6— these young ladies sang “God’s Done Bigger Things.” More photos on Page 12 and our Facebook pages.

16 January 2016

Volunteering to serve for a funeral in December, Tom and Jean Campbell are caught reading LifeTIMES. Looking on is Shane Awker, Lord of Life’s kitchen manager.