A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
LifeTIMES
January 2017
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
© Unsplash
—Isaiah 55:10-11 niv
office@lordoflife.org
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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 PASTORA L S TAF F Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org
TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Pastor’s Article .......................................................... Pages 2-3 Family of Faith / Call for Entries .................................................................. Pages 4-5 Lifelong Learning / Holistic Health.............................................................. Pages 6-7 Generosity.........................................................................................................Page 8 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................ Pages 9-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15
worship
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org
january
31/1
Pastor Karen Sue Greimel
7/8
Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler and
Brava! women’s chorus - Sunday
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren
14/15
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren
21/22
Pastor Sarah Bunge
28/29
Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem
Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Third Sunday: January 15 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: January 18 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living
Worship and music may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for more details.
After a call committee presentation, the December 4 congregational meeting received 165 ‘yes’ votes, with one abstention. Council President Merle Waldron, Council Secretary Gwen Denninger, and Pastor Peter signed paperwork for the lead pastor call letter to Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem!
2 January 2017
music
LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N CHUR CH (ELCA)
Happy or Content? by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Happy New Year! Sixty-two percent of us begin the new year with a resolution of some kind. We believe if we achieve that resolution … then we’ll be happy. Would you rather be happy or content? Contentment is about being glad with what you have—and who you are—now. The difference between being happy vs. content is that being content is stable while being happy can go up or down at any given moment. Many of us seek happiness by doing or having something that we don’t currently have. When we choose contentment we are not seeking, we are being. The Apostle Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 NIV Paul says he learned the secret of being content in every situation. He acknowledges being in need, hungry, and living in want, but he chose to be content.
The richest man, whatever his lot,
Like Paul, when we find ourselves in tough situations, we can choose to be content even when we’re not happy. What’s the secret? I believe the secret is to know that God is bigger than any problem, and that He works all things for good. When we understand that being content in all circumstances doesn’t mean denying our feelings about happiness, but instead, choosing to be free from the control of those feelings … that is when we can be content.
is the one content with what he’s got. —Dutch Proverb
Pastor’s Article January 2017 3
baptisms
weddings
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Sunday, January 8, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).
November 5 Jaimie Carpenter & Anthony Samuelson
November 12 Bryn Hollie Dixon November 13 Myla Ruth Curtiss Keira Rochelle Gualdoni Lennox James Thompson Cormick Leonard Webb
November 18 Michaela Engdahl & Jared Monetti November 19 Danielle Lindberg & Brent Solei
welcome to new members
November 19 Payten Marie Hagen Aurielle Marie Michaelson James Theodore Michaelson, Jr. James Theodore Michaelson, III Jordan-Ray Jeffrey Whitehead
Alex & Katie Armbruster with Anna, Kailyn, and Brynn
November 20 Landon Edward Jorgensen Evelyn Opal Prince Lillian Larae Wolf
Scott & Julie Lind with Brad and Katie
November 26 Emma May Moren Emmett Trygve Thorson
Dan & Deb Nohr
November 27 Gwen Elise Lodgaard Grace Michele Patten Brooklyn Marie Siebert Corbin Richard Siebert Emma Vera Stubbe
Kelly Rodger
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. Krissy Anastasia and family at the death of her mother Catherine Franssell and family at the death of her mother Susan Manrodt and family at the death of her cousin Donna Mathre and family at the death of her husband
Steve & Chris Derner Todd & Jeanne Gengerke with Charlie and Nora Aaron & Nicole Herbst with Aven and Bodhi Brad & Jenn Lynch with Jameson Don & Diane Mason Jim & Nancy Phillips Beth Rosby Jason & Holly Wise Elizabeth Wozniak with Jack and Emily 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, 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 Lord of Life’s family of faith.
Jennifer Welk and family at the death of her mother Jen Wilk and family at the death of her mother
4 January 2017
© Pexels
Family of Faith
Erik Willis and family at the death of his father
Lord of Life’s
Family Faith of
Call for Entries
How do you express your faith? Perhaps you witness to a neighbor verbally about Lord of Life by offering a warm welcome to ‘come and see’ worship or church school for their children. Perhaps you post on Facebook about a wonderful musical group and how a song strengthened your faith. Perhaps you are a creative preferring to paint, sculpt, photograph, weave, write poetry or blog? Beginning January 1, there will be a ‘call for entries’ that are a reflection of your spiritual journey. Submissions may be used on the sanctuary screen, on posters or flyers, in LifeTIMES, or online in social media or website. There are no requirements other than being faith-related and an original of your own creation. Lord of Life is blessed with an amazing congregation—you are encouraged to express your faith in a powerful, yet very personal, way. Questions? Please contact Editor Bev Mello at bevm@lordoflife.org.
Come now,
though your sins are like
let us reason together, says the Lord:
scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like
crimson,
they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18 ESV
Family of Faith January 2017 5
Lifelong Learning
lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning
January 15 Forum: “Why Lutheran?”
In a world with so many choices, why are we proud to be Lutherans? Luther Seminary President Robin Steinke, Sunday at 9:45 and 11 am in the downstairs Luther Room
Sundays
8:30 am The Words and Music of Handel’s Messiah We will listen to the music and see how Handel’s great work and words from Scripture bring alive the passion and resurrection of Jesus. We will hear Jesus’ pain and agony in Part 2 and experience the joy and wonder of the resurrection in Part 3. Pastor Donna Rohrer, 8:30 am also offered Tuesdays at 7 pm, Jan. 22/24 - Feb. 12/14 9:45 am Pastor’s Drop-in Bible Study The Book of Galatians Pastor Dave McCarty, Jan. 22 - Feb. 12
11 am Prayer School Prayer School is the place to get comfortable talking to, listening to, and understanding God, Jan. 1 & 8, and Live A Praying Life DVD series, Jan. 22 - Feb. 12, Pastor Karen Sue Greimel with Cynthia & Larry Pivec
Mondays
7 pm The Churches of Revelation Seven churches are specifically addressed in the beginning of Revelation—why? God says, “I know your deeds” and also says, “I hold this against you.” We will see the land where these churches were planted and learn about the area, culture, and customs of the time. The rest of the book of Revelation comes to life when you understand what was happening in the world at that time. Pastor Donna Rohrer, Jan. 9 - Feb. 20 7 pm Body and Soul Yoga Come enjoy an hour of yoga—knowing the best gift you can give to God and the world is the best you can be! Focus on breathing, stretching, holding poses, core, and relaxation. Offering prayers in our movements, taking time to be still. Audrey Johnson, Jan. 9 - Feb. 27
Word for Women
What Are Creeds? Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Jan. 4, 9:30 am The Apostles’ Creed for the New Millennium Do you think about the words you say during worship, or do you “recite” them? This study will help us to think about what these words mean for us in our world today. Pastor Donna Rohrer, Wednesdays at 9:30 am, Jan. 11 Feb. 22 (will not meet Feb. 13) Childcare provided. Register at lordoflife.org/wordforwomenreg.
Lifelong Learning
Get closer to God. Deepen your faith.
6 January 2017
Men’s Studies
Beginning January 3, study Galatians and Philippians with Pastor Dave McCarty on Tuesdays, 7 am, at 3 Squares Restaurant in Maple Grove. Join in at any time with men’s Bible study groups on Friday mornings at 6:30 am (Perkins) or 7 am (Starbucks). For more information, contact Pastor Dave (davem@lordoflife.org).
Holistic Wellness
by Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn S. Wampler, MA, LMFT There has been lots of talk about holistic wellness lately—what’s the big deal? Holistic wellness is taking care of all the dimensions in our lives: emotional, financial, intellectual, physical, spiritual, and relational. When we find the tricky balance among them, two things happen: 1. We are able to live in the full abundance God has created for us. 2. Without the preoccupation of an unbalanced life, we are able to fully lean into our relationship with God. Let’s look at the six areas of health:
Emotional: Attending to emotional needs and mental health Intellectual: Expanding mental capacity by studying or learning something new Financial: Deliberately attending to finances in a way that is consistent with faith, goals, and life vision Physical: Taking care of our bodies through activity and healthy eating Relational: Being committed to and not settling in relationships Spiritual: Incorporation of God into every aspect of life All areas are important, deserving of attention. When overly preoccupied or neglectful in one of these areas, we may become unbalanced and other areas of wellness may suffer. These unbalanced preoccupations take away from focusing on God. For instance, if I spend 70 hours a week at work, my relationships aren’t going to get the attention they deserve. If I neglect my physical health or finances, it could manifest itself in anxiety or depression, and so on. Holistic wellness is a journey. It won’t happen quickly; in fact, sustainable change is slow. Over the next five months, Lord of Life is going to help you along this journey. There will be classes, studies, and workshops to choose from, e-news, tips, recipes, and resources. It is our hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to begin your own journey toward complete wellness and a greater connection to God. Visit lordoflife.org/wellness for more details or contact Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn directly at karilynw@lordoflife.org.
Holistic Wellness January 2017 7
Churchwide Assessment Tool (CAT) Update—
Reassess Status & Guide Future
Lord of Life is partnering again with Holy Cow! Consulting to help reassess our current status and guide future decisions. We will retake the CAT to provide key indicators of congregational health along with identifying areas of challenge and potential growth. Retaking the CAT after three years will have two purposes: 1. To observe change/progress from the last CAT 2. To provide updated information for our new lead pastor The CAT is an online assessment (paper copies will be available) that will be open from January 26-February 13. Our goal is to acquire a minimum of 750 responses. When we first took the CAT in 2013, 1,084 people participated. The more responses we receive, the better will be the resulting information. The CAT will ask 100 questions and require up to 30 minutes to complete. All responses are strictly confidential with no way to identify respondents. Thank you in advance for your participation. Beginning on January 26, all Lord of Life members are encouraged to visit lordoflife.org/cat to complete the CAT update.
where is ‘Christ at’ in your life?
At work, at home, at rest—
Budget Year-to-date November 2016 Actual
Total member contributions All other
$3,043,311 $2,908,437 $218,235
Total receipts
Budget
Difference $134,874
$229,723
($11,488)
$3,261,546 $3,138,160
$123,386
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — November 2016 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000
Generosity
$0
8
January 2017
11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27
Actual Budget
$96,297 $85,869
$69,339 $85,869
$69,758 $68,463 = $303,857 $85,869 $85,870 = $343,477
Take a Look by Pastor Chick Lane
This is the time of year when many of us take a look at our financial situation. Credit card companies will often provide an itemized listing of charges throughout the year, divided into categories. Many of us will be gathering financial information in preparation for tax returns being filed. Some people keep a year-toyear assessment of their financial position, so they can make sure that goals are being met and progress is being made. If this is a “take a look” time of year for you, I’d like to encourage you to take a look at one more thing. As you look at your financial life, ask yourself, “Do I see my values reflected in how I share, save and spend money?” Many people far more financially savvy than me have observed that a person should be able to look at how they use money and see reflected there those things that are most important to them. As Christians, we have certain values that are given to us by the Lord we serve. Among these values are taking good care of those who depend on us, addressing the needs of the less fortunate, giving generously to accomplish God’s work in the world. For any Christian, a look at one’s financial picture should reveal a commitment to these values. I encourage you to take a look. As you peruse your finances in the next month or so, ask yourself the values question. Think about what is really important to you. Think about what God says is really important for His people. Then look at your finances to see if these things are reflected in your sharing, saving, and spending. If so, wonderful. If you see a disconnect, spend a little more time to develop a plan for aligning your financial life with your values.
At their Christmas party on December 1, the OWLs collected donations for “Beds for Kids.” They also opened up the opportunity to the congregation at large for donations—with an overwhelming response! After Beds for Kids’ Project Manager Kevin Lenz received the donations, he sent Joyce Martin (at center in photo) this email: “All I can say is WOW! I am truly amazed with the generosity of your group. I can’t thank you and everyone involved in the OWLs enough for your support of our Beds for Kids program. This will help us provide beds for kids for quite a while. Thank you again!”
Older Wiser Lutherans january events
January 5: Faith, Food, and Fellowship - Cyber Crime. What is it? How can we protect ourselves? An FBI representative is our guest. Come, be informed! Be blessed by God’s good news, be encouraged by fellowship, and be filled with good food. Begins at noon with a freewill donation lunch. January 18: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm January 19: Visit The Museum of Russian Art and enjoy a box lunch at Patrick’s Bakery in Bachman’s. Immerse yourself in the art and culture of Russia with Winter Holidays in Russia. Leave at 9 am and return by 3 pm. $25 includes lunch. January 27: LifeTIMES labeling with the A-team in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Fresh hot coffee will be ready for you!
save the date
February 2: Annual OWLs’ Valentine Party with guest Steven Marking for a journey down Our Mighty Mississippi. Festivities begin at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Invite a friend and share in the joy of God’s love for each of us and rejoice in God’s creation. February 16: The OWLs will enjoy a Minnesota Orchestra Coffee Concert, Russian Knights; included will be a talk by Philip Gainsley about music as well as inside information about the orchestra. Cost is $33; lunch on your own to be announced. Leave church at 9:30 am, return by 3 pm. 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 Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@ lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board, or visit lordoflife.org/ owls for more details of upcoming events or to register.
Christmas 2016
Lord of Life Ministries
With the River City Quartet entertaining, it was a full house for the Christmas party!
January 2017 9
Military Fa m ily
Su pport Min ist
ry—
of our is small to ken Please accept th gift of all very generous than ks for the them ve been passing the cookies. I ha sm iles ge hu ing spital gett around the ho : es ot e a couple qu all over. Here ar •
, bu a lot of cookies m y wife makes good these are really
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I can taste the
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love in these
ing of much for th ink So than k you so the tasty for us, and for us, for pray ing holida y blessing
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r Hospital aig Jo int Theate Joe with the Cr in Afghan istan
Bake Sale
For everyone who answered the call to donate cookies, we want to say “thank you.” Because of your generosity, we had 2000+ cookies donated and sent to three troops deployed in Egypt and Afghanistan. We also had enough left over to donate to MAC-V supporting homeless veterans with shelter, job, and legal assistance. Your spirit of giving has given service members and veterans a taste of home. Thank you again! —Michael Yu, Military Family Support Ministry
by Connie Luebke Thank you for your generous support of the craft and bake sale on December 10/11. Whether you provided items for the sale or purchased treats and crafts, over $9,500 was raised. Those dollars will touch the lives of people in our Maple Grove community to many around the world. Thank you!
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)—
FMSC MobilePack™
Lord of Life Ministries
February 22-26 at Egan Companies, Champlin
10
Thousands of volunteers from the northwest suburbs will take part in packing two million meals. Lord of Life will be recruiting volunteers, both adults and children, to measure and scoop ingredients, seal bags, and prepare boxes for shipping. Stay tuned for more details in February! Until then, if you have questions, visit lordoflife.org/fmsc.
January 2017
January 5, 4-6 pm, is the next Fare for All—
Good Foods Fight Hunger
by Nancy Cramer Many hands make light work … and actually in November we had many hands accomplishing some very heavy work! In two hours, our group packed over 19,800 pounds of food, which corresponded to 590 meals per volunteer. Packing boxes is a volunteer opportunity at The Food Group’s location in New Hope. The boxes we packed will be sold at Fare for All locations. Fare for All is open to anyone. Produce and frozen meat packs are sold at deep discounts. Lord of Life hosts Fare for All one Thursday a month from 4-6 pm. This month’s date is January 5. If you want to support The Food Group and stretch your food budget, please try Fare for All. For more details and 2017 dates for warehouse volunteer work and Fare for All, visit lordoflife.org/thefoodgroup.
One Mission One World: World Mission Prayer League—
Spreading the Gospel
by Cheryl & Greg Myhr We have been blessed to witness the transforming power of praying as a community through the World Mission Prayer League Prayer Partner program. Over the past 20 years, we have been able to share in spreading the Gospel to many remote and unreached parts of the world by praying for the “workers in the fields” around the globe. We have come to know and love many families who have dedicated their lives to fulfill The Great Commission in spreading the Gospel. We encourage you to become a prayer partner and share in that joy. To learn more about WMPL, please feel free to contact us at gcmyhr@embarqmail.com or visit lordoflife.org/wmpl.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there … Philippians 3:20 niv
Growing in Asia: The Thomas Family Dear Ones, It has been quite an exciting few months, doubling the number of children in our family. Hope, Matteo, and the rest of us seem to be adjusting pretty well with all of the changes. We are so thankful for your continued petitions on our behalf! We recently returned from travels to get Hope and Matteo’s U.S. visas. Along the way, we stopped to visit with friends in Wuhan, also meeting a bit to prepare for English Camp this winter. Craig had a wonderful chance to connect with a student he had when we first arrived eight years ago.
The Thomas Family (left to right) Brooke, Craig, Jenna, Mateo, Kristi, Hope
The trip reminded all our kids of the questions they have regarding their adoptions and birth families. There were a few discussions trying to answer their questions. As our kids raise questions about their identity, we point them to the fact that while we may hold passports from one place or another, our ultimate home is with the Father, for those who trust Him. We may look different and speak different languages; but we know that the One who made us unites us as families! Lord of Life Ministries
Happy New Year, Craig and Kristi Thomas and family January 2017
11
Hey, All High Schoolers!
Ski Retreat
Feb. 16-20 Grades 9-12
A Work of Love (AWOL)—
Have you ever skied in the mountains? There’s nothing like it! We’re heading to Bozeman, Montana, to ski and snowboard, connect with God, and spend time away together. For more info and registration, visit lordoflife.org/ hsskiretreat.
AWOL 2017
Marquette, MI, June 17-27 Hendersonville, NC, July 15-25 Join in this summer’s high school mission trips in living out our faith, working hard with Habitat for Humanity, and having fun with new friends! For youth currently in grades 9-12. More information at lordoflife.org/awol.
Middle School Mission Trip July 23-28 in Chicago, Illinois!
For youth currently in grades 6-8. Registration opens in February with more info at lordoflife.org/middleschoolmissiontrip.
our mission trip experie emma shares,
2016 milwaukee
“When we helped feed those who are homeless, it made me realize some people in this world can’t get breakfast while I eat every meal every day. I grew as a leader by helping others and participating in activities. Taking care of the younger kids allowed me to take a leadership role, leading by example. I grew in my faith because we worshipped God and helped feed those who are homeless. And helping others makes me want to do it more. All throughout the week we made a difference in people’s lives. Others should go on a mission trip because you meet new people and make new friends. And it’s life changing to help others—it helps you and them.”
12 January 2017
The Hoffmans
diana shares, “I really can’t express in words what it is like to see your kids at a homeless shelter, working side-by-side with them as they step outside the safe, comfortable box that is their life. It was such a gift that I think every parent should experience it at least once. I walked away from this mission trip feeling blessed for having served the Lord and the great people of Milwaukee. And now I am excited to help plan the 2017 mission trip! I especially loved seeing my children in a leadership role and was proud of their faith in God. It made me realize that continuing to live and grow with my church community has impacted and influenced my children to make them confident in their faith as well.”
Chuck Denninger (tallest in group) shares, “On Thanksgiving Eve at SourceMN, we served seven turkeys to a total of 75 people (including the 24 volunteers). Truly blessed!”
Winter Release Day
On January 16, all youth in 1st - 5th grade are invited to the winter release day! We will go to the Como Zoo to learn All About Africa. We will also be going to Sky Zone. All youth will participate in a service project as well. Drop off between 8-9 am, pick up by 5 pm. Cost is $25. Register now at lordoflife.org/releaseday. Please make sure to fill out a Sky Zone waiver at skyzone.com/minneapolis/online-waiver.
ULTIMATE Lock-In January 27, 10 pm - 6 am
january schedule
C3 is Christ, Community, and Confirmation for middle school/high school
ence alex shares, “The mission trip was important to me because I got to get away from my house for a bit. I experienced what it’s like to be in another community. I met new people. And I got to listen to some interesting stories while I was there as well; it was life changing. I grew as a leader because I participated and led my group through some tough activities. We did a lot of worshipping so I really grew close to God and it strengthened my faith.
Wednesdays: January 11, 25 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups
Welcome, Kristi Stoltz! by Director Kirstin Delp, Children, Youth & Family Kristi Stoltz is pleased to join Lord of Life in early childhood ministry. Kristi graduated from the University of Minnesota in retail merchandising and management. She worked as a visual merchandiser for Patina and has worked in several roles within 4-H Youth Development. Most recently, she worked as an interim program coordinator for Anoka County. Kristi lives in Isanti with her dog, Jobie, and three horses. In her free time, you can find her riding horse, sewing, spending time with family and friends, and hiking—this past year she hiked at 15 national parks! Kristi is very excited to join the CYF staff and share God’s word. Please join me in welcoming Kristi to Lord of Life! Kristi may be reached at kristis@lordoflife.org.
... it’s winter now, but save the dates for summer fun – visit lordoflife.org/summer!
Lord of Life Ministries
Going on a mission trip is one of the greatest experiences ever, you’ll have a ton of fun and meet some very great people. Not only that, but if you go alone, it’s very easy to blend in with the group and be friends with everyone.”
Sundays: January 8, 29 5-6 pm: C3 groups 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-8 pm Explore middle school youth Express high school youth
Come and bring your friends for the best lockin ever! There’s open ice skating, water park, GaGa ball, 9 square, video games, an open gym, DJ dance, karaoke, and pizza all night long. Don’t miss out on this great event at the Maple Grove Community Center! For grades 6-8, register at lordoflife.org/middleschoollockin.
January 2017 13
3:30 pm performance
Sing We All Noel!
6 pm performance
Souper Bowl of Caring January 28-February 14
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a time to collect canned goods for CROSS, our local food shelf. We suggest the following items, but please give what you’d like: Preschool-K: peanut butter & jelly Grades 1-2: Spaghetti-O’s® Grades 3-4: canned fruits & veggies Grades 5-6: chili & stew C3 and Adults: canned meat, chicken & tuna Bring your canned goods to the collection area near the main office. Thank you!
Church School Update December 31/January 1: Happy New Year! All children worship with families
January 7/8: Regular church school resumes for 3 years-6th grade – regular Church School 2 year olds begin weekly drop off classes
Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat. —Souper Bowl of Caring Founding Prayer
Lord of Life Ministries
The Power of a Simple Gift
14 January 2017
Through Operation Christmas Child, God has given us unparalleled opportunities to touch the lives of millions of boys and girls in over 150 countries. Many of these children have never received a gift and never heard the true meaning of Christmas— until they open shoe boxes filled with gifts from people like you. Your gifts have given this great message to 1,052 children. This is a record for Lord of Life! Please pray for these children and their families that they may hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
January Bible Verse: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
Happy New Year by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel And happy January—this month is guaranteed to be a flurry of fun!
Hedgehugs by Steve Wilson, Illustrator Lucy Tapper A prickly pair of hedgehogs is trying to find a hug that feels just right.
For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, contact us at kingdom@ lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
We begin January by welcoming in the new year, 2017, and a visit to the new Brooklyn Park library is also part of our new year fun! Next up is a wintery mix of excitement: a winter picnic, snow people, and hot chocolate are included in our polar blast. We’ll be sawing Zzzzzz’s as we have Pajama Day at Karing Kingdom. Don’t forget to wear PJ’s, bring a pillow, blanket, and a stuffed animal friend to snuggle. We wind down our month with Dads and Donuts and Dr. Seuss—a celebration of our fathers and a most loved author. Please note Karing Kingdom Preschool is closed Monday, January 2 (New Year’s Day observed) and Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). Registration for the 2017-18 school year is now open for currently enrolled families until Tuesday, January 3. Alumni registration begins Monday, January 9 and open registration for the general public begins Wednesday, January 11. Visit lordoflife.org/karingkingdom to register.
Pastor Dave McCarty shared the story of the ten lepers and how only one came back to say thank you. He placed ‘jewels’ on children and staff to represent the illness—he wore some as well! After everyone was ‘healed,’ the ‘jewels’ were placed on a wooden cross. A precious lesson for all of us!
Karing Kingdom Preschool January 2017 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 © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
R E T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D
caught reading lifetimes
Lord of Life youth were caught reading LifeTIMES after packing Operation Christmas Child boxes— see Page 14 for 2016 results!
God’s Work. Our Hands. In December, several staff members helped at the Operation Christmas Child warehouse!
16 January 2017
Thanks to long-time member Pat Studer— the backyard prayer path was made ready for winter!