January 2018 LifeTIMES

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

LifeTIMES

Hopenew year

February 13, 2011

in the

January 2018

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.

Prayer requests to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

/lordoflifeluth

january

6/7

music

L O R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C HUR CH (ELCA)

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

/lordoflifeelca

13/14 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

PASTOR A L S TAF F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org

20/21 27/28

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

Pastor Karen Greimel

Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org

Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion

Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus

Third Wednesday: January 17 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living

TABLE OF CO N T E N T S

Third Sunday: January 21 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope

Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays

Worship & Music

© Peg Runyan

Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith ............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 One Mission One World: Dominican Republic / Generosity....................... Pages 6-7 Hope Lodge Ministry....................................................................................Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16

2 January 2018

Worship and music schedules may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most current information.

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all ...

—Emily Dickinson

This excerpt from one of Dickinson’s poems is a favorite of mine.

To inspire hope in our hearts for the new year ahead, this issue shares ministry stories and scripture, and other offerings as well.

Happy new year with hope for all, —Editor Bev Mello

We Are in This Together

by Pastor Karen Greimel

God makes the whole body grow and build itself up in love. Under the control of Christ, each part of the body does its work. It supports the other parts. In that way, the body is joined and held together. Ephesians 4:16 Over the past several years, numerous studies have provided incredible amounts of data about ‘life’ and how we’re living in an era of alarmingly increased pressure, depression, and anxiety. The word stressed seems overused. Unfortunately, the facts support the conclusion that we are indeed stressed.

Pastor Karen Greimel

In an effort to address the increase of life’s seasons of discontent, Lord of Life has gathered resources that may be used during times of struggle for individuals and/ or caregivers. Lord of Life has established a ministry lovingly named Refresh.

Refresh began out of a desire to walk along with others through life’s journey with compassionate care, hope, and education with the goal of healing. It includes existing programs, as well as guidance to trained professionals who are qualified in responding to specific topics and concerns.

In life, it’s not if we experience a trial—it’s when we experience a trial. It’s a guarantee, that at some point, we will need help. Refresh can initiate a path to that help. Refresh includes existing Lord of Life ministries such as GriefShare, Celebrate Recovery, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support group, cancer support, pastoral care, and prayer appointments. People seek pastoral care and prayer for many reasons: illness, relationship struggles, before or after surgery, grief, discernment, divorce, financial, stress, quality of life, addiction, and more.

Healing from the Lord comes in many forms: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual; it can be the result of prayer, therapy, medical treatment, and/or medication.

In addition, Refresh provides education, such as speakers and events. We invite you to the first Refresh event on Tuesday, January 30, at 6:30 pm when Lora Matz, MA LICSW, will speak on Understanding the Anxious Brain. The Refresh event will be at Lord of Life and open to the community (childcare is available).

Together in the body of Christ we don’t have to do it alone. Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do. Ecclesiastes 4:9 For more information, visit lordoflife.org/refresh or contact me directly via email (ksgreimel@lordoflife.org).

The ‘arrow’on the bottom of the ‘f’ in Refresh is similarly related to an internet refresh arrow when a browser cache needs improved functionality or to see content clearer and updated. We’re hoping Lord of Life’s Refresh has comparable results in regards to life struggles.

Pastor’s Article

The red area within the ‘f’ shape is in a cross indicating Refresh is Christ-centered.

—Adult Ministries

January 2018

3

Lord of Life’s

Family Faith of

baptisms

bereavements

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age.

The next baptism class will be Sunday, January 7, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

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 4 Brynn Elenora Stanton November 5 Harper Nicole Stavlo Saylor Ann Stavlo Bennett Otto Wagner November 11 Beckham Harris Lentz November 12 Crosby Michael Fulton Theodore Jon Lindquist November 18 Lillian Grace Olson November 19 Alexander Sejun DeMarais November 25 Evelyn Christine Brinton November 26 Campbell Julianne Lestor Leo Ellis Perleberg Hayes Kelly Rice Cole Allen Tembreull

Lois Brisco and family at the death of her mother Ken Brown and famly at the death of his brother Nancy Carlson and family at the death of her mother and her aunt Elizabeth Darth and family at the death of her grandmother Jeff, Ashley, and Jacob Haack and family at the death of their father and grandfather Lenora Little and family at the death of her sister Sharon Madsen and family at the death of her mother Diane Marx and family at the death of her mother and aunt Kay Mourer and family at the death of her brother Annette Nelson and family at the death of her friend

Family of Faith

weddings

4 January 2018

November 4 Lauren Franklin & Jacob Webber November 11 Alanda Povroznik & Jo Broman

welcome to new members Larry and Karen Baker Rodney Doop Adam and Bryana Grovender with Braden and Samuel Rick and Sue Hinrichs Scott and Amy Hughes with Holly, Noah, and Ethan Sally Moen Bud and Paula Osmundson Nate Schularick and Anne Jolivette Schularick with Karina and Noah Justin and Andrea Seningen with Jennings Steve and Kathy Simula Norma Talley-Hukriede Brian and Andi Tisor with AJ and Charlotte 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.

Hope Knows No Bounds

Lord of Lifers Bonnie and John Archer title themselves ‘Traveling Vagabonds’ while RV-ing around the country. While on the road, they listened to an online sermon from Pastor Peter referring to Hope, Minnesota. The Archers took this photo in Arizona and shared it with Pastor Peter.

Another connection that they have with hope, quite literally, was years ago—the Archers actually washed windows for Hope Lodge!

To learn more about our Hope Lodge ministry, visit Pages 8-9. And shared below is one of Bonnie & John’s favorite scripture passages.

Whether living in Hope, Minnesota, or Hope, Arizona, or here in Maple Grove—may we all be strong and take heart and hope in the Lord.

Thank you, Bonnie & John, for sharing your photo and story with the Lord of Life family of faith. Happy trails!

Be strong and take heart, all you who

For others who may be traveling or vacationing, videos of Lord of Life sermons are at youtube.com/user/lordoflifeluth/videos.

You may also download sermons from lordoflife.org/sermons.

Hope Lord. in the

Family of Faith

Psalm 31:24

January 2018 5

One Mission One World: Dominican Republic—

Don’t Forget to Smile

by Matt Eich It was still hot and muggy in the Dominican Republic (DR) when our mission trip went there mid-October. We were sweating and often full of sawdust or cement powder when we helped construct some homes for the Dominican families. From time to time, someone would pull out a camera or a phone to catch a picture of us interacting with each other and with the Dominicans or to capture a milestone achievement.

When we returned home, one of our team members created a webpage to share photos; I could see that I was not smiling very much in the photos. In my mind, I thought I had been smiling much more than what I could see and it made me wonder what image I portrayed to the Dominican families. Yes, I was working hard and in need of a shower but I was probably the least approachable looking person on our team. Where is the joy and hope in serving if we have a sour look on our face?

Going forward, I plan to make more of an effort to smile while serving others to avoid being so wrapped up in the task at hand and forget we want to connect with the people we are trying to help. I believe people will smile back and be more inclined to share what is on their heart. I don’t want to be “that angry Christian guy” in our community.

One Mission One World: Dominican Republic

Listening to a baptism recently, the thought of us smiling while serving resonated when I heard, Let your light so shine before others that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. I learned many things from this experience that I’m hoping to apply to my life here at home. I hope from this reflection about my week in the DR you, too, can learn and that together we can be God’s light in our world.

6 January 2018

The Dominican Republic mission trip was October 21-28, 2017.

Ministry team members were Annie Bonow, Matt Eich, Pastor Kjell Ferris, Doug Hum, Chris Jasper, Ladd Leimer Jr., Ladd Leimer Sr., Dave and Lindi Lund, Pastor Dave and Lisa McCarty, Amy Ruch, Larry and Sandy Stokes, Kristi Stoltz, Merle Waldron, and Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem.

To learn more about this ministry, as well as a daily blog from their mission trip, please visit lordoflife.org/dr2017.

The Gift of Presence

by Pastor Chick Lane

This is the time of year when many of us vow to be better. Some of us vow to get in better physical shape or lose some weight. Others make some resolutions we hope will help us become more like the person we want to be than the person we have been. As the calendar turns to a new year, we hope to turn over a new leaf in our lives.

The Advent Conspiracy, which we studied in December, has me thinking about giving gifts of presence. Most of us don’t need another sweater—we’d probably rather pick one out if we do. Who among us, though, doesn’t long for more time together with family, friends, and other people whom we care about and who care about us? This is the gift of presence. It is the gift of time together.

Thinking about being better, and also thinking about gifts of presence, leads me to consider, and invite you to consider, how each of us uses time for the betterment both of ourselves and others. As you look ahead to 2018, are there ways you can use your time that will make you a better person and will help others in your family, your neighborhood, or your community?

I know it is easier for me to write a check or make a gift online than to volunteer time. I tried to become involved as a volunteer last year. It didn’t work out. I could just say, “Well, I tried,” or I could try again. I plan to try again, because I know volunteering will have a positive impact on my life, and I’m pretty sure I can be of some value to an organization.

How about you? What has been your “volunteer story?” Is this new year, with all of its resolutions, the time for you to find a new way of giving the gift of presence? Are there people in your family or neighborhood who could use more of your time? Is there an organization whose work you value where you could invest some time?

Giving the gift of presence is a win-win. You will benefit. Others will benefit. Giving the gift of presence will lead to a happier, more hope-filled, new year.

Budget Year-to-date November 2017 Actual

Total member contributions All other

Budget Difference

$3,156,174 $3,136,080 $20,094 $237,688 $216,350 $21,338

Total receipts

$3,393,862 $3,352,430 $41,432

calling all creatives Looking for Lord of Lifers who may have experience—personally or professionally—in an art gallery or with installation of paintings and/or historical display work. Please contact Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org) to learn more about this opportunity.

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — November 2017

lutheran marriage encounter

$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26

Actual Budget

$100,585 $77,949

$89,470 $77,949

$62,244 $77,949

$73,810 = $326,109 $77,949 = $311,795

Generosity

Enjoy a weekend with private, one-on-one time with your spouse in a comfortable and private environment away from distractions. The next Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend is February 16-18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Apply now at GodLovesMarriage.org, or contact Peter and Phyllis McMahon (mcmahonp@ comcast.net or 763.561.1575) for more information. Weekends fill fast and preregistration is required.

January 2018 7

From the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge—

National Volunteer Award

In its sixth year of ministry, Hope Lodge volunteers (left to right) Michelle Welinski and Paula Thomas received the Margot S. Freudenberg National Volunteer Award on behalf of Lord of Life.

The award reads, For their exceptional achievement, performance, and dedication to the Hope Lodge program and in recognition of outstanding contributions to the American Cancer Society, signed by the vice president of Hope Lodge Operations.

Michelle and Paula would probably be the last to think the award belonged to them—yet because of their leadership this ministry has continued to flourish. From compiling a Hope Lodge recipe book (available in Reflections of Faith) to coordinating menus, food selections, and volunteers— congratulations to everyone involved with service to the Hope Lodge ministry.

Through the years, many volunteers brought prayer shawl ministry At left is a thank you note from a Hope Lodge cancer patient.

Not only is it appreciative of Lord of Life’s services, it also recognizes the Prayer Shawl ministry for beautiful work.

Hope Lodgde

If you enjoy crocheting or knitting and are interested in becoming a part of this calm yet powerful ministry, visit lordoflife. org/prayershawl.

8 January 2018

It may be a wonderful way for you to serve in the comfort of your cosy home in the cold wintertime months ahead—or any month for that matter!

In 2012, a blessing of a donated outdoor grill and a kitchen group still smiling after serving.

In 2013, Xxx keyboarding for dinnertime music and Carly Xxx with valentines and Girl Scout cookies to share.

‘hope in a hotdish’ to Hope Lodge residents!

In 2013 at left and below: Victoria Brinton and Cooper Petit with ‘Grab and Go’ Bags, large groups to cook and serve, and another new grill!

In 2017 above and below: several groups continued the tradition of serving up fun and delicious food for all Hope Lodge residents.

Waiting for David’s photo here from Janet Seim

Hope Lodge January 2018 9

We can find hope and healing through Jesus Christ—

Gospel of Mark: A Hope for the Gentiles

by Pastor Donna Rohrer The gospel of Mark is not like the other gospels. This book stands apart and is recognized as an arranged account of the life and character of Jesus through Peter’s experiences, the struggles and pain suffered by those who followed Jesus, but also the joy of following Christ. It shows how we can face trials in life and that we find hope, healing and encouragement through Jesus Christ.

Bluff Park Church

Join me in the study of Mark with maps, history and a video. This series will begin on January 14/15, Sunday (9:45 am) or Monday (7 pm), and continue through February 11/12. No registration is required.

Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church—

Surprised by Hope

This book, Suprised by Hope, authored by Anglican Bishop N. T. Wright, asks two questions: What are we waiting for?

And what are we going to do about it in the meantime? He writes in the preface: First, it is about the ultimate future hope held out in the Christian gospel: the hope, that is, for salvation, resurrection, eternal life, and the cluster of other things that go with them.

Second, it is about the discovery of hope within the present world: about the practical ways in which hope can come alive for communities and individuals who for whatever reason may lack it. And it is about the ways in which embracing the first can and should generate and sustain the second.

Lord of Life Ministries

The author continues, Most people, in my experience— including many Christians—don’t know what the ultimate Christian hope really is. Most people—again, sadly, including many Christians—don’t expect Christians to have much to say about hope within the present world. Most people don’t imagine that these two could have anything to do with each other.

Hence the title of the book: hope comes as a surprise, at several levels at once.

Learn more about hope as Christians in this world and in the next. Available at your favorite bookseller or the public library, it was published in 2008 by Harper Collins. It’s an enlightening and hope-filled book to add to your winter reading list.

10 January 2018

Everything

that is done in this world

Give praise to God. He has accepted my prayer.

He has not held back his love from me.

Psalm 66:20

Word for Women

by Pastor Karen Greimel Starting Wednesday, January 3, Word for Women will embark on a wonderful adventure with God. We will learn how to draw closer to God through prayer, discover how God is at work and join Him. This eight-week study explores the landscape of effective prayer steeped in scriptures. You are personally invited to learn how prayer works and deepen your understanding of partnering with God. Word for Women meets in Fellowship Hall on Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Please contact me if questions (ksgreimel@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x144).

feed my starving children (fmsc) Save the date for the FMSC MobilePack: Wednesday, February 21. Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts will be available. Join hundreds of other Lord of Lifers packing food for hungry children around the world. Stay tuned for more information and registration.

Following the Advent Conspiracy teachings, may we all “Give More” in the new year.

via de cristo weekend

by Merle and Michelle Waldron Via de Cristo is a spiritual retreat that will strengthen and renew your faith. It is designed to bring you a new awareness of living in God’s grace.

You will live in community with other Christians from Thursday evening until Sunday evening. Activities include worship with communion, singing, listening to talks, reflecting, laughing, sharing, eating, and sleeping.

The next set of weekends are being held at Lutheran Church of the Master in Brooklyn Center. Dates are January 11-14 for men and January 18-21 for women.

If you are interested in attending, now is the time to submit your application.

hope.

—Martin Luther, Table Talk (1566)

Visit lordoflife.org/viadecristo or mnviadecristo.org to learn more about Via de Cristo.

Lord of Life Ministries

is done by

You may contact Tony or Diane Sjolander (tdsjolander@comcast.net) or Merle or Michelle Waldron (mmwaldron@ comcast.net) for an application or more information.

January 2018 11

Older Wiser Lutherans january events Thursday, January 4: “Lunch and a Movie” A warm meal, warm fellowship and a good movie: A Case for Christ to warm the heart. It all starts at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Don’t miss it—a perfect way to begin the new year!

Body and Soul Yoga

by Audrey Johnson Come and enjoy an hour of yoga! Knowing the best gift you can give to God and the world is to be the best you can be.

We’ll focus on breathing, stretching, holding poses, core, and relaxation. Using our breath to come within: let go of judgments, competition of ourselves, and others. Stretching brings us to accept where we are and doing what we can.

Holding poses parallel the tough things in life, reminding us that God will help us float through. We’ll offer prayers in our movements and take time to be still.

Held in Fellowship Hall on all Mondays during January and February (except January 22), meet from 6:30-7:30 pm; bring your own yoga mat and a small towel.

Wednesday, January 17: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

Thursday, January 18: Curious about the publishing of the daily newspaper? Here is your chance to see and hear all about it at the Star Tribune’s Heritage Center.

We leave LOL at 11:30 am, returning by 4:30 pm. Cost is $20 which includes lunch. (This event is full. Please contact Karen Nelson at church to be placed on the waiting list.).

save the date Thursday, February 1: Come celebrate “God’s Love” at the OWLs’ annual Valentine party with guitarist Reuben Ristrom. Reuben plays a variety of music including Dixieland, jazz, and gospel. The celebration begins at noon in Fellowship Hall. Bring a friend!

Lord of Life Ministries

Thursday, February 15: Do you like horses: carousels and real ones? Join in as we travel to the Skyrock Farm in Hamel for a carousel/music-organ tour and a horse jumping exhibition. Leave church at 10 am, return by 3 pm. Cost is $42 which includes a buffet lunch.

In case of inclement weather and an event’s cancellation, the OWLs’ event leader will plan to contact all who are registered for that event. Questions?

Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.

12 January 2018

The OWLs annual holiday party put the ‘merry’ with Christmas thanks to Pastor Peter’s devotions, MC Roger Herfindahl, and harpist Reuben Correa.There was great food, beautiful decorations, and lots of fun for everyone!

Celebrate Recovery (CR) and Facebook (FB) are in partnership—

To Bring Hope for Those with Mental Illness Every week on Tuesday evenings, Celebrate Recovery brings hope and support for those who have hurts, habits, and hang-ups. There are groups for adults, youth, and children.

Celebrate Recovery also has a mental health component supporting those who have a mental illness. People of all ages may benefit on Tuesday evenings—and by visiting their FB site. Youth and families may find support with a variety of videos and posts from other youth who have ‘been there’ in a mental health journey. For more information about Celebrate Recovery, you are encouraged to visit lordoflife.org/celebraterecovery or Facebook: @CRMental Health.

CRMentalHealth Get ready, registration opens February 12 at 8:30 am for—

Summertime 2018

Parents,

new registration process Lord of Life has a new online database to handle registrations. No more typing in your address or other information each time! It is important that you create your family’s account prior to summer registrations opening on February 12. Doing so will ensure that you are able to register for summer events in a timely manner.

Please create your account after January 2: • Go to lordoflife.org and click on the “My Lord of Life” button in the menu.

• Click on the button that says “You are not logged in and click on the ‘Login’ button.”

• Click “create account.”

• Complete the form, selecting your own login ID and password (730 characters including at least one digit) • Click “create account.”

• Your account is set.

• Your family members will automatically be added to your account after it is merged within the database, which takes 24-48 hours. Return to “My Lord of Life” and select “My Profile” to see all of your family’s information after that time.

For future registrations, you may still visit lordoflife.org for event information and links to register. Information in the database will auto-populate on registration forms.

If you have questions or issues while creating your account, please contact Kirstin Delp (kirstind@lordoflife.org) or Greg Smith (gregs@lordoflife.org).

Lord of Life Ministries

please note!

[

For great youth (ages 3 years-12th grade) opportunities, visit lordoflife.org/summer. Save the date: February 10 and 11 for a summer sneak peek and be sure to watch your email inbox for specific info on Preschool Vacation Bible School (VBS), summer camps, middle school mission trip, and the ELCA youth gathering. For high school seniors and college-age youth, the CYF department will be hiring summer staff. Serve God by serving others—and earn some money. Learn about leadership and working with kids of all ages—visit lordoflife.org/summer for more details and to apply.

January 2018 13

On Friday, January 19—

Invite a Friend

The Ultimate Lock-in is massive fun—youth from many churches in the area enjoy the swimming pool, ice-skating arena, teen center, great music, inflatable games, gaga ball, nine square, karaoke, dodge ball tourney, dance, movies, food, and more! Can’t stay all night?

There is an option to arrive late or leave early.

Confirmation

It’s at the Maple Grove Community Center.

Do not come to Lord of Life. Parents must go into the community center to check-in their student. Cost is $30 per middle school student.

Students are also asked to donate a canned food item. Register at lordoflife.org/lockin.

7 /8th grades: Jesus’ birth and Zacchaeus 9th grade: Lutheran doctrine— Saint & Sinner, Law & Gospel th

Sundays: January 7 and 21 5-6 pm: Small groups 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: Small groups 7-8 pm: Explore middle school youth group -or Express high school youth group Wednesdays: 4:30-5:30 pm: 5:30-6:30 pm: 6:30-7:30 pm:

January 10 and 24 Small groups Family meal Small groups

Winter Release Day

On January 15 from 9 am-5 pm, all 1st - 5th graders are invited to Lord of Life for fun in the snow. We’ll have games, a service project, a snow-tubing field trip, and more! Cost is $20 per student. Drop off is 8-9 am; bring a lunch and snow gear (jacket, hat, gloves, snow pants, and boots), please.

Parent Night Out (PNO)—

Light of the World Friday, January 19, 6–10 pm Lord of Life Ministries

For birth - 5th grade, $15 per child A night of wintery fun activities, service projects, games and devotions for children ages birth – 5th grade. Proceeds benefit high school youth going to the summer ELCA Youth Gathering.

Register at lordoflife.org/pno.

14 January 2018

parents, please note To ensure a smooth registration process in the new year, please see Page 13 for steps to create your “My Lord of Life” family account.

Saturdays (5:30 pm) and Sundays (8:30, 9:45, and 11 am)—

Who Is Jesus?

Join in for January church school as we learn more about who Jesus is—church school is weekly faith formation for children 2 years - 6th grade: January 6/7: Jesus is baptized. Weekly classes begin for 2 year olds; regular church school for 3-4 years - 6th grade; Kindergarten Bible Milestone with parents going to church school with their kindergartners.

January 13/14: Jesus wants us to follow. Regular church school for 2 year olds - 6th grade.

January 20/21: Jesus wants us to invite others. Regular church school for 2 year olds - 6th grade.

January 27/28: Jesus teaches and heals. Regular church school for 2 year olds - 6th grade.

A blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. Deuteronomy 23:5

Welcome 2018!

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel

Happy Dreamer

by Peter H. Reynolds This special book invites readers on an unforgettable journey of inspiration reminding us all to follow our dreams and pursue our own unique path to happy.

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

It is hard to believe it is the new year already. We begin January by celebrating the new year. A visit to Maple Grove library is next on our list of fun events. The letter W for Winter is our theme for the first full week of school. Snowmen, penguins and many winter wonders are in store for our preschool friends. Then it’s P for Pajamas. We get to wear our PJs to school, bring a warm blanket, pillow, and a stuffed animal to snuggle. Five Little Monkeys will be jumping their way into preschool during this week of bedtime antics. Dads ’n Dinosaurs are part of our letter D week. A special Dads ’n Donuts event will take place January 24 and 25. Dads will join in for a special treat and enjoy some school fun with us. We end January with the letters K and Q for kings and queens. Our January Kindness Project is a wishing well for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The Chapel Chat theme is the miracles of Jesus.

Alumni registration begins online January 8; open registration begins online January 11.

Karing Kingdom’s bell ringers, including staff at right, were loud and clear volunteering for The Salvation Army at Cub grocery store in Maple Grove.

Karing Kingdom Preschool

Thanks to all participating families!

January 2018 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 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 to bevm@ lordoflife.org. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the February issue is January 1.

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Caught Reading LifeTIMES

caught reading lifetimes

Sharol Tyra and Donna Blaukat (left to right) are both in choir and had foot surgery recently. After choir practice, they joked as being “broken foot buddies” scooting along and caught reading LifeTIMES. God’s healing to Sharol & Donna!

16 January 2018

Although not caught ‘officially’ reading LifeTIMES—the Tuesday morning men’s group, who meet at the Daily Dose in Maple Grove, benefited from reading the Advent Conspiracy. And with the help of a Thrivent Action Team grant that provided the food and beverage, they used their annual Christmas gathering as a time to raise funds for a new well from the ELCA Good Gifts catalog.

Shown above are (seated, left to right) Dan Little, Bruce Wessman, and Steve Miller with (standing, left to right) Pastor Dave McCarty, Kingsly Dorholt, John Jenneke, Dave Hobson, Mike Winegar, and Jeff Mason.