January 2019 LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

January 2019

winter january release day 21 Parents share why they bring their children to Lord of Life—see Page 13

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (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.

Prayer requests to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.

office@lordoflife.org /lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

/lordoflife /lordoflifeluth

PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org 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

january

w o r s h i p

5/6 12/13 19/20 26/27

a n d

m u s i c

Pastor Kaitlyn Forster 6: Beverly Tipton Hammond

Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

TABLE OF CONTENTS Worship & Music / Council President’s Message........................................ Pages 2-3 Lifelong Learning / Refresh Event............................................................... Pages 4-5 Faith & Fellowship Oppportunities / Generosity......................................... Pages 6-7 Take a Pause for Prayer................................................................................Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16

FOR

Saturdays: 5:30pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, and 11am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Third Sunday: January 20 - 10am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope

YOUR INFORMATION

For over a year, LifeTIMES has been printed with automated mailing services through Wallace Carlson Printing, our vendor for about 10 years. Once a mail drop has been delivered to their distribution facility, delivery for arrival in your homes is the responsibility of individual post offices. If you are anxious to receive your copy earlier, it is available electronically about five days before the requested scheduled home delivery. At lordoflife.org/enews—you may opt in and receive it via email. You may also visit lordoflife.org/lifetimes for the current month’s LifeTIMES. All electronic files have interactive links to supporting areas within our website.

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

Worship Grows into the New Year at 11am Worship & Music

by Brian Schroeder The 11am worship service is hitting its stride! Since I started forming the worship band in September, ten skilled musicians from this community have joined. We are dedicated to bringing wholehearted worship, strong musicianship, and engaging music to Lord of Life’s worship culture. I am so thankful for each band member.

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We still have openings for new players—specifically bassists, drummers, and electric guitarists.

If you’re interested in joining this growing band, I encourage you to reach out. I’m happy to accommodate many different schedules. And keep an eye out for a Facebook Live event this winter!

January 2019

An announcement on the final element in Lord of Life’s two-year pastoral leadership transition plan—

A Word from the Church Council

by Council President Jerry Bergstrom At the November 27 meeting of Lord of Life’s Council, Pastor Peter was awarded a pastoral sabbatical to be taken during the first three months of 2019. This sabbatical is the final element of the Lord of Life succession plan begun two years ago. The plan delineated that the purpose of the sabbatical would be twofold.

The first was that the sabbatical would be a final emphasis that the transition in leadership from Pastor Peter to Pastor Joel is complete.

Second, the sabbatical will be an opportunity for Peter to be renewed and refreshed after 35 years of ministry at Lord of Life. At the council meeting, Peter described his plans for the sabbatical: Presented with this great opportunity, I began to contemplate all of the activities I could undertake being relieved of congregational responsibilities for three months. However, as I studied the purpose of sabbaticals, I found that the first and most important element of a sabbatical is rest. The word sabbatical is derived from the word, Sabbath, and a sabbatical is meant to be a stringing together of a number of Sabbath days.

Thus, the first goal of my sabbatical will be to spend an extended period of time “doing nothing.” Which sounds easy, but is actually harder than it seems.

Karen and I will be spending some time in a warmer climate, and at the other extreme, I hope to escape into the peace and quiet of a cabin in the cold northwoods. This “doing nothing” time will actually be an opportunity for reflection, as I contemplate my relationship with God and its ramifications for my pastoral call moving forward.

My other activity during the sabbatical will be an attempt to make a leap forward in my goal of completing the writing of a book that has been rummaging around in my head for many years.

There was always something getting in the way of my writing; I hope the sabbatical gives me the freedom to focus on the book. The tentative title of the book is, Beloved Laughter, and it will be a reworking of sermon material into essay form. Thank you so much for offering me this gift. —Pastor Peter

C o u n c i l

President Jerry Bergstrom Vice President Becky Kormann Secretary Melissa Benson Karen Buellesbach Clark Hjelmstad Chris Petersen Rachel Ross Pat Smuda-Behr Joy Todd Chris Tollefson Tom Wilson To view photos of these council members, visit lordoflife.org/council. Church council meeting minutes are also shared on that page.

January 2019

council president message

I encourage the entire congregation to please join me and the council in wishing Pastor Peter abundant blessings during this restful and reflective sabbatical.

c h u r c h

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Crossways Bible Study

by Pastor Donna Rohrer Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start! Crossways will take us from the beginning of the Bible to the end. In January, we’ll begin a journey on Sunday mornings at 9:45am or Monday nights at 7pm in the Luther Room.

Please register at lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning then pick up a book and workbook in Reflections of Faith gift/book store. The first session begins on either January 20 or 21.

Planning Ahead Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren will lead an Adult Confirmation/ Understanding Lutheranism class for eight weeks beginning February 17 at 11am on Sundays. Watch for more information in the February issue of LifeTIMES. If you have questions or would like to register, please contact Pastor Karen (karengl@lordoflife.org).

Connect Life—

Thinking Generationally January 8, 7pm, OMNI Brewing This is the first time in history when five generations are alive at the same time! They are Traditionalists (born 1900-1945), Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965-1981), Millennials (born 1982-1995), and Generation Z (born 1996-2009). Each generation comes with its own events and ideologies that shape their strengths and challenges and the ways they communicate.

This month at Connect Life, we will explore what it looks like to “think generationally” through conversations about how we are shaped by our own particular generations and how we can deepen our relationships within them and with other generations.

Founder of XYZ University, Sarah Sladek, will help shape our time with her research on how to engage a changing culture with a generational framework that you’ve been given.

To register and for more information, please visit lordoflife.org/connectlife or connect with Pastor Kaitlyn (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org).

FINANCIAl FREEDOM Four Sessions: January 6, 13, 27, from 5-6pm in Luther Room

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All registered will receive a free copy of The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack and have a space for questions to be answered by experts in the field.

To register or for more information, please visit lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning or connect with Pastor Kaitlyn (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org) or Pastor Chick (chickl@lordoflife.org).

lifelong

learning

and February 3

Talking about and wrestling with money may be one of the most anxiety producing and stressful acts that we do as adults. Yet, it doesn’t have to be! Join a free, four-session conversation (with a break for MLK Jr. weekend), designed to give you the tools and mindset to find joy and peace in personal finances.

January 2019

BUILDING

RESILIENCE: simple strategies to improve your well-being Many of us hit the ground running each morning—completely unaware of the way our thought processes impact us. We make promises to do better only to grow frustrated when we slip back into our old habits.

It takes practice to develop self-care, but resilience is a skill that can be learning.

Objectives will be to:

Christy Secor, DNP, RN, CDWF Dr. Secor brings humor, story, and science together in an open, honest way that will leave you encouraged and grateful for the incredible gifts surrounding each of us in our day.

She has brought her experience as a nurse in military and civilian hospitals as well as in higher education to her current role as the national Director of Professional Ministries for Nurses Christian Fellowship.

• Recognize how the negative impacts us • Discuss the four categories of personal resilience

No registration required; childcare provided.

• Provide tools to promote personal self-care and resiliency

6:30-8pm | Monday, January 14 | samaritan hall

To learn more about upcoming monthly Refresh events, visit lordoflife.org/refresh. refresh

To view previous presentations, visit lordoflife.org/previousrefresh.

January 2019

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Fellowship with the Fellas!

Need Support?

Are you looking for a way to meet more men in

Lord of Life offers the following opportunities to receive support:

our congregation? Come for conversation, a brief

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Celebrate Recovery every Tuesday, 6:30-8:15pm.

Visit lordoflife.org/celebraterecovery for details.

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Women’s and Men’s Cancer Support Groups meet on the 1st Monday of the month; January 7, 7pm, is the next meeting. Visit lordoflife.org/ cancersupport for more details.

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NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) hosts a family support group for family and friends of individuals living with a mental illness, offering the opportunity to share concerns and to learn from one another. Led by a trained facilitator, NAMI meets the 3rd Monday (January 21) of each month from 7-8:30pm. For more details and resources, visit lordoflife.org/nami.

devotion, and discussion followed by reading the next week’s Gospel message and more discussion. Fellowship with the Fellas meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1-2pm.

Please note for the month of January, we will only meet on the 15th due to the new year. Men of all ages are welcome. No registration required.

Bring a friend or neighbor!

Questions? Contact Tom Wilson (twilson282@ comcast.net).

For all of these support opportunities, no registration is required and childcare is provided. Questions?

Connect with Michelle (michellet@lordoflife.org).

Save the date, February 2, for a one-day workshop—

Daring Women of Faith February 2, 9am-3pm

Do you want to show up—really show up—in who God created you to be? At this oneday workshop, we will focus on clarifying values: living in our baptism,

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understanding vulnerability as courage,

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naming what arenas God is calling us into,

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exploring the practice of self-compassion and empathy:

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leaving with practical daily practices.

This workshop will be led by Pastor Sarah Ciavarri, an ELCA pastor and certified Brené Brown Daring Way™ Facilitator-Consultant. She is recognized as a leading expert on integrating Brené Brown’s research with faith in Christ and leadership in the church.

Fa i t h & F e l l o w s h i p 6

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Word of Peace Lutheran Church is co-sponsoring this event. The workshop will be held at Lord of Life.

January 2019

Cost is $35 per person and includes lunch. Space is limited and registration is now open at lordoflife.org/workshop.

For more information, please contact Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118).

Why Do I Give?

by Pastor Chick Lane I’ve decided to try an experiment with this space. During each month of 2019, I’m going to invite a member of Lord of Life to use this space to answer a simple question, “Why do I give?”

I’m very much looking forward to hearing their answers.

I have also decided it is only fair for me to go first. To the question, “Why do I give?,” here is my answer:

yDoIGiv h W

I give because of God. I give, first of all, because I am convinced that God’s generosity has filled my life. I

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believe God calls on me to exhibit generosity in my life that in my own small way mirrors God’s generosity to me. I’m confident God’s generosity to me is not meant to be bottled up in me, so I give. I give, secondly, because I know God commands me to give. Not giving generously is really not an option. It would be an insult to the God who is the source of all I have. I give because God has told me to. That is reason enough.

I also give because I have discovered over the past 70 years that giving generously brings me joy. I’ve actually read some brain research which backs this up. When we humans give generously of our time and money, our brains actually “light up” much like they do when someone puts a really good meal in front of us. I give

Budget Year-to-date — November 2018 Actual

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

because giving feels good.

Budget Difference

$3,275,207

$3,319,150

$264,296

$229,300

$3,539,503

$3,548,450

($43,943) $34,996 ($8,947)

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — November 2018

A slightly different question is “Why do I give to Lord of Life?” My answer to this question is equally straightforward: I give to Lord of Life because I am convinced my giving

$160,000

to our congregation makes a difference in the world.

$140,000

At Lord of Life, God’s people are fed and nourished as

$120,000

we travel through the hills and valleys of life. Through

$100,000

Lord of Life, my giving spreads out like ripples in a pond, doing good in our community, in our country, and

$60,000

around the world.

$40,000

I give generously because of God, because it brings joy

$20,000 $0

11/4

11/11

11/18

11/25

Actual Budget

$114,927 $ 88,113

$62,069 $88,113

$57,456 $88,113

$140,388 = $374,840 $ 88,113 = $352,450

into my life, and because through Lord of Life, I know we are doing God’s work in the world.

January 2019

generosity

$80,000

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Take a Pause baptisms

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, January 6, at 12:15pm. No registration is required. To schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015).

November 3

Silas John Bloomquist

Rowan Edward Running Hawk November 10

Gabriel Anthony Miller November 11

Audrey Beth Biberdorf

Oliver Finn Heggestuen

Cooper Paul Kmetz

Harper Jane Olsen

Lydia Rose Rasmussen

Paisley Ann Sjulstad

Owen Adam Zylla

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

November 18

Kacey Louise Cessor-Culver

Quinn Taylor Cessor-Culver

Brooke Susan Clausen

Landon Eric Grow

Camero Louise Harris

Daniel Gustafson and family at the death of his mother

November 24

Emmie Lou Stahl

Oliver Eugene Treptau November 25

Henrik Jeffrey Seningen

Peter Ames and family at the death of his cousin Brad Armentrout and family at the death of his mother Jan Brynteson and family at the death of her daughter-in-law Todd Ellingson and family at the death of his father Renae Herfindahl and family at the death her mother Linda and Ben Koenig and family at the death of her husband and his father Katie Lieberherr and family at the death of her grandfather Shelley Markve and family at the death of her father Scott McDaniel and family at the death of his father Andrea Molnau and family at the death of her mother Tami Odenthal and family at the death of her father Lance Olson and family at the death of his mother

pa u s e f o r p r ay e r 8

bereavements

Linda Perdaems and family at the death of her father Jason Petit and family at the death of his mother Ann Sanders and family at the death of her father Greg VanKeuren and family at the death of his father January 2019

Š Unsplash

Eric Paine and family at the death of his father

for Prayer A New Year’s Prayer–

weddings

Erin Emanuel & Steven Popowitz

welcome to new members Dew & Joanne Anders

Duane & Leesa Bequette Adam & Stephanie Boysen Phyllis Erickson Bob & Sue Gorg Tom & Debbie May Dan Meister Mike & Cindy Noll Lowell & Anne Siewert with Delanie, Amelia, and Corban

pa u s e f o r p r ay e r

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 Katie Gartzke (katieg@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of Lord of Life.

At the beginning of this new year and every new day following it, Lord, I offer you my life. Come take my voice, may the words I speak be filled with encouragement and goodness. Come take my hands, may the work they create be generous and giving. Come take my feet, may the journeys I walk be led by your Spirit. Come take my life, Lord, and use me for I am blessed by your goodness, your kindness, your grace, and your love.

Amen.

January 2019

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Christians Reaching Out in Social Service (CROSS)—

Making a Difference

by Barb Mewaldt and the Lord of Life CROSS Task Force As I write this in late November, my thoughts are still of Thanksgiving. It is a time of year that always leaves me with mixed feelings. I am both thankful for what I have and more than a bit guilty for sometimes wanting more. I must regularly remind myself to demonstrate my thankfulness in both words and actions. Each fall I ask the Lord of Life congregation to help CROSS provide a merry Christmas for the many families that it assists. Every year you generously respond. I would like to share some of the ways you make a difference.

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On November 18, Lord of Lifers, along with Maple Grove neighbors, contributed 3,200 pounds of food during a one-day pre-Thanksgiving food drive. Food insecurity is a year-round struggle that sometimes gets lost in the holiday hubbub. Thank you.

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Approximately 150 fleece blankets were created and donated to the CROSS Holiday Shop. The many yards of donated fleece were turned into warm comfort only due to the efforts of many willing hands. Thank you to the women who spent two mornings assembling over 50 blankets.

In addition, confirmation students, 4H, Boy Scouts, Karing Kingdom parents, Maple Grove Women of Today, as well as many families and individuals, all donated time, materials, and talent.

This project would not have been successful without everyone’s efforts. Thank you.

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At this writing, the CROSS Toy Drive is just beginning. Bins in the Service Center are already filling up. [On December 6, the OWLS generously gave toys, stockings, and fillers at their Christmas party.] Lord of Life is blessed to have a space large enough to host this event. Parents of over 1,200 children and teenagers will be able to select gifts for their children. Only with the combined efforts of all of CROSS’s partner churches is this event successful. Thank you.

This year’s Thanksgiving Eve sermon message referred to our response to God’s blessings. We are to not only thank God, but to demonstrate our thankfulness by helping others. Pastor Chick called this “Thanksliving.” When you donate to CROSS during the Christmas season and throughout the year, and when you give

ministries

of your time supporting CROSS’s many

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projects, I see Thanksliving in action.

Thank you.

January 2019

Looking Back, Moving Forward

by Barb Janssen and Bev Mello, co-leaders of the Holy Land ministry

reflections on the past year Beginning its fourth year this month, the Holy Land ministry has been diligent to their goals. Thanks to the generous support

by Lord of Life this past year, we have provided health care and educational support to Palestinians as well as creating environments for increased awareness for our congregation and community: •

Holy Land Olive Oil: Bottles of olive oil from the Mount of Olives and Palestine were sold at the Craft and Bake Sale to support Lutheran World Federation’s Augusta Victoria Hospital, its vocational training program, and Palestinian farmers.

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Journey from the Cave: A Palestinian-American Doctor’s Story: Dr. Souheil Ailabouni: The father of Lord of Life member, Christine Cahill, shared his story of living in oppression, fear, and violence in Palestine. Immigrating to the US in 1968 and becoming a family practice physician, over 50 attendees were blessed by Dr. Ailabouni’s message on his journey from the cave.

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Palestinian Art Exhibit: Original artwork from Dar al-Kalima (Bethlehem) students was displayed throughout the narthex and sanctuary, complete with a gallery guide. Bright Stars of Bethlehem loaned these pieces of art which provoked thoughtful insight on life in Palestine.

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Pastor Mitri Raheb’s Visit: For a third year, Lord of Life was blessed by Pastor Mitri who provided a fresh, clear message on the many challenges—and shared about the progress for hope and peace in the Holy Land.

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Windows into Palestine: Several Lord of Life members (see below for some of them) volunteered their time and talents at Westminster Presbyterian downtown for a festival of Palestinian film, art, music, and cuisine.

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Sundays with Nour: After three sessions in July 2017, Ms. Nour Nabris (via Skype in Jerusalem, see photo above) educated us about her difficult, challenging work in Jerusalem and the West Bank in three more sessions in February.

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Pastor Carrie Smith’s Visit: Lord of Life is in a ‘covenant sponsorship’ role supporting Pastor Carrie’s ministry at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (English-speaking congregation) in Jerusalem. The congregation was incredibly fortunate to have Pastor Carrie preach the good news at all five worship services.

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The Jerusalem Conference: As Bright Stars Area Representatives, we were honored to represent Lord of Life at this conference and the annual Bright Stars meeting in Houston.

enthusiasm for the future The Holy Land ministry eagerly looks for more fresh, new ways to increase awareness and bring hope to those in Palestine. We will also continue our mission in support of educational and health care needs. Two events were briefly annouced during The Jerusalem Conference: • Bright Stars of Bethlehem: Their annual meeting for 2019 will be held in Chicago.

• Worldwide Conference in Bethlehem: An exciting event in 2020 is being planned— more information will be shared as details are known.

In this new year and beyond, let us pray for and work toward hope and peace for all people in the Holy Land. Glory to God that we are loved and sent to serve.

Ministries

With smiles while serving, volunteers at Windows into Palestine include (l to r): Sandra Anderson (Bethlehem Lutheran), and with Lord of Life: Donna Walther, Cindy Cadwallader, Barb Janssen January 2019

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Men’s Bible Study

by Pastor Dave McCarty The Gospel of John starts out the same as Genesis but then goes on to tell the rest of the story: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us…” John 1:1, 14a Beginning January 27, the guys will gather on Sundays and Mondays at 6pm, Tuesdays at 7am, and Saturdays at 8am for a robust discussion about John’s Gospel with the hope of getting to know God better, getting to know each other better and maybe even ourselves better.

Learn more and register at lordoflife.org/realmen or contact Pastor Dave (davem@lordoflife.org).

Scholarships

ministries

Congratulations to Annika, Jace, and Erik on receiving a $500 scholarship! The Military Family Support ministry is accepting applications for $500 scholarships for children of parents who served in the military and whose families are members at Lord of Life. Students should be enrolled in college or other post-secondary program. Applications will be reviewed by the Military Family Support ministry scholarship committee and will be awarded at the May 13 meeting.

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January 2019

Applications are being taken between January 1-March 31, 2019, and are available from the church office or lordoflife. org/mfsm. Completed paper applications may be submitted to the main church office receptionist.

Older Wiser Lutherans january events Thursday, January 10 (note change of date): Food, Faith, and Fellowship—Celebrate Freedom!

Representatives from FreedomWorks will be our guests. Begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Come! Be warmed by good food, fellowship, and encouraged by lives changed through the ministry of FreedomWorks. Sign up on the bulletin board near the Info Center (located across from the main sanctuary doors) or contact Karen Nelson.

Thursday, January 17: Travel to the MN History Center in St. Paul. We will have a guided tour of “The Greatest Generation” exhibit then time to tour on your own before enjoying lunch at D’Amico’s in the center. Leave at 9:30am and return at 3pm. Cost is $15 with lunch on your own.

save the date February 7: Food, Faith, and Fellowship Valentine Party! God’s love endures forever. (Psalm 136) Come to be a blessing and be blessed. Our guest, Pastor Joel, will share devotions. Our musical guests, Blessing Gospel, will bring joy to our hearts with their gifts and talents. A freewill donation lunch will be served starting at noon in Fellowship Hall. Please sign up on the bulletin board near the Info Center (located across from the main sanctuary doors) or contact Karen Nelson.

February 21: Wings of the North Museum—head to Eden Prairie for a tour of the Wings of the North Museum. The museum currently houses three award-winning aircraft in addition to others. Enjoy an Italian buffet lunch at the museum after our tour.

Leave LOL at 9:30am and return by 3pm. Cost is $30 including lunch. Registration coming soon.

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? Read postings on bulletin board, contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138, karenn@lordoflife.org) or lordoflife.org/owls.

Winter Release Day All 1st-5th grade students are invited to Lord of Life for fun in the . . . snow! We will have games, service project, a snow tubing field trip, and more.

Cost:

$20 per person

Time:

9am-5pm

Drop-off:

8:30-9am

Bring a peanut/nut-free lunch and bring snow gear (jacket, hat, gloves, snow pants and boots). Register at lordoflife.org/releaseday.

Bridget T.

“Release days can be stressful if you’re not sure what your kids will be doing for the day, but instead of stress in our house, we’re excited! My kiddos love Lord of Life’s release day because it’s a whole day’s worth of fun, activities, and playtime while still learning but not sitting behind a desk or a screen! They get to do things they most likely wouldn’t do—for instance, Base Camp, rock climbing, and archery. And all activities are supervised by trained staff, so I can rest easy knowing they’re having a safe, good day off from school.”

Heather H.

Sarah F.:

I know when my kids are at church for release days, they are learning valuable lessons about life and how to be a good person.

Marissa and Caden said they love coming to release days because they learn about God and they have fun being with their friends!”

January 2019

ministries

“It has become a tradition in our household to attend Lord of Life’s summer programs and release days—the girls always have a great time! All of the staff are so kind and genuinely happy to spend time with the kiddos.

Not going to lie, it’s also an incredible price for the day of fun, including the field trip. Through field trips and activities, the girls learn to give back.

It supports what we strive to teach our girls: be kind to others, love God, and be involved in the community. They just have fun overall!”

“I register the kids for release days because the day will have a faith-based lesson/activity and a fun field trip!

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students in service Students in C3 confirmation ministry enjoyed working on fleece-tie blankets this fall. There were 34+ (about 26 from 9th graders and 8+ from 7th/8th graders) fleece-tie blankets produced for the CROSS Holiday Store. Thanks for your service, students!

Middle School Mission Trip Are you interested in learning more about this year’s Middle School Mission Trip? Then save the date: Sunday, January 13! This will be a time to talk about what happens on the mission trip, where we are going this year, and answer any of your questions.

january church school Through January, church school weekly classes resume for 2 year olds–6th grade January 5/6: Kindergartners bring parent/ guardians to church school. All kindergartners receive Bibles and participate in an interactive session.

Save the Date: Parent Night Out/Kids Night In— Friday, February 8, more information to come.

Ultimate Lock-In

The Ultimate Lock-in at the Maple Grove Community Center in January is massive fun.

Youth from churches all around Maple Grove have a great time with the pool, ice skating arena, teen center, great music, inflatable games, gaga ball, nine square, karaoke, dodge ball tourney, dance, movies, food, and much more! Can’t stay all night? There is an option to arrive late or leave early. Invite your friends!

ministries

The event is held 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:

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Early bird registration $25 by January 23.

After January 23, cost is $30/middle school student

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High school leaders! Sign up to be a leader for this event. Cost is free.

Register online: lordoflife.org/lockin

January 2019

january confirmation schedule 7th/8th grade

January 6, 9 - The Lord’s Prayer: What God Wants January 13, 16 - The Lord’s Prayer: Don’t Tempt Me January 27, 30 - The Lord’s Prayer: All Honor and Praise

9th grade

January 6, 9 - Lutheran Doctrine: Saint & Sinner January 13, 16 - Lutheran Doctrine: Law & Gospel January 27, 30 - Faith & Life: Judging Leader Meeting!

Sunday, January 13, 4-5pm or Wednesday, January 16, 5:30-6:30pm

By January 6, RSVP to Neil Christians (neilc@lordoflife.org) or Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org)

Happy New Year!

by Karing Kingdom Director Carly Tappe We hope you had a very merry Christmas and will have a blessed new year! January starts back to school after Christmas break on Wednesday, January 2.

On Friday, January 4, Pre-K classes will meet at the Brooklyn Park Library—check the January mail for more details.

This month we will learn about the letter P for Polar Pals, D for Dads and Donuts, B for Bears, and U for Under the Sea. January 16/17 are special days for all classes as we will host Dads and Donuts for the first hour of each class. There is no school on Monday, January 21.

Blessings to all for a happy new year!

2019-20 for alumni registration ens at 9am families op tion 7. Registra on January public opens eral for the gen uary 14. Visit Jan n o at 9am gdom /karingkin rg .o e if fl o rd lo etails. for more d

Thanks to all who participate d in the Salvation Army Red Kettle bell rin ging volunteer opport unity!

karing kingdom January 2019

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L O R D O F L I F E L U T H E RAN 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. You are invited to share faith stories, ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork; send to bevm@lordoflife.org. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the February issue is January 1. Copyright © 2019 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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Caught Reading LifeTIMES

“Bravo! Bravo!”

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Under the direction of Deric Craig (back row, black suit), the Canticle Choir performed beautifully—even bilingually many times— with Conrad Susa’s “Carols and Lullabies: Songs from the Southwest.” Thank you to everyone who shared their gift of song heralding in the Advent/Christmas season.

January 2019