Lord of life lutheran
January 2020
C O M P A S S
I T ’ S
A B O U T
by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)
Thank you to Dennis Schmid for this month’s cover photo of trumpeter swans on the Mississipi River in Monticello, Minnesota, at about -18�F. Dennis says he is “a self-taught photographer and has spent the last 25 years trying to capture God’s amazing achievements in nature.” He shares, “God has given me the opportunity to take some great images.” Dennis and his wife Ruby have been Lord of Life members for about four years.
it’s about time......................2-3 Bible 101: ecclesiastes.............4-5 community life...........................6-7 a time of calling...................8-9 the little things..................... 10 contacts/calendar................. 11 2
Imagine that today you are given $86,400. But there’s a catch: you must use all of it today. You cannot save any of it. What would you do with it? Then let’s say the same thing happens tomorrow; you’re given another $86,400 and you have to be broke by midnight. That would be pretty wild, right? Yet every day we’re given 86,400 seconds to use however we choose. We cannot save up any of the seconds to be able to use in the future. We can either use the time wisely or that time is lost forever. God gives us 86,400 seconds each day and asks us to use that time faithfully, creatively, and thoughtfully. When it comes to our time, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions… It is part of the discipline of humility that we must not spare our hand where it can perform a service and that we do not assume that our schedule is our own to manage, but allow it to be arranged by God.” We let God set the agenda and go from there. God didn’t intend for time to oppress us, yet so many of us find that we have far too many things we think we need to do and not enough time to do them. Often, we talk about our struggle to “find time.” Running from pillar to post is not how God intends for us to use the time God has given to us. When we look at the life of Jesus, the clock and Christ are not close friends. Would Jesus have bypassed the blind person or the leper because he was late for another appointment? Are we so locked into our schedules that we couldn’t find time to be at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount? Our culture encourages us to jump at the notifications on our phone or the beep of an alarm but doesn’t mind if we sleep through the call of the Almighty.
T I M E Hope is never lost, however, because we have the inventor of time on our side. God continually cares for us even when we’re at our most hectic. God never leaves us there, though. In giving us all the time we have, God wants us to be available. Available so we can serve others—serve as good parents and children, as caring friends, as loving neighbors, as compassionate followers of Christ. God tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.” This requires us to be available and to give that time to God. I read somewhere that “usefulness is 9/10s availability.”
be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.
You’re likely reading this right now because, to some degree or another, you think it’s important to spend time with God. I hope that in this new year we continue to grow in our understanding of time in order to be contemplative, to pray together, to have meaningful conversations with one another, to spend quality time together, to be still and know that God is God, and to be available and delight in the divine interruptions God sends our way.
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T I M E
by Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren (karengl@lordoflife.org)
Several years ago my husband Peter and I were at the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis. We were especially drawn in by the work of an artist named Susan Loy. Susan, who is a “literary calligrapher” had a booth and was selling some of her beautiful creations. We enjoyed our conversation with her and went home with a glorious depiction of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 that has been hanging in our home ever since. Ecclesiastes 3 is one of the most famous chapters in the Old Testament. Folk musician Pete Seeger set the text to music around 1960, and with The Byrds, “Turn, Turn, Turn” helped familiarize a generation with this portion of the Bible. The words of Ecclesiastes poetically describe the seasons of human life, and its fourteen sets of antithetical actions represent the totality of human existence. The author observes the rhythm of life:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 1
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a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; 3
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance; 4
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Bible 101
F O R
E V E R Y T H I N G 5
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a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak 7
a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. 8
These words remind us that life is complex and complicated. We can walk through each verse and consider how we have experienced each contrasting action in our own observance of life. As we close the chapter on 2019 and begin 2020, we know that just as in past years, the year ahead will bring joys and challenges. The other thing we can know with all certainty is that whatever life brings, we will not face it alone. God is our constant companion and guide as we navigate the seasons of life. Jesus reminds us again and again throughout the Gospels that he will never leave us and that he is with us always.
dig deeper As you think about the coming year, how might you embrace the gift of life that God has given you? Spend time with these Biblical texts:
Matthew 11:28-29 Jeremiah 29:11 John 14:1-3, 27 Philippians 4:6-7 How do these promises of God speak to you?
With the assurance of God’s eternal presence, we look forward to the days ahead. The seasons that make up our lives are a gift from God. We are invited to embrace them and make the most of them. In the coming year, may you savor the moments and celebrate the seasons of your life.
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C O M M U N baptisms
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the next baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015). November 2
Aiden Michael Vogsland
November 3
Garrett Michael Blake Archer Maxwell Craig Lucas Richard Schmidt Audrey Katherine Walsh Peter Glenn Haake
November 9
Kairi Lucille Winn
November 10
Cameron James Andres Augustus Daniel Dick
November 16
Brooks Alexander Minkler
November 17
Chloe Marie Dinger Beckett Carlo Mertens June Louise Stark
November 23
Ayla Lee Dahlheimer
November 24 Reyna Skye Barrozo Aiden Jon Lemoine Olivia Haun Liam Kevin Tabery June Hazel Muellerleile November 30
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Hollis Kent Turnbull Alexandra Lee Ann Turnbull
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Vijay and Monica Alley and family at the death of their niece Pat Awker and family at the death of her father Shane Awker and family at the death of his grandfather Cheri and Lee Carruth at the death of their dear friend Lindi Lund and family at the death of her uncle Lisa McCarty and family at the death of her uncle Brenda McDougall and family at the death of her father Diane Moody and family at the death of her father Bonnie Planting and family at the death of her mother Ellen Sanko and family at the death of her mother Brian Thorkelson and family at the death of his mother
I T Y
L I F E
weddings
welcome new members
For details on having your wedding at Lord of Life, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson (763.420.5015 x118).
Scott & Cara Croonquist
November 9 Jessica Schulz & Jonathan Nelson November 16 Angela Stahlmann & Kyle Willette
Michael Kreklau
Scott & Lori Gengler with Lydia and Brooks Kim Kitchen with Sierra and Sydney
Brandon & Katie Marcus Justin & Monica Nilson with Benjamin Bryant & Allie Sanderson Lakyn Sandness Thomas Stuck Kim Thein 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 the Lord of Life faith community.
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T I M E
O F
C A L L I N G
by Pastor Kaitlyn Forster (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org)
The song Let It Go, the hit single of Disney’s 2013 blockbuster Frozen, is a power ballad in my house. It is played at all hours of the day. When we’re happy. When we’re crabby. When we just need to get energy out. I’d love to say that it is my own inspirational reminder, but no, it drives me batty more than anything else. However, it speaks directly to the soul of my three-year-old in a way that nothing else can. And I have a feeling that I am not alone in this parenting observation. There’s a reason why Frozen has its own branding and marketing. Not to mention its own power in the tool kit of parental bribery techniques. That’s right, I’m talking to you. So, when Frozen 2 came out this past November, the question was not if we were going to see it in theaters, the question was when. Braced with popcorn, Icees and gummy worms, we learned more about our favorite sisters from Arendelle. Elsa has grown into her role as the magical queen who rules with love and responsibility, and Anna is delightfully less impulsive and more confident in her relationships. Together, they lead a lifegiving community and show the deep power of what true love can look like. Even though life is in a great place, Elsa hears the voice of an unknown spirit and is called “Into the Unknown”—cue this year’s power ballad. With her sister and dear friends— Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven—by her side, they follow the voice into the Enchanted Forest to 8
uncover and correct past wrongs that need to be righted. Or else never go home again. I won’t give away what happens or who they meet in the Enchanted Forest. “Samantha? I don’t even know a Samantha.” But I will say that this is a movie worth seeing, possibly again and again. In listening to the still, small voice, Elsa takes a leap into a journey that uncovers the past, challenges her in the present, and changes the future forever. For me, that is such a beautiful depiction of what the life of faith can look like in our lives today. How listening to the Holy Spirit can often feel like a tug into the great unknown and challenge us to do the hard work of what is right over what is convenient. It is what it looks like when we stop waiting for life to happen and embrace the gifts that we have been given. As people of faith, we have been given the greatest gifts. Love. Grace. Peace. And it is our responsibility to discern how God is working through us to make those gifts come to life. They are freely given and the Holy Spirit works through us to allow communal transformation and healing to happen. If you get the privilege to enjoy Frozen 2, I hope you get the chance to also reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Calling you. Leading you. Transforming you.
. . . the holy spirit works through us to allow communal transformation and healing . . . 9
T H E
byby David Frank David Frank (davidf@lordoflife.org) (davidf@lordoflife.org)
L I T T L E
T H I N G S
January is the month many us make firm commitments to improve our health, finances, or family life. These large and worthy goals can also only be reached by one small choice at a time. Jesus often teaches that small things can carry great worth. That is the meaning of the parables of the mustard seed, the widow’s mite (small offering), the lost coin, or the pearl of great price. He teaches that the one faithful in little is faithful in much, that the greatest in the kingdom of God must be the least, that good things done for the least are done for him. He asks that the little children and even babies come to him. Jesus prefaced his Sermon on the Mount by assuring his followers that he had not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it in every jot and tittle. Jots and tittles are the very smallest components of Hebrew letters and represent here the complete fulfillment of God’s promises. They also suggest the traditional rabbinic practice of close, word-by-word study of Scriptures. Appreciation of details is not just the way of the scholar, it is the way of the artist. Leo Tolstoy is not a great artist because he writes about big topics such as war or adultery. Everyone does that. He is a powerful artist because his novels are packed with vivid, meaningful details. Likewise, in college many of my intense piano lessons were spent on just a few measures to develop all their richness of expression. Beginning on Sunday, January 19, 11am, I will teach four classes called “Jot and Tittle” that will look at the large meaning contained in small things of the Bible. Using the Gospel of Matthew as a springboard, we will explore divine details to open up the richness, beauty, excitement and meaning contained in Scripture. Not a traditional study of a single biblical book, we will instead look at approaches and methods of closely examining a single word, phrase or person in both minute detail and large context. This method can be used anywhere in the Bible. May our small steps take us far on God’s path! Little things mean a lot.
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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 may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive Compass in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Copyright 2020 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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, Senior 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
Saturdays at 5:30pm includes holy communion and music led by David Frank. Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11am with holy communion on the first and third with music leaders David Frank at 8:30/9:45am and Brian Schroeder at 11am.
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
office@lordoflife.org
lordoflife.org
WORSHIP/MUSIC SCHEDULE
/lordoflife
/lordoflifeluth
Photo credits include Lightstock, Dennis Schmid, and Unsplash.
JA N UA RY
Calendar of events
To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson at 763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org. To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstand at 763.420.5015 x128 or chelseyg@lordoflife.org. As event details are subject to change—for the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—please visit lordoflife.org. 1/5
Baptism Class
1/20
Release Day
SUNDAYS/MONDAYS:
1/6
Cancer Support Group
1/20
The Food Group Volunteering - offsite
Crossways Bible Study
1/7
Connect Life - offsite
1/21
Fellowship with the Fellas
SUNDAYS/WEDNESDAYS:
1/7
Fellowship with the Fellas
1/21
Pause for Prayer
C3 Confirmation
1/7
Pause for Prayer
1/22
Source MN Meal - Offsite
1/9
MOMSnext
1/23
MOMSnext
1/9
OWLs Faith, Food & Fellowship
1/23-2/12 SouperBowl of Caring
1/9
Prayer Shawl Ministry
1/24
Middle School Lock-in - offsite
1/10
Kidpack for CROSS
1/26
Learn with Pastor Karen Greimel
1/11
Mittens on a Mission
1/27
Nourishing Our Neighbors
1/12
Learn with Pastor Chick
1/24-26 Inspired Images Retreat - offsite
1/13
NAMI Support Group
1/13
Nourishing Our Neighbors
ONGOING
Canticle Choir Rehearsal
1/15
Leave Fear Behind, Reach Your Potential with
SATURDAYS/SUNDAYS:
Word for Women
Cory Hepola
Church School
THURSDAYS:
1/16
FreedomWorks Meal - offsite
Worship
Alleluia! and Joyful Noise Rehearsals
1/16
OWLs Guthrie Back Stage Tour - offsite
SUNDAYS:
Ring and Sing
1/19
Estate Planning
High School Dinner Groups
VARIOUS:
1/19
Jot and Tittle with David Frank (see facing page)
C3 Family Meal
TUESDAYS: Celebrate Recovery Grief Share Love to Paint
WEDNESDAYS: Bel Canto Rehearsal
Men’s Bible Studies, various days/location
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313
NonProfit Org. U. S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4665
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL
Name Address City, ST 00000
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