LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
The Function of Freedom by Thom Olson, Executive Director, FreedomWorks
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ost of what I’ve learned about Christian community came from hanging around a bunch of incarcerated addicts. For seven years, I worked as an addiction counselor with Prison Fellowship as part of the InnerChange Freedom Initiative at the Lino Lakes Prison. The job came with an unexpected perk: I had front row seats to God’s ongoing act of redemption in the lives of men society had discarded and thrown away. I still remember my first week when I walked into a classroom and the participants were praying. Some had their head bowed and hands folded, others stood with outstretched arms while a few knelt down with their foreheads fervently pressed to the floor. What struck me was not the posture of their prayers but their content: they were praying for the protection of the police in North Minneapolis. As one inmate explained, “I had to go to prison to find my freedom.” (I don’t remember learning that at seminary.) I came to the realization that if you haven’t witnessed firsthand the “upside-downness” of the Kingdom of God where the first are last and the last are first, you can’t begin to comprehend the Good News of the gospel. In the words of Toni Morrison, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.” Our freedom serves a purpose beyond ourselves. We get free to help somebody else get free. The Apostle Paul gives a similar sentiment in II Corinthians 1:3 where he talks about the ripple effects—and equipping effects—of being comforted by God. “Thanks be to God, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our trials so that we may comfort others with the comfort we have received from God.” That’s how Christian community is designed to work. —continues on Page 10
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
July 2013
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 spirit 2-7
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worship Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Mondays at 7 pm with Holy Communion during the months of June, July, and August Third Sunday worship at 9:30 am on July 21 at Good Samaritan Society - Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday worship at 2 pm on July 17 at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in Maple Grove
June 29/30/July 1 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: to be decided Monday: Joyful Noise! children’s soloists
adult children youth family (cyf) 9-11 12-14 contact info 15 pastoral staff Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, x105, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Todd Buegler, Pastor, Children Youth Family, x109, todd@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, x104, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, x144, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. David Lippitt, Pastor, Congregational Care, x122, davidl@lordoflife.org Rev. Dave McCarty, Pastor, Outreach and Mission, x147, davem@lordoflife.org
July 6/7/8 Preaching: Pastor Todd Buegler Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Dana Brinton Monday: Alysha Sinner July 13/14/15 Preaching: Pastor Dave McCarty Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Cast members of CROSS Community Players’ ‘Children of Eden’ Monday: McKenna Quam July 20/21/22 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Osseo United Methodist Brooklyn Big Band Monday: Kelsey Friesz and Kate Kapsner
Cool rainy weather did not dampen the spirits for the Men’s Retreat. Group photo on next page—thank you to Chris Tollefson for sharing the photos!
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July 27/28/29 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Lee Fuchs Monday: Joyful Noise! children’s soloists Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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Engagement
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s this is being written, “staff training” for our collegeaged young people who will be giving leadership to our jr. high Summer Stretch program is going on up in Samaritan Hall. This afternoon, the high school small group volunteers will join them, and tonight, the jr. highers and their parents will come to an informational meeting.
Pastor Todd Buegler
On Monday, our first summer week-long experience, “Adventure Week” begins. On Tuesday, Club 56 has its first of three summer Adventure Days. Summer Stretch, with around 200 jr. highers begins on Wednesday, and the Thursday Summer Stretch session will bring another 50 kids into the building to do Bible study, service and fun activities.
Welcome to summer at Lord of Life! There is an energy and excitement in the building today. And by the time you read this, we’ll be in the middle of the whirlwind of activities: camps, VBS, AWOL mission trips, and on and on and on… But it’s not just activities for the sake of activities. The word we focus on is “engagement.” As in, “how are our young people engaged in relationships with God and with each other… and how are they engaging God’s mission in the world?” God has a mission. It is to bring love and grace to those in need. It is to create a community of believers who welcome all. It is to feed the hungry and care for those in need. It is to form faith in the lives of our young people. It is to love God, and to love those around us. Ultimately, that is God’s mission not just for our young people, but for all of us. God calls all of us to be participants in that mission. So my question is: how do we all participate in that mission? Is this summer shaping up as one of activity, or of engagement? Have you built service, worship, friends, family, and growing in your faith into your summer? God invites all of us, young and old alike, to be a part of God’s mission in the world. How we engage in that mission is up to us! Have a great summer! Pastor Todd
save the date On August 4 from 6-8 pm for all men and young men, this will be an evening of great food, fellowship, and music! BYOLC (bring your own lawn chair) and enjoy a picnic meal of brats, burgers, fixings, beverages and dessert. You won’t want to miss the concert, “Boys of Summer” tour featuring The Misfits, a resurrected band led by singer/guitarist Pastor David Lippitt. More details to come in the August issue of LifeTIMES. Sign-up on the Adult Ministries bulletin board near the Welcome Desk in the narthex or online at lordoflife.org/ realmen. This event is sponsored by Lord of Life’s 2B REAL Men’s ministry.
2013 Men’s Retreat
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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spirit
Maple Grove Garden Tour sunday, july 14, from 1-5 pm
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his year marks Maple Grove’s 15th Annual Garden Tour, and Lord of Life’s LifeGARDEN will be one of the four gardens featured on the free, self-guided tour. It will be a fabulous chance to learn more about our LifeGARDEN and also see some other well-designed gardens in the area. For the first time, workshops will be offered at each garden location. Workshops will begin at the top and bottom of every hour. In addition, Hennepin County Master Gardeners & unique garden creations from the Maple Grove Art Center will greet visitors at each garden. Local businesses supporting the Garden Tour will offer promotions, drawings, and give-aways to visitors at each of the gardens. Finally, signup information will be available for the new Maple Grove Garden Club starting in August 2013. About LifeGARDEN: • Formed in 2010, this garden is a great collaborative effort with the community to supply fresh produce to CROSS Foodshelf • Half of the garden contains 160 individual plots, each 10'x10', which are available for a fee of $30 per growing season • The community portion of the garden features key crops: beans, beets, cabbage, carrots and radishes, corn, cucumbers, kale and swiss chard, melons, onions, peppers, potatoes, summer squash and zucchini, tomatoes, and winter squash • 15-minute workshop sessions sponsored by Lawn King will include: Horticulture Expert & Master Gardener Marty Berglund will speak on harvesting and preserving herbs & veggies, Jackie Vallette Uglow presents on Edible Landscaping, Amber Christian presents on Effective Companion Planting, and Master Gardeners will present hands-on instruction on composting and how it can benefit your garden. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to the foodshelf when you visit this garden on July 14. All are welcome!
tuesday
evenings
at
lord
If you want freedom from life’s hurts,
Inspire kids with hope, joy,
hang-ups, and habits we encourage
and happiness through God
of
life
you to check out Celebrate Recovery
5:45-6:30 pm dinner
6:30-8:30 pm celebrate recovery
6:30-8:30 pm celebration station
Freewill donation and family-friendly meal—all are welcome!
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July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
6:30-8:30 pm the landing You are not alone; for those in 7th-12th grade
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A Midsummer Night’s Walk…
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or 6 years now, Lord of Life has had a strong community presence in our local Relay for Life. Come be part of this year’s excitement on Friday, July 19 at Osseo Senior/Junior High football field. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 pm as the crowd lines the football track to wildly cheer on the survivors who take the opening lap to kick off the relay. As a spectator YOU are encouraged to take to the track and look at the lovingly decorated luminaria bags made in honor or remembrance of loved ones. Luminaria bags are available for a $10 donation. Please talk to Michelle Welinski to pick up a bag. At dusk, the thousands of luminaria bags will be lit by candlelight. Pastor Karen Sue will offer a prayer and devotion. There will be beautiful music and a personal reflection by a member of the community. Then all spectators and walkers will take to the track for a candlelit lap of silence. Then it’s lights up and the celebration continues until 6 am.
adult ministries Jane Bergstrom, Administrative Assistant, x142, janeb@lordoflife.org Karen Nelson, Administrative Assistant, x138, karenn@lordoflife.org Michelle Welinski, Pastoral Care/ Missions/Ministries/Wedding Supervisor, x118, michellew@lordoflife.org
Lots of volunteer opportunities are available too: • Sell concessions in the Lord of Life Snack Shack. Sign up for a 2-hour shift from 2-4 pm, 4-6 pm, 6-8 pm, 8-10 pm, or 10 pm-midnight. Children are welcome to help along with an adult. Great C3 service opportunity too! • Serve dinner at the Survivor Recognition Dinner sponsored by Lord of Life. Help is needed from 3-6 pm. • Like early morning hours? Help take down the Lord of Life campsite and bring items back to church beginning at 5 am. For any of these service opportunities, sign up at lordoflife. org/relayforlifevolunteerreg. To learn more contact Michelle Welinski. PS: There is still time to join a team too!
Stay tuned for the August issue of LifeTIMES which will be devoted to L5 classes and instructors. Until then for more information or if questions, please contact an adult ministry staff member, or visit lordoflife.org/L5.
a big thank you Over 125 people participated in the CPS3 study at Lord of Life. This study will one day provide great insight as to how and why people get cancer. Prayerfully, this study will make Relay for Life a thing of the past! To learn more about the CPS3 study, visit cps3TwinCities.org.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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Lord of Life Lives Christ Together baptisms
bereavements
welcome to new members
May 4 Greta Geriann Bross Aria Loraine Curtiss Ava Christina Sjoselius
Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
Aaron Brick & Sheloa Fieldseth with Gavin
May 5 Molly Sophia Wilfahrt
Kathy Hempe and family at the death of her mother
May 11 Evan Truong Le
Mary Majors-Tambornino and family at the death of her father
May 12 Miles Matthew DeCambaliza Luke Thomas Klaus
Jeanne Nelson and family at the death of her husband
May 18 Madelyn Rose Hautala Blake Trevor Tallackson
Paul Peterson and family at the death of his mother
Tom & Sadie Ronia with Gavin 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 & its programs financially. Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/newmembers for more information. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.
Pat Pitts and family at the death of her husband
May 19 Mya Marie Ferguson Evelyn Faith Grossman Summer Jean Schroeder Ryder John Skagerberg
weddings
May 25 Violet Frances Linson At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is on Saturday, July 13, from 10-11 am; no preregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office.
May 18 Allison Gibbons & Blake Running Hawk
Would you like to share an original photo or artwork or poetry or a God moment with your Lord of Life faith family? We would love to share it in a future issue as space allows; you are encouraged to contact LifeTIMES Editor Bev Mello.
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July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Soar Like an Eagle
spirit
by Lee Nelson
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f there is one raptor that sparks the most excitement among children and adults, most likely it is the bald eagle. Here’s the good news: According to a recent aerial count, the eagles are making a comeback along the Mississippi River from Dayton to Hastings – up to 38 active nests. Eagles usually lay eggs in March, and eaglets hatch 35 days later and fledge in July. Most nests contain two eaglets, but some have three or four, according to Audubon Minnesota. For a closer look at eagles, venture down the Mississippi to Wabasha, home of the National Eagle Center with its National Eagle Center Observation Deck, which is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Sources: Audubon Minnesota, National Park Service Editor’s Note: Published posthumously, thank you to Lord of Life member Lee Nelson for this article. Over the years Lee’s gift of writing and promotional talents served Lord of Life’s Creation Care Team and the church with news releases of special events such as the Blessing of the Animals (Lee at left in 2010). Lee will be sorely missed. Within the promise of the resurrection, may he soar like an eagle.
May the True God be blessed, for He did not turn away from my prayer nor did He hold back His loyal love from me. Psalm 66:20
Your Prayer Chapel by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel
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f you have not had a chance to see the prayer chapel, now is the perfect time! We have been blessed by the gifts and donations of many people which are now presented to bless you. Take a moment to listen to the soothing water feature, write a prayer and put it into the prayer wall, look out the window at God’s wonderful creation or sit quietly with the Lord in prayer.
sermon series Continuing through July Lord of Life’s pastors will be doing a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. From “Our Father” to “Amen” they will examine in depth the prayer Jesus gave the disciples when they asked him: “Teach us to pray.” The series began on the weekend of June 1-3 and continues through the weekend of July 27-29. Remember that Monday evening services at 7 pm continue through August 26 for those who may be “up at the cabin” over the weekend and back in town on Mondays.
Our prayer chapel is for you to experience God’s comfort, grace, and healing in countless ways. It’s a place where we can gather for memorial services, healing services, and prayer. We can now celebrate weddings and baptisms in the prayer chapel as well. I am very humbled and thankful for all those who have shared their time, talents, and treasures; it is this love and kindness which is the foundation of your prayer chapel. It is the culmination of our love for God and for each other. For more information about the prayer chapel and Lord of Life’s prayer ministry, please contact Pastor Karen Sue at ksgreimel@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x144. July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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may 2013 budget year-to-date
generosity
Actual
Budget Difference
Total member contributions $1,270,622 $1,218,780 All other
$51,842
$108,802 $126,757 ($17,955)
Total receipts
$1,379,424 $1,345,537
$33,886
Such is the Power
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A monthly update of Lord of Life’s Congregation Council major events—
Council Corner
by Tom Campbell, Congregation Council President At its May meeting the Council elected its officers for the upcoming year: President - Tom Campbell Vice President Merle Waldron Secretary – Lisa Gedker For the entire list of all current councilmembers as well as minutes of their meetings, feel free to visit lordoflife.org/council.
he generosity began when the desk clerk at Rick Ruzzamenti’s yoga studio in California told him she had recently donated a kidney to an ailing friend she had bumped into at Target. Ruzzamenti had never even donated blood, but the idea so captivated him that two days later he called Riverside Community Hospital to ask how he might do the same thing. Halfway across the country, in Joliet, Ill., Donald Terry needed a kidney in the worst way. With nobody in his family willing or able to give him a kidney, his doctors warned that it might take five years to crawl up the waiting list for an organ from a deceased donor. But a short while later, Terry received a plump pink kidney in a transplant at Loyola University Medical Center. He did not get it from Mr. Ruzzamenti, at least not directly, but the two men will forever share a connection: they were the first and last patients in the longest chain of kidney transplants ever constructed, linking 30 people who were willing to give up an organ with 30 who might have died without one. What made the domino chain of 60 operations possible was the willingness of Ruzzamenti to give the initial kidney, expecting nothing in return. Its momentum was then fueled by a mix of donors who gave a kidney to a stranger after learning they could not donate to a loved one because of incompatibility. Their loved ones, in turn, were offered compatible kidneys as part of the exchange. Children donated for parents, husbands for wives, sisters for brothers. While about 90,000 people are lined up for kidneys, fewer than 17,000 receive one each year, and about 4,500 die waiting. Donald Terry was floored at his remarkable good fortune. He wondered what he had done to deserve a gift that 90,000 others needed just as much. He hadn’t done anything. He was blessed. It was a gift of love. There was a lot of sacrifice in this chain of 60 people. All of it admirable, but none of it would have happened without the act of love of one man who expected nothing in return. He gave his kidney, freely, graciously and happily. And look at the result. Such is the power of generosity. Such is the power of love. —Pastor Peter Lord of Life Weekly Giving — May 2013 $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000
finance staff Colleen Anderson, Finance Director, x103, colleen@lordoflife.org Lenora Little, Finance & Stewardship Assistant, x139, lenoral@lordoflife.org Lisa McCarty, Finance Assistant, x151, lisam@lordoflife.org Sandie Saar, Finance Assistant, x101, sandie@lordoflife.org
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$10,000 $0
5/5 5/12 5/19 5/26
Actual $74,582 $62,641 $50,733 $43,934 Budget $58,196 $58,196 $58,196 $58,196
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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OWLs Events ...older, wiser, or Lutheran? Even if you are not, you will be warmly welcomed at all of the OWLs’ events. Sign up for all activities is on the bulletin board near the welcome desk in the narthex. Visit lordoflife.org/owls for more photos as well as stories of recent events. Questions about this vibrant seniors’ ministry? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@
Thursday, July 11: Faith, Food, and Fellowship “Ice Cream Social” with special guest Paula Thomas, a Lord of Lifer who volunteers with Hope Lodge. We’ll begin at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Bring your creativity for making the best ice cream sundae and also assembling “Grab and Go” bags for Hope Lodge. There will be an opportunity for a freewill donation to cover the cost of the bags. Wednesday, July 17: Worship at Rose Arbor Assisted Living beginning at 2 pm Friday, July 19: Service project beginning at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall labeling LifeTIMES
save the dates Thursday, August 1: “Redemption” music with guest Mark Nesse, a Lord of Life member. Come and bring a friend! We begin at 10 am in the Luther Room. Thursday, August 15: Minnesota and the Civil War Minnesota History Center. We’ll explore the role of Minnesota’s men and women on the battlefield and on the homefront in an exhibit drawn on artifacts, firsthand accounts, letters, and diaries. Learn about the everyday lives and often extraordinary witness of Minnesotans during the Civil War. Leave church at 9 am - return about 3 pm. Cost is $12 with lunch on your own at the History Center. Thursday, September 19: It’s a Mystery Tour! We can’t tell you where we are going, but it will be a day filled with new sights and fun for everyone! Leave church at 8:30 am and return about 5 pm. Cost is $25, including lunch.
embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.
The Minneapolis Synod Senior Band event on June 6 was outstanding. For more photos and articles of past OWLs events, visit lordoflife. org/owls.
Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN)
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hank you, thank you, thank you!! For all the food donations (245 pounds) and for the macaroni and cheese drive (840 boxes) for EFN as well as RiverWorks and CROSS. It is all greatly appreciated. Since 2007, Lord of Life has donated more than 13,000 pounds of food and over $24,000 to help fill empty plates with healthy and hearty foods. Be a part of the solution. A bin has been placed in the Service Center for food donations to be given to EFN. At EFN, 100% of donated food is given to their agency partners free of charge. Consider helping those who would benefit from your help. The next session is planned for Monday, July 8, from 4-7 pm at EFN in New Hope. Questions? Contact Jane Bergstrom.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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adult Mark your calendars for October 12—
Children’s Clothing Sale by Linda Zwick
—continues from cover page What have you found freedom from? Chances are the experience has left a scar. We’re often reminded of the need to be good stewards of our time, treasure and talents. I’d like to add two more items to that list: we also need to be good stewards of our freedom and pain. Those scars that you have? Don’t cover them up. Consider them your ministerial credentials. Whatever tragedy or setback you have survived, you are now divinely equipped to minister to someone experiencing the same circumstance. If you want to know where your mission field is, take a good look at your scars. And don’t forget to share your freedom with someone else. Thom Olson is the Executive Director of FreedomWorks. FreedomWorks is a faith-based nonprofit in North Minneapolis providing transitional housing and aftercare support services for men who have been incarcerated. Our vision is to help transform violent predators into courageous peacemakers, hardcore criminals into upstanding citizens, and absent fathers into loving dads. Our mission is to restore dignity to men who have been incarcerated and help rebuild lives that are reconciled to God, family and community. Visit myfreedomworks.com or contact Greg Myhr, Lord of Life’s ministry partner with FreedomWorks, at gcmyhr@ embarqmail.com or 763.424.3537.
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or the past two years Lord of Life has helped organize and facilitate the Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Children’s Clothing Sale at LSS on 2400 Park Ave in Minneapolis. This sale is specifically for the clients of LSS, and has been a wonderful success, serving up to 83 families and 400 children each year. To prepare for the sale, we collect new and gently used fall/winter clothing and outerwear, plus new underwear and socks for infants through high school-aged children. The LSS clients may then purchase these items for garage sale (or lower) prices at the sale. Lord of Life’s Word for Women and OWLs ministries have been instrumental in the success of the sale by providing donations and many volunteer hours preparing for and helping at the sale. Many other Lord of Life members have helped as well, and the LSS clients are thrilled with our efforts. That is why there will be a 3rd Annual Children’s Clothing Sale this year on Saturday, October 12, 2013. In preparation for the sale, we want to get the word out about specific needs the LSS clients have. Many of the children LSS serves attend middle schools (4th–8th grade) that require uniforms. So in addition to our usual needs, these items have been added to our list: • Solid navy, black or white short/long-sleeve polo shirts for boys and girls • Khaki pants for boys and girls • Khaki capris or knee-length khaki skirts for girls If you have these items or any fall/winter children’s clothing taking up space at home, please set it aside to donate for the sale. Also, back-to-school supplies and uniforms will be available in stores soon, if you would prefer to shop. Garage sales and Goodwill are also great places to find fall/winter clothing and outerwear. Please note: Donations will not be accepted at church until just before the sale in the fall. Watch for more information about the sale or contact Linda Zwick at lkzwick@comcast.net or Sandy Munson at rsmunson@ embarqmail.com.
Lord of Life Volunteers from the 2012 LSS Children’s Clothing Sale!
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Taken at Pastor Ruth Kahawa’s home from left include Delores Johnson, Esther (from the story below), Laura Dirks, Pastor Ruth, Bonnie Dirks, and Esther Simonson.
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Many thanks to those who donated this past Christmas through the Joy of Giving program. Much needed medications, food, and other supplies were purchased during the recent trip to Uganda for the Tororo hospital and school in Juba.
Excerpt From a First-Time Missionary’s Journal
Submitted by Laura Dirks, Written by Delores Johnson (Laura’s Mom) May 5, 2013:
Come early (to help) and stay late for fun at
pent the day at Smile Africa and had a day of many highs and lows. We visited their nursery and some of the babies. A girl climbed up on my lap and fell asleep. She cuddled right in. I found out that she had malaria, and later I saw her wandering around the grounds by herself. Would have liked to just stay and hold her. Today an abandoned newborn was found wrapped in a sack in the garden while we were there. Pastor Ruth went and got him, cleaned him, and named him Joseph. We saw him later, a big, healthy guy. The day’s highs came when we met with the women who are taking classes in Health, Money Management, English, and Mission Character. They greeted us with song and dance. Very humbling when they hug you and bow to you, some all the way to their knees. They gave their testimonies on their progress, telling how much attending the classes has helped them.
St. Olaf Partnership
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Tonight we were invited to Pastor Ruth’s for a dinner of rice, goat, chicken, slaw, beans, avocado, pineapple, chapatti and bananas. She told the story of adopting her 2 1/2-year-old Esther (see photo above). Esther, too, was abandoned at birth. Her umbilical cord wasn’t tied off properly and was bleeding. Pastor Ruth took her to the hospital for care, then brought her home and bathed her. In all the commotion of hospital care, she forgot to call her husband and tell him she was bringing a baby home to keep. They’re still together, but the story seemed a fitting ending to the day: equal parts chaos and compassion. For insights from another first-time traveler, read “12 Days in Africa: A Mother’s Journey” by Lisa Sanders. Lisa was with the Hope 4 Kids team that Laura Dirks and Laura Offerdahl were on as part of Lord of Life’s One Mission One World: Uganda trip in August 2012. All profits from this book will be donated to build life-saving wells in villages desperate for clean water. Books may be purchased from the publisher, westbowpress.com (search by title or the author’s name).
St. Olaf Revival on July 27—
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ou are invited to join in the fun at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis on Saturday, July 27, for their annual Community Revival. The revival features entertainment under the big tent, carnival games, food booths, barbecue and a raffle. It is a celebration of life and diversity in a neighborhood often characterized negatively. It is a triumph of the human spirit. Lord of Life will have a sno-cone booth for the kids, and we are also eager to form teams of volunteers who can help at various times of the day for set-up, booth staffers, and clean-up. Help us make this carnival great! If you would like to get involved before, during or after the revival, please contact Suzanne Olson at suzannelholson@outlook.com.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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children youth family
summer leadership retreat
Calling all sr. high leaders—we’re going on a retreat! Join us for a couple days of relaxation, fun, and working on leadership skills as we wind down from the summer and get ready for fall. The details: Date: August 2-4 (leave at 5 pm Friday and return at 1 pm Sunday) Location: Camp Onomia Cost: $30, sign up online at lordoflife.org/shleadershipnetwork
jr. high summer bible camp at luther park children youth family (cyf) Amanda Clancy (“Clancy”), Middle School, x106, amandac@lordoflife.org Kirstin Delp, Early Childhood and Childcare, x113, kirstind@lordoflife.org Raul Garcia III, AiM, Confirmation (C3) and Grades 7-9, x121, raul@lordoflife.org Julie Hagen, AiM, Grades 1-4, x129, julieh@lordoflife.org Heather Hjelmstad, Ministry of Inclusion, x143, heatherh@lordoflife.org Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home, x107, lynnl@lordoflife.org Elizabeth Pedersen, Grades 10-12, x130, elizabethp@lordoflife.org Kim Pietrzak, Childcare, x124, kimp@lordoflife.org Pennie Soppeland, CYF Support, x132, pennies@lordoflife.org Debbie Zaic, CYF Office Manager and Registrar, x128, debz@lordoflife.org
Faith, friends, fellowship, fun! Summer camp at Luther Park in Danbury, Wisconsin is a great time to learn more about yourself and your faith and the Bible, too. Dates are Sunday-Friday, July 7-12, if you’ve completed grades 6-9. Talk a friend into it and go together! Here’s what one camper shares about Luther Park: “It’s a great friend-gaining experience and overall just a fun time and a fun way to grow in your faith. They have great activities and wonderful counselors.” Registration forms at the Youth Booth or register online at lutherpark.com. Questions? See Raul.
Vacation Bible School Hey, facebook friends— like us on facebook.com/ lolsrhigh!
It’s not too late—sign your children up for a fun, faith-building experience at Lord of Life! For children ages 3 – entering kindergarten: Kingdom Rock! July 8–11, 9 am–12 pm. Children will spend time in small groups, moving from station to station. Crafts, activities, games, Bible Study, songs and lots more! Sign up now at lordoflife.org/preschoolvbs. For kids entering grades 1 – 6: Faith Alive! July 22-25 or July 29-August 1 or August 5-8, 9 am-3 pm. Join camp counselors from Luther Park Camp for an exciting week! Camp songs and skits, crafts, games and more, all centered around living a life of faith - AND a special program and root beer floats the final evening of camp: lordoflife.org/vbs. Each week of Faith Alive!, we need families to host counselors for dinner and families who are able to house the counselors while they are here. Please contact Julie Hagen to reserve your night(s)!
The Club 56 End-of-Year Bash was a blast! Recognize anyone?
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Church School
Registration for the fall is open at lordoflife.org/churchschool. Volunteer - Help make a difference in the lives of our young people—join a Church School ministry team: lordoflife.org/csleaders.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
God’s work. Our hands.
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he Water Project is this summer’s service project for Vacation Bible School and day camp children at Lord of Life. Children will learn about the need for clean, safe drinking water. They will hear about the impact a simple water well can have on a community where water shortages bring poverty, disease and death. Children and families are encouraged to help dig and install a water well by contributing money to the ELCA Good Gifts program. This new well costs $2,500 and will bring clean water to a village somewhere in the world, in the name of Jesus Christ. You can join the children in their project by stopping by the display near the main office to pick up information and a donation envelope. Envelopes may be returned in the offering plate or main office all summer. For more information visit lordoflife.org/water.
UN-Water/World Water Day © Kate Holt
The Water Project
children children youth youth family family
family resources Check out this new webpage featuring links to articles for families with children of all ages. New articles are added twice monthly. If you have a teen or tween, you should check out the links to articles on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. Don’t know what these are? This resource is a must for you! Visit lordoflife.org/familyresources.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel, Director, x127, kingdom@lordoflife.org Teachers: Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, Carly Tappe
July Bible Verse: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Happy July! July Book Pick
“Fluffy and the Firefighters” by Kate McMullan. This book conveys important fire safety information in a tender and exciting way.
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by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool We pray you are having a fun and safe summer thus far, and enjoying the warmth of summer! For the past several years Karing Kingdom Preschool has participated in the G.L.O.W. (Giving Little Ones Wisdom) Program sponsored by Maple Grove Fire Department. The photos above and below are Maple Grove Fire and Rescue visiting Karing Kingdom upon our completion of the G.L.O.W. Program. Karing Kingdom students completed the 11-unit curriculum that touched on water safety, school bus safety, poison control, and, of course, fire safety as well as many other aspects of fire safety. This community effort has become a useful tool in helping to teach our preschoolers the value of safety first!
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Please note that the 2013-14 enrollment packets are due at this time (due date June 24). We continue to take registration for this fall. For more information please contact us at kingdom@ lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
contact info WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FAX 763.420.7286 ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran V isit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for more specific contact information plus photos of all Lord of Life staff.
1978 Lord of Life Lutheran Church Charter (ELCA): Lord of Life is a community of people called together by God’s Holy Spirit who confess Christ as Lord. We wish to be a church whose door is open to all people. And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will strive to educate, comfort, aid and spread the word of love in Christ’s name. We believe worship is of most importance in our life together as we receive God’s love through Word and Sacrament. We will be involved with seeking justice in our community, state, nation, and world. We hold high the dignity and worth of every human being as created in God’s image and forgiven in Christ. We hope to be a serving church, in the name of Him who came as Servant of all.
Thank you to all who ran, rode, walked and volunteered at the 3rd annual CYF Fun Run/Walk!! We had a beautiful morning and a great event as people of all ages came together to support CYF summer trips and camps.
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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ADDRESS 7401 COUNTY ROAD 101, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-4313 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED - TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL
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LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. The deadline for the August issue is July 1. Copyright 2013 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
caught reading lifetimes
In London on the River Thames with Big Ben and Parliament in the background, Steve and Mo Orendorff are caught reading LifeTIMES
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After a Saturday morning baptismal class, Pastor Todd and the group is caught reading LifeTIMES together
July 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a