July 2016 LifeTIMES by Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

LifeTIMES

July 2016

A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. Martin Luther’s On Christian Liberty, The Freedom of a Christian”

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LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (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. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

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 PASTORAL S TAF F Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org

TAB LE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Summer at Lord of Life / Family of Faith..................................................... Pages 4-5 Hope Is What We Do / Generosity............................................................... Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................ Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15

july worship and music July 2/3 (no worship on July 4) Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Gloria by Bunce Family Players (see Page 3) Sunday: Gloria by Bunce Family Players (9:45 am only) July 9/10/11 Pastor Chick Lane Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Donna Blauket Monday: David Frank July 16/17/18 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Kelly Jordahl Monday: David Frank July 23/24/25 Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Liberian Children’s Dance Group Monday: David Frank July 30/31/August 1 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Lord of Life Women’s Chorus Monday: David Frank

Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion

Lord of Life Summer Worship Series—

The Parables of Jesus Worship and Music

July July 2/3 July 9/10/11 July 16/17/18 July 23/24/25 July 30/31/Aug. 1

2 July 2016

The Unforgiving Servant The Good Samaritan The Ten Bridesmaids The Mustard Seed The Pharisee & Tax Collector

Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Mondays at 7 pm during June/July/August. Worship is in the backyard, weather permitting. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; location may vary. Third Sunday, July17, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday, July 20, worship at 1 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

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Happy Independence Day, America!  by Pastor Dave McCarty The independence of our country and the freedoms each of us enjoy have not come without sacrifice. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Two were wealthy businessmen and landowners who lost all they owned in the war and died in poverty.

These early sacrifices have been followed by millions of others who gave their all. But prior to any of those sacrifices, one man gave His all, so we could have it all. Of course, that man’s name is Jesus Christ and His death gives life that continues beyond this world. Our response to the sacrifice so many have made for our country is to protect and defend the freedoms we have been given. How are we asked to respond to the gift given us by Jesus? French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, “I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests—and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning—and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!” As Christians we are free indeed, subject to no one other than God, and therefore a servant to the world. In 1520 Martin Luther wrote a treatise entitled, The Freedom of a Christian. In it he says, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Luther acknowledges that these statements may seem to contradict each other, but then he quotes 1 Corinthians 9:19 which says, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all.” True independence is found when we become a servant to others, and it’s then that we truly honor those who have sacrificed so much.

musical theater at lord of life

Pastor’s Article

Gloria is the story of a Midwestern woman who has a successful career in New York City, but still feels empty and dissatisfied with her life. On the way to work one day, she mysteriously meets a number of intriguing characters who tell her about their encounters with God. As she spends time with them, she is drawn to their life stories and to their faith. These beautiful truths about God’s grace, provision, and healing are powerfully brought to life by the strength and beauty of musical theater. Bring a friend to this worship experience!

July 2016 3

Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran (L5)—

Summer L Class 5

by Pastor Donna Rohrer Over 20 learners attended the first Monday evening L5 class in June about the Protestant Reformation. Classes are at 6 pm every Monday in July (except for July 4) with an opportunity for outdoor worship at 7 pm. In July, we’ll learn about God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and David. We will see what God promised them, what were God’s expectations for them, and how these covenants have been a foundation for our faith today. No registration is necessary. Come to deepen your Lutheran faith!

Summer Prayer

by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel During the summer months on Sundays, we are encouraging prayer from 11 am-12 noon in the Prayer Chapel. Come as the Holy Spirit moves you. This prayer time will be self-led, without formal teaching. A prayer topic will be provided each week as a suggested springboard for your prayers along with continued weekly prayers for our church. Please contact me at ksgreimel@lordoflife.org with any questions.

Summer Worship

by Pastor Sarah Bunge Lord of Life adds a worship service on Mondays at 7 pm during the summer. And new this year—we are outdoors! See the photo below for 70+ worshippers on the prayer path one evening in June. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; location may vary. Whenever and wherever you stop and praise God this summer, God will hear you and God will be glorified!

baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, July 17, at 11 am. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015). May 1 Brynn Marie Coe Carter Matthew Coe Avery Hyunjee Deffner Avery Josephine Hilstrom Miles John Morinec Morgan Kay Porter May 5 Gabriel Kurt Dayton Grady Michael Dayton May 14 Alexander Nguyen Le Connor Michael Sams May 15 Brooklyn Nicole Broschofsky Carter Thomas Irving Brooklyn Page Sathre May 22 Brynn Ashley Armbruster Charley LaDes Borja-Nyberg Ruby Michelle Borja-Nyberg Hunter James Holland Sophia Noelle Hunter Brady Robert Roth Edith Grace Steidl May 23 Edward Armstrong Hassall Olson May 29 Mason John Jukua

Summer at Lord of Life

... it’s all about enjoying summer and strengthening faith

4 July 2016

Lord of Life’s

Family Faith

bereavements

welcome to new members

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

Dale & Donna Dingman Aaron & Angie Fahl with Brady, Savannah, and Sydney

Sara Brown and family at the death of her grandfather

Nate & Amy Grussing with Isla and JD

Craig Gust and family at the death of his mother

Jerry & Nancy Portz

Deb Hanson and family at the death of her father

Joe & Jen Sweeney with Kate and Julia

Greg & Kelly Lang with Rebecca and Nickolas Stan & Mary Ann Rahm

Travis Luoma and family at the death of his grandfather

Dan & Nikki Witowski with Amelia and Addy

John Mielke and family at the death of his father

Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church and its programs financially. For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/ membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

Annette Nelson and family at the death of her sister Dane Roehl and family at the death of her grandmother Marty Sager and family at the death of his brother Margot Storti-Marron and family at the death of her mother Eric Welinski and family at the death of his grandfather Paul Welinski and family at the death of his father

happy fourth of july

Scott Welinski and family at the death of his grandfather

weddings May 14 Tamara Seeman & Tyson LeMoine May 20 Maureen Peters & Ronald Nutting

Family of Faith

May 21 Brooke Beltrand & Mitchell Myers

July 2016 5

Summer Reading Lord of Life’s gift and bookstore, Reflections of Faith, offers fabulous faith-based wall art, jewelry, greeting cards, and seasonal gifts. It also has a great selection of summertime reading! From devotionals to Bibles, from grief and loss to help for hurts, habits, and hang-ups (see bookshelf and bookcovers at right), you are invited to stop in and browse. Reflections of Faith is open before and after all worship services.

informal art gallery Throughout the summer, you are encouraged to visit Fellowship Hall to view a casual Lord of Life art gallery, Beauty in God’s World. Each month a collection of paintings, created by those who attend Lord of Life’s Tuesday morning painting class, will be rotated for display. All are welcome to join in the class at 9 am every Tuesday in the lower level art room. No need to register.

Hope is What We Do

Thank you to all who attended and assisted with the May 25 “Hope Is What We Do” open forum and book signing with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb introducing Bright Stars of Bethlehem. At left are many Lord of Life pilgrims who visited Palestine and Israel last fall. Photo below (left to right): Pastor Dave McCarty, Beth Nelson Chase, Najwa Khoury, Pastor Mitri Raheb, Cheryl and Greg Myhr. You are invited to listen to the forum at lordoflife.org/theholyland. Another photo is on Page 16.

6 July 2016

Lord of Life’s finance department includes (left to right): Heidi Hustoft, Sandie Saar, Lenora Little, and Lisa McCarty.

How Are You Doing? by Pastor Chick Lane

It happened again! Regularly I learn of some new way in which Lord of Life is making a difference in the world. This time it happened on the table in a chiropractor’s office, of all places. I was lying there waiting for the inevitable crack. My chiropractor was telling me about a new congregation he is involved in. He told me how Lord of Life played a key role in helping them rent a building. It happens all the time. Even though I’ve been a member of Lord of Life for over four years, even though I’m on staff, I still frequently discover ways in which we are making a difference in the world that I didn’t know about. It is easy to be very proud of our congregation and all we do. I am. But I think a more helpful response is to think about all the ways God has blessed us and to realize that we are being faithful stewards of those blessings. Because of our location and because of the size of our congregation—we are in the position of having considerable resources available for doing God’s work in the world. The fact that I am regularly surprised by something new is good. We are doing much good. Could we be doing more? Of course. Should we be doing more? Probably. Still, I’m proud to be part of a congregation that is doing many things, and is constantly on the lookout for the next opportunity. All of this makes me think about my personal life. I encourage you to think about your personal life as well. How are you doing with the significant resources you have for doing God’s work in the world? Obviously, these resources include time, talents, and yes, treasure. Is your life directed outward? How are you making a difference in the world? Are you doing many things, and constantly on the lookout for the next opportunity? The Bible is full of references to proportional living and giving. Those to whom much has been given—that would be us—are expected to do much in Jesus’ name in the world. How are you doing?

“ “ We are doing much good. Could we be doing more?

Of course. Should we be doing more? Probably.

Budget Year-to-date May 2016 Actual

Total member contributions All other

$118,965

Total receipts

Budget

$1,433,218 $1,387,370

Difference $45,848

$126,912

($7,947)

$1,552,183 $1,514,282

$37,901

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — May 2016

$80,000

$70,000

$60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29

Actual Budget

$55,621 $60,719 $70,264 $56,583 $46,211 = $289,399 $59,116 $59,116 $59,116 $59,116 $59,118 = $295,582

Generosity

July 2016 7

2B REAL Men breakfast

On Saturday, July 23, 7:30 am, join in for a great breakfast then learn about Lutheran Men in Mission. Freewill offering for the meal.

golf Lord of Life’s men’s golf group meets Thursdays at 5 pm at Pheasant Acres Golf Club. All are welcome (no need to sign up). Contact Greg Janssen (greg@gregjanssen.com) with questions.

maple grove days All are invited to participate on Thursday, July 14, by walking with the men and their bed entry on the parade route. On Saturday, July 16, the men will participate in bed races to support the CROSS Peace of Mind Housing Fund. Pastor Peter will be the announcer at the races! Come cheer on the Lord of Life bed that is in the race at 7 pm. The bed race is on Main Street on the east side of Maple Grove’s Government Center Building. Contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org) if interested in being involved with either the parade or the race. To sign up for events or to learn more details, see the bulletin board or visit lordoflife.org/realmen.

all women are invited On Wednesday, July 13, at 11 am, all women are invited to a summer salad potluck luncheon. Please bring your favorite salad (don’t forget to bring the recipe); beverages and dessert will be provided. Childcare is available— the children will not be fed lunch, a snack will be provided. If you need childcare, contact Michelle Welinski (michellew@lordoflife.org) by July 11, please.

Helping Our Neighbors

by Barb Mewaldt A focus at Lord of Life is to reach out to people living at the margins. We are in partnership with a wonderful organization, CROSS, that does just that. Because the needs are great and the opportunities are even greater, last spring we decided to form a task force. Goals are to support the work that Lord of Life is doing with CROSS and to look for additional partnership opportunities. This summer there are several ways you can get involved.

volunteer We have always had volunteer nights at CROSS during the school year. This summer there is a group volunteering their time on the third Thursday of each month from 9-11 am. If there is interest, we are considering continuing the daytime volunteering opportunity during the school year.

school supplies During the last two weeks in July, Lord of Life will be collecting school supplies for CROSS clients. Starting school can be very expensive and having new, filled backpacks is a good way to make sure all students get a great start for the school year. When you see all of those school supply ads in the Sunday paper, please remember those needs. Drop off school supplies at Lord of Life’s Service Center. After the CROSS collection, Lord of Life will continue to collect school supplies for Palmer Lake and Maple Hills Estates.

farmer’s market One final opportunity is to help at CROSS’ tent at the Maple Grove Farmer’s Market. Volunteer tasks are to let shoppers know about CROSS services, and/or to help take down their tent, and/or to deliver donated produce to CROSS. All of us on the task force hope that this is just the beginning of an expanded partnership with CROSS. We have needs right here in our community and are fortunate to have a wonderful organization like CROSS helping our neighbors. To volunteer, sign up on the bulletin board or contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org). For a list of school supplies needed, visit Lord of Life’s Service Center. To learn more about the Lord of Life/CROSS partnership, visit lordoflife.org/cross.

Lord of Life Ministries 8

Christians Reaching Out in Social Service (CROSS)—

Lord of Life’s CROSS task force members are Lori Benson, Rose Chase, Kathy Gillet, Barb Mewaldt, Cindy Olson, and Donna Walther. July 2016

Family Issues Don’t Take the Summer Off

by Michelle Welinski It was June 9, 2005, when I first contacted another church about their Celebrate Recovery program. I wasn’t brave enough to call, but I did send what I would call a whining email. I said, “I suppose you are not meeting because it’s summer.” You see, I was only halfheartedly asking while hoping they would say, “Yup, come check us out in September.” Imagine my surprise when I heard from two different people within minutes! “Family issues do not take the summer off. Neither do we. Please come.” Wow … that was all I needed to drive 84 miles roundtrip to attend Celebrate Recovery, not knowing anything other than it is a Christian ministry. Their quick and encouraging response has stuck with me for 11 years. I strive to give that same encouragement to those brave enough to email or call me about Celebrate Recovery. I am happy to say that Celebrate Recovery at Lord of Life does not take the summer off either. If you are feeling a nudge to check us out, please come! You will be warmly welcomed and supported. You are not alone. We all understand family issues. Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm with an optional dinner from 5:30-6:15 pm. No registration is needed. Children’s programming is avalable from K-6th grade; childcare is also provided. Questions? Contact me at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

Cancer: not here, not there, not anywhere

Still time to join Lord of Life’s Friends and Families team at Relay for Life on Friday, July 15. The event begins at 6 pm and ends at midnight. Many fun activities, in addition to the silent auction and lighting of the luminaria bags, are planned. Participants are encouraged to raise $100. This can be done by way of a simple donation. It has nothing to do with how many laps you make. With each $10 donation, you will receive a luminaria bag to decorate in honor or memory of a special person. You can decorate this bag or have someone from the committee do it for you. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at the event. Visit lordoflife.org/relayforlife to sign up for a shift or to register for our team. If you have never been to Relay for Life, this year would be a great time to come and see what it’s all about! For details, visit lordoflife.org/relayforlife. If you have questions about Relay for Life or how to get luminaria bags, please contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

Lord of Life Ministries July 2016

Are you older, wiser, or Lutheran? Even if you are not those three things, you are welcome to all of the OWLs events—and bring a friend! For more photos and to read stories of their events, visit lordoflife.org/owls—

Older Wiser Lutherans july

Thursday, July 7: Young and Old is the theme. There are children and youth without beds right in our community. Project Manager Kevin Lenz of Beds for Kids, from Albertville/St. Michael’s Rotary Club, will share how they are meeting this need. Lord of Life’s representative for New Hope’s Good Samaritan - Ambassador, Georgia Helvick, will encourage us to remember seniors with special needs. Come and celebrate our blessings beginning at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Thursday, July 14 (note date change): Come join in as we travel to the History Theatre in St. Paul to see the musical, Glensheen, about the Congdon murders. Cost is $30 plus lunch on your own at the St. Paul Hotel before the show. This event is full—waiting list only. Wednesday, July 20: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Friday, July 22: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am ... coffee’s on!

save the date

There is no Faith, Food, and Fellowship in August. Thursday, August 25 (note date change): Minnesota Twins game! Twins play the Tigers and we have great seats in the Powerball Pavilion. Cost is $31 plus lunch on your own at the game. Leave church at 10 am, return after game about 4:30 pm. Come cheer them on!

Lord of Life Ministries

See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events. Cancellations due to weather will be on the authority of the event leader and made at least 24 hours in advance when possible; calls will be made to all participants. Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.

July 2016

Shining God’s Light in North Minneapolis

by Suzie Olson St. Olaf Lutheran Church has a rich history and a faithful future. The congregation has a large physical presence with its towering sanctuary and two-story nursing home that spans a city block. And still, it is a congregation in flux. St. Olaf has been a beacon of light in North Minneapolis for 142 years, but it faces ongoing challenges—and opportunities—due to its location in a struggling neighborhood. The skilled nursing home has been forced to close recently. Outreach programs come and go as funding sources fluctuate. But St. Olaf members are loyal and determined.

strong partnership

Lord of Life’s partnership with St. Olaf started about five years ago with a group of members volunteering at the neighborhood carnival. Over time, we have found more and more ways to share our gifts with each other. A group of Older Wiser Lutherans from St. Olaf attends monthly OWLs luncheons at Lord of Life. Our 2B REAL Men and the Silent Knights group do construction projects and yard work. The St. Olaf women of the ELCA donated items for our Christmas craft and bake sale. Lord of Life families bring Christmas gifts to St. Olaf families. “We are so thankful for our partnership in Christ with Lord of Life,” Pastor Dale Hulme says (shown at left with member Anna Bloh). He has been pastor at St. Olaf for 18 years, but his family has been active there since 1991. His wife, Susan Quist, grew up in the congregation.

sewing classes and yard sales

Janet Seim from Lord of Life has volunteered as a short-term sewing teacher for a group of women at St. Olaf who immigrated from Liberia. They are learning sewing basics and building confidence in their skills. The St. Olaf yard sale in June raised $2,400 for youth programs—thanks to an anonymous matching gift from a Lord of Life member. Pastor Dale said, “We are very thankful to Lord of Life members who donated items for the sale and helped deliver them to St. Olaf.”

food distribution and clothes closet

One example of the ebb and flow at St. Olaf is the food distribution program. In the time that Kim Spoden from Lord of Life has volunteered, low funding forced the program to shift from weekly to monthly. Fortunately, a new partnership with Loaves & Fishes means families have access to fresh food on a weekly basis again since June. Kim also helps distribute clothing.

‘week of kindness’ volunteers needed

Your family can help in the Jordan neighborhood of Minneapolis where St. Olaf is located. The Jordan Week of Kindness is July 9-16! There will be a collaboration with Thrivent Builds for Habitat for Humanity to build, paint, and plant. Lord of Life’s Silent Knights are rounding up volunteers.

you can serve

Lord of Life Ministries

Where will the Holy Spirit lead our partnership in the future? We are watching and listening for the answers. If you feel called to get involved with the ministry of St. Olaf, please contact me at suzanneo@lordoflife.org. Together we will take the next step.

July 2016

Children,Youth & Family (CYF)—

AWOL (A Work Of Love)—

Lord of Life is blessed to have many wonderful individuals to work with children and youth over the busy summer months. Summer interns and assistants serve in a variety of ministries including Summer Stretch, Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Adventure Week. Please welcome and pray for them in the coming months.

Lord of Life high schoolers have been on the move this summer and will continue to make a difference! Visit their blog at lordoflife.org/awol to read about the June 12-21 AWOL mission to Buffalo, New York. Then follow the July 16-26 mission to Colorado Springs, Colorado, as they serve, learn and grow together.

CYF Summer Staff

Ministry assistants are tremendous in keeping things organized for the summer and to prepare for fall. They are also invaluable in leadership to the summer programs. This summer’s assistants are Abby Gust, Nick Knudsen, and Anna Swanson.

Read All About It

Summer interns not only work alongside of the other summer staff but are integral in preparing, planning, and leading these ministries. This includes leading summer Church School in addition to all of our many summer programs for children and youth. Please welcome summer interns: Tabitha, Michael, and Courtney!

tabitha durbin Hi! My name is Tabitha. I am working as the early childhood intern primarily with preschool VBS. I have grown up attending Lord of Life and have been involved with Church School, C3, the Youth Gathering, A Work of Love (AWOL) mission trips, and Summer Stretch. I recently completed my sophomore year at Concordia College, Moorhead, and will kick off my junior year studying abroad in Australia. I’m looking forward to a funfilled summer working at Lord of Life!

Lord of Life Ministries

michael torreson

12 July 2016

My name is Mike, and I’m the middle school intern! I’ve been volunteering with Summer Stretch since my sophomore year at Maple Grove Senior High and have been a college leader for the past four years. I recently completed undergraduate studies at Augsburg College with degrees in Creative Writing and Literature, Language and Theory. I’m excited to be working at Lord of Life for another summer and to be more involved with coordinating and planning Summer Stretch!

courtney walker Hello! My name is Courtney, and I am the elementary intern! You may recognize me from last summer or as an assistant in the prior years. I have grown up at Lord of Life as I started Church School at the age of three and went through VBS, C3, and Summer Stretch. I completed my second year at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa this May and will be starting the nursing program there this fall. I am super excited to continue building relationships with all of the lovely children here at Lord of Life and for all of the fun activities of VBS!

Bible Camp

Something new this year is at Shores of St. Andrew! All ages (grades 1-12) will be attending camp together. Campers enjoy a fun-filled week with new friends, worship, games, swimming, campfires, and growing in faith! Still some spots available; visit lordoflife.org/summer. Half Pint (completed grades 1-3):

July 10-12, $210

Elementary (completed grades 3-5):

July 10-15, $420

Middle School (completed grades 6-8):

July 10-15, $420

High School (completed grades 9-12):

July 10-13, $252

please be safe when celebrating

Prayer Bracelets

Let’s pray for every student in our summer programs: 1. Take a bracelet from the display in the narthex. 2. Wear it throughout the summer -or- place it in an area where you will see it every day. You might place it on your bedside table, your vehicle’s rear view mirror or on your keychain—somewhere you’ll see it every day to remind you to pray. 3. Pray for your student by name.

Purple = VBS students; orange = youth in Summer Stretch / AWOL / middle school mission trip; lilac = campers at Shores of St. Andrew. Let’s blanket students in prayer. As in 1 Thessalonians 1:2, “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers.”

Summer Nights All middle school and high school youth are invited to hang out in the church’s backyard for a bonfire with s’mores, games, music, and fun with friends! First and third Tuesdays every summer month from 7-9 pm. No registration required. Visit lordoflife.org/summernights.

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life’s 2016 Summer Staff

July 2016 13

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For C3 and High Schoolers—

Lord of Life Childcare (nursery) is now hiring part-time staff. Shifts include weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. If you like working with children, this is the job for you! If you are interested, contact Childcare Program Lead Carly Tappe (carlyt@lordoflife.org).

Volunteer Opportunities

There are lots of opportunities for you to serve God and others at Lord of Life! Here are the dates: VBS Week 1:

July 18-21

VBS Week 2:

July 25-28

VBS Week 3:

August 1-4

Vacation Bible School (VBS)—

Nurture Children’s Faith

Yes, there’s still room to register for VBS! For children who have completed K-grade 5, VBS is held three identical weeks: July 18-21, July 25-28, and August 1-4.

kalahari family retreat

In VBS, faith is nurtured through play, music, games, crafts, Bible stories, and more. Families join in for Root Beer Float Night on the last day of VBS, with counselors and students sharing skits and songs. We also need help hosting some of the counselors for evening meals and/or provide housing for camp staff during the week. Contact Kirstin Delp (kirstind@lordoflife.org) if you can help.

november 4-6 Lord of Life partners with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Good Gifts program—

14 July 2016

Our ELCA global service project on long-drop latrines was shared last month. Stop by the display outside the main office to learn more! In addition, you are invited to participate in a local project. Lord of Life is collecting packages of toilet paper for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, FreedomWorks post-prison ministry, and for distribution at CROSS foodshelf. Toilet paper packages may be placed at the display near the main office. Double or single rolls—all are appreciated! © Pixabay

Lord of Life Ministries

Summer Service Projects

July Bible Verse: A friend loves at all times. (Proverbs 17:17a)

Happy July! Be a Friend by Salina Yoon

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel We pray you are enjoying this beautiful summer thus far! Please note enrollment packets were due Monday, June 27, for all students registered for the 2016-17 school year. We continue to take names on a waiting list for the upcoming school year. Enjoy your summertime with family and friends—we will see you soon!

This book is a heartwarming story of self-acceptance, courage, and an unbreakable friendship for anyone who has felt “different.”

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

‘Moms & Muffins Day’ made memorable— and tasty—moments together!

Lord of Life Ministries July 2016 15

LO R D O F L I F E L U T H E RA N CHU R CH (E LCA ) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org

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LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the August issue is July 1. Copyright © 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

R E T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work. Our Hands. Several of One Mission One World: The Holy Land ministry team members were caught reading LifeTIMES after the May 25 “Hope Is What We Do” forum for the community. At center are Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and his wife, Najwa Khoury (holding LifeTIMES), with Bright Stars of Bethlehem’s Executive Director Beth Nelson Chase looking on between them. Over 210 people attended the forum—more photos on Page 6!

16 July 2016

In the Dominican Republic, Jay and Gracie Griep are caught reading LifeTIMES, with Gracie multi-tasking by taking a jump in the pool!