LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
July 2017
At their April meeting, Lord of Life’s council voted to bestow the honor of Pastor Emeritus on Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren. The council writes, “Beginning June 30, Pastor Karen will be taking a year off for a time of discernment. We are grateful for her wonderful ministry at Lord of Life and will keep her in prayer as she enters this new phase.” —Lord of Life Congregation Council, 4/25/17
See Pages 10-11 for A Conversation with Pastor Karen —
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflife
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflifeluth
/lordoflifeelca
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. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen 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 Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org
TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith / Love to Paint..................................................................... Pages 4-5 Women’s Cancer Support Group / Sundays with Nour.............................. Pages 6-7 Generosity / Yee-haw for Hamel Rodeo....................................................... Page 8-9 A Conversation with Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren......................Pages 10-11 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 12-19 Caught Reading LifeTIMES..............................................................................Page 20
With Bishop Ann Svennungsen presiding over Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem’s installation on May 21, we officially celebrate our lead pastor’s ministry at Lord of Life.
Worship & Music
As in Colossians 3:16, ‘May the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,’ Pastor Joel.
2 July 2017
Thanks be to God!
worship
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org
july 1/2/3
8/9/10 15/16/17
music
LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)
Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem 2: Peter Middlecamp
Pastor Sarah Bunge 9: Beverly Hammond, Kari Lyn Wampler 9 at 2 pm: The Ordination of LisaMarie Doerrmann Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem 16: Donna Blaukat
22/23/24
Pastor Karen Greimel 23: L’Ambizioso Duo (piano and bass)
29/30/31
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 30: Children Sing!
Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Mondays: 7 pm with Holy Communion. Worship outdoors on prayer labyrinth; inclement weather location is Samaritan Hall. Third Sunday: June 18 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: June 21 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living
Worship and music schedules may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for more details.
Making a Difference by Pastor Chick Lane I was recently driving on Elm Creek Boulevard crossing Hemlock and noticed the shopping area under construction now has a name. I said to no one in particular: Just what the world needs, more shopping in Maple Grove. I’m not a big fan of shopping. In fact, I avoid it whenever possible. However, even I must admit it is nice to live in a community where I don’t have to drive far to get most of what I need (and a lot of what I want). Having lived 27 years in a small town may have shaped me in this way. Even I am growing tired of waiting for the Hy-Vee at Bass Lake Road and 101. My wife Chris and I have lived in Maple Grove for almost six years now; we’re really enjoying it. The shopping, the access to the city, the recreational opportunities, the people—it is all good. I like my community. I also really like my community within the community: Lord of Life Lutheran Church. What I appreciate most about Lord of Life is that we are making a difference in our community—and in our world. I’ve worked with many churches in my life, and one consistent characteristic of a healthy church is an outward focus. Healthy churches work to make a difference in their community and in the world; they do this boldly in the name of Jesus. By this I mean that they don’t understand themselves as a social service agency. Rather, they understand themselves as followers of Jesus Christ who are living out their faith in the world. I think this describes Lord of Life. We are a healthy church.
“
Some of you know I am the pastor who schedules and writes the Thanksgiving Moments during worship. I’ve been doing this for three years now and am amazed at how easy it is to come up with topics for each week. I would have expected that by now I’d be scratching my head trying to come up with something new. Just the opposite is happening. There are more ideas than I can use, because our congregation is so active in its ministry with our members, our community, and the world.
See Page 20 for a photo of a vibrant community within the Lord of Life community.
“
Lord of Life has truly become our “church home.” Because of its outward focus and eagerness to serve, I can honestly say I am happy to be a part of Lord of Life. More than happy, I am honored to be a member of the congregation, as I know many of you are.
... followers of Jesus Christ who are living out their faith in the world.
Pastor’s Article July 2017 3
Lord of Life’s
Family
baptisms
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, July 9, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015). May 7 Madeline Scout Schilz Kellan Charles Sill Cora Elizabeth Sustad Adelyn Sara Theisen May 13 Emmy Sue Naegle
Famly of Faith
May 14 Lucas Roy Peterson Maren Eleanor Segar Conner Dean Svitak Max Merko Trboyevich Emilia Sue Van De Bogart Nora Jane Van De Bogart
4 July 2017
May 21 Madelyn Rae Carlson Lettie Mae Eichten Sawyer William Sevcik May 28 Braxtynn Charles AnnRieger Tatum Marion Barber Jonathan Michael Bongartz Derek Richard Granberg Everly Eleanor Mattingly Myla Jo Paulinski
Enjoy the Fourth be safe! —
of
Faith bereavements
Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Lorry Anderson and family at the death of her sister-in-law Shane Awker and family at the death of his friend Neil Christians and family at the death of his mother Chuck Denninger and family at the death of his uncle Linda & Mike Zwick and family at the death of their friend
weddings May 6 Taylor Johnson & Ben Enger May 20 Jenna Swedberg & Benjamin Little May 27 Alison Franta & Konstantin Butskiy Ashley Marschel & Jacob Leiby
welcome to new members Ryan & Erin Dunagan with Ayla Chris & Emily Grossman with Wesley and Elsa Ryan Humbert & Stacy Tschida-Humbert with Hope Greg & Lauren Jacobson with Owen and Piper Bob & Linda Johnson Sue Johnson Ben & Melissa Kohler with Lincoln Mark Kucera Jay & Camille Picconatto with Beck, Tommy, and El Marlin Smart Merlin Smart Merle Teetzen
Mary Adix Gail Blackmon Valerie Coopet Sandra Jakubic Mary Hill Carole Hoel Susan Manrodt Barbara Wessman Sue Wilson If you love to paint, you are invited to join in at Lord of Life every tuesday at 9 am throughout the year— all are welcome!
Family of Faith
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.
Thank you to the following artists who shared their beautiful work from mid-May through July on display in Fellowship Hall:
July 2017 5
Women’s Cancer Support Group by Pastor Karen Greimel
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
Loving, welcoming, wise, strong, encouraging and supportive, these are just a few words that describe the ladies in the monthly women’s cancer support group. If you or a loved one is navigating cancer, please accept this invitation. Join in on the first Monday of every month at 7 pm in the Lord of Life Prayer Chapel (due to the Fourth of July holiday, our next meeting will be Monday, July 10). For more information, please contact either Joann Cross (crossfiles@comcast.net) or Rachel Ross (tonyrachelross@yahoo.com). See Page 20 for a women’s cancer support group photo. For details on both the women’s and men’s cancer support groups, visit lordoflife.org/cancersupport.
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Pitas by Peter
6
Loaves of Love meets from 5:308:30 pm with participation limited to ten registrations. For the next scheduled session, along with lots of photos of their delicious work, visit lordoflife.org/ loavesoflove.
In May, the Loaves of Love ministry gave hands-on instruction making homemade pita bread. Shown above are (left to right): Co-leader Lisa Gerber, Co-leader Mo Orendorff, Doug Erlien, Ben Kanthak, Pastor Peter, Cindy Cadwallader, Charlene LaGrange, Wendy Erlien, with Beth Kanthak graciously taking the photo. July 2017
Sundays with Nour Through Skype technology, travel to Palestine and learn from Ms. Nour Nabris about life in east Jerusalem. Sponsored by The Holy Land ministry team to increase awareness and learn about today’s culture in the Middle East, you are invited to the Luther Room on Sundays: July 16, 23, 30 at 11 am. During these three sessions, Nour will provide brief historical background on the origin of the conflict in Palestine/ Israel followed by her experiences of the situation in key Palestinian areas: Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Her focus will be on their main challenges including house demolitions, the wall, settlements, and discrimination. Nour will share her own personal experience as a Palestinian living in Jerusalem. Following each presentation, there will be time for questions and answers. You do not need to attend all sessions; new information is given at each. No registration is required. For more information about The Holy Land ministry, visit lordoflife.org/theholyland.
Nour Nabris Résumé •
Native of Jerusalem
•
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, with minors in Sociology and Education, Birzeit University in Birzeit, West Bank, near Ramallah
•
Worked several years in social/ psychological programs serving marginalized youth in and around Jerusalem
•
2014-15: completed a Master’s Degree in Youth Development, University of Minnesota
•
2015: Taught a highly acclaimed university adult education course, Palestine: Between Everyday Struggle and Culture
•
2016 to present: Working with Doctors without Borders in Lord of Life Ministries
July 16, 23, 30
Hebron, West Bank
11 am, The Luther Room
July 2017
7
Budget Year-to-date May 2017 Actual
Total member contributions All other
$1,505,443 $1,479,814 $136,011
Total receipts
Budget
Difference $25,629
$116,870
$19,141
$1,641,454 $1,596,684
$44,770
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — May 2017
Be Prepared
submitted by Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler When we think about being prepared for unexpected seasons of struggle, the story of Joseph and the famine in Egypt (Genesis 41) is a meaningful one to remember. Joseph interprets two dreams for the Pharaoh in Egypt, predicting seven years of feast, followed by seven years of famine. Having been put in charge of the land of Egypt, Joseph stores up grain during the fruitful years, which he saved to use during the lean years.
$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0
5/7
5/14
5/21
5/28
Actual Budget
$106,478 $64,237 $62,541 $52,874 = $286,130 $ 74,458 $74,458 $74,458 $74,458 = $297,831
Scripture says, And since the famine had spread all over the land, Joseph opened all of the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world. A number of spiritual principles are demonstrated in Joseph’s story related to how we use what we have been blessed with: •
Protect against setbacks. How would your family be financially prepared if an unexpected “famine” happened in your lives? Whether it’s a sudden job loss, a diagnosis or an accident, your financial situation can quickly become a crisis. Following Joseph’s wise example of preparation can make financial decisions easier when unplanned expenses arise.
•
Spend less than you make. We’d always like to have and do more, but when in your life might you be most likely to overspend? How can you follow Joseph’s model to spend only on what you need?
•
Have a short- and long-term strategy. It may have been tempting in the fruitful years for the people of Egypt to eat more than they needed; but Joseph helped by planning for the future. What wise choices can we make to bridge the gap between seasons of feast and famine?
•
The good news is that when something unanticipated happens, you can be prepared! You can develop an approach to spending—rooted in your Christian principles—that makes the most of where you are now.
Thanksgiving Moments
During all worship services prior to receiving the offering, a ‘Thanksgiving Moment’ highlights a specific service or ministry that has been supported by your financial gifts. Thank you for sharing those gifts as well as gifts of time in service. Particularly during summer months when attendance may be lower, your continued financial support via offerings, online direct debit giving, and special gifts are vitally important. May God continue to bless us to serve others as our Lord Jesus Christ came—not to be served—but to serve.
Generosity
Visit Lord of Life’s website (lordoflife.org/give) for details about direct debit giving, one-time special gifts, or making a 2017 pledge.
8
Hearing devices are available during worship—visit the sound booth in the sanctuary or ask an usher for assistance. Thanks to your support these items were featured recently as a Thanksgiving Moment.
July 2017
This article provided by Thrivent Financial Consultants Betsy Thayer (betsy.thayer@ thrivent.com) and John Jenneke (john. jenneke@thrivent.com).
Relay for Life
Just in under the wire—Lord of Life’s Friends and Families Team will once again participate in Relay for Life, July 14, at the Osseo Senior High football field. The event is from 6 pm-midnight; and no, you do not have to walk the entire time! This is a fun-filled evening for all ages—even babies love to be walked around the track in a stroller. Register now, grab your shoes and a walking buddy, and plan to have a fun night! Honor or remember a loved one by creating a personalized luminaria bag. Luminaria bags light the way as we walk in community with those who have faced a cancer diagnosis, either personally or in their circle of friends and family. Luminaria bags are available in Reflections of Faith for a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds go to Relay for Life. Opportunities are also available to help in the concession stand. Various two-hour shifts are available from 2 pm-midnight. Visit lordoflife. org/relayforlife to register to walk or to volunteer.
One of ‘Those’ People
We all struggle with some type of life issue. It may be depression, dealing with adult children, aging parents, teens, divorce, loneliness, anger and, yes, even addiction. We are all one of ‘those’ people. The good news is you do not have to go it alone! Celebrate Recovery is for everyone following the 12 Steps, supported very closely by scripture. While many people come to Celebrate Recovery to ‘fix someone,’ they become pleasantly pleased how their focus is on themselves, rather than the other person. While we can’t fix anyone else, we can become stronger in mind and spirit.
Yee-haw at Hamel Rodeo! Donate your time at the rodeo— Register for 3.5-hour shifts at lordoflife.org/militaryfamilysupport -or- lordoflife.org/realmen
Thank you for your generous time.
Luther / Lutheran Stuff
by Pastor Donna Rohrer On Monday evenings at 6 pm, we will continue to talk about Lutheran things and refresh our What does this mean? knowledge from Luther’s Small Catechism. We’ll be adding in some of Luther’s humor to remind us this is a wonderful world. Martin Luther is known as a reformer, theologian, and writer. He was also a fine composer, hymn writer, and arranger. On July 24, David Frank will discuss Luther’s great contributions to the sweeping cultural, artistic, and spiritual changes of the High Renaissance. Luther’s strong love of sacred music has influenced the church to this day. On the last Monday of July we will watch a Rick Steves’ video on the Reformation in Germany. Join us Monday nights at 6 pm; we will finish in time for worship at 7 pm.
Lord of Life Ministries
Because recovery issues do not take a holiday off, Celebrate Recovery will meet on Tuesday, July 4, at 6:30 pm (although no dinner or childcare will be available). Regular schedule resumes July 11, with optional dinner from 5:30-6:15 pm and programming at 6:30 pm. Visit lordoflife.org/ celebraterecovery for more information. Questions on either of these events? Contact Michelle Welinski (michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118) directly. July 2017
9
A Conversation with Pastor Karen Geisendo LifeTIMES Editor Bev Mello sat down with Pastor Karen recently to talk about her life as a pastor and this time of transition. The following is a result of that conversation— Pastor Karen, what does this time of transition mean for you? Well, Bev, it means that I am very grateful that Pastor Joel has joined our staff, so that I can take some time to spend with my new granddaughter and also just figure out what God has in store for my future. We all know of your work here at Lord of Life, but not everyone knows where else have you served as pastor? Peter and I were both ordained at the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) Minnesota Synod’s annual convention in 1983 at Gustavus College’s Christ Chapel. Peter was called to Lord of Life that year to begin his ordained ministry. My first call was to Mount Olivet of Plymouth. A couple years later I was invited by the LCA to begin a new congregation in South Elk River (Otsego); so Peter and I moved to that community. I also served in the Minneapolis Area Synod office for six years, overseeing the call process and supporting the work of our synod pastors. But I have actually spent over 20 of my 34 years as a pastor, here at Lord of Life. What are your passions in ministry? I’d have to say, that my passions are making Christ known and empowering Christians – clergy and lay - to live out God’s calling for their lives. I received a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2001 from Luther Seminary with a focus on supporting clergy in transition. I also spent several years working as a clergy coach, partnering with pastors living out their calls. The work I have done at Lord of Life follows that same theme, encouraging people to follow God’s leading in their lives.
10 July 2017
orfer-Lindgren How does the symbol of an umbrella fit into that idea? The umbrella is the model that describes our programming at Lord of Life - especially related to Adult Ministries. We have so many talented and gifted people in our church and God is calling each one to ministry. We have over 50 different lay led Adult Ministries at Lord of Life and if someone has a passion for something we aren’t already doing, we look forward to working with them and developing a new ministry. The umbrella symbolizes that we are all in this together – loving and supporting each other, being the church - the body of Christ. We have an amazing congregation and it is going to be so fun to see how God uses the gifts of our people in the years ahead. It sounds like you kind of like Lord of Life! Yes, you could say that. I am really so very thankful to have had the opportunity to be a pastor in this place. The congregation is so supportive and the staff is exemplary. I am especially thankful to my colleagues who work with me in Adult Ministries – their selfless partnership and teamwork is a real gift. And I also want to add just a word here about our senior pastor. Even if I wasn’t related to him I would be in awe of his creativity, his love for God and God’s people, and the leadership he has provided for our church. Any final words? My final words are not so final – I will still be around, but I do want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people of Lord of Life for the love they have shown me and Peter and our family. May God continue to use us all for His glory.
July 2017 11
Older Wiser Lutherans july events Thursday, July 13 (note date and location change): Smile, giggle, and chuckle as comedienne Sue Selbin takes us on Joy in the Journey. Fun begins at noon in the Luther Room for a freewill donation lunch.
Feasting on hamburgers, hot dogs, ”made from scratch” potato salad, baked beans, and fresh fruit topped off with an ice cream sandwich, the OWLs celebrated the beginning of summer at their annual picnic. Pastor Peter introduced God-fearing Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, from Exodus 1. Two women considered to be unimportant, but used by God to save His people. The OWLs were entertained by the Synod Senior Band that played a wide variety of marches and familiar musicals.
Wednesday, July 19: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm. Thursday, July 20: Travel to Excelsior exploring the historic Minnesota Streetcar Museum then lunch on your own at Maynard’s on Lake Minnetonka. Leave church at 8:30 am, return by 4 pm, cost is $15 (lunch on your own). Friday, July 21: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am—good coffee, great fellowship!
save the date Please note there is no Faith, Food, and Fellowship in August. Thursday, August 17: Spend the day cheering the Minnesota Twins hosting the Cleveland Indians. Leave church at 10:30 am, returning after the game about 4 pm. Cost is $28 plus lunch on your own at the game. Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.
Lord of Life’s vibrant OWLs ministry happens because of incredible leadership by Gordy and Joyce Martin—along with hard-working support by these task force members: (left to right) Front row: Gordy Martin, Joyce Martin, Mary Ann Schumacher, Joan Holmes, Joey Lindblad, Jody Littlefield, Depes Littlefield
Lord of Life Ministries
Back row: Glenn Erickson, Margaret Tollerud, Clair Lambrecht, Ruth Stauffacher, Diane Erickson, Mary Hill, Terry Leach, Carol Leach, Sharon Quast, Roger Herfindahl, Renae Herfindahl.
12
Not pictured: Walt Stauffacher
July 2017
One Mission One World: St. Olaf Lutheran in North Minneapolis—
Your Generosity Makes a Difference
by Suzanne Olson There was an overwhelming response by Lord of Life members last fall to a request for ice skates and hockey gear to benefit programs sponsored by St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The dozens and dozens of skates donated served as a reminder that our partnership with the Minneapolis congregation continues to grow. Many skates were used by youth at outdoor rinks over the winter. They were also used to outfit the North High School boys’ basketball team for an April fundraiser called Breaking the Ice: A Skating Show of Optimism. “It was a good event for the community and North High,” Pastor Dale Hulme said. “It couldn’t have happened without the number of donated skates in large sizes from Lord of Life.” Times are tough in north Minneapolis. The skating program through St. Olaf ’s New Directions Youth Ministry is one way the church strives to build goodwill in the neighborhood it serves. Pastor Hulme wrote in a recent church newsletter that dire circumstances—unemployment, racism, poverty, violence, vacant buildings—have had a major impact on St. Olaf ’s outreach.
signs of love and hope Even as St. Olaf relies more and more on generosity from Lord of Life, both congregations are committed to strengthening our bond: •
For the first time since this ministry began six years ago, Summer Stretch youth will do service projects at St. Olaf.
•
Pastor Hulme credits St. Olaf ’s annual yard sale success to the generosity of our members’ donations. Because of the yard sale proceeds, North Minneapolis kids attend Bible camp and vacation Bible school (photo at right).
•
Women at St. Olaf are sewing because member Janet Seim is committed to helping them learn.
•
Silent Knights do yardwork and spring cleaning at homes in north Minneapolis.
•
St. Olaf ’s own group of ‘Older Wiser Lutherans’ regularly attend events at Lord of Life (see photo directly across from this bullet on facing page).
•
Families receive Christmas gifts and school supplies, thanks to our partnership.
•
A Lord of Life member has recently volunteered to be treasurer of the St. Olaf Residence.
Thanks to your donations, 6'7" Odell Wilson (with Mary Ann Yoshida who taught him to skate) from Minneapolis North High basketball team received size 15 skates to participate in “Breaking the Ice” community program.
You can get involved in the ministry of St. Olaf that provides such a beacon of light in north Minneapolis. They need drivers, gardeners, mentors, musicians, and caring individuals who want to lend a helping hand. Pray for this ministry, consider how to get involved, then follow the Holy Spirit’s call to action. You can make a difference. Lord of Life Ministries
For more information, visit lordoflife.org/stolaf or contact me at suzanneo@lordoflife.org.
July 2017
13
Christians Reaching Out in Social Service (CROSS)—
School Supplies Needed by Barb Mewaldt
Lord of Life will be collecting school supplies for CROSS food shelf clients from July 15-31. Starting school can be very expensive and having newly filled backpacks is a Bring items to Service Center 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. Please drop off school supplies at the Service Center.
July 15 - 31
After the CROSS collection, Lord of Life will continue to collect school supplies for Palmer Lake and Maple Hills Estates. Lord of Life’s CROSS task force members are Kathy Gillett, Barb Mewaldt, Cindy Olson, and Donna Walther. This task force is looking for a few more helpers with special projects, if you are interested, contact Barb Mewaldt (bmewaldt@gmail.com). Visit lordoflife.org/cross for more information including a list of the school supplies needed.
Save the Date: August 11—
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
2B REAL Men (and women are welcome) will go to a St. Paul Saints game on Friday, August 11. They host the Sioux Falls Canaries with first pitch at 7:05 pm at CHS Field. Stay to watch fireworks after the game! There are 20 tickets available at $18 each. Registration is both online and a signup sheet is on the bulletin board. If questions, contact Al Peterson (ajptwins87@aol.com).
Lord of Life Ministries
Deadline for registration is August 7; visit lordoflife.org/ bbgame.
14
July 2017
A great faith-filled summertime activity for all ages—
Bible Journaling
Bible journaling can be an exciting way to engage with Scripture. It may transform the way you spend time in the Word, and it all begins within the margins of the Bible. Gather markers, colored pencils, watercolor—whatever media you enjoy. Read and reflect on a particular passage or Psalm or chapter. Consider how does this apply to you in your life right now? Discern what key words may stand out to you more than others; think about how to visualize these words. For instance, with a word like ‘heart,’ you might use cursive writing and add a heart-shape around it. With the Holy Spirit right alongside you, meditate on Scripture then sketch out a drawing in pencil on scratch paper first. When you like your design, go with ink pen in the margins of your Bible; use colored pencils, crayons, markers, watercolor to fill in your design. [Tip: If you use watercolor do not put it on over ink as that will bleed plus put a sheet of paper underneath the page.] Or use stickers and other items such as Washi tape—be creative as you are nourished by the Word of God.
Thank you to staff members for sharing their work: Elizabeth Pedersen (above), Kristi Stoltz (at right), and Debbie Zaic (below).
Lord of Life Ministries July 2017
15
Stay connected this Congratulations to all Lord of Life’s volunteers (Summer Stretch participants shown below) who have been selected as one of Second Harvest’s spotlight volunteers. Lord of Life is in the Top 20 community groups based on volunteer hours for the 2016 fiscal year. Another example of God’s Work. Our Hands.
During Bible camp at Shores of St. Andrew, mission trips for high school/middle school, as well as all three weeks of vacation Bible school at Lord of Life—stay connected on what’s happenin’ with our youth: Facebook—
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf Instagram—
/lordoflife Snapchat—
/lordoflifeCYF
registration is open
Lord of Life Ministries
Parents, please register for September 2017 - May 2018: 2 year olds – 6th grade church school: lordoflife.org/churchschool 7th – 9th grade confirmation: lordoflife.org/c3
16 July 2017
summer—
During middle school mission trips (MSMT) and the high school (A Work of Love - AWOL) mission trip, follow their daily blog: MSMT daily blog—
lordoflife.org/msmt
AWOL daily blog—
lordoflife.org/awol
AWOL Twitter—
#LOLAWOL Safe travels and God’s blessings to all youth this summer!
Summer Night Tuesday, July 17, 7-9 pm completed grades 6-12, no registration, no cost
We are hiring! Lord of Life is hiring assistants
in children, youth, and family ministry for the 2017-18 school year. As a ministry assistant, you’d work directly with the After School Program (Tuesdays, 2:30-6 pm), and assist with church school Sunday mornings and other opportunities throughout the year. For details and to complete an application, visit lordoflife.org/employment.
Lord of Life’s Children, Youth, and Family ministry hires collegeage individuals and partners with Luther Park staff to lead during vacation Bible school, Adventure Week, and Summer Stretch. Please be in prayer for all our summer staff— and thank them for their service with Lord of Life!
children of
beyond measure
Lord of Life Ministries
God loved
July 2017 17
Summer Church School •
Children age 3 years–grade 3
•
Families begin together in worship
•
Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am to September 3
•
•
When you arrive, please check in at a kiosk for nametag(s)
Following the children’s message, children follow staff to Samaritan Hall for activities, prayers, songs, and games based on the sermon
•
No registration required; no cost
Congratula
Lord of Life Ministries
Adventure Week 2 0 1 7
18 July 2017
ations to all 41 Karing Kingdom preschool graduates! With a gentle reminder to future students’ parents— enrollment packets should have been submitted to the main office by June 26.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Good Gifts World Hunger—
Water
Clean water can help change the world. Support this summer’s service project by visiting the main office display and making a donation. Lord of Life Ministries
God’s work. Our hands.
July 2017 19
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
Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14
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 © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
R E T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D
caught reading lifetimes
Photo from Sandy Benson and submitted by Paul Brunelle: “Everyone enjoyed the ‘Third Annual Lord of Life/Four Seasons’ brunch.” Four Seasons housing development is across Highway 101 from the church building. See Page 3 for Pastor Chick’s article on ‘a community within a community.’
Women’s Cancer Support Group— See article on Page 6 (left to right) Seated: Jamie Engebretson, Trish McRae, Tina Collins Standing: Joanne Cross, Tami Odenthal, Rachel Ross, Pastor Karen Greimel, Julie Lind
20 July 2017
Lynn and Craig Anderson caught reading LifeTIMES in Sun City, Arizona