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Lord of life lutheran

JULY 2019

C O M P A S S

about the cover:

Northern Shore (mixed media on foil)

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. —Psalm 145:5

Lord of Life member and artist Janet Elsberry writes, “For me the best place to find God, a sense of peace and inspiration, is through observing, photographing, and painting flowers, birds, wildlife, and the nature around me. I am so thankful for God’s awesome wonder of creation that is constantly transforming.”

THROUGH THE

hen my wife Karen and I lived in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, one of my favorite winter hobbies was snowshoeing, which is a fitting activity when one lives in a place where the average annual snowfall is over 200 inches. Out the backyard of our house was, quite literally, a forest: miles of trees and wilderness. It was the perfect place to snowshoe. One February late afternoon, I headed out from our house. Usually, I’m good at knowing which direction I’m heading. As I followed a set of unfamiliar tracks, however, I got turned around and lost my bearings. I didn’t recognize any landmarks and all the trees began to look alike. Trying to keep my cool, I soldiered on, convinced that I’d be back on track just over the next hill. But as I rounded my way up that hill, I realized that I had just walked in a circle. I looked around at the snow, the tracks, the trees, and the hills. I was lost.

THROUGH THE WILDERNESS ��2-3 Bible 101: matthew.................4-5 Community life........................6-7 book review.............................8-9 el camino..................................... 10 who we are/calendar �� 11

Not only was I lost, but one thing to know about February late afternoons in the U.P. is that they don’t last long. The sun was rapidly setting and I didn’t know how to get back home. I had no phone, no compass, no flashlight, and no familiar landmarks. I tried to calm my nerves, but my panic kept rising. I was in the middle of the wilderness and I was scared and alone. I paused to try to collect my thoughts and come up with a plan. So I prayed. I asked God to calm my nerves and lead me home.

WILDERNESS Isaiah 40:3 says, “A voice cries out, ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” God has always promised to lead God’s people home. God’s people traveled through the wilderness of the Exodus and reached the Promised Land. God’s people returned home from exile on God’s highway. God promised to lead them home and that’s what God did. And so, here I was, in the wilderness, crying out for God’s highway to lead me back home. God answered my prayer that late afternoon as the sun was setting. No, God did not shine a light on the path that I was to follow home, but I received a sense of calm and God encouraged me to use the abilities God gave me to retrace my steps back to my familiar trails.

Beneath the cross of Jesus, I fain would take my stand; The shadow of a mighty rock, within a weary land; A home within a

wilderness,

a rest upon the way,

From the burning of the noontide heat, and burdens of the day.

—Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-69

Even with a mounting sense of urgency, God’s highway was paved with patience as I carefully searched for the way back home. I gathered my thoughts and went about my return home, eventually coming up over a ridge and seeing our neighbor’s house. I then knew the way back onto the trail that led home. A sense of relief washed over me as I went inside and hugged Karen tighter than I had in a good, long time. God led me home from my time in the wilderness and I joined that long line of God’s people—the people of the Exodus and the people of the exile and so many others—the people whom God has led home. —Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)

The Gospel of

MATTHEW Bible 101

his is the first book in the New Testament and the first Gospel (Good News) of Jesus, the Christ (King). Matthew was a tax collector who left his life of wealth behind when Jesus said, “Follow me.”

Matthew writes in a way to let us know that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah or Savior. The people were looking for a Savior from the Roman rule, but Jesus was more than that.

As an educated person, Matthew wrote to the Jewish people in hopes they would really read the Jewish scriptures to see that Jesus is the Christ, a son of David and a son of Abraham, but most importantly: the Son of God, the fulfillment of the promise God made to us.

Shortly after beginning His ministry near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount. This is found in Chapter 5. Jesus begins by sharing the Beatitudes. These are a blessing which declared that it was well with a person who behaved in this way.

Matthew gives us the genealogy of Jesus to assure people that He is a descendant of King David. This genealogy also names some women who are important in Jewish history.

Read these Beatitudes and think about your life and how you would hear Jesus share them with you today. Then remember Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This Gospel is a great way to learn more about the kingdom of heaven, the way we are to live from the Sermon on the Mount and the many examples of Jesus showing us how to be faithful servants, too. We can feel hope and encouragement as we read this Gospel: Matthew 11:28-29 “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.” —Pastor Donna Rohrer (donnar@lordoflife.org)

Jesus said,

"And Remember, I am with you always, to The Word of god If this brief study is a refresher, dig deeper. How would the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) be a challenge to Matthew’s original audience of Jewish Christians? Do you hear Jesus’ words of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as good news, bad news, or something else? Why? What is your favorite passage from the Gospel of Matthew?

the end of the age. " matthew 28:20 5

C O M M U N baptisms

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Monday, July 29, at 6pm in Room 125. No registration is required. To schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015).

During the summer months, Lord of Life adds a worship service on Mondays at 7pm. Held in the backyard, come enjoy God’s beautiful creation and worship together! Holy Communion is served at Monday worship. All are welcome.

May 4 May 5 May 11 May 12 May 18 May 19

Nico Grey Liljequist Cameron John Doty Charlee Jean Enger Stella Suzanne Jorgensen Afton Grace Hilstrom Stella Marie Randolph Madison Jean Tatarek Vivian Margaret Lee Gemma Grace Moran Sophia Marie Escalante Beau Scott Holmquist Eden Marie Mehawej Leo Joseph Sweeney

bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Katie Bowman and family at the death of her grandmother Julie Carraux and family at the death of her brother Ellen Hanson and family at the death of her cousin Karen Hanson and family at the death of her father Gene Koopman and family at the death of his nephew Mike, Ally, Hattie, and Megan Zaic and family at the death of their father-in-law and grandfather Yvette Zeece and family at the death of her mother

I T Y

L I F E

weddings

For details on having your wedding at Lord of Life, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson at 763.420.5015 x118. May 4 Alyssa Sandford & Alexander Huseby May 31 Jennifer Bourbonais & Scott Janneke

welcome new members

Dick & Marge Avery Joyce Kloncz Brent & Courtney Pearce with Finnley and Teagan Matt & Brandy Wolf with Hannah

membership

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

Summer church school is where children (age 3 through completed 3rd grade) start in worship with families, then leave during the Sharing of the Peace. In a new setting they experience God’s word using science, art, music, and games. Meets during Sunday worship through Labor Day. Pick up is in Samaritan Hall. lordoflife.org/churchschool

faith community.

BRAVING THE

WILDERNESS

The quest for true belonging and the courage to st 8

tand alone.

Social scientist and author Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives—experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. With her trademark mix of research, storytelling, and honesty, Brown again changes the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging. Brown argues that we’re experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other. She writes, “True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone when necessary. But in a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave of the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts.” Brown offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and to each other. And that path cuts right through the wilderness. Brown writes, “The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.” —Reprinted with permission from Penguin Harper Collins

Let us pray:

Gracious God,

we are blessed to belong to you without negotiation or by our works. If we are in a wilderness—literally or figuratively—may we be brave to extend that true belonging with others sharing your love toward creating a heaven on earth.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

El Camino

n December 2018 my friend, Lindsey (at left in photo), had just returned to our hometown, Madison, Wisconsin. She was facing a time of discernment and not sure what was the next step in her life. She told me that she was going to hike the Camino de Santiago. I had not heard of this before, so she explained.

to be a pilgrimage for me, too. In the first two days we hiked over the Pyrenees. At first it seemed like we were just walking up a steep hill, but once we turned around and saw that we were actually hiking over a mountain, it was unbelievable. The sights were like nothing I had ever seen. From wild horses, to vibrant green grass, to giant griffon vultures.

El Camino, or “The Way,” is a hike across Spain. For thousands of years, pilgrims made their way to the tomb of the apostle St. James in Santiago. Lindsey was going to hike the Camino Frances (the French Way), this route starts at St. Jean Pied-du-Port in France, crosses the Pyrenees, and continues westward across Spain about 60 miles south of the coast, about 500 miles in length. Lindsey was going to take six weeks or so walking the whole thing. She said to me, “You should hike a week with me.” I am sure she never thought I would take her up on it.

While I only hiked with Lindsey for four days, I know that something in me began to shift. I was reminded to slow down and take in everything around us. Not only did I try to memorize the sites, we engaged with others hiking the Camino and tried to immerse ourselves in the culture of each town or village we stopped in. My Camino was a real reset for me, to quiet the busy-ness and hurried pace of our world. With every step during this pilgrimage, my faith was strengthened realizing God is in control of big things and little things . . . and all those pesky details in between. I was right where I needed to be.

Fast forward a few months and there I was with a 40-liter backpack stuffed with sweatshirts trying to see if I could actually keep up with her. We departed the end of March and after a day and a half in Paris, navigated ourselves to St. Jean eager to begin our Camino on April 1.

I parted ways from Lindsey in Pamplona, headed to Madrid and ultimately home. Lindsey trekked on for 31 more days and reached Santiago on May 5. Lindsey learned to lean into the hard moments, to keep walking and to keep moving forward, making progress. While she never doubted she would finish, she knows she will continue to unpack the experience for a long time to come.

As I prepped for my vacation, I joked that Lindsey was going on a great pilgrimage and I was simply a tag-along. I had not prepared for my short Camino

—Kelly Rodger (kellyr@lordoflife.org)

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive Compass in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Copyright 2019 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

WORSHIP/MUSIC SCHEDULE Saturdays at 5:30pm includes holy communion and music led by David Frank and the Praise Band. Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11am with holy communion on the first and third with music leaders David Frank at 8:30/9:45am and Brian Schroeder at 11am. Mondays at 7pm in the backyard. If inclement weather, worship will be brought indoors. Worship leaders may vary each week.

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/lordoflifeluth

j u LY C a l e n d a r o f e v e n t s

To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson at 763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org. To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstrand at 763.420.5015 x128 or chelseyg@lordoflife.org. As event details are subject to change—for the most current dates and details, event locations and registrations—please visit lordoflife.org.

ADULTS July 1 Cancer Support, lordoflife.org/cancersupport July 2 Prepare for Prayer, lordoflife.org/prayerlife July 2, 16 Fellowship with the Fellas, lordoflife.org/ men July 8 NAMI Family Support Group, lordoflife.org/ nami July 8, 22 Hope Lodge volunteering, lordoflife.org/ hopelodge July 8, 22 Nourishing Our Neighbors, lordoflife.org/ nourishingourneighbors July 11 OWLs Faith Food & Fellowship, lordoflife. org/owls July 11, 25 Divorce Support, lordoflife.org/ divorcesupport July 11-14 Hamel Rodeo, lordoflife.org/mfsm July 13 Sharing and Caring Hands volunteering, lordoflife.org/sharingandcaring July 15 The Food Group volunteering, lordoflife. org/thefoodgroup July 16 Job Transition Group, lordoflife.org/jtg July 16 Pause for Prayer, lordoflife.org/prayerlife July 18 OWLs at MN Vikings Training Camp Museum, lordoflife.org/owls

July 18 FreedomWorks volunteering, lordoflife.org/ mission trip, lordoflife.org/msmt freedomworks July 29-August 1 Elementary VBS, lordoflifeorg/ July 24 SourceMN volunteering, lordoflife.org/ elementaryvbs source ONGOING July 29 Baptism Class, lordoflife.org/baptism MONDAYS: Ancient Roads Book Study, lordoflife.org/ lifelonglearning YOUTH TUESDAYS: July 1, 15 Middle and High School Summer Nights, Celebrate Recovery, lordoflife.org/cr and lordoflife.org/summernights Grief Share, lordoflife.org/griefshare July 2, 9, 16 Little Hands Ring and Sing, lordoflife. Love to Paint, lordoflife.org/social org/childrenschoir Men’s Bible Study, Daily Dose Maple Grove, July 7-9 Half Pint Camp, lordoflife.org/ lordoflife.org/men halfpintcamp WEDNESDAYS: July 7-12 Elementary Camp, lordoflife.org/ Summer Stretch, lordoflife.org/summerstretch elementarycamp THURSDAYS: July 7-12 Middle School Camp, lordoflife.org/ LSS Family Services, lordoflife.org/lss middleschoolcamp July 8-11 Preschool VBS, lordoflife.org/preschoolvbs Men’s Bible Study, Perkins Maple Grove, lordoflife. org/men July 13-23 Kalispell, MT High School mission trip, Summer Stretch, lordoflife.org/summerstretch lordoflife.org/awol FRIDAYS: July 15-18 Elementary VBS, lordoflife.org/ Men’s Bible Study, Starbucks Maple Grove, elementaryvbs lordoflife.org/men July 22-25 Elementary VBS, lordoflife.org/ elementaryvbs 2020 July28-August 2 Milwaukee, WI Middle School April 4-11, Jamaica Mission Trip, save the dates!

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

Loved by God. Sent to Serve.

7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313

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to learn about the gospel of matthew, see

Bible 101

page 4

What I love about the ministry of Jesus is that he identified the poor as blessed and the rich as needy. . .

—Rachel Held Evans, Christian Writer