Lord of Life June LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

June 2012

All welcome on June 7—

Blue Ribbon Lady

Described as a 4'8" dynamo even without caffeine, the Blue Ribbon Lady Marjorie Johnson will be at Lord of Life on Thursday, June 7. Sponsored by the Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs), you do not need to be a baker to enjoy Marjorie’s presentation. And if you are a baker, you may learn at least a couple tips! “Actress Helen Mirren loved my gingersnap cookies when I handed them out from a basket on the red carpet at —Blue Ribbon Lady continues on Page 13

Book Review

A Different Kind of Time

by Pastor Todd Buegler

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believe that there are two kinds of time. There is “school year time” and there is “summer time.” The school year is busy, tightly scheduled and heavily programmed. During the school year we may run from place to place, event to event, meeting to meeting. Summer feels like a different kind of time. While summer may still be busy, there is a different kind of a rhythm to it. It can feel a little more laid-back and relaxed. Let me suggest that one of the opportunities that summer time gives us, is an opportunity for us to practice our faith in different ways, and to learn some new habits.

I’d suggest that this summer, you try worshipping differently. Lord of Life adds a worship service during June, July, and August on Monday evenings at 7 pm. Maybe for your personal faith journey, give something different a try. If you’re a Sunday morning worship person, try worshipping on Saturday night, or Monday night. If you are an early morning person, —pastor’s article continues on Page 3

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Same Kind of Different as Me was a book I could barely put down. It grabbed my heart from the second chapter. It’s a true life story told through three people: a successful international art dealer (Ron), his wife (Deborah), and a homeless black man (Denver).

The book allows us to travel on their personal faith journey, see how their lives crossed paths, and learn how each one of them changes the other in an important way. We witness Ron who is a “casual Sunday church goer” become a man passionate about —book review continues on Page 17

contact us

WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FAX 763.420.7286

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.

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pastoral Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren........... Senior Pastor........................................ x105 Rev. Todd Buegler................................... Pastor, Children Youth Family............... x109 Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren.... Pastor, Adult Ministries.......................... x104 Rev. Dr. David Lippitt............................... Pastor, Congregational Care................. x122 Karen Greimel......................................... Pastoral Associate................................ x144 Dave McCarty.......................................... Pastoral Intern....................................... x147 administrative suppor t Nancy Bourbonais................................... Database Manager............................... x126 Rhonda Evans-Hofer............................... Kitchen Lady.........................................

Lori Schwartz........................................... Membership, Funerals, Hospitality........ x111 Diane Carlson, Lu Chretien, Karen Klevar, Sandy Zappa Main Office Receptionists..................... x100 adult ministries Jane Bergstrom....................................... Administrative Assistant........................ x142 Karen Nelson........................................... Administrative Assistant........................ x138 Michelle Welinski..................................... Missions, Ministries, Pastoral Care, and Wedding Supervisor.............................. x118 children youth family (cyf) Amanda Clancy (“Clancy”)...................... Grades 5-6............................................ x106 Kirstin Delp.............................................. Early Childhood Ministry....................... x113 Raul Garcia III, AIM................................. Grades 7-9............................................ x121 Heather Hjelmstad................................... Ministry of Inclusion/Nursery Mgr.......... x143 Lynn Leisen............................................. Faith in the Home.................................. x107 Elizabeth Pedersen................................. Grades 10-12........................................ x130 Gerad Remus.......................................... Confirmation (C3).................................. x102 Pennie Soppeland................................... CYF Support......................................... x132 Debbie Zaic............................................. CYF Office Manager and Registrar....... x128 communications Lori Buegler............................................. Communications Director...................... x146 Bev Mello................................................. Editor, LifeTIMES.................................. x108 Stephanie Smith...................................... Web ....................................................... finance Colleen Anderson.................................... Finance Director.................................... x103 Lenora Little............................................. Finance & Stewardship Assistant.......... x139 Sandie Saar............................................. Finance Assistant.................................. x101 karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel......................................... Director, Karing Kingdom Preschool..... x127 Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, Carly Schiebel systems and custodial Ken Carraux............................................ Maint. Eng./Systems Administrator....... x120 Joel Kivi................................................... Custodial Supervisor.............................

Jim Deger, Jon Doerrmann, Matt Greenfield, Jim Lambrecht, Karen Nilson worship and music Dana Brinton............................................ Children’s Music Ministries.................... x135 Alice Woodard, AIM................................. Worship and LifeGARDEN Ministries.... x114 David Frank............................................. Director of Music................................... x203 Lee Fuchs................................................ Adult Choirs and Bel Canto................... x202 Jordan Lippitt........................................... Audio/Visual Technician........................ x145

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

peter@lordoflife.org todd@lordoflife.org karengl@lordoflife.org davidl@lordoflife.org kareng@lordoflife.org davem@lordoflife.org nancyb@lordoflife.org rhondah@lordoflife.org loris@lordoflife.org office@lordoflife.org janeb@lordoflife.org karenn@lordoflife.org michellew@lordoflife.org amandac@lordoflife.org kirstind@lordoflife.org raul@lordoflife.org heatherh@lordoflife.org lynnl@lordoflife.org elizabethp@lordoflife.org gerad@lordoflife.org pennies@lordoflife.org debz@lordoflife.org lorib@lordoflife.org bevm@lordoflife.org stephanies@lordoflife.org colleen@lordoflife.org lenoral@lordoflife.org sandie@lordoflife.org kingdom@lordoflife.org kenc@lordoflife.org joelk@lordoflife.org danab@lordoflife.org alicew@lordoflife.org davidf@lordoflife.org leef@lordoflife.org jordanl@lordoflife.org

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COVER PHOTO: On a family farm on the island of Finnøy in Norway, this cross was built out of rocks inscribed “For Deg” which means “For You.” It was created at the millennium to honor God in the new century. Thank you to Lord of Life members Cindy Resman for photos and sister-in-law Jamie Swenson for sharing the story.

spirit/worship 3-9

—pastor’s article “A Different Kind of Time” continues from cover

relax a little bit, and come to the 11 am worship. If you are gone over the weekend, try worshipping at a local church near wherever you are staying. Visit lordoflife.org and our home page has a link to “find a congregation” searching by zip code. Make this different kind of time an opportunity to try something different.

giving/culture of generosity 10

Take time to practice your faith together as a family in a different way. The days are longer and the sun is up later. Before the sun goes down, grab a few minutes together every night and have some “faith talk” together. Check in about your day…read a Bible story together…or read from a devotional then have some conversation.

For the summer, commit to blessing each other. When you say good night to each other, or when you leave in the morning, use your finger to make the sign of the cross on each other and say, “God bless your day.” I’ll admit…it might be a little weird at first, but after a few days, it will feel very natural.

Add to your summer reading list: pick a book of the Bible and give yourself three months to read through it. I’d suggest the Book of Romans as a great book to read if you’re not sure of where to start. Maybe visit a bookstore or your library or our Lord of Life website for other resources.

Practicing our faith is a habit. Sometimes habits may become a little bit stale.

Summer, a different kind of time, gives us the opportunities to energize our faith by trying out new things and developing new habits. This summer, give some new faith practices a try!

adult/outreach 11-15

cyf/faith formation 16-19

Peace, Pastor Todd

global ends policy 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.

Pastor Todd and Nathan Buegler

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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spirit We know that God causes everything to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

—Romans 8:28

When Suffering Happens

by Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel

I happy father’s day Singer, composer, and author Loretta Lynn has shared, “I think Daddy is the main reason why I always had respect for myself. I knew my Daddy loved me. If I could—I would tell him how much I love him.”

June 17 is Father’s Day— may all earthly fathers hear words from their children of how they are loved.

Each and every day may we learn how much we are loved, respected, and treasured by our heavenly Father/Abba (“Daddy”).

And may we also tell Him how much He is loved.

t’s almost impossible to make sense of suffering. I often wonder why God can’t accomplish His purposes in the world another way. I understand that God does not sit up in heaven and plan for our suffering, but God’s providence exposes us to circumstances that we do not understand. When suffering happens, it is God’s Spirit in us that intercedes for good. God is there to walk this out with us. Still, how do we reconcile this? Scripture tells us that God loves us and will use our suffering for good. I am not saying that suffering is good and neither does God. In the midst of our suffering how can we see any good…God finds it.

When we look at the cross and all the suffering it represents, it’s hard to comprehend. But as believers we know there was good that came from it…

God planned it. Because of the great suffering of Jesus on the cross, we are saved from the sting of death, our sins are forgiven and we have hope of eternal salvation. This is an example of “good” coming from suffering. So when you cannot make sense of suffering, look to the cross and find God ready to stay beside you through your suffering.

Grief Share is a safe place for you to walk through this time in your life. You may learn healthy ways to navigate through and live with grief.

Every Tuesday, you are invited for dinner at 6-6:30 pm with our Celebrate Recovery friends and/or meet with the Grief Share small group from 6:45-8:15 pm. For more information or if you have questions, please contact me or Michelle Welinski.

Thank you to Molly Jahn for sharing this lovely lavender watercolor. While creating it, Molly shared she was meditating on the promise of the resurrection and eternal life given freely to those who believe.

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June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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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 (during June/July/August) at 7 pm with Holy Communion Third Wednesday worship on June 20 at 2 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living Healing Service on the third Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 pm in the Prayer Room Please note: Healing services have changed to Wednesdays (from Saturdays) June 2/3/4 Preaching: Pastor Peter Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Brooklyn United Methodist Big Band Monday: Shelly, Elizabeth, and Devon O’Callaghan June 9/10/11 Preaching: Pastor Peter Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Tom Tipton Monday: Jenna Moseng June 16/17/18 Preaching: Dave McCarty, Pastoral Intern Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Karl Hinkle Monday: Ellie Morton and Brianna Sullivan June 23/24/25 Preaching: Pastor Todd Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Peter Middlecamp Monday: Victoria Brinton and Danielle Key June 30/July 1/2 Preaching: Pastor David Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: The Schwartz Family Monday: Ashley Denninger

Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. —James 5:14-15

Anointing Oil

by Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel

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ames directs us to pray and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. Anointing oil can be used as an outward symbolic representation of our faith in Jesus Christ to answer our prayers through divine intervention. It also expresses the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21 and 1 John 2:27), and the church is instructed to do it. Anointing with oils is something the Lord taught his disciples to do “...and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”

At Lord of Life we use anointing oil in our healing services during prayer. A sign of the cross using the anointing oil is made on the forehead. It is important to remember the anointing oil as a symbolic representation of our faith in Jesus Christ. Anointing oils have no “special power” in and of themselves. It is Jesus Christ alone who performs miracles and answers our prayers of faith. Anointing oil is never intended to replace medical treatment or other therapeutic procedures.

It’s a privilege and blessing to anoint those with whom we pray, marking them as a child of God while serving to remind us that it is Jesus who heals, and He still heals today.

All are welcome to this month’s healing service Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 pm in the Lord of Life Prayer Room. Individual prayer appointments are also available. If you have any questions about Lord of Life’s Healing Ministry or to schedule a prayer appointment please contact me directly.

As noted above, Lord of Life’s healing services have changed to Wednesdays evenings (from Saturdays) at 6:30 pm.

women’s cancer support group Lord of Life’s women’s cancer support group will not be meeting during the summer months. However, if you have been newly diagnosed and would like to talk, please contact Jessica Nord at nordj@me.com or 763.494.9469 or Jayne Degroote at degroote@comcast.net or 763.670.9060. We would love to meet you for coffee and conversation. Look for regular meetings to resume beginning Monday, September 10, in the Maple Grove Byerly’s community room. Have a great summer!

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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Lord of Life Lives Christ Together 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.

baptisms April 1

Aubrey Elise Jacobson

Dallas Conrad Merkel

Hunter Ryan Smith April 14

Benjamin Michael Brock

Ryan Richard Friess

Grant Timothy Kuhnly

Mia Kathleen Omar

Quinn Zahraa Omar April 15

Ella June Kremers

Jonathan Ray Labat April 22

Carina Catherine Borman

Owen Luke Borman

Claire Marie Miller

Cheryl Bechel and family at the death of her father Dana Brinton and family at the death of her grandfather Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and family at the death of her aunt Craig Hagen and family at the death of his mother Nita Hayes and family at the death of her father Doug Kaltved and family at the death of his grandmother Jim Kaltved and family at the death of his mother Mel McDaniel and family at the death of her father April Nolte and family at the death of her father Fred Norenberg with Rick & Joey at the death of their wife/mother Denise Northagen and family at the death of her mother

April 28

Bentley Jax Patnode

Katie Peterson and family at the death of her grandmother

April 29

Noah John Arneson

Jocelyn Christine Gross

Joshua James Max

Weston Brady Max

Owen James Pierson

Tina Shipley and family at the death of her grandfather Evon Wicklund and family at the death of her husband

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Saturday, June 9, 10-11 am in the downstairs Theater; no preregistration is necessary.

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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weddings April 14 Amy Ebnet & Jeffrey Davis April 21 Jessica Baer & Jonathan Fox April 28 Laura Andreasen & Bryan Hofius

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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I am the resurrection and the life.

—John 11:25

God Moments in Numbers

by Cheryl Larson, daughter of Evelyn Larson

a final resting place Lord of Life’s Memorial Peace Garden is located across from the main sanctuary entrance.

Constructed in 2008, it offers two columbariums for the permanent resting places of cremation urns as well as locations for scattering of ashes plus a Memorial Wall for granite plaque memorials.

Church history throughout the world has recognized the importance of serving its members in death care as well as life care by locating cemeteries, columbariums, or memorials on their property.

Creation of the garden included construction of 10 additional footings for future granite columbariums providing a total capacity of 1000+ urns for church and community members; you do not need to be a member of Lord of Life. “Making your personal preferences known is priceless to your surviving loved ones,” states Lori Schwartz, Columbarium Administrator. She adds, “The peace of mind that a family has in knowing they are following your wishes is very comforting in the overall grief process and it relieves a great deal of stress.” Additional information is also available at lordoflife.org/memorial peacegarden.

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 & its programs financially. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

For more details, visit lordoflife.org/newmembers.

If you do not have internet access or have questions about being a member at Lord of Life, please feel free to contact Lori Schwartz directly.

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umbers have become a pertinent part of our days from blood pressure numbers to body temperatures, from platelet count to the number of pills consumed morning and night. Not being a mathematician or an expert in the medical field, our family has quickly learned how to read lab numbers from my mother’s blood draws three times per week with great hope that God answers our prayers. Low numbers in platelet count is cause for concern, creating a dependency on blood and/or platelet transfusions.

These numbers themselves have been God moments for our family as well as medical marvels giving our mother the chance to “get back on the dance floor” once again. An average 85-year-old would not have been given aggressive drug treatment, but our mother is “above average” when it comes to her healthy lifestyle by dancing the polkas, waltzes and two-steps, 3-4 times a week for 3 hours a day.

As our family continues to support our mother back to health by counting and carefully watching the numbers, the number we are most grateful for is “1!” Being connected to our One God, we all are one in the body of Christ. As our authentic hearts beat as one, we are in deep gratitude for experts at Mayo Clinic in giving our mother the opportunity to dance once again with joy in her heart.

Our family continues to be surrounded by many God moments—in numbers.

Thank you to Cheryl Larson for sharing this God moment with our Lord of Life family; see Page 20 for a photo of Cheryl’s mother Evelyn.

—from the book of numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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spirit Lord of Life’s Adult Confirmation Class of 2012 Front row (left to right): Kim Rojas, Lisa Michelle Rafferty, Alexis Gerrish, Catherine Borman, Cheryl Behr, Alanna Anderson Back row (left to right): Pastor Peter GeisendorferLindgren, Matthew Hendrickson, Kay Felcher, Leo Felcher, Dave Carr, Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

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Alanna Anderson

March 24, 2012

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Alexis Gerrish

hroughout my life I have always believed in believe the Lord came to me many years Jesus Christ. Growing up we did not go to church ago, when I was a child. I was often in need every week but we did pray together and talked of someone to talk to and to help me get frequently about our faith as a family. Up until I was through tough times with my parents who blessed with a daughter of my own I didn’t feel a strong were often taken from me through their drug need to go to church frequently. Once my daughter Avalina abuse. The Lord was always there for me to talk was born, without even trying, I suddenly had the urge to with. It made me feel better when I prayed. I learn more about Jesus and become knew that I was not alone. My more involved in church. When we relationship with the Lord was named our daughter we gave her built on our conversation of the middle name of Grace because prayer. This conversation went from the class of 2012 it sounded pretty with her name. on for years. Through the years, I After attending confirmation classes occasionally went to church with and learning so much about Jesus’ my grandparents, but I never really wonderful gift of grace He gives us, understood why. her middle name now has so much more meaning to me.

In 2006 I was drawn to Concordia University to Attending adult confirmation classes is my first step to start complete my studies to become a teacher. I didn’t gaining more knowledge and grow in my faith. choose the school because it was a LutheranI believe that God created heaven and earth. God provides based school, but I became grateful that it was. and protects me as a father does and does this out of pure Concordia requires students to take certain goodness and mercy. I am to live as God calls me to live; I religion classes before you graduate. These am not perfect. I believe Jesus Christ, God’s only Son was classes teach a basis of Christianity, the Bible, sent to earth and born to the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ and Martin Luther. As I dove into my Christian lived and died to save us studies, it all started from our sins and to give to make sense to me.

God’s blessings to all Lord of Life’s adult confirmands for us eternal life. Jesus blesses I knew I had to learn publicly affirming their baptismal promises. us with the wonderful gift more—and I had to of grace and He does not explore how it all fit into condemn us. I believe in the my life. sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. I believe the Holy Spirit will raise me to eternal life when the time comes. I will forever strive to grow in my faith as a Christian and spread the word of the Lord.

Faith Statements

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June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA

spirit Congratulations and God’s continued blessings, Bishop Svennungsen, on your installation May 6!

Ann M. Svennungsen was elected on February 18 to a six-year term by voting members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly.

The historic vote made her the first woman to serve as bishop in any of the ELCA’s six Minnesota synods.

In 2008 my husband-to-be invited me to his church, Lord of Life in Maple Grove. I attended the Sunday worship a few times. I got the same feeling at the church that I had back at Concordia—it just made sense. I will admit that I had questions and I had doubts then. As I continued to explore Christianity from a Lutheran point of view, each of my questions was answered. My doubts were put to rest. I was a believer. God came to me as a child. He never let me go, but only found ways to draw me closer.

On this day I can attest that I believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as they are one. Like water changes form, they each come to me in their own way. The Father, as my Creator. The Son brought the grace that I feel each day through His own death. The Holy Spirit is with me through each step I take in life. The Lord gives me peace because He is with me.

As a child I knew that someone was there to watch over me. As John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” I have always known God, the Holy Spirit.

Through my Bible reading, daily conversation with the Lord and worship among others that seek to praise the Lord I know that my faith will grow.

The relationships that I have found through the discovery of my faith allow me to talk about the Lord and His teachings. I only hope this affirmation of my baptism will help me to grow closer to the God I have come to know. Amen.

Matt hew Hendrickson

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have always had faith in God throughout my life and felt close to Him. Growing up I would occasionally attend church so I never had a full understanding of the Christian faith. God has helped me through many hard times and I always know that I can talk to Him through my prayer at anytime. A quote that has always helped me through my life is “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”

It reminds me that no matter what my problem is that God will help me through it. Now as an adult I had an overwhelming need to learn more about Him and grow in my own faith. My sister [Alanna Anderson] was able to give me the support and help I needed to attend classes to learn together.

I believe God is the creator of all things. He is the one that created humans in His own image. He provided us the gift of free will and He provided guidance through the Holy Bible to teach us how He expects us to live.

God is present as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the human form of God. He was born of the virgin Mary and died to provide forgiveness for our sins. He miraculously cured the blind, walked on water, and turned water into wine. After death Jesus then rose to life after the third day. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Savior and Father who I know will guide me through my life as well as welcome me into the next. Those who believe in Jesus’ teachings will live eternally in heaven with our holy Father.

In future issues of LifeTIMES, more confirmands’ faith statements may be shared along with how their faith is transformed into action by serving others in God’s love.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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giving april 2012 budget year-to-date Actual

Budget Difference

Total member contributions $1,017,050 $1,014,550

$2,500

All other

$72,382

$1,427

$1,090,860 $1,086,933

$3,927

Total receipts

$73,809

Thank You

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ur new expansion is already being put to great use. From gardeners eating lunch to Word for Women small group discussions, from a yoga class to hundreds of prom attendees looking for a great place to take photos out of the cold and rain, the new rooms offer lots of options for great gathering spaces. These spaces will allow us to increase what we offer plus be a welcoming presence in the community. Plans are underway for exciting changes and new options in the fall.

Watch future LifeTIMES to learn more.

In the new Samaritan Room, Lord of Life’s congregational meeting was led by outgoing Council President Tim Jenneke (above) on May 6. Newly elected council members include Adam Bunge, Richard Heller, Beth Kanthak, and Laura Dirks serving a second term.

Thank you to all of Lord of Life’s council for their leadership with a special thank you to Kris Bjorke (not pictured), Tom Brady (left) and Tim Jenneke for good and faithful service over many years. Stay tuned to future LifeTIMES for introductions of our three new council members.

A special thanks to Thrivent CommunityCrossroads for their generous $3000 matching grant for furnishing and landscaping gifts. You can learn more about Thrivent CommunityCrossroads by visiting crossroads-community. net. Thanks to all who gave gifts so we could receive the matching grant. Watch throughout the summer as new furnishings are added. Many conversation groupings in common areas will make the new space warm and welcoming.

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — April 2012 Would you like to give an offering to Lord of Life via online giving?

Simply scan the QR code below, which will bring you to the “Give a Gift” page on Lord of Life’s website. Fill out the form and use your credit card to complete payment.

$100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0

4/1

4/8

4/15

Actual $46,623 $98,484 $45,702 Budget $56,355 $56,355 $56,355

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4/22

4/29

$52,724 $38,912 $56,355 $56,355

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

adult/ outreach

Save the date for Tuesdays Together on August 7—

It’s a Barbeque!

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ord of Life will again partner with Lutheran Social Service (LSS) in preparing a meal for their clients at the Center for Changing Lives (CFCL). Join us as we prepare and serve a barbeque dinner in the Phillips community of Minneapolis, an area in need of so much. One of the LSS programs for community support is called Tuesdays Together.

Lord of Life’s benevolence funds combined with a matching grant from Thrivent provided financial support to continue this program for another year.

The mission for Tuesdays Together is to provide a sense of community for LSS housing residents and the surrounding neighborhood to congregate, enjoy a meal and learn about valuable services.

There is interaction with people they may otherwise never meet, making friendships and strengthening relationships. This important program could not be done without your help. The gift of your time is needed to prepare the meal in advance at Lord of Life. Help is also needed at the event to serve the meal and visit with the clients. This is a great opportunity to serve this summer as a family.

For more information or if questions, contact Jane Bergstrom.

Rainy and cold yet about 50 LifeGARDEN workers dove in with shovels, wheelbarrows, and steaming fresh compost on the first work day of the season.

Visit lordoflife.org/lifegarden for more about our community garden where fresh produce is grown and provided to local foodshelves.

Urban/Suburban Partnership

by Suzanne Olson

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bout a year ago, on the eve of the tornado that ripped through north Minneapolis, Lord of Life began a partnership with St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

The St. Olaf congregation provides vital outreach to the community while also helping its members cope with the impact a tough economy has had on their livelihood.

Lord of Life’s caring community has been generous in support of St. Olaf, starting with a booth at their summer revival last July. During Christmas, St. Olaf ’s ministry was featured for the Joy of Giving with cash and gift cards to assist those from St. Olaf still struggling to recover from the tornado.

This spring, we collaborated with Pastor Dale Hulme at St. Olaf to facilitate a t-shirt design contest for many youth attending the National Youth Gathering. On Sunday, April 29, we presented the youth and chaperones with t-shirts featuring the winning design. Lord of Life youth will travel by bus with St. Olaf youth to New Orleans for a great ride full of fellowship and friendship!

Both St. Olaf’s historic Mueller organ and St. Olaf’s youth are instruments of God’s peace.

Instruments of Your Peace

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t. Olaf Lutheran Church will present “Instruments of Your Peace,” a free concert for peace, culture, and repair of the historic Moeller organ at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 6, in their restored, historic and acoustically wonderful sanctuary at 2901 Emerson Avenue North. The concert will include choral, instrumental, and organ selections presented by local talent, all under the direction of St. Olaf Music Director Jerry Bursch. A freewill offering will be received to help repair the organ.

Lemonade and cookies will be served following the performance. For more details on this event, call St. Olaf at 612.529.7726.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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adult

Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs)—

Green Thumbs Galore

by Joan Holmes

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n April 19, the OWLs visited Gerten’s Greenhouse and Garden Center in Inver Grove Heights. Sitting in the outdoor furniture area among the hanging baskets, the guide shared that Gerten’s has been family-owned and managed since the early 1900s. Gerten’s began as a truck farm selling rhubarb and grew into a 60acre garden mecca including 10 acres of greenhouses. They toured the seed planting and potting areas in the climate-controlled greenhouse and saw very large areas of developing plants ready for purchase in about a month.

Gerten’s sells plants, shrubs, trees, soil, garden tools, and anything pertaining to gardening. With over an hour to shop, the OWLs loaded up the back seats of Zippy with their green bags of purchases. A trip to Old World Pizza then home to dream of getting into their own gardens soon.

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OWLs events Thursday, June 7: OWLs’ annual picnic with guest Marjorie Johnson, the Blue Ribbon lady (see article which begins on the cover). Marjorie will share her enthusiasm for life and baking. Her cookbook, The Road to Blue Ribbon Baking, will also be available for purchase. Event begins at 12 noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Sign-up on the Adult Ministry bulletin board or call the church office. Bring a friend!

Wednesday, June 20: Worship at 2 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living Thursday, June 21: Enjoy some hours of fun with the OWLs at Big Stone Mini Golf in Mound. It’s a unique minicourse and sculpture garden with original art created

by Bruce Stillman. One reviewer calls this site ‘funky and delightful.’ BayView on Lake Minnetonka will be our destination for lunch. Leave church at 9:30 am and return about 2:30 pm. Cost for transportation and confirming your bus spot is $3. If you play minigolf it will be $7 payable that day. Lunch is on your own.

Friday, June 22: Service project in Fellowship Hall labeling LifeTIMES at 9:30 am—coffee, too!

Save the date! Thursday, July 12: Faith, Food, & Fellowhip begins at 10 am. Theme is “Birthdays—Yours, Mine, Ours.”

Thursday, July 19: Mississippi Queen Lunch Cruise and Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA). View the Minneapolis skyline and hear some narrative facts about Minneapolis while on a 1½-hour luncheon cruise. We’ll stop at the MIA to view a Minnesota sports exhibit of photos from the late 19th century to today. Leave church at 11 am and return at 4 pm. Cost of $37 covers the cruise, lunch, and transportation.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

...older, wiser, or Lutheran?

Even if you’re not, you will be warmly welcomed at all OWLs activities.

Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at 763.497.7355 or by grjsmartin@embarqmail.com. For more photos of this vibrant Lord of Life ministry, please visit lordoflife.org/owls.

outreach

—Blue Ribbon Lady continues from cover

an awards ceremony with the Wayne Brady show,” Majorie shares, “Helen came back and asked me for a couple more cookies after she was already way down the red carpet!” And why gingersnap cookies? “They travel well,” says Marjorie, “and everyone just loves gingersnap cookies—it seems like so many people just have good memories of someone making gingersnap cookies for them.”

Marjorie has won thousands of ribbons including 1000+ of the blue variety from the Minnesota State Fair and Anoka County Fair. “Growing up in our family the chores were either housework or kitchenwork. I hated housework so it was an easy choice for me to help my mother in the kitchen. And I was good at it; people really seemed to enjoy my baking.”

Marjorie has been a frequent guest on several TV shows, particularly The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

“I taught Jay how to bake cinnamon rolls, cookies, and pies on his show. And Jay has often sent me out as a correspondent. I didn’t know a single thing about basketball but when they asked me to cover the NBA Finals—I was willing to learn so studied all about the game during the airplane ride on down to San Antonio.” Marjorie has met Rosie O’Donnell, Dr. Oz, Martha Stewart, and Chef Emeril, among many celebrities.

Marjorie and her husband Lee have lived in several states including Alaska and the country of Japan due to Lee’s military service as a dentist. They raised three children and now have four grandchildren.

Marjorie did not begin ‘extracurricular’ baking activities until after their children were in high school. She shares, “We really had to watch our pennies back then and to make a pan of cinnamon

rolls is just literally a few cents each plus people tell me they are so much tastier and I know there are healthier ingredients, plus people pay for packaging and transportation when buying at a store.”

Times may have changed since Marjorie and Lee raised their family.

Yet with current economic and employment issues today’s families may be watching pennies just as closely as ever. Marjorie’s baking tips may benefit young Lord of Life families and all are invited to attend the event—young or old, bakers or non-bakers. Pastor Karen GeisendorferLindgren is providing devotions. Following the freewill donation luncheon in Fellowship Hall (and outside on the front lawn as weather permits), Marjorie’s presentation will be filled with enthusiasm for life and baking. Marjorie shares, “I really feel God’s will in my life. If anyone asked me for a ‘recipe for life’ I’d say you really need five things: sleep, exercise for one hour every day, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, have a passion for something—a zest for life—and the fifth is to be positive about everything.”

Invite a friend or neighbor to Lord of Life on June 7...and just maybe Marjorie will have a gingersnap cookie in a basket for you as well.

For more information about Marjorie Johnson and her cookbook, The Road to Blue Ribbon Baking, visit blueribbonbaking.com. Marjorie’s cookbook will also be available for purchase on June 7.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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adult

Meet Pastor Eric Sabiit

by Kent Dirks

I blood drive Give the gift of life!

Memorial Blood Center bloodmobiles come to Lord of Life three times a year.

Each blood drive is on a Tuesday from 2:30-6 pm. The next bloodmobile drive in Lord of Life’s parking lot is scheduled on June 19.

Visit lordoflife.org/ blooddrive for details on registration. Thank you to so many who have made this a personal and family tradition!

first met Pastor Eric in 2008 during my trip to Uganda with Hope 4 Kids International.

Like most of our partners in the country, Pastor Eric (red shirt at right) has answered God’s call to serve and does so with very few resources.

In this part of the world where most live on less than $1 per day, Pastor Eric and his volunteers, through the grace of God, are able to serve the sick, the lame, and the hungry who are hospitalized in the Tororo City Hospital. Unlike hospitals here in the States, it is common in developing countries that patients are required to provide their own food, bed linens, and toiletries. What’s more, it is also common that the medication required for proper treatment is not available. Consequently, for those who enter Tororo City Hospital at or near the poverty level, life can become even more difficult.

Thankfully, Pastor Eric and his team use whatever donations they receive to provide material blessings of food and medicine along with spiritual blessings of prayer and the Word to patients.

Laura Dirks and Laura Offerdahl will have the privilege to join Pastor Eric in his ministry during their mission trip this summer to Uganda. Please join them in lifting Pastor Eric and the Tororo City Hospital patients in prayer for God’s blessings to flow to this small corner of the world.

For details & information about Mission Uganda including video from Tororo, visit lordoflife. org/missionuganda.

emergency foodshelf network (EFN) Help sort and pack food to be distributed to various local foodshelf organizations. No training is needed. Serve in the evening from 4-7 pm on Monday, June 4. You may work the whole shift or as long as you are able to volunteer.

Please sign up by May 28 at lordoflife.org/efn. An important reminder during the summertime, please wear closedtoe shoes for safety and dress appropriately, as you may get dusty. The Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) is located at 8501-54th Avenue North in New Hope. Families with children ages 12+ are welcome to serve (those 12-16 years old require a parent or guardian to serve with them).

C3ers receive service hours for volunteering. EFN can accommodate 10-50 volunteers. A minimum of 10 people are needed each date. Questions? Contact Jane Bergstrom.

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June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Caring Community

outreach

I

s it delivery or...Don Clark? Yes, it sure is delivery of hundreds—if not thousands— of pizzas, ice creams, and other frozen foods. With Lord of Life serving as a liaison between businesses and those in need, these generous donations have been distributed to at least a half-dozen churches, FreedomWorks, RiverWorks Foodshelf, CROSS Foodshelf, youth/schools, Children’s Lighthouse and more. Delicious ice cream donations have also been distributed providing ice cream socials for many ministries among them Good Samaritan Homes in New Hope. Connections amongst all of Lord of Life’s members as a caring community may provide opportunities to serve those in need. If one considers how our Lord Jesus turned water into wine as His first miracle and loaves & fishes to feed thousands in another—it is not meant to be flippant in stating Jesus was in the food service & hospitality industry...and Don Clark, too!

Celebrate Recovery

A

re hurts, habits or hang-ups controlling your life? Do you feel alone or isolated trying to fix it on your own? We all have hurts, habits, hang-ups, and struggles. The question is…what will you do with yours and are the ways you are currently trying to cope effective?

Each week 60-70 people gather at Celebrate Recovery to share a meal along with a time of brief worship. This time is followed by a teaching or video presentation and then sessions in gender specific small groups. Celebrate Recovery’s small groups provide support and encouragement for those struggling with or relationally affected by hurts, habits and hang-ups. You will experience a safe place to be heard and understood while working through a Christian 12-step program.

There is hope.

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday evening with dinner beginning at 6 pm and worship and programming at 6:30 pm. No registration is required; childcare is provided. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski or Pastor David.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Confidentiality is a key component of this 12-step Christ-centered program. Conversations and attendance in large and small groups are only to be shared amongst those attending. Youth (the landing, Page 16) and a children’s (Celebration Station) support group are also on Tuesday evenings. As one child has shared, “What we share in our Tuesday group—stays in our Tuesday group!”

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faith formation

Summer Family Worship Events

L

et’s get together this summer for food, fun, and faith building! Three special times for family worship, food, and fellowship have been planned. Wednesdays on June 13, July 11, and August 8 beginning at 5:30 pm we will share a meal, participate in worship that includes family activity time, and end with dessert at 7:30 pm. The theme for these special evenings is The Promises of Baptism. The meals are casual with picnicstyle food. The atmosphere is relaxed. Everyone is invited! No registration required. Visit lordoflife.org/GFF for more information.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an

UthINK Question for June is “What does it mean to be welcoming and why is it

example for the believers in speech,

important?”

Emma Grafstrom

in life, in love, in faith and in purity”

Just 5 minutes a day—

T

ake five minutes out of your day to make a difference in your family. Gather your family when you wake up, gather for dinner, or before bed and try these five simple steps to bless your family.

1. Share the best and the worst thing about your day or the previous day.

2. Read a verse or a story from the Bible. This can be a random process or go in some sort of order that makes sense to you. If there are children in your family, working through The Beginner’s Bible can be helpful.

3. Discuss what you read. What did it mean to you?

What does God want you to know after reading this story or verse? How can this reading help you in your daily life?

4. Pray together. Say your morning, mealtime, or bedtime prayer together. Or be spontaneous! Pray for the day’s events and the people on your mind.

5. Bless each other. Hold hands and say, “God bless our family.” Or bless each other individually by making the sign of the cross on their head and saying, “God loves you and so do I.” Make these five minutes part of every day. Beware! These five minutes could turn into 10 or even 15 of the most important minutes of your day!

—Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home

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writes: I think being welcoming is important because God welcomes us all everyday in His love so we should do the same for everybody we know.

Elise Higgins

writes: Welcoming means to be kind, friendly, and just be yourself. If you are welcoming to others, most likely they will be welcoming to you. Being welcoming is important because you probably want people to treat you with respect and if you’re respectful to them, they will be respectful to you.

Xander Ostaffe

writes: Welcoming means letting people join so they don’t feel left out.

Dakota Weigel

writes: To greet people and be nice and friendly to all people, even the bad.

summer club 56 events—

June 12: Grand Slam and Feed My Starving Children. Start the day packing food at Feed My Starving Children and after head to Grand Slam Sports playing laser tag, mini golf, and riding the crazy cars!

No matter what life may bring—it’s all about landing in God’s loving arms. ...feel trapped by hurts, habits, hangs-ups, circumstances or addictions? the landing is a confidential gathering for hope & support which meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Youth Room. all youth ages 12-18 are welcome. snacks are provided; no registration necessary.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

July 31: Valleyfair and LifeGARDEN. Begin by working in the Lord of Life LifeGARDEN in the morning then hop on the bus and head to Valleyfair!

August 21: Cascade Bay Water Park and The Sandwich Project. Start the day by making and packing sandwiches to bring to The Sandwich Project. The afternoon will be spent splashing around and playing mini golf at Cascade Bay Water Park in Eagan.

children children youth youth family family

summer 2012 register at lordoflife.org/summer

Award in Learning

—book review continues from cover

N

avarro Tollefson has been selected to be the recipient of an education shareholder award at the District 279 Foundation’s annual An Investment in Youth event. In the entire district, there are only two award recipients from each educational building; it is a great honor for the recipients. Navarro, son of Chris and Wendy Tollefson, was selected under the category of Significant Investment in their Own Learning

by Rice Lake Elementary School. The essay form giving the reasons for the selection is below:

Navarro is a 6th grade student who started at Rice Lake when he was a first grader.

Navarro joined the Tollefson family in 2006 coming from an orphanage [Westhaven]in Jamaica. Navarro has shown great perseverance and growth in his academic and social skills. He has shown self-control, attention to his work, positive relationships with peers and adults, and an overall friendly presence at school. We are proud to recognize Navarro with An Investment in Youth award.

Be careful around campfires this summer— they’re hot! Summer camp breakfast FUNdraising in Fellowship Hall

jr. high mission trip The sixth annual jr. high mission trip is June 17-23. Our past experiences have been awesome! We work on low-income housing in the Rockford, Illinois area and help their foodshelf organize and serve food. Cost is $350; visit lordoflife.org/jhmissiontrip for more information. jr. high camp On July 15-20 (Sunday-Friday), we’ll be going to Luther Park in beautiful Danbury, Wisconsin. Camp week is an action-packed, high-energy, wild week of adventure for jr. highers (who have completed grades 6-9).

Take part in all the wacky activities and hang out with the coolest of counselors while you learn more about your faith.

From the Lord of Life family, congratulations to Navarro on this award with best wishes for continued success in learning.

Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Linda Vincent. Published by Thomas Nelson Inc © 2008

God’s work, from working at a mission shelter out of a “sense of duty” to actually wanting to help those less fortunate to actually caring and loving the people he came to know. We see Denver transform before our eyes as a man who felt he had no value and worth, into a faithful man who could look beyond his circumstances and see how he was loved and prayed for, that he was a man of value and to be able to come to a point where he could give that love to others in return.

And l can’t forget Deborah, the woman who brought the two men together. Deborah had her own life struggles and was able to overcome them and turn and trust God with big dreams and was able to see how God used her for His glory.

When I finished the book, I sat there in my chair not wanting to put the book down. This book made me think of my encounters with people who are “different than me” and yet we all are the same. We all have needs, wants, and true desires.

It made me think of my dreams and passions and made me question am I trusting God enough to make Him part of the dream. What more can I do, for His glory.

So…maybe grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy chair, sit in a summertime spot, then enjoy a beautiful book.

—Michelle Welinski

The Tollefson Family Chris, Navarro, Wendy, Sydney with Aaron and Sophie in front row

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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faith formation

june 2 register at lordoflife.org/funrun

Noah’s Ark Nursery is available during all worship services for ages birth to 3 years—

Two-by-Two

by Heather Hjelmstad, Ministry of Inclusion/Noah’s Ark Nursery Noah’s Ark Nursery staff is experienced and trained to care for your child during all worship services and many other activities at Lord of Life. In order for us to get to know you better and for you to know us better—we’re continuing to introduce our staff “twoby-two!” This is our third article; please let us know how we can serve you and your child better.

M

y name is Cora Bourbonais. I am 16 and will be a junior at Maple Grove Senior High. I began working in Lord of Life’s nursery in April. I love playing basketball year-round and have been for about ten years. This past winter I was on the Maple Grove varsity team. I also play softball at infield, pitcher, and catcher positions; this is my 11th summer. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, rollerblading, babysitting, playing with my dog Benny the Beagle, and travelling up north to my cabin to fish, tube, swim, and just relax. My sister Jennifer also worked in the nursery during high school; she is finishing her sophomore year at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I love to visit her as often as I can.

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Almost here— second annual Fun Run! Rain or shine Saturday, June 2. Come run, walk, volunteer or cheer on participants!

H

i! My name is Becky Clement. I just started working in Noah’s Ark Nursery and can truly say I love this job! My husband, Jeff, and I have four wonderful children: Josh, Kendall, Emma, and Max. Josh and Kendall have ventured to the East for college; Emma and Max are at home and both in high school. We have been worshipping at Lord of Life for the past 16 years and are blessed to be part of such a wonderful faith community. In addition to working in Noah’s Ark Nursery I am involved in Word for Women and the Spiritual Mentoring program.

In whatever free time I have, I love to read, run, spend time with family & friends and travel.

Children are a blessing and I am very excited to be able to make an impact on the lives of children while working in Noah’s Ark Nursery at Lord of Life.

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Karing Kingdom Preschool June Bible Verse: I put my rainbow in the sky as a sign of my love for you.—Genesis 9:13

children youth family

From Our Parents—

Mother’s Day Tea 2012

A

t Karing Kingdom Preschool this past year, we planted seeds of faith and knowledge.

Throughout the year we have watched those tiny seeds grow and grow and grow! It has truly been an amazing journey. From our Karing Kingdom parents, here are just a few comments they have shared with us: Karing Kingdom provides a wonderful and exciting learning environment and opportunities for the children.

I love that my children love coming to school; that says the most about Karing Kingdom Preschool.

The staff is warm, caring, and respectful.

All the calendars and newsletters are informational and make it easy to keep up and stay organized.

My kids are always smiling when I pick them up from school.

The teaching staff is top-notch, clearly loving what they do.

Karing Kingdom has certainly been a blessing to our lives.

I love all the activities planned each day. It’s always something new, educational, and fun!

My daughter was able to grow into the amazing preschooler she is, with lots of encouragement and love!

You make my child feel special.

Brownie & Pearl Take a Dip by Newbery Medal Author Cynthia Rylent. It’s a hot summer day—the purrrfect day for a swim, but will Pearl dare to get her paws wet?

Important Information: Enrollment packets for families registered for the 2012-13 school year are due on or before June 28. All packet information is due at this time. Thank you!

June 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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Nonprofit US Postage Paid ADDRESS 7401 COUNTY ROAD 101, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-4313 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED - TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL 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.

The deadline for the July issue is June 1. Submissions may be edited. © 2012 Lord of Life Lutheran

caught reading lifetimes

Evelyn Larson is caught reading LifeTIMES; see Page 7 for her daughter’s story, A God Moment in Numbers.

Four generations with great-grandma Carol Peterson, daughter Kari Palashewski, granddaughter and bride Jessica Baer, and greatgranddaughter and niece of the bride Angel Baer.

In Chicago’s Field Museum, Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex is caught reading LifeTIMES over the shoulders of Kara and Josh Hoag.

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“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Maple Grove, MN Permit #14