LifeTIMES June 2015

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

LifeTIMES

June 2015

Summertime & Faith

Particularly for Minnesotans after long winters, the summer months hold promise for sunshine, family gatherings, and lots of fresh air—preferably near a lake. Here at Lord of Life, summertime also brings fresh new faith opportunities for children and adults.

For adults, there is a new Bible study, Parables in the Gospel of Luke, taught by Pastor Donna Rohrer (see Page 3).

During worship, Lord of Life’s pastors are preaching on the theme: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Beginning with the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost weekend (May 23/24) and continuing with gifts of love, forgiveness, grace, baptism, and more—worship is an integral part of everyone’s faith.

Lord of Life’s summer faith opportunities are plentiful—the only thing which may be missing is being by a lake! And for those who do spend time “up at the lake” over the weekend, Lord of Life’s summer worship schedule adds a worship service on Monday evenings at 7 pm in Samaritan Hall.

Enjoy the summer and keep the faith!

© Lightstock

Who remembers going to summer Bible camp?

Lord of Life partners with Shores of St. Andrew in Spicer, Minnesota and Luther Park in Danbury, Wisconsin for youth faith formation in the great outdoors. Close to home in our building or on the road with missions, we have preschool through senior high faith-based activities. There may be some spots still available (see Pages 12-14 and visit lordoflife.org/summer).

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

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 (June-August) at 7 pm with Holy Communion in Samaritan Hall

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

PASTO RA L S TA F F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor, Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor, Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor, Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor, Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship Schedule / Pastor’s Message & Summer Bible Study . . . . . . . . Pages 2-3 Family of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 Generosity / Congregation Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Third Wednesday, June 17, worship at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room Healing Service: The next healing service is Saturday, August 22, at 6:30 pm in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel. Private healing appointments are available; feel free to contact Pastor Karen Sue Greimel directly.

May 30/31/June 1 Preaching: Pastor Chick Lane Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Taylor Wilson Monday: Taylor Wilson June 6/7/8 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: North Star Boys’ Choir Monday: Kate Kapsner

June 27/28/29 Preaching: Pastor Sarah Bunge Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Ugandan Kids Choir Monday: to be announced Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.

I’m in favor of fruit. This summer Lord of Life will produce fruit from Tanzania to Tuscaloosa to Kansas City, to Minneapolis, and to Maple Grove. Lord of Life’s mission and ministry has a tremendous reach. We are fruitful. And that’s good.

But fruit can only be produced if the branch remains connected. In fact, if the branch is cut off from the vine there will be no fruit. So I urge you to stay connected to your church during these summer months.

As I talk to pastors around the country I believe we have more people with cabins, more folks going on vacation, more youth playing soccer on Sunday mornings than any other church. And let me say God bless you. I believe God gave us this wonderful world to love and enjoy. Have a great summer. But stay connected.

Come to church when you’re in town.

If you’re gone for the weekend, the Monday night worship at 7 is a great summer option. Visit our newly designed website, lordoflife.org, with each weekend’s sermon available on video at YouTube and on podcast at iTunes. Lord of Life also has a presence on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. The Communications team would love for me to do Twitter—but hey, I don’t want to be that connected.

And for you Millennials—when your battery goes dead or you don’t have service—you might want to try Bible reading and prayer which still work pretty well.

Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” Have a great summer!

And stay connected.

—Pastor Peter

Summer Bible Study

by Pastor Donna Rohrer This summer join in for a Bible study on the Parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each class will be a free-standing class about one parable and you can come when you can. Below are the dates and the parables we will study. We will have childcare available for the Wednesday morning class at 9:15 am, but not the Monday evening class at 8 pm.

We will talk about the times and culture that Jesus lived in to help us understand these stories. The people who heard Jesus tell these stories would have gotten the messages Jesus was sharing.

We can, too, with a little study.

June 8, 10

The Good Samaritan

June 15, 17

The Friend at Midnight

June 22, 24

The Rich Fool

June 28, July 1 The Great Banquet

Luke 10:25-37 Luke 11:5-8 Luke 12:13-21 Luke 14:15-24

July 6, 8

The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

Luke 15:1-10

July 13, 15

The Two Lost Sons

July 20, 22

The Unjust Manager

Luke 16:1-8

August 3, 5

The Judge and the Widow

Luke 18:1-8

Luke 15:11-32

August 10, 12 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14

Pastor’s Article / Summer Bible Study

Table of Contents / Worship schedule

June 20/21/22 Preaching: Pastor Dave McCarty Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Partners in Praise Girls’ Chorus Monday: Bryan O’Neil

2 June 2015

by Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren In John 15 Jesus says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” This metaphor reminds us that Jesus is the vine, the source of life for His people.

We are the branches, the producers of fruit.

Third Sunday, June 21, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope

June 13/14/15 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Wild Honey and The Locusts Monday: to be announced

Lord of Life has many young, new families, including this one of geese. Please use care while entering and exiting, honk if you love Jesus to keep them from harm!

Stay Connected

June 2015 3

Lord of Life’s

Family Faith of

May your light so shine, Landry, that all may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Receiving the sacrament of holy baptism on April 19, thank you to parents Melissa & Ryan Liljequist with grandparents Paul & Christine Lagerquist for sharing this precious photo.

baptisms

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age.

The next baptism class is Sunday, June 7, at 11 am; no pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

Doug Hebeisen and family at the death of his mother

April 4 Jude Edward Essman Molly Elisabeth Flynn Ronin Irving Hickey Adeline Marjorie Lewis Jasper Kumar Nandi

Susan Martinsen at the death of her father

April 18 Isabelle Ida Eklund Morgan Lee Mays

John Schultz and family at the death of his father

April 19 Landry Allyn Liljequist Emery Caroline Opheim Josie Mae Skagerberg April 25 Al Craig Tomczak Deidre Marlene Tomczak Tyler Joseph Tomczak April 26 Sienna Faye Bjornstad Olivia Rose Criswell Alexandra Rae Giarusso Morgan Victoria Hofius

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.

Anne Adix and family at the death of her mother Jeff Bourbonais and family at the death of his father

© Lori Powers Photography, Monticello

4 June 2015

Sandy Cornelius and family at the death of her uncle Lisa Domaas and family at the death of her mother Kevin Graebel with Kayla & Madelyn and family at the death of their wife and mother

Darwin Kreft and family at the death of his father Rose Mendel and family at the death of her brother Janine Mock and family at the death of her daughter-in-law Brenda Polis and family at the death of her mother Sharon Stieg and family at the death of her father Jeff Thiemann and family at the death of his father

weddings

Lutheran Social Services and Lord of Life continue to partner together to provide counseling services in our faith community. We are excited to welcome Noelle Palmer to this partnership. She will be available at Lord of Life on Thursdays from 3-7 pm beginning June 4.

Prior to pursuing licensure as a marriage and family therapist, Noelle has served for over 20 years in the church, parachurch, school, and community settings. Her experience includes working with individuals, couples, marriages, and families in both ministry/mental health providing a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

April 11 Rebecca Lande & Brent Rasmussen

For more information on Thursday afternoon counseling services at Lord of Life, please call 612.879.5320.

welcome to new members

new columbarium units

Gary & Gail Benson

Brian & Anne Flynn with Molly Bill & Andrea Gjersvik with Landon Rob & Maureen Headley Scott & Cyndee Iannazzo Kris & Valerie Olson Don Thomsen 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. Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/membership for more information. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

On May 12, two additional granite columbarium units were added to Lord of Life’s Memorial Peace Garden; the first two units were installed in 2008. At that time, 12 concrete footings (60 inches deep) were created to support the nearly 10-ton weight. Now, as needed, columbariums units may be installed on those footings without disturbing the landscaping, driveway, or existing units. Each columbarium will house more than 100 urns.

“The Memorial Peace Garden has been very positively received by Lord of Life members and the community. Many churches throughout the metro and beyond have consulted with us and used ideas from our garden plan to develop their own columbarium gardens,” shares Lord of Life’s Funeral Coordinator/Columbarium Administrator Lori Schwartz.

Currently more than 100 of the 128 initial niches have been sold, 45 urns have been placed, 15 ash scatterings have taken place in the garden and more than 50 plaques are on the Memorial Wall.

Do you have questions about preplanning a funeral or memorial service or would you like to know more about the Memorial Peace Garden? Contact Lori Schwartz at 763.420.5015 x111 or loris@lordoflife.org.

Family of Faith

Family of Faith

Janet Canfield and family at the death of her sister

Kristen Kjome and family at the death of her father

continued counseling services

June 2015 5

Best Wishes, Colleen—Hello, Heidi

New Congregational Councilmembers

Since August 1984, Lord of Life has been blessed to have Colleen Anderson as director of finance. She and her husband, Larry, will soon begin retirement together. For 31 years, Colleen has diligently provided leadership and direction in the finance department. During this time the membership exploded, the finance department grew, the technology transformed, and Colleen was always a steady hand at the wheel. We are grateful that the budgets have balanced, the contributions have been properly credited, and the bills have been paid. Yet more than that, Colleen has been a trusted friend and respected colleague. She will be greatly missed. We wish Colleen all the best in her retirement.

With Colleen’s retirement, Lord of Life warmly welcomes Heidi Hustoft as director of finance. Heidi has been transitioning to this role with Colleen since April. Heidi grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and has lived in the Twin Cities since July 2001. Most recently she was financial analyst at Entrust Datacard for eight years. Heidi’s daughter, Joanna, is 5½ and will begin kindergarten at Rush Creek Elementary in the fall.

Please join us in welcoming Heidi to the Lord of Life staff.

Wow! Thanks, God!

Monica Alley

by Pastor Chick Lane As stewards, we believe that everything belongs to God, and that God has entrusted some of what God owns into our care. Summer is often a time when the beauty and wonder of God’s earth simply overwhelms us, making us want to say, “Wow! Thanks, God!” I’m writing this article in Tacoma, Washington. If you have ever been to the Seattle-Tacoma area on a clear day, you know that Mount Rainier can create a “Wow! Thanks, God!” reaction like few other sights. It stands majestically, all by itself, rising above everything else. I’ve been in the area for three beautifully clear days. I’ve seen the mountain from an airplane. I’ve seen it from a ferry crossing Puget Sound. I’ve seen it framed between two other much smaller mountains as I drove out of Seattle. It seems to be visible from everywhere. And from every angle it elicits the same response, “Wow! Thanks, God!” Chances are pretty good this summer will provide you with some “Wow!” moments. Maybe it will be a beautiful sunset over a Minnesota lake. Maybe it will be a rainbow after a summer thunderstorm. Maybe it will be watching your kids or grandkids at play on a beautiful morning. None of us know for sure what or when those moments will occur, but we can be pretty sure that there will be some.

Generosity

This summer, make sure you remember. Remember the One who is the source of all that is, and when something that God created overwhelms you—take advantage of the opportunity to turn that moment into a “Wow! Thanks, God!” moment.

6 June 2015

Becky Korman

Budget Year-to-date April 2015 Actual

Total member contributions All other

$1,069,223 $1,050,962 $93,894

Total receipts

Budget

Difference $18,261

$90,859

$3,035

$1,163,117 $1,141,820

$21,297

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — April 2015 $140,000

Diane Sjolander

$120,000

Michael Yu

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

4/5 4/12 4/19 4/26

Actual $121,562 $60,588 $57,956 $58,171 Budget $ 71,720 $71,720 $71,720 $71,721

Lord of Life is grateful for these newly elected councilmembers’ willingness and commitment to serve.

The council consists of 12 members, each elected for a three-year term. They are primarily responsible for the development of a long-term vision for Lord of Life as it relates to its ends policies and the constitution/bylaws.

For additional information, visit lordoflife.org/council.

New Congregational Councilmembers

The trick to turning a “Wow!” moment into a “Wow! Thanks, God!” moment is to stop in the middle of it then remember and recognize God as the source of the moment. It isn’t all that hard to remember to do this—how can we not thank God for a crystal clear Mount Rainier, a sunset after a wonderful day at the lake, the laughter of children? Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment that we forget to credit the source of the moment.

Adam Bunge

June 2015 7

Blessings in Uganda

Relay for Life

It’s that time of year! Lord of Life’s involvement in the American Cancer Society’s community event, Relay for Life, grows each year. This year’s event is Friday, July 17, at Osseo Sr. High football field, with opening ceremonies beginning at 6 pm.

by Sue Simonett I finally took the opportunity to take a One Mission One World: Uganda trip and found it to be a life-changing experience. At an orphanage called Smile Africa, abandoned babies are brought to Pastor Ruth. I was shocked that many children had no clothes or shoes and most were in dirty rags. So why did the children have big smiles and seem so happy? We served the children rice mix from Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). All the children—450 of them—sat on a cement slab in rows, sang a song for us, and patiently waited for a bowl of food to eat with their hands. Laura Dirks, who has been coming to Uganda since 2007, said the children are much healthier now that they have nutritious meals.

Lord of Life will be having one big team this year, Friends & Families. Each individual is encouraged to raise $100 in support.

While the goal of Relay for Life is to raise money and awareness, Lord of Life’s goal is to be a presence in the community and to support those with a cancer diagnosis. Regardless of fundraising abilities, all are welcome to participate.

A festive atmosphere surrounds the night with music, food and activities while people walk the night away. Why walk through the night? Cancer doesn’t go away at night. We walk at night as a symbol to the people we love that we are with them all the time. You honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to loved ones lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight cancer—all right here in your community. Thanks to all who participate in Relay for Life. See you on the track!

We handed out pillowcase dresses, clothes, toothbrushes, school supplies, and crosses at village schools. The children were so grateful.

God provides basic needs for these children— food, clothing, and shelter. Our job at each of the orphanages and schools we visited was to give them human touch and a big smile.

We dedicated a well at a remote village called Hitunga. We saw the dirty source of water used prior to the new well and heard about how many people died. The celebration with the villagers was exhilarating with music from a giant xylophone, dancing, and singing. We ate a meal at the chief ’s house of chicken, chapatti, rice, bananas, and soda. As we were leaving, the Chief presented us with a goat which we named Billy.

God’s work through Hope4Kids Water is saving entire villages from disease.

The highlight of the trip for both Laura and me was Sponsor Day when we spent the afternoon with our sponsored children. One of my boys is in boarding school studying to be a teacher and another in high school. As orphans, I saw how sponsorship through Hope4Kids has given them a new life. It was emotional for me when each boy had to leave.

8 June 2015

To read Sue’s full trip journal and view many other photos, visit lordoflife.org/uganda.

Each year Lord of Life hosts a dinner at the event for all survivors and a guest. Help is needed to prepare food, set up, decorate, serve and clean up. We also staff the concession stand. Help is needed for various shifts as well. Children 8+ can work the stand with a parent. Help is also needed to fill the luminaria bags with sand and place them around the track, this is a fun activity for children of all ages.

For any questions, contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@ lordoflife.org or Kara Luoma at mybabyKody@yahoo.com.

Luminaria bags are available in advance for you to decorate with a suggested donation of $10. Contact Michelle if you’d like to get one.To sign up on Lord of Life’s Friends & Family team, visit relayforlife.org/ maplegroveosseomn.

Tanzanian Greetings

Later in June, spiritual safari missionaries will be meeting with up to 30 secondary students whose education is sponsored by Lord of Life.

During that meeting each student will be given a care package. We would like to include letters from American students. If you, or a student you know, would like to write a short letter to the Tanzanian secondary students please deliver it to the church office in care of Karen Nelson by Sunday, June 7.

More information about the trip and tips for letter writing may be found at lordoflife.org/tanzania.

june

Thursday, June 4: Rain or shine—the OWLs annual picnic begins at 12 noon with a freewill donation lunch in Fellowship Hall. The 80-member Synod Senior Band will brighten your day with toe-tapping, sing-a-long, feel-like-dancing music. It is a perfect way to start the summer—tell your friends and don’t miss it!

Wednesday, June 17: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 12:45 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, June 18: Our first stop will be the Faribault Woolen Mills which has been in business since 1865 and has played a part in history with its blankets in covered wagons and with our troops during war years. We will have a guided tour of the factory, then have time in the retail shop. We will have lunch at the Depot Bar & Grill. After lunch we will visit The Cheese Cave for a cheese tasting, then spend some time in the historic downtown area. We will leave at 9 am and return around 5 pm. Cost is $9 with lunch on your own.

Friday, June 26: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

save the date

Thursday, July 9 (note date change): Enjoy the happy days of summer with friends at the OWLs Faith, Food, and Fellowship gathering starting at 12 noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Our guest is Pastor Lonnie Branch who will share about his life as an African-American pastor.

You will be blessed!

Thursday, July 16: We will head to Taylor Falls and board a paddleboat for a narrated cruise of the St. Croix Valley. We will see unique rock formations that were left behind as the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. One of the most outstanding formations is the huge stone cross for which the St. Croix was named. St. Croix means holy cross. We will leave at 10:30 am and return at 2:30 pm. Cost is $27 including a box lunch on the cruise.

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

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life Ministries

God blessed us with a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. We saw elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, cape buffalo, hartebeests, hyenas, and more. I am grateful I had the chance to experience this beautiful country. The selfless people and scenery will be with me forever.

volunteer opportunities

Older Wiser Lutherans

June 2015 9

First Five

For those in the first five years of marriage, join in on Wednesday, June 24. We will gather for an outdoor concert through the Maple Grove Town Green concert series.

Make it a date night and listen to a fun country band called Hitchville. First Five will meet together and have a shared picnic while we listen to music. It’s free! We will meet at 5:30 pm at Lord of Life then carpool over to the Green to find our spot. Music starts at 7 pm. Questions?

Contact Ty Thayer at ty_graded@yahoo.com.

LifeGARDEN

by Bob Zappa Lord of Life’s community garden has been gearing up for the growing season. Thank you to John and Zach Bartsch (on tractor) who disked the soil.

Community gardeners had their first work day on May 2. Green thumbs were united in planting beets, cabbage, carrots, corn, and radishes. Beans, melons, onions, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and squash (both winter & summer) will be planted in the next few weeks. Come harvest, all fresh produce will be donated to CROSS foodshelf.

10 June 2015

july 9

The Minnesota Twins play the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, July 9. This is open to everyone. You can come as a single or invite a friend or your family.

Carpools leave church at 5:30 pm for the 7:10 pm game.

Deadline to register and pay $15.50 is June 17. If you went last year, we’re sitting in pretty much the same area—great seats in Section 304.

For more information as well as to register and pay for this events, visit lordoflife.org/realmen. There is also a sign-up posted on the bulletin board by the Welcome Desk with payment made in the office.

Celebrate Recovery

Family issues do not take the summer off. Come to Celebrate Recovery on Tuesday nights to find hope, support, and encouragement for whatever difficult situation you find yourself in. Optional dinner from 5:45-6:30 pm with programming at 6:30 pm. Any questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@ lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

Support Homeless Vets

by Michael Yu In last month’s LifeTIMES, we shared how you can help Minnesota veterans who are homeless. Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry will be providing 1,000 drawstring bags filled with hotel-size hygiene packs for the annual Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) StandDown event. If you have already dropped off hygiene items in the service center bin—thank you! In June, we will have additional bins in the hallway of the church to collect more. August’s StandDown event will bring social services, health, and government organizations together to provide services for those veterans who are homeless in Minnesota.

This month we are sharing a new, exciting partnership.

We’ve been selected to be a member-at-large of the 35th annual Hamel Rodeo. Volunteerism last summer led to our entry as a member of the rodeo. Our continued volunteerism and participation with Hamel Rodeo will directly translate into funds to support local veterans.

The Hamel Rodeo is a non-profit event held each July at the Corcoran Lions Park, just a half-mile south of Lord of Life. The rodeo has a long tradition of being supported by the Hamel Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Lions, and Hamel’s fire department. Their goal is to raise funds for these nonprofit organizations so they can give back to the community.

The Military Family Support Ministry’s goal is to raise funds for pillows, bags, bed sheets, and towel sets for veterans who enter one of the MACV shelters. We will seek benevolence funds for purchasing these items with the goal of giving back to the church with the rodeo proceeds. Our long-term goal is not only support of veterans and their families but also for other Lord of Life ministries to find a selfsufficient means to fund and support their goals.

We are seeking volunteers to help with rodeo setup July 6-7, teardown on July 13-14, and running the rodeo event on July 9-1011-12. Setup and teardown require manual, physical work. Volunteering for the rodeo event July 9-12 should be fun for everyone and includes admission to the rodeo. We’ve been asked to handle the ticket booths. You may volunteer as a family or as an individual.

Children under 18 may volunteer, but for handling ticket sales someone needs to be over 18. During the rodeo, you’ll be given an admission ticket, a free food item (burger, hot dog or brat), and a beverage. Volunteering at the rodeo will be an exciting way to see how the event is run, meet other members from church, participate in a great cause, and help local veterans. We will have a presence in the narthex in June to answer questions. We will also have an advance special discount ticket sign-up sheet. In the meantime, if you have questions please send them to me (michaelmary@gmail.com) or call the church office.

Thank you for your support—see you in the narthex in June.

For details on the Hamel Rodeo, please visit hamelrodeo.org.

To register as a volunteer, visit SignUpGenius.com/ go/20F0B49AEA62AA2FD0-hamel.

For more information on Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry, visit lordoflife.org/ militaryfamilysupport.

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life Ministries

In more LifeGARDEN news, congratulations to Eagle Scout Candidate Patrick Ruder, member of Lord of Life-sponsored Boy Scout Troup 531.

Patrick built a raised garden bed for Mo & Steve Orendorff. Best wishes for continued success, Patrick!

2B REAL Men

Part Two of a Two-part Article—

June 2015 11

Sr. High Summer

This summer Lord of Life sr. high youth and adults will be traveling across the country to serve others, engage our faith, and grow as a community. Please pray for us as we travel, work, and have fun!

June 14-23 A Work of Love (AWOL) mission trip to work with Habitat for Humanity in Kansas City, Missouri

Vacation Bible School Summer C3 & Sr. High—

Volunteer Opportunities

July 20-23 July 27-30 August 3-6

Want to volunteer this summer? We’ve got lots of opportunities for you to serve God and others at Lord of Life! Here are the dates:

July 11-20

Adventure Week:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Youth Gathering in Detroit, Michigan

Preschool-K VBS Week 2: July 6-9

To follow our travels, visit lordoflife.org/srhigh.

You may still register for Vacation Bible School (VBS) for all children entering 1st-6th grade (preschool-K VBS on next page).

VBS is held three identical weeks:

June 8-11 (sr. highers only)

Preschool-K VBS Week 1: June 22-25 Club 56 Adventure Day:

July 28 (sr. highers only)

VBS Week 1:

July 20-23

VBS Week 2:

July 27-30

VBS Week 3:

August 3-6

Our theme this year is A Love that Never Ends! where we will learn what it means to live in a world as God’s chosen people. In VBS, faith is nurtured through play, music, games, crafts, Bible stories, and more. Families join us for Root Beer Float Night on the last day of VBS, with counselors and VBSers sharing skits and songs based on the theme. We also need help hosting some of the counselors for evening meals and/or provide housing for the camp staff during the week. Please contact Julie Wilson (juliew@lordoflife.org) if you can help!

Summer Stretch

Sign up online at lordoflife.org/summer!

For students entering grades 7-9, Summer Stretch combines youth serving throughout the Twin Cities with fun afternoon recreation for six weeks. Summer Stretch ends with a trip to Valleyfair. Dates of Summer Stretch are (pick either Wednesday -or- Thursday): June 17/18, 24/25, July 1/2, 8/9, 22/23, 29/30.

Jr. High Summer

Mission Trip, June 14-20: As of right now we have 30 jr. high youth going on the mission trip to Rockford, Illinois, to work with Rockford Urban Ministries. There is still room for you.

Bring a friend!

S’mores

All junior and senior high youth are welcome to come hang out in the church backyard for a bonfire, games, friends, snacks, and fun. We’ll meet from 7-9 pm. See you there!

Bible Camp, July 12-17: Learn more about your faith with the coolest of counselors. Take part in wacky activities and wild adventures. Luther Park is in beautiful Danbury, Wisconsin. This is for those who have completed grades 6-9. Pick up a registration form at the Youth Booth or register at lutherpark.com.

Club 56

Parent meetings are (pick one) June 10 -or- 11 at 6 pm in the sanctuary.

All summer events are from 9 am-5 pm; cost is $30.

June 30:

Big Thrill Factory / Feed My Starving Children

July 28:

Valleyfair / LifeGARDEN

August 18: Cascade Bay Water Park Sign up online at lordoflife.org/club56!

Monday, June 8 Monday, July 6

12 June 2015

...for more details on all summer events, visit lordoflife.org/summer

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life Ministries

Monday, August 3

June 2015 13

June Bible Verse: “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17

Summer Church School

Happy June!

Children, age 3–grade 3, are invited to Summer Church School during every Sunday worship service from May 24–September 6. Families begin in worship together. Following the Prayer of the Day, children follow a staff member to Samaritan Hall for a short, child-friendly message based on the day’s Gospel, with songs, prayers, games, and fellowship.

No registration is required; there is no cost.

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom This year at Karing Kingdom Preschool our preschoolers and their families followed Christ’s example to serve not to be served. From collecting pop tabs, personal care items and nonperishable food to making tie blankets and donating Christmas gifts to Ronald McDonald House residents ... our students and their families helped to brighten many lives. Also through the Usborne Bookfairs, Karing Kingdom donated over $1500 in books to the Ronald McDonald School!

Children participated in Operation: Thank a Police Officer and wrote thank you notes to police officers and deputy sheriffs which are distributed across the state of Minnesota in celebration of National Police Week. The children also made a care package and get well card for a preschooler friend with a rare brain tumor. And in May, they planted carrots in LifeGARDEN to be donated to CROSS this fall.

The joy the children have found in doing for others is truly contagious and rewarding. Thumbs up to all of Karing Kingdom’s preschoolers and families for their service!

Registration Is Open

2015-16 Church School and C3 registrations are open.

Preschool-K VBS

Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power VBS for 3 year olds–completed kindergarten June 22-25 or July 6-9 9 am-12 pm Cost: $41 per child (includes a CD and backpack)

14 June 2015

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

Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy

by Bernadette Russell This book is filled with acts of kindness that help to spread a littlle joy with a side order of mischief and magic!

Mother’s Day Tea

C3 (Christ, Confirmation, Community): all junior high youth, new and returning C3ers, need to register each year. C3 is offered Sundays at 5 pm (7th & 8th graders only) and 6 pm with a family meal from 5:306:30 pm -or- Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm with a family meal from 5-6 pm.

Thanks to your generous donations, over $958 was given to ELCA World Hunger.

Karing Kingdom Preschool

Lord of Life Ministries

Join in for fun, songs, games, activities and Bible stories! Please register at lordoflife.org/preschoolvbs.

2015-16 Church School runs concurrently with worship services on Saturdays at 5:30 pm and Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am. It is available for 2 year olds through 6th grade. Each week, children experience a different Bible story through active large group teachings and relational small group time. The same lessons are used in Church School and worship.

Have a wonderful summer— be happy, safe, and have fun!

Celebrating 20 Years 1995-2015

June 2015 15

RE T U RN S E R V I C E R E Q U E S T E D - T I ME S ENS IT IVE MAT ER IAL L O RD O F LI FE LU THE R A N C HU R C H ( ELCA) 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 July issue is June 1. Copyright © 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

Pick-up basketball!

Monday evenings 5-7 pm in our Backyard.

All are welcome!

caught reading lifetimes

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

Ahh, Paris in the springtime— Mo & Steve Orendorff at La Tour d’Eiffel!

16 June 2015

At Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) along with Isabella, Natalie, & Geneva caught reading LifeTIMES, this friends & family group prepared over 172 boxes (37,800 meals) which will feed 103 kids for a year!