June 2017 LifeTIMES

HEL my namL O e is

HELLO my name is

LifeTIMES Jethro

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

Hannah HmEy nLamLe iO s

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HEL my na LO me is

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hello my name is

b a h a R

June 2017

O LL Enam Hmy e is

Summer sermon series:

Hezekiah

‘Hello, My Name Is ...’ introduced by Pastor Joel on Page 6—

HELLO My Name Is

Matthias Pleasure to meet you

O L L E H ame is my n

a d o h R

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

/lordoflifeluth

/lordoflifeelca

Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life.

—Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy

june

worship

7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

3/4/5 10/11/12 17/18/19 24/25/26

music

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)

Pentecost - wear red for worship Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem 4: River City Barbership Quartet

Pastor Karen Greimel 11: Brooklyn Big Band

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 18: Lord of Life Women Sing!

Pastor Donna Rohrer 25: Bridge33 (Christian rock band)

PASTORAL S TAF F

Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion

Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org

Sundays: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays

Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org

Mondays: 7 pm with Holy Communion. Worship outdoors on prayer labyrinth; inclement weather location is Samaritan Hall.

Third Sunday: June 18 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: June 21 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living

Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org

Worship and music may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for more details.

TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith.............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 Summer Sermon Series / Generosity........................................................... Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries.................................................................................Pages 8-15

Sponsored by Creation Care Ministry—

Highway and Hybrids Highway clean up: Sunday, June 4 at 1 pm Please join in for Lord of Life’s first adopt-ahighway clean up! Volunteers will clean the stretch of Highway 101 that passes by the church building.

Hybrid car display: Sunday, June 4 (rescheduled from April 30)

Worship & Music

Several hybrid/electric cars will be on display in Lord of Life’s parking lot; car owners will be available to answer questions.

Funky Faithful on May 31 at 7 pm features Sons of Almighty with Julius Collins and The New Power Generation—you’re invited to email a photo of those you would like included in a remembrance video to be played during worship. Email photo(s) to Pastor Sarah (sarahb@lordoflife.org) by May 27.

2 June 2017

Contact Kevin Klitz (kklitz@toraxmedical.com) for volunteer sign up or more details. Creation Care team meetings are on the third Thursdays from 7-8:30 pm; visit lordoflife.org/creationcare.

Join in for classes on Mondays, 6 pm, June and July to—

Learn about Martin Luther

by Pastor Donna Rohrer “In short, I will preach it, teach it, write it, but I will constrain no one by force, for faith must come freely without compulsion. Take myself as an example. I opposed indulgences and all the papists, but never with force. I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while I slept, or drank beer with my friends Philipp and Amsdorf, the Word … did everything.”

—Martin Luther (1483-1546) Martin Luther was a driving force in the Reformation, the reforming of the Catholic (universal) Church. There was only one church, and over a thousand plus years, it had lost sight of its original purpose: To share the love and grace of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus which brings us the gift of eternal life. This October, we will celebrate the beginning of centuries of reforming the church. Today, Lutherans and Catholics are in conversation. We are talking about the things that separate us and working together on areas where we agree.

Luther didn’t want to divide the church, he wanted to get back to teaching what Scriptures taught.

The story of the Reformation is just a part of what Luther is about. His writings help us understand God’s holy Word and how it should affect the way we live. Luther uses humor and real life in his writings to help us understand how much God loves us! He created the Small Catechism to help parents teach their children about God as they sat around the dinner table. For those of us who grew up Lutheran, we all learned and memorized:

“

The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.

• What do the Ten Commandments mean ... the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer?

• What are baptism and communion and confession?

This June and July, we will have classes at 6 pm on Mondays right before worship at 7 pm. Come and join in as we read some of the things Luther wrote, listen to videos from scholars, and enjoy some of his humor. Together we’ll understand more fully what an incredible gift he, and many other reformers were to us, to the church, and to the world.

And, we welcome more to join in learning about Luther in his homeland of Germany (October 13-22)!

this fall, experience Luther’s Germany with others in the Lord of Life family of faith—for information, visit lordoflife.org/ germany Pastor’s Article

“ —Martin Luther, Thesis 62

• What does this mean?

June 2017 3

Lord of Life’s

Family baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, June 4, at 12:15 pm.

No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

Thank you to Niki and Aaron Halbe for sharing Sonja Rose’s baptismal photos.

Baptisms in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel may be a more intimate alternative for your family. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/baptism.

April 1

Jack Edward Brazier Rowan Wilder Herbst April 2

James Michael Gilbertson April 8

Jett Ryan Liljequist Mateo Ramon Sotillo Rodriguez April 9

Mack Anthony Mortensen Beckett Thomas Nelson Leo Jon Nelson Beatrice Carol Yaddof April 15

Chloe Siena Lamothe Owen Graham Lamothe Scarlett Hope Lee Ayla Anastasia Patnode Breanna Mae Salyers April 29

Ella Lorraine Boller

Esme Adelaide Davis

Mayer Everett Davis April 30

August John Anderson

Liam Everett Eastman

Avery Elizabeth Grayson

Olivia Grace Kleen

Jack Robert Nelson Lewis

Nora Marie Lorenz

Hudson Ron Peterson

Crosby Douglas Svendsen

Famly of Faith

bereavements

4 June 2017

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

Jim Carlson with Ben and Peter and family at the death of their mother/grandmother Don Clark and family at the death of his mother

of

Faith Warren Criswell and family at the death of his sister Tom Danielson with Allie, Jessie, John, Paige and family at the death of their father/ grandfather Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren and family at the death of his uncle Heidi Glasow and family at the death of her mother Dave Hedner and family at the death of his uncle Meredith Iken-Matson and family at the death of her husband Bill Lohse and family at the death of his cousin Kim Paine and family at the death of her father Barb Paulson and family at the death of her grandmother Jim Ring and family at the death of his father Tudy Struck and family at the death of her uncle Lisa Walker with Caitlyn and Courtney, Benjamin and Jonathan, and family at the death of their father/grandfather Char Wiest and family at the death of her mother Cynthia Wilson and family at the death of her cousin

Thank you to Meredith Iken-Matson for sharing this tender God moment with the Lord of Life family of faith.

Donna Winkelman with Mike and family at the death of their mother/grandmother

welcome to new members Eric & Jenny Bongartz with Emma, Jacob, and Jonathan Mike & Iryna Kneller with Max and Sam

Family of Faith

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

June 2017 5

From cover page, introducing the summer sermon series—

Hello, My Name Is ...

by Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem The Bible is a diverse collection of texts from a variety of cultures across thousands of years. As Christians, we believe that Scripture is divinely inspired—or “God-breathed”— and that, somehow, it all gives witness and testimony to the good news of Jesus Christ.

This summer at Lord of Life, our worship series is Hello, My Name Is … We will be taking a deep dive into some unfamiliar stories in Scripture as we meet several obscure biblical figures. Who was really good at organization? Who could read a blueprint? Who was a spy?

hmey nlalmo e is

Lydia

You’ll get to know several less-than-well-known characters who all play important roles in the unfolding biblical story of Jesus. Even if they seem somewhat insignificant, God has worked through them to bring the saving good news of Christ to light—just as God uses each one of us to do the same!

Sponsored by The Holy Land ministry team—

june 10/11/12: Hannah, 1 Samuel 1:19-28, Patience in Prayer

Pastor Karen Greimel 17/18/19: Jethro, Exodus 18:5-8, 13-27, Management-minded

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 24/25/26: Rahab, Joshua 2:1-14, Secret Agent

Pastor Donna Rohrer

july 1/2/3:

Philip, Acts 8:26-40, Breaking Barriers Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

8/9/10:

Matthias, Acts 1:15-26, The Replacement Pastor Sarah Bunge

15/16/17: Bezalel, Exodus 35:30-36:7, Building Abundance

Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem 22/23/24: Lydia, Acts 16:11-15, Believing Businesswoman

Pastor Karen Greimel 29/30/31: Naomi, Ruth 1:1-22, Bitter for Awhile

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

august 5/6/7:

Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:1-8, Shattering Idols Pastor Chick Lane

12/13/14: Elisha, 2 Kings 2:12b-25, Big Shoes to Fill

Pastor Dave McCarty 19/20/21: Rhoda, Acts 12:6-18, Opening Doors

Pastor Sarah Bunge 26/27/28: Elizabeth, Luke 1:39-45, A Big Leap

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Summer Sermon Series

september 2/3/4:

6 June 2017

Cleopas, Luke 24:13-35, On the Road Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

Sundays with Nour

Increase awareness and learn about today’s Holy Land culture—through Skype technology—and travel to Palestine with Ms. Nour Nabris in Jerusalem. While studying at the University of Minnesota, Nour taught a highly acclaimed university adult education course, Palestine: Between Everyday Struggle and Culture.

Q&A follows each presentation.

Save these Sundays: July 16, 23, 30 at 11 am in the Luther Room.

Three additional sessions are planned for February 2018.

You do not need to attend all sessions; new information is given at each. No registration is required.

All of Life

by Pastor Chick Lane I was recently asked to write a promotion paragraph for a new stewardship book to be published later this summer. My task was to write a three-sentence ‘teaser’ for its back sleeve which magically turns a potential customer into a real customer.

The title of the book is Beyond the Offering Plate. The premise is that even though we know God is the creator and owner of everything—and we get to manage or steward a small slice of all that God owns—we still quite often narrow stewardship down to money. When stewardship is talked about in the church, too often it is just shorthand for what we do with our money.

Beyond the Offering Plate strives to make the word stewardship more inclusive. There are some predictable chapters, like stewardship of time, spiritual gifts, one’s body, and, yes, money. But other chapters are more of a surprise—stewardship of community, and work, and the mind, and technology, even stewardship of the end of life.

Reading the book expanded my mind. Since everything does belong to God, then there really is no part of my life, or yours, that isn’t about stewardship. I find myself liking to think about things that way. First, it grounds my daily life in God’s generosity in a very real way. Everything that makes my life possible, even enjoyable, is from God. Things that present challenges to me, they are of God as well, so God and I should be able to figure out how to deal with them. Second, it blesses my daily work. Whatever I do, even now that I am ‘retired,’ is done with God’s possessions and in God’s name. All of life is a holy calling.

I like this way of thinking and commend it to you for consideration.

Beyond the Offering Plate: A Holistic Approach to Stewardship will be available through Westminster John Knox Press.

Lord of Life supported Mount Carmel Ministries’ conference center in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Operations Director Jill Manlove (in white apron) gave a tour to Inspired Images attendees during their April stamping and scrapbooking retreat.

Mount Carmel had an addition project to house a new walk-in freezer that was donated by the local high school. They were building as funds became available through donations; Lord of Life’s benevolence funds gave them what they needed to complete the project.

Budget Year-to-date April 2017 Actual

Total member contributions

$1,264,558 $1,210,083

All other

$90,766

Total receipts

Budget

Difference $54,475

$88,770

$1,996

$1,355,324 $1,298,853

$56,471

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — April 2017

(left to right) Lisa Gedker, Jill Manlove, Lynn Anderson, Diane VanEmmerick, and Cathie Martenson; see photo on Page 16 of the entire Inspired Images ministry retreat attendees.

$140,000 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000

4/2

4/9

4/16

4/23

4/30

Actual Budget

$60,411 $70,221

$63,193 $70,221

$115,470 $59,320 $51,142 = $351,105 $ 70,221 $70,221 $70,221 = $349,536

Generosity

$0

June 2017 7

Couples’ Communication

by Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I often work with couples who are on the brink of divorce and have no idea what went wrong in their relationship. Paying attention to how you communicate early on in a relationship can save a lot of heartache down the road. We can help protect our marriages by being on the lookout for warning signs long before time and bad communication habits have taken a toll.

John Gottman, a psychologist at the University of Washington, has studied more than 2000 couples over twenty years. Gottman can predict with 96% accuracy which marriages will make it and which marriages will fail. In his book, Why Marriages Succeed or Fail, he discusses four patterns in couple dynamics that lead to divorce. He has named them, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Those communication styles are Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling.

Criticism is attacking of a partner’s personality or character—usually to prove themselves right, such as: •

You never help around the house

•

Why don’t you think about someone other than yourself

•

If you would get your act together we would have more money

Contempt is an attack of a partner’s sense of self with the intent to insult. Disrespectful use of sarcasm, mockery, name calling, and body language (i.e. eye rolling) are all examples of contempt.

Defensiveness is shifting into a defensive mode where we justify actions or thoughts instead of hearing what the other person has to say objectively, never giving the other person an opportunity to be heard such as: •

Making excuses for behavior

•

Bringing up your partner’s faults instead of dealing with your own

•

Changing the subject

Stonewalling is essentially the silent treatment which sends the message that you disapprove of your partner, their actions, or their behavior.

Lord of Life Ministries

For more information on John Gottman’s work you can pick up one of his books, The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work or Why Marriages Succeed or Fail, at a bookstore or library.

8

June 2017

Hamel Rodeo

by Michael Yu I can’t believe it’s been a year since Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry (MFSM) participated in the Hamel Rodeo, a non-profit event. This year’s rodeo is July 6-10; we’re partnering with 2B REAL Men and again seeking volunteers to help with ticket sales. We hope you and your family can spend a few hours helping two great ministries. Your time translates into supporting various causes: •

funds from the rodeo paid for three $500 educational scholarships for children of veterans who are church members

•

sent numerous care packages filled with a ‘taste of home’ with cookies and treats for active duty and veterans’ family members

•

served meals to feed those who are homeless at two shelters within Minneapolis. This year we’re also partnering with St. Cloud’s Salvation Army homeless shelter. The sevenbed facility provides structured living for veterans who are homeless.

•

provided a new computer and TV for veterans to seek jobs through the internet and find entertainment with other residents

•

provided veterans with haircut, gas, and food gift cards

A few hours of your time can provide the support we need at the rodeo with funding towards two ministries. 2B REAL Men will provide scholarships for their annual retreat along with getting speakers for ministry events. Silent Knights, part of 2B REAL Men, supports those in need with maintenance and yard cleanup. Additional funds can really go far in supporting community projects.

We hope you can donate your time (3.5 hours per shift) and look forward to seeing you at the rodeo … yee-haw!

To register for a shift or two, visit lordoflife.org/ militaryfamilysupport (under volunteer section) or 2B REAL Men at lordoflife.org/realmen. Thank you for your generous time.

Christians Reaching Out in Social Service (CROSS)—

Many Ways to Serve

by Barb Mewaldt Did you know: •

Last year CROSS distributed over one million pounds of food to area families!

•

In addition to its in-house food warehouse, CROSS also operates mobile food pantries, bringing food directly to its served communities.

•

The KidPack Weekend Food for Kids Program distributes over 2900 bags of food monthly to students with weekend food needs.

•

Over the past four years the number of family visits to CROSS has more than doubled with over 10,000 family visits last year.

•

CROSS also accepts donations of clothing, books, and household items.

•

A recent survey of CROSS clients revealed a total of 26 different native languages.

In the two years that I have worked on Lord of Life’s CROSS task force, I have been amazed at both the depth and scope of the work

by CROSS. In addition to assisting families with food needs, CROSS provides support in the areas of employment, mental health counseling, domestic violence, finances and budgeting, chemical dependency treatment, spiritual counseling, vehicle repairs, medical insurance, and medical care.

In order to provide this range of services, CROSS relies on its partner churches in a variety of ways. Every month Lord of Life collects a different food or household supply item. These donations fill an important gap. As we approach the summer months, when children aren’t in school, these supplies are in even greater demand. In addition to financial and food donations, CROSS also depends on gifts of time. Volunteers make it possible for CROSS to maintain and even add new services. During the past four years over 800 new volunteers have worked with CROSS to serve our neighbors. These volunteers work in the warehouse, assist shoppers, staff the reception desk, do clerical work, deliver Meals on Wheels, and work on one-time projects. During summer months volunteers participate in parades, help with organics, and work the CROSS booth at area farmer’s markets.

We end each worship service with the words, We are children of God, loved beyond measure—sent to serve the world. Each week when I hear these words, I am reminded that service is a joyful response to God’s great love. Thankfully, there are many ways to serve.

For more information on volunteer opportunities and donation needs, visit lordoflife.org/cross.

Lord of Life Ministries June 2017

9

One Mission One World: Uganda—

Ugandan Reflections

To show their gratitude at the well dedication, Laura & Kent were presented with seven chickens from the village of Tawo-Jwoki.

by Laura & Kent Dirks Every mission trip is special and unique—2017 was no exception.

During 11 days in Uganda, the team met many amazing people, celebrated with the Tawo-Jwoki villagers the gift of life-saving water, felt unconditional love, danced while worshipping, and experienced some things that cannot be expressed. You don’t have to take our word for it, here’s what some of the other missionaries have to share about their experiences: This mission trip was the best thing I have ever done. What made it different from other missions was all the outreaches; Hope4Kids did a great job of organizing. For the medical outreach day, I was in charge of reading glasses and had 31 pair—they were gone in no time. Veronica (photo at left) was now able to read Luther’s Small Catechism! Sometimes the mission was overwhelming; Laura was a great comfort to me when seeing the poverty, boarding schools, SmileAfrica, and the hospital. Thanks to Lord of Life for all the prayers and support. —Connie Hawes The children have such joy! They may have poverty of material things, but certainly not poverty of spirit, love, and faith. I have never experienced such joy … such resilience … such love. Genuine and selfless, Ugandans give their very best—even if all they have to give is a dance, a song, or a smile—it’s their all. I was humbled and honored to be a part of it. What a gift to join in another culture: sing their songs, praise the way they praise, break bread together, learn their dances, hear their hardships, and experience their joys. What a blessing indeed! —Sandra Pierce

Lord of Life Ministries

Our first outreach was to SmileAfrica with Karamojong children (photo at left).

Founded by Pastor Ruth Kahawa, this ministry provides a healthy environment for children to learn, play, and receive a well-balanced meal daily. We were greeted with a chorus of hundreds of beautiful voices, toured the compound, visited with widows, played with the children, and served the midday meal of Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) food. As the children waited patiently for their meal, I was overcome with thankfulness for FMSC and Pastor Ruth in caring for these precious blessings from God. To have spent even one day with these children filled my heart with happiness and love. —Darcy Pitra

10

During worship in Juba (photo at right), Pastor Alex said, “worship was going to be only an hour today because for Americans, ‘time is money.’ ” The songs we sang were the same songs Judith Ojiambo taught on a long bus ride, and the same songs that Charles Odongo sang solo on a bus ride through Kampala. The emotion and enthusiasm behind every note were different than songs sung at Lord of Life. Everyone knew and believed in every word of the lyrics.

Having learned the songs prior, I felt as if I, too, could forget about hitting correct notes or singing the words perfectly—instead focusing on the emotions the Ugandans embody as they sing. My favorite part was dancing with the children after worship. It was our second day in Juba, so I recognized many faces. When I smiled at them, I knew they recognized me back. —Kallan Swenson

June 2017

Thank you to Hope4Kids Vice President Angie Simon and Ugandan missionaries for photos on this page. To learn more about One Mission One World: Uganda, including more reflections, you are invited to visit lordoflife.org/uganda.

Older Wiser Lutherans june events Thursday, June 1: The Synod Senior Band returns to serenade the OWLs at their annual picnic—rain or shine! You will not want to miss the toe-tapping, sing-along fun. Bring a friend; we begin at noon in Samaritan Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Concert in Fellowship Hall after lunch.

Thursday, June 15: Come join in as we travel to Northfield to tour the St. Olaf campus and have lunch at the Ole Store. We will leave Lord of Life at 8:30 am and return at 5 pm.

Cost is $30 including lunch.

Wednesday, June 21: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

take a step towards freedom

Celebrate Recovery

by Michelle Welinski Have you wondered if anyone would understand what you are going through? What a relief it is to hear “me, too.” Whatever issue you are going through, you do not need to face it alone.

Celebrate Recovery is a great place to share struggles, to receive support and understanding— and most importantly—to strengthen your relationship with Jesus.

Friday, June 23: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am

Everything that happens at Celebrate Recovery is grounded in God’s Word and our belief that Jesus Christ is our one and only true, Higher Power.

save the date

Celebrate Recovery is shame free. God’s Word tells us “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” But it does not end with this. Scripture goes on to say “God declares us ‘not guilty’ if we trust in Jesus Christ who in His kindness freely takes away our sins.”

Thursday, July 13: Smile, giggle, and chuckle as comedianne Sue Selbin takes us on Joy in the Journey. Fun begins at noon in Fellowship Hall with freewill donation lunch.

Thursday, July 20: Travel to Excelsior exploring the historic Minnesota Streetcar Museum then lunch at Maynard’s on Lake Minnetonka. Leave church at 8:30 am, return by 4 pm, cost is $15 (lunch on your own).

Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.

On Tuesday evenings, take a step towards freedom—come to Celebrate Recovery.

Programming begins as 6:30 pm, with an optional dinner from 5:30-6:15 pm. Childcare is provided as well as children’s programming. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski (michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118).

St. Olaf Lord of Life Ministries

Gently used donations are being collected for the June 10 yard sale to benefit summer youth programs at our partner congregation St. Olaf in Minneapolis. Bring items to the Service Center through June 4.

items to Service Center

by June 4 June 2017

11

Hello, my name is Andrew Avila and I will be the early childhood ministry intern this summer! I am a sophomore at Luther College studying International Studies and Spanish. Over the past few years, I have been working in the nursery; and I have developed a relationship with many of the children. This summer I am excited to be able to develop a relationship with many new children as well as see many of the familiar faces I saw in the nursery.

Children,Youth & Family (CYF)—

Welcome, Summer CYF Interns!

Hi, my name is Jenna Mangle and I just graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. I feel so blessed and excited to be the middle school ministry intern. Throughout college— and for as long as I can remember—my faith has been a pivotal influence in every endeavor and experience that have come my way. It has shaped who I am and graced my life in a way unlike anything else. Therefore, I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to share some of what I have learned in my faith journey with children and adolescents who may be just beginning their faith journey. I hope to be a part of their lives just as so many amazing adults at LOL were to me growing up.

After being a part of a campus ministry, I am looking forward to being back in the church continuing my spiritual growth. This fall, I will be attending a graduate program in Chicago to obtain a master’s in social work. As an intern this summer, I can only imagine the insights I will gain that will ultimately pertain to graduate work and then a career with those who are from many walks of life and backgrounds.

Lord of Life Ministries

Hi, my name is Jess Palyan, and I’m a junior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. I’m studying to go to medical school or law school.

Most people would describe me as quirky, offbeat, and endearing. I am here to make sure Lord of Life’s elementary-aged kids have a safe, fun place to discover the role that faith plays in their lives. It is my intent to help show kids that church isn’t some boring chore but rather a community offering ideas and insights that lead to a more fulfilling life. I have worked on-and-off with similar programs at Lord of Life since I was a sophomore in high school and have the utmost confidence in LOL’s youth!

12 June 2017

Hello! My name is Courtney Walker and I am excited to be back again this summer as a ministry intern. You may recognize me from the previous two years when I was the preschool and elementary intern. I am thrilled to be back a third summer working more closely with specific programs and to focus on middle school volunteers. Now a little bit about me.

I am a nursing major with Spanish minor at Luther College where I just completed my junior year. I have been a member of Lord of Life since the age of three and loved spending my summers here at VBS, Summer Stretch, and volunteering.

I am looking forward to a fun summer filled with many new and familiar faces!

New this year is Evening Vacation Bible School (VBS)—

Get Your Gears Turning!

­ vening VBS is designed with families in mind: children E age 3–completed 5th grade are invited to join in on the fun.

Maker Fun Factory is where kids discover that God built them for a purpose! On this interactive adventure, kids become hands-on inventors and experience God—the Ultimate Maker—in new and creative ways. Children move through stations experiencing science fun, team-building games, and cool Bible stories while learning that God has a purpose for them.

Evening VBS is 6-8 pm, June 26-29. Evening VBS families are welcome to join in on a free family meal every day at 5 pm.

To register, visit lordoflife.org/eveningvbsreg.

Summer Leadership Opportunities

Gain leadership skills, serve God, and help others grow in faith by volunteering with summer programs! There are lots of options—visit lordoflife.org/svp for more information.

high school volunteers •

Summer Stretch Leader: Wednesdays or Thursdays in June/July (8 am–5 pm)

•

Adventure Week Leader: June 12-15 (8:30 am–5 pm)

middle and high school volunteers: •

Preschool Vacation Bible School (VBS) Leader: June 19-22, June 26-29, July 10-13 (8:15 am–12:15 pm)

•

Evening VBS Leader: June 26-29 (5:15–8:15 pm)

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Elementary VBS Leader: July 17-20, July 24-27, July 31-August 3 (8 am–3 pm)

Summer Nights

Come and hang out in Lord of Life’s backyard for a bonfire, music, games, devotions, and fun with friends—and it’s free!

Completed grades 6-12 7-9 pm on Tuesdays: June 6 and 20; July 18; August 1 and 15 Lord of Life Ministries

No registration required

June 2017 13

Thanks to generous donations, over $580.39 was given to ELCA World Hunger during Lent.

parents, please note September 2017 - May 2018 registration is now open for: 2 year olds – 6th grade church school: lordoflife.org/churchschool 7th – 9th grade confirmation: lordoflife.org/c3

Congratulations and God’s continued blessings to 162 youth on their first communion the weekend of April 22/23 during four worship Lord of Life Ministries

services.

14 June 2017

On Karing Kingdom’s Sports Day, these young men were ready to hit it outta the park! Parents, you can hit a home run as well by submitting your 2017-18 enrollment packets due by Monday, June 26.

Happy summer!

Summer Church School • •

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Children age 3 years–grade 3 Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am May 28–September 3 Families begin together in worship Following the children’s message, children follow staff members to Samaritan Hall for activities, prayers, songs, and games based on the sermon No registration is required; no cost

June 4:

Pentecost - wear red!

June 11:

Hannah, Patience in Prayer Pastor Karen Greimel

June 18:

Jethro, Management-minded Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

June 25:

Rahab, Secret Agent Pastor Donna Rohrer

See Page 6 for more details on summer sermon series.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) World Hunger summer service project—

Water

Lord of Life Ministries

Clean water is one of the most powerful ways to make a change in the world. Support the Children, Youth & Family summer service project by visiting the display near the main office and making a donation.

God’s work. Our hands.

June 2017 15

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

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 © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

See Page 2 for more details.

caught reading lifetimes Caught reading LifeTIMES in Tororo, Uganda, are (left to right, seated): Pastor Ruth Kahawa, Pastor Peter Obbo, and his wife, Sarah— see One Mission One World: Uganda story on Page 10!

Inspired Images stamping and scrapbooking ministry enjoyed their annual retreat at Mount Carmel; see Page 7 for a benevolence story. (left to right) Seated: Jeri Espeseth, Co-leader Lynn Anderson, Karen Husom, Autumn Wiste, Lori Schwartz Middle Row: Bonnie Hewitt, Cathie Martenson, Diane VanEmmerick, Cindy Cadwallader, Bobbie Hansvick, Bev Mello Back Row: Co-leader Lisa Gedker, Sara Travis, Debbie Nohr, Nancy Bourbonais

16 June 2017

With Easter Sunday’s proclamation of ‘Christ is risen— He is risen indeed!’ these children were caught reading LifeTIMES at the fountain by the sanctuary entrance.