7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos and email addresses. Send prayer requests to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. welcome
Poet Mary Oliver, in her famous poem, The Summer Day (Page 11), marvels at the complexity of creation, prayer, and the decisions we make. The closing lines in particular leave a lasting impact with the question, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
That’s the question that I am bringing into summer this year. It isn’t meant to be answered in one sitting or answered only once. It’s a question that deserves to be sat with, relished, and released out into the world. I hope you get a chance to reflect on that question, too; and to help with that reflection, I invite you to spend some time in these pages. Here you’ll find stories of people’s journeys, their experiences, and how they wrestle with God’s word. Maybe this issue will spark an idea for you on what you plan to do with your one wild and precious life.
SUMMER STORMS
by Communications Executive Director Sarah Lee
On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!”
Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41
Summer in Minnesota comes with a lot of sunny days and sweltering heat. But it also comes with other weather, and one of my favorite things— summer storms. I love a good thunderstorm: the dark skies, the distant rumble, the rain pattering on the roof. It’s so cozy and a perfect excuse to stay inside and read a book. Of course, not all storms feel like this; there are destructive thunderstorms and tornadoes, not to mention the other natural disasters we’re lucky to avoid in Minnesota (there have to be some benefits to being completely landlocked in the middle of a continent!).
A few years ago, I made the mistake of being out in one of those storms. I got a haircut in the evening, only to look out the door as I was leaving to see a torrential downpour, frighteningly close lightning, and booming thunder. Not wanting to spend the night at the hair salon, I drove home through the storm, hoping for the best. I made it home safely, but it was terrifying, and not something I would recommend. I was gripping the wheel tightly, staying extra alert. At no point was I feeling relaxed or calm about the situation.
In Mark 4, Jesus and the disciples are in a situation that feels similar. They’re in a boat crossing the sea, and a huge storm comes along. I can imagine the disciples gripping the boat, holding on for dear life, just hoping to make it to the destination safely. Was Jesus doing the same? Absolutely not. Jesus had made himself comfortable and was asleep on a pillow. Now, I have a lot of questions, including, but not limited to: Where did the pillow come from? Had Jesus been so intent on taking a nap that he brought it with him? I certainly hope so, I’m all about that level of commitment to napping.
In this moment of absolute chaos, Jesus isn’t running around trying to fix everything. He’s resting. Take a moment to think about that. How does it feel to know that while the disciples were panicking, Jesus was resting? Does it feel selfish? Frustrating? Throughout his ministry, Jesus was not shy about taking time for himself—going away to pray alone, and, I imagine, rest. He knew what he needed to show up fully in his ministry, and apparently, on this particular boat ride, what Jesus needed was to take a nap.
What do you need to show up fully in your life? In the midst of the chaos that is our world, in all the responsibilities, are you able to take time to rest? Often, I find that my decision not to rest is based in fear. I see myself reflected in the disciples, trying with all my might to fix everything around me, because if I don’t do it, who will?
Eventually, Jesus wakes up and calms the storm, then seemingly chastises the disciples, saying, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” I think in that moment, my response would be something like, “Why do you think we’re afraid?!” Fear seems like a logical response in the circumstances. I don’t think we should take Jesus’ questions as a way to shame the disciples for not having enough faith. Instead, I believe it’s a reminder that rest is about trust. Jesus is reminding the disciples that they don’t have to be constantly vigilant, constantly working, constantly striving. It’s okay to take a breather because they’re not the only ones on the boat. They’ve got Jesus, and Jesus has it under control.
Maybe your life is especially chaotic right now. Maybe it feels like you keep getting hit with storm after storm. Our Lord of Life community is going through a transition which, while hopefully not chaotic, is certainly not the calm seas we’ve been used to over the last few years. But this story reminds us that we’re not alone in it. We’re allowed to take a break, we’re allowed to rest, we’re allowed to not always be in control. Because we’re not the only ones in the boat. Jesus is right there beside us, and if it seems like he’s taking a nap, maybe it’s an invitation for us to take a nap too.
by Emerging Worship Leader / Design Strategist Brian Schroeder
I don’t have many memories of my grandmother, Arlyce. She died when I was three, so most of my understanding about who she was comes from stories my family tells me. A lot of these stories involve camping. My dad was an Eagle Scout, and my grandfather was a committed scout leader, so most of my family’s summers were spent in tents.
Long before I was born, every spring, Grandma Arlyce would go to the store and buy the cheapest pair of tennis shoes she could find. These became her camping shoes for the summer. Having cheap camping shoes meant she didn’t have to worry about mud or ash or anything else that might ruin a more expensive pair.
Grandma Arlyce would wear her camping shoes all summer. And when the weather got cold, she would burn her camping shoes in the final campfire of the season—a ceremony marking the end of their camping adventures.
(Let’s disregard the environmental concerns about this for the time being, and just focus on the charming, folksy aspects of this story, okay?)
As my dad and aunts watched grandma’s camping shoes burn, no doubt they talked about the memories they had made while she had worn them. Like when the goop burst out of the pudgie pie tin (also referred to as “camp pies” or “mountain pies”) and splattered pie filling everywhere. Or how much the sulfur smell from the geysers at Yellowstone upset their stomachs.
For years, these “camping shoe burnings” were a tradition for my family, commemorating the end of a summer filled with memories, trusting that next summer would bring its own new memories along with a new pair of camping shoes.
SHOES + TO RITUALS
This tradition ended when Grandma Arlyce died, which is sad, but it’s okay. It’s obviously not good for the environment, but also, was any of this really about burning shoes? Or was it about the ceremony—the act of honoring the time they spent together? A practice that they could return to in order to focus on what matters?
I remember this story when I think about our church traditions. There’s a reason we have ceremonies, rituals, and traditions, even when they don’t always make sense.
Like, what is a baptism, anyway? In modern times, there’s not much that’s normal about dunking a baby in water. But it’s something we do that celebrates new life and is a physical reminder of what our hearts already know: that this child is loved by the community and forever welcomed into the family of God, just like the rest of us. Funerals are beautiful, but they can also be awkward—however, for those who didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, it’s a special opportunity. Or for those in the depths of grief, a funeral can be a place to know that others mourn with them.
Or think about our other rituals in worship. Dipping a bland wafer into over-sweet wine at communion does not always result in a theological epiphany. But when we need the reminder of God’s endless love, or that we are united in the body of Christ even in the most divisive of times, holy communion is there for us.
Even going for walks, journaling, meditation, or prayer can feel like empty rituals at times. But when we feel unmoored, or stressed, or hopeless, returning to something tried and true can help bring us back.
We don’t take part in these ceremonies, rituals, and traditions because they are consistently life-giving; we do them because at some point we’ll need them, and it’ll be good to be well-practiced when that happens.
Don’t burn your shoes. But maybe light a candle every once in a while when you’re remembering a passed loved one. Maybe start a healthy daily practice that grounds you. Go to worship. Spend some time in silence. And remember that these practices may be what God uses to bring you back when you feel lost.
PASTORAL TRANSITION
by Lord of Life’s Congregation Council (lordoflife.org/council)
In March, Lord of Life bid farewell to Pastors Joel and Karen Wight Hoogheem. We give thanks for their years of faithful leadership and service to our church and wish their family continued blessings as the Holy Spirit leads them in their next adventure in Appleton, Wisconsin.
The council has been working closely with the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod to navigate our pastoral transition process. We are appointing a transition team that will run an interactive mission exploration process to gather information, listen to the needs of our faith community, and complete Lord of Life’s Ministry Site Profile to articulate our church mission and search for a new lead pastor. A call committee will be formed at a later date.
The call process will likely last a year or so, and will be an important time of exploration and discernment for the whole congregation.
We give thanks for God’s faithfulness in times of change and welcome your continued prayers for our church, leadership, and staff as we navigate this transition period as a strong Lord of Life community.
COMMUNITY BUILDING CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
by Lord of Life’s Capital Campaign Committee (lordoflife.org/capitalcampaign)
When we hear the words “community building” within a church, it is easy to think of strengthening relationships and ministries within the congregation. At Lord of Life, community building means something much bigger. It is about living out the oft-repeated words: Loved by God. Sent to Serve, and includes what happens inside our walls, as well as in the broader community and world.
This past March, we announced the Community Building Capital Campaign. In the coming months, more information will be shared about our plans, priorities, and what will be accomplished through this effort. As we are a faith community in transition, the Congregation Council and Capital Campaign Committee have decided to move forward with this effort, while simultaneously taking time to approach the process with intention and thoughtfulness.
This campaign is an opportunity for new energy and renewal in the life of our church. It is a time to reflect on where we have been, to be grateful for those who built and shaped Lord of Life before us, and to look ahead to where God is leading us next. As we look toward the future and consider how we can continue to grow, welcome, and serve for many years to come, it will require all of us to make this campaign a success. This includes those who have called Lord of Life home for many years and those who have joined this church family recently.
Our goal is to raise $4 million over three years, over and above our standard annual giving. Reaching this goal will fund the following:
• For 26 years, our facilities have served us well, but like any home, they require updates and improvements to continue serving future generations. This campaign will fund the enhancement of our worship space, strengthening of our ministry spaces, and critical safe environment updates so it remains welcoming, functional, and ready for ministry for years to come. We are called to care for what has been entrusted to us.
• Community Building also means strengthening Lord of Life financially. We have two mortgages, one for our current sanctuary and one for the office and classroom expansion added roughly a decade later. Part of this Campaign will focus on retiring these mortgages, which will free up future resources for ministry rather than debt.
• As we are Sent to Serve, this campaign is also about people beyond our walls. Ten percent (10%) of all campaign funds will go directly to outreach. As we strengthen our church home, we are also growing our ability to serve neighbors, support those in need, and live out our faith in meaningful ways throughout the community and world.
Although the Community Building Capital Campaign will fund building projects and strengthen our financial situation, its purpose is to serve people, ministry, and the future God is preparing for Lord of Life. Each of us has a role to play in this shared effort. As Scripture reminds us, “In [Jesus] you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.” Ephesians 2:22 Together, as people who are Loved by God and Sent to Serve, we continue building a strong and faithful community for the future.
WITH EACH STEP
by Coordinator for Worship and Celebration of Life Services Dana Craig
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7
So, I’ve become a mall walker. I am definitely not a runner, and no longer much of a gymgoer. In the warmer months like now, I prefer walking outdoors in the sunshine or enjoying a round of golf. But in the winter, my husband and I find ourselves circling the walkways of Ridgedale Mall instead.
While the scenery isn’t as beautiful in the mall, there is always plenty to see. We find ourselves noticing the young parents with strollers, older couples walking side-by-side (is this really where I fit in?), store employees chatting, teenagers buying boba tea, what store has closed or new one is coming soon. During Lent this past year, I decided to turn these ordinary laps into a time of prayer and reflection.
I begin with gratitude, thanking God for that day and that I have a healthy body that functions. As I pass people, I often pray for them. Nothing fancy, just a short thought asking God to be with them and help them with whatever is going on in their lives. And with each step, I am reminded that these short prayers are building blocks in my faith. It does not always have to be a big, wellthought-out prayer, but simply little conversations or check-ins. Daily praying or walking with God, being rooted, grows my relationship with God slowly over time.
Even under the fluorescent lights of the mall, I am reminded that the location or the how matters less than simply continually trying to connect and grow in my faith. So just keep walking!
reflect
Where do you find yourself walking in faith today—what has your faith journey looked like?
pray
Lord, help us to walk faithfully with you each day, rooted in your love and strengthened with grateful hearts. Amen.
THE SUMMER DAY
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean— the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down— who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?
~Mary Oliver
“The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver
The Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency as agent for the author.
Oliver with permission of Bill Reichblum
Lord of Life’s Contemplative Connections group centers on actively experiencing a variety of contemplative practices during Saturday morning gatherings—not simply learning about or discussing them.
At each meeting, we read a chapter from a contemplative Christianity book and then engage in a contemplative practice that aligns with the material.
These practices draw on a range of modalities including music, meditation, imagery, prayer, deep listening, movement, art, and poetry—all helping us slow down and reflect deeply on scripture.
I have found that these contemplative practices have deepened my faith and invited me to encounter scripture with my whole being—heart and soul—not simply my intellect.
~Dawn Miller
CONNECTIONS
Being a part of the Lord of Life Contemplative Community has been a beautiful opportunity to learn and practice how to be in relationship with God. In the midst of this busy and sometimes chaotic life, it has helped me to slow down, to be still, and to receive God’s love and wisdom in varied ways.
The shared leadership and trusted relationships that have developed in this monthly group have brought such joy to my life! God has used each person and their unique life experiences, gifts, and insights to bless the group and our world in amazing ways.
~Gwen Denninger
In the group I have found kindred spirits who have become my church friends. I enjoy the many creative and challenging ways we practice listening to God.
~Marge Lundeen
What I love most about the spiritual Contemplative Connections group is that people show up as they are, there is no judgment. That is rare. No judgment. Imagine for a moment—living in a world without judgment. I love that about this group.
I also love that this group reminds me that I am enough. Yep. Spiritually, I am more than enough, warts and all. In many ways, it’s related to the no judgment above, yet, this group reminds me that my faith, to me, comes first. It is foremost to me. I believe I got this from a sermon at Lord of Life—the cross is a powerful symbol; it is so simple, yet, so divine. That’s what I love about our group; it is simple, yet divine! Come join in!
~Connie Wilder
Over the past several years I have been part of Lord of Life’s Contemplative Community. It has been a very enriching and faith expanding experience for me. I have learned new spiritual practices like being “quiet” with God and being comfortable in that silence.
I have been introduced to Christian contemplatives and mystics like Fr. Richard Rohr and Julian of Norwich who have provided deep insight and guidance for me in my spiritual walk.
I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the paradoxes that are central to Christianity, learned about new ways of being in relationship with God like lectio divina, centering prayer, guided imagery. I’ve also had the privilege of developing deep relationships with others in the group.
This contemplative community exposed me to a “hole” in my faith journey that I didn’t know I had and it has filled it, opening a new chapter in my spiritual journey.
~Cheryl Myhr
Lord of Life’s Contemplative Connections group meets on third Saturdays (September-May) from 9-10:30am to share experiences and to learn alongside and from each other. All are welcome!
Slow down, connect with others, experience new spiritual practices, and deepen your relationship with God. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/transformation.
first communion photo album
LIFEGARDEN
by Barb Mewaldt, LifeGarden volunteer and CROSS task member
This past winter the nation watched as Minnesotans stepped up to feed our neighbors. Almost overnight, emergency food drives, delivery services, and pop-up food shelves appeared as people united to meet an urgent need. I couldn’t help but draw a connection between those efforts and LifeGarden—a ministry rooted in our community since 2010.
I believe that while God provides bountifully, we often struggle to distribute that bounty equitably. LifeGarden is a community of gardeners, working together with CROSS to bridge that gap, ensuring everyone has access to fresh, healthy food.
We are a diverse group. For some, gardening is a way of teaching children the value of the labor that is behind the food on our tables. For longtime gardeners like me, it provides connection—linking me to generations of family gardeners. Some people simply revel in the miracle of new life springing from the earth, while others garden because they have known hunger firsthand, and understand what a difference a community garden can make. Whatever the reasons, we are united by a common purpose: to continue the mission begun 16 years ago.
lordoflife.org/lifegarden + lordoflife.org/cross
SUMMER CAMP
by Elementary Ministry Director Kelly Froehle
I went to summer camp at Bethel Horizons for the first time in 1997. I was 11 years old, nervous, but excited. I signed up for a program called Intro to Camping (similar to Half Blast at Shores of St. Andrew). I still remember the moment my parents came to pick me up. Before we even left, I asked if I could come back the very next week, this time for a full week. It’s safe to say: I LOVED IT.
To understand why, you have to picture the place. Bethel Horizons sits on more than 500 acres in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, about 45 minutes west of Madison, Wisconsin. It’s filled with prairies, valleys, hills, and cliffs. As a young camper, I tried to capture that beauty with a disposable camera, though most of my photos turned out blurry. Still, the sense of wonder was real.
I returned to camp for three more summers as a camper and later spent six summers on staff. My days were full, from morning to night, hiking trails, singing silly songs, guiding kids as they tried new adventures, and cooking meals over a fire. Evenings brought stories under the stars, campfire songs, and time in God’s word together. It was busy and sometimes exhausting, but deeply meaningful work that I loved.
And it mattered.
I believe Bible camp matters because it creates space for something increasingly rare—meaningful connection with God, with others, with nature, and with ourselves. I have seen firsthand how camp fosters deep relationships, builds confidence, and nurtures lasting faith. Camp isn’t just a fun week away, it’s an environment intentionally designed for growth.
At Bible camp, kids experience Christian community in a tangible way. Faith isn’t just something they hear about on Sunday morning; it’s something they live all day long. They pray before meals, sing around campfires, ask big questions, and see counselors model what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday moments. These rhythms stick and often lead to a stronger sense of belonging in the church and a more personal, lasting faith.
REFLECTIONS
Camp also helps kids grow in independence and confidence. Being away from home, trying new things, and forming new friendships can feel like a big leap, but it’s in those moments when kids discover they are capable and resilient. And yes, this includes the realization that they can, in fact, change their own clothes (even if the outfits don’t always match!). In a world that often prioritizes achievement and busyness, camp offers something different: space to simply be, to play, to wonder, and to rest in God’s love.
For many campers, it’s also one of the few places where they can unplug from screens and reconnect with the natural world. There is something grounding about hiking a trail, watching a sunset, or sleeping under the stars. Creation itself becomes a teacher, pointing us back to the Creator.
When I look back, I can see that camp helped shape who I am today. It deepened my faith, gave me lifelong friendships, and helped me discover gifts I didn’t know I had. It also showed me the joy of serving others and sharing God’s love in simple, everyday ways.
So to parents who might be wondering if camp is worth it, I say with confidence: it is. Camp is more than a week on the calendar. It’s an investment in your child’s faith, confidence, and sense of belonging. It’s a place where seeds are planted that God continues to grow long after summer ends.
And who knows? They just might come home asking to go back the very next week.
Kelly + Campers!
Could this be your child or grandchild at Bible camp?
Summer Sundays!
From May 31-August 30, Summer Sundays for Kids is a fun and engaging program for children ages 3 through third grade, offered during worship. No pre-registration or fee is needed. Simply check in at a kiosk when you arrive. Children will begin in worship with their families before heading out after the opening music and prayer. Children will be invited to exit worship with their name tags. Staff will be waiting to welcome them. After worship, pick up your kids in Samaritan Hall.
Each week, kids will explore a different Bible character through age-appropriate activities designed just for them. From storytelling and games to crafts and music, activities vary week to week to keep things fresh, exciting, and meaningful. Led by summer interns and caring volunteers, this program creates a welcoming space where kids can grow in faith while having fun. Each week also includes a family take-home to help continue the conversation and connection at home.
Calling All Creatives in the
Faith
As shared in the first June 2019 issue of Compass, this magazine is a ministry guide for those along a path of faith who seek to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Primarily, its purpose is to share faith stories, to inform and illuminate us in God’s word, and to inspire others to grow in their walk with the Lord. Its intention is to offer literary and visual works on the lived experience of being a Christian in a sometimes challenging world. It is not necessarily a communication vehicle for dates, events, times, details—check out the monitors, slides and pastoral announcements, weekly enews (optin: lordoflife.org/enews), the website (lordoflife.org), and various social media for details about specific events!
How do you express your faith?
Perhaps by painting a picture with words as a writer or poet or journaler. Perhaps by focusing on God’s creation in watercolor or capturing a photograph in your garden. Perhaps by reflecting within yourself while creating a zendoodle (above). Or maybe you’ve experienced what seems like a little thing on an ordinary day yet it turned into a “God moment” that was particularly meaningful and brought your trust, faith, and understanding of others to a deeper level of love. You are invited and encouraged to share original creations for Compass. Depending on the copy, scripture, theme, space—we’d love to consider using it in a future issue. Feel free to reach out to me (bevm@lordoflife.org) or Communications Executive Director Sarah Lee (sarahl@lordoflife.org) with questions!
Be well,
SUMMER WORSHIP
(Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Saturdays 5:30pm
holy communion every week livestreamed on YouTube
Summertime Sundays
9 + 10:30am
holy communion first + third Sundays livestreamed on YouTube
childcare available (birth-age two)
summer sundays for kids (see facing page)
For all events, changes, recurring ministry events, and announcements, visit lordoflife.org for the most current information. For a list of baptisms, bereavements, welcome to new members, and weddings, visit lordoflife.org/congregationallife.
And, you are invited to Lord of Life’s prayer network (lordoflife.org/ prayernetwork) to pray for the community.
Lord of Life
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
Every creature is a divine word because it proclaims God. ~St. Bonaventure
Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. ~Maya Angelou
[Jesus said,] ...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven. ~Matthew 5:16
