Lord of Life Compass Summer 2024

COMPASS

Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, MN Summer 2024

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN

7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313

Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. Compass is a guide for those along the path of faith who seek to grow closer to Jesus Christ.

lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

Ministry Focus: Beds for Namibia

Healing in Christ

Welcome

God’s Love Grows Here

Compass is a quarterly ministry from Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA). Paper is the most sustainable natural resource. After reading, please recycle or share with a friend or neighbor inviting them to Lord of Life’s community of faith. You don’t need to be a member to receive Compass. To receive it in the mail and/or electronically, call 763.420.5015 or email bevm@lordoflife.org. Credits: Creative Market, Kent Dirks, Lightstock, and Unsplash.

Baptisms + Bereavements Abiding Growth

Children, Youth & Family

Communion

Project

in Faith Summer Ministry Programming

+ Welcome Creation, It Rings Worship Album

Album Gardening + A Mustard Seed LifeGarden

Workshops + Worship Special + Recurring Events

Staff

WELCOME

It’s that time of year. We’ve emerged from our winter hibernation (even though it was a mild winter) and we are ready for planting and growing season! The earth has been readied, and the miracle of new life is going to be upon us once again.

Every capable gardener understands the care it takes to bring about a robust harvest. The Lord of Life community garden, LifeGarden (see Pages 18-19), will be filled all summer long with incredible gardeners who will once again use their talents to cooperate with God’s provision to bring forth an abundant harvest.

In this growing season, I hope we are each dedicated to growing deeper in our lives of faith, too. Jesus often used images from the natural world to describe our relationships with God and one another. Just as plants need tending and care, so does our faith. In these pages, you’ll read about countless connections between the growing season all around us and the growth our faith in Christ brings with it.

Blessings in all the growth God invites you to experience this spring and summer!

GOD’S LOVE GROWS HERE

by Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org)

Any Bluey fans out there? If you haven’t seen it, it’s an Australian cartoon about a family of dogs: Bandit and Chilli are the parents, with Bluey and Bingo as their daughters. Each short episode is about life with young kids, both from the parenting side of things and the growing-up side. It’s heartwarming and hilarious, and quite honestly, it’s one of my favorite shows.

There’s one episode I particularly like called “Born Yesterday.” As with many of the episodes, it’s about a game the girls make up to play with their dad, this time where he’s supposed to pretend he was born yesterday. He walks around the house asking what things are called and what they’re for, feigning amazement as he discovers each one. It’s cute and harmless until they go out for a walk after Bandit “discovers” food, and he swipes the neighbor’s meat pie out of his hands and proceeds to scarf it down right there in front of him. After a short lesson about how you can’t take people’s food from them, they head to the park. At this point in the episode, the girls decide it’s more trouble than it’s worth to keep telling him what everything is, and they step aside to let him take in the world for himself.

At the park, Bandit discovers a leaf. In the spirit of being born yesterday, he stops to examine it and is awestruck by its beauty when he holds it up to the sun. “Alive,” he says as he takes in the leaf (earlier in the episode, after trying to talk to a stool, the girls introduce Bandit to the word “alive”). Back at home, the game stops and the girls move

on to something else. The episode ends with Chilli looking out the window and, after confirming the “born yesterday” game is over, she watches Bandit as he sits in the grass, holding a leaf up to the sun, staring at it in wonder. It’s an adorable and surprisingly relatable lesson in what happens when we stop to really notice the world around us and come face-to-face with the miracle of life. It’s a holy experience.

It’s this sense of wonderment about creation that draws me to plants. Watching them grow is amazing, whether they’re sprouting new leaves, rooting in water, or coming up out of the ground – you can’t help but be filled with gratitude and hope at this sacred wonder. God’s love, continued presence, and even miraculous cocreation (especially given I’m the one trying to help nurture new growth in these plants, and have moderate success, at best) is undeniable in the life of a plant and is a gift to be shared, which is what led us to Lord of Life’s Plant Ministry.

With a generous grant from Lord of Life’s Endowment Fund, this ministry collects plant cutting donations to be propagated, planted, and offered up for anyone to gift a plant to someone as a reminder of God’s blessing and love. It’s an invitation for both the giver and receiver to slow down and notice all the good around you, for God’s love grows here, there, and everywhere (and hopefully your plant will, too).

Find the beautiful propagation wall (built in-house by Ken Carraux) and plants ready to be gifted in the common space on the north end of the building.

Got a plant at home that could use a haircut? Snip off a few leaves then drop them off in the “plant cutting box” near the propagation wall; the ministry team will get them growing. Interested in being a part of Lord of Life’s Plant Ministry—reach out to Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org)!

ABIDING GROWTH

by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)

In 1992, the band 4 Non Blondes released their one and only album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More! (If you’re acquainted with the band, it’s probably due to their one hit single, “What’s Up?” If you’re familiar with that song, you likely have a strong opinion about it.)

I’ve remembered that album title—Bigger, Better, Faster, More!—for all these years because it has always struck me as a critique of a “bigger is better” mindset. It is often assumed that growth, in and of itself, is good, so we always want things to be bigger, better, faster, and more!

Our lives of faith, and the church in particular, are not immune to this “bigger is better” mindset. Many people have made lots of money by pitching and selling “church growth” models, products, and services. Yet it is worth testing the claims about the inherent goodness of growth. What does it mean to grow? And what does healthy growth look like?

Thankfully, Jesus has some wise words for us:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” (John 15:1-2).

Notice what a nuanced and thoughtful perspective Jesus offers about growth. In this metaphor of vines, branches, and fruit, there is healthy growth that comes through pruning, or cutting back. This is not unmitigated and mindless growth. This is careful and deliberate. Jesus lived in an agrarian society, so his original hearers were well-acquainted with what it takes to promote healthy and sustainable growth in plants.

Growth is neutral, Jesus seems to be saying. Well-tended and pruned plants offer healthy growth. Untended plants grow, yes, but the fruit they bear is not as good.

I’m not a skilled gardener, but I know that when some fruits and vegetables grow to exceedingly large sizes, their taste and usefulness diminishes. That sort of growth looks impressive, but it winds up being rather useless.

Jesus offers an image of a carefully tended vine that brings forth good fruit. He then continues the metaphor by saying:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”

(John 15:5-6)

This may feel like a harsh threat and a promise of condemnation. Yet that’s not what Jesus is saying. We live in such a thoroughly individualistic culture that we may think he’s talking about sending individuals into the fire of hell. Another—better—way to hear his words here are that those parts of us that abide in Jesus, that align with God’s purposes for us, are tended by God to grow in healthy and life-giving ways. Those parts of us that are out-of-step with Jesus are carefully removed in order to give us fullness of life.

And then—and then!—those parts aren’t condemned or anything of the sort. Pay close attention to the image Jesus shares: those pruned parts are not just discarded; they are put to good use. That agrarian society of Jesus’ day did not have the wonder of HVAC systems, so branches were necessary to provide warmth and comfort to people on chilly days and cold nights. Even the seemingly useless parts are put to good use by God!

That’s the joy of healthy and sustainable growth in Christ. It’s about God creating durability and fostering well-being. Sustainable, careful, abiding growth is good. A mindless desire for bigger, better, faster, more obscures God’s gracious cultivation.

In this growing season, I hope you enjoy the fruits of creation while God tends to your own growth as one who abides in the vine of Christ.

GROW IN FAITH

by Pastor Karen Wight Hoogheem (karenwh@lordoflife.org)

For many, summer in Minnesota is the most wonderful time of the year. People (without allergies) can fling their windows wide open. Early mornings and evenings are pleasant even on hot days. And the wildlife is in full swing as birds return to the North Country, other animals wake from hibernating, and plants and trees are in bloom! The pace of life can be slower than other months of the year as we take time to bike, visit parks, picnic, play sports, go boating, and sit outside on the deck.

Just as summer brings a different rhythm to daily routines, summer worship at Lord of Life offers a unique feel and pace in our life together as a congregation.

You can look forward to two summer worship series:

• From May 26 through July 7, we will celebrate the season of gardening with a series title “A Time to Grow: Lessons from the Garden.” This will provide an opportunity for gardeners of all ages, including the ones who love to grow food in Lord of Life’s LifeGarden (learn more on Page 18), to learn from and celebrate the gift of growing food and creating life with God.

• In the second half of summer, we will turn our attention to the book of Ephesians and consider the theme “Beyond Our Imagination: The Book of Ephesians.” As a glimpse into this series, I offer Ephesians 3:20, which reads: “Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to God be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” We will explore the abundance of God’s goodness in life as we take a deep dive into Ephesians. This series will continue from July 14 through August 25.

You can expect some wonderful music this summer! We look forward to experiencing special music from a variety of Lord of Life members, including members of the Youth Choir, Canticle Choir, and Bel Canto Bell Choir. We’ll also host guest musicians, among them are:

• On June 23, the Earthtones (earthtoneschorus.com), a world music choir for women, will sing and play songs of earth. They are led by the internationally-known jazz and world music expert Peggy Larson.

• On July 21, the Brooklyn Big Band will be here to lead worship with their energetic big band sound. Check it out at bumc.umcchurches.org/brooklyn-big-band

• We’ll also spend the morning of August 4 with My Anchor Holds, a wife and husband duo who write music for people with evolving faith and find God in unlikely places. They will lead music in worship throughout the morning. Learn more about this musical duo at myanchorholds.net

Mark your calendars for July 28 when we come together for One Big Backyard Worship Rather than three worship times that morning, we’ll gather in Lord of Life’s backyard for one service at 10am. Stay after worship for a picnic and backyard games. Saturday worship, July 27, will still gather at 5:30pm.

Volunteering to usher, read, and serve communion is always welcome! Please consider offering hospitality to guests and regular worshipers by signing up at lordoflife.org/volunteer. We always appreciate your help!

As the spring buds bloom into full summer, we give thanks to God for the gift of summer. We look forward to sharing this season of life together.

May 26-July 7 Sermon Series:

“A Time to Grow: Lessons from theGarden”

July14-August 25 Sermon Series:

Beyond Our Imagination: The Book of Ephesians

Grab a lawn chair or blanket—

One Big Backyard Worship returns on Sunday, July 28—stay for picnic + games. In case of rain, we will move inside!

BEDS IN NAMIBIA

by Ministry Leader Kent Dirks (kent.dirks@h4ki.org)

Namibia, northwest of South Africa, is roughly twice the size of California however its total population is only 2.58 million. With this sparse population, children travel very far to reach their schools. These distances are so great that the majority of children attending school live at the school they are enrolled in.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN), is severely underfunded and struggles to maintain and operate 18 boarding cottages at schools around the country. Hope for Kids International has partnered with ELCRN to improve the living conditions for the children at these boarding facilities.

In some regions of the country, evening temperatures during winter months can reach below 32°F. Last year while visiting these boarding cottages—that have no heat—two to three children were using the same bed since some were without mattresses and blankets and some without beds! Please help reach the goal to provide enough bedding kits for all the boarding cottages.

18 cottages to complete!

Make a difference in the lives of schoolchildren in Namibia by giving financially to purchase bedding kits for ELCRN boarding cottages. Each kit is $76 and includes a mattress, linens, and a pillow. Lord of Life’s goal— in partnership with the Children, Youth & Family Summer Service Project—is to provide enough bedding kits so every child going to school away from home has a warm bed to sleep in at night.

—Outreach Coordinator Elizabeth Pedersen

HEALING IN CHRIST

by Pastor LisaMarie Doerrmann (lisamaried@lordoflife.org)

One day while Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem were sitting nearby, and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but, finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus.

When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your stretcher and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God.

Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen incredible things today.”

Luke 5:17-26

Healing can happen in many ways: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Healing can help those seeking relief for a particular illness or disease, as well as those working through loss and grief, coming to terms with the loss of a relationship, or accepting inevitable death, either in ourselves or in those close to us.

Throughout Scripture, there are many stories that show God healing, physically and spiritually. A number of them include more than one aspect. I invite you to read the story of Jesus healing a paralytic, Luke 5:17-26 (in sidebar).

We readily connect with the healing in the story of the paralyzed man who can now walk. It’s easy to label it as the miracle. But there’s more in the story. Think about how Jesus healed the man spiritually first, by forgiving his sins, before physically healing him. Think about the people who saw a fellow human in need and worked together to bring him to Jesus. When faced with a crowd that prevented them from bringing the man to Jesus, they were not deterred.

What was the conversation between the man and those bringing him to Jesus? What were the men carrying him thinking? Were they praying to God for strength to lift and carry this man? Or did they pray to find Jesus? Did they pray for healing for the man? Now imagine the conversation when they decided that they could go to the house entrance and they found a crowd blocking the door. Working together, they decided to lower the man through the roof—it wasn’t just the physical healing, but the determination and love of the helpers and their belief that Jesus would heal the man that reinforce the last sentence of this story—“we have seen incredible things today.”

You are invited to gather in a service of healing on August 11 at 2pm. Come and experience the healing presence of God’s love. We will gather as the body of Christ to witness and pray for one another. Just as the men carried their friend in our story, all of us gathered will pray for God’s healing love to touch all in need. We will share in Holy Communion, offer comfort through prayer, laying on of hands, and anointing. Together we will hope and trust the healing presence of Christ, in God’s love, compassion, forgiveness and grace for all people, in all stages of life, in all stages of faith, and in all life transitions.

Come and experience incredible things.

CREATION, IT RINGS

by Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org)

As a worship leader who works with volunteers, I believe a central faith practice is to use the gifts God has given you to bless the community. I see this every week with Lord of Life’s worship band: they’re letting their light shine and sharing musical gifts! I think God is delighted when we share who we are with others.

One of the ways I shine the light is by composing worship songs. I believe writing worship songs is a delicate process: the songs must be easy to learn and sing, have meaningful yet understandable theology, and also be good! Above all, songs must open people’s minds and hearts to the presence of God.

You have all been so encouraging and receptive when I’ve shared original worship songs! And so, with a ton of gratitude and a little bit of nervousness, I’d like to share my worship album—Creation, It Rings—with five original songs! Four of the songs on Creation, It Rings were written at Lord of Life with this community in mind. My hope is these songs will deepen the faith of everyone who listens, showing that God loves and celebrates them for who they are.

If you’d like to take a listen or learn more, head to CreationItRings.com. And keep an eye out for announcements about an album release worship event at Lord of Life— again, thank you all for the encouragement!

BAPTISMS

February 4, 2024

Blake Elizabeth Ditty

Hudson Troy Ditty

February 11, 2024

Kace Kyle Dingman

February 25, 2024

Jeffrey Joseph Lien

Mason Maurice Lien

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. To schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/baptism. Upcoming baptism classes are May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, and September 9 from 5-6pm via Zoom.

March 3, 2024

Henrik Mark Kesti

March 9, 2024

Ashton Zackery Barth

Grayson John Barth

March 16, 2024

Kevin Robert Mangle

Nora Vivian Workin

March 17, 2024

Lillian Louann Ellingson-Zaic

March 23, 2024

Kallie Gayle Miller

Ada Joy Perleberg

Isaac Jonathan Perleberg

April 7, 2024

Aria Lyn Gonzalez

April 13, 2024

Ellory Mae Listberger

April 14, 2024

Callum Phillip Lenton

April 21, 2024

Reese Marie Kennedy

Millie Lorraine Masterson

Oliver Lionel Fisher Stratford

April 28, 2024

Andrew Joseph Dischinger

Claire Ann Zechmann

BEREAVEMENTS

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

Andrew Ainsworth and family at the death of his father

Bobette Berno and Eleanor Hahn and family at the death of her father and her husband, Ben Hahn

Diana Bittle and family at the death of her aunt, Elaine Hanson

Dan Denchfield and family at the death of his mother, Mary Denchfield

Gwen Denninger and family at the death of her mother

Beth, Jim, and Bob Erickson at the death of their father, Walter (Wally) Erickson

Karen Hanson and family at the death of her husband, Steve Hanson

Tamara Kane and family at the death of her cousin, Andrei Petrikov

Andrea Lilleberg and family at the death of her father

Bob Matherne and family at the death of his sister

Sandie Saar and family at the death of her brother, Don Wicklund

Greg and Janene Smith and family at the death of his grandmother and her mother

Julie Torkelson and family at the death of her husband, Bruce Torkelson

Donna and Mike Winkelman and family at the death of her husband and his father, Joel Winkelman

WEDDING

February 10, 2024

Brian Schroeder & Tyler Sit

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

February 2024

Paul & Rebecca Walsh

March 2024

Mark & Kris Edmunds

Larry & Joan Johnson

John & Nancy Rodeberg

Michael & Heather Russ with Madelyn

April 2024

Aaron & Olivia Ford with Fletcher

Kyle & Alexie Lee

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 Diane Steffen (dianes@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life faith community.

preschool/kindergarten vacation bible school (VBS)

Dive deep into God’s love with SCUBA through amazing undersea adventures! Children rotate through crafts, games, singing, and Bible stories.

Time: 9am-12pm

Cost: $50

Ages: 3 years - completed Kindergarten

june 17-20 or june 24-27

story circles july 10, 17, 24, 31

Explore God’s love through story time, singing, and activities! Each session, participants will hear a new story.

Time: 3:30-4:15pm

Cost: none

Ages: Birth - Kindergarten (older siblings may attend)

Middle school & high school volunteers neededvisit lordoflife.org/summervolunteer !

elementary vacation bible school (VBS)

Grow in faith through engaging worship, Bible studies, crafts, and games.

Time: 9am-3pm

Cost: $120

Ages: Completed K - grade 5

july 22-25 or july 29-august1

summer stretch

On Wednesday or Thursday mornings during June/July, middle school students and high school and college-age leaders travel into the community to serve with various partner organizations. In the afternoon, everyone comes together for an activity such as the MN Twins game, Urban Air, or Bunker Beach. The last week, we will go to Valleyfair amusement park all day!

Time: 8:15am-4:30pm

Cost: $150 program fee (not refundable after June 12), plus $30 per day event fee

Grades: Completed 6-8th grade (as of June 2024)

There’s a lot going on at Lord of Life during the warmer months— from Vacation Bible School to the Middle School Mission Trip to outdoor worship. One activity that spans the entire summer and beyond is the work happening in LifeGarden (lordoflife.org/lifegarden). If you’ve driven into Lord of Life’s campus through the northern entrance, you’ve probably noticed it. Or maybe you’ve been around on a Sunday when volunteers are selling vegetables then enjoyed the spoils of the garden yourself.

• LifeGarden is split into two sections—one for a community garden where volunteers help plant, tend, and harvest vegetables. Those vegetables then go to ministry partners with food shelves such as CROSS Services and Gethsemane Church. Sales from the garden also goes to these organizations.

• The second section has individual plots that gardeners can sign up for. Plots are open for anyone—there are people who go to Lord of Life who register for a plot, people from the surrounding neighborhoods— you never know who you’ll meet in the garden!

If you’re interested in spending more time outside this summer, consider volunteering in LifeGarden. It’s a tangible and satisfying way to serve. You’ll get to help prep the garden and plant seeds, watch those seeds sprout, water, and weed as the plants get bigger, and help harvest hundreds of pounds of vegetables. You can dig in the dirt, be in the fresh air, and provide fresh, local produce for our community all at the same time!

GARDENING

by Sarah Lee (sarahl@lordoflife.org)

Growing up, my family always had a vegetable garden. Every summer, our backyard would be filled with potatoes, tomatoes, beans—all manner of veggies that grow in Minnesota’s relatively short growing season. We’d be swimming in zucchini and yellow squash, and I would be so incredibly sick of eating squash (unless, of course, it was baked into zucchini bread).

Now that I have a couple years of my own garden under my belt (thanks to the wonderful LifeGarden at Lord of Life—see sidebar), I’ve realized that my parents were champs. It is NOT easy. Especially, I imagine, with kids like me, who tried to avoid weeding or even watering (arguably the easiest garden job there is). Let’s be honest, I still don’t want to weed and water.

But I’ve also realized just how magical gardening is. You plant a seed, a tiny little unassuming speck, that somehow, with the help of all the natural elements around it working in tandem, grows into a plant. And, wonder of wonders, that plant produces fruit (or seeds, roots, or the vaguely defined

+ A MUSTARD SEED

“vegetable,” let’s not get into the weeds here) that sustains and nourishes us.

It’s no surprise, then, that Jesus used metaphors related to plants, farming, and growing many times throughout his ministry. It was something that most people were familiar with, but that still held wonder and mystery. Jesus called himself the vine and the Father, the gardener or vineyard keeper, he talks about faith using a seed, and he even curses out a fig tree!

In three of the Gospels, Jesus tells a short parable about a mustard seed. [Jesus] put before them another parable:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

Jesus reminds his listeners that the kingdom of heaven starts out in an unassuming way. No, the mustard seed isn’t actually the smallest seed, and yes, it grows into a bush rather than a tree. Jesus and his listeners likely knew those things, but remember that Jesus is using a metaphor rather than giving a scientific lecture—Jesus is highlighting the contrast in size between the seed and the plant. A mustard seed is tiny and easy to overlook. A tree can’t be missed. It can take up your entire field of vision and can grow large enough to host other forms of life.

The kingdom of God may seem unassuming, with humble beginnings, like a carpenter’s son from Nazareth. But the end result—the wondrous reality—is a huge and glorious kingdom, that provides shelter and rest for the weary, food for the hungry, and life for all. Its branches reach out to provide room for everyone, welcoming all to shelter in its shade.

COMMUNION

PHOTO ALBUM 6-7, 2024

BRAVER ANGELS

Jeff Thiemann Co-facilitator of workshops with Pastor Karen Wight Hoogheem

Depolarizing Ourselves Workshop ~ June 23, 11am, Luther Room or June 24, 7pm, Zoom

For people of faith, civil discourse begins in recognizing the image of God in our conversation partner. Respect, not agreement, is an essential key for a healthy discussion. This workshop will help you lessen the effects of polarization. Note that by “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are talking about how we regard large groups of ordinary people on the other side of our own politics.

Disagreeing Better Workshop ~ July 14, 11am, Luther Room or July 15, 7pm, Zoom

You will learn skills for listening, understanding, and sharing your perspectives in constructive ways. This workshop provides the not–so-secret sauce to help you disagree better:

• Listen well and doors will usually open.

• Listen for the values and concerns that underlie the other person’s position.

• When you are ready to share your own views, make your points in a way the other person can take in.

Whether in person or via Zoom, these are 90-minute workshops.

To learn more and to register, visit lordoflife.org/braver.

A special thank you to all volunteers who helped in creating flowers and decorating the building to celebrate the risen Savior on Easter!

WORSHIP

Saturdays: 5:30pm with Livestream

Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, 11am with Livestream

• Church School (age two - 6th grade) during regular Sunday worship: last day is May 12 then resumes in September (registration for 2024-25 Church School is now open)

• Summer Sundays for Kids (age 3 - 3rd grade) for June/July/August: begin worship with families then excused for kid-friendly faith activities—all are welcome!

• Childcare available for birth - age two during regular Sunday worship

SPECIAL EVENTS

May 19 Celebration:

• Thanking all Church School + C3 Confirmation volunteers

• Celebrating a great year of Church School + C3 Confirmation

• ELCA Youth Gathering fund-raising breakfast for everyone

• High school graduation recognition all Sunday worship services

• Church School kids worship with families + sing during worship

Middle School Mission Trip Chicago, IL ~ July 28-August 2

Middle schoolers are planning a road trip to Chicagoland to serve, build relationships, and explore the city. These youth have completed grades 6-8 and will be eager to stretch their faith (and their wings!) towards a meaningful purpose this summer. Add them to your thoughts + prayers for safe travels filled with many memorable blessings!

ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Youth Gathering New Orleans, LA ~ July 13-21

Every three years thousands of high school youth and adult leaders gather for a week of interactive learning, worship, Bible studies, fellowship, and inspiration. It’s a unique, life-changing opportunity for Lord of Life’s youth. Please keep them in your prayers for safe travels and spiritfilled moments together!

One Big Backyard Worship:

July 28, 10am . . . more about summertime worship on Pages 8-9!

Brewed Theology at OMNI Brewing May 13, June 10, July 15, 7-8pm

Have a cold one (non-alcoholic options are available) and a meaningful faith conversation in a relaxed setting. While Brewed Theology is geared towards those in their 20s-40s, all are welcome! Each month will be a new topic relevant to faith + life. Connect with others, led by Pastor Kaitlyn Forster. Come as you are and as you are able—join in!

RSVP at lordoflife.org/brewedtheology

Stay connected with recurring events:

Alone...Together Men, second Monday

Alone...Together Women, third Monday

C3 Confirmation Ministry (ends May 5/8, resumes Sept. 15/18 family kick off)

Canticle Choir, Wednesdays (last practice May 12, resumes Aug. 28 7:15pm)

Celebrate Recovery, Tuesday evenings

Children’s Choir, Thursday evenings (last practice May 9, resumes Sept. 12)

Centering Prayer Community, first Tuesday

Fellowship with the Fellas, first and third Tuesdays

FreedomWorks Connection, third Thursday

Gethemane Clothes Closet, first & third Saturdays

Gethsemane Food Market, Mondays

Griefshare, Tuesday evenings

Holy Land Ministry, first Thursday

Hope Lodge, third Mondays

Job Transition Group, first and third Wednesday mornings

Love to Paint, Tuesday afternoons

Men’s and Women’s Cancer Support, first Mondays

Men’s Small Groups: Mon. 6pm, Tues. 7am, Sat. 7am

Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs: lordoflife.org/owls)

Prayer Shawl Ministry, second Thursdays

Ring and Sing, Thursday mornings in August

Sharing and Caring Hands, second Saturday mornings

Word for Women (last session May 15, resumes Sept. 11)