Compass March / April 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

Welcome

lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

/lordoflifeluth

/lordoflife /cyf_lordoflife

An Easter Message

4-5

Tech+Word of God

6-7 8-9

10-11

A Guide to Holy Week

Easter Schedule

Celebrate Recovery

Children & Youth Choirs

12-13

Pastor Joel Classes

Baptisms & Bereavements

14-15

Welcome to New Members

Creation Care: Earth Day

16-17

Staff Realignment

18-19

March / April Calendar of Events

20

Journey through Lent

Compass is a bimonthly 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: AdobeStock, Kevin Klitz, Lightstock (generated with AI), and Unsplash. Copyright © 2024 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

WELCOME

What is your favorite part of spring? Is it the promise of flowers emerging? Is it the lengthening days? Is it that the end of the school year is getting closer and closer?

Whatever it is, this time of year carries with it immense promise. That includes the amazing promise of the resurrection in Christ we celebrate every Easter. The Easter story is not something from the past, but it is always a present-tense promise.

Throughout this issue of Compass, you can experience the arc of the journey through Holy Week that brings us to the Easter promise. You can learn about how the promise of the Word of God continues to be communicated through emerging technologies. You can be inspired by the stories of new life that come through the ministry of Celebrate Recovery.

Trees will bud. Flowers will bloom. Growing season will come again. The promise of new life in Christ is among us, too. Faith springs forth in us through the story we celebrate every year: that death and the grave cannot hold Jesus and he brings us along into new lives of salvation.

TECH+WORD OF GOD

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

What comes to mind when you hear the word “technology”? Is it computers and AI (artificial intelligence)? Or phones and streaming devices? Zoom and Slack and Trello?

While digital technology tends to come to mind for us, it is important to recognize that God’s promises in sacred Scripture have come to us today through new and emerging technologies over the centuries. Starting as an oral tradition, during the time of the exile in the 6th century BC, the stories of the faith that would eventually be recognized as Old Testament Scripture were committed to writing on papyrus, which was an emerging technology millennia ago.

Papyrus was not the final step. As scripture was canonized, the flimsy papyrus of that era was determined not to be hearty enough. Enter a brand-new technology from the time of the Second Temple (586 BC to 70 AD): skin scrolls.

Leaping ahead many centuries, the invention of the movable type printing press as a new and emerging technology played an invaluable role in our Christian faith. Historian Alister McGrath states, “Without the advent of printing, there would have been no Reformation, and there might well have been no Protestantism either.”

This exceedingly brief overview of how new and emerging technologies have been essential throughout the history of our faith is simply a reminder that God has been willing to work through cutting-edge technological breakthroughs.

It is no different today. While any new technology may seem intimidating and foreign at first, we can rely on our tradition of embracing new technologies to discern how God may be working through something new. Decades ago, it would have been unfathomable that Lord of Life would have a digital campus. Yet today, our digital campus is a vital part of God’s mission for the congregation. Each week, there are as many people who worship online with Lord of Life as those who worship in-person. God is at work!

The key to using any new technology is in that word, discern. We avoid rejecting something new outof-hand. We also resist blind acceptance of a new technology. Any piece of technology is a tool, and needs to remain a tool. If it’s a useful tool, we use it. If it is not, we discard it. Technology does not call the shots; God does. Technology is simply a tool God uses to communicate love, grace, hope, and forgiveness into the world and into our lives.

Years ago, I did my doctoral work on what was then a brand-new technology: podcasts. The project examined if and how preaching podcasts could be an effective and useful tool for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Fast forward to today and many of us cannot fathom a day going by without having a podcast (or several) to edify, inform, and inspire us. It’s a reminder that if God can communicate through a burning bush to Moses, God can communicate to us through a podcasting platform, too.

The apostle Paul quoted Psalm 24 in his words to the Corinthian church about the freedom a follower of Christ has in the matter of food sacrificed to idols: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (1 Corinthians 10:26) Just as Paul was addressing a contemporary issue among the people of his day, holding onto these words is critical in engaging the conversation about faith and technology.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be responsive to the culture and responsible to the gospel. Technology does not stand in the place of God, but it can be utilized for us to live out our faith, hear and share the word of God, and live out the Great Commission to go, make disciples.

If I were working on a new research project, I would dive into the connections of AI and our faith. What promise does it hold? What dangers does it pose? These are big questions worth considering. New technologies will come and go. The word of God will remain. Discerning which technologies best communicate the word of God is part of the fun we get to have all along the way.

A GUIDE TO HOLY WEEK

by Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org)

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem

PALM/PASSION WEEKEND

On this day, we wave palm fronds in worship and sing “Hosanna!” (meaning “save us”) just like the people of Jerusalem did.

What we sometimes miss is that this was a deeply dangerous and political act. Jesus riding into Jerusalem is like someone riding a bicycle into Washington D.C. and saying, “I’m running for president and I‘m going to replace every congressmember with the most marginalized people in society.” It was, at the very least, an annoyance to the powers that be—and even that would put his life in danger. To reflect this, worship often begins celebratory and becomes somber as we reflect on the suffering Jesus will soon endure.

What can you learn from the story of Jesus defying expectations by entering Jerusalem as a humble, peaceful king?

Matthew 21:1-11

Mark 11:1-11

Luke 19:28-40

John 12:12-19

Lord’s Supper

Foot Washing

Greatest Commandment

MAUNDY THURSDAY

The word “Maundy” comes from centuries of evolution starting with the Latin word mandatum, which is similar to our “mandate.” Jesus’ Greatest Commandment [or mandate], that we love one another as Jesus loved us, is the central theme on this day.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all outline the beginnings of the Lord’s Supper, which is why we also celebrate Holy Communion at this service. The Gospel of John doesn’t include the Lord’s Supper but instead emphasizes Jesus washing his disciples feet, which was a disruption of cultural and gender norms at the time. This is why some churches have footwashing during this service.

Jesus washing his disciples’ feet was a radical act then, and it’s even more removed from cultural norms today. As you observe Maundy Thursday, what might you learn about following Jesus from this story?

LORD’S SUPPER

Matthew 26:26-30

Mark 14:22-25

Luke 22:14-23

FOOT WASHING

John 13:1-20

GREATEST COMMANDMENT

John 13:31-35

Holy Week is an important time in the church year. It marks the end of Lent and follows the final days of Jesus, his death, and resurrection. But I’ll be honest: for most of my life, I didn‘t really understand what was special about each day. Worship services had so many different rituals, it all kind of blurred together. If you’re like me and want to dig into what Holy Week is all about, this guide is for you!

Here, I outline what worship looks like, some interesting facts for each day, and how you might integrate these days into your own spiritual practice. I also recommend reading the corresponding Gospel stories, to see how each Gospel sheds a unique light on Jesus’ final earthly journey.

Jesus is killed

GOOD FRIDAY

On this day, we reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death. He is betrayed by his friends, arrested, and put to death by the Roman government. Good Friday worship is somber and reflective, as we grieve Jesus‘ suffering together.

Good Friday isn’t just about the gruesome details of Jesus’ suffering; it is also an invitation to contemplate how the message of Jesus is radical even in today’s society. Two thousand years later, those who fight for peace, justice, and equality are still threatened by a social system that upholds oppression.

While you contemplate Jesus’ suffering and death, how might you continue his message of peace and love even when the world resists?

Matthew 26:36-27:66

Mark 14:32-15:47

Luke 22:39-23:56

John 18-19

Christ is risen!

Jesus is in the tomb

HOLY SATURDAY

While Holy Saturday doesn’t always get the most prominence in worship life, observing this day can be an important spiritual practice. It gives us a chance to emotionally transition from Good Friday to Easter.

Holy Saturday represents the time Jesus spent in the tomb. At some point during those three days in darkness, Jesus was resurrected. Worship on this day looks a lot like how people interact after the death of a loved one: we sit with our grief, sing hopeful songs, and share stories of when God has been faithful. Similar to how Palm Weekend worship turns somber, Holy Saturday worship turns from somber to celebratory as we learn that Christ has risen.

On this day, take some time to sit in darkness. Light a candle to remember that the resurrection happened in the dark. Read stories of God’s faithfulness in the Bible, and celebrate the news of the resurrection which spread from a few women at Christ’s tomb to the whole world.

Matthew 28

Mark 16

Luke 24

John 20

EASTER

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

Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). John 20:11-16

Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite books. Wikipedia describes it well: “Set in the late 19th century, the novel recounts the adventures of an 11-year-old orphan girl, Anne Shirley, sent by mistake to two middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm.” Anne is creative, smart, feisty, and dramatic. Anne is good with words. For example, when she feels sad, Anne announces, “I am in the depths of despair!” Anne knows a thing or two about strong human emotions.

The “depths of despair” is one way to describe Mary Magdalene’s state of mind and spirit as she stands near the empty tomb. Mary has come to take care of Jesus’ body after he was brutally tortured and executed on the cross. The body is nowhere to be found. Adding insult to injury, she thinks someone has taken his body away, and she does not know how to find it. She weeps in despair.

Her grief is so heavy, that she does not recognize Jesus when he stands in front of her and asks why she is crying. (Of course, it is possible that Mary does not recognize Jesus in his resurrected body!) Regardless of why she does not know that the person standing in front of her is Jesus, once he speaks her name, she recognizes him. This mysterious person is Jesus! And Jesus sends Mary to tell the other disciples that she has seen the Lord.

This story in John gives me so much hope and gratitude. In Christ, God’s love meets us exactly where we need it most—in the middle of everything. The resurrection transforms Mary’s grief to joy. Her sense of confusion gives way to a sense of life with a clear purpose. She must go and tell the others! In Christ, God shows the power of love, life, and forgiveness. The depth of despair revealed on the cross is transformed to Easter joy and the fulfillment of God’s promise of everlasting love and life for Mary, the disciples, you, me, and the entire world.

Please join Lord of Life for worship on Easter weekend. Invite others, too! The Easter message is an important one to share. God’s love is for all. God’s love changes everything. Happy Easter!

CELEBRATE

We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.

“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Romans 7:18

We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1

We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

“Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40

We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

James 5:16

We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10

We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Colossians 3:16

Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others, and practice these principles in all our affairs.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently...”

Galatians 6:1

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is on Tuesdays in person or via Zoom. In fact, thanks to that technology, one of the regular participants lives in Wisconsin! CR is a 12 Step program (see facing page). The big difference between CR and secular programs is that each step corresponds to a Bible verse and Jesus Christ is proclaimed as the higher power—we can do nothing without him. For all hurts, habits, and hang-ups, CR helps God’s word be of practical use in our daily lives.

With all meetings confidential, Tuesdays begin with a large group time of devotions, worship music, and a time of teaching. Then it breaks into gender specific groups for small group sharing. It is during the rich time of sharing that people—some for the first time—can admit dysfunction in their life. There is no condemnation, no shame; we are met with love and acceptance. You may be surprised to learn that two out of three people attend CR for a reason other than addiction. Come and be a part of CR. Your life will be richer for it.

I live in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. We have limited CR groups (nearest is 45 miles away). I found Lord of Life through CR’s Crisis Response website and requested joining. I didn’t know anyone but everyone was very friendly and welcoming. CR has been a firm foundation for survival and my recovery. Having been around recovery circles, I knew it was vital to find one: to be part of the meeting, to hear and join in the 12 Steps and principles, and share in small groups. CR has given me a family in which to belong -—Vicki, a grateful believer

CR has allowed me to openly discuss and address my chemical dependency and life associated with it. This is something that has tormented me and affected my health for a long time. The opportunity to meet weekly with fellow Christians who have faced—and still face— similar challenges is a source of support invaluable in my recovery.

—Joel

This is my 12th year. I have learned about codependency, boundaries, being vulnerable, and trust. I have practiced listening to another person’s story with two ears—keeping my tongue quiet. I have added others to my prayers thus looking beyond my problems. Vulnerability, trust and relationships can develop on Zoom

—Kris

I first heard of Celebrate Recovery (CR) while in treatment for substance abuse disorder. My counselor knew my faith was critical in recovery and suggested I try CR. My local CR was easy to connect with and get the link to attend online (as my treatment was during Covid). From that first meeting, I felt welcomed and accepted. I was happy to hear scripture readings, the worship songs, and a lesson that wove God’s word into suggestions on recovery. Even during my first small group session I felt accepted, there was no pressure to speak about the things I’ve done that I considered shameful. I’ve been faithfully attending CR for about three years. I enjoy attending in person for the beautiful fellowship. CR offers insightful daily devotions, inspiring worship music, and lessons that offer ideas for application of biblical principles in my life. In small group discussions, I am moved by the compassion and truth that is shared. CR is one of my most precious treasures!

—Jane

Regret and resentment can become gratitude and serenity with some work on ourselves and our relationship with God. Miracles aren’t talked about much these days but you can see the miracle of changed lives when you come to CR. When people turn over failed attempts to solve their own problems their own way and turn that over to God—lives do change. I am very thankful Lord of Life supports this much needed ministry.

—Ethan

lordoflife.org/cr

facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran/celebraterecovery

“...a time to express myself and sing”

Annika shares, “Because God hears us singing”

Children & Youth Choirs

During a recent Children’s Choir practice, this poster shares thoughts from participants on why they like choir! Youth Choir participants emailed in quotes, including “I enjoy choir because you get to share your love for God and singing with other people who also love it. We get to share them with everyone at church. I really like the community it builds as well.” Another comment received is “I like learning the songs, and Brian and his band are cool!”

Do you know a young person who plays an instrument? Contact Brian or Dana to talk about the possibility of joining a youth band!

Join in Ring & Sing (ages 1-5), Children’s Choir (K-grade 6), or Youth Choir (grades 6-12)—visit lordoflife.org/childrenschoir!

“making new friends”

“Dana”

The Religiously Unaffiliated Learning

from Our Dechurched, Unchurched, Atheist, and Agnostic Neighbors

There has been a lot of ink spilled about the rise of the so-called “Nones” in the United States. While they all tend to be lumped together, there are plenty of differences among those who do not affiliate with any particular religious tradition.

Rather than judging or condemning those who are religiously unaffiliated, what if we took the posture of learning? Why is this the fastest-growing “religious” demographic in our country? What has changed over the past decades? What can we learn from those who no longer participate in religious communities or those who never have? You probably have someone you know and love who identifies this way. You may have identified this way at some point in your life. We trust that God cares and loves us all, so how can we be gracious and humble as we relate with those who do not participate in any religious tradition?

On Sunday, March 17 at 9:45 and 11am in the Luther Room, Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem will lead a conversation about the religiously unaffiliated and what we can learn from them. This class will draw from the book The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going by Ryan Burge, along with other sources and recent research.

Then Sings My Soul:

God and the Music of Taylor Swift

When visiting Athens, the apostle Paul stated, “For ‘In [God] we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.” (Acts 17:28) If it was true back in Paul’s day and age that poets sometimes unknowingly pointed to the presence of God, it may still be true today with our poets, even musicians.

On Sunday, April 14 at 9:45 and 11am in the Luther Room, Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem will offer the first of a series of opportunities to listen to the intersections of faith and popular music. We trust that God is with us always and everywhere, so how does that inform how we listen to the music around us?

The conversation begins with the biggest pop star on the planet right now: Taylor Swift. We will make connections between her music, God’s promises, and our faith as followers of Jesus. And then be on the lookout for further conversations centering on other musical artists.

BAPTISMS

December 17, 2023

Charles Gene Davidson

Liam Hayes Thureson

December 23, 2023

Rylee Jo Flicker

December 26, 2023

Tove Heloise Lindgren Buck

December 30, 2023

Charlotte Mae Heneman

Theodore Kent Wirth

January 6, 2024

Jude Robert Loney

January 7, 2024

Sawyer Dovre Lemieux

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.

The next baptism classes are March 4 and April 8 from 5-6pm via Zoom.

January 13, 2024

Mack William Gilbertson

Ian Matthew Hendrickson

Charlotte Grace Sivongsay

January 14, 2024

Eyla Fern Hall

Keller Sean Heine

January 21, 2024

Kaylee Rae Simons

January 28, 2024

Evelyn Grace Nichols

Lilia Joy Nichols

BEREAVEMENTS

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

Ina Barton and Michelle Tomlinson and family at the death of their sister and mother, Clair Lambrecht

Jeanne Berglund, Ann Koch, and family at the death of their mother and grandmother, Bobbie Paxton

Jody Bhate and family at the death of her father

Jill Blekestad and family at the death of her father

Brian Claseman and family at the death of his father

Shirley Johnson and family at the death of her husband, Don Johnson

Ann Kinkel and family at the death of her husband, Vance Kinkel

Charlene Lyons and family at the death of her nephew

Sharon Mooty, Wendy Weigel and family at the death of their husband and brother-in-law, Donn Mooty

Dale Nelson and family at the death of his father

Karen Parks, Katie Cochran, Kristi Klee, Kelly Max, Rob Parks, and family at the death of their husband/father, Jerry Parks

Terry Stoltzman and family at the death of his father

Gregory Swenson and family at the death of his father, Lester Swenson

Kristin Ueland and family at the death of her mother

Connie Wilder Willis and Erik Willis and family at the death of their sister-in-law, Kathi Willis

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

December 2023

Jack Daly and Suzanne Bourgeois

Sam Noah

John and Linda McDonough

January 2024

Mark and Linda Johnson

Ryan and Elizabeth Kesti with Henrik

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.

Free Trees

April 20/21, Narthex

EARTH DAY

by Pastor Emeritus Peter Geisendorger-Lindgren

In 1913, the renowned Joyce Kilmer wrote his famous lyric poem, Trees:

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree

A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer, wear A nest of robins in her hair;

Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.

For several years, Lord of Life’s Creation Care team has distributed seedling trees (a variety of species) on the Sunday nearest to Earth Day. This act serves as a tangible reminder of the importance of caring for the earth that God created. It is heartening when someone shares a picture of one of those seedlings that they planted in their yard or at the lake, now matured into a good-sized tree.

The medieval church said there are two great books of God: the Book of Scripture and the Book of Creation. Engaging with the Bible can deepen our connection with God; similarly, observing and understanding nature allows us to comprehend God’s mind.

When we protect creation, we protect the work of God. When we admire creation, we admire the goodness of God. And when we love creation, we love the Creator and all that God created.

And so, when we plant trees, compost garbage, turn out a light, insulate the house, recycle a bottle, or save a little water—it can be a small act of worship that cares for creation and blesses the Creator. Only God can make a tree, but as God’s children, all of us can help care for creation.

STAFF REALIGNMENT

Congratulations to Elizabeth Pedersen and Oliver Leafblad on new roles where they each have the ability and aptitude to serve God’s mission faithfully—details below!

“I am so looking forward to contributing in a new way to a congregation I care so much about.”

Employed at Lord of Life since 2009 as high school ministry director on the Children, Youth & Family team, Elizabeth Pedersen has accepted a new position as outreach coordinator. She will be utilizing her many talents and leadership skills to connect volunteers with ministry opportunities where they can use their gifts serving the church in a new way. She will also provide support to the Communications team and serve as columbarium administrator. Elizabeth and her husband, John, enjoy spending family time together with their six-year-old daughter, Emelia.

“Ihave had a wonderful time at Lord ofLife and I am thrilled to see where my new positiontakes me. ”

Oliver Leafblad, who spent last fall as an interim associate on the Children, Youth & Family team, has accepted the role of high school ministry director. Oliver has already transitioned into the 9th grade confirmation leadership role. He has a degree in music education from Luther College and several years teaching experience. Oliver also served as a summer camp counselor for Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, worked with youth programs at the Minnesota State Fair, and—fun fact—now plays hockey in a rec league.

MARCH

4 Baptism Class via Zoom (see Page 14)

6 Lenten Soup Supper (5:30-6:45pm, Fellowship Hall)

Lenten Midweek Worship (7-7:45pm, Sanctuary)

7 Older, Wiser Lutherans (OWLs) Faith, Food & Fellowship (11:45am)

11 Brewed Theology (offsite, 7-8pm)

13 Lenten Soup Supper (5:30-6:45pm, Fellowship Hall)

Lenten Midweek Worship (7-7:45pm, Sanctuary)

16 First Communion Instruction (9-11:30am)

Inspired Images (8am-1pm)

17 The Religiously Unaffiliated Class (see Page 13, 9:45 & 11am)

18 First Communion Instruction (6-8:30pm)

20 Lenten Soup Supper (5:30-6:45pm, Fellowship Hall)

Lenten Midweek Worship (7-7:45pm, Sanctuary)

21 OWLs Outing to North Metro Training Facility

24 Palm Sunday (There is Church School & children sing in worship)

28 Maundy Thursday Worship (7-7:45pm)

29 Good Friday Kid-friendly Worship (10-11am)

Good Friday Worship (7-7:45pm)

30 Easter Worship (See Pages 8-9, 5:30pm)

31 Easter Worship (See Pages 8-9; 8, 9, 10, 11am, and 12pm)

Worship with Lord of Life

Saturdays (5:30pm) with Livestream

Sundays (8:30, 9:45, and 11am) with Livestream

Church School (age two - 6th grade) during regular Sunday worship

Childcare available for birth - age two during regular Sunday worship

APRIL

4 Older, Wiser Lutherans (OWLs) Faith, Food & Fellowship (11:45am)

5-6 Engaged Couples’ Seminar (4:45-8:30pm, 4/6 at 8:30am-1pm)

6-7 First Communion Celebration Weekend

8 Baptism Class via Zoom (see Page 14, 5-6pm)

14 Then Sings My Soul Class (see Page 13, 9:45 & 11am, Luther Room)

15 Brewed Theology (offsite, 7-8pm)

18 OWLs Outing to St. Paul City Hall / Ramsey Courthouse

18/19-21 Inspired Images Retreat

22 Karing Kingdom Preschool Conferences

27 Prayer Shawl Retreat (9am-12pm)

28 Holy Land Adult Forum Guest Speaker (11am, Luther Room)

Visit lordoflife.org or call the church office (763.420.5015) for the most up-to-date calendar items / specific event times or severe weather cancellations.

Stay connected with recurring events:

Alone...Together Men, second Monday

Alone...Together Women, third Monday

C3 Confirmation Ministry, Sundays / Wednesdays

Canticle Choir, Wednesdays

Celebrate Recovery, Tuesday evenings

Children’s Choir, Thursday evenings

Centering Prayer Community, first Tuesday

Contemplative Community, third Saturday morning

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

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 Monday

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

Prayer Shawl Ministry, second Thursdays

Ring and Sing, Thursday mornings

Sharing and Caring Hands, second Saturday mornings

Word for Women, Wednesday mornings

Loved

In the darkness of Lent, We wait and weep and mourn. But in the light of Easter, We rise to a new dawn.

The cross is heavy and hard, But the tomb is empty and bright.

We carry our burdens to Calvary, But we leave them behind in the light.

So let us journey through Lent, With our eyes fixed on the prize.

For the joy of Easter awaits us, And the hope of new life in Christ.

Both the image at left and the poem above have been generated by AI (artificial intelligence). Is technology an adversary or a partner in your faith? You are encouraged to read Pastor Joel’s article, Tech+Word of God, on Page 5.