March2015

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

March 2015

LifeTIMES

Let It Go

by Pastor Sarah Bunge, Evangelism and Worship

Life is full of ‘things.’ Some are what life is all about.

However, some things can truly get in the way of the abundant life that Jesus wants us to experience. Of what could you let go? What things are distracting you from truly living, truly experiencing life in all its fullness? On Thursday evenings in Lent, we will gather in worship and hear from folks in our congregation who have truly let something go. These services will be in Samaritan Hall at 7 pm. Come, learn from their stories. Reflect on your own Lenten journey. Worship God! February 26: Kevin Doyle, Letting go of substance abuse March 5:

Bev Mello, Letting go of mental illness stigma

March 12:

Gail Blackmon & Tom Seidner, Letting go of grief

March 19:

Michelle Welinski, Letting go of control

March 26:

Kirk Hoover, Letting go of time

March 2015

“For me to live is Christ”

Philippians 1:21a

>

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FAX 763.420.7286 Visit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for a full staff listing with photos.

PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

worship Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Sunday evening is Ecclesia worship at 7 pm Third Sunday, March 15, worship at 10 am at AmbassadorGood Samaritan Society in New Hope

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

—Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy

PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor, Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor, Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor, Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor, L5/Adult Bible Study, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS Worship Schedule / Pastor’s Message........................................................Pages 2-3 Lord of Life Lives Christ Together...............................................................Pages 4-5 Hope Lodge / L5 Forums...............................................................................Pages 6-7 Generosity............................................................................................................. Page 8 Lord of Life Ministries..................................................................................Pages 9-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool.............................................................................. Page 15

Table of Contents / Worship schedule

Healing Services There is no healing service scheduled in March, however, appointments are available with Pastor Karen Sue Greimel (see contact information at left).

February 28/March 1 Preaching: Pastor Sarah Bunge Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) March 5 Midweek Lenten Service - 7 pm Bev Mello’s Faith Reflection and Special Music Joyful Noise March 7/8 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto (all services), Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Little Hands Ring and Sing (11 am) March 12 Midweek Lenten Service - 7 pm Gail Blackmon & Tom Seidner’s Faith Reflection and Special Music to be announced March 14/15 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble March 19 Midweek Lenten Service - 7 pm Michelle Welinski’s Faith Reflection and Special Music to be announced

Best Place of Worship

Best Worship Youth Group

Third Wednesday, March 18, worship at 12:45 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room

Best Summer Camp

March 21/22 Preaching: Pastor Dave McCarty Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Tom Tipton March 26 Midweek Lenten Service - 7 pm Kirk Hoover’s Faith Reflection and Soloist Laura Duffee Snyder

Lord of Life was named the winner of Osseo-Maple Grove Press’ Readers Choice awards in three categories: Best Place of Worship, Best Worship Youth Group, and Best Summer Camp! Thank you to all of the readers who voted for Lord of Life!

2 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

March 28/29 Palm Saturday/Palm Sunday Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir and Church School Children Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.

Decide Each Morning

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God? Have you ever said something and realized, “I can’t believe I said that out loud,” and then in desperation tried to fix it only to put the other foot into your mouth? Well, you are not alone. I have been reminded lately that saying something out loud is like ringing a bell. You can’t “un-ring” a bell. We can’t put the words back into our mouths.

Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

That’s why the condition of our heart is so important. Luke 6:45 says, “A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Now there are times that I just ramble in conversation, nothing good or bad is being said. But I wonder, is this conversation bearing any fruit? Is there anything nourishing about it? That brings me back to Psalm 19:14.

Are the rambling words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart something I want God to see and hear? Are they pleasing in His sight?

May

uth o m y m of these words on of

ti a t i d e m s and thi my

be pleasing in your sight,

Lord...

heart

Psalm 19:14

What this says to me is that whatever is in your heart somehow makes it to your lips. Yikes! All the more reason to decide each morning how God’s love will guide your heart and what you think and say. If you are anything like me, prayers for help are vital! Try it—pray Psalm 19:14 every morning and see what God does.

—Pastor Karen Sue Pastor’s Message “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015 3

Lord of Life Lives baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is March 14, from 10-11 am; no pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

January 4 Olivia Brooke Randall January 10 Zoey Lynn Rene January 11 Elsa Ann Harding

To every thing there is a season ... and a time for every purpose under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:17

January 17 Emmett Henry Helleen Tristan Elizabeth Helleen Austin James Schumer January 18 Jasper Hampton Hughes Claire Elizabeth Hanson January 25 Lacey Marie Fuerstenberg Emily Ray Anderson

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together

January 31 Maryn Lynne Craig

4 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Christ Together bereavements

weddings

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

January 24 Shannon Wegner & Thomas Gabrielson

Nancy Anderson and family at the death of her father Dan Arp and family at the death of his father Lisa Boatman and family at the death of her brother-in-law Cindy Cadwallader and family at the death of her father-in-law

welcome to new members John & Anne Adix with Elise and Maren Ben & Alicia Beerman with Evan Deb Hanson Tom & Kristen Lee

Barb Claseman and family at the death of her mother

Jon & Lisa Nelson with Kira

Julie Donaldson and family at the death of her uncle

Bill & Nancy Singpiel

Joyce Durant and family at the death of her son

Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church and its programs financially.

Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/newmembers for more information.

You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

Jill, Michael, Kimberly & Christy Frederickson and family at the death of their husband and father Luke Johnson and family at the death of his father Jeff Juliot and family at the death of his father Susan Manrodt and family at the death of her sister Gordy Mickelberg and family at the death of his brother

Pete & Lorrie Pesheck Greg Burns & Kimberly Stenerson

Heather Miller and family at the death of her grandfather Steve Orendorff and family at the death of his father Angel Petit and family at the death of her uncle Sue Williams and family at the death of her brother

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together

Barbara Upens and family at the death of her sister

You are invited to send faith stories, original photos and artwork to LifeTIMES Editor Bev Mello at bevm@lordoflife.org.

We would love to share them in a future issue—thank you.

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015 5

Live, Laugh, Love at Hope Lodge

by Shar Moseng Live, Laugh, Love … That’s the expression I immediately thought of while speaking with Nettie and Bill during their recent stay at Hope Lodge.

Live—

When hearing about their family of 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, you can tell this couple is living their lives to the fullest, even amidst Nettie’s second cancer diagnosis. Three years ago, Nettie and Bill first stayed at Hope Lodge while Nettie underwent surgery. This past fall, Nettie was diagnosed with Harry Cell Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; she immediately knew that Hope Lodge was an option for them. Even though they have to be away from home every Sunday-Tuesday for six weeks, they are making the best of their situation. Nettie and Bill expressed gratitude for everything, “There isn’t anything we don’t like about Hope Lodge. Everyone is in the same boat. We all encourage each other and you feel at home when you come here.” They seemed to be active participants in all of the activities that Hope Lodge has to offer: Lord of Life dinners, bingo nights, and visits from University of Minnesota sports teams. Their zest for life doesn’t go unnoticed.

Laugh—

As I spoke with Nettie and Bill, most of the time was spent laughing. They have an extraordinary sense of humor, and you can tell that resonates with the other guests. They seemed to have a large group of friends, some who follow their nightly cribbage games where they have battled against each other for years playing several games each night.

Per Nettie, “He was four games ahead of me last week, but now I’m six ahead.” I’m pretty sure they were joking when they mentioned the loser had to sleep in the bathtub. Their positive attitudes are contagious; they love to laugh.

Love—

As you can tell by the photo above, Nettie and Bill are still very much in love and are looking forward to celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary on March 3. They said they “have a strong faith and love for the Lord. There are people all around the United States praying for us. It’s amazing how the Lord puts people in your life to help and support you.”

Since Nettie’s body is responding very well to treatment, she feels her prayers have been answered.

“

It’s amazing

•

Go directly to a cancer center because you get really good care.

how the Lord

•

Find out if Hope Lodge is an option for you - “It’s phenomenal the way they treat you here.”

puts people

•

in your life

Look into services offered by the Angel Foundation, which is currently helping them by subsidizing food, lodging, and gas.

•

Put your faith and trust in the Lord.

to help and

“

support you.

Hope Lodge

When I asked Nettie and Bill for advice for other people diagnosed with cancer, here is what they suggested:

6 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge is a home away from home for adult cancer patients and their caregivers who travel more than 40 miles to receive treatment. There are many ways for you to get involved in the Hope Lodge ministry. Visit lordoflife.org/hopelodge or contact Paula Thomas at pkthomas5@hotmail.com for more details.

You are invited to join in for spring One-shots! One-shot Forums are about an hour opportunities to hear a great speaker on an interesting topic. These forums are on Sundays with identical presentations at 9:45 and 11 am in the Luther Room on the lower level. One-shot Forums are free of charge and no need to register. Invite a friend or neighbor to come along with you!

ONE-SHOT FORUM

April 12 - Dr. John Martinson

Coaching - Not Just for Athletes or Executives: Conversations for Deeper, More Supportive Relationships Coaching is most frequently associated with sports. Teams and individuals perform at their best when aided by a coach. Today corporations frequently use coaching for the same purpose, to enable executives to provide their best possible leadership. Coaching conversations are not only helpful to athletes and executives—these conversations are also helpful to each of us who seek to be the best we can be desiring deep, genuine relationships. This forum will focus on an overview of coaching and how we can apply the principles to the conversations we have with family, friends and colleagues.

For biographies on Dr. Martinson and Dr. Henrich, visit lordoflife.org/L5.

April 19 - Dr. John Henrich

To Forgive or Not To Forgive ... That Is the Question!

This forum will reflect on forgiveness as a psychological and internal process. Forgiveness is both a theological concept and a psychological process. God forgives us, but we often have trouble translating that reality into forgiveness for those who hurt us. What are the internal steps to forgiveness and what gets in the way? What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Dr. Henrich will talk about the four steps of forgiveness and what can be helpful in reaching forgiveness and what keeps us stuck in anger, hurt, and bitterness.

Celebrate Recovery

by Michelle Welinski How many of us have spent endless hours and sleepless nights trying to change someone we love? I know I sure have!

Members of Celebrate Recovery often come the first night in hopes of finding out ‘how to fix someone.’ As they continue to come each week, they are surprised to learn that they are the ones who needed fixing. As we grow and change, we discover new opportunities for personal development in our lives. If we could magically change people to be how we wanted them to be, we would miss opportunities for personal growth. Recovery work is the most selfish thing you can do for yourself. I can speak from experience, it is so worth the time. I invite you to take some time to look at your life and relationships.

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday night at Lord of Life. There is an optional meal served from 5:45-6:30 pm and programming from 6:30-8:30 pm. childcare for infant-4 year olds, and programming for elementary-age children. Come, check out Celebrate Recovery. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

L5 Forums “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015 7

Stewardship

by Pastor Chick Lane A friend of mine once described March in Minnesota with these words, “March is a struggle between winter and spring. Many days it is not clear who is winning the struggle, but we know how the story ends.”

It has often occurred to me that the Christian life is much like March in Minnesota. It is a struggle between God and all those forces that are opposed to God. It is a struggle between living faithfully and falling into the almost countless temptations we face day after day. Some days, many days, it is not clear who is winning the struggle, but we know how the story ends.

If the Christian life is like March in Minnesota, then it is fitting that Easter comes either near the end of March or in April. Easter boldly declares how the story ends. Even death, the final enemy, cannot prevail against the power of God. Living the life of a steward is also a lot like March in Minnesota. Some days we manage to do fairly well at managing well all that God has placed in our care. Other days a late season storm hits and we go sliding down the hill of irresponsibility. But we know how the story ends. God forgives. We can stand up, dust ourselves off and go forward to do better tomorrow and all the tomorrows that follow.

Some days it is not clear who is winning the struggle. We know how the story ends. Thanks be to God for that.

Budget Year-to-date January 2015

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

Actual

Budget

Difference

$282,100

$293,192

($11,092)

$48,544

$46,772

$1,7772

$330,645

$339,964

($9,320)

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — January 2015 $150,000 $125,000 $100,000 $75,000 $50,000 $0

1/4

Actual Budget

$127,843 $70,069 $84,991 $84,991

1/11

1/18

1/25

$60,493 $84,991

$72,239 $84,991

—Pastor Chick

Food that Makes Cents

Generosity

Put a string on your finger as a reminder for the next Fare For All Express on Thursday, March 5, from 4-6 pm at Lord of Life. Open for everyone, Fare For All Express sells packages of fruits, vegetables, and frozen meats. You may save up to 40% on groceries. There is no need to register in advance. The more people who participate, the more savings are passed along to customers. Cash, credit, debit, and EBT cards are accepted. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/thefoodgroup. You can also sign up for email reminders instead of that string on your finger!

8 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

volunteers needed On March 2 from 4-7 pm, The Food Group is in need of volunteers to pack food at their warehouse in New Hope. Sign up at lordoflife.org/efn or contact Jane Bergstrom. Thank you!

Even if you are not

older wiser lutherans (OWLs) calendar

older, wiser, or always welcome

Thursday, March 5: Storyteller Pati Kachel is returning to delight us with Irish Tales and Other Blarney. Chase the March wind and cold away with fun, food, and fellowship!

It all begins with a freewill donation lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall.

to ‘keep an eye

Wednesday, March 18: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at

Lutheran—you are

out’ and join in

12:45 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

and would love to

Thursday, March 19: We will be traveling by coach bus to Wabasha, Minnesota, and the National Eagle Center. We will learn about the habits of eagles and meet the live bald and golden eagle ambassadors. March is the month when the eagles return to the Mississippi. We’ll probably spot some of them on our drive to Wabasha as well as from the Eagle Center’s viewing area. Lunch will be in a private room at the Eagle Center. We will leave church at 8:45 am and return at 4 pm. Cost is $30 which includes lunch.

meet you!

Friday, March 27: Coffee’s on for LifeTIMES labeling service

fellowship with the Lord of Life OWLs. They are a very welcoming ministry

project in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. God’s Work. Our Hands.

save the date

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Are you ready to graduate from single crochet to something more or struggling with pattern directions that you just can’t seem to get right? Bored with the same pattern over and over?

Thursday, April 9 (note date change): Life all around us tells us to be on guard against fraud. Associate State Director for community outreach for AARP, Jay Haapla will share how to identify and fight against fraud. You don’t want to miss this informative gathering. We begin in Fellowship Hall at noon with a freewill donation lunch.

Bring a friend—see you there!

The coffee will be on. All you need to bring is a project to work on. You are welcome to drop in or stay for the entire morning. This is a perfect event for crafters who haven’t been able to make the evening meetings.

Thursday, April 16: The Wildlife Science Center is a non-profit, science-based education facility home to the largest captive population of privately maintained wolves in the United States. Over 25,000 people annually attend educational programs specializing in wolves and other Minnesota predators. Along with over 35 critically endangered red, Mexican gray, and other gray wolves, the Wildlife Science Center is also home to black bears, foxes, lynx, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, porcupines, and birds of prey. We will leave church at 9 am. After a presentation at the Wildlife Center, we will have lunch at Norman Quack’s restaurant and return by 3 pm. Cost is $13 with lunch on your own.

prayer shawl retreat march 14

See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events. Cancellations due to weather will be on the authority of the event leader and made at least 24 hours in advance when possible; calls will be made to all participants.

Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@ embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry team is hosting a Saturday morning retreat on March 14 from 9 am-12 noon.

This ‘open house’ is a time to relax, enjoy great fellowship, stitch on a project, share ideas, or benefit from an experienced coach who can demonstrate a new technique.

Lord of Life Ministries “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015 9

According to Lord of Life’s all-congregation survey last fall, the top concern for members is to support and provide for those who live on the fringe of society. In that regard, here’s a great opportunity for you to serve and make a difference—

St. Olaf Seeks Board Members for Residence

Our ministry partner St. Olaf Lutheran Church has an active presence in Minneapolis that includes the St. Olaf Residence adjacent to the church building. There are two positions open now to serve on the executive board.

Service on this board would help ensure that north Minneapolis residents have a place for their loved ones when they can no longer live alone. North Minneapolis really has few other housing units for the elderly, and none as centrally located. The residence employs 120 people who live nearby or in the Liberian Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park community.

Service on the board includes a monthly meeting (fourth Tuesday) for a three-year term. This service opportunity would be for people committed to alleviating the conditions of poverty in north Minneapolis.

Please prayerfully consider answering the call to serve on this board. If you would like more information, contact Suzanne Olson at suzanneo@lordoflife.org.

Lord of Life Ministries

“33 The Series” is a six-week, Gospel-centered video study for men beginning on Saturday, March 7, 7:30-8:30 am, in the Luther Room. Come study and learn together what authentic manhood is—sign up at lordoflife.org/realmen.

Purchase your study guide at Lord of Life’s Reflections of Faith before the study begins.

10 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Spring is just around the corner— time to start thinking about gardening! LifeGARDEN, Lord of Life’s community garden, is now accepting registrations for the 2015 season. There is a fee of $30 to cover operating costs. All garden members are required to help with the mission portion of the garden. LifeGARDEN is now entering its sixth year and has produced over 50,000 pounds of vegetables for local foodshelves.

To register, visit lordoflife.org/ lifegarden or stop in the church office.

Questions? Contact Bob Zappa at garden@lordoflife.org.

Rolling suitcases with sturdy handles are needed by One Mission One World: Jamaica to carry supplies on their upcoming trip. Please drop off suitcases in the Service Center. Thank you!

On Thursday, April 30, Lord of Life will host the annual FreedomWorks benefit and dinner.

Your participation in this event allows FreedomWorks to further their mission of stopping the revolving door through post-prison ministry programs.

The keynote speaker will be Bill Butters, a retired professional hockey player who played 217 games in the WHA and 72 games in the NHL. A former Minnesota North Star and University of Minnesota Gopher, Butters has taken his passion and talent for hockey to contribute to the non-profit, Hockey Ministries International.

Music for the evening will be provided by the Gospel legend, Robert Robinson who has been called “God’s canary.” His beautiful music has been heard around the world.

FreedomWorks is a post-prison aftercare ministry located in north Minneapolis. The vision of FreedomWorks is to free men from the curse of crime and guide them to a satisfying life walking with God. FreedomWorks’ goals include: •

To reduce the recidivism rate in Minnesota by providing practical support to men released from prison or rehab treatment programs

•

To meet the needs of former offenders for housing, employment, individual and family counseling, spiritual and vocational guidance, job coaching, food, clothing and transportation for program participants

•

To provide for former offenders quality training and resources that educate, equip and offer access to adult support from the community at large for each individual participant and their families and also provide them with service opportunities

Tickets for the April 30 dinner and benefit are $35 with sponsorship tables of 12 for $500. Purchase tickets online at FreedomWorksDinner.eventbrite.com. Registration begins at 6:15 pm with a buffet dinner at 6:45 pm. Music by Robert Robinson begins at 7:25 pm with the program to follow.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to learn more about FreedomWorks, visit the Welcome Back Center in Minneapolis or the volunteer opportunities at myfreedomworks.com.

Questions? Contact Lord of Life members Greg or Cheryl Myhr at gcmyhr@embarqmail.com.

Lord of Life Ministries “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015

11

Christ, Community, Confirmation— sr. high sundays Start your week off right with Sr. High Sunday! Hang out with your church friends, have some fun and talk about faith. We start at 7 pm with Ecclesia worship, followed by Express youth group at 7:45 pm. All are welcome!

5th annual fun run/walk Saturday, May 30

Save the date for this year’s Children, Youth & Family (CYF) Fun Run/Walk! All are welcome to participate in a 1 mile or 5k+ run/walk around Rice Lake. Proceeds go to support our summer trips and camps for children and youth. Registration opens April 1! Visit lordoflife.org/funrun for more details or if you have questions email Elizabeth Pedersen at elizabethp@lordoflife.org.

C

3

sundays

March 1, 8, 15, 22 5-6 pm C3 Groups (7th Grade Only) 5:30-6:30 pm Family Meal 6-7 pm C3 Groups and L5 7-7:45 pm Ecclesia Worship 7:45-8:45 pm Explore

wednesdays

March 4, 11, 18, 25 4:30-5:30 pm 5:30-6:30 pm 6:30-7:30 pm

C3 Groups Family Meal C3 Groups and L5

jr. high explore Come check out Explore—it’s a fun time with worship and games and exploring our faith together on March 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 7:45-8:45 pm.

march 11

palm sunday breakfast Sunday, March 29

C3 Small Group Leaders Training

Please join us for breakfast on Palm Sunday! All donations will go to support our sr. high youth going on the A Work of Love (AWOL) mission trip to Kansas City, MO and the ELCA Youth Gathering trip to Detroit, MI this summer.

march 14

C3 Saturday Retreat #2

Questions on C3? Contact Raul or Clancy!

ultimate lock-in

Lord of Life Ministries

Totaling over 600 junior highers, the annual Maple Grove Community Center Lock-in was a blast. Lord of Life was well represented with some of our youth shown here. A special thank you goes to Lord of Life’s volunteers!

12 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Tuesday, March 17, 5-8:30 pm Sky Zone indoor trampoline park $15 each participant and includes a St. Patrick’s Day dinner—register at lordoflife.org/club56

Learn about the Jewish seder meal during first communion instruction.

First Communion for 5th graders

At Lord of Life, first communion instruction is given to 5th graders and their parents. This year’s instruction takes place on Saturday, March 21, 9-11:30 am and Monday, March 23, 6-8:30 pm. You should have already received a letter that requires your response as to which session you will attend. All 6th through 9th grade students who have not received instruction are also invited to attend with their parents. Students will receive holy communion Saturday or Sunday, April 11/12 at the service you usually attend. For more information and to sign up, visit lordoflife.org/firstcommunion. Questions? Contact Lynn Leisen.

Summertime!

As shared last month, registration is open for Summer Stretch, Vacation Bible School, Adventure Week, camps, and more! Discounts are available for the first 100 campers for Half-pint, Elementary, and Junior High. For more information and to register, visit lordoflife.org/summer.

Lord of Life Ministries “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015 13

Good Friday Family Worship Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)—

Experience the last days of Jesus’ life through Scripture readings, songs, symbols, and a reading of The Giving Tree. This family worship experience is appropriate for all ages.

World Hunger

The ELCA World Hunger Drive provides relief, helps people help themselves, advocates and educates.

During Lent, Church School children are collecting money for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Families may place special banks on their dining tables to collect change each time they share a meal. The banks are returned to their Church School classes or to the Children, Youth & Family office (lower level) any time in April. Banks are available for all who wish to participate. They may be picked up at the Youth Booth in the north commons area.

10 am friday, april 3 Lord of Life Sanctuary

Your gifts provide food, clean water, seeds, tools, trees, animals, education, life, and hope. Thank you!

Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed.

Blessed be God, who is our bread; may all the world be clothed and fed.

Amen.

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life’s Instagram presence includes posts to #PsalmSaturday from worship each weekend and inspiring posts #WisdomWednesday— check it out!

14 March 2015 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Pinterest

Lord of Life recently joined the fun on Pinterest! If you are looking for faith formation or worship or prayer ideas for your family—or for yourself—we invite you to check out our ‘pins.’

Lord of Life is eager to provide you with alternative resources which fit your needs and help grow your faith.

March Bible Verse: For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 3:11

Happy March!

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool It’s OK to Be Different

by Todd Parr This book cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence.

Lamb or lion—what will it be? We can’t wait to see what March will bring. Karing Kingdom Preschool begins the month of March with “L” is for Lutheran Schools Week (March 1-7).

Karing Kingdom’s theme this year is Our Children – A Future with Hope. This week is filled with lots of fun including Wacky Hair Day, Favorite Sports Team Day, and a canned good food challenge! The following week “U” is for Up. We will discover all the different things that go up in the air, like planes, rockets, and hot air balloons! Next we will have a St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring the letter “R” is for Rainbow. Will we find the pot of gold? Our final week we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus as we observe Easter and “J” is for Jesus. Happy Easter!

Please note: Karing Kingdom Preschool will be closed for spring break the week of March 30-April 3.

Celebrating 20 Years 1995-2015 We continue to take registration for the 2015-16 school year.

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

‘Dads and Donuts’ Day

Karing Kingdom Preschool “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a March 2015

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LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@ lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the April issue is March 1. Copyright © 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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caught reading lifetimes

Celebrate Recovery leaders are caught reading LifeTIMES before the Saddleback Summit workshops begin

Before their hands are covered in flour, Loaves of Love participants are caught reading LifeTIMES

Missionaries Marty Sager (second from left) and Jan Sower (second from right) with Tanzanian leadership

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March 2015

“For me to live is Christ”

Philippians 1:21a