May 2016 LifeTIMES

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

LifeTIMES

God’s continued blessings on Lord of Life’s 171 first communion youth and their families.

May 2016

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

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 PASTOR A L S TAF F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT, karilynw@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org

TABLE OF CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Pastor’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-3 Lord of Life’s Family of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 The Holy Land Forum / Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

may worship and music April 30/May 1 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise/Alleluia! (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) May 7/8 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto and Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Bel Canto (11 am) May 14/15 - Pentecost - Wear Red! Pastor Sarah Bunge Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble May 21/22 Pastor Chick Lane Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) May 28/29 Pastor Donna Rohrer Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: to be announced

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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 Third Sunday, May 15, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday, May 18, worship at 1 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 Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

Lord of Life’s next congregational meeting is on Sunday, May 1, following the 9:45 am worship service in the sanctuary. All members are

Worship and Music

encouraged to attend.

2 May 2016

Service dogs-in-training from Can-Do Canines attended worship on Easter.

Lord of Life’s Easter total worship attendance was 6,067 with 887 on Saturday and 5,180 on Sunday (not counting the pooches). For more information about Can-Do Canines’ assistance dogs, call 763.331.3000 or visit can-do-canines.org. See Page 16 for another photo!

One Day at a Time

by Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was just beginning my first course at Luther Seminary and had assumed my journey would take four years like the rest of my classmates. I was travelling back from leading music for a synod assembly and received a voice mail out of the blue. As I drove through spotty coverage, I played an intense game of phone tag with Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, who had called to inquire about my interest in serving as Lord of Life’s next intern for three years. Getting done with seminary a year early?

Serving and learning at Lord of Life? Count me in!

The opportunity to “officially” join Lord of Life’s staff excited me. For the four years leading up to beginning my internship, I was brought in as a guest musician for a variety of children, youth, and family events, like C3 retreats, Sunday Night Festivals, and confirmation weekend. In addition, my wife Julie became a staff member two years before I began seminary. The chance to work alongside Julie in a church that embraced ministry couples was a dream come true. This place became our home.

When I began my internship, I took a deep breath and approached things one day at a time.

Thankfully, over three years, that’s a lot of days! I was able to spend three-month intervals learning alongside staff and laity in various ministry areas. I taught L5 classes, spoke at C3 retreats, and met people young and old at the Kalahari family weekend. I served alongside God’s people in the Dominican Republic and down the road with Mobile Hope at Maple Hill Estates. I visited with families grieving the loss of a loved one and with families rejoicing new life in Christ through the waters of baptism. I grew in my pastoral identity and in my faith in the Triune God. I have the congregation of Lord of Life to thank. This place became our home. Your witness has strengthened my witness.

I graduate from Luther Seminary in May and will soon begin the next chapter of my journey … this time as Pastor Taylor. Although the congregation and community I’ll be called to is unknown at this moment, I walk in faith toward the future. Once again, I take a deep breath and approach things one day at a time—trusting God’s guidance—taking with me the memories and experiences obtained at Lord of Life.

Pastor’s Article

The Wilson Family Taylor, Julie, and Natalie LeRoyce (4 months)

May 2016 3

Lord of Life’s

Family

baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, May 1, at 11 am. No registration is necessary.

To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

March 5

Avery Anne Lentz

Corinne Lucille Verdoorn

Natalie LeRoyce Wilson March 6

Bennett James Sand March 12

Monroe Leigh Berube

Nola Jean Hough

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

Paul Amundson, Nancy Leitch, and Hans Amundson and family at the death of their daughter and sister Troy Buckley and family at the death of his mother

March 13

Hazel Mae Bennett

Noelle Beatrice Braun

Nolan Andrew Braun

Ella Christine Peterson

Grayson Rocky Schnettler

Addison Olea Tembreull

Isla James Thom

Brenda Gust and family at the death of her mother

March 19

Everly Ann Running Hawk

Anika Tigerlily Tieszen

Sirena Justin Tieszen

Chris Petersen and family at the death of his grandfather

March 20

Presley Elizabeth Haubrick

Travis Petrie and family at the death of his great aunt

March 26

Brady Nicholas Forsyth

Debbie Kripotos and family at the death of her sister Deb Toso-Linde and family at the death of her father Bev Mello and family at the death of her mother Ron, Amy, and Linda Nienaber and families at the death of their wife and mother

Danny Petrie and family at the death of his aunt Julie Torkelson and family at the death of her sister Karen Weigel and family at the death of her father

mother’s day is sunday, may 8 — plant sale What better gift to give mom, grandma or the special women in your life, than a plant you picked out just for them?

Plant sale proceeds benefit those attending Children, Youth, and Family summer trips and camp week. Come early for the best selection. Plant sale dates are Saturday, May 7 (8 am-7 pm) and Sunday, May 8 (8 am-1 pm). Items for sale include a variety of annuals, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs for planting in your garden; a large selection of hanging baskets; plus potted plants for sun or shade, including a $10 Mother’s Day special. Prices range from $3-$30 with cash or check only. Visit lordoflife.org/plantsale for more information.

Familiy of Faith

Celebrate spring, enjoy beautiful plants, and support our children and youth!

4 May 2016

You are encouraged to share your creative gifts with the Lord of Life family. If you have original artwork, poetry, photos—please contact me. I would love to share it in a future issue. Thank you.

—Editor Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)

of

Faith

weddings March 19

Kara Buechner & David Lachner

Fred & Bonnie Kaiser Tim Klesk & Madeline Gail Joanne Myklebust Aaron & Brittany Pyzdrowski

welcome to new members

Tom & Steph Steidl with Edie

Tom & Merissa Browning with Clara and Reid Marcus & LuAnne Cherwinka with Claire and Nathan Doug & Mary Jo Ende Doug & Lynne Hooker with Reese and Jack

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

For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@ lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/ membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

“do this in remembrance of me”

Lord of Life is looking for more altar team members. It is a wonderful way to quietly serve the congregation. For more details, contact Dana Brinton (danab@lordoflife.org).

Family of Faith May 2016 5

Lord of Life Forum “Hope Is What We Do” Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb Christmas Lutheran, Bethlehem, Palestine

One Mission One World: The Holy Land

© Joan Schulkers

May 25 - 7 pm

6 May 2016

Author, theologian, and recipient of Sweden’s Olof Palme award, Pastor Mitri will be speaking along with Executive Director Beth Nelson Chase of Bright Stars of Bethlehem.

View a 60 MINUTES interview with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem’s Christmas Lutheran Church. Produced by CBS News, “The exodus from the Holy Land of Palestinian Christians could eventually leave holy cities like Jerusalem and Bethlehem without a local Christian population. Bob Simon reports.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5p8mZ-HN-0

For more information about Lord of Life’s One Mission One World: The Holy Land ministry, visit lordoflife.org/theholyland.

Thank You

by Pastor Chick Lane The ‘thanksgiving moment’ has been a part of worship at Lord of Life for 18 months. In that time, approximately 75 stories of the impact on our congregation have been told. We have heard about things happening on our property: like changing the last light bulb that was installed when the building was built, and growing vegetables in our church garden to feed hungry people. We have heard a greeting from our presiding bishop as she thanked Lord of Life members for our support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We have celebrated Lord of Life youth who attended the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit. We have even seen a photo of Pastor Sarah sharing the Easter story with Easter egg hunters in our backyard (more photos at right).

A common phrase in these thanksgiving moments has been ‘because of you.’ Each and every one of the 75 ministries highlighted have happened because of you. Obviously, the 75 ministries that we have talked about are only a sampling of all that happens in and through Lord of Life. Each of the ministries that are too numerous to count have happened because of you.

Sometimes it can feel like the money you put in the plate or the money you transfer from your account to Lord of Life’s account just goes away.

You feel good about giving it, because you like Lord of Life, but sometimes the profound impact of your giving is hard to grasp.

The next time you listen to a thanksgiving moment, listen a little more intently, knowing that your giving has made a difference. The next time you see something happen in or through Lord of Life, smile a little, knowing that your giving has made a difference.

Thank you for all you do and all you give. You make a difference.

Together, we make a huge difference. Thank you!

Budget Year-to-date March 2016

Total member contributions All other Total receipts

Actual

Budget

Difference

$891,653

$869,144

$22,508

$82,622

$77,046

$5,576

$974,275

$946,190

$28,084

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — March 2016

With Easter bonnets and rain gear, about 400 folks found over 5,000 (yes, 5,000+) eggs—one even nestled in a birdhouse.

Pastor Sarah shared the Easter story of the tomb being empty, just like the plastic eggs, with candy for the kids afterwards. Thank you to all who participated!

$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0

3/6 3/13 3/20 3/27

Actual $94,655 $75,659 $69,016 $101,209 Budget $80,177 $80,177 $80,177 $ 80,177

Generosity

May 2016 7

Ready to Grow

by Jean Campbell Hints of an early spring have gardeners eager to start the seventh LifeGARDEN growing season. Seeds for the garden arrived in February, team leaders met in March, and gardeners met in April.

Their eagerness is motivated by an appreciation of vegetables harvested then served within a number of hours instead of number of days. And, they aren’t simply thinking about their dinner table at home. All participants know LifeGARDEN’s mission is a steady supply of fresh vegetables to CROSS foodshelf. Fresh vegetable availability at a foodshelf is pretty meager. Most only have shelf-stable, possibly frozen, items. Beginning late June through September, freshly harvested vegetables are picked up by CROSS three times a week for their clients.

LifeGARDEN’s yield has increased every year with the best year being last year— 18,000+ pounds of vegetables. This poundage came from ¾ of an acre! The rest of the garden is dedicated to individual plots for those who help with the community garden.

The ‘reward’ for gardeners is twofold. There is the great feeling of growing food for households going through a rough time. Secondly, anyone working in the community garden is eligible for one or more 10' x 10' plots for personal use. Each plot is $30 which helps cover community garden expenses: seeds, plants, supplies, tractor rental (for ground preparation), and water supply. What we do need is more gardeners to help with LifeGARDEN’s mission. For the community foodshelf garden, you would be assigned to a crop team entrusted with the care of a particular crop from planting through harvest.

The team effort is based on the old adage ‘many hands make light work.’

You may be an experienced gardener with shade trees (or deer) overtaking your garden spot at home. Perhaps you’re a new, curious person who appreciates having fresh vegetables available but doesn’t have the right space to garden. Gardeners are a friendly and welcoming lot willing to answer questions and trade helpful information about their gardening efforts. Or, if you would be willing to be on a crop team but don’t want your own personal garden plot, we would love your help in the community garden which supports the foodshelf.

Lord of Life Ministries

For more information, visit lordoflife.org/lifegarden or contact Bob Zappa (garden@lordoflife.org).

8

May 2016

Acts 29 Mission Trip

by Merle and Michelle Waldron The deadline to sign up for this year’s Acts 29 mission trip is Sunday, May 15.

The dates for the trip are July 23-30. We will be working with Habitat for Humanity in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Acts 29 is a short-term mission trip within the United States. We travel to areas that have been hit by natural disasters and help rebuild homes. Acts 29 started in 2007 after Hurricane Katrina. This summer is the 10th mission trip.

Can You Sew? Help Wanted!

Questions? Please contact Merle and Michelle Waldron at 763.420.5388 or mmwaldron@comcast.net.

Our partner congregation St. Olaf Lutheran Church in north Minneapolis hosts a sewing class twice a month on Saturday mornings for Liberian immigrants. They have sewing machines that are raring to go. The women are eager to find a teacher for casual instruction and motivation. Is it you?

There is a small stipend for the teacher and the reward of helping others pursue their goal of learning a lifelong skill. If you would like more information, please contact Suzanne Olson at suzanneo@lordoflife.org.

"gave me a feeling of community"

Create memories this summer with a great family volunteer event—

Benefits of Volunteering at Hamel Rodeo

"felt like I was back in the small town I grew up in" "I’ll do this again next year!"

by Dale Mallberg

from a group home didn’t have enough money for everyone’s admittance and were being turned away. Pastor Peter took me aside and said, “If you can’t do something to get that group into the rodeo, Lord of Life will.” Needless to say, I got them into the rodeo. Pastor Sarah was also a big hit when she arrived with her ‘Love Bug’ VW bus.

Al Peterson said, “I’ve lived here 40 years and didn’t know how much fun this could be—I’ll be back next year.” Gordy Mickelberg shared, “Glad you talked me into volunteering, I really enjoyed it!”

Helpers also included Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren who said, “This is neat, church members getting to know one another outside the church.”

MFSM acknowledges the 550 volunteer hours from Lord of Life members with a grateful thank you to those who gave their time to this effort. If you would like to experience camaraderie with other Lord of Life members and know the money raised will be given back to the community, we encourage you to think about donating a few hours of your time this summer. The Hamel Rodeo is July 7-10, so please consider setting aside some time to volunteer for this fundraiser. Based on feedback from last year’s rodeo, you’ll be glad you did.

Yes, some of the volunteering can be hard, physical work of setup and teardown. However, there are also tasks perfectly suited for families to create summertime memories such as with ticket sales. Some of those moments I recall as well.

After paying for his young son’s ticket, one Lord of Life member said to his wife, “I couldn’t lie about his age—that was Pastor Peter.” On another occasion a number of people

For more information and a “SignUpGenius Volunteer Link,” visit lordoflife.org/militaryfamilysupport.

May 2016

Lord of Life Ministries

Because of many Lord of Lifers who volunteered at the Hamel Rodeo these past two years, Lord of Life’s Military Family Support (MFSM) ministry has raised thousands of dollars for veterans’ and active duty service members’ needs.

Knowing your efforts will benefit a great cause may be the biggest reward for volunteering! What are other benefits?

9

A Sense of Peace

Kelly Jordahl shown above with Franky and below with Avrian. For more information about Lord of Life One Mission One World: Jamaica, visit lordoflife.org/jamaica or contact Pastor Dave McCarty at davem@lordoflife.org.

by Kelly Jordahl We bumped our way up the curvy mountain road on our way to Westhaven Children’s Home. As a senior in college, it’s been four years since I’d last seen the kids—kids I had grown up with since my first trip with Lord of Life’s One Mission One World: Jamaica team as a seventh grader.

Anticipation grew as we rounded the corner seeing a white sign declaring Copse, the town that houses Westhaven. We had arrived.

We pulled through the white iron gate, past the rainbowcolored sign with Westhaven Children’s Home painted on it. Peering over the seat in front of me, I saw children galloping toward the bus, their squeals coming through the windows. Driving down the middle alley of the orphanage, I could see children waving from their wheelchairs on the front porches of the five cottages. Finally, after four years of waiting, I was back in Jamaica. I could hardly wait to get my arms around the kids. My kids.

We piled off the bus, greeted by hugs and shrieks of excitement from both the children and from us. I soon noticed, while sitting amongst the children, that I felt different. It wasn’t just the overwhelming joy I felt from being reunited with my kids. It was different. I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t experienced before—my heart felt … full. I felt a sense of contentment, like God was using me to show His love to the kids. Trying to put my finger on why I felt this way, I realized that I was experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit. I felt God moving me to do His work among His children. And in that moment, I felt honored.

Honored that He had chosen me to do His work.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord of Life Ministries

Philippians 4:7

10 May 2016

Older Wiser Lutherans may

Thursday, May 5: Lord of Life in the Future will be the topic of conversation with Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Council President Merle Waldron. A freewill donation lunch will be served at noon in Fellowship Hall.

Communication in the family is important!

Wednesday, May 18: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/ or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, May 19: Journey back in time at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in St. Paul. We leave church at 9:15 am, returning by 3:30 pm. Cost is $11.50 plus lunch on your own at Cossetta’s.

Friday, May 27: Coffee’s always on for labeling LifeTIMES in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am!

Women’s Golf

After a challenging winter, you may be looking for ways to be outside this summer. For nine years, Lord of Life women have golfed on Wednesday afternoons. It’s a great mini-retreat from work and family responsibilities, an opportunity to meet new friends, and have fun. All skill levels are welcome. This is not a league—simply a golf group for Lord of Life women. Following golf, enjoy dinner together at a nearby restaurant and build friendships. Golfing is at Brookview Par 3 in Golden Valley. Tee times generally are between 4:30-5:15 pm. Questions? Contact Jean Campbell at 763.557.8638. Come and join in— it’s an easy and fun way to exercise and laugh with ‘the girls.’ No scarves, mittens, or boots required!

save the date Thursday, June 2: A Joyful Heart Makes a Cheerful Face is the theme of the OWLs’ annual picnic … rain or shine! Our guest is inspirational singer Roy Hope. Roy and wife, Rose, began Roy Hope ministries in 1971.

He has performed hundreds of concerts in the U.S. and Canada plus in his father’s native country, Norway. Good fellowship, good food, and good music to lighten your heart is on the menu. We begin with a freewill donation lunch at noon—see you there!

Thursday, June 16: Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud. Immerse yourself in a truly unique botanical experience. Awaken your senses, delight in natural beauty as you stroll the winding brick pathways. Cost is $14.50 which includes a buffet lunch at the Pizza Ranch. We leave church at 9 am and return by 4 pm.

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.

Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran (L5)—

L5 Summer Studies

retreat

This is a great time to renew friendships, or make new ones, and to grow in your faith. On May 20-22, the annual men’s retreat will be at Shores of St. Andrew in Spicer, Minnesota. Author David Wall will lead a book study blending football and faith to illustrate the overwhelming victory found in following Christ.

Registration is at lordoflife. org/mensretreat.

service

Spring yard clean-up and build a shed on May 7 in north Minneapolis. We could use rakes, shovels, garden tools, trailers.

Contact Blake Toms (blake.toms@regiscorp. com) with questions or Al Peterson (ajptwins87@ aol.com) about the shed.

Sign-up on bulletin board or lordoflife.org/ menscleanandbuild.

Lord of Life Ministries

Beginning Monday, June 6, at 6 pm, we will study the Protestant Reformation and work to get a better handle on names, places, and dates. We will use the movie, Luther, to help us understand what happened in the sixteenth century. The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is in 2017. Join in on Mondays this summer; the class will be over in time to worship at 7 pm. More info to come in the June issue of LifeTIMES!

2B REAL Men Events

—Pastor Donna Rohrer May 2016

11

Christ. Community. Confirmation. (C3) C3 is a time to come together to wonder and learn more about our Christian faith. C3 begins in 7th grade and ends in the fall of 10th grade.

In order to participate in C3, you must register every year. Please note that in July we will be placing new 7th grade students into small groups for the fall. Please register early. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/c3.

may schedule

C3 and middle school/high school

Sunday: May 1

5-6 pm: C3 groups (7th & 8th grade only) 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia worship in Samaritan Hall 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore middle school youth group

Express high school youth group

Wednesday: May 4

4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups

For those in grades 4-5, this is for you!

Graduation Recognition Sunday

Are you graduating from high school this year? Please join in with your family and friends on Sunday, May 15, at the 11 am service as we congratulate and bless you on this important milestone. There will be a reception with cake in Fellowship Hall after worship!

SNL@LOL Lord of Life Ministries

sunday, may 15, at 7 pm

12 May 2016

loud funk music inspiring relevant preaching join in for this new worship experience

End-of-Year Bash friday, may 20, 5-9 pm

Inflatable games, laser tag, wacky hair, bonfire, smoothies, bingo, pizza, and so much more! This is open to all students in grades 4-5 and their friends! Cost is $15.

Register at lordoflife.org/elementary.

The Dixon Family: Steve, Mandy, Liam (8), Alec (5)

I’ll Be There for You

by Mandy Dixon The simple reason why I volunteer as a Church School leader is because of my children. I started volunteering nearly five years ago because it was Liam’s first day and he wanted me to stay with him. He was three years old.

And to be quite honest—I wanted to stay with him! I was more than happy to stay because I wanted to find out what happens at Church School. Back then, it began with brief play time as children were dropped off; we danced and sang to some really fun songs. Then one of the ministry leaders would teach the lesson, and we would separate into smaller groups for activities.

It really became a fun routine that Liam and I both enjoyed. I continued to volunteer because I quickly learned that some of the children needed to see a familiar face. And I wanted to be there for them. I really looked forward to seeing them and have enjoyed this journey. I am also looking forward to upcoming milestones such as third grade Bibles and first communion.

My youngest, Alec, has been in Church School for almost two years now.

Even though the routine is slightly different for him than the way it began for Liam, the reason I volunteer is the same: I want to be there for them and their Church School family.

I find being a Church School leader rewarding. It’s a way to share in my kids’ church experience and to help them grow in their faith. Volunteering helps me stay informed on what they are learning so that we can talk about why we worship and try to connect Bible lessons into our everyday lives. My children are excited to go to Church School and learn about Jesus.

We are all faced with constant, growing demands on our time. Volunteering is such a wonderful way for me to be a role model for Lord of Life's children and to grow in my own faith as well.

May Church School

Join in during the last four weeks of Church School as we view life and faith through children in Norway! All children begin and end in regular classrooms, but rotate through stations during the Church School hour.

April 30/May 1: When life changes … God is good!

May 7/8:

When life is scary … God is good!

May 14/15:

When life is sad … God is good!

May 21/22:

When life is good … God is good!

May 29:

Summer Church School begins!

Sundays only (during worship) for children 3 years through 3rd grade. No check in/ registration necessary—children join families for worship and are excused for summer Church School following a brief children’s message in worship.

Lord of Life Ministries

Church School is Lord of Life’s weekend children’s ministry for 2-year-olds through 6th graders.

All children are welcome, including visitors.

Church School helps children seek, live, and share an active faith in Jesus Christ through Bible stories, active play, music, and fellowship. Parent and other adult volunteers are a vital part of the Church School ministry. Contact Kirstin, Julie, or Neil to help out.

For more details, visit lordoflife.org/churchschool.

May 2016 13

If You Plant a Seed

by Kadir Nelson This Caldecott-winning author presents a tale of small acts that give way to rewards of compassion and generosity ... that a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.

Preschool Vacation Bible School (VBS) Join in this summer for an adventure exploring caves as we experience “following Jesus - the Light of the world.”

Using songs, activities, crafts, snacks, Bible stories, and videos, we will learn about Jesus each day—Jesus gives us hope, courage, direction, and power!

For ages 3-completed kindergarten, the four-day experience is led by staff and volunteers. Join in for Cave Quest from 9 am–12 pm daily:

june 27-30

Lord of Life Ministries

Register at lordoflife.org/preschoolvbs.

14 May 2016

May Bible Verse: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

Happy May!

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool It is hard to believe that our school year is coming to an end … where did the time go? However, we do still have three more weeks of fun and learning in store— so let’s see what’s up!

We begin with the letter Y for yearbook. Looking back at the last nine months of preschool and all the memories we have shared. On Thursday, May 5, we will celebrate Mother’s Day with Moms and Muffins for our Tuesday/Thursday classes. On Friday, May 6, our pre-K friends will commemorate Mother’s Day with a traditional Mother’s Day Tea. Next we will explore the world of insects with the letter I. We will learn all about bugs, bees, flies, and beetles and how important they are to our world.

Karing Kingdom Staff (left to right): Jennifer Ellingson, Carly Tappe, Maureen Murphy, Director Angie Schiebel

In our last week of school our letter-of-the-week is X for x-ray. We will discuss different community helpers from doctors and police officers to dentists and firefighters. We will also be planting in our LifeGARDEN plot as well, learning about being gardeners and farmers.

We will conclude our school year with a celebration recognizing all of our preschool friends, on Thursday, May 19, at 7 pm in the sanctuary followed by an all-school family picnic on Friday, May 20. Enrollment packets for the 2016-17 school year will be distributed in May. Please note that they are due back by Monday, June 27.

Thank you for sharing your children with us. It has been a delight!

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

Wacky Hair Day!

Lord of Life Ministries May 2016 15

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

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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 church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork.

Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the June issue is May 1. Copyright © 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

SNL@LOL sunday, may 15, at 7 pm

loud funk music inspiring relevant preaching join in for this new worship experience

caught reading lifetimes God’s Work.

Our Hands.

Service dogs-in-training Dryden (yellow lab) and Star of Bethlehem (black lab)— see Page 2 for more pics!

After creating 160 hand-stamped greeting cards for Lord of Life worship & music staff, the Inspired Images ministry retreat team was caught reading LifeTIMES. Top Row: Cathie Martenson, Lisa Gedker, Evelyn Sluiter, Debbie Nohr, Ellen Sanko Middle Row: Bev Mello, Christy Daluge, Sara Travis, Lynn Anderson, Nancy Bourbonais, Cindy Cadwallader, Bobbie Hansvick, Diane VanEmmerik Bottom Row: Jeri Espeseth, Jenni Mueller, Autumn Wiste, Bonnie Hewitt, Lori Schwartz

16 May 2016