Lord of life lutheran
MAY 2021
C O M P A S S
ROUNDING THE CORNER...................................2-3 BIBLE 101: PENTECOST....................................4-5 community life ............................................6-7 JOURNEYINGS / OUR JOURNEY......................8-9 CHANGE IS A CHANCE........................................ 10 COntact Us ......................................................... 11 2
“. . . take faithful risks and listen carefully for the Holy Spirit’s leading.”
ROUNDING THE CORNER: CHANGE ISN’T A CURSE WORD by Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)
The saying goes that nobody likes change except for a baby with a wet diaper. There’s great comfort in the familiar, the routine, and the normal. Few of us like surprises and most of us appreciate predictability. What happens, though, when the familiar, the routine, and the normal are taken off the table? What do we do when “business as usual” isn’t an option? As followers of Jesus, we thankfully have role models for what to do when the former ways of doing things simply aren’t possible anymore. The book of Acts is one story after another of the apostles having to navigate through the new and unfamiliar territory of just what a Christian church would be: What would they do?
Who was welcome?
Acts 2:43-47
Acts 15:1-21
What were the community standards and expectations? Acts 10:1-33
There was no roadmap or rubric for the early Christian church to follow in the wake of the resurrection. They had to take faithful risks and listen carefully for the Holy Spirit’s leading. We also find ourselves in a place without much of a roadmap. The pandemic has forced Lord of Life to catapult several years ahead in our planning and mission. We find ourselves as a two-campus congregation now, with both a physical campus and a digital campus. After decades of being exclusively in person, we’ve had to navigate the last year as almost exclusively digital. Further, Lord of Life is becoming a neighborhood church, not only a destination church, as the development around the physical campus explodes. And we’ve also discovered our digital campus has made Lord of Life a global church, as people connect with worship and other ministries across the country and around the world. God is inviting us to imagine what new and renewed congregational life looks like as we round the corner on the pandemic. It’s worth reflecting (in your personal life, professional life, and church life): What have you learned in the past year?
What didn’t you miss?
What’s essential?
Even though change can be scary, it’s also necessary. God’s promises have held true for the Christian church for two millennia; we can trust that those promises will hold true in the future. The church has survived pandemics and plagues, mistakes and missteps, famines and fads. The church keeps changing because life keeps changing and we have a God who is responsive to our reality each day, whatever it may be. 3
P E N T E C O S T by Pastor Emeritus Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren (karengl@lordoflife.org)
May 23, 2021, is a special day for a couple of reasons. First, it’s special to my husband Peter and me because we are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary on that day. And, it is special to all Christians, because this year May 23 is Pentecost. Pentecost is the day when we celebrate the anniversary of the Christian church.
Bible 101
The details of our wedding day are fun to share with our kids (like when the tornado sirens went off a half hour before the ceremony), but the details of that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit established the Christian church is one of the most miraculous and amazing events in all of time. You can read all about this exciting occasion in the first couple of chapters of the book of Acts in the New Testament. Here’s what happened: On the 50th day after Passover, there was a huge celebration in Jerusalem. People had come from all over the known world to participate in Pentecost (pente —from Greek—meaning fifty), a Jewish festival which included giving thanks for the wheat harvest. The disciples were all gathered together, there in Jerusalem, waiting for the fulfillment of the 4
promise that Jesus had made to them before his ascension. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to them in Jerusalem. They didn’t know how God’s Spirit was going to come to them, but they trusted that it would be so. And so they stayed all together and waited. And indeed, the promise that Jesus made to them was fulfilled. At about 9 in the morning, with the city bustling with thousands of foreign visitors, the Holy Spirit came. Acts 2:2-4 describes it this way: “Suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” Each one began speaking in a different language—telling of the mighty acts of God— so that each of the foreigners gathered there in Jerusalem could hear the message of the Gospel in their own native language. What a miracle. The Holy Spirit not only came and gave the disciples the words they needed to be witnesses—but gave them in such a way that each one who heard the message could
understand what was spoken. The Holy Spirit made it possible to reach every person there, in a manner that spoke directly to them. And this was how the Christian church grew: one person sharing with another the wonderful message of how God came to the world in love through the person of Jesus Christ. Each disciple received a unique gift that enabled them to touch the heart of someone in the crowd. The Holy Spirit works the same way today: giving each of us a unique combination of gifts that makes it possible for us to reach out to others with the love of God. And so as we celebrate Pentecost we give thanks for the Holy Spirit—who is one of the three ways that God comes to us . . . Father, Son, and Holy Spirit . . . one God in three persons . . . the holy Trinity. May God the Holy Spirit empower each of us to continue the work begun on Pentecost—growing the Christian church by sharing the good news. Happy anniversary.
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C O M M U N I T Y baptisms At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the next baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/baptism.
March 7 Noah Taylor Swierzewski March 13 Brooks Steven Grow March 20 Grady Walter Nordeen Lyza Rue Rossow March 21 Isla Ryan Mattingly March 27 Layken Marie Thell March 28 Elyse JoAnne Hansen
bereavements
L I F E
Mary Ann Schumacher and family at the death of her cousin, Gordy Aas Tom Wilson and family at the death of his cousin
weddings For details on your wedding, visit lordoflife.org/weddings.
To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org).
March 6
Dustene Barrett & Allen Cooper
welcome new members Janice Larsen Michael & Lizzie Minnihan with Brooks Zachary & Katie Ross with Lemay Matthew & Becky Sumers 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
Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one;
regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church
may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
and its programs financially. For more information, contact
Judy Curtiss and family at the death of her sister, Joanne McHenry
Katie Gartzke (katieg@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit
Diane Everson and family at the death of her husband, Gordy Everson
lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life faith community.
Pam Hulstrand and family at the death of her father Dan Little and family at the death of his brother-in-law Mary Malenke and Leann and Robbie and family at the death of their husband and father, Dave Malenke
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Hey, kids (of all ages)—what’s ‘round the corner’ for you this summer—Vacation Bible School or Summer Stretch perhaps‽
Sandy Munson and family at the death of her husband, Bob Munson
Until then, enjoy coloring these friends—draw in your family and
Angie Schiebel, Linsey Schiebel-Sharp, Carly Tappe and family at the death of their mother and grandmother
& age then mail it to the main church office (for the attention of
pets peeking around the corner. Sign the page with your name Bev Mello). For details on faith-filled summer events for all ages, visit lordoflife.org/summer; registration will open on May 3.
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J O U R N E Y I N G by Pastor Emeritus Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren (peter@lordoflife.org)
A journey is more than a trip . . . learn truths and gain an understanding of what really matters in life. For FAQs, videos, steps in giving, and more—visit lordoflife.org/endowment. Connect with Pastor Peter (via email address above) if you have questions.
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It is a commonly used metaphor to say that life is a journey. Movies as diverse as the Wizard of Oz and Thelma and Louise are about journeys. A journey is more than a trip. On a trip you take pictures and pick up souvenirs. When someone goes on a journey, they learn truths about themselves and gain an understanding of what really matters in life. The Bible is filled with journeys. Abraham and Sarah, who were at an advanced age, leave the comfort of their home to follow the plan that God had for their lives and the lives of all God’s people. Mary and Joseph go on a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill their purpose in the biblical story. Jesus, of course, takes the fateful journey to the cross. Journeys are when the purpose and meaning of life become clear. For many people Lord of Life has been a very important part of their journey. Through their involvement in this community, they have grown in their faith and love in ways that give them deep appreciation for the church. There are many members feeling the urge to help future generations of northwest metro residents continue having a place like Lord of Life to guide them on their journey. They are satisfying that urge by making commitments to the Lord of Life Endowment Fund. The fund exists to support and expand the ministry of Lord of Life not only today, but long into the future. The most common way people contribute is by naming the Fund in their estate plan. Fund contributions remain part of the principal and are not touched; so a donor’s gift lasts in perpetuity. Earnings are used to make annual grants to invite and encourage creative ways keeping Lord of Life a vibrant congregation. Many families are deciding to provide a legacy of Christian faith for generations to come. One of those families is Greg and Cheryl Myhr. On the next page, you can read about their journey.
O U R
J O U R N E Y
by Greg and Cheryl Myhr
Our faith journey at Lord of Life began over 40 years ago. When we joined, it was a mission congregation worshipping in a school gym. It is now a flourishing church campus with over 9,000 baptized members. This journey has been a great blessing to our family. Throughout these years we have seen Lord of Life grow—not only in a brick and mortar way—but also in its outreach and scope on a local, national, international, and now a digital level. Our faith and love of this body of Christ has also grown over these 40 years. We are grateful to caring pastors and talented church staff who have walked alongside us through times of joy and sorrow. Our faith and relationship with God has been nurtured through small group Bible studies, adult education opportunities, time spent in prayer with other members, chances to enjoy life and laughter through social activities and to form lifelong friendships. We have been inspired by sermons and music and a vibrant youth and family program. However, the most life-transforming gift Lord of Life has given us has been the encouragement, guidance, and support to pursue service opportunities through adult ministries. Our faith has grown exponentially through these experiences. The church has given us many avenues to share our time, talents, and treasures being Christ’s hands and feet in the world. To truly live out the phrase, “Loved by God and sent to serve the world.” We want to contribute to keep this legacy going well into the future. This is why we support the Lord of Life Endowment Fund in life and have also made the Lord of Life Endowment Fund part of our estate plan. It is our way of saying thank you and keeping the legacy going.
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C H A N G E
I S
A
C H A N C E
by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)
May is National Asparagus Month and Correct Your Posture Month. I don’t know if they need to be designated with a month’s recognition—maybe they do. Yet here’s a fact that definitely supports a month’s education and awareness: one in five people lives with a mental illness.1 That stat is even higher for those in a racial minority or a teen or a member of the gay/lesbian/transgender community—May is Mental Health Month. From a faith perspective, let’s be clear that having a mental illness does not mean you haven’t prayed hard enough or lack faith in God’s healing power. A faithfilled Christian may have a mental illness. Sounds simple yet many get hung up in stigma by denying, ignoring, or pretending symptoms aren’t there. Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. With the oxygen mask analogy in mind—survival needs must be met before you can love and serve a neighbor. If you are struggling with a high intensity of depression or anxiety or suicial ideation, do what you would recommend to a friend—get help. Love yourself enough to see a mental health professional, discover a medication that is beneficial, build positive
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experiences with activities and people you enjoy. As with other worthwhile endeavors—it may be a challenge. It may take years of individual or group therapy, learnings, self-awareness. And it may be a faith opportunity leaning more into becoming the child of God you are meant to be, created in the image of God, and loved beyond measure. Is change overwhelming? It may be—even without a mental illness which can distort thoughts and reality. Let’s reframe it that a time of change is a chance to benefit and advance the kingdom of God, paying close attention to who we are and who we may become. Bring a healthy attitude welcoming change to open our hearts and minds for what God will be doing in us—then we may serve even more effectively and with a deeper love. In Ephesians 1:11b-12, “. . . we were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ.” (CEB) And this month if you sit up straight while enjoying some asparagus—bon appètit!
nami.org/mhstats
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You are encouraged to learn about worship guidelines, including registration, at lordoflife.org/worship. This service was on Sunday, April 11. Peace be with you.
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (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. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.
PASTORAL STAFF
WORSHIP / CONNECT
Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org
Visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most up-to-date worship schedule. To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org). To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstrand (chelseyg@lordoflife.org). For all ministry events and calendar items with the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—visit lordoflife.org.
lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflife /cyf_lordoflife
/lordoflifeluth
Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. After reading, share it with a friend or neighbor inviting them to the Lord of Life faith community. To receive Compass in the mail and/or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Credits: Lightstock, Shutterstock, and Unsplash. Copyright 2021 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
NonProfit Org. U. S. Postage
7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313
PAID
Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4665
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Name Address City, ST 00000
Thank you to Brian Schroeder and the Worship Band for creatively sharing their gifts and talents! Lord of Life’s digital campus will continue through the pandemic and beyond (lordoflife.org/covid19). 12