Lord of life lutheran
MAY 2022
C O M P A S S
C H A N G E by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)
It was obvious the bathroom needed work when a mushroom was growing out of the floor. It was the bathroom in the first house Karen and I owned and when we called in a plumber to check out what was going on, it became clear that the entire subfloor under the toilet was rotting. We were rather fortunate that the floor didn’t give way. We needed to make a change to our house— the subfloor, the flooring, and the toilet were all replaced. In our homes, we know that things need to be updated and replaced. Some things wear out. Other things go out of style. Some additions are needed. Some spaces need to be opened up to allow for a better flow. When the bones of the house are in good shape, most everything else can be changed and updated over time. The bones of our theological house are strong. The Church is founded on the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s what Jesus says to Peter in Matthew 16:18: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Or as the hymn goes, “How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in Christ Jesus the Word!” CHANGE......................................................................2-3 BIBLE 101: RECOGNIZING JESUS............................ 4-5 community life / HEBREWS 13:8........................ 6-7 JOB TRANSITIONS........................................................ 8 ALONE TOGETHER .........................................................9 Making things new.................................................10 CONTACT US..................................................................11 IN A WORLD OF CHANGE AND TRANSITIONS...........12
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And just as our homes need to be updated and renovated over time, so does our theological house. The Bible even shows us this very change. In Acts 15:29 the apostles made a declaration about eating meat: “you [must] abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood from what is strangled…” Yet in 1 Corinthians 10:2526 a change is made: “Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience, for the earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.” This renovation of the meat-eating guidelines is an example of what Brian Zahnd calls “creative theology” in his book, When Everything’s on Fire. It’s not that the church was being inconsistent or morally relativistic. It’s that they lived in a different time and place, so they had to adapt and change their theological house while keeping the foundation the same. The church has always been in the process of renovation, change, and updating throughout the centuries. For example, worship music was only
unaccompanied vocals for centuries. The organ was not used as an instrument in worship until the 10th or 12th century. It was a huge innovation and a break with tradition! Imagine the uproar! Our Christian tradition has proved durable, however, because of its flexibility. Our theological house needs to be renovated over time. Today is no different. What is the role of technology in the life of the church? How do we welcome and relate to people who look, act, and believe differently than we do? What does it look like to love our neighbors as we can be instantly connected to people from every corner of the world? How is the nature of God most faithfully communicated to people today? These are all big questions, and it is an exciting time to be the church and practice our creative theology. We are in good company throughout history as we renovate our theological house. We know our foundation is secure. So, how do we make sure no mushrooms start growing through the floor?
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R E C O G N I Z I N G
J E S U S
by Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org)
I had a dream the other Bible 101 night that my mother changed our yearly family vacation. For over 30 years, we’ve gone to the same place and stayed in the same cabin every year. And without consulting me, she changed the cabin we were to stay in. When I realized it, I was so upset. What about our cabin? And how on earth could she not tell me? It was, of course, only a dream. But I was so upset in my sleep that even after I woke up, it took me a few minutes to shake it and come back to reality. 4
This is the thing about change—dream or not—change has a way of overwhelming your mind so that when you’re in the thick of it, it’s the only thing you can see. The shock of a loved one’s death, a job transition, planning a house renovation, making an important decision, a devastating loss. You know the feeling— change can take over your mind. In the wake of Jesus’ death, can you imagine the mindset of Jesus’ disciples and followers? It was undoubtedly the only thing they could think or talk about, especially after the tomb was found empty. But there’s one thing I’ve always wondered about in the accounts of the resurrection: Why in the world didn’t they recognize Jesus?
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16) These two on the road to Emmaus, along with Mary Magdalene (John 20:14) and the disciples (John 21:4), all had the risen Christ right in front of them and didn’t know. Has something like this ever happened to you? Where you see someone who looks familiar, but you can’t place them? It’s a bit silly to think of this happening with Jesus Christ, but as the story goes on, once they arrive in Emmaus and realize it’s Jesus they’ve spent the day with, their response is, “Were not our hearts burning within us?” It’s the feeling you get when your body tells you that you know something, but your mind can’t make the connection. And when you think
about the way change (or stress or sin) can cloud your thoughts, it kind of makes sense. Whether it be as small as encountering someone in a different context or as big as a life-altering transition, change can disconnect you. And in the disconnection of your mind from your body, or, if you will, your soul, we can fail to see the truth.
within us—one that we hear about in the scriptures and experience in the sacraments. It’s a truth that our souls will never forget. And yet, in all the ways this mortal life can distract us, even when the truth stands right in front of us, we can fail to recognize it. Maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on Jesus’ followers for not recognizing him after all.
As children of God, created in God’s image, there is a deep truth of God’s love, grace, and mercy
reflection •
Read Luke 24:13-35. What was it that helped them recognize Jesus? Why do you think that was?
•
In what ways do you prevent yourself from recognizing Jesus as the truth in your life?
•
How might you work to align your mind and soul around the truth in times of change or stress?
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C O M M U N I T Y
L I F E
baptisms
weddings
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the
For details on your wedding, visit lordoflife.org/weddings.
next baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church
To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor
office (763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/baptism.
Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org ).
March 5, 2022 Bowen Hill Beck Nita Ann Hill Amelia Ann Snaza
welcome
March 6, 2022
Brad & Mary Birmingham
Lauren Louise Blake Liana Jordyn Mooto Nkumu March 12, 2022 Finnegan James-Odell Hagen March 13, 2022 Maddox Thomas Arcaro Teagan Lynn Arcaro Ashlyn Drew Liebelt Colton Roe Olson March 20, 2022 Hank Christopher Anderson Brinley Sara Gonzalez March 26, 2022 Callan Robert Monetti Lila Ann Monetti
Nick & Courtney Jacobson Patrick & Rachel Johnson Chris Ohlendorf & Michele Cici Steve & Alison Prom with Cole and Eddie Ted & Sara Vanderpan 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 Katie Gartzke (katieg@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.
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
Peter Ames and family at the death of his aunt Susan Burzlaff and family at the death of her father, Roger Kohl Philip and Susann Malmstedt and family at the death of their grandson, Allen Giller
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transition
change
influx
chaos
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! —Hebrews 13:8 (CEB) 7
J O B
T R A N S I T I O N S
by Nancy Fraasch
Change may be scary but to be able to grow and develop we need to allow ourselves to be uncomfortable. In my many years as a career coach and co-leader of Lord of Life’s Job Transition ministry, I have supported people in positions that no longer fit them. They may have initiated a job change, are thinking about making one, or the job change decision was made by their employer. For most people, change is not an easy thing. A job loss is one of the top five most stressful life events people experience. It is right up there with the death of a loved one, divorce, moving and major illness/injury. I applaud those who realize a position is not a fit for them and take action to make a change. Often people stay in their position not because they enjoy what they do but because of “the golden handcuffs.” That term refers to when an individual feels the need to stay in a position because it gives them the salary, benefits, and knowledge of exactly what they are getting into. Any other position/company is “the unknown.” Their fear is that another position will not make them happier so they think it’s safer to stay where they are and not take the chance. When they finally make the decision to do something about it and start a serious job search, they say they are relieved and actually sleeping better. I hear the same thing from people who do not initiate a job change but have the decision made for them. Getting out of a stressful position and taking steps to get to a good place allows them to see a way out of a negative situation. What keeps me going is hearing success stories after attendees begin a new position—the excitement they show as they talk about their new position is incredible! This ministry has been meeting for almost ten years. Meeting virtually since the pandemic is easier for attendees and speakers—it was difficult to get speakers willing to drive across the city by 7am! Visit lordoflife.org/jobtransition for dates and details.
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A L O N E
T O G E T H E R
by Diane Everson
My soulmate, Gordy, and I had been married for 56 years; we had recently moved here from the Aitkin area. I was blessed to find Lord of Life; we joined in July 2020. Gordy continued to become weaker and tired easily so we were unable to attend in person. Very sadly he left this earthly home in March 2021. In the days after Gordy died I was so terribly alone. I longed to speak to someone else who had also experienced the loss of their husband. I felt that if I did find someone to talk with I could feel some comfort because they understood this specific grief. I thought that only another woman who has lost her husband could truly understand the pain I was experiencing. After another sleepless night—I thought, what if we had a group of women in this situation—and what would we call this group? I knew in my heart that “Alone Together” would say it all. My dream came to fruition. Seeing “Alone Together” on the big screen in the sanctuary and knowing that it was so embraced by the church literally brought me to tears. Our first meeting was in November 2021. Since then we’ve been up and running to support other women making a transition from “we” to “me.” We gather for lunch, excursions, and other activities always within a caring, loving atmosphere. I must add that we do share a lot of laughs when we get together and smaller groups have spun off of our larger group. We understand that tears may come into our conversation as well. We have made forever friends! We would like to invite any widow to join if they are experiencing a void in their life from the loss of their spouse.
In the short time we have been together, I have had the opportunity to meet and form new relationships with so many wonderful women. —Judy Curtiss
This group has helped bring back a purpose to my life after the loss of my husband during covid. Feeling so lost I now know what others have gone through. —Jeannie Pladsen
This is an amazing group of women of all ages who support each other and share thoughts, concerns, and joys! —Karen Buellesbach
Visit lordoflife.org/alonetogether to learn more about this new ministry. 9
M A K I N G
T H I N G S
N E W
by Neil Christians
Here’s an old joke from my home church: How many Lutherans does it take to change a lightbulb? Change?!? The joke is that Lutherans really don’t like change. We like to keep things as they always have been. But change isn’t bad. We have a God of change. We have a God who is constantly making things new. The pandemic has brought about some positive changes in our lives, and there is even more to look forward to this summer. Here are some comments about how individuals in Lord of Life’s Children, Youth, and Family department are welcoming change and the changes they are looking forward to this summer: Being a volunteer in Vacation Bible School (VBS). Being able to bike with my friends to Hy-Vee. —Avery Vinup
I’m really excited for the middle school mission trip. It will be really fun to connect with other people who go to our church. —Anabelle Berger
One positive experience I’ve gained is helping kids learn about God and Jesus, like I did at their age. I’m looking forward to helping kids this summer in volunteering and maybe even encouraging them to volunteer more like I wanted to when I did Summer Stretch. I’m also looking forward to doing my own volunteer work because it feels good to help and make a difference. —Addie Martin
Seeing more and more kids coming to church school to learn about God’s love! —Abby Nistler
I am looking forward to being a cadette-in-training for Girl Scout camp because I am excited to lead the younger kids and be a good role model. —Lilah Berger
Being back at VBS seeing children’s smiles light up the room. —Claudia Ross
Change can bring about great opportunities, such as helping in our community. The adult-to-child ratio for service organizations has gone up, and we need more volunteers for summer programs. I hope you will embrace this change and volunteer this summer. You may find it a blessing in your life! 10
Visit lordoflife.org/summervolunteer for more details.
God loves a cheerful giver “To Church” and “God Love’s You” are greetings on this offering envelope generously embellished with faith stickers. Thank you for sharing your gifts in so many ways and blessings upon this dear giver who showed such creativity!
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 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
Visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most up-to-date worship schedule.
Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org
To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org).
Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@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.
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office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
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/lordoflifeluth
Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. 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 office@lordoflife.org. Credits: Lightstock and Unsplash. Copyright © 2022 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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In a world of change and transitions, direct us, Lord God, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and extend to us your continual help that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally by your mercy bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 12
—Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) published by Augsburg Fortress
Amen.