December 2011 LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

True Light

The Lord of Life annual children’s Christmas musical performance will be on Sunday, December 4 at 5 pm followed by a family meal in Fellowship Hall. For more details, see Page 17.

Worship

On Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve worship will be at 11 am, 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, 8, 9:30, and 11 pm. Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day worship will be at 9:45 am. For more details, see the worship schedule on Page 5.

December 2011

Joy to the World, Joy in the World Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

With our Savior’s birth, we celebrate because joy is now in the world—within our hearts—as we LIVECHRIST together. May we always rejoice because long ago on a silent night, a holy night, a baby was born in a barn in the little town of Bethlehem. Hark, the herald angels did sing! And for many of us when hearts fill with joy, a song may result as an expression of that profound emotion. What is a favorite Christmas song you love to sing during this holy season? Or perhaps you prefer listening to someone else ‘sing their heart out’ as the saying goes? At Lord of Life we are blessed to have many wonderful, talented musicians and singers to enhance our worship experience. One of them in particular is highlighted here: Tom Tipton. Through the years Tom has sung many melodies with such joy in his heart! What’s his favorite Christmas song either to listen to or to perform? Tom shares, “I do not have just one favorite Christmas song—actually there are three. The first is Silent Night.

It is such a beautiful song, and I have a story that goes along with it. You have to understand many years ago my mother and I were dirt poor living in a one-room apartment above a Safeway grocery store.

I was nine years old and on Christmas Eve I put together a Christmas tree of a sort from branches along with some broken ornaments. It was our only decoration.

I put it together while my mother was asleep. When she woke up —continues on Page 10

Light of Life

In the second weekend of December, Lord of Life traditionally features a cantata or other special music for worship services. This year the Canticle Choir and Orchestra will perform, “Light of Life.”

For more details, please see Page 4.

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

contact us WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FAX 763.420.7286

table of contents spirit 3-7

giving 8-9

adult/worship and caring community 10-15

cyf/faith formation 16-19

2

pastoral Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren........... Senior Pastor........................................ x105 peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Todd Buegler................................... Pastor, Children Youth Family............... x109 todd@lordoflife.org Rev. Phil Dell........................................... Executive Pastor, Administration........... x116 phild@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren.... Pastor, Adult Ministries.......................... x104 karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. David Lippitt............................... Pastor, Congregational Care................. x122 davidl@lordoflife.org Karen Greimel......................................... Pastoral Associate................................ x144 kareng@lordoflife.org Dave McCarty.......................................... Pastoral Intern....................................... x147 davem@lordoflife.org administrative suppor t Nancy Bourbonais................................... Main Office & Database Manager......... x126 nancyb@lordoflife.org Diane Carlson/Kim Spoden/Sandy Zappa... Main Office Receptionists..................... x100 office@lordoflife.org Rhonda Evans-Hofer............................... Kitchen Coordinator.............................. rhondah@lordoflife.org Lori Schwartz........................................... Membership, Funerals, Hospitality........ x111 loris@lordoflife.org adult ministries Jane Bergstrom....................................... Administrative Assistant........................ x142 janeb@lordoflife.org Karen Nelson........................................... Administrative Assistant........................ x138 karenn@lordoflife.org Michelle Welinski..................................... Missions, Ministries, Pastoral Care, and ................................................................ Wedding Supervisor.............................. x118 michellew@lordoflife.org children youth family (cyf) Biz Behrens............................................. Grades 1-4............................................ x129 elizabethb@lordoflife.org Amanda Clancy (“Clancy”)...................... Grades 5-6............................................ x106 amandac@lordoflife.org Kirstin Delp.............................................. Interim Birth-K....................................... x113 kirstind@lordoflife.org Pauline Eidsvoog..................................... Noah’s Ark Nursery............................... x124 daycare@lordoflife.org Raul Garcia III, AIM................................. Grades 7-9............................................ x121 raul@lordoflife.org Heather Hjelmstad................................... Ministry of Inclusion.............................. x143 heatherh@lordoflife.org Lynn Leisen............................................. Faith in the Home.................................. x107 lynnl@lordoflife.org Elizabeth Pedersen................................. Grades 10-12........................................ x130 elizabethp@lordoflife.org Gerad Remus.......................................... Confirmation (C3).................................. x102 gerad@lordoflife.org Pennie Soppeland................................... CYF Support......................................... x132 pennies@lordoflife.org Debbie Zaic............................................. CYF Office Manager and Registrar....... x128 debz@lordoflife.org communications Lori Buegler............................................. Communications Director...................... x146 lorib@lordoflife.org Bev Mello................................................. Print & Editor, LifeTIMES...................... x108 bevm@lordoflife.org Stephanie Smith...................................... Web........................................................ stephanies@lordoflife.org finance Colleen Anderson.................................... Finance Director.................................... x103 colleen@lordoflife.org Lenora Little............................................. Finance & Stewardship Assistant.......... x139 lenoral@lordoflife.org Sandie Saar............................................. Finance Assistant.................................. x101 sandie@lordoflife.org karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel......................................... Director, Karing Kingdom Preschool..... x127 kingdom@lordoflife.org Jennifer Ellingson, Pam Grachek, Maureen Murphy Hanson, Carly Schiebel systems and custodial Ken Carraux............................................ Maint. Eng./Systems Administrator....... x120 kenc@lordoflife.org Joel Kivi................................................... Custodial Supervisor............................. joelk@lordoflife.org Matt Greenfield, Jim Lambrecht worship and music Dana Brinton............................................ Children’s Music Ministries.................... x135 danab@lordoflife.org Alice Cummings, AIM.............................. Worship and LifeGARDEN Ministries.... x114 alicec@lordoflife.org David Frank............................................. Director of Music................................... x203 davidf@lordoflife.org Lee Fuchs................................................ Adult Choirs and Bel Canto................... x202 leef@lordoflife.org Jordan Lippitt........................................... Audio/Visual Technician........................ x145 jordanl@lordoflife.org

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

A New Life!

spirit

O Pastor David

ne of my favorite Advent texts is found in Luke 1:26-45. It’s the story of Mary’s visitation by the angel Gabriel, who speaks first saying, “Greetings favored one, the Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

Mary, of course, was perplexed with the angel’s announcement for she was a virgin. And so, she asks, “How can this be?”

And the angel answers, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most high will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God. And now, Mary, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing is impossible with God.” The story of Mary and Elizabeth is a story of surprise and new life. It’s a story of ancient longings for redemption and security finally fulfilled, of a future that can be faced with confidence and with excitement. Those two impossibly pregnant women—the barren wife of a priest and an unknown virgin without an ounce of royal blood in her—radiate a sense of surprise and joy and hope that we desperately need.

Of course, our society and culture tries to cover up our hopelessness and joylessness with tinsel and bright lights. Unfortunately, when the world looks to itself alone for fulfillment and a cause to celebrate, it finds neither. The same is true for us. If we look only to who we are or what we can do, we are doomed to disappointment and despair, for there really isn’t any ultimate, deep and lasting Good News in the world or in ourselves alone.

bless your tree Gather around your lit Christmas tree and say the following prayer: Dearest Jesus, this tree reminds us that you are the tree of life and the light of the world. Bless this tree we have decorated to honor and celebrate your birthday.

Help us remember that Christmas is a time of love and joy. Let this tree remind us to share your love with others, especially those who may not feel joy at this time.

Amen.

—Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home Ministry

It is to all of this that the surprise and joy and hope of Mary and Elizabeth speak most loudly. For their experience is aimed directly at the world’s pain—and our pain. Mary and Elizabeth rejoiced not because of anything they did, but because they had been given a new life to share by God. Most of us are extremely tired of the hype and build-up in anticipation of Christmas. The haggard and glassy-eyed faces of determined shoppers, decorators and partygoers are easy to find—all we have to do is look at ourselves in the mirror.

This is not what God wants for us. God wants to shake us out of our boredom. God wants to engender in our hearts a renewed sense of hope and joy.

My friends, the real business of Advent is waiting and listening and trusting that the Lord will regard our low estate and give us what the world neither has nor recognizes. And perhaps, that which was promised and given to Mary and Elizabeth will begin to grow in us also. A New Life that will transform us…and through us will transform the world.

Have a Blessed Advent!

—Pastor David

Thank you to Ann Little for sharing her artwork on this page and throughout this issue (Pages 5 and 11).

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

3

spirit

Light of Life

by Alice Woodard Cummings, Director of Worship and Garden Ministries

A

s noted on the cover page, the second weekend in December is traditionally when Lord of Life performs a cantata or music program in celebration of Christmas. The inspiration for this year’s program, Light of Life, comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, Verse 12: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” This message comes at a time when we are reaching the darkest part of the year while looking forward to the light which comes to us in the birth of Jesus. Advent and Christmas scripture readings will weave together several choral and orchestral pieces, including works by Morten Lauridsen, John Rutter, and Eric Whitacre. This program will be offered during all worship services on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11.

December Devotions

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9

T

his year’s December devotions will feature inspiration from many different Lord of Life staff members. They will provide a great opportunity for you and your family to grow in your faith this Advent season. The devotions will be audio-only this year, available at lordoflife.org/decdevos or via podcast, with a link available on that same webpage. CDs will be available in the church office. These devotions are a wonderful way to take time each day during this hectic season to focus on what’s important as we prepare for Christ’s birth. Please share the links or CDs with your friends and families.

sermons:

lordoflife.org/sermons

It has been said that one should view the manger with the cross in mind. The circumstances of Jesus’ birth and those of his death are both extremely important.

This small manager ornament, made of nails, captures both ideas beautifully.

readings:

lordoflife.org/worshipschedule

Thank you to the Lord of Life Brass for special music on Reformation Sunday!

4

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

bless your manger/crèche

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 Third Wednesday worship on December 21 at 2 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living Healing Service on the third Saturday December 17 at 6:30 pm

spirit

After your family sets up your manger, pray a blessing over it: Dearest Jesus, bless this crib that we have prepared in honor of your birth. In the next days we will prepare a place for you in our hearts as well. Help each of us to make this a special time of waiting and wondering as we go about our plans to celebrate Christmas. Amen.

Before your Christmas meal, spread a little straw or hay under the table, under the tablecloth, or around the plates to remind you of the humble birthplace of our Savior.

—Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home Ministry

December 3/4 Preaching: Pastor Peter Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) December 10/11 Special Music: Light of Life Canticle Choir and Orchestra (see article on Page 4) December 17/18 Preaching: Pastor Peter Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble, Bel Canto, and preschool-kindergarten Church School children Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion at 11 am, 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, 8, 9:30, and 11 pm (8, 9:30, 11 pm are candlelight) Preaching: Pastor Peter (with children’s sermon during the 11 am-5:30 pm services) Special Music: Soloist (11 am), Joyful Noise with Dana Brinton (1 and 2:30 pm), Jill Diem (4 and 5:30 pm), Lee Fuchs (8 pm), Canticle Choir (9:30 and 11 pm) Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day Preaching: Pastor David Special Music: Val Lari December 31/January 1 Preaching: Pastor Phil Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Brava! (women’s chorus) Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.

Thank you to Ann Little for sharing her artwork on this page and throughout this issue (Pages 3 and 11).

God’s Forgiveness is Healing

by Karen Greimel, Pastoral Associate

I

n recent years many studies have concluded that repressed emotions contribute to life-threatening illnesses. The inability to forgive can be among the most destructive. Why don’t we forgive? This is a loaded question, and the bullet is our unwillingness to first forgive ourselves. When you consider self-forgiveness, stop and take a look at yourself through God’s unconditionally loving eyes. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. Jesus was our perfect example of forgiveness. He was sinless and did no wrong, yet He died so that we could be forgiven. Acts 13 declares, “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Forgiveness brings healing to our soul and freedom to our life. Do you need to forgive someone, do you need to forgive yourself, or are you in need of another’s forgiveness? God wants to heal you with His gift of forgiveness.

Individual healing appointments are available for any type of concern or issue that you are experiencing. The third Saturday of each month will continue to be a healing service starting at 6:30 pm which immediately follows worship. All are invited for a brief meditation and message with personal prayer available.

For more information about Lord of Life’s healing ministry, visit lordoflife. org/healingministry or feel free to contact Karen Greimel directly.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

55

spirit

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together

baptisms October 1 Ashlyn Marie Graham October 2 Keegan Michael Davidson Samuel Bradley DeYonge Olivia Reese Gunderson October 9 Maggie Josephine Bigelow Griffin Galen Bross Eastyn Bryan Emerson Owen Jon Hatlestad Aubrey Kaitlyn Hemiadan Cole James Petrie October 15 Andrew Joseph Koenck October 16 Mason Calvin Engstrom Carson Robert Lunde Dylan Miller Nowak Maxwell Kristopher Rue Lillian June Vogel October 22 Logan Thomas Lowell Asleson Wesley Steven Grossman Shelby Karen Sandberg October 23 Daisy Margaret Ende Tate Michael Kassulke October 27 Trevor Mark Nelimark Dyrstad Anderson At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Saturday, December 10, 10-11 am in the Theater; no preregistration is necessary.

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.

October 7 Becky Woessner & Craig Erickson

Amy Baldwin & Andru Nelson and family at the death of their daughter Pam Beltrand and family at the death of her mother Margaret Blackburn and family at the death of her brother Cindy Cadwallader and family at the death of her mother Gary Clauson and family at the death of his niece Julie Ende and family at the death of her uncle Dan Faulkner and family at the death of his sister-in-law Brian Funfar and family at the death of his father Lisa Gedker and family at the death of her brother

October 8 Brittany Hage & Dan Yurik October 15 Erica Hanson & Nick Winegar October 22 - Blessing of Vows Ann Schumacher & Jordi Sanchis Sanchez

welcome to new members Aaron & Niki Halbe with Elsa Eric & Eve Lee with Eddie Andru Nelson & Amy Baldwin Owen Peterson David & Angie Roberts with Allie and Kyle Daniel & Kristen Rothenbueler with Conner Dave & Carolyn Swanson

Brian Halverson and family at the death of his mother

Adam & Jenna Weiland with Wynn

Larysa Karkos and family at the death of her brother

Mark & Polly Wenger

Jeanne Koopman and family at the death of her aunt Paul Lagerquist and family at the death of his sister Jim Lambrecht and family at the death of his cousin Jan Sower and family at the death of her aunt Sara Travis and family at the death of her uncle Luke Vidor and family at the death of his mother

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 & its programs financially. If you are interested in membership, new member courses are at lordoflife.org/ membership101 or contact Lori Schwartz directly.

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, you may want to consider attending ‘griefShare’ which meets every Tuesday at 7 pm. More information is available at lordoflife.org/griefshare. Questions? Contact Pastoral Associate Karen Greimel.

6

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

spirit

Thank you to Lorraine for sharing this first ‘God moment’ in LifeTIMES. What is a God moment? See sidebar at right; and you are encouraged to share your special God moment(s) in a future issue.

Pictures of Grace

by Lorraine Erickson

H

ave you ever spent time and energy with worry, concern, anxiety, and wonder about the emotional, physical, and psychological health of your loved ones? Questions may arise such as: Is this normal? Is that developmental? Should I fret?

One sunny summer Sunday morning, I began getting myself and my dear grandsons ready for church. My worries were probably similar to other parents and grandparents toting their active little people off to church: Will they make quiet decisions during worship?

With some trepidation on my part, my husband Mark and our grandsons, Cole (age 6), Reid (age 4) and I found our place in the sanctuary pews. Cole proceeds to look through Grandma’s activity bag for something to do. He picks out the simple pencil and paper supplies and proceeds to draw. A quiet and appropriate choice, whew!

In a couple minutes, I glance down and see a drawing of a stick figure with a VERY sad face. My heart sinks. Note to Self: We will talk about this later. Cole turns the paper over and continues to draw quietly. Yes! I keep breathing then look down at his second picture and experience a moment of clarity.

My Lord has used these simple stick drawings to dispel many of my concerns.

My sweet unpredictable 6-year-old grandson draws simple pictures that are surely God sent. They remind me all is well with this child. He gets “It!” Looking at these pictures, you will see the power of a small child’s simple drawing and breathe easier with me.

a God moment What is a God moment?

Some in the secular world may say things just seem to happen as an uncanny coincidence or chalk it up to fate. Yet for Christians we acknowledge and recognize the presence of a living God who loves us and orchestrates sometimes even the smallest moments in our lives. Maybe you’ve heard someone say, “It was a God moment!”

A God moment can take many forms and often when we least expect it.

Whether it be a moment of blessing or healing, a moment of directing our path or receiving a helping hand, a moment giving us inner peace or a way out of a difficult situation—they can be so amazing that you simply have to share the experience with others.

Have you experienced a God moment and would you like to share it? We welcome you to send your story to LifeTIMES Editor Bev Mello.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

7

giving

October 2011 budget year-to-date Actual

Budget Difference

Total member contributions $2,310,790 $2,308,053

$2,736

All other

$204,721 $199,095

$5,627

$2,515,511 $2,507,148

$8,363

Total receipts

Stewardship and Special Gifts

It will be a beautiful view through two glass walls of the prayer room!

D

uring this joyful season, we give thanks for all who make Lord of Life such an amazing congregation.

Thank you to everyone who has returned their 2012 stewardship commitments. There is still time to drop it off in the church office or mail it in. Your financial offerings allow Lord of Life ministries to thrive. Please consider a special gift to Lord of Life during this season of giving. Gifts postmarked or received online by December 31 or received by the end of Saturday night worship on December 31 will be credited to your 2011 statement for tax purposes.

Thank you again for your generous gifts!

Ken & Owen’s Construction Corner Ken Carraux, Lord of Life’s Maintenance Engineer/Systems Administrator and Owen Slettedahl, Kraus Anderson’s On-site Project Superintendent

progress in November Retaining walls completed. Backfill

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — October 2011

and block walls completed for North

$80,000

Addition & Fellowship Hall. Dug and poured Narthex footings. Underground

$70,000

plumbing completed. If weather holds,

$60,000

concrete sidewalks will be poured so no plywood walkways during wintertime.

$50,000

plans in December

$40,000

Block walls continuing to rise, front

$30,000

entry sidewalks completed. Wear coat

$20,000

on the parking lot will be installed.

$10,000

Demolition continues for the building tie-ins and electrical rough-in work

$0

8

10/2

10/9

10/16

10/23

10/30

Actual Budget

$49,203 $48,460 $47,147 $55,460 $76,375 $60,508 $60,508 $60,508 $60,508 $60,508

continues in block walls.

For more details, visit lordoflife.org/ build.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Lord of Life reaches out alongside Lutheran Social Service (LSS)—

Outreach Opportunities with LSS

adult

by Sandy Munson

W

e are so thrilled with the response from the Lord of Life family partnering with Mt. Olivet in organizing a children’s clothing sale for LSS clients at the Center for Changing Lives (CFCL). Thank you for your donations of clothes and time plus setting up and working at the sale. But the need doesn’t stop with clothing children.

(left to right) Kyle Johnson, Dave Kroog, Linda Zwick, June Kroog, Cindy Johnson

The CFCL is located in the Phillips community of Minneapolis, an area in need of so much. One of the LSS programs for community support is called Tuesdays Together.

Lord of Life’s benevolence funds—combined with a matching grant from Thrivent—provided financial support to continue this program for another year. The mission for Tuesdays Together is providing a sense of community for LSS housing residents and surrounding neighborhood to congregate, enjoy a meal, and learn about available services. There is interaction with people they may otherwise never meet, making friendships and strengthening relationships. This important program could not be done without your help. Lord of Life will host Tuesdays Together on January 10 at CFCL.

Photos used with permission from Lutheran Social Service

tasks for tuesdays together on january 10

Responsibilities will be to purchase the food, cook the meal, serve at the CFCL, then clean-up following the meal. We are asking for help from you! If you need a ride to be able to help, we can work that out.

If you would like to spend your time at the CFCL in fellowship with these wonderful people, we can work that out also. In addition to the dinner, LSS provides encouragement to use other services such as blood pressure checks and basic health counseling. We expect to serve 100+ people, about half of them children. As we discovered at the clothing sale, the clients who came were very appreciative and courteous. It was a wonderful atmosphere with friendly conversation; and now we’ll have that opportunity again at Tuesdays Together!

Prayerfully consider joining us for this next opportunity to show support to LSS and help with the dinner on January 10. If you love to make table decorations on a very limited budget, this may also be your thing.

Although that is not required, we have been told the guests really love a little decoration on the tables which helps to make them feel special.

Sometimes it’s the little things that really make a big difference!

Visit lordoflife.org/lss for additional opportunities. Look for The Joy of Giving article on Page 11 to learn about gift tags which will provide toys for the holidays. At the LSS ‘Gift Shoppe’ for a nominal cost, parents are given an opportunity to purchase gifts for their family. They are able to maintain a feeling of respectability when giving a holiday toy to their child which they have purchased. LSS will purchase toys with The Joy of Giving funds. Thank you for all of your support and prayers.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Sandy Munson directly at 763.416.4636 or rsmunson@embarqmail.com.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

9

worship and caring community

—continues from cover page

and saw the Christmas tree, she wept tears of joy. My mother came over and kissed me quietly while I continued to pretend to be asleep. That was a beautiful, memorable ‘silent night’ in my life.”

Tom continues, “My second favorite Christmas song is ‘O Holy Night’ as it touches upon everything we believe in our faith as Christians as we LIVECHRIST together in the world.” Some of these verses, although not often sung, have very powerful messages and the lyrics are shared here: O Holy Night O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angels’ voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Tom concludes, “And my last but not least favorite holiday melody is “The Christmas Song” sung by Nat King Cole. I just love to listen to him sing that song.”

And just imagine how many people would say that about Tom Tipton’s singing throughout the years! Tom’s music ministry has spanned decades including 33 years as a powerful singer for Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral and the Billy Graham crusades as well as being a trusted friend of historic figures such as Hubert Humphrey and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

10

Tom Tipton singing at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Corporate Sponsor Luncheon in Minneapolis in 2011.

Unfortunately technology has not yet devised a way to embed a soundchip into the ink of this article. So here’s how Peter Daniels, author of How to Reach your Goals, describes his gift of song, “Tom’s music deserves a place in American culture and history. He is unique in his presentation, dynamic in his personality and sings directly to the heart of every individual. His music inspires, uplifts and consoles needy hearts.”

And maybe you’ve heard of Chuck Colson with Prison Fellowship Ministries? Chuck states, “Tom is one of America’s most gifted singers. He’s been with men in prisons and his booming voice shakes the prison walls. He communicates magnificently, not only by his splendid voice but by his beautiful spirit.”

With Lord of Life since 2005, Tom’s music ministry includes performing in area nursing homes singing beautiful old hymns to the residents. Lord of Life members are always welcome to visit these nursing homes when Tom performs. At age 78, Tom is also available for speaking engagements, church worship services, concerts, and motivational messages for businesses or other organizations.

During the holidays and throughout the year, Tom Tipton sings a song of joy to the world. And may there be joy in the world—within our hearts—as we all LIVECHRIST together. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King, let every heart prepare Him room!”

For more information about Tom Tipton’s ministry as well as compact discs available for purchase, visit lordoflife.org/tomtipton.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

bake & craft sale

Satisfy your sweet tooth AND support Missions & Ministries at the Bake and Craft Sale on December 10 and 11.

Breads, candies, cookies and lefse are just a few of the treats and holiday gift-giving items you will find in Fellowship Hall.

worship and caring community

Proceeds benefit missions to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Tanzania, Uganda along with other Lord of Life ministries. Questions? Feel free to send an email directly to Connie Luebke at leeconlub@comcast.net.

Thank you to Ann Little for sharing her artwork on this page and throughout this issue (Pages 3 and 5).

The Joy of Giving

T

his Christmas find joy in supporting one of the various ministries Lord of Life serves in our community and around the world. Stop in Fellowship Hall and take a “present” from the wall. Purchase a gift card or give a cash donation in the amount of $10 or $25 to your favorite ministry. Below is just a partial list of how your gift cards or cash donations will be used by various ministries: •

363 Hunger Ministry: Your gift will provide blankets, bottled water, and winter coats to the homeless.

•

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Good Gifts Program: Your gift may include a chick, duck, tree seedling, or hymnal and Bible given to countries around the world.

•

Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN): Your gift will help stock the local foodshelves.

•

FreedomWorks: Your gift will help provide towels, washcloths, t-shirts/undershirts, personal hygiene items.

•

Hope Lodge: Your financial gift will help provide linens and paper products as well as stock the craft cupboard.

•

Lutheran Social Service (LSS): Your gift will provide items for a ‘Gift Shoppe’ shopping experience for LSS clients to purchase gifts for their family members (see Page 9 for more details on outreach opportunities with LSS).

•

Lutheran Malaria Initiative: Your gift will provide a treated mosquito net to prevent malaria.

•

Military Family Support Ministry: Your financial gift will help provide care packages for soldiers, books for the VA Book project, gas cards for military families.

•

Mission Jamaica: Your gift will help provide bottles, underwear, medical supplies and part of a pig (see Page 14 for more details on the “Pig Out” Project)!

•

Mission Tanzania: Your gift will go towards a well, first aid kits, student notebooks, school supplies for teachers, secondary education scholarships (see article on Page 13 on the gift of education).

•

RiverWorks: Your gift will provide meals to an elderly person and help stock the foodshelves (see more about RiverWorks on Page 15).

•

St. Olaf Lutheran Church: Your gift will help struggling families in North Minneapolis to purchase food.

stop and pray

Before your family gathers to open their Christmas gifts this year, why not stop and pray: Loving God, giver of all gifts, we thank you for these presents. We have chosen and wrapped each with love. And please know how much we appreciate the love and the joy each of us brings to each other. We bless each other as part of God’s family, through whom we come to better love you, our God. Amen.

—Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home Ministry

This is an exciting new way to honor teachers, neighbors, friends and family. If you are giving a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, upon receiving your financial gift, you will receive a gift card that you may give to your recipient sharing the gift you have given in their honor. Tags will be available right up until December 25! To learn more, contact Michelle Welinski.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

11

adult

It was a Mystery!

O

nto the bus, but the OWLs had no idea where they were going!? They passed Minneapolis and stopped in St. Paul. Then Edna Murray, “The Kissing Bandit,” boarded the bus carrying her Thompson Machine Gun! Edna entertained them with very clever and amusing stories as they toured many of the locations made famous by the gangsters that operated during the ‘20s and ‘30s in St. Paul. Gangsters carried out robberies, kidnappings, and liquor sales during this time of prohibition under the protection of a number of crooked cops, including the chief of police in the ‘safe city’ of St. Paul. Notorious gangsters such as John Dillinger, Ma Barker and her sons, Babyface Nelson and the Barker Gang (which included Edna) and many more lived or operated in the area. After lunch in the Wabasha Street Caves, once dug as limestone (silica) mines then used for growing mushrooms, and now used for parties and dances, they had a tour of the caves. It was an interesting day learning about an infamous time in the history of St. Paul.

future OWLs events

Thursday, December 1: Christmas Party at 12 noon in Fellowship Hall with a theme “Come on Ring Those Bells—Jesus is the King!” with special guests Pastor Peter and Mary Larson.

Mary will delight us with her musical talents as well as sharing experiences from travels to Rwanda and the Ukraine. It is a freewill donation lunch; please bring mittens and/or scarves for RiverWorks Foodshelf in Rockford. Bring a friend and share in the joy of the season.

Friday, December 16: Service project labeling LifeTIMES in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am Wednesday, December 21: Worship at Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2 pm Thursday, January 5: Faith, Food and Fellowship begins at 12 noon in the Youth Room for “Lunch and a Movie.” It is a freewill donation lunch plus popcorn during the movie.

Thursday, January 19: “Hairspray” award-winning Broadway musical comedy at Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Leave church at 10 am and return about 4 pm. Cost of $54 includes play, meal, and transportation. Start the new year off with a smile and a song!

October’s Faith, Food & Fellowship

D

id you guess? PSG Opportunity stands for Personal Spiritual Growth Opportunity. We grow spiritually by strengthening our personal faith. Merle and Michelle Waldron with Diane Sjolander introduced the opportunity to spend a Via de Cristo weekend. It’s a life-changing, unique time to experience God’s love. We also grow spiritually when we share our faith with others. Jan Sower challenged the OWLs to consider mentoring another person through the Spiritual Mentoring Ministry. Finally we grow spiritually by serving others. The OWLs assembled 100 “Grab & Go” bags for Hope Lodge Cancer Center.

12

Save the date! Thursday, February 2 for the Valentine Party at 12 noon in Fellowship Hall—stay tuned for more details!

Thursday, February 16: See TWO nationally recognized exhibits! In the morning we’ll view 1968 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul—an unforgettable exhibit of an extraordinary year. After lunch at the History Center’s Café Minnesota, we will go to the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis to see Antiquities From Ukraine: Golden Treasures and Lost Civilizations—one of only three American venues hosting this private collection. Watch for further details.

As a reminder for all events involving food preparation—please sign up on the bulletin board at church or contact Karen Nelson.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

The Gift of Education

adult

by Joyce Sager

T

his Christmas in honor of someone you love, give the gift of education to a child. 2012 scholarships are available for students in the Dominican Republic, Tanzania, and Uganda. In 2009, I met some of the Tanzanian parents of the children Lord of Life sponsored. One dad found an interpreter and wanted to express his heartfelt thanks to me for finding a sponsor for his child. He said he doesn’t have anything to give me except a handshake of gratitude for giving his son the education he was never able to have. One of the hardest things for me to do is to try and pass along, to other sponsors, how that moment felt—the families are so very grateful!

Although sponsorship details may vary according to which country is involved, the gift of education above all gives students—and their families—hope for the future. In Tanzania student sponsorship provides education in a safe and healthy Christian environment and a year’s tuition with room/board. If not sponsored, some students must walk a mile or more for lunch before returning for the second half of the day; many students must drop out because of the cost. The $360 annual cost in Tanzania can be more than what the family makes in a year.

For us in Minnesota, a $4 special coffee drink each day for a year is about the same as providing four students a scholarship!

The Ifuwa Parish taskforce in Tanzania discerns eligibility for sponsorship with criteria for academics, gender equality, a strong financial need, being an orphan, and a member of the parish. You may choose to provide the entire scholarship or a small portion. When a sponsor commits to sponsoring a student(s), the hope is that the student(s) will be sponsored through six years of secondary school. The majority of the students sponsored from Lord of Life attend three schools. If youth become orphans, they go to the church asking for help towards school. It had been a big burden because of so many children. The church is blessed that there are now scholarships provided. Students come back from schooling very different.

One story is of a student who graduated, came back to the village, got married, had children, and could teach his kids English; he has now taken a role of leadership in his church and community.

Basically many youth are being rescued from HIV/AIDS by providing a scholarship to go to school. Many youth head off to larger cities and become prostitutes. They come back infected and spread it to the village. I have also heard a story of two girls walking along the road with a huge bag of oranges. They were headed to a school more than 20 miles away to sell the oranges. They would eat what was left over on their way back and then go again the following week. This is how they would Tanzanian Nativity Batik come up with their monthly school fees. Our daughter Marie experienced this also where she taught. The village kids would bring items to school to sell so they could go to school. Primary school fees are paid for by the government. Secondary school is on the family. The students are so blessed to receive three meals a day at school versus maybe one at home. And now there are fewer kids missing school from illness because of safer water from new wells which were provided by two Lord of Life families.

I need to let Bega Kwa Bega know how many scholarships Ifuwa Parish students can count on to begin the new school year beginning on January 1; and those payments need to be collected in Lord of Life’s office by December 4. Scholarships may also be given for students in the Dominican Republic and Uganda throughout the year. For more information, check out the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall as well as The Joy of Giving article on Page 11. Questions? Feel free to contact me directly at joycesager@comcast.net or 763.257.2820.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

13

adult

Introducing the Pig Out Project!

by Mike Hofer

E

ggs without bacon? No way! First came the egg—the Chicken Coop Project at Clifton Boys’ Home in Jamaica has been a huge success! Thanks to all the support from Lord of Life this project has become completely self-sustaining and is a model being used for other sites in Jamaica. The Jamaican government has done tours to Clifton showing off how a well-managed chicken coop program can provide food, income, skills training, and the pride of accomplishment! Sometimes the boys even sneak a chicken or two off to the side as pets!

Pig Out Project!

Now we need the bacon! With your support we can build out multiple pens and buy piglets for yet another self-sustaining project for the boys at Clifton.

They already have the experience and knowledge, now they just need the resources to expand into this operation. By getting one boar and multiple females they intend to raise and breed the pigs for food, income and training for the boys. Through a rotation of chores the boys get to experience all the various aspects of caring for the animals at Clifton. The local Jamaican food manufacturing company, Grace Foods, has already agreed to purchase grown hogs from Clifton if we can turn this dream into reality.

So how can you bring home the bacon for the boys at Clifton? It’s simple— just look for the “Pig Out” tags on the “The Joy of Giving” wall in Fellowship Hall. Your gift of $10 will help provide building materials and feed. A $25 donation will buy a third of a pig! What a great gift for the holidays! You can “Pig Out” without any guilt! For more information about Clifton Boys’ Home or the Pig Out Project, please feel free to contact Rhonda Evans-Hofer at 763.639.4762.

Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) Our next opportunity to serve at EFN is on Monday, December 5 from 10 am12 noon. Many hands will be needed to complete the Holiday Boxes of Hope. Work the whole shift or as long as you are able to volunteer.

C3ers are welcome.

EFN is located in New Hope at 8501 54th Avenue North. To sign up, visit lordoflife.org/efn or contact Jane Bergstrom.

14

Every week adults, youth, and children are invited to celebrate recovery from hurts, habits & hangups. See Pages 17 & 19 for more details about Celebration Station and the landing.

Celebrate Your Recovery every tuesday evening at 6 pm in fellowship hall If you desire to free yourself from hurts, habits and hang-ups which keep you from living the life God intended, come to Celebrate Recovery from 6-9 pm.

Childcare is provided. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski or Pastor David.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Make a Difference in the Community

RiverWorks Foodshelf

adult

by Sue Brady

R

iverWorks is a faith-based nonprofit organization mainly supported by donations from the community. Lord of Life is excited to support this growing ministry. Located in Rockford, RiverWorks serves the communities of Rockford and Greenfield, our neighbors to the west. Opening in March 2010, it has helped supplement food needs for 1 in 6 families while in crisis. The need is great!

In addition to providing food, other things happen at the food shelf: relationships are built, new jobs are celebrated, a listening ear is given, families are cared for and volunteers give hundreds of hours of service. RiverWorks implements the model of “client choice” meaning the client gets to choose food for their family use. Volunteers assist them as they “shop” for food options and along the way are able to offer conversation and share the gift of encouragement to those facing a difficult time.

During this holiday season, please consider purchasing an extra bag of groceries then put it in the large white bin identified as “Hunger Ministries” located in Fellowship Hall. Your gift directly impacts the lives of our neighbors and truly makes a difference. Thanks for your continued support!

To learn more about RiverWorks check out the website lordoflife.org/riverworks or contact Sue Brady at sbrady.mn@gmail.com.

a gentle reminder In an effort to keep accurate information in Lord of Life’s database for mailings, phone tree, and other communications, this is a gentle reminder to inform Office Manager Nancy Bourbonais of any changes in your street address, home phone or cell phone numbers. Feel free to also let us know of any ‘snowbird’ addresses and their dates for mail to be forwarded. Your help is appreciated!

In 2011, fresh produce from Lord of Life’s LifeGARDEN donated to CROSS Foodshelf totaled 6,779 pounds!

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

15

faith formation

share Christmas treats

Make cookies for others. Attach a homemade card to the container that includes John 8:12, “Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will never walk in darkness. They will have the light that leads to life.”

Before you take them to be shared, pray this blessing on them: Gracious God, bless the friends with whom we share these cookies. May they be blessed with joy, peace, and hope this Christmas season. Thank you for giving us the ability to make and share these goodies with others. Amen.

—Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home Ministry

Karing Kingdom Preschool December Bible Verse: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors.”

Luke 2:14 (NRSV)

My First Angels by Tomie dePaola From the creator of Strega Nona, this book of angels is a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.

K

Kelley Farm Fun!

Happy December

aring Kingdom Preschool is filled with “Good News” as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday! We will lift our voices in praise as we honor Christ the Newborn King during our Christmas program on Thursday, December 15 at 7 pm. Baby Jesus, angels, and the shining star of Bethlehem are part of classroom activities in December. Trimming the tree and a visit from Santa and his elves will be holiday fun plus a special festive holiday craft & cooking class, Kris Kringle’s Kitchen. Karing Kingdom will be closed December 19-January 2. Classes resume January 3, 2012. Registration for the 2012-13 school year for currently enrolled families begins Tuesday, January 3. Alumni families may register on Thursday, January 5. Open registration for the general public begins Monday, January 9. Karing Kingdom Preschool wishes each of you a very blessed Christmas filled with joy, peace, and happiness!

Questions about Karing Kingdom Preschool? Call 763.420.5015 x127 or email kingdom@lordoflife.org.

16

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

True Light Children’s Christmas Musical

As noted on the cover page, the Lord of Life annual children’s Christmas musical performance will be on Sunday, December 4 at 5 pm. Invite your friends and family for a joyous celebration of Jesus as the “True Light” in our lives. The performance will be followed by a delicious family meal in Fellowship Hall. There will be a freewill offering for the meal. The cast of 87 children have been practicing since September and are eager to perform for you! Cast Note: Dress rehearsal and photos will be on Saturday, December 3, from 9-10:30 am.

children children youth youth family family

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Parent Night Out

Celebration Station!

by Don Clark

C

elebration Station is a 52-week complementary children’s program which goes hand-in-hand with the adult Celebrate Recovery curriculum. Adults explore topics which bring healing and wholeness; kids discover the same topics and truths in age-appropriate ways! Celebration Station is open to children of Celebrate Recovery attendees in hopes that healing is a family affair. Celebration Station gives kids:

• Hope for all the amazing things God has in store for them • Truths that help them overcome life’s challenges by learning to lean on Jesus • Joy as they embark on a wonderful, year-long journey of songs, games, videos, impactful experiences, and great conversation • Friendships with other children

Celebration Station is designed to inspire kids age 5-11 with hope, joy, and happiness while they learn to rely on God. Meeting on Tuesdays from 6-8:30 pm at the same time as Celebrate Recovery, families are invited to eat together before each group heads off to their small group. Celebration Station follows a two-hour schedule including songs, crafts, learning centers, games, teaching, and free play. Each lesson closes with a time of reflection, or worship—and the child’s version of the Serenity Prayer. During small groups, kids use Celebration Station Journals to get in touch with their feelings and record their thoughts. Kids will bring home their journal page and a take home family conversation starter is included on the reverse side. This unique aspect of the journal opens the door to healing communication by teaching kids to talk to each other, talk to God, and talk to their parents. Questions? Connect with Pastor David.

Drop off your kids at Lord of Life on Friday, December 9 for Parent Night Out! Parent Night Out (PNO) runs from 6-10 pm for children birth–4th grade.

This is a fun, safe, and faithbased experience for your children while parents take a break! Sign up at lordoflife.org/ pno. Cost is a freewill donation (suggested donation of $10 per child) which will support One World One Mission and its mission partners. Dinner is not served, snacks are provided.

We hope to see your children at PNO! Questions? Contact Biz!

After School Program The After School Program will kick off for another session starting Tuesday, January 17 and will run through May 29.

The Lord of Life bus picks up registered children one day a week from Rush Creek and Basswood elementary schools.

All children are invited to join us, however bussing is only provided for those attending these two schools. Cost is $80 per child if the student attends Rush Creek or Basswood. Cost is $70 per child if you attend a school where transportation is not provided. Registration begins December 1. Register online at lordoflife.org/asp or stop in the CYF Office downstairs.

In fulfillment of their baptismal promises, parents gave Bibles to their children during worship in October.

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

17

faith formation

‘Clubbing It’ in December

U

nite at Sky Zone on Friday, December 2, where 5th & 6th graders will be jumping for an hour and a half and making tie blankets and cards to be sent to the Children’s Hospital. Meet at Sky Zone at 5:45 pm, pickup is at 8 pm. Cost is $12 and register online at lordoflife.org/ club56 with sign-up before December 1. As always, invite a friend or two! Questions? Ask Clancy!

introducing UthINK

Lord of Life’s 5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to share their faith and submit articles based on faith questions. We want to know what “U” our “Uth” think!

Look for the UthINK (Get it—youth ink and you think!?) theme each month at lordoflife.org/club56. Submit your 1-2 paragraph thoughts on the theme before the 1st of the following month. You could be the next to tell us what UthINK! Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Kate Ostaffe shares her faith on, “What does service and community outreach mean to you?” Kate writes:

W

hat I like most about doing service projects is the fun I have doing them. Also, while I am doing service projects, I know that I am helping other people. I am lucky to have a home and food to eat. Some people don’t have homes or food. I am happy to help those people who are less fortunate than me. My favorite service project is Feed My Starving Children. I just think it is really fun packing food. I also like to go to the warehouse and pray on the boxes before they ship out to different countries.” —Kate Ostaffe A big thank you to Kate for sharing your article on serving. January’s topic is, “Write about the possibilities for a happy 2012!” Submit them to Amanda ‘Clancy’ by November 19. Tell us what UthINK!

jr. high recharge

Jr. high recharge is on Sunday nights from 7-8:30 pm. On December 4 it’s Christmas Movie Night. On December 11 is our annual Christmas party so bring a snack to share and let’s have some fun. Bring a friend along!

jr. high ski & snowboard retreat We’re headed up north to Lutsen Mountain Ski Resort on February 17-19! Cost is $285 which includes transportation, a place to sleep, 2 days skiing, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner, a swimming pool pass, and a whole lotta fun! It does not include rental cost, lesson fees or Sunday night dinner on the road. We check into Lake Superior Hostel, get settled in, and early Saturday morning shuttle to Lutsen Mountain for long runs and great snow! Saturday night we’ll hang out at Lake Superior Hostel. After worship on Sunday, we pack up the bus and head out to Lutsen Mountain for another day of skiing.

After skiing all day Sunday we head back home. We get dinner along the way and arrive back in Maple Grove late Sunday. The retreat will be filled with good friends, great skiing, swimming pool, devotions by the fireplace, lots of fun and laughter, cool worship and much, much more. Don’t miss it!

18

God’s blessings to all 170 confirmands who affirmed their baptismal promises during four services on Reformation Weekend

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. II Corinthians 12:9 Meeting on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 pm (Tuesdays beginning in January), the landing is for everyone age 12-18!

Experience Freedom, Healing, Wholeness

children youth family

by Don Clark

W

elcome to an exciting, life-changing journey! The group provides a safe place for teens to deal with life! the landing is a place where teenagers can experience freedom, healing, and wholeness. It’s an adventure where teens learn how to make wise choices and develop healthy patterns of living. It’s a safe haven to help overcome lifecontrolling hurts, hang-ups, and habits—or simply provide insights on following God’s path to greater freedom in life.

Parent issues, divorce, family problems, relationship issues, negative attitudes, trouble at school or work, experimenting with drugs/alcohol, experimenting with sex, eating and food issues, body image, people-pleasing...these are things that can trip us up and get in the way of being all God wants us to be! the landing is a safe place to be real and raw and really deal with things that no one thinks they can be honest about. You are not alone!

Each week teenagers will meet with other teenagers who are traveling this journey. We will spend time reading the Bible, discussing real-life topics, searching for answers to challenging situations, and encouraging each other. the landing is a structured ongoing 52-week program-based on the Beatitudes where Jesus laid out the principles for happiness in the Sermon on the Mount. It is for teenagers who are struggling to live their lives in a healthy, God-honoring way. the landing sr. high living room meets every Thursday night from 6:30-8:30 pm, and it’s a Living Room is a time for sr. high youth to come hang safe, healing place to learn how to live a freer, healthier and out together, worship together, serve together, and more God-centered life. In January, Celebrate Recovery, the learn together while we engage our faith and grow landing, and Celebration Station (see Page 17) will all meet in community. We meet the first Monday of each on the same night so families can go to these meetings and month. Coming up…December 5 at 7 pm for sushi & then have opportunities to talk about what they are learning sundaes! together.

sr. high ski & snowboard retreat

Are you ready for some serious snow?! All senior high youth are invited to come to Bozeman, Montana on our annual Ski & Snowboard Retreat! Hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky for three whole days! We’ll be gone February 16-20. Friends are welcome too!

Cost is $465 and includes: • 3 days of skiing/snowboarding (2 at Bridger Bowl, 1 at Big Sky) • 3 nights lodging at the Days Inn with 3 continental breakfasts • Program costs and transportation by deluxe motor coach

...feel trapped by hurts, habits, hangs-ups, circumstances or addictions? the landing is a confidential gathering for hope & support which meets weekly on Thursdays (switching to Tuesdays beginning January 2012) from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Youth Room. all youth ages 12-18 are welcome. snacks are provided; no registration necessary.

Register at lordoflife.org/shskiretreat or pick up a paper registration and turn it in to the CYF office with a $200 nonrefundable deposit before January 15 (trip may fill before that). Final payment is due at the parent/participant meeting on February 1. Questions?

Contact Elizabeth Pedersen.

summer 2012

Registration is open for the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans July 13-23! Find out more at lordoflife. org/youthgathering. Planning for A Work of Love (AWOL) and Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) summer 2012 trips is underway. For more info, visit lordoflife.org/srhigh. Stay tuned—it’s going to be an awesome summer!

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

No matter what life may bring—it’s all about landing in God’s loving arms.

19

Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

ADDRESS 7401 COUNTY ROAD 101, MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311-4313 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED - TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA). It is published 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. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork.

The deadline for the January issue is December 1. ©2011 Lord of Life Lutheran

Caught Reading LifeTIMES While in Venice, Italy, Arlene Harris and Margaret Tollerud were caught reading LifeTIMES

Veggie Tales’ Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber* were caught reading LifeTIMES at the Maple Grove LifeWay Christian Store

During a break on Reformation Sunday, some Canticle Choir members caught a breath of fresh air outside and were caught reading LifeTIMES *Remember, Larry’s not a pickle—he’s a cucumber!

20

December 2011 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a