November 2016 LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

November 2016

First, ask,

How do I think God has blessed me this past year?

Second, ask,

How do I feel God is calling me to respond to those blessings through my giving to Lord of Life?

—see Page 3

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

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

@lolcyf /lordoflife /lolcyf /CelebrateRecoveryLordofLifeMapleGrovemn

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

—Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy PASTORA L S TAF F Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor of Programming, Learning, and Missions, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Kari Lyn Wampler, Pastoral Intern, karilynw@lordoflife.org

TAB LE O F CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Stewardship............................................................... Pages 2-3 Pastor’s Article / Family of Faith.................................................................. Pages 4-5 Luther Seminary - Minneapolis Synod / Generosity - Call Committee........ Pages 6-7 One Mission One World: Uganda / An Alpine Faith Story..........................Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15

Ring and Sing children's bell choir made a joyful noise unto the Lord on October 9— see Page 14 for “Sing We All Noel!” children's Christmas musical which will combine Church School students with Alleluia, Joyful Noise, Ring and Sing choirs.

november worship and music November 5/6 All Saints Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise / Alleluia (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) November 6 at 7:30 pm Service of Remembrance (see Page 6) November 12/13 Military Recognition Medley (see Page 11) Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Peter Middlecamp (11 am), Bel Canto (all services) November 19/20 Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble SNL@LOL: Sunday Night Live at 7 pm with Pastor Sarah Bunge featuring Julius Collins and Sons of Almighty November 23 at 7 pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship Pastor Dave McCarty November 26/27 Pastor Sarah Bunge Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Beverly Hammond, and her father, Tom Tipton

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Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays

Worship and Music

Third Wednesday, November 16, worship at 1 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room

2 November 2016

Third Sunday, November 20, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope Worship and music schedules may be subject to change.

Your Stewardship

by Pastor Chick Lane Most people don’t find ‘stewardship time’ one of the highlights of the church year.

Maybe because I’m a stewardship nerd, I do. I find it exciting because I think it is a very important time for each of us who are members of Lord of Life and an important time for the whole congregation.

The next month is important for each member of the congregation—and that includes you. It provides you with the opportunity to plan your giving to God’s work through Lord of Life. To do this planning, I’d recommend asking yourself two questions: First, ask,

“How do I think God has blessed me this past year?”

Second, ask,

“How do I feel God is calling me to respond to those blessings through my giving to Lord of Life?”

When you answer those two questions, you will be ready to plan your giving for next year. The next month is also important for our entire congregation because what each of us puts down as a giving plan allows our staff and council to plan ministry for next year. When we indicate growth in giving, then our leaders can plan confidently for growth in ministry. This is precisely what has been happening at Lord of Life for the past few years. We all hope this will continue into the future.

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During the first week of November, you will receive an envelope with your stewardship materials. Please read them carefully, and make your financial commitment for 2017 by the end of November. Everyone who benefits from the ministry of Lord of Life thanks you.

Stewardship November 2016 3

A Worthy Attachment

by Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

As a marriage and family therapist, I meet with many clients weekly. I consider it a blessing and a gift to walk through difficult journeys with them. I was with a client recently whose life has thrown her some really rough curve balls. Out of the blue (are these things ever really ‘out of the blue?’ - surely God is at work!) she said to me, “I think I must have done something really wrong and that’s why God is punishing me.” After a thoughtful pause I replied, “Wow. I don’t know that God. I’m not sure I would want to.”

There are faith traditions that teach this—their theology is based on a fearful and an angry God. Those works are based on the understanding that if people aren’t good, God will disapprove of them, and there will be hell to pay (some even believe that literally)!

But I have to tell you honestly—I don’t know who that God is. As someone who walks daily alongside people who are hurting and as a lifelong student of theology, there is one thing I know for certain. I do not believe God is the giver of pain and suffering. Life’s pain isn’t about sins committed or wrongs done.

Pain is about our humanness and attachment to wrong things.

My car was a casualty in Maple Grove’s Flood of 2016. Now, you need to know that I loved my car. I am not happy about the idea that she, ‘Jeepsy’ as we called her, may no longer be a part of our lives. But I am clear about the reason for my discomfort. I’m aware this is a rather trivial example, but I am confident it is consistent in all struggles. When I grow too attached to my life, I hurt. When I don’t get something I think I deserve, I hurt. When my plans for the future don’t work out, I hurt. When my ego is offended, I hurt. When I believe that I am lacking, I hurt. Pain and suffering are a product of our humanness—not God’s wrath.

When we are able to lean into our trust for God, we begin to release pain and move through it.

I am clear that this doesn’t mean we are wrong for our attachments; in fact, I think that is what makes life fun and beautiful! But no matter how great the pain, the process is the same. When our most loyal attachment is to God, we will know that God has our wellbeing in His utmost care.

Proverbs 3:5 states, Trust in the Lord with

Pastor’s Article

all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. It is adherence to our own understanding that causes pain. With the Holy Spirit, we are able to move through the pain and receive God’s peace that passes all of our human understanding.

4 November 2016

Peace passes that

all understanding.

Philippians 4:7

Lord of Life’s

baptisms

Family Faith bereavements

weddings

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Sunday, November 13, at 11 am. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office.

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

September 10

Ashley Sauer & Michael Ronkowski

September 3

Matthew David Grassie

Shelly Aeshliman and family at the death of her brother-in-law

September 4

Blake James Knutson

Larry Benedict and family at the death of his father

September 9

Danica Mae Dean

Patty Davidson and family at the death of her niece

September 10

Ella Rae Purnick

Ella Mae Stahl

Chuck & Gwen Denninger and family at the death of their friend

September 11

Sydney Amelia Juliot

Kate Janka and family at the death of her nephew

September 17

Millie Louise Benjamin

Bentley William Grohs

Linda Jenneke and family at the death of her father

September 18

Madeline Jane Letich September 24

Greta Marie Frake September 25

Harriet Mae Cady

James Joseph Lee Ciavarella

Brooklyn Nicole Hanna

Avery Jo Herseth

Kendall Lynn Hoekstra

Bennett James Knoblauch

Isaac Brent Rasmussen

Jack Joseph Skorczewski

Clara Lynn Thornton

Mila Louise Thornton

Levi Duane Wegner

Tim Jenneke and family at the death of his grandfather Marianne Kraft and family at the death of her brother-in-law Jill Pennings and family at the death of her grandfather Tom Wilson and family at the death of his brother

September 16

Natalie Eyre & James Rowin September 17

Jamie Vidor & Jesse Erickson September 24

Kali Schreiner & Nicholas Juliette September 30

Valerie Jacobs & Jerrald Underwood

welcome Marlene Fuller Brad & Judy Graff Ben & Eleanor Hahn Jerry & Karen Parks Leo & Dawn Timmerman with Kayla Dan & Brittany Yurik with Elise George Battha and Millie Baumgardt

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

Family of Faith

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of

November 2016 5

ELCA Minneapolis Synod Workshop at Lord of Life—

Tool Kit for Lay Leaders Daily spiritual refreshment from Luther Seminary—

Take a ‘God Pause’

by Joan Freeberg, Luther Seminary Ambassador Whether it’s the first thing you do in the morning, something you do while waiting in line, or the last thing before you go to sleep at night—God Pause devotions are a gift of spiritual refreshment and only a click away!

God Pause devotions are spiritual reflections delivered directly to your email daily. These devotions are prepared by Luther Seminary alumni and provided free to everyone who subscribes. Did you know some of our Lord of Life staff have been God Pause contributors in the past? Most often these daily devotions are based on Bible readings, but also occasionally they include reflections on well-known hymns.

When I receive a God Pause devotion, it can be a grace-filled moment in a busy day. I look forward to receiving them and growing in my faith. I think you may benefit from them as well!

Visit luthersem.edu/godpause to view a sample devotion, then subscribe by clicking on the sign up now button. Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, educates leaders for Christian communities across the country and around the world. It is the largest of the eight seminaries in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Luther Seminary - Minneapolis Synod

service of remembrance

6 November 2016

All are invited to join in for a special worship service on Sunday, November 6, at 7:30 pm. Whether you have been living with grief for days or years—come and be strengthened. Music, candles, holy communion, and a message of hope will fill the sanctuary and bless us all.

Childcare is provided.

On Saturday, November 5, join in for a morning of fellowship, workshops, and time with Bishop Ann Svennungsen. She was elected in 2012 to a six-year term as bishop by voting members of the Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly. The historic vote made her the first woman to serve as bishop in any of the ELCA’s six Minnesota synods.

Let’s give Bishop Svennungsen and synod guests a warm welcome to Lord of Life!

Saturday, November 5 8:30-8:55 am Check-in and treats 9-9:50 am Workshops I •

Join the Wellness Reformation!

•

Maximizing Gifts to Family and Ministry

•

Narrative Budgets ... and more!

10-10:50 am Workshops II •

Writing Your Racial Justice Mission Statement

•

Background Checks /Volunteer Coordination

•

Moving from Welcoming to Inviting ... and more!

11 am-12 pm Time with Bishop Ann Svennungsen For more details and registration, visit mpls-synod.org/event/ tool-kit-congregational-leaders. The event is free, however, a freewill offering will be taken. When you register, you will indicate which workshops you are interested in.

The Minneapolis Area Synod is under the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is the church of “God’s work. Our hands.” About 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations organized in 65 synods help make up the primary expressions of this church. Our faith comes through the good news of Jesus Christ and gives us the freedom and the courage to wonder, discover, and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.

Trip to Germany

As shared in previous LifeTIMES, Pastor Donna Rohrer will be hosting a trip to Martin Luther’s Germany for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. To learn more, attend an informational meeting on Thursday, November 4, at 7 pm or contact Pastor Donna directly (donnar@lordoflife.org).

An update from Lord of Life’s Call Committee—

Great News to Share

The call committee is eager to report on the new lead pastor interview process.

As you are aware through previous communications, the call process began by collecting several candidates’ names through a variety of sources including our synod bishop, respected pastors, conferences, and networking avenues. Each call committee member was assigned prospective candidates for due diligence background and a study of preaching styles.

Then, all candidates were assigned a score using our ranking system—the most highly ranked candidates were identified and interviewed.

We looked closely at candidates from all over the country; leading candidates emerged from Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington. Most had ties to the Midwest through education. These leaders were interviewed in person by call committee members and toured Lord of Life’s campus. Finalists were selected for a more intensive interview over a day and a half by the entire call committee and advisors. Finalists received formal ratings by independent review. From this evaluation, one candidate has become our lead candidate.

Ultimately, the call committee needs a unanimous vote to recommend a candidate to the council. Indeed, the call committee does have a unanimous vote on a lead candidate! The recommendation will be shared with the church council and they eventually vote to share with the congregation. If the council votes in favor of this candidate, then the congregation will be introduced to the candidate. Lord of Life’s congregation will have an opportunity to Meet and Greet the new lead pastor candidate prior to a vote.

Alan Albrecht, Chair Skip Lieser, Susan Listberger, Tina McCarty, Gretchen Peel, Council President Merle Waldron Advisor Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Advisor Senior Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Lord of Life’s Call Committee is committed to open communication.

Submit questions or comments at lordoflife.org/callcommittee; more details are also on that page.

Celebrate Recovery

Budget Year-to-date September 2016 Actual

Total member contributions All other

Difference

$2,451,141 $2,325,384 $205,736

Total receipts

Budget

$125,757

$207,921

($2,185)

$2,656,877 $2,533,305

$123,572

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — September 2016 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000

by Michelle Welinski Satan knows our name, but calls us by our sins.

God knows our sins, but calls us by our name.

Wow … that is powerful. Each week at Celebrate Recovery we are encouraged to introduce ourselves in this way, “My name is (fill in the blank) Michelle. I am a grateful believer in Jesus and I struggle with (fill in the blank) control issues and overeating.” If I went to a traditional Overeaters Anonymous meeting, I would introduce myself in this way, “My name is Michelle, and I am an overeater.” Ouch … do you see the difference? Do you understand the difference?

At Celebrate Recovery, we break old tapes of being defined by sin or weakness. We want to identify with our strength, Jesus Christ. There is no shame following Jesus, our one true Higher Power. So what old tape or label do you need to discard?

Now is a great time to Celebrate Recovery!

$60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0

9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25

Actual Budget

$54,558 $71,848

$104,632 $71,703 $71,848 $71,848

$58,100 = $288,944 $71,848 = $287,393

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday (optional dinner 5:30-6:15 pm) with programming beginning at 6:30 pm. Childcare is provided.

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

Generosity - Call Committee

November 2016 7

One Mission One World (1M1W): Uganda—

©waterforkidsinternational

Join This Journey

by Laura & Kent Dirks Looking ahead to March 21-April 3, 2017, come meet Christ in our Ugandan neighbors and in one another, and be the hands and heart of Christ to those we meet.

With the help of the Holy Spirit working through many, two Ugandan villages are now benefiting from clean water. Consider joining us on this journey to see the difference made in the lives of a village by providing clean, safe water.

Monday, April 13

You are invited to be a part of the

Glimpse of a Day in Uganda

2017 mission trip to Uganda! For more

Today was the new well dedication at a remote village

information, contact Laura or Kent Dirks

called Hitunga.

(763.557.6044 or kent.dirks@live.com).

We walked some distance to where the villagers got

For more details about the

their water before the well was drilled - it was a

1M1W: Uganda ministry, please visit

hole in the ground about three feet across. When the area was flooded, children have died trying to get

lordoflife.org/uganda.

water. An important part of the Water4Kids program is educating villagers not to go back to the old hole for water. We helped explain that clean water from the new well was the reason their children were no longer getting sick. A man believed to be over 100 said he never thought he’d see a day with safe drinking water for Hitunga.

After the well dedication, we enjoyed a wonderful celebration. Men with bells on their legs were dancing and chanting and playing a giant xylophone. Villagers danced around in a circle — we joined in the dance!

We had lunch at the home of the village leader, Chief Vincent Mwima, with a wonderful meal of chicken, chapatti, rice, bananas, pop, and water. As we were

One Mission One World: Uganda

leaving, Chief Mwima presented us with a goat.

November 2016

©waterforkidsinternational

8

It was an emotional day.

—Sue Simonett

From a handwritten note with email address on a donation envelope, Lord of Life learned this family’s faith grew in Switzerland via online sermons—

An Alpine Faith Story Interview by Editor Bev Mello

How did you first find out about Lord of Life? Tell us about your family.

Renée Anderson: I became familiar with Lord of Life through my brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Deb Halvorson, who are long-time members. They first shared Pastor Peter’s advent devotions on a CD when we were living in Colorado. I would leave it in the car so as a family (my husband, Rand, and our sons, Evan and Max), we could hear them daily. Then when we moved to Switzerland, I found we could listen to them online—which led me to explore the website and I found the sermons!

Why have you been living in Switzerland, where specifically, and how long are you planning to stay? Do you attend worship or have fellowship with other Christians there?

My work with a healthcare company took us overseas to headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. We first lived there from 2002-06; our boys attended the International School of Basel. We attended the Anglican Church of Basel and felt so thankful for the community of Christians from many countries and backgrounds. Our sons went through confirmation, learning from a rich variety of traditions, yet grounded in the same faith. The worship service took place in a 14th century church, known for its music, including four organs! When both kids were in college, we went back for five years, repatriating in August.

(left to right) The Anderson Family Rand, Renée, Evan, Max near Lake Lucerne looking toward the village of Beckenried, Switzerland!

What specifically do you appreciate about Lord of Life’s online ministry—how has it strengthened your faith?

I am very thankful for Lord of Life’s online ministry because it gives me easy access to meaningful sermons and devotions. In the morning before going to work, I would listen to them as the basis for reflection prior to a demanding day in corporate life. Since I grew up in a Lutheran faith community, it always feels a bit like ‘coming home!’ I pray for this ministry and encourage Lord of Life to keep using technology to reach those who can’t be physically in the sanctuary.

You don’t need to live in Switzerland to hear sermons online! If you are out of town, under the weather, or simply unable to attend worship, visit lordoflife.org/sermons for video in the sermon archive (2014 to present). Or visit YouTube (youtube.com/lordoflifeluth) and at that site, you may subscribe to receive a weekly email link to the sermon video.

This year’s December devotions will be available at lordoflife.org/decdevos. CDs will be the devotions, visit lordoflife.org/enews.

An Alpine Faith Story

available at the main church office by December 1. If you would like to receive an email link to

November 2016 9

Answer Calls for Help

Lord of Life’s Silent Knights men’s ministry performs many tasks for those in need such as yard work, mowing, and small odd jobs. Recently 12 men worked in support of another ministry, CROSS food shelf, to build wall units and a shoe display rack. Thanks to Lord of Life’s benevolence funds to purchase supplies, they built and primed the units before painting and installing at CROSS. The wall units are dividers between the clothing sales area and the food donation space. Lord of Life is very thankful for this group of men who answer calls for help.

To learn more about Silent Knights and men’s ministries, visit lordoflife.org/realmen.

At home, at work, at play—

You are invited to join in stamping and scrapbooking with Inspired Images.

Save these Saturdays (9 am-3 pm) for service projects in the morning and personal projects in the afternoon.

Lunch is provided ($4).

Lord of Life Ministries

November 12 January 7 February 4 March 11

10

Inspired Images’ mission is to use God-given gifts and talents in service and support of Lord of Life ministries acknowledging the concerns and joys of others, while building relationships for the glory of God. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/inspiredimages.

November 2016

where is ‘Christ at’ in your life?

A Garage Sale ‘God Moment’

Lord of Life’s Inspired Images stamping and scrapbooking ministry continues to make a difference in people’s lives. The first morning of their recent two-day garage sale was opened with a brief prayer.

One of the very first customers was a woman named Loretta. The ‘God Moment’ occurred when she heard the prayer before shopping began—then knew she was in the right place! Loretta works with children/adults who have special abilities and use stamping and scrapbooking as healing therapy. The merchandise she purchased will be made available to her clients at very affordable prices. Loretta shared, “I think your ministry is awesome and look forward to sowing seeds from these purchases into my ministry. And I am sure people are blessed by the cards they receive from your group!”

Inspired Images’ garage sale earned almost $700 to purchase new ministry supplies—yet the satisfaction in supporting others’ wellness was even greater than its financial success.

Older Wiser Lutherans Military medley during worship and annual dinner—

Veteran Recognition november events

November 3: Faith, Food, and Fellowship is Journey for Freedom with guest speaker Peter Vodenka. In 1993, Peter and his family defected from behind the Iron Curtain of the former Czechoslovakia. He wants to remind Americans how fortunate we are to have freedom. Begins at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Come celebrate freedom!

November 16: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm November 17: Do you enjoy chocolate? If so, join in to visit K’ul Chocolate in Minneapolis. We will tour the factory and enjoy tasting samples. You will also be able to create your own chocolate bar. Cost is $8 plus lunch on your own at Pizza Lucé before the tour. Leave church at 10:30 am, return by 4:30 pm.

by Karen Nelson

Lord of Life’s Military Family Support Ministry is hosting its 6th Annual Veterans’ Dinner on Friday, November 4, from 5:30-8:30 pm. All veterans (past or current duty) and a guest are invited. The evening honors those who have served and is an opportunity to extend our gratitude for that service. Please rsvp

by October 31 (karenn@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x138) or sign-up at the narthex table the weekend of October 29/30.

During all worship services on November 12/13, Lord of Life will honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States military.

While in the pew, you will be asked to stand and be recognized while each military branch’s song is performed. You are invited to join in!

November 18: LifeTIMES labeling with the A-team in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

save the date

December 1: He Is Coming ... Let’s Celebrate! Festivities begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. The River City Quartet will bring splendid vocal harmony with a splash of levity. Pastor Peter will share the good news of Christmas. Invite your friends ... let’s celebrate!

December 15: The ladies are at it again only they have added men to their cast. Join in for a day of fun with Away in the Basement - A Church Basement Ladies’ Christmas at the Plymouth Playhouse.

Enjoy lunch at the Green Mill before the play.

Leave church at 10:30 am and return by 4 pm.

Cost is $24 plus the cost of your lunch.

December 22: LifeTIMES labeling with the A-team in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

January 5: Faith, Food, and Fellowship will be Cyber Crime. Watch for more details.

See the bulletin board or visit lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events and to register.

skates needed

Donations of gently used youth and adult figure or hockey skates, and hockey equipment, are being accepted for St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Our partner congregation has a neighborhood skating program for youth in North Minneapolis.

Please bring donations to the Service Center by November 15.

—Suzie Olson

Lord of Life Ministries

January 27: LifeTIMES labeling with the A-team in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

got skates?

November 2016

11

Lifelong Learning

lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning

Pastors’ Drop-in Bible Studies 8:30 am Sundays The Christmas Story through Nov. 13 How many wise men came to visit Jesus?

Were they kings? It is early, but come and learn what is in Scripture, what has become tradition surrounding this miraculous event, and why this story is told in different ways. It is the beginning of the greatest story ever told!

Pastor Donna Rohrer

9:45 am Sundays Nov. 6 Often called The Stewardship Chapters, Paul encourages Christian communities to care for one another, and encourages generosity as a vital component of Christian life.

Pastor Chick Lane Nov. 13 Each of us is a unique child of God with a role to play in the work of the kingdom. Living into that uniqueness brings the whole potential of the Spirit to life.

Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler all

o u can t es! o y n e h Co me w Sunday studi of these

6 pm Sundays Wholehearted Living through Nov. 20 Engage from a place of worthiness while cultivating courage, compassion, and connection to create lives we want to live. Using Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection, embark on a spiritual journey that can lead to more fulfillment, self-acceptance, and deeper relationships.

The $10 book is available in Reflections of Faith. Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

11 am Sundays Prayer School: ASAP Always Stop and Pray! Prayer School is where you get comfortable talking to, listening to, and understanding God. All are welcome—from beginners to seasoned prayer warriors—the Holy Spirit will meet you right where you are.

Pastor Karen Sue Greimel with Cynthia and Larry Pivec

Forum with Pastor Peter

Sunday, Nov. 20, at 9:45 and 11 am The Christian Church in the United States: Where is it headed and what does that mean for Lord of Life?

Senior Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Lord of Life Ministries

Word for Women

12 November 2016

Wednesdays at 9:30 am And the winner is. . . Ephesians! In this election year, Word for Women participants filled out ballots for the next study beginning November 2. There were 66 nominees, and the book of Ephesians came out on top. Please join in for a study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as we examine together our Christian belief and behavior. Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

november schedule

C3 is Christ, Community, and Confirmation for middle school/high school Sundays: November 6, 13, 20 5-6 pm: C3 groups 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-8 pm Explore middle school youth group

Express high school youth group Wednesdays: November 9, 16, 30 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups

During a 7th grade retreat, these young men are learning about Christ, community, and confirmation.

It’s not too late to join in for C3!

If you have questions, visit lordoflife.org/c3 or contact Neil Christians (neilc@lordoflife.org) or Elizabeth Pedersen (elizabethp@lordoflife.org).

Connor and his C3 group’s service project was to build benches of treated lumber and outdoor decking screws for Lord of Life’s backyard firepit. Shown above are (left to right) Connor, Aaron, Ben, Travis, Cole —submitted by Lisa McGill

From Kim Paine— Our 9th grade C3 group did a service project.

The girls purchased material and made 22 tie blankets to donate for Children’s Hospital.

Lord of Life Ministries

Here’s a picture when we delivered the blankets to the hospital (left to right): Jordan, Paige, Laura, Sydney, Grace, Trinity, Rachel, Hannah, Megan, Laurel, and Brooklyn with C3 leaders in front: Kim Paine (left) and Rhea Garcia.

November 2016 13

Those Christmas Boxes Operation Christmas Child is in full swing!

Collection is near the main office and runs through Wednesday, November 16. Did you know:

Sunday, December 18: performances at 3:30 and 6 pm All are welcome to the children’s Christmas musical, Sing We All Noel! Stay for light appetizers and fellowship after each performance. Church School children will be participating on Sunday, December 18: •

8:30 and 11 am classes perform at the 3:30 pm performance

•

5:30 pm and 9:45 am classes perform at the 6 pm performance

•

Joyful Noise and Alleluia choirs will be in both performances and dress rehearsals

Dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 17: •

8:30 and 11 am classes rehearse from 9-10 am

•

5:30 pm and 9:45 am classes rehearse from 10:30-11:30 am

Word sheets and listening links are at lordoflife.org/churchschool. Save the dates and stay ‘tuned’ for more details!

After School Program (ASP)—

Lord of Life Ministries

Winter/Spring ASP

Tuesday afternoons are a blast for ASP students!

Winter/spring session registration opens December 1. Cost is $85 per child if he or she attends Basswood, Rush Creek or Meadow Ridge, $70 per child if he or she attends a school where transportation is not provided. Winter/spring session is January 10-May 23 (no programming on March 28 and April 4). Visit lordoflife.org/asp to learn more about the program and to register.

14 November 2016

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You do NOT have to use a red and green box from the display—any shoebox is acceptable.

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A bar of soap and washcloth in a sandwich-type plastic bag is a great gift!

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Tennis balls are inexpensive and every kid knows what to do with a ball.

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The age group that receives the fewest gifts is 10-14 years old, boys or girls.

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No chocolate or food, liquids or lotions may be sent; this includes shampoo and hand sanitizer.

If you donate $7 per box online, you will receive special boy/girl tags and Operation Christmas Child will email the destination of your box(es) to you. Visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Every shoebox gift includes a booklet in the child’s own language. This booklet is the story of Jesus, the greatest gift of all! Your donation helps cover their cost of booklets and shipping.

Parent Night Out (PNO) Friday, December 2, 6–10 pm Birth–5th grade, $15/child A great evening for parents’ Christmas shopping!

Bring your child(ren) for a fun night of faithfilled activities. Proceeds go to A Work of Love (AWOL) and One Mission One World (1M1W) ministry participants. Parents may stop in Fellowship Hall from 9-10 pm for dessert and coffee. Register at lordoflife.org/parentnightout.

Church School Update

November 5/6: Still Small Voice

2 year old Parent/Child class

3 years-6th Grade – Regular Church School November 12/13:

3 years-6th Grade – Regular Church School November 19/20:

3 years-6th Grade – Regular Church School November 26/27: Advent

3 year old Parent/Child class

4 years-6th grade – Regular Church School

November Bible Verse: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Happy November!

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts

by Lisa Tawn Bergren The trick to a thankful heart is thinking about the things that make us happy, rather than the things that do not.

Our month begins with the letter B. Books are the theme for our first week, as we read some of our favorite literature. We will also have our first Usborne Book Fair of the year on November 2/3. All proceeds from the book fair will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House school—this is one of our Kindness Projects this month. The second week of November’s letter is U for Up, Up, and Away. We will talk about different things in the air—clouds, airplanes, hot air balloons, and others. Our third week of November is the letter T for Thanksgiving when we will learn about the first Thanksgiving, along with having a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings! The last week of November is conference time on Monday, November 21, and Tuesday, November 22. The remainder of that week we will be on Thanksgiving break. The final week of November is the letter A for Alphabet. Our focus will be the letters of our name. Chapel Chat is the third verse of The Beatitudes.

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

Welcome to Kate Campbell, the newest member of the Karing Kingdom staff!

Karing Kingdom Preschool

Karing Kingdom’s field trip to Eastman Nature Center was a ‘hoot!’

November 2016 15

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

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LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks.

To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork.

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

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

SNL@LOL inspiring relevant preaching authentic community worship with loud funk music by Julius Collins and Sons of Almighty

nov. 20

7 pm

caught reading lifetimes

Caught reading LifeTIMES during an October retreat are Lynn Key’s C3 group of Ali, Anna, Ava, Cassie, Danielle, Emily, Grace, Kenna, Jordyn, Neva, and Olivia.

God’s Work.

Our Hands.

Lord of Life’s stamping and scrapbooking ministry, Inspired Images, recently held a garage sale.

Shown here (left to right) are (front) Cindy Cadwallader, Sara Travis, (back) Nancy Bourbonais, Susan Burzlaff, Ellen Sanko, Lisa Gedker, Cathie Martinson.

16 November 2016

See Page 11 for a ‘God Moment’ from the sale!

Caught reading LifeTIMES via smart phone are Judy Curtiss (left) and Pat Smuda-Behr waiting for a performance to begin at the Vienna Opera House, Austria.