November 2017 LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

Grat i tude

unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. —Melody Beattie

November 2017

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

/lordoflifeluth

/lordoflifeelca

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

PASTORAL S TAF F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen 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 Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus

TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith ............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 Lifelong Learning and SourceMN / A Peek at Advent................................ Pages 6-7 Aspen House / Generosity / Meet Chris Tollefson ......................................Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16

worship

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

november

4/5 11/12 18/19 22 25/26

music

LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)

Pastor Chick Lane Sermon: Giving - Why give?

5: Winds of Praise Flute Choir 5: Service of Remembrance (Page 5) Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Sermon: Giving - Why give to Lord of Life?

Military medley veterans’ tribute (Page 10) Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem Sermon: Giving - Why plan your giving?

Thanksgiving Eve Service, 7 pm Pastor Karen Greimel Pastor Dave McCarty Advent Conspiracy: Worship Fully 26: Soloist Bryan O’Neil

Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Third Wednesday: November 15 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living Third Sunday: November 19 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope

Worship and music schedules may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most current information.

Dear Lord of Life Friends, Do you know that God loves you?

That you (yes, you!) are indeed a child of the Most High God?

You are a priest of the kingdom!

A disciple of Christ!

A witness to the work of the Holy Spirit.

An evangelist for Jesus. “... let your light so shine before others that they see the good works you do and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I know you know those words. They were spoken at your baptism.

Mine, too. And that’s the whole deal—Christianity summed up in one image. The same as the light on the cover of this magazine and being held in my family’s hands in this photo.

God could have hoarded light—after all, God created light!

Rather than possessing, hoarding, or stockpiling light, God sent Light into the world. Jesus’ nickname was ‘the Light of the world.’

No matter your coolest nickname, I’m betting that tops it!

When I was a little girl, my mom would call me ‘Sarah Sunshine.’

Other names, too, but on a good day, it was ‘Sarah Sunshine.’

Through this nickname, I knew that my baptismal challenge was to shine!

The Bunge Family (left to right): Sarah, Luther (10), Grace (12), and Adam

Hopefully, these last 3.5 years you’ve experienced some of God’s light shining through me. As our rays of sunshine have been blessed to work together for God’s glory, I have seen the kingdom at work. But, alas, all good things must come to an end. My ministry at Lord of Life has concluded. I bid farewell to you all with deep gratitude.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your pastor.

In this issue of LifeTIMES—

It’s All about Gratitude

May you continue to shine on as individuals and as a family of faith. I am grateful that we will always be on the same Light Team!

—Pastor Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship

No need to wait until the 23 to be thankful for God’s bountiful blessings. We are grateful to Pastor Sarah Bunge for her energy and passion shepherding the flock (see Page 3). We are grateful for helpers, volunteers, and council members (see Page 9) who willingly give precious gifts of time.

We are grateful for Celebrate Recovery welcoming the Face It Foundation—an organization that supports depression awareness/support, particularly in men (see Page 11). We are grateful for youth faith formation during retreats (see Pages 12-13). rd

2 November 2017

And I am grateful for all of you, dear readers, with a special mention to the faith-filled offering gifts and talents in creative writing, painting, photography, poetry, and more (keep ’em coming!). For everyone equipped through the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ, with gratitude, —Editor Bev Mello

Pastor’s Article

Worship & Music

Welsh terriers unite—these newfound friends are grateful for their humans and a pastoral ‘Blessing of the Animals’ received in October!

November 2017 3

Lord of Life’s Greeting cards and gifts demonstrating gratitude are available in Reflections of Faith.

Shown here are a Marva Sheriff’s Credo Designs greeting card as well as a ‘pocket rock’ reminder to give thanks to the Lord. Also available are items from the Holy Land with all purchases in support of Palestinian artisans.

Reflections of Faith is a tremendous resource for faith-based devotionals, home décor, music cds, Bibles, and more (think Christmas gifts). Stop in before and after all worship services; also open during the week at selected times. Visit lordoflife.org/reflectionsoffaith to learn more.

baptisms

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, November 12, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).

September 9

Mack Thomas Petersen September 10

Freyja Harbor Anderson

Hudson Luth Chelte Charlotte Ruth Hinkley September 17

Calla Marie Dingmann

Briggs Daniel Nelson

Reagan Margaret Sjulstad September 18

Oliver James Vogsland September 23

Hailey Jane Gilles

Luke Henry Minkler

September 30

Logan Patrick Caldwell

Rosy Linn Weiland

Cali Mae Winn

4 November 2017

bereavements

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

Elly Anderson and family at the death of her uncle Karonne Becklin and family at the death of her father Kat Bryan Wallace and family at the death of her sister Bill and Seth Carlyon and families at the death of their father and grandfather Joann, Jordan, Nathan, and Taylor Cross and family at the death of their father and grandfather Mary Czech and family at the death of her mother Tom and Chris Gilstad and family at the death of their father and grandfather Kris Leaf and family at the death of her father Pamela McFerran and family at the death of her husband Eric Paine and family at the death of his mother Sandy Stokes and family at the death of her father Joni Tardiff and family at the death of her mother Dave Ullestad and family at the death of his father

Inspired Images stamping and scrapbooking ministry meets several times throughout the year. Join in on November 11 for their next gathering. Thank you to Ellen Sanko for sharing her original card designs (also on Page 15) of gratitude and thanksgiving.

For more details about the Inspired Images ministry, visit lordoflife.org/inspiredimages.

weddings

welcome to new members

September 2

Samantha Johnson & Abel VanTassel

Scott & Sandy Anderson with Trent

September 9

Samantha Eyre & James Thell September 16

Kylie Braun & Aaron Roorda September 22

Ashley VanDanacker & Michael Kaliszewski September 23

Kati Horejsh & Patrick Nolden September 30

MacCall Whiteis & Samuel Lienemann

Dustin & Lindsay Fulton with Carter and Crosby Kevin & Diane Moody Adam & Melanie Peterson with Payton and Hudson Ryan & Bekah Smith with Owen, Luke, and Isla Nick & Lindsay Stanton with Brynn Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church and its programs financially. For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/membership.

You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

Service of Remembrance

For all who are grieving the loss of a loved one, you are invited to attend a comforting and reflective worship service on Sunday, November 5, at 7 pm in the sanctuary.

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

Family of Faith

Famly of Faith

September 24

Lucas David Domaas

Family Faith of

November 2017 5

by Pastor Donna Rohrer On November 5/6 and 12/13, we will continue studying the minor (shorter) prophets from the Old Testament as they encouraged the children of Israel to return and rebuild Jerusalem and the holy temple. They have been in captivity in Babylon for a long time and are encouraged to trust in the Lord who rules over all. The Lord has promised to be with them as they rebuild. The same classes are offered both Sundays (9:45 am) and Mondays (7 pm). There is no need for registration and all are welcome. You are encouraged to be a lifelong learner of the Bible to increase your faith and strengthen your relationship with God.

Anti-trafficking

by Chuck Denninger SourceMN has been offering a sense of community in south Minneapolis during the past 30 years. The past four years have also provided cost-free housing, case worker assistance, meals, and life skills training to women coming out of sex trafficking.

“... a dramatic increase of sex trafficking in

As Super Bowl L I I comes to Minneapolis early next year, Source staff have been building relationships cities hosting with the Minneapolis Police Department. Studies have shown a dramatic increase of sex trafficking in cities hosting major sports championships. Recently, major sports after six women were taken into custody after a night raid, three Source-trained outreach team members were downtown early the next morning. Two of the championships.” victims were incredibly open and shared their pain and suffering. Talking to outreach team members rather than police makes it easier for victims to gain trust and willingness to talk. These experiences and expertise with local law enforcement will be invaluable as the Super Bowl approaches.

Peter Wohler’s Challenges: In August, Source’s Executive Director Peter Wohler was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. He began a 24-week regimen including chemo. We are asking for prayers for Peter and his family to find healing, strength, and encouragement in the Lord.

How does Lord of Life join Source’s ministry?

Monthly dinner: Can you imagine being homeless or living in a public shelter—what would you miss or what would you crave? We would crave belonging, community, friendly faces, smiles, safety, and decent meals.

Lord of Life volunteers prepare and serve dishes on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Folks who depend on Source are truly touched receiving hearty meals including salads, side dishes, and desserts.

For four years, Lord of Life has supported Source with dozens and dozens of volunteers, as well as financial support; Source is truly grateful. If you are interested in hearing about their successes and challenges and would like to celebrate at its annual gala on November 9, details can be found at sourcemn.org.

For more information or if you have questions on this active and vital ministry, contact Chuck at chuckdenninger@yahoo.com or visit lordoflife.org/sourcemn.

6 November 2017

by Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem If you have ever felt uneasy about the consumerism and enormous expense of Christmas, this is a movement for you.

If you would like to have a season filled with good memories, joy, and hope, this is a movement for you.

If you want Christ to be at the very center of Christmas, this is a movement for you.

The Book Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World? is a great resource and a compelling book about getting to the very heart of Christmas in how we prepare and celebrate the coming of Christ. Copies are available for $8 in Reflections of Faith.

The Class Advent Conspiracy will give shape to our worship experiences throughout Advent. For further conversation, Pastor Joel will lead a weekly class on Mondays at 7 pm in the Luther Room, beginning November 27 through December 18. Pastor Joel will also lead an Advent Conspiracy forum on Sunday, December 3, at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am in the Luther Room. No registration is required for any of these classes.

Changed Lives and a Changed World It’s nothing less than what Jesus Christ comes to do. Join the conspiracy to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All.

Children’s Christmas Program

Save the date for this year’s Christmas cantata, Arise! Your Light has Come, on December 9/10 during all worship services.

lefse-making time

Make lefse with Shane Awker, Lord of Life kitchen manager, for the craft and bake sale December 9/10, and bring some home for yourself. Maximum of 12 people. Upcoming dates are November 11, November 18, and December 1. Register at lordoflife.org/lefse.

by Dana Craig, Worship Coordinator/Children’s Choirs All are invited on Sunday, December 17, to the children’s Christmas program, Come to the Manger. Performances are at 3:30 or 5:30 pm; stay for light appetizers and fellowship after each program. Church school children will be participating this year as follows: •

Saturday, 5:30 pm and Sunday, 8:30 and 11 am classes perform in the 3:30 pm performance

•

Sunday, 9:45 am classes perform in the 5:30 pm performance

•

Joyful Noise and Alleluia children’s choirs participate in both performances and dress rehearsals

Dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 16. Saturday’s 5:30 pm classes join with Sunday’s 8:30 and 11 am classes practicing from 9-10 am. Sunday’s 9:45 am classes practice from 10:30-11:30 am.

Word sheets and listening links will be available at lordoflife.org/ churchschool. Expect a packed sanctuary—mark your calendars now as you won’t want to miss it!

A Peek at Advent

Lifelong Learning / SourceMN

Summer Stretch: Three summer mornings, a busload of Lord of Life youth learn about urban ministry and what Source does. We’ve explained to the youth that every manual task performed by the youth frees up time for Source staff to focus on their work. What a blessing to Source to have the Summer Stretch youth help!

Advent Conspiracy

Image Courtesy of Advent Conspiracy (adventconspiracy.org)

November Classes

November 2017 7

Aspen House

by Pastor Chick Lane

by Becky Kormann and Pastor Dave McCarty Aspen House is a new mission project for Lord of Life! We are eager to provide a home, life skills training, and mentoring for families so that after one or two years they will be able to move on to an independent and fulfilling life. Aspen House is in the Maple Hill Estates neighborhood of Corcoran and will provide a family with access to good schools and other services.

Maple Hill Estates is the second largest mobile home community in Hennepin County. It accounts for 78% of affordable housing in Corcoran.1 Manufactured housing is a significant source of affordable housing for lowincome households. The west metro region is facing an affordable housing shortage; it cannot keep up with current and future demands.

Aspen House is a ministry home for a family to live in and be surrounded by caring individuals who can aid them as they seek to get back on their feet. Lord of Life’s team, led by Becky Kormann and Teresa Altman, will work alongside the family to coordinate care, to offer support for specific life skills, and to address targeted needs. The selected family will live in Aspen House for up to two years while gaining skills to become independent.

Aspen House will then be ready to welcome another family. A family has been identified with three children: ages 1, 2, and 3.

We ask everyone to please hold them and keep them all, and the Aspen House ministry team, in your prayers as they begin this journey together.

Do you give to Lord of Life by using electronic fund transfer? Hundreds of households do and find it a very convenient way to give. I’ve talked to many direct debit users and hear two main reasons people like it so much.

One of these reasons has to do with the congregation itself, the other has to do with the givers.

talks about giving, it uses words like, intentional and regular. I’ve often pointed out that electronic giving is very Biblical giving, because it is intentional—you need to make a plan; and it is regular—the money is transferred on a regular schedule from your account to the church’s account.

Over the next month, if you don’t currently give electronically, you will be encouraged to consider a change.

I invite you to seriously consider this opportunity. Signing up is easy. You will receive a paper form in the mail or you can go to lordoflife.org/directdebit.

The first reason people appreciate direct debit is their giving to Lord of Life happens both when they are in town and out of town.

These people realize the ministry of Lord of Life occurs every day and counts on their regular giving to support this ministry. The second reason people like direct debit is that it is very convenient. One person said it this way: I set it, and I forget it. For people who pay their bills electronically, making their gifts to Lord of Life via direct debit seems only natural.

Direct debit is a simple process that many people find very convenient. It also provides a constant flow of income which supports the wonderful ministry of Lord of Life. As you think about your giving this month, think about direct debit.

A major component of our stewardship emphasis this month will be to encourage every member of Lord of Life to consider the move to electronic giving. When the Bible

For details about giving, direct debit, gift acceptance policy, and more, visit lordoflife.org/give. Thank you for your financial support.

Actual

Total member contributions

Budget

$220,579

Total receipts

Difference

$2,544,859 $2,525,884

All other

$18,975

$205,165

$15,414

$2,765,438 $2,731,049

$34,389

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — September 2017

Star Tribune, Hannah Covington, August 29, 2017

8 November 2017

Native Minnesotan from St. Paul, migrated west to Maple Grove about 18 years ago. Married to Wendy for 17 years, we have four children: three boys and a girl. Our eldest Sophie, Aaron, Wendy, Chris, Navarro, Sydney son is Sydney (23), Navarro (18), Aaron (15), and our daughter Sophia (13). We are an active bunch with school, sports, or church activities. Sydney just moved out on his own. Navarro, our adopted son from Jamaica, is graduating this year. Aaron will be confirmed soon and will earn his driver’s license. Sophia just started confirmation—now looking forward to bugging her brother for rides. When not attending various sporting events, we love spending time together at home with our four dogs, two cats, and a hamster (the family doesn’t think I know about that pet ). We recently spent time as Polar, Boomer, Titan, Maisy a family on road trips to the Outerbanks of North Carolina and Lake Lanier, Georgia.

In 1999, Wendy and I were looking for a church to get married in and, through a former pastor, were directed here. It was love at first sight with the church as we have been members ever since.

If you could visit any country in the world, which country would it be and why?

We would love to go back to Jamaica with Navarro to see his homeland and to have our other kids experience where he was born.

$120,000

What is your favorite Scripture verse?

$100,000

We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. Hebrews 6:19a

$80,000

Is there anything else you’d like to share at this time?

$60,000

I am honored and excited to be part of council and look forward to serving the congregation of Lord of Life.

$40,000

Thank you, Chris, for your time and commitment—along with our gratitude to all Lord of Life’s council members who faithfully serve the congregation.

$20,000 1

Please share a little bit about you and your family:

What brought you to Lord of Life and how long have you been a member?

Budget Year-to-date September 2017

In previous issues we’ve been introduced to Chris Petersen and Pat Smuda-Behr. Here’s a warm welcome to our third newest council member, Chris Tollefson—

$0

9/3

9/10

9/17

9/24

Actual Budget

$96,286 $74,175

$88,594 $74,175

$66,074 $74,175

$68,227 = $319,180 $74,175 = $296,700

For more information, as well as minutes from council meetings, you are invited to visit lordoflife.org/council.

Generosity / Meet Chris Tollefson

If questions or for more details, contact Becky Kormann (kormann@embarq.com or 612.719.0611) or Pastor Dave (davem@lordoflife.org).

Aspen House / Generosity

Meet Chris Tollefson

Ways of Giving: Direct Debit

Introducing a local, vital new ministry—

November 2017 9

Blankets & Blessings

Older Wiser Lutherans

by Barb Mewaldt With gratitude, thanks to everyone who donated fleece or tied blankets for the CROSS Holiday Shop—we had a great response.

If you haven’t had a chance to participate and want to, it is not too late to get in on the fun. We continue to accept donations of fleece and blankets throughout the fall.

Preparations for the CROSS Holiday Shop continue in November, with an emphasis on Christmas stockings and stocking stuffers.

One thousand stockings are needed every year! The stockings can be made and decorated with whatever materials you have on hand, or can often be found at a ‘dollar store.’ Stocking stuffers can be anything that fit into a stocking, so there are options for every budget. Stocking recipients range from young children to teenagers. Collection of stockings and stocking stuffers will take place from November 1-15 and can be left in the Service Center.

Looking ahead to December, we will continue our support for the Holiday Shop, which is scheduled for December 16, with a toy drive. Parents who are served by CROSS will have the opportunity to shop for gifts for their children, and we have the privilege of sharing our Christmas with others. For more information about CROSS, visit lordoflife.org/cross.

Gratitude to Vets/Active Duty

by Karen Nelson Lord of Life’s Military Family Support ministry would like to invite all veterans and active duty to attend worship November 11/12 for a military medley veterans tribute. The congregation will sing and wonderful musicians will perform the theme songs for all branches. When your branch of service’s song is featured, you are asked to stand as you are able to be recognized. Invitations will be given to veterans and a guest for dinner on Friday, November 17, 5:30-8:30 pm. The evening honors those who have served or are currently serving; it is an opportunity to extend our gratitude for your service. Great time and attention is taken to prepare a delightful and delicious meal. Hope you can attend both the military medley during worship and the dinner! There will be a narthex table if you would like to stop by and sign up or ask questions. Sign-up for the dinner is requested by November 12 at the narthex table or on the website at lordoflife.org/militaryfamilysupport.

Looking ahead to the fifth annual men’s winter retreat—

Men’s Ski/Snowboard Retreat

by Dave Lund and Dale Nelson On February 23-25, 2018, join in with fellow winter outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend of fresh air and fun. With close-to-base lodging at Montana’s Big Sky Resort, we’ll have breakfast and dinner, devotions, and fellowship every day. The resort is 5800 acres, 400" average snowfall, vertical 4350', and 300 runs.

Lift tickets for three days are approximately $300. Lodging includes three nights for $275-350 per person; there could be single occupancy options for an additional cost. For food, we plan to have community meals in the condo and share costs for two dinners and three breakfasts.

10 November 2017

Registration and $150 deposit are requested by November 10. Contact Dale Nelson (dalen40@comcast.net or 612.865.9985) or Dave Lund (dave.lund@outlook.com or 612.356.4739) to sign up or talk through the retreat—it’s so much easier to describe in a few minutes than what can be captured in an announcement!

Thursday, November 2: “Barns of Minnesota.”

Traveling all over Minnesota, Doug Ohman has captured the history and uniqueness of barns.

Doug will show his pictures and delight us with his experiences and history of the barns. Bring a friend! We begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch.

Wednesday, November 15: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, November 16: We travel to the Swedish Institute. The OWLs will enjoy a guided tour of the historic Turnblad mansion followed by a smÖrgåsbord. There will be additional time to wander throughout the mansion as well as peruse the gift shop. Cost is $33 including lunch. We will leave from church at 9 am and return at 3 pm.

Friday, November 17: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.

save the date

Thursday, December 7: Annual Christmas Party, Glory to God in the Highest, with harpist Reuben Correa. Pastor Peter will give devotions.

We welcome donations to Source MN. (See Page 6 article.) Please check the bulletin board or pick up a card in the office listing all the suggested donations. Festivities begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch.

Come, bring a friend and celebrate the season.

Thursday, December 21 We will travel to Plymouth Playhouse to see The Looney Lutherans in Hold the Lutefisk. We will enjoy lunch before the play at the Green Mill. Leave Lord of Life at 10:30 am and return at 4 pm.

Cost is $24 with lunch on your own.

Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.

by Michelle Welinski One in ten men experience depression, but fear, shame, and a lack of understanding about depression prevents many from seeking help. Men often feel pressured to simply man up and get over it. There’s the fear that admitting to a struggle or asking for help will be seen as unmanly—and men often reject the idea of taking antidepressants or seeing a counselor. Some men might not even be aware that they’re depressed; they just know that life has become unmanageable.

I’ve heard most recent data shows that in the U.S. we lose over 35,000 men to suicide annually with this number increasing every year.

While this is a staggering statistic, there is hope!

Celebrate Recovery is pleased to open up the dialogue by hosting Face It, an organization devoted solely to help men who struggle with depression.

Join the conversation on Tuesday, November 7, at 6:30 pm.

Mark Meier and Bill Dehkes will share personal stories and ways you can support someone who struggles with depression. While Face It is a program for men—we can all learn about depression. We need to erase the stigma of depression, and it starts by education. All are welcome to enjoy dinner prior to their presentation. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:15 pm; childcare is provided.

If you or a loved one struggle with depression, you can reach Face It at 651.200.4297 or the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255). For more information, contact Michelle (michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118).

celebrate recovery breakfast

Come enjoy breakfast with participants of Celebrate Recovery on Sunday, November 12, from 9 am-1 pm in Fellowship Hall. Freewill donations accepted—be sure to come hungry!

adopt-a-park / adopt-a-highway

On November 5, please join the Creation Care ministry in helping clean Lord of Life’s adopt-a-parks: Grove West and South Elm (1 pm), and the adopted stretch of County Road 101 (2 pm). Help Lord of Life demonstrate how to care for nature!

Questions? Contact Kevin Klitz (kklitz@toraxmedical. com) or Blake Toms (blake.toms@regiscorp.com).

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life Ministries

For travel, meet at the Big Sky Lodge on Thursday evening for dinner and stay through end-of-skiing Sunday. Those who travel by car will depart Thursday morning from church and return by Monday mid-day (with a mid-trip hotel stop around Bismarck). Those who travel by air to Bozeman will need to make their own arrangements.

november events

Face It

November 2017 11

Our faith grew as a small group and I’m starting to believe in God and the Bible more

Retreat Photos The 7 and 8 grade students had a great time at Camp Onomia. Students enjoyed time to get away from regular schedules to grow closer to God as well one another. Students are studying major stories of the Bible. The retreat theme was “God’s Story” and how this is part of “My Story” and “Our Story.” th

th

We are all on this faith journey together, not just me, so we can help and support everyone through it

“ “ I’m a child of God, so God is a part of me. I see God whenever something amazing happens

My faith grew when we were in our small group and praying and talking about God

Quotes from Confirmation Retreats

I realized how many people are here to help you in your faith journey

I learned more about God and my faith story and how it is important to me

I got closer to God I understand more about people around the world and what they are going through and I understand more about God who loves us so much

Confirmation

Ministry Assistant Update

explore

Each year a few high school students are hired as ministry assistants who lead many of the programs/events for children, youth, and families. Pictured below is this year’s great team: •

Kennedie Fellman is a senior at Maple Grove Senior High and enjoys hiking.

•

Abby Gust is a senior at Maple Grove Senior High and is active with theater.

•

Adam Huser is a sophomore at Providence Academy and is on the swim team.

•

Elyzabeth Karkoc is a junior at Maple Grove Senior High. She is a cheerleader and enjoys photography.

•

Rachel Kunz is a sophomore at Maple Grove Senior High. She plays lacrosse, hockey and runs cross country.

•

Megan Phinney is a senior at Rogers Senior High School. She dances competitively and is involved with theater.

Adam

Rachel

Elyzabeth

12 November 2017

Kennedie

November 5, 12, 19 Small groups Family meal Small groups Explore (see left) or Express (see right) November 8, 15, 29 Small groups Family meal Small groups

express

is where high school students meet downstairs in The Gathering. It’s a time to catch up from the past week including devotions, games, prayer, and reconnecting with friends and God. All are welcome—invite a friend!

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—

Youth Gathering

Parent Night Out (PNO)—

June 23-July 2, 2018

Friday, December 8, 6–10 pm

The early bird deadline is approaching—registration fee increases after November 14. Join this amazing opportunity with 30,000 youth in Houston, Texas, for service, learning, worship and so much fun.

Open to youth in grades 9-12. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/youthgathering.

For birth-5th grade, $15 per child

An Evening in Advent Drop off your children for Christmas-themed games, snacks, stories, crafts, and service projects. All proceeds go to missionaries with Jamaica. Parents are invited to stop in Fellowship Hall between 9-10 pm for dessert and coffee before picking up their children. Register at lordoflife.org/pno.

Visit Page 7 for more about Lord of Life’s Advent Conspiracy and Christmas programs.

Lord of Life Ministries

Megan

Abby

is where middle school students come to “play together and pray together” including fun games (wear comfortable clothes/shoes).

It’s a great time to meet new friends or reconnect with others.

End the evening with a time of candlelit prayer and reflection (i.e. community/individual prayers and/ or journaling).

Sundays: 5-6 pm: 5:15-6:30 pm: 6-7 pm: 7-8 pm:

Wednesdays: 4:30-5:30 pm: 5:30-6:30 pm: 6:30-7:30 pm:

November 2017 13

Meet Emelia!

Saturdays (5:30 pm) and Sundays (8:30, 9:45, and 11 am)—

Church School Update

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.

Psalm 136:1a

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 4/5: Giving - More blessed to give than receive

2 year old parent/child class

3 years-6th grade – regular church school November 11/12: Giving - Parable of the mustard seed

3 years-6th grade – regular church school On September 28, Director of High School Ministry, Elizabeth Pedersen, and her husband, John, welcomed Emelia Marie into the world at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and 20 inches long. She is a beautiful child of God, loved beyond measure.

November 18/19: Giving - Zaccheus the tax collector

3 years-6th grade – regular church school November 25/26: Advent celebration begins

3 year old parent/child special Advent class with a gift

4 year old-6th grade - regular church school December 16/17: Sing in worship! All students during their

regular church school time. See Page 7.

parents, please note Register for ASP’s winter session by December 1 (more details at right).

On December 8, An Evening in Advent Parent Night Out is planned (see bottom of previous page).

See Page 7 for information about ‘Come to the Manger,’ this year’s children’s Christmas program.

After School Program (ASP)—

Winter Session

Registration opens December 1; winter session runs from January 16-May 22. Cost is $85 per child if attending Basswood, Rush Creek or Meadow Ridge ($70 each attending a school where transportation is not provided). This past fall session, 54 children had fun on Tuesdays with games, crafts, having a snack, participating in Bible studies, and working on service projects. For more details including a photo gallery and to register, visit lordoflife.org/afterschoolprogram.

Thanks for Thanksgiving

by Julie Markes Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks— the question is where to begin.

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

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel And welcome to the month of November. We begin our month with Turkeys in Disguise. Students will have the opportunity to conceal their turkey’s identity by creating costumes for them to wear. Next it’s off to The Works Museum. This interactive science, technology, and engineering museum introduces many fun and different handson experiences.

The following week is the letter O for outer space. Rocket ships, planets, and stars will be included as we learn about our solar system. Our Thanksgiving celebration begins with Chapel Chat. We will talk about being thankful and what gratitude is. Our festivities will include making turkeys, placemats and much, much more.

Also that week will be our annual Usborne Book Fair. All proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House and Crescent Cove, a hospice facility for children and young adults, in the form of books. That is our November Kindness Project. The last week’s theme is R for reading. It is also the beginning of our winter session.

Fall conferences will be Monday, November 20, and Tuesday, November 21.

Nursery care will be provided on conference days. Karing Kingdom will be closed November 22-24.

Karing Kingdom Preschool wishes each of you a blessed Thanksgiving!

Lutheran World Relief (LWR)—

Kits of Care

Standing in front of a giant backpack, these church school students are displaying some of the items needed in support of LWR Kits of Care.

See Page 5 for more of Inspired Images’ Ellen Sanko’s original card designs of beauty and gratitude.

Karing Kingdom celebrated a bountiful harvest of acorn squash from their LifeGARDEN plot!

Imagine having to choose between a meal or purchasing a notebook. LWR’s Project Promise School Kits of Care are sent to places where even the few required school supplies may be more than a family can afford. Pencils and paper can help write a positive future.

14 November 2017

Please note: LWR Kits of Care replaces the Christmas shoebox project.

Lord of Life Ministries

Lord of Life Ministries

Help fill the giant backpack near the main office with school supplies; see the display for a list. Deadline is November 20. God’s work.

Our hands.

November 2017

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

Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

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 © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

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

Caught Reading LifeTIMES

caught reading lifetimes

Live from Leipzig, Germany, Pastor Donna Rohrer’s (back row far left) Lord of Life travellers feasted on the body and bread before continuing their journey in Martin Luther’s steps. We offer prayers of gratitude for their safe return home.

16 November 2017

While working behind the counter at a Twins game before fans arrived are (left to right) Robbie McDonald, Ruth McKie, and Connie Luebke. Interested in potential fundraising opportunities for mission trips? Contact Connie (leeconlub@comcast.net) or Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org) for information.