November 2018 LifeTIMES

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

LifeTIMES

Can you give 15 minutes to L0rd of Life?

© Lightstock

See Page 3

November 2018

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf

/lordoflifeluth

PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org

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.

Prayer requests to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org.

november 3/4 10/11 17/18 21 24/25

music

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

Pastor Kaitlyn Forster 4: Service of Remembrance at 7pm See Page 5 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Military medley at all services See Page 13

Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem Pastor Chick Lane Thanksgiving Eve at 7pm

Pastor Dave McCarty

Saturdays: 5:30pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, and 11am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays

TABLE OF CONTENTS Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Celebrate Recovery Speaker / Memorial Peace Garden............................. Pages 4-5 Lifelong Learning / Generosity..................................................................... Pages 6-7 Take a Pause for Prayer................................................................................Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16

Third Sunday: November 18 - 10am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: November 21 - 1pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living

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

“Holy Spirit, you are welcome here...”

Worship & Music

On Rally Sunday, Worship Leader Brian Schroeder welcomed artists Kristen Olson and Evan Gosen.

2 November 2018

All are welcome to 11am worship with fresh, current music and revoiced hymns every Sunday. Stay tuned for more special music as other artists join the band!

Reflect on God’s Incredible Goodness—

This Is Important

by Pastor Chick Lane

Every November members and friends of Lord of Life are asked to consider their financial support of the congregation and make plans for giving in the coming year.

Although it may become routine, this process is very important. It is important for each of us, as we reflect on God’s incredible goodness and how we wish to respond to that goodness through our giving to Lord of Life. It is also important for Lord of Life, for it allows our congregation to plan for all the ministries we will undertake in 2019.

12 3

You will receive an envelope in the mail during the week of November 5. The materials in the envelope will make a simple request—can you give 15 minutes to Lord of Life? Can you gather the financial decision makers in your household (and others, if you wish) and spend 15 minutes together learning about our congregation and planning your financial support of Lord of Life for 2019?

The process will be “as easy as 1, 2, 3.”

Step one will be to watch a short online video that describes the exciting ministry of Lord of Life. Step two will be to plan your giving for 2019. A few simple steps will be described for you to consider as you develop this plan. Step three will be to act on this plan by confidentially informing the congregation of your giving plan, either online or via paper commitment card. As always, you will also have the opportunity to arrange to do your giving electronically.

The entire process is designed to be informative, straight-forward, and easy.

When you, and all the rest of us, give 15 minutes to Lord of Life, our congregation will be able to not only continue our great ministry—we will be able to expand it.

Pastor’s Article

This is important. This is really important.

Can you give 15 minutes to Lord of Life?

November 2018

3

“I used to be a hopeless dope addict, but today, I’m a dopeless hope addict.”

Celebrate recovery National Speaker Jeff Stultz 6:30pm Tuesday November 6

Celebrate Recovery Speaker

free event all are welcome childcare available

4 November 2018

the life of violence, drugs, alcohol, and as a motorcycle club leader, Jeff Stultz was in and out of jail and institutions. For 2½ years as a homeless, crack addict and after several months in jail in April 2007, Jeff knew if he didn’t make a change he’d soon be dead or in prison for life. Curiosity led him to a local church where he had a real life experience with Jesus Christ. Everything changed.

living

Jeff plugged in to the ministry of Celebrate Recovery (CR). The recovery process led Jeff to a spiritual experience that changed his entire life! After being reunited with his family, he moved back to North Carolina where he met and married his wife, Pamela. He became an ordained pastor joining the CR Southeastern team as a NC state representative.

In 2016 after putting the biker lifestyle behind him for nine years, believing he had to give up the life he loved to serve God, Jeff realized it’s ok to be a biker as long as he rides for Christ’s sake. Jeff founded and leads Broken Chains JC, a fellowship of bikers who have found hope and healing in Jesus Christ through the ministry of Celebrate Recovery—helping others to realize that change is possible!

“When I got saved and sober I thought I had to give up the lifestyle I loved . . . brother, was I wrong!” In August 2017, Broken Chains JC became the ‘official’ biker arm of Celebrate Recovery and Jeff joined the national team as its national director.

Since March 2017, Jeff has ridden over 42,000 miles and his unique ability to share the Gospel has touched literally thousands of people at gas stations, restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, motorcycle shops, and churches. Jeff is a missionary to the streets of America and God is using him in truly unique and amazing ways.

“Change is possible. I know, it happened to me. I used to be a hopeless dope addict, but today, I’m a dopeless hope addict.” —Jeff Stultz

The 10th anniversary of Lord of Life’s—

Memorial Peace Garden

by Lori Schwartz

All Saints’ Day encourages us to reflect on the lives of our loved ones who have passed away.

wall for plaques given in memory of loved ones, regardless of burial locations or church membership.

For centuries, churches have provided support to their grieving families and communities. Not only has the church provided faith support, funerals, and memorial services— churches are often the location of permanent resting places for the deceased within the structures of the church (such as tombs and crypts) or close by outside the church with cemeteries and columbaria.

Dedicated volunteers tend to the annuals and perennials each growing season. They design and place attractive arrangements during Minnesota winters. The garden is open all year for visiting or services, with benches and a water feature for peaceful contemplation.

Lord of Life extends this loving care to its members and the community with the Memorial Peace Garden. Located across the main drive alongside the cross tower, it was constructed and dedicated in October 2008. The garden currently has four granite columbaria. Two were placed in 2008 and two additional units added in 2016. Each columbarium provides 96 niches (compartments) for the permanent placement of ashes in cremation urns. When the garden was created, footings were placed for a total of 12 columbaria units that may be constructed and placed without disturbing existing columbaria and landscaping. In addition, the garden provides space for the scattering of cremated remains and a memorial

All elements of Lord of Life’s Memorial Peace Garden may be purchased at the time of need or if you are planning your end-of-life arrangements. As of September 1, 2018, 142 niches have been purchased representing 242 individuals designating the columbarium as their final resting place. Inurnments (urn placements) have been held for 73 individuals including brief committal services. In addition, there have been 26 scattering of ashes services and 50 plaques placed on the memorial wall of the cross tower.

If you have questions about Lord of Life’s Memorial Peace Garden, cremation, funeral or memorial services, or perhaps you would like to plan your own service or inurnment, contact Lori Schwartz (763.420.5015 x111 or loris@lordoflife.org).

Whether last week or years ago,

Memorial Peace Garden / Service of Remembrance

all are invited to remember those who have gone before us during an All Saints’ Service of Remembrance worship service at 7pm on Sunday, November 4. Be comforted through scripture, receive a message of hope, share in the gift of communion, light a candle in remembrance. From November 2017-18, may these members of Lord of Life rest in peace: Robert Braun Lee Driggs Roger French Lee Fuchs David Gogman Inez Hoag Gary Jones Greg Kapsner Kevin Mangle Rachel Vosejpka Jean White Debra Zaic

November 2018 5

You may wonder about heaven: • What is it—where is it?

• Who’s going—who isn’t?

• Hmm ... do we turn into angels and float around on clouds, playing harps and lutes?

God makes profound promises to us about life after death. We will use Scripture as our guide to unpack eternal life, talk about resurrection, imagine the Kingdom of God, and hear about what happens when we die—and how that affects how we live today.

Join Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem on Mondays, 7-8:30pm, in the Luther Room on November 12, 19, 26. No registration required.

For those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, join in for Connect Life on November 6 (after you’ve voted!)—

Connect Life: The Art of Awkward Conversation

The old adage goes, “the three things you’re not allowed to talk about are religion, sex, and money.” Yet, some of the richest conversations that we have with trusted family and friends are on those very topics.

They are rooted in real life, tap into our deepest needs, and give us a point of connection when we’re honest about ourselves while listening to others. We learn that we’re not alone in our wonderings, joys, and struggles.

And yet, we’re also living in a time where having these (and other) conversations are increasingly difficult.

With polarization of topics, not wanting to offend or always having to defend, and increased access to information 24/7, it’s almost as if we’ve forgotten how to have deep and meaningful conversations.

This November at Connect Life, we’re going to explore what leads to breakdowns in how we communicate, why real conversations are important, and how we express ourselves as people of faith.

Sometimes this is awkward and that’s ok. We’ll bumble together as we engage in our shared questions and love—the relationships that give our lives meaning.

A controversial, thought-provoking podcast to shape our conversation is in this recent episode of On Being by Krista Tippett, called “Can Conversation Make Any Difference at a Moment Like This?”

Listen to it, or read the transcript, and we’ll build a relationship on trust and questioning (https://onbeing.org/programs/living-the-questions-5/).

Please note space is limited. To reserve a spot at OMNI Brewing, rsvp at lordoflife.org/connectlife.

Notes for December’s gathering: December will be on the topic of wholeness; we’d love to read a book together for common language on this topic. Please consider reading, Whole: Restoring What Is Broken in Me, You, and

Lifelong Learning

the Entire World by Steve Wiens before the December gathering. If you are unable to read it, please still come—there will be plenty to talk about!

6 November 2018

Connect Life

first tuesday, november 6, 7pm lordoflife.org/connectlife

Budget Year-to-date — September 2018

Join in on November 12 from 6:30-8pm—

Family Wellness

With FRrē: Family Recovery Resource representatives Marc Hertz and Rob Rodriguez, explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how these less than nurturing experiences may affect life today through organic disease, social malfunction, behavioral issues, and mental illness.

• Learn what it is, how to identify it, and how to heal from it.

• Learn the criteria in the ACE screening and also be able to identify different types of trauma such as “big T” and “little t” trauma, generational, and historical trauma.

• Learn tips to build healthy boundaries in relationships that foster resiliency and growth.

Held in Samaritan Hall, registration is not required for this community wellness event.

All are welcome. Childcare will be provided.

Visit lordoflife.org/refresh for more details and resources.

Actual

Total member contributions

$2,654,450

$228,377

$212,100

$2,846,894

$2,866,550

All other Total receipts

Budget Difference

$2,618,517

($35,933) $16,277 ($19,656)

Lord of Life Weekly Giving September 2018

$100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0

9/2

9/9

9/16

9/23

9/30

Actual Budget

$87,871 $70,080

$83,433 $70,080

$60,628 $70,080

$60,469 $70,080

$52,884 = $345,285 $70,080 = $350,400

A Palestinian-American Doctor’s Journey—

Leaving the Cave

Dr. Souheil Ailabouni, who practiced family medicine for more than thirty years in Farmington, Minnesota, was born and raised in an Arab Christian village near Nazareth in the Galilee region that became part of the new state of Israel in 1948. His family and village experienced terrifying events during the takeover, including a massacre and forced expulsion of most of the population, one of many such events that some historians describe as ethnic cleansing.

Dr. Ailabouni and his wife, Melly, live in Farmington and have three children and seven grandchildren. His daughter, Christine Cahill, and her family are members at Lord of Life.

Prior to this November event, you are encouraged to read Dr. Ailabouni’s Star Tribune article: http://m.startribune.com/israel-at-70-we-palestinians-remember-too/480050953. His book, Leaving the Cave - A Palestinian-American Doctor’s Journey, will also be available for purchase.

Lifelong Learning / Generosity

Sponsored by Lord of Life’s Holy Land ministry, Dr. Ailabouni will speak about his life in his village before and after it became part of Israel, and why he made the painful choice to leave and become an immigrant in America. The event will be held in the Luther Room on November 11 at 11am.There will be a short time for Q&A.

November 2018 7

baptisms

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, November 4, at 12:15 pm. No registration required; to schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015).

September 1 Ethan Matthew Aslesen

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

Debbie Bruss and family at the death of her grandmother Stanley Davis and family at the death of his father

September 2 Evelyn Rose Bolanos Louis Austin Hricovec Natalie Liv Mattioli

Joe Glasow and family at the death of his father Bradley Hum and family at the death of his grandfather Doug Hum and family at the death of his father

September 8 Dax David Cooper Byrd Grace Violet Grussing

DiAnn Johnston and family at the death of her mother Sandy Mangle with Daniel, Jenna, and Tim and family at the death of their husband and father

September 9 Mack Andrew Borgstahl Signe Jane Wirth

Donna Mattia and family at the death of her husband Greg Myhr and family at the death of his uncle

September 15 Owen Scott Petersen Warren Louis Petersen

Julie Schlueter and family at the death of her mother Debbie Thein and family at the death of her brother

September 16 Harper Rae-Vivian LaRocque

Michelle Tronerud and family at the death of her grandmother

September 23 Maddison Jo Landman Krystyna Marie Nourse Vera June Palmer Jack Robert Stegmaier

Pause for Prayer

September 30 Autumn Rayne Bjornstad Hawkin Matthew Klee Eli Patrick Martin Niko David Offerdahl

8 November 2018

Take a Pause

weddings

welcome to new members

September 2 Amy Quanbeck & Jonathan Shew

Travis & Megan Gohman

September 8 Beth Pulchinski & Eric Donabauer September 22 Katie Mielke & Brian Bojan Kurt Wicklander & Carole Liesch

Andy Hall & Alison Schiefelbein Hall with Kensi and Harrison Andrew & Lyndsay Jankowiak with Jack and Harper Bryant & Jackie Koval with Preston Mark & Kayla Kruse with Lyla

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 Lord of Life.

Prayer!

Learn and Experience Prayer School is transitioning to the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 7-8pm, starting on Tuesday, November 6, in the Luther Room.

• Prayer teaching: first Tuesday of the month in the Luther Room • Prayer experience: third Tuesday of the month in the sanctuary All are welcome to join in one or both of these events. This will be an exciting opportunity to experience prayer any time your schedule allows.

Pause for Prayer

for Prayer

November 2018 9

And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 The Passion Translation

A Year of Thanks

by Michelle Tomlinson In November 2016, I participated in a 30-day ‘Bounce Back Project.’ It’s a unique collaborative of physicians, nurses, hospital leaders, and staff who have come together for a single purpose: to impact the lives of individuals, communities and organizations by promoting health through happiness. Several hundred people participated in this project.

I learned that simple tools retrain the mind to focus on the positive which increases well-being and decreases depression.

These tools may also open up the possibility of greater social connections, improved sleep, enhanced memory, and stronger immune system function. It’s simple . . . and life-changing. Each night at 7:55pm I would receive a text message to submit “Three Good Things” that I observed or did that day. How hard can that be, I thought . . .

Well it turned out for me—it was hard. I was going through an incredibly painful personal time in my life. At the end of the 30 days, participants received a recap of all the participants’ Three Good Things. I had a huge awakening. I had been looking for really big good things, all the while missing out on all the good little things happening around and to me. I couldn’t shake the feeling—where was my gratitude and where was my faith during this painful time?

So on January 1, 2017, I made a commitment to write down Three Good Things every night. I purchased a big glass jar, some decorative small tablets and pens, and placed them prominently on my kitchen counter.

I was committed to doing this for a whole year, ending on December 31. My plan was to sit on the floor by my Christmas tree, empty out the jar, and look at the year in review. Well that too, proved to be harder than I thought. During that year of pain, struggle, and growth, my faith just soared, it took more than New Year’s Eve to read many of them. As a matter of fact, I still have maybe 45 days remaining—I was not in a rush. While some of the dates brought back painful memories and a few tears, I wanted to savor each thought I wrote down.

What I discovered was that I had immense gratitude. I discovered my faith was stronger, way stronger than I imagined. I was able to identify many of the ways God’s presence was made known during the painful as well as joy-filled days. Because I dated each slip of paper, I discerned that on some of my darkest days—I was indeed able to find the good in life, a lot of good.

As an added bonus, there were even some notes from my children and grandchildren in the jar. Notes of love and encouragement, acknowledgement of my growth they were seeing, ways I was actively living out my faith.

Lord of Life Ministries

So, January 1, 2018, I began again. It is indeed a simple and life-changing practice. I invite you and your family to try this exercise. If it sounds overwhelming to do for a full year, start for two weeks or a month. Include your children. It’s never too early or too late, to practice the gift of gratitude.

10

I would love to hear your experiences . . . feel free to pass them along to me at michellet@lordoflife.org.

November 2018

new futures

Y

by Brian Dejewski, Mobile Hope Director of Operations at Maple Hill Estates urani used to watch the older kids at Maple Hill Estates getting off the bus near her home. She saw many of them head right from the bus to the Hope Center, with backpacks full, for Homework Help almost every day. She would sit on her porch, wave at Jill and the volunteers, waiting until she was in school so she could join everyone else in the Hope Center.

Now, Yurani and her friend Melanie are in second grade and they get to be part of the fun and learning that takes place four days a week—thanks to caring volunteers. To Melanie, it is a normal part of her day to get off the bus and head to the Hope Center, have a snack, and get homework done. This might seem like a small thing to many, but completed homework leads to greater understanding of classwork. It means a habit is being formed to complete what is given in class. It means education is an important part of every day, even outside of school. Ultimately, it might mean the difference between deciding to graduate from high school or deciding to drop out. And that leads to a whole new future!

Lord of Life is an active part of these new futures four days a week less than a mile from the church doors at Maple Hill Estates in Corcoran. Volunteers like Ray Pulles get to connect with eager students looking for someone to show they care and help to invest in their dreams. While they may not know how much of an impact each day has in the life of a child, every day matters when it adds up to a new future with possibilities.

Yurani

Ray

Melanie

Want to be an important part of someone’s future?

There’s still a need for a few more volunteers. To join in, contact Mobile Hope at mobilehopemn.org or call Jill at 612.269.1991. To learn more about this Lord of Lifesupported ministry, visit lordoflife.org/mobilehope.

Lord of Life Ministries November 2018 11

cookies for a great cause Military Family Support Ministry will host a cookie drive again this year, sending cookies to troops on a carrier and also sharing with local veterans and their families The cookies are always well-received, and so much appreciated. If you bake and have time to make an extra dozen or two of cookies, please bring them to the Service Center between December 1-9. There will be a table marked for the collection. Thank you in advance for your support of this wonderful ministry.

—Bonnie & Fred Kaiser

stockings & blankets In November/December, preparations continue for the CROSS Holiday Shop, held on December 15.

November’s focus is on collecting stockings and stocking stuffers. Make stockings with remnants on hand or find deals at local ‘dollar’ stores. Contents may be candy or inexpensive, small items.

Looking ahead to December, we will collect toys and gifts for 1,000 children and teenagers whose families are assisted by CROSS. I hope that sometime you have the opportunity to volunteer on shopping day.

Area churches and community organizations come together to make this an exciting and inspiring event.

Thanks to all who donated fleece or tied blankets for the CROSS Holiday Shop—if you didn’t participate, and would still like to get involved, we accept blankets right up to December 15. Leave donations in the Service Center.

Your generous support of CROSS, during the holiday season and throughout the year, is greatly appreciated.

Lord of Life Ministries

—Barb Mewaldt

12 November 2018

Mark your calendars for the annual craft and bake sale: December 8/9.To be involved or to learn more, contact Connie Luebke (leeconlub@comcast.net).

Older Wiser Lutherans november events Thursday, November 1: Identity theft is the theme while hearing from retired FBI agent Deborah Pierce and retired CIA agent Patti Weber. Ms. Pierce spent 27 years investigating and managing criminal and terrorism cases. Ms. Weber spent most of her career with the CIA as operations officer in the clandestine collection of human intelligence and covert action. We begin at noon in Fellowship Hall for a freewill donation lunch.

Thursday, November 15: Embark on a guided tour of the newly remodeled MN State Capitol. See the rotunda, the governor’s reception room, senate and house chambers (not in session), as well as the newly placed and refurbished artwork. Take a short walk to the Transportation Building for lunch in the Fresh Seasons Café. Cost is $10 plus lunch on your own.

Leave church building at 9am; return by 3pm.

Wednesday November 21: Worship services at Arbor Lakes at 1pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30pm.

save the dates Thursday, December 6: The annual OWLs Christmas Party is celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Festivities begin at noon in Fellowship Hall for a freewill donation lunch.

Pastor Peter will give devotions. Our guest, “Coda,” with Malcolm Anderson on the piano and keyboard along with Scott Dorff playing soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones will bless us with their gift of music. They compose and arrange their own music. We will be collecting donations for the CROSS Holiday Toy Shop.

It’s a party—bring a friend!

Wednesday, December 19: Please join in on Wednesday, December 19 as we travel to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. We will enjoy lunch as we watch Holiday Inn. Leave at 10:30am and return by 5pm. Cost is $69 which includes lunch and the play.

Questions? Read postings on bulletin board, contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138, karenn@lordoflife.org) or lordoflife.org/owls.

Veterans’ Dinner

A very special, delicious meal will be served in November and enjoyed in Fellowship Hall: •

The 10th Annual Veterans’ Dinner will be lovingly prepared

by Lucy Chisato-Rodvik and served by Boy Scout volunteers to all veterans and a guest on Friday, November 16, at 5:30pm. (RSVP to Karen Nelson at karenn@lordoflife.org by November 11.) Also this month during all worship services on November 10/11, a military medley will be played and all veterans are asked to stand and be honored during their branch of service theme song. Thank you for your service.

high school field trip Volunteer with Free Bikes for Kidz, make friends, and eat lunch!

Saturday, November 17, 8:30am–2pm Grades 9-12, cost $10 per person Register at lordoflife.org/highschool.

parent night out Happy birthday, Jesus! Drop off your children for a fun night of celebrating Jesus’ birthday— Christmas! Children will hear the Christmas story and participate in games, crafts, snack, and service projects.

Friday, December 7, 6–10pm Birth-5th grade, cost $20 per person Parents are invited to stop in Fellowship Hall between 9-10pm for dessert/coffee before picking up their children. Register at lordoflife.org/pno.

november confirmation schedule 7th/8th grade

November 4, 7: Apostles’ Creed: God makes things November 11, 14: Apostles’ Creed: True human November 18, 28: Apostles’ Creed: True God

9th grade

November 4, 7: Faith Practices: Encourage November 11, 14: Faith Practices: Worship November 18, 28: Telling Your Story C3 Saturday Retreat Make-up Day November 3: 8 am-2:30 pm For grades 7-8 who did not attend the fall overnight retreat, and for those in grade 9 who need to make up a retreat from a previous year, join in for a day of Bible study, team building, learning, and fun. Lunch and snacks provided.

Students bring your Bible. Cell phones should be left at home or can be put aside upon arrival. We will be “unplugged” during this time. Cost: $15

a very special party

The church school and children’s choir Christmas program will be a very special party—for Jesus!

Rehearsals on Saturday, December 15: 9-10:30am for church school hours 5:30pm, 8:30 and 11am

Performances on Sunday, December 16: 3:30pm for church school hours 5:30pm, 8:30 and 11am 5:30pm for church school hour 9:45am

Lord of Life Ministries

10:30-12pm for church school hour 9:45am

November 2018 13

Thankful for... faith opportunities! the balancing act

you asked, we may have answers

As adults, we are hard-wired to constantly have our plates spinning in the air. Family. Friends. Work. Life. Faith.

Finances. The lists could go on and on. And yet, how often do we feel like we are living life to the fullest? Join in on three weeks—spread out over three months—of seeking balance, wholeness, and more. You will quickly learn that you are not alone in your journey as we wrestle, together, with busy schedules, making time for what’s important, and how God creates us to find our best selves. For more information, please contact Pastor Kaitlyn (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org).

In September, Pastor Kaitlyn invited worshippers to ask their tough questions and offer them to God in the offering plate. And my, oh my, were there some thoughtful questions! You may be wondering, what is going to happen with all of them? Well, as Pastor Kaitlyn mentioned, they will not be shared individually, but they are being categorized into topics. These topics will end up becoming sermon series and ministry opportunities. We see these heartfelt questions as a way to meet you where you are at, and want to address your needs. Know that you are not alone in your wonderings and we’re hopeful for some great conversations based on your questions!

November 11— Taking Time and Making Time to Practice Our Own Faith December 9— Clean Slate, Have You Ever Wanted a Re-Do?

Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty.

28,485

Lord of Life Ministries 14 November 2018

In Honduras, poverty and lack of opportunity prevent many children from attending school. School supplies can seem an impossible expense for many parents who are struggling to make ends meet. Education is possible because of LWR and people like us. Our donation of school supplies will make it possible for thousands of children around the world to receive hope, encouragement, and the education they need for a chance to live a life outside of poverty.

Lord of Life is collecting school supplies near the main office through November 19. The list of needed supplies is available at the display and at lordoflife.org/schoolkits.

© LWR: Hector Santos

That’s the number of school kits distributed to children in Honduras last year through Lutheran World Relief (LWR).

That number was processed through the Minnesota warehouse and children at Lord of Life may have put some of those bags together.

Happy November!

We have a lot to be thankful for this month.

We are thankful for all the wonderful families at Karing Kingdom. We are also thankful for the great staff who work with the children and families each and every day.

November is an exciting month as it brings the first bus ride field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Field trips are during student’s class times on Thursday/Friday, November 15/16 (more info will be included in November mail).

Fall conferences will be November 19/20; no regular classes these days. Conference sign-ups begin online November 1.

Childcare will be available during conferences. Karing Kingdom will be closed for Thanksgiving break: November 21-23.

November 28/29 is one of the children’s favorite days of the year—Pajama Day! The end of the month we will be ringing bells for Salvation Army at Cub Foods in Maple Grove. There are no regular classes on November 30.

Thanksgiving Blessings to All! Director Carly Tappe

Karing Kingdom Preschool November 2018 15

L O R D O F L I F E L U T H E RAN 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 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. You are invited to share faith stories, ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork; send to bevm@lordoflife.org. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the December issue is November 1. Copyright © 2018 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

TIME SENSITIV E MATERIAL RETURN SERV ICE REQ UESTED

LifeTIMES has been read on all seven continents . . .

Caught Reading LifeTIMES

whether on the lower level of the church building or around the world, where are you and your family caught reading LifeTIMES? Send pics to bevm@lordoflife.org.

After worship and church school, the Jaeger family: Don, Anya, Ada, Greta and Luke, enjoyed a moment together reading LifeTIMES.

16 November 2018

In Brussels, Belgium, Julie & Ken Carraux were caught reading LifeTIMES after seeing spectacular vehicles at Autoworld.