Compass November/December 2022

CompassNovemb er/December2022

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. office@lordoflife.org

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WELCOME

Do you get excited when the calendar rolls around to the last two months of the year? Does the thought of hosting Thanksgiving dinner or trimming the Christmas tree or planning holiday parties give you energy?

Or do these two months bring a sense of heaviness? Maybe the year-end rush seems crushing to you. Or you have a difficult memory carried as a burden during this season of the year.

Whether it’s joy, trepidation, or something in between, this time of year, at its best, can bring a deep-seated hope. We can be grateful for all the good God gives us. We can appreciate God’s embrace when our days seem too dark to bear.

In this issue of Compass, you’ll encounter a taste of the ways Lord of Life lives out the fullness of our mission in the fullness of our lives. I pray that God gives you a renewed sense of hope this season . . . and in every season of your life.

BE THE ONE

by Pastor Emeritus Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Ole had never been to a game at Lambeau Field, but he finally got a ticket. By the time he arrived in the parking lot, it was almost time for kickoff.

He circled the stadium quickly and started to panic; there were no parking spaces. He looked out through his windshield and said, “God, if you help me find a parking place, I’ll promise to treat Lena like the wonderful wife that she is, and I’ll go to church every Sunday.” Suddenly there was an empty parking spot in front of him. Ole pulled in, looked out through his windshield, and said, “Never mind, God, I just found one.”

That is how Packer fans are. That is how all of us are. We think our success is our own doing. We forget that everything we have is a gift from God.

Author Sarah Ban Breathnach, was once— in her own words—an “angry, envious, workaholic, perfectionist, who compared (herself) to others and resented what seemed to be missing.” Ban Breathnach got sick and tired of being sick and tired. She realized that she had been focusing on what was wrong in her life, not what was right.

She sat down and recorded everything she had to be grateful for and ended up with a list of 150 blessings. She began keeping a gratitude journal and never ends a day

without recording at least five new things for which she is grateful. She credits her gratitude journal with changing her whole outlook on life.

Many years ago, I went to have a visit with Wendy. It was early November and we talked about things she was thankful for. For her two kids who had turned out so well. For a great job that allowed her to raise them as a single parent. For her townhouse. For a deep faith that was instilled in her as a child by her loving parents. She went on and on.

It was hard to believe that she had numerous cancerous tumors taking over her body. She didn’t make it to Christmas. And yet she was grateful. She was the one returning to give thanks.

How about you? Are you feeling entitled or grateful? It might be time for you to get a legal pad and make a list of your blessings. I think you’ll be surprised by all you have. It could change your life. And, I hope it will remind you to be the one who returns to say thank you to God.

In Luke 17:11-19, ten victims of leprosy are healed by Jesus. Nine of them go on their way and only one returns to give thanks. I wonder if the percentages are different today.

Join in Thanksgiving Eve worship on Wednesday, November 23, 7pm, with pie and fellowship afterward!

This Thanksgiving, get a journal or legal pad. Write down what you are grateful for. Every day that follows, write down five new blessings. Be the one returning to God saying thank you in prayer— gratitude may change your life!

Be the one who returns to God and gives thanks I am grateful for:

OUR GENEROUS STORY

by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem

God can be downright excessive.

With five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus fed thousands and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. (John 6:1-15)

God is pictured as an extravagantly loving father who welcomes home his wayward son and celebrates with a lavish party. (Luke 15:11-24)

Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45)

God’s abundance shines through the stories of the Bible. As those who seek to be faithful to this generous God, what are we to do?

Two great examples of faithful responses are in Exodus 36:3-7 and Acts 4:32-35.

In the Exodus story, Moses asked the people to provide freewill offerings

so that two skilled workers, Bezalel and Oholiab, could lead the work on the construction of the tabernacle. In response to the One who provided daily bread and safe passage, the people were so generous that Bezalel and Oholiab brought an unlikely report to Moses: “The people are bringing much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.”

God’s generosity inspired their generous story.

And in Acts 4, we hear that the very early Christian church were “of one heart and soul” and made sure that “there was not a needy person among them.” They shared all things in common as a way to celebrate their life in Christ.

Again, God’s generosity inspired their generous story.

Odds are very good that God is downright excessive with you, too. You likely have all you need to eat and work, live and love. God loves and forgives you abundantly.

God showers you with opportunities and blessings every day.

My hope and prayer for Lord of Life is that we can live as “Exodus 36” and “Acts 4” people. I pray that God’s generosity inspires our generous story, so we can share God’s Word widely, we can serve those in any need, and we can be a community of abundant joy.

As you plan your giving for 2023 (and beyond), I trust that God’s goodness to you will be expressed by your generous story. You can be so bold to be downright excessive in your response to God’s downright excessive generosity to you!

The Prayer Shawl Ministry creates beautiful shawls as a gift of support and comfort. Every shawl is meant to symbolize the love and embrace of God. They have been lovingly made and prayed over by more than 25 shawl makers. Recipients of the shawls continue to be held in prayer.

Who gives one and why? Anyone can select and give a prayer shawl to let the recipient know they are being thought about and prayed for. In other words, you don’t need to be a member to request a prayer shawl. Perhaps you’re aware of a friend, relative, or neighbor going through cancer treatments or recovering from surgery or someone who experienced the loss of a loved one. You could bring a shawl along when making a visit to the recipient at home, in the hospital, or in transitional care. Or, they may even be mailed! Although donations to the ministry are welcome, each shawl is generously given without charge and is a perfect gift to show that you care and the recipient is loved by God.

For more details on the prayer shawl ministry, you are encouraged to visit lordoflife.org/prayershawl.

BAPTISMS

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. To schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/baptism. The next baptism classes are November 7 and December 5 via Zoom.

A blessed welcome to all of these newly baptized into the family of God!

AUGUST

August 6, 2022

Calvin Alan Appel

August 7, 2022

Sterling Christopher Herbert Stratford

August 14, 2022

Ava Reese Schanz

August 21, 2022

Brooks Harold Johnson

August 28, 2022

Austyn June Kissell

SEPTEMBER

September 4, 2022

Rhea Nicole Alley Divya Rachael Alley

September 17, 2022

Adam Jeffrey Dickman

September 18, 2022

Nora Elizabeth Jacobson Mack Joseph Mason

September 14, 2022

Wrenna James Kattner

September 25, 2022

Avery Gwendolyn Fox

Quinn Virginia Hanson Annie Joan Johnson Madison Grace Unhjem

BEREAVEMENTS

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

Lynda Gorsett and family at the death of her mother

Laura Kaegebein and family at the death of her father

Jeanne Koopman and family at the death of her stepbrother, Curt Stange

Daniel & Stacy Oleksiw and family at the death of their son, Reed Oleksiw

Dellas Singer and family at the death of her husband, Donald Singer

John Snyder and family at the death of his father, David Snyder

Dave Tigner and family at the death of his mother

Wendy Weigel, Krista Asmus, Kara Caldwell, Paul Sorenson, and families at the death of husband and father, Keith Weigel Jason Wise and family at the death of his father

WEDDINGS

AUGUST

August 6, 2022

Lora Johnson & Jesse Olson

Amy Waananen & Matthew Gullickson

August 13, 2022

Jill Valerius & Tim Belrose

Sarah Deis & Ben Miller

Rebecca Senden & Thomas Gove

August 19, 2022

Carly Gamrath & Jerron McDonald

August 26, 2022

Rachel Finkle & Michael Jordan

SEPTEMBER

September 17, 2022

Emily Studor & Jared Cross

September 24, 2022

Vanessa VanVleet & Jon Stanton

September 30, 2022

Lauren Wolf & David Christianson

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Peter & Gina O’Dell Erik & Lauren Fitterer with Callen

Linda Bohner

Gary Lee Schulz Chuck & Sue Kempf Derek & Melinda Tamm with Joseph & Laura McComish with Ian and Emmett Connor and Colton Larry & Janice Peterson Jim & Monika Thulien Jim & Sharon Kirchner

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 Diane Steffen (dianes@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to be part of the Lord of Life faith community.

Grief and the Holidays— It’s OK

by Pastor LisaMarie Doerrmann

As we enter the holiday season, most of us look forward to the holidays and the events that go with them: big family gatherings, meals, cookies, gifts, and telling stories of Christmases and Thanksgivings past. But not everyone is looking forward to the holidays. Many families and individuals are still processing the loss of a loved one. In Genesis, God said that it was not good to be alone, and when a relationship is lost, through death or any other reason, we grieve. And the loss of that relationship can be overwhelming during the holiday season.

When dealing with loss and grief, particularly through the holidays, pace yourself. Do what feels good, and back away from what doesn’t feel good. Give yourself permission to avoid events that may overwhelm you and give yourself permission to enjoy gatherings and events as well. Here are some other ideas:

•

It’s OK to avoid specific gatherings that bring up feelings of loss. Let the host know that you’re not up to it this year, and maybe arrange an alternate time to visit once the holidays have passed.

• It’s OK to alter traditions. If your family is missing someone who always did “the thing”—carved the turkey, cut the tree, or told a story—it’s OK to pass that tradition to someone else, or maybe start a new tradition altogether, like telling the story of how that person would do their task. Know who will fill the role beforehand.

• It’s OK to try something brand new. Find new friends and activities. Stay active: walk the mall or volunteer somewhere to meet new people and explore new relationships with people and organizations.

• It’s OK to make new memories. Holidays and family gatherings will continue, and we need to give ourselves permission to enjoy them as we are able. New memories do not erase old ones, and we can continue to honor the old memories as we enjoy ourselves and make new ones.

• And remember, it’s OK to ask for help. When we combine long nights, cold weather, and feelings of loss, we’re setting ourselves up for becoming overwhelmed by our feelings. We may feel like we’re moving backwards in the grief process. Talk to a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor. Join or re-join a grief group. Make sure you explore your feelings and process them. Avoid the urge to “numb” those feelings with alcohol or medications.

We celebrate the birth of our Savior in the darkest days of winter in the northern hemisphere. When the world was most in need, God provided a Savior in a most unlikely form. When we are most in need, we look to God and the promise of everlasting life. We look forward to spring, when animals come out of hibernation, creation is renewed, and we can continue our life journey as God intended—in service to God and God’s people.

See the next page about Lord of Life’s Service of Remembrance in November. Also see Pages 18-19 for a class “Surviving the Holidays” on November 15 & December 13.

NOVEMBER

Service of Remembrance

Lord of Life’s annual Service of Remembrance is planned for Sunday, November 6, at 7 pm. Whether losing a loved one last week or years ago, all are invited to remember those who have gone before us into eternal life. In John 11:25, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” During the Service of Remembrance, we will gather to be comforted through Scripture, to receive a message of hope, to share in the gift of Holy Communion, and to honor our loved ones. For more details, contact Michelle Tomlinson, at 763.420.5015 x118 or michellet@lordoflife.org.

Christmas Cantata

During all worship services on December 10/11, Lord of Life’s Canticle Choir invites you to Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Originally written for harp and treble voices, A Ceremony of Carols begins with an unaccompanied procession, ‘Hodie Christus natus est,’ (‘Today Christ is born’ in Latin) before the harp joins with the choir for a series of carols telling the traditional story of the birth of Christ. Originally the carols themselves were intended as a series of unrelated songs, but just before its premier performance in 1943, Britten added a final carol along with the harp interlude. The result meant that the carols—still in the original 15th- and 16th-century middle English with some Latin and early modern English—became a unified work.

It will be a wonderful celebration in the Advent season before Christmas!

“Advent” is from the Latin which means “coming.” It includes the four weeks before Christmas, which constitute the first season of the liturgical, or ceremonial, church calendar. An Advent wreath, originating after the Reformation (16th century), has four candles, representing the four weeks of waiting before the Christ child is born. In some churches, an Advent wreath may be suspended from the ceiling or placed on a stand or table. Candles may be various colors, blue or purple with one pink, or white. A preferred liturgical color for Advent is blue, the color of hope. An alternate color is purple, the royal color of the coming King. In the United Kingdom, red candles are used. Sometimes you may see a “Christ candle” in the center of the wreath. Greenery around the wreath may also be used. It’s fun to learn how some traditions began and then developed over centuries!

Particularly with Lord of Life offering a digital worship space, you may want to introduce this simple Advent tradition in your home! Initiating your own ritual, perhaps you’d like to light the candles every day prior to the evening meal with a brief yet meaningful prayer, reading, or conversation starter. An advent calendar suggests several on Page 16. Some of your candle colors may be different—try not to get caught up in too many details. The most important thing and the ultimate focal point for a tradition such as this is to celebrate the coming of the One named Jesus, our Lord.

Reference: Altar Guild Handbook by S. Anita Stauffer

WORTH

by Pastor Emeritus Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Dating back to the 5th century, the Christian church has designated the four weeks prior to Christmas as the season of Advent. It is a time set apart to prepare for the Incarnation Event—God coming to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

Advent has always been a time of waiting. And maybe that is why we sometimes have a difficult time with the season of Advent. Because, who really enjoys waiting? Not many of us would choose the longest line at the grocery store, or anywhere else for that matter, just so we have the opportunity to wait.

Waiting can be hard. We aren’t the only ones who have a difficult time waiting. The people of Israel

THE WAIT

were waiting for 500 years after their exile, waiting for the promised Messiah.

In Luke 3:4-6, John the Baptist (who we often read about during Advent) makes known that all of Israel’s waiting was coming to fruition. He quotes from the 40th chapter of Isaiah, saying: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . . and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” John the Baptist is encouraging the Advent practice to “prepare as you wait.”

These are helpful words for all of us to consider as we are invited in these weeks before Christmas to not just wait, but to wait with purpose and preparation.

So, what does that mean?

I think that the waiting and preparing of Advent can be compared to a couple expecting a baby. So much preparation goes into those weeks before the baby is born: books are read, prayers are said, and plans are made for every detail of what the baby might need. There is an atmosphere around the household of active, purposeful waiting.

That is what Advent can be like—we prepare our homes and hearts in expectant waiting for the Christ child. We might make special food or gifts. We may set aside special times to read and pray, asking how we might best be of service to our neighbor and honor this child born to us at Christmas.

During these weeks of Advent, each of us can create an atmosphere

of active, purposeful waiting.

The most important thing about this Advent time of waiting is to remember that the child for whom we wait is none other than Jesus, God’s gift of redemption and grace . . . Jesus, God’s gift of all-encompassing love for the world . . . Jesus, God in human form.

And that is worth the wait.

Waiting, waiting, waiting—will Christmas ever come? Feel free to tear out this page and use on your fridge to help wait for the Christ child. Cross off each day when it ends. Perhaps approaching one-day-at-a-time with words from Scripture, hymn lyrics, and suggested activities will focus on the light of Jesus that is to come—merry Christmas!

ADVENT CALENDAR

November

If you don’t have an Advent wreath, considering making your own and light the first candle. (See Page 13 to learn about that faith tradition.)

Read Luke 1:27-38

Jesus is the light of the world.

Read John 8:12

“Light one candle to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.”

Hymn 240

Read what Mary said when she learned she was pregnant. Luke 1:46-55

“The King shall come when morning dawns and light triumphant breaks...”

Hymn 260

Consider the ELCA’s Good Gifts1 program for gift-giving this year.

Aside from holiday hustle & bustle, is your heart getting ready to prepare him room?

Light the first and second candles for this week. Read Luke 1:39-45

“As the dark awaits the dawn, so we await your light.” Hymn 261

If you were waiting for the birth of a child, what preparations are needed—what did Mary have?

Share the light of God’s love with someone this week with a smile or a hug.

Create a playlist of favorite Christmas carols and worship songs. Sing along!

The Son is the light of God’s glory. Read Hebrews 1:3

Say a prayer of gratitude for the infant who is to come.

Light three candles this week. Read Luke 2:1-7

Light all four candles. Read Luke 2:8-20

December 25 - Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Christ means “anointed one” in Greek, a translation of the Hebrew word, Messiah.

To give light to those sitting in darkness... Read Luke 1:78-79

Enjoy a trip around town to view Christmas lights and decorations— how many display Jesus?

The true light that shines...

Read John 1:6-14

What is your favorite Christmas ornament—why?

Prepare your heart with a contemplative prayer practice.

Consider giftgiving for those who provide services: garbage, recyclers, mail, etc.

Say a prayer for healthy, safe deliveries to all who may be waiting to give birth.

What would you do if angels brilliantly shone all around then gave you a message?

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.

Matthew 2:8

The angel shone and said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you.”

Luke 2:10

If using an advent wreath, do four lit candles seem like a blaze of light?

December

Christmas Eve

Jesus is born! Worship together at one of Lord of Life’s services. See Page 20.

All powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

—Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW)

1Learn about ELCA’s Good Gifts program: goodgifts.elca.org

The shepherds heard the story the angels sang that night, how Christ was born of Mary, he is the Son of Light!

Events may be subject to change. Visit lordoflife.org or call the church office (763.420.5015) for the most up-to-date calendar items and specific event times.

OWLs* Faith, Food, and Fellowship

Family Retreat at Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Inspired Images, 8am-1pm

CROSS* Toy/Gift Card Collection

The Story of Samuel Bible Study, 11am, all Sundays in November

Service of Remembrance, 7pm (see Page 12)

Baptism Class via Zoom

CYF* Leader Training

CYF* Leader Training

First Communion Instruction, 6-8:30pm

Surviving the Holidays, 6:30-8:30pm

Veteran’s Dinner, 5:30-8:30pm

First Communion Instruction, 9-11:30am

High School Retreat

Thanksgiving Eve Worship, 7pm, pie afterward

Thanksgiving!

First Communion during all worship services

Worship with Lord of Life

Saturdays (5:30pm) with Livestream

Sundays (8:30, 9:45, and 11am) with Livestream

Childcare available (birth - age two) during regular Sunday worship. Church school (age two - 6th grade) during regular Sunday worship.

(Children, Youth & Family), CROSS (Christians Reaching Out in Social Service), OWLs (Older Wiser Lutherans)

OWLs* Faith, Food, and Fellowship

Parent Night Out (PNO), 6-10pm

Inspired Images, offsite

Baptism Class via Zoom

Craft & Bake Sale

‘A Ceremony of Carols’ Cantata during all worship services (see Page 12)

Surviving the Holidays, 6:30-8:30pm

‘Sounds of Christmas’ kid-friendly worship (all three Sunday services)

Travelers’ Christmas Worship (see Page 20)

Christmas Eve Worship (see Page 20)

Christmas Day Worship (see Page 20)

Merry Christmas!

31: New Year’s Eve Worship, 5:30pm

January 1, 2023: New Year’s Day worship, 9:45am Happy New Year!

If viewing Compass electronically, hyperlinks have been added to direct you to a specific page of the website for exact dates and times (especially recurring events).

Stay connected with recurring events:

Alone...Together widows’ group, third Monday

Alone...Together widowers’ group, second Monday

C3 Confirmation Ministry, Sundays and Wednesdays

Canticle Choir, Wednesdays

Celebrate Recovery, Tuesdays Children’s Choirs, Thursdays

Connect Life, second Mon. in person / via Zoom second Tues. Fellowship with the Fellas, first and third Tuesdays FreedomWorks Connection, third Thursday Gethemane Clothes Closet, first & third Saturdays

Gethsemane Food Market, Mondays

Griefshare, Tuesdays

Job Transition Group, first and third Wednesdays Love to Paint, Tuesdays

Men’s and Women’s Cancer Support, first Monday Men’s Small Groups: Mon. 6pm, Tues. 7am, Sat. 7am Pause for Prayer, first and third Tuesdays

Prayer Shawl Ministry, second Thursday Ring and Sing, children’s music ministry, Thursdays Sharing and Caring Hands, second Saturday Spiritual Writing, first Saturday Word for Women, Wednesdays

RETURN

REQUESTED

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WORSHIP

WORSHIP