LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
October 2013
Reformation
by Alice Woodard, Director of Worship and LifeGARDEN
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t the end of this month, on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, we will celebrate the Reformation. Two very important things will happen on this weekend as part of the observance of this great event in the church. During all worship services, over 125 third graders will receive their own personal Bibles. And at special services on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, over 130 tenth graders who have completed their confirmation requirements will participate in services of Affirmation of Baptism.
Two significant milestones in the lives of these young people and in the life of the church. Why do these important things both happen on this one weekend? The reason for this goes back to October 31, 1517, when a Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed a notice to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, where he was assistant pastor. The notice was his Ninety-five Theses, points of difference Luther had with the doctrine and practice of the Catholic church. Meant to be an invitation to discussion, the theses instead sparked controversy which led, over many years and through many twists and turns, to the Lutheran Reformation.
Designed by Martin Luther in 1530, this seal contains a black cross at its center symbolizing Christ’s loving sacrifice for sinners. That cross is emblazoned on a red heart signifying believers’ faith. They are placed upon a white rose (symbol of joy, consolation,
While the Reformation addressed many issues concerning the Catholic church, two main ideas are central to Lutheran practice and beliefs, and to our worship at Lord of Life. First is Luther’s deep reverence for scripture. He wrote that scripture is “the work of God, that is, what God does in us, the power of God, with which he makes us strong, the wisdom of God, with which he makes us wise.” The second is the fundamental belief in the truth of the gospel—the good news that God is loving and merciful, that he offers each and every one of us forgiveness and salvation not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has already done for us. This was a radical departure from Catholic practice at the time and is an important belief not only to Lutherans, but to all Protestants. This gift of life, forgiveness, and salvation is imparted to all Christians at the time of their baptism. Thus, Luther’s belief in the value of scripture makes Reformation the perfect time for Bibles to be placed in the hands of our third graders, and his emphasis on the gifts received at baptism make it fitting that the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism for our tenth graders takes place on this date. Two milestones, over 255 young people, many blessings!
peace, angels & blessed spirits). All affixed on a blue sky (hope of heaven) surrounded by a gold ring of promise for eternal life.
Want to learn more about Luther and the Reformation? It is a component of our L5 “Becoming a Member of Lord of Life” class. See Page 15 for more info.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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 spirit 2-7
generosity 8
worship Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Third Sunday worship at 9:30 am on October 20 at Ambassador Good Samaritan Society in New Hope Third Wednesday worship at 2 pm on October 16 at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in Maple Grove
October 5/6 Preaching: Pastor Todd Buegler Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir adult children youth family (cyf) 9-12 13-15 contact info 16 pastoral staff Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Todd Buegler, Pastor, Children Youth Family, todd@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. David Lippitt, Pastor, Congregational Care, davidl@lordoflife.org Rev. Dave McCarty, Pastor, Outreach and Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org
(9:45 and 11 am) October 12/13 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Bel Canto (all services) October 19/20 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble October 26/27 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir and Lord of Life Brass (all services)
Angela Busch Denker has been a Lord of Life member since baptism with her faith milestones chronicled in this collage: first communion, confirmation, and ordination on August 18 (with parents Claudia & Rick). She has been called to St. Philip Lutheran Church in Glenview, Illinois, where she is moving with husband Ben and son Jake. God’s blessings on your ministry, Pastor Angie!
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Please note worship & music schedules may be subject to change.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
spirit
Welcoming Taylor Wilson
T Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren
aylor Wilson began his pastoral internship at Lord of Life on September 1. What is very different about that fact is that Taylor also began life as a student at Luther Seminary on September 1. The normal path to ordination in the Lutheran church is for a student to do two years of seminary, then do a one-year full time internship and then return to seminary for a fourth year. Taylor and Lord of Life are going to be part of an experiment that has Taylor doing his internship concurrently with taking classes for three years.
What should you know about Taylor? He was baptized at Lake Nokomis Lutheran in Minneapolis and then was confirmed at Grace Lutheran in Apple Valley. He loves sports and played football and basketball at Apple Valley High School. For the past five years Taylor has been a youth and family minister at Transfiguration Lutheran in Bloomington. He didn’t see himself becoming a pastor but then one of the pastors at his church went on a sabbatical and Taylor was needed to assist at services. He “loved it,” and began to make plans for seminary.
Besides Julie, Taylor’s passion is music and we heard that when he performed the special music in worship on August 11 at Lord of Life. Taylor is a singer-songwriter who has released 3 CDs. He has performed at the Sonshine Music Festival in Willmar and at the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza. You can check out his music on iTunes®. He also plays bass in the band Boiling Point.
Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson © Janelle Elise Photography
The most important thing to know about Taylor is that he married Lord of Life Youth and Family Minister Julie Hagen on August 23. He described it as a “fantastic day.” (Reminder to everyone, including Julie, the name is now Julie Wilson not Julie Hagen.)
Taylor’s favorite band is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. His favorite TV show is Parks and Recreation and his favorite movie is Anchor Man. If you ask nicely he might quote Will Ferrell’s best lines from the movie. Taylor dreams of developing a ministry that reaches out to people who don’t come to church. “I am excited to be doing my internship at Lord of Life. Lord of Life is a fabulous church and I see this as a great opportunity to learn, to grow in my faith, and to hang out with my wife.” We did put Taylor and Julie in the same office. One of our goals at Lord of Life is to be a teaching congregation that creates leaders for the church. Taylor’s internship with us for the next three years is a great opportunity for us to do just that. I encourage you to get to know Taylor and welcome him into the life of our church. —Pastor Peter Julie & Taylor Wilson August 23, 2013
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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spirit
Lord of Life Lives Christ Together
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is on Saturday, October 12, from 10-11 am; no registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office.
baptisms
bereavements
welcome new members
August 3 Jaxxon Blake Haack
Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
Andrew & Laura Bloomquist with Evelyn
Lori Buegler and family at the death of her father
Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members—but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church & its programs financially. Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/newmembers for more information. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.
August 4 Max William Risley August 10 Sloane Marie Niezwaag Stella Grace Schmitz August 11 Raya Ashima Banerjee Parker Sidney Buckley Peyton Ann Buckley Bryson Thomas Hanson Coralyn Grace Jones Emily Renee Joseph Corbin Joseph Gardner Meunier Cullen Andrew Minnich Ava Claire Muellerleile Gavin Scott Schewe August 17 Jacob James Armagost Calista Jenni Kenowski August 18 Laura Lynn Wiitala August 25 Emily Grace Hosmann Wesley Paul Juliot
Carol Clark and family at the death of her mother Kelly Ecker and family at the death of her husband Connie Neveaux and family at the death of her mother Mary Ann Schumacher and family at the death of her nephew Joe Sperling and family at the death of his mother
Dave Robertson
weddings August 3 Brittany Adams & Todd Grabner August 17 Marit Sadler & Aaron Otterson August 23 Julie Hagen & Taylor Wilson
Fall 2012
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October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
spirit
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16
A New Way of Knowing by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel
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uring the summer months I find a bit more time to read. I accept invitations by numerous authors to lose myself in the pages of their books thus entering a whole, new dwelling place. Because I have a deep longing to know our God more intimately, I find that prayer is a topic of the utmost importance. Prayer is God’s invitation to live in the midst of this world without being overwhelmed by it. Like the calm in the eye of a hurricane, prayer is where peace and calm reside even when all else is in a tailspin. Henri Nouwen put it this way, “Prayer points us to a new way of knowing, yes, a whole new way of living, prayer is the center of Christian life…it’s the only necessary thing.” Prayer grounds us. Did you know that the more you pray, the more you want to pray and the deeper your relationship with God becomes? It’s simple, really. God delights in the prayers of His people. Prayer brings order, love, and healing to our lives, and so much more. Are you struggling with life issues? Are you in need of healing or do you desire to learn more about prayer? Remember, prayer is God’s invitation to live in the midst of this world without being overwhelmed by it. If you have any questions about Lord of Life’s Prayer School, Healing Ministry or to schedule a prayer appointment please contact Pastor Karen Sue at ksgreimel@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x144. Healing worship services are held monthly in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel through May 2014.
Prayer points us to a new way of knowing, yes, a whole new way of living... —Henri Nouwen
for married couples This fall, Lutheran Marriage Encounter enrichment weekends are planned for you. For married couples, the greatest gift you can give each other is the gift of your time and attention. During the October 25-27 weekend in Duluth or during the November 22-24 weekend in Brooklyn Center, you’ll communicate on a deeper level, rekindle your romance, and renew your commitment to each other. For more information or to apply, visit GodLovesMarriage.org, or contact Pete and Phyllis McMahon at mcmahonp@comcast.net or 763.561.1575. Please apply two weeks prior to the weekend you have chosen to ensure your reservation. It’s a weekend you won’t forget!
Taken near their family farm, thank you to Kelly Rodenberg for sharing a beautiful September sunrise photo with the Lord of Life family.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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spirit Saturday October 5 8-11:30 am
Gift of Song by Georgia Helvick
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o you love to sing or play an instrument? We’re looking for soloists/youth groups who like to sing together or play instruments on the third Sunday of the month during worship at Ambassador Good Samaritan in New Hope. Come sing a song or play an instrument! It doesn’t have to be a monthly commitment—anytime works. We have a monthly worship service for 20+ residents. They’d especially love the added treat of a special song. Please consider sharing your time and talents to make a difference in worship for these residents. Contact Ina Barton at 763.557.6389 if you want to help.
Faithfully FIT Health Fair
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s announced last month, • flu shots Lord of Life’s Faithfully FIT • health coaches ministry is sponsoring a community Health Fair on • body fat testing Saturday, October 5, from 8-11:30 • cholesterol testing am. FaithfullyFIT focuses on helping others live a Christ• cardiac risk assessment centered life, teaching the • Memorial Blood Center importance of taking personal bloodmobile responsibility for your health. God • exercise session made us to be active, vital people who live life abundantly! We have • educational breakout sessions the privilege of working for the for spiritual, relational, emotional, and physical health Lord every day. To honor God and do the work He calls us to do, we • childcare is available 8-11 am need to be strong and fit, godly and confident, plus have the energy to carry out His plan. Be active for the purpose of godliness. For more details on this ministry and its community Health Fair, please visit lordoflife.org/faithfullyfit.
Reason to Celebrate by Michelle Welinski
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hink for a moment how beautiful the trees are this fall. The only problem with their beauty is that the leaves soon fall to the ground, and that means work for us— raking and bagging them up before the snow flies. In life, there are times of incredible beauty. A new relationship, a new job, a new house just to name a few things. And then comes the “fall” when life may be difficult and messy. The relationship ends, the monthly house payment is difficult to make, a loved one is struggling with an addiction, you have a difficult adult child—and you feel out of control.
“I just wanted to share with you all that with God’s encouragement I tried something I never had done before and entered a contest for cupcake decorating at the Minnesota State Fair and took 1st place! My first blue ribbon ever! The phrase from the movie HOME RUN keeps ringing in my ears, ‘Nothing great happens when we hold back.’ Thanks to everyone also for all of your wonderful support and encouragement. You give me strength and courage and help deepen my relationship with God. Thank you!”
Don’t be discouraged. Join the 60+ people who attend Celebrate Recovery each week. While our lives at times may be messy—we do have reason to celebrate! We are not alone in our struggles. Most importantly, Jesus is walking right alongside us. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” Don’t just dream of a better life, take your first step at Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday evening with dinner at 5:45 pm and programming at 6:30 pm. Childcare is available, as well as programming for children age K-6th grade. No registration is needed. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@ lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.
—Cindy, Celebrate Recovery 6
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
spirit SESSION 2 OF L5
Week of October 27-Week of November 24 SUNDAY MORNING
8:30 Ten Key People of the Bible Gretchen Peel
Emotional Attachments Pastor David Lippitt
Spiritual Gifts Gerry & Mary Tucker
9:45 Book of Romans 2 Pastor David Lippitt
Wiser Women 2 Joan Freeberg
11:00 Prayer School Pastor Karen Sue Greimel with Larry and Cynthia Pivec
Being a Member of Lord of Life Lord of Life’s Pastors (see Page 15 for more details)
FaithfullyFIT: Relational Health Beth Kanthak SUNDAY EVENING
6:00 - Alpha 2 - Tom Brady/Larry Pivec/Larry Stokes MONDAY EVENING
7:00 Book of Romans 2 Pastor David Lippitt
Ten Key People of the Bible Gretchen Peel
TUESDAY EVENING
6:45 Wiser Women 2 Joan Freeberg
Half Time (men only) David Chase
WEDNESDAY EVENING
6:30 Parenting Teens 2 Pastor Todd Buegler For class descriptions, see the August issue of LifeTIMES or visit lordoflife.org/L5.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Remember that you are a child of God, loved beyond measure. Come spend some meaningful time learning and growing with others and living in the warm embrace of your Lord and Savior. Registration is open online or forms are available at church. We are happy to be able to offer L5 classes free of charge. Individual classes may be using books that will be available for purchase by participants.
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august 2013 budget year-to-date
generosity
Actual
Budget
Total member contributions $1,895,888 $1,868,885 All other
$27,003
$140,439 $158,776 ($18,337)
Total receipts
God’s Work. Our Gifts.
Difference
$2,036,327 $2,027,661
$8,666
All Church Survey
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ord of Life has agreed to partner with HolyCow! Consulting to help us assess our current status and guide our decisions for the future. The tool we will use is the Churchwide Assessment Tool (CAT). This will provide key indicators of our congregational health along with areas of challenge and potential growth. It will help us to collect and understand the range of views that exist at Lord of Life and the possibilities, willingness, and energy for moving ministry into the future.
Watch for a mailing later this month regarding our generosity campaign.
council corner by Tom Campbell, Congregation Council President The annual financial audit has been completed by the firm Froehling Anderson. The audit committee from the council has reviewed the report and presented it to the council. Lord of Life’s Council approved the report at its September meeting. For the entire list of those on Lord of Life’s Council as well as minutes from their meetings, feel free to visit lordoflife.org/ council.
The CAT is an online assessment (paper copies will be available) which will be available from October 12-31. Our goal is to acquire a minimum of 750 responses. The more responses we receive, the better the resulting information will be. The CAT will ask 100 questions and require up to 30 minutes time to complete. All responses are strictly confidential with no way to identify respondents. More information will be made available in the very near future. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — August 2013 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0
8/4
8/11
8/18
Actual $45,520 $54,304 $55,589 Budget $55,838 $55,838 $55,838
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October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
8/25
$59,362 $55,838
adult
October 3 and 31 are the next Fare For Alls in Samaritan Hall—
Fare For All
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Pastor Karen and staff were ord of Life’s first Fare great customers at Lord of Life’s For All welcomed many first Fare For All. shoppers looking for a way to stretch their grocery bill—plus a bag of fresh red potatoes was given away free with any purchase! This month’s Fare For All events are scheduled on October 3 and October 31, from 4-6 pm. Save up to 40% off fresh fruits, vegetables, and frozen meats. The Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) passes on their bulk savings by purchasing from wholesalers—the same place grocery stores get their food from. By purchasing at Fare For All, we are helping them to have increased buying power for their support of local food shelves. This opportunity is open to everyone who wants to save on groceries regardless of income. Generally held one Thursday a month, each event is from 4-6 pm. Cash, credit/debit cards, and EBT cards will be accepted.
emergency foodshelf network Be a part of the solution. The next monthly opportunity to sort or pack food is Monday, October 7, from 4-7 pm. EFN is at 8501 54th Avenue North in New Hope. To sign up visit lordoflife.org/efn or contact Jane Bergstom. Join in and see what a difference your time and effort can do for our community in need. Another part of the solution is to donate food. A bin has been placed in Lord of Life’s Service Center for those donations to be given to EFN. Questions? Contact Jane Bergstrom by phone at 763.420.5015 x142 or email at janeb@lordoflife.org.
Creation Care Team Events
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ord of Life is looking for volunteers to assist in the fall clean up of our adopted Maple Grove park. This family-friendly event will be November 3 from 1-2 pm at South Elm Road Neighborhood Park. Please sign up in advance on the hallway bulletin board for this Creation Care Teamsponsored event.
adopt-a-park clean-up november 3
2B REAL Men As announced in previous LifeTIMES, fellowship and fun is planned for Saturday, October 19 from 11 am-1 pm when fishermen share their passion for catching “the big one.” Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under, sign up online then pay in the church office. Boys 12 and under may participate in a Fishing Contest. The first 100 kids registered receive a free hat! Visit lordoflife.org/realmen for more of the details.
tshirts Help promote and support Lord of Life’s 2B REAL Men ministry by purchasing a shirt. Purchase one and proudly wear it to any REAL Men event, Bible study or even worship. Shirts are available in blue and either long ($18.50) or short-sleeve ($15.50); add $1 for size XXL. To order, visit lordoflife.org/realmentshirts. Shirts may be picked up at the October 19 REAL Men fishing event.
And as a reminder, October 6 from 2-3:30 pm is the annual Blessing of the Animals event. Fins, furs, and feathers from all families are welcome to come for a blessing. For more information about these and all of Lord of Life’s Creation Care Team events, visit lordoflife.org/creationcare.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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adult
September 5 was Faith, Food & Fellowship—
Upcoming OWLs Events
Thursday, October 3: Hear our special guest Dr. Anne Lambert. A graduate of the North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, she completed her general surgery and surgical critical care at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Burn Center. Dr. Lambert specializes in trauma, burn, surgical critical care, complex abdominal wall hernias and abdominal reconstruction. Faith, Food, and Fellowship begins at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Bring a friend and don’t miss it! Wednesday, October 16: Worship at Rose Arbor Assisted Living beginning at 2 pm.
Maximizing Your Living
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askets were filled to overflowing with donated children’s socks and underwear for the October Lutheran Social Service (LSS) sale. Lord of Life member and retired Pastor Donna Rohrer and her husband James dramatized a discussion between God and a person praying the Lord’s Prayer. It was a reminder of how sometimes we pray casually to the Lord. John Jenneke, Lord of Life member and a financial planner for the Crossroads group of Thrivent Financial, presented thought-provoking questions for consideration as retirees. John also provided the delicious soup & sandwich luncheon. On behalf of the OWLs, Thrivent Financial provided funds given to RiverWorks Food Shelf and LSS.
Thursday, October 17: Tour the Basilica of St. Mary and Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. Both have amazing art and architecture and are rich in the history of Minneapolis. Lunch is on your own at a downtown restaurant. Leave church at 9 am and return by 3 pm. Cost is $6 per person. Friday, October 25: Service project labeling LifeTIMES in Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:30 am.
...older, wiser, or Lutheran?
save the dates Thursday, November 7: “Travel to the Dominican Republic with Pastor Dave McCarty.” Faith, Food, and Fellowship begins at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Thursday, November 21: Cedarhurst Mansion Tour and 9-course tea. This historical house is located on 10 acres of rolling hills and has hosted many Minnesota social and political events. Leave church at 10 am and return by 3:30 pm. The $35 cost is all-inclusive. Thursday, December 5: Our Christmas Party is a “Journey to Bethlehem” with guest author Dr. Chuck Tindell, Pastor Peter, and Tom Tipton, beginning at noon. Thursday, December 19: Tour the James J. Hill Mansion in St. Paul. Leave church at 9 am and return by 2 pm. Cost is $11 plus lunch on your own.
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Even if you are not, you will be warmly welcomed at all of the OWLs’ events. Please sign up for all activities on the bulletin board near the welcome desk in the narthex. Visit lordoflife.org/owls for more photos as well as stories of recent events. Questions about this vibrant seniors’ ministry? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Dominican Republic Mission Trip
adult
by Pastor Dave McCarthy
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od’s Work. Our Hands. This can mean a lot of different things. Your hands will be put to use in any number of ways if you join the One Mission One World Team to the Dominican Republic (DR) this January. Your hands may work alongside a homeowner who has already invested a good deal of work preparing to pour a cement floor in a home that currently has a dirt one. Or you may help build a garden and learn along with a local family how to grow vegetables that will improve nutrition. Or you may help finish the Community Center that supports health care needs, vocational training, family education, medical/dental clinic, and spiritual formation for the entire region. And you will also participate in Kids’ Club at a local school and learn about a new culture by getting to know the local residents while living and working alongside them for a week. If you are a dental professional, your skills and gifts will be used to provide nonexistent—sometimes lifesaving—dental care for residents as you work alongside the medical and dental teams from the DR who have been faithfully serving in that region for the past three years. The dental team provides treatments ranging from restorations to extractions, impression/insertions of partials, and oral hygiene training for children and parents. Lord of Life’s adult trip to the Dominican Republic is scheduled for January 18-25 and the dental trip is January 25-February 1. Please contact Pastor Dave McCarty at davem@lordoflife.org if you have questions or are interested in joining the team.
One Mission One World Team to Tanzania
Tanzania: Spiritual Safari 2014 by Heidi Perman
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mobile hope at maple hill estates It’s an exciting time of year with school starting and students getting back into the groove of studying and doing homework. Maple Hill Estates, a mobile home park just around the corner from Lord of Life, is once again blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the Homework Help program. It is now going to be offered three days a week to students in all grades who reside at Maple Hill Estates. The volunteers are from YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Rockford, Minnesota, Rockford school teachers, and others who are just feeling the call to spend time with kids. We are still in need of volunteers for this Homework Help program. Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Polly Trandahl at pollypete@ comcast.net. She will put you in touch with the correct people to get signed up to help. Even if you just have a few days here and there, these kids will greatly benefit!
mission trip to our partner congregation in Ifuwa, Tanzania is a life-changing experience, one that will grow and strengthen your faith in unimaginable ways. Trips are typically two weeks and focus on building relationships with our partner village in Tanzania as well as understanding the challenges faced by the people of rural East Africa. You will be filled with the Spirit as you share in worship services, enjoy the beautiful songs of the community and see God’s amazing creation on a short safari into Ruaha National Park. The next One Mission One World: Tanzania trip will be June 14-28, 2014. To learn more contact Marty Sager at sagmartino@yahoo.com or send an email to lolmissiontz@gmail.com. October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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children youth family
Affirmation of Baptism
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s shared in the cover story, over 130 of our 10th graders will affirm their baptisms in the service of confirmation. Please join us on Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27 as we bless and support these young people. Services are at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm each day.
Junior High
Hey, facebook friends— like us on facebook.com/lolsrhigh!
C3 Sundays on October 6 and 13 5-6 pm: Pizza Plus! 6-7 pm: C3 Groups and L5 7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia Worship 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore C3 Wednesdays on October 2, 9, and 23 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 Groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Pizza Plus! 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 Groups and L5
Sr. High Sundays! Every Sunday at Lord of Life, sr. highers gather for worship, hanging out, having fun and talking about Jesus. All are welcome! More info is at lordoflife.org/srhighsunday.
C3 Retreats 7th Grade Retreat at Camp Onomia October 5-6 8th Grade Retreat at Camp Onomia October 12-13 We will head up to Camp Onomia in Onamia, MN where we will have an awesome weekend filled with games, small group time, worship, and a little time to relax and play with your friends. We all stay in the retreat center with 6-10 people per room. Each room has its own bathroom and shower. We meet at Lord of Life at 8 am Saturday and return at 2 pm on Sunday.
7 pm—Ecclesia worship in Samaritan Hall 7:45 pm—Express sr. high youth group
Sundays nights @ 7 pm
7-8:30 pm Sundays October Explore dates are 6, 13
children youth family (cyf) Amanda Clancy (“Clancy”), Middle School, x106, amandac@lordoflife.org Kirstin Delp, Early Childhood and Childcare, x113, kirstind@lordoflife.org Raul Garcia III, AiM, Confirmation (C3) and Grades 7-9, x121, raul@lordoflife.org Julie (Hagen) Wilson, AiM, Grades 1-4, x129, juliew@lordoflife.org (new email!) Heather Hjelmstad, Ministry of Inclusion, x143, heatherh@lordoflife.org Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home, x107, lynnl@lordoflife.org Elizabeth Pedersen, Grades 10-12, x130, elizabethp@lordoflife.org Kim Pietrzak, Childcare, x124, kimp@lordoflife.org Pennie Soppeland, CYF Support, x132, pennies@lordoflife.org Debbie Zaic, CYF Office Manager and Registrar, x128, debz@lordoflife.org
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©iStock
Come check out Explore and hang out. It’s a fun time with worship and games and just exploring our faith together.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
release day
club56 cascade bay - august 15, 2013 club 56
children youth family
Attention students in grades 1-6! Join us for Release Day on Thursday, October 17 from 9 am-5 pm. Cost is $20 and includes fun fall games, and a service project, as well as a hayride and bonfire at Bunker Park Farms. Please bring a lunch and wear appropriate attire for the weather. Register at lordoflife.org/releaseday.
worship lesson
October’s events include Wednesday, October 16, from 5:30-9 pm for movie night with pizza, all group game, worship! Cost is $5 at the door for pizza. And Thursday, October 17, from 9 am-5 pm, is Release Day. Cost is $20 and includes fun games, and a service project, as well as a hayride & bonfire at Bunker Park Farms. Please bring a lunch; wear appropriate attire for the weather. Register at lordoflife.org/releaseday.
1 Timothy 4:12
Save the date! Saturday, December 7, 9 am-4 pm, we’ll see a theater production of Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Stages Theater Company PLUS take our own acting class from professionals! Cost is $18 which includes production ticket, acting classes, lunch and transportation.
the believers in
Congratulations to all 1st-2nd graders who are a part of our practicing discipleship-learning about worship lesson. They are participating in a 5-week course covering different aspects of worship, which will culminate with their participation in worship on Sunday, October 13. Over the course of the school year, children age 4-grade 4 will be integrating the 7 faith practices (pray, worship, serve, study, give, encourage, and invite) into their Church School curriculum.
speech, in life,
parent night out
says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for
in love, in faith and in purity.”
Third Graders’ Special Events
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hird graders have very special events coming up in October. The first event is October 12/13. The Bible Learning Event happens in Fellowship Hall at their regular Church School time. This event leads students and their parents through the new Adventure Bible that they will soon receive.
On Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, at the time they are registered for Church School, third graders receive their own copies of the Adventure Bible. Children check in at a kiosk and go with their parents to Fellowship Hall. Their parents then go to worship and save a place for their children. Third graders enter the sanctuary as a group and their parents will be asked to come and stand behind them. In order to help parents fulfill the baptismal promises they made to their children, parents will be given their child’s Bible to place into their hands. After the presentation, children return to their seats with their parents and continue worshipping.
Parent Night Out (PNO) is Friday, October 4, from 6-10 pm for all children and their families, birth-6th grade. This is an opportunity for parents to get out with safe childcare provided for their children. We will split into age groups and rotate through different faith-based activities. Please note that a light snack is provided; dinner will not be served. Your generous donations (suggested minimum of $10 per child) will help benefit Lord of Life’s Adult Ministries. Please register at lordoflife.org/pno. Last year, Kirk & Leo Olson had a great time during Lord of Life’s Kalahari Family Retreat in the Wisconsin Dells. This year’s retreat is on November 8-10; details & registration are at lordoflife.org/family retreat.
These are exciting milestones in the lives of third graders. Please pray for the third graders and their families as they study God’s word in the Bible and the important messages it contains.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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children youth family
October Bible Verse: Love one another. I John 4:7
Happy October!
by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool
Y October Book Pick
How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer A good, kind, and gracious attitude can fill you up!
es, preschool is officially in full swing! This month we continue our unit on “F” is for Farm with a field trip to the historical landmark, the Oliver H. Kelley Farm. There we will experience life firsthand on a farm from the 1860s. Next is “N” is for Nature as we become nature detectives at Eastman Nature Center. There we will experience exciting, hands-on educational programs; we will explore nature in a peaceful and tranquil setting. We continue the month with “B” is for Bat as we learn about a fascinating mammal friend. We end the month with some Halloween fun, festive parties, and pumpkin parables!
Avery & Liv and Gus with their spring seed, fall flower projects!
For more information about Karing Kingdom, please contact us via email (kingdom@lordoflife.org), phone (763.420.5015 x127), or visit lordoflife.org/ karingkingdom. karing kingdom preschool Angie Schiebel, Director, x127, kingdom@lordoflife.org Teachers: Jennifer Ellingson, Maureen Murphy Hanson, and Carly Tappe
We Did It!
C helping kids cope with living in a violent world Join other parents and children as we talk about the violence in media, our community, and around the world. This event takes place at Lord of Life on Sunday, November 3 from 3:30-5 pm. Optional Pizza Plus! dinner (pizza and salad at $3 per person) will be served from 5-6 pm. Signing up ahead of time at lordoflife.org/gff will help us have enough food for all. Thank you.
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Water is a basic necessity of life. When a community constructs and maintains a water well a world of opportunity opens up. As many as 500 families gain access to clean, safe drinking water. People no longer thirst. As a result of better sanitation, they are healthier and stronger. And best of all, women and children who used to walk at least three miles each day for water can now use their time for school, work, and family. A huge note of thanks goes to these generous Lord of Life children and their families for carrying God’s love to others and making a difference in their lives and in the world.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
The Clean Water Foundation
hildren who attended summer programming at Lord of Life were called to do God’s work with their hands. Their gift of over $4,800 is making a huge impact on the lives of as many as 1,000 families, providing two clean water wells for people who lack access to clean water.
contact info WEB lordoflife.org PHONE 763.420.5015 FAX 763.420.7286 ADDRESS 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 V isit lordoflife.org/lolstaff for a full staff listing with photos. PRAYER NETWORK prayernetwork@lordoflife.org FACEBOOK facebook.com/lordoflifelutheran
Offered in both Session 2 (Sundays at 11 am) and Session 3 (Tuesdays at 6:45 pm)—
L5 Class: Being a Member of Lord of Life
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s introduced in August’s LifeTIMES, this L5 class is for those interested in membership at Lord of Life and those who are already members, but want to explore more fully what being a member of Lord of Life can mean. All of our pastors are involved in teaching this class, so it also gives an opportunity to get to know each pastor better.
October 27 (Session 2) / January 14 (Session 3) – “Being a Lutheran” Pastor Karen GeisendorferLindgren will talk about the basics of Lutheranism including the Reformation, key points of Lutheran Doctrine, the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), and Ecumenism. November 3 (Session 2) / January 21 (Session 3) – “Lifelong Faith Development” Pastor Todd Buegler will describe the Lutheran understanding of the Word and Sacraments and how our faith walk is a lifelong experience. November 10 (Session 2) / January 28 (Session 3) – “Expectations of Membership” Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren will share the history of Lord of Life, and what it means to be a member of our congregation. November 17 (Session 2) / February 4 (Session 3) – “The Journey Inward and the Journey Outward” Pastor Karen Sue Greimel and Pastor Dave McCarty will team up for this session to talk about the way the nurturing of our inner spiritual lives is connected to reaching out in mission and service to the world. November 24 (Session 2) / February 11 (Session 3) – “Using Your God-given Gifts” Pastor David Lippitt will help us understand the unique gifts God has given each one of us and how we can best use those gifts in ways that are personally meaningful and bless those around us.
For all L5 class descriptions, schedules, and brief bios of those teaching, visit lordoflife.org/L5 or stop by the bulletin board in the main hallway for an August issue of LifeTIMES.
rally weekend A picture is worth a thousand words— and to view more great photos from Lord of Life’s Rally Weekend, visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/ lordoflifelutheran).
1978 Lord of Life Lutheran Church Charter (ELCA) Lord of Life is a community of people called together by God’s Holy Spirit who confess Christ as Lord. We wish to be a church whose door is open to all people. And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will strive to educate, comfort, aid and spread the word of love in Christ’s name. We believe worship is of most importance in our life together as we receive God’s love through Word and Sacrament. We will be involved with seeking justice in our community, state, nation, and world. We hold high the dignity and worth of every human being as created in God’s image and forgiven in Christ. We hope to be a serving church, in the name of Him who came as Servant of all.
attention all veterans
Save the dates! Friday, November 15, will be the 4th Annual Military Family Support Ministry’s Veteran’s Day Dinner. Plus, during worship on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10, there will be a musical medley honoring all veterans and their branch of military service. More information will be provided in the November issue of LifeTIMES—for now, veterans, please save the dates. October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
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Maple Grove, MN Permit #14
LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. The deadline for the November issue is October 1. Copyright 2013 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Survey h c r u h All C e 8 see Pag
caught reading lifetimes
While creating Relay for Life gift bags, Diane VanEssen, Tami Odenthal, Jessica Nord, and Rachel Ross take a break to read LifeTIMES.
In Ho Chi Minh City, VietNam, doing a Habitat for Humanity build, Gary Modlin is caught reading LifeTIMES.
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October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
Deciding upon which L5 class to register for, Isabelle Beaudry is caught reading LifeTIMES!