October 2016 LifeTIMES

LifeTIMES

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

October 2016

Blessing of the Animals —see details on Page 11

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

office@lordoflife.org

/lordoflife

/lordoflife /lolcyf

/lordoflifeelca

/lordoflifeluth

@lolcyf

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

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

TAB LE O F CO N T E N T S Worship and Music / Pastor’s Article........................................................... Pages 2-3 Family of Faith.............................................................................................. Pages 4-5 New Wholistic Health Ministry / Generosity............................................... Pages 6-7 Disability Awareness Testimonies...............................................................Pages 8-9 One Mission One World: Acts 29.................................................................... Page 10 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................Pages 11-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15

On September 11, Sandy Munson was recognized by Lutheran Social Service as their Minnesota volunteer of the year! CEO Jodi Harpstead presented the 2016 Quilt Award to her in front of the congregation with Pastor Peter presiding. Congratulations, Sandy!

october worship and music October 1/2 Pastor Sarah Bunge Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Alleluia/Joyful Noise (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) Visit LifeGARDEN’s pumpkin patch after each Sunday worship service - see Page 14 October 8/9 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto (all services), Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Haylee Donalson (11 am), Ring and Sing (11 am) Augsburg Centennial Singers (3 pm) - see Page 6 October 15/16 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Julius Collins and Sons of Almighty Sunday Night Live at 7 pm with Julius Collins and Sons of Almighty - see Page 16 October 22/23 Pastor Chick Lane Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble October 29/30 Reformation Weekend Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir and Lord of Life Brass

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

Worship and Music

Third Sunday, October 16, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in New Hope

2 October 2016

Third Wednesday, October 19, worship at 1 pm at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in the 2nd floor community room and at 2:30 pm at Rose Arbor Assisted Living in their red room Worship and music schedules are subject to change.

You Will Be Heard

by Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren

Karen and I went to church in Iowa City on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Like any parents visiting their kids, we were glad they had found a church to attend; and it was wonderful to sit together as a family. Hymns were sung, scripture was read, a sermon was preached, the sacraments of baptism and communion were both celebrated. It was good.

And when we got in the car after worship, I did what you do every week on your way home from church: I critiqued.

•

How could they possibly have thought that hymn was singable?

•

Why didn’t they turn the mic on during the baptism?

•

Bulletin listed the summer schedule even though it was now fall.

•

That sermon was really political.

•

Where were the doughnuts?

Why are we more interested in talking about what was wrong than about what was right? I suppose that’s just the human condition.

But we should always remember to be gracious with our criticisms, because it’s hard to be perfect.

My experience also got me thinking about ways we can communicate in the church without just being critical in the car.

This summer I received an email from a retired teacher who didn’t like something I had done during a children’s sermon. It’s not easy to write such an email, but it was important to her. And she was right. I learned something, and hopefully I’ll do better next time.

Pastor’s Article

Harvest Field © Pexels Curt Postcard © Curt Teich & Co., Inc.

This is to say I welcome your thoughts. We have our way of doing things at Lord of Life, but it can always be better. Let me know what you’re thinking. Send your ideas to peter@lordoflife.org.

Be civil. Sign your name. I’ll listen. You won’t always get what you want, but you will be heard. And that’s better for all of us.

October 2016 3

Lord of Life’s

of

Family Faith

baptisms

bereavements

weddings

At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Sunday, October 9, at 11 am. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office.

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

August 5

Christa Gilsrud & Jeff Cich

Lucy Chisato-Rodvik and family at the death of her sister

August 20

Rachel Johnsrud & Joseph Lahti

August 6

Brynn Paisley LaRocque August 7

Luca Gregory Brooks

McKenna Ann Coleman

Asher Logan From August 14

Benjamin Eugene Gerrish

Brynn Carol Gorham August 20

Emma Chloe Elizabeth Blake Eloise Ray Labat August 21

Lilliana Katherine Moroney

Garrett Matthew Winegar August 28

Cooper Craig Kuchta

Delaney Leigh Kuchta

Thomas Jack Kuchta

William Nester Kuchta

Quadruplets!

Through the waters of holy baptism on August 28, these four precious children were welcomed into the Lord of Life family of faith.

Grandpa Dennis Cliff is holding Cooper, Mom Denice Kuchta with William, Pastor Peter, Dad John Kuchta holding Thomas, and Grandma Carole Cliff with Delaney.

Family of Faith

May God’s continued blessings, as well as strength and patience, be upon this family in the days ahead!

4 October 2016

Gary Clauson and family at the death of his mother Bonnie Hewitt and family at the death of her husband Maryl Jordahl and family at the death of her father Sharon Krogman and family at the death of her mother

August 13

Maria Gabler & Jeffrey Davis

August 27

Chelsea Bateman & Kyle Swanson

Alexandra Sevenich & Christopher Lindsay

Janet Bolstad & Todd Treml

welcome Phill & Danielle Branson with Madeleine

Kaye Lectka and family at the death of her husband

Erik & Katie Cochran with Lydia and Clara

Dean Showalter and family at the death of his mother

Rick & Carol Dunn

Jay Showalter and family at the death of his mother

Gareth & Amanda Hestick with Griffin and Cooper

Jerry Showalter and family at the death of his wife Susan Tobias and family at the death of her brother

Wayne & Linda Fleck

Jason & Jena Hoekstra with Kendall Kent & Shari Hoover

©Morguefile Family of Faith

Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, support the church and its programs financially. For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of Lord of Life’s family of faith.

October 2016 5

Introducing Lord of Life’s New Wellness Initiative—

Wholistic Health Ministry

by Katrina Bahen Question to a Friend: Are you healthy?

Answer from a Friend: I consider myself healthy. I exercise regularly, eat fruits and vegetables, and I’m not suffering with a long-term illness. I’m pretty stable mentally (except when I want to lock my kids in a closet to drown out the ‘he did it first, no—she started it’ whining).

My spiritual health is fair, not stellar by any stretch of the imagination; but I attend church, do 10-minute morning devotionals, and meet weekly with friends for Bible study. I’m not as healthy as I would like to be emotionally and relationally. I would love to have more meaningful friendships, a stronger bond with my spouse, a balanced schedule with priorities inline, and trust God enough so I could give up the need to control everything in my life. But overall, I’m healthy, right?

Wholistic Health is about being emotionally, mentally, relationally, physically, and spiritually healthy. It is a delicate balance that most of us struggle to find. Over time that imbalance may cause dissention, wearing on relationships with one another and with God. In order to nurture an effective balance, we need to be free to seek guidance and help from a loving God and a trustworthy community.

Mental

Emotional

Relational

Balance Balance Spiritual

Physical

In January 2017, Lord of Life will introduce a wellness initiative to look at each of these areas of wellness and help guide each other to a more balanced life. I’m excited to be a part of this effort to learn and encourage one another in achieving the type of life and intimate connections that God desires for us.

Wholistic Health Ministry

You are invited to be a part of Lord of Life’s Wellness Initiative.

For more details or if you have questions, contact Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler (karilynw@lordoflife.org).

Also of interest toward wellness, see Page 12 for a Lifelong Learning study, Wholehearted Living, beginning on October 23.

6 October 2016

men of faith, songs of praise On Sunday, October 9, at 3 pm you are invited to a concert at Lord of Life by The Augsburg Centennial Singers. Their mission is to present concerts that personalize a Christian faith and encourage listeners to establish and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ and to provide fellowship for men who find joy in singing songs that have musical excellence, address the heart, and reflect a variety of musical traditions. Tickets at the door are $10 (adults), $8 (seniors and teens), and children under 12 are free. Please note tickets are not available at Lord of Life or online. For more information, contact Lori Schwartz or visit centennialsingers.org.

Deutschland

How about being in Germany a year from now?

Led by Pastor Donna Rohrer, join with other Lord of Lifers from October 13-22, 2017, In the Footsteps of Martin Luther, Celebrating 500 years of the Reformation. There will also be an extended option to visit Prague in the Czech Republic. For more details or if you have questions, contact Pastor Donna Rohrer (donnar@lordoflife.org).

castle church wittenberg, germany

Budget Year-to-date August 2016 Actual

Total member contributions All other

Budget

$2,208,244 $2,088,320 $159,639

Total receipts

Difference $119,924

$157,592

$2,047

$2,367,883 $2,245,912

$121,971

Lord of Life Weekly Giving — August 2016

Enough

by Pastor Chick Lane Enough will be the focus of attention at Lord of Life during October. Enough is a book by Adam Hamilton, the pastor of the largest United Methodist congregation in the United States. The book’s subtitle is a helpful description of its purpose: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.

I’ve read Enough several times. I’d summarize its message as, “God wants you to experience a deep level of happiness in your life. The witness of the scripture is that the endless pursuit of more possessions is not the way to this deep level of happiness. Rather, grounding your relationship with money and possessions in your Christian values is the way to this deep level of happiness.”

$90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

8/7 8/14 8/21 8/28

Actual Budget

$79,184 $70,036

$73,575 $70,036

$62,170 $70,036

$58,128 = $273,059 $70,036 = $280,144

Pastor Hamilton says it this way, “This book … is meant to be a guide and a source of encouragement and inspiration. In it, I will suggest that joy and contentment are found in simplicity and generosity, in faith and in pursuing your purpose in life.”

Often when money and possessions are talked about at church, people expect to experience guilt and discomfort. I can assure you that this will not be anyone’s intention. Rather, it is the hope that based on this book and our discussion of it, you will be moved to take steps that will put possessions in their proper place in your life and by doing so will grow in your joyful relationship with our Lord.

During October, Pastor Peter and I will each preach a sermon reflecting on sections of the book. Also, Word for Women and at least one men’s Bible study will spend the month reading and studying Enough. Copies of Enough are available for purchase in Lord of Life’s Reflections of Faith gift and bookstore.

Kids Gotta Eat!

Help children survive and thrive! In October, Lord of Life will be collecting financial donations for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to cover the cost of daily nutritious meals for sick and vulnerable children who need strength to fight diseases that were once considered fatal. A $35 donation will feed about 200 children. Please place your tax-deductible donation in the special Lord of Life/FMSC envelopes located in the church pews during the month of October.

Funds collected will be used to feed children throughout 2017.

Many thanks to all for being a part of the October 2016 FMSC drive at Lord of Life.

—Denny and LaVerne Kinvig Generosity October 2016 7

Empowering with Acceptance and Love

by Melinda Tucker A person with disabilities is unable to do everyday tasks most of us can do.

Recognizing what a person with a disability is able to do is so empowering and helps them live the most independent life they can.

Darren (DJ) is my 28-year-old son with disabilities.

There are many skills he cannot do by himself; we work on those he can do so he will be more self-reliant.

He has learned things I don’t want him to know ... such as how to ‘Houdini’ his way out of the house and fenced yard! It’s exhausting trying to stay one step ahead of him, but I digress ...

DJ can remove his clothing before a bath, however, he sometimes does this in the middle of a store— so we’re still working on the appropriate place to undress. At meal time, he is independent with bitesized pieces ready for him. And he has no problem devouring chocolate chip cookies!

DJ rides his three-wheel bike around the neighborhood with a little help on steering to avoid the mailboxes. All the neighbors know him; we both enjoy the fresh air and exercise.

He can find his favorite pictures swiping on his computer. DJ is able to have a daily routine or ‘job’ attending a day program. He likes hanging out with friends and is involved in many different activities.

On Sundays he goes to Church School with the assistance of a buddy named Harlan. Harlan guides him up and down the stairs, to music class, away from the lamps, and to the comfy chairs.

Disability Awareness Testimonies 8

Dwarfism is not an intellectual disability. A person with dwarfism has average intelligence and can pursue any desired career. Other facts include: • people with dwarfism are usually no taller than 4' 10" • the word ‘midget’ is considered highly offensive • yes, you or your children can one day have a child with a form of dwarfism • dwarfism is most often not a genetically inherited trait but rather sporadic at conception • terms such as ‘Little People,’ ‘LP,’ ‘Person of Short Stature’ are all acceptable • LP can do just about anything an average-height person can • term ‘average’ is used instead of ‘normal’ – example: averageheight parents • more than 80% of LP are born to average-height parents • dwarfism occurs in all races and ethnicities • dwarfism is not a disease that requires a ‘cure’ • most LP live long and prosperous lives without a life expectancy limit

O CT BE

R

Yes, people with disabilities may have limitations, but they have many gifts to share. And they can enjoy meaningful lives like DJ does. Caregivers and loved ones learn to focus on giving them the opportunity to live as independently as possible with acceptance and love.

O

DJ’s biggest challenge is communicating his needs, yet he is able to get his point across in many different ways. He is non-verbal, except for the whining (which of course means he’s not getting what he wants). He also points at objects, signs yes, pulls you over to what he wants, or throws things like the remote or cell phone to get my attention. (This last method is very effective as replacement costs can be high.) He has developed many skills to help himself—I just wish he could tell me where all the things are that he has hidden from me around the house!

facts about dwarfism

Does your family need a buddy for your child?

For more information about Lord of Life’s Ministry of Inclusion and the buddy program, contact Carly Tappe (carlyt@lordoflife.org).

October 2016

God’s continued blessings upon these two Lord of Life families who, unbeknownst to each other, shared stories for this October issue.

They listened to the Holy Spirit and were obedient to that call.

If you have faith stories, photographs, artwork that you would like to share, contact Editor Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org).

Uniquely Perfect - The Way God Intended

“But the Lord said to Samuel,

‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature …

for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks on the heart.’ ”

Before Liam, we had little to no experience with a little person. We had never seen the reality tv shows where little peoples’ lives were featured, we had never met a little person personally, and we can say that little people never crossed our mind.

Chances are, you could say this about yourself, too. We hope that as you read this story and learn about dwarfism awareness that you choose to see a person for who they are and we invite you to join us on this journey. We are thankful in this month especially for our friends in the ‘LP Community’ who are also doing their part to educate and share their stories, but also for our faith and God’s strength that has carried us through this journey. The teamwork in this community to raise awareness is so encouraging. We are all here to celebrate our lives, our differences, and our loves. Look to your heart and join us. —Beau, Lauren, Liam Davis

Disability Awareness Testimonies

Amber Rishavy © Pixel Dust Photography

1 Samuel 16:7

When it comes to dwarfism awareness, as a family, we have decided to let people into our lives. We want the world to see our son as Liam and to take the mystery out of dwarfism. It is a rare condition and the odds are likely that unless you have a connection to dwarfism, Liam may be the only little person you ‘know.’ Because of the history of dwarfism and some current views and exploitations that still occur in our society, it is important to our son’s future for us to share his story. And his story is one of victory, perseverance, beauty, and a lot of faith in God. He just turned two!

How can he already exhibit perseverance? If you spent two minutes with him … you would smile at his determination. There is nothing that is going to slow him down or stand in his way!

Each time a little person passes in front of your eyes via tv, social media, or the internet … we are hoping the experience is positive and you smile. Not because that individual is a little person, for a different reason. Perhaps they are chasing a dream, or smiling themselves, or having fun, or loving life. To us, this is how we raise awareness. We teach, we love, we show kindness, we lose the chip on our shoulder, we see the good in people, we work as a team. Different but the same.

Capable, loved, unique … just like you … just the way God intended us to be. We love our son. He is the air we breathe, the song we sing, and the light in our life. He has taught us more in two years than we could have ever learned in a school setting.

Mostly, he has taught us to be compassionate, understanding, and kind. He has taught us to celebrate life and not hide behind in the shadows. He has taught us that different is oh so lovely and being comfortable in your own skin is the fastest way to happiness. Most importantly, he has taught us to trust God and the path chosen for us, even if it seems impossible at the beginning.

October 2016 9

The New Testament book of Acts is the story of the early Christian church. Acts has 28 chapters; its 29th chapter is still being written by God’s people every day. We’ve led ten Acts 29 missions. Each one has been a blessing to His people writing the 29th chapter—

God’s Love in Action

by Merle and Michelle Waldron In July, we worked with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to build a house for Joe whose home was destroyed by a tornado in February. Joe lives in Sapps, a rural community 60 miles outside of Tuscaloosa. In 4½ days, our group and seven others took the house from a concrete slab to a home complete on the outside and sheet-rocked on the inside. Joe moved into his new home three weeks after the first wall went up. Here are some comments about this year’s mission trip:

Missy Benson (four Acts 29 mission trips)

Leaving the work site on the last day, I sobbed. Not sad tears, but tears of overwhelming joy. For Joe. For everyone we worked with. For the time spent with the community. For the fact that we were being God’s hands and feet focusing on what we can do if we just come together and help one another. For the hope that was filling that community again. It was truly heaven on earth. These mission trips are so much more than building a house!

Thomas Spoden (ten Acts 29 mission trips)

God was there in the passion, determination, and willingness of the people building Joe’s home and in the community members providing support. It was awe-inspiring this year to see how people of different religions, races, and backgrounds came together to help Joe. It showed me that people do care about their communities. It gave me hope knowing people can still come together, and get past their differences to make a difference. I felt fortunate and blessed.

Craig Zinter (three Acts 29 mission trips)

As I watched Joe’s smile grow bigger as his new house took shape, I knew this was the epitome of ‘God’s work. Our hands.’ This work of love gave Joe and the Sapps community reassurance that God is in our midst. Joe has a new home and the Acts 29 mission team members are richer for the experience of God’s love in action.

Habitat for Humanity’s Construction Supervisor—

Brandon Kasteler

One Mission One World: Acts 29

We have hosted numerous groups since 2011. Lord of Life’s Acts 29 group has gained a reputation for being one of the most positive, energetic, skilled, helpful groups that we have worked with. Their willing-to-do-what-needs-to-bedone attitude is an absolute blessing to us. They truly exemplify one of my favorite Habitat phrases, Love in Action.

10

To see more photos and read the Acts 29 daily blog, including coverage from local tv stations on Day 5, visit lordoflife.org/acts29. If you are interested in being a part of next year’s mission trip, feel free to contact Merle or Michelle Waldron (mmwaldron@comcast.net).

October 2016

Are you older, wiser, or Lutheran? Even if you are not— you are always welcome to attend OWLs’ gatherings!

Older Wiser Lutherans october events

Thursday, October 6: Faith, Food, and Fellowship Lunch and a movie - the fun begins at noon with good food, good fellowship, and the Lord’s good news from Pastor Sarah Bunge followed by the movie, Woodlawn, and munching on fresh popocorn. Bring a friend for all the good times.

Wednesday, October 19: Worship at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm.

Thursday, October 20: The OWLs will tour the new home for the Minnesota Vikings—US Bank Stadium.

We leave church at 9 am and return by 3 pm.

Cost is $18 with lunch on your own after the tour. The event is full, but we encourage you to contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org) to be on a waiting list.

Kate & Yukon, Blake & Lisa Toms’ Alaskan Malamutes, look forward to their annual blessing every year!

Sponsored by Lord of Life’s Creation Care Team—

Blessing of the Animals

Calling all family members with fur, fins, or feathers— join in on Sunday, October 2, at 2 pm for the annual Blessing of the Animals event. Rain or shine, bring your pets for a quick stroll around the church campus, a brief worship service, and a special blessing from a pastor.

Through the years there has been a variety of pets! From the front cover, can you find: •

a guinea pig

Friday, October 21: Service project in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am labeling the November LifeTIMES.

•

two hamsters

•

an albino hedgehog

save the date

•

a ferret and six felines

November 3: Faith, Food, and Fellowship is Journey for Freedom with guest speaker Peter Vodenka.

In 1993, Peter and his family defected from behind the Iron Curtain of the former Czechoslovakia. He wants to remind Americans how fortunate we are to have freedom. Begins at noon with a freewill donation lunch. Come celebrate our freedom!

•

two turtles and two fish

•

a bunny named Bazinga

•

a hermit crab named Shelley

November 17: Do you enjoy chocolate? If so, come join in with the OWLs as we tour K’ul Chocolate factory in Minneapolis. We will tour the factory and enjoy tasting samples. You will also be able to create your own chocolate bar. Cost is $8 plus lunch on your own at Pizza Lucé before the tour.

Leave LOL at 10:30 am, return by 4:30 pm.

Word for Women

December 1: The OWLs Christmas Party!

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

... and how many canines? Answers on Page 13!

Enough: For some, money may not bring greater happiness or satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety. With the book, Enough, study the Bible’s financial wisdom with keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity.

Pastor Chick Lane, Wednesday at 9:30 am in October - see more on Page 7 about Enough

October 2016

Lord of Life Ministries

Women’s Retreat: Join in for the Thrive Conference “I Choose …” as we seek to frame the way choices hold power and provide opportunities that influence ourselves, others, and how we see God. For more information or to be a volunteer greeter, contact Leesa Avila (leesaavila@comcast.net) or Nancy Cramer (nrcramer@comcast.net) - Sept. 30 and Oct. 1

11

Lifelong Learning Pastors’ Drop-in Bible Studies

lordoflife.org/lifelonglearning

Prof. Mark Tranvik

Sunday, Oct. 16, at 9:45 and 11 am, Augsburg 8:30 am Sundays The Christmas Story 9:45 am Sundays A Study of Philippians College Professor Mark Tranvik Oct. 2, 9 Bring your coffee and Oct. 23 - Nov. 13 How many The Art of Living Inside Out: donut and come when you can. wise men came to visit Jesus?

Martin Luther’s ‘Freedom of a Each week is a stand-alone class.

Were they kings? It is early, Christian’ for Today Rejoice in the Lord always. I will but come and learn what is in Most of us spend too much time say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Scripture, what has become Philippians is the Apostle Paul’s chained to the ‘performance tradition surrounding this letter of joy. Come and explore principle’ or the idea that our miraculous event, and why the difference between ‘happiness,’ self-worth or status is dependent this story is told in different which can depend on the on how we look, what we have ways. It is the beginning of current circumstances of our achieved, or what others think of the greatest story ever told! lives, and ‘joy,’ which depends us. Martin Luther suggests that at Pastor Donna Rohrer on our Lord, Jesus Christ. the heart of the Christian faith is Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren a liberating message of freedom. In n to a c u Christ we are freed from self-concern o y en 1 and 2 Corinthians Oct. 23 More to be of service to our neighbor and Co me wh ese 9:45 a m h t than love, we will talk about what f o the world. all studies! y it means to see dimly in our lives a d n u S now. How does love fit into this?

Pastor Donna Rohrer

Oct. 30, Nov. 6 Often called The Stewardship Chapters, Paul encourages Christian communities to care for one another, and encourages generosity as a vital component of Christian life.

Pastor Chick Lane

Lord of Life Ministries

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

Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

12 October 2016

November

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

6 pm Sundays Wholehearted Living Oct. 23 - Nov. 20 Engage from a place of worthiness while cultivating the courage, compassion and connection to create lives we want to live. Using Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection, embark on a spiritual journey that can lead to more fulfillment, self-acceptance, and deeper relationships. The book is available in Reflection of Faith for $10. Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler

If you are interested in this study, see Page 6 for information about a new wellness ministry!

Christ, Community, Confirmation (C3)—

C3 Retreats

7th Grade Retreat, October 1-2 8th Grade Retreat, October 8-9 These are opportunities for 7th and 8th grade confirmation students to step away from the routine of daily life, make new friends, and dig deep into a topic about faith and life. These overnight retreats are from Saturday-Sunday at Camp Onomia. Cost is $77.

Register at lordoflife.org/c3retreats.

Rite of Confirmation

During Reformation Weekend, October 29/30, over 170 10th graders will affirm their baptismal promises during the rite of confirmation. Services are at 1:30 and 3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit lordoflife.org/affirmationofbaptism for more details.

october weekly schedule C3 and middle school/high school

Sundays: October 2, 9, 16 5-6 pm: C3 groups 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6-7 pm: C3 groups 7-8 pm Explore middle school youth group

Express high school youth group Wednesdays: October 5, 12, 26 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups

Family Retreat Last chance for the Kalahari Family Retreat!

It may not be too late to register for the Kalahari Family Retreat November 4-6. To check for openings, details, and registration, visit lordoflife.org/familyretreat today!

Did you find everything listed in the Blessing of the Animals article on Page 11?

release day

Grades 1-5

Thursday, October 20, 8 am - 5 pm

Mad Science Presentation Service Project Cheap Skate Roller Skating Registration and more info at lordoflife.org/releaseday.

Lord of Life Ministries October 2016

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Your Child, Our Care

At Lord of Life we want your family to have a wonderful childcare (nursery) experience. Partnering in your little one’s faith development, trained staff members strive to provide a place where each child feels safe and parents feel comfortable leaving their precious little one.

(left to right) Front: Meg, Sue, Mary, Amy Middle: Childcare Supervisor Carly Tappe Back: Emma, Rachel, Mara, Hattie, Anne Not pictured: Patty

All staff have been trained and have completed a screening process; there is a minimum of one CPR/First Aid-certified team member when childcare is open. The health and safety of your child is a primary concern. We are committed to a fun, safe, clean, and nurturing environment.

Childcare is provided for birth through three years during each Lord of Life worship service. Childcare is also provided for birth through 6th grade during many other church events; please contact the main church office to confirm childcare availability.

Third Graders’ Special Events Third graders have very special faith milestone events in October. During regular Church School times on October 15/16, parents and third graders meet in Fellowship Hall to learn about the Bible. Third graders will receive their new Bible on October 29/30 in the sanctuary.

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.

Learn more at lordoflife.org/thirdgradebibles.

Visit LifeGARDEN on October 2—

Lord of Life Ministries

Pumpkin Patch and More

14 October 2016

Again this year, Lord of Life’s children and their families are invited to visit the community garden, LifeGARDEN. After all worship services on Sunday, October 2, children are welcome to pick out a jack-o-lantern from the pumpkin patch. For adults, there will be other produce available as well. LifeGARDEN’s harvest this year has been plentiful with fresh produce given to CROSS Food Shelf. Along with an apple orchard planted this spring, LifeGARDEN’s future is fertile and bright.

October Bible Verse: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

What Does It Mean To Be Kind?

by Rana DiOrio Simple words and friendly gestures light up people’s days in this sweet, inviting picture book about the beginning of school.

Elephant and Piggie “The Thank You” Book

by Mo Willems

Happy October!

by Karing Kingdom Director Angie Scheibel We begin October with the letter “N.” A trip to Eastman Nature Center to meet with the naturalist and learn about all the animals that inhabit the nature center. “P” for pumpkin is surely in order for the month of October. We will read the Pumpkin Parable, carve a pumpkin, and visit Stages Theater to see Spookly the Square Pumpkin. Can you guess WHOOO is up next? Yes, it’s the letter “O!” Owls and Opposites will be included in the letter “O” experience. We conclude the month of October with the letter “H” for Halloween. There’ll be plenty of Halloween fun including parties and trick or tricking!

October also includes our first parent Meet and Greet and Sharing Circle.

Chapel Chat is the second beatitude. And our Kindness Project will be making Grab and Go Bags for Hope Lodge and collecting personal care items for the Ronald McDonald House for “Make a Difference Day.”

No one should be left out. That’s the message of this heartwarming story about the friendship between a lovable elephant and a cheerful pig.

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

Get Acquainted Day!

Karing Kingdom Preschool October 2016 15

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

Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14

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

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

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

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

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

caught reading lifetimes

With a great collection of back issues, Lord of Life’s 2016 Acts 29 mission team was caught reading LifeTIMES. From left to right are Al Peterson, Thomas Spoden, Michelle Waldron, Gehry Sower, Deb Ryan, Monte Wittman, Chris Lapham, Missy Benson, Craig Zinter, Shelly Erickson, and John Snyder.

Learn about “God’s Love in Action” during their July mission trip to Alabama—see Page 10!

16 October 2016

Are you using your hands to do God’s Work? Grab a LifeTIMES and send photo (phone pics ok) to Editor Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org). Thx!

God’s Work.

Our Hands.