LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
October 2017
A lifelong Lutheran of Danish heritage, Lord of Life member Clayt Jensen thought it’d be ‘kinda neat’ to have Martin Luther’s seal displayed on his barn in Corcoran. Using an overhead projector, this notready-for-the-word-retired mechanical engineer used an 8' plywood circle then —continues on Page 8
worship
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflife
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflifeluth
october
30/1 7/8 14/15
/lordoflifeelca
Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life.
21/22
—Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy
28/29
PASTORAL S TAF F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org
music
LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)
Pastor Karen Greimel Canticle Choir (8:30 am), Children’s Choirs (9:45 and 11 am) Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren 8: The Jack Brass Band Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem 15: New Life Ensemble Pastor Sarah Bunge & Father Mike Sullivan 22: Canticle Choir & St. Joseph the Worker Combined Choirs (see Page 3) Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Reformation Weekend 29: Lord of Life Brass
Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Third Sunday: October 15 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope
Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus
Third Wednesday: October 18 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living
TABLE O F CO N T E N T S
Worship and music schedules may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most current information.
Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith / Meet Pat Smuda-Behr....................................................... Pages 4-5 Lifelong Learning / Generosity..................................................................... Pages 6-7 Clayt Jensen’s Martin Luther Seal / 500th Anniversary of Reformation.....Pages 8-9 Lord of Life Ministries............................................................................... Pages 10-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16
Worship & Music
The Luther rose (or Luther seal) was created at the request of printers to have a personal symbol representing the reformer’s faith that could serve as a mark indicating something was an authorized publication of Luther’s. It became widely recognized as the symbol for Lutheranism, and still is today.1
2 October 2017
Learn more about the seal and Luther himself on Pages 8-9. 1
hey lutherans, learn about luther 1 •
Luther composed more than 40 hymns in his lifetime, and in 1529 wrote and composed the tune for what became known as The Battle Hymn of the Reformation—today called A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.
•
If Luther could have had his way, he would have probably deleted the books of Esther, Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation. They were among his least favorite books of the Bible.
•
Christian education was a passion of Luther’s. He encouraged a partnership between the home and the church in which parents would take the lead and the church would assist.
Reprint information was granted by Living Lutheran magazine for these excerpts from their article as it first appeared on their website on June 21, 2017 (livinglutheran.org/2017/06/reformation-500-50-things-may-not-know-luther).
Let’s Give ’Em Something to Talk About by Pastor Karen Greimel The legendary country singer Loretta Lynn said it best when she wrote, Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. We can also add that nobody wants to talk about dying either. Whether we talk about it or not we are all going to die. My dad (via Benjamin Franklin) used to say, Karen, there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. That might be true, but what can we do about it? I recently shared with my family a few thoughts about my own death. This conversation was not well received. It seemed to them that because I was talking about it, it would happen. Guess what … it will happen someday. So how do we approach this unapproachable subject? It’s not easy to know how to talk about dying. Often it brings feelings of fear, awkwardness, dread, denial, and the list goes on. However, we don’t need to be intimidated or bossed around by death; it’s a natural part of life. Unfortunately, we can’t get to heaven without dying. Not even Jesus could do that. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God, after being put to death in the fleshly realm but made alive in the spiritual realm. 1 Peter 3:18 What would happen if we approached the subject of death by talking about life … eternal life? Death and eternal life go together, God planned it that way. Death is not the end, but a new beginning. Author and theologian C. S. Lewis put it this way, The best is perhaps what we understand the least.
The Greimel Family (left to right): Hanna, Marty, Emily, Karen, Kathryn
I’m not sure how to make death easier, less scary or painful—and I don’t have all the answers—but what I do know is that we have a Savior who took away the sting of death and offers us eternal life. That’s something to talk about!
Worship on October 21/22 Have you heard the one about ... a Roman Catholic priest and a female Lutheran pastor walk into a church? Well, that’s really going to happen at Lord of Life on October 21/22. Join in worship for a dialogue sermon between Father Mike Sullivan from St. Joseph the Worker and our Pastor Sarah Bunge.
Pastor’s Article
Historical and motivational, unifying and inspiring—don’t miss it!
October 2017 3
Lord of Life’s
Family Faith of
baptisms
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, October 8, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015). August 6 Malina Dunn Raina Dunn Reagan Frances Seeley August 13 Beckham Jaxon Abellera Avery Ann Winberg August 18 Gehrig John Karlstad August 19 Chelsea Susan Gardner Mason Philip Gardner August 20 Clara Rae Churchill Adelaene Luella Gallagher Fiona Hartleigh Gallagher August 27 Fiona Christine Bartels Avaia Shea Wilking Henry Michael Zastoupil
bereavements
Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Roxanne Current and family at the death of her mother Marcy Foss-Halvorson with Grant and Victoria and family at the death of their husband/father Ashley Hickey and family at the death of her mother
Famly of Faith
Lisa Marie Jordet with Ashley & Chase and family at the death of their mother/grandmother Val Lari and family at the death of her mother
4 October 2017
Kevin Osterberg with Erik and family at the death of their wife/mother David Tappe with Eric and family at the death of their mother/grandmother
weddings August 12 Allison Cyr and Zachary Smith August 19 Laura Dill and Austin Heneman
welcome to new members Jon & Kelsey Engstrom with Reece and Jack Aaron & Stephanie Green with Allison and Tyler Joe & Lisa Klonne Kalin & Erin McCormick with Evelyn and Teagan Sam & Amanda Sherod with Emery and Luca Scott & Sarah Veith with Logan and Elise Trevor & Brit Williams Jody Blekestad Bhate with Javid Blekestad Bhate and Aria Bhate Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church and its programs financially. For more information, contact Karen Klevar (karenk@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x116) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.
Meet Pat Smuda-Behr
Continuing the second introduction of three new council members, let’s learn about Pat Smuda-Behr— Please share a little bit about you and your family: I was blessed to be married to my husband, John, for 35 years before his passing five years ago. Together we raised three children: Michael, David, and Jackie. Today, Michael and his wife, Anastasia, live in Michigan with their daughters, Zoe and Sonia (at right). David lives in South Minneapolis; Jackie (at left) and her husband, Ricky, live in Rogers. I am eagerly awaiting the birth of their first daughter, who will probably arrive by the time you receive this issue of LifeTIMES. I love spending time outdoors and enjoy traveling. I have wonderful memories of two mission trips to the Dominican Republic with other Lord of Life members. What brought you to Lord of Life and how long have you been a member? I have been a member for almost 20 years. It was Jackie’s desire to attend confirmation with her friends that first brought us here. If you could visit any country in the world, which country would it be and why? I would love to travel in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, following his journey and visiting the cities of the early church. What is your favorite Scripture verse? Be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (niv)
Is there anything else you’d like to share at this time? I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on council and pray the Lord will guide us to serve in love and wisdom according to God’s will for Lord of Life. Thank you, Pat, for your time and commitment in serving the congregation. Stay tuned for next month to learn more about Chris Tollefson. For more information, as well as minutes from council meetings, you are invited to visit lordoflife.org/council. Meet Pat Smuda-Behr October 2017 5
Lifelong Learning Opportunities Martin Luther (learn more on Pages 8-9) took the initiative to study Scripture, pray daily, and share the good news of Jesus Christ in the language of his people (German). Although it may be 500 years after Luther’s day, you are encouraged to pursue Lifelong Learning opportunities to deepen your faith, strengthen your service, and give Wo glory to God. Blessings as the Holy Spirit s rd e i fo guides your journey of faith. tud
All About Paul
rW om
en
9/23-10/11: The apostle Paul wrote to churches he began with wonderful, insightful words to new, faithful believers. Pastor Donna leads these studies (including video as a teaching tool). 10/18-11/8: Pastor Peter leads a four-week study on questions Jesus asked. Why did He ask questions instead of give answers? We’ll study the reason for Jesus’ questions, the questions themselves, and discuss what does Jesus ask of us? Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (karenn@ lordoflife.org).
Da
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
n U e
com
Faith, Fellowship, and Football, sounds like a perfect combination for men in our church. Pastor Dave McCarty and Tim Jordahl kicked off this study on September 18—you are welcome to jump in! Studying Tony Dungy’s book, Uncommon, explore Scripture, engage in discussion, and encounter character-building insights. Uncover what it means to live a life of true significance. This 14-week study at 6 pm on Mondays begins at Lord of Life, then off to watch the Monday Night game together. You’ll need a book and study guide—for more details and to register, visit lordoflife.org/mensfff.
er to
6 October 2017
n o m
B
For more about men’s breakfasts, service, and other opportunities, visit lordoflife.org/realmen.
S e l ib
B
The final study of Zechariah is Sunday, October 8 (9:45 am), and Monday, October 9 (7 pm). On October 15/16 and 22/23 will be a surprise Bible study teaching. On Reformation weekend, October 29/30, will learn a little more about Martin Luther! All questions about Bible studies may be directed to Pastor Donna Rohrer (donnar@lordoflife.org).
Pra
yer
by Cynthia Pivec Join in Sundays at 11 am to continue studying Chip Ingram’s teachings (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Sch
ool
Chip reminds us that putting on the armor of God is a description of how we are to live out a dynamic relationship with Jesus. This is meant to be a lifestyle—not a checklist. These pieces of protection aren’t things that we can mechanically pray onto ourselves each morning in a step-by-step routine. It is a visual aid to help us understand how to live out a relationship with God in the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a lifestyle issue— the product of weeks, months, and years of practice and cultivation. It’s something we do, not a formula we recite. Learn how to apply Ephesians 6 to your prayer life. Prayer School questions may be directed to Pastor Karen Greimel (ksgreimel@lordoflife.org).
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—
Ways of Giving: RMD
by Pastor Chick Lane Last month I began a short series of articles on ways of giving to Lord of Life beyond giving from regular income. I want to continue that series this month by talking about giving the RMD from a traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account). This way of giving is available only to a small number of Lord of Life members, but if you are one of these people, you should be aware of it. If you are over age 70½ and have a traditional IRA, you are probably aware that you are required to take a minimum distribution from the IRA. Some people count on that distribution for living expenses. Other people don’t really need the distribution, but must take it anyway. If you fit into this second category, it is possible to have this RMD given directly to Lord of Life to avoid paying income tax on the distribution. Obviously, this gift will benefit Lord of Life and the lack of income tax on the distribution can be a benefit to you. This tax advantage has been in existence for a number of years on an annually renewed basis. Recently, Congress made it a permanent feature of the tax code, so you could plan for giving in this way going forward. If you are over age 70½ and have a traditional IRA, I encourage you to talk to your financial advisor or tax consultant. This method of giving might be just right for you. For details about giving, direct debit, gift acceptance policy, and more, visit lordoflife.org/give. Thank you for your financial support.
Budget Year-to-date August 2017 Actual
Total member contributions All other
Budget
$2,273,792 $2,276,884 $167,037
Total receipts
Difference ($3,092)
$157,465
$9,572
$2,440,829 $2,434,349
$6,480
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — August 2017 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000
LifeBlend Enjoy great coffee.
Over Rally Weekend, Lord of Life introduced its own LifeBlend coffee brand. The blend of coffee beans will change and grow, but it was a first taste of a new coffee project. Lord of Life cares about fellowship; what we do in Maple Grove affects the world. If we focus on countries where we do mission trips and outreach, we can deepen relationships and extend missions. The first beans added to LifeBlend are from Kapchorwa, Uganda. Rewarding farmers for producing delicious coffee and treating their workers fairly is just the beginning. Something as simple as coffee in Fellowship Hall can be important. I’m proud to be part of Lord of Life and to serve. We say: We are children of God, loved beyond measure, sent to serve the world. And with a great big grin—I say: We are children of God, loved beyond measure, sent to serve the world: coffee. More to come—stay tuned for delicious news. Enjoy! —Peter Middlecamp Black Sheep Coffee Roastmaster
$50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000
8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27
Actual Budget
$76,936 $70,313
$63,299 $70,313
$59,514 $70,313
$67,477 = $267,226 $70,313 = $281,250
Generosity
$0
October 2017 7
Techno-Luther
Technological innovation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Reformation. Without the emerging technology of his day, however, the words and the work of Martin Luther would not have had the world-changing impact they did. Specifically, the groundbreaking invention of the movabletype printing press by Johannes Gutenberg enabled the Reformation to come to fruition. Church historian Alister McGrath writes, Without the advent of printing, there would have been no Reformation, and there might well have been no Protestantism either.
—continues from cover page
sketched out the design. Clayt painted all of the white portions with detail work completed by friends of the family. The project began last fall after Clayt visited the Luther exhibit from Germany at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Over the years admiring Scandinavian art and symbols in LindstrÖm, Minnesota, as well as Amish quilt barn ‘hex’ designs seen in farming magazines, Clayt thought his barn’s large expansive space would be a great spot for Luther’s seal. It was installed in August.
Luther’s theology rightfully gets highlighted, but he was in line with many other dissenting voices of the preceding decades (and centuries) about his unease with the church of his day. Part of Luther’s genius was utilizing this newfangled thing called a printing press to share the Word of God and his theological ideas with the world around him—and far beyond. Luther translated the Bible into the language of the people, which was revolutionary. McGrath calls this Christianity’s dangerous idea: “The idea that lay at the heart of the sixteenth-century Reformation … was that the Bible is capable of being understood by all Christian believers—and that they all have the right to interpret it and to insist upon their perspectives being taken seriously.”
A very special thank you to Clayt Jensen for being willing to share his gifts and talents with the Lord of Life family of faith. We think Martin Luther himself would be proud—but not too proud.
Portrait of Martin Luther by Cranach, 1570
8 October 2017
Old Lutheran
500th Anniversary of Reformation
Clayt studied the seal learning what all the shapes and colors signified in the Christian faith. Designed in 1530 by Martin Luther, it contains a black cross at the center symbolizing Christ’s loving sacrifice for sinners. That cross is emblazoned on a red heart signifying all believers’ faith. They are placed on a white rose (symbol of joy, consolation, peace, angels & blessed spirits). All are affixed on a blue sky (hope of heaven) surrounded by a gold ring of promise for eternal life.
reformation events Today we live in the middle of an ongoing technological revolution. Elizabeth Drescher calls this a “full-on Digital Reformation,” writing, the Digital Reformation is driven… by the digitally enhanced spiritual practices of ordinary believers with global access to each other and to all manner of religious knowledge [previously] available only to clergy, scholars, and other religious specialists. You can use your phone to watch a sermon, read a blog, or listen to a podcast from anywhere around the world. We have unprecedented access due to our contemporary technology. As the church, then, our challenge is to be wise like Luther in how we use this technology. Bard Abare suggests, A life-giving, biblical church must understand the difference between using technology to communicate the transforming power of the gospel, and letting the gospel be transformed by technology. The Reformation continues today and we can trust that God will continue to use emerging technologies to further the Kingdom. Part of our calling as the church is to be wise and discerning about how to use our innovative technologies to share the good news of Jesus Christ, just as Luther did 500 years ago. —Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem
At Lord of Life: • Join in October 5 for a costumed Katie Luther as speaker (see Page 13). • On October 21/22, a fun photo op is planned with Martin and Katie Luther—see Page 3 for more about worship.
In the Community: • At Luther Seminary, join in presentations and workshops Friday and Saturday (10/27-10/28) by more than 25 theologians and musicians on their campus. • Attend a performance on Friday evening (10/27) by the National Lutheran Choir of “Holy Spirit Mass,” a new choral work commissioned for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation at the Basilica of Saint Mary. • Worship on Saturday afternoon (10/28) at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis with ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preaching and massed choirs from area churches. These community events are sponsored by Luther Seminary, the National Lutheran Choir, and Central Lutheran Church. For registration and more information, visit luthersem.edu/reformation.
What Grace Is
There’s saying table grace and singing Amazing Grace. There’s Grace Kelly and Grace Slick. And there’s God’s grace that Martin Luther saw in Scripture that rocked the world of Christianity. From meticulous translation and analysis of the Bible in Greek and Latin texts along with the Holy Spirit’s presence, Luther proclaimed it is only by grace that we are saved—not by any good works or purchasing of indulgences in that era. It was a revolutionary concept. What does this mean for us today? It means salvation cannot be attained by bringing hot dishes to neighbors or giving money to the church or attending worship every week. Sin cannot be erased by trying to ‘be good’ and doing works of righteousness. Of course, many things are thoughtfully done with great love; yet it is nothing of our own human effort that brings salvation.
That’s what grace is to me. —Bev Mello
500th Anniversary of Reformation
Our salvation has been accomplished alone by Jesus Christ as the Son of God crucified on the cross and being resurrected from the dead. We accept that grace alone, the Word alone, and faith alone bring us to eternal life. From that point forward, we have freedom from sin. And from that freedom as a Christian, it is an impetus to do good works to glorify our God in heaven.
October 2017 9
Acts 29 Mission Trips: 2007 to Today by Merle and Michelle Waldron
What is Lord of Life’s role with disaster recovery in the United States? In Acts 1:8, it says, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. We are Christ’s witnesses here on this earth. Pastor Peter gave a sermon some years ago titled Acts 29. The book of Acts is the story of the church and it has only 28 chapters. The gist of the sermon is that the 29th chapter is still being written by us today, when we step out in love to serve God’s people. From 2007 to 2011, we served after Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana; from 2012 to 2013, we served after the floods in Minot, North Dakota; and from 2014 to 2017, we’ve served in Tuscaloosa, Alabama after the tornados that devastated that area. We partner with organizations that have staff, housing, food, and projects which need volunteer labor and Christ’s love.
Where do we go & what do we do?
1. We are storm chasers to an extent. We go typically where a natural disaster has taken place.
2. We partner with organizations in the area that have everything in place for us to be housed, fed, and projects for us to work on.
3. We do a variety of tasks from site clean-up, sheet-rocking, taping, painting, siding, interior and exterior finish work, flooring, building decks—to most anything that you can think of doing as a homeowner remodeling or repairing a home.
4. We believe in the statement, It’s not about building the house. This means that it is more important to build a relationship with the homeowner, neighbors, and anyone we meet. We are there to listen to the concerns, joys, dreams, and fears of the people who have gone through the disaster.
5. We go back to homes we have worked on and renew our relationships.
6. We have daily devotions.
7. We worship together as a community of believers.
8. We experience what there is for tourism in the area, as well as patronize local restaurants.
9. We hand out Lord of Life’s prayer shawls.
10. We grow together as a community as we work, laugh, cry, pray, and worship together. 11. Above all, we are to be God’s hands, feet, and heart to those whom God puts in our path.
Next year, who knows?
Lord of Life Ministries
We know that there will be a need and we will find a place to be God’s witnesses continuing to write the story of the church.
10 October 2017
If you are interested in learning more or getting on an Acts 29 email distribution list, contact Merle and Michelle Waldron (763.420.5388 or mmwaldron@ comcast.net.
by Barb Mewaldt I don’t want to think about the first snowflakes falling quite yet, but this is Minnesota. It will happen, and it may happen sooner than I like. When that first blast of winter hits, do you pull a cozy fleece blanket off the shelf and cuddle up on the sofa with a good book? If you do, you know that it is not too soon to start tying fleece blankets for CROSS’ Holiday Toy Store. Every family who shops at this event is offered a blanket as a physical symbol of God’s protection. Every year demand outstrips supply. That is why Lord of Life’s CROSS Task Force is organizing a blanket tying event. On Tuesday, October 3, 9 am-12 noon, we are looking for volunteers to cut and tie fleece blankets. Whether you are a novice who wants to learn, or an expert with techniques to share, we welcome everyone. We will find a job for you. Bring scissors if you have them. If you can’t attend and still want to participate, we need donations of fleece. Each blanket takes four yards: two yards print and two yards of a contrasting fabric for the bottom. Let your creativity go wild. Donations of fleece can be left in the Service Center. By starting early we hope to continue the momentum all the way up to the CROSS Holiday Store on December 16. Maybe you are part of a group that would like make a couple of blankets later this fall? Perhaps you are looking for a family service project? Maybe you just can’t pass up those gorgeous bolts of fleece at JoAnn Fabrics or SR Harris. I like to think of blanket tying as a variation of a quilting bee. It is a way of connecting with my Maple Grove neighbors—on both the giving and receiving ends. Hope to see you on October 3. For details and information on both the fleece blanket materials as well as the CROSS Toy Store, visit lordoflife.org/cross.
Photos courtesy of Ugandan Missionary Mama Jenny Herzog.
Connecting with Neighbors
SmileAfrica in Tororo, Uganda, uses the same FMSC ‘Manna Pack’ food packed by many Lord of Life volunteers. Contribute as a volunteer or contribute financially— God’s Work. Our Hands.
Kids Get to Hope!
by Denny and LaVerne Kinvig October is Lord of Life’s annual Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) “Kids Gotta Eat” sponsorship month. Last October, Lord of Life donated $25,000 plus, we received a matching anonymous donation of $25,000. With these funds, we provided over 285,000 meals in 2017! Every dollar you give shares hope and food to a child, making a difference in their lives. We are so grateful for the support of Lord of Life members, staff, small groups, and youth groups for packing FMSC food, and for your prayers and donations.
After all—when kids gotta eat, kids get to hope!
Lord of Life Ministries
When a child can concentrate on more than where the next meal comes from, a child has energy to concentrate on the future, allowing for dreams and a hope for a better life. Please share your passion to feed the hungry through your generous donations in October. Your donations can provide living, breathing, sustaining hope to children and families who have never experienced hope before.
October 2017 11
Older Wiser Lutherans october events
Thursday, October 5: Oktoberfest! Celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In costume, guest Pati Kachel will give us a glimpse of Martin Luther’s wife titled, Katie Did It All. Join in for a freewill donation lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall—invite a friend. Wednesday, October 18: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 1 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm. Thursday, October 19: Board a coach bus and travel to Winona for touring Willet Hauser Architectural Glass Co., Watkins Products, and the Minnesota Marine and Art Museum. Leave at 8 am, return at 6:30 pm. Cost is $48 which includes lunch. This is also a great opportunity to view the beautiful fall colors. A Celebration of Song with Tom Tipton was an evening to remember. From members of the Metropolitan Boys’ Choir (top) to Beverly Tipton Hammond’s anthem (above), with Hannah Frauenshuh’s inspirational medley (below left) plus Skip Humphrey’s heartfelt message, and also The Steeles (bottom) — it was an incredible event with a packed house. In closing the evening, Tom and Beverly sang a duet, “It is well with my soul, it is well with my soul!”
Friday, October 27: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.
save the date
Thursday, November 2: “Barns of Minnesota.” Traveling all over Minnesota, Doug Ohman has captured the history and uniqueness of barns. Doug will show his pictures and delight us with his experiences and history of the barns. Bring a friend! We begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Thursday, November 16: We travel to the Swedish Institute. The OWLs will enjoy a guided tour of the historic Turnblad mansion followed by a smÖrgåsbord. There will be additional time to wander throughout the mansion as well as peruse the gift shop. Cost is $33 including lunch. We will leave LOL at 9 am and return at 2:30 pm.
Lord of Life Ministries
Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.
12 October 2017
Build Kits of Care Charley Zappa
Liesel Schiebel
Bella & Charlie Lilleboe
Lord of Life, in partnership with Lutheran World Relief, is reaching out to “Build Kits of Care!” Donate items for children living in poverty around the world. Here’s what is needed to make the kits:
Katy Beardsley
Steve Rogalski
Many Lord of Life staff pets are looking forward to the annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 1, at 3 pm. Held rain or shine in the backyard, all family members with fur, fins, or feathers are welcome. Invite a neighbor!
x4
x1
x1
Danno Rogalski
x1 x5 Peri & Furball
x5
Winston Mello
x1
x1
Lena Olson
You are encouraged to stop by the large backpack display near the main office for more details. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/kitsofcare. Gillee Beardsley
Lord of Life Ministries
Please note this project is in lieu of Operation Christmas Child— Lord of Life will not be collecting shoeboxes.
October 2017 13 Eivind enjoying a “Steps in the Spirit” walk.
Milestones
Milestones are special events that mark our life journey. We pass on the faith by celebrating occasions in our faith journey. Here are the faith events for the upcoming school year (most are parent/child events): 2-year-olds learn about family devotions
October 7/8
3-year-olds talk about Advent
November 25/26
4-year-olds study worship
February 3/4
Kindergarten/5-year-olds learn to read the Bible
January 6/7
1st grade experiences many forms of prayer
February 24/25
2 grade experiences caring conversations
April
nd
3rd grade attends the Bible Learning Event
October 14/15
3 grade receives Bibles
October 28/29
4th grade learns about stewardship
November 4/5
rd
5 grade attends Communion Festivals
March 5, 17, 19
th
5 grade First Communion Weekend
April 7/8, 14/15
6th grade What’s Next? Preparing for Confirmation
April 29, May 7
10 grade Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)
October 28/29
th
th
12 grade High School Graduation Recognition th
May 20
Parent Night Out
Friday, November 3, 6-10 pm For birth – 5th grade, $15 per person Bring your child(ren) for a night of fun and faith-filled activities! All proceeds go to One Mission One World missionaries as well as the ELCA Youth Gathering attendees in Houston. Parents are invited to Fellowship Hall from 9-10 pm for dessert and coffee. Registration opens on October 1; please register at lordoflife.org/pno. PNO is also scheduled for December 8, January 19, and February 9—save the dates!
fall release day
No school? No problem! On October 19, youth in 1st-5th grade are invited for a day of fun from 9 am—5 pm. Register at lordoflife.org/releaseday, please.
children’s christmas program
Sunday, December 17 (3:30 and 5:30 pm), will be the children’s Christmas program with all children’s choirs and church school children—save the date!
Lord of Life’s Annual Kalahari Family Retreat Kalahari Resort & Water Park, Wisconsin Dells November 10-12, optional early arrival November 9
• • • •
Family time Water park fun Family faith practices Meet other Lord of Life families
Activities for all ages: amusement park, climbing wall, bowling, movie theater, restaurants, shopping, state parks. For more details and registration, visit lordoflife.org/familyretreat.
Kalaha ri! wisconsin dells
Lord of Life Ministries 14 October 2017
For all 10 th graders completing confirmation studies, visit lordoflife.org/affirmationofbaptism for dates and details on portfolio deadlines, confirmation services, photos from last year, and more.
lordoflife.org/familyretreat
nove mber 10-12
family fa ith retreat
Families will receive information prior to specific milestones for their children. Please contact Lynn Leisen (lynnl@lordoflife.org) if questions.
parents, please note
All your children will be taught of the Lord and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13
Happy October! Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn! by Kenard Pak A beautiful picture book that encourages children to notice the changing seasons
For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, email
Yes, fall is in the air, and we have fun autumn adventures in store. October begins with the letter F for Farm. The Big Red Barn, tractors, and plenty of farm animals will be a part of our week. Next is the letter N for nature. We will explore the transition of summer to fall, the changing of leaves, topped off by a trip to Eastman Nature Center to visit with a naturalist. Then it’s all about pumpkins, including a Veggie Tale called “The Pumpkin Parable.” We conclude our month with the letter H for Halloween. Making trick-or-treat bags, wind socks, and of course, celebrating with a Halloween costume party are all part of Karing Kingdom’s fall festival. October’s Chapel Chat theme is The Bible: God’s Word. October also brings our first Parent Meet and Greet. These gatherings give parents an opportunity to connect with others, while doing Kindness Projects to positively impact our community.
us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
It was fun getting acquainted with Karing Kingdom Preschool on “Get Acquainted Day!”
Lord of Life Ministries October 2017 15
LO R D O F L I F E L U T H E RA N CHU R CH (E LCA ) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org
Nonprofit US Postage Paid Maple Grove, MN Permit #14
LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the church office or email office@lordoflife.org with your name & address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the November issue is October 1. Copyright © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Who knows, Jethro Nelson may receive a blessing on October 1—
RE T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D
see Page 13 for more about the Blessing of the Animals!
Caught Reading LifeTIMES
caught reading lifetimes
After storing sandwiches in a Service Center freezer, these good and faithful servants are caught reading LifeTIMES. Shown above are (left to right): Cheryl & Greg Myhr, Sona Kleppe, Diane Ireland, Carol Leach, Arlene Harrison, Carole Hoel, Terry Leach. For more information about this ministry, visit lordoflife.org/nourishingourneighbors. Join in and serve— God’s Work. Our Hands.
16 October 2017
Along with SmileAfrica’s Pastor Ruth Kahawa (third from left), our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ are caught reading LifeTIMES. See Page 11 for information about Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) food served to the children—and how you can help!