Lord of life lutheran
OCTOBER 2019
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rowing up, my family had a shared cabin in northern Wisconsin. The land was originally purchased by my great grandmother as a way to reconnect with her heritage and the places where her ancestors lived. Her sons, along with professionals, helped build the small two-room cabin— that eventually included a bathroom years later.
BIND US TOGETHER...................2-3 Bible 101: RELATIONSHIPS.......4-5 community life............................6-7 WORD FOR WOMEN....................8-9 THREE GENERATIONS.................. 10 contacts/calendar................. 11 2
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And by the time that I came around, two generations later, it was the place where my family memories were made. Where cousins came together for the summer. Where we roasted s’mores and hid the expired ketchup. Where we went swimming until our lips turned blue. Where we were allowed to play in the mud puddle that developed at the foot of the driveway after a good rain. The cabin became the place where the family stories were not only created, but shared. Sitting around a campfire, or in the living room, the adults would relive their childhood memories telling story after story. The ones
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O G E T H E R that were particularly interesting to me were ones of my parents in their younger days, learning and making mistakes, and the ones they told of my grandfather who passed away before I was born. Through these moments, I am able to feel connected to things and people that I will never be able to witness firsthand and to see people that I love with more complexity. Recent studies show that knowing your family narratives and the stories that bind people together, tend to create higher senses of selfworth and belief in being able to control our environments—leading towards more positive outlooks. In other words, knowing our stories, and the stories that define our communities, makes us stronger and more resilient. When times get tough, they offer adaptability to see things through. When things are great, they provide the framework of who has helped make life important. We’re built for a life filled with relationships. Stories are one way that we become bound together, seeking meaning in this grander narrative.
and work to develop this call to faith and life. Part of that journey is retelling the scripture narratives, entering into the faith lives of others, and finding the language to tell our own stories. To help enter into this journey, here are a few questions for your reflection . . .
Who has impacted your life the most significantly? Do you know about your family's journey of faith? How do you experience the presence of God most vividly? Do you know what part of your life this community shapes? —Pastor Kaitlyn Forster (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org)
Later this month, the worship series at Lord of Life will remind us that the relationships we have with ourselves, others, and God, often require some assembly—some intentional time
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he following words from the first chapter of Ruth in the Old Testament have been read at many weddings over the years: “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
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What a beautiful declaration of lifelong commitment. What a sincere proclamation of shared faith and passionate devotion. More than one starry-eyed couple has been taken aback when they have discovered that this perfect wedding text from the Bible was actually first spoken by Ruth to her motherin-law, Naomi. Not quite the romantic vibe they were looking for in their wedding ceremony. But then again, it is every mother-in-law’s dream to have her daughter-in-law hold her in such high esteem. The Bible enlightens and sometimes surprises us with descriptions of deep relationships
U N E X P E between people that we would do well to emulate. Another Old Testament pairing was the unlikely friendship that developed between Jonathan, a wealthy entitled prince, next in line for the throne and David, a poor lowly shepherd’s son. In the 18th chapter of I Samuel we learn that Jonathan and David were so close that they are described as being of one spirit and they loved one another as they loved themselves. Jonathan and David shared a deep commitment to one another and even when their own family members were against them they had each other’s backs and were devoted advocates for
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one another. This covenantal relationship between David and Jonathan is one of the closest described in the Bible. In the Gospel of John we read about a unique relationship that Jesus had with three siblings: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus stayed at their home when he was in their town of Bethany and John 11:5 tells us that Jesus loved the three of them. They had a deep bond with one another and were able to speak from their hearts—knowing that their words would be received in the spirit in which they were spoken.
The Bible invites us to see the possibilities of inviting all sorts of people into relationship. Not just those who are like us . . . but those who differ from us in age, gender, race, background, experience, and perspective. God has created us as unique and varied individuals. We are encouraged to be united with one another in all of our beautiful diversity. And when we are, we will receive a special present from God: the exhilarating gift of an unexpected relationship. —Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren karengl@lordoflife.org
dig deeper Do you already have relationships in your life that might be described as “unexpected” (people you might not normally seek out because of the differences between you)? If so, how have those relationships impacted your life? Might you challenge yourself in the next year to develop such a relationship?
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C O M M U N baptisms
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the next baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015). August 5 Eleanor Jeanette Brinton August 10 Hailey Rose Dickman Everett J. Groettum Alaina Jade Monetti August 11 Theodore James Winegar August 17 Elle Kenlee Becicka August 18 Harper Olivia Cimperman Aria Ann Johnson August 25 Leighton Elizabeth Peterson Hannah Serene Wolf Brandon Matthew John Wolfe Matilda Ruth Yaddof August 31 Amara Leigh D'Souza
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Cheryl Ahlers and family at the death of her mother Steve Fraasch and family at the death of his father Tom Hunter and family at the death of his mother Kate Janka and family at the death of her friend Glory Kozicky and family at the death of her brother Bonnie Larson and family at the death of her nephew Sue Lupton and family at the death of her son-in-law Kasey Nelson and family at the death of her father Kristi Nelson and family at the death of her father Phil Semeizer and family at the death of his wife Debbie and Bridget Taylor and family at the death of their husband and father
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L I F E weddings For details on having your wedding at Lord of Life, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson at 763.420.5015 x118. June 24 Susan Puent & Gregory Puent August 3 Andrea Polis & Austin Kyle August 23 Adria Scherber & Nikolas Gentz Laura Lentz & Chris Reitmeier
welcome new members
Margaret Bachman Cory & Alyssa Carlson with Eiley and Grady Steve Gould with Madison and Polina Rick & Vanessa Peterson Clifford & Sarah Rippel with Kash and Sawyer Casey & Jenna Stark with June 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 Katie Gartzke (katieg@
lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/ membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life faith community.
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healthy relationship, whether romantic or sisterly/brotherly or friendly, is when each person is allowed room to grow, unjudged and still loved. What relationships have you been in where that unconditional love has been apparent? At Lord of Life, many small groups have experienced that level of friendship and fellowship. One of these ministries is Word for Women. They meet weekly on Wednesday mornings to learn about the Word of God and then they break into small groups—generally 6-10 people—for discussion on the lesson. Some groups have met for years and have developed some very special bonds. Some groups are newly formed and just beginning their connections. Renae Larson, a Word for Women participant for over 15 years, had heard small groups are a great way to make connections within a large church. She has been in several different groups through the years and feels some of her very closest friends are women of various ages from those groups. Some of the women still go to Word for Women; some others are not participating any longer yet the friendships are still active.
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Renae shares, “Developing a closer relationship with Jesus is the greatest gift from Word for Women. I always learn something from each of the studies; group leaders try to meet interests and needs of a variety of personalities and ages and learning styles. Another gift is the closeness I feel with the women sharing their lives through this experience each week. I have always found high trust levels with these women. It's nice for me to know I can have love and support as I face issues in my life.” Another participant, Kristin Curtis, has been in Word for Women about ten years—being in three different groups during that time. Her experience has been great to develop friendships with women who share the same values and beliefs. Kristin adds, “These are women that I feel like I can trust sharing whatever is on my heart without being judged. They are women I can depend on to listen to me and offer advice that I value because I know they truly care about my well being. I really treasure the friends I have made at Word for Women.” —Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org) For more information on Word for Women, contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org).
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more from kristin (farthest right in photo at right)
I love that I have developed cherished friendships with women I never would have met had I not participated in a small group. It makes attending church feel like more of a community because I know I will run into these women, who I enjoy so much, at Sunday worship and during other church events.
more from renae (front row farthest at left in photo at left)
You can participate to the degree you choose. You are not ‘put on the spot’ to contribute unless you want to. We all want to learn and strengthen our faith. Every woman is respected because we are all God’s children sent to serve the world and use our individual gifts to do this.
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T H R E E
G E N E R A T I O N S
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oth John and Linda Jenneke (at center in photo) grew up in the Lutheran church, met while attending Augsburg College, then attended a Lutheran church in New Hope once married. The family grew with toddler Tim and infant Jill in Maple Grove. They wanted a church in their community and as John reminisces, “Then along came Pastor Developer Paul Hammerberg knocking on our door and the rest is history.” Their Lord of Life relationships grew with Linda in the choir and John on the church council. Tim and Jill saw their parents involved and that service transferred to their attending church school and confirmation. In high school, A Work of Love (AWOL) mission trips and ski trips continued in building relationships. Tim with wife Tiffany (couple at left in photo) have two sons, Luke and Matt; Jill with husband
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Ben Pennings (couple at right in photo) have two daughters, Annie and Lucy. Tim and Jill have been chaperones for mission trips. John and Linda especially enjoy sitting with the grandkids in the sanctuary “seeing them actually getting something out of our great sermons and music just like Linda and me.” Through the years there have been many changes within Lord of Life. John reflects, “From the beginning our senior pastoral leadership from Paul to long time Peter to now Joel—they have been consistent in preaching God’s word in a way that we (Linda and me and our kids and grandkids) can apply to our personal daily lives. They also let us know them as personal friends.” Asking John what advice he might give to newcomers at Lord of Life, he replies, “Try it; you’ll like it! Get involved!”
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (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. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive Compass in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Copyright 2019 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org
www.lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
WORSHIP/MUSIC SCHEDULE Saturdays at 5:30pm includes holy communion and music led by David Frank. Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11am with holy communion on the first and third with music leaders David Frank at 8:30/9:45am and Brian Schroeder at 11am.
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Credits include Lightstock, David Orwall, Morguefile, and Unsplash.
october Calendar of events
To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson at 763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org. To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstand at 763.420.5015 x128 or chelseyg@lordoflife.org. As event details are subject to change—for the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—please visit lordoflife.org. 9/29 9/29 9/29 9/30 10/1 10/1 10/2 10/2 10/3
Estate Planning Speaker High School Dinner Groups Jamaica Mission Trip Info Meeting Hope Lodge Volunteering Connect Life Pause for Prayer Financial Freedom Class 345 @ LOL Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs) Faith, Food & Fellowship 10/5 Inspired Images 10/5-6 7th Grade C3 Confirmation Retreat 10/6 Blessing of the Animals 10/6 High School Dinner Groups 10/7 Cancer Support Groups 10/7 Nourishing Our Neighbors 10/9 Financial Freedom Class 10/9 345 @ LOL 10/10 Divorce Support 10/10 MOMSnext 10/10 Prayer Shawl Ministry 10/12-13 8th Grade C3 Confirmation Retreat 10/12 Mittens on a Mission 10/12 Sharing and Caring Hands 10/13 High School Dinner Groups 10/13 Holy Land Ministry Movie 10/14 Hope Lodge Volunteering
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National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group 10/15 Job Transition Group 10/15 Pause for Prayer 10/17 Elementary Release Day 10/17 FreedomWorks Meal Volunteering 10/17 OWLs Outing 10/18-19 Engaged Couples Seminar 10/20 Baptism Class 10/21 Nourishing Our Neighbors 10/21 The Food Group Volunteering 10/23 Financial Freedom Class 10/23 345 @ LOL 10/23 Source MN Meal Volunteering 10/24 Divorce Support 10/24 MOMsnext 10/24 Scouting & Faith Award Class 10/26 Affirmation of Baptism (two services) 10/27 Affirmation of Baptism (two services) 10/27 Learn with Pastor Karen Greimel “Forgiveness and Prayer” 10/28 Hope Lodge Volunteering 10/28 Military Family Support Ministry
ONGOING SATURDAYS/SUNDAYS: Church School Worship
SUNDAYS/MONDAYS: Crossways Bible Study
SUNDAYS/WEDNESDAYS: C3 Confirmation C3 Family Meal
TUESDAYS:
Celebrate Recovery Grief Share Love to Paint
WEDNESDAYS:
Bel Canto Rehearsal Canticle Choir Rehearsal Word for Women
THURSDAYS:
Alleluia! and Joyful Noise Rehearsals Little Hands Ring and Sing
VARIOUS:
Men’s Bible Studies, various days/location
2020
Feb. 1-8, Dominican Republic Mission Trip Apr. 4-11, Jamaica Mission Trip Mar. 24-Apr. 6, Uganda Mission Trip
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
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Introducing Compass Podcast, a monthly expansion of Lord of Life's Compass magazine. Listen to interviews with our contributors and more in-depth ref lections on the monthly themes. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
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