Lord of life lutheran
OCTOBER 2020
C O M P A S S
FIFTH IN A SERIES OF DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICES:
L I V I N G
GIVE
G E N E R O U S L Y by Pastor Charles ‘Chick’ Lane (chickl@lordoflife.org)
What is a discipleship practice? Certainly, one way to understand the words is to say that a discipleship practice is something that a disciple does. Giving generously is something that a disciple does. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus and many Biblical writers expect that generous giving to meet the needs of others is a characteristic of a faithful disciple.
Discipleship practices: GIVE.....................2-3 BIBLE 101: GIVING .............................................4-5 community life / OUTDOOR WORSHIP........6-7 giving time & talent: WORSHIP BAND...... 8-10 contacts ............................................................. 11
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My favorite example of generous giving as a characteristic of a faithful disciple is Zacchaeus. You may know Zacchaeus’ story from the children’s song. He was a “wee little man” who wanted to see Jesus. You may remember that Zacchaeus was invited to come down out of his tree by Jesus and then Jesus joined him for dinner. What you may not remember is that as soon as Zacchaeus talks with Jesus, the first thing he does is to announce that he is going to give away half of all he has to help the poor. Zacchaeus recognized that there is something about following Jesus that leads to generosity. Living generously is what disciples do. Giving flows naturally from following Jesus. It is difficult to imagine faithful discipleship that does not lead to generosity. Another way to understand the words discipleship practice is that they describe something that a disciple does that makes the discipleship grow deeper. From 4th grade through high school I played trumpet. All those years I took lessons, and
I practiced, usually about a half-hour each day. That practice made me a better trumpet player. I played in a local Dixieland band. I played in our local symphony orchestra. I can assure you that practice did not make perfect, but practice did make me better. Similarly, giving is a practice that makes for a better disciple, a more faithful follower of Jesus. In Luke 12:34 Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus’ rather radical claim is that what you do with your money has the ability to direct where your heart will go. If you give of your treasure to Jesus and to Jesus’ work in the world, that very act will cause your heart to grow closer to Jesus. Just as practicing trumpet makes one a better trumpet player, practicing giving makes one a more faithful follower of Jesus. Giving generously not only helps people in need, it helps you, the giver, to be drawn closer to Jesus, the most generous one of all. So which is it? Is giving a practice that disciples do because they are disciples? Is giving a practice that causes disciples to grow in their discipleship? The answer, I think, is “yes.” Giving is something that disciples practice because they are disciples. Giving is something that causes disciples to grow closer to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Like all the discipleship practices, giving lies close to the heart of the Christian life.
Discipleship Practice: Give Work towards the goal of a tithe (giving away 10% of your household income).
lordoflife.org/discipleship
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BE READY WITH YOUR BIBLE TO LEARN ABOUT
G I V I N G by Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren (peter@lordoflife.org)
Giving is at the heart of the Christian faith. When you look through the Bible, you will find “believer/believe/believing” 272 times. “Pray/ prayer/praying” is there 371 times and “love/ loving” 714 times. No one who would argue that believing, praying, and loving are not critical pieces of our relationship with God. So when we discover that the word “giving/giver/give” appears in Scripture 2,162 times, or more than three times as often as “love,” it is easy to tell that God wants us to understand that giving is really important. There are many things we can give. We can give time, knowledge, forgiveness, joy, peace, patience, love, hope, and kindness. But, when we think of giving, it is often money that comes first to mind. The Apostle Paul explains God’s financial plan in Second Corinthians 9:6-7. 6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Paul’s first insight is that the principle of sowing and reaping applies to your giving. Giving to God’s work is not giving something away. It’s an investment. The farmer who sows doesn’t lose seed. He gains a crop. And by the way, more seed.
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So when you give money to the church or another good cause you’re not losing your money, you’re planting it. Lord of Life always presents our third graders with their very own Bible. We give, on average, 150 Bibles a year and they are paid for by the offerings we receive. Those children are one of our crops. We’re investing in them. And if we keep watering them with God’s Word and fertilizing them with God’s love, their lives will yield a rich harvest. So how do we give and how much should we give? 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Paul’s financial plan doesn’t offer any calculations of net or gross, nor does he share depreciation schedules or dividend tables. Paul writes: “give as you have made up your mind.” That is, think about it, pray about it. Paul eliminates the idea of giving out of guilt or obligation. If you are reluctant to give or if someone is pressuring you, don’t give. That’s okay. Wait until you can understand the joy and the honor that comes with giving. Then give cheerfully.
Bible 101 reflection Read Matthew 19:16-24 then ask, “Why is it difficult for rich people to give?” Read Luke 6:37-38 then reflect, “How are acceptance, forgiveness, and giving repaid in God’s economy?” Read Mark 8:36-37 then think, “What do these verses teach us about what is important?”
So as you are considering a year-end gift or your pledge to the church for 2021—God wants you to look at your bucket of seed, and determine in your head and heart how much you’d like to sow. Whatever it is, feel good about it. And then sit back and watch as God’s mission in the world grows.
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C O M M U N I T Y baptisms
weddings
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).
For details on having your wedding at Lord of Life, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson (michellet@lordoflife.org).
August 1 Sarah Langdon Trinidad Sofia Langdon Trinidad
August 1 Ashley Stewart & Brett Swenson
August 2 Brynlee Mae Pyzdrowski
August 5 Kelsey Adair & Scott Broman
August 8 Marigold Reuper
August 15 Karlie Healy & Alec Horton Elizabeth Haley & Mitchell Anderson
August 9 Grant Roger Chuba August 29 Kennedy Ann Anderson William Dean Marcus August 30 Kollyns Lee Kissell Otto Robert Stoudt Pearl Sadie Stoudt
bereavements
August 22 Marilyn Nugent & Thomas Bey August 25 Abigail Michels & Jacob Endres
welcome new members Paul & Jennifer Benson with Grace and John 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
Prayers of sympathy for those we have lost in our community and for those grieving the loss of a loved one. May there be comfort in the promise of the resurrection.
all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith,
Ken Carraux and family at the death of his mother
(katieg@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.
Julie Paidar with Matt and Meghan and family at the death of their husband/father
Lord of Life faith community.
Eileen Petrie and family at the death of her husband Travis Petrie and family at the death of his father 6
L I F E
serve others, and support the church and its programs financially. For more information, contact Katie Gartzke
org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the
Outdoor worship events included opportunities for donation dropoffs. Diapers are the number one foodshelf need and school supply items were delivered even via bicycle. Communion, sunshine, and a sense of togetherness prevailed—physically distanced, of course! Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
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T H A N K
Y O U
T O
L O R D
G I V I N G
O F
L I F E ’ S
W O R S H I P
T I M E
&
B A N D
F O R
T A L E N T
by Worship Band Leader Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org)
It’s a powerful thing to be led in worship by people from your own community. Over the past two years, these musicians have donated their time and talent with meaningful worship. I, as their director, am so deeply thankful for their ministry and friendship. Let’s get to know some of them here, with more featured on Page 10!
anna vinup, vocals I started my musical career at age 5 and am now a junior at Maple Grove Senior High. I enjoy being the manager of the boys’ soccer team. My favorite song is Dawn to Dusk because of beautiful lyrics and amazing harmonies. My parents were part of the band before I joined—it’s amazing to see them perform together! This worship band is such an incredible group of musicians. I wanted to also be a part of something fun and to create something beautiful to share.
danielle ‘dani’ vinup, piano and vocals I’ve been singing since I was a little girl! I’m classically trained and have a master’s degree in choral conducting. A career highlight was recording an album of original music and covers in 2014. My four kids, ages 6-19, all love music! The worship band is what drew our family to Lord of Life for good. It is a way for us to connect with each other, with our new friends in the band, and with the Lord of Life family through music. Brian chooses great music to echo the liturgy and to connect with the congregation. It is a gift to be a part of this group, and it is my hope that we multiply and amplify that gift outward to the congregation.
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Mari and Kerri Olson, vocals Mari (at left side in photo): My first stage appearance
john ferguson, bass
was at two years old singing Happy Birthday
I’ve been a musician for 57 years.
to my great grandpa. I sing
I do have a “day job” as a chief
both mezzo and soprano
information officer with the
ranges and have performed in
National Co-op Grocers.
community and school musicals
My favorite worship song
as well as church and school
is Brother as it speaks to
choirs. My favorite worship song is
the times we live in today. I give of my time and talent because I aspire to be a connector. I am blessed to be Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
God Our Mother because I enjoy the harmonies. Kerri: I’m a mezzo soprano with piano skills and enjoyed learning and playing chimes last Christmas Eve. I teach private voice and piano lessons and early childhood (ECFE) music classes. I am part of the Delano High School drama department
julie lind, piano I have been a pianist for 44 years and am a composer, arranger, teacher, and YouTuber. After surviving breast cancer, I really wanted to push myself to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I felt called to audition— even though terrified. I’m so glad I
and directed my first show last fall. One of my favorite worship songs is WayMaker by Nigerian female songwriter Osinachi Okoro. I love this song because when we sing it I feel the Holy Spirit moving through me, engaging me to worship whole-heartedly. I feel honored to be a part of the worship band and love sharing the experience with my daughter.
did as it’s been a lot of fun to perform together!
noelle smith, vocals I enjoy singing lower parts and really enjoying harmonizing! I’ve been told by my parents that I’ve always been singing. My “day job” is being mom to three fabulous kiddos and wife to my husband Taylor for 21 years. Tough to pick a favorite worship song but probably I’d choose an old hymn like Amazing Grace because I remember sitting next to my grandparents at church singing that cherished song. I’m blessed to sing with the worship team at Lord of Life! It is truly a gift to make praise and worship music together to our Lord. Can’t wait for the day when we can finally join our praises together again worshipping in person!️ — c o n t i n u e s
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P a g e
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norm schultz, electric/acoustic guitar, mandolin, slide guitar I’ve been a musician since 7 th grade; during the day I am an organization change management consultant. For favorite worship song? Yikes—there are so many! I think the ones which stand out are originals that Brian has penned. When our passion for a song comes through, the congregation notices and I believe they get more engaged in the message. I believe that the music we make has a lasting impact on those listening— giving them joy and leading them to reflect on their faith.
sarah nichols, piano and vocals I’ve played the piano since I was 3 and am a piano teacher; I also teach Ring & Sing classes at Lord of Life. My favorite worship song is Beautiful Things by Lisa and Michael Gungor. I love the image of God making something beautiful out of each one of us that is described in the lyrics of that song. I love being part of this band because it is a wonderful community of people working together. Even during this time at home we have been able to stay connected via social media and collaborate on worship videos. The worship band is not simply a talented group of people, but also a wonderful group of friends.
shane vinup, vocals Music has been such a great creative outlet for me from an early age. Faith and music go together for me personally and I am so thankful that I get to sing with my wife and oldest daughter. Worship bandmates are amazing people and the environment Brian has cultivated is fun and spiritually energizing. When not singing, I am an owner and CEO of Cyber Advisors, an IT consulting company.
tom naus, electric guitar and composer I’ve been a musician for about 35 years and have played in worship bands for over 20 years. My favorite worship song is How He Loves as well as Who You Say I Am. I give my time and talents because I love to play music. But more importantly, because I am grateful to have been blessed with these talents and also to have an opportunity to use them to praise God first—hopefully blessing others as well. After God’s love and salvation, music is God’s greatest gift to us.
Special thanks also to Nate Allenson (drummer) and Mark Olson (drummer), who are not featured. If you have questions on this ministry, feel free to connect with me anytime! —Brian Schroeder
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During October, physically-distanced Sunday 4pm worship continues in the backyard, as weather permits. Also, stay tuned to lordoflife.org/worship for information on the always popular event—Blessings of the Animals, October 3/4—this year held during worship.
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.
PASTORAL STAFF
WORSHIP / CONNECT
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
Visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most up-to-date worship schedule.
lordoflife.org
office@lordoflife.org
To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org). To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstrand (chelseyg@lordoflife.org). For all ministry events and calendar items with the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—visit lordoflife.org.
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/lordoflifeluth
Photo credit: Unsplash. Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. Share it with a friend or neighbor inviting them to the Lord of Life faith community. To receive Compass in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Copyright 2020 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
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On September 13, Chef Shane’s first “Soup Sunday” flavor was homestyle chicken noodle—visit lordoflife.org to learn about each week’s featured soup and to order individual or family sizes. Hot soup pick up is physicallydistanced curbside at Lord of Life’s office entrance. You also have the opportunity to give financially toward a meal supporting one of these partner ministries: FreedomWorks, Gethsemane Lutheran in north Minneapolis, and Source MN in south Minneapolis. Bon appétit!
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