September 2014 Lord of Life LifeTIMES by Lord of Life Lutheran Church

LifeTIMES

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

God’s Work. Our Hands. These four simple words represent so much. And they describe quite well what we are all about at Lord of Life. That is why we have adopted them as our theme again this year. We truly strive to do God’s work every day in big and small ways. In worship, music, at Church School and our C3 program, adult ministries, L5 education, LifeGARDEN—you name it. And we need your help to make God’s work happen. Whether you serve doughnuts after worship or fold bulletins for worship. If you sing in the choir or play the drums in the band. Serve communion, volunteer at the Reflections of Faith resource center, greet people at the door, harvest vegetables in the garden. The point is, we need people just like you to commit your time and talents today. What might you do? Whatever it is God calls you to do at Lord of Life, we need your skills and welcome your participation. See Page 8 asking you to use your hands for God’s work—and this information is also in the bulletin at worship and at lordoflife.org/ godsworkourhands. Thanks be to God for your service.

In This Issue A Warm Welcome 2-3 Worship 4-5 Healing Ministry, LiveCHRIST 6-7 Generosity 8 One Mission One World 9 Adult Ministries 10-14 Children, Youth & Family 15-19

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September 2014

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A Warm Welcome and Brief Introductions—

Meet Your New Pastors

his summer we experienced the departure of two long-tenured and beloved pastors. While we are happy for Pastor Todd Buegler and Pastor David Lippitt as they enter new phases of their lives, it leaves Lord of Life in need of a pastoral staffing plan. Instead of starting a call process and making immediate decisions about new pastors, we will spend this year examining our needs and exploring the best ways of doing ministry as we look to the future. Your input will be important in this process. Our plan is that I will continue as senior pastor. Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren maintains her role with Adult Ministries, but will also add working with Children Youth and Family Ministry to her responsibilities. Pastor Karen Sue Greimel will focus on pastoral care and Pastor Dave McCarty continues his work with missions. In the interim, we are blessed to have three pastors who are members of Lord of Life who have agreed to serve us for the coming year and perhaps beyond. Please join me in giving them a warm welcome. —Pastor Peter

Pastor Sarah Bunge

ello! My name is Pastor Sarah Bunge. Since I was a little girl, I always knew that I was supposed to be a pastor. Born a Cheesehead, I spent my childhood in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, my adolescence in Aberdeen, South Dakota, college in Grand Forks, and seminary in Chicago. I am now an 11-year-old pastor, having served churches in and around Chicago and the Twin Cities. My two favorite churchy things are evangelism and worship, so I’m pretty pumped to work with both areas here at Lord of Life. Since 2006 my husband Adam and I have lived in Maple Grove. We are parents of Grace Violet who is 9, and Luther Ellis who is 6; they both attend Weaver Lake Elementary. In my free time I enjoy camping in my vintage VW bus, jigsaw puzzles, trampoline jumping, seeing live comedy & rock shows, or napping in the sunshine. I look forward to knowing and working with you. If you also have passion for evangelism or worship, let me know! I am delighted to be on such a large and dedicated staff and I marvel at the ways the Spirit will multiply our efforts for good. Pastor Sarah will be full-time working in the areas of evangelism and worship.

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Pastor Chick Lane

y first name is Charles and I go by Chick. My wife Chris and I have been members of Lord of Life since 2011. I work as a consultant with Kairos and Associates, helping congregations grow their stewardship ministry and raise funds for capital projects. Previously I served as director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, assistant to the bishop in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, and I served as pastor of three congregations, one in Pennsylvania and two in Minnesota.

I am the author of Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation, published by Augsburg Fortress, and Walk with Jesus an annual stewardship program published by the ELCA. Pastor Chick will be part-time leading us in the area of stewardship and generosity.

Pastor Donna Rohrer

ext year, 2015, will be my 20th anniversary as an ordained pastor. I was an elementary music teacher in Rochester, Michigan and Grand Forks, North Dakota before that. My first call was at Central Lutheran in Elk River. I have also served at St. Andrew’s in Eden Prairie and as senior pastor at Our Father’s in Rockford. I am married to Jim and we have three grown children. Both of our boys, Andy and Joe, are doctors in the Air Force. This gives us new places to visit fairly often. I like that! Our daughter Shelby and her husband Greg live in St. Louis Park and have given us our first grandchild. Rohr is 11 months old and fills my heart with a new joy. We have no pets, travel to Mexico a lot, and other places if the spirit of adventure moves us. Visiting the lands the apostle Paul traveled to is on my bucket list. My new passion is pickleball. I am delighted to be a part of the staff at Lord of Life. Thank you for such a wonderful welcome. My ego is bursting with how positively you are welcoming me. Come and join me in an L5 class.

Pastor Donna will be part-time overseeing the L5 (Life Long Learning at Lord of Life) program and leading our main adult Bible study.

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Singing … and Praying Twice by Alice Woodard, Director of Worship and LifeGARDEN

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Congratulations to Lee Fuchs beginning his 25th year with Lord of Life.

hose who sing pray twice,” St. Augustine is believed to have said. There certainly does seem to be another dimension to our prayers when we sing them, whether in the form of liturgical responses or congregational hymns. Ask any member of the Canticle Choir, and they will probably say that singing is a special way to worship. Many will also say that they enjoy contributing to the worship experience through music, as music helps add to and support the message. Also, Bible verses become more meaningful when set to music because music brings out the emotion of the text. In addition to the spiritual experience, choir members enjoy fellowship and friendship with the other singers, as well as an opportunity to serve the church. Another important factor in the choir experience is the leadership provided by Lee Fuchs, who is skilled, talented, and patient, besides being a lot of fun. Lee is beginning his 25th year at Lord of Life, having started working part-time as choir director in the fall of 1990. At that time there were 15-20 singers in the choir; now there are 65. Lee helped start the Praise Band when the Saturday evening worship was initiated, and is the founder and director of Bel Canto, the handbell choir. He has broadened and expanded the choir’s repertoire and enhanced their musical offerings with various instruments throughout the year and full orchestra on special occasions. Lee and the choir are looking forward to another exciting year of music, and new members are welcome to join at any time, regardless of experience. The choir sings three weekends each month, and rehearsals for the coming year will begin Wednesday, August 27, 7:15-9pm. The first Sunday they will sing will be September 7.

fall marriage encounter weekend Refresh your relationship with the one you love this fall on a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend. Attend a fall weekend in Albert Lea on September 19-21 or in Duluth on October 2426. Register now at GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Peter & Phyllis McMahon at mcmahonp@ comcast.net or 763.561.1575 for more information. Weekends do fill fast and preregistration is required two weeks prior to the weekend dates— you are encouraged to attend!

Loaves of Love

ho doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread? Breaking into a hot, tasty loaf you’ve made yourself is even better! If this sounds like something you’d like, there is a new ministry starting this fall. Loaves of Love is being started by bakers, Mo Orendorff and Lisa Gerber, who will teach you the art of easy breadmaking. Once a month the group will learn a new bread recipe, take a loaf home, receive a recipe card, and will bake some loaves for a Lord of Life ministry at the same time. For more information on this exciting ministry and the date of our first meeting, visit lordoflife.org/loavesoflove. You may also contact Jane Bergstrom at Lord of Life, janeb@lordoflife.org.

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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Worship: A Family Reunion by Alice Woodard, Director of Worship and LifeGARDEN

ithout a doubt, the best part of my week is the weekend. That’s when I get to see hundreds, sometimes even thousands of Lord of Life worshipers. It’s just like a family reunion, whether it is Saturday evening, Sunday morning, or, in the summer, Monday evening. In fact, it is a family reunion, the family of God gathering weekly. Just as with any other family reunion, worship requires many helpers—some to greet people as they arrive at the front door, some to welcome them to the gathering room, some to share a bit about the family history, and some to serve the meal. These are the jobs of the Worship Team members—greeters, ushers, scripture readers, and communion servers.

Worship Team members take on these roles once each month. In the true spirit of a family reunion, many families serve together on a team, along with individuals, couples and C3 students. Here are some of their impressions about the Worship Team experience: •

There is nothing more spiritual to me than being able to serve communion to others. It chokes me up because it’s such a real connection from Jesus to us.

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Being on a worship team gives me a sense of belonging.

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I can experience all the uplifting aspects of the church service, and raise my own spirituality even more by giving back just a little bit.

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Being on a Worship Team is a great way to serve as a family. C3 students get one-hour credit for the service.

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Serving on a Worship Team is a good way to meet and get to know other people at Lord of Life. Because of the size of our congregation, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. Serving on the Worship Team is an easy way to become involved in a small community of people with a common responsibility. As you work with your team, friendships develop. And those new friends introduce you to other folks and activities at Lord of Life. By serving, you are also receiving.

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I have found that by serving I am the one who is actually blessed. I have been able to meet many great new friends and we have a wonderful team.

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It is an honor to read the scriptures, administer communion, and serve the congregation!

Worship Teams always welcome new members. You choose when you want to help (which service time, which week of the month) and what you would like to do (greet, usher, read, serve), and get ready for an awesome experience. See you at the reunion! For questions or more information about being a Worship Team member, please contact Alice Woodard at alicew@lordoflife.org.

worship Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays Third Sunday worship on September 21 at 10 am at Ambassador - Good Samaritan Society in New Hope Wednesday, September 17, worship service at 12:45 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 Healing Service, directly after worship on Saturday, September 27, in Prayer Chapel (see article on Page 6) September 6/7 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir, Lord of Life Brass September 13/14 Preaching: Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (8:30 and 9:45 am), Soloist Kari Lyn Wampler (11 am) September 20/21 Preaching: Pastor Dave McCarty Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble September 27/28 Preaching: Pastor Karen Sue Greimel Special Music Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Joseph Ellickson (8:30 am), Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am) Please note worship and music schedules may be subject to change.

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Come All who are Weary by Pastor Karen Sue Greimel

n the book of Matthew Jesus says, “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your soul will find rest, for my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Jesus is inviting us to come to him bringing everything, all our cares, sickness, grief, and worries. He promises to gives us rest, refresh, and renew us. The Healing Prayer Service at Lord of Life is a time for you to bring anything that weighs heavily on your heart and offer it to God—our true source of all healing—letting His love open a space where joy replaces sadness, strength replaces weakness, peace replaces anxiety and healing begins. God heals in many ways, sometimes exactly the way we desire and other times in ways that are unexpected. How will He heal you or a loved one? Healing prayer is the path where we unite ourselves with Jesus and lift up our burdens. You are invited and encouraged to come to Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel immediately following the Saturday, 5:30 pm, worship service. Here you will find rest, a brief devotional, and time of healing prayer. The 2014-15 Healing Prayer Services are: September 27 October 25 November 22 December 27 January 24 February 28 March 28 April 25 May 16 Questions? Please contact Pastor Karen Sue at ksgreimel@lordoflife.org.

Guest Speaker with Cancer Groups

ord of Life’s men’s and women’s cancer support groups will host a joint meeting on Monday, September 8, at 7 pm. Dr. Stuart Bloom from Minnesota Oncology will be the guest speaker. Dr. Bloom is a highly regarded doctor in the field of oncology. He will be speaking in simple-to-understand terms about cancer, prevention, and yes, even humor in the midst of a cancer diagnosis. There will be a time for questions and answers.

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This meeting will take place in the lower level in the Luther Room. The men’s and women’s regularly scheduled support groups will resume the first Monday of the month, October 6 at 7 pm. If you have any questions about this event or the cancer support groups, please contact Michelle Welinski at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.

6 September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Lord of Life Lives Christ Together July 7 Zoey Madison Gauder July 19 Cole Matthew Rath July 20 Kajsa Ann Sugden Clark Joseph Miller Reid William Kerekes Roman Carl Kerekes July 27 Mila Kang Hough At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class is Saturday, September 13, from 10-11 am; no preregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office.

weddings July 12 Bethany Shodeen & Paul Undis July 19 Nicole Malzahn & Benton Garske Lauren Miller & Brent Opitz July 26 Laura Stokes & Andrew Peterson Nicole Carstensen & Steven McLeod Tara Marquette & Rodney Price

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. Leesa Avila and family at the death of her aunt Ina Barton and family at the death of her sister Carol Berg and family at the death of her father Deb Bunnell and family at the death of her father Jeff Crary and family at the death of his father Carole Cuthbertson and family at the death of her husband Blake Elgren and family at the death of his mother David Elhard and family at the death of his sister Glenn Erickson and family at the death of his sister-in-law Jean Gross and family at the death of her father Carrie Hill and family at the death of her father Kaycie and Kylee Hofner and family at the death of their mother Marge Hofner and family at the death of her daughter Clair Lambrecht and family at the death of her sister Tom Pautz and family at the death of both parents Stephanie Perron and family at the death of her aunt Sarah Pitzner and family at the death of her grandfather Bev and Paul Sandbaken and family at the death of their husband/father Marlys Seleen and family at the death of her father Gregory Tobias and family at the death of his mother Michelle Welinski and family at the death of her aunt

welcome to new members Amanda Gillett Jessica Mittelstaedt Anthony & Megan Mitzel with Maren Mike & Amy Trocke with Annaliese Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members—but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church & its programs financially. Contact Lori Schwartz or Karen Klevar or visit lordoflife.org/newmembers for more information. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life family of faith.

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“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a September 2014 7

generosity

july 2014 budget year-to-date Actual

Budget Difference

Total member contributions $1,657,629 $1,697,912 ($40,283) All other

$135,913 $123,084

Total receipts

$12,829

$1,793,542 $1,820,996 ($27,454)

God’s Work. Our Hands. Be generous with your time. creating music…

With fall here, it’s time to consider how you will generously share your time at Lord of Life this year. Consider trying something new, as a way of sharing the gifts with which God has so richly blessed each of us.

Then share that special gift through the Saturday night Praise Team, New Life Ensemble, Canticle Choir, Bel Canto handbell choir, Celebrate Recovery or by providing special music. Your gift will be a blessing to others!

If your gift is… being with young children…

preparing and serving food…

Then get to know a group of preschool or early elementary children as a small group leader for Church School on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings or Celebration Place on Tuesdays nights. It’s a great way to experience faith through the eyes of a child!

Then help with doughnut hospitality on Sunday mornings, provide bars on an as-needed basis, or help serve a funeral luncheon. Behind-the-scenes help is key to fellowship opportunities that connect people. Visit lordoflife.org/godsworkourhands to discover additional opportunities and find contact information. We are excited to see all of the new ways that Lord of Lifers will find to share their gifts!

talking in front of a group… Then read the lessons in worship as part of a Worship Team, or serve as a large group leader for Church School. Either way, you’re sharing a gift and helping others experience the Word of God!

God’s Work. Our Hands.

welcoming people… Then answer questions at the Welcome Desk, or serve as a greeter or usher for a Worship Team. Provide a great start to a visitor’s worship experience. Lord of Life Weekly Giving — July 2014

helping people find resources and gifts… Then volunteer in the Reflections of Faith resource area. Help people select the right card, faith keepsake or other resource for themselves or as a special gift. getting to know preteens and teenagers… Then chaperone a Club 56 event or help with that age group during Church School, or serve as a C3 small group leader on Sunday or Wednesday night. Grow in your faith as you talk with and learn from them.

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

7/6 7/13 7/20 7/27

Actual $45,649 $47,040 $61,012 $63,390 Budget $54,425 $54,425 $54,425 $54,425

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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Global Health Administration Partners’ (GHAP) Fifth Annual—

A Chocolate Lover’s Evening When: Friday, October 17, 6:30-9 pm Where: Nativity of Mary Catholic Church 9900 Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington

e are pleased to feature chocolate curator Anna Bonavita from Chocolate BonaVita. As we taste, she will connect the unique and exquisite chocolates to art around the world. We will sample Tanzanian chocolate, along with others. Magdeline Aagard will tantalize us with her stories of working with the Maasai villages in Tanzania. She has brought back artwork for framing, carvings and beadwork for auction and door prizes. All proceeds from the evening with be split between supporting work in Tanzania and advancing GHAP’s entire range of programming. There will be three unique live auction items:

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Global Experience without the Travel - spend an evening talking with someone who grew up in another country and sample foods from that part of the world.

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Artwork drawn by artists in the Maasai villages where Magdeline worked. We commissioned nine illustrations and will auction off two of them. This art is one-ofa-kind and priceless.

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A 3-liter bottle of 2005 GlenLyon Estate Syrah (their flagship wine). This is an exceedingly rare bottle of wine; the label on the bottle is etched into the glass and the bottle is signed by the estate owner. This bottle of wine is valued at $700.

There also will be a number of interesting silent auction items, including custom cake creations, Minneapolis Institute of Arts tickets, tanzanite jewelry from India and Madagascar, carvings from Tanzania, and Madagascar, fabrics from India and Tanzania and more. We will close out our evening with a rousing Fund A Need Auction. For more information and to register to attend A Chocolate Lover’s Evening, visit lordoflife.org/ghap.

For more details on One Mission One World, visit lordoflife.org/onemissiononeworld or contact Pastor Dave McCarty. During September 20/21 weekend, 1M1W will provide informational tables in the narthex.

Update from Tanzania by Barb Hanson

n Tanzania I was blessed to be able to deepen existing relationships as well as establish new ones. That’s really what the mission trips to Tanzania are all about...building and strengthening our relationship with church elders, village leaders, and residents in our partner parishes. It is through these repeated and open dialogues (albeit with a translator and sometimes humorous sign language!) that Lord of Life is able to learn about, understand, and support the villages’ needs and priorities. This year we visited and got updates on water projects (one is being repaired), agricultural pilot project (corn yield has increased), transportation needs, building projects (clarified misunderstandings) and student sponsorship/ education (a passionate and lively discussion).

bed net distribution in udekwa st. olaf celebrates - your help is requested Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 19, when St. Olaf Lutheran Church in north Minneapolis will celebrate its 140th anniversary of ministry. St. Olaf is seeking volunteers to help serve its dinner meal after worship that day. If you are interested in helping, please contact Suzanne Olson at suzanneo@lordoflife.org.

This year, through your generous contributions of money and clothing, 400+ families in seven different villages will sleep safer under new mosquito nets; children in five primary and secondary schools will have pens and paper to write on during class, and mamas will have a blanket in which to wrap their new babies. On behalf of these families and children, thank you for your financial and spiritual support! Read more at lordoflife.org/tanzania. Questions? Contact Barb Hanson at lolmissiontz@gmail.com.

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SESSION 1

Week of September 14 - Week of October 12 SUNDAY MORNING

LIFE LONG LEARNING AT LORD OF LIFE

8:30 The Good, Bad, & Beautiful—Right Out of the Bible Gretchen Peel 9:45 Daniel, Much More Than Surviving the Lion’s Den Pastor Donna Rohrer

Connecting School & Home Ty Thayer

11:00 Prayer School Pastor Karen Sue Greimel, Larry & Cynthia Pivec

For class descriptions and to register, visit lordoflife.org/L5 or pick up more details and a registration form at church in the main hallway at the L5 bulletin board.

MONDAY AT 7 PM

We are happy to be able to offer L5 classes and one-shot forums free of charge. Individual classes may be using books that will be available for purchase by participants.

WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 PM

As Families Grow Older Lisa Toms

Daniel, Much More Than Surviving the Lion’s Den Pastor Donna Rohrer TUESDAY AT 6:45 PM

The Good, Bad, & Beautiful—Right Out of the Bible Gretchen Peel

Parenting Teens 1 Karen Nelson (this 10-week course continues in Session 2)

Marriage Course 1 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren and Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren (this 10-week course continues in Session 2)

Connecting School & Home Ty Thayer

Sunday, October 19 Why Do Bad Things Happen? Dr. Michael Chan

ONE-SHOT FORUM

October’s One-Shot Forum explores some of humanity’s most persistent questions: Why is this world so full of suffering, oppression, corruption, and greed? And how can God be good, on the one hand, and just on the other? What does the Bible have to say about these things? And what can I, as a Christian, do about the evils that afflict this world? You won’t leave this class with all the answers, but you will leave with a clearer understanding of the problems we face as Christians and how we might respond to the evil in this world. These identical sessions are at 9:45 and 11 am in the Luther Room. Learn more about Dr. Chan at Luther Seminary (luthersem.edu).

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Prayer Support at Hope Lodge by Shar Moseng with Jennifer Baldwin

How long have you been serving at Hope Lodge? I have been coming to Hope Lodge on and off for the past five months. It’s such a wonderful ministry, and it’s easy for me to swing over there right after work. Please explain your role in providing prayer support and how the Prayer Shawl Ministry impacts Hope Lodge. Because there’s always a great team of volunteers doing the cooking and serving of the evening meal for the residents, I thought I could help by providing prayer support for the patients and families. Hope Lodge has a special little room/chapel designated for quiet reflection and prayer. It’s the perfect place to sit with people to get to know them a little better, learn their stories, hear about their treatments. After I know what specific challenges they’re dealing with, we pray together and then I write down their prayer requests for the prayer teams at church.

because of the fabulous L5 Prayer School my husband Bruce and I attended last year. It’s a great Sunday morning class! I was also interested in ministering to people who are going through a difficult situation. Although it’s hard for me to fully understand what these people are going through, I really want to provide comfort to them. I just try to be a good listener and pray that God will work through me. What do you want to tell others about your experiences at Hope Lodge? Each visit to Hope Lodge compels me to return again and again. I’m getting to know more of the regular

volunteers better, including my new friend Jenna, a sweet girl who comes there with her mom, Shar, and brings joy and encouragement to everyone she meets.

It’s also nice when you get to know the residents. In fact, there was one gentleman who needed a stem cell transplant for acute myelogenous leukemia. I met him the night before he went in for his transplant procedure—we had such a great conversation! He was so positive, and he reminded me a lot of my dad, As you probably know, Lord of Life has a Prayer Shawl who actually died from that same type of cancer Ministry, and that group has provided several prayer several years ago. Fortunately, this man was younger shawls and pocket swatches. Lovingly created and than my father and in very good shape to undergo prayed over, these prayer shawls are a tremendous the transplant. I knew that if all went well, he would comfort to the patients being treated, as well as their be coming back to Hope Lodge for families. It’s really special to be able to the final recovery stages. For weeks hand one to someone in need … you can I thought about him and what he just see the gratitude on their faces! It’s was going through. And, of course, I quite a blessing for them. ...more prayed that he had made it through. What compelled you to volunteer at I watched for him to return to Hope comfortable Hope Lodge? Lodge and was so happy when I saw him six weeks later, on his way to being I’ve been involved in lots of different doing completely healed! Obviously, not all ministries over the years, and it was the people there will experience that time for me to try something new. intercessory kind of ‘happy ending.’ Regardless, I learned about Hope Lodge from Hope Lodge is a very rewarding Paula Thomas, the overall ministry prayer because ministry and I plan to keep visiting on leader. When she mentioned there was a regular basis. a need for more regular prayer support, of the fabulous I thought it might be something I could For more information about this Lord of do. By the way, I have become more Life ministry, visit lordoflife.org/hopelodge. 5 L Prayer comfortable doing intercessory prayer

School...

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Cruise to Red Wing

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he OWLs were blessed to have had a gorgeous day for their boat ride on the Mississippi River from Prairie Island to Red Wing on July 17. After a “zippy” ride to Prairie Island (we were running late), we boarded the scenic tour boat, Spirit of the Water. We enjoyed a delicious buffet luncheon of salad bar, Italian penne alfredo, lasagne, roasted vegetables, and cookies. Yum! After that, we began our leisurely tour down the river, through Lock & Dam #3 and on to Red Wing. Along the way we enjoyed warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, and moderate temperatures. Our captain provided historic and navigational information about the river, interjecting a healthy dose of humor. Eagles were spotted in the air overhead and perched in treetops lining the river. They were truly beautiful! Everyone was quite relaxed by the time we returned to the dock and to Zippy, our trusty ride home. After a fine meal, beautiful scenery, and plenty of fellowship—a good time was had by all!

Faith, Food, and Fellowship—

Jake and Jason

special purebred 4½ year old German Shepherd named Jake from the Hennepin County K-9 Unit entertained and endeared himself to the OWLs at Faith, Food and Fellowship on July 10. Jake’s handler, Deputy Jason Majeski, shared Jake’s background and training in addition to his abilities in apprehending suspects. He senses fear and is trained to “bite and hold.” When not on duty, Jake is very social. He was so patient with the OWLs who played with and pet him. Ever been to a “hot dog bar?” The OWLs created their own specialties or followed the recipe for a Chicago dog, taco dog, or chili dog!

OWLs Calendar

Thursday, September 4: Author of the book The Silent Heart, Larry Matthews will share about his personal journey back from cardiac arrest. Come and celebrate the gift of life. We begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Invite a friend! Wednesday, September 17: Worship service at Arbor Lakes at 12:45 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, September 18: Travel in the comfort of a coach bus for the trip! We’ll visit the Runestone Museum, the Maritime Museum and Gardens, and Carlos Creek Winery for a tour, tasting and lunch. Leave at 7:30 am and return at 5:30 pm. Cost is $45 including lunch. Friday, September 26: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Coffee is on! save the date Thursday, October 2: Viet Nam…Then and Now with guest and Lord of Life member Gary Modlin. Having served in the military during the conflict, Gary returned to Viet Nam as a volunteer helping to meet community needs and housing through Habitat for Humanity. We will begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Don’t miss it! Thursday, October 16: Apple Jack Orchard - Join us for a fall day that will include a wagon ride past the apple trees, pumpkin patch, and the corn maze. Apple Jack Orchard has a produce market where you may purchase many varieties of apples as well as jams, salsa, and baked goods to enjoy at home. They have a lovely gift shop with seasonal gifts and home décor. We will have lunch at the orchard with a special apple dessert. Leave at 10:30 am and return at 3 pm. Cost is $15 including lunch. Friday, October 24: Service project labeling LifeTIMES beginning at 9:30 am—coffee’s on! Please see the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events. Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Making Life Better

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by Donna Walther

ucked away in a small building in Rogers is a place where people with big hearts give a helping hand to people in need. CROSS (Christians Reaching out in Social Service) is an example of how people can work together to make life better for others. Thanks to generous donations and dedicated volunteers, CROSS provides food, clothing, emergency assistance, and other aid to 600+ families a month. There have been exciting changes at CROSS in the past year including expanded services, a renovated building, and more convenient service hours. CROSS clients are now able to shop for their own groceries in the remodeled warehouse allowing them to receive food that best suits their family’s needs. A new cooler was also recently added—it is used for the produce grown by Lord of Life’s LifeGARDEN! For those of you who are interested in helping CROSS, there are many opportunities available. If you would like to donate food, a bin is in the Service Center. You could also deliver food, clothing and household donations directly to CROSS. If you are interested in volunteering at CROSS, there are opportunities in many areas such as checking in clients, helping in the foodshelf, and delivering Meals on Wheels. Volunteer on your own or with the Lord of Life group on the third Wednesday of the month (sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board). Thank you for your support in making life better for our neighbors in need. Questions about CROSS? Contact Donna Walther at dkpw87@hotmail.com.

celebrate recovery Feeling alone? Depressed? Struggling with issues in life? Celebrate Recovery is a safe non-judgmental place for you on Tuesday evenings at Lord of Life. No registration is necessary. There is an optional dinner from 5:45-6:30 pm and programming from 6:308:30 pm. You are welcome at Celebrate Recovery, the landing for teens, and Celebration Place for elementary-age children with childcare available for infant-4 year olds. There is hope.

Lord of Life Women’s Retreat—

Escape Into His Presence october 3, 4, 5

by Wendy Showalter Escape with your sisters in Christ—it’s a chance to slip away from the everyday life and spend time with our Lord. •

Mount Carmel Retreat Center near Alexandria, Minnesota

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Guest Speaker: Marva Sheriff with “Escape – The Challenges & Blessings” including a walk in His creation + the Art of Prayer

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Escape into creation through guided imagery

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Plenty of time for laughter, prayers, nature walks, introspection, music, fellowship, food

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Bring your digital camera/phone

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Cost is $175, registration and payment at lordoflife. org/womensretreat (registration is limited)

Questions? Contact Linda Zwick (763.464.3781 or lkzwick@comcast.net) or Wendy Showalter (763.229.3185 or wendylsshowalter@gmail.com).

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

adult

Formerly known as Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN)—

A New Look in Hunger Ministries

ord of Life is one of the first partners to share their new look— EFN has changed its name to The Food Group. This new name reflects the USDA’s food groups for a healthy diet and encompasses all of The Food Group’s unique programs. They are a ‘group’ that serves with the community, volunteers, donors, and partners such as Lord of Life.

make a difference in someone’s life As you get back into fall schedules, please remember those in need. Your donation of non-perishable food items could decide if someone in your community goes to bed hungry at night. Drop off items in the Service Center bin marked EFN (soon to be changed to The Food Group!).

volunteer Volunteers are always appreciated for the first Monday of the month: September 8. From 4-7 pm, The Food Group welcomes individuals and families to help sort and pack food. They are located at 8501–54th Avenue North, New Hope. To volunteer, contact JaneB@lordof life.org or for more information, visit lordoflife.org/thefoodgroup.

Lutheran Social Service (LSS)—

October 11 - Children’s Clothing Sale by Sandy Munson

or the past three years Lord of Life has helped organize and facilitate the LSS Children’s Clothing Sale at 2400 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. This sale is specifically for LSS clients and has been a wonderful success— serving about 83 families and 400 children each year. We look forward to being able to touch these lives again this year through the Fourth Annual Children’s Clothing Sale on Saturday, October 11.

To prepare for the sale, we collect new and gently used fall/winter clothing and outwear, plus new underwear and socks for infants through high school-aged children. The LSS clients may then purchase these items for garage sale (or lower) prices at the sale. Many of the children LSS serves attend middle schools (4th–8th grade) that require uniforms. So in addition to our usual needs, these items have been added to our list: • Solid navy, black or white short/long-sleeve polo shirts for boys and girls • Khaki pants for boys and girls, khaki capris or knee-length skirts for girls We will also continue to stress the need for NEW underwear and socks. We were told the boys would like boxers as well as briefs in colors and patterns. Also, there is more need for: • Husky size jeans and pants for large boys • Small men’s and women’s sizes. (need more 9/10 sizes for junior/senior high kids) • White undershirts for boys If you have these items or any fall/winter children’s clothing taking up space at home, please set it aside to donate for the sale. Also, back-to-school supplies and uniforms will be available in stores soon for those who prefer to shop. Thank you for your donations which will be accepted in the Service Center beginning on September 17. Watch for more information about the sale or contact Linda Zwick at lkzwick@comcast.net or Sandy Munson at rsmunson@embarqmail.com.

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Word for Women

adult

by Karen Nelson

ummer is behind us, the kids are going back to school, and we are looking forward to seeing the church filled with women again on Wednesday mornings! We will be studying the The 7 Churches of Revelation with Pastor Donna Rohrer, beginning on September 10 at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. We are so excited to be welcoming Pastor Donna (see Page 3) to our team of teachers this year. She will guide us through the book of Revelation to talk about the churches and history of the area. Knowing what the early Christians were facing in their communities will help us understand the letters John wrote to the churches. In this era of declining church membership, we can hope to learn how the message to the early churches can help us to avoid some of the pitfalls that we still face and to do the best we can at being faithful to Jesus’ call to love and serve God and our neighbor. Word for Women is a wonderful place to meet other women, learn about God, build friendships and explore your faith. If you’re returning, we’re excited to welcome you back. If you’ve never been but have been wanting to, this is the perfect time; we’d love to welcome you too! Bring a friend or neighbor. Word for Women is for all women.

Childcare is provided. For more information and to register, visit lordoflife.org/wordforwomen.

Silent Knights by Blake Toms

he Silent Knights started about seven years ago and grew out of a Friday morning men’s Bible study. The church had received a few requests for help with home repair and yard maintenance. Our group responded and helped with yard raking, cleaning up a house, and other projects. As the requests dwindled and the projects dried up, the group faded away. With the start of the 2BREAL Men’s group and the charge to engage and have more men participate in church activities, I thought it would be a good idea to resurrect Silent Knights. What better way to involve guys in an activity sponsored by our church than to get them to do projects they already enjoy doing: working with tools, being outdoors, and helping neighbors. The call went out to men whom I have worked with on Habitat for Humanity builds, went on canoe trips with, participated in Bible studies with, been on different committees with at Lord of Life, or been on mission trips or men’s retreats. Thirty men responded as interested in being a part of this ministry. This is a great core group, but we are always looking for new additions. No skills are needed, just a willingness to help our neighbors and fellow members.

save the date Attention all men and boys! Save the date for a fun men and boys event on Saturday, October 4. There will be food—what more could you want?! Stay tuned to the bulletin board by the Welcome Desk for details and plan to attend!

Since the Silent Knights started up again this year, we have completed projects at Lord of Life, worked on spring cleanup at five homes in north Minneapolis, cleaned up fallen trees in Pastor David’s yard, and have done yard projects for members and families. There are a few projects coming up that we will be working at St. Olaf Lutheran in north Minneapolis. If you are interested in being a part of the Silent Knights, please contact me (blake. toms@regiscorp.com) or Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org). If you need help with a project around your house or you know of a family who needs help with these types of projects, please contact Karen Nelson.

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

awol marquette Community, Confirmation, Christ—

sundays

September 7, 14, 21, 28

sr. high sundays

Every Sunday night starting September 7, we’ll gather for community, worship, hanging out and talking about our faith. We start at 7 pm with Ecclesia worship in Samaritan Hall and continue with Express sr. high youth group at 7:45 pm. All are welcome! More info is at lordoflife.org/srhigh.

sr. high field trips

Throughout the year we will get together to serve and have some fun as a senior high community. Our first event is Saturday, September 27. More info is at lordoflife. org/srhigh.

sr. high leadership network

Want to be a leader? Already leading? The Leadership Network exists to support and uplift our leaders. We meet throughout the year to check in, share a meal, and work on our leadership skills. Our first meeting will be in November. More info is at lordoflife.org/ shleadershipnetwork.

elca youth gathering

Next July 2015, Lord of Life will be sending a big group of sr. high youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit! It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of the larger church as we worship, serve, learn, meet new friends, and experience God in a new way. Come and learn more about it at one of our informational meetings on Sunday, September 14, at 12:15 pm or Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 pm. More info is at lordoflife.org/srhigh.

awol philadelphia

5-6 pm:

C3 Groups (7th Grade Only)

5:30-6:30 pm:

Family Meal

6-7 pm:

C3 Groups and L5

7-7:45 pm:

Ecclesia Worship

7:45-8:45 pm: Explore

wednesdays

September 10, 17, 24 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 Groups 5:30-6:30 pm:

Family Meal

6:30-7:30 pm: C3 Groups and L5

7th grade festival

September 7 will be the 7th grade festival, where we welcome all those new C3ers in 7th grade. Youth attend this special festival to learn about C3, meet their group and leader, get new Bibles, have loads of fun, and experience a little of what happens in small group. This event takes place at Lord of Life and attendance is a requirement for 7th graders. We meet from 2-5 pm; dinner will be available afterwards.

retreats

7th grade retreat is at Camp Onomia, October 4-5. 8th grade retreat is at Camp Onomia, October 11-12. Register online at lordoflife.org/c3retreats.

leaders training

September 3 is C3 Leaders Training from 6-8 pm in The Gathering. If you are a new C3 small group leader or C3 small group leader with 10 years experience, we want you here for this training. We will learn about C3, the changes, learn how to lead a small group, tips and tricks for small group leading, and much more.

jr. high ecclesia

Come check out our Sunday worship service! It’s another great way to connect by worshipping from 7-7:45 pm on September 7, 14, 21, 28. Pat Baldar will be our worship leader for Sunday nights!

children, youth & family

jr. high explore

16 September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

Come check out Explore and come hangout. It’s a fun time with worship and games and just exploring our faith together on September 7, 14, 21, 28 from 7:458:45 pm.

After School Program

or children in grades 1-4, the After School Program (ASP) begins on Tuesday, September 9. We meet each Tuesday and participate in a service project, art, science experiment, games, music, and so much more! Bus transportation is provided from Basswood and Rush Creek Elementary Schools but the program is open to all students. For more information, visit lordoflife.org/asp.

release day for grades 1-4

Mark your calendars for Release Day, Thursday, October 16, 9 am-5 pm. This fun fall day includes a trip to Apple Jack Orchards. Open to all children in grades 1-4 and the cost is $25. Please bring a lunch.

Making a Difference

Church School

hurch School begins the weekend of September 6/7 for 3 year olds to 6th graders. The first class for 2 year olds is October 4/5 with parents. Registration for Church School is at lordoflife.org/churchschool.

parent night out

Parents! On October 3, 6-10 pm, drop off your children ages birth-6th grade. Volunteers from Lord of Life’s Adult Ministries and Sr. High youth will be here to entertain and lead your children, along with some CYF staff, while you get a night out, a night off, some time for you. There is no registration fee for this event, AND you are invited to make a donation when you drop off your children to help support Adult Ministries and Sr. High ministries. Register at lordoflife.org/pno.

“Every night my husband makes sure that my daughter and I are tucked into a mosquito net before he goes into his study room to pray and study. We have not suffered from malaria for seven months just because we use mosquito nets.” —Rabecca, Malawi, Africa

alaria is a preventable, treatable disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Malaria was virtually eliminated from the United States in 1951, but remains a major health concern in more than 40 countries in Africa.

make a joyful noise

Come join Joyful Noise choir for a wonderful year of making music together! Joyful Noise is for children in grades 1-8. Our first rehearsal will be Thursday, September 4, from 6-7 pm with a short parent meeting at 7 pm. Here’s a couple testimonies about Joyful Noise: I like how the songs are very beautiful. Also, how the songs are challenging but when you sing them it pays off and I love the party and the Christmas musical and games. —Camryn

Vacation Bible School students and their families helped raise over $3200 this summer. These donations provide over 320 bed nets treated with long-lasting insecticide, coupled with training and education on how they are used. Over 320 families in Africa are now protected from this lifethreatening disease as they sleep. Our students are thankful that they were able to do God’s work with their hands!

I like how we always sing fun, lively, and slow songs and how we get to be in church services. —Callie This year’s Christmas musical is called, “The Light Before Christmas.” Auditions for speaking and solo parts will be on Thursday, September 18, from 4-7 pm. The first musical rehearsal will take place after choir Thursday, September 25. The musical performance will be on Sunday, December 7, at 5 pm. For more information or to register, visit lordoflife.org/joyfulnoise.

children, youth & family

Young people in Africa are happy to receive life-saving mosquito nets.

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a September 2014 17

September Book Pick

September Bible Verse: This is my commandment, that you

I Love You More Than More by Richard Swan Dahlberg

love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

Happy September!

by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool

A Written by a Maple Grove author, this story will warm your heart as you follow the “I love you more” debate between a father and daughter. It is as sweet and endearing as a book can be. This book also won the 2014 Spring Christian Writers first place award in their children’s books category and second place overall grand prize winner. I Love You More Than More is available in Lord of Life’s Refections of Faith resource center near Samaritan Hall.

nd welcome to Karing Kingdom Preschool as we celebrate our 20th anniversary! We are excited and delighted to have you join us for our 2014-15 school year. We begin with “Get Acquainted Day” on Thursday, September 4. This open house forum gives students and parents alike an opportunity to meet and greet their future classmates and teachers. School officially begins the week of September 7. The Monday/Wednesday/Friday Pre-K classes first day of school is Monday, September 8, and Tuesday, September 9, is the first day for the Tuesday/Thursday 3-4 year old classes. Our first week is a ‘welcome to preschool’ when we familiarize our friends with the daily routine of school. Then we introduce “Being Bucket Fillers,” a way to be positive and supporting friends and classmates. September is a time of harvest. We will go way up high in the apple tree learning about the life cycle of the apple. We also will be harvesting carrots from the Karing Kingdom plot in Lord of Life’s LifeGARDEN. We conclude our month with a nursery rhyme-themed week. What’s your favorite nursery rhyme? Also in September we will have an in-school family picnic featuring entertainment by Tricia and the Toonies. We cannot wait for the fun to begin!

children, youth & family

We continue to take registration for the 2014-15 school year. For more information, please call 763.420.5015 x127 or email kingdom@lordoflife.org.

Director Angie Schiebel recently received this banner for Karing Kingdom’s NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young People) accreditation.

18 September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a

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

Lord of Life’s 8th Annual Kalahari Retreat • Family Time November 14 - 16 • Fellowship •

Faith Activities

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Water Park Fun

November 14-16 at the Kalahari Resort and Water Park in the Wisconsin Dells. Registration is open: lordoflife.org/familyretreat.

Summer 2014 Wrap-up

Elementary: •

35 kids at Adventure Week

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73 kids at Elementary Camp

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48 kids at Half Pint Camp

363 kids attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) for grades 1-6 (July 21-24, July 28-31 and August 4-7), with over 64 C3 volunteers, 35 families helped bring lunch for VBS counselors, 15 families hosted VBS counselors at their house for dinner and 6 families opened their homes for counselors to stay. PreK and Kindergarten “Weird Animals” VBS: •

2 four-day experiences for preschool/kindergarten participants (96 for Week 1 and 80 for Week 2)

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25 junior/senior high leaders

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15 adult leaders

Fun

Club 56: Club 56 had 3 fun adventure days to Big Thrill Factory, Valleyfair and Cascade Bay Water Park. Over 100 5th and 6th graders participated at each event. Jr. High: •

281 jr. high youth - Summer Stret, 40 volunteer sr. high leaders and 13 college leaders

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38 jr. high youth and 4 adults went on the mission trip to Rockford, Illinois

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31 went to jr. high camp at Luther Park

Family

Senior High: •

22 sr. high youth and 5 adults went on the AWOL trip to Marquette, Michigan, June 14-24

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16 sr. high youth and 5 adults went on the AWOL trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 12-23

Family Camp: •

6 families went to Shores of St. Andrew Village

Faith “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a September 2014 19

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LifeTIMES is a monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson using ecofriendly inks. To receive LifeTIMES in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or stop in the main church office or email office@ lordoflife.org with your name and address. We invite you to share faith stories, Lord of Life ministry events, photos, poetry & artwork. Submissions may be edited. Deadline for the October issue is September 1. Copyright © 2014 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

caught reading lifetimes

Ty and Betsy Thayer (center) travelled to India with Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. They met sponsored students, visited schools, learned about support programs, and met leaders in the Lutheran Church in India. Ty Thayer is a leader for the landing and also a Lord of Life L 5 instructor—see Page 10 for Session 1 classes!

September 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a