A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
LifeTIMES
What’s Your Perspective?
As a follower of Christ, what’s your perspective this fall—is it to grow in the knowledge of the word of God, to sing praises and glorify God, to fulfill baptismal promises for your children by teaching them about their faith? All of these goals, and more, may be supported by Lord of Life’s offerings such as L5, worship and music, and Church School, among others. Throughout this issue,
© Life-of-Pix
look for two maple leaves to identify opportunities to strengthen your faith. God’s blessings on widening your perspective!
September 2015
LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org
Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life. —Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy
PASTO RA L S TA F F Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor, Evangelism/Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor, Adult Ministries, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Sue Greimel, Pastor, Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor, Stewardship/Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor, Outreach/Mission, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor, Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, karilynw@lordoflife.org Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson, taylorw@lordoflife.org
TABLE OF CO N T E N T S Pastor’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Worship Schedule / Music Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-5 Family of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7 Celebrate Recovery / Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-9 One Mission One World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-11 Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran (L5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 12 Lord of Life Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 13-18 Karing Kingdom Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
welcome, kari lyn
One Mission One by Pastor Dave McCarty
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20a) instructs all Christians, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Additionally, Jesus tells us (Matthew 22:37, 39) the Great Commandment is “to love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” So what Christians are supposed to do is clear— the only question remaining is where are we supposed to go? Jesus’ answer to that is in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Everyone at Lord of Life has a calling to carry out the Great Commission and the
A Lord of Life member, workshop leader, and frequent worship soloist for many years, Lord of Life officially welcomes Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler to the staff effective September 1. Kari Lyn has worked in many Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations and is a licensed marriage and family therapist, workshop leader, and writer. She empowers adults, families, and youth in spirituality and wellness. After graduating from Luther Seminary and serving in the church for many years, Kari Lyn went back to school to pursue a degree in marriage and family therapy. Most recently she has felt the call to finish the ordination process she began long ago.
Pastoral Intern Kari Lyn Wampler, MA, LMFT
2 September 2015
Kari Lyn’s passion is to encourage others toward a path of wellness and discovery. She is already working with Lord of Life’s engaged couples and will be serving as a pastoral intern for the next few years. Along with her husband, Paul, and daughters Lucy (13) and Georgia (9), Kari Lyn lives in Maple Grove. She enjoys singing, travel, yoga, mindful meditation, and days at the beach. If you’d like to learn more about Kari Lyn and her background, visit karilynwampler.com.
World Weekend
September 26/27 Hear testimony during worship with an opportunity for one-on-one conversation in Fellowship Hall. There are opportunities for each of us to follow the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Great Commandment, so it’s a natural result that we have mission projects and partners as close as Corcoran and as far away as China. That diversity is what led to the name: One Mission One World. Lord of Life’s global ends policy, or mission, is shared in every issue of LifeTIMES (see Page 2). And we are called to carry out that mission to the entire world. Eleven ministries, briefly described here, are supported by hundreds of Lord of Life volunteers with prayers and financial support from the congregation. On September 26/27, these servants will come together to say thank you to you, plus
The Dominican Republic (DR) missionaries travel to the DR to work on construction projects, community outreach, and dental care. They serve God in one of the poorest areas in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. FreedomWorks post-prison ministry in Minneapolis has been helping former offenders reconcile to God, family, and community since 2004. This vital ministry transforms predators into courageous peacemakers, hardcore criminals into upstanding citizens, and absent fathers into loving dads. Global Health Administration Partners (GHAP) improves the administrative capacity of partnering mission hospitals and health care agencies around the world. GHAP reinforces the Global Health Ministries mission of enhancing health care programs of Lutheran churches in developing countries. Jamaica is a ‘vacation with a purpose’ where Lord of Lifers use their spiritual gifts and share God’s love and blessings with children at Westhaven Children’s Home and Clifton Boys’ Home. Mobile Hope at Maple Hill Estates is just around the corner from Lord of Life in Corcoran. Mobile Hope honors God by building a culture of achievement assisting families to succeed, students to excel, and the community to share hope. Source Minnesota has been a friend (serving physical needs and housing) and a voice (communicating God’s love and forgiveness) to the marginalized and skeptical. Source serves at risk and unreached broken hearts. This includes young adults who may be homeless and affected by prostitution or drug use.
share stories and pictures of what God is doing through their ministries. This gathering has become known as Lord of Life’s One Mission One World weekend. Each ministry will have a table in Fellowship Hall with representatives eager to talk with you. During worship we will hear testimonies from the mission field here at home and far away. Please join in and celebrate all that God has done, is doing, and will be doing through Lord of Life’s mission in our world. Acts 29 works across the U.S. repairing damage to homes caused by natural disasters. An important part of Acts 29 is developing a relationship with the families, working together with them.
St. Olaf Lutheran Church is engaged in exciting ministry right in the heart of north Minneapolis. For more than 140 years, St. Olaf has served as a beacon in its community, bringing the neighborhood together to worship God. Tanzania missionaries work together with the local church in Ifuwa to assist with projects, communicate/pray for each other, and grow in faith through cross-cultural interactions. See Page 10 for a story from Judi Andersson. Uganda missionaries make an amazing impact to fund feeding programs, sponsor Vision Nursery School, the Kenyan Refugee Relief program, and a program to support widows. See Page 10 for an update from Kent Dirks. World Mission Prayer League (WMPL) prays for over 100 Lutheran missionaries serving in 20 countries. Lord of Life provides financial support for one of these missionary families.
Pastor’s Article
See Page 10-11 for stories about Tanzania and Uganda. For more details and contact information, visit lordoflife.org.
September 2015 3
september schedule of worship and music September 4 - Funky Faithful worship, 5-9 pm, a family-friendly festival of funky music & fellowship—see Page 20!
Music Ministries
September 5/6 Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Soloist Haylee Donalson
Auditions
September 12/13, Rally Weekend Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Bel Canto, Canticle Choir, Joyful Noise!, Lord of Life Brass
childrens rock musical
September 19/20 Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: New Life Ensemble
Legacy of Love. Auditions
Sunday, December 6, will be the performance of this year’s Christmas rock musical, for this high-energy, rock musical will be on Thursday, September 24, anytime between
September 26/27 One Mission One World Testimonies Saturday: Praise Band Sunday: Canticle Choir (9:45 and 11 am)
4-8 pm. Kindergarten-8th graders are welcome to audition. Rehearsals are on Thursday
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evenings beginning in October; the specific time will depend
Saturdays at 5:30 pm with Holy Communion
upon casting. There are also
Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am with
opportunities to work on sets,
Holy Communion the first and third Sundays
props, promotion, and audio/
Healing Service: The next quarterly healing service is Saturday, November 21, at 6:30 pm
visual. Stay tuned for more
in Lord of Life’s Prayer Chapel. Private healing
information about the Christmas
appointments are also available; please contact
rock muscial, Legacy of Love, in
Pastor Karen Sue Greimel directly.
the October issue of LifeTIMES.
Third Wednesday, September 16, worship at
God rocks!
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 Third Sunday, September 20, worship at 10 am at Good Samaritan - Ambassador in
Worship and Music
New Hope
4 September 2015
Worship and music schedules are subject to change.
questions? contact us Pastor Sarah Bunge, Worship and Evangelism . . . . . . . . . . . . sarahb@lordoflife.org Dana Brinton, Worship Coordinator/Children’s Choirs . . . . . danab@lordoflife.org David Frank, Director of Music/New Life Ensemble . . . . . . . . davidf@lordoflife.org Lee Fuchs, Bel Canto/Canticle Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leef@lordoflife.org Kara Larson, Little Hands Ring ‘n Sing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . karal@lordoflife.org Lori Schwartz, Legacy of Love Children’s Christmas Musical . . . loris@lordoflife.org
bel canto Lord of Life’s handbell choir, is looking for new members. Music reading skills are necessary, however, previous bell ringing is not required. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm. Bel Canto plays one Sunday per month. Rehearsals begin on September 2.
canticle choir The Canticle Choir is the traditional choir at Lord of Life. High school youth and older are welcome to sing in Canticle Choir. Come join in and bring a friend. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:15-9 pm. Childcare is available upon request. Rehearsals begin September 2. We have an exciting year planned!
children’s choirs Children’s choirs are kicking off their year on September 10 at 6 pm. Directors Dana Brinton and Kay Wieland are super excited about the upcoming year. We are invited to sing with the Canticle Choir on Rally Sunday, September 13. This is a first for the kids! Also new this fall, we are branching out and beginning a Kindergarten-2nd grade choir, Alleluia! This will allow beginning singers to learn at their own pace and develop a love of music. Rehearsals are 6-7 pm on Thursdays at the same time as the 3rd-8th grade choir, Joyful Noise! Both groups will sing at various worship services throughout the year and be an integral part of the Christmas rock musical, Legacy of Love. If you love to sing, this is the place to be. Bring a friend—see you on the 10th! Register at lordoflife.org/joyfulnoise.
little hands ring ‘n sing Lord of Life’s Little Hands Ring ‘n Sing is a music class for preschoolers and a caring adult. Classes are Tuesdays from 10-10:45 am or Thursdays 6:15-7 pm and will begin September 15/17. No registration or fee is required. Kara Larson will be directing this group. They perform special music during selected worship services.
new life ensemble
Worship and Music
The New Life Ensemble is looking for new members. This joyful ensemble sings contemporary Christian music, gospel, and world music on every third Sunday (September-May), with one rehearsal on the preceding Saturday morning (9:30-11 am). Teenagers are welcome to participate; there are already talented teens in the group. The music the ensemble is singing and playing can be heard on Lord of Life’s website: lordoflife.org/music. Come spread the love, joy, and peace of Christ through music!
September 2015 5
baptisms
bereavements
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, September 13, at 11 am. No pregistration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015).
Prayers of sympathy for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection.
July 12 Piper Anna Beerman
Dale Mallberg and family at the death of his brother
Liviana Grace Beerman
Jackson Robert Cordes
Dottie Sterling and family at the death of her sister
Ely Gregory Forry
Andy & Melissa Trom with Jackson, Grace, Violet, and family at the death of their daughter and sister
Cody Douglas Reineck
Taylor Wilson and family at the death of his grandmother
Willa Ruth Stoudt
Bob Chapman and family at the death of his aunt CJ Kuhn and family at the death of his/her mother Bonnie Mallberg and family at the death of her mother Paul Rudin and family at the death of his mother
July 26 Cruz Mateo Ibarra Amador
Lord of Life’s
Family of Faith
Family 6 September 2015
weddings
sanctuary screens
July 28 Abby Isaacson & Aaron Cling
Two video screens will soon be installed in Lord of Life’s sanctuary. One will be placed in the area on the front wall above where the pastors sit during worship. The other will be projected on the back wall to allow the choir and pastors to see screen content. It is estimated that over 75% of U.S. churches have access to video in their worship spaces. Lord of Life has been slow to adapt to this new technology. The bright light that enters the Lord of Life sanctuary is a challenge to the quality of video projection, but new LED technology overcomes this obstacle. We are going to adapt slowly to this new tool, but in the months to come we will use it to communicate how our mission is being accomplished outside of the church building, use video clips in sermons, and provide information to make the worship experience more understandable. Funerals and weddings may also provide opportunities for the technology.
welcome to new members Bob & Delores Chapman Jesse Erickson Ryan & Cristen McDonald with Mackenzie and Emily Gary Preston 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.
of
Faith Family of Faith September 2015 7
Celebrate Recovery
by Michelle Welinski ‘Why would I want to go to Celebrate Recovery? I don’t struggle with an addiction …’ John and Cheryl Baker, co-founders of Celebrate Recovery, had a dream. Their dream was the vision that resulted in Celebrate Recovery being developed almost 25 years ago and today offered in over 27,000 churches around the world. Their vision was simple: for the church to provide a safe place where families could find healing and restoration ... where moms, dads, and children of all ages, could find freedom from the hurts, hang-ups and habits of life. Their vision was not to form a place simply for addicts to receive help. From that vision statement I hope you can see that Celebrate Recovery can help in any life situation. As director of pastoral care here at Lord of Life, my heart breaks when a member calls saying, “I’ve tried everywhere else, you’re the last place I can think of.” I want the church to be the first call for help. Whether you are struggling with depression, family conflict, divorce, aging parents, a loved one who is ill, and yes, even an addiction—Celebrate Recovery is for you. Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday night beginning with an optional dinner from 5:45-6:30 pm. Programming is from 6:30-8:30 pm. Childcare is provided and programming is offered for K-6th grade. No registration is needed. For more information please contact Michelle at michellew@lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015 x118.
Going Green
Financial Audit
by Heidi Hustoft, Finance Director Froehling Anderson, a local accounting firm, audited Lord of Life’s 2013 and 2014 financial statements this past spring and summer. Although this is not required by law, an annual audit is typically conducted in order to assure our lenders and financial partners that Lord of Life is complying with all financial regulations. Lord of Life also wants to demonstrate credibility in business processes so the congregation has confidence in how their benevolence dollars are used. The council’s audit committee was in attendance for the preliminary meeting conducted by Froehling Anderson auditors in late July. I’m happy to report that Lord of Life was given an unqualified opinion, which is the outcome we were anticipating. The final report was presented to the full council during the August meeting.
Tower Restoration
The Lord of Life tower that overlooks the Memorial Peace Garden is a beacon of light shining out into the community and is in need of repairs. Due to the thawing and freezing of Minnesotas winter, there is refurbishing that needs to be done on the 15-year-old structure. We will be replacing the top caps, acid washing and sealing bricks/stone, and installing a new ventilation system. This work should alleviate safety concerns and prevent further corrosion. A lift that will be used to perform much of the work will close the drive near the tower on certain days, but not prevent access to both parking areas. It is hoped the work will be completed by the middle of October.
Celebrate Recovery / Audits & Tower
by Don Delp, Resource Director Earlier in June, Lord of Life conducted an energy audit with EnerChange, a company that helps identify energy efficiency opportunities. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Xcel, and Centerpoint— EnerChange evaluated all aspects of the building related to energy consumption. Structural, lighting, heating/cooling systems, and monitoring controls were scrutinized.
8 September 2015
Results? EnerChange determined that despite the fact that we use the building to a larger degree than ever before, our carbon footprint declined over the past two years! This is rarely seen in companies, much less in church buildings. Credit goes to Facilities Manager Ken Carraux and the entire Lord of Life staff for genuinely caring about the gifts given to the church— energy resources being one of many. Congratulations, Lord of Life, and God bless! To see the full EnerChange report card reflecting electricity, natural gas, and other energy usage in the Lord of Life church building, visit lordoflife.org/files/ report_card.pdf.
Stewardship of Work by Pastor Chick Lane
With Labor Day closing in, some of us may be thinking about work. For most of us, when we think about work, we don’t often think about our work as a part of living our Christian lives. That is unfortunate.
your everyday life—whether that be working in an office, manufacturing a product, raising children, or living in retirement—are all from God. God is the source of all that allows you to ‘work.’
One of the most revolutionary things Martin Luther taught was that every Christian was called to ministry in their daily work. He taught that the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker had callings in which they could serve God every bit as much as the priest or the bishop. He taught that the mother home raising her children was engaged in work as important as anyone else. As a pastor, I’ve heard many people say, “I’m just a lay person.” For Lutherans, there is no such thing. In whatever your work, you are responding to God’s call and you are as able to serve God as anyone else.
What follows from that is the question, “Are you using those gifts and skills in ways that please God?” That is the stewardship question. Do you conduct your work in ways that make you proud and please God? Are your thoughts and convictions of Sunday morning consistent with your thoughts and convictions the rest of the week?
Since our work is a part of our Christian life, we can ask, “How do I steward this part of the gifts that God has given me?” The gifts and skills that you have that you use in
My experience is that people who can answer “yes” to this question are people who find great meaning in their work. When Monday-Friday line up with Sunday morning, work can be and is a vital part of a person’s Christian life. On Labor Day, as you are grieving the end of summer, think also about your work. How is your work a vital part of your Christian life?
Budget Year-to-date July 2015 Actual
Total member contributions All other
$1,732,327 $1,693,694 $142,150
Total receipts
Budget
Difference $38,633
$134,098
$8,052
$1,874,477 $1,827,791
$46,685
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — July 2015 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 0
7/5 7/12 7/19 7/26
Generosity
Actual $49,914 $56,206 $59,901 $52,667 Budget $55,267 $55,267 $55,267 $55,267
September 2015 9
Keep Moving Forward
by Judi Andersson When asked by Pastor Dave to write about ‘God moments’ during my mission trip to Tanzania, I immediately encountered a writer’s block even before I put one word on a page! Hmmmm, God moments, God moments, God moments. Hmmmm, my words are going to be published. Hmmmm, I better pray. God decided to plop the word ‘process’ into my head and all became clear. God’s processes and moments; without the process the moments wouldn’t happen, and so the story begins. For the past 18 months ‘life’ has thrown me some of my greatest challenges, which led to a lack of motivation, or a desire, to engage in the world around me. My church attendance was less than stellar, in fact, it was nonexistent. One cold day back in March, I innocently showed up for an 11 am service and ended up responding to the bulletin invitation to attend the first meeting for the Spiritual Safari to Tanzania. For years I have been interested in this mission; however, I never acted on that interest. This is when my first God moment occurred, for reasons known only to Him, I kept moving forward. I attended the first weekly meeting and made my first deposit towards the mission! After that, I worried over fund raising. I would rather take on a second job than ask people for money! However, this was March and I was supposed to raise over $3,500 by the end of May. Well, fundraising it had to be. God intervened again when Barb Hanson led one of our weekly meetings and was kind enough to help craft the perfect letter. Yet again, I was able to keep moving forward. One of my greatest God moments came when I invited my 4th grade class at Weaver Lake Elementary to help gather supplies for a secondary class of 30 students in Tanzania. I graciously received over $300 from my students and parents to purchase draw string bags and supplies. My students’ enthusiasm and joy in writing personalized letters and packing the bags with supplies nearly moved me to tears.
One Mission One World
Throughout the entire process of getting to Tanzania and the actual mission I encountered many wonderful God moments. While I meditated and read scripture, I came across this verse from the book of Psalms and thought it most fitting to sum up my God moments: Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:14 The Lord let me be brave, blessed me with good courage and filled my heart with strength and endurance. This enabled me to keep moving forward and carry out a successful mission. I will forever be blessed and changed by this process. I am grateful for all persons involved in helping me support the core beliefs of Bega Kwa Bega for a successful partnership: Prayer, Presence, Projects. I thank God for the gift of boldness to carry out my dream, and for renewed confidence to keep moving forward to carry out God’s work.
10 September 2015
Looking Ahead with One Mission One World acts 29
Stay tuned for an article in the October issue about their recent mission to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
dominican republic
Next year’s trip is the week of January 16-23, 2016. An informational meeting is on Sunday, September 27, 12:15 pm. To receive a great price on airfare, we have an October 1 deadline. If you have felt God nudging you to share your time in service, now is the time to secure your seat with a $100 deposit. Questions? Contact Lisa McCarty at maplemac@comcast.net.
jamaica
The March 19-25, 2016, mission to Jamaica coincides with District 279’s spring break. All are invited to one of the two informational meetings at 12:15 pm: September 20 or September 27. Questions? Contact Tim Jenneke at tjenneke@gmail.com.
parent night out
Team members provide safe and fun childcare for children birth to 6th grade while parents enjoy a night out. The 1M1W donations are split among those who work the event. Dates are Fridays: October 2, November 6, December 4. See Page 17 for more details.
Hardships Yet Joyful
by Kent Dirks During my recent visit to Uganda, I was able to visit the classes in session, enjoying the classrooms that were constructed last year by Hope 4 Kids International and Lord of Life. As you can imagine, the joy in these kids is infectious ... how can a person not smile when you see smiles like this facing your direction. What’s more interesting is that in spite of hardships these kids face, outside of school and in school, they’re still joyful. Although my friends and colleagues were able to help supply a couple hundred textbooks during my June visit, there are still not enough books to provide at least one book at each desk for three children to share. Please join me in praying that some of their hardship at school is diminished by the next time I visit.
One Mission One World September 2015 11
Lifelong Learning at Lord of Life Lutheran Session 1 Weeks of September 13 - October 11 Sundays 8:30 am
Life and Love, Pastor Donna Rohrer
Discover the Bible, Pastor Donna Rohrer Baptism Class Prayer School, Pastor Karen Sue 11 am (one class Oct. 11), Greimel and Cynthia & Larry Pivec Pastor Sarah Bunge 6 pm Parenting Our Teens-Part 1, see information below
9:45 am
Juicy Fruit: Living the Spirit Life, Gretchen Peel
For class descriptions, instructor bios, and to register—visit lordoflife.org/L5.
Mondays
Life and Love, Pastor Donna Rohrer
7 pm
33 The Series–Part 1, Don Clark
7 pm
Juicy Fruit: Living the Spirit Life, Gretchen Peel
Tuesdays Wednesdays 6:30 pm
Parenting Our Teens-Part 1, see information below
Thursdays 6:30 pm
Let Your Light Shine–Part 1, Dottie Sterling with Lisa McCarty
LIFELONG LEARNING AT LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN
Parenting Our Teens
This year we are offering classes for parents that are scheduled opposite some of the C3 times. We hope that suggestions and conversations from Lord of Life pastors, Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson and Senior High Ministry Leader Elizabeth Pederson will help you raise faithful young men and women in this fast-paced world. All parents—and interested adults such as aunts, uncles, those in leadership roles for teens—are invited to attend any or all sessions. Class sessions are Sundays at 6 pm and/or Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. There is no cost for L5 classes.
L5 Session 1
session 1 and 2
12 September 2015
September 20, 23 Talking about Faith with Your Children
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren
September 27, 30 Healthy Self-esteem
Pastor Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren
October 4, 7
Social Media
Pastoral Intern Taylor Wilson
November 1, 4
Raising Generous Kids
Pastor Sarah Bunge / Pastor Chick Lane
November 8, 11
Celebrating the Positive
Pastor Karen Sue Greimel
November 15, 18 Strengthening Your Child for Service
Elizabeth Pedersen
December 6, 9
Pastor Dave McCarty
Fixing Broken Boundaries
Men’s Quarterly Breakfast innerchange freedom initiative
by Dan Faulkner 2B REAL Men will be hosting breakfast on Saturday, October 10, at 7:30 am in Fellowship Hall. Tom Lundquist of InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) will be joined by a couple guys who have completed the IFI program. Plan to attend and learn how God does amazing work through guys just like you. All men are welcome; plan to bring a friend! The mission of IFI is to provide a holistic in-prison program with educational, values-based services to prisoners on a voluntary basis helping them prepare for reentry to society, employment, religious and community service, and family and social relationships. The program is based on values reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus. Living in the same housing unit, inmate participants are given values-based teachings along with life skills education for up to 18 months while in prison. Participants receive guidance from a mentor and support from a local faith community for 12 months after release from prison. IFI was developed by and is affiliated with Prison Fellowship. Prison Fellowship Minnesota also operates programs in Faribault, Stillwater, and the women’s prison in Shakopee.
It was a beautiful day last year for the men’s fall breakfast— join in for 2015!
This breakfast is a freewill offering. Register on the bulletin board at church or visit lordoflife.org/realmen.
Women’s Retreat
prayer: the gift that keeps on giving Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 Ask yourself: is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? Join in on Saturday, November 7, 9:30 am-3:30 pm, for a day to delight in the gift we can open again and again and again. Pastor Karen Sue Greimel, along with Cynthia and Larry Pivec, will lead the discussion on building confidence in our prayer life and busting prayer myths. Our day together will include worship with communion, large group teachings, and small group break-out sessions—plus a lovely luncheon. Bring a wrapped package of any size with a prayer request inside. Bring a friend as well! Cost is $25
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Check-in and fellowship is 9-9:30 am
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Register at lordoflife.org/womensretreat by October 21
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There will be no childcare available for this event
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Questions? Contact Wendy Showalter at 763.229.3185 or wendylsshowalter@gmail.com
Lord of Life Ministries
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September 2015 13
Congratulations, Craig
With only one Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) selected per year for this honor, Lord of Life charter member Craig Anderson was the one! Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Roseville Post 7555, Craig was honored as the 2015 EMT of the Year for “providing dedicated emergency medical services to the citizens of Minnesota.” And from the national VFW, Craig’s “exceptional devotion is illlustrative of the esteemed core values and traditions of the profession of emergency responders, further evidenced by the high degree of admiration and respect from both his peers and the local public he serves.” Retiring after 37 years with Allina Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Craig is a Vietnam veteran who served as a Navy aircraft mechanic. Craig is the commander in the Minnesota EMS Honor Guard. Shown in uniform with wife, Lynn, the Anderson family includes daughters Molly (Cole) Foss and Jenni (Ben) Mueller with grandson, Alex. Congratulations, Craig, on this well-deserved recognition. God’s blessings for many years of retirement ahead from your Lord of Life family.
Lutheran Social Service (LSS) and Lord of Life—
Children’s Clothing Sale
It’s that time of year when we collect new and gently used clothing for sale to clients of the LSS Center for Changing Lives. We had an early collection in May— the response was amazing! Thank you all for cleaning out closets and donating clothing. It was an excellent start, yet we still need more clothes. We will be collecting clothing, birth through high school (which includes some larger & adult clothes for high school kids). The past two years have been very slim on infant through size 12-14 clothes. Even with all the underwear and socks donated, they were all gone within the first 40 minutes of the sale—and that’s with a limit of one package of each per child. We encourage the donation of school uniform garments for children in grades 4-8. Think khaki pants and plain white, black or navy polo shirts. September 23-October 6: Fall donation collection (LSS bin in the Service Center). September: Church School and C3 collection of new socks and underwear in packaging. Notes will be distributed through Church School and C3 students. Wednesday, October 7: Word for Women service project to sort all donated clothing. Friday, October 9: Transport and set-up all donations. Meet at church at 11:30 am to load clothes, finish about 3:30 pm. Saturday, October 10: Volunteers arrive at CFCL at 8:15 am for final check of the sales space and to get duties assigned and get acquainted. Sale begins at 9 am ending at 1 pm. Clean-up room and bag unsold clothes. Lunch and snacks provided! Teen volunteers (ages 11 and up) are welcome with an adult. Volunteers are needed; carpooling will be available for those who prefer to share a ride from church. We are so grateful to Lord of Life for all the support and participation to make this possible. There are many families working their way out of homelessness, and this sale of nice clothing for their children is very important to them.
Lord of Life Ministries
Thank you for your support.
14 September 2015
—Sandy Munson and Linda Zwick, co-chairs
Older Wiser Lutherans september
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Thursday, September 10 (note date change): Born in the Ukraine, graduated from Kiev State University, our guest Victor Branitski came to America in 1975. He taught at Carlton College and the University of Minnesota. We will journey with him as he shares his life, From Soviets to Savior. We begin at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Bring your friends and share in this very special day.
Positive change begins by taking action—and action it was by the OWLs at Minnehaha Park. In spite of the drizzly weather, spirits were high while providing lunch and games/crafts for this Lutheran Social Service family picnic.
Wednesday, September 16: Worship Service at Arbor Lakes at 12:45 pm and/or Rose Arbor Assisted Living at 2:30 pm Thursday, September 17: Field trip to Len Busch Roses in Plymouth: This family-owned business began in 1965 in a 28,000 square foot greenhouse and today has 15 acres of environment-friendly greenhouses. Len Busch Roses is the only major grower of cut flowers in the central United States. Tour will include 1½ hours of walking. After the tour, we will have lunch on your own at Robert’s in the Medina Entertainment Center. Leave church at 9:30 am and return at 1:30 pm. Cost is $2 for the bus. Friday, September 25: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am ... coffee’s always on!
save the date Thursday, October 1: Relax. Enjoy. Reward yourself. Lord of Life member Jennifer Czerniak will be our guide for “River Cruises.” We begin our journey at noon in Fellowship Hall with a freewill donation lunch. Bring a friend!
Five loons at sunset on Lake Minnetonka— thank you to Gwen Denninger for sharing this photo with the Lord of Life family.
Thursday, October 15: The OWLs will tour the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States, created by Congress through a law passed in 1913, charging it with a responsibility to foster a sound banking system and a healthy economy. The OWLs will tour the ‘Minneapolis Fed’ and learn how financial transactions are processed, how its law enforcement department manages security, learn about the responsibilities of the board of directors, as well as other points of interest. Lunch on your own at Olive Garden in St. Louis Park after the tour. We will depart from church at 9:15 am and return at approximately 2 pm.
Lord of Life Ministries
See the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls for more details of upcoming events. Cancellations due to weather will be on the authority of the event leader and made at least 24 hours in advance when possible; calls will be made to all participants. Questions? Contact Joyce or Gordy Martin directly at grjsmartin@embarqmail.com or 763.497.7355.
September 2015 15
Fall Faith Programming church school
2 year olds: First parent/child class is October 3/4 during all worship services. All registered 2-year-olds attending will receive a special Bible devotion book. 3 year olds–5th grade: Weekly classes begin September 12/13 during all worship services. 6th grade: New this year—Church School for 6th grade only begins September 19/20. lordoflife.org/churchschool
after school program
For children in grades 1-4, the After School Program (ASP) begins on Tuesday, September 15. We meet each Tuesday participating in art activities, service projects, games, music, science experiments, and so much more! Bus transportation is provided from Basswood and Rush Creek Elementary Schools but the program is open to all students. lordoflife.org/asp
confirmation / affirmation of baptism
C3 is Christ, community, confirmation. See schedule at right. 7th–10th grade: C3 begins Sunday, September 13 or Wednesday, September 16 lordoflife.org/c3 7th grade only: Fall Festival: September 13, 2-5 pm at Lord of Life Fall Retreat: October 3-4 at Camp Onomia lordoflife.org/c3retreats 8th grade only: Fall Retreat: October 10-11 at Camp Onomia lordoflife.org/c3retreats 10th grade only: Affirmation of Baptism lordoflife.org/affirmationofbaptism Small group leader training: September 9, 6-8 pm, at Lord of Life
sunday nights
Lord of Life’s fun, faith-building programming for middle school/ high school – no registration needed Ecclesia: 7 pm all are welcome for worship in a fun, casual setting every Sunday of programming at Lord of Life.
Lord of Life Ministries
Explore: 7:45 pm for grades 6-8 with fun, food, wacky games, lots of laughter and exploring your faith. Friends are always welcome!
16 September 2015
Express: 7:45 pm for grades 9-12 to play games, build relationships, have fun and talk about faith. Bring your friends!
New Role for Carly release day
Mark your calendars for Release Day on Thursday, October 15, from 9 am-5 pm. This fun fall day includes a trip to Minnetonka Orchards and the Stages Theater to see Junie B. Jones, the musical. Open to all children in grades 1-5; cost is $30. Please bring a lunch.
club 56
We head to Valleyfair on Saturday, September 19. Join in for a fun day! Bring a bag lunch and swimsuit if you want to enjoy the waterpark. Cost is $30 per youth from 8:45 am-5 pm. Adult chaperones are needed for a group of six youth. There is not a service project for this Club 56 event. Questions? Ask Amanda aka Clancy!
Carly Tappe is a Karing Kingdom Preschool teacher and is expanding her role. She is now serving as program leader for Lord of Life’s Childcare and Ministry of Inclusion. Carly has a degree in education as well as experience working with children and families. Join us in welcoming Carly to this expanded ministry. If you would like more information about either of these programs, please contact Carly at carlyt@lordoflife.org.
2015 ELCA Youth Gathering Detroit, Michigan
parent night out
Parents! On Friday, October 2, 6-10 pm, drop off your children ages birth-6th grade. Volunteers from Lord of Life’s Adult and High School Ministries will entertain and lead your children, along with the 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 Lord of Life ministries. Register at lordoflife.org/pno.
september youth schedule C3 Sundays: September 13, 20, 27 5-6 pm: C3 groups (7th– 8th grade only) 5:15-6:30 pm: Family meal 6 pm: C3 groups / L5 classes 7-7:45 pm: Ecclesia Worship 7:45-8:45 pm: Explore C3 Wednesdays: September 16, 23, 30 4:30-5:30 pm: C3 groups 5:30-6:30 pm: Family meal 6:30-7:30 pm: C3 groups / L5 classes
I saw God through every smile and high five that was given at the Youth Gathering. Walking or waiting, there was always someone with a smile on their face and their hand reached out to a complete stranger. —Anna Swanson, 11th grader
God’s power can come in a whisper or a storm. –7th
grade preschool VBS helper
questions? contact us Kirstin Delp, Director, CYF/Early Childhood . . . kirstind@lordoflife.org
Lord of Life Ministries
Amanda ‘Clancy’ Drysdale, Middle School. . . amandac@lordoflife.org Raul Garcia III, AiM, Middle School. . . . . . . . . . . . raulg@lordoflife.org Lynn Leisen, Faith in the Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lynnl@lordoflife.org Elizabeth Pedersen, High School. . . . . . . . . . . . elizabethp@lordoflife.org Carly Tappe, Ministry of Inclusion/Childcare. . . . carlyt@lordoflife.org Julie Wilson, AiM, Elementary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . juliew@lordoflife.org Debbie Zaic, CYF Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . debz@lordoflife.org
September 2015 17
Kalahari Family Retreat
It’s time to register for the Kalahari Family Retreat which takes place on November 13-15 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Families of all shapes, sizes, and ages are invited to attend this fabulous weekend of faith activities, fellowship, family time, and of course, water park fun. For more information and to register, visit lordoflife.org/ familyretreat.
Kids in Lord of Life’s summer programs raised more than $3,000 for God’s Global Barnyard, a program of the ELCA that provides animals to help people around the world who are poor and hungry. We placed hundreds of pretty pink piggy banks in the purple pool which served as our giant offering basket.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make Lord of Life’s summer programs a great success!
Way to go!
?
What Color Is Your Window Many adults and children relaxing, and actually time. Next time you yourself to a sheet
find coloring a
very therapeutic, pas-
are at Lord of life,
help
(or two) of this coloring
sheet at the Welcome
r
Markers. Whateve
Be creative. Crayons. media you want to
use. Go ahead and
‘color
envision your own
your window’ as you
or if you want to copy
personal window—
the colors from Lord window, you could
of Life’s sanctuary
do that, too.
to the main church
Lord of Life Ministries
Return your window
18 September 2015
office by October
31 to the attention
of
ng upon the number
Bev Mello. Dependi
, a casual Lord of
responses received
gallery may display
__________
_______ Name: ______________
Age: _____
your work.
What Color Is Your Window? Many adults and children find coloring a relaxing, and very therapeutic, pastime. Next time you are at Lord of life, help yourself to a sheet (or two) of this coloring sheet at the Welcome Desk.
Desk.
of
Life art
Be creative. Crayons. Markers. Whatever media you choose. Go ahead and ‘color your window’ as you envision your own personal
September Bible Verse: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving of one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Happy September
by Angie Schiebel, Director of Karing Kingdom Preschool We are so very excited and delighted to welcome you to Karing Kingdom Preschool for our 2015-16 school year! September begins with Get Acquainted Day on Thursday, September 10. This special day helps to familiarize our students and families with staff and classroom setting. The schedule is: Monday/Wednesday/Friday Morning Pre-K Monday/Wednesday/Friday Afternoon Pre-K Tuesday/Thursday Morning 3 & 4 year olds Tuesday/Thursday Afternoon 3 & 4 year olds
9-9:45 am 10-10:45 am 11-11:45 am 12-12:45 pm
Our first week of school (September 14, Pre-K and September 15, 3 & 4 year olds) is an introduction to preschool, topped off with an All-school Family Picnic featuring The Teddy Bear Band on Friday, September 18 (no regular classes on Friday). Our next stop is Lord of Life LifeGARDEN. We will harvest the carrots that were planted in spring and donate them to CROSS. Our last week of September we will “Celebrate ME!” Learning all about one another and how we are all precious children of God. Our Chapel Chat series this year is “Parables from the Bible.” September’s parable is The Good Samaritan. Each month Karing Kingdom Preschool will participate in different service-oriented tasks, following Christ’s example to serve, not to be served. Our “Kindness Project” for September is Nourishing Our Neighbors. We will be making sandwiches that will be distributed to those people who are homeless. September Book Pick—
window—or if you want to copy the colors from Lord of Life’s sanctuary window, you could do that, too.
A guide to daily happiness for kids to learn how good it feels to show kindness, appreciation, and love every day!
For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, please contact us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
Lord of Life Ministries
Return your window to the main church office by October 31 to the attention of Bev Mello. Depending upon the number of responses received, a casual Lord of Life art gallery may display your work.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud
September 2015 19
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 October issue is September 1. Copyright © 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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Friday, September 4
Funky Faithful is a brand new worship experience. Lord of Life’s backyard will be filled with fun folks, flying frisbees, fabulous food, face painting, and of course, funky music. Come frolic around the fire pit, make new friends, and be faithful in a funky new way. Wanna help make this event happen? Contact Pastor Sarah! lordoflife.org/funkyfaithful
caught reading lifetimes
At the Relay for Life, Rachel Ross’ Anchors were caught reading LifeTIMES— (left to right) Ella R., Ella H., Lydia, Anna, Elaina, Isabel, Margaux, Meredith, Sydney, and Henry sitting with LifeTIMES
20 September 2015
While standing in a deep trench for runoff during Tanzania’s rainy season, Connie Hawes was caught reading LifeTIMES!