LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
Giving us awe
Did you see it? Those days in early summer where you could see perfection? Every green, every leaf reaching, attaining, a season’s completion. But we should stop, instead of voicing our regrets always, as the brown begins at their edges and say thank you. Not for perfect beauty but for what beauty does; softening us back into
© Stampin’ Up!
human and giving us awe.
Thank you to Lord of Life member, psychotherapist, author, and poet Margot Storti-Marron for sharing her beautiful gift of words. To enjoy and learn more of her work, visit margauxessays.blogspot.com or margotstortimarron.com.
September 2017
office@lordoflife.org
/lordoflife
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
/lordoflifeluth
worship
7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. prayernetwork@lordoflife.org
2/3 7 9/10
/lordoflifeelca
Lord of Life exists to proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ and for its faith community to witness and serve God gratefully in daily life. —Lord of Life’s Global Ends Policy
september
16/17
Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem Sermon: Cleopas on the Road Tom Tipton Celebration (see Page 3)
Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren Sermon: Child of God Rally Weekend Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem Sermon: Loved Beyond Measure
PASTORAL S TAF F
23/24
Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Senior Pastor, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org
Saturdays: 5:30 pm - Praise Band and Holy Communion
Rev. Sarah Bunge, Pastor of Evangelism and Worship, sarahb@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, Pastor of Pastoral Care, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, Pastor of Stewardship and Generosity, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, Pastor of Outreach and Missions, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, Pastor of Adult Education, donnar@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus
music
LO R D O F LI FE LU T HE R A N C H UR CH (ELCA)
Pastor Dave McCarty Sermon: Sent to Serve the World One Mission One World (see Page 10)
Sundays: 8:30, 9:45, and 11 am - Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays Third Sunday: September 17 - 10 am, Good Samaritan Ambassador in New Hope Third Wednesday: September 20 - 1 pm, Arbor Lakes Senior Living, and 2:30 pm, Rose Arbor Assisted Living
Worship and music schedules may be subject to change; visit lordoflife.org/worship for the most current information. TABLE O F CO N T E N T S Worship & Music / Pastor’s Article.............................................................. Pages 2-3 Family of Faith / Memorial Peace Garden and Columbarium..................... Pages 4-5 Meet Councilmember Chris Petersen / Generosity..................................... Pages 6-7 Lifelong Learning.........................................................................................Pages 8-9 One Mission One World Weekend................................................................. Page 10 Lord of Life Ministries................................................................................Pages 11-14 Karing Kingdom Preschool............................................................................. Page 15 Caught Reading LifeTIMES.............................................................................. Page 16
In this issue, autumn leaves identify opportunities to deepen your faith, strengthen your service, and bring glory to God.
Worship & Music
You are encouraged to explore Lifelong Learning (Pages 8-9), One Mission One World weekend (Page 10), Worship and Music (Page 12), and many other offerings or services at Lord of Life.
2 September 2017
God’s blessings as the Holy Spirit guides your journey of faith.
Don’t Change a Thing by Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren I first met Tom Tipton when he came to sing at Lord of Life on a Sunday morning 13 years ago. He asked what I wanted him to do and where he would be singing in the services. I explained we had two slots for special music and I had a lot of other things to fit in including my sermon. I asked him to do two songs and keep the talking to a minimum. An hour later he had performed three songs, told four stories, and shook hands with half the congregation. As we strode down the center aisle during the recessional, he asked if it was okay. I said, Don’t change a thing. I could cut my sermon at 9:45 and 11—because the church listens to me talk every week—but hearing Tom Tipton sing is a special gift from God. That day a friendship began that would have a profound impact on both of our lives. I learned a great deal about what it means to be an African American man in our country. Tom learned what Scandinavians eat on Thanksgiving and Christmas. In the last decade, while most men his age are putting their feet up or chasing around a little white ball, Tom began a new ministry. He saw it as his purpose to sing to the often-forgotten residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and Veterans Administration hospitals. He also went to countless schools and shared his story of the civil rights movement in America. I was honored to be involved in many of those events. Tom has brought a richness to my life and he has been a blessing to my family and to Lord of Life. On Thursday, September 7, an evening of Celebration in Song: Honoring Tom Tipton will be held here at 7 pm. There will be music from the Steeles, the Metropolitan Boys’ Choir, Tom’s daughter, Beverly, and of course, Tom himself. My hope is that we can fill the sanctuary to honor Tom’s ministry with Lord of Life and celebrate a life that has touched thousands and thousands of people with his voice and with his love.
Thursday, September 7 6 pm: Fellowship and hors d’oeuvres 7 pm: Hear Tom and special guests sing RSVP by September 6: 763.420.5015 x111 or loris@lordoflife.org
Pastor’s Article
And on September 7, before Tom gets up to sing, I’ll tell him: Don’t change a thing.
Celebration in Song: Honoring Tom Tipton
September 2017 3
Lord of Life’s
Family
baptisms
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. The next baptism class will be Sunday, September 10, at 12:15 pm. No registration is necessary. To schedule a baptism, please call the church office (763.420.5015). July 2 Benjamin Alvin Kohler Lincoln Allen Kohler July 9 Aksel Jay Swanson July 22 Mayne Ellis Moerke July 23 Alexander Phillip Branson
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. Phil Dell and family at the death of his friend Donna & Duane Gass and family at the death of their son Rachel & Ryan Gass and family at the death of their father Lisa McCarty and family at the death of her uncle Kristin Peterson and family at the death of her son Lisa, Benjamin, Caitlyn, Courtney, and Jonathan Walker and family at the death of their mother/grandmother
July 29 Jack Keith Sondag Lucas Bruun Sondag William Bruun Sondag July 30 Aiden Christopher Smith Cooper Bradley Smith
Famly of Faith
July 31 Levi Grant Bittle
4 September 2017
The Memorial Peace Garden’s stone pavers are in an ichthys design guiding the path around columbariums. As a final resting place for your loved ones—regardless of membership at Lord of Life— each columbarium has 100 niches for single or double cremated remains. There is also a location for scattering of ashes. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/ memorialpeacegarden.
of
Faith weddings
welcome to new members
July 15 Rebekah Netten & Reed Mainquist
Kurt & Megan Dingmann with Cade, Tyce, and Calla
July 16 Mary Meyers & John Spohn July 22 Kiersten Johnson & Paul Foster
Trent & Debbie Ekberg with Noah and Gabe Tim & Amy Kiefer with Garrison, Gabrielle, and Gracie Ryan Peterson Robert & Jenn Seeley with Reagan Jeff & Lindsey Sjulstad with Reagan Joel & Kris Zeller 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.
I am the resurrection and the life ... John 11:25 is engraved on the tower wall in the Memorial Peace Garden. This verse is a constant reminder of the key to our faith. Death may sadden us at times—yet it also brings joy—joy in the promise of the resurrection and new life in Christ. Plaques option for remembering and honoring your loved ones.
Family of Faith
on the tower wall are another
September 2017 5
celebrate recovery
‘Tis the season of “back to school.” Is it time for you, to return to Celebrate Recovery, too? Or maybe all summer you’ve thought about attending for the first time—anytime is the right time! Drug/alcohol addiction is the reason for only one in three attendees who come to Celebrate Recovery. Others are there for a variety of reasons: perfectionism, control, anger, pride, adultery, shame, loneliness, pornography, financial, divorce, codependency, people-pleasing … you get the idea. Don’t try and “go it alone” any longer. You will be warmly welcomed on Tuesdays: programming at 6:30 pm, optional dinner from 5:30-6:15 pm, with childcare. Questions? Contact Michelle Welinski (michellew@lordoflife.org, 763.420.5015 x118).
strengthen marriage
Lutheran Marriage Encounter is a comfortable, private environment away from the distractions of life from October 13-15 at Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud. Weekends fill fast and preregistration is required. Apply now at GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Lord of Life members Peter and Phyllis McMahon (763.561.1575, mcmahonp@comcast.net).
affordable housing
Tuesday, September 19, 5 pm
Meet Chris Petersen
Housing impacts us all! You are cordially invited to join in a bus tour that includes Brooklyn Avenues Teen Shelter in Brooklyn Park and Hickory Ridge newly renovated affordable housing in Maple Grove. The tour will also highlight senior housing and offer information about NOAH (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing) projects in the area. By September 15, please let Pastor Sarah (sarahb@lordoflife.org) know if you can make it.
6 September 2017
Meet Chris Petersen
As shared in August’s LifeTIMES, three new members have joined Lord of Life’s Council: Chris Petersen, Pat Smuda-Behr, and Chris Tollefson. Let’s get to know a little bit about Chris Petersen— Please share a little bit about you and your family: I have been married to my beautiful wife, Megan, for 13 years; we have two incredible children, Sophia (8) and Owen (5). We love to spend time at the cabin, sporting events, and home with our dog and cat, Bailey and Sam. Megan and I both grew up attending Lord of Life. The people and programs in this church really helped shape who we are as adults. Megan and I actually went on AWOL (A Work of Love) mission trips together as high school students as well as One Mission One World: Jamaica ten times (including our honeymoon). Through that ministry— combined with past experiences—both of us have developed a strong passion for advocating and working with individuals with special needs. What brought you to Lord of Life and how long have you been a member? I have been a member at Lord of Life for 25 years. My family started attending when I was 10 years old, after my mom met Pastor Peter in a dental office. If you could visit any country in the world, which would it be and why? I am always ready to go back to Jamaica to see so many friends we have made over the years. Besides that, I have always wanted to visit Ireland. My great-great-grandfather was born in Ireland; it would be really fun to explore the homeland of my ancestors. What is your favorite Scripture verse? For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV) Is there anything else you’d like to share at this time? I am humbled and honored to serve on council. I hope I can bring perspective from my life as a father of young children as well as someone who grew up attending Lord of Life. I am excited to see what the next few years may bring for us as a church. Thank you, Chris, for your time and commitment in serving on the council. Stay tuned for October and November articles on Pat Smuda-Behr and Chris Tollefson. For more information, as well as minutes from council meetings, you are invited to visit lordoflife.org/council.
Ways of Giving: Stocks by Pastor Chick Lane Most people give to Lord of Life out of what can be called regular income. Each month people receive income either from their employer or through a retirement plan. Out of this income, a certain amount is given to Lord of Life either by check, cash, or electronic fund transfer. This is the most common way of giving. The good news for many of us is that there are other ways of giving that can make good sense both for the giver and for the congregation. Over the coming months I’m going to use this space in LifeTIMES to highlight a few of these. This month, I want to encourage you to consider giving stock to Lord of Life. I’m writing these words on August 3. Yesterday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 22,000 for the first time. Less than a decade ago it was barely over 6,000. What this means is that many people have stock that is worth much more than they paid for it. If you have such stock, you know that you can be in for a large tax bill when you sell this appreciated stock. The good news is that if you give this stock to Lord of Life (or any other charity), you can receive the full tax benefit of the value of the stock, pay no capital gains tax, and make a significant gift to Lord of Life. Since Lord of Life is a tax-exempt organization, no tax is paid when the congregation sells the stock. Such giving can be a win-win. You benefit. Lord of Life benefits. Only the Internal Revenue Service loses out; and they made the rules. Making a stock gift to Lord of Life is very easy. If you are interested in more information, contact Director of Finance Heidi Hustoft (763.420.5015 x103, heidih@lordoflife.org).
ELCA Water Project Throughout the summer, young people and their families learned about the ELCA World Hunger Water Project and returned hundreds of envelopes containing $4,558.34. These donations will be used to provide community access to clean water thus building stronger economies and a future filled with hope. Thank you!
Budget Year-to-date July 2017 Actual
Total member contributions All other
Difference
$2,023,891 $2,016,554 $149,712
Total receipts
Budget
$7,337
$136,545
$13,167
$2,173,603 $2,153,099
$20,504
Lord of Life Weekly Giving — July 2017 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0
policy, and more, visit lordoflife.org/give. Thank you for your financial support.
7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30
Actual Budget
$45,887 $60,843
$53,478 $66,900 $56,448 $44,291 = $267,005 $60,843 $60,843 $60,843 $60,843 = $304,215
Generosity
For details about giving, direct debit, gift acceptance
September 2017 7
Never Too Old to Learn
by Pastor Donna Rohrer What a wonderful thing to realize we are never too old to learn. Many of you have been studying scripture and growing in your faith life for a long time. I was reminded this summer that another thing happens when we get together to learn more about God’s word for us: we are reminded of things we haven’t thought about in a long time. Come join in these opportunities as we think and rethink about God’s love for us.
Bible Studies
Word for Women
Sept. 17/18 - Oct. 8/9 Zechariah - This Old Testament prophet begins his life in exile in Babylon and is a part of the return to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding. His message is to rebuild the temple and nation of Judah. This book helps us to look for God’s activity not only in the past but also in our world today. There is hope for people who live in seemingly hopeless situations.
On September 13, we’ll meet as a large group in Fellowship Hall. After a gathering worship and a short introduction to the study of Paul, we’ll enjoy a wonderful potluck salad luncheon spending “catch up and get to know you” time. There are no small groups on the first day. If you are new, we will get you connected with a wonderful group. Continuing attendees, if you want to change small groups, contact Michelle Welinski (michellew@lordoflife.org). Register at lordoflife.org/wordforwomen.
Sundays (9:45 am) and/or Mondays (7 pm)
Oct. 15/16 - 22/23 A Surprise Oct. 29/30 Reformation Weekend, so a little more Luther! Nov. 5/6 Habakkuk and Zephaniah - These books were written when the northern kingdom was taken by Assyrians. The southern kingdom, Judah, doesn’t believe their unfaithfulness to God will harm them because they have Jerusalem and the temple. God sends prophets to warn them to change their way of living. Nov. 12/13 Haggai and Malachi - These books were written after the Babylonians have taken them captive and destroyed the temple. Haggai and Malachi are about going home, rebuilding, and learning to continue to live faithfully and to worship God, not be indifferent in faith.
Prayer School
Sundays (11 am beginning September 17) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 No experience required! All you need is your Bible and a desire to learn more about prayer—we will be studying Ephesians 6. The Apostle Paul teaches us there is an invisible war going on and that we can put on the full armor of God to engage the enemy. Learn more about the position you have in Christ, cultivate invincible faith, increase your desire and comfort with prayer. Come and learn a balanced way to look at this based on what the Bible says.
Lifelong Learning
C. S. Lewis said, There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. The Screwtape Letters, 1941
8 September 2017
Wednesdays, 9:30-11 am
Sept. 13 All About Paul Study Introduction with Pastor Donna. We ask you to bring the salads (don’t forget the recipe!); beverages, dessert, and childcare are provided. Sept. 20 - Oct. 11 All About Paul with Pastor Donna. We know of the letters Paul wrote to churches he started and the wonderful, insightful words he shared with new and faithful believers. Using a video, we will talk about his travels, his incredible ministry for 30 years, his struggles and health issues, his companions on missionary journeys, and his understanding of what Jesus taught. Oct. 18 - Nov. 8 Pastor Peter will lead a four-week study on the questions Jesus asked. Jesus asked more than 170 questions in the gospels. Why did he ask questions instead of give answers? His first question came when he was twelve, Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house? Jesus’ last question was on the cross, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? We’ll study the reason for his questions, the questions themselves, and then discuss what does Jesus ask of us? Nov. 15, 29, Dec. 6 Why Four Gospels? with Pastor Chick. Have you ever wondered why there are four gospels and how are they the same or different? A look at the Christmas stories can deepen our understanding of these interesting questions.
Offered again for Lord of Life men—
33 The Series
by Don Clark Manhood is the state or period of being a man rather than a child: boys in the process of growing to manhood. Many men lack clarity about what it truly means to be a man. As a result, many men are in a state of confusion. They end up disappointed with life and find themselves lonely and drifting. They’re comparing and competing, focused mainly on trying to keep up with everybody else. Too many guys don’t know how to answer the question …who am I as a man?… and they end up settling for a “lessthan” life. They don’t have a compelling manhood vision that is bigger and more meaningful than the conventional manhood that much of the world seems to be chasing. Here’s the good news. God has a really clear purpose and vision for us, as men, that is unique to us, as men, and God lays it out for us right there in his word. We call it …authentic manhood… and it’s not only clear—it’s inspiring and exciting and motivating. This fall we are again offering 33 The Series on Thursdays, 6:30 pm, beginning September 14. 33 The Series is a sixvolume video series, over a period of one year’s time, that takes you on a journey toward authentic manhood. We welcome you to experience what many men have experienced in taking this class. For more details on this class, as well as all of Lord of Life’s men’s breakfasts, Bible studies, service, Faith Fellowship & Football, and other opportunities, visit lordoflife.org/realmen. At a wedding in Cana in Galilee, Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine. In John 2:9, the steward said to the bridegroom, Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after ... but you have kept the good wine until now.—
Beyond Communion Wine Photo Courtesy of Lindi Lund
by Dave Lund Wine must have been important in Jesus’ day—something to be enjoyed and appreciated. Have you ever thought it would be interesting to learn more about wine while having fellowship with other Lord of Lifers? You are invited to an adventure one night a week for four weeks expanding your knowledge and appreciation of wines.
Inside this plexiglass case—on display in Cana of Galilee—is an example of a 1st century container used for wine.
This class does not assume any prior knowledge or wine tasting experience. We’ll start with basics, learning what wine is, how and where it’s made, tasted, stored, and how it is tasted and aged. It will be a mix of information sharing, sensory exploration, and guided and self-paced wine tastings (approximately five each evening). You will taste many types of wine, and learn to trust your own ability to assess and understand what you are tasting, and why you do or don’t prefer it. Who knows after the class—we may have moved Beyond Communion Wine. Class is scheduled Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, in the Skye Room at Rush Creek Golf Course beginning September 26 to October 17. Cost is approximately $100 per person covering wine and facilities. If you want to register or have questions, contact Dave Lund (612.356.4739 or Dave.Lund@outlook.com). Payment is due prior to first class; space is limited—please register early!
Lifelong Learning September 2017 9
One Mission One World (1M1W) Weekend on September 23/24—
To Say Thank You
by Karen Nelson There are many mission groups at Lord of Life doing God’s work, serving God’s people all over the world, and as close to home as Corcoran, Minnesota. These groups are able to accomplish so much because of support given by the congregation through prayers, financial generosity, and volunteering. September 23/24 will be 1M1W Weekend, when mission ministries exhibit in Fellowship Hall. These ministries want to thank you, give you an opportunity to learn what the congregation has been able to do, and to offer time for you to ask questions. This year, we are also eager to have World Mission Prayer League missionaries, the Thomas family, share their story during worship. God can do amazing things when we work together. Please plan to stop by tables in Fellowship Hall to be thanked and to discover the wonderful ways we together have spread God’s love to others. For more details on Lord of Life’s mission ministries, visit lordoflife.org/globalpartners.
One Mission One World Weekend
With rapt attention of church school students gathering information from 1M1W ministry representatives are Cindy Cadwaller (above left) with Holy Land, Laura Dirks (above right) with Uganda, and Kermit Amann (right) with
10 September 2017
Jamaica. Thanks for all you do in the body of Christ.
Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Ministry—
Clothing ‘Store’ Drive
by Sandy Munson Yes, friends, there will be an LSS Children’s Clothing Store again this fall. However, Lord of Life is no longer taking the lead in organizing the event; here is new information: •
Church school children will hold a new socks and underwear drive. Families will be invited to bring a package of new underwear or socks to donate for the sale. More details will come through church school staff.
•
There will also be a collection of new underwear and socks from the entire congregation (September 16-27). There is a tremendous need for these items; we can help provide more of these essentials for shoppers. Donations may be left in marked bins for LSS in the Service Center, starting Saturday, September 16.
•
The sale is earlier this year on September 30. We will be transporting donated items to the Center for Changing Lives in south Minneapolis on Friday, September 29.
Remember, we are only able to accept new, preferably packaged, underwear and socks for children (birth through high school). If you are interested in helping, please contact me (rsmunson@ embarqmail.com or 763.416.4636). If you have volunteered at the sale and would like to be involved again—or would like to try this activity for the first time—contact me. We’re eager to continue this fabulous partnership helping clients of LSS better provide for their children. Thank you for all you do for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
In Lord of Life’s kitchen, Thursday, September 21, 5:30-8:30 pm—
Artisan Bread
Loaves of Love is in its fourth year of ministry with artisan bread—a fast and delicious yeast bread using dough kept in the fridge and used when you need a quick loaf. Loaves of Love ministry leaders, Lisa Gerber and Mo Orendorff, teach you the technique then you’ll bake one to share with another ministry, plus take a loaf home for yourself. In October you will learn a different variation of artisan bread to build your skill level. If you’ve ever enjoyed the crispy crust and soft center of artisan bread from a restaurant or bakery, this will be your chance to bake your own at home. Lord of Life Ministries
Sign up with Karen Nelson (karenn@lordoflife.org) or visit lordoflife.org/loavesoflove for dates and more details.
September 2017 11
Older Wiser Lutherans september events
Thursday, September 14 (note date change): “Here Comes Fall” with Naturalist Jim Gilbert sharing all the wonders and fascinations of nature in Minnesota. Fall in love again with autumn! Join in for a freewill donation lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall—invite a friend. Wednesday, September 20: Worship at Arbor Lakes (1 pm) and/or Rose Arbor (2:30 pm). Thursday, September 21: By popular demand we will be touring the US Bank Minnesota Vikings Stadium again. Leave church building at 9 am and return at 3 pm. Cost is $18; lunch on your own at Pracna on Main. Friday, September 22: LifeTIMES labeling in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am.
save the date
Thursday, October 5: Oktoberfest! Celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In costume, guest Pati Kachel will give us a glimpse of Martin Luther’s wife titled Katie Did It All. Join in for a freewill donation lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall—invite a friend. Thursday, October 19: Board a coach bus and travel to Winona for touring Willet Hauser Architectural Glass Co., Watkins Products, and the Minnesota Marine and Art Museum. Leave at 8 am, return at 6:30 pm. Cost is $48 which includes lunch. This is also a great opportunity to view the beautiful fall colors. Questions? Contact Karen Nelson (763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org), check the bulletin board or lordoflife.org/owls.
Lord of Life Ministries
Baking Is a Gift
If baking is your gift, consider providing a simple dessert once a month on Tuesdays for Celebrate Recovery and GriefShare participants. For more information, please contact Michelle Welinski (michellew@lordoflife.org).
12 September 2017
If you love music, join in with Lord of Life’s—
Music Ministries
bel canto, canticle choir
Canticle Choir starts rehearsing on Wednesday, August 30, at 7:15 pm in the sanctuary. All singers are welcome. Bel Canto, Lord of Life’s bell choir, starts rehearsing on Wednesday, August 30, at 6 pm. Some previous experience is encouraged. Interested players should contact Choir Director Lee Fuchs (leef@lordoflife.org).
children’s choirs
Children’s choirs are kicking off the year, September 7, at 6 pm. Directors Dana Craig and Kay Wieland are super excited about the upcoming year! Alleluia! is for children in kindergarten-grade 2. Joyful Noise is for children in grades 3-8. Both choirs meet from 6-7 pm on Thursdays and sing during worship once a month. Invite a friend from school, church, VBS, or a neighbor—register at lordoflife.org/childrenschoir.
new life ensemble
New Life Ensemble sings contemporary Christian, world, or gospel music on the third Sunday of each month. Rehearsals are held on the previous Saturday (starting September 16) at 9:30 am. New Life Ensemble welcomes adults and high school age singers are encouraged to join in. Contact Music Director David Frank (davidf@lordoflife.org).
Worship is an integral part of our faith life—
Holy Moments
Receiving bulletins, taking offerings, serving the body and blood of Christ—all of these cannot be accomplished without dedicated volunteers as ushers and servers. If you are interested in learning more about preparing or serving communion or what it means to be an usher, contact Worship Coordinator Dana Craig (danac@lordoflife.org). Be a part of all those holy moments during worship serving each other in love.
129 6,420
total campers: 63 half pint 44 elementary 22 middle school ...200 miles RT
youth checked in at kiosks
4,000
+
miles traveled: 65 youth 10 adult leaders 1,700+ service hours with Habitat for Humanity
3800
+
service hours by 320 students 500 trees planted 313,670 FMSC meals 14,082 lbs. of food prepared
497 elementary (83 volunteers) 284 preschool/K (100 youth and 93 adult volunteers)
calling all boy scouts
Pastor Sarah Bunge is leading a class on Sunday evening, September 24, to help scouts earn religious badges. If you would like to join in, let Pastor Sarah know (sarahb@lordoflife.org).
fall release day
No school? No problem! On October 19, youth in 1st5th grade are invited for a day of fun from 9 am—5 pm. Register at lordoflife.org/releaseday, please.
parent night out
Events are scheduled for November 3, December 8, January 19, and February 9. For more details, visit lordoflife.org/pno.
Save these dates for—
Summer 2018
ELCA Youth Gathering, Houston, TX June 23-July 2 Participants completed grades 9-12; more details at lordoflife.org/youthgathering Adventure Week Shores of St. Andrew Camp: Half Pint Elementary & Middle School High School Elementary Vacation Bible School: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
June 11-14 July 8-10 July 8-13 July 8-11 July 16-19 July 23-26 July 30-August 2
Summer Stretch Participants completed grades 6-8; leaders completed grade 9-college; sign up for every Wednesday or Thursday: June 13/14 20/21 27/28 July 11/12 18/19 25/26 August 1/2 Valleyfair Due to the Youth Gathering in 2018, there will not be A Work of Love (AWOL) high school mission trips; Middle School Mission Trips are yet to be decided.
Lord of Life Ministries
781
Vacation Bible School:
A Work of Love
Summer?
Vacation Bible School Summer Stretch
Your
Shores of St. Andrew
How Was
September 2017 13
church school
Church school resumes on Saturday, September 9 (5:30 pm) or Sunday, September 10 (8:30, 9:45, 11 am). Sing, play, pray, get to know each other, and grow in faith. For children two years-sixth grade—parents, please register at lordoflife.org/churchschool.
parents, please note Registration is open for all church school and confirmation groups— registration is required every year September 6 or 10: Required C3 Small Group Leader Training September 9/10: Church School Begins September 10 or 13: Confirmation Begins September 12: After School Program Begins September 17: Explore and Express Begin, visit lordoflife.org/c3schedule to learn more
Confirmation kick-off
Sunday, September 10, 5 or 6 pm Wednesday, September 13, 4:30 or 6:30 pm Parents join students for opening worship in the sanctuary, then attend small groups with students. This is for all grades 7-10.
For more details on all of these events, including required registration, visit lordoflife.org/cyf
Quotes from past Kalahari family retreat participants include:
leader training
Wednesday, September 6, 6:30-8 pm -orSunday, September 10, 3-4:30 pm Confirmation leaders must attend one of the sessions.
“Water park fun!” “Meet other families” “Practice your faith as a family”
retreats
7th Grade Retreat: September 30-October 1 8th Grade Retreat: October 7-8 Retreats provide confirmation students time to step away from daily routines and dig deep into topics of faith and life. These overnight retreats are SaturdaySunday at Camp Onomia. Cost is $77; register at lordoflife.org/c3retreats.
“Enjoy time together for families of all shapes and sizes” “It’s fun—the water park & the cookies!” Save the dates: November 10-12 for the Kalahari Family Retreat! A faith-based family retreat with fun for all ages; registration is open at lordoflife.org/familyretreat.
After School Program (ASP) begins on September 12—
ASP Recommendation from an Expert by Leo Olson (at right in photo) I would recommend ASP because the activities are fun and we do something different every week. We pray every week. We do service projects that help us think of helping people like Jesus would. We get to see our friends and do fun activities. My favorite was the arts and crafts we did. We have time to get our homework done if we want.
Lord of Life Ministries
After five years of ASP experience and ‘graduating’ to 6th grade, thank you to Leo Olson for sharing his recommendation.
14 September 2017
ASP is $85 per child if the student attends Basswood, Rush Creek, or Meadow Ridge; $70 per student who attends a school where transportation is not provided. Visit lordoflife.org/afterschoolprogram for more information and to register.
We love because God first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Happy September! Be Who You Are by Todd Parr— A bright and bold reminder to children to embrace everything that makes them unique and special.
For more information about Karing Kingdom Preschool, email us at kingdom@lordoflife.org or call 763.420.5015 x127.
Welcome to Karing Kingdom Preschool! We are very eager to begin a new school year with each of you. September begins with Get Acquainted Day, Thursday, September 7. This open house gives children and parents alike the opportunity to meet and greet teachers, fellow classmates, and other parents as well. Here’s the Get Acquainted Day schedule: Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM Pre-K
9-9:45 am
Monday/Wednesday/Friday PM Pre-K
10-10:45 am
Tuesday/Thursday 3/4 yr. olds
11-11:45 am
Tuesday/Thursday 3/4 yr. olds
12-12:45 pm
School officially begins Monday, September 11 (Pre-K students), and Tuesday, September 12 (3-4 year old students). During the first week of school, we will familiarize ourselves with Karing Kingdom’s setting. The following week, we will focus on A for Autumn. We hope to go into LifeGARDEN to harvest vegetables that will be donated to CROSS. The final week of September is I for ‘I am special,’ which is also the Chapel Chat theme for the month. We look forward to a fun-filled year, as we continue to learn and grow “In God’s Hands.”
Spring Seed - Fall Flower
Lord of Life Ministries September 2017 15
LO R D O F L I F E L U T H E RA N CHU R CH (E LCA ) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org
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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 © 2017 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
... What if ...
RE T U RN SE RVICE RE Q U E ST E D
you woke up
tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?
caught reading lifetimes
Caught Reading LifeTIMES
Outside the doors of All Saints’ Church, Wittenberg, Germany, are (left to right) Sandy Hofman, Lisa Gedker, and Sue Schwartz, who performed in a bell choir.
Staff were caught reading LifeTIMES and caught wearing ‘Christ At’ hats (grey/khaki/white/black) available in Reflections of Faith—stop & shop soon.
16 September 2017
Summer Stretch with McKenna (in blue) and Sarah (in pink) holding LifeTIMES at Second Harvest in Golden Valley. Thanks to all Summer Stretch participants for your service—see Page 13 for more summer stats!