Lord of life lutheran
SEPTEMBER 2019
C O M P A S S
B E G I N N I N G S
T
he old adage states “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The reason this saying resonates through the centuries is that it’s both understandable and profound. To get where we’re going, we must start moving. That beginning step, however, is the key. To have a successful journey, we have to start off in the right direction and have the right resources to get us to our destination. That’s also true in our faith journeys. One of the tools for our faith community to move in the right direction is the Discipleship Path. It’s a way for us to know what progress we’ve made and let us know where we’re headed as we seek to deepen our faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ for the sake of the world. The journey along the Discipleship Path begins at Consumer (“What’s in it for me?”) and moves to Contributor (“What do I have to offer?”) then to Conductor (“How can I lead?”) and finally to Connector (“Who can I empower?”). You know where you are on the journey by paying attention to which question you ask most frequently when it comes to your faith.
D I S C I P L E S H I P
P A T H
BEGINNINGS................................2-3 Bible 101: Genesis....................4-5
Consumer
Contributor
Conductor
Connector
What do I have to offer?
How can I lead?
Who can I empower?
community life............................6-7 why we belong.......................8-9 book review: inspired ����������� 10 contacts/calendar................. 11
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What’s in it for me?
To get where we’re going, however, means we need some goals and checkpoints along the way. This fall at Lord of Life, five Discipleship Practices will be highlighted in order to help each of us move along the Discipleship Path. Each practice includes a goal or goals that give us concrete ways to deepen our discipleship.
Worship: Work toward the goal of weekly worship and the goal of daily devotions and prayer. Learn: Participate in at least one Lord of Life class or study opportunity each year and read at least one gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) on your own each year. Serve: Participate in at least one Lord of Life service opportunity each year and practice at least five acts of kindness each week. Give: Work toward the goal of a tithe (giving away 10% of your household income). Invite: Invite at least five people to worship at Lord of Life each year. The journey to a deeper faith begins with a single step. Choose one practice to try out first and dedicate yourself to it. Then incorporate another one after that as you continue your journey. Before you know it, your experience of Jesus will be richer, your life of faith will be more robust, and you will be living out your Christian faith for the sake of the world God so loves. —Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)
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And
God
Said,
IT IS GOOD.
A Bible 101
t the core of the human being, the beginning of who we are as a species, is a need for belonging. We are human bodies, born of human bodies, and we make sense of the world based on where we feel that we belong. It can be argued that one of the most immediate ways to belong to a group or a people, is through shared stories. Common points of interest. Collective memories. We’re taught about “where we belong” and can choose to stay within those narratives or escape them. The Bible begins on a similar note. The book of Genesis was not created at the dawn of time, like the famous creation stories suggest. Instead, it was written at a time when the people of Israel
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G E N E S I S were captive in Babylon, hurting, and struggling to maintain their identity. These are the stories that would have originally been shared aloud that would unite the people together and give them some hope amidst their affliction. To do so, Genesis is a collection of stories around God’s imperfect, broken humanity and God’s intense desire to continue to be in relationship with them— and ultimately, us. It is filled with stories of how the people came to be known as Israel. How humanity is created in God’s image. Noah and the great flood. Abraham’s descendants being as numerous as the stars. Adam and Eve. And so much more. It is also riddled with the shadowy
underside of human nature, leaving more questions than answers. Even God is sometimes shown to have a temper and gives the reader the chance to think deeper about the nature of God. Yet, though it is complex, it is a piece of Scripture that has influenced many, many generations, and continues to provide a grounding for the Christian faith today. As theologian, Rachel Held Evans, in her book Inspired1 , writes, “The origin stories of Scripture remind us we belong to a large and very old family that has been walking with God from the beginning. Even when we falter and fall, this God is in it for the long haul. We will not be abandoned.” This sets the tone for the rest of Scripture. It may
not be perfect but it will continually lead the reader into a deeper relationship with the one who refuses to abandon us. —Pastor Kaitlyn Forster (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org) 1 See Page 10 for Brian Schroeder’s book review on Inspired.
dig deeper What are some of the stories that have shaped who you are and how you view the world? In what ways have those stories been helpful or harmful? How have you traditionally understood the book of Genesis? What more do you want to learn from it?
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C O M M U N I baptisms
At Lord of Life, we baptize individuals at any age. For the next baptism class or to schedule a baptism, call the church office (763.420.5015). July 14 July 21 July 28
Teagan Charlotte Gardner Olivia Cecilia Schmit Kinsley Colleen Steiner Maxwell Jeffrey Van Pelt Hazel Ann Anderson Elayna Kay Wagner
bereavements Prayers of sympathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one; may they be comforted in the promise of the resurrection. Nancy Bourbonais and family at the death of her cousin Brent and Jennie Krzmarzick and family at the death of their uncle Deb Loppnow and family at the death of her best friend Ray Marron, Margot Storti-Marron, Nadia and Ray Marron, and family at the death of their son and brother Kathy Salman and family at the death of her mother Mary Ann Schumacher and family at the death of her brother Jeff and Jill Vakoc and family at the death of their brother-in-law
weddings For details on having your wedding at Lord of Life, visit lordoflife.org/weddings. To schedule a wedding, contact Wedding Supervisor Michelle Tomlinson at 763.420.5015 x118. July 27
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Anna Hoaglund & Alex Stahlmann
T Y
L I F E welcome new members Justin and Allana Walsh with Audrey Membership at Lord of Life means you make a commitment to be an active participant in congregational life. The expectation of not only new members but all members—is to worship regularly, grow in faith, serve others, and support the church and its programs financially. For more information, contact Katie Gartzke (katieg@
lordoflife.org or 763.420.5015) or visit lordoflife.org/membership. You are invited to become a part of the Lord of Life faith community.
a prayer for beginnings Lord, Backpacks, briefcases, and bags are reminders that you call each one of us to meaningful and important work—in schools, at work, at home, and throughout our community and world. We ask your blessings on all who study, work, and labor. Let each person feel the love and support of this congregation, and grant us the wisdom and means to be part of your work in the world. Remind each one of us that, whatever our strengths and gifts, they are from you and for your purposes. Bless students and teachers, accountants and mechanics, drivers and scientists, the retired and those just entering the workforce. Give them pride in what they do, reminding them and us that even the most ordinary task becomes extraordinary when done in your name. We ask this all, Lord, knowing that you love and hear us. Amen.
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W H Y
W E
W 2008
e moved back to Minnesota from Ohio in 2007. We were in search of a new church because we weren’t going back to our old neighborhood, with three young children and the location of my husband Pierre’s job, we had decided to move to the suburbs. When we moved to Ohio in 2004, choosing a church was simple; there was only one Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) church in our area.
In Minnesota, a search on the ELCA website turned up eleven congregations within a tenmile radius of our house. We tried Lord of Life because it was the closest to our house, there were many things we liked, but the size did not appeal to us. We tried a few more churches; however, for one reason or another, none of those were a good fit either.
Spring Break in Portland March 2019 8
B E L O N G One day I was talking to a friend who knew we were church shopping, her father happened to be a professor at Luther Seminary. She mentioned to him that we were looking for a church in Maple Grove. He knew Pastor Peter and Pastor Karen GeisendorferLindgren from Luther Seminary and was familiar with Lord of Life; he recommended giving Lord of Life an extended trial period. We are so glad we did because we have been worshiping and serving here ever since that time. The preaching, music, and children’s programming are what kept us coming back initially. As time went on, it was comforting to recognize many neighbors and community members. We also began to take advantage of the adult education classes and the numerous volunteer opportunities—there is really something for everyone.
but not pressured to be involved, it was nice to find our place to participate at our own pace. Being involved at Lord of Life has helped us meet and get to know personally other members, staff, and pastors. Most importantly, in so many ways, Lord of Life continually enhances the Kormann family’s faith journey; and we are confident that we are children of God, loved beyond measure, sent to serve the world. Thank you to Becky Kormann along with husband Pierre and Sophia (16), Audrey (14), and Wesley (12) for sharing their Lord of Life story.
I think what made this church stand out from other congregations I had belonged to in the past is that you are encouraged to be involved,
ober 2018 ct O n io t a m fir Sophia’s Con
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I N S P I R E D
I
f you’re like me, every once in a while you have a moment when you say, “I need a reboot.” Maybe you’ve stopped working out. Maybe you’re spending too much time on your phone. Maybe you stopped seeing that friend you used to see all the time. Whatever it is, you find yourself needing to reengage, to begin again—you need a reboot. My most recent “I need a reboot” moment I had was with the Bible. I remember different times in my life in which I felt so entranced by the Scriptures, those ancient writings teeming with such life and poetry and mystery. But I quickly grow tired of competitive 365-Day Bible Challenges, literalist biblical commentaries that require me to suspend logic, or weak-sauce devotions that pretend the Bible’s main purpose is to provide warm fuzzies. I want to freely immerse myself into the Bible, not to escape, but to spread roots into what’s so divine about being human.
This is why I’m loving Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans. The last book she wrote before her untimely death earlier this year, Inspired is an honest, doubt-filled, and reverent journey into the Scriptures. She does not shy away from questions like, “What do we do with all the violence in the Bible?” and “How do these obscure stories matter in 2019?” Evans demonstrates how, rather than expect the Bible to give a direct answer to these questions, to engage with the Scriptures in a way that helps us find these answers on our own. You will discover new wisdom in stories you’ve heard a thousand times, new intrigue in parts of the Bible you’d skimmed over before, and (this was one of Evans’ specialties) you’ll Google the names of writers she quoted in this book and find your new favorite writer. If it’s time to allow your relationship with the Bible to begin again—to reboot— give Inspired a try. —Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org) Emerging Worship Leader/Social Media
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LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313 phone 763.420.5015 fax 763.420.7286 web lordoflife.org Visit lordoflife.org/staff for a full staff listing with photos. Prayer requests may be submitted to prayernetwork@lordoflife.org. Compass is a monthly ministry by Lord of Life Lutheran Church (ELCA) printed by Wallace Carlson Printing using ecofriendly inks. To receive Compass in the mail or electronically—call 763.420.5015 or email office@lordoflife.org. Copyright 2019 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
PASTORAL STAFF
WORSHIP/MUSIC SCHEDULE
Rev. Dr. Joel Wight Hoogheem, Lead Pastor, joel@lordoflife.org Rev. Kaitlyn Forster, kaitlynf@lordoflife.org Rev. Dr. Karen Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, karengl@lordoflife.org Rev. Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, Pastor Emeritus, peter@lordoflife.org Rev. Karen Greimel, ksgreimel@lordoflife.org Rev. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane, chickl@lordoflife.org Rev. David McCarty, davem@lordoflife.org Rev. Donna Rohrer, donnar@lordoflife.org
/lordoflifelutheran /lolcyf
office@lordoflife.org
Saturdays at 5:30pm includes holy communion and music led by David Frank. Beginning September 7, church school resumes. Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11am with holy communion on the first and third with music leaders David Frank at 8:30/9:45am and Brian Schroeder at 11am. Beginning September 8, church school resumes during all worship services.
/lordoflife
/lordoflifeluth
Credits include Creative Market, the Kormann family, Lightstock, Pexels, and Unsplash.
SEPTEMBER Calendar of events
To connect with an adult ministry representative, contact Karen Nelson at 763.420.5015 x138 or karenn@lordoflife.org. To connect with a children, youth, and family representative, contact Chelsey Grandstand at 763.420.5015 x128 or chelseyg@lordoflife.org. As event details are subject to change—for the most current dates, times, details, event locations, and registrations—please visit lordoflife.org. 8/28
Canticle Choir weekly rehearsals resume
9/9
Karing Kingdom Preschool resumes
9/25
Financial Freedom
9/1
Summer church school
9/11
C Confirmation resumes
9/25
SourceMN meal volunteering
9/3
Prepare for Prayer
9/11
C3 Family Meal resumes
9/26
Divorce Support
9/3
Fellowship with the Fellas
9/11
Word for Women resumes
9/26
MOMSnext
9/5
Alleluia and Joyful Noise children’s choirs resume
9/12
Divorce Support
9/29
Estate Planning Speaker
9/5
Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLS) Faith Food &
9/12
Prayer Shawl Ministry
9/30
Hope Lodge volunteering
Fellowship
9/14
Sharing and Caring Hands volunteering
9/6
Sixth Grade Kick-off Party
9/15
Lifelong Learning, Crossways Bible Study
9/7
Men’s Community Breakfast
9/16
Hope Lodge volunteering
9/8
Baptism class
9/16
The Food Group volunteering
9/7-8
Church school resumes
9/16
Lifelong Learning, Crossways Bible Study
9/8
C3 Confirmation resumes
9/17
Fellowship with the Fellas
9/8
C3 Family Meal resumes
9/17
Job Transition Group
9/8
Dominican Republic Info Meeting
9/17
Pause for Prayer
9/9
Cancer Support Groups
9/19
Freedomworks Meal volunteering
Lutheran Social Service on-site counselor
9/9
NAMI Support Group
9/19
OWLs Outing
2020
9/9
Sandwich Making volunteering
9/22
Jamaica Mission Trip Info Meeting
Feb. 1-8, Dominican Republic Mission Trip,
9/9
Refresh Community Education:
9/23
Sandwich Making volunteering
Apr. 4-11, Jamaica Mission Trip
Maple Grove Police Department
9/25
345 @ LOL
Mar. 24-Apr. 6, Uganda Mission Trip
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ONGOING Men’s Bible Studies, various days/locations weekly
TUESDAYS: Celebrate Recovery Grief Share Love to Paint
THURSDAYS:
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Loved by God. Sent to Serve.
NonProfit Org. U. S. Postage
7401 County Road 101 Maple Grove, MN 55311-4313
PAID
Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4665
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Lord of Life podcasts expanding on Compass themes will be coming soon—stay tuned!
YOU
Name Address City, ST 00000
BELONG
HERE
Do you remember how overwhelming it was to move into a new town, not knowing where you should shop, eat or worship? With all of the housing going up around Lord of Life, many of our new neighbors are in that situation. Why not share the great experience you have at Lord of Life, and let them know “You Belong Here.” A comfortable and non-threatening way to invite your neighbors to Lord of Life is to share one of the booklets pictured on this page. They contain a brief overview of Lord of Life that provides a taste of what we’re all about. Pick up a few at church and share them with these new residents so that they know they belong here.
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