H E L L O ,
N E I G H B O R !
by Pastor Kaitlyn Forster (kaitlynf@lordoflife.org)
My first experiences with Lord of Life’s community occurred long before I started this call here as a pastor. It was in 2006 when I worked at Luther Park Bible Camp; counselors were equipped to come to the physical campus at Lord of Life to lead the elementary-aged Vacation Bible School. I loved the weeks at Lord of Life because of the energy and excitement! I also remember my first time at the church building. I remember it feeling so far removed from the Twin Cities that I thought I knew. There were fields in almost every direction. The forest area behind the church looked like it went on for miles. When we needed to get gas for the vehicles, it was a whole afternoon adventure! . . . the lack of
smart phones may have played into that as well, but that’s another story . . .
Now, 15 years later, the neighborhood looks vastly different. The peaks of homes peek through our
Hello, neighbor! ....................................................2-3 BIBLE 101: A Neighborly encounter .................4-5 community life / CROSS BACKPACKS............... 6-7 SOURCE weekly meals.........................................8-9 PRAYER NETWORK / PRAYER SHAWLS ............. 10-11 COntact Us ..................................................................11
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campus tree line and are across the road. There’s a gas station and grocery store at the main intersection of 101 and 10. Havenwood senior living and New Creations childcare share an entrance and roundabout with us. Townhomes and apartment buildings are springing up nearby. Plus, we have increased our capacity to meet online; people are worshipping and learning together from around the world. What felt like a destination church at the edge of the Twin Cities is now very much a neighborhood church. Which begs us to consider who are our neighbors and how do we be a community together? Thankfully, the scriptures are rich with stories of being neighbors—both good and bad examples— and offer us insight on ways to be community today. After all, Christianity came together as people from the ends of the earth were invited to hear the message of Jesus Christ. With backgrounds that were vast and varied, they, too, had to learn how to be a community gathered around the beliefs that they shared. They pave the way, reminding us that there is no such thing as a perfect community, and show us ways to live together, with humility and respect. This fall, you are invited to learn more about what Jesus teaches on loving your neighbor and to participate in many fun communitybuilding events. I hope that this fall will be a great opportunity to enter the next season of life
