PEACE NOTES
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2015
ASH WEDNESDAY Wednesday, February 18 Services at 5:30pm & 7:00pm
LENTEN WORSHIP Begins Wednesday, February 25 Services at 5:30pm & 7:00pm Wednesday Lenten Suppers will be served from 5-7pm.
More Inside about the Season of Lent at Word of Peace Lost and Found is Coming to Word of Peace Sunday, February 8 at 6:00pm Lost and Found is the na onally-known and award-winning duo of Michael Bridges and George Baum. They have been traveling around the world performing concerts of their original music and making friends in the process since they were in high school. Described as “acous c thrash,” Lost and Found’s music style is organic and fun and the lyrics comment on life, faith, travel, friends and rela onships. Their concerts are interac ve, driven by the audience, and each show is different. They are always spontaneous, improvisa onal, hilariously funny, and o$en poignant. For more informa on about Lost and Found, visit their website at www.Speedwood.com. If you haven’t seen Lost and Found this is your chance. And if you have, you’ll want to see them again one last me!
FREE-WILL DONATION: All profits will go to CROSS Food Shelf Ques ons? Contact Dain Swanson at 763-496-2409 or dswanson@woplc.org
Sermons & Readings February 1 & 2 Pastor Keith Long, “Upended with Authority” When Jesus squares up with a demonic presence on this Super Sunday, a fight breaks out. But making quick work of evil, a champion is declared a$er just seven words, with no hal$ime show needed!
Pastor Rick Skare, Senior Pastor Pastor Krista Strum, Pastor Pastor Keith Long, Pastor 21705 129th Ave. N. Rogers, MN 55374
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:21-28; Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 18:15-20 February 8 & 9 Na7onal Youth Gathering Worship Kris7n Skare, “Going to the Mat”
Church Office 763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency message for the pastor)
God has a story. It is a love story. And all of God's people have an important role in this story. The Gospel of Mark declares, "The beginning of the Good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." As followers of Jesus, we are invited into this promise and sent to live out the rest of the story through discipleship.
Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Fri 8am-12:30pm
Scripture Readings: Mark 2:1-12 February 15 & 16 Pastor Krista Strum, Forever Changed We spend a great deal of energy trying to transform Jesus into what we want Jesus to be but when we let Jesus transform us… we are forever changed.
Scripture Readings: Mark 9:2-9; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6 February 18 ASH WEDNESDAY Pastor Rick Skare, “Sin and Bare It” The presence of God in our lives reveals the depth of sin and creates in us a thirst for forgiveness and faithfulness. Scripture Readings: Psalm 51:1-17; Ma hew 6:1-6, 16-21; 2 Corinthians 5:20b6:10; Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 February 22 Pastor Keith Long, “How To Get What You’re Going Through: When Your World Collapses” When tragedy strikes you or those around you, there are a lot of things that we could say that are not helpful. A sermon about how empathy through rela onships grounded in Christ can comfort the afflicted. Scripture Readings: Job 2:7-13; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; John 14:23-27 2
Our Vision Statement Our vision is to be a community where everyone knows Christ’s Love and shares Christ’s Love with all people. Our Mission Statement Christ works through us as we: • Welcome all people to grow in faith, love and devo on, • Share Christ through word and deed, • Care for others and the world God made, and • Work for jus ce and peace. NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Contact Jennie Priebe at 763-496-2401 or jpriebe@woplc.org. March newsle er deadline: February 13
WordofPeace.org
The Season of Lent Begins February 18 Services at 5:30 and 7:00 pm One of the most me honored tradi ons of the Chris an church are the 40 days of prepara on before Easter called Lent. We begin with Ash Wednesday on February 18 with services and the Imposi on of Ashes at 5:30 and 7:00pm. The following five Wednesdays leading up to Holy Week, Word of Peace will have services with the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy, dramas, hands-on worship experiences and a meal (meal begins at 5:00, services are at 5:30 and 7:00pm). This year our drama series will follow the children’s books wriKen by Max Lucado and the much loved story of Punchinello and the Wemmicks of Wemmickville. The five plays will need many volunteers and actors to make this happen. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this amazing tradi on. We are looking for three main characters for all six weeks, plus an addi onal thirteen actors each week. Rehearsals begin the end of January. Contact Dain Swanson dswanson@woplc.org 763-496-2409. Lenten Devo7onals are available at the Informa on Desk and online at LutherSem.edu/lent.
Lenten Sermon Series: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through Begins Feb. 22 Like it or not, life is full of challenges and tough mes: we experience illness, death, loss, conflict, brokenness, betrayal, and disappointment. As followers of Christ, our lives are no excep on. But we do live in a promise that God is with us, smack dab in the midst of the these challenging mes; in the midst of our brokenness; in the midst of what some mes feels like death. He is present in the miracle of the resurrec on. Throughout this Lenten series, we hope that you will encounter words of hope and encouragement and know that you are not alone in whatever challenges you may be facing. Through biblical stories you can see how God can and does work even during the most difficult of mes. We will provide you with some prac ces that you can use to help you get through whatever you are going through. And if life is really good right now, we will show you how God can use you to be present for others. Worship Topics:
Adult Study:
Feb. 22 - Shock: When Your World Collapses March 1 - Sorrow: When Your Heart Is Breaking March 8 – Struggle: When Life Makes No Sense March 15- Surrender: The Path to Peace March 22- Sanc<fica<on: God’s Work in Transforming Us March 29 – Service: Using Your Pain for Good
Join us for People of Faith during the Sunday Morning Study at 9:45am in Room 120 as we look at the lives of biblical characters, the challenges they faced, how God was present in and worked through the challenges, and ul mately how God used these biblical characters’ lives for the good of God’s kingdom. We will be looking at the lives of: Rachel, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gomer, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Job. Adult Study runs Feb. 22—March 29.
It is our prayer that you find Word of Peace a place of hope, understanding, encouragement, and healing when you are faced with the trials of life. We encourage you take part in some or all of the offerings as we claim the promises of God’s story.
“What can separate you from the love of God?” Nothing, absolutely nothing! Romans 8:38 as paraphrased by the Children’s Ministry staff, teachers and children
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Happenings Kids of Peace Preschool 2014-15 Registra7on is Now Open for Returning Families and Word of Peace Members (Opens Feb. 2 to the General Public) Your child will receive a quality learning experience with an emphasis on academics, social development, crea vity, and spiritual growth by a loving staff in a small classroom seUng. For more informa on, visit wordofpeace.org/kidsofpeace or contact Julie PicconaKo at 763-496-2419 or jpiccona o@woplc.org. Get Your Super Bowl Subs Sunday, February 1, 8:30am-Noon Stop by the table in the Gathering Area between services on February 1 and purchase Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches for the whole family to enjoy while you watch the big game. $6.00 includes sandwich and a cookie. All proceeds support Word of Peace youth ministry.
BECOME A MEMBER OF WORD OF PEACE AKend the New Member Orienta on on Thursday, February 19, 5:30-9:00pm Recep on of New Members is March 1 & 2 • • • •
Meet the pastors and key staff Learn what we believe and how we do ministry Enjoy a fellowship meal Iden fy your gi$s and how to use them at church and beyond
Please RSVP: Contact Susen Kay in the Church Office 763-496-2420 | skay@woplc.org - OR Sign up online at wordofpeace.org/membership Membership is not required to par<cipate in the life of Word of Peace. Non-members are always welcome to take part in worship, study and fellowship events of this faith community.
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Parents—Take Your Swee7e Out this Valen7ne’s Day and Leave the Kids with Us! Parents Night Out is Friday, February 13 from 6-10pm—Cost: $3/hour for poKy trained children; $5/hour for infants or children not poKy trained. $35 family maximum. Sign up on the Youth bulle n board. For more informa on, contact Marcus Eads at 763-4962410 or meads@woplc.org.
Worship & Music Spirit Wind, our blended worship band is looking for a drummer and a bass player. If you’re interested, contact Michael Sahlen at 763-4962412 or msahlen@woplc.org. Fes7val Chorus begins rehearsing for Easter on Thursday, March 5. If you enjoy singing and want to be a part of the wonderful Easter services by lending your voice to the choir, please come to rehearsals every Wednesday at 7:30pm beginning March 5. For more informa on contact Michael Sahlen at 763-496-2412 or msahlen@woplc.org.
Family Worship & Pancake Breakfast Sunday, February 22 Join us for worship on Sunday, February 22 and Monday, February 23 for a special Family Worship! The children’s choirs will be singing, children will be helping out during worship, and there will be a puppet show during the Kids Message! Word of Peace youth will be serving pancakes for breakfast on Sunday morning. Free-will offering with proceeds going towards youth ministry. It will be a fun morning for everyone—please join us!
Happenings Word of Peace is Turning 40!—2015 marks the 40th Anniversary of Word of Peace! A commiKee is currently being put together to plan a celebra on of this milestone in the fall. If you are interested in being on the commiKee, please contact Tracy Rowe. We give thanks to God for the 40 years of ministry of Word of Peace! NOW HIRING: Word of Peace is seeking a part- me Nursery Assistant to care for our congrega ons’ youngest in Noah’s Ark Nursery during worship and at other mes, when needed. Job descrip ons and applica ons are available at the Info. Desk and online at wordofeace.org/jobs. Contact: Linda Thomas, 763-496-2407 or lthomas@woplc.org.
Word of Peace will be serving lunch at Sharing and Caring Hands on Tuesday, February 3. Please consider volunteering to prepare the food, serve the lunch, or give a monetary dona on for the ingredients. Look for the display in the Gathering Area for more informa on and to sign up. Glenn and Caren Nemec will be going on a mission trip to Jamaica February 21-28 and they are reques ng dona ons of any of the following supplies: Travel-size toiletries, bar soap, size 8adult underwear, towels, washcloths, flat sheets, reading glasses, Ace bandages, collapsible canes, band-aids, 8 penny or 16 penny nails, lightweight work gloves, Tapcon screws, paint
brushes, safety goggles, AA and AAA baKeries, small Ziploc bags, and brown paper bags. If you can donate any of these items, please bring them to the church office by no later than February 12. Thank you! Thank you very much to those of you who completed the worship survey in December and January. We appreciate every one of your responses, which will be considered when determining the future plans for worship at Word of Peace.
Kids Against Hunger Food Packing Night at Word of Peace
In July, our 9th-12th graders are traveling to the ELCA Na7onal Youth Gathering in Detroit, Michigan! Through interac ve learning, speakers, live music, video, community service and more, our youth will learn more about the larger body of Christ. Over the coming months, there’ll be opportuni es to learn more and support those youth who will be going on the trip. Here are two of those ways: Sunday, February 8 and Monday, February 9 – Youth-led worship service at Word of Peace at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am. Sunday, February 15 – Youth Gathering Sponsorship Lunch at 1:00pm at Word of Peace. Enjoy lunch and learn more about our trip! Proceeds help off-set transporta on costs.
You and your family are invited to Word of Peace on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30-8:30 pm to pack food kits for Kids Against Hunger. Last year we packed over 12,000 meals! This is a great way to educate kids about this worldwide problem and how they can be part of the solu on to end hunger. All ages are welcome! Children eight years and younger should have a parent present with them for oneon-one help on the foot kit line. We ask that each family provide a $25 dona on that will fund the food for the kits and that you sign-up outside the Children’s and Confirma on Ministry office beginning February 8. Contact Kris n Skare at kskare@woplc.org or 763-496-2404 or Megan Moen at mmoen@woplc.org or 763-496-2423 with your ques ons.
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PROJECT:
D E M SA HEALTH CENTER This Lent, Let’s Make A Difference In the Lives of Others! Same day appointments. Convenience care clinics. Plen7ful vaccina7ons. An7bio7cs. Pharmacies. Clean water. These are all conveniences that we take for granted in 2015 in Minnesota. But they are not available for everyone around the world. Some have to walk days and miles to receive basic medical care. Word of Peace is trying to make a difference in the lives of people who do not have access to good medical care. We would like to raise $5,000 during Lent to help support the remodel and extend the capacity of the Demsa Clinic and Hospital in Nigeria. This is a collabora ve project of the Minneapolis Area Synod, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM), the Lutheran church of Christ Nigeria (LCCN) and Global Health Missions (GHM), who have already pledged over $450,000. The goal of this project is to add health educa on and preven on programs in the surrounding community, expand the availability of clean drinking water, help with malaria treatment and preven on and remodel and expand the exis ng clinic and hospital. The Global Missions Team will be collec ng dona ons throughout Lent. Please stop by their table in the Gathering Area later this month or use the envelopes that will be provided. You may also donate online at wordofpeace.org/give. Any amount is appreciated!
Apply to be a Recipient of the Endowment Fund Do you need funding for your educa on or a ministry or outreach project? If so, apply to become a recipient of the Word of Peace Endowment Fund. The Scholarship Fund provides grants to individuals for tui on and/or fees associated with preschool, seminary, Chris an college, and other postsecondary educa on. The Ministry Fund provides grants to individuals, groups and organiza ons to which the Congrega on relates, for witnessing to the Chris an faith and suppor ng the mission of the church. The Outreach Fund provides grants for outreach projects into the communi es that relate to Word of Peace, providing opportuni es for crea ve and innova ve projects that support the role Word of Peace plays in our community. Applica ons are available in the financial office and online at wordofpeace. org/endowment. All applica ons must be submiKed to the financial office by no later than April 1, 2015. The Endowment Fund Team will make decisions on funding by May 1 and applicants will be no fied by May 15. For more informa on about the Word of Peace Endowment Fund, visit wordofpeace.org/endowment.
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It would seem that the more we give to others the poorer we become, but the opposite is true! Service to others brings meaning and fulfillment to our lives in a way that wealth, power, possessions and self-centered pursuits can never match. As Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) Each of us has unique talents and abili es. Most of us are not dynamic preachers or wealthy philanthropists, but our contribu on is just as important. Paul wrote: “Now there are varie es of gi$s, but the same Spirit; and there are varie es of services, but the same Lord; and there are varie es of ac vi es, but it is the same God who ac vates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifesta on of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) Everything We Have Is a GiJ from God The gi$s we have received are not ours alone. God gave them to us for the purpose of serving him and serving other people. Each of us has something to give. We can give our money and our me to charity, do volunteer work, be a friend to someone who is sick or lonely, be a peacemaker or teacher. It does not maKer whether we have been given great talents, abili es and wealth, or very liKle. What maKers to God is whether we make good use of what we have been given, whether large or small. Please remember that Word of Peace has many ministry and worship opportuni es for children, families, women and men. Please check them out. May you find your gi$s and abili es plen ful and put to great use, not only at Word of Peace, but in your daily life as well.
In Christ, Steve Tu$o and the Stewardship Team
Congratula7ons to the Confirma7on Class of 2015 Word of Peace congratulates the 111 ninth graders who affirmed their bap sm on January 10 and 11. Word of Peace is grateful for these students and we hope and pray that these young people and their families will con nue to grow in their faith through worship, service, and fellowship. Thanks be to God for these 9th graders! 7
Church School & Confirmation Ministry Important Dates to Remember This Month:
Camp Informa7on for Families and Church School Kids:
Feb. 11: No Confirma on Classes Feb. 11: Guide Training Sessions Feb. 18: No Confirma on Classes (Ash Wednesday) Feb. 22 & 23: No Church School Classes Feb. 22 & 23: Teacher Training Sessions
Sign up NOW! Contact Marcus in the Youth Office or pick up informa on outside the Children’s Ministry office.
Thank you to everyone who gave to God’s Global Barnyard in December! Your offerings raised $1900. Way to go!
Family Camp in at Luther Crest in Alexandria Seeds Camp at Wapo in Amery, WI (kids completed 2nd and 3rd grade) Youth Camp (kids completed 4th and 5th grade)
June 19-21 July 31-Aug 2 Aug.2-7
(choose either Camp Wapo in Amery, WI or Camp Luther Dell in Remer, MN)
The Winter Retreat for 4th-6th Graders is March 20-22. Sign up NOW! See the sign up sheet outside the youth office or contact Marcus at meads@woplc.org or 763-496-2410.
Youth Camp at Luther Dell in Remer, MN (kids completed 6th-8th grade)
Aug. 2-7
Confirma7on Times Change During Lent: Mark Your Calendars:
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Vaca on Bible School Registra on Begins March 8 Kid’s Against Hunger Food Packing Event March 12 1st Communion Classes March 15 & April 26 Vaca on Bible School June 22-26
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Early group meets from 5:30-6:45 Late group meets from 7:00-8:15
All kids will aKend Lenten worship with their small group
Youth Ministry Upcoming Youth Events : MS = Middle School | HS = High School
MS/HS Summer Camps & Programs: There are lots of fun, faith-filled opportuni es coming in Summer 2015. Pick up an informa on flyer from outside the Youth Ministry Office.
worship, broom hockey snow shoeing, Bible studies and more! Warm cabins and delicious food! Cost is $100 + a completed and signed Word of Peace Health Form. Deadline is March 1.
MSM.AM: Sunday, February 15 and 22, 9:45-10:45am NOTE: The deadline for camp registra on is Sunday, March 1. The Food, devo ons and games in the Youth Room. Friends are aldeadline for Summer Stretch registra on is Wednesday, May 13. ways welcome! Summer Stretch (Completed grades 5-12) Family Camp at Luther Crest (All families welcome) Youth Camp at Luther Dell (Completed grades 6-8) Senior High Roots Camp at Luther Dell (Completed grades 9-12)
June 17-August 12 June 19-21 August 2-7 August 2-7
Parents Night Out: Saturday, February 14, 6-10pm—Sign up on the Youth Board to volunteer. Earn money for your youth account to help pay for Word of Peace youth trips, programs or events, or get confirma on service hours. Volunteer spots go fast so sign up now! MS 4-6 Grade Winter Retreat at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria: Friday, March 20-22—Snow tubing, cross country skiing,
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HS UPDATE [insert “ac7on news” jingle here]—Thank you to Pastor Ashley, who will be staying on at Word of Peace during the winter months as she awaits a pastoral call. We are excited that she will be serving in high school ministry with us! High Schoolers, come meet Pastor Ashley on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings in the Youth Room! Sunday Morning Bible Studies: February 15 and 22, 11-Noon in the Youth Room—Join Pastor Ashley for food and conversa on. This month we’re talking about Genesis 18. Wednesday Night Junior Guide Huddle: Wednesday, February 4, 6:30-7:00pm in the Youth Room—Don’t worry, we’ve cleared it with your Adult Guides! Snacks, games, prayer, announcements and some me to share the joys and challenges of being a Confirma on Junior Guide!
For more informa<on contact Marcus Eads at 763-496-2410 or meads@woplc.org wordofpeace.org/middle-school wordofpeace.org/high-school
CROSS Update CROSS Update CROSS has seen growing numbers in 2014. 751,110 lbs. of food were distributed to people in our communi es (an increase of 18% over 2013). 9,244 meals were delivered to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels (an increase of 12% over 2013), $95,000 in housing assistance was provided to stabilize & secure housing for families in crisis (an increase of 17% over 2013), 2,000 children were served per month in 11 local schools with Weekend Food for Kids (an increase of 66% over 2013), and 1,257 children were provided with school supplies and birthday/holiday gi$s (an increase of 36% over 2013). Expansion Focus / Goals for 2015: • CROSS caseworker hours and emergency food at Hope Center in Corcoran’s Maple Hills Estates mobile home park • A mobile food pantry in Maple Grove • To increase senior housing complexes from 3 to 5 and mobile home sites from 1 to 2 for delivered groceries & produce • A sliding scale meal fee (down to $1.50 per meal) for Meals on Wheels’ lowest income homebound seniors • To con nue increasing outreach to families in need of food and financial assistance in our service area. Your support and hard work have made this possible and have given CROSS the ability to create a vision to reach even more needs in our community in 2015! Upcoming Events: March 12: Maple Grove’s 10th Annual Empty Bowls Event May: The 20th Anniversary of CROSS’ Derby Days Golf Event Soon: CROSS will be planning a celebra on of their 40th year of service (to take place in the summer of 2017)
Seniors Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus— Thursdays at 10am, $1.00 per rider. Assistance provided with your groceries. Contact Judy at 763-428-7657. Jammers Potluck & Music—Sunday, 2/1 from 1-5pm (eat at 4pm) at the Rogers Community Room (21201 Memorial Drive). Bring a dish to share. Contact Dave at 763428-4217. Rogers Senior Dining—Tuesday through Thursday every week at 12:00 noon at the Rogers Community Room. Call at least two days in advance by 4pm for reserva ons, 763-428-0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00. Under 55 $5.00. NEW! Weekly Exercise Program: Mondays from 11am-Noon at the Rogers Community Room. Free for SilverSneakers members: Non-members pay only $1.00 per class. First class is free. Exercises are geared towards 55+ but everyone is welcome. No on-thefloor work. Chairs used as props with op on of adjustable wrist/ankle weights. Call In-
structor Lori Schoenborn at 612-636-0207 or Liz at 763-428-0939 with ques ons. AARP Free Income Tax Assistance: For taxpayers with low and middle income, persons with disabili es and those 60 yrs and older. Rogers Community Room on Feb. 9, Feb. 23, March 16, March 30 and April 6 from 9 am - 12 pm. Call Liz at 763428-0939 to sign up for a 45 minute me slot on one of the offered days. Get a list of what you need to bring with you when you schedule your appointment with Liz. Great Decisions: A Global Conversa7on Group - approx. 1 hour monthly foreign policy discussion of important global topics presented by videos, local expert presenta ons and group discussions. Third Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Rogers Community Room. Fee: $10.00 for the book (used for 8 topics/8 months). Call Liz 763-428-0939.
museum and observa on deck, enjoy lunch at Keys Cafe, and join a guided tour thru the Wells Fargo History Museum. Cost for museums, lunch and transporta on is $30. Monday, March 9, 9:45 pm - 3:45 pm. Call Liz at 763-428-0939 for a reserva on by Feb. 27th. The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale every other month. The next trip will be February 10. Cost is $1.00 for the round trip. The bus starts picking up at 9:30am and returns to Rogers by 1:30pm. Call Judy to sign up at 763-428-7657. Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-4287657 for resource, community or general informa<on for seniors in the Rogers area. To subscribe to the Rogers Senior Newsle er, call 763-241-3520. Or, read it online at Seniors.CityofRogers.org.
Visit the Foshay Museum, Keys Cafe & Wells Fargo Museum: Explore the Foshay 9
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9
Change Service Requested
Sundays 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 a.m. Blended 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Mondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary