PEACE NOTES
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH JANUARY 2014
Word of Peace Welcomes Pastor Keith Long and His Family We are very excited to welcome Pastor Keith Long to his ministry as Pastor of Congrega onal Life and Growth. He and his wife, Rebecca, and their two children, Natalie (age 3) and Andrew (age 1) are moving to Rogers on New Year’s Eve and Pastor Keith will begin his first day on January 5. Pastor Keith grew up in St. Anthony Park Village and felt his first call to ministry as early as confirma on. He knew he wanted to be in ministry someday when he worked as a camp counselor for two summers at Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp in New London, MN. A5er college, he spent 7 years soul-searching through various voca ons un l the Holy Spirit’s nudge to go to seminary became too obvious to ignore. When asked what he likes about being a pastor, Pastor Keith said, “I enjoy how all of our stories interconnect with God's story and that my job is to weave them all together. I enjoy asking and exploring the deep ques ons of our life with God. I enjoy ge<ng to know people of all ages and having the privilege of walking in faith alongside them in all of our seasons of life.” Pastor Keith comes to us from Big Bend Lutheran Church, a 135 year-old congrega on located in west-central Minnesota. When he was asked what he was most excited about in coming to Word of Peace, he said, “There are so many things!” He is really excited to do more teaching and small group ministry. “This will be a big leap of faith for me, as I’ve never worked in a se<ng this vibrant, dynamic or growing before. And given the enormous amount of support and encouragement already given me through the call commi@ee and pastors, I am beyond excited to jump in and learn more about you and let the Spirit take us on an adventure together.”
Pastor Keith’s Installa on and Meet & Greets
If energy and me allows a5er being husband, daddy and pastor, Pastor Keith uses it to run, hunt, fish, camp, follow baseball, read, and blog. He also enjoys music, theatre and film, and hanging out with family and friends.
Pastor Keith is a self-proclaimed “open book” that anyone is welcome to read, and no ques on is off limits. He is a kid at heart and he finds great sa sfac on in making people Pastor John Hulden, Assistant laugh. “And if you can’t find humor in religion and the church, then we are the most to to the Bishop of the Minneapolis be pi ed.” Pastor Keith is constantly thinking, dreaming up ideas and crea ng. Since he Area Synod, will install Pastor majored in filmmaking in college he warns us to be prepared for excessive movie Keith Long as Pastor of Congregaquo ng and video crea on. He is indebted to his many faith mentors over the years, onal Life and Growth on Sunday, whose wisdom, guidance and love for Jesus have profoundly shaped his passion as a January 25 at all worship servipastor. “They con nue to serve as members of my ‘great cloud of witnesses.’ (Hebrews ces. 12:1), and I cannot describe how eager and hopeful I am to serve as a member of your See inside for a list of ‘great cloud of witnesses’ in 2015 and beyond.” Meet & Greet opportuni es this month.
Sermons & Readings January 4 & 5 Pastor Krista Strum, Jesus is in the Neighborhood! Jesus, the Word became Flesh and walked among the neighborhoods, radically changing lives with words and deeds full of grace and truth. As Chris ans, we are called to let the light of Christ shine and work through our lives, in our families and in our neighborhoods. Scripture Readings: John 1:[1-9] 10-18; Ephesians 1:3-4; Psalm 147:1220; Jeremiah 31:7-14 January 11 & 12 Pastor Keith Long, Torn Apart for Good Usually destruc on is a bad thing. But through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit breaks open, knocks down and tears apart, changing everything for good. Scripture Readings: Mark 1:4-11; Acts 19:1-7; Genesis 1:1-5 January 18 & 19 Pastor Keith Long, Perfectly Imperfect Fearfully and wonderfully made, tougher than Ford tough, with be@er ingredients than Papa John’s, and with more strengths and weaknesses than the Minnesota professional sports teams of all me combined. Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51 January 25 & 26 Pastor Rick Skare, We Have a Job To Do In the midst of trials and triumphs, God calls us to do God’s work. Some mes the results can be unbelievable and unexpected. Scripture Readings: Jonah 3:1-5,10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:2931; Mark 1:14-20
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Pastor Rick Skare, Senior Pastor Pastor Krista Strum, Pastor Pastor Keith Long, Pastor 21705 129th Ave. N. Rogers, MN 55374 Church Office 763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency message for the pastor) Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Fri 8am-12:30pm 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. February newsle er deadline: January 16
WordofPeace.org
Happenings Annual Congrega onal Mee ng January 25—12:00 Noon The Word of Peace Annual Congrega onal Mee ng will be held on Sunday, January 25 commencing at 12:00 Noon. It is important to a@end this mee ng because the agenda includes the opportunity to: • •
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Elect the leadership of the church Hear about the vision and mission of Word of Peace Vote on the proposed General Fund budget for 2015.
Childcare is provided for all ages (0-3 years in the nursery and older kids in the youth room). Vo ng is permi@ed by confirmed members only. Please check with the church office if you are unsure of your membership status.
Kids Against Hunger Food Packing Night at Word of Peace 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 hunger and how they can be part of the solu on to end hunger. All ages are welcome! We ask that any child eight years and younger have a parent present with them for one on 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/(763)4962404 or Megan Moen at mmoen@woplc.org/(763)4962423 with your ques ons.
Opportuni es to Meet Pastor Keith Sunday, January 11 & 18 Before and a5er worship services (Pastor Keith will be preaching) Monday, January 12 & 19 5:30-6:30pm during Monday Night Meal 7:30pm a5er worship service Tuesday, January 13 6:00-6:30pm before All-Ministry Team mee ng Wednesday, January 14 5:00-5:30pm and 7:15-8:00pm Before and a5er confirma on Monday, January 26 7:30-9:00pm Meet and Greet at Fireside Grill & Pub in Rogers (Includes some hymn singing too!)
Thank You, Pastor Ashley! We thank Pastor Ashley for her dedicated service and ministry to us as we have awaited Pastor Keith’s arrival. Pastor Ashley has served Word of Peace for the past three months, sharing in the ministries of leading worship, preaching, visita on, Bible study, children’s ministry, working with the Life & Growth Team, etc. We will have an opportunity during and a5er the worship services on January 4 to thank her and sending her off with our blessings. Pastor Ashley is awai ng a Call to serve a church in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
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Happenings Have I made the right decision?
Am I good enough?
Is there more to life than this? Topics We Will Explore… • • • • • • • • •
WHO IS JESUS? WHY DID JESUS DIE? HOW CAN I BE SURE OF MY FAITH? WHY & HOW SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE? WHY AND HOW DO I PRAY? HOW DOES GOD GUIDE US? WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? HOW CAN I BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT? HOW CAN I RESIST EVIL?
The Alpha Course Sundays | January 18 - March 22 (no class on Feb. 1) 6:00-6:30pm Dinner 6:30-7:30pm Presenta on 7:30-8:30pm Small Groups Alpha is a prac cal explora on of the Chris an faith and gives everyone the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly se<ng. Alpha meets once a week for 9 weeks. Sessions begin with an informal dinner, followed by video presenta on and me to discuss what's been taught. Everyone is welcome at Alpha. Alpha is for people from all backgrounds and perspec ves. It’s perfect for those looking for “more,” even if you’re not sure what that “more” is.
Alpha
If you’re wondering if Alpha is right for you, contact Pastor Rick at 763496-2400 or pastorrick@woplc.org. Please register by January 11. Registra on forms are available at the Informa on Desk and online at wordofpeace.org/alpha. There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of the workbook.
Embracing the Journey: A Path through Grief and Loss Sundays | January 18 - March 8 6:00pm Dinner (free-will offering) 6:30-8:30pm Class We have lost loved ones. We have lost pets. Some of us have suffered from trauma that has torn apart our definition of life. Others have been given a diagnosis of a physical or mental illness that has taken away our dreams and our identity. Some of us have lost jobs, homes or other things of value. Some losses are hard to define. But there is one truth we can be sure of; we are not alone. This course is an 8-week journey through grief and loss. Through the use of artwork, poetry and other mediums we will put words and images to our experiences. We will look at the Psalms to reconnect us to God and God’s people who grieve with us. Grief is a journey from sorrow to joy. When we walk through it together we can support one another.
Topics We Will Explore: LIFE TOGETHER • TRAUMA OF LOSS • EXPERIENCING THE LOSS • RECOGNIZING THE REALITY OF LOSS EXPERIENCING THE EMOTION OF LOSS • EXPRESSING THE EMOTION OF LOSS • REINVESTING IN LIFE MAKING NEW MEANING • STEPPING INTO LIFE ANEW
Please register by January 11. Registra on forms are available at the Informa on Desk and online at wordofpeace.org/ journey. There is a $15 fee to cover the cost of the workbook. 4
! U O Y K N THA Thank You to our 361 Confirma on Kids! Just since September, our Confirma on kids have been busy serving and learning! They have: • • • • •
Made 1000 sandwiches for 365 days.org Donated over 30 Opera ons Christmas Child shoe boxes Made 370 cookies and sent 13 care packages to the military Donated 300 bars of soap and 121 Christmas Stockings to CROSS Filled 400 packing spots (1.5 hours each) at Feed My Starving Children.
111 9th grade Confirma on students will affirm their bap sms on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12. Please pray for these young people as they enter into their faith lives as adults in the church.
Thank You to our Christmas Musicians and Worship Volunteers!
Adopt-A-Family 2014: Thank You for your Generous GiCs!
Happy New Year to All! May it be blessed with all good things. Thank you to all who helped make our Christmas worship celebra ons at Word of Peace. We were the Body of Christ this year because of you and your par cipa on.
Thank you for your contribu ons and service to the Adopt-AFamily program. The outpouring of love and care was overwhelming and humbling. It is inspiring to see our church giving, loving and showing Christ’s love in such a beau ful way. Happy New Year and blessingsto you all! Tracy Rowe Volunteer Coordinator
All choirs will begin prac cing again on January 12. Michael Sahlen Minister of Worship & Music
It’s All About
Thank You for Your Feedback!
WORSHIP
Thank you very much to those of you who completed the worship survey in December. We have heard from nearly 300 worshippers and we appreciate every one of your responses! If you haven’t had a chance to take the survey, please take three minutes to do so at wordofpeace.org/ survey. Paper copies are available at the Informa on Desk. Your valuable feedback about what we are doing well and what improvements can be made will be considered when determining the future plans for worship at Word of Peace.
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Mark Your Calendars Chris an Duo Lost and Found is Coming to Word of Peace! Sunday, February 8 | 6:00pm Join us for a concert that is so Lutheran you will start speaking German! Lost and Found is na onally-known and award -winning duo, Michael Bridges and George Baum. The duo has 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 and musical, o5en poignant, and occasionally funny. 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 Dona on—All profits will go to CROSS Food Shelf. Contact: Dain Swanson at 763-496-2409 or dswanson@woplc.org
WWW.SPEEDWOOD.COM Coming This Lent… One of the most me honored tradi ons of the Chris an church are the 40 days of prepara on before Easter called Lent. During the five Wednesdays leading up to Holy Week, Word of Peace hosts two evening worship services complete with the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy, dramas, hands-on worship experiences and a meal every Wednesday night beginning February 25. This year our drama series will follow the children’s books wri@en 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. 6
I Am Grateful by Jerry Hoffman A number of years ago, although I was serving a good suppor>ve congrega>on, I was not contented. Instead I was disappointed that I had not been chosen for a new posi>on. During that period I began to earnestly live with Paul's le er to the Philippians. Paul is in prison. His future was dim. And yet among other important faith professions in that le er, he wrote "I have learned to be content with whatever I have" and "Rejoice in the Lord always!" I prayed for Paul's outlook. I wondered about how I could daily possess that perspec>ve. I became aware that when someone asked me how I was, my standard remark was "I am good.” Here is a simple change that I could make that would help me remember Paul's perspec>ve. From then on I endeavor that when someone asks me, “How are you?" I will respond by saying "I am grateful." I need to add, that it is not that I am always grateful. It is more a prayer, "God help me in all circumstances to be grateful." It is a public confession in a simple way to remember that in my bap>sm, I am called to be steward of the mysteries of God. It is God who has entrusted everything I have and am. I am not en>tled to the life, wife, family, church, >me, talent, money and opportuni>es for which God has entrusted me to steward.
This is an excerpt of a le@er from Jerry Hoffman at Luther Seminary about being grateful to God for the blessings we have been given. As we start a new year it is good to remember all that we have, to be thankful for all that we have and to remember that all we have is from God. As we start 2015 at Word of Peace we have many things to be thankful for in our church. Two examples are that we have a ministry that is growing in numbers (which offers new ways to serve internally) and growing in outreach to our community (new ways to serve externally). If you currently do not have a favorite outreach program or volunteer opportunity that you lend your me and talents to, look around un l you find one that speaks to you and then join in! We frequently hear from folks a5er they have been involved that they get much more out of the experience than they put into it, which is a gi5 from God. Look for opportuni es to serve at your church at wordofpeace.org/serve or at the Volunteer Desk in the Gathering Area. Gods work, our hands. We thank God for you and your con nued giving! The Stewardship Team
A New Sunday Morning Study Begins January 11 2015 will be here before we know it! Because of this, we want to give you a heads up on ways that you can study the Bible and grow in faith in the new year. For six weeks, January 11-February 15, we’ll be digging deep into the book of Ephesians through a study en tled “God’s Extraordinary Church: Readings in Ephesians.” The le@er to the people in Ephesus uses the word “church” more mes than any other book in the Bible. Together we’ll explore how God is building a transforma ve church that is rooted in love through Jesus and through us. Come join in the learning and the conversa on, Sundays at 9:45am in Room 120! 7
Preschool, Church School & Confirmation Church School Classes Resume Sunday, January 11 and Monday, January 12
Kids of Peace Preschool Enrollment Opens January 20 for the 2015-2016 School Year
Second through Eighth Graders: Mark your calendar now to a@end our summer Bible camp informa onal sessions on Sunday, January 25 at 9:45 or 11:00am in the Brekke Room. Summer camp provides kids with a week of fun, faith, and friends. We offer camp op ons for families, weekend camps for second and third graders, and week long camps for fourth through eighth graders. We will have representa ves from Camp Wapogasset and Luther Dell Bible camps as well as church staff to provide informa on and answers your ques ons about the summer camp experience. Registra on informa on and materials will be available and open at this me. Ques ons? Contact Marcus at 763-496-2410 or meads@woplc.org.
Kids of Peace Preschool is a place where faith and learning grow, and we would love to have your preschooler be a part of our school year! Kids of Peace serves children ages 33 months (must be po@y trained) through 5+ years. Enrollment for the fall of 2015/16 opens for all Word of Peace families and currently enrolled preschool families on January 20. Registra on for families from Rogers and surrounding communi es opens on February 2. For more informa on about Kids of Peace Preschool contact Julie Piccona@o, Preschool Director, at 763496-2419 or jpiccona o@woplc.org.
Youth Ministry Dear Families of High School Youth, It is with deep sadness to announce that I will be leaving my posi>on at Word of Peace as the High School Youth Minister to go back to school for Elementary Educa>on. I want to thank all of you for leHng me get to know you and your high schoolers during the year and a half that I have spent here. I have had some extremely fun and rewarding experiences through Bible Studies, trips to Valleyfair and Welch Village, mission trips, and retreats with the high school and middle school youth! You all are very lucky to have such a suppor>ve, welcoming, and AMAZING church! My last official day as a staff member will be January 11, finishing with the 9th grade Confirma>on services. My classes start the next day! While I will not be on staff, I will s>ll be volunteering my >me at Word of Peace. I pray that you will find someone to fill this posi>on who will bless this church as much as all of you have blessed me. Again, thank you all for allowing me and trus>ng me to work with your kids. It has meant so much to me. Sincerely, Kate Gantz
Upcoming Youth Events MS = Middle School | HS = High School MS: MSM.AM meets on Sunday, January 4 & 8 in the Youth Room for food, devo ons and games. Invite some friends along!
Jan. 24 from 9:30-11pm. Admission is $3 at the door. Bring your own ice skates or rent a pair for $5 more.
MS/HS: Camp Sunday is Jan. 25. Parents and youth, a@end a special Summer Camp 101 info. session in the Brekke Room during the 9:45 or 11:00 service to learn about all the great opMS: The LoC BIG Event: portuni es available this Glow ‘n Skate at the summer! Rogers Ac vity Center! MS: The LoC at the Rogers Ac vity Center (RAC) is on Thursday, December 11—Concessions, games and hangout me with friends!
For more informa>on contact Marcus Eads at 763-496-2410 or meads@woplc.org wordofpeace.org/middle-school wordofpeace.org/high-school
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Blood Drive at Word of Peace Thursday, January 29 12:00 Noon—7:00pm Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. The need is constant but the supply is not, especially this me of year. Please consider giving blood. Your simple act of giving can make a life-saving difference to someone in need. To sign up, contact Kris Hofstedt at 763-242-3304 or 763-428-8546.
CROSS Corner 1,023 children received presents and Christmas stockings thanks to generous people like you. Many of these families would have gone without but, instead, felt the joy of a gi5 and were touched by your though\ulness. This me of year the need for food is great. All dona ons are greatly appreciated! Please bring nonperishable food items, toiletries, etc. to the CROSS Corner in the North Gathering Area. January Needs: Crackers, Deodorant
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, 1/4 from 1-5pm (eat at 4pm) at Dayton Senior Center, 18461 Dayton St. (Dec. only) Bring a dish to share. Contact Dave at 763-428-4217. 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 2pm for reserva ons, 763428-0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00. Under 55 $5.00. NEW! Weekly Exercise Program: Mondays star ng January 5th 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-the-floor work. Chairs used as props with op on of adjustable wrist/ankle weights. Call Instructor Lori Schoenborn at 612-636 -0207 or Liz at 763-428-0939 with ques ons. Free Bus trip to Mys c Lake Casino: Monday, January 26th. Depart Rogers Community Room at 8:30am and depart the casino at 2:30pm. Call Liz by Jan. 16. $5.00 cash collected with reserva on to hold your spot; will be returned on the day of the trip. Great Decisions: A Global Conversa on 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.
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 763-428-7657 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.
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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
Details on Page 4