PEACE NOTES
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH JUNE 2015
EXCITING MINISTRY AHEAD! We are looking ahead to some exci ng ministry at Word of Peace as we seek to complete our pastoral team and lay staff. A er Pastor Krista Strum’s resigna on, the Execu ve Team and Strategic Planning Team, in consulta on with the pastors, reviewed the third pastor job descrip on. They have developed a vision for how this full- me posi on could be expanded to two 30-hour per week posi ons: Pastor or Minister of Faith in Ac on and Minister of Spiritual Care.
Pastor or Minister of Faith in Ac on Word of Peace will be calling a Pastor or Minister of Faith in Ac on who, as part of the pastoral team, will cul vate rela onships with key neighborhood and global organiza ons and engage, encourage and equip congrega on members and friends of Word of Peace to par cipate in these partnerships. This posi on may be filled by either an ordained pastor or a diaconal minister (a rostered church leader who specializes in word and service ministry). A Call Commi3ee is currently being formed to begin the interview process and we hope to have a candidate in place in the next 4-8 months.
Minister of Spiritual Care A er serving Word of Peace as Educa on Director and Children, Youth & Family (CYF) Director for 16 years, Kris n Skare is transi oning to the posi on of Minister of Spiritual Care. This is a support posi on to the pastoral team and other staff with emphasis on the ministries of congrega onal care, Befrienders, grief, prayer, and educa on. Kris n will begin this posi on in mid to late August. As part of her Seminary educa on (and a requirement for ordina on), Kris n will also be serving as a pastoral intern at Alleluia Lutheran Church in St. Michael. “With Kris n’s seminary educa on and pastoral internship complemen ng her ministry here, it will be like having four pastors serving Word of Peace,” said pastor Keith Long.
Word of Peace Welcomes Sheldon Way as High School Youth Director Word of Peace is excited to announce that Sheldon Way has been hired to serve as the High School Youth Director and he will start at the end of August. Sheldon is currently living in Jerusalem, where he has been serving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Young Adults in Global Ministry Program. Sheldon is a graduate of Saint Olaf College where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in religion and psychology. He has extensive background in working with students. Whether leading outdoor survival camps on the East Coast or being a leader in residen al life on the Saint Olaf campus, Sheldon enjoys building community and serving young people. Sheldon loves music (he plays three instruments) and he loves the outdoors. Sheldon will be leading weekly high school Bible study and fellowship me, mission trips, camp experiences, partnering with Young Life Ministries, and with his diverse background of experiences it will be fun to see how God uses his gi s to work through Sheldon to serve this ministry.
In prepara on for Kris n’s departure as CYF Director, Word of Peace is working with InterServe Ministries of the Twin Ci es to staff the CYF ministry with an interim consultant who will provide a bridge between the me that Kris n’s posi on ends and a new CYF leader begins. We thank Kris n for her incredible 16 years of service, dedica on, and love to the children, youth, and families of this congrega on, and we wish her God’s blessings in her new roles as Minister of Spiritual Care and pastoral intern at Alleluia Lutheran Church.
Please pray for Sheldon’s remaining me in Jerusalem and as he prepares to serve Word of Peace. We are grateful to God that Sheldon will be joining the Word of Peace community!
Please see Page 7 for a le er from Kris n.
Sheldon introduces himself on Page 8
Sermons & Readings SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE: Sundays at 8:30 and 10:00 AM Mondays at 6:30 PM Holy Communion will be served at every Monday evening worship service throughout the summer months.
June 7 & 8 Pastor Rick Skare, “Are You Out of Your Mind?” We cannot put Jesus into any categories. Jesus is beyond our religion, our rules, our systems. I guess the only way to follow him is to be out of our minds. Scripture Readings: Mark 3:2-35; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Psalm 130; Genesis 3:8-15 June 14 & 15 Pastor Keith Long, “Present Day Parables” When Jesus spoke of the secret things of God he told stories called parables—which means that Jesus would be the ul mate movie buff! Scripture Readings: Mark 4:26-34; 2 Corinthians 5:6-17; Ezekiel 17:22-24 June 21 & 22 Pastor Keith Long, “A@er the Great Calm” Great storm. Great fear. Great calm. Great awe. The mystery of Jesus takes us on a sudden turn of great significance! Scripture Readings: Mark 4:35-41; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; Job 38:1-11 June 28 & 29 Pastor Rick Skare, “Come As You Are” Like the main characters of this day’s gospel reading, we can come before Jesus, just as we are, and be known and loved by God. Scripture Readings: Mark 5:21-43; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Psalm 30; Lamenta ons 3:22-33 2
Pastor Rick Skare, Senior 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. July newsle er deadline: June 12
WordofPeace.org
Happenings Come Support Word of Peace at Rockin’ Rogers Days! Word of Peace will once again serve delicious pork chops on-a-s ck at the food booth June 18-20. If you are interested in volunteering or dona ng supplies, please contact Tracy Rowe at 763-496-2421. You can also sign up at the volunteer desk and pick up a dona on slip from the Rockin’ Rogers Days display in the Gathering Area. Walk with Word of Peace in Saturday’s parade or show your support by cheering us on from the sidelines! The parade is at noon on Saturday, June 20. Dona ons of individually-wrapped candy (no chocolate) are needed for the parade. Please bring them to the Informa on Desk before June 15. We will meet in the Northridge Fellowship parking lot (across from Rogers Elementary School) at 11:30am. If you are interested in helping design or build the float, please contact Dain Swanson at 763496-2409 or dswanson@woplc.org.
SAVE THE DATE!
Word of Peace’s 40th Anniversary Celebration! n’ i v Sunday, October 11 o o r g e b We’ll 70’s At the Rogers Community Room e h t to More information Coming Soon! 3
Happenings Habitat for Humanity Are you looking for a way to have fun, meet new people, and give back to your community this summer? Please consider signing up for the Habitat For Humanity Summer 2015 Project! Word of Peace has commi3ed to provide volunteers to help to build a home in Robbinsdale during the weeks of July 6 AND July 13. Join us for some fun while helping a family receive a new home! Volunteers must be 16 or older and no prior experience or special talent is needed. Just a big heart and willingness to par cipate! You pick the day(s) you want to volunteer. Learn more and sign up at WordofPeace.org/Habitat or contact Chris Larson at cl9699@a .com. Photo: hfhsouthcentral.net
Rogers Community Blood Drive Sponsored by Word of Peace
Via de Cristo is a 3-day weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Chris an people and bring them to a new awareness of living in God’s grace. It is an experience for people from every walk of life. The next Via de Cristo weekends will be on June 4-7 (for men) and June 11-14 (for women) at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley. For a complete list of upcoming Via de Cristo weekends and for more informa on about Via de Cristo, pick up a brochure at the Informa on Desk or visit mnviadecristo.org.
Thursday, June 11, 12-7pm at the Rogers Community Room (next to the Rogers Fire Sta on at 21201 Memorial Drive) Call Kris Hofstedt at 763-428-8546 to sign up Enter to Win Minnesota Twins Tickets! All presen ng donors in June are eligible to win: 1 of 2 Grand Slam Prizes (4 premium ckets & travel accommoda ons*) 1 Home Run Prize (1 of 10 pairs of premium ckets*)
COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE ONLINE-IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HOME OR OFFICE ON THE DAY OF YOUR DONATION AT MBC.ORG/ DONATE • *Prizes hold no cash value and are nontransferable. Visit MBC.ORG for details, or call 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253). • Bring ID• Eat before dona ng • No cold or flu symptoms for 3 days. ©2015 Memorial Blood Centers. All rights reserved.
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WATCH WORSHIP ONLINE! If you ever miss a worship service or simply want to see it again, now you can. Go to wordofpeace.org/ watch to view current and archives of worship services. The current weekend’s worship service will be available to view online every Tuesday morning.
2016 Travel Opportuni es with Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry “Exploring Your Faith through Interfaith Dialog & Service: The Intersec ons of Chris anity with Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism in India” (February 2016) On this first-of-its-kind trip for LPGM you will visit LPGM’s partners in the north of India (Church of North India) as well as the south (Arcot Lutheran Church). This trip is ideal for pastors, lay leaders, and others interested in exploring these world faiths in a Chris an seVng. On your three stops (Amritsar, Delhi, Tiruvannamali) you will have opportuni es to learn from church leaders, interact with others through service, and visit the central sites of these faiths. All of this will be framed in the context of understanding these tradi ons as a way to strengthen our own Chris an faith. “Explore India – For Families” (July 2016) Mission travel as a family teaches us about other cultures, and provides opportuni es to serve others in Christ’s name and forge las ng rela onships as we explore our own faith and deepen our own connec ons as families. LPGM will be leading our first family-centric trip to visit our partner schools and boarding homes in south India. Limited space is s ll available and we suggest that you consider this trip for students ages 12 or older. For more informa on, visit LPGM’s website: lutheranpartners.org/travel/india-travel-opportuni es
Bring Flat Jesus With You This Summer! The Worship and Visual Arts Team is puVng together a summer photo collage filled with pictures of Flat Jesus from around the world and we need your help. Here is how it works: 1. Download Flat Jesus from wordofpeace.org/flat-Jesus or pick one up from the church office. 2. Color, cut out and make Flat Jesus waterproof. (watch the instruc on video online) 3. Take Flat Jesus on vaca on with you this summer. 4. Take pictures of Flat Jesus with your family and friends wherever you travel. 5. Share your pictures with WOPLC via Facebook, Twi3er and Instagram (#woplc & #flatJesus), or you can email them to dswanson@woplc.org 6. Come and see the photo collage in the Gathering area at church star ng May 31.
O sing unto the LORD a new song; Sing unto the LORD a new song all the earth. —Psalm 96:1
Singers and Instrumentalists Wanted: Word of Peace choirs are off for the summer, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need special music for our worship services. If you have a gi , either singing or playing and instrument and would like to share it, contact Michael Sahlen at 763496-2412 or msahlen@woplc.org 5
A great big THANK YOU goes out to all who took part in the following fundraisers for CROSS: •
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Rogers Empty Bowls Event at the Wellstead in April received $1,000 in sponsorships, $720 in bowl sales, and there were $973.55 in dona ons for the meal. In total, the Rogers community raised $2,694 which was more than twice what was raised at last year’s event! 5th Annual Stomp Out Hunger 5K— There were 100 more par cipants this year compared to 2014, and over $2,000 was raised for CROSS.
VOLUNTEERS are s ll needed to help out at the Rogers Farmers Market. Please call CROSS to volunteer. GENERAL NEEDS: Mexican/Asian Foods, Dish Soap For more informa%on or to volunteer, call CROSS at 763-425-1050 or visit www.CrossServices.org
Understanding the Ministry Fund The Endowment Ministry Fund provides grants to individuals, groups, and organiza ons to which Word of Peace relates, for witnessing to the Chris an faith and suppor ng the mission of the church. Individuals and families that donate to the Endowment Ministry Fund will have a significant impact on how Word of Peace can support ministries that tell others about Jesus. If this ministry objec ve touches your heart, find out more about giving to the Word of Peace Endowment Fund by contac ng the church office at 763-496-2400 or visi ng WordofPeace.org/Endowment.
Let the Summer Festivities Begin! We understand that sometimes we can’t make it to church during these busy summer months. We encourage you to worship with your family wherever you are this summer. And sign up for Direct Giving to ensure your offerings make it to church, even when you can’t. Sign up for Direct Giving at wordofpeace.org/give or contact Linda Thomas in the church office at 763-496-2407/lthomas@woplc.org. 6
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. — Isaiah 43:1-3 Kris n Skare,
Dear Friends,
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry
I had no idea sixteen years ago when God called me into the educa on ministry at Word of Peace how my life would change. It has been my deepest privilege to serve the Word of Peace congrega on. There are no words to describe the blessings I have received from working and playing with all of the children, youth, and families of Word of Peace. With great joy I have watched preschoolers grow into marvelous young men and women who are gradua ng from college and star ng their own families. When I was hired part- me in 1999 there were 380 three-year olds through eighth graders. Today there are more than 1,100 students par cipa ng in the educa on ministry. This growth is a testament to an amazing God, a passionate and commi3ed staff, oodles of selfless people who have served on the Educa on team, and hundreds of volunteers. I am grateful to God for these people and their ministry.
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The Children, Youth, and Family mission is, and con%nues to be, to equip families to prac%ce their Chris%an faith at home and out in the world.
It has been nothing short of miraculous to dream, plan, vision, serve, and worship with all of you. Lisa, Megan, Carrie, Marcus, Pastor Keith, Pastor Rick, and our newly hired youth director are an incredible team who are dreaming big dreams for the future of CYF ministry. As for me, I am not going far, but my call is changing. Four years ago I entered Luther Seminary in prepara on to be ordained as an ELCA Lutheran Pastor. With my coursework nearly completed, I begin a two-year part- me internship at Alleluia Lutheran Church in Saint Michael and will con nue to work part me at Word of Peace as the Minister of Spiritual Care—a ministry I discovered that I love when I served Saint Cloud Hospital as a student chaplain. I want to thank all of the kids and families who have allowed me to walk alongside them in their faith and life and in their joys and sorrows. Through you, I am reminded daily that “nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God.” In Peace,
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Church School & Confirmation Ministry Vaca on Bible School Volunteer Training We love our kids and therefore, ALL volunteers MUST a3end ONE of the following training dates to receive important materials, instruc ons, and forms: Room Leader Training (For all volunteers leading or helping in an ac vity room) • •
Tuesday, June 2, 9:30-11:30am OR Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30am
5th Grade Worship Leader Training (For all 5th graders who will be assis ng in opening/closing worship) •
Monday, June 1, 6:30-8:00pm
Crew Leader and Junior Crew Leader Training (For all volunteers who will be leading or assis ng with escor ng a small group of children to each ac vity room) • •
Tuesday, June 17, 9:30-11:30am OR Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-8:30pm
June 22 –26, 2015 9am-Noon For children ages four years-old as of Monday, June 22 through completed 5th grade.
Register to Par cipate today! Sign-up to Volunteer today! Registra on forms available at the Children’s Ministry office or at wordofpeace.org/vbs Contact Megan (763-496-2423) or Kris n (763-496-2404) with your ques ons.
Lisa Buck to Take Study Leave this Summer As part of Word of Peace’s commitment to con nued learning and commitment to Sabbath, Word of Peace provides an 8 week study leave opportunity for program ministry staff who work 30 hours or more and have competed 5 years of employment. This is an opportunity for employees to set aside me to study topics related to their ministry field that will benefit the ministry at Word of Peace and the employee when they return. Lisa has been employed at Word of Peace for 12 years and she will be on leave in June and July. She will be studying the following areas: Research best prac ces for the recruitment and training of CYF volunteers. Research best prac ces for the inclusion and support of children with disabili es and their families in the CYF ministry. Prepare a recommenda on of how the CYF ministry can move forward with implemen ng best prac ces of the above.
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Please pray for Lisa as she enters into this me of study and re-“crea on.” 8
Lisa Buck Children, Youth & Family Administra ve Director
Youth Ministry Upcoming Youth Events : MS = Middle School | HS = High School MS: MSM.AM – June 28 at 10am in the Youth Room. Come for food, devo ons and games. Friends are always welcome! MS/HS: Bunker Beach Water Park—Wednesday, June 24. We’ll meet at 12pm and return at 6pm. Cost: $16 and a signed Word of Peace Health Form. Deadline to sign up is June 17. HS: Wednesday Night Bonfires—June 3, 17 & 24 from 6-8pm at the Word of Peace fire pit. (The June 10 bonfire is for the Na onal Youth Gathering par cipants) Summer Camps—It’s not too late to register for Summer Camp! Register online at campwapo.org. Seeds Camp at Wapo (Completed grades 2-3) - July 31-August 2 Youth Camp at Wapo or Luther Dell (Completed grades 4-5) - August 2-7 Youth Camp at Luther Dell (Completed grades 6-8) - August 2-7 Sr. High Roots Camp at Luther Dell (Completed grades 9-12) - August 2-7 For ques ons about summer camp, please contact Marcus Eads at meads@woplc.org or 763-496-2410.
An Introduc on from Sheldon Way: Hi everyone! I’m incredibly excited to be joining Word of Peace as the new High School Ministry Director. Born in Toronto, Canada, I’ve lived most of my life in Delano, Minnesota. AIer gradua ng from St. Olaf College, I came to Jerusalem through the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program, where I’m currently serving with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. I enjoy hiking, traveling, playing music, and watching hockey. I’m excited to get to know all of you at Word of Peace and to begin my service with you!
For more informa on contact Marcus Eads at 763-496-2410 or meads@woplc.org • wordofpeace.org/middle-school OR wordofpeace.org/high-school
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, June 7 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 by 9am one day prior to meal date for reserva ons, 763428-0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00. Under 55 $5.00. Weekly Exercise FLEX Program: Mondays from 11am-Noon at the NEW Rogers Senior Center. 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 Instructor Lori Schoenborn at 612-636-0207 or Liz at 763-428-0939 with ques ons. MN Twins Game: Wednesday, July 29—Bus leaves the Rogers Community Room at
10:30am for Target Field to watch the Twins play against the Pi3sburgh Pirates at 12:10pm. Tickets for Home Plate View seats and bus transporta on is only $30! Call Liz at 763-428-0939 by July 7 to reserve your seats. New Rogers Senior Center: 12913 Main Street (across from Wells Fargo). Open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. Volunteers are needed to help supervise the building when the coordinator is off-site. Please call Liz at 763-428-0939 if you are interested. Driver Improvement Program through St. Cloud University: Wednesday, June 10 from 12-4pm (4-hour refresher, $20.00) at the Rogers Community Room. Save 10% on your auto insurance for 3 years. Call 888-234-1294 to sign up. 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. June 17 at 10am at the Rogers Community Room. This month’s topic is Russia and the near
abroad. Call Liz 763-428-0939 to receive your book before the mee ng. MN Landscape Arboretum: Monday, June 22—Depart from the Rogers Senior Center at 9:30am. Narrated tram tour through the Arboretum’s gardens and woodlands; 1.5 hours to explore; and depart at 2:30pm back to Rogers. Cost is $25 for bus transporta on, entry to the Arboretum and tram tour. Have lunch at their cafe or bring a bag lunch. Call Liz at 763-428-0939 by June 12 to sign up. The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale every other month. The next trips are on June 9 and August 11. 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. 9
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AM Mondays at 6:30 PM