PEACE NOTES
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH MAY 2015
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! At Word of Peace we are truly blessed to have so many people in our congrega on who have answered the call to serve in the volunteer ministries of the church. The pastors and staff wish to thank all of you who serve God through Word of Peace and beyond. Together, we are a vital force for Christ in our community!
May 3 & 4 is Volunteer Apprecia on Weekend On Sunday and Monday, May 3 & 4, we will celebrate volunteerism at all worship services. All are welcome!
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. —Ephesians 2:10
Sermons & Readings May 3 & 4 Grace Choir Presents: The Old Testament Fast Forward— The Complete History of the Old Testament in Ten Minutes Grace Choir leads us through the Old Testament in a musical that hits the high points of it’s 2,000 year-old history.
May 10 & 11 Pastor Rick Skare, “God’s Choice” In this day’s gospel we hear that we did not choose Jesus; Jesus chose us. God in Christ reached out to us, made us his disciples, shaping how we reach out to others, even those whom we didn’t choose. Scripture Readings: John 15:9-17; 1 John 5:1-6; Psalm 98; Acts 10:44-48 May 17 & 18 Pastor Rick Skare, “God Is…” This day’s readings give us a revela on about God… and about us. While God is all truth, glory and joy, we are not. Nevertheless, we con nue in the grace of God. Scripture Readings: John 17:6-19; Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; 1 John 5:9-13; Psalm 1 May 24 Celebra on of the Holy Spirit Hymn-Sing A celebra on of the Spirit through Song and Scripture. No worship on Memorial Day, May 25. May 31 & June 1 Pastor Keith Long, “Strength of the Spirit” For God so loved the world that he gave us himself in the life-giving Son and Spirit. Scripture Readings: John 3:1-17; Romans 8:12-17; Isaiah 6:1-8
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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. June newsle er deadline: May 15
WordofPeace.org
Pentecost (Sunday, May 24) coincides with Memorial Day Weekend this year, which has tradi onally been the first official weekend of the camping season for our family. When I think of camping, I think of many things: tent set-up 101, hiking, bugs, outdoor fun and of course, campfires. Likewise, when I think of Pentecost I also think of fire: Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. —Acts 2:3-4
Pastor Keith Long Pastor of Congregational Life and Growth
Perhaps you will find yourself basking in the red-orange glow of the campfire on Pentecost (weekend), preparing a golden roasted marshmallow or simply adding log aDer log to that perfectly constructed log cabin campfire - and as you do, may you think of the mighty works of God the Holy Spirit, who fills his people with His very presence, sustaining them with his very breath, just like all that hot air you need to get that fire to roar to life! While we can control what we add to the fire as fuel, we cannot determine with any precision how it will burn or become fully consumed. This is true for our interac on with the Spirit as well: we are not in control and oDen can only remain open and available to the Spirit’s leading and power to transform our circumstances. Like logs strewn upon a campfire, we oDen end up in places we never an cipated under condi ons that are rarely the same. The Spirit as Fire is transforma onal, inspiring and an unpredictable life force which is cap va ng as it is libera ng and awesome as it is terrifying. But even the ashes leD behind are not without the possibility of new life ushering forth. May the Spirit of the Pentecost fire burn hot within you as you follow the Risen Christ this summer and beyond!
Grace Choir’s Spring Musical, The Old Testament Fast Forward by Tom S. Long and Allen Pote, will be presented during worship on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Join us for this wonderful story that starts with Crea on and moves through human sin and God’s great plan of redemp on, that included nearly 2,000 years preparing the Hebrew people for a coming savior. It begins with the comic no on that this epic history can be recounted in ten minutes. In fact, the musical presents many of our founda onal faith stories in a light-hearted way. The great themes of that history, God’s unending love for us despite our fallen natures, and God’s covenant with a chosen people, are ul mately fulfilled in the Messiah! Grace Choir is a group of 3rd through 6th graders who love to sing and act. For more informa on, contact Michael Sahlen at 763-496-2412 or msahlen@woplc.org. 3
Happenings Word of Peace DREAM Team: Determining Resources for Engagement And Mission 6 years ago we planned a future expansion of the church building. Trends, technology, church growth rate and more have changed during that me. Therefore, a commiMee (The DREAM Team) has been formed to work with the Strategic Planning Team to research and recommend the congrega on’s future building needs. We are looking for 5-7 volunteers to join this team, and we expect this work to involve visi ng other churches, recognizing current and predic ng future trends, and imagining the future of Word of Peace. The me commitment is 6-9 months and no prior experience is required. If interested, please contact the Strategic Planning Team at strategicplanning@wordofpeace.org.
40th Anniversary Photo Directory Do you ever see people in church and wonder what their names are? Are you new to Word of Peace and wish you had something to help you put names with faces? Well, help is on the way! We are developing a 40th Anniversary pictorial directory for Word of Peace and we want you to be a part of it! There is no cost to you or to the church to have your photograph taken, and you will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a directory for par cipa ng. You will be able to view your images electronically immediately aDer you are photographed, and at that me you will have the opportunity to purchase addi onal portraits to share with family and friends. If you have not already, be sure to reserve your FREE portrait session online at wordofpeace.org/directory or on Sundays at the volunteer desk in the Gathering Area.
Bring Food for CROSS to your Portrait Session
On Thursday, May 7, all are welcome to aMend and par cipate in a Na onal Day of Prayer at Rogers Elementary at 7pm. No experience necessary! All Rogers area congrega ons are partnering in this ecumenical prayer event and will be collec ng dona ons for CROSS Food Shelf. Come out if you can and join us for an hour of prayer for our community’s families, leaders, businesses and more. 4
Lifetouch is partnering with Word of Peace to have a food drive in conjunc on with the portrait siKngs. Bring in a nonperishable food item for CROSS Food Shelf and as a thank-you, you will receive a cer ficate for $5.00 off any addi onal portraits from Lifetouch. In addi on, if you sign up online you will receive a cer ficate for $10.00 off any addi onal portraits.
Happenings Word of Peace Sends 7 Delegates to the Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly The Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly convenes this year on May 15 & 16 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey. Each year at the assembly, representa ves from churches throughout the Synod gather for worship, business, keynote speeches and reports from the na onal church. The theme for this year’s Assembly is "The WORD became flesh...and MOVED into the neighborhood." They will explore what it means to be the church in the places we are planted, in what ways this region is changing, how these changes will affect our congrega ons, and who we are called to be with our neighbors. The Minneapolis Area Synod consists of 155 missions, ministries and congrega ons of the ELCA. The synod (a word which means “mee ng together”) includes urban, suburban and rural communi es in the greater metropolitan Minneapolis area. The Minneapolis Area Synod is the largest of the ELCA’s synods and home to some of the largest Lutheran congrega ons in the world. The seven vo ng members from Word of Peace aMending this year’s assembly are: Fred Gregg, Melissa Gregg, Wendy Neu, Brad Petry, David Wokson, Pastor Rick, and Pastor Keith.
Congratulations Graduates! Come and celebrate this year’s graduates at all worship services on Sunday, May 17 and Monday, May 18. Join us as we pray, bless and send these students into the next life adventure. Graduates from preschool to grad school are welcome!
Rogers High School Baccalaureate Ceremony Wednesday, June 3, 7:00pm at Word of Peace The Baccalaureate Ceremony is a Chris an, interdenomina onal ceremony for the Rogers High School gradua ng class. The ceremony will include music, readings, prayers and guest speakers. Rogers High School Graduates, please join your fellow students in this opportunity to celebrate your gradua on and our awesome God! All seniors, along with their family members and friends, are welcome and encouraged to aMend. Graduates should wear their caps and gowns and arrive at the church by 6:45pm. Please RSVP by May 15 to Kris ne Niznik at 763-4281836 or s-niznik@msn.com.
Have You LeB Something at Church? Please check the wooden Lost & Found benches in the north entrance to the building and the entrance to the Sanctuary on the south side of the building. Check with the church office for lost valuables such as electronics or jewelry. The contents from the Lost and Found bins will be donated on June 1.
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.
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CPR CERTIFICATION CLASS
Save Lives.
Tuesday, May 12 from 6:00-8:30pm at Word of Peace Led by Cer fied CPR Instructor, Judi Volkers Cost: $35.00* per par cipant (must be age 10 or older) Child care will be provided upon request. Completed form and payment is due by May 5. Sign up outside of the Youth Ministries Office.
Learn CPR.
This is a fundraiser to benefit the Word of Peace youth and adult chaperones who are aMending the Na onal Youth Gathering in Detroit this summer.
Thank You for your Generous Lenten Giving!
PROJECT: DEMSA HEALTH CENTER Our goal as a congrega on was to raise $5,000 during Lent to donate to the Demsa Clinic in Nigeria. Thanks to your generous dona ons, WE DID IT! $5,363 was raised, which will help remodel current space and add addi onal space to the clinic and will also help with malaria preven on and clean drinking water, benefiKng hundreds of people. A hearUelt THANK YOU from the Global Missions team for your support of this project!
During the month of March we partnered with CROSS to raise cash and non-perishable food dona ons for the MN FoodShare Campaign. The goal was to donate 700 lbs. of food and $5,000 in cash, and you gave 1,438 lbs. of food and $9,435 in cash! We will find out where Word of Peace placed in the State later this summer. Thank you from the Social Ministry Team for being the hands and feet of Jesus!
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GENERAL NEEDS: Juice, Hand Soap VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: CROSS will be taking part in some local parades and at farmers markets this summer. Volunteers will be needed for both! UPCOMING EVENTS: May 20—Derby Day annual golf open at Pheasant Acres May 18-22—Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery fundraiser
For more informa0on or to volunteer, call CROSS at 763-425-1050 or visit www.CrossServices.org
More than Enough– The Power of Generosity The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows boun6fully will also reap boun6fully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is wri en, “He sca ers abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” —2 Corinthians 9:6-9 In fact, as stated in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.” In life and from the Bible, we learn and also know the power of giving with joy in our hearts. Throughout my life, I have seen the power of praise and giving. During Easter and other key events, some of the best joys are received from giving to others. Giving is also similar to praying in many ways. Per MaMhew 7:7, Ask, and it will be given you. Therefore, do not worry and joyful giving results in spiritual growth and this giD will please God and also be returned to you in abundance.
Contribu ng to the Endowment Fund Endowment Fund contribu ons generally come from inheritances, estates, savings, stocks, life insurance policies, and investments. Because Endowment Funds use only the interest from the invested dona on, many donors like to think in terms of providing a legacy that con nues to fund ministry projects for years into the future. If you’re thinking of dona ng to an Endowment Fund as part of your financial and/or legacy goals, it is recommended that you check with your financial advisor about tax considera ons, and contact the church office or visit wordofpeace.org/endowment to learn more.
Blessings to you, Mark Walstrom and the Stewardship Team
Spring is finally here and summer is just around the bend. We understand that some mes we can’t make it to church during these busy 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 the church office.
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Church School & Confirmation Ministry Thank you!
Important Dates April 29 5th Grade Confirma on Open House—Come to the 5:30 or 6:30pm large group me and then stay for Q&A me. May 3 & 4: Educa on Volunteer Apprecia on—Thank your children’s teachers and confirma on guides! May 3 & 4: Last day of church school May 13: 6-8pm Confirma on Picnic—Meet at the church, dinner will be served! May 17 at 12:15pm OR May 20 at 6:00pm (choose one): Mandatory Mee ng for all CURRENT 8th grade Confirma on parents. Please do NOT bring your children with you.
We are so thankful for the 230 educa on volunteers who teach, lead, coordinate, manage, bounce, and support the educa on ministry! Educa on Volunteers, please pick-up a beau ful poMed plant from Broman’s Greenhouse at Word of Peace on May 3, 4, or 6 at church. We hope as your plants grow you will be reminded of the seeds of faith that you have planted and that the Holy Spirit will do great things with in the days and years ahead. “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gi< each of you have received.” 1 Peter 4:10
June 1 at 6:15pm: Rehearsal and Mee ng for all 5th graders leading worship for VBS.
Vaca on Bible School ● June 22-26 | 9am-Noon ● Volunteers Needed! For children ages 4 years (as of June 25) through completed 5th grade Registra on forms are available outside of the Children’s Ministry Office or at wordofpeace.org/ vbs. There are more than 200 volunteer opportuni es available so come and spend a week with us! Volunteers are needed to lead ac vity rooms and small groups. Please contact Lisa Buck at lbuck@woplc.org or Megan Moen at mmoen@woplc.org to volunteer.
Youth Ministry Upcoming Youth Events : MS = Middle School | HS = High School
MS: MSM.AM – May 3 and 12 at 9:45am in the Youth Room. Come for food, devo ons and games. Friends are always welcome! MS: The LoB at the RAC (Rogers Ac vity Center)—END OF YEAR PARTY is May 27 from 4-6pm, with concessions, games, inflatable sumo wrestling and more. Don’t miss out! MS/HS: Summer Stretch, June 17-August 12—It’s all about having fun while doing important work! Youth in completed grades 5-8 register as par cipants; youth in completed grades 9-12 serve as high school leaders. Join us for 6 Wednesdays of service and fun in the community. Registra on forms are available outside of the Youth Ministry Office and should be returned by Wednesday, May 13.
MS/HS: Summer Camps—It’s not too late to register for Summer Camp! Register online at campwapo.org. Family Camp at Luther Crest (All families welcome) June 19-21 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 or Summer Stretch, please contact Marcus Eads at meads@woplc.org or 763-496-2410.
HS: Sunday Morning Bible Study—Sunday, April 12 and 26 MS/HS: Plant Sale Youth Fundraiser—Youth who have sold from 11-Noon in the Youth Room with Marcus. You like plants must pick their plants up and take them out for delivery snacks? There will be snacks! on Friday, May 8 from 4-8pm. HS: Wednesday Night Youth Connect, 6:45-7:15pm in the Youth Room—food, games, prayer, and some me to connect with friends and other high schoolers. All are welcome!
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For more informa6on contact Marcus Eads at 763-496-2410 or meads@woplc.org wordofpeace.org/middle-school | wordofpeace.org/high-school
Family Camp at Luther Crest in Alexandria June 19-21 Word of Peace families of all ages, you are invited to aMend this fun and relaxing weekend at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria! Take advantage of beau ful Lake Carlos with swimming and pontoon rides, arts and craDs, hiking trails, Bible studies, worship, campfires and more! Head into downtown to visit the an que shops or tour the Carlos Creek Winery. Camp begins at 7pm Friday and ends at noon on Sunday. LODGING:
Adult Retreat Center: $145/family Cabins: $85/family
MEALS:
$30/person (age 13 or older) $15/person (age 6-12) Free (age 0-5)
SIGN UP:
Registra on Forms are available outside of the Youth Ministry office
LEARN MORE:
Contact Marcus Eads at meads@woplc.org or 763-496-2410
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, May 3rd 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. NEW! Weekly Exercise FLEX 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-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. Mother's Day Luncheon at the Community Room, Wednesday, May 6, 12-2pm. A deli-
cious roasted chicken lunch will be served, followed by dessert. At 1:00 pm, the Sa n Dolls, a dance group of senior ladies, will perform a series of tap dances with fun songs and costumes. $4.00 ($5 if under age 55); Please call 428-0976 to order a noon meal or come for the free entertainment at 1pm. Rogers Senior Center Open House: Join us on May 15 from 2-5pm at 12913 Main Street for an open house and ribbon cuKng at the new temporary Senior Center in Rogers. 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. May 20 at 10am at the Rogers Community Room. This month’s topic is U.S. trade policy. Call Liz 763-428-0939.
Annual Pie Social: Monday, June 1 from 2:00-4:00 at the Rogers Community Room. Please join us for some homemade pie, ice cream and coffee for only $5.00. Mary Poppins at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre: Wednesday, June 3, 10:15am4:30pm. $68.00 includes bus transporta on, lunch and show. Call Liz at 763-428-0939 before May 8 to reserve a spot. The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale every other month. The next trip will be June 9. 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 763-4287657.
Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-4287657 for resource, community or general informa6on 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
Sundays 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 a.m. Blended 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Mondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary SUMMER WORSHIP BEGINS 5/24 Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AM Mondays at 6:30 PM