Peace Notes Summer 2019-Word of Peace Lutheran Church

Summer 2019
June · July · August
Peace Notes

#GodInMySummer
Ahhh. Finally, the warm summer weather is
upon us! After a long winter, we have been
waiting to defrost and get back outdoors
once again. Summer brings an abundance
of opportunities for us to get outside and
rejoice in the wonder of creation. Summer
camps, family picnics, late night bonfires,
and swimming at the lake remind us of the
beauty that is all around us. Take a moment
to think of your favorite summer activities or places and I’m
sure a smile will sneak up on you.
The pages of this newsletter are filled with invitations to encounter
God this summer. Share in the fun as we explore the
stories of Dr. Seuss in worship. Bring your neighbors to the
Community Corn Feed. Consider volunteering at Vacation Bible
School. I am sure that you have other things you are looking
forward to, as well. It would do us well to remember
Joshua’s words of encouragement that God is with us
through it all: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened
or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you
go.” (Joshua 1:9)
This summer, we invite you to share some moments of
where you see God. A sunset over the lake. Early morning
dew on freshly-cut grass. A favorite flower in bloom. An impromptu
neighborhood gathering. Where ever you happen
to see God, take a picture or video and post it on Facebook
or Instagram with the hashtag #GodInMySummer. Or, email
your photos/videos to info@wordofpeace.org. We’ll compile
them together to share at the end of the summer. This is a
wonderful way to stay connected with one another in the
midst of all the summer adventures. Because, wherever you
go, and whatever you do, God is with you.
In Christ,
Tyler Strom
Pastor of Faith in Action
Rick Skare
Lead Pastor
Kristin Skare
Pastor of Spiritual Care
Tyler Strom
Pastor of Faith in Action
21705 129th Ave. N.
Rogers, MN 55374
(763) 496-2400
(press 3 to leave an emergency
message for a pastor)
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Fri 8:00 AM-12:30 PM
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 devotion,
Share Christ through word
and deed,
Care for others and the world
God made, and
Work for justice and peace.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Contact Jennie Priebe at
(763) 496-2401 or
jpriebe@wordofpeace.org
wordofpeace.org
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Summer Sermon Series
The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss
June 16 - July 22
Summer is the perfect time to shake things up and try something different. Why not
see the Bible through the eyes of Dr. Seuss? The stories of Dr. Seuss can be taught
simply enough for children to understand, yet they are profound and significant
enough to contribute to the spiritual growth of adults. They give us lessons for our
own walks of faith. What people in our lives, for example, remind us of Horton the
elephant, whose faith cannot be shaken? How can we fight the temptations faced by
those image-conscious Sneetches, who were a bit too fond of comparing themselves
to others? Join us for this light-hearted look at the Gospel According to Dr. Seuss.
Faith in Daily Life: A Journey through 2 Corinthians
July 28 - September 1
The book of 2 Corinthians has much to say about our Christian faith: what it is about,
how we live it out and what constitutes authentic Christian community.
The writer of this second letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul, deals with
these themes while addressing some very practical tasks, such as consoling others,
seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, raising funds for the poor, persevering in the
midst of suffering and despair, and not losing hope. Paul shows us how God’s mercy
helps us and flows through us in our relationships with others.
Books of Faith: Daniel
June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 9:45 AM in Room 120
In this class, we will explore the books of Daniel and his friends in this rich and inviting study. The class
provides an opportunity to ponder our calling as faithful disciples in troubling times. Additionally, each
Sunday will begin and end with time for us to reflect on what we hear in the text and what the
message of the text means for us in our calling to discipleship.
Being the Body of Christ: Studies in 1 Corinthians
August 4, 11, and 18 | 9:45 AM in Room 120
Summer Classes
We will explore what it means to be the body of Christ in this 3-session class. In 1 Corinthians, Paul
writes poetically and passionately about what it means for the church to live as Christ's body in the
world. We will explore the following questions:
Do we see ourselves as the gifted body of Christ?
What is the gift of the body of Christ?
How does the gift of love shape the body of Christ?
Are we giving what we were given?
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Minnesota FoodShare and Serve Sunday
Faith in Action
Word of Peace participated in the Minnesota
FoodShare March Campaign by collecting food and
financial donations throughout the month. On March
24, we stuffed the CROSS van in the church parking
lot all morning, and a great group of Word of Peace
volunteers unloaded and weighed the donations
and stocked the shelves at CROSS in the afternoon.
It was an amazing team event! Many thanks to all
the people who worked hard to make it happen.
Because of these efforts, Word of Peace placed 4th
among all faith organizations in the state, and
CROSS Services was in the top ten in the category
of largest food shelves in the state. Word of Peace
collected nearly 2,000 pounds of food and $4,300 in
cash donations, which translates into enough food
to feed 431 families for roughly two weeks. The
Word of Peace congregation continues to have a
tremendous impact on the community by bringing
people together for the greater good.
Summer Food Shelf Needs:
Each month, churches in surrounding areas ask their congregations to donate
specific items so that CROSS consistently receives a variety of donations throughout
the year. Check the worship bulletin for a list of what to donate each month, or
visit wordofpeace.org/CROSS. Food and household donations may be dropped off
at the CROSS Corner in the North Gathering Area. Thank you!
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The Genda
Family
Amber Genda and her husband, Jon, have been married
for 25 years and they have lived in Rogers for 15 years.
They have two children, Adam and Chloe and have been
regularly attending Word of Peace for six years. Amber
shared that her children’s curiosity led them to become
involved in the church.
“Since we live right down the street from Word of Peace, we
pass it all the time. When we first moved here, we didn’t belong
to any church. When the kids were younger they would
always ask to go into ‘that building with the cross.’ We started
coming to Word of Peace when the kids were in early elementary
school and we have been coming ever since.”
For Amber, being involved in a variety of ministries and activities
at Word of Peace was a way for her to be a good
example for her children. Now, both Adam and Chloe are
also deeply involved in a variety of ministries at Word of
Peace.
Amber began volunteering as a Vacation Bible School
guide and, as her children got older, she started volunteering
for the Confirmation program. This past year, Amber
signed up to be a guide for her daughter Chloe’s confirmation
class. She shared that “I was a bit scared at first, but I
have to say that this last year went really well and I am looking
forward to the next two years.”
Adam shared that he first began to volunteer at church because
it was a confirmation requirement. “...Soon I began to
love doing it. I would sign up to help in service almost every
Sunday, and once I finished my final year of confirmation, I
heard about opportunities to help out in
church school and confirmation so I jumped
for them, and they were awesome.”
Chloe shared they she is involved in the
confirmation band and that she really enjoys
it. She also enjoys helping out at Feed My
Starving Children and Sharing and Caring
Hands.
We are blessed to have Amber, Adam and
Chloe in our church community, helping
provide loving experiences for all who
come through our doors. Adam shared, “I
have gotten fantastic experience and memories
from serving in the ministries Word of
Peace has to offer that I would not have gotten
anywhere else.” Thank you, Genda Family,
for helping spread the love and light of
Christ!
PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION!
For opportunities to serve, visit
wordofpeace.org/faith-in-action
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Music Ministry
Angel Wings is a Family Affair
There are three sets of mothers and daughters ringing in Word of Peace’s bell choir, Angel Wings. Jody
Heikkinen, a founding member of the choir, thinks that the best part of ringing together with her daughter,
Megan, is “sharing a common enjoyment, a way for us to stay active in the church, and a guarantee that we see
each other at least once a week.”
Melissa Hoeschen rings with her daughter, Jaimie. Melissa says, “We have always shared a love of music, from
going to musicals, summer marching band where I was a band mom and she was the drum major, to now ringing
together. Even though we live close to each other we are sometimes too busy to see each other. Bells is something
we can share together. I love spending time with her.”
Lisa Wiger is joined by her daughters, Ashley and Hannah. Lisa says that they all like music very much, and
“being in the bell choir together gives us a chance to share something we all enjoy and gives us some fun memories
that we all can laugh about later. It is one of the best ways to spend an evening out of the house. Church is a fun
place to be.”
In addition to Jody Heikkinen, there are four more founding members who are still ringing in Angel Wings:
Darlene Cleveland, Greg Hoseth, Marilee Maxwell and Judy Nelson. Next year, the choir will celebrate its
twentieth anniversary.
Lisa Wiger and her daughters,
Ashley and Hannah
Jaimie Larson and her mother,
Melissa Hoeschen
Jody Heikkenen and her daughter, Megan
Music Ministry: Not Just Singing in Church
Do you participate in a musical group, play an instrument or just enjoy music but would like to learn more
about it? Michael Sahlen, Minister of Worship and Music will teach a beginning Music Theory course on
Wednesday evenings in June from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Choir Room. In this class, you will learn to read music
notes, staff names, and key and time signatures. You will also read rhythms and intervals and discover basic
harmony. Everyone is welcome to attend this free course. Give yourself the advantage of knowledge! The
more you know, the better you can be.
Questions? Contact Michael Sahlen at (763) 496-2412 or msahlen@wordofpeace.org.
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The Building Project is Underway!
The Word of Peace Building Committee is working with architect,
Bentz Thompson Rietow, and general contractor, Watson-
Forsberg, on the final design plans. We have had the addition
surveyed and soil borings taken. The Building Committee is
meeting with the City of Rogers for approval.
If there are any sub-contractors, companies or individuals in the
building trade that are interested in working with Watson-Forsberg
on this project, please contact Linda Thomas, Director of
Administration, at lthomas@wordofpeace.org or (763) 496-2407.
We look to break ground on our construction project later this
summer and everyone will be invited to a groundbreaking service
and ceremony; watch for details about that coming soon.
Pledges and responses for the “Building On A Strong Foundation”
building appeal are still needed. We now have over $1.1 million in
responses, but we need another $100,000 in responses to secure
the loan that is needed to fully complete the $3 million building
project.
Large drilling equipment was used to test the
soil on the church property in early May.
For more up-to-date information on the building expansion or to
give or respond to the appeal, visit wordofpeace.org/building.
TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
Consider a Recurring Gift to Word of Peace
Word of Peace is solely funded by the financial
gifts from church members and attenders like
you. Poor weather conditions this winter
affected worship attendance and put us
behind financially for the year. Please
consider a gift to help us catch up and
support the ongoing ministries of the church.
A convenient way to give is with a recurring
gift through Pushpay (mobile/online giving)
or via automatic bank withdrawal.
To schedule a recurring gift, visit
wordofpeace.org/give
or contact Linda Thomas, Director of Administration
(763) 496-24078 or lthomas@wordofpeace.org
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Faith Ideas for the Summer
Children, Youth & Family
Did you know that people from other states think it’s weird that church attendance
drops in Minnesota in the summer months? They don’t understand our need (and I
mean NEED, especially after this dreadfully long winter) to escape to lakes and woods
and cabins. But that’s a reality of ministry in Minnesota—people take time a little slower
in the summer, take time to refresh and relax, and take time away from church.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with that—we want you to be happy and healthy and
to prioritize time with your family. But there are things that you can do to continue faith
conversations over the summer months. Why not try some of these?
Worship together. Yes, Word of Peace is still open and operating over the summer,
and we’d love to see you at worship! If you are out of town, explore a new church together.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, check out a church that is very different
from ours. Talk as a family about what you enjoyed at that church, and about what
you enjoy at Word of Peace.
Kari Osmek
Director of Children, Youth
& Family Ministry
Talk about God’s creation when you are together in nature. Marvel at God’s work. Take turns pointing out objects
and what you find inspiring about them.
Volunteer together. There are lots of organizations that need help, and with the loss of school meals over the
summers, the need is especially great at food-distribution centers.
Share a meal together. Set aside the phones. Pray and talk about your day.
Attend church-sponsored programs. We have Vacation Bible School, Summer Stretch, and Bible camps for
children of all ages. Better yet, attend as a family—we always need parents and older youth to volunteer!
End every day by sharing Highs and Lows. Invite each family member to share one good thing and one not-sogood
thing that happened to them that day. Pray together after everyone has shared.
Remember your church in your giving. Even if you are not here, the ministry of Word of Peace continues and
needs your financial support. (For details, see page 6)
Have a wonderful summer. Relax, refresh, enjoy family time together—and share God-talk together, wherever
you are!
High School Mission Trip
Sixteen of our high school youth and four adults will be traveling to Denver to serve the community there
during the month of July. Our young people will walk alongside the people of Denver to help them with
whatever they may need, partnering with a variety of local organizations that support hunger & homelessness
issues, food shelves, schools, churches, and so much more.
Each day begins with breakfast and devotions, followed by serving at work sites for most of the morning and
afternoon. The late afternoon and evening hours will be time for showers, free time, dinner and a variety of
outings unique to the community. The days conclude with evening worship, church group check-in time, and
a little more free time before lights out for some quality sleep after a full, fun and meaningful day! Please pray
for the group’s travels and that the youth and adults may deepen their faith and be open to what they will
learn from the people of Denver.
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VBS Supports Mission Jamaica
Jamaica is a Caribbean island nation with lush greens, beautiful music and people.
While beautiful, it is known to be the “richest poor nation on earth.” Many families
struggle to support themselves and housing can be a challenge, but, thankfully, with
such an abundance of fruits and vegetables available, the people of Jamaica are not
readily hungry. In February 2020, a delegation of Mission Jamaica volunteers from
Word of Peace will be on a mission adventure, spending a week in Jamaica working
with the people to help support families, build houses and strengthen relationships
along the way.
Mission Jamaica’s J’Abode project helps local residents establish financial security by
providing homes for those in need. While a home is being built for one family, the
entire community comes together in caring friendship to help support the family
receiving a house. Without a home, families are left to find support from neighbors or
live and sleep outside.
Heidi Johnson
Early Childhood Ministry
As Christians, God calls us into mission to care for our neighbors, both near and far. One of the important lessons
we share during VBS is that all that we have, all that we are, and the talents we receive are a gift from God. God
calls us to share these gifts and the abundance that we have with the rest of the world. This year, as roughly 520
children descend on Word of Peace for a week of Bible lessons, songs, crafts and friendships, they will also be
working alongside Mission Jamaica and J’Abode to help provide funds through their VBS offerings to build a
home in Jamaica. We are excited about this cross-generational project, the momentum it brings to Word of
Peace and the work we jointly seek to achieve!!
OUR VBS GOAL = $5,000!
Look for future opportunities on how you can get involved. Together, we can build a home and change the life
of a family. J’Abode!
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VBS Week is June 24-28

10th and Final
Carrie Lorman Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, August 10 at Word of Peace
The 10th Annual Carrie On 5K Memorial
Race will be held once again to celebrate
the life of Word of Peace member Carrie
Ann Lorman, who lost her life in a tragic car
accident in December 2009. A difficult
decision was recently made that this year’s
race will be the last. The race committee
had a desire to reach the ten-year mark
and now feel the event has served a tremendous
purpose in Carrie’s memory over
these years and feel this milestone is an
admirable achievement and ending
point. So please join them in helping make
this last year the biggest and best!
In its history, the Carrie On 5K has raised close to $60,000 and all the proceeds have been given back to the
Rogers Community. Previous recipients included CROSS, the Rogers Police and Fire departments, the Rogers
Lions and local families experiencing hardship and loss. The race committee would like to thank the runners,
walkers and corporate sponsors who have supported the race over the years.
Race Registration
Visit carrieon5k.com for details and to register for the 5K. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate,
and all proceeds from the race will once again remain in the Rogers Community. For more information,
contact Sue Stensrud, Race Director, at ssstensrud@yahoo.com or (612) 201-4994.
A Look Ahead...
Blessing of the Backpacks
August 25 & 26 During Worship
Before you know it, summer will be over and the kids will be heading back to school. Students and
teachers of all ages are invited to bring in their backpacks or school bags to worship on August 25 &
26 and receive a blessing to begin your new academic year.
Peace Fest 2019 is Sunday, September 8
We will celebrate the return to the fall worship schedule and program year with a wonderful morning
of fun! Look for updates about Peace Fest later this summer.
SAVE THE DATE!
Word of Peace Charity Gala
Saturday, November 16
The third annual Word of Peace Charity Gala will take place on Saturday, November 16 in the Crown Room
at The Wellstead of Rogers. More information will be available later this year. Questions? Contact Jill
Smith, Event Coordinator, at jsmith@wordofpeace.org or (763) 496-2402
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Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
ROGERS, MN
PERMIT NO. 9
CHANGE SERVICE
REQUESTED
SUMMER WORSHIP
SCHEDULE
Sundays at 8:30 & 10 AM
Mondays at 6:30 PM
Join Us for Worship at
Noon, 5:30 and 7 PM