Faith Formation Catalog - Fall 2020 - Word of Peace Lutheran Church

Fall 2020
Faith
Formation
for Adults, Children and Families

Although we are not able to have Peace Fest as we have had it in the
past, we are still celebrating the return to fall worship and programming!
We’ll kick everything off with two outdoor worship services on
Peace Fest Sunday, September 13.
Reservations, Planning and Safety Precautions
We are following the guidelines for outdoor events from the Health
Department, the CDC and the Governor’s office. To ensure as safe an
experience as possible for everyone, each service is limited to 250
people and advance reservations are required. Reservations can be
made online at wordofpeace.org/outdoor-worship or by calling the
church office at (763) 496-2400.
9:45 AM Live Stream Worship
If you are unable to attend outdoor
worship or if there is inclement
weather, our 9:45 AM live stream
worship will take place as usual.
CROSS Food Collection
and Service Projects
Please bring donations of nonperishable
food for our neighbors in
need. A couple of take-home service
projects will also be provided.
Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to pick up communion, park
your car and get seated on the church lawn. Worship
will begin promptly at 9 AM and 11 AM.
Bring a lawn chair to sit on (the ground may be wet).
Wear a face covering for the entire duration of the event.
Remain at least 6’ apart from people outside of your household.
Restroom availability will be very limited so please plan
accordingly.
Communion, in the form of sealed cups and wafers, will be distributed
to your vehicles as you enter the parking lot.
No other food or beverages will be served.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness
of breath, etc.) and individuals considered “high risk” should not
attend.
Children, Youth & Family
Ministry Pick-Up
Families with children registered for
church school and confirmation this
fall may pick up their materials at
Door 3.
Make a Reservation at
wordofpeace.org/outdoor-worship
or contact the church office

New Life Groups…for Everyone!
Word of Peace has a big goal this fall…to have EVERYONE connected to a
Life Group! That’s right, we want everyone in our congregation to find the
joy, fulfillment, and connection that comes with Life Groups.
We Need Each Other More Than Ever
In a time when we can’t connect over a cup of coffee after worship, it’s
easy to feel disconnected. Life isn’t meant to be lived alone. Separately
we can lose our impact, our purpose, our joy. But TOGETHER we find
great strength! Life Groups ensure that we live life the way God intended…together!
Life Groups will:
Meet weekly either online or in small home gatherings
Deepen faith while exploring the weekly sermon discussion guide
Create meaningful relationships with friends, new and old
Encourage, support and pray for one another
There is a Life Group for everyone.
From young families to
empty nesters, sports enthusiasts
to nature lovers, there is a
group of similar individuals just
waiting to connect with you.
Groups meet at a variety of
times during the week, so there
is bound to be one that fits your
schedule.
Registration is open now
through September 27, but
signing up earlier ensures that
we find the perfect group for
you. Groups begin meeting
October 1.
Belong Grow Serve
life groups
Sign Up Today!
wordofpeace.org/life-groups
Questions? Contact Deacon Lydia Svenulski at lsvenulski@wordofpeace.org
Page 3 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

Adults
Fall Colors Virtual Retreat
October 9-11 (Times to be determined)
Cost: $25.00
Autumn is a wonderful and beautiful season, especially in Minnesota. The variety of colors are a stunning
reminder of the vast diversity of God’s creation. This fall, you are invited to join with others in a time for rest,
reflection and restoration at the Fall Colors Retreat.
This retreat will be held virtually with large group and small group sessions that include discussion, music
and sharing experiences of God’s creation. There will also be opportunities and suggestions for activities
that you can do on your own during this retreat weekend.
Moments of rest are important for our spiritual, physical and mental health, and we look forward to sharing
in this retreat time with you.
Look for more information coming soon! If you have questions, contact Deacon Lydia Svenulski at
lsvenulski@wordofpeace.org
Connections: A Forum about Community
Monthly Discussions Begin October 25
Do you want to learn more about what is happening in your
community? Are you curious to learn about different people’s
experiences and challenges? Have you been wondering how
you can become more involved?
Join us online or in person beginning October 25 for a monthly
community forum series on different topics that affect and influence
our community on a daily basis. Topics may include
public health, education, mental health, global missions, race
and racism, and many others.
We invite you join us as we listen to experiences and ideas from others and engage in how these topics
play an important role in who we are as followers of Christ.
Look for more information coming soon! If you have questions, please contact Deacon Lydia Svenulski
at lsvenulski@wordofpeace.org.
Page 4 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

Adults
Evening’s
Peacefulness
Tune into Word of Peace’s Instagram
account a few times a
week for a short video of peace,
rest, calm and quiet.
Mindfulness Blog
Stress is often physically, mentally and spiritually overwhelming,
and we are living through a time of extreme stress right now. Mindfulness
may feel like a new trend in the health and wellness world
but it is, in fact, an ancient way of being connected to yourself.
In these stressful times, you are invited to explore what being
mindful may look like for you, and what it may have looked like for
our ancestors who also lived through incredibly stressful times. As
you read through blog posts written by Deacon Lydia Svenulski,
take a few moments to reflect on what you are experiencing mentally,
physically and spiritually. These posts may be reflective or
encourage you to interact with the topic being discussed.
These videos include creative
interpretations of scripture,
prayers, poems and other writings,
along with moments of silence,
music and beautiful imagery.
Experience God’s presence,
power and peace while
reflecting on the words, music
and imagery shared within
those few minutes.
On Instagram:
@woplc
If you have questions or would like to read about a specific topic,
contact Deacon Lydia at lsvenulski@wordofpeace.org
Visit the Mindful Moments blog at
wordofpeace.org/mindful-moments
Devotional Books and Resources
Word of Peace has several devotional books and Care Notes available at
the Welcome Desk for your devotional and spiritual care needs.
Feel free to stop in and pick up what interests you, or contact the church
office at (763) 496-2400 to have them mailed to you. Additional devotional
materials are available at wordofpeace.org/devotions.
Page 5 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

Adults
Adult Baptisms
Adults who have not been baptized into the Christian
faith are invited to schedule a baptism at
Word of Peace. Prior to your baptism, you will
meet with a pastor to explore the meaning of baptism,
go over the baptism service and receive
tools and resources for continued faith formation.
To schedule an adult baptism, visit
wordofpeace.org/baptism or contact Janet Lee
in the church office at jlee@wordofpeace.org
or (763) 496-2400. Child baptism information is
listed on page 8.
Choirs Go Virtual This Fall
Word of Peace is joining the virtual choir trend
with its own performances this fall. After an online
rehearsal via Zoom, singers record and upload
their videos, which are then combined into one
single performance. The first to perform is the
Voices of Peace adult choir on Sunday, September
13. Grace Choir (3rd through 7th graders) and
Deo Glorias (women’s gospel choir) will follow
soon after.
If you would like to participate in an upcoming virtual
choir performance, please contact Michael
Sahlen, Minister of Worship & Music, at (763) 496-
2412 or msahlen@wordofpeace.org.
Advent Spiritual Practices
What is spirituality? Think of it as your connection
to the things you consider meaningful and
holy. For many of us, that means praying, observing
rituals, studying texts and attending
religious services. For others, it means nontraditional
structures or notions of God such as
taking walks, practicing mindfulness or coloring.
Connecting with God offers more than just
hope. It strengthens our emotional health too.
Regular spiritual practice offers many proven
health benefits, especially when it comes to
our mental health.
During the season of Advent, you are invited to
slow down and experience some spiritual
practices. Each week we will explore a variety
of spiritual practices, and the sessions will be
made available to you online so you can participate
in a way that best fits your schedule.
More details will be available later this fall. If
you have any questions, please contact Deacon
Lydia Svenulski at
lsvenulski@wordofpeace.org.
Save the Date!
Women’s Christmas Brunch
Saturday, December 5
The Coronavirus will not keep us from celebrating the Advent season! You will gather in your own homes
for a meal with the people with whom you feel safe. Sara Renner and her band will be live online and there
will be many other creative activities being planned for you and your guests on this fun and festive morning.
All of this will help you bring in the Christmas season, the season of hope! Save the date and watch for
details coming soon!
Page 6 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

Ongoing Small Groups
Support Group
Alcoholics Anonymous
People share their experiences, strength and hope so that
they may help each other recover from the disease of alcoholism.
AA meets in person at 7 PM on Thursdays; enter through
Door 4. For information, call (612) 860-1747 or visit aa.org.
Support Group
Caregivers Support Group
Are you caring for someone who is ill, living with dementia,
aging or struggling? Come to a safe, physically distanced
time of support.
Meeting dates and times vary. Contact Pastor Kristin Skare,
kskare@wordofpeace.org or (763) 496-2404.
Support Group
Divorce Support Group
Whether you are struggling in your marriage, going through
a divorce, a broken engagement, or living life after divorce,
this group is a safe place of support for you.
Divorce Support Group gathering dates and times are yet to be
determined. Contact Pastor Kristin Skare, (763) 496-2404 or
kskare@wordofpeace.org.
Bible Study | Fellowship
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Men gather once a month to enjoy a continental breakfast
followed by meaningful explorations and discussion.
The Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study meets in-person on the 2nd
Saturday of each month at 7:30 AM. Contact Lou Oberdeck,
(763) 420-3353.
Bible Study | Fellowship
Sunday Night Men’s Group
Men of all ages meet to share faith and friendship in a relaxed
and non-intimidating atmosphere. This fall, the group
will read and discuss “Growing Older: Time to
Celebrate Life” from the Master Builder’s Bible for Men.
The Men’s Group meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Sundays
of each month from 7-8:30 PM beginning September 13.
To order the Bible or get the meeting link, contact Pastor Rick
Skare, (763) 496-2400 or rskare@wordofpeace.org.
Bible Study | Fellowship
Tuesday Evening Circle
Women gather online for Bible study and fellowship.
The Tuesday Evening Circle meets virtually the 2nd Tuesday of
each month. Contact Sara Hnath, hnathgolf@hotmail.com or
(612) 868-7424.
Bible Study | Fellowship
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Gather online each week to explore the upcoming sermon’s
Bible readings and themes. Watch the study via Facebook
Live on Thursdays at 10 AM (or anytime thereafter). NEW:
Join an online conversation via Zoom after the Facebook
Live class.
Visit facebook.com/wordofpeace and request to join the
“Word of Peace Thursday Morning Bible Study” Facebook
group. Contact Pastor Kristin Skare, (763) 496-2404 or
kskare@wordofpeace.org.
Fellowship | Support
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Mothers of young children (birth through kindergarten) experience
community, personal growth, practical help and
spiritual hope.
This year, MOPS will meet every other Monday night and child
care is not provided due to the pandemic. The group will alternate
meeting in person and online beginning in late-
September (exact dates and times are TBD). MOPS International
Membership is $31.95 for the year and there will be no
additional local dues for the fall semester (spring semester
dues are to be determined). For more information, visit
RogersMNMOPS.weebly.com or contact Heather Swanson at
RogersMNMOPS@gmail.com or (612) 720-8581.
Fellowship | Support
MOMSnext
Mothers of children in school face new challenges and issues.
This group of women meets to share in community
and listen to engaging speakers on topics specific to this
stage of mothering.
MOMSnext meetings are yet to be determined for the fall.
Contact Jennifer Frion, (763) 245-2523 or jrf412@gmail.com
to register.
Page 7 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

Baptisms
Word of Peace is conducting baptisms in two ways
during this time of COVID-19:
Baptisms at Word of Peace—Baptisms take place
on the second Sunday of each month beginning at
11:30 AM and at every half hour thereafter for each
family. Families and friends of up to 50 people are
welcome to attend the baptism.
Baptisms at Home – A Word of Peace pastor will
arrange a time to come to your home for the baptism.
Information about the meaning of baptism and the
baptism service will be provided to you by the pastor
before or at the time of the baptism. Register online at
wordofpeace.org/baptism
Contact:
Janet Lee, Receptionist
jlee@wordofpeace.org | (763) 496-2400
Celebrate Communion (grades 3-5)
Sunday, November 3: 2-5 PM
Celebrate Communion lessons are designed for children
in grades 3-5, which is the best time developmentally
for a child to begin exploring the deeper meanings
and historical context of The Last Supper.
The learning components that families would have received
at the Celebrate Communion class are now
available online. The materials include a combination
of learning activities and styles, and you will be able to
access them on your own time, whenever is convenient
for your family.
More information and registration is available at
wordofpeace.org/celebrate-communion.
Contact:
Jill Smith, Event Coordinator
jsmith@wordofpeace.org | (763) 496-2423
Kids of Peace Preschool
At Kids of Peace, we foster learning and spiritual growth and partner
with each of our families to nurture your child's development. Our
wide variety of curriculum resources, quality staff and small class
sizes encourage excellence in learning.
Contact:
Julie Picconatto, Director of Preschool
jpicconatto@wordofpeace.org | (763) 496-2419
Enroll online at kidsofpeace.org
Page 8 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

"Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God." (Romans 8:38-39)
At Word of Peace, we partner with parents to teach your children about God's love through Bible stories, activities,
worship, and fellowship. Word of Peace offers church school to children ages 3 through 5th grade.
Church School Continues During the Pandemic
It goes without saying that we would much rather see your kids in person, but social distancing guidelines
make that impossible due to the number of families involved in church school and the size of our classrooms
and hallways. Therefore, this is our plan for how church school will work until we can gather again in person:
We are offering a series of weekly videos which your kids (or your family) can watch at a time that is convenient
for you. These videos will include our church school worship rituals such as lighting the candles,
giving an offering, telling the weekly Bible story, music, and a celebration of the week’s birthdays.
Church school lessons will correspond with worship, so we will all be learning and talking about the same
topics.
Children, Youth and Family staff will continue to be involved in the weekly children’s message, which is a
part of live stream worship on Sunday mornings.
Finally, we will have a Family Faith Kit for you to pick up which will include lessons, craft supplies and family
devotions.
We are praying for you and your family as we all figure out how we can all best help our children learn. Church
School videos will premiere each week following worship and we will provide you with those links when they
become available.
Register for Church School at
wordofpeace.org/church-school
Page 9 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

6th-8th Grade Confirmation
Wednesdays at 5:30 & 6:30 PM
Word of Peace partners with parents to
provide 6th through 8th graders an
opportunity to connect their faith to their
daily lives, serve God's people, study Martin
Luther's catechism, and have fun together.
Confirmation students attend large group
learning time with music, games, skits and a
weekly lesson from the pastor. They also
meet in small groups that are led by an adult
volunteer guide. Five times a year, small
groups participate in a fellowship or servant
event.
9th Grade Confirmation
Beginning in September of their 9th grade
year, students who have completed 6th-8th
grade confirmation begin to prepare for
their affirmation of baptism through a series
of classes and other leadership experiences.
They are then confirmed in January of
their 9th grade year.
If you are new to Word of Peace and have a
9 th grader who did not complete 6th-8th
grade confirmation but would like to be
confirmed, contact Megan Moen to discuss
a plan for your child to be confirmed.
Registration forms are available at
wordofpeace.org/confirmation and outside
the Youth Ministry office.
Contact:
Megan Moen, Confirmation Coordinator
mmoen@wordofpeace.org
(763) 496-2406
Page 10 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

Youth Fall Kick-Off Event
Sunday, September 27 | 7-8:30 PM
for Middle and High School Youth
Come to Word of Peace for a socially distant bonfire with
games, snacks and fun. Invite your friends!
High School Conversations
October Study: Action in Antiracism
Wednesdays, October 7, 14 & 21 | 8-9 PM
in the Youth Room
In July, students and adult leaders met to discuss the
causes and effects of racism in America. The conversation
will continue with an emphasis on how to use that
information towards positive action in our communities and
beyond.
November Study: Finding Your True Self
Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18 & 25 | 8-9 PM
via Zoom
Are you feeling disconnected? Join us as we dive into
practices of true belonging and what that means in your
life. We will discuss ways that we can clear the path to
finding ourselves and eventually to each other.
NOTE: Face coverings are required for
all in-person events.
Contact:
Christina Verbick, Dir. of Youth Ministry
cverbick@wordofpeace.org
(763) 496-2430
Mark Your Calendars!
HOLY GHOST PARTY
For All Middle School Youth
Friday, October 30 | 7-8 PM
Cost is $5 per person
Bring your friends for a fun night at
church!
Bonfire
Night Games
Snacks
High school and adult helpers are needed
for the night (free for you!).
MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Sunday, December 6 | 7-8:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Bring your friends for Christmas games,
snacks and fun!
HIGH SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Wednesday, December 9 | 7-8:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Bring your friends for Christmas games,
snacks and fun!
Page 11 • Word of Peace Lutheran Church • Fall 2020

21705 129th Avenue North
Rogers, Minnesota 55374
(763) 496-2400
wordofpeace.org