ADVENT MIDWEEK WORSHIP

“IT’S SUCH A BUSY TIME!” The usual response for the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We as Christians refer to this as a special time called Advent; A time of preparing for the birth of the Savior of the whole world.  The theme this year is “Emmanuel Now”.  This Jesus born, crucified, and risen comes to us every day so rejoice and be glad the source of life is here!   We live in an age of consumerism, an age where “Merry Christmas” is urged to become “happy holiday”, where school parties can no longer be called “Christmas parties but “Winter parties.”  Yes, indeed we should be tolerant of the neighbor’s view but as Joshua said, “AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.” I urge you to keep Christ CENTER of your focus this Advent!

Join us for the last two Soup Supper and Worship Wednesdays, December 7 and 14.

In Christ’s service,

Bill Nybeck

StephenMinistry

A Thirst for Stephen Ministry

During our week of training in Pittsburgh, there were times we felt as though we were getting a drink from a fire hose. The Stephen Series Leader's Training Course is organized and presented well, but each of us were sent home with a 35 pound box of information to digest. Since returning, we have had time to absorb the information and prepare for sharing the nuts and bolts of Stephen Ministry with the congregation. Don't worry, we will not be turning the fire hose on you, it will be more like a sprinkler. Be watching for Stephen Ministry videos during announcements, at Adult Sunday School, or while enjoying coffee and fellowship. On October 2 we will be leading Adult Sunday School. Come to explore what Stephen Ministry is all about and what it means for us at Lord of Life. Learn how you can become involved because Stephen Ministry is a Christ-centered ministry that belongs to all of us. Speak with a Stephen Leader, Jean Krueger, Ken Resch, Mona Sorenson, or I for your thirst for Stephen Ministry to be quenched.

Please join us on October 2, 9:15-10:15 in the Fellowship Hall.

Heidi Wiese, Stephen Leader

The week of July 31 to August 6 found Pr. John, Mona Sorenson, Jean Krueger, Heidi Weise and Ken Resch in Pittsburgh for the Stephen Ministry Leader’s Training Course. Now well-grounded in the essentials of Stephen Ministry, our Lord of Life team will begin training lay caregivers to minister to the needs of our congregation. During their time in Pittsburgh, the team developed their mission statement to clarify what they want Stephen Ministry to be for Lord of Life.

The mission of Stephen Ministry is to provide one on one compassionate, Christian care to hurting people.

Stephen Ministries takes its name from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need. Within congregations, carefully trained caregivers reach out to members in need.  If you are interested in more details about possibly becoming a Stephen Minister or if you would simply like to know more about this exciting new program at Lord of Life, please join us during the adult education time on October 2^nd.  During this hour we will offer more insight into how you can become a Stephen Ministry as well as how Stephen Ministers and the Stephen Ministry program are able to help others in need.

Sunday School - Spark Registration!

Sunday School registration forms can be found in the August newsletter and in the church narthex. Please complete forms and return to the Parish Ed mailbox or container in narthex no later than August 14th as materials need to be ordered to arrive in time.

We will again be using the curriculum called Spark, a resource from Augsburg. We also need you to volunteer to help teach this great program.  Please give thoughtful, prayerful consideration of our children’s need for willing teachers, co-teachers or helpers.

Sunday School begins on Rally Day, September 11, as we will gather ALL children and parents at 9:15am in the sanctuary. Invite your friends and neighbors. See you there!

Thank you!

Jennifer Cartee

Parish Ed Council Member

9TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING –August 21st

The 9th Annual Lord of Life Golf Outing will be Sunday, August 21 at Fillmore Fairways. This is a 4 Person Best Shot which includes: 18 holes with cart, a steak dinner, and prizes. The cost is $47 per person. If you prefer to come for the steak dinner only, the cost is $16 per person. Starting time is 11:30 a.m. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. The last day to sign up will be Sunday, August 7th. Please pay Barry Pickart on or before the 7^th. All are welcome to come out and play! Every year we have a great time and would love to have more people join us. If you have any questions, please contact Barry Pickart at 588-4345 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it