APRIL 2017 Peace Notes Get the complete Holy Week and Easter schedule inside!
WORSHIP PLAN FORAPRIL 2017 APRIL 2 & 3 Building Your Life in Christ: The Church The Church is infinite and indestruc ble, a diverse and always-in-mo on collec on of sent ones for the good of God s crea- on. Bible Texts: Luke 10:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 APRIL 9 & 10: PALM SUNDAY A Holy Week Journey As we near the end of our Lenten journey, we follow Jesus through the events of his last week on Earth. Bible Text: Ma hew 21:1-11 APRIL 13: MAUNDY THURSDAY Experience Wonder In the act of sharing a simple meal of bread and wine, Jesus invites us into a full body experience of God s love. Bible Texts: Luke 22:14-20; Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 APRIL 14: GOOD FRIDAY Seven Last Words We share the seven last words of Christ, as reflected on by seven lay members of the church. Bible Texts: Luke 23:34; Luke 23:45; John 19:26-27; Ma hew 27:46/Mark 15:34; John 19:30; Luke 23:46 APRIL 15 & 16: EASTER Saturday 5:30 PM and Sunday 11:30 AM Services: Bewildered Whether it s out of grief, fear or doubt, the most faithful response to the resurrec on is to remain near the empty tomb. Bible Text: John 20:1-8 Sunday 7:30, 9:00, and 10:15 AM Services: Fear and Great Joy We live in a world where there is a constant mixture of both fear and joy. Easter enables us to keep faith and have joy, even in the midst of our fears. Bible Text: Ma hew 28:1-10; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Acts 10:34-43 APRIL 23 & 24 Becoming Peace How do you keep a harmonious, peaceful rela onship with an unbelieving friend? Bible Texts: John 20:19-31; 1 Peter 1:3-9 APRIL 30 & MAY 1 Blessed Brokenness The story of the Road to Emmaus is all about where Jesus promises to be, and it seems Jesus prefers working with broken people, who have broken dreams, in a broken world. Bible Texts: Luke 24:13-35; Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Pastor Rick Skare Senior Pastor Pastor Keith Long Pastor of Life & Growth Kris n Skare Minister of Spiritual Care Tyler Strom Minister of Faith in Ac on 21705 129th Ave. N. Rogers, MN 55374 (763) 496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency message for the 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 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@wordofpeace.org May newsle er deadline: April 7, 2017 wordofpeace.org 2
Palm Sunday The Celebra on of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Sunday, April 9 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 AM Monday, April 10 6:30 PM Easter Egg Hunt Sunday at 2:00 PM (see p. 9) Maundy Thursday Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, he gives them instruc ons and the promise of the Holy Spirit to come. Easter We celebrate the resurrec on of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life! Saturday, April 15 5:30 PM Sunday, April 16 7:30, 9:00, 10:15, & 11:30 AM Pancake Breakfast 7:30-11:30 AM Thursday, April 13 6:30 PM Good Friday Jesus Christ is crucified on the cross for the sins of the world. It is a day of mourning and of gra tude over the extreme sacrifice that he made for each one of us. Friday, April 14 Holy Week Walk 10:00 AM, 12:00 & 2:00 PM (see p. 4) Traditional Service 6:30 PM The Passion Experience 8:00 PM Prayer Vigil 6:00 PM - Midnight 3
A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR THE WHOLE EARTH CELEBRATES JESUS RESURRECTION! Sunday, April 16 th is Easter. It is the celebra on of our Lord s resurrec- on from the dead; the celebra on of that day when all will be made alive in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22). It isn t just humanity that celebrates Jesus resurrec on, it is the whole earth as well. In the Easter story from Ma hew s gospel, before the stone is rolled away from the tomb, we read, And suddenly there was a great earthquake (Ma hew 28:2). In this instance, the earthquake is not a destruc ve power, but rather it is a signal to us that the natural world itself cannot help but witness to God s interven on in human affairs through Jesus. (from The Easter Tree by David Lose) There are other events in Jesus life that the natural world is a witness to. Ma hew also tells of the miraculous star that guided the magi to Bethlehem. And on Palm Sunday, in Luke s gospel, Jesus says to the Pharisees who want to silence the disciples, I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out. (Luke 19:40) With the whole earth being a part of Jesus life and resurrec- on celebra on, it seems appropriate that Earth Day this year is just a few days a er Easter (April 22). There is a definite connec on between God and the natural world; between our faith and the earth. So in this season of Easter and Earth Day, as we look forward in an cipa on to Spring and Summer, we are reminded once again of how important the earth is to our life and faith, and how important it is for us to care for that which sustains us and witnesses to us. Easter and Earth Day Blessings to You! 4 Pastor Rick Skare Senior Pastor P.S. In conjunc on with Earth Day, Word of Peace offers a Blessing of the Animals service (see back page for details). It s been fi een years since we first sang John Ru er s Requiem at Word of Peace. On Palm Sunday, April 9, we will perform it for the third me. Requiem is a beau ful work that contains a meless beauty and a richness of spirit that invites both performer and audience to enter into a sacred space celebra ng both life and death. This is a piece of music that people should be familiar with, and if you come to hear it you will have spent your me well. Requiem is accompanied by a small ensemble of harp, organ, flute, oboe, cello and mpani. The score also calls for a glockenspiel for the central movement but we are using hand bells instead, thanks to a special agreement with John Ru er. Guest soloist from the Land of Lakes Choirboys, Reese Beck, will sing two of the movements. Please don t miss this. It will be a wonderful way to start your Holy Week. A free-will offering will be taken. Holy Week Walk Good Friday, April 14 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM Experience the marketplace of Jerusalem, watch Jesus share a meal with his disciples and join Jesus as he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. This worship service is designed for adults and families of all ages to experience and par cipate in the sights and sounds of Holy Week. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and students to worship through drama, music, and experience. For more informa on, contact Kris n Skare at (763) 496-2404 or kskare@wordofpeace.org.
World Religions Field Trip Sunday, April 30 Join Pastor Keith in exploring Christ in culture in tours of both a Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Minneapolis and Minnesota s Hindu Temple, located right in our backyard of Maple Grove. The Schedule 7:30 AM: Meet at Word of Peace (if carpooling) 8:00 AM: Buddhist Temple of Minnesota 3401 N. 4th St., Minneapolis 9:30 AM: Hindu Temple of Minnesota 10530 Troy Ln. N., Maple Grove 11:00 AM: Worship at Word of Peace 12:00 PM: Lunch and discussion at Clive s Roadhouse Space is limited to 15 people. Sign up at the Informa on Desk or contact Pastor Keith at klong@wordofpeace.org. APRIL ADULT FORUMS Hope in the Eye of the Storm: Knowing God is Good Even When Life Isn t April 23 & May 7 9:45 AM in Room 120 This two-part presenta on will be given by Word of Peace member and emergency chaplain, Steve Carlson. April 23: Crisis Events 911/emergency response The chaplain s role in crisis events May 7: Asking the Big Ques ons Why do bad things happen? Why does God allow bad things to happen? What are human s and God s roles when bad things happen? Basic Facts and Myths of Memory Loss Presented by the Alzheimer s Associa on April 30 9:45 AM in Room 120 If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer's' disease, memory loss, or demen a, it's me to learn the facts. This program provides informa on on detec on, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and much more. Presented by the Alzheimer's Associa on. Adult Silent Retreat April 20 & 21 at Pacem in Terris Unplug, unwind, and be changed through silence and solitude with our Lord Jesus Christ. Situated in some of the most beau ful acreage of Minnesota, Pacem in Terris is a facility and organiza on dedicated to providing guests with an opportunity to encounter s llness in its sanctuary of silence and solitude, where riches beyond the human imagina- on await the open heart. It is here that you will detach from the busyness of the world for a while and become one with nature and Christ. Each guest is prayerfully assigned a cabin, or what is referred to at Pacem in Terris as a hermitage, in which they will unplug, unwind, and be changed through silence and solitude. Cost: $115 per person, includes food and lodging. Sign up at the Informa on Desk or contact Pastor Keith at klong@wordofpeace.org. For more informa on visit wordofpeace.org/silent-retreat. New Member Orienta on Tuesday, April 25 5:30-9:00 PM Are you curious about what Lutherans believe? Do you want to make new friends? Do you want to (officially) join in the mission and vision of Word of Peace? Join us for the next New Member Orienta on! We will: Meet the pastors Hear what we believe and how we do ministry Make and enjoy a meal together, and Spend me ge ng to know each other To register, visit wordofpeace.org/membership or contact Susen Kay in the church office at (763) 496-2400 or 5
A Gathering of Women: Mugs & Muffins Saturday, April 29 9:30-11:30 AM Mission Jamaica Thanks You Word of Peace was well represented in last month s mission trip to Jamaica, and what an amazing trip it was! Missionaries included Minster Tyler Strom, Glenn Nemec, Caren Nemec, Kirs n Carlson, Clark Messenbrink, and Paige Messenbrink. With your prayers and dona ons, the Mission Jamaica team made a tangible difference in the lives of those in Jamaica: joy and hope was brought to disabled children at the West Haven Children s Home, nearly 500 pa ents treated at five loca ons, a new home built for a single mom and her eight children. God is doing wondrous things through Mission Jamaica and we encourage you to discern if God is calling you to par cipate in global mission work. If you would like addi onal informa on, contact Minister Tyler Strom at tstrom@wordofpeace.org. Julie Bonde, founder of the Dragonfly Project, is coming to Word of Peace to share her hopeful story of how The Dragonfly Project changed her grief journey. This is an event you won t want to miss about how God works in all of us, no ma er what our age. A er Julie s presenta- on we will help assemble cards and keychains that will carry a message of hope to people who are grieving. Muffins, danish, coffee, tea, and juice will be provided. Due to the nature of this event, registra on is limited to 75 women. Cost is $15 and the proceeds from this event will offset the cost of the cards and keychains as well as support the ministry of Word of Peace. Registra on forms are available at the Informa on Desk beginning April 9; please include your fee when registering. Learn more about the Dragonfly Project at dragonflyproject.org. Ques ons? Contact Kris n Skare at (763) 496-2404 or kskare@wordofpeace.org. BIBLE BLAST! Start Saving for Peace Market Our popular churchwide rummage sale is scheduled for June 1 & 2. Start saving your dona ons of gently used furniture, books, clothes, toys, tools, etc. Hundreds of volunteers will be needed for 2-hour shi s, so mark your calendars now. Invite your friends, neighbors, family, and everyone you know to this huge sale event! For more informa on contact Tracy Rowe at (763) 496-2421 or trowe@wordofpeace.org. 6 Help the Word of Peace kids Explore their rela onship with God by providing them with a Bible. Look for the tables in the Gathering Area or donate online at wordofpeace.org/give. THANK YOU!
With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade. Mark 4:30-32 In his book, What s So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancy writes: Jesus images portray the kingdom as a kind of secret force. Sheep among wolves, treasure hidden in a field, the niest seed in the garden, wheat growing among weeds, a pinch of yeast worked into bread dough, a sprinkling of salt on meat all these hint at a movement that works within society, changing it from the inside out. You do not need a shovelful of salt to preserve a slab of ham; a dus ng will suffice. Jesus did not leave an organized host of followers, for he knew that a handful of salt would gradually work its way through the migh est empire in the world. Against all odds, the great ins tu ons of Rome the law code, libraries, the Senate, Roman legions, roads, aqueducts, public monuments gradually crumbled, but the li le band to whom Jesus gave these images prevailed and con nues on today. It s not easy believing in the miracle of the resurrec on. But then my mind slips to those fearful, cowardly, grieving disciples who locked themselves in the upper room in the a ermath of Jesus crucifixion and I can t help but wonder: these are the ones Jesus chose to make the kingdom known throughout the world? Yes. By his amazing grace and wisdom, Jesus began a revolu on of love and hope through just a few men and women. Not by raising up a city of devotees, but by empowering a handful of the overlooked and the misunderstood, through people like you and me who dared dream of a brighter tomorrow. There is no shortage of pain, suffering and despair in our world today but just think through YOU and your gi s of me, talent AND treasure, Jesus all important call to make the kingdom known throughout the world con nues today. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to Word of Peace. He is Risen indeed. In Christ, Pastor Keith Long Pastor of Life and Growth CROSS CORNER You know when someone loves the work they do by how much they enjoy sharing it with you. Spend me with Stephanie, the Director of Opera ons at CROSS and you definitely understand how much she loves what she does. Stephanie has a big job. She is responsible for coordina ng the efforts of more than 1,800 volunteers, organizing the Meals on Wheels Program, coordina ng the Kids Pack Program that provides food for school children on nonschool days, leading the Food Rescue Program to collect unused/ unsold food from corporate food suppliers, and endlessly explores ways to partner within the community to assist those in need. If you would like to help Stephanie, consider volunteering your me or dona ng food, clothing, or money to CROSS. Find out more at crossservices.org. CROSS Needs for April: Boxed potatoes, toothpaste, paper & plas c grocery bags. Dona ons may be dropped off at the CROSS Corner in the North Gathering Area. THANK YOU! 7
CHILDREN S MINISTRY CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY Two Long-Time Staffers Say Farewell It is with great sadness that we say farewell to two beloved staff members in the Children, Youth and Family ministry. After seven years in ministry at Word of Peace, Marcus Eads has resigned from his position as Director of Youth Ministry, and Lisa Buck has resigned from her position as CYF Administrator after faithfully serving for thirteen years. Marcus next adventure is to be a stay-at-home dad to his two young children, Josephine and Juniper. On Sunday and Monday, March 26 & 27, we will say thank you and farewell to him during worship. In addition, there will be an open house for Marcus on Wednesday, March 29 in the Youth Room after the Lenten services. Marcus last day will be March 30. Lisa Buck Children, Youth & Family Administrator Marcus Eads Director of Youth Ministry Lisa is currently pursuing other employment opportunities and her last day will be no later than April 30. The congregation will have the opportunity to formally thank and wish Lisa farewell on a date to be determined. We are grateful to Marcus and Lisa for their combined 20 years of dedicated service and ministry to the children, youth, and families of Word of Peace! HERE S WHAT S HAPPENING THIS MONTH: Vaca on Bible School Registra on is Open Registra on forms are available outside the Children s Ministry office, or you can register online at wordofpeace.org/vbs. Church School/Confirma on Registra on Begins April 23 Ash Wednesday Pancake Brunch Eatin Pancakes and Learnin About Lent Look for more informa on coming soon. 8
EASTER EGG HUNT! for Families with Infants through 4th Grade SUNDAY, APRIL 9 from 2-4 PM Egg Hunt ~ Games ~ Face Painting Volunteers are needed for this event! Please contact Rachel Smith at (763) 496-2423 or rsmith@wordofpeace.org SENIORS Rogers Senior Center 12913 Main Street. Open 9 AM-4:30 PM Monday-Thursday and 9 AM-3 PM Friday. Coordinator, Liz: (763) 428-0939/edirks@rogersmn.gov. Senior Shop Rogers Bus Thursdays at 10 AM, $1.00 per rider. Assistance provided with groceries. Contact Judy: (763) 428-7657. Jammers Potluck & Music Sunday, April 2, 1-5 PM (eat at 4 PM) at the Rogers Community Room (21201 Memorial Drive). Bring a dish for potluck and enjoy free entertainment from local musicians. Contact Dave: (763) 428-4217. Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale on Tuesday, April 11. $1.00 round trip. Call Judy to sign up, (763) 428-7657. Spring Flea Market/Cra & Bake Sale April 8 from 9 AM-3 PM at the Rogers Community Room. Door prize drawings, lunch from 10:30-2:00, bake sale and various items for you to shop from. Monthly Book Club 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 26. New members welcome! Mee ng date is the 4th Wednesday each month, a different book discussed each me. April book is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Call Liz: (763) 428-0939. Games at the Senior Center Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1 PM. Mah Jongg: Fridays at 9:30 AM. Texas Canasta: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 1 PM. Call Liz: (763) 428-0939. Great Decisions: A Global Discussion Group Beginning April 19 at 9:30 AM at the Rogers Senior Center. 2017 topics include European Union, Trade Policy, South China Sea, Saudia Arabia, Geopoli cs of Energy, La n America, Afghanistan/Pakistan, and Nuclear Security. To par cipate, pick up a Great Decisions book from Liz at the Senior Center for $25.00. Group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month with filmed documentaries or speakers. Call Liz: (763) 428-0939. Please contact Judy Hanson at (763) 428-7657 for resource, community or general informa on for seniors. To subscribe to the Rogers Senior Newsle er, call (763) 428-0939. Or, read it online at www.rogersmn.gov/seniors-home. 9
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Blessing of the Animals Saturday, April 23, 1:00 PM Bring your animals to Word of Peace for a blessing!