A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCHA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

MARCH 2013MARCH 2013MARCH 2013MARCH 2013

PEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTES

Palm Sunday•March 24•Palm Sunday•March 24•Palm Sunday•March 24•Palm Sunday•March 24•Worship at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday•March 28•Maundy Thursday•March 28•Maundy Thursday•March 28•Maundy Thursday•March 28•Worship at 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29 12 Noon and 6:30 p.m. Tenebrae Worship

8:00 p.m. Passion Experience Worship

Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31 Worship on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday at 7:30, 9:00, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast Served on Sunday Morning

2

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Remember who you are and where you are from!” As a child, these words

were par�ng words from my parents as I went anywhere without them. On

Ash Wednesday we were reminded of who we are and where we are from by

an ash cross placed on our foreheads with the words, “remember you are

dust and to dust you shall return.” This ritual act reminds us of a truth that

we, at �mes, would much rather avoid: our mortality. But we are also remind-

ed of who’s we are and from where we come.

When we received the sign of the cross on our foreheads, it was sealed with

the Holy Spirit forever. With that cross we are claimed; welcomed into a

much larger family of believers. And in response to what God has done for us

we are sent into the world, joined with other believers, as workers in the

kingdom of God.

God calls and uses each one of us to share His love with all people. During

Lent we are focusing on the theme “Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Glob-

al Community.” We will hear stories of how God works through our rela�on-

ships with one another—the stranger and across the globe—to meet the

needs of those who are hungry, homeless, and oppressed.

The Global Ministry Team is calling us to think on the text from Ma3hew

25:34-36:

Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the king-

dom prepared for you since the crea on of the world. 35 For I was hungry

and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me some-

thing to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes

and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked a(er me…

As blessed people of God, we are called into rela�onship with one another

and the world. This Lent as we reflect on God’s claim on us, let us also re-

member God’s love and claim for all the children of the world. Who is God

calling you into rela�onship? Who is God placing in your life? What injus�ces

are s�rring a holy discontent in your life? Join us for worship and the adult

educa�on hour, where we will hear stories of how God has been using people

to minister to others around the world.

So Beloved Children of God, remember who’s you are. And even in the dark-

ness of Lent – let your light shine so that others may see your good works and

glorify our Father in heaven.

Living in God’s Amazing Grace!

21705 129th Ave. N.

P.O. Box 306

Rogers, MN 55374

Church Office

763-496-2400 (press 3 to leave an emergency

message for the pastor)

On the Web

www.wordofpeace.org

www.facebook.com/

wordofpeace

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 in the

church office at 496-2401 or

jpriebe@woplc.org.

April newsle+er deadline:

March 15 at Noon

Pastor Krista Strum

Faith Formation Pastor

3

Wednesday Lenten Worship con�n-

ues through March 20 at 5:30 and

7:00pm. Wednesday Lenten Suppers

will be served from 5-7pm.

Lenten Devo$onals are available at

the Informa�on Desk and online at h3p://www.mpls-synod.org/files/programs/global/lenten_devo_2013.pdf.

The Church Office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 1. There

will be no evening ac�vi�es or worship.

Jim Young’s Crosses on Display at Luther Seminary—The cross

sculptures of Word of Peace member and renowned ar�st, James

Quen�n Young, will be on display throughout Lent at Luther Semi-

nary in St. Paul. Congratula�ons, Jim!

Easter Egg Hunt—Sunday, March 24

Watch your e-mail, bulle�n and website for

more informa�on about this fun event com-

ing soon!

Over 50 Word of Peace Leaders A6end Leadership Summit

On February 21, over 50 church leaders from the Ministry Teams,

Strategic Planning Team, Execu�ve Team and Staff came together

for an evening of visioning, strategic planning, dwelling in the Word

and prayer. The main focus of the evening was to implement the

work of the newly-formed Strategic Planning Team (SPT). The agen-

da also included a presenta�on made by the Social Ministry Team

on Mental Health issues, an orienta�on for new team members and

a Communion blessing of each leadership team.

Happenings

Peace Market is Coming

Soon—Start Saving your

Treasures! Intake begins

April 16, Sale dates are April

18 and 19. For more infor-

ma�on, contact Karen Run-

ning at 763-496-2421 or

krunning@woplc.org.

CPR/First Aid Fundraisers on

April 4 and 9 —Two classes

of HeartSaver CPR/First Aid

will be offered at Word of

Peace as a fundraiser for the

Susan G. Komen Walk for a

Cure. Cost is $35 and all pro-

ceeds will go to Walk for a

Cure “Team Valiant Volkers.”

For more informa�on or to

register, contact Judy Volkers

at 763-428-2075.

Mark Your Calendars

Think Spring! Youth Plant Sale Begins March 17

Word of Peace youth will be selling plants from Broman’s Greenhouse

as a fundraiser for summer camps, mission trips and other youth-

related events.

Order forms will be available Sunday, March 17th and should be re-

turned to the youth office by April 14th. Flowers will be delivered to

you on May 10th, just in �me for plan�ng! Ques�ons? Contact Dain,

Mari or Marcus in the Youth Ministry office, 763-496-2400.

4

MarchMarch Sermons & ReadingsSermons & Readings

March 3 & 4 (Third Weekend in Lent)

Guest Speaker: Tim Iverson, Director of

Global Health Ministries

Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Global Family

By connec�ng with our neighbors near and far, we can

bring change to a global community. These simple yet

profound connec�ons are among the first steps we can

take to live out our calling in the world.

Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1-9

March 10 & 11 (Fourth Weekend in Lent)

Guest Speakers: Gordon & Be3y Olson

from Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry

Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Global Family

Gordon and Be3y Olson share the story behind Luther-

an Partners in Global Ministry and how they turned the

grief of the tragic loss of their son into hope for thou-

sands of people around the world.

Scripture Readings: TBD

March 17 & 18 (FiBh Weekend in Lent)

Pastor Ron Prasek:

“Jesus Said it; I Believe it; That Se+les it!”

Hand in Hand: Connec ng with our Global Family

The ques�on is oVen asked: We have so many prob-

lems and needs here, why do we send missionaries to

other countries? Heather Swanson of Youth Encounter

and Pastor Ron, who served in Papua New Guinea, will

speak about their experiences as missionaries to help us

understand that everyone involved is changed by the

Holy Spirit: the people of the sending congrega�on, the

people who receive the missionaries and the missionar-

ies themselves grow in the faith and the love of Christ.

Scripture Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Ma+hew

25:31-46

March 24 & 25 (Palm Sunday/Monday)

Pastors Ron Prasek, Rick Skare and Krista Strum:

“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.

Scripture Readings: Luke 22:14-23:56; Isaiah 50:4-9a;

Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:14-23:56

March 28 (Maundy Thursday)

Pastor Rick Skare: "How Shall I Repay the Lord?

On this night, even before we commemorate Jesus'

death on Good Friday and Jesus' resurrec�on on Easter

Sunday, we give thanks for God's grace and answered

prayer. In being overcome by the grace bestowed upon

us, we ask along with the psalmist, "How shall I repay

the Lord?"

Scripture Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Exodus 12:1-

14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35

March 29 (Good Friday)

“Seven Last Words”

We share the seven last words of Christ, as reflected on

by seven lay members of the Congrega�on

Scripture Readings: Luke 23:34; Luke 23:43; John 19:26-

27; Ma+hew 27:46/Mark 15:34; John 19:30; Luke 23:46

March 30 (Easter Saturday/Sunday)

Pastor Ron Prasek: “Taps and Reveille”

Our world is a mix of light and dark. The Easter message

is that in God’s future, all is light.

Scripture Readings: Luke 24:1-12

5

Ken Barlow and Dave

Wellstone to Speak at

Word of Peace In April

KSTP meteorologist Ken Barlow,

who recently revealed his strug-

gle with bipolar disorder, an-

nounced he’s star�ng a non-

profit with Dave Wellstone, son

of the late Senator Paul Well-

stone, to reduce the s�gma

a3ached to mental illness.

Please come listen to Mr. Bar-

low and Mr. Wellstone on April

21. More informa�on to come.

There was recently a story on the radio of a

very successful and highly respected business-

man. Over the span of many prosperous years,

he had built great wealth. He was widely known

not just for his financial success, but also for his

generous heart—regularly giving large amounts

to various chari�es. The recent recession, how-

ever, hit his business hard causing it to suffer

and ul�mately fail, and the man quickly lost

most of the money he had worked so long and

hard to earn. AVer the collapse of his business,

he was asked by a colleague if he regre3ed hav-

ing given so much of his money away now that

he found himself in such difficult �mes. He was

quick to respond, “No,” and added: “Everything

I kept for myself, I lost. Everything I gave away, I

s�ll have.”

What a great lesson this is for us as Chris�ans.

We all are called to be faithful stewards of that

which God has blessed us with: our �me, our

abili�es, our finances. When we choose to

share these blessings with others, we truly gain

that which can never be taken away.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on

earth, where moth and rust consume and where

thieves break in and steal; but store up for your-

selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth

nor rust consumes and where thieves do not

break in and steal. For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.”

—Ma+hew 6:19-21

108 Ninth Graders Affirm their Bap$sm

Word of Peace congratulates the 108 young men and

women who affirmed their bap�sm in end of January.

Students completed their confirma�on events this fall by

being trained in the Peer Ministry program, “The Good

Samaritan.” This ministry equips young people to be com-

passionate people and friends to other students at their

school and at home.

Their confirma�on week was filled with encouragement

and prayers from their family, culmina�ng in a worship

service designed and led by the students. Word of Peace

is grateful for these young people of faith. Our congrega-

�on hopes and prays that they and their families will con-

�nue to grow in their faith through worship, service, and

fellowship. Thanks be to God for these ninth graders!

“Like” Us on Facebook! Come be a part of our online communi-

ty of Word of Peace friends! Stay up-

to-date on what’s happening at

church, view pictures and videos from various

events, post comments or create discussions

about sermons or studies, etc.

Go to www.facebook.com/wordofpeace.

6

Learning Ministry

Pastor Mark Warpmaeker is the Execu�ve

Director for Lutheran Partners in Global

Ministry (LPGM). He will discuss what it

means to be a neighbor in our global com-

munity by exploring the effects that pov-

erty, educa�on, and sexism can have on

society.

Pastor Warpmaeker has been shocked by

how women and children are treated by

society and their families. The only way to bring effec�ve

change to this reality is through educa�on and access to oppor-

tuni�es. LPGM supports a number of ministries that are trans-

forming the lives for women and girls in India and Africa, several

of which Pastor Warpmaeker will share with us.

Pastor Warpmaeker will also share the story behind Lutheran

Partners in Global Mission, and how two parents, Gordon and

Betsy Olson, turned the grief of the tragic loss of their son into

hope for thousands of people around the world. There will be

�me for Q & A with Pastor Warpmaeker, as well as an in-depth

look at several of the ministries LPGM provides around the

world.

March 10 and 17, 9:30 AM — Room 120

Cathy Malotky will explore what it means to

love ourselves, God, and our world by shar-

ing what we have with others.

Catherine Malotky is a na�onally renowned

speaker, teacher, author and ordained pas-

tor. She currently serves as a philanthropic

adviser at Luther Seminary.

The Next 5th Grade Celebrate

Communion Class is Sunday, March 10.

Register at www.wordofpeace.org or

contact Rachel at rsmith@woplc.org or

763-496-2423.

Church School Kids Sing in Church on

Palm Sunday, March 24 and Monday,

March 25!

Easter Egg Hunt is Sunday, March 24 at

2pm for children ages 3 through fourth

grade. Look for details at

www.wordofpeace.org or contact

Lisa Buck at 763-496-2405 or

lbuck@woplc.org

Dates to Note

No Confirma on

Wednesday, March 27—Holy Week

No Church School

Sunday, March 31—Easter

No Church School

Monday, April 1—Easter Monday

March 3, 9:30 AM — Room 120

7

YOUTH MINISTRY

The Easter Breakfast and Plant Sale are just around the corner! There are many opportuni�es to fundraise and volun-

teer. Watch for the more informa�on and sign-up sheets on the youth bulle�n board, coming soon.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MSM.AM (Middle School Ministry A.M.) meets two Sun-

days a month from 9:30-10:30am in the youth room. Join

us on March 10 and 24 and bring your friends!

Middle School Movie Night—Come watch “Wreck-it

Ralph” on Friday, March 15 from 6-8pm in the youth room.

Snacks, trivia, prizes and a devo�on based on the movie.

Invite your friends and sign up on the youth bulle�n board.

HIGH SCHOOL

Summer Mission Trips and Camps—Informa�on and regis-

tra�on forms are now available for summer mission trips

and senior high Bible camps. Contact Dain Swanson at 763

-496-2409 or dswanson@woplc.org for more informa�on.

TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) is a peer-led weekend re-

treat is coming to Word of Peace April 5-7. More infor-

ma�on and online registra�on can be found at

www.mmltec.org. This is a weekend that every high

schooler should a3end!

m i n i s t r y

m i n i s t r y

m i n i s t r y

m i n i s t r y

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE The Word of Peace Sunshine Ministry is made up

of dedicated volunteers who send cards and tokens

of love and encouragement to those in our congre-

ga�on in need of kindness. They minister to stu-

dents away at college, individuals in our armed

forces and those who are grieving a loss, among

others.

Here are a few words of thanks from individuals

whose lives were touched by these special volun-

teers:

We would like to thank you for the beau ful card. Some days are hard to get through, but

somehow we always do. We wanted you to know how nice it is to get such a wonderful

card and message. I miss my mom every day but when I read the card, it makes me feel not

so alone. Thank you to the Caring (Sunshine) Ministry and to Word of Peace.

— Jeff, Vickie, Breanna and Jason Krueger

Thank you for your kindness and sympathy at a me when they were deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your kind and loving thoughts.

— Mary Decker and family

Thank you so much for the beau ful book and the sweet card. The boys and I read it to-

gether—I know they find much peace knowing about heaven.

— Veronica Westerman

8

The Annual Congrega�onal mee�ng for Word of Peace

took place on January 27. Church members ra�fied the

Cons�tu�onal changes proposed and approved in No-

vember 2012, approved some Bylaw changes, ap-

proved the 2013 General Fund budget and elected our

new leadership for 2013.

Our Execu�ve Team will be lead once again by Mike

Schlegel, Vanae Pearson, Lynn O’Gara and Tim Moreau

as well as Ka�e Doyle and Joy Thompson. Our Strategic

Planning Team will focus on the future of Word of

Peace and will be led by Wendy Neu, Tom Eckers, Amy

Larkin and Lois Graham (2 posi�ons remain open).

Our 2013 General Fund budget has an increase of

11.5% in offerings over last year’s actuals for a total of

$1,182,722. Expenses will increase by 8.6% over last

year’s actual for a total of $1,227,470.

Ques�ons regarding the results of the mee�ng can be

directed to Pastor Ron, Pastor Rick, Pastor Krista or

Holly Finstad or to any member of the Execu�ve Team.

Contact the Church Office to reach these individuals.

The January blood drive at Word of Peace helped to

save and sustain lives in our community. Because

blood contains three components—plasma, platelets,

and red blood cells—the 40 units collected at the

blood drive can be used to save up to 120 lives. Thank

you for making a life-saving difference!

— Memorial Blood Centers

On behalf of Elk River Lutheran Church, ELCA, we wish

to thank you and your church members for their gra-

cious assistance in preparinig the visita on and funer-

al service for our adored congrega onal member,

Hannah Ostby, on January 14. Please give special

thanks to Mari, Shelly and Marcus for their kindness

and understanding in our me of grief.

— Larry and Jean Cook

�ank You’s

RECAPRECAPRECAPRECAP

MEN’S RETREAT

March 16 at Word of Peace

This fun event is open to all men ages 12-120! We

will listen to Pastor Feig, a military chaplain, tell

stories about his special ministry to our armed

forces.

The powerful stories, great food, friendship and

lively discussion will amount to a fun and uplift-

ing day. Sign up at the table in the Gathering Ar-

ea beginning March 3.

For more information, please e-mail

lifeandgrowth@wordofpeace.org.

9

Seniors

Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-7657 for resource, community

or general informa�on for seniors.

To subscribe to the Senior Newsle3er, call 763-241-3520. Or, you can

read the newsle3er online at ww.seniors.cityofrogers.org.

• Thursday Senior Shop Rogers

Bus—Thursdays at 10am, $1.00

per rider. Contact Judy at 763-428-

7657.

• Jammers Potluck & Music—

Sunday, March 3 from 1-5pm (eat

at 4pm) at the Rogers Community

Room. Contact Dave at 763-428-

4217.

• Rogers Senior Dining—Tuesday

through Thursday every week at

12:00noon at the Rogers Commu-

nity Center. Call at least two days

in advance by 2pm for reserva-

�ons, 763-428-0976. Cost: 55+

$4.00/Under 55 $7.00

• Cards & Games—Every Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday aVer

Senior Dining - 12:30-2:00pm at

the Rogers Community Room. Call

Margaret, 763-428-8650.

• Fit & Fun Exercises (for ages 50+)

Mondays from 10:30-11:15am at

the Rogers Community Room. Call

Margaret, 763-428-8650.

• Winter Walking at the Rogers Ice

Arena—Monday-Friday from

10:30am �l closing. Walk the track

or stairs. Free.

• Tax Prepara$on: Friday, March 8

& 15, 9am-noon: Any Seniors or

low-income families who need

their taxes done, come to the Rog-

ers Community Room during

those mornings and bring all your

tax papers with you. This is free of

charge and coffee will be served.

• The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus

takes seniors shopping at

Ridgedale every other month. The

next trip will be April 9th. Cost is

$1.00 for the round trip. The bus

will pick us up at Word of Peace at

9:30am and return us by 1:30pm.

Call Judy to sign up at

763-428-7657.

C.R.O.S.S. Corner

Easter Baskets & Candy are needed

for C.R.O.S.S. Kids—If you are out

shopping for your kids’ Easter bas-

kets, won’t you pick up an extra for a

child in need? (No Easter grass

please.)

Food Shelf Needs—Toilet paper, hot

cereal, mayonaisse , chicken soup,

sal�ne crackers.

Empty Bowls—Thursday, March 14,

2013 from 11am-7pm at the Maple

Grove Community Center. More in-

forma�on at www.crossfoodshelf.org.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed—

Please contact Stephanie at 763-267-

5182 for more informa�on.

Wine, Water Jars, & Witness WORD OF PEACE WOMEN’S RETREAT

FFFFRIDARIDARIDARIDAYYYY 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM ———— 9:00 PM9:00 PM9:00 PM9:00 PM

Dinner & White Elephant Exchange SSSSATURDAATURDAATURDAATURDAYYYY 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM ———— 3:30 PM3:30 PM3:30 PM3:30 PM

Continental Breakfast & Lunch

$25/person

Sign-Up in the Gathering Area

The Women of John’s Gospel as Models of Ministry

March 22 - 23

Dr. Karoline Lewis Luther Seminary

Featuring Guest Speaker

“Our retreat will take a look at two extraordinary women

in the Gospel of John: the Samaritan Woman at the Well

and the Mother of Jesus. Both of them show us what it

means to be a disciple, our potential for ministry, and

the ways in which God calls us where we are and

because of who we are to witness to our faith.”

NonNonNonNon----Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org.Profit Org. US PostageUS PostageUS PostageUS Postage

PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID ROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MNROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9PERMIT NO. 9

C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d

SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional8:00 a.m. Traditional 9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended9:30 a.m. Blended

11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary11:00 a.m. Contemporary

MondaysMondaysMondaysMondays 6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary6:30 p.m. Contemporary

HOLY WEEK WORSHIPHOLY WEEK WORSHIPHOLY WEEK WORSHIPHOLY WEEK WORSHIP

Palm Sunday•March 24Palm Sunday•March 24Palm Sunday•March 24Palm Sunday•March 24 Worship at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday•March 28Maundy Thursday•March 28Maundy Thursday•March 28Maundy Thursday•March 28 Worship at 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29Good Friday •March 29 12 Noon and 6:30 p.m. Tenebrae Worship

8:00 p.m. Passion Experience Worship

Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31Easter•March 30/31 Worship on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday at 7:30, 9:00, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast Served on Sunday Morning