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 PEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTESPEACE NOTES
NOVEMBER 2014NOVEMBER 2014NOVEMBER 2014NOVEMBER 2014
All Saints Day
Memorial Service Sunday, November 2
12:30pm at the
Word of Peace Cemetery
Everyone is invited to a�end this
special worship service to remem-
ber those we have lost this year
and those who are buried at the
Word of Peace Cemetery.
The cemetery is located on Terri-
torial Road just west of Tucker
Road, next to the old St. John's
Episcopal Church.
Thanksgiving Eve
Worship and
Pie Social Wednesday, November 26
at 6:30pm
Come for Worship,
Stay for Pie!
7th
Grade Hunger & Homelessness Event
On October 4, 115 of our 7th
grade confirma-on
students, guides and junior guides gathered at
Word of Peace for the annual Hunger & Home-
lessness Event (formerly “Box City”). They
played games, watched a video about home-
lessness in the Twin Ci-es, and waited in long
lines outside in the cold to get a cup of soup.
Through interac-ve learning, the students
gained a be�er understanding of how hunger
and homelessness impact our communi-es, and
they went away knowing that there are ways in
which we can all help.
The highlight of the evening was when Allan Law,
founder of the 363 Days Food Program, spoke
with the kids about hunger in Minnesota. Allan, a
re-red school teacher now in his late seven-es,
works 20 hours a day picking up and delivering
sandwiches to homeless shelters all over the
Twin Ci-es. He speaks at over 500 sandwich-
making events in a year (yes, 500) and we were
honored to have him visit ours. The 7th
graders
and guides made and packaged 1,000 sandwich-
es during the evening. Way to go!
Thank you to all the youth and adult volunteers and staff who helped make the evening
successful. We couldn’t have done it without you! And thank you to our 7th
grade stu-
dents for your energy, enthusiasm and awesome sandwich-making skills!
2
Pastor Rick Skare, Senior Pastor
Pastor Krista Strum, Pastor
21705 129th Ave. N.
Rogers, MN 55374
Church Office
763-496-2400
(press 3 to leave an emergency
message for the pastor)
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 at
763-496-2401 or
December newsle�er deadline:
November 14
WordofPeace.org
Sermons
& Readings
November 2 & 3
Pastor Rick Skare, Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity: Giving Our Worship
Rest is so important that God has commanded it. Our true rest is worshipping Jesus
Christ, the Word.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 95:1-7; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:23-30
November 9 & 10
Pastor Krista Strum, Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity: Giving Our Spiritual Gi&s
OHen -mes when we think of spiritual giHs we may think, “Who, me?” The answer is a
resounding, “Yes, you!” God has giHed each one of us with interests, talents and skills
to be shared with the world. In bap-sm, each one of us are claimed as part of the body
of Christ and worker in the kingdom of God.
Scripture Readings: Ma�hew 25:14-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
November 16 & 17
Pastor Rick Skare, Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity: Giving Our Money
At this -me of pledging it may be temp-ng to think we don’t have enough. But in our
willingness to share in Jesus’ name, the blessings are more than we imagine.
Scripture Readings: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; John 6:14 Psalm 145:10-18
November 23 & 24
Pastor Ashley Updegraff-Balow, A Shepherd in King’s Clothing
We oHen refer to Christ as Lord and King, but what does that really mean? What kind
of King is Jesus? And why does it ma�er for us? God speaks through the prophet Ezeki-
el to tell of a Kingship unlike any the world has ever seen: Jesus as a Shepherd-King,
who humbly enters his fold (that’s us!) and tends to his flock (that’s us!) with mercy
and grace?
Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-14; Ma�hew 25:31-46; Psalm 95:1-7a
Wednesday, November 27—Thanksgiving Eve
Pastor Rick Skare, preaching
November 30 & December 1—First Sunday in Advent
Pastor Krista Strum, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Watching and wai-ng; wai-ng and watching. There are -mes in our lives that we do
this with great an-cipa-on of joy or sorrow. As Chris-ans, we are called to keep alert
and keep awake for Christ in the midst of the busyness of our daily lives, not with anxi-
ety or fear, but with confidence and hope.
Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Mark 13:24-37;
Isaiah 64:1-9
3
Fall is the -me of new beginnings, thanksgiving and celebra-on. We have much to be thankful for and to cel-
ebrate as we begin a new season of mission and ministry at Word of Peace. The changing season brings us a
fresh start and an opportunity to consider how God works in our lives. Our stewardship emphasis this year is
on Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity, taken from 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Our four-week journey will em-
phasize our faithful prac-ces of prayer, worship, service and giving. Each week we will highlight one of these
prac-ces during worship:
Oct 26/27: “Giving our Day” – Kick off Sunday
Each day offers an opportunity to celebrate God’s presence in our lives and to give our days
to God in prayer.
Nov 2/3? “Giving the Sabbath”
Worshiping in a community of believers helps to strengthen our faith and build a worship
community by offering up words of praise and thanksgiving and devo-ng ourselves to God.
Nov 9/10? “Giving of our Gi&s”
Just like the song we all know tells us to “Let our light shine,” God is asking us to show our
praise by sharing our giHs and talents throughout our church and communi-es.
Nov 16/17? “Giving of our Income” – Pledge Sunday (Turn in your pledge cards!)
Monetary giving expresses our trust in God’s abundant provisions and is intended to ex-
press our joy and gra-tude for what has been first given to us.
Please join us on this journey of “Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity. As we prayerfully walk through
these coming weeks, please consider how you will choose to respond to God’s call and engage in the support
of the missions of our church through your prayer, your devo-ons, your giHs and your income. Through
God’s grace, the Gospel sets us free to live abundant, joyful and generous lives.
The Stewardship Team
Pledge Sunday is November 16
4
Gree-ngs, People of Word of Peace!
I am Pastor Ashley Updegraff-Balow and I am
thrilled to be your new Interim Pastor, serving among you in this
in-between -me.
AHer gradua-ng from Luther Seminary my husband, Tim, and I
moved to Urbana, Illinois where I served as an Associate Pastor of
Youth and Family ministry. Several months ago Tim was offered a
great job opportunity here in the Twin Ci-es, and we relocated.
He serves as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. We’re glad to be
back in Minnesota—we first fell in love with the lakes, the snow,
and all that the Twin Ci-es had to offer during our seminary
years.
Since our return, I’ve been piecing together various ministry op-
portuni-es while I await a call to a congrega-on. I love being a
pastor. I par-cularly enjoy building rela-onships, wondering
about what God is up to in our -me and place, preaching, teach-
ing, and hanging out with youth. We’re all trying to figure out
how to follow Jesus, and it’s a joy to be able to do this with you!
Beyond life in the church I enjoy reading, going to the movies (can
anyone say popcorn?!), and spending -me outdoors. I love being
with my family, traveling, cooking/ea-ng, and cuddling with our
two cats. Fall equals football in our house, and you can hear us
cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers.
Again, I am excited to be spending a season with you at Word of
Peace. I look forward to geTng to know you and sharing in minis-
try with you. May the Spirit guide us, root us and energize us for
the journey!
In Christ,
Pastor Ashley Updegraff-Balow
Pastor Ashley will preach once a month, help with congrega9onal visits and
perform other pastoral du9es. For now, she will be serving the congrega9on
on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays un9l a Pastor of Congrega9onal Life &
Growth is in place. Her hours may increase as her schedule allows.
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
In addi-on to Pastor Ashley, we are
excited to welcome several new in-
dividuals to the Word of Peace
Staff. They are:
Linda Thomas Part-Time Financial Manager
Linda is a returning to the staff aHer
five years; she was the Confirma-on
Coordinator and has since earned
her accoun-ng degree and started
her own accoun-ng business. She
will work part--me and her respon-
sibili-es will include finance, human
resources, and business administra-
-on. Please stop by and introduce
yourself to Linda!
Pat Hurley Part-Time Facili<es Manager
We welcome Pat Hurley who will
focus on the areas of the care and
keeping of our church building, fa-
cili-es and grounds. Pat, who is a
Word of Peace member and has
volunteered and coordinated sever-
al events here, comes to us with
several years of experience in man-
aging apartment complexes.
Welcome, Pat!
Mary Koch and
Kelly Schneider, Part-Time Nursery Assistants
Mary and Kelly are now caring for
our li�le ones in the Noah’s Ark
Nursery during worship and other
ac-vi-es throughout the week. Stop
by to say hello!
Pastor Ashley
Updegraff-Balow,
Interim Pastor
5
HappeningsHappeningsHappeningsHappenings
Marriage Encounter Weekend Retreat
Good communica-on is the key to keeping your mar-
riage vibrant and strong! And only the right communi-
ca-on tools can help your rela-onship be all that it can
be.
The Marriage Encounter weekend is for married cou-
ples who value their rela-onship and desire a richer,
fuller life together. Marriage Encounter weekends have
enhanced millions of marriages by teaching couples a
simple communica-on technique that allows them to
privately explore important areas of their personal re-
la-onship in a spirit of love and understanding. By con-
-nuing to use this technique, husbands and wives can
grow even closer and live more joyful and purposeful
lives.
The next Marriage Encounter week-
ends are November 21-23 and Febru-
ary 13-15 in Brooklyn Center. Register
now at GodLovesMarriage.org or con-
tact Pete & Phyllis McMahon at
[email protected] or 763-561-
1575 for more informa-on. Weekends
fill up quickly and pre-registra-on is
required.
If so, drop your kids off at Word of Peace and
have some time to yourself while your kids
have a fun and safe time at church!
Saturday, November 15
1:00 - 5:00pm
Infants through 5th Grade are Welcome!
$3 per hour per potty-trained child
$5 per infant ($35 family maximum)
Sign up on the youth bulletin board
Parents’ Time Out is a fundraiser for the
middle school and high school youth.
Contact: Marcus Eads, [email protected]
or 763-496-2410
HEY PARENTS: Do You Need
a Time Out?
BECOME A MEMBER OF WORD OF PEACE
A�end the New Member Orienta-on on Tuesday, November 18 from 5:30-9:00pm
Recep-on of New Members is November 30 & December 1
• Meet the pastors and key staff
• Learn what we believe and how we
do ministry
• Enjoy a fellowship supper
• Iden-fy your giHs and how to use
them at church and beyond
Please RSVP:
Contact Susen Kay in the Church Office
763-496-2400 | [email protected]
- OR -
Sign up online at wordofpeace.org/
membership
Membership is not required to par9cipate in the life of Word of Peace. Non members are always
welcome to take part in worship, study and fellowship events of this faith community.
6
CROSS CORNER
Please consider spending part of
your -me mee-ng new people
and helping your community by
volunteering at CROSS. They are
in need of volunteers in every area! For more info contact
Stephanie 763-425-1050, ext. 104.
Two specific volunteers are needed:
1. MicrosoH Access Computer Programmer to update
CROSS database structure.
2. Lead volunteer to coordinate CROSS' par-cipa-on in the
2015 parades and farmers markets.
Nov. 13 is Give to the Max Day! Please consider an online
dona-on either to CROSSservices.org or Givemn.org.
November Needs:
Kids treats, popcorn, cleaning supplies
For more informaAon about CROSS,
call 763-425-1050 or visit crossservices.org.
HappeningsHappeningsHappeningsHappenings
Opera<on Christmas Child Since 1993, more than 113 million boys and girls in over 157 countries
and territories have experienced God’s love through the power of sim-
ple shoebox giHs from Opera-on Christmas Child. GiH-filled shoeboxes
are a powerful way to introduce children to God’s greatest giH, salva-
-on through Jesus Christ.
Word of Peace is a Relay Center for Opera-on Christmas Child again
this year. Simply fill a shoebox (one we provide or one of your own) or
small plas-c container with a variety of giHs that will bring delight to a
child (please no liquids, including hand sani-zer, bubbles, etc.) and
drop it off at Word of Peace during Na-onal Collec-on Week, Novem-
ber 17-24 during the following collec-on -mes:
November 17 through 21: 6pm to 8pm
November 22 and 23: 9am to noon
November 24: 10am to noon
Detailed instruc-ons and a limited number of shoeboxes will be availa-
ble soon. Or, you can go online to www.samaritanspurse.org/
opera9on-christmas-child to find out more.
Spread the Joy of Christmas? Purchase a
giH for a family in need in our congrega-
-on. Choose a wish list item from the
Adopt-A-Family wall in the Gathering Area
beginning Tuesday, November 18 and re-
turn your dona-ons to the church office
by Sunday, December 7 (include a giH re-
ceipt along with the request slip). Thank
you for blessing others with love, joy and
kindness this season.
Contact: Tracy Rowe, [email protected] or
763-496-2421
Volunteers are needed to help collect shoe-
boxes during Na-onal Collec-on Week, and
drivers are needed to make deliveries to
Beau-ful Savior Church in Plymouth on
Wednesday, November 19 and aHer
noon on Monday, November 24. If you
would like to volunteer, please contact Tra-
cy Rowe at [email protected] or 763-496-
2421.
7
Fes<val Chorus Rehearsals Begin
The Fes-val Chorus weekly rehearsals
begin Wednesday November 9 at 7:30pm.
All singers, high school age and older, are
welcome to join as we prepare the music
for the 2014 Fes-val of Carols on Decem-
ber 21 at all worship services.
Contact: Michael Sahlen, 763-496-2412 or
Actors Wanted
If you are comfortable in the spotlight, perhaps the Word of
Peace drama ministry is the right opportunity for you! Ex-
ci-ng things are coming in 2015 such as an all-new Lenten
Drama series. If you would like to learn more or get in-
volved in drama ministry, contact Dain Swanson at dswan-
[email protected] or 763-496-2409.
Help Beau<fy the Sanctuary for Christmas!
PoinseTas may be ordered from
November 3 through 17. They will be
used to decorate the sanctuary
through Christmas Day, then you
can pick them up to enjoy at home.
PoinseTas are $10 each. Look for
order forms or contact the church
office for details.
Music & WorshipMusic & WorshipMusic & WorshipMusic & Worship
CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Call Commi�ee for the Pastor of Congrega-onal Life & Growth feels thankful and blessed to have met
and interviewed candidates that came from congrega-on nomina-ons and the Minneapolis Synod, and those
who came forward themselves to be considered for call by Word of Peace.
AHer a journey including a second round of candidates, the Call Commi�ee was unanimous with its final can-
didate recommenda-on for the Pastor of Congrega-onal Life & Growth. They presented the candidate to the
Execu-ve Team, and the Execu-ve Team set a special congrega-onal mee-ng and vote for Sunday, October
26 at 12:00 noon. Both the Call Commi�ee and the candidate were blessed with the unmistakable presence
of the Holy Spirit in its discernment, and thank the congrega-on for its prayers and support.
Results of the vote will be made available in the weekly bulle-n and e-mail newsle�er.
The Search for Pastor of Congregational Life & Growth
TTTRRRAAANNNSSSIIITTTIIIOOONNN
8
Church School & Con�rmationChurch School & Con�rmationChurch School & Con�rmationChurch School & Con�rmation
Advent Family Night Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-8:00pm
You are invited to a�end a special night to pre-
pare your hearts and minds for the birth of our
King! The Educa-on Team is sponsoring a night
of Advent craHs, ac-vi-es, food, and fun!
Make meaningful Christmas ornaments, go on a
prayer walk together, par-cipate in a service
project, decorate cookies and much more!
This evening is free and all are welcome! Please
sign-up for this event so we can plan for your
arrival.
Contact: Megan Moen, [email protected] or
763-496-2423
3rd Grade Parent/Child Bible Event! Sunday, November 9 and Monday, November 10
Choose—Sunday at 8:30 am; 9:45; and 11:00 am or
Monday at 5:00 and 6:15 pm
All 3rd graders and their parents are invited to a�end a
special opportunity led by Pastor Krista to learn more
about the SPARK! NRSV Bible that they received this
year and how to use it.
Parents may choose one of the five -mes listed above to
spend -me with their child learning and exploring where
the Bible came from, who wrote the Bible, why there
are so many books in the Bible, and how to look up Bible
verses.
Contact: Lisa Buck, [email protected] or 763-496-2405
Give A Birthday Present to Jesus and to the World
Church School Kids, please bring in your loose change offering to church
school! From Thanksgiving through the end of December all church school
offerings will be given to God’s Global Barnyard in honor of Jesus’ birthday.
God’s Global Barnyard provides livestock, resources, and educa-on to fami-
lies around the world. God’s Global Barnyard is a program of the ELCA World
Hunger Campaign and creates sustainable living op-ons for families. Families
will also have the opportunity to sponsor animals to break the cycle of hunger and poverty
around the world.
Look for the informa-on table, sponsorship forms, and offering baskets beginning in November.
Contact: Kris-n Skare, [email protected] or 763-496-2404
9
Marcus Eads (Middle School) 763-496-2410/[email protected] | Kate Gantz (High School) at 763-496-2430/[email protected]
wordofpeace.org/middle-school | wordofpeace.org/high-school
Youth MinistryYouth MinistryYouth MinistryYouth Ministry
Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus—
Thursdays at 10am, $1.00 per rider.
Contact Judy at 763-428-7657.
Jammers Potluck & Music—Sunday,
11/2 from 1-5pm (eat at 4pm) at the
Rogers Community Room, 21201 Me-
morial Drive. Bring a dish to share. Con-
tact Dave at 763-428-4217.
Rogers Senior Dining—Tuesday
through Thursday every week at 12:00
noon at the Rogers Community Room.
Call at least two days in advance by
2pm for reserva-ons, 763-428-0976.
Cost: 55+ $4.00. Under 55 $5.00.
Volunteer Recogni<on Party: As a
thank you to all of the volunteers who
have helped the senior programs
throughout the years, we are gathering
for a party at the Rogers Community
Room on Friday, November 14 from 12-
2pm. Join us in celebra-on of all the
hard work that has grown our senior
programs to where they are now. As a
SeniorsSeniorsSeniorsSeniors
past or present volunteer, you deserve
a party to celebrate YOU and all of your
hard work. Come socialize with all of
the other seniors in Rogers. Food and
refreshments will be offered and music
will be played. Call Liz at 763-428-0939
if you would like to bring a food dish to
share.
Exercise at Hampton Inn in Rogers:
$2.50/day with showers, hot tub and
towels included. Current par-cipants
meet Mon/Wed/Fri from 8 am-9 am.
Other -mes are available. There is no
instructor. Join the fun!
Senior Announcements: Be the first to
know about new senior events and re-
ceive updates! Visit www.no9fy.
cityofrogers.org and select “Senior An-
nouncements” to subscribe to our new
email list. For ques-ons, call Liz at 763-
428-0939 or 763-464-4358.
The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes
seniors shopping at Ridgedale every
other month. The next trip will be Decem-
ber 9. Cost is $1.00 for the round trip. The
bus starts picking up at 9:30am and re-
turns to Rogers by 1:30pm. Call Judy to
sign up at 763-428-7657.
Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-
7657 for resource, community or general
informa9on for seniors in the Rogers area.
To subscribe to the Rogers Senior News-
le�er, call 763-241-3520. Or, read it
online at Seniors.CityofRogers.org.
MS: MSM.AM
Join us November 16 & 30, from 9:45-
10:45am in the Youth Room for food,
devotions and games. Friends are al-
ways welcome!
MS: The Loft presents
Live Comedy Night!
6-8 graders, come out for a night of
laughs at the Rogers Activity Center,
where a stand-up comedian will be tak-
ing the stage from 9:30-11pm. Admis-
sion is $5 at the door and concessions
will be sold.
MS/HS: Parents Afternoon Out
(youth fundraiser)
6-12 graders, are you looking for a really
fun way to earn mon-
ey toward youth
events, trips or pro-
grams at Word of
Peace? Sign up on the
Youth Board to volun-
teer at Parents AHer-
noon Out on Satur-
day, November 15.
Hurry, spots fill up quickly.
HS: 2015 Summer Trip Deadline
is November 15
The deadline is quickly approaching for
current 9th
-12th
grade students to sign
up for either the Na-onal Lutheran
Youth Gathering or the Mission Trip to
Luther Park Bible Camp. Youth must
submit their WOPLC Health/Registra-on
form and ini-al deposit submi�ed by
November 15.
HS: Small Group Bible Study
HS youth are invited to small group Bi-
ble study & breakfast on Sunday morn-
ings from 11am-12pm. November dates
are the 16th
and 30th
.
Upcoming Youth Events MS = Middle School | HS = High School
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9
Ch a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d
SundaysSundaysSundaysSundays 8:30 a.m. Traditional8:30 a.m. Traditional8:30 a.m. Traditional8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 a.m. Blended9:45 a.m. Blended9:45 a.m. Blended9:45 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
A Veteran’s Day Community EventA Veteran’s Day Community EventA Veteran’s Day Community Event
Sunday, November 9, Sunday, November 9, Sunday, November 9,
2:00 2:00 2:00 --- 4:00pm4:00pm4:00pm
at Word of Peaceat Word of Peaceat Word of Peace
SERVING THOSE
WHO SERVED
SERVING THOSE
WHO SERVED
All Veterans, Friends, Family and Community are Invited!
Find out more at wordofpeace.org/veterans-day