peace notes february 2012
DESCRIPTION
Published by Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MinnesotaTRANSCRIPT
W��� �� P�� L� ���� C���� ���.���������.��� P.O. B�� 306, R�����, MN 55374 � 763.496.2400
Peace Notes FEBRUARY 2012
Church Assessment Results Are In!
We recently administered the Church Assessment Tool© at
Word of Peace. Thank you to everyone who par�cipated and
provided us with your honest opinions, thoughts and ideas.
Why take �me for a church assessment? Because churches, like
people, need an occasional check-up. A picture of how things
are now can be of help to church leaders in solving the puzzle of
what direc�on they should take in the future.
We partnered with a company called Holy Cow! Consul�ng to
administer the survey for us. The Church Assessment Tool© that
was used is built upon a survey pla%orm that has been used for over 25 years. The results have been
interpreted and your church staff and leadership will be ac�ng on the informa�on.
Here is a summary of the results: • 1,373 people were sent an authen�ca�on email to par�cipate in the survey
• We received 492 responses
• 85% of those who responded are clearly sa�sfied with things in the church
• The morale in our church is very high! The results suggest that our congrega�on is highly ener-
gized about the ministry of our church.
People tend to feel posi�ve about Word of Peace overall. They also feel that:
• Those who serve as leaders are representa�ve of the congrega�on.
• The worship services at Word of Peace are excep�onal in both quality and spiritual content.
• Our church provides opportuni�es for people to engage in ac�ve ministry within the church and
to the world.
• A friendly atmosphere prevails among the people of our church.
• The leaders of our church show a genuine concern about what people are thinking when deci-
sions need to be made.
Top five goals of our congrega�on:
1. Enlarge or improve the physical facili�es of the church to expand or enhance our ministries
2. Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances.
3. Develop the spiritual generosity of the people to financially support the ministry of the church.
4. Strengthen the process by which members are called and equipped for ministry and leadership.
5. Change or improve the music of the church to deepen our worship experience.
All of this informa�on will be explored and validated in further conversa�on. Survey data is not the
end of a conversa�on, but the beginning. Thank you again for your par�cipa�on.
2
CAMP SUNDAYCAMP SUNDAYCAMP SUNDAYCAMP SUNDAY Sunday, January 29thSunday, January 29thSunday, January 29thSunday, January 29th
Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have
to worry about lunch on Super Bowl
Sunday? Stop by the kitchen following
all three services on Sunday, February 5th
and order up some Super Bowl Sub Sand-
wiches for the whole family!
This is a High School Youth fundraiser for
those going to the Na�onal Youth Gather-
ing in July. Need some �me to think? Pick
up a pre-order form on Sunday,
January 29th
.
Super Bowl
Subs
Sharing & Caring Hands Lunch
Tuesday, February 7th
Volunteers and Dona�ons Needed
We need 22 batches of goulash—please
bring food to church by the evening of
Monday, February 6th.
We need 5 volunteers to serve the meal and
clean up a�erwards. Our carpool will leave
Word of Peace at 10am and return approxi-
mately 2:30pm.
We need monetary dona�ons to purchase
side dishes
Please sign up in the Gathering Area at
church. For more informa�on, contact Alli-
son at 612-761-5750.
THANK YOU hanks to everyone for your prayers, phone
calls, visits, and cards for Marshall during
his illness. He has not fully recovered, but
because of your love and prayers and with
God’s help, he is doing much beDer.
— The Parsons Family
Benefit Concert for C.R.O.S.S.
Bluegrass Band
Monroe Crossing
Friday, February 10th—7:00 pm
at Word of Peace
Tickets: $15.00 each (Children under 12 are free)
Proceeds benefit C.R.O.S.S. Food Shelf. For more informa�on
or �ckets, contact Elroy Mueller at 763-428-2446 or contact
the church office.
Each year hundreds of youth from Word of Peace descend on
Camp Wapo, Ox Lake, Luther Dell and Wilderness Canoe Base
for an experience of a life�me. At Word of Peace we believe
that everyone should have the chance to go to camp. This sum-
mer we will dig deep into the life and parables of Jesus, learning
about His grace, forgiveness and healing meant for everyone.
Come and pick up informa�on for summer camp and sign up
soon. Deadline is March 5th
.
Summer Camp Dates:Summer Camp Dates:Summer Camp Dates:Summer Camp Dates:
Youth Camp at WAPO
(Completed grades 4-6) June 10-15
SEEDs Camp at WAPO
(Completed grades 2-3) June 15-17
Journey of the Cross at Ox Lake
(Completed grades 7-11) June 10-15
Youth Camp at Luther Dell
(Completed grades 7-9) August 5-10
RooTs Camp at Luther Dell
(Completed grades 10-12) August 5-10
Wilderness Canoe Base
(Completed 9-12) End of July
3
Music & Worship
Word of Peace Seniors
Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-7657 for resource, community or
general informa�on for seniors.
If you’d like to subscribe to the Senior NewsleDer, call 763-241-3520. Or, you
can read the newsleDer online by going to www.seniors.cityofrogers.org.
Date Time Activity Cost/Details Contact
Thurs. 10:00am Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus $1.00 per rider Judy 763-428-7657
2/5 1-6pm Jammers Pot Luck & Music Rogers Community Center
(eat at 4pm)
Dave 763-428-4217
Tues. 2:30-3:30pm Fit & Fun Exercise for Seniors North Ballet Academy
Hwy. 101 & CR 141
Barb at 763-429-4955
2/14 9:30am Kids-Care Bus: Ridgedale Shopping Center $1.00 per rider Judy 763-428-7657
2/15 1:30-3pm Memory Loss Support Group at Wellstead For family members caring
for loved ones
Heidi at 763-428-8181
2/17 9-10:30am Breakfast at Denny’s in Rogers Menu items for $6.99 Margaret 763-428-8650
2/28 3-5 pm Happy Hour at Dehns in Dayton Early dinner $3.95, drinks
not included
Margaret 763-428-8650
2/20 12:30-2pm Cards at Rogers Community Center Includes coffee Margaret 763-428-8650
A;en�on All Flute Players! (or parents of flute players)
Dawn Saxton is forming a flute choir to perform at the Rogers Review talent show
at Word of Peace on Friday, April 20. This annual event supports the Rogers/
Hassan Seniors group and is comprised of a variety of talent from our communi-
ty. If you (or your child) are interested in par�cipa�ng, here are the details:
Performance: Friday, April 20 (evening) at Word of Peace
Repertoire: Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera
Rehearsals: from 4:30-5:30 on Jan 29, Feb 19, March 18, April 15 and
from 5:30-6:30 on April 10. (5 hours total)
What Else: In addi�on to rehearsing the piece, we’ll talk about some flute-
specific topics like breathing, tone, tuning and technique that should be a lot of
fun! If all goes well, maybe we’ll play for worship at some point.
Contact Dawn at [email protected] or 763-496 2413
4
It’s Easy.
• You determine the frequency and amount of your automa�c dona�on.
• Cancel or change your preferences at any �me.
• Use Direct Giving for recurring offerings or one-�me payments of dona�ons/fees
It’s Safe.
• Funds are transferred using a secure website to process the transac�ons.
• Strong, reputable companies process the transac�ons.
It Helps.
Word of Peace benefits from steady, more predictable revenues throughout the
year, more efficient bookkeeping, and greater confidence in mee�ng its financial
commitments.
3 WAYS TO GIVE:
Checking
Savings
Credit/Debit Card
Over the past year, members of the Stewardship Team
have shared personal stories with the congrega�on about
the importance of suppor�ng our church and what stew-
ardship means to them. This year we would like to have
members of our congrega�on share stories of what impact
Word of Peace has had on them and their faith journey.
We want to show that giving to the church does more than
simply heat the building and keep the lights on. Having this
place of worship truly changes lives. If you have a story
that you would be willing to share with the congrega�on,
please contact Pastor Rick, [email protected], or any
member of the Stewardship team. Let's use our own tes�-
mony to encourage and inspire each other as we strive to
do God's work here on earth.
As we look to the month of February, please know that your giving to the General Fund not only supports the
ongoing ministries of Word of Peace, but also helps support these additional events:
• Space for community groups to use such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, Rogers Quilt
Sew-Ciety, Mothers of Preschoolers and Otsego Moms Club
• Hosting the C.R.O.S.S. (area food shelf) Bluegrass Concert on February 10th
• The All Night Ski Event for middle school and senior high school youth on February 10th
• The Wild Game Dinner to be served at the Union Gospel Mission and Sharing and Caring Hands
• Pastors and Voting Members attending the Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, Feb. 17-18th
• Ash Wednesday and Lenten Worship Services
Get Started Today! Go to
www.wordofpeace.org or
stop by the Informa�on Desk
For more Informa�on,
Contact Holly Finstad at
763-496-0407
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
5
Faith Forma�on Ministry
Parents Night Out—Saturday, February 11th, 6-10pm
Parents, would you like to celebrate Valen�ne’s Day without
worrying about what do with the kids? Sign them up for Parents
Night Out on the Youth Ministry board.
MSM.AM—Sunday, February 12th, 9:30-10:30am
Each month, 6th-8th graders are invited to MSM.AM (Middle
School Ministry AM), where we meet for food, devo�ons and
games. Join us!
Welch Village All-Night Ski—February 10th & 11th
We’ll meet at Word of Peace at 8:30pm on Friday and return
Saturday morning between 5 and 6am. Cost is $50 for a liV �cket
and ski rental; $35 for just the liV �cket. Sign up on the Youth
Ministry board. Everyone going must fill out a Health/
Registra�on form and have it signed by a parent or guardian.
January 29th is Camp Sunday! Come browse the informa�on
tables, pick up camp brochures and sign up for summer pro-
grams. This is a great opportunity to get your ques�ons an-
swered.
SUNDAY MORNING STUDIES If you are looking for a chance to join a Bible Study but are
struggling to find the �me, aDend one of our thriving Bible
studies on Sunday mornings!
Offered at both 9:30 & 11:00 am, these studies are led by
Word of Peace Pastors and will peak your curiosity. No regis-
tra�on is required—just drop in to Room #120. (By the bath-
rooms on the South side of the building.)
Being the Body of Christ: Studies in 1 Corinthians
January 29—February 19 In I Corinthians, Paul writes poe�cally and passionately about
what it means for the church to live as Christ’s body in the
world. This Bible study looks at selected texts from Paul’s
leDer, examines ques�ons that we may have, and explores
how the body of Christ is part of everyday life.
Making Sense of the Cross
February 26—April 1 The cross is everywhere. We see it on top of buildings, on
walls, on Bibles. We sing and hear about it in hymns and songs.
We even wear them. The cross is a powerful symbol at the
center of our faith. Just in �me for Lent, this study will give you
the opportunity to be part of an open and candid conversa�on
and discussion about the cross, it’s significance and symbolism.
Kids of Peace Preschool Registra�on Now Open
Word of Peace offers an excellent preschool
program for children ages 3-5. We strive to
provide a welcoming, safe, loving environ-
ment where we accept each child as a
unique individual, created by God. Our
wide variety of curriculum
resources, quality staff
and small class sizes
(10:1) encourage
excellence in learning.
Registra�on forms are
available by the
Preschool office and
online at www.wordofpeace.org.
Limited space is available. Pre-registra�on for congrega�on
members and currently enrolled families opened January 23rd.
Open registra�on for the community-at-large began January
30th.
CHURCH SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
February 19, 20 & 22 NO CHURCH SCHOOL/CONFIRMATION
February KTP Events Families with 4 & 5 yr.-olds, keep your
eyes open for your child’s special
Keeping the Promise events!
Youth Ministry
Interested in having an impact? We are looking for individuals interested in shaping the future of Word of Peace’s
Educa�onal Ministry (infants, children, teens & adults!) Call Kris�n to learn more! 763.496.2404 or [email protected]
6
Pastor Ron Prasek
Senior Pastor
Dear Friends,
As I looked back on 2011 and thought about our congrega�on, I was remind-
ed of the following quota�on. “Pay as liDle aDen�on to discouragement as
possible. Plow ahead like a steamship, which moves forward whether facing
rough or smooth seas, and in rain and shine. Remember the goal is simply to
carry the cargo and to make it to port.” — Malthie D. Babcock
In 2011 we faced a major financial shor%all, but many of you stepped up
with financial support. We were able to finish our year with all our bills paid
and over $5,000 in the checking account for 2012. Our building fund actually
went over our needed budgeted amount. I have been humbled and amazed
by the generosity of so many of the members and friends of our congrega-
�on. Together, “we plowed ahead” and made it happen. Thank you!
We also had an amazing Christmas. We had almost 3,000 people worship at
Word of Peace for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Just 5 years ago that
number was 2,000. Our aDendance has grown drama�cally on Fes�val Sun-
days as well as on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year. Our average
aDendance of weekend worship in 2011 was 885 people. This is up from 686
just 5 years ago.
Our ministries of educa�on, youth, and care for those in need have grown
exponen�ally as well. We also con�nue to strengthen our work in the area
of local and global mission. In addi�on, we are looking forward to se[ng a
future date for building our new sanctuary. We are simply running out of
room.
The people of our congrega�on have generously given of their �me, talent,
and money and we have con�nued to “plow ahead, whether facing rough or
smooth seas, and in rain and shine”—and it has been wonderful.
Our mission con�nues to be to bring the love of Christ to a community and
world that is so in need of the Gospel. In all we do, we will con�nue to make
sure that we as clearly and as effec�vely as possible “carry the cargo” of the
Good News of Jesus so that in Him all can “make it to port.”
By God’s 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
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Contact Jennie Priebe in the
church office at 496-2401
March newsle:er deadline:
February 17 at Noon
Peace Notes is mailed to over 1,500
households each month. Help us
save costs (and trees) by signing up
to receive it as an e-mail.
Contact Jennie in the church office at
496-2401 or [email protected], or
go to www.wordofpeace.org.
7
Sermons & Texts
February 5 & 6 Pastor Ron Prasek
“How Much is your Church Worth?” We need to feel confident about the mission
and ministry of our congrega�on. Our church
provides real value to the community around
us.
Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23,
Mark 1:29-39, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c, Isaiah
40:21-31
February 12 & 13 Pastor Rick Skare
“Let the Healing Begin” Some�mes we think that healing needs to oc-
cur in some quick, miraculous way. But more
oVen, the power of God works through acts
that are mundane, humbling and repe��ve.
Scripture Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Mark 1:40-
45, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30
February 19 & 20 Pastor Krista Strum
“Don’t Wait for the Brick” Are we moving so fast and making too much
noise to perceive the gentle voice of God?
What does it take for us to slow down and pay
aDen�on?
Scripture Readings: Mark 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians
1:18-22, Psalm 41, Isaiah 43:18-25
February 22 ASH WEDNESDAY
Pastor Ron Prasek
“Really?!!”
On Ash Wednesday, as we face our imperfec�ons
and sinfulness, we can almost hear God say, “Are
you kidding me?” “Really?!!” But when we hear
God’s great word of forgiveness, we say,
“Really?” and God says, “Really.”
Scripture Readings: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-
17, Ma:hew 6:1-6, 16-21
February 26 & 27 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Pastor Ron Prasek
“Recalcula�ng, Recalcula�ng”
When you take a wrong turn in your car, your
GPS will tell you you’re going the wrong way.
When you take the wrong turn in life, you need
someone to tell you — maybe even Jesus.
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10,
Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22
FEBRUARY
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
ROGERS, MN
PERMIT NO. 9
C h a n g e S e r v i c e
R e q u e s t e d
P.O. B�� 306
R�#$%&, MN 55374
Sundays
8:00 a.m. Traditional
9:30 a.m. Blended
11:00 a.m. Contemporary
Mondays
6:30 p.m. Contemporary
ASH WEDNESDAYASH WEDNESDAYASH WEDNESDAYASH WEDNESDAY February 22February 22February 22February 22 Worship Services Worship Services Worship Services Worship Services at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
LENT BEGINSLENT BEGINSLENT BEGINSLENT BEGINS February 29February 29February 29February 29 Worship ServicesWorship ServicesWorship ServicesWorship Services at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.at 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.