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

JUNE 2015JUNE 2015JUNE 2015JUNE 2015

EXCITING MINISTRY AHEAD!

We are looking ahead to some exci�ng ministry at Word of Peace as we seek to com-

plete our pastoral team and lay staff. A�er Pastor Krista Strum’s resigna�on, the Ex-

ecu�ve Team and Strategic Planning Team, in consulta�on with the pastors, re-

viewed the third pastor job descrip�on. They have developed a vision for how this

full-�me posi�on could be expanded to two 30-hour per week posi�ons: Pastor or

Minister of Faith in Ac�on and Minister of Spiritual Care.

Pastor or Minister of Faith in Ac�on

Word of Peace will be calling a Pastor or Minister of Faith in Ac�on who, as part of

the pastoral team, will cul�vate rela�onships with key neighborhood and global or-

ganiza�ons and engage, encourage and equip congrega�on members and friends of

Word of Peace to par�cipate in these partnerships. This posi�on may be filled by

either an ordained pastor or a diaconal minister (a rostered church leader who spe-

cializes in word and service ministry). A Call Commi3ee is currently being formed to

begin the interview process and we hope to have a candidate in place in the next 4-8

months.

Minister of Spiritual Care

A�er serving Word of Peace as Educa�on Director and Children, Youth & Family

(CYF) Director for 16 years, Kris�n Skare is transi�oning to the posi�on of Minister of

Spiritual Care. This is a support posi�on to the pastoral team and other staff with

emphasis on the ministries of congrega�onal care, Befrienders, grief, prayer, and

educa�on. Kris�n will begin this posi�on in mid to late August.

As part of her Seminary educa�on (and a requirement for ordina�on), Kris�n will

also be serving as a pastoral intern at Alleluia Lutheran Church in St. Michael. “With

Kris�n’s seminary educa�on and pastoral internship complemen�ng her ministry

here, it will be like having four pastors serving Word of Peace,” said pastor Keith

Long.

In prepara�on for Kris�n’s departure as CYF Director, Word of Peace is working with

InterServe Ministries of the Twin Ci�es to staff the CYF ministry with an interim con-

sultant who will provide a bridge between the �me that Kris�n’s posi�on ends and a

new CYF leader begins. We thank Kris�n for her incredible 16 years of service, dedi-

ca�on, and love to the children, youth, and families of this congrega�on, and we

wish her God’s blessings in her new roles as Minister of Spiritual Care and pastoral

intern at Alleluia Lutheran Church.

Please see Page 7 for a le�er from Kris�n.

Word of Peace Welcomes

Sheldon Way as High School

Youth Director

Word of Peace is excited to an-

nounce that Sheldon Way has been

hired to serve as the High School

Youth Director and he will start at

the end of August. Sheldon is cur-

rently living in Jerusalem, where he

has been serving the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in the Young

Adults in Global Ministry Program.

Sheldon is a graduate of Saint Olaf

College where he earned a bache-

lor of arts degree in religion and

psychology. He has extensive back-

ground in working with students.

Whether leading outdoor survival

camps on the East Coast or being a

leader in residen�al life on the

Saint Olaf campus, Sheldon enjoys

building community and serving

young people. Sheldon loves music

(he plays three instruments) and he

loves the outdoors. Sheldon will be

leading weekly high school Bible

study and fellowship �me, mission

trips, camp experiences, partnering

with Young Life Ministries, and with

his diverse background of experi-

ences it will be fun to see how God

uses his gi�s to work through Shel-

don to serve this ministry.

Please pray for Sheldon’s remaining

�me in Jerusalem and as he pre-

pares to serve Word of Peace. We

are grateful to God that Sheldon

will be joining the Word of Peace

community!

Sheldon introduces himself on

Page 8

2

Pastor Rick Skare, Senior Pastor

Pastor Keith Long, 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

jpriebe@woplc.org.

July newsle�er deadline:

June 12

WordofPeace.org

Sermons

& Readings

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE:

Sundays at 8:30 and 10:00 AM

Mondays at 6:30 PM

Holy Communion will be served at every Monday evening worship service

throughout the summer months.

June 7 & 8

Pastor Rick Skare, “Are You Out of Your Mind?”

We cannot put Jesus into any categories. Jesus is beyond our religion, our

rules, our systems. I guess the only way to follow him is to be out of our

minds.

Scripture Readings: Mark 3:2-35; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Psalm 130;

Genesis 3:8-15

June 14 & 15

Pastor Keith Long, “Present Day Parables”

When Jesus spoke of the secret things of God he told stories called para-

bles—which means that Jesus would be the ul�mate movie buff!

Scripture Readings: Mark 4:26-34; 2 Corinthians 5:6-17; Ezekiel 17:22-24

June 21 & 22

Pastor Keith Long, “A@er the Great Calm”

Great storm. Great fear. Great calm. Great awe. The mystery of Jesus takes

us on a sudden turn of great significance!

Scripture Readings: Mark 4:35-41; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; Job 38:1-11

June 28 & 29

Pastor Rick Skare, “Come As You Are”

Like the main characters of this day’s gospel reading, we can come before

Jesus, just as we are, and be known and loved by God.

Scripture Readings: Mark 5:21-43; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Psalm 30;

Lamenta�ons 3:22-33

3

HappeningsHappeningsHappeningsHappenings

Come Support Word of Peace

at Rockin’ Rogers Days!

Word of Peace will once again serve delicious

pork chops on-a-s�ck at the food booth June

18-20. If you are interested in volunteering or

dona�ng supplies, please contact Tracy Rowe at

763-496-2421. You can also sign up at the vol-

unteer desk and pick up a dona�on slip from

the Rockin’ Rogers Days display in the Gathering

Area.

Walk with Word of Peace in Saturday’s parade

or show your support by cheering us on from

the sidelines! The parade is at noon on Satur-

day, June 20. Dona�ons of individually-wrapped

candy (no chocolate) are needed for the pa-

rade. Please bring them to the Informa�on Desk

before June 15. We will meet in the Northridge

Fellowship parking lot (across from Rogers Ele-

mentary School) at 11:30am.

If you are interested in helping design or build

the float, please contact Dain Swanson at 763-

496-2409 or dswanson@woplc.org.

We’ll be gro

ovin’

to the 70’s

SAVE THE DATE!

Word of Peace’s

40th Anniversary Celebration!

Sunday, October 11

At the Rogers Community Room

More information Coming Soon!

4

HappeningsHappeningsHappeningsHappenings

Via de Cristo is a 3-day weekend

designed to strengthen and renew

the faith of Chris�an people and

bring them to a new awareness of

living in God’s grace. It is an experi-

ence for people from every walk of

life.

The next Via de Cristo weekends

will be on June 4-7 (for men) and

June 11-14 (for women) at St.

Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley.

For a complete list of upcoming Via

de Cristo weekends and for more

informa�on about Via de Cristo,

pick up a brochure at the Infor-

ma�on Desk or visit mnviadecris-

to.org.

WATCH WORSHIP ONLINE!

If you ever miss a worship service

or simply want to see it again, now

you can. Go to wordofpeace.org/

watch to view current and archives

of worship services. The current

weekend’s worship service will be

available to view online every Tues-

day morning.

Rogers Community Blood Drive

Sponsored by Word of Peace

Thursday, June 11, 12-7pm at the Rogers Community Room

(next to the Rogers Fire Sta�on at 21201 Memorial Drive)

Call Kris Hofstedt at 763-428-8546 to sign up

Enter to Win

Minnesota Twins Tickets!

All presen�ng donors in June

are eligible to win:

1 of 2 Grand Slam Prizes

(4 premium �ckets &

travel accommoda�ons*)

1 Home Run Prize

(1 of 10 pairs of premium �ckets*)

COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE ONLINE-IN THE PRIVACY OF

YOUR HOME OR OFFICE ON THE DAY OF YOUR DONATION AT MBC.ORG/

DONATE • *Prizes hold no cash value and are nontransferable. Visit MBC.ORG for

details, or call 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253). • Bring ID• Eat before dona�ng •

No cold or flu symptoms for 3 days.

©2015 Memorial Blood Centers. All rights reserved.

Habitat for Humanity

Are you looking for a way to have fun, meet new

people, and give back to your community this

summer? Please consider signing up for the Hab-

itat For Humanity Summer 2015 Project!

Word of Peace has commi3ed to provide volun-

teers to help to build a home in Robbinsdale dur-

ing the weeks of July 6 AND July 13. Join us for some fun while helping a

family receive a new home! Volunteers must be 16 or older and no prior

experience or special talent is needed. Just

a big heart and willingness to par�cipate!

You pick the day(s) you want to volunteer.

Learn more and sign up at

WordofPeace.org/Habitat or contact

Chris Larson at cl9699@a�.com.

Photo: hfhsouthcentral.net

5

O sing unto the LORD

a new song;

Sing unto the

LORD a new

song all the earth.

—Psalm 96:1

Singers and Instrumentalists

Wanted:

Word of Peace choirs are off for the sum-

mer, but that doesn’t mean we don’t

need special music for our worship ser-

vices. If you have a gi�, either singing or

playing and instrument and would like to

share it, contact Michael Sahlen at 763-

496-2412 or msahlen@woplc.org

2016 Travel Opportuni�es with

Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry

“Exploring Your Faith through Interfaith

Dialog & Service: The Intersec�ons of

Chris�anity with Hinduism, Islam, and

Sikhism in India” (February 2016) On this

first-of-its-kind trip for LPGM you will visit

LPGM’s partners in the north of India

(Church of North India) as well as the south

(Arcot Lutheran Church). This trip is ideal

for pastors, lay leaders, and others inter-

ested in exploring these world faiths in a

Chris�an seVng. On your three stops (Amritsar, Delhi, Tiruvannamali) you will have opportuni�es to learn from

church leaders, interact with others through service, and visit the central sites of these faiths. All of this will be

framed in the context of understanding these tradi�ons as a way to strengthen our own Chris�an faith.

“Explore India – For Families” (July 2016) Mission travel as a family teaches us about other cultures, and provides

opportuni�es to serve others in Christ’s name and forge las�ng rela�onships as we explore our own faith and deep-

en our own connec�ons as families. LPGM will be leading our first family-centric trip to visit our partner schools and

boarding homes in south India. Limited space is s�ll available and we suggest that you consider this trip for students

ages 12 or older.

For more informa�on, visit LPGM’s website: lutheranpartners.org/travel/india-travel-opportuni�es

Bring Flat Jesus With You This Summer!

The Worship and Visual Arts Team is

puVng together a summer photo collage

filled with pictures of Flat Jesus from

around the world and we need your help.

Here is how it works:

1. Download Flat Jesus from

wordofpeace.org/flat-Jesus or pick one

up from the church office.

2. Color, cut out and make Flat Jesus wa-

terproof. (watch the instruc�on video

online)

3. Take Flat Jesus on vaca�on with you this summer.

4. Take pictures of Flat Jesus with your family and friends wherev-

er you travel.

5. Share your pictures with WOPLC via Facebook, Twi3er and In-

stagram (#woplc & #flatJesus), or you can email them to

dswanson@woplc.org

6. Come and see the photo collage in the Gathering area at

church star�ng May 31.

6

Let the Summer Festivities Begin! We understand that sometimes we can’t make it to church during these busy sum-mer months. We encourage you to worship with your family wherever you are this summer. And sign up for Direct Giving to ensure your offerings make it to church, even when you can’t. Sign up for Direct Giving at wordofpeace.org/give or contact Linda Thomas in the church office at 763-496-2407/lthomas@woplc.org.

A great big THANK YOU goes out to all who took part in the following

fundraisers for CROSS:

• Rogers Empty Bowls Event at the Wellstead in April received

$1,000 in sponsorships, $720 in bowl sales, and there were

$973.55 in dona�ons for the meal. In total, the Rogers communi-

ty raised $2,694 which was more than twice what was raised at

last year’s event!

• 5th Annual Stomp Out Hunger 5K—

There were 100 more par�cipants this

year compared to 2014, and over

$2,000 was raised for CROSS.

VOLUNTEERS are s�ll needed to help out

at the Rogers Farmers Market. Please call

CROSS to volunteer.

GENERAL NEEDS: Mexican/Asian Foods, Dish Soap

For more informa%on or to volunteer, call CROSS at

763-425-1050 or visit www.CrossServices.org

Understanding the Ministry Fund

The Endowment Ministry Fund pro-

vides grants to individuals, groups,

and organiza�ons to which Word of

Peace relates, for witnessing to the

Chris�an faith and suppor�ng the

mission of the church. Individuals and

families that donate to the Endow-

ment Ministry Fund will have a sig-

nificant impact on how Word of

Peace can support ministries that tell

others about Jesus.

If this ministry objec�ve touches your

heart, find out more about giving to

the Word of Peace Endowment Fund

by contac�ng the church office at

763-496-2400 or visi�ng

WordofPeace.org/Endowment.

7

{

Dear Friends,

I had no idea sixteen years ago when God called me into the educa�on ministry at Word of Peace how my life would

change. It has been my deepest privilege to serve the Word of Peace congrega�on. There are no words to describe

the blessings I have received from working and playing with all of the children, youth, and families of Word of Peace.

With great joy I have watched preschoolers grow into marvelous young men and women who are gradua�ng from

college and star�ng their own families.

When I was hired part-�me in 1999 there were 380 three-year olds through eighth graders. Today there are more

than 1,100 students par�cipa�ng in the educa�on ministry. This growth is a testament to an amazing God, a pas-

sionate and commi3ed staff, oodles of selfless people who have served on the Educa�on team, and hundreds of vol-

unteers. I am grateful to God for these people and their ministry.

It has been nothing short of miraculous to dream, plan, vision, serve, and worship with all of you. Lisa, Megan, Car-

rie, Marcus, Pastor Keith, Pastor Rick, and our newly hired youth director are an incredible team who are dreaming

big dreams for the future of CYF ministry.

As for me, I am not going far, but my call is changing. Four years ago I entered Luther Seminary in prepara�on to be

ordained as an ELCA Lutheran Pastor. With my coursework nearly completed, I begin a two-year part-�me internship

at Alleluia Lutheran Church in Saint Michael and will con�nue to work part �me at Word of Peace as the Minister of

Spiritual Care—a ministry I discovered that I love when I served Saint Cloud Hospital as a student chaplain.

I want to thank all of the kids and families who have allowed me to walk alongside them in their faith and life and in

their joys and sorrows. Through you, I am reminded daily that “nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the

love of God.”

In Peace,

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name;

You are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

For I am the Lord your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

— Isaiah 43:1-3

Kris�n Skare,

Director of Children, Youth

and Family Ministry

} The Children, Youth, and Family mission is, and con%nues to be, to equip

families to prac%ce their Chris%an faith at home and out in the world.

8

Church School & Con�rmation MinistryChurch School & Con�rmation MinistryChurch School & Con�rmation MinistryChurch School & Con�rmation Ministry

Vaca�on Bible School Volunteer Training

We love our kids and therefore, ALL volunteers MUST

a3end ONE of the following training dates to receive

important materials, instruc�ons, and forms:

Room Leader Training (For all volunteers leading or

helping in an ac�vity room)

• Tuesday, June 2, 9:30-11:30am OR

• Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30am

5th Grade Worship Leader Training (For all 5th grad-

ers who will be assis�ng in opening/closing worship)

• Monday, June 1, 6:30-8:00pm

Crew Leader and Junior Crew Leader Training (For all

volunteers who will be leading or assis�ng with es-

cor�ng a small group of children to each ac�vity

room)

• Tuesday, June 17, 9:30-11:30am OR

• Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-8:30pm

Lisa Buck to Take Study Leave this Summer

As part of Word of Peace’s commitment to con�nued learning and commitment to

Sabbath, Word of Peace provides an 8 week study leave opportunity for program

ministry staff who work 30 hours or more and have competed 5 years of employ-

ment. This is an opportunity for employees to set aside �me to study topics related

to their ministry field that will benefit the ministry at Word of Peace and the employ-

ee when they return. Lisa has been employed at Word of Peace for 12 years and she

will be on leave in June and July. She will be studying the following areas:

• Research best prac�ces for the recruitment and training of CYF volunteers.

• Research best prac�ces for the inclusion and support of children with disabili�es

and their families in the CYF ministry.

• Prepare a recommenda�on of how the CYF ministry can move forward with im-

plemen�ng best prac�ces of the above.

Please pray for Lisa as she enters into this �me of study and re-“crea�on.”

June 22 –26, 2015

9am-Noon

For children ages four years-old as of Monday,

June 22 through completed 5th grade.

Register to Par�cipate today!

Sign-up to Volunteer today!

Registra�on forms available at the

Children’s Ministry office or at

wordofpeace.org/vbs

Contact Megan (763-496-2423) or Kris�n

(763-496-2404) with your ques�ons.

Lisa Buck

Children, Youth & Family

Administra�ve Director

9

Youth MinistryYouth MinistryYouth MinistryYouth Ministry

Thursday Senior Shop Rogers Bus—

Thursdays at 10am, $1.00 per rider. Assis-

tance provided with your groceries. Contact

Judy at 763-428-7657.

Jammers Potluck & Music—Sunday, June 7

from 1-5pm (eat at 4pm) at the Rogers

Community Room (21201 Memorial Drive).

Bring a dish to share. Contact Dave at 763-

428-4217.

Rogers Senior Dining—Tuesday through

Thursday every week at 12:00 noon at the

Rogers Community Room. Call by 9am one

day prior to meal date for reserva�ons, 763-

428-0976. Cost: 55+ $4.00. Under 55 $5.00.

Weekly Exercise FLEX Program: Mondays

from 11am-Noon at the NEW Rogers Senior

Center. Free for SilverSneakers members:

Non-members pay only $1.00 per class. First

class is free. Exercises are geared towards

55+ but everyone is welcome. No on-the-

floor work. Chairs used as props with op�on

of adjustable wrist/ankle weights. Call In-

structor Lori Schoenborn at 612-636-0207

or Liz at 763-428-0939 with ques�ons.

MN Twins Game: Wednesday, July 29—Bus

leaves the Rogers Community Room at

10:30am for Target Field to watch the

Twins play against the Pi3sburgh Pirates at

12:10pm. Tickets for Home Plate View

seats and bus transporta�on is only $30!

Call Liz at 763-428-0939 by July 7 to re-

serve your seats.

New Rogers Senior Center: 12913 Main

Street (across from Wells Fargo). Open

8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. Volun-

teers are needed to help supervise the

building when the coordinator is off-site.

Please call Liz at 763-428-0939 if you are

interested.

Driver Improvement Program through St.

Cloud University: Wednesday, June 10

from 12-4pm (4-hour refresher, $20.00) at

the Rogers Community Room. Save 10%

on your auto insurance for 3 years. Call

888-234-1294 to sign up.

Great Decisions: A Global Conversa�on

Group - approx. 1 hour monthly foreign

policy discussion of important global topics

presented by videos, local expert presen-

ta�ons and group discussions. June 17 at

10am at the Rogers Community Room.

This month’s topic is Russia and the near

abroad. Call Liz 763-428-0939 to receive

your book before the mee�ng.

MN Landscape Arboretum: Monday, June

22—Depart from the Rogers Senior Center

at 9:30am. Narrated tram tour through the

Arboretum’s gardens and woodlands; 1.5

hours to explore; and depart at 2:30pm

back to Rogers. Cost is $25 for bus transpor-

ta�on, entry to the Arboretum and tram

tour. Have lunch at their cafe or bring a bag

lunch. Call Liz at 763-428-0939 by June 12 to

sign up.

The Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes

seniors shopping at Ridgedale every other

month. The next trips are on June 9 and

August 11. Cost is $1.00 for the round trip.

The bus starts picking up at 9:30am and

returns to Rogers by 1:30pm. Call Judy to

sign up at 763-428-7657.

MS: MSM.AM – June 28 at 10am in the Youth Room. Come for food,

devo�ons and games. Friends are always welcome!

MS/HS: Bunker Beach Water Park—Wednesday, June 24. We’ll meet at

12pm and return at 6pm. Cost: $16 and a signed Word of Peace Health

Form. Deadline to sign up is June 17.

HS: Wednesday Night Bonfires—June 3, 17 & 24 from 6-8pm at the Word

of Peace fire pit. (The June 10 bonfire is for the Na�onal Youth Gathering

par�cipants)

Summer Camps—It’s not too late to register for Summer Camp! Register

online at campwapo.org.

Seeds Camp at Wapo (Completed grades 2-3) - July 31-August 2

Youth Camp at Wapo or Luther Dell (Completed grades 4-5) - August 2-7

Youth Camp at Luther Dell (Completed grades 6-8) - August 2-7

Sr. High Roots Camp at Luther Dell (Completed grades 9-12) - August 2-7

For ques�ons about summer camp, please contact Marcus Eads at

meads@woplc.org or 763-496-2410.

SeniorsSeniorsSeniorsSeniors

For more informa�on contact Marcus Eads at 763-496-2410 or meads@woplc.org • wordofpeace.org/middle-school OR wordofpeace.org/high-school

Please contact Judy Hanson at 763-428-

7657 for resource, community or general

informa�on 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.

Upcoming Youth Events : MS = Middle School | HS = High School

An Introduc�on from Sheldon Way:

Hi everyone! I’m incredibly excited to be joining Word of

Peace as the new High School Ministry Director. Born in To-

ronto, Canada, I’ve lived most of my life in Delano, Minnesota.

AIer gradua�ng from St. Olaf College, I came to Jerusalem

through the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program,

where I’m currently serving with the Evangelical Lutheran

Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. I enjoy hiking, traveling,

playing music, and watching hockey. I’m excited to get to

know all of you at Word of Peace and to begin my service with

you!

Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULESUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULESUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULESUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AMSundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AMSundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AMSundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AM Mondays at 6:30 PMMondays at 6:30 PMMondays at 6:30 PMMondays at 6:30 PM