here - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

September 2015
Look Inside for…
Worship, Service,
Fall GroupLife for Adults, Children, and Youth,
Sandbox Cooperative, and More!
Sunday Schedule, beginning September 13
1212 12th Ave NW
Rochester, MN 55901
507-289-1841
www.gloria-dei.com
Wednesday Schedule, beginning September 16
Staff
PASTORS
Charles Ortloff
Karna Hagen Moskalik
Dave Berg
ortloff@gloria-dei.com
hagen@gloria-dei.com
berg@gloria-dei.com
LEGACY WORSHIP AND MUSIC
Julie Stevens
worship@gloria-dei.com
Cheryl Strande
worshipassistant@gloria-dei.com
Pat Anderson
music@gloria-dei.com
Harold Vetter
harold.vetter@ssa.gov
Duane Sauke
duanesauke@gmail.com
Deb Renfrow
deb_rentfrow@yahoo.com
EPICONEEIGHT WORSHIP AND MUSIC
Chris Roberts
grouplifexyz@gloria-dei.com
CHILDREN
Kristelle Behle
Julie Cohrs
Lisa Derr
Christy Boyer
Carrie Ostman
Leanne Pederson and
Mike Thompson
sundayschool@gloria-dei.com
juliec@gloria-dei.com
xyzcoordinator@gloria-dei.com
mczsboyer@yahoo.com
larsenca@juno.com
pederson76@gmail.com
YOUTH
Joshua Poencet
Chris Schmit
youth@gloria-dei.com
confirmation@gloria-dei.com
WOMEN
Chantel Remick
womensministry@gloria-dei.com
ADMINISTRATIVE
Carol Fisher
Staci Magnuson
Erin Gibbons
Walt Allen
8:45 amLegacySanctuary
9:00 am EpicOneEight
Worship Center
10:00 am Kids Sunday School
Classrooms
Epic Adult Ed
Worship Center
Daily Faith Practices
Conference Room
Coffee and Conversation
Sanctuary
11:00 am The Bridge
Sanctuary
EpicOneEight
Worship Center
parishadministrator@gloria-dei.com
volunteers@gloria-dei.com
communications@gloria-dei.com
computerspecialist@gloria-dei.com
CUSTODIAL
John Dornack
Zach Boyer
Cathy Esberg
4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:45 pm 7:00 pm
7:30 pm
A Fresh Look at Jesus Study
Dinner Catered by Hy-vee
Water’s Edge Worship
Kidz Resort
The EDGE
Confirmation Sanctuary Singers Rehearsal
Epic Band Rehearsal
Fireside Room
Fellowship Hall
Sanctuary
Classrooms
Meet in The Loft
Worship Center
Sanctuary
Worship Center
What’s Inside?
3
Welcome to the Test Kitchen
• • • Worship
4
5
This Year at Water’s Edge: A Fresh Look at Jesus
What’s Next at EpicOneEight?
Continuing the Journey at Legacy and The Bridge
Senior Generational Worship
• • • Service
6
7
8
9
10
11
LSS Celebrates 150 Years
Fall Opportunities
Thoughts from Detroit
Spotlight on Serving: Nancy Haroldson
A Word from the Iversons in Ethiopia
Summer Scrapbook
• • • GroupLife
Council
Mike Seaberg, President
Linda Stockwell, Vice President
Rob Fuqua, Secretary
Dale Amy
Brad Behle
Noelle Tripolino Roberts
Phyllis Rusley
Larry Tarnow
Gary Zander
12
16
18
Adult
Children
Youth
• • • And More
20 Coming Up at Sandbox Cooperative
22Labs
23 Kids’ Activity: Tangram Puzzles
Welcome to the Test Kitchen
Much of the food we enjoy today—at restaurants, in cookbooks, and from the grocery
store—was born in a test kitchen. A chef might experiment with ingredients, cooking
times, and techniques. She might consider some herbs and spices while avoiding others
altogether. Eventually the test kitchen chef reveals a final product, a new dish to sample.
How does it taste?
If it tastes good, the recipe might be shared, replicated, or even mass-produced.
If it tastes bad, the recipe might be changed, tweaked, or scrapped altogether.
Great tasting food often has its origins in the trial, error, and creative space of a test
kitchen. The end goal is to make a new thing, and create a fresh new dining and culinary
experience.
I know it’s a strange question, but could Gloria Dei be seen as a Test Kitchen for faith?
Could this be a creative environment designed to experiment, explore new concepts, and
try fresh ideas?
Rather than making a delicious recipe, we are exploring creative ways to share the
message and love of Jesus.
A Gloria Dei Test Kitchen explores new ways of experiencing God’s presence in our world
and in our lives.
If an idea works, we will share, replicate, and develop it.
If it doesn’t work, we might adapt, change, or scrap it.
Success is exciting. Failure is fascinating. We learn from both and continue working to
create deeper understanding and relationships with God and one another.
The pages of this quarterly are filled with emerging recipes from our Gloria Dei Test
Kitchen. We are so excited to be working, developing, and growing ministries together in
this community. Some will be great. Others will be a work in progress. Whatever the case,
we will be striving to build community, grow faith, and transform lives in some surprising
and creative ways.
Bon Appetit,
Dave
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 3
THIS YEAR
AT WATER’S EDGE
Our first look at an individual may not be the
most accurate picture. When we meet someone
for the first time, we form an opinion. Then, we
meet them again, under different circumstances
or later in our lives, and we may form a different
opinion of that person.
Many of us have formed a picture of who Jesus
is for us. We may have formed this when we
were very young. Or, we may have formed
this from the example of those who were our
teachers or parents. Quite often, a fresh look at
Jesus leaves us with some new insights, and at
times, a completely different Jesus than we had
assumed.
This year for Water’s Edge, we will take a fresh
look at the Jesus we see in John’s Gospel.
The stories all have a familiar ring to them. We
have heard most of these stories, some many
times. But this year, we will look for the parts
4 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September 2015
A FRESH LOOK
AT JESUS
of the story that we had overlooked the first
time. We will look at Jesus with what some call
“beginner’s eyes.” Seeing what is there rather
than what we assume is there.
Join us, beginning on Wednesday, September
16 at 6:00 pm for worship in the sanctuary.
We will follow a video presentation of John’s
Gospel that will help us “see” Jesus in a way that
reading about his life may not always provide.
Join us this year as we travel through John’s
Gospel, taking a fresh look at Jesus.
What’s next at EpicOneEight?
Over the past year at EpicOneEight, we’ve tried some
experiments. We hosted a Service + Worship Sunday,
where we worshiped by living out the sermon through
doing service projects together. And then we tried
EpicToGo, where we honored the need for time away by
offering a worship service you could download and listen
to in the car, at your cabin, or in the living room in your
jammies. We look forward to this new year, where we can
continue to grow, learn, and try new things together. For
now, here’s a peek at the next two sermon series we’ll be
exploring at worship.
Welcome
(September 20–October 11)
A good party starts with an invitation. When you arrive,
a host shows you around and you connect with other
guests. But the party isn’t complete until all the guests
are there. What if our welcome looked more like a party,
where everyone is invited and an important guest?
The Secret of Happiness
(October 25–November 15)
We are often looking for the next experience or thing to
make us happy. Is there a secret to happiness, or are we
asking the wrong question?
Continuing the Journey at Legacy and The Bridge
Worship at Legacy and The Bridge follows the Revised Common
Lectionary, a schedule of scripture readings that takes us through
the liturgical calendar. This year will especially focus on readings
from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
Senior Generational Worship
October 8, 11:00 am, Sanctuary
Join us for the second senior generational worship service of 2015.
This worship service especially honors our senior members, many
of whom are homebound or live in senior living places and can’t
make it to church regularly. Volunteers help host this event by
providing transportation, making food, or serving the meal. Sign up
to volunteer or attend by contacting the church office
(507-289-1841).
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 5
LSS Celebrates
150 Years
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
is celebrating 150 years of inspiring
hope, changing lives, and building
community in Minnesota.
LSS provides services for children
and youth, people with disabilities,
and older adults. They work to
provide safe and stable homes for
all kids and youth, access to needed
services for people with disabilities,
and help for older adults to be an
active part of their community.
Gloria Dei supports the work of LSS
through annual giving.
If you’d like to learn more about
the work of LSS or their upcoming
“Celebrating Changing Lives” event
and funraiser on September 26, visit
lssmn.org.
6 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September
June 2015 2015
SERVIC
CE
Food for Friends
In the Rochester public schools, 32% of children receive free or reduced price lunch, a
service that ensures that all kids are able to eat. But what about the weekends? The Food
for Friends Backpack Program provides backpacks of food for kids to take home and
eat over the weekend. It ensures that kids have meals at home, not just at school. Gloria
Dei provides backpacks for Washington and Elton Hills Elementary Schools. Volunteers
are needed to pick up the food from Channel One, set up, pack backpacks, and deliver
them. Contact Carol to sign up (parishadministrator@gloria-dei.com). We also collect one
food item per month throughout the year. September’s food item is a family size can of
spaghetti sauce and one pound of noodles. Grab a few when you’re at the store and drop
them in the bin outside the church office.
EMPTY BOWLS
This past summer at Vacation Bible School, kids painted more than 200 bowls that
were donated to Channel One for the annual Empty Bowls fundraising event. Consider
supporting Channel One by attending this event, and look for the bowls made by the
Gloria Dei kids!
10th Annual Empty Bowls
Thursday, October 8, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Rochester Art Center
Tickets are available at channel-one.org in advance for $10 or at the door for $15.
FOOD FOR KIDZ MEAL PACKING
Food for Kidz provides prepackaged meals to kids in developing countries all around the
world. Gloria Dei supports this organization through our Sustenance Fund, and you can
participate by packing meals at the local Food for Kidz Event. Sign up at gloria-dei.com or
at the Hospitality Desk. Contact Dale Massey (507-288-5537).
Food for Kidz Meal Packing
Saturday, October 10, 9:00-11:00 am or 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Avenue SE)
CARE TEAM
Members of the Gloria Dei Care Team provide visitation, hospital calls, phone calls, and
hospice. The first training event this fall is on September 23 at 5:00 pm in the Fireside
Room, with additional training provided throughout the year. Contact Karna (hagen@
gloria-dei.com).
PRAYER MINISTRY
As a community, we can offer support, celebrate joy, and help others through prayer.
Gloria Dei has two prayer chains, one via phone and one via email. Or if you’re handy
at knitting or crocheting, consider putting those skills to use creating prayer shawls. The
shawls are given to families walking through health challenges. To participate in a prayer
ministry, contact Carol (parishadministrator@gloria-dei.com).
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 7
Thoughts
From
Detroit
Participants Reflect on the
National Youth Gathering
Detroit opened the eyes of our youth to the larger
picture of the how the ELCA comes together to
praise Jesus and serve others. Youth saw how God
works in our world and in our lives and how we can
help make a difference by following Jesus’ example.
Our group of 49 (43 youth & 6 adults) got to
explore Detroit, have fun at the Gathering, and serve
in a neighborhood that rarely sees help. Along with
another 30,000 Gathering participants, our group
cleaned up abandoned houses, cleared alleyways for
residents to feel safer, and restored a neighborhood
in one day. We don’t always get to see or feel the
difference we make on these trips, but our leaders
and youth came back changed. We are so blessed
to have a community at Gloria Dei that supports our
youth in serving Christ all over the country!
“I was mostly surprised at how nice Detroit actually
is. Everyone talks about how horrible it is, but it’s
very nice actually. My favorite part was how thankful
all the locals were. Several went out of their way to
thank us and tell us how appreciative they were.”
-Andrea Thayer
“Big mama was nice, and we helped her clear her
alleyways so that people couldn’t hide.”
-Ross Faber
“For service day, our group had one of the worst
houses on that street, and we basically uncovered an
entire driveway that was covered in weeds growing
through the cracks in the sidewalk. It was very hard
work but so worth it once we saw the end result.”
-Jenna Adams
“We have truly wonderful kids. It is one thing just to
‘know’ that as a parent, but to truly witness these
kids in action was, to me, overwhelming at times.
They were gracious, polite, positive in challenging
situations, and truly took in the trip for everything
that it was, which was just glorious to witness.”
-Laurel Schacht
8 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September
June 2015 2015
Spotlight on Serving
Nancy Haroldson
Touches Lives with
Humility and Grace
Nancy Haroldson has lived in
Rochester since 1962 and has
been a member of Gloria Dei
since 1967. She worked as a nurse
at Methodist Hospital, which
was eventually incorporated
into Mayo Clinic. If there’s one
word that best describes Nancy’s
personality, work, and spirit of
generosity, it’s “nurturing.” When
I mentioned that to Nancy, she
laughed and said, “It’s just sort of
a habit, I guess.”
It would probably be easier to
list what Nancy isn’t involved in
at church than to list what she is
involved in. She runs MediaShout
for Legacy worship, attends Daily
Faith Practices, puts her sewing
and knitting skills to use in the
quilting and crafting groups, and
is a member of the book club.
And that’s just some of what she’s
involved in inside the Gloria Dei
community.
Beyond our walls, Nancy makes
an impact in our local community
and around the world. She sews
book bags for the back of every
student’s chair at Jefferson
Elementary School, knits hats for
cold hands, warm heart and for
the Cronin Home, makes baby
blankets to give away, and sews
diapers made from old t-shirts
that are sent to Honduras.
Nancy finds fulfillment in keeping
herself busy, but, she says, “I
don’t do much on a schedule.”
When she retired in 2007, she was
determined to do whatever she
wanted to do, but that also meant
keeping her schedule open. After
more than 40 years of working full
time and caring for her family, she
was ready to build flexibility into
her life. “If somebody needs help
today, I drop what I was going to
do and go help,” she says.
Church has been important to
Nancy throughout her life—as
a child and a youth, then as a
parent, and now as a retired
person. She loves being part of
Gloria Dei, where she has found a
community of close friends. Plus,
she says, “You can always find
somebody new to talk to.”
Drastically different from the
angry God she learned about in
the church where she grew up,
Nancy is thankful for the God of
love and grace she has come to
know at Gloria Dei. In her almost
50 years of membership, she’s
seen a lot of pastors and a lot
of changes, and she praises the
willingness of this community to
grow and change. As she says, “If
you don’t try and change, you get
stuck way back where.”
Nancy has made an impact on
countless lives through her work
and service. But for her, it’s no
big deal. She finds joy in serving
and helping others. Without even
realizing it, Nancy models humility
and gratitude, spreading God’s
love simply through how she lives
her life.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 9
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Summer Scrapbook
Mission Trips, Camping, Rochester Bike Club, and More!
A Gloria Dei Summer filled with Service, Fellowship, and Fun
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 11
Sunday Morning, beginning September 13
Coffee and Conversation, 10:00 am, Sanctuary
Dig deeper into the morning’s scripture and sermon.
Daily Faith Practices, 10:00 am, Conference Room (by Fellowship Hall)
A study based on the Lectionary, written by ELCA pastors.
Epic Adult Ed, 10:00 am, Worship Center
Conversations on faith and life, using a variety of media.
Wednesday Evening, beginning September 13
“A Fresh Look at Jesus” Bible Study, 4:00 pm, Fireside Room
A conversation with Pastor Charles that follows Water’s Edge weekly themes.
GROUPLIFE: ADULT
Forever Forty, beginning September 17
September 17, 12 pm, Quarry Hill Nature Center
Presentations, excursions, and conversations with friends. In September, Forever Forty will enjoy
a box lunch ($6.50) and presentation from Jill Danielson, director at Quarry Hill. Sign up by
September 13. Contact Mary Sorum (507-289-8222).
Book Clubs, beginning September 1 and 8
Evening Book Club, September 1, 7:00 pm, Fireside Room
Read a book each month, then meet for discussion the first Tuesday of the month. Contact
Dawn Johannsen (507-286-9102). September’s book is “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.
Afternoon Book Club, September 8, 2:00 pm, Fireside Room
Read a book each month, then meet for discussion the second Tuesday of the month. Contact
Shirley Doyle (507-280-8194). September’s book is “A House in the Sky” by Sara Crobett and
Amanda Lindhout.
12 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September 2015
Music Groups, beginning in September
Glorious Bells
A handbell group that performs in Legacy and The Bridge the second Sunday of each month.
Rehearsals are Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary, beginning September 1. Contact Deb
Rentfrow (deb_rentfrow@yahoo.com).
Sanctuary Singers
A mixed choir that sings in Legacy on the first and third Sundays of each month. Rehearsals are
Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary, beginning September 2.
Worship Teams
Instrumentalists and vocalists who help lead music during The Bridge, EpicOneEight, and
Water’s Edge worship. Weekly participation is not necessary. Join when you are available.
The Bridge, Sunday at 11:00 am, rehearses at 7:00 pm on Thursdays. Contact Pat (music@gloriadei.com).
EpicOneEight, Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 am, rehearses at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays. Contact
Chris R. (grouplifexyz@gloria-dei.com.)
Water’s Edge, Wednesday at 6:00 pm, rehearses at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays. Contact Julie S.
(worship@gloria-dei.com).
Mondays, 2:00 pm, Fireside Room
Bring your crafts and join the conversation. Meets every Monday.
Men’s Theology Pub, beginning September 21
September 21, 7:00 pm, Whistle Binkies On the Lake
Meet one Monday a month to enjoy a brew and a conversation on faith, life, and what’s
happening in the world. Contact Pastor Dave (berg@gloria-dei.com).
GROUPLIFE: ADULT
Conversation and Crafts, ongoing group
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 13
WELCA, beginning September 15
Groups of ELCA women who meet monthly for Bible study and fellowship.
September 15
Elizabeth Circle, 9:00 am, at church
Rachel Circle, 9:00 am, at church
Anna Circle, 9:00 am, Barbara Swart Home
Naomi Circle, 1:00 pm, Gloria Schaar Home
Esther Circle, 7:00 pm, Carol Fisher Home
September 16
Sarah Circle, 9:00 am, Room 10
Ruth Circle, 12:30 pm , Ann Peterson Home
GROUPLIFE: ADULT
Quilters, beginning September 10
Create and donate quilts to local and international organizations. Meets the second and fourth
Thursday of each month in Fellowship Hall.
Quilting Retreat, October 16-17, 9:00 am, Fellowship Hall
Take some time to work on those projects! Cost is $10 per day for food. Contact Rita Clark
(507-288-4130) or Beth Skalisky (507-951-3611) to sign up.
Men’s Bible Studies, beginning September 3
September 3, 6:15 am, Room 10
A study for men using the “Master Builders Bible for Men.” Meets every Thursday. Led by Pastor
Charles.
September 10, 9:00 am, Room 10
A study for men using videos as a launch point for discussion. Meets every Thursday. Led by
Dave Swart (507-289-5846).
14 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September 2015
Senior Huddles, beginning September 14
Pastor Karna visits Samaritan Bethany and Homestead one Monday a month for fellowship,
music, a devotional, and communion.
Samaritan Bethany Huddles are the second Monday of each month at 10:00 am in the Chapel,
beginning September 14.
Homestead Huddles are the third Monday of each month at 10:00 am in the Club, beginning
September 21.
Starfish Community, beginning September 20
One Sunday a month, 6:30 pm, Fireside Room
W
E
Join Charles, Julie, Kristelle and other adults as we embark on a faith journey
N IS
TH LL
FA
together. Why “starfish?” We’ll center ourselves with a large group presentation
(at the “center” of the starfish), then break into small groups for discussion (the “arms”).
Come for an optional light supper at 5:30 pm. Nursery care is provided.
The Friends of Jesus, beginning September 14
EWS
N
THILL
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Women’s Study, Mondays, 6:30 pm, Fireside Room
Women are invited to take part in this emotionally powerful, thought-provoking,
6-week study about the friends who traveled, taught, and served with Jesus,
including video by Karen Kingsbury. The study will help you to appreciate the
Bible more and understand how it applies to your relationships with the most
important people in your life. Sign up online or at church. Led by Pastor Karna.
Contact Cheryl (worshipassistant@gloria-dei.com).
GROUPLIFE: ADULT
In September, we’ll explore “The Meaning of Life: Resume Virtues or Eulogy Virtues?” Resume
virtues are the skills that you bring to the job market and that contribute to external success—the
part of you that wants to build, create, produce, and discover. The eulogy virtues are deeper,
the ones that are talked about at your funeral, that exist at the core of your being—the part of
you that desires to live in obedience to some transcendent truth and to have a cohesive inner
soul that honors creation and one’s own possibilities. We’ll talk about how we see these virtues
taught and lived out in our culture and, more importantly, how we choose to live them our in
our lives.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 15
We love kids!
Being creative, interacting, learning how to love God and each other, and making
a difference in the world around us. It is our hope to create an environment where
kids feel safe to have fun, to grow in their relationship with Jesus, and to celebrate
the unique individual God has created them to be. Whether on Sunday mornings
or Wednesday evenings, children will experience God’s love through relationships,
activities, and creative Bible stories.
Sunday Morning, beginning September 13
All kids age 3 through 5th grade are invited to participate in Sunday morning activities
between worship services. Kids who are interested in singing will start with choir from 10:0010:20 am, then join the rest of their class afterward. Kids who aren’t intersted in singing will
go straight to their classrooms at 10:00 am. These are great opportunities to learn and grow
in faith together!
Shepherd’s Singers (Age 3-Grade 1)
Directed by Carrie Ostman (larsenca@juno.com).
King’s Kids (Grade 2-5)
Directed by Mike Thompson and Leanne Pederson (pederson76@gmail.com).
GROUPLIFE: CHILDREN
No programming on October 18, November 27, January 3, February 14, March 27, or April 3.
Wednesday Evening, beginning September 16
Wednesday evenings are a great time for fellowship, worship, and learning at Gloria Dei.
With dinner, worship, and Kidz Resort, there’s something for all ages to join as we learn and
grow in faith together. Kidz Resort starts at 6:40 pm, and Aftercare and Nursery are available
until 8:00 pm. Contact Kristelle (sundayschool@gloria-dei.com).
No programming on October 14, November 25, December 16, 23, and 30, March 23, or April 6.
16 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September 2015
Backpack Blessing
Sunday, September 13, All Worship Services
Kids are invited to bring their backpacks to worship on September 13. We’ll take time during
worship to celebrate back-to-school and bless backpacks.
3-year-old Open House
Saturday, September 12, 9:30-11 am
Christmas Program, rehearsals begin in fall
Too early to talk about Christmas? No way! The children’s Christmas program this fall will be
called “The Christmas Clinic.” Rehearsals begin October 25.
GROUPLIFE: CHILDREN
All 3-year-olds and their parents are invited to come explore the Sunday school wing of
Gloria Dei. You’ll get a chance to see their classroom, play around, and meet other kids
and parents. Then we’ll share faith practices and a snack together. Each child will receive
a Spark Story Bible to read, share, and enjoy at home and at church! Contact Kristelle
(sundayschool@gloria-dei.com).
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 17
To know and be known…this is our desire for every youth.
We believe we were created for love, to know God and be transformed by God
so that we may give love away with life-changing influence. We choose to live in
community together with peers and adults who are thoughtful, authentic, and
born to change the world. Through life together, youth will experience a variety of
opportunities to grow deep in learning and love, while reaching out to impact their
world and beyond.
HIGH SCHOOL WednesdayS, Beginning September 16
The EDGE, Wednesday, 6:40 pm, Meet in The Loft
Wednesday night at the EDGE is a great time for our high school youth to have fun, grow,
serve others, and build lifelong friendships. This year we’ll go out into the community to serve
with different organizations, have fun, and build a stronger community within our group. All
high school youth are welcome to join at 6:40 pm each Wednesday (that includes friends).
If you’re an adult excited about the EDGE and would like to volunteer as a leader or driver,
contact Josh (youth@gloria-dei.com).
GROUPLIFE: YOUTH
No programming on October 14, November 25, December 16, 23, and 30, March 23, or April 6.
MIDDLE SCHOOL WEDNESDAYS, Beginning September 16
Confirmation, Wednesday, 6:40 pm, Worship Center
Confirmation at Gloria Dei is “different.” We don’t have a long list of requirements, and we
don’t treat Confirmation Sunday as graduation. Confirmation is an opportunity for youth in
grades 6-8 to gather on Wednesday nights,first as a LOUD/LARGE group and then as a small
group with peers and an adult mentor. We talk about life and faith. We ask questions. We
look at who God is and how God is working. We serve together. Join this exploration and
discovery as a youth or an adult mentor. Contact Chris S. (confirmation@gloria-dei.com).
No programming on October 14, November 25, December 16, 23, and 30, March 23, or April 6.
18 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September
June 2015 2015
WEEKEND SERVICE ADVENTURES, COMING SOON
We’re excited to introduce weekend service adventures for our youth this year.
There will be two for high school—one in October and one in February—and
W
NE IS
one for middle school next spring. Youth will travel somewhere in Minnesota to
H
T
R serve, play, and have a great time together. In addition to serving others, our
YEA
youth will learn more about God and themselves and build relationships with
friends and adults in faithful and meaningful ways. Look for more details to
come about this new adventure we’ll be sharing! If you are an adult excited
about these adventures and you would like to volunteer as a leader, food coordinator, or trip
coordinator, contact Josh (youth@gloria-dei.com).
GROUPLIFE: YOUTH
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 19
20 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September 2015
Coming Up
at Sandbox Cooperative
Heatherlyn
Sunday, November 22, 7:00 pm
Heatherlyn is a singer, song artist from Minneapolis with a Soul ~
Roots ~ Rock vibe. In concert, Heatherlyn leads the audience on
a refreshing journey of connection—from whimsical laughter to
thoughtfulness, inviting listeners to consider how they are conduits
of peace and hope in the world. Heatherlyn will invite us to explore
music and creativity as an expression of faith.
Shane Claiborne
Sunday, May 1, 2016, 7:00 pm
Shane Claiborne is a founder and board member of The Simple Way,
a faith community in inner city Philadelphia that has helped birth
and connect radical faith communities around the world. He has
served on peace delegations in some of the most troubled regions
in the world. Shane will lead us in a conversation about social justice,
peacemaking, and Jesus.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or listen at
sandboxcooperative.com/listen.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 21
LABS
Our way of life often leaves us with a feeling of being busy or overwhelmed. This was the topic for the summer
trial of a new ministry opportunity that we’re calling “Labs.” In Labs, we gather people together to explore a topic
or challenge and engage in a short-term, practice-based community.
Over five weeks we gathered around the idea of being busy. We shared our stories of what life looks like—where
are the stress points? Why do I feel like I don’t have enough time? How can I manage in the midst of being
overwhelmed?
We also shared together practices that came from both a practical need and from precedent modeled by Jesus.
Time away, time in silence, time for prayer, and reading scripture. A technology fast, meditation, and building
time into our day for the things we enjoy. Sharing these experiences gave us each new insight into how to deal
with this challenge as individuals, and also led to more encouragement of each other.
One of the keys to this ministry will be empowering leaders who will lead similar groups. By having more leaders,
we hope to connect further into the Rochester community and with topics that matter to those leaders and their
friends. We’re also hopeful that, through these leaders and their own gifts, Labs might serve as an invitation into
Christian community. We’re excited to explore more topics throughout the coming year.
ABOUT LABS
Labs are opportunities
for exploration.
Each Lab begins with
a question like, “What
is the ‘ache’ of our
community?”, “How
can our faith have a
positive impact on our
community?”, or “How
can we dig deeper into
a piece of our faith?” We
explore these questions
with conversation and
faith practices aimed
at showing us what our
faith can teach us about
a given topic.
22 \ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church \ September 2015
Labs build community.
Because Labs begin
with a common
interest or concern, the
process quickly leads to
discussion around how
we can encourage each
other and explore a
topic together. Working
together allows us to
know each other better
and invites deeper
conversation.
Labs empower leaders.
Because our faith story
relates to every aspect
of life, Labs can be
about anything. But
as a leader, you don’t
have to be an expert,
only willing to explore
a topic with others. Lab
leaders are supported
by previous leaders and
participants are invited
to lead a group in a
future Lab.
Labs are focused
outward.
Labs can be a great
model for members of
a congregation wanting
to further explore their
faith and get to know
others. But the model
of Labs is intended to
be an open invitation to
Christian community—
one that allows people
to explore faith in
a non-threatening
way through their
relationships with other
participants.
Tangram Puzzles
Cut out the tangram puzzle below and cut the shapes apart.
Use the shapes to create the items pictured below. You’ll use every shape each time!
Chalice
Altar
Candle Prayer
Heart
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / September 2015 / 23
1212 12TH AVE NW
ROCHESTER, MN 55901
Non-Profit Org
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit #20
Rochester, MN 55901