Death... You Cannot Escape It

E-Update

April 25, 2017

Forest Lake, Minnesota

We are called, gathered and sent to be a people living, loving and serving as Jesus did so that all may know Him.

Worship Times

Sunday:

9am in the Great Hall

10:30am in the Great Hall

Wednesday:

6:00pm in the Garden Chapel

Stay Connected

www.hosannaforestlake.net

Join our email list here

Death... You Cannot
Escape It

A Note From Pastor Linda

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ~

We just experienced EASTER and are in the EASTER Season. We just proclaimed that death does not have the final word- but LIFE... NEW LIFE... ETERNAL LIFE! So why talk about death? Because death happens this side of eternity.

Did you know that there are more than 70 details that need to be tended to in the first 24 hours after death? Having a conversation with loved ones before death can make it easier for them and can save them money- not making unnecessary purchases while under the stress of last-minute planning.

On Wednesday during Connect360 Adult Education we will begin the conversation. Here are a few of the things to consider:

General Preparations : Assemble personal information for obituary. Choose a charity to direct donations. Choose a funeral home.

Funeral Home Services: Choose burial or cremation. Select a casket or cremation container. Cemetery? Ashes scattered or on the mantel? Columbarium?

Worship Service: Select music and Scripture that are meaningful to you. Why these?

As Christ-followers we know that death is not the end. There is more to the story! One day your heart will stop beating, and that will be the end of your body. But it's not going to be the end of you. This is not all there is. Why do we have hope? Jesus said this: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14)

For a Christ-follower, death is not leaving home. It's a homecoming. Let's talk about it!

See you in church!

~Pastor Linda

PS- There will also be continued conversation around this topic between services on Sundays, April 30 and May 14 in the Garden Chapel.

Prayer Requests

Rejoice and Thanksgiving
Crystal and Kelley, nieces of Ruth and Marlin Lackas, for their continued healing and for help received in their communities

Comfort and Strength in Healing in Cancer Journey

Ellien Connole, aunt of Ryan Grimes; Shelley, friend of Linda Knyphausen; Beau Anderson, friend of Sill family; Tonya, friend and coworker of Vicki Croce; Anne Witalka, friend of Marlin and Ruth Lackas; Bob Olson; Beryl, friend of Elaine Schumacher; Ruth Anne Edlund; Terry Longville, friend of Sharon Sill; Bob Rupar

Healing, Recovering or Facing Other Health Issues

Noah Reedy in his job search; Nathan Acker, son of Andrea and Nick Acker and grandson of Len and Sally Wojtowicz; Continued guidance for Rebecca and Laura; Mike Chester; Shawn Pearson, brother-in-law of Mark Bergan; Emilie Harley; For those who go above and beyond in the midst of trial; Johanna Livermore; Rex Livermore, Dave Livermore's father; Bette Kuss, Ross Ohman's cousin; Dick Westcott; Ed Abbott, cousin of Denny and Shirley Wachholz; Jim Harley, husband of Emilie Harley; Sharon Kari; Cooper, great-nephew of Mary Gookins; Sharon, sister of Betty Corum

Peace and Comfort in Nearing End of Life
Jack Ledford, Grandfather of Tina Grimes

Keep Safe From Harm

Cole, grandson of Marlin and Ruth Lackas; Hayden Oliver, serving in Coast Guard

Grief Compassion

Family and friends of Candie Eckert

Hosanna's Wednesday Night Program

Weekly Schedule of Events

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM -Dinner Hour

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM - The Good News at 6 Worship

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Education for all ages

- Faith Formation (Pre-K through Grade 6)

- Confirmation (Grade 7-9)

- Higher Ground (High School age)

- Adult Education

VOLUNTEERS are also needed to help prepare the meals and guide our children & youth in Faith Formation, Confirmation & Higher Ground. Talk with Pastor Jen Collins or Susan Wojciechowski, Food Service Coordinator, about ways you might help.

Green Earth Team (GET) Plant Sale

Sunday, April 9 - Sunday, May 7

GET will be hosting a fundraiser during the month of April selling plants! Plant order forms can be filled out and picked up on Sundays before and after services, Wednesdays during Connect360 or from Kelsey at the front office during open church hours. Forest Lake Floral is also offering community fundraising for Hosanna when shoppers make a purchase and mention Hosanna from now until June 18. Some exclusions apply; also, the Adopt a Garden program is once again being offered at the plant sale table. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Okeson at [email protected]

Hosanna Softball Team

Begins End of April

Registration is beginning for the Softball Team! They play on Sunday nights representing Hosanna! It's a great way to get involved and we are looking for people of all ages! If you are interested, please contact Nick Kelley at [email protected].

Spring Clean-Up

Saturday, April 29
8am - 12pm

The annual spring cleanup has been set for Sat. April 29th, from 8 - 12. We are working with the Grounds crew to take care of necessary chores to ensure the lawns, gardens, parking lots, and other areas outside of Hosanna's building continue to shine!

Please bring your own tools for gardening, raking, sweeping, trimming, blowing leaves, chain sawing, trailers, gloves, or anything else you normally use for these activities. Contact Gary Lee at 612-916-1943, or Kathy Okeson at [email protected] with any questions.

Blessing of the Car Keys: "Leaping" Into Independence

Sunday, April 30
11:30am - 1:30pm

The Blessing of the Keys is one more way the faith community is helping to instruct and lead our youth. This is a NEW milestone we have added and is open to all youth who have received their permit or driver's license since last year.

Everyone knows a whole new world opens up for families when a child receives their driver's license. New expectations, new privileges, new freedoms, and new worries all come into play. What better time to come together as a family to talk through the new expectations and privileges, as well as pray and ask for guidance. Join other families and youth as we eat lunch, create covenants and choose verses to bless the cars.

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen at [email protected] or Kelsey Hane at [email protected]

Register Here

Last Night of Connect360 and Summer Celebration!

Wednesday, May 3

To celebrate the beginning of summer, we are having a big party with a big guest! A picnic will begin at 5:00pm and worship with special guest, Agape* will begin at 6pm! If you have any questions about this event, contact Pastor Jen.

*Merchandise will be available to purchase to help support the ministries of AGAPE* & Joe Davis. Cost of the evening is free will donation.

Checkout AGAPE* website: http://www.hiphopoutreach.com/

Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)

Thursday, May 4

Please join us at Meredee's Bistros in Lindstrom for a delightful lunch overlooking beautiful Lake Lindstrom. We will be meeting at 11:30am on Thursday, May 4. To RSVP please contact Lynda Olson at [email protected]

Frolic Family Gathering

Saturday, May 6

Date: Saturday, May 6
Time: 10:30- 12:30 p.m.
Where: Hosanna Garden Chapel
Who: Parents/Guardians of toddlers & their kids
Lunch will be provided.
We will spend time getting to know each other, share in some toddler friendly activities. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen. Register Here.

2018 Summer Youth Gathering Informational Meeting

Sunday, May 7

There will an informational meeting for those possible interested in going to the 2018 Summer Youth Gathering on Sunday, May 7 between services in the Infinity Room. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen.

Required Mission Trip Meeting

Sunday, May 7

There will be a required meeting for all of those going on the summer Mission Trip on Sunday, May 7 at 11:30am and will include lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen.

If you are not attending the Mission Trip, but would like to learn about what the youth will be doing and how to support them, click here.

Summer Stretch 2017

June 14, 21 and 28
July 12, 19 and 26
August 3 (optional)

The day will start with a local mission (i.e. FMSC, Second Harvest, Birchwood Senior Living Center, Local Farming), then a sack lunch with devotion; followed up with a recreational activity (i.e. Waterpark, Movie Theater, Outdoor Game Day, Bowling, Trampoline & Climbing Wall parks.) Bring your own sack lunch!

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sign up for either: Session 1 (June), Session 2 (July) OR All Sessions : 6 events, June & July

COSTS (includes t-shirt, all activities and transportation):

One Session (June or July): $100 early bird, after May 1st $125

All Summer: $150 early bird, after May 1st $200

+$25 for Celebration day at Valley Fair, to Attend Valley Fair Celebration youth must attend at least 3 events.

To sign up, click here. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen.

Vacation Bible School in Partnership with Luther Crest Bible Camp

July 17 - 20, 2017

Ages 3-5 (must be potty trained) 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: $40, After June 1st Cost: $45*

Grades K-6 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: $70, After June 1st Cost: $75*

PRESCHOOL VBS- A perfect introduction to VBS. This program is perfect for preschoolers who aren't quite ready of for the full-day experience yet. Chocked full of songs, games, arts & crafts and so much more, VBS is a chance for our younger students to explore the Bible in a safe, fun environment.

ALL DAY VBS- is a Christ-centered experience for those who have finished Kindergarten through Sixth Grade bringing a taste of camping ministry to campers in a familiar setting. VBS is designed to introduce a Bible Camp experience to students without being away from home at night. It is a unique blend of Outdoor Ministry and Congregational Ministry. The Luther Crest Day Camp Staff bring their own enthusiasm, leadership, and teaching styles to Hosanna each day. *Scholarships available upon request.

To register online, click here. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jen.

Blue Grass Festival

July 29, 2017

Join Hosanna at the Annual Bluegrass Festival this July 29th at Lakeside Park. We need YOU to help represent Hosanna, to share with others the joys and highlights of our community. We are seeking people to join in the planning, set-up and volunteer day of the event. If you have a gift, talent, silent auction item or resource you'd like to contribute, let us know. Many other churches and organizations will be represented, lets show others what it means to Live, Love and Serve in Jesus' name! Contact Pastor Jen or Ann Hanson if you are interested in helping.

Hospitality Team

We are currently looking for people that would be willing and excited to join a Hospitality Team! This would be a fabulous opportunity to get involved monthly with your church and to have something to look forward to with your entire family! If you are interested, please contact Kelsey here.

Event Planning Team

We are in need of people to help us with events! Kelsey Hane is currently creating a team that can help coordinate weddings, parties and other events that use our church facilities, in hopes of making this a more event-friendly space. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Kelsey here.

Kitchen Compost Volunteer

The Green Earth Team (GET) is looking for a volunteer that is interested in taking on the composting task in the kitchen at Hosanna. This would involve supervising the intake of raw fruit and vegetable scraps/coffee/tea grounds etc. and following recommended procedure for composting. The compost could be used on church grounds or used personally by volunteer. If you are interested in this worthy task, please contact Kelsey at the front office at [email protected].