 "Returning to normal" seems to be in everyone's thoughts these days- especially now that the vaccines against the corona virus have begun to rollout ever so slowly. Either we're wondering how long will it be until life returns to normal, or when will I be able to get my shot? We're curious what life will look like when normal patterns do return. Life will be different that is for sure. A year apart from traditional workplaces has changed many people's attitudes to both work and home environments. Many of the businesses, restaurants and concert halls that once dominated our cultural landscape have been boarded up or moved on. The personal losses have been great in this past year as well. Funerals for loved ones have been postponed until the virus has passed, and in the course of time, now entire families have lost their spiritual grounding. Even joyful events have been rescheduled until a later date. Oh, how we all look forward to returning to normal. Even scripture looks to a forgotten life and pace which was once so familiar and comfortable. The Old Testament prophet Joel calls people to return to the "Lord your God." But unlike this year of the pandemic where life changed abruptly and dramatically because of a virus, and without any act of our own, the prophet is calling God's people to return to the Lord because of their actions, their words and their attitudes. People may not be aware of the change in their life, especially when their actions were simply based on their response to the pandemic. Some people's very character changed in the course of the year. As former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden once said, "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." No doubt, we all have regrets about our actions and attitudes in this past year, perhaps even words that we cannot take back. The greatest challenge will not be returning to movie theatres and concert halls, or even the church. The real hurdle will be returning to honest and life-giving personal relationships that have been neglected or avoided over the past year. How do we become reacquainted with those with whom we have lost contact and we are not sure how they think anymore? I do not believe that we can be successful without returning to God's love and mercy on the way first. We need to be refreshed and restored in God's grace so that we can share that same open embrace with others. The season of Lent invites us to reflect on life, and our relationships with God, our families and our neighbors. The word Lent itself come from the Old English word to "lengthen" or growing longer. It was a descriptive word to define the lengthening of the days. I would like to suggest that Lent in 2021 should also refer to the lengthening and deepening of our compassion for those with whom we have been socially distanced over this past year. We cannot return to our neighbors without returning to the Lord. Lent officially begins this year on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. The 7:00 evening in-person service will be livestreamed. The worship service will begin with a family friendly lesson concluding with a confession and the signing of the cross in ashes. The service will continue with meditation and holy communion. Lenten resource packets will be available which will include the Ash Wednesday bulletin, a copy of Holden Evening Prayer, a devotional booklet for Lent, A Story to Tell, as well as a packet of ashes. These packets will be available for pick-up at the church on Saturday, February 13th from 3:00-4:00 PM, and on Sunday, February 14th during the curbside pickup for the Valentine's take home meal from 10:30 AM
- 2:00 PM,
as well as regular office hours.
May we all find a way to return to normal this Lenten season by returning to the Lord. Peace, Pastor Arden Haug |
 |
|
Our Saviour's Housing Meal
For many years, Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church has provided a meal for 40 on the first Friday of every month. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, our monthly meals are provided by donation via check, money order, or online. The shelter orders and serves the meal. Suggested donation is $250.
Thank you to everyone who has provided a meal in 2020!
Thanks to Dave & Mary Goplen in January
Dates for 2021
|
FEB 5
| Arden & Janna Haug
| |
MAR 5
| Linda Nelson & Mary Jubenville
| |
APR 2
| Ellie Holmquist, Ruth Lee, Heather Jacoby,
& Gretchen Robertson | |
MAY 7
|
Andy & Monica Schwarm
| |
JUN 4
|
Peter Van Bergen & Cathy Carlson
| |
JUL 2
|
Kathy & Pat Bracken
|
Please consider reserving:
|
AUG 6
|
OCT 1
|
DEC 3
| |
SEP 3
|
NOV 5
|
|
Reserve by contacting Cheri Moe or (952) 431-5226.
OSH is in need of additional support for COVID-related needs...
Donate Funds
Your financial gift right now will provide critical funds to sustain shelter operations in a much safer hotel setting and bring classes directly to students in their homes.
Donate Supplies
Your gift of select, essential items will help meet the most basic needs of our shelter guests and provide access to technology so our students can learn at home. OSCS Covid 19 Response
There are additional ways to help throughout the holidays. For more information visit/contact Our Saviour's Community Services |
|
Women's Bible Study
Our text is First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree by Melissa Spoelstra.
Relationships are messy. Sometimes we struggle to get along, especially when there is disagreement. Often we find ourselves
divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences
and disagreements with humility and grace
always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth about this very thing. The cultural backdrop of Corinth was even more overtly
sinful than our culture today, yet Paul boldly encouraged the Corinthian Christians not to ridicule one another or outsiders but to work together to show the love of Christ.
In this study we will explore Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to learn how we as Christians are to deal with differences and divisions--whether in the workplace, neighborhood, school, home, social media community, or church.
We'll discover that the answer is living and sharing the radical love
of Jesus Christ, and we'll unpack what this means and how we can
live it out day by day.
Our Bible Study will be online via Zoom. This month we will meet on Thursdays, February 4th & 18th, at 7:00pm.
Contact Deb Gilroy if you would like to be added to our participants list. She will email Zoom invitations for our sessions.
We look forward to seeing you again soon. Please feel free to invite others. All are welcome!
|
|
Annual Congregational Meeting
The annual meeting of the congregation will be held February 7th, following the worship service at 11:00 AM via Zoom
|
Growlers & Theology
The informal study of theology & adult beverages will continue on February 11th & 25th, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Contact Pastor Haug, if you'd like to receive the link to the meeting.
|
|
|
Fastelavn
In the days before Ash Wednesday people traditionally celebrate by enjoying special foods and customs. The word Carnival which means farewell to meat and Mardi Gras or Greasy Tuesday offer a hint at the foods that were once forbidden by the church during the penitential season of Lent. In the English tradition, people were encouraged to use the fat and eggs to make pancakes before Ash Wednesday. In Central Europe, people eat jelly filled doughnuts, and in Scandinavia families eat Lenten buns. Often these are made with fresh cardamom and filled with whipped cream and marzipan.
In Denmark there is a special children's party tied to the days before Lent known as Fastelavn. Of course, everyone eats the special Lenten buns, but the children also try to break open a wooden barrel filled with chocolates and sweets. They arrive at the party dressed in costumes, so nobody knows who is hitting the wooden barrel with a wooden stick. But the one who wins, is presented with a crown. In the middle ages, black cats were associated with the devil, so a cat was placed inside the barrel. After being attacked from all sides, the cat escaped from the barrel and was never seen again taking all the evil with it. (Fortunately, Danes don't have a cat in the barrel anymore, but it is always painted on the side.)
Join us outside on the Patio for Fastelavn, Saturday 13th from 3:00 - 4:00. There will be Lenten buns, hot chocolate, cookies and mulled wine available. Please RSVP. (Outdoor heaters and fire bowls will be blazing outside as well.)
|
|
|
Children's Ministry
Fastelavn
February 13, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Patio
This year we will celebrate Fastelavn outside - there will be cookies and hot chocolate for the kids (and some adult hot beverages too). Who will break open the barrel this year? Come with your muscles, kids!
Please RSVP so we can plan for the correct number of people plus connect with you should the weather change in a way that makes this event not possible. Since this event is being held outside, we will have heaters and fire pits to keep everyone warm. We will also do a special preparation for Ash Wednesday using the fire pits. Family friendly Lenten packets will be available for pickup at this event.
|
|
Swedish Chef Anna-Lena Sköld
will prepare a Valentine's Day Smörgåsbord for Curbside Pickup Sunday, February 14 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Menu Hard Tack - Knäckebröd - and Butter Two kinds of Scandinavian Cheese and Olives Matjes Herring with Chives & Red Onion, Fingerling Potatoes & Sour Cream Lemon & Rosemary Herring Creamy Herring flavored with Smoked Salmon, Dill & Chives Eggs topped with Dill Mayonnaise & Shrimp Gravlax - Marinated Salmon - served with Sweet Dill Mustard Sauce Swedish Pickled Cucumbers Bacon wrapped Pork Tenderloin topped with a Mild Blue Cheese Sauce Swedish Meatballs & Lingonberries Jansson's Temptation
________________________________________________
Chocolate Mousse topped with Raspberries & Whipped Cream
____________________________________________
$25 per Person
____________________________________________
.
|
|
Women's Book Group
You're Invited to Read with Us!
Meetings are on the 4th Friday of the month beginning at 5:00pm. We'll meet via Zoom. Contact Deb Gilroy to be added to the participants list, if you have not yet joined us. She will schedule meetings & send invitations.
|
FEB 26
|
What's So Amazing About Grace,
|
Philip Yancey
| |
MAR 26
|
The Book of Longings,
|
Sue Monk Kidd
| |
APR 30
|
The Seven Story Mountain,
|
Thomas Merton
|
February's Selection...
Discover grace as you've never known it before: the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness.
Grace is the church's great distinctive. It's the one thing the world cannot duplicate, and the one thing it craves above all else-for only grace can bring hope and transformation to a jaded world.
In What's So Amazing About Grace? award-winning author Philip Yancey explores grace at street level. If grace is God's love for the undeserving, he asks, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a world that knows far more of cruelty and unforgiveness than it does of mercy?
.
|
|
LOTI Livestream Worship Services
To view, go to our YouTube channel, or to find the livestream link & worship service bulletin go to loti.org.
|
Due to the Coronavirus, pre-packed bags of groceries are being distributed.
Fill a bag or two of groceries and hygiene items, and bring them to CES, or, call to set a delivery time...
If you have time, we would be glad to give you a tour and introduce you to CES in action!
Food Items:
Please help us improve the quality of nutrition in our neighborhood by donating the following healthy foods.
- Olive oil and vegetable oil
- Flour, sugar - 4# bags or smaller
- Meat soups
- Chili with meat
- Canned chicken, tuna or salmon
- Canned fruit, in light syrup or own juice
- Rice
- Assorted canned vegetables
- Diced tomatoes
- Coffee in small bags
- Whole grain cereals
- Old fashioned oats, instant oatmeal packets
- Jelly and jam
- Peanut butter
- 100% fruit juice
Hygiene:
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Bar soap
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Deodorant
- Razors and shaving cream
- Feminine products
- Toilet paper, facial tissues
- Dish soap - small bottles
- Laundry soap
Pet Needs:
- Pet food for dogs or cats
- Kitty litter
Paper Grocery Bags with Handles
Drop off:
1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis
612-870-1125
Food is, of course, the main ongoing aspect of CES. Food donations and/or funds to buy food are always welcome. As a result of our food purchase "connections," any dollar donated to CES to purchase food goes 10-20 times farther than a dollar spent at the store. For example, for the price of one can of corn at your grocery store, CES can purchase 10 cans of corn through the food banks.
For more information and/or monetary donations visit |
|
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Pastor Haug leads a virtual Bible study by Zoom for the regular
10:00 am Wednesday morning Bible study group. If you would like to participate, please contact pastor@loti.org. You will receive a link and invitation to the group meeting.
|
Virtual Prayer Ministry Group 
All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays from 9:15 - 10:00 am
|
Happy Birthday!
Brad Peterson
Jameson Rustad
Ryan Brown
Bennett Gruys
Ben Guengerich
Jeffrey Bruzek
Jean Krinke
Barbara Madson
Vicki Kuehn-Larson
Don Holzschuh
Alyson Gallop
Diane Stensrud
Kamie Moen
Robert Brownson
Kenneth Larson
Rick Gripentrog
Thomas Madson
Cindy Huttner
Ellie Holmquist
|
|
September 2020 In-Person Worship Protocol
|
|
|
Fellowship Hall Exhibition
 Kay Christianson served for over 30 years in executive management at Minnesota corporations and nonprofits, including NCS/Pearson, LearningByte International, and Children's Cancer Research Fund. Throughout her years of employment, her love of photography was always a vital part of her life. From the early days of having her own darkroom and working with black and white images to her current work with digital photography, Kay's work has always been inspired by nature. Now retired, she developed her Enlightened by Nature Photographic Portfolio. This collection has been created from the many kayaking, backpacking, hiking, cross country skiing, and running adventures that she has had and continues to experience. As she says: It is always such a delightful surprise to take a turn in the forest or paddle around a bay and discover the next unforgettable view of nature. Her work has been exhibited and sold at art institutes, galleries and cafes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Her work has received numerous awards including first place in the 2019 Minnesota Parks and Trails Photo Contest.
She is honored to be invited to exhibit at LOTI.
|
|
 |
|
Quick Links
| |
| |
|
Upcoming Events
|
February 5
Our Saviour's Shelter Meal
February 7 -- 11:00 AM Annual Congregational Meeting Zoom
February 11 -- 7:00 PM
Growlers & Theology
Zoom
February 13 -- 3:00-4:00 PM
Fastelavn
Patio
February 14 -- 10:30 AM-2:00 PM
Valentine's Smörgåsbord
Curbside Pickup
February 17 -- 7:00 PM
Ash Wednesday Service
Sanctuary & YouTube
Feburay 18 -- 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Zoom
|
|
LOTI
|  | |
Inspired by Christ, living and growing in faith, Lake of the Isles is a loving and open community of worship, witness, and service in God's world
Virtual & Limited In-Person Worship Service
Sundays
9:30 am
|
Staff Members
| Rev. Dr. Arden D. Haug - Pastor
Diane LaMere - Children's Ministry
Al Aakre - Seminarian
Joseph LaMere
- Worship Technical Director
Fernando Fierros - Custodian
Sarah & Trevor Skorburg
- Caretakers
Tori Reisberg- Nursery Attendant
(612) 377-5095
|
|
We welcome your input to our newsletter. Contact us if you would like to submit events, schedules or other information to share with the LOTI congregation.
|
|
