Newsletter — March 21, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

If you are joining us online for Dinner and Devotions on Wednesdays through Lent, join us using the zoom link below:
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82724423215?pwd=STdCUnBvMjg1RWVsMlNxSVBnN2YyUT09 Meeting ID: 827 2442 3215
Passcode: 075249
*Please note: The passcode helps us remove the waiting room that requires letting people in.

The Christian Education Committee is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt for our children on Palm Sunday, April 2. We would appreciate donations of plastic eggs and/or treats that will fit inside. Please leave donations in the basket under the table in the entryway by March 26. Thanks for your help in providing this fun activity for our kids!

From Community Service: Happy Spring!! March is MN FoodShare month, and it’s winding down — we will end our effort on Palm Sunday, April 2. All of our food collection and cash donations will go directly to the Rosemount Family Resource Center. There are two ways you can support this effort:

– FIRST: You can bring in non-perishable food items through Palm Sunday. There will be empty grocery bags strategically placed on chairs throughout the sanctuary and you can put your donations in those bags. The empty bags represent the 1 in 6 of our neighbors who experience food insecurity. On the round table at the back of the sanctuary you can pick up a list of the most needed items at the 360 Communities food shelves; generally, shelf-stable proteins, baking needs, canned or dried fruits and vegetables, and personal care items. The food shelves of 360 Communities also accept donations for pets’ needs.

– SECOND: you can make a financial contribution. Food shelves have the ability to stretch your dollar contributions to access more food than we, as individuals, can by going to the grocery store. This year, we have a MN FoodShare Ambassador to help remind us of this option. And, our SNOW AMBASSADOR is approaching the end of its life expectancy with the onset of “spring”! We just need three more donations of $25 dollars each to fill in the smile on our Ambassador! We have raised $495 so far. Make checks out to Spirit of Life, with MN FoodShare in the memo line, or donate online at our website https://www.spiritoflifeav.org (the “donate today” button), with a note that it’s for MN FoodShare. Thanks in advance for your generous participation in this important ministry. Contact Denise Lewis if you have questions.

Children’s Sunday School generally meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson. April 2nd is the Easter Egg Hunt during Sunday school. April 9th Easter there will be no Sunday school.

Meet in the Middle will not meet at 4:30 on March 29th (due to spring break) but will join everyone at 6pm for the devotions and meal. The following week, there will be no activities on Wednesday, April 5th. The children and youth will join the adults on Maundy Thursday, April 6th, at 6pm, for the potluck meal and worship (no separate Meet in the Middle). NOTE: if any children still wish to have their guitar lesson on the 29th, or the 5th, contact Denise Lewis.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is April 9th. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Have you considered becoming a member of the church? We are offering a 4-week class April 16, 23, 30 and May 7th, immediately following worship. Let us know if you would like to learn more about Spirit of Life. Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

Prayer Shawl Ministry
We invite you to join us in making prayer shawls for members of our community who are in need of comfort. All are welcome regardless of knitting, crocheting, or sewing abilities. Join us in community and we will find a job for you. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, April 11th. At Rose McMurray’s home. We will be meeting the 2nd Tuesday every 3 months.
If you are unable to join us in person or if the date doesn’t work for you but you would still like to be a part of this ministry please let Rose know. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Rose McMurray.

You are invited to be a part of Spirit of Life’s Meal Ministry. We have a small group of volunteers who work with the Deacons to offer meals to those who are in need, are recovering from surgery or illness, have experienced a death in the family, or for whatever reason a meal is needed. We are looking for more volunteers to make meals–please consider joining us! Signing up does not commit you to always making a meal when one is needed. Rose will send out an email with dates that the meals are needed, and you can reply if one of the days works for you. Please contact us also if you or someone you know may benefit from this loving ministry. You can contact Rose McMurray.

As many are aware Nicole, (our music director Martha’s daughter), has had a couple of unfortunate setbacks recently. The Deacons are supporting a meal train to assist Nicole and her children, and we are looking for more volunteers! Can you help? If you can’t make a meal, you can still support Nicole by ordering meal delivery gift cards through Door Dash. The link to the meal train sign-up is: mealtrain.com/o9q1v1. If you have any questions, please call or text Rose McMurray.

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. This month, we continue to request items that are cold weather safe so please, NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. These items have been especially popular and have been taken quickly: pasta products, spaghetti sauce (plastic), white rice, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only), any items in boxes or pouches. Thanks so much for helping us feed our neighbors!

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others for Coffee and Conversation on Mondays, at 9:30 am. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190. One tap mobile +13126266799, 286584190# +19292056099, 286584190#.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — March 14, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

If you are joining us online for Dinner and Devotions on Wednesdays through Lent, we are using zoom again this week.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82724423215?pwd=STdCUnBvMjg1RWVsMlNxSVBnN2YyUT09 Meeting ID: 827 2442 3215
Passcode: 075249
*Please note: The passcode helps us remove the waiting room that requires letting people in.

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meeting Wednesdays at 4:30 and including snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is April 9th. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America class meets following worship on March 19th for its concluding session.

The Christian Education Committee will again be sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt for our children on Palm Sunday, April 2. We would appreciate donations of plastic eggs and/or treats that will fit inside. Please leave donations in the basket under the table in the entryway by March 26. Thanks for your help in providing this fun activity for our kids!

From Community Service: March is MN FoodShare month, and we are participating again this year, as usual! All of our food collection and cash donations will go directly to the Rosemount Family Resource Center. There are two ways you can support this effort:

– FIRST: You can bring in non-perishable food items every Sunday in March. There will be empty grocery bags strategically placed on chairs throughout the sanctuary and you can put your donations in those bags. The empty bags represent the 1 in 6 of our neighbors who experience food insecurity. On the round table at the back of the sanctuary you can pick up a list of the most needed items at the 360 Communities food shelves: generally, shelf-stable proteins, baking needs, canned or dried fruits and vegetables, and personal care items. The food shelves of 360 Communities also accept donations for pets’ needs.

– SECOND: you can make a financial contribution. Food shelves have the ability to stretch your dollar contributions to access more food than we, as individuals, can by going to the grocery store. This year, we have a MN FoodShare Ambassador to help remind us of this option. In keeping with the abundant snow we have had this year, our Ambassador is a SNOW AMBASSADOR! But some features still need to be filled in. That’s where your donations come in. With a few more donations of $25 or $50 dollars, we can put a smile on our Ambassador! We have raised $475 so far. Make checks out to Spirit of Life, with MN FoodShare in the memo line, or donate online at our website https://www.spiritoflifeav.org (the “donate today” button), with a note that it’s for MN FoodShare. Thanks in advance for your generous participation in this important ministry. Contact Denise Lewis if you have questions.

Have you been considering becoming a member of the church? We are offering a 4-week class April 16, 23, 30 and May 7th, immediately following worship. Let us know if you would like to learn more about Spirit of Life. Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

Prayer Shawl Ministry We invite you to join us in making prayer shawls for members of our community who are in need of comfort. All are welcome regardless of knitting, crocheting, or sewing abilities. Join us in community and we will find a job for you. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, April 11th. At Rose McMurray’s home. We will be meeting the 2nd Tuesday every 3 months. If you are unable to join us in person or if the date doesn’t work for you but you would still like to be a part of this ministry, please let Rose know. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Rose McMurray.

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. This month, we continue to request items that are cold weather safe so please, NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. These items have been especially popular and have been taken quickly: pasta products, spaghetti sauce (plastic), white rice, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only), any items in boxes or pouches. Thanks so much for helping us feed our neighbors!

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others for Coffee and Conversation on Mondays, at 9:30 am. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190. One tap mobile +13126266799, 286584190# +19292056099, 286584190#.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — March 7, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

If you are joining us online for Dinner and Devotions on Wednesdays through Lent, we are going back to zoom this week. (Last week many people had issues with Microsoft teams).

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82724423215?pwd=STdCUnBvMjg1RWVsMlNxSVBnN2YyUT09 Meeting ID: 827 2442 3215
Passcode: 075249
*Please note: The passcode helps us remove the waiting room that requires letting people in.

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meeting Wednesdays at 4:30 and including snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is March 12th. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America class meets following worship on March 12 and 19 for its concluding sessions.

From Community Service: March is MN FoodShare month, and we will be participating again this year, as usual! All of our food collection and cash donations will go directly to the Rosemount Family Resource Center. There are two ways you can support this effort:

– FIRST: You can bring in non-perishable food items every Sunday in March. There will be empty grocery bags strategically placed on chairs throughout the sanctuary and you can put your donations in those bags. The empty bags represent the 1 in 6 of our neighbors who experience food insecurity. On the round table at the back of the sanctuary you can pick up a list of the most needed items at the 360 Communities food shelves: generally, shelf-stable proteins, baking needs, canned or dried fruits and vegetables, and personal care items. The food shelves of 360 Communities also accept donations for pets’ needs.

– SECOND: you can make a financial contribution. Food shelves have the ability to stretch your dollar contributions to access more food than we can individually by going to the grocery store. This year, we have a MN FoodShare Ambassador to help remind us of this option. In keeping with the abundant snow we have had this year, our Ambassador is a rendition of a snow-figure, but it’s missing some of its features. That’s where your donations come in. With your additional donations in increments of $25 and $50 dollars, we can put a face on our Ambassador! We have raised $425 so far. Make checks out to Spirit of Life, with MN FoodShare in the memo line, or donate online, with a note that it’s for MN FoodShare. Thanks in advance for your generous participation in this important ministry. Contact Denise Lewis if you have questions.

Have you been considering becoming a member of the church? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. This month, we continue to request items that are cold weather safe so please, NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. These items have been especially popular and have been taken quickly: pasta products, spaghetti sauce (plastic), white rice, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only), any items in boxes or pouches. Thanks so much for helping us feed our neighbors!

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others for Coffee and Conversation on Mondays, at 9:20 am. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190. One tap mobile +13126266799, 286584190# +19292056099, 286584190#.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — February 28, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

If you are joining us online for Dinner and Devotions on Wednesdays through Lent, we are moving to Microsoft Teams (to replace zoom). The Microsoft Teams link is https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ad8926948367347d292e6d71a224b7c73%40thread.tacv2/1677530310875?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2263c4efda-8a5c-4911-a9da-dbca9c29dbb5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2218b06a29-b636-41c8-8770-dade69ed2a6c%22%7d.

Copy the link in your browser for the curriculum and activity pages for Wednesday, March 1st worship:
https://spiritoflife-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/spirit_spiritoflifeav_org/Efp7-KjXexlDqPaTY77iC84Bi8A7a47I1yzU0vGAL7QzRA?e=NZcR8f

Plan ahead:

Print out the pages attached.
Collect scissors for each person or plan to share.
Have crayons available at the table.

Easter fundraiser: Easter is early this year! Our online flower fundraiser began February 6, 2023 and will run through 10pm 3/2/23. To make a purchase: Go to: https://www.gertensfundraising.com/ Enter Store ID: 149. The “Seller Name” box can be used to note if the flower is for the church. Reminder: NO Lilies for the church as we have someone with a major allergy. Thank you!

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meeting Wednesdays at 4:30 and including snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is March 12th. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America adult class will not meet this Sunday, March 5th, but will resume next week following worship. The videos will be shown in class and are also available for free online at PBS. See Steve Braden with questions.

From Community Service: March is MN FoodShare month, and we will be participating again this year, as usual! All of our food collection and cash donations will go directly to the Rosemount Family Resource Center. MN FoodShare is the state’s largest grassroots food and fund drive, and happens during a time of year when food pantries struggle to keep their shelves stocked. There are two ways for you to support this effort:

FIRST: You can bring in non-perishable food items every Sunday in March. There will be empty grocery bags strategically placed on chairs throughout the sanctuary and you can put your donations in those bags. Those empty bags will represent the 1 in 6 of our neighbors who experience food insecurity. On the round table at the back of the sanctuary you can pick up a list of the most needed items at the 360 Communities food shelves; generally, shelf-stable proteins, baking needs, canned or dried fruits and vegetables, and personal care items. The first Sunday in March is also a time to bring in your contributions to stock the Little Free Pantry (still only cold tolerant items – no cans or glass jars). Those items can be put in the cabinet by the front door, or directly in the Little Free Panty. All MN FoodShare food donations should be placed in the empty grocery bags on seats in the sanctuary. The food shelves of 360 Communities also accept donations for pets’ needs.

SECOND: you can make a financial contribution. Food shelves have the ability to stretch your dollar contributions to access more food than we can individually by going to the grocery store. This year, we have a MN FoodShare Ambassador to help remind us of this option. In keeping with the abundant snow we have had this year, our Ambassador is a rendition of a snow-figure, but it’s missing some of its features. That’s where your donations come in. The arms, hat and scarf that you see adorning our ambassador already represent $300 of early donations from the Community Service committee; an additional $50 was donated this past Sunday, so our Ambassador will also be sporting mittens on the first Sunday in March! With your additional donations in increments of $25 and $50 dollars, we can add facial features and buttons — when our snow ambassador is fully decorated, we will have raised $700! You can make checks out to Spirit of Life, with MN FoodShare in the memo line, or donate online, with a note that it’s for MN FoodShare. Thanks in advance for your generous participation in this important ministry. Contact Denise Lewis if you have questions.

Have you been considering becoming a member of the church? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. This month, we continue to request items that are cold weather safe so please, NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. These items have been especially popular and have been taken quickly: pasta products, spaghetti sauce (plastic), white rice, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only), any items in boxes or pouches. Thanks so much for helping us feed our neighbors!

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others for Coffee and Conversation on Mondays, at 9:20 am. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190. One tap mobile +13126266799, 286584190# +19292056099, 286584190#.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — February 21, 2023

/in , /by

Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

Dear Spirit of Life Community, In preparation for a winter storm for Ash Wednesday, we have prepared for the likelihood that we will need to move the Ash Wednesday worship service to fully online. We are wanting to get the word early so this can be shared with the importance that everyone is safe. Included here is the worship service to accompany joining us online with instructions. In the event that something changes and we are able to gather in-person, we will follow up tomorrow with the changes that include an in-person labyrinth walk alongside the home labyrinth for all that join us from home. Prayers that all are safe. Peace be with you, Pastor Rob

“Reflections on the Heart” is our Lent theme. Join us Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, 7pm, as we begin Lent 2023. Each of the following 5 Wednesday evenings (March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, we’ll have a family friendly meal at 6pm sharp, followed by a brief time of worship and family devotions. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know others in our community. Watch for more information on the April 6th, Maundy Thursday potluck supper at 6pm. Also mark your calendar for our Good Friday worship on April 7th, at 7pm. And plan to bring a friend for our special Resurrection Sunday worship on Sunday, April 9th.

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the SS room. Kids can Zoom in for SS if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meeting Wednesdays at 4:30 and including snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is March 12th. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America adult class meets following worship in person and is available online via Zoom. The videos will be shown in class and are also available for free online at PBS. See Steve Braden with questions.

Easter fundraiser: Easter is early this year! Our online flower fundraiser began February 6, 2023 and will run through 10pm 3/2/23. To make a purchase: Go to: https://www.gertensfundraising.com/ Enter Store ID: 149. The “Seller Name” box can be used to note if the flower is for the church. Reminder: NO Lilies for the church as we have someone with a major allergy. Thank you!

Have you been considering becoming a member of the church? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

GriefShare Program Thursdays through May 4th! Class begins at 6:30 pm at Spirit of Life Church, Apple Valley. This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to bury their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Please contact Bob Shepard or Jacqui Hicks for more information or to sign up.

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others for Coffee and Conversation on Mondays, at 9:20 am. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190. One tap mobile +13126266799, 286584190# +19292056099, 286584190#.

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. This month, we continue to request items that are cold weather safe so please, NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. These items have been especially popular and have been taken quickly: pasta products, spaghetti sauce (plastic), white rice, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only), any items in boxes or pouches. Thanks so much for helping us feed our neighbors!

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — February 14, 2023

/in , /by

Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the SS room. Kids can Zoom in for SS if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meeting Wednesdays at 4:30 and including snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class today, February 12th. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America adult class will resume following worship on Feb. 5 and will be available online via Zoom. The videos will be shown in class and are also available for free online at PBS. See Steve Braden with questions.

Easter fundraiser: Easter is early this year! Our online flower fundraiser began February 6, 2023 and will run through 10pm 3/2/23. To make a purchase: Go to: https://www.gertensfundraising.com/ Enter Store ID: 149. The “Seller Name” box can be used to note if the flower is for the church. Reminder: NO Lilies for the church as we have someone with a major allergy. Thank you!

“Reflections on the Heart” is our Lent theme. Join us Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, 7pm, as we begin Lent 2023. Each of the following 5 Wednesday evenings (March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, we’ll have a family friendly meal at 6pm sharp, followed by a brief time of worship and family devotions. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know others in our community. Watch for more information on the April 6th, Maundy Thursday potluck supper at 6pm. Also mark your calendar for our Good Friday worship on April 7th, at 7pm. And plan to bring a friend for our special Resurrection Sunday worship on Sunday, April 9th.

The Justice Works committee is organizing a guided group the tour of Mdewakanton: Dwellers of Spirit Lake. We are scheduled for a guided group tour at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 18. If you want to carpool, please be at church by 9:45 am; we should get there a little early to give everyone time to purchase tickets. Ticket cost is $7 FOR EVERYONE. The tour is about one hour, with extra time afterwards for questions. If you are driving on your own, the address is 2300 Tiwahe Circle, Shakopee.

Have you been considering becoming a member of the church? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

GriefShare Program Thursdays through May 4th! Class begins at 6:30 pm at Spirit of Life Church, Apple Valley. This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to bury their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Please contact Bob Shepard or Jacqui Hicks for more information or to sign up.

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others for Coffee and Conversation on Mondays, at 9:20 am. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190. One tap mobile +13126266799, 286584190# +19292056099, 286584190#.

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. For February, we are in need of items that can withstand freezing temperatures. This means NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. Some items that are useful include white rice, cereal, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only) pasta, spaghetti sauce (plastic jars only), Mac and cheese boxes, tuna in foil packets, etc. Our pantry has proven very helpful – we notice items being taken very shortly after placement on the shelves. We’ve also received a note of thanks from one user. Thanks so much for supporting this mission.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — February 7, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meeting Wednesdays at 4:30 and including snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is February 12th. Note: we will also plan for a retreat in March or April. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America adult class will meet in the conference room and will be available online via Zoom. The videos will be shown in class and are also available for free online at PBS. See Steve Braden with questions.

Easter fundraiser: Easter is early this year! Our online flower fundraiser began February 6, 2023 and will run through 10pm 3/2/23. To make a purchase: Go to: https://www.gertensfundraising.com/ Enter Store ID: 149. The “Seller Name” box can be used to note if the flower is for the church. Reminder: NO Lilies for the church as we have someone with a major allergy. Thank you!

GriefShare Program Thursdays through May 4th! Class begins at 6:30 pm at Spirit of Life Church, Apple Valley. This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to bury their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Please contact Bob Shepard or Jacqui Hicks for more information or to sign up.

Have you been considering becoming a member of the church? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others this coming Monday at 9:30am at Little Oscars, 23470 Emery Ave, Hampton, MN (off Hwy 52). Zoom is not available so join us in person!

Community Service Committee Reminder:
It’s time to stock up on cans of soup to support your favorite team on Souper Bowl Sunday February 12. Bring multiple cans of soup to support your Souper Bowl favorite. Or write a check with your team name in the memo line. More information in back of church at Souper Bowl table.

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. For February, we are in need of items that can withstand freezing temperatures. This means NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. Some items that are useful include white rice, cereal, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only) pasta, spaghetti sauce (plastic jars only), Mac and cheese boxes, tuna in foil packets, etc. Our pantry has proven very helpful – we notice items being taken very shortly after placement on the shelves. We’ve also received a note of thanks from one user. Thanks so much for supporting this mission.

The Justice Works committee is organizing a guided group tour of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s public exhibit called Mdewakanton: Dwellers of Spirit Lake. To schedule a guided tour, we need a minimum of 20 participants, and this is a family-friendly event. Admission for children under 5 is free, K-12 and over age 65 admission is $5; all others, $8. We are looking at either Saturday February 18 or Saturday April 15. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the sanctuary, indicating which day you prefer and how many people want to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Lewis. Here is a link for more information: https://shakopeedakota.org/culture/hocokatati/.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — January 31, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meets Wednesdays. Time together begins at 4:30 and includes snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is February 12th. Note: we will also plan for a retreat in March or April. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

Adult Sunday School Class: The God in America adult class will resume following worship on Feb. 5 and will be available online via Zoom. The videos will be shown in class and are also available for free online at PBS. See Steve Braden with questions.

GriefShare Program Starting Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 class begins at 6:30 pm at Spirit of Life Church, Apple Valley. This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to bury their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Please contact Bob Shepard or Jacqui Hicks for more information or to sign up.

Easter fundraiser: Easter is early this year! Our online flower fundraiser will be starting soon. Sale begins February 6, 2023 and will run through 10pm 3/2/23. To make a purchase: Go to: https://www.gertensfundraising.com/ Enter Store ID: 149. The “Seller Name” box can be used to note if the flower is for the church. Reminder: NO Lilies for the church as we have someone with a major allergy. Thank you! Becky

Have you been considering becoming a member? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others on Mondays, 9:20am. CC is available in person at the church and via zoom. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190 One tap mobile +13126266799,,286584190# +19292056099,,286584190#

Community Service Committee Reminder:
It’s time to stock up on cans of soup to support your favorite team on Souper Bowl Sunday February 12.

Our condolences…
Matt Hope passed away Monday, January 16. Matt had celebrated his 99th birthday at church recently. Please Pray for Mary Hope and family. In addition, Spirit of Life also lost another member. Bruce Jacobson died on January 19th. He was 80 years old. A Celebration of Life will be at Grace Nazarene Church on February 5th at 4:00 PM. Irene shares an invitation for everyone to come and say goodbye. Please Pray for Irene Jacobson and family. Hold close all that you love as we know of the love of God our Father who welcomes Matt and Bruce home.

The community service team would like to designate the first Sunday of every month as Little Free Pantry Sunday. As we remember the sacred Last Supper, let us also think of our neighbors in need of food support. For February, we are in need of items that can withstand freezing temperatures. This means NO CANS OR GLASS CONTAINERS. Some items that are useful include white rice, cereal, jelly (plastic bottles only) peanut butter (plastic jars only) pasta, spaghetti sauce (plastic jars only), Mac and cheese boxes, tuna in foil packets, etc. Our pantry has proven very helpful – we notice items being taken very shortly after placement on the shelves. We’ve also received a note of thanks from one user. Thanks so much for supporting this mission.

The Justice Works committee is organizing a guided group tour of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s public exhibit called Mdewakanton: Dwellers of Spirit Lake. To schedule a guided tour, we need a minimum of 20 participants, and this is a family-friendly event. Admission for children under 5 is free, K-12 and over age 65 admission is $5; all others, $8. We are looking at either Saturday February 18 or Saturday April 15. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the sanctuary, indicating which day you prefer and how many people want to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Lewis. Here is a link for more information: https://shakopeedakota.org/culture/hocokatati/.

Annual Meeting was held after worship January 29, 2023.
We say thank you to Ryan Currens and Becky Brandt who will finish their current terms and go off Session in June. Congratulations to the newly elected officers: Kelly Polson (Ruling Elder), Chris Sachs (open class of 2024 Deacon seat), Jann Henkes (Deacon class of 2025). We also welcome Deon Ford, our incoming Clerk of Session.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50

Newsletter — January 24, 2023

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Join us Sunday mornings for worship at 10:00 am, with the option of in-person or on-line worship. All are welcome!

You may also join us online:

Find worship live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spiritoflifeav
Join us live on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83600960782
You can stream the service later either on Facebook or on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-G31isag0NKhIT0cat91qA

Annual Meeting after worship January 29, 2023.
The positions to be elected at the 2023 congregational meeting are:
Session class of 2026: 1
Deacon class of 2025: 1 (plus 1 open seat in 2024)

Printed copies of the Annual report are available at the church.

Legacy Giving Workshop: Composing a Legacy
How you will tell the story of God’s grace and love—not just today, but for generations to come? From wills and bequests to life income plans, this workshop will introduce tools you can use to craft your faith legacy. Presented by: The Rev. Kyle Nolan, Ministry Relations Officer, Presbyterian Foundation. January 29 at approx. 11:30am (immediately following the annual meeting) we will have a light lunch provided for those attending in person and presentation in a hybrid format via Zoom and in-person in the sanctuary.
Session and Stewardship Committee Retreat with Rev. Kyle Nolan is Saturday, January 28, 1-4pm, in the SOLPC conference room.

Children’s Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:15, upstairs in the Sunday School room. Kids can Zoom in for Sunday School if they can’t attend in person. We could use a helper for each week. If you’re available, please reach out to Karen Johnson.

Meet in the Middle meets Wednesdays. Time together begins at 4:30 and includes snacks, group guitar lessons for older kids /playing for younger kids, singing, Holy Moly video and lesson, and conclude with dinner for kids, youth and adults 6:00- 6:30 dinner. Monetary donations for dinner appreciated. If you’re unable to join in person, jump on zoom with this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002502767.

THANK YOU everyone who has provided snacks and desserts! We are still in need of people to prepare meals. If you can help, please sign the chart in back of sanctuary or contact Loretta.

Confirmation Class will be for 7th and 8th graders, on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church. Next class is February 12th. Note: we will also plan for a retreat in March or April. Parents, please mark your calendars: Confirmation retreat at SOLPC will be Saturday, April 15th, and Recognition Sunday will be May 21st.

COFFEE and CONVERSATION Plan to join Pastor Rob and others on Mondays, 9:20-11:00am. CC is available in person at the church and via zoom. Come as you are. This is a gathering online and in person. It is open for you to pop in and out any time so feel free to drop in and say hello. *Note, same time and same login, recurring meeting each week. Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/286584190 One tap mobile +13126266799,,286584190# +19292056099,,286584190#

GriefShare Program Starting Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 class begins at 6:30 pm at Spirit of Life Church, Apple Valley. This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them. Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to bury their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Please contact Bob Shepard or Jacqui Hicks for more information or to sign up.

Our condolences…
Matt Hope passed away Monday, January 16. Matt had celebrated his 99th birthday at church recently. Please pray for Mary Hope and family. In addition, Spirit of Life also lost another member. Bruce Jacobson died on January 19th. He was 80 years old. A Celebration of Life will be at Grace Nazarene Church on February 5th at 4:00 PM. Irene shares an invitation for everyone to come and say goodbye. Please pray for Irene Jacobson and family. Hold close all that you love as we know of the love of God our Father who welcomes Matt and Bruce home.

Have you been considering becoming a member? We will be offering a class in the coming weeks so let us know and we will include you! Send a quick email to the office at [email protected] or see Pastor Rob after worship and let him know!

The Justice Works committee is organizing a guided group tour of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s public exhibit called Mdewakanton: Dwellers of Spirit Lake. To schedule a guided tour, we need a minimum of 20 participants, and this is a family-friendly event. Admission for children under 5 is free, K-12 and over age 65 admission is $5; all others, $8. We are looking at either Saturday February 18 or Saturday April 15. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the sanctuary, indicating which day you prefer and how many people want to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Lewis. Here is a link for more information: https://shakopeedakota.org/culture/hocokatati/.

If you have a prayer request you wish to share with our Spirit Care Prayer Team, please email our deacon, Chris Sachs. Word it as you wish it to be submitted, and we will post it for our prayer team.

2023 Per Capita is $37.50