LOTILink
Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church 
May 2021
Slowly, But Surely




It was a wonderful experience to celebrate two worship services for Easter this year.  Of course, the sanctuary wasn't filled with families dressed in their new Easter fashions, nor were there many children bouncing around from the chocolates in their Easter baskets. But still, it felt as if we could glimpse normal days returning in the not so distance future. We will experience this more and more rapidly now as the congregation becomes fully vaccinated and as the weather improves outdoors. The challenge, however, will be knowing when we can resume some familiar activities indoors.
 
This Sunday, we will begin serving coffee again after the service on the Patio. Of course, this will be dependent upon the weather, but it is one more slow and sure important step forward. We'll begin with coffee, and eventually add the treats that we are accustomed to at Lake of the Isles. As choir members are fully vaccinated, they will be invited to join in performing in front of the church- with masks on. Soon, everyone who is vaccinated should be able to feel comfortable in singing with their masks on. Yes, it is one slow, but sure step after another.
 
This past year has taught us all how important technology is to our future growth. YouTube has been invaluable for worship, and Zoom has kept us connected for church meetings and Bible studies. In the months ahead, we will experiment with additional cameras and microphones that will allow us to work and study in person and from a distance.

Our goal is to gather together again- and we want to do it safely and securely.  So be patient. We are getting there slowly, but surely.
 
Peace, Pastor Arden Haug
Children's & Family Ministry
A Word of Thanks to Sunday School Families 

As we end the Sunday School program year, I want to say a special thank you to our families for your ongoing support of Children's Ministry here at Lake of the Isles. 
 
It has been a year of many changes for your family -  redoing most every aspect of your family life and redoing it another way again and again.... it's exhausting (!!) Despite that, you were open to trying some new ideas and ways of bringing God's story and faith into your family life. You explored the week's story at home by "reading, wondering, praying and doing", tried out some new recipes, made a few projects at home, watched Faith at Home videos for more ideas, came to the outdoor events here at LOTI and helped with a service project tied to St Francis day.  Many of you participated in the recording of the Christmas program and the new Maundy Thursday service bringing the scripture alive for others to "see" the Word come to life.  
 
Someone needs to say it for you, so I will - "Thanks for being awesome!"  (and your kids thank you too!)

With much gratitude, Diane LaMere


Our group will meet on Saturday, May 1,  9:30 AM on the Patio. 
 Fifth Sunday of Easter
Join us on the 
Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 2, 2021
9:30 AM CST
for worship 
with special music 
performed by 
saxophonist 
Brian Handeland. 

Coffee Hour
many_coffeemugs.jpg
Beginning  Sunday, May 2, we will once again, host a limited
Coffee Hour after the service on the Patio, weather permitting. 
At this time, we'll be serving beverages only. Please contact the 
church office or phone (612) 377- 5095, if you would like to sign up for a Sunday, to brew and serve coffee and tea. 
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 the month. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our monthly meals have been provided by donation via check, money order, or online. 
After May 24, when residents return to the shelter,  volunteers  will once again provide & serve the meal.  In addition, OSCS is asking for donations of disposable food utensils, plates, & cups for serving. oscs-mn.org

Thanks to Linda Nelson & Mary Jubenville in March &

Ellie Holmquist, Ruth Lee, Heather Jacoby,  & Gretchen Robertson 
in April

Dates for 2021
MAY 7
Andy & Monica Schwarm 
JUN 4
Peter Van Bergen & Cathy Carlson
JUL 2
Kathy & Pat Bracken
AUG 6
Carol Kuehn

Please consider reserving:
SEP 3
OCT 1
NOV 5
DEC 3 


Reserve by contacting Cheri Moe or (952) 431-5226. 
Visit 
oscs-mn.org
 for more information regarding additional needs.
Celebrate Ascension Sunday on Mother's Day May 9th

According to the Book of the Acts of Apostles, Jesus walked upon the earth another 40 days after his resurrection from the dead, and before he ascended into heaven.  For that reason, Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, which means few churches can celebrate the day in worship. This year, Ascension Day is Thursday, May 13th. Many churches today, however, either mark the Sunday service either before or after the day as Ascension Sunday.  At Lake of the Isles, we will celebrate Ascension Sunday on Mother's Day, May 9th.
 
One of the most striking symbols and memorable actions of the Ascension Day reading is the extinguishing of the Paschal Candle which has been positioned near the altar throughout the season of Easter. The candle is the symbol of Jesus' resurrection light and his ongoing presence in the world for 40 days.  As Jesus "ascends" and is "seen no more" the flame of the candle is snuffed out. The Paschal Candle is only lit again for baptisms and funerals.
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, May 6th & 20th, 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!


Growlers & Theology

The informal study of  theology & adult beverages continues on May 13th & 27th, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. 
Contact Pastor Haug, if you'd like to receive the link to the meeting.

Norwegian National Day Service
Sunday, May 16
The Norwegian Constitution Day of May 17th is not a church holiday, but it is always a grand occasion for celebrating Norwegian music. This year's service will include selections performed by the Lake String Quartet of Edvard Grieg's Holberg Suite, as well as Flora Klein playing a uniquely Norwegian 8 stringed, sometimes 9 stringed violin called the Hardanger fiddle.  The Corona Chorus and guests will perform an anthem for string quartet, piano and chorus by the relatively young Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, called The Ground.  After a year of uncertainly, it is a wonderful and moving piece using all of our resources, calling our grounding to be in "the world" that God has made and where he has chosen to show his favor.   
Pentecost Sunday (Wear Red) & Senior Tribute
Sunday, May 23
According to the Book of the Apostles, on the 
50th day of Easter known in the ancient Greek world as Pentecost, God sent his Holy Spirit upon the disciples. They had gathered in prayer and thanksgiving wondering when God would send them a clear vision for the church. Early in the morning on that day of Pentecost, God sent the spirit upon the disciples, and the spirit appeared upon their heads like tongues of fire.  The room where they gathered was filled with a mighty wind forcing them out into the streets.  There, they proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone they met and in languages they did not know. This is the day we celebrate as the birth of the Christian Church and its mission to proclaim the good news to the whole world.
 
This Sunday we will also honor our two 2021 graduating high school seniors.  Alexis Jacoby will be graduating from Minnehaha Academy and Isaac Carlson will be graduating from St. Paul Academy.  A reception will follow the service on the Patio.
Trinity Sunday & Memorial Day
Sunday, May 30


Trinity Sunday is the one day of the church year that celebrates a theological doctrine and not simply an event in Scripture. Nowhere does the word Trinity appear is the Bible, but the doctrine of the Trinity explains how we define and experience our relationship to God as Creator, Redeemer and Counselor, or Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Trumpet player Ben Alle will provide patriotic themed music for the service which marks our nation's Memorial Day Weekend. 
LOTI Livestream Worship Services

To view, go to our YouTube channel, or to find the livestream link & worship service bulletin go to loti.org


Support LOTI Partner CES
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 via Zoom for the regular
10:00 AM Wednesday morning Bible study group. If you would like to participate, please contact Pastor Haug You will receive a link and invitation to the group meeting. 
Virtual Prayer Ministry Group
All are welcome to join us on
Tuesdays, 9:15 - 10:00 AM for a virtual meeting.


balloons_happy_bday.jpg 
Happy Birthday!
Claire Weichelt
Travis Haverty
Carolyn Hagford
Casey Christy
Joseph Mechels
Phyllis Dahl
Anita Duder
Kamie Moen
Avery Nelson
Mary Knoblauch
Julie Gallop
Ryne Nelson
John Bergford
Debby Pizarro
Cade Duff
Raymond Kappel
Andrew Ulland
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.

In This Issue
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
May 1 -- 9:30 AM
Priscilla Circle 
Church Patio

May 2 -- 10:30 AM
Coffee Hour Resumes
Church Patio

May 6 -- 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Zoom

May 7
Our Saviour's Meal

May 9 -- 9:30 AM
Mother's Day & Ascension Day
Sanctuary & YouTube

May 13 -- 7:00 PM
Growlers & Theology
Zoom

May 16 -- 9:30 AM
Norwegian National Day Service
Sanctuary & YouTube

May 20 -- 7:00 PM
Women's Bible Study
Zoom

May 23 -- 9:30 AM
Pentecost Sunday & Senior Tribute
Sanctuary & YouTube

May 27 -- 7:00 PM
Growlers & Theology
Zoom

May 30 -- 9:30 AM
Trinity Sunday & Memorial Day 
Sanctuary & YouTube

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
Dr Kris Rizzotto -
Director of Music
Dawn Allan - Choir Director
Diane LaMere - Children's Ministry
Al Aakre - Seminarian
Joseph LaMere -
 Worship Technical  Director
Linda Nelson - Office Manager
Michelle McCreery -
Design & Communication Director
Sarah & Trevor Skorburg  
- Caretakers
Tori Reisberg - Nursery Attendant
Sandy Swan - Wedding Manager

(612) 377-5095

Council Members
Pamela Aagaard
Ross Bartels - Treasurer
Martin Carlson- Vice President
Casey Christy
Regan Gusman
David Hagford
Steve Hoyt
Eric Mechels
Chanda Olson- President
Michelle Reisberg
Tori Reisberg - Youth Representative
Jon Sprain - Secretary
Joshua Wilcox
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.
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