Dear Friends and Members of Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church
The Luther Rose or Seal is the most widely recognized symbol for Lutheranism. It was the seal that was designed for Martin Luther at the request of the Saxon Elector John Frederick in 1530. It was always, however, more than a symbol. It colorfully and poignantly portrayed Luther’s theology. Luther wrote the following description from Coburg Castle on July 8th, 1530.
Since you ask whether my seal has come out correctly, I shall answer most amiably and tell you of those thoughts which now come to my mind about my seal as a symbol of my theology. There is first to be a cross, black, and placed in a heart, which should be of its natural color (red), to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saved us. For if one believes from the heart, he will be justified. Such a heart is to be in the midst of a white rose, to symbolize that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In a word, it places the believer into a white joyful rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy as the world gives. This rose, moreover, is fixed in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in the Spirit and in faith is a beginning of the future heavenly joy. It is already a part of faith, and is grasped through hope, even though not yet manifest. And around this field is a golden ring, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless, and more precious than all joys and goods, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.
Nine years ago, in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the United Lutheran Churches in Germany decided to create a new living monument. They believed it wasn’t necessary to erect yet another statue, so instead, they decided to create a living garden of 500 trees reaching out from the Luther Rose. The photo above is a picture of the garden looking down along paths lined with hundreds of trees. The paths go out in all directions, of coursing depicting the movement of Protestantism which has now reached every continent. More importantly, I believe that Luther would state that it is Jesus Christ, at the center of the heart and rose, that has gone out to reach the ends of the earth.
It is an important reminder to the Lutheran Church today. For this is ultimately the Protestant heritage. The good news which Martin Luther rediscovered and celebrated was the saving grace of Jesus Christ freely given for all.
Peace, Pastor Arden Haug
National Lutheran Choir: World Premier
ELCA Reformation Festival Service
Reformation~ Confirmation Worship Service
Minnesota Orchestra
Linden Hill Chamber Orchestra
…IN LOTI’S FESTIVAL CHOIR!
Would you like to have a fun connection with one of our Sunday School children? LOTI Children’s Ministry is seeking adults and High School youth who are willing to be a Guardian Angel for a Sunday School child this year. Angels will correspond with notes and cards as a secret pen pal and meet their child in person in May. Contact [email protected] by October 22 to participate. Instructions and guidance will be provided.
We are so proud of our Grade 1-4 class that made cards for our homebound members. Our 5th and 6th graders are learning about worship by studying about all of the parts of the liturgy this year. They will remain in worship the first Sunday of each month to participate as acolytes and do an “in worship” lesson plan starting October 1.
Important Sunday School dates for October to note:
October 1: Blessing of the “stuffed” animals after worship!
5th and 6th graders remain in worship this day. Pick up your “in worship lesson” at the worship center in the Narthex (back of Sanctuary)
Cold winter weather will be here soon! As you prepare your winter gear, please consider donating items that are no longer needed in your household to help those in need. Our winter gear and coat drive runs October 29 through November 12. Please contribute new or gently used coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots and snow pants. Collection areas will be located in the Narthex and the south entrance.
Pastor Haug has worked together with Group Travel Directors to schedule a trip to the Holy Land from February 27th to March 10, 2018. Brochures for the trip are available at LOTI. Or view tour details here
Our prayer ministry group meets on Tuesday mornings in the Christy Room from 9:15 to 10:00 am. We welcome all who wish to join. Please contact Janna Haug, Deb Gilroy or Linda Nelson for more information.
We have volunteers for all of our 2017 meals at Our Saviour’s Housing. Thanks to everyone who has already served.
Please consider preparing and serving a meal in 2018.
Thrivent Financial members may apply for Action Team gift cards to offset the cost. Please contact Cheri Moe at 952 431-5226 or [email protected] for more information.
Confirmation education for 7th and 8th graders, as well as 9th graders preparing for the Rite of Confirmation on Sunday, October 29th will begin again on Wednesday, September 6th from 7-8 pm in the Christy Room. New confirmands can register with Pastor Haug.