# King of Kings Lutheran Church – Woodbury, MN > King of Kings is a Christ-centered Lutheran church in Woodbury, MN, offering traditional and contemporary worship, a top-rated preschool (Ready, Set, Grow), and ministries for all ages. We help individuals and families grow in faith, build community, and live generously. > Our vibrant community supports spiritual growth through scripture-based teaching, small groups, and mission opportunities. Ready, Set, Grow—our Christ-centered preschool—nurtures young learners in a safe, faith-filled environment that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond. For adults, we offer a wide range of small groups and Bible studies designed to deepen faith, build relationships, and walk together through life’s seasons. --- ## Pages - [Adult Small & Social Groups](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/adult-small-groups/) - [Prayer Requests + Adult Care Groups](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/prayer-requests-adult-care-groups/): Submit prayer requests and explore our adult care groups . Experience encouragement, faith & community support! Get connected today! - [Home](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/home-2/): Interested in Woodbury, MN churches? King of Kings Woodbury strives to make all feel welcome. Worship with us! - [Donations and Outreach](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/donations-and-outreach/): See the list of organizations King of Kings supports through your generous donations. Make your contribution today. - [King of Kings E4](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/e4/): Learn more about the mission and vision of King of Kings church through our 4 Es: Encourage, Engage, Equip, Empower. - [Baptisms](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/life-events/baptisms/): Discover the power behind a Lutheran baptism and learn more about hosting this beautiful sacrament at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury. - [Experience Worship](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/worship/): King of Kings offers Lutheran church services online & in-person. Live stream, watch past sermons, or join us on Sundays! - [Ready, Set, Grow Preschool](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/pre-school/): Seeking a Woodbury preschool for your child? King of Kings' Ready, Set, Grow Preschool in Woodbury, MN offers classes for ages 3-5. Contact us! - [Summer Camps](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/summercamps/): King of Kings Lutheran Church offers lots of summer activities for kids of all ages. We also offer volunteering opportunities for college age students and adults. - [Christmas Program Music](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/christmas-program-music/) - [Meet the Call Committee](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/meet-the-call-committee/): Meet the Call Committee at King of Kings Lutheran Church! Read more here. - [PT Weekend Custodian](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/careers/pt-weekend-custodian/): Looking to be a weekend custodian? Apply today with King of Kings Lutheran Church! - [Worship Coordinator](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/careers/worship-coordinator/): Looking to be a contemporary worship leader? Apply today with King of Kings Lutheran Church! - [Central America](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/connect-and-serve/central-america/): Learn More About The Missions That King of Kings is a Part of in Honduras and Throughout Central America. - [Careers](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/careers/): See current open positions at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minnesota and apply today! - [Holy Week & Easter](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/holy-week-easter/): Learn more about our Easter and Holy Week Schedule - [Ash Wednesday](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/ash-wednesday-facebook/): We invite you to take part in our Ash Wednesday Service at 6:15 p. m. this Wednesday. - [March MN Food Share Month](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/march-mn-food-share-month/): Every year in March, we join with other organizations around the state to support food shelves. Learn more! - [Blog](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/): Why do we get the kids out of bed, get all our stuff together, and head to church? We asked our contemporary worship team why they worship and here is what they had to say... - [Mission of the Month](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/connect-and-serve/mission-of-the-month/): King of Kings is blessed to engage in deep and meaningful Missions ministry with more than 15 partners. Learn more! - [cal](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/cal/) - [Sermon Series:](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/sermon-series/): Even though we have turned our calendars, it doesn’t mean that the pain, hardships or struggles that we have been facing automatically go away. Learn more. - [Events](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/): Take a look at the list of all of the events happening at King of Kings. Join us! - [Honduras](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/connect-and-serve/honduras/): We believe and accept the Great Commission to go into all nations and preach the good news. Learn more about our Honduras mission. - [Tanzania](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/connect-and-serve/tanzania/): The St. Paul Area Synod has a mission partnership in Tanzania, Africa. Learn more about the companionship we have with the Kilolo Parish in the Iringa Diocese. - [Search](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/search/) - [Registration Cancelled](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/registration-cancelled/) - [Thank You](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/thank-you/) - [Transactions](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/transactions/) - [Registration Checkout](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/registration-checkout/) - [Funerals](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/life-events/funerals/): King of Kings is here to help plan a memorial or Lutheran funeral service during this trying time. Use our helpful planning guide and contact us for more. - [Weddings](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/life-events/weddings/): Congratulations! King of Kings would be thrilled to be the place where your marriage begins! Learn more about our lutheran wedding service today! - [Give](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/give/): Thank you for your interest in supporting our ministry, mission, and family. We offer a variety of ways you can give and support our community. - [9th – 12th Grade](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/9th-12th-grade/): Your spiritual journey is a lifelong endeavor. Click here to see how high schoolers can continue on their path at King of Kings. - [Pre-K–5th](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/pre-k-5th/): Our Kids of the Kingdom Lutheran Sunday School partners with families to nurture the faith of kids ages 3 through 5th grade. Learn about our curriculum! - [Summer Camps](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/summercamps/): King of Kings Lutheran Church offers lots of summer activities for kids of all ages. We also offer volunteering opportunities for college age students and adults. - [6th – 8th Grade Confirmation](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/confirmation/): Confirmation in the Lutheran church allows children to take ownership of their faith with a their peers. Learn about our Lutheran confirmation curriculum. - [Young Adult & College](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/young-adult-college/): Continuing your faith journey after high school is an important aspect in your life. Click here to see how to continue practicing your faith after high school. - [Education + Discipleship](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/): If you want to expand your knowledge in faith and build community, small groups are perfect place to start. Join today! - [Home](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/): Seeking churches in Woodbury, MN? King of Kings Lutheran Church Woodbury offers online & in-person services. Worship with us! - [Register](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/calendar-and-registration/): See what's happening at our church and stay up to date on the latest events and opportunities to get engaged! - [Life Events](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/life-events/): King of Kings Woodbury provides guidance & support for Lutheran church baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Contact us! - [Serve with Us](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/connect-and-serve/): Interested in serving at church? Volunteering is one of the many ways to serve at church. Contact King of Kings today! - [Meet the Team](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/meet-the-team/): Our leadership is committed to our mission and growing our community. Click here to see our pastors, staff and council members for our church. - [Who We Are](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/about/): We welcome you to learn more about the family we serve at King of Kings Lutheran Church. Click here to learn more about our mission and history. --- ## Posts - [2025 Tanzania Trip - Arusha & Return](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-arusha-return/): Time with Daudi Msseemmaa, Our East Africa ELCA Missionary After 2 flights (Iringa to Dar, then Dar to Arusha), we... - [2025 Tanzania Trip – Kilolo & Arusha](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-kilolo-arusha/): Not a Solo mission. No one is a Christian alone. Together – Accompaniment – Mission Sharing Devotionals We carried with... - [Christian Lessons from the Campfire: Devotions Inspired by Nature and the Outdoors](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/christian-lessons-from-the-campfire-nature-bible-verses/): Explore Bible verses about nature and faith and campfire lessons that reveal God's glory. Start your journey at King of... - [2025 Tanzania Trip - Kilolo](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-kilolo/): A Joyful Reunion in Kilolo: A Living Partnership in Christ King of Kings and our partner parish in Kilolo have... - [2025 Tanzania Trip - Iringa](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-iringa/): A Letter From Team Tanzania - [2025 Tanzania Trip Packing + Blessing](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-packing-blessing/): Get to know our travelers! - [How to Build Strong Relationships Through Scripture](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/build-strong-relationships-through-scripture/): Discover Bible verses about love, family, and friendship that strengthen relationships. Explore scripture for guidance and connection. Grow closer—together. - [2025 Tanzania Trip Preparation](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-preparation/): TRIP PURPOSE We grow closer to God and one another through the intentional exchange of people, stories, and shared experiences... - [What is Holy Week?](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/holy-week/): What is Holy Week and how do we interpret the significant events that transpired today? Reflect and learn with King of Kings Lutheran Church. - [Embrace the “Shaping Tomorrow Devotional” During Lent](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/shaping-tomorrow-lent-devotional/): What are devotionals and why are they popular during Lent? Learn how to start your day right and get closer to God with King of Kings’ devotionals. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Parents](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-parents/): Ten Bible verses for new and experienced parents, with analysis and takeaways for each. Plus, resources for struggling families. - [The Power of Connection: “Two Are Better Than One”](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/power-of-connection/): Learn why strong relationships are crucial to our health and happiness and what the Bible says about connection. - [PeacefulMess: Finding a Silent Night in a Loud Holiday](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/finding-peace-at-christmas/): Finding peace during the holidays is difficult for many. Learn how to reduce stress, care for yourself, and find peace through God’s love. - [Merry ChristMess! How to Embrace the Holidays Gracefully](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-survive-christmas/): With a little grace and a lot of faith, you can survive Christmas and the holidays. King of Kings church is here for you. - [King of Kings 2024-2025 Advent Devotional](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/king-of-kings-2024-2024-advent-devotional/): Follow along in our Advent Devotional as we are guided to find the peace, hope, joy, and love of Christ... - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses to Equip and Empower](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/empowering-bible-verses/): Discover short, empowering Bible verses that will equip you for life’s challenges. For more support, visit King of Kings church in Woodbury, MN. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses to Encourage and Engage](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-encouragement/): Looking for inspiration to engage more with the church? King of Kings offers verses and events to encourage Lutherans of all types. - [10 Books from Christian Publishers to Add to Your Reading List](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/christian-bestseller-books/): Discover 10 Christian fiction and non-fiction books that will inspire, entertain and help grow your connection to God. - [A Brief History of Lutheran Church Music](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/lutheran-music-history/): Learn about the various movements of Lutheran church music over the past 500 years. To experience it in person, visit King of Kings. - [Top 10 Historic Lutheran Sites in Minnesota](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/historic-lutheran-sites/): Discover 10 historic Lutheran sites across Minnesota including churches and schools founded by early immigrants. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Stress](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-stress/): When stress becomes uncomfortable or even unbearable, let these Bible verses bring peace and hope to you. - [Lent and Temptation: Find Meaning in the Season](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/lent-and-temptation/): Learn how to navigate temptations and become closer to God during the season of Lent. Discover the path through King of Kings church. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses About Peace](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-peace/): When seeking paths to peace, look no further than the word of God. Start your journey with these Bible verses for peace. Join us at King of Kings today. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses About Hope](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-hope/): Find comfort and guidance in scripture for hope. We list bible verses to inspire and resources to help restore hope in your life. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses About Loneliness](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-loneliness/): Find Bible verses for loneliness along with additional resources to help with feelings of isolation, depression and disconnection. - [Why We Worship: Union Gospel Mission](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-we-worship-union-gospel-mission/): Worship is an important part of the believer’s relationship with God. It is our way to express love, adoration, and... - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Grief](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-grief/): Find comfort in these bible verses for grief along with resources for grief counseling, support and prayer from King of Kings. Worship with us today. - [Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Anxiety](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-anxiety/): Grappling with anxiety is difficult. Find the top bible verses to help with anxiety along with other mental health resources. - [Why We Worship: Part Two](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-we-worship-part-two/): Earlier this summer, we examined “Why We Worship” in the first part of this summer blog series. We explored what... - [How to Be More Charitable](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/ways-to-be-charitable/): Being charitable is an important Lutheran tenant; how can we be more charitable in our actions and our daily life? - [Who Are Some Famous Lutherans?](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/famous-lutherans/): Explore the lives of famous Lutherans and their contributions. Learn about notable figures in the Lutheran faith, and visit King of Kings today! - [Why We Worship: Part One](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-we-worship-part-one/): An Introduction to the Summer Blog Series Do you have a regular routine when you attend church on Sunday mornings?... - [What Lutheran Podcasts Should I Listen To?](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/lutheran-podcasts/): Lutheran podcasts are a great way to expand your understanding of Lutheran principles and grow your faith. Start with one from our list! - [How to Read The Bible](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-read-the-bible/): Tips to help you learn how to start reading the Bible with support from the Lutheran community at King of Kings church. - [Faith Based Parenting: New Parent Advice](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/faith-based-parenting/): Advice for first time parents and younger families on how to incorporate faith based parenting in your home. - [How to Find Time for Prayer](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/find-time-for-prayer/): Learn how to find time for prayer in your busy day with these tips that include simple Lutheran prayers to get you started. - [THE ANGELS SING](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/the-angels-sing/): A theme of Angels and "holy interruptions" - [Why Baptism is Important](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-baptism-is-important/): Learn why Lutheran baptism is an important sacrament in the church and how you can be absolved of sin through God’s love. Get baptized with us in Woodbury! - [Being Present- Thoughts From Confirmation Weekend](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/being-present-thoughts-from-confirmation-weekend/): Reflections from Confirmation weekend worship - [How to Celebrate Advent](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-celebrate-advent/): What is Advent and why do we celebrate it? Learn about the coming of Christ and the history of Advent with King of Kings church. - [Dance Like, Praise Like, Worship Like David](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/dance-like-praise-like-worship-like-david/): A reflection on the 2 Samuel 6 sermons - [Introducing Abbie Sonstegard - Our New Content Writer!](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/introducing-abbie-sonstegard-our-new-content-writer/): King of Kings would like to welcome Abbie Sonstegard as the new content writer! Get to know Abbie here. - [What are the Most Popular Bible Verses?](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/popular-bible-verses/): We look at some of the most popular Bible verses to understand why they resonate so strongly with so many people. - [Who Was Martin Luther?](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/who-was-martin-luther/): Learn how Martin Luther’s 95 theses started the protestant reformation and made him one of history’s biggest rebels. - [Why Join a Church Community](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/join-church-community/): Why join a local church? From spiritual growth to community involvement, churches offer many benefits. See what King of Kings offers. - [6 Faith Goals for Your Family (with examples)](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/family-goals/): Strengthen your circle by setting and exploring actionable, faith-based family goals that incorporate faith into your daily life. Share your goals with us! - [The Best Christian Books for Your Summer Reading](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/best-christian-books/): See our top Christian book recommendations for your summer reading. Share your love of faith and books with King of Kings Lutheran Church. - [Why Pentecost is Important](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/importance-of-pentecost/): Discover the meaning of Pentecost and learn why Pentecost is important in Christian faith. Celebrate this time with King of Kings in Woodbury, MN! - [Find the Meaning of Lent](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/meaning-of-lent/): Discover the meaning of lent by looking within. Join King of Kings Church for this 40-day period of spiritual introspection. - [How to Share Your Faith With Others](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-share-your-faith/): Knowing how to share your faith with others can be tricky. Having a strong church-based community like King of Kings can help. Visit and worship with us! - [How to Make Friends at A New Church](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-make-friends/): Joining a new church can be difficult. Here are tips to finding your way and making friends at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Minnesota, --- ## Calendars - [King of King's Google Calendar](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/calendar/king-of-kings-google-calendar/): See more details --- ## Lists --- ## Events - [Monday Evening Women's Group - The Way of Wisdom](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/monday-evening-womens-group-the-way-of-wisdom/): In this 8-session Bible study, teachers Jen Wilkin, Ruth Chou Simons, Kelly Minter, Adrienne Camp, Elizabeth Woodson, and Courtney Doctor... - [Alpha Omega - Jesus and Women](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/alpha-omega-jesus-and-women/): Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she transports you back to Jesus’ world, following in the footsteps of the women... - [God's GALS Precept Study Fall 2025](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/gods-gals-precept-study-fall-2025/): God’s GALS Precept Group is planning a two-fold study opportunity this fall – sign up for one or both of... - [God's GALS - Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/gods-gals-heaven-when-faith-becomes-sight/): God’s GALS (God’s Amazing Love Shared) is a ministry for adult women who are looking for in-depth Bible study, fellowship,... - [Grief Support Group](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/grief-support-group/): A peer-led group supporting each other on our journey of grief. Meets every Tuesday from 2:00-3:30pm. - [2025/2026 Kids of the Kingdom Registration](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/2025-2026-kids-of-the-kingdom-registration/): Kids of the Kingdom Sunday School is for ages 3–5th grade. - [2025/2026 Middle School Confirmation](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/2025-2026-middle-school-confirmation/): Middle School Confirmation classes meet September–May. - [King of Kings Duck Cam](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/king-of-kings-duck-cam/): See what Mama duck is up to! - [2025 Confirmation Service Registration](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/2025-confirmation-service-registration/): Sign up here for your Confirmation Service date and time. - [Explore Baptism Class](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/explore-baptism-class/): A brief introduction of what Baptism means in the Lutheran faith, a chance for us to get to know your... - [Connect at King of Kings](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/connect-at-king-of-kings/): Fill out the Skills & Interests form so we can connect you with more information on activities you're interested in! - [Shepherd's Flock Co-Ed Group](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/https-www-kingofkingswoodbury-org-events-shepherds-flock/): The Stronghold of the Chosen parallels each episode from season 5 of the popular television series about the life of... - [High School Hangout Event](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/high-school-hangout-event/): We are having a High School Hangout on Friday, February 21st! We will play games, put on a movie and... - [Cancer Support Group](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/cancer-support-group/): Cancer Support Group meets every second Monday of the month from 6:30–7:30pm. There is no registration cost. - [Explore King of Kings](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/explore-king-of-kings/): Find out more about who we are, with some free lunch and fellowship! Check out dates on Registration, Noon, Holy... - [Stole Party!](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/stole-day/): This event is only for our current 9th graders being confirmed this fall. Please register below if you’re planning to... - [Jesus Jammers](https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/jesus-jammers/): Help your kids celebrate Christ's love with Jesus Jammers, a group of children from first grade and up that prepares music to share in worship --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages > King of Kings offers Lutheran church services online & in-person. Live stream, watch past sermons, or join us on Sundays! - Published: 2023-08-30 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/worship/ We offer both in-person and online services. So, no matter where you are, you can Worship with us: In-Person Worship is held every Sunday Online Services are broadcasted during our worship hours. You can find the live stream here! We offer both in-person and online services. So, no matter where you are, you can Worship with us: In-Person Worship is held every SundayOnline Services are broadcasted during our worship hours. You can find the live stream here! --- > See current open positions at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minnesota and apply today! - Published: 2022-04-19 - Modified: 2025-03-19 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/careers/ Although we have no current job opening, please send us a note on what you are searching for. Careers Not seeing your position? We'd still love to hear from you If you’re not seeing your position above and you’d still like to join the King of Kings team, get in touch with us! Contact Us --- > Why do we get the kids out of bed, get all our stuff together, and head to church? We asked our contemporary worship team why they worship and here is what they had to say... - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2023-07-31 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/ Why We Worship Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give Give Join us for Worship this Sunday at 9:30am (traditional) or 10:45am (contemporary) in-person or via livestream menu Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give From the Back Pew Blog 2025 Tanzania Trip – Arusha & Return August 15, 2025 Time with Daudi Msseemmaa, Our East Africa ELCA Missionary After 2 flights (Iringa to Dar, then Dar to Arusha), we were warmly welcomed by Daudi. Daudi’s gentle demeanor softens the heart and helps us pull up a chair for one another.... --- > King of Kings is blessed to engage in deep and meaningful Missions ministry with more than 15 partners. Learn more! - Published: 2022-01-06 - Modified: 2022-12-01 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/connect-and-serve/mission-of-the-month/ Bread For The World is a faith-based organization that advocates to end hunger in the United States and around the world. Iringa Hope --- - Published: 2022-01-06 - Modified: 2022-01-06 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/cal/ cal - King of Kings Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give Give Join us for Worship this Sunday at 9:30am (traditional) or 10:45am (contemporary) in-person or via livestream menu Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 651-738-3110 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Worship Times: Sunday 9:30AM (traditional) and 10:45AM (contemporary) Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups... --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/search/ 2025 Tanzania Trip – Arusha & Return Time with Daudi Msseemmaa, Our East Africa ELCA Missionary After 2 flights (Iringa to Dar, then Dar to Arusha), we were warmly welcomed by Daudi. Daudi’s gentle demeanor softens the heart and helps us pull up a chair for one another. Daudi often would say, “May I ask you a question? ”, which drew us into Read More Monday Evening Women’s Group – The Way of Wisdom In this 8-session Bible study, teachers Jen Wilkin, Ruth Chou Simons, Kelly Minter, Adrienne Camp, Elizabeth Woodson, and Courtney Doctor invite you to place your feet firmly on the path of life revealed in the book of Proverbs. As you consider wisdom principles on everyday topics like words, work, friendship, marriage, parenting, neighborliness, money management, Read More Alpha Omega – Jesus and Women Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she transports you back to Jesus’ world, following in the footsteps of the women who came face-to-face with the Living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him Read More God’s GALS Precept Study Fall 2025 God’s GALS Precept Group is planning a two-fold study opportunity this fall – sign up for one or both of these Old Testament studies. Group Leaders: Laura Griffith and Molly Calkins Group Size: 15-20 women in the Youth Room 1. Precept Upon Precepts In & Out – Ecclesiastes In this... --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-12-03 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/thank-you/ Thank You - King of Kings Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give Give Join us for Worship this Sunday at 9:30am (traditional) or 10:45am (contemporary) in-person or via livestream menu Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give [ESPRESSO_THANK_YOU] 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 651-738-3110 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Worship Times: Sunday 9:30AM (traditional) and 10:45AM (contemporary) Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries... --- > If you want to expand your knowledge in faith and build community, small groups are perfect place to start. Join today! - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2025-07-10 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/education/ Growing in faith is a lifelong journey. Our goal is to help further your faith through worship, fellowship, learning, service, and outreach. That’s why, at King of Kings, we offer Sunday School and education options for all ages. Growing in faith is a lifelong journey. Our goal is to help further your faith through worship, fellowship, learning, service, and outreach. That’s why, at King of Kings, we offer Sunday School and education options for all ages.   From pre-K to middle school, from high school to college, no matter your age or where you are in your spiritual journey, there is a place for you at King of Kings. If you (or a family member) are interested in nourishing your faith, visit our education page to learn more. --- > Our leadership is committed to our mission and growing our community. Click here to see our pastors, staff and council members for our church. - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/meet-the-team/ We are glad you are here. We believe that God works through the members and friends of this family of faith in order to carry out the work of the church. Pastors, Staff & Council | King of Kings Lutheran Church Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Office Hours : 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday office@www.kingofkingswoodbury.org 651-738-3110 close Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give Give Join us for Worship this Sunday at 9:30am (traditional) or 10:45am (contemporary) in-person or via livestream menu Who We Are New to King of Kings? About Us About E4 Donations & Outreach Meet the Team Careers Blog Worship Grow Student + Family Ministries Adult Groups Serve Life Events Baptisms Weddings Funerals Prayer + Care Groups Register Ready, Set, Grow Preschool Give Meet the Team We are glad you are here. We believe that God works through the members and friends of this family of faith in order to carry out the work of the church. Our Pastors Jonathan Larson Lead Pastor Amelia Houdek Associate Pastor Dan Clites Pastor of Men's Ministry... --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-08-15 - Modified: 2025-08-15 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-arusha-return/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Tanzania Time with Daudi Msseemmaa, Our East Africa ELCA Missionary After 2 flights (Iringa to Dar, then Dar to Arusha), we were warmly welcomed by Daudi. Daudi’s gentle demeanor softens the heart and helps us pull up a chair for one another. Daudi often would say, "May I ask you a question? ", which drew us into reflection. Christian life is not lived in isolation, confined to our minds and hearts. Daudi had 4 days planned for us. We were able to experience both new and established cultural and economic projects. This included hospitals, medical education, and Girls Empowerment. Each night we returned grateful and weary from our 10 hour days. A few notes from our stops: Girls Empowerment (encouraging education for girls in the Maasai tribe): The leadership knows how to serve and empower others without causing harm. Village: The gift of an animal– whether a goat, chicken, or cow– can change a village. Arusha Lutheran Medical Center: King of Kings has their name on a plaque for donations. Coffee and Banana Cultural Visit : God likes variety, God is powerful, God is organized - the delicate and balanced eco-system reminds of God’s love as we are amazed by His creation. Daudi, thank you for the journey. The winding and often bumpy road... helped us to see and know others so we can accompany with open hearts of love. --- - Published: 2025-08-13 - Modified: 2025-08-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-kilolo-arusha/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Tanzania Not a Solo mission. No one is a Christian alone. Together – Accompaniment – Mission Sharing Devotionals We carried with us the scripture and prayers from the King of Kings congregation with the intention to use them as our daily devotions. However, after arriving in Kilolo, we had an idea: these scriptures and prayers from the Kings of Kings congregation should be shared with our partners and used at the Sunday worship service. The pastor took our idea a step further. She assigned each of the verses that had been sent to Bob to members of the Kilolo congregation. The verses were read out loud in Swahili from their bibles and then we read them in English. We accompanied each other in sharing the word of God, feeding spiritual hunger together. Blessing Cards Over 100 blessing cards were made by the King of Kings congregation. The blessing cards demonstrated our love and support for our friends. When people know others are praying for them, they are encouraged to persevere in their faith and trials. When word spread about the blessing cards, we were encircled with people hoping to get a card. Seeing the great desire for these cards, we promised to send more in the future. Connections Photo with Jerry Hoganson at Arusha Medical Center. Jerry is the brother-in-law of Wayne and Becky Pederson! --- - Published: 2025-08-11 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/christian-lessons-from-the-campfire-nature-bible-verses/ - Categories: Sermon Series Explore Bible verses about nature and faith and campfire lessons that reveal God's glory. Start your journey at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, MN. This summer, King of Kings is embarking on a special sermon series: S’more Sunday. Each week, our sermon will explore including God in every layer of our lives, just like a s’more—from a solid foundation to a sweet inside to transformational fire and beyond. In celebration of this sermon series, we invite you to join us in reflection and prayer about summer’s other staple: campfires and the great outdoors. Being in nature often stirs reflection and wonder, revealing God’s character and offering rich devotion material. Gathering around the fire with friends and family can be a wonderful time to explore the mysteries and joys of God’s love for us. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a backyard stargazer, these devotions about nature will help your family and friends connect with Scripture under the stars. BIBLE VERSES ABOUT NATURE Genesis 1:29-31 “God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food. ’ And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. ” The Takeaway: God has blessed us with abundance on Earth, and each creature fulfils His intention of harmony and order.... --- - Published: 2025-08-08 - Modified: 2025-08-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-kilolo/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Tanzania A Joyful Reunion in Kilolo: A Living Partnership in Christ King of Kings and our partner parish in Kilolo have shared a meaningful and growing relationship over the past eight years. Built on letters, video calls, and prayer, this partnership has deepened over time. This summer, we were thrilled to finally meet our brothers and sisters in person. Our arrival in Kilolo was met with an outpouring of joy and celebration. We were welcomed with a parade through town—motorcycles and bicycles escorting us as branches waved and horns blared. As we approached the church, the celebration grew: singing, dancing, and the rhythmic beat of drums filled the air, embracing us in a warm and festive welcome. Over the next three days, the two congregations came together in worship, shared meals, and even planted avocado trees—symbols of growth and shared purpose. During Sunday worship, the service was translated between English and Swahili, a beautiful reflection of the cultural bridge being built. Bob Bowman delivered a message using the same Scripture as “King of Kings” back home, reminding us to build our lives on the rock that is Jesus Christ. As part of the service, we exchanged gifts. King of Kings presented Kilolo with five Bibles translated into the Hehe language. In return, we received vibrant African fabric, and our handmade blessing cards—each with a photo and prayer—were distributed. Members of the congregation gathered around, eager to receive a card from a brother or sister in Christ. Next stop! ! ! ---... --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-iringa/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Tanzania A Letter From Team Tanzania A Journey of Faith and Fellowship: King of Kings Trip to Tanzania Our eyes have been opened, our hearts expanded, and our faith deepened! What started as a mission to reconnect with our sister parish in Kilolo, Tanzania, has quickly become an unforgettable experience of culture, connection, and God’s presence. After a lightning-fast 30-hour travel day ;) we arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the Indian Ocean. It was the capital city for many years (now it is Dodoma). We arrived at our scheduled hotel at midnight only to find that there was ‘No room at the inn”. We did not end up in a manger—rather, the Blue Bird Hotel just down the road. Many thanks to a gracious front desk person at our original hotel who made a few calls to find us a place to rest. The next day, our travels continued to Iringa in the Southern Highlands region of Tanzania, home to the Diocese of Iringa (ELCT). We were welcomed by Kirsten to the Lutheran Center of Iringa, where we settled in. The next morning, we met with the leadership at the Diocese and saw many of the projects being developed and implemented to build faith and feed the spiritual needs of a rapidly growing Christian community in Iringa. Of great interest and excitement was the recently published Bible translation into Hehe, the local dialect in Iringa district. This translation was the result of 30 years of inspired effort by theologians and linguists. It is a major accomplishment to... --- - Published: 2025-07-24 - Modified: 2025-08-01 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-packing-blessing/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: connection, Get to know our travelers, Mission Trip, Mission trip packing list, Tanzania, Tanzania Trip Get to know our travelers! Send-off Blessing During Sunday Worship on July 20th, we had a special blessing for our Tanzania travelers where we surrounded them in prayer. Past Tanzania travelers were also recognized. What our travelers are looking forward to: Pam & Dan Hoeffel: We've been to Africa before, but never Tanzania. We're looking forward to connecting with all the new people we'll meet! Deb & Bob Bowman: We have not been to Africa before. We look forward to connecting with the people at the Kilolo parish, the schools, orphanage, and hospitals. We don’t know what we are going to see and experience at many of the places that Daudi (missionary in Arusha) is taking us and are excited about that also. We have the chance to experience personal contact with community members and not be tourists. Lori Rosenow: I've never been to Africa, but I'm really excited to go. I always said that once I retire as a teacher, I'll go, and luckily for me... this trip is happening in the summer. I look forward to jumping into the culture, smelling all the good scents, seeing the vibrant colors, and just soaking up everything Tanzania has to give. Merary Garcia: I have not been to Africa before. I'm looking forward to being able to make a difference in someone's life and in my life. I'm excited to make connections with people who share my same belief. What their prayer requests are: Pam & Dan Hoeffel: Please pray for the general safety and health... --- - Published: 2025-07-10 - Modified: 2025-08-07 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/build-strong-relationships-through-scripture/ - Categories: Blog Discover Bible verses about love, family, and friendship that strengthen relationships. Explore scripture for guidance and connection. Grow closer—together. When you’re seeking guidance, there’s nowhere better to turn than the Bible. The Bible provides guidance about relationships, whether you’re looking to grow a new romantic partnership, strengthen friendships, overcome family issues, or fortify your marriage. In this blog, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite Bible verses about relationships of all kinds. We hope they inspire you to bring Christ’s teachings into all of your relationships, growing and strengthening them in the light of God’s love. BIBLE VERSES ABOUT LOVE AND MARRIAGE Whether you’re hoping to grow an exciting new connection or you’re nurturing a years-long marriage, these relationship Bible verses will give you the strength to love in God’s image. Ephesians 5:25 – "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. " Song of Solomon 8:7 – "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. " 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. " Reflection: Christlike Love in Marriage Romantic relationships rooted in scripture reflect Christ’s sacrificial love. Ephesians 5:25 reminds us that love isn’t just emotion—it’s a daily commitment that requires action and service. When couples model Christ's love, they build a... --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-08-01 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/2025-tanzania-trip-preparation/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Bega Kwa Bega, International Connection, Mission Trip, Tanzania, Tanzania Itinerary, Travel TRIP PURPOSE We grow closer to God and one another through the intentional exchange of people, stories, and shared experiences across continents and cultures. Whenever two or more are gathered in Christ’s name, we profess, there Christ is. Travel, therefore, is an integral part of our life together. We want to meet people where they are and deepen our relationships with them. King of Kings members have had many visits to Tanzania to develop relationships; however, due to Covid travel was restricted. This trip will be a “Re-Start” of building our relationship with various groups in Tanzania that King of Kings members are supporting through the church’s benevolence. The members of this missionary trip are Pam & Dan Hoeffel, Lori Rosenow, Merary Garcia, and Deb & Bob Bowman. Bega Kwa Bega is Saint Paul Area Synod’s companion synod relationship with the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. The practice of being present is one of the pillars of our relationship with Iringa Diocese. We look forward to growing in faith and relationship with them! TRIP ITINERARY Iringa, Tanzania Stay at The Lutheran Center Meet with Bega Kwa Bega coordinator Russ Hilliard Visit the Huruma Centre (orphanage) Visit the Ipalamwa Secondary School Visit the Ilula Lutheran Hospital Kilolo, Tanzania Visit the Kilolo Parish Go to church in Kilolo 3 days with our Kilolo parish Arusha, Tanzania Visit our missionary Daudi Msseemmaa Visit Monduli (district) w/Daudi Ngaramtoni (district) w/Daudi Visit a Hospital Visit a school Visit Empowered Girls of... --- > What is Holy Week and how do we interpret the significant events that transpired today? Reflect and learn with King of Kings Lutheran Church. - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/holy-week/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog Holy Week is one of the most important weeks in the church. It marks the passion of Jesus Christ and his last days on earth. The 7 days of Holy Week begin on Palm Sunday and conclude on Easter. The events that transpired in between continue to guide us today. As we go through the events and timeline of Holy Week, reflect on what this time means for you and your faith. How did Christ’s actions change the course of human history and what do they mean to you personally? Holy Week Timeline: What are the 7 days of Holy Week? The Holy Week timeline includes “The Triduum” of days, which translates to Great Three Days. These include Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. However, Palm Sunday is also considered an important part of Holy Week. Holy Week days are celebrated in the following order: Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Sunday Palm Sunday Palm Sunday is the day Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. As Jesus rode into the city on a donkey—a symbol of humility—his followers waved palm branches and laid them across the road in front of him as a sign of respect, honor, and victory. Today, we wave palm branches and display them in our homes to remember this celebratory time when Jesus was so lovingly embraced. Actions in Jerusalem: Warnings, Cleansing, & Courage While in Jerusalem, Jesus took a series of actions that have caused us to pause and reflect on our lives today. The first... --- > What are devotionals and why are they popular during Lent? Learn how to start your day right and get closer to God with King of Kings’ devotionals. - Published: 2025-03-04 - Modified: 2025-03-04 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/shaping-tomorrow-lent-devotional/ - Categories: Uncategorized The 40 days of Lent are a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. This period, leading up to Easter Sunday, mirrors Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, where He fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation. It is a time to slow down, attune to your emotions, and draw closer to God. One powerful way to stay connected to God during this season is through daily devotionals. These short reflections help us center our thoughts and focus our hearts on Him. Devotionals guide us in prayer, offer Scripture for meditation, and provide encouragement for our spiritual journey. This year’s Lent sermon series invites you to engage in the “King of Kings Lenten Devotional: Shaping Tomorrow. ” These short devotionals, intended for evening meditation, are designed to set you up for a happy, healthy, and productive tomorrow. What Is The "Shaping Tomorrow Devotional”? The Shaping Tomorrow Devotional is a reflection you read before bed that prepares your heart and mind for the next day. Rather than just reviewing the past, it helps you step into tomorrow with faith, hope, and intention. Imagine ending your day with God’s Word, surrendering your worries to Him, and waking up with a heart ready to embrace His mercies anew. This is what we hope you can achieve between now and Easter.   Lamentations 3:22-23"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. " Shaping Tomorrow: 5 Examples of Our Lent Devotionals  1.... --- > Ten Bible verses for new and experienced parents, with analysis and takeaways for each. Plus, resources for struggling families. - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-07 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-parents/ - Categories: Uncategorized Parenting is the most challenging job you’ll ever do. How do you nurture, guide, and protect your children while helping them grow into kind, responsible, and faithful individuals? Unfortunately, there is no single guidebook. Many authors have tried, from Dr. Spock to “What to Expect,” but none can speak to your unique challenges. However, there is one book that offers timeless insights to help parents manage the stress and uncertainty of “doing it right. ” The Bible is often overlooked as a source of parental guidance. God’s Word is filled with lessons on love, discipline, patience, and the importance of leading our children in faith. Whether you are a new parent or have been wrangling your brood for years, we hope you find the following Bible scripture on parenting helpful and worth returning to. Bible Verses for New Parents For those just starting their parenting journey, the Bible provides reassurance, encouragement, and wisdom during the early years. Here are some starting points to anchor your relationship: Psalm 127:3  "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. " New parents can easily feel overwhelmed, but this verse reminds us that children are a blessing and a divine gift. Even on sleepless nights, God entrusts us with the precious role of raising our little ones. Parenting takeaway: The years go quickly. Cherish each moment, even in the difficult seasons. Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them... --- > Learn why strong relationships are crucial to our health and happiness and what the Bible says about connection. - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/power-of-connection/ - Categories: Blog, Sermon Series - Tags: connected lives, connection The theme of our current sermon series is “Connected Lives. ” These sermons speak to the value of relationships and are based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:  “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. ”  Connection to others is crucial in our lives. A 75-year study shows that without it, we are susceptible to mental health issues like depression and anxiety or physical symptoms like illness and cognitive decline. Fortunately, the Bible contains many lessons on how to forge strong partnerships, including a relationship with God. Let’s look at what we can learn to live healthier lives. What Makes a Good Life? Connection Robert Waldinger is the director of a long-running Harvard Study on Adult Development. For 75 years, the study has tracked the lives of 724 men from teenage life into adulthood to determine what factors contributed to their happiness. Waldinger states that early in the study, young men often cited money, power, or fame as goals, but those priorities shifted as life went on. The study uncovered three important lessons about what matters most: 1. Good Relationships Keep Us Happier and Healthier Most significantly,... --- > Finding peace during the holidays is difficult for many. Learn how to reduce stress, care for yourself, and find peace through God’s love. - Published: 2024-12-13 - Modified: 2025-01-08 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/finding-peace-at-christmas/ - Categories: Blog, Sermon Series - Tags: ChristMess, Finding Peace Are you screaming from a tight Christmas? Deadlines, to-dos, and get-togethers compete for our attention as the holidays ramp up. With so many balls in the air, it feels impossible to get everything done, let alone have a night of peace.   What if a restful holiday wasn’t a Christmas miracle but a simple matter of priorities? Remember, Jesus offers the word of peace; we just have to listen. Let’s look at some tips to center yourself during Christmas and find peace within the mess.   Finding Light in the Dark of Chaos Fear and anxiety are common feelings during the holidays. The pressure of unrealistic expectations–both internal and external–makes it difficult to feel at peace. This is when it’s time to lean on your faith. By turning to scripture and remembering the words of peace contained within, we can find light in an otherwise dark-feeling situation. Isaiah 9:2, 6 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We forget how dark the world must have seemed before Jesus’ birth. Christmas celebrates this light and the gift of peace it brings through eternal salvation. When things feel difficult, seek comfort in the Prince of Peace. Don’t Succumb to the EagerMess It’s easy to... --- > With a little grace and a lot of faith, you can survive Christmas and the holidays. King of Kings church is here for you. - Published: 2024-11-27 - Modified: 2025-01-08 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-survive-christmas/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: ChristMess, holiday stress The holidays are coming. For many, it’s a fun and festive time. For others, it’s a period filled with anxiety and stress. But what if, instead of having to brace for impact, you set aside grace for impact? The theme for this year’s holiday season sermons is “ChristMess: God’s Gift for a Messy World. ” As we all know, the holidays can feel like a mess. However, by taking a few deep breaths, setting some foundational goals now, and giving others and yourself a heaping serving of grace, you might shift this mindset and see through the mess. Let your faith and the church be (garland-covered) pillars that you return to when things get too messy.   Anticipating the Mess The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Decorations pop up around the neighborhood, stores feature gift displays, and Kool 108 plays nothing but Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey. These are the signs that it’s time to center your heart and prepare the way for the Lord.   Isaiah 40:3-5 A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. ' As this verse suggests,... --- - Published: 2024-11-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/king-of-kings-2024-2024-advent-devotional/ - Categories: Updates Follow along in our Advent Devotional as we are guided to find the peace, hope, joy, and love of Christ in a messy world. Click the link to download the digital version! 2024-25 Advent DevotionalDownload --- > Discover short, empowering Bible verses that will equip you for life’s challenges. For more support, visit King of Kings church in Woodbury, MN. - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/empowering-bible-verses/ - Categories: Blog, Sermon Series Continuing to follow the King of Kings “E4” framework, let’s look at the importance of equipping and empowering one another. As followers of Christ, we’re called not only to walk in His strength but also to extend that strength to those around us. When life feels overwhelming–whether for you or the people around you–the Bible gives us all we need to equip ourselves. Here are Bible verses to help you find the power and confidence to face whatever comes your way. Let these words remind you that God equips and empowers us through His presence and promises. Additionally, when you're feeling weary, uncertain or searching for direction, the church provides an emotional sanctuary where you can find empathy and support.   Equip Yourself for Success Being properly equipped means that you have the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges. These tools come from a number of sources and fortunately, God has already blessed you with many of them. Meditate on these verses to bolster your confidence and rekindle your inspiration.  Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. " The book of Ephesians provides a compelling roadmap for living an ethical life and celebrating God’s gifts. In these verses, Paul reminds us that our strength doesn’t come from our abilities but from God. When you put on the "full armor of God," you become spiritually equipped... --- > Looking for inspiration to engage more with the church? King of Kings offers verses and events to encourage Lutherans of all types. - Published: 2024-08-17 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-encouragement/ - Categories: Uncategorized At King of Kings Church, we use the “E4” framework to encourage, engage, equip and empower our Lutheran community. Our hope is that, no matter where your focus is as you go through life, that you set God as a central priority. Let Him be a part of everything you do.   As we approach our September sermon series, along with connection Sunday, let’s focus on the first two E’s of our guidepost: Encourage and Engage. These principles are essential in building a strong, vibrant church where everyone feels valued and involved. For inspiration, we’ll explore Bible verses that inspire encouragement and engagement in our daily lives and within the church. Speak an Encouraging Word Encouragement is the first step in fostering a strong faith community. When we uplift one another, we reflect the love and grace of Christ. Here are some encouraging Bible verses to inspire your efforts: Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. " In this early letter written by the Apostle Paul, he emphasizes the importance of continual encouragement for the persecuted Thessalonians. Just as Paul sought to strengthen their resolve by reminding them of their hope in Christ’s return, we can find encouragement within the walls of our own church. Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one... --- > Discover 10 Christian fiction and non-fiction books that will inspire, entertain and help grow your connection to God. - Published: 2024-07-15 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/christian-bestseller-books/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Christian books Looking for something new to read? There’s no shortage of bestselling Christian books for every type of audience but finding the right one for your tastes can be tricky. As we’ve done in the past, we’ve compiled a list of recommended reading in a variety of genres. We also focus on newer publications so that you don’t miss out on some of the contemporary Chrisitian books that have been attracting an audience. 5 Christian Fiction Books The Chosen: I Have Called You By Name by Jerry B. Jenkins (2021) If you’ve seen the popular TV series, you know how powerful this story is. This book, part one of a series, personalizes Jesus’ life through vivid encounters that are relatable and inspiring. It paints a detailed picture of the era Jesus lived in and shows the impact He had on people’s lives. It’s a sort of everyman’s view of the life of Christ, filled with details that the show wasn’t able to include. The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner (2021) This multi-generational story spans decades, focusing on a family dealing with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and their adopted daughter, Minh. Finkbeiner’s lyrical writing and heartfelt storytelling uncover the deeper meanings behind what it means to be a family in the face of adversity. A beautiful story. The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Kendra Brennan (2022) This contemporary novel follows Kendra Brennan, a successful novelist, as she returns to her family’s lake house to confront her... --- > Learn about the various movements of Lutheran church music over the past 500 years. To experience it in person, visit King of Kings. - Published: 2024-06-11 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/lutheran-music-history/ - Categories: Blog From the earliest days of the Reformation, Martin Luther recognized the power of music to stir the soul and spread the Gospel message. As he famously said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music. ” Whether you're a valued Worship Band member, a seasoned voice in The King’s Choir or just “tuning in”, there’s plenty to learn about Lutheran music. More than simply an accompaniment to worship, music is an integral part of praising God. It’s a way to spread joy and celebrate our faith. Let’s look at how Lutherans have viewed music over the years. Five Centuries of Lutheran Music 16th Century: Pop Goes the Reformation  Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a skilled musician who composed hymns that were not only theological but also incredibly accessible. He introduced the concept of the chorale, or a hymn intended to be sung by the church congregation, not just the choir. These include classics like "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" that are still sung today. Many chorales were set to familiar folk tunes, to make them accessible to all worshippers. Suddenly church didn’t sound all that different from the local tavern. Luther recognized music's power to teach doctrine and spread the Reformation message. Over the centuries, this tradition has crescendoed into a profound element of Lutheran services. 17th Century: Upsets and Motets The Thirty... --- > Discover 10 historic Lutheran sites across Minnesota including churches and schools founded by early immigrants. - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/historic-lutheran-sites/ - Categories: Blog Minnesota is rich in Lutheran history. From majestic churches to noteable educational institutions, there are numerous historical and cultural sites across our state that highlight our Lutheran roots and tell stories of faith and community.   Whether you're a history buff, a faithful congregant, or simply curious, these top 10 Lutheran sites in Minnesota offer a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Lutheranism in our great state. Let’s start the tour! 10 Minnesota Lutheran Sites Worth a Visit Since Norwegian, Swedish and German Lutherans first began settling Minnesota in the 1850s, there have been community landmarks across our State. Here some of the more prominent and historically significant as well as a few small surprises: 1. Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill, St. Paul Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and nestled in the heart of St. Paul, Christ Lutheran Church stands as a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture. This impressive building was built near the State Capitol between 1909-1915. The architectural style is Beaux-Arts, which was popular in Paris during the mid and later 19th century. 2. Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis With some 14,000 members, Mount Olivet is one of the largest Lutheran congregations in America. It was founded in 1920 and has grown to include a retreat center near Lake of the Woods, Cathedral of the Pines camp and several care facilities.   3. First Lutheran Church, Duluth Built as the first Norwegian Danish Lutheran Church in 1870, this historic church has served Duluth's faithful... --- > When stress becomes uncomfortable or even unbearable, let these Bible verses bring peace and hope to you. - Published: 2024-04-09 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-stress/ - Categories: Uncategorized Stress manifests in our lives in millions of ways. We experience it in fleeting moments during challenging situations and prolonged periods while facing significant life changes. Jobs, relationships, parenting and finances are all common triggers. While a small amount of stress can be motivating, too much can overwhelm us, affect our happiness and impact our health negatively. The good news is there are numerous strategies available for managing stress. Whether it’s physical activities and relaxation techniques or support from loved ones and professionals, it’s important to discover the stress management techniques that work best for you. A key component could be addressing your spiritual health. The wisdom found in the Bible offers profound solace and guidance during stressful times. Scripture for Stress According to the Mayo Clinic, “Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. ” It’s like a hard-wired alarm system that protects you from perceived threats. However, it can quickly turn from a benign warning system to debilitating affliction if you feel threatened more often than not. Fortunately, people have been learning how to manage stress for thousands of years. The following bible verses about stress are a great resource to learn from: Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. " In this passage, Jesus invites those who are overwhelmed and burdened to find rest in Him. It emphasizes Jesus' role as a comforter and savior to those burdened by the hardships... --- > Learn how to navigate temptations and become closer to God during the season of Lent. Discover the path through King of Kings church. - Published: 2024-03-06 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/lent-and-temptation/ - Categories: Uncategorized Lent and temptation go hand in hand. During his 40 days in the desert, Jesus fasted and prayed so that he could achieve greater closeness to God. While testing his own self-discipline, he was visited by the devil three times and tempted with food, faith and power. Jesus overcame these temptations through faith in himself and God. In our own daily lives, we encounter temptation in many forms. As we navigate the Lent season, let’s look at some of the temptations we face and how to focus on maintaining a warm, supportive and friendly community. The Ripple Effects of Broken Relationships The temptation to seek comfort with others is alluring. We've all felt the sting of a broken relationship, be it with a spouse, a friend or within our families. Such brokenness not only affects us directly but also creates barriers around us that weren’t there before. It might force us to choose sides or distance ourselves from the situation entirely. Sadly, the ripple effect of a broken relationship can even impact generations that follow.   This Lent, keep in mind that faithfulness and integrity in relationships are matters of the heart, not of a specific action. We can reflect on Jesus' teachings on adultery (Matthew 5:27-28, 19:3-8) and ask God to soften our hearts, guide us towards healing and help us live intentionally in our relationships. In turn, our relationships will nurture a spirit of faithfulness and love within us.   Breaking the Cycle of Retaliation The temptation to... --- > When seeking paths to peace, look no further than the word of God. Start your journey with these Bible verses for peace. Join us at King of Kings today. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-peace/ - Categories: Blog In a world where news of conflict and unrest seems ever-present, the idea of peace can feel discouraging, if not hopeless. As a Lutheran church nestled in the heart of Woodbury, Minnesota, we understand the importance of promoting peace in our individual hearts, in our community and across the greater world. We hold fast to the idea that lasting peace can become a reality, even if it begins with a single person.   For centuries, humans have struggled to find the path to a better and more peaceful world. To spark some light in our current, challenging times, let’s delve into our enduring source of wisdom and comfort to explore verses that speak directly to the heart of peace. We need only read these profound words to find solace and guidance.   Peace Comes in Many Forms What is Peace? At its core, peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of harmony and tranquility that encompasses our personal, social and spiritual well-being. Biblically, peace implies completeness, wholeness and fulfillment. Peace in Our Lives In our daily lives, peace can manifest in various forms—inner peace amidst personal struggles, harmonious relationships within families and communities and the broader quest for global peace and understanding.   Scripture on Peace There are many ways to find peace in the Bible. Here are some powerful verses as starting points. May they help you feel more calm, centered and optimistic: Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,... --- > Find comfort and guidance in scripture for hope. We list bible verses to inspire and resources to help restore hope in your life. - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-hope/ - Categories: Blog No other season symbolizes hope and new beginnings like Christmas. As we end one year and look optimistically to the next, let's reflect on the profound importance of hope in our lives. Hope is what keeps us going each day. It motivates us to improve our lives and leave a better world for the next generation.   This special season, echoing the birth of Christ reminds us that light shines even in the darkest of times. Let’s discover the comforting power of scripture with verses that illuminate the significance of hope, not just during the holidays, but throughout all seasons of life. Scripture on Hope Hope is a feeling of expectation or desire for a certain thing to happen. Like faith, it comes without certainty but there is strength in the power of belief. Let’s look at examples where this rings true with several Bible verses on hope, healing and perseverance.   Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "  Here, Paul encapsulates the essence of Christian hope: a divine gift that fills our hearts with joy and peace. A belief in God is a belief in hope. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "  A beautiful assurance from... --- > Find Bible verses for loneliness along with additional resources to help with feelings of isolation, depression and disconnection. - Published: 2023-11-06 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-about-loneliness/ - Categories: Blog God is always with you, even during your loneliest moments. While loneliness is a profound emotional state that most of us experience at some point in our lives, you can find comfort and support in the Bible, in the church and in your community.   When you feel disconnected, isolated, or misunderstood, turning to the Word of God offers a way to find connection. Below are some of the verses we have found to be particularly uplifting. We’ve also included ways you can make connections within the church and some loneliness resources online and in the community. Scripture on Loneliness From the young to the elderly, loneliness does not discriminate. It's a universal emotion that transcends age, gender and circumstance. One only needs to look to the Bible to see how anyone can be afflicted. Even prominent figures like Elijah, David and Jesus faced moments of profound loneliness. Turning to these Bible verses about being alone may bring comfort during difficult times. Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified... for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. " Moses spoke these words to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It's a reminder that, even in the face of daunting challenges or overwhelming loneliness, God's presence is a constant. His continued promise to never abandon us provides strength and courage. Psalm 25:16-17 "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely... --- - Published: 2023-10-25 - Modified: 2023-10-25 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-we-worship-union-gospel-mission/ - Categories: Blog The King of Kings Praise Team at Union Gospel Mission leading worship. Worship is an important part of the believer’s relationship with God. It is our way to express love, adoration, and gratitude towards Him. After all, God seeks those who will worship Him with sincerity, authenticity, and intentionality. Romans 12:1 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. " Intentional worship involves offering ourselves fully to God, not just in song, but also in how we treat others. God has set us apart from the world to serve Him. So when we love others, are generous with our belongings, and help those in need, we worship God the way He intended.   Serving others is not just about doing something for them, it is an opportunity to help us and others focus on God. 1 Peter 4:8-11 says “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ” We worship God when we love... --- > Find comfort in these bible verses for grief along with resources for grief counseling, support and prayer from King of Kings. Worship with us today. - Published: 2023-10-05 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-grief/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Bible verses Grief is our soul's natural way of processing the changes that touch us at various moments in our lives. In essence, it is the emotional pain we feel in response to loss, especially the death of a loved one. It ebbs and flows, taking us through various stages from disbelief to anger to acceptance. Yet, everyone's grief journey is unique based on their personal experiences, relationships and coping mechanisms. In times of profound sorrow, many find themselves on the precipice of faith—either leaning deeper into God's love or questioning His plan. In these confusing times, turning to the Scriptures can be a source of comfort and clarity. While the word of God can provide immense comfort during periods of grieving, it’s important that you get the help and support you need when working through loss.   Scripture for Grief Author Jamie Anderson said that “grief is love with nowhere to go. ” When you experience a profound or unexpected loss, you’re often looking for a place for that undirected love to go. We hope these verses provide some guidance: Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. " When the pain feels insurmountable, this verse reminds us of God's proximity, especially during our most vulnerable moments. A broken heart may feel like it will never heal but through God’s love, we can restore our spirit and find purpose in life again.   John 11:25-26 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the... --- > Grappling with anxiety is difficult. Find the top bible verses to help with anxiety along with other mental health resources. - Published: 2023-09-15 - Modified: 2023-09-26 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/bible-verses-for-anxiety/ - Categories: Blog Anxiety, as defined by medical professionals, is an intense, excessive and prolonged worry or fear about everyday situations. Spiritually speaking, anxiety can be considered as a disruption to the peace and calm that we aspire to feel in our daily lives. It can manifest in various ways: sleepless nights, nervousness and even physical symptoms like rapid heart rate. Common triggers for anxiety include work, relationships, finances, and significant life changes. Anxiety rears its ugly head when we don’t feel control in these areas. Traditional methods of managing anxiety include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes. However, spiritual methods like prayer, bible study, and participation in a religious community can also be powerful tools in combating anxiety. With that in mind, let’s look at some bible verses about anxiety and how you can use them to find relief. Scripture for Anxiety You’re not alone with your anxiety. The bible shows us how some of the most famous figures in history toiled with their own demons. It’s also full of inspiring examples of how they cast off their anxiety and allowed God’s truth and love to guide them. These quotes offer powerful lessons on how to reach out to God and find peace when the world feels too difficult to handle.   Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. " Prayer is one of the easiest and most effective ways to combat anxiety. This verse... --- - Published: 2023-07-31 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-we-worship-part-two/ - Categories: Blog Earlier this summer, we examined “Why We Worship” in the first part of this summer blog series. We explored what worship is… which is a declaration to God and an important part of our relationship with Him. Worship is a way to express our love, adoration, and gratitude toward Him. By Abbie Sonstegard Thoughts from the 10:45 am Contemporary Worship Team Earlier this summer, we examined “Why We Worship” in the first part of this summer blog series.   We explored what worship is... which is a declaration to God and an important part of our relationship with Him. Worship is a way to express our love, adoration, and gratitude toward Him.   I recently reached out to the members of the 10:45 am Contemporary Worship Team to broaden our consideration of “Why We Worship” by offering different perspectives on how our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ worship.   Deb Ries sings on the worship team and in the choir. Deb described the meaning of worship as “feeling the holy spirit in me and celebrating his good works with music and scripture. It also prepares me to go out and live with Christ in my life to try and make a difference in this world and let my light shine for others. ” Deb acknowledged that she worships to learn more about how to be with Christ in our life. Deb loves to come to worship to ask for forgiveness, repent, listen, grow in understanding, reflect, and “thank Jesus for his sacrifice. ” Deb announced that she loves singing and worship to practice the “UP - IN and OUT”! Kevin Bottolfson volunteers his talents in the tech booth. Kevin described worship as “time to get refreshed before heading into the mission field on Monday. ” Kevin expressed looking forward... --- > Being charitable is an important Lutheran tenant; how can we be more charitable in our actions and our daily life? - Published: 2023-07-26 - Modified: 2023-07-26 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/ways-to-be-charitable/ - Categories: Uncategorized An important tenet of Christianity is loving our neighbors as ourselves. After all, Jesus gave his life so that we could be absolved of sin and saved. Charity, or "agape (self-sacrificial love)" as it's often referred to within Lutheran theology, is a fundamental element of the Christian life. As Lutherans, we believe in serving others and exhibiting God's love through acts of kindness and generosity. At King of Kings church we believe in feeding physical hunger, spiritual hunger and the hunger to be in community. How does this translate into meaningful actions? Let’s look at some simple but powerful steps we all can take to be more charitable in our daily lives. What Does Charitable Mean? Depending on which dictionary you look at, “charitable” can simply mean being full of love and goodwill for others or, more specifically, giving food, money and help to those in need. It can also refer to being merciful or lenient when judging others. Charity, according to Christianity, isn't just about giving money. It's about expressing love, kindness, and compassion toward all of God's creation. Acts of charity help us embody Christ's teachings and bring positive change to our communities. Martin Luther’s experiences as a monk, his work helping the poor around him and his stern criticisms of corrupt political and church leaders led him to develop a charitable attitude towards the world. With his 95 theses, he sought to end predatory practices that exploited the poor’s fear of spiritual damnation so that they could... --- > Explore the lives of famous Lutherans and their contributions. Learn about notable figures in the Lutheran faith, and visit King of Kings today! - Published: 2023-06-05 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/famous-lutherans/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: famous Lutherans Since Martin Luther first nailed up his 95 theses on October 31st, 1517, people from all backgrounds have been drawn to his brand of rebellious but deeply personal Christianity. Over the years, countless protestant artists, celebrities and athletes have joined the fold - many of them household names.   Minnesota has had its share of famous Lutherans, including current and recent Governors, Tim Waltz and Jesse Ventura. Beyond our state borders there are many other practicing Lutherans who you may or may not know. Who are these other proud Lutherans that you’re in good company with? Read on! Famous Lutheran Athletes Religion and sports have always been closely linked. You often hear athletes pray that the ball makes the hoop, that a kick stays in bounds or that a field goal is good. Heck, there’s even a Hail Mary pass in football when teams need a miracle to win. Here are some famous sports figures who also happen to be Lutherans: Troy Aikman Dallas Cowboy quarterback extraordinaire and hall-of-famer, Troy Aikman is a driven man. He won three super bowls and broke countless records along the way. His friends and colleagues point to his laser-like focus and unstoppable drive when he sets out to do something. But Troy is clearly a spiritual man who reportedly sleeps with a bible on his nightstand. In more recent years, he’s praised the value of meditation as a means of staying on task. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Sr NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr won... --- - Published: 2023-05-31 - Modified: 2023-05-31 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-we-worship-part-one/ - Categories: Blog An Introduction to the Summer Blog Series Do you have a regular routine when you attend church on Sunday mornings? What is it? It seems like the majority of us follow this common routine: arrive, take our seats, stand to sing/pray, sit again and listen to the sermon, stand again for communion/to pray, and stay standing for the sending song. After the service is over you may visit with your fellow congregation members or you may promptly head out. Was I close to guessing your routine? There’s a good chance it varies from the examples I gave. However, there is also a good chance that you stick to the same routine most weekends. We are human, and we like routines. Following a set schedule or routine eases our stress/anxiety/tension. Routines give us the sense that we can predict what is going to happen in our day and assure us that we are prepared. Routines also allow for coordination among larger groups of people. So, yes, even during Sunday service, we and the church leaders follow a routine. Routines offer benefits, like easing uncomfortable feelings. However, when we fall into and solely rely on our routines, we are more likely to miss the meaning and purpose behind what we are doing. We can lose motivation to continue pursuing, growing, and learning, all for the sake of feeling a bit more comfortable. We can lose our passion to grow in faith and pursue God. So, let’s examine our intentionality! Let’s consider: why... --- > Lutheran podcasts are a great way to expand your understanding of Lutheran principles and grow your faith. Start with one from our list! - Published: 2023-05-15 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/lutheran-podcasts/ - Categories: Blog Lutheran podcasts offer a unique opportunity for Christians to dive deeper into their faith and explore a variety of subjects and viewpoints. Whether you're a lifelong Lutheran or just starting to explore the teachings of Martin Luther, there’s a podcast to match your curiosity level. Listen in the car, while you’re making dinner or during a quiet moment.   Little did Martin Luther know when he wrote his 95 Theses that we’d be able to listen to his ideas 500 years later on a device that fits in our pocket. He might even be proud to know that the individual has so many ways to grow their faith. To help you navigate the well-populated Holy waters of Lutheran podcasting, we’ve put together a short guide of some of the more popular Lutheran podcasts.   The Top 6 Lutheran Podcasts to Listen To Where to begin? It may depend on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of five of the more well-known Lutheran podcasts and what you can expect from each. 1. Christian History Almanac A short but always informative Lutheran podcast is "Christian History Almanac. " This daily program features known and lesser known events in Christian history. The content maintains a hip and contemporary attitude despite subjects that cross thousands of years. The host, Dr. Daniel van Voorhis concludes each episode with a reading or piece of poetry. Fun, opinionated and engaging. 2. Being Lutheran For the more academically inclined, try this locally produced podcast which began as... --- > Tips to help you learn how to start reading the Bible with support from the Lutheran community at King of Kings church. - Published: 2023-04-21 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-read-the-bible/ - Categories: Blog Reading the Bible can be intimidating. It’s a dense, ancient text that has multiple translations. Its earliest sections were written thousands of years ago by authors who had a very different story telling sensibility than we’re used to today. This different style may force you to slow down and consider the Bible in sections but where to start? Luckily, we have many great resources to help us understand the Bible. With some patience and the right tools, you can begin to read and appreciate this most important book. Along the way you’ll hopefully develop a greater closeness with God and a better understanding of how the Bible is your story too. How to Begin Reading The Bible You’re probably wondering where to start. The good news is that you don’t have to read the Bible from cover to cover. You can jump around from The Old Testament to The New Testament and from book to book or even passage to passage. That being said, it helps to have some understanding of the Bible’s overall story arch so that you can place whatever section you’re reading in a greater context. We’ll cover that in a moment.   As far as jumping on points, The Gospels are often cited as good introductions for new readers. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all compact versions of Jesus’ life, each from a different perspective.   Many people emphasize the importance of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Collectively known as The... --- > Advice for first time parents and younger families on how to incorporate faith based parenting in your home. - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/faith-based-parenting/ - Categories: Uncategorized There’s a lot of parenting advice out there. Hundreds of new parenting books flood the market every year but have you considered the one that’s over two thousand years old? The Bible is a wealth of parenting advice and lessons for all stages of life. How can new parents incorporate this tried and true resource into their own parenting style? Raising your child in faith means balancing family values, personal values and God’s values. It’s raising your children with loving boundaries so that they grow to understand respect, gratitude and grace. It’s the most important work you’ll ever do and maintaining faith through it all will help both you and your child develop the trust you need to navigate these years together. What is Faith Based Parenting? Faith-based parenting uses your faith in God to inform every aspect of your parenting. From the way you conduct yourself around your children to teaching them to disciplining them, faith informs everything you do.   At the foundation of faith is trust. As you teach your child about God, they will begin to understand his character, his direction and most of all his love. Children raised in families of faith will learn to trust God as they do their parents. Trusting God’s plan is a life-long gift that can give us true comfort in difficult times. As stated in Proverbs 22:6: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. ” How To Study The... --- > Learn how to find time for prayer in your busy day with these tips that include simple Lutheran prayers to get you started. - Published: 2023-01-12 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/find-time-for-prayer/ - Categories: Blog Have you said “hello” to God lately? Just as you greet your spouse, your children, your neighbors or your coworkers, take a moment out of your day to say hello to our Lord. Prayer is a powerful and personal way to connect to the higher power and a key way we grow as spiritual beings. The new year is the perfect time to foster renewed dedication to prayer. If the world seems too fast, if you run out of time, if the idea of praying slips your mind all together, we have some simple tips for how to find the time and momentum. Even a few quiet moments a day can make a difference in how we think, feel and act. Why We Need Prayer Turns out that prayer is good for us. A recent article emphasizes the feeling of connection that prayer can create. In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented and isolating, prayer is the perfect antidote. It might reduce feelings of being alone and help you plug into the bigger picture. A clinical Prayer Study found that prayer can have a measurable beneficial effect on people who suffer from depression and anxiety. Participants that attended a hour-long prayer session six times/week “showed significant improvement of depression and anxiety, as well as increases of daily spiritual experiences and optimism compared to controls. ” Another study found that intercessory prayer (praying for others) had a positive effect on self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Clearly the benefits of prayer go... --- - Published: 2022-12-16 - Modified: 2022-12-16 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/the-angels-sing/ - Categories: Blog A theme of Angels and "holy interruptions" A theme of Angels and "holy interruptions" When is the best time to start listening to Christmas music? Spotify completed their “holiday homework” and reported that the demand for Christmas music rises about a week before Thanksgiving and continues throughout the holiday season. That’s about 6 to 8 weeks of Christmas music! This year, the King of King’s contemporary worship band began including Christmas music on the First Advent Sunday. That’s 5 weeks worth of Christmas music! On November 27th, the band led congregational worship with for KING & COUNTRY’s rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High. ” It was such a joy to witness a congregation filled with worshippers praising God and the birth of Jesus Christ through song and dance! Growing up, when Christmas music started to play, it was the best time of year. My family was especially a fan of Christmas songs about the Angels. I remember my sister and I used to practice singing the long melisma (many notes on one syllable) of “Gloria” from “Angels We Have Heard On High. ” We wanted to get through the “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” in only one breath. “Angels we have heard on high” displays a common theme in Christian hymn singing - a chorus that begins in heaven with the angels and a global chorus resounding in response. “The mountains in reply” echo back that response by symbolizing the participation of the earth. This traditional French Christmas hymn originated between the early to mid-1800’s and... --- > Learn why Lutheran baptism is an important sacrament in the church and how you can be absolved of sin through God’s love. Get baptized with us in Woodbury! - Published: 2022-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/why-baptism-is-important/ - Categories: Uncategorized Baptism is one of two Lutheran sacraments (the other being communion). It marks the beginning of a person’s holy journey by washing them in the Word of God. When did baptism start and why do we continue to do it today? Let’s look at the meaning of baptism and why it’s such an important part of the King of Kings church tradition.   What is Baptism? Baptism is a relatively short and simple ceremony. During a baptism, the pastor gives a blessing and splashes Holy Water on the head of the person receiving the baptism. The pastor may also draw the cross on the recipient's forehead using the Holy Water.  Being that baptism is a sacrament, it must have three vital components: A command from Jesus Earthly elements A Promise of God In the case of baptism, the command comes from the book of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ” Matthew 28:19-20.   The earthly element involved is the water that has been blessed with God’s word. By using the Holy Water to bathe the recipient, the pastor blesses them with the promise of God and the gift of forgiveness. In the case of infants and children, baptism also constitutes a promise made by the... --- - Published: 2022-11-30 - Modified: 2022-11-30 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/being-present-thoughts-from-confirmation-weekend/ - Categories: Blog Reflections from Confirmation weekend worship Reflections from Confirmation weekend worship There’s something special about the song, “Holy Spirit. ” Classical and romantic composer, Schubert, once described the major D chord as the key of glory, triumph, hallelujahs, and rejoicing. The Grammy award-winning song, “Holy Spirit,” begins softly on an open D chord meant to fill the space. Light guitar strumming picks apart the D chord to emphasize all notes. As the song progresses, the drums, bass, and vocals layer significance to build the feel and awareness of the space. A space that invites us to notice the present moment, and the Holy Spirit working in it. The lyrics cry for the worthiness of the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and the space. Notice the thoughts that guide us Over the past few weeks, Pastor Jon has led us through a sermon series encouraging us to take notice of our thoughts and how they influence the way we interact with the world. Pastor Jon explains that it can be the quality of our thoughts that affect and impact the quality of our mind, and what leads our actions. Pastor Jon highlights James 1:13-16 describing how negative thoughts leave us stuck, and getting stuck means we dwell on negative things, and what we dwell on is what we become. In the long run, no good comes from dwelling on negative thoughts. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, I work as a mental health counselor, and so, I wanted to tie in a little therapeutic... --- > What is Advent and why do we celebrate it? Learn about the coming of Christ and the history of Advent with King of Kings church. - Published: 2022-11-11 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-celebrate-advent/ - Categories: Blog The Advent season is almost upon us. You likely associate Advent with Christmas and the fun calendars with the hidden windows, but what is Advent and when did it start? Historically, Advent is more than just a period leading up to Christmas. It’s steeped in significant Christian traditions. Let’s look at the meaning of Advent and how it relates to Christians and Lutherans today.   When Does Advent Start? The date that Advent starts varies from year to year. The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and always ends on Christmas Eve. This means that Advent begins in late November or early December.   Each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas celebrates a different Christian ideal or value depending on the church and country celebrating. Advent 2022 starts on Sunday, Nov. 27th and ends on Saturday, Dec 24th. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Advent with your family, there is a lot of history and tradition to pull from. What is Advent? Advent is derived from the Latin word “adventus” or “coming. ” From a Christian standpoint, this can be interpreted in three ways: the birth of Christ, the second coming of Christ and the coming of Christ into the heart of the believer. It symbolizes the church in its last days awaiting the return of Christ. It has historically been a time for both reflection and anticipation.   Advent as we know it is a celebration of the season leading up to... --- - Published: 2022-11-01 - Modified: 2022-11-10 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/dance-like-praise-like-worship-like-david/ - Categories: Blog A reflection on the 2 Samuel 6 sermons A reflection on the 2 Samuel 6 sermons While listening to Pastor Jon’s message on October 16th, 2 Samuel 6:14 kept repeating in my head. “And David danced before the Lord with all his might. ” I asked myself, “where have I heard that before? ” Well, have you ever seen the movie “Footloose? ” It used to be one of my favorites. I realized that 2 Samuel 6:14 is one of the bible verses that Ren McCormack, the protagonist in “Footloose”, uses to fight for his right to dance against his town council that outlaws the act.   I feel like I grew up constantly hearing phrases in church and pop culture stating “dance like David,” “sing like David,” and “praise like David. ” I concluded that David had to have been the best worshiper of all time and so, I associated nearly all things worship-related in the bible with David. I figured that we must all try to be like David and devote our whole lives to praising and worshiping God all the time, with all our being, and all our strength. Now, what a huge expectation that seems to be. The expectation to meet the standards of a well-known biblical figure. So let’s take a moment to consider some smaller expectations. Let’s look at what we know about David, and what we know about ourselves.   Understanding David to understand worship We have been sifting through Samuel with Pastor Jon for the past few weeks. We have... --- > King of Kings would like to welcome Abbie Sonstegard as the new content writer! Get to know Abbie here. - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2022-10-27 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/introducing-abbie-sonstegard-our-new-content-writer/ - Categories: Blog Hello! I am Abbie Sonstegard and I have recently accepted the position of “Content Writer” at King of Kings. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and my role in the church community. WHAT IS A “CONTENT WRITER? ” Basically, I will be working with Dan Green and the worship team to write weekly blogs and other social media posts about worship at King of Kings. I hope that singing hymns and contemporary worship songs at church can be more and mean more than just “going through the motions” to fill time at the beginning or end of service. I want to explore the purpose of worship by answering questions like, “why are we singing this song? ”, “why was this song written? ”, “how does this song relate to the sermon? ”, and “what does this song mean to you? ” In my experience, I know that not every person finds meaning in their faith through song and music. Therefore, I want to help build connections between the congregation community and the worship side of the church through reflective blog-style posts. What does worship look like to you? How do you worship? How do you find meaning in your faith through worship? Let us explore ways to purposefully and intentionally worship to praise God. A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME My family joined King of Kings when I was about 10 years old and it has been my home church ever since. I had my first communion and... --- > We look at some of the most popular Bible verses to understand why they resonate so strongly with so many people. - Published: 2022-10-14 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/popular-bible-verses/ - Categories: Blog Songs that constantly play on the radio or movies that do huge business at the box office may not be your favorites, but there’s a reason behind their popularity. Hit songs, hot TV series and bestselling books become elevated because they resonate with the greater public. These cultural artifacts fill some collective need that was unmet before they came along. Is the same true for bible verses? Are there certain excerpts from the Bible that resonate more strongly with people? If so, what can we learn from them? To answer this question we looked at two sources: The first was Bible Gateway, which compiled a list of the most popular verses that visitors searched on their site. The second was Bible. com which keeps a running list of the most popular Bible verses searched on its site and app. Below are a few noteworthy high rankers from both. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” It should come as no surprise that this long-time staple seen at sporting events, on T shirts and across social media is the #1 most popular Bible verse on Bible Gateway’s list. It’s one of the most quoted bible verses because it distills the Christian faith into a singular yet powerful statement of purpose: to believe is to be saved.   For Lutherans, God’s sacrifice became an invitation to have a personal relationship... --- > Learn how Martin Luther’s 95 theses started the protestant reformation and made him one of history’s biggest rebels. - Published: 2022-09-16 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/who-was-martin-luther/ - Categories: Blog It’s a classic story: a hard working blue collar couple wants the best for their son. They pinch pennies and send him to the best schools so that he can become a lawyer instead of following his father’s footsteps down the local ore mine. The young lad starts promising but a rebellious streak awakens and suddenly he’s no longer interested in satisfying his parents wishes. Not every contrary child goes on to lead the largest church reformation in history but the circumstances are still relatable today. How did Martin Luther go from an anxiety-riddled boy in a small German mining town to religious giant? And who really was Martin Luther? We’ll give you a brief glimpse into one of history’s greatest rebels and the man who started the protestant reformation by standing up to both the pope and the emperor of The Holy Roman Empire.   Childhood Insecurities Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483. Two of his younger brothers died from the plague and Martin became obsessed with the notion of salvation. He worried whether his soul would be saved when he died and developed chronic anxiety around the notion.   He complied with his parents' desire for him to become a lawyer and studied Latin, grammar, logic and other pre-law disciplines of the day. He was well on his way to law school when a thunderstorm changed a 22 year-old Martin Luther forever. Caught walking in the torrential storm, Martin feared he would die. In desperation, he... --- > Why join a local church? From spiritual growth to community involvement, churches offer many benefits. See what King of Kings offers. - Published: 2022-08-01 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/join-church-community/ - Categories: Blog Religious beliefs are a deeply personal matter and worship is an intimate practice that we hold closely. Finding the right church to support your faith goals is important but there are other reasons to attend church. Joining a church for community offers its own set of benefits beyond religious enrichment. Why join a local church? We unpack some of the obvious and not so obvious reasons to become a member of a church. Our doors are always open and we welcome new visitors to see what the community at King of Kings Lutheran church offers. Support During Life’s Challenges A church community is an invaluable support. Like a family, a safe and trustworthy community provides a stable space when life becomes difficult. There is no substitute for honest connection during challenges like heath issues, divorce or work changes. A church is a place you can always go to when you need a place to reflect, focus and find comfort. Being a church member means that you get to support others as well. We know helping others helps us feel like better humans but there are also scientifically proven benefits of helping others. Be part of this healing power.   People and Opportunities A church opens the door to a new set of friends and opportunities. Especially if you’ve recently relocated, a local church is a great way to meet new people, make friends and expand your social circle. Most churches have groups and activities that cover a range of interests... --- > Strengthen your circle by setting and exploring actionable, faith-based family goals that incorporate faith into your daily life. Share your goals with us! - Published: 2022-07-15 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/family-goals/ - Categories: Blog Keeping your family on track and organized is a full time job. While it may be easy to overlook, faith is an important component of your family’s growth. Faith comforts us through challenges, guides our decisions and informs how we conduct ourselves. Developing faith based goals can help your family deepen your faith and strengthen your bonds with each other and God.   Family is at the core of our formative years. By creating tangible goals for your family, you can achieve a deeper spiritual connection with each other and God. You can better understand God’s purpose for your family and set your family on the path to a more fulfilling life. To succeed, hold yourselves accountable by setting measurable goals and tracking your progress. Here are some suggestions on where to start.   1. Spend Time Together Nothing nurtures or restores faith like connection. Without setting intentional time, many families suffer from busy schedules and missed opportunities. Put time on your calendar and create routines that bring everyone together. Here are a few ideas on how: Mealtime. There are numerous benefits of family dinners. They’ve been shown to improve mental, emotional and physical health by reducing the risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders. Even 20 minutes a night can make a difference in how your family relates to each other. Game nights. We live in a golden age of games. There is one for every personality in your family. From Catan to Monopoly to Go Fish,... --- > See our top Christian book recommendations for your summer reading. Share your love of faith and books with King of Kings Lutheran Church. - Published: 2022-06-07 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/best-christian-books/ - Categories: Blog With summer getaways quickly approaching, we thought we would provide a list of some of the best Christian books to take with you to the beach, cottage or hotel. There are few greater pleasures than relaxing with a good book while on break. Why not inject a little faith into your reading list while you're at it?   From classics to mysteries, we cover all types of books for all types (and ages) of readers. Christian literature encompasses a great many genres and subjects. Hopefully something here will catch your fancy and expand your faith as well. Christian Fiction Books Looking for something that will keep you entertained while the kids are building sandcastles? These page turners are well written and thought provoking. Crooked Little Heart by Anne Lamott (1998)  A coming of age tale in the midst of family trauma. Thirteen year old Rosie has her heart set on becoming a tennis star but her alcoholic mother and struggling step dad make family life difficult. Rosie begins to doubt herself but has to remain strong for her friend. Told honestly and beautifully this book shows how to be resilient when life becomes difficult. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2004) Marilynne Robinson won the Pulitzer prize for this multi-generational tale about spirituality in America. The story is told from the perspective of an Iowan preacher as he recounts a life of love, faith and regrets to his son. The family stories are filled with joy, loss and struggle but return to... --- > Discover the meaning of Pentecost and learn why Pentecost is important in Christian faith. Celebrate this time with King of Kings in Woodbury, MN! - Published: 2022-05-06 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/importance-of-pentecost/ - Categories: Announcements Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian Church. It occurs every year, 50 days after Easter Sunday. While it is not as widely acknowledged as Easter or Christmas, Pentecost has great religious significance. Why is Pentecost so important? Primarily because it marks the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that he would send them another advocate (John 14:16). Let’s review the events that led to this world-changing moment and uncover the deeper meaning of Pentecost. What Is Pentecost? Pentecost was originally a Jewish celebration that marked the end of the wheat harvest. The festival occurred exactly 50 days after Passover and was celebrated with multiple feasts. After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, his apostles were celebrating Pentecost when they felt a “mighty rushing wind” enter the room. They also experienced “tongues of fire” and could suddenly understand each other’s language without difficulty. They attributed this speaking in tongues to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the crowd saying, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ” (Acts 2:38) As a result of receiving this message, over 3000 were baptized that day. It’s also why you often see an increase in baptisms around this time. Who Is The Holy Spirit? You likely know the Holy Spirit as part of the Holy Trinity: the... --- > Discover the meaning of lent by looking within. Join King of Kings Church for this 40-day period of spiritual introspection. - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/meaning-of-lent/ - Categories: Announcements This year, don’t just think about what to give up for Lent, think about what you can gain. During the period we now call Lent, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to find clarity and become closer to God. He was tempted three times by Satan and persevered three times thanks to God’s grace. What did Jesus gain at the end of his ordeal? Renewed faith and understanding in God’s purpose for him. And, as a result, he returned to Galilee with reignited passion to resume his teachings despite knowing he was a marked man. As Jesus did, you too can use this period of Lent – or lengthened days – to look within and find your true purpose. Lent is a time for three things: Prayer, fasting and giving. Use the lessons from Jesus’s temptations to become closer to God using these powerful vehicles. The First Temptation: Hunger Jesus fasted while out in the desert. Satan hoped to exploit this by challenging Jesus to turn rocks into bread. While Jesus was hungry, he also relied on other forms of nourishment to sustain him. He told Satan that “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. " Giving things up for Lent isn’t about making yourself suffer, it’s about realizing what other things sustain you. Instead of wondering What should I give up for Lent? Think what other forms of nourishment should I focus on? When you give... --- > Knowing how to share your faith with others can be tricky. Having a strong church-based community like King of Kings can help. Visit and worship with us! - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-share-your-faith/ - Categories: Uncategorized You experience faith differently than anyone else. This individuality is one of the great strengths and joys of having faith. But how do you share the wonder you feel with others? Especially when their faith (or lack of) is different than yours? At King of Kings, we believe the best way to share your faith is through actions of kindness and generosity. By living a life of integrity and by demonstrating kindness, grace and compassion, you share your faith in the most generous and meaningful ways possible. Faith is more than words or beliefs, it’s a reflection of your spirit. Sharing faith can be a humbling experience. Not knowing how you can share and spread your faith to others might leave you feeling embarrassed, awkward or alone. That’s where your church can offer some guidance. Stay Positive Faith is defined as “a strong belief or trust in someone or something. ” You can have faith in a leader, an idea, an ability or God. When we remain positive, we don’t waver from our goals or our beliefs. We’ve all had our faith shaken at one time or another. A kind word of encouragement from a friend can make a huge difference. Lending support to someone who is struggling is a beautiful way to share faith and it helps us all be stronger. Even staying positive amid your own crisis is a way to demonstrate and share faith. From Joseph to David, the bible is full of stories of those who... --- > Joining a new church can be difficult. Here are tips to finding your way and making friends at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Minnesota, - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/blog/how-to-make-friends/ - Categories: Uncategorized A church can be a wonderful place to meet new people and make friends. If you’ve relocated from a new city or had significant life changes, a church can be a strong center from which to start your new life. While there is no single blueprint for how to join a new church, we’re glad you’re considering King of Kings church in Woodbury, Minnesota. More than a church-we’re a place to call home. We’ve compiled some tips on how you can make friends and make our big church feel small. Start With Hello Humble beginnings can lead to a prosperous future – just ask Job. A smile, a kind gesture or simply saying “hello” can set a whole new future in motion. Don’t be afraid to break the ice with strangers. We’re all here for the same reason. Great times to initiate a conversation with a church member include before and after Sunday service, at an event or group (see below) or over a cup of coffee at our Holy Grounds café. We understand some of us are shyer than others. Take a chance and make it a goal to get to know one new person every week. The more we can do to create connection, the stronger our congregation becomes. Volunteer One of the great benefits of engaging with a church like King of Kings is the diversity of groups and activities we offer. Volunteering your time or exploring one of our many groups is the perfect way to... --- --- ## Calendars - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2022-01-06 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/calendar/king-of-kings-google-calendar/ - Events Source Types: google - Calendar Types: default-calendar See more details --- --- ## Lists --- ## Events - Published: 2025-08-15 - Modified: 2025-08-24 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/monday-evening-womens-group-the-way-of-wisdom/ In this 8-session Bible study, teachers Jen Wilkin, Ruth Chou Simons, Kelly Minter, Adrienne Camp, Elizabeth Woodson, and Courtney Doctor invite you to place your feet firmly on the path of life revealed in the book of Proverbs. As you consider wisdom principles on everyday topics like words, work, friendship, marriage, parenting, neighborliness, money management, leadership influence, and more, you’ll discover the wisdom of Proverbs as an invitation to steadily walk God’s way in God’s world. Group Leader: Nancy Nelson Group Size: 12 women in Room 108 Dates: Mondays from 6:30-8:00 p. m. , twice a month Sept 8, Sept 22, Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 24, Dec 1, Dec 15 Cost of the study is a $10 registration fee. Please purchase your own book from Lifeway, Christianbook or Amazon. --- - Published: 2025-08-15 - Modified: 2025-08-15 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/alpha-omega-jesus-and-women/ Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she transports you back to Jesus’ world, following in the footsteps of the women who came face-to-face with the Living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him today. Group Leader: Jane Neuman Group Size: 10 women in Room 108 Dates: Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a. m. beginning on September 18  Cost of the study is a $10 registration fee.  Order your book from Amazon or Christianbook. Registration --- - Published: 2025-08-15 - Modified: 2025-08-15 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/gods-gals-precept-study-fall-2025/ God’s GALS Precept Group is planning a two-fold study opportunity this fall – sign up for one or both of these Old Testament studies. Group Leaders: Laura Griffith and Molly Calkins Group Size: 15-20 women in the Youth Room 1. Precept Upon Precepts In & Out - Ecclesiastes In this 4-session Precept Upon Precept study “Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun”, we will study one of the wisdom and poetry books of the Bible in depth. By allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, we will encounter the Bible like never before first through self-study, then through sharing in group discussion (there is no video for this study). Expect homework to take 3-4 hours per week – we ask all members be prepared to share their findings because we learn so much from each other.   Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30am, from Sept 10th-Oct 8th. Please visit the King of Kings website to register by September 2nd so we can order your book. The cost is $28. 00, which includes the King of Kings $10. 00 registration fee and the cost of the book, to be distributed on September 10th. 2. Epic of Eden - Deborah Second, we will study the book of Judges using The Epic of Eden Bible Study plus streaming videos: “Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges”. The Book of Judges narrates one of the most chaotic and morally dark eras of Israel’s story. Into this morally-ambiguous time comes one of the most unlikely leaders of the biblical text– the... --- - Published: 2025-08-15 - Modified: 2025-08-28 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/gods-gals-heaven-when-faith-becomes-sight/ God’s GALS (God’s Amazing Love Shared) is a ministry for adult women who are looking for in-depth Bible study, fellowship, service, and fun. In this 7-session video-based study, Jennifer Rothschild explores the subject of Heaven from a biblical perspective. She will separate what’s true about Heaven from what’s based on legend, media depictions, and hopeful guesses. As you walk through the study, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of what God has prepared for His children, but also learn how to live with confidence today as you look forward to the glorious unending that awaits. Don’t just wonder about Heaven—embrace it with a faith that turns anticipation into excitement and peace. Cost of the study is a $10 registration fee. Please purchase your own book from Amazon, Lifeway. com, or Christianbook. com. Choose from four different meeting options: Wednesday Mornings Group Leader: Annette Sherrill Group Size: 30+ women with assigned small group breakout groups, starting in the Holy Grounds Cafe Dates: Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a. m. , every other week, beginning September 10 Wednesday Afternoon (via Zoom) Group Leader: Jo Bowman Group Size: 8-10 women online (perfect for those currently living out of state) Dates: Wednesdays at 2:00 p. m. , every other week, beginning September 10 Friday Mornings Group Leader: Leigh Rekow Group Size: 6-8 women in Room 108 Dates: Fridays at 9:30-11:30 a. m. , every other week, beginning September 12  Saturday Mornings Group Leader: Kathy Becher Group Size: 8-10 women Dates: Saturdays at 8:30-10:30 a. m.... --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/grief-support-group/ A peer-led group supporting each other on our journey of grief. Meets every Tuesday from 2:00-3:30pm. Please join us in a peer-led group as we gather to support each other. Our group offers both faith-based emotional support as well as down-to-earth advice for practical matters. We have been where you are and want to be here for you now– and not just for the immediate aftermath. We’re here for the long haul as we walk with you through your journey. We meet weekly on Tuesdays at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Room 108 from 2:00-3:30pm. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025. If you have more questions, you can list them in the form below or email Cheryl Bennerotte at cbennerotte@hotmail. com. --- - Published: 2025-05-31 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/2025-2026-kids-of-the-kingdom-registration/ Kids of the Kingdom Sunday School is for ages 3–5th grade. Kids of the Kingdom partners with families to nurture and grow the faith of children. As parents, you are the primary faith nurturers for your children. Our goal is to help you inspire and further their faith through worship, fellowship, learning, service, and outreach. Cost $45. 00 Classes are offered Sundays during the 9:30 and 10:45 a. m. services (September–May). Kids of the Kingdom is for children age 3 (must be 3 by September 1, 2024) through 5th Grade for the 2025/2026 school year. In addition to students learning God’s word in individual classes, we also offer special educational opportunities for our students in worship and grade groupings. Every child is placed in a class of children in their same grade level. Each class has its own volunteer teachers and stays together throughout the school year learning and taking part in various activities. We rely on volunteers to teach our children. Two to three volunteers are placed in a classroom to teach on a rotating schedule. This allows for greater flexibility for our volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to teach (you receive one free registration) please contact Paula Arland. --- - Published: 2025-05-31 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/2025-2026-middle-school-confirmation/ Middle School Confirmation classes meet September–May. 6th Grade is a Foundational Year: In-between Concrete & Abstract Thinking $55 • Prayer: Practices• Martin Luther & history of Lutheranism• Small Catechism: Lord’s Prayer, 10 Commandments, Apostle’s Creed, & the Sacraments• Bible Structure: plot overview, authors, how to use resources 7th-8th Grade is for Deeper Exploration: What does it mean for me? • Deep Dive into Old & New Testament characters/books & how to read different books (history, poetry, prophets, letters)• Faith, Life & Culture: Religions & Denominations, Death & Dying, Bible and Science• Relationships – parents, friends• Jesus: daily life, miracles $130 - The fee includes the cost of an overnight retreat, which are typically offered in February and May. Students are expected to attend ONE of the retreats; the same material will be covered at each retreat. Registration for the retreat will be open later. --- - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-05-01 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/king-of-kings-duck-cam/ See what Mama duck is up to! Eleven ducklings living in the courtyard hatched on Monday, April 28th! https://www. youtube. com/shorts/qqOsoyR6iSU --- - Published: 2024-09-16 - Modified: 2025-08-29 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/2025-confirmation-service-registration/ Sign up here for your Confirmation Service date and time. Sign up here for your Confirmation Service date and time. --- - Published: 2024-09-12 - Modified: 2025-07-16 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/explore-baptism-class/ A brief introduction of what Baptism means in the Lutheran faith, a chance for us to get to know your family, and an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you might have in order to prepare you for your special day. Our Explore Baptism Class is a brief introduction of what Baptism means in the Lutheran faith, a chance for us to get to know your family, and an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you might have in order to prepare you for your special day. You'll receive materials and spend quality time with Pastor Amelia. Attending an Explore Baptism Class before baptism is strongly encouraged. After submitting this form, you will receive an email with more detailed baptism scheduling information. An Explore Baptism Class generally lasts less than an hour and is held in Room 108. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have further questions, please email office@kingofkingswoodbury. org. --- - Published: 2024-08-15 - Modified: 2025-08-21 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/https-www-kingofkingswoodbury-org-events-shepherds-flock/ The Stronghold of the Chosen parallels each episode from season 5 of the popular television series about the life of Jesus.   Group Leader: Lynda Paulson Group Size: 15 people in the Youth Room Dates: Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 p. m. , beginning September 16 Cost of the study is a $10 registration fee. Order the Season 5 book from Amazon. --- - Published: 2024-04-01 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/high-school-hangout-event/ We are having a High School Hangout on Friday, February 21st! We will play games, put on a movie and eat some food! Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm Come join us and hang out! Any questions? Contact Michael Carmack. --- - Published: 2023-11-08 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/cancer-support-group/ Cancer Support Group meets every second Monday of the month from 6:30–7:30pm. There is no registration cost. Cancer Support Meeting for those with cancer, second Monday of the month, 6:30pm-7:30pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church. Being diagnosed with cancer can be very scary and stressful. Accepting our diagnosis is challenging. While every person's cancer journey is unique to them, there is great value in building a camaraderie with those that can share their journey, faith and support. For more information contact Vickie at Conleyvickie@gmail. com --- - Published: 2023-10-06 - Modified: 2025-07-24 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/explore-king-of-kings/ Find out more about who we are, with some free lunch and fellowship! Check out dates on Registration, Noon, Holy Grounds Café. Holy Grounds Café- Noon Upcoming Dates: 09/28/2025 01/14/2026 04/19/2026 06/14/2026 For those interested in learning more about us, looking to get connected or deepening their connection thru membership. A light lunch will be provided. Child care is available. This connection event will connect you with others who are considering membership. This connection event will connect our missions and ministries with your unique interests, gifts, and talents. This connection event will invite you to make King of Kings your church home through membership. Register below or email Pastor Amelia with questions. --- - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/stole-day/ This event is only for our current 9th graders being confirmed this fall. Please register below if you're planning to attend. We'll meet Sunday, September 21st, at noon in the Multi-Purpose Room. Please bring any individual decorating supplies students want for their stole. Pizza will be provided! --- > Help your kids celebrate Christ's love with Jesus Jammers, a group of children from first grade and up that prepares music to share in worship - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/events/jesus-jammers/ The Jesus Jammers provide an excellent opportunity for children to share Christ’s love in a fun, energetic and musical way. The Jesus Jammers provide an excellent opportunity for children to share Christ’s love in a fun, energetic and musical way. Jesus Jammers is for kids ages 1st grade and up who bring Jesus into the lives of everyone through music, dance, and joyful spirit. We prepare music to share in worship about once a month. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:00–6:00 p. m. in the Sanctuary. First rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 17th, from 5:00-6:00pm. Contact: Aimee Pettey at jesusjammers@kingofkingswoodbury. org Registration --- --- > Visit https://www.kingofkingswoodbury.org/ to explore worship times, learn more about our preschool, watch sermons, or connect with a ministry. Join us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or tune into our podcast for ongoing inspiration and messages of hope. ---