June/July Messenger Page

Messenger Volume XXVIII, Issue 3

June & July, 2016

What This Year Has Meant

I am desperately clinging to my remaining three months here at Mount Calvary. I have no idea where the time has gone. I feel as if it was just last week that I

was introduced to this community. I feel as if it was just a few days ago that I preached for the first time, with an empty space behind me where now an organ stands. I feel as if it was just yesterday that I was set to teach confirmation to a group of rowdy seventh graders for my very first time. I feel as if I am just digging into the first chapter of your stories and now my time here is coming to a close. I have never learned so much, been embraced so much and been humbled so much, as my time in life together here with you. I’m left with a strange bittersweet feeling, as I have to leave this community behind and face what lies ahead. In these brief nine months I have met many wonderful people here, heard many stories and learned a lot about who I am as a future pastor. It feels so odd to have just gotten to know a group of people just to have to leave them so soon. This internship experience is a wonderful and strange experience. The people here at Mount Calvary have generously opened their hearts and graciously given me a space to experiment. When I started here I was so worried and anxious about how I was going to make it all work and I was daunted by the many tasks that I had never before set out to accomplish. However, the world did not come to an end and everything seemed to work out all right. Why? It’s because this place is filled with the Holy Spirit and I see Christ in the hard working and dedicated people of this community. This richly loving community of people is here to support one another and make this church go. Despite my shortcomings, I’ve grown in confidence knowing that I can do the work of the pastor, because grace filled people like you are what make the church happen. I feel such joy when I witness the Holy Spirit at work in the church and I am grateful to be a part of Mount Calvary’s ministry. Thanks to this community, I now feel free to pursue my call of being pastor without the fear of inadequacy that clouded my head nine months ago and I can now focus on being in relationship. This has been my greatest learning.

What comes next for me? This upcoming year I will be heading back to Luther Seminary. I have a full academic year’s worth of credits and a lot of personal learning to accomplish before graduation in the spring of 2017. I’ve tried to experience a little bit of everything Mount Calvary had to offer this year, and because of that, I have come to realize that there’s a lot more that I never knew I never knew. I will focus my classes on these blind spots, but I’m sure the next church I will serve will show me even more areas where I need to grow. I hope to stay curious in my vocation and remain a lifelong learner. If we don’t learn we don’t grow. After my last academic year at Luther I will be off to my first call. The call process is not even underway as of yet, however, it’s hard not to dream about what the future has in store for us. My wife and I are planning on taking on the “call process” restriction free. We are hoping to go out and experience a completely different part of the world and have some new adventures. We have no idea what the future holds but we have faith that God will be with us along the winding road.

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MILESTONES

Those Who Lost Loved Ones

Roxane Carson and Bret Starkweather – mother

Kathy Jents - sister Family of Bob Mortimer Family of Larry Nelson Family of Inga Shelstad

Those Baptized

Preston Michael son of Loren & Samantha

Kaia Dmitra daughter of Dmitri & Kami

Gabriel Vinton

son of Chris & Kim

Messenger Info

T he Messenger is published 6 times per year. We are no longer mailing it, but printed copies are available at church

by the Welcome Desk. The Messenger will continue to be available on the Mount Calvary website (www.mtcalvary.com). Articles for the August/September issue are due July 10.

STAFF:

Tom Jenkins Lead Pastor Jen Rome Pastor for Children, Youth & Family Pam Carlson Associate in Ministry/Cantor Matt Schroeder Intern Pastor NaDyne Glidden Administrator Wendy Lane Ministry Coordinator Jane Mollman Education Coordinator Margaret Stachour Secretary Marianne Adelmann Community Night Building Supervisor Denise Beyer Bookkeeper Camille Buddecke Accompanist Bob Grissom Maintenance Service Technician Beth Jerzak Youth & Family Assistant Brian Jerzak Community Night Building Supervisor Shirlee Klang Office Assistant Wendy Lane Joy Choir Director Christine Lees Praise Choir Director Liz Lindner Youth Handbell Director Mary Jane Pedersen Accompanist Marlys Peterson Office Assistant Alanna Teragawa Calvary Carillons Director Kay Wandersee Office Assistant

COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Dan Sjolseth, President Brenda Teats, Vice-President Tamara Anderson, Treasurer Amy Commers, Secretary Jennifer Becker, Council Lisa Johnson, Council Mark Nickell, Council Erica White, Council MINISTRY TEAM CHAIRS: Bob Grissom, Property Tamara Anderson, Finance Sarah Slania, Worship

I would like to thank my incredible internship committee who lifts me up and helps push me forward: Phil Heide, Steve

Holtzleiter, Craig Dowd, Deanna Baisch, Lisa Sharbo and Michelle Finlon. I would like to thank the staff here at Mount Calvary who are so wonderfully gifted and clearly called by God to do the hard work that they accomplish each day. Thank you for your ministry. I am deeply grateful to my two supervising pastors who have challenged me to go outside of my comfort zone, think deeper and have modeled joyful pastoral ministry for me. Thank you, Tom and Jen. I would like to take this space, as well, to thank everyone at Mount Calvary for making this year such a wonderful, surprising, scary and joyful learning experience. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the people here who have supported me, given me insightful feedback and helped show me where my light shines best. This is a wonderful place to learn because it is a safe space to try new things without the fear of judgment or failure. I’m sure that future interns in this place will find their experiences as invaluable as I have. I think it is of paramount importance to keep this program going in the years to come and that is not possible without the support of the people here. Thank you so much for hosting me as the intern this year and thank you for calling another intern for the coming year. Seminary students and the wider church, for years to come, will be grateful for your dedication and sacrifice to fostering future leaders. I know that God is at work in and with the people here at Mount Calvary and I am humbled to be a part of this church’s long history. Thank you for this beautiful year. Continue your hard work and joyful life together moving forward. The grace and peace of Christ be with you always,

Matt Schroeder Matt.schroeder@mtcalvary.com

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Youth Calendar Wednesday, June 22 We Serve 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 6th-12th Graders spend the day serving by helping with VBS

Sunday, June 26 Final meeting for Summer Youth Trip participants and parents 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 29 We Serve 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Rahn Road clean up and bowling Friday, July 8 – All Ages Retreat at LutherCrest in Alexandria, MN Sunday, July 10 Sunday, July 10 – Summer Youth Trip to Luthercrest in Alexandria, MN Friday, July 15 Sunday, July 17 Summer Youth Trip Participants share in worship Wednesday, July 20 We Serve 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Service and Cascade Bay Wednesday, July 27 We Serve - Rethinking Sunday Morning at Luther Seminary and Movie 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. “The BFG”

We Serve! We Serve Is an opportunity to serve our community, grow in faith, bear witness to Christ’s mission and have a little fun along the way! Youth gather for a service project in the morning, have lunch, and head out for a fun activity in the afternoon. We Serve is open to

all 6th-8 th graders and 9 th-12 th grade leaders. Invite your friends, all are welcome! Be sure to bring a completed permission form with parent’s daytime phone number. Youth should bring their lunch each day and bring cash for various fun activities. Scholarships are available. We meet on Wednesday, June 22 & 29, and July 20 & 27 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For comments, questions, and more information contact Pastor Matt @ (651) 454-2344 or email @ matt.schroeder@mtcalvary.com.

Worship Young June 19 & July 17, 10:15 a.m.

The third Sunday of each month at 10:15 a.m. is a Worship Young service. It is a special child-centered worship service.

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Birth – Age 3 Sunday School June 5, 10:00 a.m.

A parent/child Sunday school class designed for children age birth – age 3. Expecting parents and grandparents are welcome too! Class begins as a large group and then parents will separate for a special talk time (in same room with kids) while the kids are busy being entertained. Meet downstairs in the Preschool Area.

Vacation Bible School June 20 – 23

Vacation Bible School brings Bible Camp and Mount Calvary together for a very meaningful experience for children. Join us as we partner with Luther Crest Bible Camp!

Preschool (age 3) – K program: 9:00 a.m. – noon. Cost $65.00 1st – 6th grade program: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cost $80.00

Informational flyer and registration forms are located on the Children, Youth and Family Bulletin Board.

Offering collected during VBS will go to The Open Door (Eagan Resource Center). A summertime kid-friendly food item will be collected each day. Cash donations are also accepted.

Monday – Peanut butter and jelly Tuesday – Instant microwave, single serving oatmeal; cereal; granola, or fruit bars Wednesday – Juice boxes; single serving applesauce and fruit cups

Thursday – Microwave mac & cheese and microwave popcorn

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Thank Education Coordinator, Jane Mollman

Sunday June 26

J ane Mollman, has done some beautiful ministry with us at Mount Calvary for over 17 years as Education Coordinator. 17 years ago, as a member of Mount Calvary she stepped in to fill an unexpected staff vacancy, temporarily. Her

service grew and changed in many ways over those 17 years; and now she has announced that she’s ready to retire from this “temporary” position and return to focusing on other parts of her calling in her family and community. Jane’s welcoming smile, understanding of children, ability to plan and organize, deep abiding faith, and sense of fun has helped to make Mount Calvary a beautiful place for children to encounter the living God. Come on her last day, Sunday, June 26, to worship to celebrate her and thank her for her professional ministry among us! You will be able to write Jane a note in a book in the Gathering Area during the month of June.

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An Update from the All Always Learning Team The All Always Learning Team presented their 2016-2017 plan for all ages learning together to Council and at the Annual Congregational Meeting in May. They based their plan on what they heard from the congregation during the Heart to Heart Listening Sessions in April.

Worship at both 8:45 and 10:15 a.m. will remain the same (with Worship Young on the 3rd

Sunday of the month at 10:15 a.m.). Other faith forming learning will also remain the same including: Birth-3 parent-child class (1st Sunday at 10 a.m.), Milestone Ministry parent-child classes (2nd Sunday at 10 a.m.), and a week of Vacation Bible School in the summer.

All Always Learning 1.0 will take the place of Prek-6th grade Sunday School next program year. All

Always Learning 1.0 and Moving Story will begin on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Here is the Sunday morning schedule:

8:45 - 9:45 a.m. WORSHIP 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. ALL ALWAYS LEARNING 1.0 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. WORSHIP

All Always Learning 1.0 is for all ages and will be in an open house format each Sunday from 9:45-10:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room. It will be based on a Bible story/verse shared in worship that same day. People can join in experiences to learn about the scripture as they CREATE (1st Sunday), PLAY (2nd Sunday), SERVE (3rd Sunday), MEET (4th Sunday), and LEAD (5th Sunday). The experiences will help people of all ages encounter God in scripture and grow as they follow Jesus together.

Moving Story will be available during 10:15 a.m. worship for children ages 3 through third

grade. Children will begin worship with their families in the Sanctuary and will leave for Moving Story in the Fireside Room before the sermon. During Moving Story, children will participate in a 15 minute Yoga Calm session, doing movements while the Bible story or verse is read (which will be based on the story or verse used in worship that morning). Children will return in time to share the Peace in worship and return to their families. Mailings will be sent home in the late summer with all information needed for children and parents. 4th-6th graders and adults will be invited to train as leaders for Moving Story on September 10 - save the date!

In April 2017, we will hold Heart to Heart Listening Sessions again to hear your experiences of our experiment of all always learning about God together. Thank you to all the team members for their open hearts, ears, and minds as they imagined our way forward together into this great opportunity to experiment. Their prayerful thought and action made this possible.

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Art Wall

I f someone young in your life has artwork we can display on the Art Wall in the Gathering Area this summer, please bring it in framed and with a name. I am sure

we have many artists in our midst! One of my favorite art museums is the International Museum of Children’s Art in Oslo, Norway. Since September of 2015, I have been part of a small group with colleagues from the St. Paul Area Synod called the “Daring Way Cohort”. Once a month we met to talk about Brene Brown’s work from her book, Daring Greatly. Here is what Brown says about creativity:

CREATIVITY

“There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Unused creativity isn’t benign. It grows within us until it’s expressed,

neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment or fear. The only unique contribution that we will ever make in this world will be born of our creativity.

If we want to make meaning, we need to make art. Cook, write, draw, doodle, paint, scrapbook, take pictures, collage, knit, rebuild an engine, sculpt, dance, decorate, act, sing – it doesn’t matter.

As long as we’re creating, we’re cultivating meaning.”

One of my favorite verse from the Psalms is Psalm 104:26 “There go the ships to and fro, and Leviathan, which you made for the sport of it.” Every time I read this verse I smile. Help fill the Art Wall this summer!

God’s peace,

Pam Carlson (pam.carlson@mtcalvary.com)

Outdoor Worship Sunday, June 19th at 10:15 a.m.

Trapp Farm Park

Worship will be at 10:15 with communion. Camp counselors from Luther Crest will be leading worship.

There is a pavilion for shelter. After worship, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park.

There is a walking trail around the lake and a playground for children.

**You are encouraged to bring your own lawn chairs to sit on.**

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June Worship Assistants

USHERS 8:45 10:15

John Bergstrom Pete Sharbo Ed Janke Allyson Sharbo Dick Anderson Chris Godwin

GREETERS Brenda Higgins (5,19) Lisa & Serina Sharbo (5,19) Lynne Janke (12,26) Kara Godwin (12,26)

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Brenda Higgins (5,19) Lisa Sharbo (5,12,26) Lynne Janke (5,19) Serina Sharbo (5) Ruth Gempler (12,26) Kara Godwin (12,26) Ellie Jex (12,26)

ALTAR SERVICE Alanna Teragawa, Rich & Kathy Jents

RECORDING THE SERVICE June 5 Lynette Smith June 12 Steven Jones June 19 Kent Therkelsen June 26 Colin Buddecke

WELCOME DESK June 5 Stephanie Hansen June 12 Marlys Peterson June 19 Marianne Adelmann June 26 Shirlee Klang

ASSISTING MINISTER June 5 Matt Schroeder June 12 Annika Veum June 19 Stephanie Hobot June 26 Matt Schroeder

COFFEE CLEAN UP June 5 Marianne Adelmann June 12 Lisa Anderson June 19 Augdahl Family June 26 Lori Baertsch

COUNTERS June 5 Clemen/Baertsch June 12 Codner/Jerzak June 19 Dahn/Severson June 26 Baisch/Kvistero

BREADMAKERS June 5 Jenny Nickell June 12 Kim Thole June 19 Janel Anderson June 26 Linda Elsen

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June

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship

30 Office Closed

31 9:00 AM Yoga 11:00 AM Staff Meet-ing 6:30 PM Worship Young Planning Meeting

1 2 9:00 AM Sharing & Caring 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Art Wall Meeting 6:30 PM Yoga

3 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

4

5

8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 9:00 AM Graduation Brunch 10:00 AM Birth - age 3 SS 10:15 AM Worship 12:00 PM Piano Recital -Buddecke

6 11:30 AM Yoga 6:00 PM TOPS 6:30 PM Music Staff Gathering 6:30 PM Yoga 7:00 PM Writer's Group

7 9:00 AM Yoga 9:30 AM Staff Fun Day 6:00 PM Property Team 7:00 PM Eve Circle

8 9 11:30 AM Yoga

10 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

11

12 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship

13 11:30 AM Yoga 6:00 PM TOPS 6:30 PM Yoga 7:00 PM Writer’s Group - Life Stories 7:15 PM Calvary Carillons

14 9:00 AM Yoga 11:00 AM Staff Meeting

15

16 9:00 AM Sharing & Caring 11:00 AM Keystone 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

17 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

18

19

8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Out Door Worship

20

9:00 AM VBS 6:00 PM TOPS 6:30 PM Yoga 7:00 PM Writer's Group

21 9:00 AM VBS 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Council Meeting

22 8:30 AM We Serve 9:00 AM VBS

23 9:00 AM VBS 6:30 PM Yoga

24 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

25

26 Farewell to Jane 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship 11:15 AM Final Sum-mer Trip Meeting 1:00 PM The Open Door Event

27 11:30 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Mobile Pantry Sandwich Making 6:00 PM TOPS 6:00 PM Vermillion Townhome 6:30 PM Yoga

28 9:00 AM Yoga 9:30 AM Hannah Circle 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox 6:30 PM Stephen Ministries Team

29 8:30 AM We Serve

30 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

1 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

2

June/July Messenger Page 9

July

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

26 Farewell to Jane 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship 11:15 AM Final Sum-mer Trip Meeting 1:00 PM The Open Door Event

27 11:30 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Mobile Pantry Sandwich Making 6:00 PM TOPS 6:00 PM Vermillion Townhome 6:30 PM Yoga

28 9:00 AM Yoga 9:30 AM Hannah Circle 11:00 AM Staff Meet-ing 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox 6:30 PM Stephen Ministries Team

29 8:30 AM We Serve

30 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

1 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

2

3 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship

4

Office Closed

5 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox 6:00 PM Property Team 7:00 PM Eve Circle

6

7 9:00 AM Sharing & Caring 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

8 All Ages Sum-mer Retreat 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

9

All Ages Summer Retreat

10 6th - 12th Grade Summer Trip All Ages Summer Retreat Pam 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship

11 6th - 12th Grade Summer Trip 11:30 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Mobile Pantry Sandwich Making 6:00 PM TOPS 6:30 PM Yoga

12 6th - 12th Grade Summer Trip 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox

13

6th - 12th Grade Summer Trip

14 6th - 12th Grade Summer Trip 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

15 6th - 12th Grade Summer Trip 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

16

17 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship Young

18 11:30 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Mobile Pantry Sandwich Making 6:00 PM TOPS 6:30 PM Yoga 7:00 PM Writer's Group

19 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox 6:30 PM Council Meeting

20 8:30 AM We Serve

21 9:00 AM Sharing & Caring 11:00 AM Keystone

22 9:00 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

23

24 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship

25 1:00 PM Mobile Pantry Sandwich Making 6:00 PM TOPS

26 11:00 AM Staff Meeting 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox 6:30 PM Stephen Minis-tries Team

27 8:30 AM We Serve

28 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

29 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

30

31 8:15 AM Fellowship 8:45 AM Worship 10:15 AM Worship

1 11:30 AM Yoga 1:00 PM Mobile Pantry Sandwich Making 6:00 PM TOPS 6:30 PM Yoga 7:00 PM Writer's Group

2 11:00 AM Staff Meet-ing 11:30 AM Mobile Lunchbox 6:00 PM Property Team 7:00 PM Eve Circle

3

4 9:00 AM Sharing & Caring 11:30 AM Yoga 6:30 PM Yoga

5 1:00 PM Men Who Golf

6

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July Worship Assistants

USHERS 8:45 10:15

Dan Schrantz (3,17,31) Morrie Henjum (3,17,31) Geoffrey Schrantz (3,17,31) Jodie Henjum (3,17,31) Ken Morrison (3,17,31) Greg Larson (3,17,31) Roger Griffith (10,24) Todd Sorensen (10,24)

Emma Griffith (10,24) Lexie Sorensen (10,24)

Wally Hafstad (10,24) Paige Grebin (10,24)

GREETERS James & Charlotte Curtis (3,17,31) Sarah Slania (3,17,31) Cari Larson (10,24) Dennis & Sonja Brown (10,24)

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Diane Schrantz (3,17,31) Sarah Slania (3,17,31)

Ellie Schrantz (3,17,31) Judy Stewart (3,17,31)

Cari Larson (10,24) Jason Forde (10,24)

Cheryl Hanson (10,24) Dan Forde (10,24)

ALTAR SERVICE

Lisa Anderson, Tammy McWain

RECORDING THE SERVICE July 3 Nate Reis July 10 Bruce Olson July 17 Greg Larson July 24 Mark Taverna July 31 Elwood Ochsner

WELCOME DESK July 3 Alanna Teragawa July 10 Stephanie Hansen July 17 Marianne Adelmann July 24 Marlys Peterson July 31 Shirlee Klang

ASSISTING MINISTER July 3 Kristina Monson July 10 Alanna Teragawa July 17 Stephanie Hobot July 24 Matt Schroeder July 31 Jenny Hanson

COFFEE CLEAN UP July 3 Sally Chapmam July 10 Julie Cotch July 17 Jan Dare July 24 Karen Dare July 31 Sheri DeBates

COUNTERS July 3 Brezina/Olsen July 10 Codner/Jerzak July 17 Clemens/Baertsch July 24 Baisch/Kvistero July 31 Codner/Jerzak

BREADMAKERS July 3 Marie Kvistero July 10 Sally Rix July 17 Kathy Jents July 24 Jennifer Becker July 31 Kellie Johnson

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T he recent release of many of those Nigerian Girls, abducted several years ago has brought relief to many, even within our sister synod, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon (ELCC). Thanks to

the combined efforts of many African countries, including the US, some semblance of peace is along the North Western border of Cameroon where Nigeria is located, as well as along the Eastern border, where the Central African Republic is located. Many refuges have taken refuge in Cameroon over the past years and many are in areas where the ELCC is working and feel secure. Special thanks comes from the leadership of the ELCC for the support, not only through the ELCA headquarters in Chicago, but also to Mount Calvary Lutheran, for both prayer and financial support for many years now. The most recent support from us has been in two specific areas;

ROOF CONSTRUCTION: Along with the South Dakota ELCA Synod, we provided funding to cover another new church with a solid roof. The church in Mararaba is the most recent church to be blessed in this way. A smaller one had been proposed but at the last minute Bishop Ngozo decided this one, much larger, was more critical.

MISSIONARY SUPPORT: Dr. Elisabeth Johnson, professor at the ELCC Seminary in Meiganga,

continues to receive support from us. Her role as a female pastor is so important in many ways. The ELCC has ordained close to 10 women but as yet have not been able to place them in a congregation but instead they serve as chaplains, Bible School teachers, etc. Dr. Johnson will be speaking at Mount Calvary on August 28th, during which time she will share many interesting stories of her work as well as a power point presentation.

The Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dr. Ruben Ngozo, a long time friend and colleague of Jim and Karen Noss, while they were missionaries in Cameroon, has been invited to spend a couple days with them before the end of May. Unfortunately his schedule does not permit him to be here on a weekend, but Jim is arranging a time for him to visit Mount Calvary and as many people and places as possible, during his short stay. On behalf of the ELCC, once again thank you for your prayers and support...and they trust that this special relationship that has existed since 1979 will continue. As it says in the Bible, "the harvest is great but the laborers are few; pray therefore.... Matt 9:37-38

Jim Noss

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General: I asked Lisa Johnson, Master Recycler and council member, to write an article on recycling and

how as a congregation we can help both at church and in our homes to save the natural resources that we have. In addition, I asked Dave Jaede, outgoing treasurer, to write an article on the organ finances to clear up the misconception that the dollars to pay the organ loan are coming from the Mission Mount Calvary (general fund) and where we are at with the organ loan. They are found on page 14.

Council Highlights: 1. Council reviewed communication from the Global Social Ministry Team requesting clarification on

Council’s vision for global social partnerships in the future and discussed our response. Amy will be drafting a letter to be sent to Global Social who will be invited for further conversation at the May Council meeting.

2. Dave emailed a short summary of the church’s financials in lieu of his attendance. NaDyne reported that some annual stock gifts have come in and reiterated how smooth the process is since we moved our service to Merchants Bank.

3. Staff update: Pastor Rome reported that in general, youth fundraising has not been a worthwhile project, so

there are no plans for future youth fundraisers. She does not feel that being able to provide assistance to youth who need monetary support will be an issue, and attempts to create a connection between the donors and the youth has not proved to be of significant value.

Pastor Tom updated us on the work being done in Dakota County to organize a representative group to address ways to support the homeless individuals in our communities.

NaDyne shared the plans for the annual cleanup day, the change in storage space use due to the crafters disbanding (Warming You with Stitches moved in), and plans for acknowledging our cook David Prowant’s delicious meals over the last two years. David is taking a promotion at work and will not be able to cook for our Wednesday suppers any longer.

4. Pastor Jen and Lisa updated Council on the work the All Always Learning team has been doing to re-vision our learning on Sunday mornings. Opportunities for at-your-own-pace, Bible-based, directed activities will be available between services. A guided-movement program related to the Bible story or sermon will be available for younger children to attend during the sermon portion of worship.

5. Council expressed interest in partnering with the Open Door for their Mobile Lunch Box program again this year.

6. Discussion regarding which Council member’s terms would be ending this year and the process for filling those seats was held.

Spring Cleanup Pictures:

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June/July Messenger Page 13

New Basketball Backboard and Hoop: Money was donated by a member to

purchase a new basketball backboard and hoop for the east end of the parking lot. Last summer we noticed that the backboard/hoop was broken, so we asked for donations to help replace it so the kids in our church and our community could enjoy playing hoops. When our maintenance technician was putting up the backboard and hoop, the neighborhood kids were asking when it would be done as they were excited to use it. The next day there were kids playing basketball on the newly installed backboard/hoop!

Giving Opportunities:

Donate Online: Use our Secure Giving Site to make a one-time or recurring gift online.

Simply Giving is an easy way to give electronically. Gifts can be given weekly, semi-monthly or

monthly by electronic transfer of funds from a bank account. Download the Simply Giving form and return the completed authorization along with a voided check or deposit form to NaDyne Glidden in the church office for processing.

Bank Bill Pay is another method of electronic giving through your on-line banking. Please look at your Bill Pay section of your on-line bank to learn how to make one-time or recurring gifts via your checking or saving account. Note: To aid in the processing of these checks, please add your giving number and giving account on the note line.

Weekly Giving Envelopes combine your giving with your attendance at worship services. Simply drop your gifts in the offering plate, and your personalized giving envelope number will assure that your gifts are properly credited. Giving envelopes can also be mailed to the church office at 3930 Rahn Road, Eagan, MN 55122. If you would like giving envelopes, please email nadyne.glidden@mtcalvary.com.

Gifts of Appreciated Stocks and Securities can also be given through an electronic transfer authorization. Your broker can electronically transfer your securities to Mount Calvary. You can download the Stock Transfer Form from the Mount Calvary website and follow the instructions on it when you make your gift.

Thrivent Choice Dollars Designation: If you have investments with Thrivent Financial for

Lutherans, you may be eligible for directing designated Choice Dollars through Thrivent Choice. Eligible members can designate Mount Calvary Lutheran Church as the beneficiary of some of Thrivent’s charitable outreach grant dollars. If you are a Thrivent member and would like to direct your “Choice Dollars”, please visit https://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/ or email Thrivent at mail@thrivent.com.

NaDyne Glidden Nadyne.glidden@mtcalvary.com

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Organ Fund Update

F rom the time the congregation first approved of purchasing an Organ three-plus years ago, it has been the objective of the Finance Committee and the Council to avoid using general contributions to cover the

costs. It became clear after about a year of initial fundraising that in order to complete the project on time we would have to borrow some of the money, however.

A loan to fund the completion of the Organ was secured and we needed to borrow a total of $240,000 by the time the Organ was installed in the summer/fall of 2015. The loan was converted from a construction loan to an installment loan in October 2015. Monthly payments are approximately $2,500; it would take about ten years to pay the loan off at that rate. The loan comes due in two years because that is about how long the Finance Committee believed that current member contributions would cover the loan payments. An extra payment of $15,000 from the Fund was applied to the loan in March of this year as a result of extra contributions made by members.

As of April 30, 2016, there was approximately $88,000 in the Organ Fund. It is being used to make the loan payments. The Organ Fund consists exclusively of contributions made by members of the congregation for the Organ. No General Contribution dollars have been or are currently being used to pay the costs of the Organ.

The Finance Committee believes there is enough money in the Organ Fund to cover loan payments and meet the objective of not using any General Fund contributions to cover the organ’s cost, at least until the October 2017 maturity date of the loan.

Any money remaining in the Organ Fund at the end of two years will be applied to the loan as well, with any future fundraising efforts to be considered by the Council in 2017, if necessary.

Dave Jaede Treasurer

Recycling 101

M ount Calvary trash bins have finally met their match! You’ll notice them accompanied by

recycling bins, making it easier than ever for you to dispose of things the right way. If you are not sure what goes where you can look at the picture labels right on the bins or check out the yes/no posters that have samples taped right on them.

Whether you are at home, church or anywhere else, knowing the impact recycling has on everything from the environment to the economy, should help you think twice about whether something should just be tossed in the trash.

In Minnesota, approximately 37,000 jobs are directly or indirectly related to the recycling industry. These jobs range from waste haulers who pick up and sort recyclables to workers at factories who make new products out of recyclable materials.

Recycled materials are valuable. The 2.5 million tons of paper, plastic, glass and metal collected through Minnesota recycling programs in 2010 was worth $690 million.

(Continued on page 15)

June/July Messenger Page 15

Dakota County residents and businesses sent 183,575 tons of waste to the landfill in 2012 — equaling more than 900 pounds for every man, woman and child. A Study conducted in 2013 by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found nearly 50 percent of what was tossed in the trash could have been recycled.

T o be a good steward of our planet and its resources, pledge to make one change. Here are a couple ideas, choose one or come up with your own! Decide to recycle your water bottle or soda can every time,

better yet stop buying plastic water bottles and use a reusable one. Bring your own shopping bags on all shopping trips not just the grocery store, when you forget them in the car, go get them.

Lisa Johnson

(Continued from page 14)

Eve Circle Tuesday, June 7 & July 5

7:00 p.m. Retreat Room

June -- The Heart of the Matter: Treasure in Clay Jars (2 Cor 4:7)

July -- The Heart of the Matter: Seeking God (Jeremiah 29:14)

This study is written by Angela Shannon. “Conflicts are nothing new to the church,” Shannon says. “What’s miraculous is that God continues to create us anew. God insists on entrusting us with the ministry of reconciliation." (http://womenoftheelca.org)

Hannah Circle Tuesday, June 28 (date change)

No meeting in July 9:30 a.m.

Fellowship Hall

Hostess Vonnie Zeller & Irene Johnson

All are welcome to join in the discussions. Both groups study the same lesson. You can join either group at any time. Contact Marianne Adelmann for information.

Hymntap: Monday, June 6,

7-9 p.m. Pastor Jen Rome invites you to Hymntap at the Dubliner Pub at University Ave and Cretin in St. Paul. Hymn singing with the Fleshpots of Egypt (Jen plays a tentative accordion

with this bluegrass group) begins at 7 p.m. Cold beer, hot pizza, good music, and loud singing....what could be more fun? The Dubliner is fairly accessible and family friendly. Hymntap is hosted by Lydia's Place - a collaborative community in the heart of Saint Paul's Creative Enterprise Zone; a new ministry of the Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA.

Mount Calvary Writers’ Group

The Mount Calvary Writers' Group invites you to join us if you are interested in any kind of writing whatsoever, whether or not you have experience. The mix of interests and experience is part of what makes our supportive discussions of each other's writings (and life in general) interesting and helpful. We meet the first and third Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Retreat Room downstairs. For more info, please contact Rich Cowles at (rich@cowles.us).

Page 16 June/July Messenger

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Intern Pastor Matt 1

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Cantor/Worship 6

June Worship Assistants 7

Calendar 8

July Worship Assistants 10

Missions 11

Administrator 12

Finance/Recycle 14

Fellowship 15

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OFFICE HOURS

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Friday CLOSED

PHONE FAX (651) 454-2344 (651) 454-5505

E-Mail: worship@mtcalvary.com Website: mtcalvary.com

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Eagan, MN 55122