Unlikely Recipients of Grace
Transcription
Unlikely Recipients of Grace
www.calvary.org March/April 2011 “Unlikely Recipients of Grace” to visit Lenten services Wednesdays, March 9-April 13 Maundy Thursday, April 21* 5:30** & 7 p.m. Sanctuary NOTE: Ash Wednesday also features a noon service with Holy Communion, prayer, reflection, scripture and hymns. Soup and sandwich lunch to follow ($6/person). Bible people come to life through live portrayals Have you ever thought of yourself as undeserving of God’s love and grace? Well, you’re not alone. Supper 4:30-7 p.m., Gym $6/person or $18/family During His days on Earth, Jesus encountered many people who felt exactly the same way you may feel. But they walked away from those encounters with a totally different view of God and themselves. They walked away with grace. This Lenten season, meet biblical personalities up close and personal through our series “Unlikely Recipients of Grace,” featuring live portrayals of the Gerasene demoniac, the adulterous woman and the grateful leper, among others. New this year? A series finale on Maundy Thursday with the * New! Portrayal on Maundy Thursday this year! **ASL interpreter portrayal of Peter in the upper room. See page 4 for the entire Lenten schedule. Whatever your frailties and failures, learn from our “visitors” this Lenten season and embrace the grace that our Lord Jesus so generously offers. Lent & Easter Events at Calvary • Lent & Easter worship (page 4) • “Reflections of Grace” art show (page 2) • Walk Through Holy Week (page 10) • Celebrate Spring (page 10) During Calvary’s Lenten series, you’ll meet some special people from the Bible. Now take a moment to explore an important biblical place as described by Bryan McInnis, Calvary’s high school and young adult director. In Spring 2010, Bryan travelled the Holy Land for his multimedia project The Jerusalem Experiment. On Palm Sunday, he experienced a profound moment of worship on the very path that Jesus took into Jerusalem (Mark 11)… Open-air Cathedrals By Bryan McInnis A myriad of tongues ascended alongside palm branches into a piercing blue sky as 10,000 pilgrims from the far corners of the earth shouted praises to the God who humbly followed this same road 2,000 years earlier—Palm Sunday atop the Mount of Olives. Bryan McInnis, Calvary’s high school and young adult director, sits atop the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem—the city where he celebrated Palm Sunday last spring. A sheet of paper was shoved into my hand as I was welcomed into a circle of Spanish, French and Brazilian believers: a multilingual script for a completely impromptu and unrehearsed church choir. clinging to their sides looked on with perplexed expressions that seemed to whisper, “What is this joy?” We began wrapped round Bethphage, a predominantly Arab Muslim neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Thousands of pilgrims from every nation imaginable crowded the usually quiet streets I used to walk every day when I lived atop the Mount of Olives. Women with heads wrapped in burkas and little children I wanted to pull them into the arms of our celebration. Instead, I forced all of my joy into a smile and, with it, pushed every ounce of what I was feeling in their direction. My arms fell atop the shoulders of the Spanish Catholics I happened to find myself pressed against, and eventually I found the rhythm of the dance that moved them along. I awkwardly mumbled through a few Spanish hymns before we were swallowed up by a chorus of French praises near the center of the Arab village. In the distance, an African drumbeat pierced the air. Continued on page 2 Page 2 FEATURES March/April 2011 Open-air Cathedrals Continued from page 1 Walls could not enclose our praise. We danced freely (and in all likelihood, awkwardly) down the narrow roads that wind into the heart of Jerusalem. This was an open-air cathedral, an affirmation of God’s promise in Isaiah 11:10: “In that day the root of Jesse [Jesus], who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” Palm Sunday reminds us of many Kingdom of God realities, but perhaps the most potent for American Christians is the fact that our praise and worship is not meant to be confined to a particular place on a particular day. Our songs to God are just as authentic (and perhaps even more so) on Monday as they are on Sunday. A church building is not the house of God; rather, as the seraphim proclaimed in Isaiah 6:3, “…the whole earth is full of his glory!” Learn more about Bryan’s travels, as well as his ongoing Web and book-writing efforts, at jerusalemexperiment.com. Table of Contents Features...................................... 2 From Our Senior Pastor.................... 3 Worship....................................... 4 Grow.......................................... 5 Serve.......................................... 6 Mission & Outreach......................... 7 Representing all different denominations and cultural backgrounds, Palm Sunday worshippers dance through the streets of Bethphage. Calvary art show celebrates 10th year Heeren and other artists present “Reflections of Grace” Now in its 10th year, Calvary’s annual art exhibit brings Calvary members and friends together to celebrate the blessing of art in expressing our faith. This year’s exhibit, titled “Reflections of Grace: A Christian Witness in Art,” will showcase more than 40 local artists, including special guest Rachel Heeren. Heeren, a pastel painter, has always possessed a passion to make art—something she attributes to “what the Lord puts in you… an inclination.” Fortunately, over the past 10 years, she’s been able to pursue her talent with greater energy, to take art lessons and to enter art shows. Up until last spring, Heeren only shared her art with friends and family. In fact, Calvary’s 2010 art show was the first place she displayed a piece in public. But “Seeds of Hope,” depicting an Ethiopian mother and child, drew so much attention that she was invited back this year as our featured artist. “But I didn’t have an opportunity to pursue it while the kids were home,” Heeren adds. Continued on page 3 10th Annual Calvary Art Exhibit Congregational Life........................ 8 “Reflections of Grace: A Christian Witness in Art” Early Childhood & Grace Place..........10 April 17–24, Room N205 Calendar....................................12 Palm Sunday, April 17 Monday, April 18–Friday, April 22 Saturday, April 23 Easter Sunday, April 24 New Briefs..................................15 NOTE: Artist registration is due by Friday, April 1, at calvary.org/artshow, or call Lora Edwards at 763.424.4135. 712 Ministries...............................11 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. 9 a.m.–8 p.m. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. accountability, uncompartmentalized devotion to Christ and the motivation to serve. Calvary Calls is a semi-monthly publication of Calvary Lutheran Church. The mission of Calvary Lutheran Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We live out this mission through a commitment to Worship, Grow and Serve. • Worship - We are prayerfully committed to singing, reading and creatively displaying and teaching God’s Word, so that all worshippers might have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. • Grow - We are prayerfully committed to fostering authenticity, biblical encouragement and • Serve - We are prayerfully committed to identifying and employing the spiritual gifts of all believers, empowering members to lead in ministry, affirming Christ-like service as a lifestyle versus a program and reaching unbelievers with the love of Christ. To understand the broader context of the ministry of Calvary Lutheran Church, visit calvary.org. Editorial Team Dorree Adelmann Pastor Matt Anderson Christine Anderson Pastor John Brecount Debby Bromander Kathy Brown Cindy Engelkes Barbara Farland Ruby Heiden MariKay Nelson Pastor Carol Skjegstad Production & Design MariKay Nelson Submissions If you have a story idea or potential news item to share in Calvary Calls, contact Barbara Farland at bfarland@calvary.org or 763.231.2967 at least six weeks in advance. She’ll either direct you to the appropriate editorial team member and/or provide guidance on how to best address your news or idea. We welcome your letters and comments! Please e-mail communications@calvary.org. Calvary Lutheran Church 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427 phone: 763.545.5659 www.calvary.org March/April 2011 FEATURES/FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR Page 3 Calvary art show Continued from page 2 And that wasn’t the only praise she received in recent months. “Seeds of Hope,” the same piece shown at Calvary, won a blueribbon Award of Excellence at Edina Art Center’s juried art show in September. “I cried when I won,” confides Heeren. “It was an affirmation from the Lord.” This year, Calvary’s art show will feature eight of Rachel’s paintings. One of those paintings, “Woman at the Well,” originated from a 1989 short-term mission trip to Africa that Rachel and her husband, Rick, took with Christian Volunteers of Minnesota (CVOM) and World Vision. Using a photograph from that trip, Heeren painted a modern-day depiction of Jesus’ grace in action—an image inspired by John 4:5-27 and the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. “The tribe was drinking polluted water from a nearby river. Now, because of CVOM and World Vision, clean water is piped in from a mountain stream right into the center of the village.” Heeren will also display “Audrey,” “Marie Antoinette’s Cottage,” “Shofar,” “Pear and Pomegranate,” “Friends” and “Rooster”—in addition to bringing back “Seeds of Hope.” “Woman at the Well” was created by Rachel Heeren from a mission-trip photograph, a modern-day depiction of Jesus’ grace in action. As Calvary’s Lenten services focus on the unlikely recipients of grace featured in the Bible (see page 1), we also reflect on how God’s grace rescues us today. In that spirit, Calvary presents the “Reflections of Grace” art show—just another way to embrace the grace of Jesus this Lenten season. Dear Friends, When you receive this issue of Calvary Calls, you’ll probably realize that Lent is about as late as it can possibly be. It’s such a strange thing since, if you remember, Lent was as early as it could possibly be last year. Early or late, it’s good to begin one of the most significant seasons of the Church year. Unfortunately, in many denominations and even Lutheran churches across the country, Lent has become a thing of the past. That’s certainly not the case here at Calvary. Each year, we look forward to filling two complete services every Wednesday evening and to hearing from various biblical personalities about their experiences with Jesus. This year, each of the characters you’ll come to know were “surprised by grace.” They were all individuals who were outcasts in their society in one way or another. They were people who were the last to expect to be loved by a Holy God. We’re calling the series “Unlikely Recipients of Grace.” Yes, they were definitely “unlikely” and they were definitely “surprised.” I always get excited as I think about being a part of the portrayals, and I want to challenge you to reach out to your friends and to invite them to be part of the Calvary Lenten experience. Each year, many visitors come for the dramas and often make a decision to be part of Calvary as a result. But, here’s the rub. Even though we have wonderful attendance each week, many of our own members have never witnessed the character portrayals, so I encourage you to invite not only those who are not members of Calvary, but also your friends who are. Obviously, all of Lent leads up to our celebration of Holy Week, and we’re extending our portrayals one more week into Maundy Thursday. That night we will journey with Peter to the upper room where he will tell and show us what happened, how people reacted and what it all meant. Nothing is more central to our faith than the experiences of Jesus from Palm Sunday to Easter. All of Lent helps us try to fathom once again the depth of what happened on the cross and at the empty tomb. May this Lenten journey to Easter be the most meaningful ever for you. Your friend and pastor, Steve Dornbusch Senior Pastor Page 4 WORSHIP March/April 2011 Worship Worship Worship Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Lenten worship at Calvary All services at 5:30 and 7 p.m. unless otherwise listed. Ash Wednesday, March 9 12 noon (no portrayal), 5:30 & 7 p.m. Holy Communion & Imposition of Ashes The Man Born Blind Traditions & Expressions Choirs St. Anthony Sacred Dance Wednesday, March 16 The Gerasene Demoniac Current Jam Youth Choir Wednesday, March 23 The Adulterous Woman Amifetika Wednesday, March 30 The Grateful Leper Northwestern College Choir Chorally speaking: Worship through the hearts of the Northwestern College Choir By Christine Anderson Wednesday night Lenten worship affords Calvary the opportunity to welcome guest worship leaders, including the Northwestern College Choir. Under the direction of Timothy Sawyer, this experienced mixed-voice ensemble will visit Calvary on Wednesday, March 30. Recognized as one of the top college choirs in the Midwest, the choir tours throughout the United States annually and overseas every four years (their 2010 tour took them to Latvia, Estonia and Finland). Their selections include sacred acapella music of all styles and eras. Wednesday, April 6 The Samaritan Woman Tonia Hughes But it’s clearly not just about technique and vocal talent, as evidenced in the choir’s motto: “Choral music direct from the heart.” Wednesday, April 13 Lazarus Carol & Covenant Choirs, & Kenni Holmen “To have a choir lead worship, [the members] must be united in heart first,” says senior soprano Anna Osborne. “For a choir to be excellent, each member needs to intentionally be aware of the others, not just for musical reasons, but because we’re investing in and working out our faith together.” Thursday, April 21 Peter into the Upper Room Lenten Suppers Wednesdays, March 9–April 13, 4:30-7 p.m. Served buffet style in the Gym See page 14 for Lenten dinner menu Holy Week at Calvary Maundy Thursday, April 21 5:30 and 7 p.m. Holy Communion Peter in the Upper Room Tim and Jerry Johnson, Carillon Handbells Radio Broadcast: 8 p.m. KKMS 980AM Good Friday, April 22 5 p.m. — Family service 6:30 p.m. — Spanish service 7 p.m. — Worship service Radio Broadcast: 5 p.m. KKMS 980AM Festival Easter Worship Sunday, April 24 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Communion Worship 8, 9, *10, and 11 a.m. — Festival Worship 11:15 a.m. — Spanish Service Easter Breakfast (see page 11) Radio Broadcast: 10 a.m. KKMS 980AM *ASL—American Sign Language Service Join us for Spanish worship During this season of Lent, we invite you on a journey with Jesus and His disciples. We will look very closely at the lives of His disciples and the strong relationship they developed with Jesus that empowered them after Jesus’ death and resurrection to preach the Gospel to all nations. Come to Sunday worship and encounter Matthew, Peter, John, Mary and Martha. Don’t forget to join us for our Easter Sunday celebration with a Latin flavor! Noting the difficulty of connecting an audience to music without having them sing along, Choir Chaplain David Danielson recalls a metaphor used by C.S. Lewis of a sunbeam brightening the darkness of a tool shed—an appropriate analogy for a choir whose mission is to “Light the Way” with God-honoring, skillful music. “The sunbeam and what’s seen through it point you back to the sun,” says Danielson. “I want our music to be that sunbeam pointing the listener back to God.” But being an open conduit through which God works can prove difficult, especially as the demands of exams and essays pervade the lives of college students. Choir President Justin Peterson remembers last year’s Lenten service at Calvary. “I had lots of homework and was really struggling with my mental game,” remembers Justin. “But, out of the blue, I saw my next-door neighbor there! He had just started going to Calvary and was the last person I expected to see that night. That’s when I realized there’s a reason we’re here and thought, ‘Yes, Lord—I will have a good attitude!’” That purity of purpose resounds throughout the choir. “I hate it when ensembles—especially Christian ensembles—put on a front,” says senior soprano Jessi Laeger. “I want what we sing about and how we live our lives to be the same.” Overall, the choir shuns a performance mentality, instead viewing their role as beckoning others to join the song. “It’s not, ‘Look at me!’” Osborne explains. “It’s ‘Will you worship with us?’ ‘Will you join our hearts?’ It’s a mirror, not a picture frame.” Page 5 GROW March/April 2011 Grow Grow Grow Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Spiritual practices for Lent Using the season of Lent to grow in your faith The season of Lent represents the 40 days (not counting Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. For Christians, it is a period of preparation for Easter and a time to strengthen one’s faith through repentance, prayer, fasting and acts of service. For many of us, we may “give up” something for Lent, like soda, coffee, wine, chocolate or TV. During Lent this year, why not focus on “adding” something new to your life? Why focus on spiritual practices during Lent? With anything we do in life, the more we “practice” the more we grow in that area. If we want to become good golfers, we need to get out there and play a round at least two to three times a week. The same is true for any sport. And it holds true with our faith as well. Lent is a wonderful time to focus on growing our faith. Through various Lenten practices, we can be more intentional in our faith journey, as well as in growing and deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. Lenten practices to consider adding into your life this Lent: • Prayer and meditation Schedule a daily time for prayer. Having a daily appointment with God is indeed the most important appointment any of us could have in our planners and Blackberries each day. Resources to consider: — Places Along the Way: Pocket Devotions for Lent by Martin Marty —Christ in Your Home devotional (available at Calvary’s Information Desk) • Study and worship Attending the Wednesday night portrayals at Calvary is a wonderful experiential way to learn and to grow deeper in your faith. Use the Calvary Lenten Character Discussion Guide as a means to deepen your focus on several biblical characters and their unique faith journeys. Other resources to consider: —Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster —A Lenten Discipline by Thomas W. Strieter (based on the liturgies and meditation on Luther’s Small Catechism) —The Lenten Pharmacy—Daily Healing Therapies by Edward Hays (daily reflections on how to live a healthy and holy life) • Family resources At Calvary’s Walk Through Holy Week (see page 10), families are encouraged to visit Jerusalem and reflect on the events of the week leading up to and following Jesus’ crucifixion. To find other family resources that would be helpful during Lent, visit calvary.org. Acts of service During Lent, we can also commit to doing something for others. It could be volunteering at church, at school or in your community. And it can be as simple as helping a neighbor in need right across the street. With all the Lenten and Holy Week services at Calvary, there is a need for ushers, greeters, food servers and parking lot helpers. Why not seek out a new way to serve others during this Lenten season? Calvary is also going to have another family-oriented “Come and Serve” event on Sunday, March 27, on second floor during the morning. Stop by and do some hands-on projects. (See page 6 for more details.) Fasting Fasting is another spiritual practice that people practice during Lent. For some, they fast for a day, for others they may fast one meal a day or week, still others will fast one day from morning to evening and have a light dinner. Fasting is an agreed upon time between you and God not to eat. It is a way to commune with God. Fasting brings us closer to God. By eliminating the distraction of food (the planning, preparation, eating, being full and digesting) and being disciplined to overcome the hunger pains, we free ourselves to be humbled before God. “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” (Ezra 8:23) Spiritual practices for Lent Sundays, April 3, 10 & 17 9-9:50 &10-10:50 a.m. Room N204 Learn more about the spiritual practices of Lent as Annette Langdon, director of Health and Caring ministries, teaches and explores ways to apply them to your daily life. No need to sign up…just come! April 3 – Prayer & Meditation: Simple Practice to Deepen your Walk with Jesus April 10 – Fasting: Increase Spiritually, Decrease Worldly April 17 – Visio Divina: Reflecting on the Visual to Discover God’s Presence Endowment Board provides Spanish library materials Just over a year ago, Calvary began ministering to the Latino community by starting a worship service spoken in Spanish. The ripple effects of this new endeavor have been exciting and have had a positive influence on Calvary as well as the families blessed by this ministry. One area of impact has been in our library, where Calvary’s collection of Spanish materials has been stretched to accommodate this new population of Spanish-speaking library users. To address this need, the Endowment Board recently approved a grant to increase the library’s inventory of materials to meet the needs of these new Calvary members. This grant will supply the library with children’s books, Bibles and other materials, written in Spanish. We are excited to see how God’s Word will move through these materials written in the heart-language of this new Calvary ministry. Covenant: Living with Purpose Sundays through March 27 9 a.m., Room N203 In this Sunday morning series you’ll discover the power of repentance and belief and how it can change your life. Jesus sets the example as a leader of his people. Come learn from Jesus what it means to be a disciple (learner). March 6 The Circle: Choosing to Learn from Life Identifying the events in our lives that affect our emotions and actions and that represent opportunity for learning and growth. March 13 The Semi Circle: Living in Rhythm with Life A process that helps us identify rhythms and patterns of work, rest, fruitfulness and abiding in our lives. Recognizing these patterns will prevent us from becoming overstretched. March 20 The Triangle: Balancing the Relationships of Life Three areas of life that Jesus modeled to maintain a balanced lifestyle: • Up—developing intimacy with Him • In—building the Church community • Out—reaching the unchurched March 27 The Pentagon: Knowing Your Role in Life There are five key roles (apostle, prophet, teacher, evangelist, pastor) that each of us are designed to fill. Put together, they make up the church identified in Ephesians. For more information, contact John Hensrud at 763.231.2966 or jhensrud@calvary.org. Page 6 SERVE March/April 2011 Serve Serve Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Serve Worship Grow Faith in action “Come and Serve” event The Gathering Grounds and Hospitality teams offer good food, good fellowship and smiles to greet one another. Serving opportunities are available, especially during our special Lenten season, for everyone: individuals and groups, such as families, youth teams and small groups. March 27, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Hospitality Ushers, parking lot attendants, greeters, nursery attendants. Contact: John Hensrud, jhensrud@calvary.org, 763.231.2966. Through the Loaves and Fishes program, volunteers from Calvary serve an evening meal once a month at River of Life Lutheran in North Minneapolis. Partnering with the Hunger & Human Needs Committee, funds are provided to buy the ingredients. Volunteers prepare the food, and others then serve the food to approximately 100150 people. These nutritious, free meals feed singles and families who are struggling to keep food on the table. Katrina trip #21 Dinner at your door Gathering Grounds Serving on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Contact Craig Rothfolk, crothfolk@calvary.org, 763.231.2959. April 9–16 Interest meetings: Monday, March 14, 7 p.m., Room N211 Sunday, March 20, 11:15 a.m., Room N211 Much work is still needed in New Orleans to rebuild communities and lives. On trip #20, 12 volunteers worked on three houses and one church through RAI Ministries’ Camp Restore. March is Minnesota Foodshare Month Worship, Grow, Serve. This is what God calls us to do. We had a successful “serve” day on second floor this past winter with over 200 people participating. On March 27, we will again have stations where everyone can participate in a serve project. Families working together can prepare smaller-sized containers of laundry soap, dish soap and rice to give to the area food shelves. All ages are welcome. This is another way Calvary assists in serving senior citizens who are able to be in their home but need nutritious meals. The Hunger & Human Needs Committee donates money to this organization to help subsidize meals. Calvary has 16 volunteer drivers and two coordinators. These volunteers work quietly and faithfully without recognition while performing a very valuable service. Local food shelves that Calvary supports The cold month of March is the time when we can make hearts warm by contributing to the Hunger & Human Needs Committee who, in turn, will collaborate with Minnesota’s FoodShare Month. In addition to the dollars donated, we also have our major food drive to fill the shelves at PRISM and CES (collection dates are March 3 and 6). Visit the Hunger & Human Needs Committee table in the Atrium on the first and last Sundays of March to donate money specifically designated for food shelves. Food shelves are able to purchase more items of food for less money than consumers pay at the grocery store. Food drive dates March 3 & 6 Collection of filled bags Sun, March 6 Volunteers deliver food, 10–11:15 a.m. Hunger fact—did you know? Almost 1 million Minnesotans live in households struggling to put food on the table; 60 percent of people who use food shelves are the “working poor.” There are more than 300 food shelves in Minnesota, serving every county in the state. We take “being well fed” for granted; many in Minnesota cannot. Please do your “share in sharing money and food” for the hungry. Calvary’s liaison to PRISM, Kathy Swenson, and volunteer Pete Duelo. Visit a local food shelf. Calvary supports Community Emergency Services and PRISM through financial and food donations. People Responding in Social Ministry (PRISM) is a social service agency that focuses on the most basic human needs of food, shelter and transportation to help those living in the western suburbs. Neighborhood of south Minneapolis. CES provides services to more than 55,000 people annually. Thousands of people are still out of work, scraping by on unemployment benefits, part-time jobs or no income at all. More than 700 families a month know they can come to PRISM for dignified and loving help. Visit their Web site at www.prismmpls.org. While attempting to meet as many emergency needs (food, housing, utilities, transportation) as time and resources permit, CES seeks to point “beyond ourselves to Jesus Christ.” The goal is to gently communicate God’s love with words and actions to all, bringing a renewal of hope to many. Visit their Web site at www.cesmn.org. Community Emergency Service (CES) is a non-profit crisis relief ministry that shows God’s love to those located in the Phillips Stop by their tables in the Atrium during March to learn more about these food shelves. March/April 2011 MISSION & OUTREACH New Testament dedication in Papua New Guinea Page 7 My missionary experience By Cindy Lindquist With joy in their hearts, the time has come for the completed New Testament to be dedicated. This dedication takes place on May 22, and a mission team from Calvary will attend the dedication. Ron and Michelle hope to take their children along for the dedication; this endeavor is expensive. Please contact them to find out how to help. Their e-mail address is ron-michelle_olson@sil.org. They will be at Calvary on Sunday, March 13, and we will have a mission potluck that day with a free-will offering at the potluck to help them raise funds for the trip. This is a milestone for Calvary to have been part of supporting missionaries who have translated the entire New Testament into a new language; Papua New Guinea people can read God’s Word in their own language. Ron and Michelle have been faithful servants of the Lord. Chuck & Cindy Lindquist Ron & Michelle Olson have been Calvary missionaries and have served with Wycliffe Bible Translators since 1995. They have worked on translating the New Testament into the Agarabi language, living and working among the people in the highlands of Papau New Guinea. Mission partner: El Milagro/ the Miracle Church Calvary has been a mission partner with El Milagro for many years and has walked with them through many changes. When asking Pastor Judith VanOsdol what being a mission partner means, she said, “One Pastor Judith VanOsdol of the main advantages of the partnership is both El Milagro and Calvary members have a better understanding that: Partner churches invited for Lenten services Calvary is inviting our church partners to join us for dinner and Lenten services. On March 16, El Milagro Lutheran Church will join us for dinner and the 7 p.m. service. If you are interested in helping host our guests, contact Dawn Dresser, ddresser@calvary.org, 763.231.2988. Watch the bulletin for updates on the other churches joining us. • The church is bigger than just each of our congregations, I was born into the World Mission Prayer League as a daughter of Calvary missionaries, Ray and Carol Rosales, and was raised in Ecuador and Mexico. When I met Chuck, and we began praying about our future together, Calvary and WMPL launched us as a couple into a career in world mission. We are grateful for this and want to take this opportunity to thank Calvary for continued financial and prayer support, literally, all my life. After coming back from Ecuador where Chuck and I worked I spent many years working with Cindy Engelkes to bring mission education into Calvary’s Grace Place. I count these years as my training for what I do now in the area of mission education for children. I design materials to help children in churches learn about, pray for and get involved in activities to promote a sense that they are involved in God’s mission in the world. English language learners Mondays, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.–12 noon Imagine what it would be like to be in a country where you could not competently speak or understand the language. Starting Monday, April 4, and Friday, April 8, Robbinsdale School District, along with Calvary, will begin offering English Language Learner courses here at Calvary. The classes are not limited to Spanish speakers. • Not all of God’s children look alike, and • It helps us realize who God’s children are right in our own backyard.” Our partnership has allowed us to share ideas back and forth as to what works for worship and youth ministries. El Milagro members will join us for dinner and worship on March 16 to enjoy the Lenten portrayal. If you would like to assist in the classrooms or volunteer to help with childcare, contact Dawn Dresser, ddresser@calvary.org, 763.231.2988. Pastor Steve attends international conference in Ethiopia In mid-February, Pastor Steve Dornbusch attended an historic, first-of-its-kind international theological and mission conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Actually, this entailed two different events: a mission convention of the church of Ethiopia, as well as an international mission conference. The Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba, missions director for the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) and a native of Ethiopia, invited Pastor Steve to be part of a panel presentation featuring large-church pastors. The panel discussed missions, outreach, stewardship and related topics. Thousands of pastors, theologians, missionaries, evangelists and lay leaders from around the world attended the conferences. Teachers and speakers from Tanzania, Sweden, Ethiopia, Canada and the U.S. shared a variety of perspectives on both theology and mission. Pastor Steve will share highlights from his experience in Ethiopia in the May/June issue of Calvary Calls. Page 8 CONGREGATIONAL LIFE pastoral records thru Jan. 21 Baptisms Knox Douglas Vander Werf Grady Ray Aizlyn Cacia Everson Nathan Charles Kelly Tiberius James Nelson Gavin Richard Racer Otto Albert Schmidt Alexis Muse Larson Caden Jack Holm Sawyer June Worum Evan Joseph Olson Laura Helmer Owen Archer Caplinger Clara Louise Hallberg Soren James Hallberg Leo Joseph Riley Isla Jessamine Duncanson Gavin Randall Evers Jared Roy Blowers Owen Douglas Neus Madelyn Ruth Cesa Imani Louise Madigan Jade Renae Lubega Dec. 12 Dec. 12 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 19 Dec. 24 Jan. 2 Jan. 2 Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 16 Jan. 23 Jan. 23 Jan. 23 Jan. 23 Jan. 23 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Wedding Rande Nelson/David Lyle Garnett Jan. 1 Funerals Arleen Mae Van Auken Dorothy McCormack Julie Ann Lindahl June G. Straw Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 21 Prayers for our military personnel and families We ask your prayers for the following Calvary members (or family members) currently serving in the United States military. Lt. Col. Reik Andersen, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Romney C. Andersen, U.S. Army Ensign JoEllen Arons, U.S. Coast Guard Sgt. Adam Boentgen, U.S. Army LCpl. Gary Bohn, U.S. Marines SHP SVCMN 1C Rachel Dunbar, U.S. Navy A1C Garrett Egeberg, U.S. Air Force Corp. Daniel Fashing, U.S. Marines SFC Mark Hayek, U.S. National Guard Capt. Gregg Johnson, U.S. Army SA Justin Larson, U.S. Navy Capt. Benjamin Loving, U.S. Army Pvt. Ryan Mash, U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Misner, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Whitney Peterson, U.S. Army PFC Matthew Rabine, U.S. Army SrA Kyle Seashore, U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Smith, U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Smith, U.S. Army Capt. Steve Thorpe, U.S. Army Petty Officer Third Class Michael J. Tracy, U.S. Navy Lt. Col. Joe Vogt, U.S. Air Force E-3SN Will Weldin, U.S. Navy Zak Wige, U.S. Marines Stephen Wilson, Michael Wilson and Amanda Wilson, U.S. Air Force (father, son & daughter-in-law) SR Ian Yates, U.S. Navy Mission statement To actively express God’s love through everyday deeds of support for persons experiencing the unique environment of military life—our men and women on active duty, veterans and their families. Please refer names of any additional service personnel to Pastor Skip Reeves at 763.231.2965 or sreeves@calvary.org. March/April 2011 Simple act of service During Lent, please consider opening up parking spaces for visitors by riding the shuttle. It’s easy and convenient. Go to the Valley Square (formerly Syngenta) parking lot on the northeast corner of Hwy. 55 and Rhode Island. Shuttle service is available Sundays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., and Wednesdays during Lent 4:30–10 p.m. Thank you for helping provide a positive experience for our guests. CareNotes for Lent Margin checkup CareNotes and PrayerNotes are helpful little pamphlets for everyday kinds of experiences. Check out the ones geared for Lent: By Liz Turner • Prayer Starters for All the Days of Lent • 40 Days and 40 Ways to Make the Most of Lent this Year • Growing Closer as a Family During Lent The CareNote rack is located outside the Sanctuary by the Prayer Chapel. Through the eyes of a child By Kim Baumann, Disabilities Awareness Ministry We were driving home from church one Sunday morning when my daughter asked me why we hadn’t seen a friend of mine recently. She couldn’t reMadeline Baumann and Stephanie member her Cardenas name but described her as someone we often see in “the donut room” who is an adult but younger than mommy, is really nice and funny. After a few more questions I figured out who she was talking about. I let a few minutes pass and then asked my daughter, “Why didn’t you mention that she uses a wheelchair?” (A description I thought would have been obvious). Her response: “Oh, I forgot about her wheelchair.” Leave it to a six-year-old to remind us to see someone for her attributes and gifts and not her disability! Reach out to those with disabilities through Disabilities Awareness Ministry Spring Fling Sunday, April 10 12:30-2:30 p.m. Gathering Room For more information, contact Katy Thuleen 763.545.8541 So how are you doing adding margin to your life? Our five-week sermon series in January was a month ago now and if you were going to apply anything to your life you probably have done it by now. How is it going? Is it a work in progress? Have you fallen off the bandwagon? Are you experiencing great freedom from all the margin you have added to your life? Well, making any life change takes a sense of purpose, discipline and perseverance to make it really stick. Here are a couple of suggestions to help you stay on track or ramp up your commitment to add some margin to your life: • Start each day with 10 minutes of quiet time with the Lord. Breathe deeply, read a short passage of Scripture, talk to God about your day, your worries, your dreams. Starting your day with 10 minutes of time margin will change your whole day. • Find out what percentage of your income you are spending and then eliminate one frivolous or careless expense that you can then save (don’t spend it on something else!), thus creating more financial margin. • Assess yourself at work. What is it that you do well and love doing in your job? Then rearrange your time so you can spend one more hour a week doing that one thing. At the end of one month assess the results and see how you created margin in your work. Blood = gift of life Sunday, April 17 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Gym Donate your blood and reflect on the gift of life that comes through Christ’s blood. Requirements: • Must be 17 years of age (16 with parental consent) • Eat a good meal within four hours of donation • Be in good health • Free from colds or flu for three days • Bring photo ID For more information, call Hildi at 763.374.2309. CONGREGATIONAL LIFE March/April 2011 Page 9 Meet our new Calvary members Andre, Michelle, Noah Allen & Tyler Kimmons Debbie Bentley Becca Betterman Brian, Carla & Aaron Blow Lucille Day Steve & Beth Durfee Casey English Christy & Aizlyn Everson Jean Hansen Kermit Hauge Vennie & John Fahning Gary Ilstrup Sarah, Jason & Lindsey Josephs Rich Ohlenberg Justin, Sara, Adia & Sam Remsbottom Ryan, Susan, Emelia & Bennett Johnson Richard, Gabriella, Isabella & Deborah Schutta Angelica Stockdale Christine Svihel John & Sherry Swanson Britni Burke & Kyle Kesselring Brian, Catherine, Ethan & Nicholas Magnuson Todd Welch & Rachel Zimm Bud, Shannon & Sawyer Worum Stuart, Holly, Ethan, Elisabeth & Samantha McFarland Steve, Christy & Alexander Reutiman Become part of our church family Interested in joining Calvary? Join us at the: New Member Gathering Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m., Gathering Room Childcare and nursery will be provided. Please RSVP to Pam at 763.231.2982 or prathlisberger@calvary.org. Pete & Gerry Peterson Not pictured: Emily Cauthen Norris Skogerboe Bob & Mary Wrase Page 10 EARLY CHILDHOOD & GRACE PLACE Lent and Easter experiences for families Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Celebrate Spring Sunday, April 3, 2–4 p.m., Calvary gym March/April 2011 At PandaMania, kids will discover that God is wild about them! PandaMania is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear and touch—activities that help faith flow into real life and change them forever! Teens and adults—please join us as leaders— you’ll have a Bamboo Blast! Vacation Bible School Invite friends and family and neighbors to welcome spring! There will be crafts, activities and treats and, of course, our annual Easter Egg Hunt at 3:45 p.m. It will be tons of fun all over Calvary with a special area set aside for preschool egg hunters. Punch cards can be purchased at the door for $5 and will allow you to participate in all activities. Scholarships are available. To volunteer, contact Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. Preschool Session June 6–10, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Ages 3½–Kindergarten Elementary Session June 13–17, 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Completed grades K–6 grade Extended daycare is possible for an added fee—must register by May 1. Early bird fee: $25 per child on or before May 1/$35 per child after May 1. Contact Roxanne Pengelly, rpengelly@calvary.org, 762.231.2968. It’s time to register for the 2011 Fall programs Walk through Holy Week Room N007 Sunday, April 17, 11:15 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday April 20 & 21, 4:30–7 p.m. Friday, April 22, 3–4:30 & 5:30–7 p.m. Come visit Jerusalem and reflect on the events of the week leading up to and following Jesus’ crucifixion. This experience has been a part of Grace Place for third graders each year, but this year we are making it available for all families during Holy Week. Hosts will be present to provide passports and to equip you for taking a self-guided tour and sharing stories with your family. Please allow about 30 minutes for your visit. Your tour can start anytime in the above time frames, but you must finish by the closing time. Contact Cindy Engelkes, cengelkes@calvary.org, 763.231.2970. Introducing Spark Family “devozine” It’s more than a devotional and much more than a magazine—it’s a “devozine”! The new Spark Family relates to some of the stories that we’ve been working on in Tots through second grade at Grace © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. Reproduces by Place. It includes permission. family discussion starters, tons of fun puzzles and games, and lots of great ways to connect the Bible to our everyday lives. Pick up your complimentary copy at the Grace Place Gym office anytime! Register for a Pre-K Adventure. In Pre-K, your child will begin an adventure in intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. Our professional, experienced teachers are skilled and passionate about children and their development. Our learning environment boasts spacious classrooms, a full gymnasium, outdoor playgrounds, two indoor large-muscle rooms plus a Chapel, Sanctuary and other spaces for special events. Contact Carol Zwernik, pre-k@calvary.org, 763.545.5933. Enroll now for our hourly childcare program. Open four days a week (Tuesday-Friday). We have openings for children ages 16 months–age 5. This is a place where your child will experience creative play, music, art and circle times devoted to learning about ourselves and the world around us. Our program offers flexibility for families with their early childhood education needs. Contact Debby Bromander, hourlychildcare@calvary.org, 763.231.2948. Look at how creative we are with paper! Kids from birth (with parents) through 9th grade have a place at Grace Place or Confirmation Registrations for Grace Place and Confirmation will be mailed in early April. For your convenience, you may get information and/or turn in registrations at a table in the Atrium on Sundays, April 10 & 17, and Wednesday & Thursday, April 13 & 14. Watch for information on online registration. Contact Roxanne Pengelly, rpengelly@ calvary.org, 762.231.2968. Early childhood parenting classes for families with children ages birth–2½ years • Want to meet families? • Want to learn about faith development? • Want to gain ideas for you to use at home? Contact Debby Bromander, hourlychildcare@ calvary.org, 763.231.2948. Tots (2½–3 years) The youngest learners in Grace Place are Tots. If your child was born between June 1, 2008, and May 31, 2009, he/she can be a part of our weekly Grace Place Tots class next fall. There will be a spring orientation on Sunday, April 10 at 10 a.m. in Room N008. Come see what our Tots class is all about! We’ll answer questions and take a little tour of a class with some of our current Tots in action! Contact Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. March/April 2011 WAPO Summer 2011 In the Midst… Calvary week July 24-29 At Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp— better known as Camp Wapo—it’s all about relationships: discovering, building, celebrating and living relationships. The ministries of Wapo have one common purpose: to provide opportunities for people, especially young people in their formative years, to deepen their relationship with Christ, the church and each other. All are welcome! Have questions about Calvary’s participation at Camp Wapo? Visit calvary.org/wapo or contact Lisa Buck at lbuck@calvary.org or 763.231.2992. Brochures are available at the Children, Youth & Family box behind the Information Desk. 2nd & 3rd Grade – Seeds at Wapo main site (July 22-24) 4th & 5th Grade – Wapo main site 6th Grade – Ox Lake International Villages 712 MINISTRIES Page 11 Thoughts on mentoring By Gary Preston I believe mentoring is the most important way you can impact the success of a child. National statistics show that children who are mentored are 52 percent less likely to miss school or drop out, 46 percent less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and teen pregnancy is reduced by 35 percent. These statistics are based on relationships that last just 11 months. However, the word “mentoring” implies that the mentor must possess some special skills, and that prevents most people from doing it. The reality is that you need only to be a friend. These children succeed because an adult took the time to show interest in them and their lives. When you look at the people who had the greatest influence on you, a teacher usually comes to mind. But you probably had that person for a class for only nine months and you were one of several students. In spite of this you were made to feel special because this person showed a particular interest in you. This is what a mentor does. I’ve mentored a boy through Kinship for six years and he’s doing great. When I became his “friend,” he was in a special school for troubled youth. Since then, he’s been mainstreamed in school and is now a junior in high school. Last year he maintained a B+ average in his classes. The interesting thing is that I never tutored him. I did create a trust relationship with him in which he knew I cared about him and regularly spent time Left to right: Erin Buck, Gary Preston, Elice Bauernfeind with him and that was all he needed. I believe I have a similar effect on the students I have in Grace Place and Confirmation. It doesn’t take much effort to show special concern to every student. You only have to care about each child and show them some special attention. You can do the same thing with the children in your life. You can become one of the special persons in their lives. You only need to invest the time and concern and you will make a difference. During Lent, you can become a “friend” to one of our Confirmation students by volunteering to be a mentor for just six Wednesday nights and Maundy Thursday. You will be provided with a set of questions you can discuss with your mentee following that night’s portrayal. If you are interested in helping one of our students, contact Kathy Brown, kbrown@calvary.org, 763.231.2971. 7th Grade – Wapo main site 8th Grade – JOC (Journey of the Cross) at Ox Lake 9th–12th Grade – 2 options for 2011 • Luther Dell “Roots” or • TIM Team* (July 22-29) Wapo main site/Ox Lake *Leadership application must be completed by Feb. 23 for this option Registration and $100 deposit due Tuesday, March 15 (space is limited so register early to reserve your spot!) Balance due—Friday, July 1 Mark your calendars for Parent Information Night, Thursday, July 14, 7:45 p.m. Youth musical Sunday, March 20 8:45, 10 & 11:15 a.m. services Current Jam, Calvary’s youth choir, performs their 2011 musical, American Idols, staring Calvary’s own 7th–12th grade students in a parody of the popular television show American Idol. The show follows contestants and their struggles with the idols of their lives. As the performers take the stage for the finale, make-up artists, judges, prophets and other cast members bring to light the dangers of idolatry and the hope of change. This show is our way of saying “thank you” to you, the congregation, for the many ways you support us! Holy pancakes! By Bryan McInnis There’s a pizza place 100 yards from Golgotha, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. On a sunny April afternoon I passed by, mistakenly making eye contact with the owner of the establishment. With a burst of speed he rushed out to me, tickling my ears with a historically unsubstantiated claim, “Friend, Jesus ate pizza here!” Nope. Pizza did not exist in ancient Israel. Neither did pancakes. Still, for years, Calvary has helped point high school students to Jesus through batches of Easter morning pancakes. The annual Easter Breakfast fundraiser is your opportunity to eat your way toward enabling 10th12th graders to attend this year’s Summer Trip, where they will be inspired by nationally recognized speakers and worship leaders to devote their lives to Jesus. This year’s menu will consist of eggs, sausage, American fries, coffee, orange juice… and, yes, pancakes. So make the Easter Breakfast a part of your holiday tradition and help our students experience the trip of a lifetime! Easter Breakfast Sunday, April 24, 6:30–11 a.m. $6/adults, $5/children under 10 Gym Page 12 CALENDAR & RESOURCES annual churchwide events Celebrate Spring Sunday, April 3, 2-4 p.m., Gym All are welcome to celebrate the coming of spring with crafts, treats and a candy hunt. Punch cards: $5. Contact: Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. Spring Fling Disabilities Party Sunday, April 10 12:30-2:30 p.m., Gathering Room A fun event for people with disabilities and their families. Contact: Katy Thuleen, 763.545.8541. Walk Through Holy Week Sunday, April 17, 11:15 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, April 20 & 21, 4:30–7 p.m. Friday, April 22, 3-4:30 p.m. and 5:30–7 p.m. Come visit Jerusalem and reflect on the events of the week leading up to and following Jesus’ crucifixion. Hosts will be present to provide you with passports and to equip you for taking a self-guided tour. Contact: Cindy Engelkes, cengelkes@calvary.org, 763.231.2970. 10th Annual Calvary Art Exhibit “Reflections of Grace: A Christian Witness in Art” Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday April 17-24, Room N205 Join Calvary members and friends in exhibiting works of art that express a Christian thought or idea. Artist registration due by Friday, April 1, at calvary.org/artshow, or call Lora Edwards at 763.424.4135. Exhibit hours: Palm Sunday, April 17 Monday, April 18-Friday, April 22 Saturday, April 23 Easter Sunday, April 24 9 9 9 9 a.m.–3 a.m.–9 a.m.–8 a.m.–1 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. training sessions Crown Volunteer Workshop Saturday, April 9 8:30 a.m.-12 noon, Rooms N202 & N203 Leader training and encouragement for those who lead the Crown Financial workshops at Calvary and throughout Minnesota. Contact: Liz Turner, lturner@calvary.org, 763.231.2963, calvary.org/crown. adult life Singles Ministry Potluck Fridays, March 11 & April 8 6:30-8:30 p.m., Chapel Café Learn more about prayer, meditation, fasting and “visio divina” (praying with art) as Annette Langdon, director of Health & Caring Ministries, teaches and explores new ways to apply them to daily life. No need to sign up—just come! Contact: Pastor Carol Skjegstad, cskjegstad@calvary.org, 763.231.2983. Covenant: Living with Purpose Sundays, through March 27, 9 a.m., Room N203 Using concepts from the book A Passionate Life by Walt Kallestad and Mike Breen, we’ll discuss learning from life, living in rhythm, balancing relationships and knowing our roles in life. Contact: John Hensrud, jhensrud@calvary.org, 763.231.2966, calvary.org/sermonseries. Alpha Course Tuesdays, Feb. 8-April 12 6-8:30 p.m., Room N205 Alpha Retreat: Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Room N205 Explore the meaning of life through this 10-week course on the basics of the Christian faith. Contact: Pastor John Brecount, jbrecount@calvary.org, 763.231.2961, calvary. org/alpha. “A Life Worth Living” Small Group DVD Series & Discussion Sundays, Jan. 16-March 13 10-11:15 a.m., Room N202 Live the Christian life positively, practically and joyfully with a new heart and purpose. Find out how by joining this small group DVD study and discussion on the book of Philippians. Contact: Deb Wagner, dwagner@calvary.org, 763.231.2976, calvary.org/smallgroups. Truth Project Mondays, Jan. 31-April 18 6:30-8:30 p.m., Room A008 This course looks at life from a biblical perspective, studying the very nature and character of God, and how He consistently reveals Himself to us in every aspect of life. Contact: Craig Anderson, craig.anderson@mwcia.org, calvary.org/adulteducation. men Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:15 a.m., Room N201 A men’s group that meets for Bible study and prayer. Contact: Pete Duelo, poduelo@msn.com. Friday Morning Bible Study Fridays, 6:30 a.m. Perkins (Louisiana & Hwy. 394) Join us for early morning Bible study and fellowship. A great way to start the day! Contact: Jerry, calvarymen@ gmail.com, 763.588.4922, calvary.org/men. Monthly Breakfast 40s–60s singles are invited for fellowship and a meal. Bring a main dish, side dish or dessert to share and a food shelf item. Beverages will be provided. Other social events are planned throughout the year (contact Sharon to receive e-mail notices about these events). Contact: Sharon Stavrovich, sstavrovich@aol.com. Second Saturdays, March 12 & April 9 7:45 a.m. – Breakfast 8 a.m. – Program “A Life Worth Living” Small Group DVD Series & Discussion Come for our monthly breakfast featuring great food and music, as well as a special topic/speaker... and other fun! Contact: Joe Edwards, calvarymen@gmail.com, 763.424.4135, calvary.org/men. Sundays, Jan. 16-March 13 10-11:15 a.m., Room N202 Live the Christian life positively, practically and joyfully with a new heart and purpose. Find out how by joining this small group DVD study and discussion on the book of Philippians. Contact: Deb Wagner, dwagner@calvary.org, 763.231.2976, calvary.org/smallgroups. Small Groups Meet new friends and grow in your faith through learning and service with others. Join a small group! Contact: Deb Wagner, dwagner@calvary.org, 763.231.2976, calvary.org/ smallgroups. adult education Lenten Bible Study Sunday, March 6–27, 10 a.m., Room N204 Join Pastor Skip Reeves as he leads a Bible study exploring the biblical stories surrounding four of the Wednesday Lenten Portrayals. The characters that Pastor Skip will look at include the man born blind, the Gerazene Demoniac, the Adulterous woman and the grateful leper. No need to register…just come! Contact: Pastor Skip Reeves, sreeves@ calvary.org, 763.231.2965. Spiritual Practices for Lent Sundays, April 3, 10 & 17 9 a.m. & 10 a.m., Room N204 (March: FaithSearch DVD: “Jesus’ Resurrection – Hoax or History?” April: Bryan McInnis, High School & Young Adult Director) Leadership Team Meetings Saturdays, March 5 & April 2 8 a.m., Fireside Café Have some ideas for events, projects, Bible studies or other things that might interest men? Able to help with our monthly breakfasts? Join us at our monthly planning team meetings. Contact: Joe Edwards, calvarymen@gmail.com, 763.424.4135, calvary.org/men. women March/April 2011 Circles Circles are groups of women who meet monthly September through June. New members are always welcome! Contact: Cheri Almquist, calmquist@calvary.org, 763.231.2981, calvary.org/women. Knitting & Crocheting Group Mondays, March 28 & April 18 7-8:30 p.m., Room N001 Do you knit and/or crochet? Would you like to make items for those in need? Join our monthly knitting and crocheting group! Contact: Contact Twyla Bredy, 952.942.6677. Scrapbooking Group Third Saturdays, March 19 & April 16 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Room N204 Come scrapbook with other women and enjoy fellowship while you work on your albums. Bring your supplies and a snack to share. Contact: Karen, 952.934.2813, or Julia, 763.424.5908. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Mondays, March 14 & 28, April 11, & May 2 9:40-11:20 a.m., Room N203 Registration required. Contact: Jane Hixson, 952.994.7564. senior high Current Jam Youth Choir Musical: “American Idols” Sunday, March 20 8:45, 10 & 11:15 a.m. worship services Based on the popular TV show of a similar name, “American Idols” follows three contestants and their struggles with power, money and fame—the idols of their lives. As the performers take to the stage for the season finale, make-up artists, judges, prophets and other cast members help bring to light the dangers of idolatry and the hope of change. Contact: Christine Anderson, music@calvary.org, 763.231.2945. Wednesday Current Wednesday, March 2 (not meeting during Lent: March 9-April 27) 6:30 p.m., Student Underground Post-confirmation students (grades 10-12) meet weekly for songs, conversation and community. We have real questions, authentic struggles, genuine faith and a growing desire to change the world for the sake of God’s kingdom. Contact: Bryan McInnis, bmcinnis@calvary.org, 763.231.2958, calvary.org/712. Summer Trip Sunday, June 19-Sunday, June 26 Big Stuf, Panama City, Fla. Registration for the 2011 Summer Trip is closed. For those who have registered, we have trip meetings on Sunday, March 27, and Sunday, June 5, both at 12 noon in the Student Underground. This is also the time of year when we are looking for help with Lenten suppers, Easter Breakfast and the rummage sale. For more information on BigStuf Camps, visit www.bigstuf.com. Contact: Sarah Burton, sburton@calvary.org, 763.231.2956, calvary.org/712. junior high Friday Ignite Fridays through April 29, 6-8 p.m. Student Underground A fun and safe place for 7th and 8th graders to hang out and play games. Also hear a devotional message and enjoy snacks from the concession stand. Contact: Melanie Racer, mracer@calvary.org, 763.231.2972, calvary.org/712. Summer Trip Sunday, June 19-Friday, June 24 Green Bay, Wis. We’re partnering with YouthWorks to provide a one-of-akind opportunity to serve children, the homeless and the elderly in the Green Bay area. Contact: Melanie Racer, mracer@calvary.org, 763.231.2972, calvary.org/712. Women in the Word Fridays, through May, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Grow in your faith and make new friends in our study of the Letters of Paul. Children are welcome at Kids in the Word, which focuses on the same weekly lesson and prayer ... plus play time. Contact: Cheryl, 763.509.0930, or Nancy, 763.545.6796. Calvary Women’s Retreat Friday evening, March 4-Sunday noon, March 6 Mount Carmel, Alexandria, Minn. Featuring “God’s Girls: Embracing His calling … leaving a legacy” with Deb Brown of FaithWalk Ministries. Contact: Cheri Almquist, calmquist@calvary.org, 763.231.2981, calvary.org/women. children under 12 Grace Place Sundays, 8:45 & 10 a.m. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. “Grace Place” is our version of Sunday school. All children ages 2½ to sixth grade are invited! Grace Place occurs September to May. Contact: Cindy Engelkes, cengelkes@ calvary.org, 763.231.2970, calvary.org/graceplace. Continued on page 13 March/April 2011 Calendar & Resources Continued from page 12 6th Grade My Faith Journey: “Welcome to Confirmation” Thursday, March 3, 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 6, 8:45 & 10 a.m., Room N007 Meet Calvary’s youth staff and learn about Calvary’s Confirmation ministry. Contact: Kathy Brown, kbrown@ calvary.org, 763.231.2971. 4th Grade My Faith Journey: Seder Thursday, March 10, 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 13, 8:45 & 10 a.m., Room N007 Experience the drama of the story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and taste the foods of the Jewish Passover Seder. Contact: Cindy Engelkes, cengelkes@calvary.org, 763.231.2970. Celebrate Spring Sunday, April 3, 2-4 p.m., Gym All are welcome to celebrate the coming of spring with crafts, treats and a candy hunt. Punch cards: $5. Contact: Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. Registration for Vacation Bible School, Grace Place & Confirmation Sundays, April 10 & 17, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Wednesday & Thursday, April 13 & 14, 5-7 p.m., Atrium Register for Grace Place 2011-2012, Confirmation 2011-2012 and Vacation Bible School 2011. Contact: Roxanne Pengelly, rpengelly@calvary.org, 763.231.2968. Grace Place Orientation for Tots Sunday, April 10, 8:45 & 10 a.m., Room N008 The youngest learners in Grace Place are Tots. If your child was born between June 1, 2008, and May 31, 2009, he or she can be a part of our weekly Grace Place Tots class next fall. Come to see what our Tots class is all about! We’ll answer questions and take a little tour of a class with some of our current Tots in action! Contact: Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. Kindergarten My Faith Journey: “I Like the Bible” Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, 8:45 & 10 a.m., Room N007 Children and parents play games and sing songs to celebrate God’s Word to us in familiar Bible stories. Contact: Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. family & parenting Baptism Information Class (Infants & Children) First Sundays, March 6 & April 3 11:15-11:55 a.m., Room N008 We welcome infants, children of all ages and adults to the Baptism font. These sessions focus primarily on the Baptism of infants and children. Contact: Debby Bromander, hourlychildcare@calvary.org, 763.545.9042, calvary.org/baptism. Teensy Tots Parenting Class Third Sundays, March 20 & April 17 10 a.m., Room N008 For parents and children birth to age 1. Our class topics center on how to encourage faith development at your child’s early age. Contact: Debby Bromander, hourlychildcare@ calvary.org, 763.545.9042, calvary.org/parentingclasses. Tiny Tots Parenting Class Second Sundays, March 13 & April 10 10 a.m., Room N008 For parents and children ages 1 to 2. You’ll do an activity with your child, then you’ll retreat to a discussion room to hear a presenter and engage with other parents. Your child will stay behind to play games, hear Bible stories and engage in many other faith-building activities. Contact: Debby Bromander, hourlychildcare@calvary.org, 763.545.9042, calvary.org/parentingclasses. Adoption Parent Group Sunday, March 20 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Rooms N201 & N202 A panel of youth from the Adoption Support Network will share their experiences in foster care or adoption. This meeting is for parents, teachers, family and friends of adopted and foster children. Contact: Lisa Krause, adoptiongroup@gmail.com, 763.438.1093, calvary.org/adoption. Celebrate Spring Sunday, April 3, 2-4 p.m., Gym All are welcome to celebrate the coming of spring with crafts, treats and a candy hunt. Punch cards: $5. Contact: Sharry Hosfield, shosfield@calvary.org, 763.231.2969. CALENDAR & RESOURCES Walk Through Holy Week Sunday, April 17, 11:15 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 20 & 21, 4:30–7 p.m. Friday, April 22, 3-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Come visit Jerusalem and reflect on the events of the week leading up to and following Jesus’ crucifixion. Hosts will be present to provide you with passports and to equip you for taking a self-guided tour. Contact: Cindy Engelkes, cengelkes@calvary.org, 763.231.2970. music Current Jam Youth Choir Musical: “American Idols” Sunday, March 20 8:45, 10 & 11:15 a.m. worship services Based on the popular TV show of a similar name, “American Idols” follows three contestants and their struggles with power, money and fame—the idols of their lives. As the performers take to the stage for the season finale, make-up artists, judges, prophets and other cast members help bring to light the dangers of idolatry and the hope of change. Contact: Christine Anderson, music@calvary.org, 763.231.2945. Wedding Music Sampler Saturday, March 12, 10-11:30 a.m., Sanctuary For engaged couples planning a wedding at Calvary or elsewhere. Contact: Dan Oie, doie@calvary.org, 763.231.2944. Golden Valley Orchestra Concert Page 13 Spread the word! Interested in being an assistant or helping with childcare? Contact: Dawn Dresser, ddresser@calvary. org, 763.231.2988. health & caring Blood Drive Sunday, April 17, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Gym Sign-up: Sundays, March 27, April 3 & 10 Atrium As part of your Lenten journey, give the gift of life by donating blood. Contact: Hildi Brombacher, 763.374.2309. Spring Fling Disabilities Party Sunday, April 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Gathering Room A fun event for people with disabilities and their families. Contact: Katy Thuleen, 763.545.8541. Disabilities Awareness Meeting Monday, March 7, 6:30 p.m., Room N403 The purpose of our disabilities ministry is to lead people with disabilities into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition to providing an accessible environment, our disabilities ministry group plans special events that empower people with disabilities to lead active faith lives. Contact: Katy Thuleen, 763.545.8541. Breathe, Stretch, Pray Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Room N203 Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Room N005 Cost: $50/8 sessions (checks payable to Calvary) Saturday, April 2, 7 p.m., Sanctuary A special performance by the Golden Valley Orchestra directed by John Hoffacker. $10 suggested donation. Contact: Dan Oie, doie@calvary.org, 763.231.2944. Combine yoga poses, Christian music and devotions to care for body, mind and spirit in Jesus’ name. Led by Yogadevotion. Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@calvary.org, 763.231.2955. Choir Rehearsals Ministry to Military Meeting Adult groups (calvary.org/adultmusic): Join with others in supporting veterans and active-duty soldiers, as well as their families. Contact: Pastor Skip Reeves, sreeves@calvary.org, 763.231.2965, calvary.org/military. Lend your musical talents to our worship services by participating in one of our adult or youth choirs. All rehearsals are held weekly unless scheduled by director. Contact: Christine Anderson, music@calvary.org, 763.231.2945. Traditions Choir, Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m., Music Auditorium Expressions Choir, Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m., Chapel Carillon Handbells, Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m., Music Library (beneath Chapel) Calvary Brass, scheduled by director Calvary Instrumental Ensemble, scheduled by director Children & youth groups (calvary.org/youthmusic): Current Jam Youth Choir (grades 7-12), Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m., Room N004 Covenant Choir (grades 4-6), Wednesdays, 6-6:50 p.m., Music Auditorium Ringing Praise Handbells (grades 4-6), Wednesdays, 7-7:50 p.m., Music Library (beneath Chapel) Carol Choir (grades 1-3), Wednesdays, 6-6:50 p.m., Room N004 Cherub Choir (ages 4-Kindergarten), Wednesdays, 6-6:35 p.m., Room N003 mission & outreach Potluck for Ron & Michelle Olson Sunday, March 13 12:30-2 p.m., Room N205 Join us for a potluck honoring missionaries Ron and Michelle Olson as they prepare for the dedication of the New Testament into Agarabi. To help them raise money for their trip to Papua New Guinea, a free-will offering will be collected during the potluck. Contact: Ruby Heiden, rheiden@calvary.org, 763.231.2980. Katrina Mission Trip Interest Meetings Monday, March 14, & Sunday, March 20 7-8 p.m., Room N201 Learn about why our work continues in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and hear about our 21st trip planned for April 9-16. Contact: Dawn Dresser, ddresser@calvary.org, 763.231.2988. “Come and Serve” Event Sunday, March 27 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Room N205 Sponsored by the Outreach and the Hunger & Human Needs Committees, “Come and Serve” is an opportunity for families and people of all ages to serve together by preparing containers of laundry soap, dish soap and rice for area food shelves. Stop by any time that morning, and stay as long as you like! Contact: Dawn Dresser, ddresser@calvary.org, 763.231.2988. English Language Learning (ELL) Classes In collaboration with School District 281, Calvary will host ELL classes beginning Friday, April 1. Classes will meet on Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 noon, and Mondays, 5:30-8:30 p.m. First Mondays, March 7 & April 4 11 a.m., Room N201 Blood Pressure Screening Second Tuesdays, March 8 & April 12 11 a.m.-12 noon, Room E120 Third Sundays, March 20 & April 17 9-11:15 a.m., Room A119 (near Chapel) Free monthly blood-pressure checks provided by Calvary’s parish nurse team. Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@ calvary.org, 763.231.2955. Faith Walking at Calvary Looking for a place to walk? Come to Calvary. Walk around on one level or up and down the stairs, and add some prayer and Scripture to make it faith walking. Check in with the receptionist; after 7:30 p.m., alert the custodial staff to your presence. Looking for a partner? Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@calvary.org, 763.231.2955. The Gathering Second & Fourth Thursdays March 10 & 24 and April 14 & 28 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Rooms N003 & N004 Social respite for people with mild to moderate memory loss. Affiliated with Alzheimers Association and in partnership with Lyngblomsten. Assessment and pre-registration required. Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@calvary.org, 763.231.2955. support groups Infertility, Infant Loss & Miscarriage Fourth Tuesdays, March 22 & April 26, 7–9 p.m. Faith-based group for couples dealing with infertility. Meets in homes. Contact Daonna, 763.559.1890, or Marianne, 763.550.0529. Secondary Infertility Support Second Tuesdays, March 8 & April 12, 7–9 p.m. Faith-based support for people who already have a child or children and going through infertility. Meets in homes. Contact Daonna for location, 763.559.1890. Grief Support Third Sundays, March 20 & April 17 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Luther Room Spiritual support for people who have lost a loved one. Led by Pastor Skip Reeves and Annette Langdon, parish nurse. Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@calvary.org, 763.231.2955. Continued on page 14 Page 14 Calendar & Resources Continued from page 13 Compassionate Friends Third Mondays, March 21 & April 18 7-9 p.m., Room N004 For parents who have experienced the death of a child. Contact Carol, 763.542.8528. Suicide Survivors Support Group First & Third Tuesdays, March 1 & March 15 April 5 & 19, 7–8:30 p.m., Luther Room For those who have lost a loved one by suicide. Contact Bev, 763.323.3178. Living with Cancer Third Tuesdays, March 15 & April 19 6:30-8 p.m., Rooms N211 & N212 Support for people living with cancer, as well as their family members. Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@calvary. org, 763.231.2955. NAMI – National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Third Tuesdays, March 15 & April 19, 7–9:30 p.m. Rooms N209 & N210 (March), Rooms N207 & N208 (April) Support for families and individuals experiencing mental illness. Contact: Annette Langdon, alangdon@calvary.org, 763.231.2955. Hope for Parents: Alanon Tuesdays, 7:30–9 p.m., Room N004 For parents of children struggling with chemical addictions. Contact Gail, 763.544.2224, or Ruth, 952.475.2251. Alcoholics Anonymous Thursdays, 10-11 a.m., Room N209 For people struggling with alcohol and chemical dependency. Contact Ellen, 763.545.3302, or Neil, 763.551.2519. Memory Loss Caregivers Second Thursdays, March 10 & April 14 10-11:30 a.m., Room N207 Support group for those who care for people with memory loss. Facilitator trained through the Alzheimer’s Association. Contact: Becky Clifford, 612.670.0296. prayer support Prayer Requests Go to calvary.org/pray or click on the link “Let Us Pray for You” on the home page. Dial-a-Prayer Call 763.546.PRAY every day for a brief message of inspiration and prayer. Prayer Teams Receive prayer support from trained lay people who are available on Sunday mornings to pray with anyone for any request. They are available at the end of every service in the worship setting. Personal Prayers or Family Prayer Service Available upon request for specific prayer support. Places to Pray The Prayer Chapel located on the north side of the Sanctuary and the Prayer Room located on the second floor of the north wing (Room N212) are small quiet rooms decorated to encourage prayer. Available anytime the church is open for individuals or small groups. Prayer Warriors A group of faithful men who pray during the worship hours for the needs written on the prayer cards and collected during worship. serving & giving Lenten Faith Mentoring Pairing Confirmation students with adult mentors Wednesdays during Lent. Contact: Kathy Brown, kbrown@calvary.org, 763.231.2971. Art Exhibit Hosts From Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, hosts needed to greet guests at the 2011 art exhibit on second floor. Contact: Lora Edwards, 763.424.4135. CALENDAR & RESOURCES Gathering Grounds Team Volunteers needed to serve treats and coffee on Sunday mornings at the Gathering Grounds. Sign up at calvary.org/ volunteer. Contact: Craig Rothfolk, crothfolk@calvary.org, 763.231.2959. Receptionists Volunteers needed weekday afternoons, early evenings and Sunday mornings to answer phones and greet guests. Flexible schedules available and full training provided. Contact: Eileen Morhaim, receptionist@calvary.org, 763.545.5659. Media Ministry Assist with Sunday and Thursday services, Journey, Wednesday Night Live and other events. Work with audio, video, graphics and lights, and be part of the stage crew. Training is provided. Contact: Rob James, rjames@calvary.org, 763.231.2977. Parking Lot Attendants First impressions are important! And you can help by directing people to open parking spots in Calvary’s parking lots. Contact: John Hensrud, jhensrud@calvary.org, 763.231.2966. Greeters Greeters make sure that a warm smile and handshake are offered to everyone coming into Calvary’s main entrances. Contact: John Hensrud, jhensrud@calvary.org, 763.231.2966. Ushers Ushers offer support and assistance to those gathered for worship. Duties include greeting people at the entrance to worship, offering people bulletins and prayer cards, guiding people to their seats if they need help, collecting prayer cards and the offering, and tidying up for the next worship service. Contact: John Hensrud, jhensrud@calvary.org, 763.231.2966. Camp Wapo Vehicle Donation Do you have a used pick-up truck, SUV or compact car that you’re looking to donate? Your gift would be tax deductible and for a great Calvary-kids-serving cause! Contact: Paul Halverson, phalver@amerytel.net, 715.268.8434 ext. 32. More Serving Opportunities Whether you are looking for a one-time or ongoing serving opportunity, we can help you find a just-the-right-fit experience, be it serving others outside the church or within the Calvary community. Visit calvary.org/serve. More Giving Opportunities Interested in offering financial support to Calvary’s ministries? We offer convenient and creative ways to give, including credit/debit card transactions, automatic withdrawal, stock gifts and endowment funds. Visit calvary.org/give. March/April 2011 Dinners Wednesdays, March 2, April 20 & 27, 5-6:30 p.m. Price: $6, pizza, salad, dessert and beverage Gathering Room Lenten Suppers, Wednesdays, March 9-April 13, & Thursday, April 21, 4:30-7 p.m. Prices: $6/adult, $18/family maximum Dinners include beverage and dessert Served buffet style in the Gym March 9 - Pork loin, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, cole slaw, bread March 16 - Tater tot hotdish, salad, pickles, bread March 23 - Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, salad, bread March 30 - Italian sausage rigatoni, caesar salad, bread sticks April 6 - Ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetable, cole slaw, bread April 13 - Pulled BBQ chicken sandwich, chips, pickle spears, baked beans, potato salad Maundy Thursday, April 21 - Hotdish, salad, bread Thursdays, March 3 & April 28, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (No Thursday dinners during Lent) Prices: $6/adult, $18/family maximum Dinners include beverage and dessert Gathering Room March 3 - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, bread April 28 - Soup, sandwich, salad, chips Contact: Craig Rothfolk, crothfolk@calvary.org, 763.231.2959. Disabilities Ministry Calvary is a welcoming place to people with disabilities. To ensure that everyone can participate fully in worship, Calvary features wheelchair accessibility, large-print bulletins, large screens to display song lyrics and liturgy, assistive hearing devices to use in the Sanctuary, and an American Sign Language interpreter at 10 a.m. on the second Sundays. Need transportation? Do you qualify for Metro Mobility transportation? Request tickets from Judy, 763.595.9561. Fragrances Many people are sensitive to perfumes and colognes. Please refrain from wearing fragrances when you attend worship out of courtesy for others’ allergies. Gathering Grounds Enjoy café-like services in the Gathering Room every Sunday morning. Satisfy your sweet tooth with freshlybaked cookies, savory pastries and other delicious treats— all just 50 cents each. And, of course, get a great cup of coffee. On the first Sunday of the month, a hot breakfast is served for $5 per person. Holy Communion miscellaneous Calvary Center Cooperative Enjoy a carefree affordable senior lifestyle in the heart of Golden Valley. Features chef-prepared meals, recreational programs, social events and transportation for shopping. Contact: Calvary Center Cooperative, 763.544.1090. Calvary Early Childhood Located on our church premises, Calvary Early Childhood offers three educational/childcare options during the week for your young family. Our Childcare Center provides fulltime childcare (limited part-time) for infants through pre-K (visit calvary.org/childcare). Our Hourly Childcare offers short-term childcare—up to five hours daily—for toddlers and preschoolers (visit calvary.org/hourlychildcare). And our PreKindergarten specializes in pre-K programs with a Christian emphasis for ages 2-1/2 to 5 (visit calvary.org/pre-k). Children’s Safety To ensure that Calvary is as safe as possible for children, we ask that you share in that responsibility. A parent or guardian should accompany children up through grade 6 at all times, including their visits to restrooms and water fountains during worship. Please consider making such stops with your children prior to services. Columbarium A columbarium is a group of small compartments or “niches” designed to hold cremated remains. It’s a place of remembrance, contemplation, meditation and prayer. Plans for both an indoor and outdoor columbarium at Calvary are underway, and reservations are being taken. Contact: Jane Olson, 763.544.5965, calvary.org/columbarium. All baptized Christians are invited to the Lord’s Table. Children receive a blessing. Holy Communion and prayer time are offered weekly. Full Communion during worship services occurs on the first Sunday of the month. Hospital & Home Visits To inform Calvary of a hospitalization or to request a home visit, call 763.545.5659. Hospitals are no longer notifying churches when their members are admitted for care. Library Located on the north end of the building, the Calvary Library provides resources and support to individuals, classes, small groups and service groups. Whatever your need—personal growth, biblical history, etc.—we’re here to help you experience a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through the resources of our library. Swing by in March and April to check out the work of our featured author, Philip Yancey. Money Map Coaching Free one-on-one financial guidance with trained volunteer coaches—at no time will they try to sell anything. The coaching program involves reviewing a spending evaluation and getting help with balancing a budget. Contact Liz Turner, lturner@calvary.org, 763.231.2963. Moving or Snow Birds Please notify Lois Palmquist, 763.231.2985, if you are moving or planning on being gone through the winter months. Your contribution envelopes and Calvary Calls newspaper will be forwarded to your new place of residence. The U.S. Postal Services will not forward bulk mail. New Baby At Calvary, we care about God’s little ones and take joy in the arrival of each new baby born. If you have a new baby, contact Debby Bromander, 763.545.9042, hourlychildcare@ calvary.org. Interested in Baptism? See the “Family & Parenting” section. Continued on page 15 NEWS BRIEFS March/April 2011 Page 15 Calendar & Resources Think green: Celebrating an eco-friendly Calvary Continued from page 14 On April 22, people worldwide will celebrate Earth Day, an annual holiday that salutes eco-friendly living. New Member Gathering Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m., Gathering Room Monday, May 16, 6:30 p.m., Gathering Room You’ll hear from our pastors, learn more about our ministries, meet others who are seeking membership and, to top it all off, enjoy some delicious food! A children’s program and nursery are also provided. Contact: Pam Rathlisberger, prathlisberger@calvary.org, 763.231.2982. Nursery Available for Thursday evening and Sunday worship services. Radio & Online Listening The 10 a.m. service is broadcast live each week on radio station KKMS 980AM. Missed a sermon? Visit calvary.org to listen online or to download Podcasts. worship schedule Thursday 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel Contemporary Worship Sunday 8 a.m. in the Chapel Traditional Worship 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary Traditional Worship 10 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary Contemporary Worship (Live broadcast at 10 a.m. on KKMS 980AM Radio ) 11:15 a.m. in the Chapel Spanish-speaking Worship 5 p.m. in the Chapel …which begs the question, “Hey, what’s Calvary doing to be more ‘green’?” According to Craig Rothfolk, Calvary’s facilities director, Calvary is doing much more than one might expect. For example, for the past six years, Calvary has held a “mixed-use” recycling contract with Allied Waste Services. “Many of the things that used to go into the trash bins are now being recycled,” says Rothfolk. “Plus there’s no need to sort.” That means that a person can go to any one of the tall blue containers found throughout the building and get rid of all of his/her recyclables: different types of paper, aluminum/tin beverage cans, pop/water bottles and glass items. And what about the stuff that’s still trash? “We’re always looking for good earth-friendly products and new, cost-effective ways to recycle,” says Rothfolk. “Our next step is to get on Allied’s organic recycling route and compost our food waste, especially our coffee grounds.” Weekly waste management is just one of the areas in which Calvary has become more “green.” Additionally, Calvary has explored earth-friendly lighting options and biode- Calvary member Bruce Erickson visits one of Calvary’s “mixed-use” recycling bins. gradable plates and cups. And, in 2006, Calvary became a drop-off site for Whole Farm Coop (wholefarmcoop.com), which offers produce and other goods to anyone interested in buying from local known sources. “They have the best eggs in the world!” says Rothfolk. “And really good sauerkraut, too.” In other words, Calvary continues to take intentional steps in honoring and protecting the world God gave us. Like they say, every day is Earth Day… at Calvary! Journey (Modern Worship) A look back at Feed Haiti 2011 Celebrating our heroes in voluntarism, giving and prayer (L to R) Jason Morris, Dawn Dresser, Rachel Johnson, Sharon Stavrovich and Bruce Tracy were on site for every packing shift, volunteering their time and elbow grease to keep the whole operation running smoothly. For the third straight year, Calvary embarked on a giant test of faith: to fund and pack a million meals for Haiti through the MobilePack™ program of Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). And, once again, to accomplish such a grand goal, God was faithful in bringing together everything we needed, including a few special heroes among us… Heroes in voluntarism It took thousands of volunteers to make Feed Haiti 2011 happen, but a couple of people even took a week’s vacation to volunteer. Such was the case of Rachel Johnson and Bruce Tracy. They, along with Sharon Stavrovich, Jason Morris and Dawn Dresser, devoted their entire week to greeting people, climbing ladders, lifting boxes and taping up the pallets for shipping… all with a smile! bers to join them for a hot chocolate party, which raised $100.50 for Feed Haiti 2011. Tor, Stella and Haakon are now known as Calvary’s “Hot Cocoa Kids” and are among our heroes in giving. Many other Calvary members and friends worked several shifts to reach our packing goal. Well done, good and faithful servants— our heroes in voluntarism! Heroes in prayer New this time was a self-led, continuous prayer vigil in the Sanctuary. The vigil was comprised of interactive prayer stations focusing on four key challenges in Haiti: hunger, health, homelessness and hopelessness. Heroes in giving Feed Haiti also required our raising $190,000 to buy the raw materials. Once again, Calvary members were faithful in their giving… and creativity! Tor, Stella and Haakon Hanson raised For exam$100.50 for Feed Haiti 2011 through their neighborhood hot cocoa party. ple, the family of Keith and Kris Hanson printed invitations for neighbors, friends and other family mem- Calvary member Sharon Lindau collected Bible verses, book excerpts and other prayer helps for each station. Then Calvary’s Mission and Outreach team, Ruby Heiden and Dawn Dresser, brought the stations to life with props, candles and other elements to create a peaceful, prayerful ambience. It’s unknown just how many people passed through the vigil, but it’s clear that prayer was a critical factor in Feed Haiti’s success. Heroes for Haiti No matter the level of financial support or amount of time invested in Feed Haiti 2011, everybody can count themselves as heroes— heroes who took the desperate need of the Haitian people to great heart. Thank you to all those who helped make a million-meal difference… again! Calvary Lutheran Church 7520 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427 Church Office: 763.545.5659 www.calvary.org Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 1117 Chicken, veggies, soy, rice! Diane Seifert (left) and Myla Olson (right) were among thousands of volunteers who packed a million meals for Haiti in January. For more highlights from Feed Haiti 2011, see page 15. CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED March/April 2011 “Covenant” continued One family’s story of a promise kept and blessings received As Calvary’s sermon series on “Covenant” continues into March, you might be thinking, “Now how can I live in a spirit of ‘covenant’?” Take it from the Hensrud family—making the commitment is well worth it! In January 2007, Sharlene Hensrud decided she would “unplug” from her cell phone, computer, appointments, etc., on Wednesday each week. She also made a promise to take time for herself during the daytime and for her children and their families during the evening. And that’s how “Family Night” was born more than four years ago! “Our kids and their kids jumped on the idea, and we’ve been going strong ever since,” says Sharlene’s husband, John, who also serves as Calvary’s hospitality director. more than fun and convenience and fellowship. It’s an act of worship. “It’s made me think that this is what was meant by the admonition to ‘remember the sabbath day to keep it holy,’” reflects Sharlene. “God counsels us on how important it is to take a day of rest from whatever our normal daily pursuits may be to refresh and nurture our souls.” Over the years, many memories have been made around the Hensrud dinner table, but John especially remembers one special moment from their time together… “Our daughter-in-law once answered the question, ‘Where do you want to be 10 years from now?’ She said, ‘Right here.’ Don’t think I didn’t tear up.” In March, Calvary members will have the chance to create their own “convenants”— to commit to new ways of worshipping God, growing in faith and serving His people. As shown by the Hensrud family, a promise kept results in many blessings received. It’s no wonder why Family Night has become the Hensruds’ favorite night of the week. Sharlene & John Hensrud Nobody but Sharlene has to worry about “what’s for dinner” knowing that they’re getting a good home-cooked meal at their parents’/grandparents’ house. And Sharlene really enjoys trying new recipes and preparing the meals. But, to Sharlene, Family Night is about much The children and gandchildren of John and Sharlene Hensrud join their parents/grandparents for “Family Night” every Wednesday.