State of the Church – Sept 2018

STATE OF THE CHURCH

This month I am sending out two invitations via this letter. Both are directly related to sharing information about our church, both involve your participation, and both are quite painless (you might even enjoy them!).

Invitation #1
Our Mount Calvary Annual Meeting is scheduled for October 7 at 11:45am and I would like to encourage everyone to attend. This is a great opportunity to get updated on the status of our church and to hear about some of our most recent activities. You will also get to meet your church council members, some of whom joined the council within the past year. If you use any of the church services or contribute in any way, you should plan to join us for this important meeting.

Invitation #2
Each month as I prepare to write my article about the state of the church, I think I should instead be asking the congregation how our church is doing. I never forget that this is your church, and the council and staff are working on your behalf. So, it really is important to ask you … how is the state of the church? Are we providing the programming that you want/need? Are we staffed appropriately to execute our programs? Are there any “gaps” that should be filled? Are we doing the right stuff?

I fully expect that there are not any glaring issues or shortfalls because we have not made any major or controversial changes that would lead to such a situation. But often there are ways we can improve which might not be obvious to those of us on the front lines. We fielded a survey to the entire congregation in 2016 and found that we were doing quite well in most areas, but as expected, we learned that we could do a few things differently and better. These are the “gems” that are so valuable in helping us to continually improve what we do. It might be time soon for another survey, but in the meantime I invite everyone to keep the council informed about the state of our church from your perspective as a member of the congregation. Please reach out to me at CouncilPresident@MountCalvary.org with any ideas, comments or suggestions that you would like to share.
Mike Kasprick
Council President

Vacation Bible School at Mount Calvary

This year we spent a week on the Rolling River learning about the Adventure, Acceptance, Joy, and Grace we find on the river with Jesus. The whole crew learned the Bible Verse: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2.

While the weather was a challenge for our first two days, we persevered and finally enjoyed the outdoors for the second half of the week. Art projects, singing, dancing, learning about the “Animals Nobody Loves”, and playing all kinds of games like Capture the Flag, Noodle Tag, Ships Across the Ocean and even some Bingo.

We celebrated the end of the week with a big Slip-n-Slide and a large Inflatable Obstacle Course! The week was a big success with over 150 Campers and 65 Youth Counselors and Volunteers. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Abundant Life

I came that you may have life and have it abundantly! – Jesus

I have long loved this passage from John 10 and enjoyed preaching and pondering upon its meaning. I have also found that there is confusion and widely divergent interpretations on what comprises this abundant life that Jesus is offering. My hope always is that the change of pace in summer can provide a time to reflect both upon what typically fills your life and what makes life fulfilling. While Jesus is clearly speaking about the fullness of life in relationship with Him and awash in grace, there are times we convince ourselves that abundance is found in more of what we desire most. That, however, is often not true. Here is what I have learned:

A life filled full is not always a life fulfilled. A calendar filled full means nothing in and of itself, but it is the nurturing of relationships, the times of discovery and growth, the going beyond yourself and your needs to serve and know others that will cause your cup to overflow with goodness and mercy. It is the empty spaces on your calendar…the places of rest, play, Sabbath and quiet…that God often uses to equip and prepare you to see and discover abundant life. The absence of empty spaces on your calendar is a threat to abundance AND life.
Strange things happen to one’s attitude and outlook when life is filled with an overabundance of activity or things. We develop a mindset of scarcity. We become focused on what we don’t have, what others have, how to protect and conserve what we do have (at all costs), and we start behaving with growing resentment, arrogance, self-righteousness, and ignorance. The heart turns inward and we can’t see the forest, let alone the trees.

The abundant life Jesus described for us is filled with paradoxes: a) a joy that is not dependent on our being happy b) a love that is not dependent on being lovable c) a hope that grows stronger in the face of adversity d) a faith that is not afraid of but grows through doubts and e) a wealth and a richness that comes from giving away, letting go, and laying down one’s life for others. As a matter of fact, sometimes, it is the pursuit of happiness that robs us of joy. The avoidance of risk and adversity that cheapens hope. The practice of being loving only towards someone when we like them that makes relationships thin and fragile. And the fear of honestly admitting doubts that makes a mockery of faith. And sometimes, it is our gathering in, hanging on to, and focus on the unholy trinity of me, myself and I that makes us truly poor.

My prayer for you this summer and always is that, regardless of circumstance and happenstance, you create spaces for sabbath and worship, reflection and celebration and dig deeper into what the abundant life Jesus offers leads you towards and brings you joy.

Blessings and peace!

(Pastor Dave’s favorite definition of “abundance”: what a hamburger does at its high school prom.)
Pastor Dave

Where will our dreams take us?

We hope you are reading this in the comfort of your favorite space with your favorite beverage and you feel especially thankful for what we hope is your favorite church! Mount Calvary is a favorite space for many. It is filled with people who come here to love and serve others. It is filled with giggles and tears. It is filled with dreams of making our world a better place, one action at a time.

Throughout the years our members’ dreams and actions have shaped our space. In 1965, members dreamed of investing in education. Their dreams built the Education Wing and later launched our Preschool. In 1988, members dreamed of a strong community church with more room for everyone to worship. Those dreams built our current Sanctuary and later bequeathed it with modern technology. In 1999, members dreamed of welcoming more friends and neighbors. They built our Atrium, Luther Hall, office space and parking lot. Today the parking lot is a shared space for the whole community.

The dreams of our members have shaped our current architecture. We intentionally designed our atrium to be round and welcoming, with open windows to the sky. We added a Columbarium, thoughtfully placed to be at the center of all our activities. We positioned our Welcome Center to be readily identified by visitors, so they can navigate our building with ease. We’ve added signs and maps, all with the objective of directing people through our loved, but 80-year-old building. Last year, thanks to the success of our Mission Forward Campaign, we were able to remodel and relocate our restrooms to provide convenience for members and to increase the safety of our Mount Calvary Preschool.

The dreams of Mount Calvary members have blown the winds of change through our building since before 1945. Where will our dreams take us next? We want Mount Calvary guests to feel the grace, love, and inclusiveness that pulse throughout our building. We want everyone that walks in our doors to feel a sense of belonging.

What can YOU do to make Mount Calvary a better place? We dream of providing more space for our growing community. Our plans include tearing down the coat room and creating more space in the atrium. Take a look at the photo below. Our dreams shaped these plans, and when guests walk through the doors, they’ll be greeted with hospitality and clarity of where their destination is. Our newly-created space will promote warm, casual gatherings of friends, and conversation around tables.

Please take a moment to look at the all in Campaign video and web page. We have big dreams. We need everyone to do something – whatever you can. To make our goals over the next three years possible, we need everyone to be all in!

Foundation News

Mount Calvary Foundation Board members have had the privilege and pleasure of working with Ross McGlasson over his many years of leading the Foundation. Ross was instrumental in the establishment of the Foundation in 1989. He was a member of the Foundation’s first Board of Directors. After getting the Foundation up and running, Ross took a break to attend to the numerous other community activities he has participated in and led. Fortunately, in 2002, Ross returned to the Foundation Board and shortly thereafter took over as its President. The Foundation has been in “good hands.” To state the obvious, Ross McGlasson has many talents. He is smart, he is committed, he has ideas, he is straightforward, he has a sense of humor, he shows up, and most importantly, he is effective.

As a result of Ross’ leadership and stewardship, and the generosity of many in our church congregation, the assets of the Foundation have increased from approximately $190,000 in 2002 when Ross returned to the Board to more than $650,000 today. The Foundation has budgeted and is positioned to make grants in excess of $30,000 this year to support programs at the church, in the greater community, and internationally. Earlier this year, the Foundation Board reluctantly permitted Ross to step down as its President. There were ten no votes and only one yes vote on the resolution. Nevertheless, for some reason the one yes vote prevailed. However, this change came with an essential condition – Ross is continuing as a member of the Foundation Board. We are still in “good hands.”

Ross, the members of the Foundation Board, all current and former board members, thank you for your commitment and guidance in leading the Foundation’s efforts for 16 years. You have been invaluable. We are pleased – extremely pleased – that your active participation and guidance will be continuing.

Epiphany Gallery – Featured Artist, Kate Patten

For the month of June, Epiphany Gallery was full of color! Minnetonka student and photographer, Kate Patten, was our student showcase artist this spring! On June 7, she graduated with an International Baccalaureate diploma and completed a senior capstone project as part of her course of study. In the fall she will be attending DePaul University in Chicago. She loves the urban campus and is excited to take a variety of classes to see what interests her most!

The Patten family moved to Minnesota when Kate was in 5th grade. She started Mount Calvary’s confirmation program when she was in 6th grade and after being confirmed Kate began attending our high school youth ministry, The Vine. She’s served on many mission trips, is a small group leader at The Vine, and this year, and volunteered to lead games each week! Kate’s contribution and commitment to our youth ministry has been a constant and joyful gift! She will be missed, but we pray God’s blessings for her as she takes this next step in her life!

About the exhibit:
“When I decided I wanted to do Capstone, my project idea was an easy decision to make. I wanted to explore how color can affect the mood and reception of a photo and overall what each color can represent and how it is used in everyday life,” explains Kate.

For her project, she worked with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet and photographed images highlighting those colors, one color at a time, during the two-week project period. Her friends volunteered to be models as they went out in search of color. The result is a beautiful rainbow of creativity and connection! After creating the photographs, Kate researched and describes what each color is typically known to emote and represent. For us, every color is pure joy!

 

Preschool News for June

June 5th was an exciting day at the Mount Calvary Preschool! Students dressed in their nicest outfits to show off their school to family and friends. First came graduation! The older students wore mortarboard graduation caps and received diplomas to show how much they have learned. We know all those new Kindergartners will make us proud.

Then came our end-of-year program! Our audience was treated to a concert of songs we learned this year, including a special song written just for us, by Cheryl Natt. Our program was followed by a sugar cookie reception in the church narthex. We had such fun hosting our special guests. Now, here comes summer!

The 2018 program was the last one for two of our wonderful, preschool teachers. After many years of dedicated service, Kathy Studer and Dianne Wichterman will be retiring this spring. Thank you so much, Ladies!  You have been such a gift to us. We wish you so much happiness in your new adventures, and we sure hope you will come back to visit us once in a while.

Ben Abrahamson’s Ukulele Ensemble

Have you ever thought you wanted to try playing the ukulele? No? Well neither had I, but all that changed when I met and talked with Ben Abrahamson. Ben is the guitar and ukulele instructor at the Mount Calvary Academy of Music, and his enthusiasm for the ukulele is so contagious that now I am thinking I have to try it.

Ben has been devoted to the arts since he was an elementary student at Bancroft in Minneapolis. He continued his studies at St. Paul Academy, and then Macalester College, where he earned his BA in Music. From an early age, he was especially drawn to jazz and flamenco guitar stylings. In fact, his love for flamenco led him to study at theTaller de Musics school of music in Barcelona.

Ben is offering two ukulele ensemble classes at The Mount Calvary Academy of Music this summer – one for kids, one for adults. I asked Ben about the typical student. “Usually the kids are starting from scratch” he told me, “but adults can range anywhere from beginner to advanced.” Students might be retirees that want to learn a new skill, or people who maybe once played the instrument, but haven’t picked it up in a long time.

The ukulele is fun, and not as serious as guitar, Ben told me. You can count on ukulele players to have a good time. “All you need are three or four chords, and you can jam with friends,” he says.

What can be really cool, Ben says, is when a young person takes the youth ensemble class and a parent or grandparent takes the adult class at the same time. Playing in a group teaches people to listen to one another and interact with one another. These ensembles provide a great opportunity for players of varying ages and abilities to have fun learning to play together.

Ukulele Classes

Youth Ensemble

For Ages 9-12

When:  Monday-Friday, July 16-20, 2018 10:00am—11:30am

Tuition:  $125 plus $5 registration fee

Adult Ensemble

Monday-Friday, July 16-20, 2018 12:00pm—1:30pm

Tuition:  $125 plus $5 registration fee

If you would like to know more about ukulele ensembles, guitar lessons, or any of the other Mount Calvary Academy of Music offerings, please visit our Web site, www.mcaom.org, or email Mary Lechelt at mary.lechelt@mountcalvary.org.

 

 

The Inviting Church

Hospitality and welcome are frequent topics of discussion and focus for congregations like Mount Calvary. What is a visitor’s first impression when entering the atrium? The sanctuary? Does the bulletin assist visitors in navigating our worship? Are our members friendly and warm towards strangers and unfamiliar faces? Do our sermons and prayers reflect the hospitality and grace of Jesus? And, similarly, do our members experience warmth, welcome and gracious hospitality as strongly or stronger than they did years ago?  When we go offsite to do mission projects, do we show the compassion, humility and neighborliness of Jesus? These are important questions that always call out something more and something better from all of us. 

Hospitality and welcome are not just concerns for paid staff, but for all our members. I hope that whenever you gather here or represent Mount Calvary out in the community, you are considering the face you put forward to others. Do you make time for the stranger?  Do you greet and encourage and invite others into those things that matter to you? Do you represent Jesus and his teachings about open tables, open arms and open communities that are sanctuaries of grace? These are important questions that always call out something more and something better from all of us.

How many neighbors and friends have you invited to come be a part of our fellowship and mission? I would like to encourage and raise the bar of expectation for all of us. I want you to commit to inviting and welcoming others to worship with us, come to a Bible or study class, participate in our youth or confirmation programs, or check out what we are about in mission and see if it fits them. Instead of “wondering” about that neighbor you haven’t seen at church for a while, call them.  Ask them to join you at something or go for coffee. I also want you to be evangelists: tell the story of our outreach ministries: invite someone to join you at a packing event of Many Hands Many Meals; tell parents of preschoolers about the best Preschool in these western suburbs with our team of teachers who have a higher degree of licensure, training, and experience than any other and who have a passion for children;  tell a neighbor about our Academy of Music and encourage youth and adults to sign up for lessons…it’s a program that other congregations locally and nationally are seeking to replicate.

Hospitality is just another form of generosity and care. It is grace in action. It is sharing what you value with another and inviting them into this place where the Holy Spirit inspires and stirs up. Ask, seek, and knock…on your neighbor’s door! You will be surprised how many wonder what took you so long.

Your neighbor, 

Pastor Dave

 

 

 

His House – June

We usually write in this space about your wonderful donations or items that we need. Today I’m writing about how your wonderful donations make an impact in the lives of our neighbors.

We are working with Carver County in a food rescue program. Food that would be thrown out is recovered from restaurants and events and delivered to families that have a barrier getting to the food shelf.

In May we got a call from a single mother with 5 children. Mom works full time but doesn’t have a car. She rides to work with her co-worker. So, when she was out of food and had no way to get to the food shelf and no money to get to the grocery store she called His House for help.

His House had just received a large food donation from a church event. Our volunteers were able to pick it up and deliver it immediately to the family.

This is the same story over and over again. Whether it’s food, a mattress, a sofa, or clothes that your kids have outgrown, we know neighbors who are happy to receive these items. Yes, leftover food is on this list. After the community meal we help Chris Anderson redistribute the leftovers to families that couldn’t get to the meal but are still hungry.

So thank you for all the wonderful donations given to His House and RAK. We love sharing with our neighbors whatever God has blessed us with in our bin in the atrium of Mount Calvary, or in the kitchen refrigerator after a community meal.

Martha Brannon
His House/RAK