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Celebrating Aaron Looney: A Remarkable Journey at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in partnership with St. Olaf College.

Aaron Looney’s journey began with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, MN three years ago as a sophomore at St. Olaf College. From the beginning his passion for music, the arts, and learning were evident. For me personally, Aaron has been a lifesaver – and I have been so proud to mentor him and be part of his journey. 

The Mount Calvary community has observed immense growth, and engagement from Aaron.  We have been blessed by his presence and stand in awe of all that he has accomplished. We have witnessed talent blossom, confidence soar, and commitments deepen. Aaron is an inspiration and a true model of an “eager learner.” 

As Aaron prepares for new adventures, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and praise. His music, creativity, and leadership have become part of our worship, and his presence a cherished gift. We are proud of who he has become, and we eagerly anticipate the amazing things he will do in the years to come.

As we bid farewell to Aaron, we celebrate a final weekend on May 18 and 19, 2024 at Mount Calvary. On Saturday at 5:00pm he will present the prelude and postlude. On Sunday morning at 9:00 and 10:30am there will be a musical feast celebrating Aaron filled with festive hymns, trumpets, timpani, and the Chancel Choir with orchestra will present selections from ‘a new creation’ by René Clausen.  Join us as we celebrate Aaron – a young musician who has left an incredible mark on our hearts and souls.

Submitted By Jeremy Haug

Upcoming opportunities to hear Aaron:

Sunday, April 28 at 8:15pm – Senior Recital at St. Olaf College

Aaron Looney presents a senior organ recital at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN as part of his Bachelor of Church Music major degree requirements.   Free and open to the public.

St. Olaf College

Boe Memorial Chapel

1520 St. Olaf Avenue

Northfield, MN 55057

Sunday, May 5 at 4:00pm – Rising Stars of the Organ Featuring Aaron Looney with the Hamline Church Festival Chorus

Rising Stars of the Organ – Aaron Looney, Organist, with the Hamline Church Festival Chorus.   Aaron presents a recital showcasing his artistry and skill on Hamline’s Casavant Organ featuring music by Bach and movements from Vierne’s Symphony VI. The Hamline Church Festival Chorus joins Aaron for Rheinburger’s Stabat Mater in G minor and Brahms’ Geistliches Lied.   Free-will offering and open to the public. 

Hamline Church

1514 Englewood Ave

St. Paul, MN

Sunday, May 12 at 3:00pm – Organ Competition Winners Recital sponsored by TCAGO

AGO/Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists (RCYO) Winners Recital.  We are pleased to celebrate Trevor Good, 1st place and Aaron Looney, 2nd place winners from the July 2023 AGO/Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists held at Church of Saint Louis, King of France during the North Central AGO 2023 Regional Convention.  This recital is sponsored by the Twin Cities American Guild of Organists (TCAGO) at Gloria Dei Lutheran, St. Paul, MN.  Reception to follow.  Free and open to the public. 

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

700 Snelling Ave S

St. Paul, MN 55116

May 18 & 19 – Aaron Looney last Weekend Worship at Mount Calvary

We celebrate and appreciate Aaron Looney May 18 & 19 in his last weekend at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior, MN.  Festive hymns, and some pieces featuring Aaron at the organ on both Saturday and Sunday.  Additionally, on Sunday, May 19 at 9:00 and 10:30am the Chancel Choir and orchestra will present A New Creation by Rene’ Clausen.  

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

301 County Road 19

Excelsior, MN 55331

Hello Confirmation Families,  We are excited to see everyone again this Wednesday, April 12th at 6:15 sharp!  There is no large group this week, we are all meeting in Luther Hall for a Kairos Blanket Exercise.  Because of this, it is very important everyone is on time if not early! Our community is a rich tapestry of individual experiences woven with generations of historical threads and vibrant cultural colors. This Wednesday, our confirmation groups use an embodied reflection of history to connect with their personal stories and the stories of their community. The KAIROS Blanket Exercise will be a moving and reflective experience illustrating how history impacts individuals of generations to come and how we can best honor our stories and compassionately connect with the stories of others. Led by Intern Pastor Mark Abelsen, creative artist and nonprofit leader Sandy Agustin, and Director of Outreach, Heidi Busch, we will gather in Luther Hall for a large group experience kids are sure to remember. Be sure to ask them about it! We are also starting our Lutheran Social Services Donation Drive.  Mount Calvary along with LSS believes all young people should live in safe and healthy environments. More than 6,000 youth throughout Minnesota experience homelessness on any given night, according to a recent Wilder Foundation report. Each year, LSS of MN makes thousands of contacts and provides youth with the resources they need to launch into productive, healthy, and independent lives. They are committed to supporting youth to gain stability through early intervention and prevention services, supportive shelters and housing options, and services to restore and strengthen families. We can help by donating the following items…… * New Socks and Underwear * Mittens and Gloves * Full Size Shampoo and Conditioner (especially brands containing Shea Moisture)  * Razors & Shaving Cream * Tooth Brushes/ Toothpaste * Shelf- Stable Foods (Mac & Cheese/ Ramen)  * Granola Bars or Snacks * Hand Warmers * Diapers- Size 3 and Larger * Baby Wipes * Educational Toys * $ 10 Gift Cards McDonalds, Perkins & Denny’s (open all night places)  Please bring items this Wednesday, April 12th and Wednesday, April 19th.     Important Dates:   April 19th: Many Hands Many Meals Serve your Heart out Packing Event!  8th Grade Small Group VINE NIGHTS: During the dates below your 8th Grader with head downstairs right away at 6:15-8:30.  From there they will participate in the Vine with their small group.  Their leaders will be there to help facilitate.  Dinner is provided.  Evan is so excited to get to know all you!! 8*5 Trombley/ Nelson April 26th 8*7 Anderson April 26th 8th Grade Important Dates:  May 3rd 8th grade Picture and Rehearsal Night May 10th  Stole Making Night  May 19th Mentoring Sessions Reflections and Final Projects due  May 19th  Finale Night May 21st  Rite of Confirmation Sunday Night 4:30-6:30 Middle School youth group with Evan Lieber have some fun events lined up check them out………     We are looking forward to the final stretch of the year with all of you! Have a wonderful week! God Bless, Andrea Fieldhouse Griner Trina Volbrecht  Evan Lieber  Ketti Spehar  Copyright © 2023 Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, All rights reserved. You have registered for Confirmation at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Our mailing address is: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church 301 County Road 19 Excelsior, MN 55331-3050 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Join the Mount Calvary R.A.C.E. team in courageous conversations around select episodes of “Seeing White,” a 14-episode podcast that explores how humans created race, how American slavery contributed to our current understanding of race, and the ways in which the subjectivity of whiteness influenced laws. 

Take time to listen to selected episodes (and the previous episodes if you so choose) and come ready to seek discernment through curiosity, questions, and conversation. We will take time to reflect on how the church was present, or not, in this history; what shifts we experience in our perspective, if any; and how we feel called to react. Come to any or all of the sessions.

Saturday, June 4, 6:15:  Made in America  Episode 3

Upcoming Events: July 17, 11:45am and August 10, 6:30pm