October2017-letter

October 2017
Available on our website:
www.mountcalvary.org
NEXT ISSUE:
November 2017
THE CALLER
GOD’S STORY WRITTEN ON THE SOUL OF A GRUMPY MONK
500 years ago this October, a German monk with a newly
discovered understanding of God’s grace and a growing
dissatisfaction with the legalism of the institutional Church
could not stay silent. While his initial hope might have been
to start an honest debate and conversation, it quickly
escalated into something more. His was not the first voice
calling for a reformation of theology and policy, nor would
it be the last. But his influence was undeniable. Even today,
a poll of German people on the most popular person in Germany history chose Martin
Luther second only to Konrad Adenauer, the man who helped Germany rebuild after the
second world war. His influence not only led to a Reformation of the Church, it led to the
development of German language, politics and culture. His belief that communities had a
responsibility to care for the poor in their midst led him to pioneer the idea of “the
community chest,” public education and literacy for all, and the understanding that every
baptized child of God stands on a level playing field with priest, pope and prince in the eyes
of God.
Martin Luther believed that the story that God had written on the world and the stories
preserved for us in Scripture belonged to all. He translated the Bible into the language of
the people despite the threats from church authorities who believed the only ‘sacred’
languages were Hebrew, Greek and Latin. A belief among the religious hierarchy that
happened to be self-serving as the only ones who learned such languages were the priests
and the privileged elites. Luther also believed music in worship was critical to bringing the
Gospel story to life, saying "Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest
treasure in the world. It controls our hearts, minds and spirits. A person who does not
regard music as a marvelous creation of God does not deserve to be called a human being;
he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and the grunting of hogs!”
He was known to be blunt and opinionated! He also pioneered the idea of equipping
parents to teach the basics of faith to their children in the home through use of his “Small
Catechism.”
To be sure, Martin Luther and those who came to be called Lutherans are far from perfect.
Sadly, Luther bought into the cultural Anti-Semitism of his day and it continued to have
ramifications throughout history. At times, there have been those among us who show
remarkable intolerance and arrogance when considering other Christian and faith traditions.
So, when we prepare for worship or for communion with a confession of sin, things we
have done and left undone, it has and should have the powerful ring of truth. We are, as are
all, grace-dependent, grace-saved, and grace-sent into the world. We are far from perfect,
but we know God’s grace to be persistent and pervasive in its power to reform, renew and
reshape us. That conviction, written on the soul of a grumpy monk named Martin, changed
the world. That conviction also led the great Lutheran composer Johann Sebastian Bach to
append his musical creations with the words, “Soli deo Gloria!” To God alone be the glory!
Luther and the Lutherans. Perfect or preeminent? Not a chance. But in this 500th
anniversary year a little bit proud? Without a shadow of a doubt.
Pastor Dave
1

State of the Church
SAM SENIOR
ADULT MINISTRY
Reformation Service
October 25 at 11:00am
Celebrating the 500th
Anniversary of the
Reformation – Staff Choir
will sing special music
Lunch will follow the
service
Demystifying Islam
November 8
11:30 AM – Coffee &
Conversation
12:00 Lunch
1:00pm - Program
Demystifying Islam
Cost: $10
Named “World Class
Peacekeeper” by the Star
Tribune, Hanadi
Chehabeddine, a Lebaneseborn
journalist, public
speaker, and bridge builder
between Muslim and non-
Muslim communities, will
share her inspirational,
personal and professional
experiences.
PASSING OF THE PRESIDENT'S TORCH
Hello! While I appreciate having this opportunity to introduce myself to the Mount Calvary
congregation, I also need to say a goodbye…to Doug Affinito as the outgoing Council
President. Thankfully, Doug will still be on our Council so we’re not losing his wisdom,
leadership and sharp sense of humor! Thanks, Doug, for all the time and effort you have
contributed over the past three years as you led our Council with such skill and passion!
As I was preparing this message, I was also delivering my daughter to Northwestern University
near Chicago to start her first year of college. Another goodbye that I had to face, and
admittedly a bit harder than my goodbye to Doug (I think Doug will understand). I began to
realize that we face many “goodbyes” on a fairly regular basis, but thankfully there is typically
another “hello” in close proximity. With my daughter, I get to say hello to a young woman who
is now beginning a great new journey of independence, growth and excitement. Similarly, as we
say goodbye to Doug, I now have the opportunity to say hello to many more of you in my new
role as your Council President.
I am truly excited about this transition! Having been on the Council for the past couple of years,
I have not only gained respect for our leadership team and the great job they’ve done guiding
our church through some significant initiatives such as the Mission Forward implementation,
I’ve also seen firsthand the strength of the strategic path that has been established for the years
ahead. Mount Calvary really is unique. It has a personality that stands alone! As you heard from
Doug last month, we explored the “why are we,” which resulted in a set of four defining Pillars:
Grace, Inclusion, Love and Service. These Pillars are unique to our church and they provide the
guidance and justification…the “why”…for everything we do. The programs range from our
support for local families via programs such as Families Moving Forward, to underscoring the
reasons for our commitment to global partnerships in areas such as Haiti and Nigeria. You will
be hearing more about these Pillars in the near future, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, please find me before or after an upcoming service and say Hello!
Mike Kasprick,
Church Council President
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION CLASSES
Sundays, November 5 and November 12 from 11:30am-1:30pm. Welcome services are held the
weekend of November 18/19.
If you have just started attending Mount Calvary, or have been attending for quite a while, and
are interested in becoming a member, we invite you to join our New Member classes. During
the class you will hear from various staff speakers, take a tour of the church and get to know
other new members. A light lunch is served and childcare is provided. For more information
contact Lori Wright at lori.wright@mountcalvary.org.
Please sign up at the
Welcome Desk or by
emailing SAM
@mountcalvary.org.
2

SERVICE TIMES
AT A GLANCE
Wednesday 6:15pm –
The Current
Pastor Dave, Pastor Aaron and our
amazing youth lead worship for
confirmands and their families,
high schoolers, and the young-atheart.
Saturdays 5:00pm
Join us Saturdays for an informal
service of song and sacrament
focused on community in
communion with one another.
Mark Abelsen on piano leads the
Saturday Worship Band.
Sundays 8:00am
Join us for a Traditional Service of
Holy Communion. For early risers
looking for a worship experience
that offers something a little more
familiar/traditional and without the
busyness of our later services –this
is the place for you! Using a
familiar liturgy from our green
hymnal (complete with chanting),
we welcome you to this lovely
service of contemplation,
peacefulness and restoration where
you will be fed with music,
proclamation, praise and holy
communion each week. There is
plenty of parking and time with
pastors and staff too.
Sundays 9:00 & 10:30am
As we begin a new program year,
we welcome everyone back with a
fresh, new liturgy created by the
worship team. Music is led by
Principal Organist Jeremy Haug,
Mount Calvary choirs, instrumental
ensembles, and soloists.
Communion is offered and nursery
is available at all weekend worship
services every week.
Sat/Sun, September 30/October 1
Sermon: Pastor David Olson
Text: Matthew 21:23-32
Music: Mount Calvary Bells (9/10:30)
Sat/Sun, October 7/8
Sermon: Pastor David Olson
Text: Matthew 21:33-46
Music: Chancel Choir (9/10:30)
Sat/Sun, October 14/15
Sermon: Pastor Brenda Legred
Text: Acts 8:26-70
Music: Cantate Choir (9/10:30)
Sat/Sun, October 21/22
Sermon: Pastor Aaron David Werner
Text: Matthew 22:15-22
Music: Chamber Choir (9/10:30)
Worship, Music & Learning
WORSHIP IN OCTOBER
UPCOMING EVENTS AT MOUNT CALVARY
Wed, October 25
Mid-Week Worship at 11am with lunch
following
Sermon: Pastor Lane Doerring
Music: Staff Choir
Sat/Sun, October 28/29
Reformation – 500 Years!
Sermon: Pastor Brenda Legred
Text: John 8:31-36
Music: All Mount Calvary Music
Ensembles (5/9/10:30)
Director: Doug Affinito
Assistant Director: Andrew Scipioni
Performances
Thursday-Saturday, October 12-14 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 15 at 2:00pm
Pre-Show
Early 1900s Excelsior History Talk presented by the
Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society –
30 minutes prior to each show
Tickets
Don’t wait too long. Tickets are going quickly!
Adults $15
Students $5
Groups (10 or more) $12.50 each
Season Ticket VIP Ticket Packages
($75 – 1 package / $135 – 2 packages)
Available online at www.theatre301.org or call 952-474-8893 x301
Into the Woods Auditions are FULL!
A waiting list is available.
Monday & Tuesday, October 16 & 17 5:00-10:00pm
Callbacks—Wednesday, October 18, 6:30pm
Please email our director, Mike Tober, at michaeldavidtober@gmail.com to be put on
our waiting list. Include in your email:
- Headshot
- Resume
- Audition date(s) & time(s) availability
- Role(s) Interested in
3

Adult Ministries and Benevolence
"LINKED IN PRAYER"
Dear Father in Heaven,
send light...
light to illumine
the dark corners
where I cannot see.
send wisdom...
wisdom to guide me
through these days
into the unknown.
VOLUNTEER FOR THE 2017 PACK-A-THON!
Sign up is now open! Bring your friends and family to scoop, seal and pack meals
during our annual Many Hands Many Meals pack-a-thon, which will be November
10-11 at Mount Calvary. We plan for the meals to go to those affected by recent
hurricanes. Our distribution team is working out details to ship meals to those in
need.
We need more than 1,000 volunteers over the weekend, including team leaders, who
help oversee the packing stations, and others willing to help on the equipment and
supply teams. For more information, please visit mh-mm.org and view the SignUp
Genius links for open shifts. See you there!
send strength...
strength to enable me
to handle the special needs
of these trying days.
send friends...
friends who comfort and
understand,
who uphold me
with their love and
prayers.
send peace...
Your special peace,
to bring a sense of calm
to my whole being.
I thank You, Lord,
for light and wisdom,
strength and friends,
and for Your peace.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Corinne (Nilsen) Peterson
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
We are beginning to take donations for this year’s winter clothing drive. As usual,
we will be supplying clothing to families from our Community Meal, the local
community, and most of the area schools. In addition, we will again be helping our
partner church, Gethsemane Lutheran in Minneapolis, by providing winter clothing
for many of their members and neighbors. If you would like to help, please bring
your new or gently used winter clothing to our atrium display or the church office.
Specific items needed this year, for all ages, are: hats, gloves/mittens, snow pants,
jackets, boots, warm socks, and scarves. If you have any questions or would like to
help, contact Chris Anderson at chris.anderson@mountcalvary.org.
LITCHICKS
Ladies, if you love to read, please join us for LitChicks! It is a fun and easy book
club for women. We meet every other month on the second Thursday from
7:00-8:30pm in the Fireside Room. Anyone is welcome to come to any meeting,
and no commitment is needed— just come when you can. More information is
under our listing in the Small Groups section of the Mount Calvary website.
On November 9, 2017, we will discuss Homegoing by Yaa Gyaasi. This multiple
award-winning book begins in the late 17th century with half-sisters from
Ghana. One sister remains in Africa; the other is taken into slavery and sent to
America. The author follows these sisters and their descendants through the
centuries up to the present day. Described as epic and intimate, lyrical and
ambitious, this debut novel will impress you with its scope and humanity.
4

Children, Youth and Families
MOUNT CALVARY ACADEMY OF MUSIC
Mentoring students in musical skill and sensitivity as a means of
personal development, creative expression and service.
FALL TERM PRIVATE LESSONS are offered through Tuesday,
December 19. Enrollment is always open! Group lessons or private
lessons are offered on piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, percussion,
string, and woodwind instruments. Suzuki violin for ages 3.5 and
up is also offered. All ages are encouraged to consider lessons,
whether beginners or brushing up on lessons from years ago!
October Performance Opportunity
Saturday, October 28 in Studio 207
10:00am Piano Salon
11:00am Strings Salon
For students, their friends, and teachers only! Come hear and meet other Academy
students on your instrument. Led by instructor, Salons are performance events to build
peer relationships between studios and offer additional performance opportunities.
Refreshments, conversation, and listening skills, are all a part of this informal gathering!
Upcoming Performance
Sunday, December 3 - Holiday Strings in the Atrium between services
Saturday, December 16 at 3:00 & 7:00pm and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 & 5:00pm
– Recitals in Heritage Hall
Inform your teacher and Mary (mary.lechelt@mountcalvary.org) if you would like to
perform!
It’s easy to enroll online. Visit our website at www.mcaom.org or call 952-474-8893, ext.
111 (Mary) or ext 116 (Jill) with questions. Email mary.lechelt@mountcalvary.org
NEW THIS FALL! Private
Acting Lessons!
Instructor Kalli Anderson
Biographies of all our impressive
instructors can be found on our
website at www.mcaom.org.
Our instructors come from
across the Twin Cities area and
perform with the Minnesota
Orchestra, teach at area colleges,
are active leaders in professional
local music education
organizations and are highly
skilled, experienced music
educators and performers. We
all teach with the mission to
mentor our students in musical
skill & sensitivity – all ages!
From an Academy violin student
mom....Spectacular teacher!
5

Children, Youth & Families
6
REMINDER:
There is
no Sunday School
October 21/22
due to
MEA break.
SATURDAY SCHOOL
Saturdays, 5:00-6:00pm
This hour is centered
around acceptance, love,
prayer experiences, songs,
art, and other Bible
activities. It will be led by
seasoned adults to help
provide the most nurturing
environment. Come give it
a try and experience God’s
big story, and more
importantly, his love.
EPIPHANY GALLERY CALL FOR ART!
“God’s Story Written on the World.” What a story that
is! It is one story made up of so many stories! It is a story
that will go on forever and ever! The fall focus of this
theme is, “We Love to Tell the Story.” Epiphany Gallery
provides space to tell the story. We want to tell it
through your artistic vision. We are extending a Call for
Art to invite you to show us where and how you see
God’s Story Written on the World. We believe God is
everywhere so his story must be everywhere too. The
Call for Art is wide open for you to show us God’s Story!
As you have seen in the gallery, we have a hanging system to display framed work. We also
have display cases to exhibit three-dimensional work. Epiphany Gallery is ready to show what
you have to share!
If you are interested in participating in this exhibit, please email a photograph of your work
with details and dimensions to Epiphany.gallery@mountcalvary.org. The exhibit will be filled
on a first-to-reply basis. We do hope to have room for everyone but please respond no later
than Saturday, October 14. You are welcome to submit one to three pieces. The exhibit will
be on display from October 25 until November 27. We are so excited for our first Call for Art
and the opportunity to meet you and see your work!
Details, details: all art must be framed with a wire on back for hanging from the wall system.
Frames with glass should not be heavier than 20 pounds. Overall size for any hanging pieces
should be no larger than 30”x40.” Three-dimensional pieces must fit on shelf size 16”w by
14”d by 15”h. If you have jewelry to display, please provide a stand. Submit entries by
Saturday, October 14. Art drop-off dates will be Saturday, October 21 through Monday,
October 24. All art must be picked up on Tuesday, November 28 and Wednesday,
November 29.
2017 FAIR TRADE FAIR COMING IN NOVEMBER
Saturday November 18th and Sunday morning November 19th
This fair will be a little different, you will pay each vendor at their tables. Each vendor
will donate a portion of their sales to the following projects: Vamos Scholarships
provides competitive scholarships for Hispanic students in the Eastern Carver County
School District. In 2017 Vamos provided 9 scholarships. They hope to double the
scholarships in 2018. The other project will be to start a fund for the construction of a
modern school and hostel for the Deaf at the Lutheran Church of Christ Deaf Center
in Jimeta, Nigeria. The money raised this year will be used for project design and
planning. We hope that this project will become a Minneapolis Area Synod and ELCA
sponsored project. At this time it is sponsored by Jay Johnson in the United States and
Lilly Karup in Denmark.

Children, Youth & Families
PRESCHOOL
We have officially kicked off our 2017-2018 school year! We want to welcome Dana
Donnay and Cheri Phillips to our staff. The teachers are excited to get to know their new
students and share their love of Jesus, children, and learning. A special thank you to Cheryl
Natt for the beautiful photo props that reflect our classroom bug names.
CONFIRMATION
CORNER
October Highlights
Friday, October 13 -
Sunday, October 15
7th Grade Retreat to Luther
Park Danbury WI. Leave
church at 6:15pm Friday
evening and return at
2:00pm Sunday afternoon.
Deadline to sign-up is
Wednesday, October 11.
Wednesday, October 18
NO CONFIRMATION
(MEA break)
Friday, October 27 -
Sunday, October 29
8th Grade Retreat to Luther
Park, Danbury, WI. Leave
church at 6:15pm Friday
evening and return at
2:00pm Sunday afternoon.
Deadline to sign-up is
Wednesday, October 25
LOOKING AHEAD
Wednesday, November
22, 7:00pm
Pie Feast and
Thanksgiving Eve Service
7th Grade families donate
the pies.
6th Graders and families
serve the pies that night.
More information will be
sent out in early November.
For questions about
Confirmation contact
Brenda Lund at
952-474-8893, ext. 118 or
email brenda.lund
@mountcalvary.org.
7

Making, Building Up & Sending Out Disciples of Jesus Christ
Bill Nilsen continued
Bill’s leadership skills prevailed
at the newly formed Mount
Calvary as well. I got to know
him after his retirement. By
then, Dr. Don Draayer was the
superintendent and the school
district continued to grow and
prosper. Bill was active on the
Gifts and Memorials
Committee, the forerunner of
the Foundation. His visionary
thinking was instrumental
throughout the church. The
newer stained-glass windows in
the sanctuary, the ones depicting
communion, baptism and the
Holy Spirit descending upon
Mount Calvary were a project of
his committee. Later, he was
instrumental in the installation
of our wonderful pipe organ.
That committee consisted of
many members, mostly
musicians, that led that
movement.
Remember, in the early years of
the Foundation, when we were
trying to build the principal
endowment fund, there were no
grants to be given. Bill’s
hallmark was that money for
capital improvements had to be
raised ahead of time. Bill was a
master at fundraising. We have
much to be thankful for because
of Bill.
Information submitted by Ross
McGlasson, Don Draayer, &
Corinne (Nilsen) Peterson: 2017
WHO WAS BILL NILSEN?
This is a departure from the typical monthly
activities at your Foundation. We are installing
a stone bench, small altar and planters in front
of the Columbarium. The plan is to make the
area more spiritual. We are also hosting an
informal dinner for members of the Tartu
Academy in Estonia. It is scheduled for
October 9. Look for details in the bulletin.
The headline is about history that I think we should all know. It is about Bill Nilsen, a
member of the Excelsior Lutheran Church before the name change and before the sanctuary
(now Heritage Hall) was built. Bill, along with his family, which includes Corrine Peterson,
his daughter, came to Excelsior as Superintendent of the Excelsior School District in 1943.
The challenge back then was how to expand the curriculum to meet the growing and
changing needs of the students, who numbered only about 100 students per class. Post-war
requirements for advanced mathematics, science, and better world understanding all called
for curriculum change. Finding more students to create a critical mass was the only answer.
So, with School Board encouragement, Mr. Nilsen began discussions with the neighboring
districts.
Six years later, under his leadership, six small independent school districts (Clear Springs,
Deephaven, Excelsior, Groveland, Minnewashta and Tonka Bay) consolidated into one
larger system, the Minnetonka District #276, with Bill Nilsen as its first Superintendent
until his retirement in 1968.
The radical notion of consolidation was new to Minnesota, and the Minnetonka School
District #276 was its pioneer in our area. At that time there were over 4000 school districts
in the state of Minnesota.
Moreover, high school sports, like today, were a powerful magnet in the late 40’s and early
50’s. Small high schools played one another on an even-keel basis. The Excelsior High
School Basketball team won the State Championship shortly before the merger
conversations started, further making a new route into the future an uphill battle.
The climate for consolidation was highly political, and emotions were very evident. How
could this possibly work? Mr. Nilsen and his School Board sold the idea of focusing on
what is best for the kids. They stressed the future of our community and placed emphasis
on teaching and learning. This attitude prevailed and on March 15, 1949 the voters agreed
by 89 percent. It is important to note that this decision was not just a philosophical one.
Land had to be purchased, buildings built, bonds sold, tax levies managed. The high school,
two junior highs (middle schools now) each with a swimming pool, and an additional
elementary school were built to create the present-day Minnetonka School District. All
present elementary schools today were built or remodeled during Mr. Nilsen’s
Superintendency.
Thankfully, through careful planning and far-sightedness, area citizens were open to
conversation, dialogue, and eventual decision-making on the best interests of the whole
regarding the education of youth. Their vision, tenacity and entrepreneurship in those early
days paved the way for the ongoing commitment and what was best for the kids. It became
a model for other school district consolidations that followed in Minnesota.
8
Bill Nilsen continued in sidebar

Adult and Family Ministries
CROSSPATHS
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm
Register now at mountcalvary.org.
Class Schedule
September 26-October 17
The Parables of Jesus
January 16-February 20
Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White (book by Adam Hamilton)
April 10-24
The Book of James
NEW FRIENDS COMMUNITY GARDEN
We are wrapping up another productive summer in our garden, and we have donated
hundreds of pounds of produce to ICA and to our Community Meal. As we prepare
to winterize the garden, this is a great chance for you to get a little down and dirty
and help! Also, you can bring any of the veggies you are growing in your own gardens
and donate them to ICA. We know from experience that they are incredibly
appreciated! You can drop your veggies off at the Welcome Center or main office at
Mount Calvary.
If you're interested in helping or finding out more about our Community Garden,
contact Chris Anderson at chris.anderson@mountcalvary.org or 952-474-8893.
NEW FRIENDS COMMUNITY MEAL
We’ve been hosting our monthly Community Meal for nearly 8 years now, and have
served several thousand guests. We also continue to offer school supplies, winter
clothing, bicycles, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts, and other offerings each
month. None of this would be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers—
YOU! As we move into our 8th year, we will need more help to provide our food and
wonderful service to our guests. This is a fun, important, and meaningful way to help
others in our community, and to meet new friends.
If you want to find out more about our Community Meal or volunteer to help,
contact Chris Anderson at chris.anderson@mountcalvary.org or 952-474-8893.
WEEKLY ADULT
BIBLE STUDIES
Bible Inspiration with
Pastor Brenda (for men
and women)
Thursdays, 10:00am
Sanctuary
In light of our worship theme:
God’s story written on the
world, we will study the stories
Jesus tells as parables.
Experience how God’s word is
always new, changes us, and
speaks personally to each person
who reads or hears it. Everyone
is welcome. To sign up, contact
Pat Kamerud in the church
office, 952-474-8893, #103, or
at pat.kamerud
@mountcalvary.org.
Men’s Bible Study
Mondays, 6:30–7:30am,
Fireside Room
This Bible study is open to all
men who are hoping to grow in
their faith, find good fellowship,
and discover new insights in
scripture.
Women’s Bible Study
with Pastor Dave
Tuesdays, 9:00–10:00am,
Sanctuary
Pastor Dave leads this “come
when you are able” group of
women every Tuesday morning
on a journey through the
Scriptures. Each week Pastor
Dave provides a background
introduction to each day’s
readings, which is then followed
by insightful discussion. This
Bible study is open to any and
all women.
9

Adult Ministries
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Are you looking for a pleasant way
to spend a morning or afternoon?
We are looking for volunteers to
work as receptionists in the church
office. The job involves answering
the phones, greeting and directing
people who come into the office,
and some light clerical jobs such as
stuffing and labeling envelopes. If
you can’t make an every week
commitment, maybe you have a
friend who would like to share the
shift with you. Another possibility
is to be on our substitute list. We
have two shifts each day, 9-12:30
and 12:30-4. If you are interested,
or would like to know more, please
contact Pat at 952-474-8893 or
pat.kamerud@mountcalvary.org.
Try it! You'll like it!
facebook.com/
MountCalvaryExcelsior
MEN’S MINISTRY IS GOING STRONG!
We have a great year of Men’s Ministry events planned for you!
We have a winery tour, a presentation by a local life saver, a December service project,
our Food and Fish breakfast and ice fishing day in January, and our 3rd annual
cribbage tournament in February, just to name a few. If you have any questions or ideas
about Men’s Ministry, contact Chris Anderson at chris.anderson@mountcalvary.org.
MEN’S MINISTRY—SAVE THE DATE!
We will be working on a Men’s Community Service Project on Saturday, December
16. Mark this on your calendar and save the date. We will begin our work in the
morning, and depending on which project we tackle, should be finished by early
afternoon. You won’t need to come for the entire day.
HIS HOUSE
At His House, October is the
time of year we mention our car
donation program. A vehicle
can make the difference between
not only getting a job, but
keeping a job when you live in
the suburbs. We have very limited public transportation access and not having reliable
transportation is a barrier to success. It's part of what we call the “3 legged stool.”
Without a car you lose your job, your home, and sometimes your family.
As you know, I write about local homelessness many times in this space and today as I
write about vehicles I am also writing about housing. As I dive deeper and deeper into
this subject, I meet more and more people living in their vehicle. Yes, we work hard to
get people to a shelter, into Families Moving Forward, or an affordable apartment, but
many times we fail. Right now, I know 3 families with children living in their car, all
near this church. His House is working hard to help these families move out of what
they know as their home (a car) and to a shelter. We have delivered food, gas cards,
grocery cards, toiletries...all to a family living in their car!!
So as you consider your vehicle donation think about the difference you can make in
someone's life and their 3 legged stool.
The His House car donation program maximizes your tax donation because we always
use the donation toward our mission. Victory Auto in Chanhassen assists with all repairs
to affordably keep a donated vehicle running while creating an awareness of the costs
associated with maintaining a working car.
Martha Brannon
His House
Phone: 612-325-4693
HisHouseNonProfit@gmail.com
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Stewardship and Member Care
ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN FOR OPERATIONS
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is all about
grace, inclusiveness, love and service. It’s what we
do. It’s who we are. The people of Mount Calvary
have made sure that every person is welcome to
worship with us. Hundreds of people from our
community depend on us for gathering spaces,
preschool, and the Academy of Music. Our
parking lot is open to our Excelsior community.
We are indeed a community church.
During October, you’ll be receiving a mailed invitation to make a pledge for the 2018
general fund. Gifts pay for worship and music, faith formation experiences,
community outreach, and more for all the hundreds of families and individuals who
are part of our Mount Calvary family.
Please bring your pledge to worship on November 11 & 12 when we host the Barbary
Coast Dixieland Band. Or you are invited to drop it by the office. We so appreciate
whatever you can contribute, because every dollar adds up and makes what you
experience possible.
IN MEMORY
Christian love and sympathy are
extended to all who have suffered
the loss of a family member or
friend.
Sally Hurd
June 13, 1928 – August 26. 2017
May Christ’s resurrection bring
them hope and comfort.
NEW WEBSITE WITH CONVENIENT FEATURES
The generous gifts to Mission Forward campaign have provided a completely new
website. One of the many features offered is online giving.
You can make one time gifts!
You can schedule recurring gifts!
You can view your personal giving and make
membership record updates!
We are excited to offer flexibility for everyone in how they want to give. It’s easy to
use your checking account or credit card. It’s easy to change anytime.
We continue to encourage you to consider stock gifts, Thrivent Choice Dollars, and
estate planning. Everyone can help Mount Calvary in some way!
Thank you ahead of time,
Your Stewardship Team
PRAYER REQUESTS
If you have a prayer request that you
would like included on our
congregational Prayer Chain, please
email prayer.request@
mountcalvary.org or contact Pat
Kamerud in the office,
952-474-8893 ext. 103.
MARRIAGE COUNSELING
Your pastors are available to meet
with couples and individuals
experiencing challenges in
relationships. Valuable tools include
communication, conflict resolution,
roles, personality issues, and financial
management. You can also request
names of professional counselors
serving our community. Feel free to
contact any of the pastors with your
requests at 952-474-8893.
Watch for your pledge card arriving in the mail soon!
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Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
301 County Road 19
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-474-8893
www.mountcalvary.org
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Excelsior, MN
Permit No. 38
PASTORS
David Olson
pastor.dave@mountcalvary.org
Brenda Legred
pastor.brenda@mountcalvary.org
Aaron David Werner
pastor.aaron@mountcalvary.org
Postmaster: Please deliver by October 3, 2017
Lane Doerring
Orville Olson
In case of a pastoral emergency, call
952-474-8893 any hour of the day.
EDITOR
Diane Eidsmo
diane.eidsmo@mountcalvary.org
REFORMATION CELEBRATION
Sunday, October 1
Ring the Reformation: Hand Bell Choir
Sunday, October 8
Bach Cantata
Sunday, October 15
Cantate Choir sings Bach
Wednesday, October 25
Midweek Worship and Luncheon
All Services, October 28/29
Reformation Weekend
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