Pastor Jerry Wahl PASTOR S PAGE. Welcome! Worship! Witness! OCTOBER In This Issue

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1 CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 6817 ANTRIM ROAD EDINA, MN PHONE: OFFICE CLOSED ON MONDAYS Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Welcome! Worship! Witness! OCTOBER 2017 PASTOR S PAGE by Pastor Jerry Wahl Thank you for the invitation to join with you, the good people of faith at Calvary Lutheran Church. Together in the next few months we will worship, sing, pray, serve & focus our attention on discerning God's calling for Calvary Lutheran Church. We will look back to celebrate your faithful ministry over the years. We will look in, to identify our strengths, blessings & capacity for ministry. We will look out to learn about the hopes, dreams & needs of our community. We will look forward to where the Spirit is leading us as a congregation. This is a time for all of us to come together to write a new chapter in ministry. I thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to learning more about Calvary and getting to know each of you. I will lead worship on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of each month through the end of January. We are blessed to have Rebekah Moir, Daryl Erickson, Patti Arntz and Sue Burman assist in planning worship and providing leadership. On Wednesday's, I will be in the office for most of the day. My door is open, so please stop by for a cup of coffee. It would be great to meet you. I'll attend church council meetings, work with the transition team and participate as needed in committee meetings. Thank you to Pastor Larson for agreeing to assist with pastoral care & special needs. Calvary is blessed with a gifted & dedicated leadership team. I look forward to working with President Becky Rorke, Church Council and Task Force leaders. A brief introduction. I recently retired after 38 years serving as an ELCA Pastor. My ministry included 18 years as a parish pastor and many years as an Assistant to the Bishop in the Minneapolis Area Synod. I also served as Mission and Outreach Director for the ELCA in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. My call focused on congregation vitality, redevelopment, planting new churches, mission planning and leadership development. I am currently working with congregations and pastors who are adapting ministry to meet a rapidly changing community. Karen and I live just north of Stillwater, on the St. Croix river. We spend time at soccer fields, hockey rinks, school activities and piano recitals enjoying time with our five busy grandchildren. Two of our children and their families live in the northern suburbs and our oldest son lives in Charlotte, NC. My wife Karen is a recently retired nurse. We travel often, canoe, garden & enjoy all things outdoors. We are members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis. I look forward to our time together. May God bless and guide our way. Pastor Jerry Wahl WEBSITE: calvaryedina@calvaryedina.org BLOG: washeisstdas.blogspot.com PASTOR: Jerry Wahl gwahl722@gmail.com cell: CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY: Rebekah Moir rmoir@calvaryedina.org DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Daryl Erickson derickson@calvaryedina.org ORGANIST: Patti Arntz pmarntz@hotmail.com ADMINISTRATOR & EDITOR: Susan Burman sburman@calvaryedina.org BOOKKEEPER: Kristin Hueg krislie@hotmail.com CUSTODIAN: Robin Radosevich In This Issue Pastor s Page 1 Children, Youth & Family 2 Council Highlights 2 Love to Tell The Story 3 October Birthdays 3 Worship & Activities 4 Being the Church 5 Basics of Stewardship 6 Task Force continued 6 Calendar 7 Task Force Update 8

2 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 2 CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY by Rebekah Moir We hope to see you there! SUNDAY SCHOOL We re off to an amazing start this year, with children, youth and adults all digging into God s Word together each week! Please join us for this wonderful communitybuilding, discipleshipfocused program. Everyone is welcome Bible study wraps up in time for people to get to choir or other Sunday morning service commitments. We Need Your Help! There is a sign-up in the fellowship hall for people to bring breakfast treats each week. Please consider donating goodies to fuel our brains for discussion! MISSION PROJECT This year, we re going to work toward three separate outreach projects: In November, we focus on world hunger and serve at Feed My Starving Children. In February, we focus on racial justice and work with ISAIAH out of Minneapolis. In May, we focus on environmental stewardship with options still being researched. All funds collected will go towards our various projects throughout the year. CONFIRMATION & YOUTH We are underway with our 6 th -9 th graders beginning their Discipleship Year. We will explore Christian Practices and employ them in a series of discipleship projects throughout the course of the year. Please pray for these amazing kids as they learn to live out their faith in service to God and neighbor. SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH. HIGHLIGHTS of the September CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING by Alyson Purdy, Vice-President/Secretary The Minutes and Treasurer s Report from the August meeting were approved & seconded. President s Report: Reviewed and approved proposal for Pastor Jerry Wahl as Transitional Pastor. Updated John Hulden from MAS Synod with thankfulness. Discussed and endorsed plan for use of dedicated memorial funds. Building & Grounds: 1)Winter snow plowing: Will use the same contractor as last year with request to hold the price to last year s rate. 2) Church Mechanical Maintenance: Evaluating proposed contractor 3) Fall Clean-up Day is Saturday, November 4th. Requested help from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts & Robotics Team. Evangelism Report: This year, we changed our promotion of our Outdoor Worship & Ice Cream Social and Rally Day. We posted yard signs and delivered leaflets in surrounding neighborhoods and posted ads on social media and the Edina Cable Network. Thank you! Social Ministry Report: Many of our faith family need visitation or connection: 1) Some are in nursing homes or care centers, 2) Some may attend services regularly or occasionally but benefit from a reach out 3) Others do not attend services or live far away. An updated list is underway. The Council will work to develop a visitation plan. Sunday School Schedule 9:00 a.m. Breakfast treats 9:15 a.m. Opening 9:25 a.m. Group Bible Reading 9:50 a.m. Music 10:00 a.m. Arts Block for Kids Dismissal for Adults 10:20 a.m. Dismissal See! I Am making all things NEW! Revelations 21:5

3 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 3 Sanctuary Stained Glass LOVE TO TELL THE STORY.. Thank you to Malcolm Rust for his interpretation of Moses parting the Seas. Exodus 13:17 14:29 Perhaps the story of the Israelites following Moses to the Promised Line can uplift us. Their journey reminds us that despite hardship and challenges, we have a binding covenant with God who sustains and guides us. If you have a tidbit or story to share, see Sue Burman in the Church Office. October Birthdays! If you would like to add or remove a name to our Birthday Calendar, update Sue Burman in the Church Office. Thank you! 10/1 Patti Arntz 10/16 Todd Awes 10/2 Shelley Little 10/20 Emma Carter 10/8 Alicia Carter 10/25 Bob Rorke 10/9 Cindy Awes, Kathy Schultz 10/27 Zachary Diedrich 10/11 Annie Snyder 10/29 Paul Belvedere 10/15 Dick Burman 10/30 Alyson Purdy Happy Birthday to All!

4 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 4 OUR WORSHIP & ACTIVITIES WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS at 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion is on the first and third Sundays of the month. On the 3rd Sunday of the month, we explore hymns from peoples & places around the world. Together, we live into the universal love of God in Christ Jesus. All are welcome into our faith family CLC CALVARYS TV Ministry COFFEE HOUR following Sunday Worship Thank you to the Fellowship Team! They hosted our Coffee Hour throughout September. The Stewardship Team led by Marty Fergus are our hosts for October during our weekly time together. THANK YOU! September through April, council members provide refreshments on a monthly basis, which could be 4 or 5 Sundays! If you can help any council member with a food item or financial assistance, please contact them. Thanks! SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE BROADCASTS Our Sunday Worship Service is broadcast through Southwest Community Television. Check it out on Comcast Cable TV Channel #15 on 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. MEN s BREAKFAST & FELLOWSHIP Join us on Saturday, October 14 th (8:30 a.m.) for the Men s Breakfast! Looking for Hosts so check out the poster near the Fellowship Hall! Bring a good story or two as we like our eggs over funny. WOMEN ogether WOMEN s BIBLE STUDY & COFFEE FELLOWSHIP The Women s Bible Study meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Library. The next Bible Study is Wednesday, October 4 th at 10:00 a.m. The discussion is the Bible Study from the Gather Magazine (Women of ELCA). The Women s Coffee Fellowship meets on Wednesday, October 18 th at 10:00 a.m. CALVARY BOOK CLUB The next meeting is Tuesday, October 17 th in the library (5:30 p.m.). Join us & discuss Mere Christianity & The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity (1952) is a collection of broadcast talks on Christianity during WWII. It explores the common ground which all those of Christian faith stand together. The Great Divorce (1945) is a dazzling allegory about Heaven & Hell and the chasm between them. It should be a lively discussion! THANK YOU FOR RALLY DAY (September 10 th ) Thank you to Bonnie DeMarce-Koll and the awesome volunteers for their efforts on the Rally Day Picnic. They set up & cleaned up AND prepared & served food! Thanks to Bonnie DeMarce-Koll, our fabulous Grill Master! We had fun and the picnic was a success! Thank you! You make a difference! DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER issue of the CALVARY CALLER is TUESDAY, October 17 th

5 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 5 BEING THE CHURCH..Our hearts and hands in the World & Community REFORMATION 500 BOOKSTORE: ENDS OCTOBER 15 th Discover a variety of resources on the Reformation for readers of all ages. Stop by the Fellowship Hall display on Sunday mornings before and after worship. You can pick up a Reader s Guide with information about the available books. See the Order Form with your discounted prices. No sales tax and shipping is free. Return your order form and check to the display table no later than Sunday, October 15 th. Join ELCA World Hunger and people around the world to commemorate World Food Day. A day meant to create action & awareness for those who suffer from hunger as we work toward ensuring food security for all. Hunger is still one of the most urgent challenges our neighbors face, yet the world produces more than enough for all. OUR SERVING... Our Saviour s has a variety of needs. See the list on the bulletin board. Several people donated many items throughout the year that we delivered to Our Saviour s. If you have items to donate, please bring them to the Church Office. See Bonnie Rust if you would like to serve the meal in November. { 2017 FALL FORUM } BREAKING THE STIGMA JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON MENTAL ILLNESS, HEALING & HOPE! You are invited to attend the Fall Forum, Breaking the Stigma, at St. Patrick s Church, a short walk down the street! Join us on Thursday, October 12 th at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church co-hosts this evening that features leading voices from our community about Mental Illness. Come & learn. How does Defeat the Stigma use long-distance runs to raise awareness, What is Mental Health First-Aid? And what is NAMI? What can you do? Join us for a light meal, discussions, and Q&A. A free-will donation. Reservations are requested by October 9 th. Go to the website StPatsEdina.org and click on events for the fall seminar, OR send an to mschnorbach@stpatrick-edina.org or call See the poster on the bulletin board for more information. Calvary volunteers at this event. Calvary is our church home.. and just like our homes, improvements & repairs are on-going. This summer, our big project was to renovate the nursery, which transformed into a classroom. The room is also available to the church on weekends and for special events. Stop by and check it out! Thanks to paint, glue, new hardware and the use of several tools, other rooms or items have been repaired and improved. Many thanks to Bonnie Rust, our Facility Coordinator, for all her work while healing from a fall and fractured rib. She is responsible for the coordination of the volunteers and lots of painting! Brian Strittmater did the majority of work from repairs to painting. Mary Dick painted most of the storage unit in the former nursery. Many others stepped up to volunteer, including Robin Radosevich, Traci Strittmater, Sue Burman, Lynnette Johnson, Heather Dick, Alison Graber, Jennifer Nelson with Ricky, Lorelai and Josie, Dick Morris and Dick Burman. The sound system wiring was repaired and now is easily accessed in the classroom/nursery and the Church Library. There are just a couple things left to finish, but it s really looking good. Thanks and appreciation for the donated supplies, as well as the time and talent given by many.

6 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 6 SOME STEWARDSHIP BASICS by Marty Fergus, Stewardship Coordinator It is always helpful to reflect on the basics of stewardship and what it means to us as God s faithful. Perhaps, and especially, as we consider Calvary s financial situation and as we face the future, it is beneficial to reflect. The Earth is the Lord s and the fullness thereof. Psalm 24:1 A steward is someone who is responsible for managing another s property and affairs. Since everything that we have comes from God, including our very lives, we are called to use all that we have for God s purposes. We are called to discipleship. To understand true discipleship, we need God s guidance which comes through the resources he has provided, including: Daily Bible Reading Your word is a lamp to my feet and is a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Daily Prayer Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 And discipleship asks us to respond with Our Tithes & Offerings Honor the Lord with the first fruits of all you produce. Prov.3:9 Our Time & Talents As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 May you be blessed as you reflect on these words! TASK FORCE UPDATE continued from page 8 What is the role of the Calvary Church Council in this process? Calvary s Church Council continues their oversight of the financial & administrative activities. It has not changed & will not change. What is the Calvary Task Force doing? The Calvary Task Force meets a minimum of twice a month. Our activities include: collect information, meet with community & church leaders in the area to explore our different options and present options and opportunities for our congregation. What do I do if I have ideas for Calvary s future? If you have an idea or even a thought, don t keep it secret. Please tell a member of the Task Force. Jot a note, or give a call. We want to hear all your ideas. We will be collecting and reviewing ideas during the month of October and addressing them during the October Town Hall meeting. How do I help? The most important activity for you is to come to Calvary every Sunday. Continue to support Calvary s ministry in all actions, including prayer and financial support. God continues to provide for us as we continue our mission within our congregation & community. Please share with others what you learn during our Town Hall Meetings & Sunday Services. Most of all, please pray for Calvary and for all our members. Thank you, CALVARY TASK FORCE Becky Rorke (rbrorke@gmail.com, ), Greg Coon (gmncn@att.net, ), Steve Mancek (smanacek@aol.com, ), Jennifer Nelson (jenniferlnelson1@gmail.com, ) and Pastor Jerry Wahl (jwahl722@gmail.com, ).

7 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 7 Photo Caption MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATUR- DAY 1 17 tn Sunday of Pentecost :30 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study 12Noon: Deadline for Bulletin 11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour & Crafters 3:00 p.m. Cable 8 18 tn Sunday of Pentecost :30 p.m. Bell 7:15 p.m. Choir 11 9:30 p.m. Cable :30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour & Crafters 3:00 p.m. Cable 6:30 p.m. Exec. Meeting 7:00 p.m. Counciil Meeting 1:00 p.m. Endowment Trust in Library 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Bell choir 7:15 p.m. Choir 11:15 a.m. Meals on Wheels 12Noon: Deadline for Bulletin 6:00 p.m. FALL FORUM 9:30 p.m. Cable 8:30 a.m. Men s Breakfast th Sunday of Pentecost THIRD SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion 11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour & Crafters 3:00 p.m. Cable 12Noon: Deadline for Newsletter 5:30 p.m. Book Club 10:00 a.m. Women s Coffee Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Bell choir 7:15 p.m. Choir 12Noon: Dead-ine for Bulletin 9:30 p.m. Cable hh Sunday of Pentecost :30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. TOWN HALL MEETING in the Sanctuary Noon Coffee Hour 3:00 p.m. Cable 6:30 p.m. Bell choir 7:15 p.m. Choir 12Noon: Deadline for Bulletin 9:30 p.m. Cable 29 Reformation Sunday 16 th CENTURY STREET FAIR COMING IN NOVEMBER: 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour & Crafters 3:00 p.m. Cable Saturday, November 4: FALL CLEAN-UP DAY Wednesday, November 15: RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

8 OCTOBER 2017 CALVARY CALLER page 8 TASK FORCE UPDATE by Becky Rorke, President of Church Council & Member of Task Force On Sunday, September 17th, the first of three Town Hall Meetings was held. Please join us at the next Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, October 22nd. Look forward to a Town Hall Meeting in November. Join us for these conversations! We want to hear from you! Will Calvary still be a church? Calvary s doors are open. We worship on Sundays with Sunday School & Fellowship Hour. Confirmation continues. Calvary s staff will continue in their respective area: Daryl leads the choir and bell choir, Patti plays the piano & organ. Rebekah works with the kids (all the intergenerational kids!) Susan holds down the fort with her office responsibilities and coordinates communications. Kirsten tracks our finances and Robin keeps our facility in topnotch condition. What is God s Mission for Calvary? This is the ten million dollar question. It is what we will determine as a congregation to provide the vision for our future. What does it mean that Calvary is in a transition period? This is a period of time where Calvary explores and evaluates our vision and future prior to taking the next step. We want to make sure we have adequately explored all possibilities, and provided enough time to allow opportunities to occur. How long will the Transition Period be? Calvary s Transition Period will be from October 2017 to midjanuary 2018 as we continue to explore and evaluate our vision and future. Calvary s Task Force continues to work very hard as they research ways to help Calvary with its future. Will we have a minister during this time? Pastor Jerry Wahl is our Transitional Pastor. He will lead worship services on the 1 st, 3rd & 5th Sundays; and be in the office every Wednesday. Rebekah Moir will lead worship services on the 2nd & 4th Sundays. Calvary continues our worship practice of communion on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month Pastor Wahl provides The Word & The Sacrament at these services. Pastor Wahl will attend Church Council Meetings & participate on the Calvary Task Force. He continues his leadership role of the task force with his vast ministry experience & network of Lutheran connections in the Metro Area. He continues in this position until the Congregational Meeting (January 2018), where we hope to have a vote on our future. Are we starting a Call Committee for our next Pastor? No, not yet. We have not formed a Call Committee. First, we need to look inward to determine our path as a congregation. We will use the next 3 months as a short & defined transition period prior to this step. (continued. on page 6) Our Mission: Calvary Lutheran Church welcomes all who desire to grow in the love and compassion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, worship the triune God, and witness in service to our community and the world.