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COURIER
The May 2021
Volume 64, No. 5
Welcome to the Light
Our Hopeful Return to In-Person Worship
As vaccinations continue to gain speed in Minnesota, the staff and on quickly-changing guidance.
Council, in consultation with guidelines laid out by the Covid-19
Task Force, have been in conversation about how and when to re- And, we also know this will be a time that will be comfortable for
turn to indoor, in-person worship with regularity. some to return, but not everyone. We will continue to post worship
in some form (likely audio) on our YouTube channel so that those
Our hoped-for date to return to worship in our sanctuary is Sunday, who cannot join in person can be there in spirit, and we will con-
June 20, as we continue to hear that 80% of Minnesotans would tinue to listen to feedback about needs and comfort levels in our
be able to be fully vaccinated around then if the current pace of congregation. Pastor Andrea will also be hosting a time of Godly
vaccinations continues. Of course, as with all things related to Co- Play and gathering for families after each worship service outside,
vid-19, this comes with the caveat that these plans depend on a and social time (without coffee and food to begin) will take place
continued healthy vaccination pace among our state’s population, outside in the courtyard and on the steps after the service, so know
the absence of a vaccine-evading variant showing up, case counts that there will be opportunities to be outdoors together if that is
continuing to decline, and other unforeseen circumstances. We your comfort level.
look forward to this date with cautious joy!
Save the date for Sunday, May 16 at 11 a.m. on Zoom for a forum
We know that church services will initially look a little different about reopening, which will include more information about pre-
(and we trust that this won’t be the case forever). In our planning, cautions, time for your feedback and questions, and other conver-
we will adhere closely to CDC and MDH guidelines, including sation about these plans to return to in-person life together.
masking, distancing, open windows for ventilation, and controlled
movement. More comprehensive guidelines will be sent out to the It has been a long year. We are hopeful that there are joyful days
congregation a couple weeks ahead of time and discussed at the ahead, when we can be together in an embodied way as the Body
forum on May 16 so that we make sure we are keeping up to date of Christ. ~Pastor Samuelson-Roberts
April Pastoral Acts
Eleanor Uglum, age 100 (and nearly halfway to 101), died peacefully on April 7. A graveside service at Lakewood
Cemetery, presided by Pastor Samuelson-Roberts and Pastor Haaland, took place on a rainy and cold April 12. Christ
Church members might remember her bright clothing and plentiful jewelry the most, but her greatest qualities were
her deep faith, ongoing gratitude, and love for her family. In my weekly calls with Eleanor, she would wisely remark
that you “can’t have everything” and joke that her gravestone would read, “I tried.” She will be missed.
~Lynn Larson
On April 24, Greta and Mathilda Amosson, twin daughters of Jody McGuire and Aaron Amosson, were washed in
the holy waters of baptism in the font at Christ Church, surrounded by a small group of family and friends. Then,
we affirmed these promises as a gathered body at our 11 a.m. Zoom gathering on Sunday, April 25. What a joy to
be able to proclaim this welcome together, even across distance: “We welcome you into the body of Christ and
into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming
word to all the world.” Welcome, Greta and Mathilda, beloved children of God! ~Pastor Samuelson-Roberts
On Saturday, April 24, 2021, Christ Church members Bethany Schowengerdt and Mark Jensen were married
at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley, MN, surrounded by about fifty of their closest family and friends
while others joined by live stream. Mark and Bethany selected their wedding day almost a year and a half ago—
and though the Covid-19 pandemic forced many changes in plans, it was a joyous and wonderful day. Pastor
Haaland preached and presided. Another member of Christ Church Lutheran, the Rev. Melinda Quivik, wrote
intercessions that were offered by Bethany’s mother, Debra Schowengerdt. The prayers of our whole community
are with Bethany and Mark as they begin this new chapter in their lives together. Congratulations to these two
dear members of our congregation! ~Pastor Haaland
Christ Church Lutheran May Create your Breeze
3244 34th Avenue South Birthdays Online Database
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.721.6611
5/5 Levi Stugelmeyer Profile!
5/12 Patricia Solie
mail@christchurchluth.org Our church records now reside in a
christchurchluth.org 5/16 Naomi Bruesehoff cloud-based database called Breeze,
A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran 5/20 Carmen O’Halloran created just for churches. It’s simple
Church in America to use and will allow us to maintain a
5/21 Birgitte Christianson, virtual member and friend directory,
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
Britt Dougall, Drew Benson store our records, include a photo, and
A National Historic Landmark
even text and email each other through
Find us on Facebook: Christ Church Lu- 5/22 Lynn Tollefson
the site. What info you share with
theran, Minneapolis (@CCLmpls) 5/26 Stephanie Gustafson, others is completely up to you, and it
Carlton Hunke, MariLu Peters is safe and secure. Create your profile
Find us on Instagram:
@christchurchlutheranmpls
today! Questions? Contact Laurel in
5/28 Robyn Nooney the church office.
Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. If you are not named above,
and would like to be, or
Sunday In-Person Worship is suspended until your birthdate is inaccurate,
further notice please call the church office
Weekly at-home worship guides and YouTube 612.721.6611
sermon videos can be found on the website
Children and Youth Ministry gatherings are virtual, Big thanks to Ken
with some safely-distanced programming Schoenike and Gary
Skrivseth (and D arrell
Staff
Pastors Pastor Miriam Samuelson-Roberts
Anderson, too) for
Pastor Erik Haaland reinstalling the fountain
after a
nearly two-year
Cantors Pastor Robert Farlee
hiatus!
Pastor Martin Seltz
Interim Children’s Ministry Director
Pastor Andrea Roske-Metcalfe
Vaccine Clinic at
Office Administrator Laurel Jacobson
Facilities Property Team
Christ Church!
Courier Team Laurel Jacobson Lenten Fund This Saturday, May 1, Christ Church
Pastor Miriam Samuelson-Roberts Drive Update will team with MDH to host a vaccine
Melody Pauling clinic, and we are delighted to open our
Thanks to the Christ
Church community for doors for this critical need. If you or
your response to the someone you know would like to get
Congregation Council on the schedule, please email Pastor
President Noah Niermann Mission Committee’s
Lenten fund drive for Samuelson-Roberts ASAP, at msamu-
Vice President Melody Pauling elson-roberts@christchurchluth.org.
Community Emergency
Secretary Hilary Gebauer Service, our local food Walk-ins are welcome, too!
Treasurer Brad Hubert shelf. During the month
Council Members Tim Hagen of March our community
raised over $2600, and
Elena Hilding
those funds have been sent
Kevin Olsen to CES, where they use
Luann Skrivseth them to make large bulk
Colin Watkins purchases of food to be
given to neighbors in need.
Thank you, Christ Church,
for your generosity!
2
Lectionary Readings From the Church Council
for May April Meeting Update
The April Church Council meeting opened with a devotion led by Colin Watkins.
May 2 Colin shared a clip of the Rev. Lenny Duncan sharing reflections from his book, Dear
Fifth Sunday in Easter Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination. This
Acts 8:26-40 excerpt was from a talk given in February of 2020 to students at St. Olaf College
Psalm 22:25-31 and can be viewed in full on their website for those intrigued by the title. Council
1 John 4:7-21 met on the same day that the verdict was read in the Derek Chauvin trial, and Colin’s
John 15:1-8 devotion guided us as we reflected on our role as the church in the midst of racial
reconciliation.
May 9
Sixth Sunday in Easter Our primary topics of discussion for the evening included:
Acts 10:44-48 1. The need to hire a new custodian by the fall to replace Chuck Merrell’s old
Psalm 98 position:The church is currently contracting with a cleaning service to provide basic
1 John 5:1-6 janitorial work for the church. This is a temporary arrangement. The E xecutive
John 15:9-17 Committee, with the help of the Property Committee and others, is working on p utting
together a current job description and hiring plan.
May 13 2. An update on the columbarium, shared by Kevin Olsen: The Task Force has been
Ascension of Our Lord
focused on design decisions and is taking into account much of the congregation’s
Acts 1:1-11
feedback following the forum earlier this year.
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15-23 3. The need to replace our office computer, which is showing its age: Many of the
programs we need to run are no longer compatible. The Council is reviewing our
Luke 24:44-53
needs and hopes to be able to approve purchase for a new computer by next month.
May 16 4. A proposed in-person worship and reopening plan: After ongoing discussions with
Seventh Sunday in Easter the Council and the Covid-19 Task Force, the staff presented a proposed in-person
Acts 1:15-17, 21-16 worship and reopening plan to begin mid-June. Council was very supportive of the
Psalm 1 plan and the timeline and thankful for the dedicated work that so many people have
1 John 5:9-13 contributed.
John 17:6-19
5. The church’s continued participation in racial justice work: At the end of our
May 23 meeting we spent time reflecting on the needs of our congregation and the wider
The Day of Pentecost community in light of the Derek Chauvin verdict and in response to the fatal shooting
Acts 2:1-21 of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center. We are grateful for the work of the Racial
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Justice Task Force and committed to addressing these difficult questions.
Romans 8:22-27 Other items of business included the pastors’ and treasurer’s reports as well as
John 17:6-19 discussion about a Church Council retreat to be held in the fall. We adjourned with
the Lord’s Prayer.
May 30
The Holy Trinity As always, please contact council president, Noah Niermann (noahniermann@gmail.
Isaiah 6:1-8 com) with any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Psalm 29
Romans 8:12-17
John 3:1-17
Treasurer’s Update
The Treasurer’s update for the first quarter of 2021 will be published in next
Thank you, month’s Courier
thank you
to Matthew
Kunnari for
designing
and creating
two gorgeous
arrangements
at the church
entrance. What
a gift!
3
Courier Closeup with the Chen-Sarkanen family
This month’s Closeup features the Chen-Sarkanen family who have been members of Christ Church Lutheran for more than 20
years.
When did you start attending Christ Church Lutheran and what brought you
here?
Simo began attending Christ Church in the 1990’s after being introduced to the
church during the funeral service of a south Minneapolis neighbor. Later, Yi-ru
joined Simo after they decided to get married. Ten-year-old Matias, their son, has
been attending Christ Church from his earliest days.
Do you live in the neighborhood?
Simo used to live in the neighborhood, but he moved to join Yi-ru in their New
Brighton home on the day of their marriage.
What about our church keeps you coming back?
We cherish the traditional Christian values that are fostered at Christ Church. As
a multicultural family, we are very grateful for the sense of inclusivity toward
diverse backgrounds that we experience at Christ Church.
Do you have any stories to tell about your time here or about events or activities you have been involved in?
Yi-ru and Simo were married at Christ Church in a service that was to be the last one over which Pastor Neibacher presided before
retiring. In 2005, Pastor Neibacher baptized Yi-ru on Epiphany Sunday, and exactly six years later, Matias was baptized by Pastor
Carlson.
How does Christ Cburch help you live and share your faith?
Sunday services at Christ Church provide stability to our evolving conversation with the Christian faith. A particularly challenging
issue involves the tenuous bridge between scientific understanding and the Christian narrative. It is really important that Matias
can attend Sunday School.
What do you do when you’re not in church?
Yi-ru and Simo have been carrying out research at the University of Minnesota for over twenty years. They are primarily dedicated
to creating biodegradable plastics from cell-wall materials in crops and trees. These new plastics are composed of lignins, the
aromatic components that in evolutionary time first enabled plants to colonize dry land. Otherwise, Matias has been practicing the
violin for five years and more recently the cello. Yi-ru has also been practicing the violin, and she loves to play duets with Matias.
What can you tell us about yourself that we may not have known?
Over the years, we have frequently traveled to scientific meetings both nationally and internationally. Our family vacations have
usually coincided with professional travel. However, by the summer of 2020 the situation had changed drastically (because of
Covid), and for the first time we were able to visit northern Minnesota together. The scenery was so wonderful, never to be
forgotten!
Do you have anything else to share?
Summer gardening, winter cross-country skiing—there is always much to do. Our photograph was taken at the 1441 Foundation
banquet (King’s College, Cambridge) in 2019.
Closeup” is a Courier feature to help us get better acquainted with our fellow members. If you would like to share your story in
“Closeup,” call Donna Lindberg at 651/276-4884.
4
All Creation Sings: A New Worship Supplement Coming
As the people of Christ Church Lutheran look forward with person in your household might be a place to start. A gift of $120
hope to the when and how of gathering for worship in our sanc- would fill one of our 40 pews with eight books. Of course, a gift
tuary, here is another dimension of that gathering to look for- of any amount is welcome. Books given in memory or honor
ward to. We are planning to introduce the ELCA’s brand-new of loved ones may be acknowledged with bookplates inside the
worship supplement, All Creation Sings, as a companion in the covers. You may also consider purchasing a copy or more as a
pew racks alongside our principal book, Evangelical Lutheran prayer resource for your home in addition to our church’s pews.
Worship. Gifts may be made by mailing or dropping off a check made out
to Christ Church Lutheran (we suggest multiples of $15) with
More than two years of preparation have gone into this re- “hymnals” in the memo line. Please accompany your check
source, which is designed to support the ongoing renewal of with a filled-out copy of the form attached to the email for this
our worship life with words and songs that respond to the ever- issue of the Courier and on the website.
changing needs and emphases of our prayer across the whole
church year. At the same time, we will find that many of the 200 Our “Worshiping at Home” recordings, with the voices of our
hymns are set to tunes we already know or will, in true Christ choir members, have already begun to introduce the treasures
Church fashion, experience the delight of learning. of All Creation Sings. And the introduction of this resource to
our sanctuary is a clear message of our confidence that we hu-
The title, All Creation Sings, evokes a recurring scriptural man beings will sing, together with the rest of creation, once
theme. In the Bible we are invited into a vision where earth again. We hope that you will join in making this opportunity for
and sky and sea and all their creatures—including human be- expanding and enriching our worship happen.
ings—sing the glory of God. Yet the song of creation and our
song within it also include words and melodies of lament, of By the way—what color is it? It’s purple!
indignation, of pleading and ultimately of hope in God’s pres-
ence and mercy. These prayers and songs concern not only the
health of our planetary home and its various creatures but also
the health of human beings in community. All Creation Sings,
hand in hand with Evangelical Lutheran Worship, invites us to
expand our sung prayer with timely attention to the world our
Creator so marvelously made and to our common life as crea-
tures within it.
Purchases of hymnals and supplements for our church’s wor-
ship have typically been funded outside the regular budget,
through special gifts. You are invited to participate in this effort
at the rate of $15 per book. A gift of $15 per volume for each
Christ Church Book Discussion: The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant
Saturday, June 26 —
10:00 a.m. (likely over Zoom)
Another book has been chosen for a next Christ Church Book discussion: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Like The Book of
Longings, which was chosen for discussion in April 2021, this novel offers a window into the lives of women in the stories of the
Bible. All are welcome to read the book and join the conversation. Please be in touch with Pastor
Haaland (ehaaland@christchurchluth.org) if would like to be on the list to receive the Zoom link for
the conversation on June 26.
From the publisher:
In the Bible, Dinah’s life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar
chapters of the Book of Genesis that tell of her father, Jacob, and his twelve sons.
The Red Tent begins with the story of the mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four
wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through childhood, a calling to
midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah’s story reaches out from a remarkable period of
early history and creates an intimate connection with the past.
Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling and the valuable achievement of presenting
a new view of biblical women’s lives.
5
The
Little & Middle
Jesus said,
“Let the children come!”
At Christ Church Lutheran,
COURIER we welcome children and their
families to the font, to the
table, and to worship.
Children’s & Youth Ministry at Christ Church Lutheran — May 2021
Children’s Ministry Update May Baptism Birthdays
The Easter season is 50 days long and the kids helped to celebrate that by hunting Happy baptism birthday to Alvin,
for Easter eggs in the courtyard on the Saturday after Easter. They were so excited Geddy and Julia! You are God’s
given that it was cancelled last year, and they were overjoyed to see one another in beloved children forever!
person rather than on a screen! Enjoy these photos of the kids and families having
fun at church on April 10. Alleluia! ~Pastor Andrea
Youth Ministry Update
Confirmation youth designed Alleluia
banners to adorn the Education Wing
windows for the Easter Vigil. Thanks,
creative young people!
The Confirmation class meets twice
monthly, and includes six active members.
It’s exciting that next year three more will
join the class!
6
Delivering Meals on Wheels is Each delivery includes one hot meal, and cold food plus a
a Joy! beverage in a brown paper bag. Sometimes I call the recipi-
ent to say we have arrived so that they’ll come to the door.
Come for the camaraderie as we load our cars with meals. Mostly, they are eagerly waiting. They get food and a greet-
Come for the good feeling of greeting shut-ins with food. ing.
Come for an easy way to give to others. Become a part of
Meals on Wheels. As we drive, we listen to good news programs on Minnesota
Pubic Radio. We discuss the day’s events. Sometimes I wait
If you have a somewhat flexible work schedule, you can in the car while Fred lingers to visit with a food recipient
probably fit this in. On a delivery day, it takes us less than (through the door, socially dis-
2 hours over the noon hour to drive to Nokomis Square tanced) who may not have spo-
Coop, deliver the food, return to Nokomis to drop off the ken with someone for a couple
food equipment, and drive home. We pick up the food at of days. In the rare instances
around 11:15 and return the equipment usually by 12:15. We when we cannot rouse someone,
deliver for five days once every 7 weeks. In any given week, we call Sarah, the Meals Coor-
we are free to say we can’t make it on a particular day. You dinator, to alert the program that
can choose the number of days and which days you deliver. someone might have a problem.
The Meals program provides all the sanitizing gel and gloves In this way, folks have someone
needed for safe delivery. checking on them at least five days each week.
If you have a buddy who could drive while you take food It can be an awakening to see the various needs our neigh-
to a door, that works. Or maybe you’d be happy to drive if bors have, their living situations, and even their abilities or
someone else took the food to the door. There are optional lacks. Meals on Wheels is one easy way to learn about our
ways to be part of Meals on Wheels. Some of us drive in city.
pairs; others, singly. You could bring along your favorite pet
to keep you company or a neighbor with whom you want to Cathy Sieving, our valiant and dedicated coordinator, will
have a visit while doing something worthwhile. find another deliverer when we cannot show up, but she is
short on drivers right now. Please give this ministry some
Fred and I usually deliver together. I’m the driver. While prayerful consideration.
Fred takes the food to the door, I look at the next address
on our list of recipients and plug it into Google Map on my Melinda Quivik
cellphone.
Stationery Group has plenty of pretty cards!
The busy Stationery Group has continued crafting spring designs for your use, including the
return of our Sunbonnet Girl! She’s adorable and we’re sure you have a family member or
friend who would love to hear from you with this, or one of our other beautifully-handcrafted
cards. Contact Stationery Group Coordinator, Stephanie Gustafson, at stephsaddress@att.net
or by calling 612-724-6206 (be prepared to leave a message). We hope to hear from you soon!
Christ Church Calendar for May
May 1. . . . Knitters & Crocheters May 12 . . . . . . . . . Staff Meeting May 23 . . . . Pentecost Worship
May 2. . . . . . . At-Home Worship May 13 . . . . Executive Meeting May 27 . . . . . . . . Friends of CCL
May 4. . . . . . . . . . . . Committees May 16 . . . . . At-Home Worship May 30 . . . . . At-Home Worship
May 9. . . . . . . At-Home Worship May 18 . . . . . . Council Meeting May 31 . . . . . . . . . Memorial Day
Happy Mother’s Day! May 21 . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Meal
7
Forums for May
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom
May 2 (Fifth Sunday of Easter) – Remembering God’s Promises: An Invitation to Funeral Planning, with Rev. Dr. Melinda
Quivik
It isn’t always something we want to talk about. But, in truth, it can be both practical and spiritually enriching to think about our
own funerals. What are the church’s rituals around death? What do Christians proclaim in the midst of death? What scripture
readings, hymns, participants, or specific ritual gestures would we want to consider ahead of time to suggest for our own funeral?
This can be very helpful for our loved ones.
At least in the church, these conversations can be filled with the promise of God’s own unending love, and can be a way we expe-
rience hope and grace. The Rev. Dr. Melinda Quivik, a member of Christ Church Lutheran and a scholar of the church’s liturgy,
will lead this forum. Among other published works, she is the author of “Remembering God’s Promises: A Funeral Planning
Handbook,” published by Augsburg Fortress. She will share with us something of the power of the God’s promises in the face of
death, and help us think about what we hope for in our own funeral liturgies.
On this day of resurrection, join your Christ Church family online to worship together over Zoom. Together we’ll watch the
recorded worship video for the day, and after the service we’ll have a chance to greet each other in the name of the Risen Christ!
May 9 (Sixth Sunday of Easter) – Children at Our Nation’s Border: A conversation with Beth Nelson Chase of LIRS
In recent months, thousands of unaccompanied migrant children have arrived at our southern border seeking protection from the
violence, climate disaster, and extreme poverty that have ravaged Central America. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
is urgently working with our network of service partners, community groups, and volunteers to address the critical needs of these
children and work to reunite them with a family member here in the United States. Learn about this work in conversation with
Beth Nelson Chase, who is on staff with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services out of Baltimore, MD.
May 16 (Seventh Sunday of Easter) – Resuming In-Person Worship: A Discussion
Come listen, learn, and add your voice to the conversation about returning to in-person worship after what will likely be a
15-month hiatus. (See the front page article by Pastor Samuelson-Roberts for further details.)
May 23 – The Day of Pentecost – Worship together on Zoom “Watch Party”
On this festival day, join your Christ Church community online to worship together over Zoom. Together we’ll watch the
recorded worship video for the day and give thanks for the Spirit that binds us together, even across distance.
May 30 – Holy Trinity – Memorial Weekend; no forum or Zoom gathering
Scenes from virtual Holy Week
and Easter 2021
at Christ Church Lutheran
8
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