TheCOURIERWelcome to the Light

May 2021 Volume 64, No. 5

Our Hopeful Return to In-Person Worship As vaccinations continue to gain speed in Minnesota, the staff and Council, in consultation with guidelines laid out by the Covid-19 Task Force, have been in conversation about how and when to re-turn to indoor, in-person worship with regularity.

Our hoped-for date to return to worship in our sanctuary is Sunday, June 20, as we continue to hear that 80% of Minnesotans would be able to be fully vaccinated around then if the current pace of vaccinations continues. Of course, as with all things related to Co-vid-19, this comes with the caveat that these plans depend on a continued healthy vaccination pace among our state’s population, the absence of a vaccine-evading variant showing up, case counts continuing to decline, and other unforeseen circumstances. We look forward to this date with cautious joy!

We know that church services will initially look a little different (and we trust that this won’t be the case forever). In our planning, we will adhere closely to CDC and MDH guidelines, including masking, distancing, open windows for ventilation, and controlled movement. More comprehensive guidelines will be sent out to the congregation a couple weeks ahead of time and discussed at the forum on May 16 so that we make sure we are keeping up to date

on quickly-changing guidance.

And, we also know this will be a time that will be comfortable for some to return, but not everyone. We will continue to post worship in some form (likely audio) on our YouTube channel so that those who cannot join in person can be there in spirit, and we will con-tinue to listen to feedback about needs and comfort levels in our congregation. Pastor Andrea will also be hosting a time of Godly Play and gathering for families after each worship service outside, and social time (without coffee and food to begin) will take place outside in the courtyard and on the steps after the service, so know that there will be opportunities to be outdoors together if that is your comfort level.

Save the date for Sunday, May 16 at 11 a.m. on Zoom for a forum about reopening, which will include more information about pre-cautions, time for your feedback and questions, and other conver-sation about these plans to return to in-person life together.

It has been a long year. We are hopeful that there are joyful days ahead, when we can be together in an embodied way as the Body of Christ. ~Pastor Samuelson-Roberts

April Pastoral ActsEleanor 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

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Christ Church Lutheran3244 34th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406 612.721.6611

mail@christchurchluth.org christchurchluth.org

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

A National Historic Landmark

Find us on Facebook: Christ Church Lu-theran, Minneapolis (@CCLmpls)

Find us on Instagram: @christchurchlutheranmpls

Office HoursMonday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Sunday In-Person Worship is suspended until further notice

Weekly at-home worship guides and YouTube sermon videos can be found on the website

Children and Youth Ministry gatherings are virtual, with some safely-distanced programming

StaffPastors Pastor Miriam Samuelson-Roberts Pastor Erik Haaland

Cantors Pastor Robert Farlee Pastor Martin Seltz

Interim Children’s Ministry Director Pastor Andrea Roske-Metcalfe

Office Administrator Laurel Jacobson

Facilities Property Team

Courier Team Laurel JacobsonPastor Miriam Samuelson-Roberts

Melody Pauling

Congregation CouncilPresident Noah Niermann

Vice President Melody Pauling

Secretary Hilary Gebauer

Treasurer Brad Hubert

Council Members Tim Hagen

Elena Hilding

Kevin Olsen

Luann Skrivseth

Colin Watkins

MayBirthdays 5/5 Levi Stugelmeyer

5/12 Patricia Solie

5/16 Naomi Bruesehoff

5/20 Carmen O’Halloran

5/21 Birgitte Christianson, Britt Dougall, Drew Benson

5/22 Lynn Tollefson

5/26 Stephanie Gustafson, Carlton Hunke, MariLu Peters

5/28 Robyn Nooney

If you are not named above, and would like to be, or your birthdate is inaccurate, please call the church office 612.721.6611

Create your Breeze Online Database ­Profile!Our church records now reside in a cloud-based database called Breeze, created just for churches. It’s simple to use and will allow us to maintain a virtual member and friend directory, store our records, include a photo, and even text and email each other through the site. What info you share with others is completely up to you, and it is safe and secure. Create your profile today! Questions? Contact Laurel in the church office.

This Saturday, May 1, Christ Church will team with MDH to host a vaccine clinic, and we are delighted to open our doors for this critical need. If you or someone you know would like to get on the schedule, please email Pastor Samuelson-Roberts ASAP, at msamu-elson-roberts@christchurchluth.org.Walk-ins are welcome, too!

Vaccine Clinic at Christ­Church!

Lenten Fund Drive Update Thanks to the Christ Church community for your response to the Mission Committee’s Lenten fund drive for Community Emergency Service, our local food shelf. During the month of March our community raised over $2600, and those funds have been sent to CES, where they use them to make large bulk purchases of food to be given to neighbors in need. Thank you, Christ Church, for your generosity!

Big thanks to Ken Schoenike and Gary Skrivseth (and Darrell Anderson, too) for reinstalling the fountain after a nearly two-year hiatus!

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Lectionary Readings for MayMay 2Fifth Sunday in EasterActs 8:26-40Psalm 22:25-311 John 4:7-21John 15:1-8

May 9Sixth Sunday in EasterActs 10:44-48Psalm 981 John 5:1-6John 15:9-17

May 13Ascension of Our LordActs 1:1-11Psalm 47 or Psalm 93Ephesians 1:15-23Luke 24:44-53

May 16Seventh Sunday in EasterActs 1:15-17, 21-16Psalm 11 John 5:9-13John 17:6-19

May 23The Day of PentecostActs 2:1-21Psalm 104:24-34, 35bRomans 8:22-27John 17:6-19

May 30The Holy TrinityIsaiah 6:1-8Psalm 29Romans 8:12-17John 3:1-17

From the Church CouncilApril Meeting UpdateThe April Church Council meeting opened with a devotion led by Colin Watkins. Colin shared a clip of the Rev. Lenny Duncan sharing reflections from his book, Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination. This excerpt was from a talk given in February of 2020 to students at St. Olaf College and can be viewed in full on their website for those intrigued by the title. Council met on the same day that the verdict was read in the Derek Chauvin trial, and Colin’s devotion guided us as we reflected on our role as the church in the midst of racial reconciliation. Our primary topics of discussion for the evening included:1. The need to hire a new custodian by the fall to replace Chuck Merrell’s old position:The church is currently contracting with a cleaning service to provide basic janitorial work for the church. This is a temporary arrangement. The Executive Committee, with the help of the Property Committee and others, is working on putting together a current job description and hiring plan.2. An update on the columbarium, shared by Kevin Olsen: The Task Force has been focused on design decisions and is taking into account much of the congregation’s feedback following the forum earlier this year. 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 needs and hopes to be able to approve purchase for a new computer by next month. 4. A proposed in-person worship and reopening plan: After ongoing discussions with the Council and the Covid-19 Task Force, the staff presented a proposed in-person worship and reopening plan to begin mid-June. Council was very supportive of the plan and the timeline and thankful for the dedicated work that so many people have contributed.5. The church’s continued participation in racial justice work: At the end of our meeting we spent time reflecting on the needs of our congregation and the wider community in light of the Derek Chauvin verdict and in response to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center. We are grateful for the work of the Racial Justice Task Force and committed to addressing these difficult questions. Other items of business included the pastors’ and treasurer’s reports as well as discussion about a Church Council retreat to be held in the fall. We adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. As always, please contact council president, Noah Niermann (noahniermann@gmail.com) with any questions or concerns. Thank you!

The Treasurer’s update for the first quarter of 2021 will be published in next month’s Courier

Treasurer’s Update

Thank you, thank you

to Matthew Kunnari for

designing and creating

two gorgeous arrangements at the church

entrance. What a gift!

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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 f orgotten!

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.

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Christ Church Book Discussion: The Red Tent, by Anita DiamantSaturday, 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.

As the people of Christ Church Lutheran look forward with hope to the when and how of gathering for worship in our sanc-tuary, here is another dimension of that gathering to look for-ward to. We are planning to introduce the ELCA’s brand-new worship supplement, All Creation Sings, as a companion in the pew racks alongside our principal book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

More than two years of preparation have gone into this re-source, which is designed to support the ongoing renewal of our worship life with words and songs that respond to the ever-changing needs and emphases of our prayer across the whole church year. At the same time, we will find that many of the 200 hymns are set to tunes we already know or will, in true Christ Church fashion, experience the delight of learning.

The title, All Creation Sings, evokes a recurring scriptural theme. In the Bible we are invited into a vision where earth and sky and sea and all their creatures—including human be-ings—sing the glory of God. Yet the song of creation and our song within it also include words and melodies of lament, of 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

person in your household might be a place to start. A gift of $120 would fill one of our 40 pews with eight books. Of course, a gift of any amount is welcome. Books given in memory or honor of loved ones may be acknowledged with bookplates inside the covers. You may also consider purchasing a copy or more as a prayer resource for your home in addition to our church’s pews. Gifts may be made by mailing or dropping off a check made out to Christ Church Lutheran (we suggest multiples of $15) with “hymnals” in the memo line. Please accompany your check with a filled-out copy of the form attached to the email for this issue of the Courier and on the website.

Our “Worshiping at Home” recordings, with the voices of our choir members, have already begun to introduce the treasures of All Creation Sings. And the introduction of this resource to our sanctuary is a clear message of our confidence that we hu-man beings will sing, together with the rest of creation, once again. We hope that you will join in making this opportunity for expanding and enriching our worship happen.

By the way—what color is it? It’s purple!

All Creation Sings: A New Worship Supplement Coming

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The

Little & MiddleCOURIER

Jesus said,

“Let the children come!”

At Christ Church Lutheran,

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 UpdateThe Easter season is 50 days long and the kids helped to celebrate that by hunting for Easter eggs in the courtyard on the Saturday after Easter. They were so excited given that it was cancelled last year, and they were overjoyed to see one another in person rather than on a screen! Enjoy these photos of the kids and families having fun at church on April 10. Alleluia! ~Pastor Andrea

May Baptism Birthdays Happy baptism birthday to Alvin, Geddy and Julia! You are God’s beloved children forever!

Youth Ministry UpdateConfirmation 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!

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Delivering Meals on Wheels is a­Joy!Come for the camaraderie as we load our cars with meals. Come for the good feeling of greeting shut-ins with food. Come for an easy way to give to others. Become a part of Meals on Wheels.

If you have a somewhat flexible work schedule, you can probably fit this in. On a delivery day, it takes us less than 2 hours over the noon hour to drive to Nokomis Square Coop, deliver the food, return to Nokomis to drop off the food equipment, and drive home. We pick up the food at around 11:15 and return the equipment usually by 12:15. We deliver for five days once every 7 weeks. In any given week, we are free to say we can’t make it on a particular day. You can choose the number of days and which days you deliver. The Meals program provides all the sanitizing gel and gloves needed for safe delivery.

If you have a buddy who could drive while you take food to a door, that works. Or maybe you’d be happy to drive if someone else took the food to the door. There are optional ways to be part of Meals on Wheels. Some of us drive in pairs; others, singly. You could bring along your favorite pet to keep you company or a neighbor with whom you want to have a visit while doing something worthwhile.

Fred and I usually deliver together. I’m the driver. While 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 cellphone.

Each delivery includes one hot meal, and cold food plus a 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. Mostly, they are eagerly waiting. They get food and a greet-ing.

As we drive, we listen to good news programs on Minnesota Pubic Radio. We discuss the day’s events. Sometimes I wait in the car while Fred lingers to visit with a food recipient (through the door, socially dis-tanced) who may not have spo-ken with someone for a couple of days. In the rare instances when we cannot rouse someone, we call Sarah, the Meals Coor-dinator, to alert the program that someone might have a problem. In this way, folks have someone checking on them at least five days each week.

It can be an awakening to see the various needs our neigh-bors have, their living situations, and even their abilities or lacks. Meals on Wheels is one easy way to learn about our city.

Cathy Sieving, our valiant and dedicated coordinator, will find another deliverer when we cannot show up, but she is short on drivers right now. Please give this ministry some prayerful consideration.

Melinda Quivik

Christ Church Calendar for MayMay 1 . . . Knitters & Crocheters

May 2 . . . . . . At-Home Worship

May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . Committees

May 9 . . . . . . At-Home Worship

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 12 . . . . . . . . .Staff Meeting

May 13 . . . .Executive Meeting

May 16 . . . . At-Home Worship

May 18 . . . . . .Council Meeting

May 21 . . . . . . . . . .Shelter Meal

May 23 . . . Pentecost Worship

May 27 . . . . . . . . Friends of CCL

May 30 . . . . At-Home Worship

May 31 . . . . . . . . Memorial Day

Stationery­Group­has­plenty­of­pretty­cards!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!

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Forums for MaySundays at 11:00 a.m. via ZoomMay 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 DiscussionCome 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