Transfiguration Lutheran Church

60th Anniversary

Program for the Day

Pastors Through the Years

Rev. Franklin Swanson 1957

Rev. Benjamin Leonard 1957

Rev. Roy Guinn 1959

Rev. James Anderson 1968

Rev. Duane Martinson 1977

Rev. Joseph Carucci 1980

Rev. Richard Chronis 1984

Rev. Jeffrey Jacobus 1984

Rev. Raymond Ormond 1989

Rev. Craig Johnson 1991

Rev. Vern Christopherson 1997

Rev. Mary Pechauer 1998

Rev. Shelley Cunningham 1998

Rev. John Nelson 2002

Rev. Stephanie Coltvet-Erdmann 2006

Rev. Ed Treat 2010

Rev. Arthur Murray 2016

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jane Voss

Invocation/Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr. Ed Treat

Brunch

Comments from Former Pastors

Sharing Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr. Arthur Murray

60th Anniversary Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Shemanek

Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr. Ed Treat

The cover was designed by Sarah Lanier,

Office Administrator, for the new TLC

directory which will be ready at the end

of the year.

The brunch today is catered by Tracy Witte,

the ELC chef.

The centerpieces were made with flowers

from TLC’s gardens. We invite you take

one home.

60th Anniversary Committee

Mary Mahre

Marilyn Erickson

Ginger Anderson

Diane Lehman

Lori Luoma

Sharon Jacobson

Brad Nolte

Marilyn Rundberg

Meg Spear

Jamie Wannigman

Louise Olson

Welcome! What a joy it is to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of

Transfiguration!

It is very appropriate that we are celebrating on All Saints Sunday. My hope and prayer for this day is that we will take time to give thanks for the good work of all the saints of TLC who, through the inspiration of God’s Spirit, have given us this great legacy. May we

be similarly inspired to lay a firm foundation for the next 60 years.

In the seven years since I was called to be your senior pastor, I can truly say that there is so much to be grateful for. As with everything that happens in a church, it takes a team of committed Jesus follow-ers to make it all happen. This celebration is no exception. I am

filled with gratitude for the 60th Anniversary celebration team, led by Mary Mahre and Marilyn Erickson. They have been meeting for close to a year in preparation for this day and have done amazing

work.

God’s richest blessings be with you all this day!

Pastor Ed Treat

60 YEARS – of GATHERING, GROWING and GOING FORTH to SERVE

Sixty-one years ago, Pastor Franklin A. Swanson began knocking on doors (700 to be exact). From that outreach, Transfiguration Lutheran church was born. The first worship service was held at Westwood School on November 4, 1956, and on April 4, 1957, the church was

officially formed. Members continued to meet at Westwood School for five years, during which time a 12-lot parcel of land was purchased on the corner of 110th and France for $10,000. Yes, only four zeros. Ground-breaking for our first church building took place in 1960. The completed

structure was dedicated at its first service on May 28, 1961. By then the congregation had grown to 611 baptized members. By 1966 the membership numbered 1,241 and the church broke ground for the education wing. In March 1981, the congregation voted to begin a new phase of construction which included a new sanctuary, an addition to the east and west wings of the existing building, and

a lower level. In 2002 we initiated a capital campaign that would lead to renovation of the east and west wing, narthex, sanctuary and construction of

the south half of the building.

TLC is not just about a building-- it’s about people, people who seek to Gather in Grace, Grow in Faith and Go Forth to Serve.

Following are highlights from the past that bring us to today in the life of TLC.

Worship April 7, 1957, the first official worship service was held. Charter membership included 99 confirmed members and 84 baptized chil-dren. During the past 10 years:

2010- Rev. Dr. Ed Treat became our Senior Pastor

2016 – Rev. Arthur Murray was called and ordained to be our Associate Pastor

2015 – Oasis was born – a Wednesday evening of worship, fellowship and

education

2015 - We answered a call and made a commitment to become a Reconciling In

Christ congregation. We are fulfilling a commitment that began years ago to “Create a Place For All to Belong”

2017 - We have four opportunities to worship: Wednesday evening at 6:15,

and at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 on Sunday. Both contemporary services and tradi-tional services are held and communion is offered at every service.

Music

In the beginning, choirs rehearsed in members’ homes. A portable pump organ was used for accompaniment during the days at

Westwood School. By 1969, there were 6 choirs, 2 organists and 7 choir accompanists. Many musicals have been presented – Tell It Like It Is, He Lived a Good Life, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, To the Castle, and Godspell.

1993 – the adult hand bell choir was formed.

Praise and Worship, our current contemporary instrumentalist and singers' group, has been playing since 2000.

1982 – our Holtcamp pipe organ was installed and upgraded in 2010.

Organists Karen Daniels and Carmen Englert were hired in 1972 and 1996, respectively. Dr. Rob Reid became our director of

music in 2002. Phetsamone Ekholm, our pianist, has been accompanying the Praise and Worship group since 2000.

On a fashion note – the original choir robes were black with white col-

lars. Next came maroon, which proved too warm. After that, the green ones were purchased in 1996. Now as we enter our 60th year – our choir is looking mighty spiffy in their brand new purple robes.

2017 – Our present music staff has been loyal and amazing. We are

blessed to have a full time director of music, chancel choir, bell choir, Praise and Worship singers and instrumentalists, TLC brass choir, TLC low brass choir, TLC Woodwinds, two organists, a pianist, and choir assistant.

Publicity

1981 – the first issue of TLC Tidings was published and cassette tapes

of the worship service became available.

1984 – the first computer for the church office was purchased.

1985 – TLC began weekly broadcasts on a local cable network.

1988 – the church bought its first postage meter.

2000 – TLC began its first web page.

2009 – E-transmissions was started.

2009 – use of projectors began in the sanctuary.

2010 – digital signage in the narthex.

2017 – we have Transcripts (a colorful and complete booklet on the activities at TLC) sent to all members every other month,

weekly E news, and an up-to-date website with live streaming of our worship services.

Education The largest enrollment for Sunday school occurred in 1968 when there were 651 children.

2017 – traditional Sunday school meets during the 9:30 hour. Over the 60 years there have been changes in methods but the

focus remains on Jesus and his love.

In 1962 – the new building offered a morning kindergarten for the community as the public schools did not yet offer kindergar-

ten.

In 1965 the first library opened for TLC users.

The Early Learning Center was established in 1985 and was called the TLC Day Care center. Four children were enrolled. By

1992 the center became accredited for 65 children. Hot meals were served and there was a staff of 13.

2017 - today the ELC has 30 employees plus volunteers. There are 93 full and part time children not counting those who only

come on non-school days or just for the summer.

Confirmation classes began when the church was started. The first class

consisted of 9 students and they were confirmed in 1957.

2017 – today the confirmation program meets on Wednesday nights in

conjunction with Oasis.

Vacation Bible School was initially shared with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

and we had 150 students and provided 25 teachers and assistants.

2017 – Our VBS program today happens during June. 150-180 children

attend with up to 85 volunteers.

2017 - Milestone Ministry which began in 1998, is a program for parents

and children ages 2 - Grade 5 designed to learn faith practices.

Small groups and Volunteering 1958 – mixed bowling teams formed.

1969 – first men’s golf tournament, followed by the men’s golf league that began in 1971.

1991 – TLC Foundation established with a mission to support the mission and ministries of the church through planned giving.

Women’s circles date back to the 60's. Sarah Esther Circle and Ruth Rachel Circles still meet monthly.

2006 - Guys For God began as an evening function for food, fellowship and inspiring programs. Recently women have been

invited.

2004 – Thursday morning Men’s Work Group began. Over the years they have saved our church over $500,000 by completing

projects that would have been otherwise outsourced.

TLC Quilters have been making beautiful quilts since the 1990’s. Since 2011

they have made 1,515 quilts that have been given to Oasis, Bridging, Cor-nerstone, Lutheran World Relief, Bundles of Love and Beacon.

2001 – Parish Nurse program was initiated. It continues today under the

direction of volunteer Pat McMullen.

2002 – Care Mail Crafters formed to create cards for members who are

homebound, sick or have lost a loved one. To date they have created 11,500 cards.

2003 - K3P3 prayer shawl ministry began to bring comfort and love to those

who need the love of Jesus wrapped around them in times of sickness, mourn-ing and in celebration during baptism.

2003 – Faith, Fact and Fiction TLC book club was formed as part of small group ministries.

2003 - TLC walkers meet on Weds. mornings for fellowship and exercise.

The past 10 years have seen the formation of the widows' social and support group; Conscious Contact Drum circle designed to

deepen our spirituality; racial justice team to plan education and advocacy; Westwood reading buddies and pen pals; RIC team to plan around LGBT issues; blood pressure checks; mission and outreach team, library team, and prayer chain.

Global Mission Outreach

1975 – congregation sponsored the Muoi family from Viet Nam.

1983 – sponsored the Swiatkelwicz family from Poland.

1985 – the Ang Sok family came and was helped to gain education, housing and employment.

1999 – youth group went to work with Cristo Rey Centro, a Lutheran church in El Paso area.

2002 – group of adults and teens traveled to Chiclayo, Peru, to help with the construction of a

community center.

2004 – a second group went to Peru to continue work with the community of Chiclayo.

2005 – mission trip to Arkansas.

2006 – adults and teens went to New Orleans to help with hurricane relief.

2007 – a group went to Tanzania to work on painting staff housing for a new clinic.

Between 2007 and 2016 youth and adult mission trips have gone to Mexico, New York, Pine Ridge Indi-

an Reservation, Colorado, Chicago, Wisconsin.

2014 – TLC joined with other Bloomington congregations and Global Health Ministries to send a shipping

container to Liberia with relief supplies during the Ebola epidemic.

2016 – TLC’s long term sponsorship of medical missionaries Steve and Bethany Friberg in Tanzania culmi-

nated in the sponsoring of a Tanzania medical student to continue their work.

2016 – Center for Changing Lives—Liberia was founded by TLC member and Liberia native, Philip

Nushann. TLC is the lead partnering congregation in Minnesota.

2017 – our youth group volunteered on Skid Row in Los Angeles.

Our mission outreach now supports the Minneapolis Synod, Center for Changing Lives in Liberia, Bible camps, Tapestry, Meals on

Wheels, VEAP, Feed My Starving Children, Oasis for Youth, Exodus Lending, Global Health Ministries, Beacon, LSS and U of M campus ministry.

Youth Groups and Activities

1957 – the first Luther League of TLC met in parish member homes

1958 - Troop 446 Boy Scouts was sponsored by Transfiguration Lutheran Church. The first group of scouts belonged mainly to the

sponsor’s congregation, but over the years the troop has drawn scouts from throughout the area. Hundreds of scouts have registered with our troop since 1958, along with many devot-ed parents and adults who have volunteered to assist.

1970 – Pastor Jim Anderson initiated Boundary Waters canoe trips for the youth that contin-

ue to this day.

1971 – we hired our first full-time youth director, Barb Lundblad, with a grant that was un-

derwritten by the LCA.

2017 – today our full time Youth & Family Minister is Ben Cherland. This position entails facili-

tating Club 56 on Sunday mornings, coordinating the Wednesday night Confirmation and Peer Ministry programs, and planning mission trip and camp opportunities in the summer. En-gaging the congregation in ministry to its youth sits at the center of the Youth & Family pro-gram today.

2018 – TLC Youth to participate for the first time in the ELCA National Youth Gathering, in

Houston, TX. Activities will include volunteer relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

As we celebrate our 60th year as a congregation, we are on a Journey with Jesus that started as a capital campaign to bring us to new heights which we believe will strengthen and inspire our shared ministry for years to come. We are so grateful for the people and programs that have gone before us to become a place for all to belong; we look forward to building on that solid foundation as we Gather in Grace; Grow in

Faith; and Go Forth to Serve.

Compiled by Mary Mahre, member since 1967

Former Pastors Share

I became your pastor 58-1/2 years ago. We were meeting at Westwood School where we used the hallways for Church School and we stored our worship supplies in a closet. We knew we needed a building and with the Board of Missions help we got our site. Now it was time to build. Again with the Mission Board's help, we as a congregation sacrificed to make this happen. It wasn't easy, but what joy at our first service in our new church. Bloomington had grown rapidly those years and so did our congregation. It wasn't long that we realized that we needed to build again and with the Board's help we did just that. Again our people sacrificed. I remember that my office in the first unit be-came the enlarged men’s restroom. Now with more space we could serve our people better and we continued to grow in numbers and together. When we left Transfiguration, we had 600 children and youth in Church School, 70 in the 7th grade. Those were exciting times. Some things that I remember: a young boy would always call me God when he saw me in church. One Sunday after service when I was greeting the folks - this young fellow was pulling on my robe and when I looked at him he said, "We're out of paper." Well, if you’re out of paper in the restroom - you go right to God. We had the best choirs, the best boy scout troop, the best ac-olytes (28) and so many baptisms (my greatest joy as a pastor.) We joyously received our first black family - a great experience for our children in Church School and for the rest of us. Needless to say our days with you were very busy but they were filled with joy. How we appreciated your friendships. I must say a word about my wife Marge - our home, the parsonage, was our church during the week. During Lent we had two services on the Wednesday nights. We told our son, Mark not to flush the toilet during services because the drain pipe was in the middle of the seats. Those were the times we met for Confirmation study (7th & 8th graders), we had Sun-day night Youth night, monthly Women's meetings, council meetings and more. Marge endured all this while caring for two children and me. Bless her heart! These were great years for our family and for the church family. We grew together and I learned a great deal from very dedicated members in our church. Now since leaving you I have served 4 more full-time ministries and 3 part-time. On a personal note: I am 89 years old, still serve when needed, play golf weekly even in the heat here in Tucson. Thank you for remembering us on your 60th Anniversary. We wish we could be with you to help celebrate and praise God. May God continue to bless you as you min-ister in and out of 110th & France - a great church. Pastor Roy and Marge Guinn

Happy Halloween! Happy Reformation! This reminds me of the 10 years I spent at TLC. A time of growth and reformation. My time at TLC was the longest pastorate I ever had. At the time, I was the only pastor who wasn’t a “Minnesota lad” and I heard whispers of “wise men from the East!”

Those 10 years were good years for me. I grew as a pastor as TLC and West Bloomington was also growing. The combined confirmation classes were 150-160 youth. There was evangelical outreach in many different ways. During that time the congregation made a contract with an architecture firm to transform the church building with the building of the sanctuary, moving the Fellowship Hall to the west side, changing the kitchen location, and the use of other spaces. The Early Learning Center was birthed during those years. The corner of 110th and France was/is a beautiful corner.

The leadership worked well together and I felt supported by TLC. There was a very skilled staff—youth, teaching, preaching. I recognize that there was some consternation, as well, I remember TLC as a powerhouse church in the Minnesota Synod of the LCA.

I had a heart attack during my pastorate at TLC and remember well meeting so many TLC members as I walked the halls of Valley West Shopping Center as a part of my re-hab. I learned to be a better pastor.

During my time in Bloomington, I was active on the MN Synod Council, the State of MN SIDS Board, Park and Rec appointment by the mayor, and in several sports organizations. My two daughters are graduates of Jefferson High School.

I am now retired after being the oldest mission developer and live in Sun City West. My wife Sandy died in October 2016. While we were living in Bloomington, Sandy worked for 10 years at Abbott Hospital in the Rehab Station. I give thanks for the wonderful pastors who have served TLC over the years.

Pr. Joe Carucci, 1980-1990

I could not swim. I could not swim, but that did not stop the good Reverend Joseph Carrucci from sending me to the Boundary Waters with a group of Transfiguration teenagers. I was fresh from New York, two weeks in Minnesota, when I departed for the Boundary Waters. The idea, of course, was to bond with these young church members. Get to know them and allow them to know me. That was a nice idea, but I had a better, more important goal: Survival. My daily prayer: Please God, let me make it through this day, let me return—in one piece—to my family.

I returned, sorer and wiser, to the bright smiles of my family, the comfort of our new home. And the years passed and I

learned how to swim, to ski, to canoe and portage. Four years after my initial trip to the Boundary Waters we made the trip without guides. We picked up our supplies in Ely and set out on our own. It was the only year we did not get lost. I had trav-eled a long way from that first time when I prayed just to make it home.

I traveled a long way to get to Minnesota. A journey that led to a new appreciation for snow and cold, a better under-standing of Lutheranism, an immersion in hockey, glorious Bible study, the encouragement, support, friendship—and inspira-tion—of people of all ages. Many profound memories. When it came time to write something for the 60th Anniversary of the church, I had much to choose from. But the more I thought about it, two memories stood out from the others. One is funny, and the other, the serious one, is the memory of a young man who, unexpectedly, expressed a surprising surge in his faith.

Hockey was his passion, his first love. Religion--not so much. One day after Sunday worship he walked past my office on his way home. We said goodbye and then, halfway out the door, he paused, turned back to me and said, “You know Pastor something happened to me today and I am not sure I understand it. I go to church and it’s OK, I really don’t mind it--it doesn’t do much for me, but today halfway through the sermon, something clicked in, it was like all of a sudden I got it. It just hit me. I started to understand what this is all about, why it’s important.” I said a few encouraging words and that was it, he was out the door. But I believe that he was slightly transformed. Not the same person who came through the same door an hour be-fore. He had traveled a distance greater than from the parking lot to the nave and back.

This, of course, is the church at her best. Communicating the power and hope of the gospel to a new generation. And here is the humorous memory: I learned to swim via adult education classes at a local school. I was the youngest per-

son in the class! After about a year of classes my instructors decided to attend worship at Transfiguration. Following worship they came through the line to greet me. I was of course, surprised to see them. They were surprised that I was surprised be-cause I had distributed communion to them a few minutes earlier. Now, I had only seen them in bathing suits and bathing caps. Which led me to exclaim, in a loud voice, “Oh my gosh, I did not recognize you with your clothes on!” Suddenly, the narthex went silent. We immediately filled everyone in on the context of my remark. Thank the good Lord, they believed us.

Congratulations, people of God at Transfiguration Lutheran, on sixty years of ministry. Sixty years of helping people of all ages “get it” when it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sixty years of equipping people for their assorted travels through this world.

Transfiguration was a good place for my boys to grow up and, in many ways, the place where I grew up as a pastor.

Rev. Ray Ormand, Youth & Education Pastor, 1989-1994

I continue to hold fond memories of my time at Transfiguration and all the good people there. It was a privilege and

blessing to serve you for that time.

Pr. Mary Pechauer, 1998-2000

When I came to TLC we began a study of the Purpose Drive Church book by Rick Warren. Council and staff decided to

incorporate this into all facets of our ministry. Congregationally, we read the “Purpose Driven Life” book which was very wel l

received. Along with that I helped develop and implement the adult education Discipleship Class series. Over the course of the

next few years we offered courses in Discipleship 101, 201, 301, and a few even stuck it out for Discipleship 401. This was

Bob Riley level material. In the course of the program we had over 300-400 members involved in the program.

Ironically, at the same time we were redeveloping other ministries and I was assigned to work with the older adult pro-

gram called “The Leisure Club.” When I came in and began conversations about changing up the group and their name to

present a less “club” based mentality and out it up to more mission based programing, I was met with, let us say, a slight bit of

resistance. After much discussion amongst the members of the group it was declared to me that they would only make the

change if they could be known as “The Leisure Disciples.”

Pr. John Nelson, 2002-2008

What a joy it is to be a part of the 60th Anniversary of Transfiguration Lutheran Church! I could never have predicted ten years ago as a working musician on the east coast that I would now be serving as a pas-

tor in a suburban Lutheran congregation in Minnesota. It is truly amazing where God’s Spirit blows! Part of what drew me to the ministry was the desire to be part of a Christ-centered community, no matter where that might

be. While I have only been with you a relatively short time, I am now part of this history and part of the Transfiguration story. That feels good!

I love to hear the stories about the history of Transfiguration. What a joy to read the reflections of former pastors and long term members! Pastor Guinn’s story about welcoming the first black family to TLC back in the 1960’s was one that jumped

out at me. It is so encouraging to know that as we continue to struggle towards racial justice and creating a truly welcoming community, that TLC has been engaged in this vision of God’s beloved community for many decades!

Likewise, I related to Pastor Ormand’s story about moving from New York to Minnesota and immediately being “sent” to the Boundary Waters with the youth! While I wasn’t “sent” (I went enthusiastically) the Boundary Waters trips have been a core piece of my love for this community. It is wonderful to hear the stories of the ways in which TLC has long been invested in wor-shiping in and through an experience of the natural world. It is a great joy to continue in that long tradition and - given the on-going need to care for God’s creation - more important than ever!

Finally, one of the greatest blessings for me has been witnessing the ways in which the TLC community consistently chooses to welcome the stranger and the newcomer. In the the previous pages we see that TLC disciples have dedicated themselves to welcoming new immigrants to the Bloomington area dating back to the 1970’s. These days the new arrivals are from different countries, but the Spirit of hospitality remains. What a gift it is to join this long history of welcome as we continue to live into the exhortation of Matthew 25: When we welcome the stranger, we are in fact welcoming Jesus himself.

May we continue to welcome Jesus for the next 60 years to come!

Pastor Arthur Murray

People of Transfiguration Share

“TLC was a blessing to our family for 45 years. The wonderful pastors, talented lay leaders, the many opportunities to volun-

teer and special friends we made, are memories we hold dear. We moved to Mahtomedi in 2013 and return for special occa-sions at TLC. Thank you for doing this special section of the book. Congratulations on your 60th anniversary!” Gene & Ardis Danger

“My first Sunday at TLC was Palm Sunday 2002 and I was hooked. Didn't have to look any further for a church to call

home. Blessed to be part of such a wonderful congregation, awesome musicians and Pastors.” Linda Knutson

When we moved to Bloomington in 1964, and began looking for a church home, Transfiguration was only a mile west on 110th

Street, and was the logical choice. It helped a lot that the pastor, Roy Guinn, had the ability to remember our name, as the one

other church we visited was nice, but no one even said hello. It was November, and the very first service we attended, the

choir anthem was "Thanks Be to Thee" with a tenor solo. The worship space was not large, and the choir sat behind the al-

tar. There were no pews, and the congregation sat on folding chairs. We decided to attend the choir's Christmas Concert held

in Penn Junior High School's auditorium. I remember saying to Roy, "They don't know it, but we'll soon be in that choir," I had

thought Lois Nornes the director, was a tall woman because she was standing on the altar platform, two steps higher than the

folding chairs! Who would ever think that in 2017 we would still be singing in that same choir, different directors had come

and gone, black robes changed to maroon, and would change twice more. We are thankful that we came and will not

leave. We love this place! Nancy Shemanek.

TLC has always been a church of willing volunteers, and it gave some of us a taste of what we liked to do almost immediately

upon joining. Pastor Guinn came to our home shortly after we joined, and since I was already in the Senior Choir, knew that I

enjoyed music. He asked if I would take over directing the Junior Choir. I had never directed a choir before, but Pastor had

been directing the small choir himself, so could I start next week? Wow, was I nervous! We had only one car, and my accom-

panist and then organist, Betty Nelson, who lived a few blocks from us, was to pick me up on choir night. The group was very

small, all Junior High girls, so my own girls were in the choir too. Betty and I got to be best friends. Many may remember Betty

and Chet Nelson. He was a hobby woodworker, whose main job in life was an artificial limb company in Mpls. Chet and Betty

moved to Mpls. and eventually joined another church. Sad to say, both these lovely people are no longer with us, but it makes

me realize we can't let friends get away from us! Nancy Shemanek

CONGRATULATIONS!!! To TLC for being here 60 years! WOW, 60 great years-we have been a part of so many great activi-

ties, small groups, council, choir, circles over our 41+ years at TLC! What a special place for us with so many good friends. The

first day Pastor Jim Anderson visited us, from one block away, we were “sold!” Son Scott was confirmed here. We have seen

many good changes at TLC over the years and hope to be a part of it for many more! Lee and Jim McMillan

“TLC has been my church home since the late 70's. When I look at the congregation either from the choir loft or from the pews ,

I realize how many of the people I know. It gives me a warm and welcome feeling in this place of worship. I have served on

many committees, participated in many events, and will continue to do so as long as I am able. My daughter was confirmed and

married here. Both of my grandsons were baptized here. Many wonderful memories! I love this church!” Marilyn Rundberg

When I came to this church as an associate in ministry in 1998, one of the Sunday school teachers was Chelle Deering. She led

the 3-year-old group with her own special way of connecting kids to God’s word and to the church. Chelle retired from this posi-

tion this year (she had already been teaching several years before I came). She has touched the lives of over 400 children and

their families. She taught them each the Lord’s Prayer. She has trained many of our confirmation and high school youth to be

faithful teachers. Now, one of her former 3-year-olds (and also one of her junior high teaching assistants, then teacher assis-

tants), Sophie Werner now leads the class. Churches are so blessed by people who share their passions with the greater

community. Renee Jefferson

We Wanted a Church in 1957

Why? God’s children were beginning to gather in farm land

becoming Bloomington, to live, thrive, and worship. Life needed to not only be organized, but renewed and spiritually transformed.

What better than a franchise from the heavenly authority which took on this comprehensive mission.

When Jesus took his followers up the mountain of Transfiguration they and all of us became further introduced to the

Christian life based upon love and forgiveness. Generation after generation, our church has lived up to

its Transfiguration name and TLC Brand by bringing God’s message into all aspects of life, for the young, the old,

the families, and even the animals, with a Blessing the Animals Service.

1957 mission of TLC has been met and will continue to be so forever with support, reassurance, and joy distributed with love to members, Early Learning Center students,

worldwide mission, parishioners, and all who come to listen for ALL ARE WELCOME.

In 1957, the TLC message began in a nearby school and expanded as a subsequent building was built but the

TLC message for future generations will go forth in old and new ways as befits modern times of 2017 and 2057.

Larry Granger, member since 1999

Eagle Scout Badge 1956—1972

Eagle Scout Badge 2017

Boy Scout Troop 446 Eagle Scouts—1966—2017 "Troop 446 sponsored by Transfiguration Lutheran Church has a long history in Bloomington first chartering in 1958 . The first group of scouts belonged mainly to the sponsor’s congregation, but over the years the troop has

drawn scouts from throughout the area. Hundreds of scouts have registered with our troop since 1958, along with many devoted parents and adults who have volunteered to assist. 78 young men have achieved the rank of Eagle

Scout from our troop. We hope to continue the strong tradition of character development and values-based lead-ership training."

Troop 446 website "www.bsa446.org" and email address "info@bsa446.org".

Scout Name Year Charles Anderson Jr 1966

Mark D. Anderson 1967 Robert Winters 1967 David Sonju 1969

Robert Platte 1969

Thomas Anderson 1969

James Fourniea 1970 Mark K. Anderson 1971 William Becker 1971

Patrick G. Fourniea 1973 Brian J. Borden 1974 Scott M Seeley 1974

Thomas H. Olive 1975 Thomas E. Core 1977

Christopher M. Aden 1979 Stephen A. Cook 1983 David D. Gronhoz 1985

Stephen P. Johnson 1986 Kurt A. Richards 1986 David Barden 1987

Brent Lindren 1987 Ralph Behme 1991

Shad Lacktorin 1992 Sean Young 1993 Kevin Lawson 1993

Wade Heideman 1993 Kristopher Pearson 1993 John Gettler 1993

Brian Miller 1994 Greg Dystle 1995

Chris Gettler 1997 Christopher Tacheny 1997 Lenn Anderson 1997

David Barbato 1997 Nick Dircz 1998 Doug Rohkohl 1998

Eric Sheland 1998 Mark Wettstaedt 1999

David Hammond 2000 Doug Kurth 2000 Jeff Kurth 2001

Joe Bartolotta 2001

Scout Name Year Elliot Dircz 2001

Erik Tisthammer 2001 Brian Pfeiffer 2004 Sam Michael 2004

Nathan Braman 2004 Peter Anderson 2005

Jamie Blader 2005 Dustin Larson 2005 Chris Bukstrand 2006

Ryan Etchison 2006 Matt Wallerus 2007 Joe Michael 2007

Peter Engstrand 2007 Jeff Brenna 2009

Dan Balder 2009 Tim Dugan 2009 Eric Alm 2009

Christopher Lanoue 2010 Samuel Moheban 2010 Anthony Pearson 2010

Alexander Eckberg 2011 Zackary Moheban 2011

Peter Hanson 2011 Arthur DeSchepper 2012 John Lanoue 2012

Jeremy Aldorfer 2012 Michael Blazanin 2012 Calvin McDevitt-Coryell 2014

Tyler Berry 2014 Austin Rahn 2014

Daniel Lanoue 2015 Robert (R.J.) Martz 2015 Wyatt Anderson 2015

Kevin Keely 2016 Daniel Reinhardt 2016 Andrew Hamon 2017

Transfiguration Lutheran Church

11000 France Avenue South

Bloomington, MN 55431

952-884-2364

www.tlcmn.com

60th Anniversary Song

Written by Nancy Shemanek, member since 1965

Accompanied by Karen Daniels, member since 1970