CPC Life Summer 2021 by Christ Presbyterian Church

ISAIAH 43:19 (NIV)

Editorial Assistant: Claire Sweem Intern: Susannah Steele

or as long as I can remember, summer has always brought a change of pace. Some things slow way, way down. Some things speed up. Whether I’ve been a teenager, a newlywed, or a father of teenagers myself, summer has always brought something new and different.

I would encourage us as a church, and you as an individual, to consider this summer as something new and different. Scripture tells us that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus isn’t trying to recapture our past; He’s constantly trying to lead us into newness—new rhythms of faithfulness and commitment to Jesus, rather than relegating our faith to the backseat or the leftovers. New rhythms of taking care of ourselves, rather than running ourselves ragged. New rhythms of learning how to be with our family, friends, and neighbors with attentiveness, rather than being preoccupied with the running lists in our heads.

What new thing might God want to do in your life this summer?

A friend recently said that the best word for this season, considering where we’ve been with the pandemic, is emerging. To emerge is to go from something old to something new. It’s to be stretched in an unfamiliar way. As you emerge from this season, our hope and prayer is that you will emerge depending on Jesus more than ever . . . so that whatever is next, whatever is new for you, it will be led by the Holy Spirit.

P E T E Y C R O W D E R serves as SENIOR PASTOR

Introducing . . . New Music!

The Contemporary Worship Team at CPC has released five original worship songs written for and inspired by the CPC community!

lbum available everywhere you stream A (including Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify)

CD available at Pathway Bookstore ($5) •••

Lyric posters are also available for purchase at Pathway!

Racial Justice Action Steps If you are ready to take a next step after our “Biblical Truths in a Racialized World” series, there are five opportunities to consider:

Reading While Black Book Club

Every other Tuesday starting June 22 • 6:30PM • In Person and Zoom

Join Pastor Emily Hamilton and CPC’s Missions Intern as we dive into and discuss the book Reading While Black by Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley.

Know Your Story Workshop

Cultural Immersion Field Trip

This 5-session workshop will guide you in understanding and sharing your own racial story.

Join Associate Director of Missions, Van Chounlamountry, and other CPCers for a field trip to the Somali Museum of Minnesota.

Intercultural Development Inventory

Southern Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Sign up by June 27 Assess your cultural competency and join other CPCers in facilitated discussions to go through the IDI together.

July 17 • 10:00AM-12:00PM

October 21-24

Be a part of a historical and spiritual journey through the historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement across the southeast.

Remember that this journey isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, sign up at cpconline.org/events.

FA I T H S T O RY

Olivia Anderson I

grew up going to church at CPC and I believed in Jesus, but swimming kind of consumed my life. When I went to the University of Texas for college, I had some difficult times that made me wonder, What is really the center of my life? I always thought my faith came first, but swimming was so much harder in college. I realized I was putting all my energy into it, prioritizing it over everything else, and I wanted to change that. I got in touch with some great Christian mentors who helped me see how Christ can be in, rather than separate from, sports. I had always struggled with wondering how I could be super competitive and have this desire to win, but also be following Jesus, who doesn’t really care if I win a race. I decided my primary goal in life is glorifying Christ and this gift God’s given me can be used to teach others about who He is as I live according to His Word. Resetting my priorities completely changed me as a person and also as a swimmer. My new perspective of competing in a Christlike manner motivated me and made me love the sport again. There haven’t been a lot of times that I’ve shared the Gospel in the pool, but it’s been cool when it happens! A lot of being a witness for Jesus is the way I interact with others, following His example from His life on earth. Whether it’s encouraging the other swimmers through a hard set, or seeing someone is having a bad day and having a conversation with them, I look for ways to support or celebrate them. After I graduated in December 2019, I thought I’d have six months before the Olympic Trials. I wasn’t swimming very well at the time, but I decided to swim through the Trials and hang up my goggles after that. Then the Olympics were postponed, and I had to decide whether to swim for another year. Ultimately, I knew deep down I wasn’t ready to be done. Alongside training, an internship, and a coaching job, I led a group of ninth graders in Commitment Class this year. It grew my faith more than I could have imagined! It forced me to examine what I believe and it held me accountable to live out what I was teaching the kids myself. I love my girls, and it was a really special year with them. Through leading, I also found a community of young adults to talk about faith and walk through this time of life together.

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I also attend church consistently on Sundays, which definitely puts my heart, mind, and head in the right place as I go into my week. Even when we want our faith to be the main priority, life happens between Sundays and can easily get in the way. Sunday worship is a good reset for me—like, hey, Jesus is what you live for . . . His way is what you’re called to. Every season in swimming there’s a new beginning. When the pandemic hit, I couldn’t have imagined what this year would bring. It’s crazy how much a year can change you! I have time goals for the Olympic Trials, but it doesn’t really matter at this point, as long as I can swim smart, execute my races well, and enjoy the experience. I’m in a great place mentally and physically, and I’m grateful I can end my swimming career on a good note. After this meet is over, it’s going to be my newest beginning ever—I’ve never really known a life without competitive swimming! I’ve been learning how to give up control and let Jesus come alongside me. Jesus doesn’t only care about me because I was a good at swimming. He won’t leave my side as I go through this hard transition and figure out this next phase of life. It doesn’t matter what else is in my life—sports, a job, friends, family—if I’m going to call myself a Christian, then Jesus needs to come first. It’s really easy to let God become smaller than the people in our life or for society’s views to become more important than what the Bible teaches. But I will keep choosing to live for Jesus because of what He’s done for me. There are definitely challenges and sins you have to fight against as a Christian in a competitive sport. Christ’s way doesn’t make life (or swimming) any easier, but in the end, living His way has made my life so much better. I wouldn’t want to do it any other way. Olivia left to participate in the Olympic Trials just days before this issue went to print.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO CPC. I was married at CPC in 1999, but I was working as a youth pastor until 2005 at a different church, so we weren’t worshiping here. Our initial connection to CPC occurred when The Table was meeting here, because Sunday nights worked well for our family. But CPC has been a consistent home for us for years now, and our kids have been actively involved in leading and serving with kids and students.

YOU REACHED OUT TO CORY GREGORY [SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT] OVER A YEAR AGO. WHAT PROMPTED THIS? I was feeling a complacency in my life. I was looking for something—but to be honest, I didn’t know what I was looking for. I knew I wanted to have a higher level of engagement with other men, but I didn’t know what it might look like at CPC. I’ve worked with non-profit and with para-church organizations, so I have a lot of connections. And I have plenty of friends. But I realized I didn’t have this at church; I wasn’t intentionally growing at CPC. CPC MEN

HOW DID THIS CORRELATE WITH WHAT CORY AND JAMES [PASTOR OF GROUPS] WERE THINKING? Cory and James both recognized the same felt need that I was speaking of. They’d had some similar conversations with others guys, and they were able to give words to the desire I had to experience more authentic relationships with other men here at CPC.

AND THEN COVID HIT.

CPC MEN

FINDING A PLACE TO BE KNOWN An Interview with Andy Swanda

Yeah. Most of us mark Sunday, March 15 as the start of shutdown: we knew church wasn’t happening in person, kids were shifting to distance learning, most of us were working at home. It’s crazy to think that just earlier that week Cory, James, and about five other men had shared dinner together to brainstorm about what we might do for the men at church. But despite the circumstances of the pandemic, we continued to meet, though we didn’t know how or when our ideas would become reality.

SO WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES? Our goal is not to get back to the Men’s Breakfasts of yore— though many found great meaning in those experiences. I think men really struggle to admit their need, to be transparent and say they are lonely, that they want to connect. So our plan this summer is to host three gatherings that simply help guys meet guys. And for some, to simply step back onto CPC’s campus! The pandemic has physically distanced us from so many things—we have new rhythms and ways of doing things. So as people emerge from the limitations and boundaries we’ve lived with for over a year, we want to offer some events that help guys emerge toward something. To a place where they are known.

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SUMMER SERIES Guys, come hang out with us one Wednesday a month this summer! June 23 • 6:00-8:00PM • CPC Patio & Westview Our first event will feature PHAROAH’S GYROS food truck, yard games, and an inspirational message from Pastor Petey.

Future dates: July 21 and August 18 more info at cpconline.org/events

Find Hope for Dark Times RUTH: REDEMPTION FOR THE BROKEN Mondays, June 21-August 16 • 9:30-11:15AM • Zoom In this study, you will see how Ruth points to the ultimate story of hope in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer—and how the fullness of Christ’s love leads us to love others. Led by Pastor James Madsen.

We still have some openings at our camps for kids and students! Learn more and sign up: C P C O N L I N E .O R G/ E V E N T S

e h t t e e M Interns!

Summer

interns are twins!

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david arndt Ministry team: Students College: recent graduate of Bethel University Favorite Bible story: David and Goliath Guilty pleasure: Oreos and milk Favorite vacation destination: Cozumel, Mexico Favorite book: Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow What do you want to gain from this experience? I hope to grow and mature my relationship with God in new ways as well as develop new relationships with colleagues through this internship experience. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I am most looking forward to working with students at camps.

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ahl d g u a n e gretch Ministry team: Students College: University of Minnesota Duluth Favorite Bible story: Zacchaeus the tax collector. Even though Zacchaeus was a tax collector and not very well liked by the public, Jesus saw him and wanted to stay at his house. I think this says a lot about Jesus in that He wants everyone one to feel seen and loved no matter who they are or what they have done. Guilty pleasure: falling asleep anywhere Favorite vacation destination: Northern California! San Francisco/ Yosemite/Lake Tahoe make a perfect vacation. Favorite book: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green What do you want to gain from this experience? This internship is unique because we are able and encouraged to grow and stretch ourselves and our faith while also guiding students and kids to grow in their faith as well. I hope to grow in my faith as well as gain confidence in my leadership abilities with students. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I am really looking forward to making connections with people. I love to build relationships with all kinds of people, so during COVID-19 it was especially hard for me to make new connections. This summer I am super excited to be able to meet new students and care for them on their journey!

ryan gallagher Ministry team: Worship College: recent graduate of St. John’s University Favorite Bible story: The prodigal son Guilty pleasure: watching Criminal Minds Favorite vacation destination: Montana Favorite book: Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan What do you want to gain from this experience? I hope to build new authentic relationships with other believers as well as grow musically and as a leader. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I am looking forward to helping out with worship on Sundays and making a difference in the CPC community by bringing more people to Christ.

Justin Grinnell Ministry team: Students College: Augsburg University Favorite Bible story: The transformation of Paul Guilty pleasure: Sour Patch Kids Favorite vacation destination: New York City Favorite book: Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell What do you want to gain from this experience? I hope to gain some long-lasting, life-giving relationships. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? Being a part of a student’s journey with Christ.

matt johnson Ministry team: Kids College: Iowa State Favorite Bible story: I love the calling of Matthew the tax collector because of the message that Jesus came for the broken and the sinners. (And it doesn’t hurt that it’s my namesake!) Guilty pleasure: Dungeons and Dragons Favorite vacation destination: Aruba Favorite book: The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny What do you want to gain from this experience? I’m excited to gain leadership skills. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? Watching kids grow in their faith and ask questions that I’m not expecting!

trent levahn Ministry team: Students College: Grand Canyon University Favorite Bible story: I love Saul’s conversion. Guilty pleasure: watching House Hunters Favorite vacation destination: Vietnam Favorite book: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller What do you want to gain from this experience? Among many things, I would like to be stretched in my leadership abilities. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I am most looking forward to showing students what a life led by Christ can look like.

lindsay matthews

claire miller Ministry team: Missions College: Wheaton College Favorite Bible story: Jesus heals the bleeding woman (Luke 8:43-48) Guilty pleasure: Ice cream! Particularly Ben and Jerry’s Favorite vacation destination: Budapest, Hungary Favorite book: You are What You Love by James K. A. Smith What do you want to gain from this experience? Practical ministry experience and a deepening of my love for God and others. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? Relationships with the staff and fellow interns!

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Ministry team: Kids College: Baylor University Favorite Bible story: David and Goliath Guilty pleasure: Netflix Favorite vacation destination: Hawaii Favorite book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald What do you want to gain from this experience? This summer I want to deepen my faith and my roots here at CPC. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? Creating relationships with kids at CPC and going to camp!

james rambow Ministry team: Students College: University of Minnesota Favorite Bible story: Jesus and Peter walking on water Guilty pleasure: watching Desperate Housewives Favorite vacation destination: Turks and Caicos Favorite book: Love Does by Bob Goff What do you want to gain from this experience? I hope to be a part of a really amazing community and gain skills to be able to better serve my Young Life area! What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I am most looking forward to connecting with other interns, CPC staff, and students this summer! CPC LIFE

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claire selje Ministry team: Kids College: Grand Canyon University Favorite Bible story: The story of Paul Guilty pleasure: Fortnite Favorite vacation destination: Florida Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling What do you want to gain from this experience? I want to grow in my faith and leadership skills. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I’m psyched to hang with all the kids and to get to know all these families this summer.

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Ministry team: Students College: Mankato State Favorite Bible story: The woman caught in adultery. It shows the grace Jesus has for us all. He wants us to turn from sin instead of turning away from each other. Guilty pleasure: reality TV and chocolate Favorite vacation destination: VERMONT!! Favorite book: not a big reader, but probably Turtles All the Way Down by John Green What do you want to gain from this experience? I want to be stretched; discomfort means that I’m growing. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? Becoming close with the other interns and staff

susannah steele Ministry team: Communications College: Wheaton College Favorite Bible story: Peter walking on water Guilty pleasure: Sebastian Joe’s Pavarotti ice cream Favorite vacation destination: London, England Favorite book: Love Does by Bob Goff What do you want to gain from this experience? I hope to learn how I can invite others into ministry through social media, CPC Life, the website, and other forms of communication. I am also excited to deepen my faith alongside the other interns and CPC staff. What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I cannot wait to learn about all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into showing the community how God is working through CPC and how I can use communications to get people connected with the church.

jessi wilkening

Ministry team: Students College: Wheaton College Favorite Bible story: The thief on the cross Guilty pleasure: Diet Coke Favorite vacation destination: Disneyworld! Favorite book: The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile What do you want to gain from this experience? I hope to not only help students grow in their relationship with Christ, but to also deepen my own faith along the way! What are you most looking forward to about this summer? I am most excited to build many new friendships with my coworkers, staff, and the students I will be leading!

Care & Prayer at CPC

PARTICIPATE IN A CARE GROUP Grief Recovery For those who have lost a loved one Tuesdays, July 13 & August 10 • 7:00-8:30PM Fellowship Hall/Fellowship Hall Patio michelled@cpconline.org Grace & Hope For Our Children For caregivers with kids with emotional or mental health issues Tuesdays, July 20 & August 17 7:00-8:30PM • Anderson Hall dbrown@dcbrowninc.com Prayer Shawl Ministry Sharing God’s love and comfort through knitted blankets Fridays, July 9 & August 13 • 10:00AM-12:00PM Fellowship Hall/Fellowship Hall Patio Janice Velgersdyk at 612-986-5902

RECEIVE PRAYER It is a privilege to stand with you in prayer for your concerns and needs.

To receive prayer: • Email your request to prayer@cpconline.org. • Text "cpcpray" to 97000. When your text is received, you will be prompted to share your request with us via text. • Make an in-person appointment: care@cpconline.org • Pray in the Sanctuary after each worship service

JOIN a MINISTRY TEAM to SURROUND OUR COMMUNITY with PRAYER In-Person Prayer Team Serve on Sunday mornings & meet individuals for prayer appointments by request Virtual Prayer Pray over a weekly list of prayer requests submitted via text or email Events Prayer Team Coordinate and lead the annual Staff Prayer Service and pray for church events including VBS, Camps, Alpha, IF:Gathering, and Candlelight Memorial Service. Contact michelled@cpconline.org to serve on one of CPC’s prayer teams.

S TA FF SP OT LIGH T JU YOUNG LEE HOMETOWNS: Taejon and Seoul, South Korea FAVORITE FOOD: seafood FAVORITE BOOK: W ise Thoughts for Every Day by Leo Tolstoy FAVORITE MOVIE: Life is Beautiful FAVORITE COMPOSER: J.S. Bach FAVORITE INSTRUMENT: t he human voice (organ is #2!) FAMILY: husband, Sungbae Hong, and three daughters: Yeram (17), Yesol (14), and Yeon (6)

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE CPC INTERIM ORGANIST? Last fall I took a choral conducting seminar at the University of Minnesota. The professor was Dr. Kathy Romey, who is a close friend of Heather Hood [Director of Traditional Worship]. One day she asked, “Do you work at a church as an organist?” I didn’t currently have a job, and she found a way to introduce me to Heather.

YOU ARE FROM SOUTH KOREA; WHEN DID YOU COME TO THE UNITED STATES? I lived in St. Louis, Missouri from 2005-2007, while my husband was an MBA student at Washington University. We then went back to Korea, although even then I wanted to apply to a doctorate program. I returned to the States in 2018 with my three daughters. Originally the plan was just to stay for one year as a visiting scholar at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, but more opportunities led us to Minnesota and now we have been here for almost three years.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH CHURCHES? I’ve been serving worship services as an accompanist since I was eight years old! My father is a retired minister of a Methodist church, so I had a very early opportunity. I began to work as an organist when I was a freshman in college, and after I received my master’s degree, I served as a music director. I’m currently working on my doctorate in Organ Performance.

HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND? We actually met when I was a freshman in college at a Korean Traditional Music club, and we dated for seven years. My husband grew up in a Buddhist home, but he became a Christian before we married. I think everything was done by the Holy Spirit. I didn’t ask for him to come to church or tell him he needed to believe in Jesus to date me—I didn’t present it that way. At that time, we were writing letters, many letters. And at the end

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I would tell him that God loves him. Even him! This year we are celebrating our twentieth anniversary.

OUR WORSHIP SERIES THIS SUMMER ON ESTHER WE WILL BE CENTERED ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS. HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN YOUR LIFE? I feel like I see God’s faithfulness in every moment! I especially see it in this moment, because I didn’t plan to spend more than one year in the States. And I didn’t plan to study the organ! I had turned to conducting, but now I have the opportunity to praise God on the organ bench. I think this is the best way—even if it wasn’t in my plans. God is leading me and He is showing that His goodness and faithfulness is in all things.

J U Y O U N G L E E serves as I N T E R I M O R G A N I S T .

BIRTHS

Susan and Skip Nelson welcomed a daughter, Margaret Annalee Nelson, on March 3. Kristin and John Lonsbury welcomed a daughter, Eliette Grace Lonsbury, on March 24. Martha Rathmanner and Justin Carlson welcomed a son, James Martin Carlson, on May 7. Stace and Adam Butcher welcomed a daughter, Tessa Lucille Butcher, on May 19.

MARRIAGES

Harold “Harry” Baltzer passed away on May 25 at the age of 79. He is survived by daughter Deb (Grant) Paulson. Richard F. Blomquist passed away on May 26 at the age of 88. He is survived by daughter Kris.

STAFF UPDATES

Isaac Wheeler joins the Student Ministries Team as Associate Director of Middle School. Kathleen Selje is transitioning out of Kids’ Ministries and to a new role as the Director of Groups. She’ll be serving part-time in Groups and Kids’ Ministries this summer.

Lauren Sjolander and Randal Mills were married on March 27. The Rev. Petey Crowder officiated.

Debbie Ducar leaves her position as Associate Director of Women’s Ministries.

Megan Armstong and Oakes Arceneaux were married on June 12. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated.

Cathy Wood leaves her position as Associate Director of Engagement.

DEATHS

Julia Thornton passed away on January 13 at the age of 85. She is survived by her husband Larry, a former CPC Pastor. Peter H. Berge passed away on February 25 at the age of 63. Betty Munkel passed away on March 3 at the age of 94. She is survived by daughter Robyn Seaton, son-in-law Paul Dvorak, and grandchildren Owen, Zachary, Hugh, and Joshua. Chuck Millberg passed away on March 9 at the age of 73. He is survived by wife Kathleen and children Kelly (Adam) Nelson and Trevor (Jessica) Millberg. Dennis J. Johnson passed away on March 26 at the age of 81. He is survived by son Brent (Anne) and grandchildren Matt and Peter. Mary Jo Carlson passed away on April 3 at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by husband Larry.

Steve Norgren leaves his position on the facilities team. Jonathan Hicks joins CPC as Executive Pastor on July 15. He will be on CPC’s Lead Team and will be responsible for providing leadership to ministry areas for all ages—birth through senior adults—including Missions and Care. His oversight will focus on the programs, processes, and pathways for everyone to experience the invitation of Jesus into discipleship and serving. Jonathan will be on CPC’s Lead Team and will oversee all ministries at CPC.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Ministry Fund Giving Giving Budget March 2021: $407,034 Giving Actual March 2021: $393,188 Giving Budget April 2021: $331,537 Giving Actual April 2021: $281,605 Our fiscal year began June 1, 2020 and ended May 31, 2021. As of April 30, we were behind on giving revenue fiscal year-to-date by $140,815.

Charles (Chuck) Leininger passed away on April 4 at the age of 73. He is survived by wife Jodee. Harriet June Allen Chenvert passed away on May 17 at the age of 94. She is survived by son Charley (Mary Beth) Allen. Georgia F. Quiggle passed away on May 22 at the age of 81. She is survived by husband Gary.

LOVE BOOKS?

Have some free time? Pathway is seeking volunteers to help in the bookstore. Simply email pathway@cpconline.org if interested!

CPC LIFE

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Worship With Us! SUNDAYS

9:00AM • Traditional Worship 11:00AM • Contemporary Worship O n July 4 we will have one OUTDOOR worship service North Lawn • 10:00AM Sunday Communities do not meet during the summer months. In the summer, kids start in church with their families, and are dismissed for programming prior to the message. Please visit the Kids’ Check-In for a name tag prior to entering the Sanctuary.

NEW WORSHIP SERIES! JUNE 20-JULY 25