ONE SERVICE! Outdoor Worship
Breathe in the fresh air and join us for worship in our Community Green Space! These services offer a casual, meaningful way to gather in God’s creation.
Outdoor services are weather-dependent and will move indoors if needed. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating!
Floating on Lake Schultz (paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, etc.) with Dave & Lisa Johnson
Paddle into a peaceful summer evening with Lisa and Dave Johnson! Whether you’re gliding in a kayak, testing your balance on a paddleboard, or just floating along, this is a chance to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, learn a few new skills, and have fun on the water together. On-water games and optional paddleboarding headstand lessons included!
Location: Lake Schultz (a small but beautiful lake)
Date: Wednesday, July 9
Time: Be on the water by 6:00pm
What to Bring: Your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard if you have one (BYOB encouraged!)
RSVP by July 1 to David Johnson: davidbojohnson@gmail.com or 612-670-3990
After-Paddle Fun: Bring a shareable snack and a beverage (no glass, please) for socializing on shore
Space: 6–12 people
Cost: Free to join; rentals available from Dakota County (Rentals available with reservations available 1 week in advance from Dakota County. All rentals include paddles and life jackets. Make reservations for 6:00 if you need one.)
Kayaks/canoes: $12/hour
Premium portaging canoes: $35/half day (four hours or less), $55/full day (more than four hours)
Paddleboards: $17/hour
Late return fee (equipment returned after the reservation period is subject to a late return fee): $20
Film Discussion Night (and possible future on-going group) with Blair Nelson
Film Discussion Night: The Mission
Join Blair Nelson for an evening of thoughtful conversation and community as we dive into the 1986 film The Mission. We’ll explore the film’s deeper themes and meanings—and see where the discussion takes us. Whether you love movies or just enjoy good conversation, you’re welcome here.
This event stands alone, but if there’s interest, it could become a recurring film discussion group throughout the year!
Location: Mount Calvary – Adult Retreat Room
Date: Thursday, July 17
Time: 6:00–8:00pm
Film to Watch: The Mission (1986) – Please watch before arriving
Group Leader: Blair Nelson
Cost: Free
Space: 5–20 people
RSVP by July 16 so we know you're coming!
Wine & Cheese Night with David & Karen
Calling all wine and food lovers, come and join David and Karen as we raise a glass of wine while indulging in a selection of cheeses and charcuterie along with some other tasty “heavy appetizers” our chef’s cook up. Please RSVP so we make sure to have enough food and wine.
Location: David’s house
Date: Wednesday, July 23
Time: 4–7pm (drop-in style)
Cost: Free
Space: Up to 25 people
RSVP by July 17 so we can plan the perfect spread.
Yoga with Pastor Kelli's sister, Kayti Pederson
Stretch, breathe, and connect—join us for a relaxing evening of yoga led by Kayti Pederson (Pastor Kelli’s sister). Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this gentle practice is open to all. We’ll wrap up with a little time to get to know one another after class.
Classes will meet on a few Thursday evenings this summer. Come to one or all three!
Location: Fireside Room or church lawn (weather permitting)
Dates: Thursdays, July 24, July 31 & August 7
Time: 6:00–7:00pm (with extra time for connection afterward)
Cost: $5 per class
Instructor: Kayti Pederson
Who: All levels welcome (minimum 6, max 20 participants)
What to bring: A yoga mat—if you don’t have one, let Kelli know
RSVP to Pastor Kelli at pastor.kelli@mtcalvary.com. We’ll let you know if the minimum isn’t met.
Yoga with Pastor Kelli's sister, Kayti Pederson
Stretch, breathe, and connect—join us for a relaxing evening of yoga led by Kayti Pederson (Pastor Kelli’s sister). Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this gentle practice is open to all. We’ll wrap up with a little time to get to know one another after class.
Classes will meet on a few Thursday evenings this summer. Come to one or all three!
Location: Fireside Room or church lawn (weather permitting)
Dates: Thursdays, July 24, July 31 & August 7
Time: 6:00–7:00pm (with extra time for connection afterward)
Cost: $5 per class
Instructor: Kayti Pederson
Who: All levels welcome (minimum 6, max 20 participants)
What to bring: A yoga mat—if you don’t have one, let Kelli know
RSVP to Pastor Kelli at pastor.kelli@mtcalvary.com. We’ll let you know if the minimum isn’t met.
Family VBS
Mark your calendars for a fun week of faith and community for all ages. Evenings 5-7pm, August 4-7. More details coming soon!
Wednesday Night Supper - VBS Style
Join us for a summery Wednesday Night Supper at VBS! Cost: Adults $7, Kids $3, Family Max $20
If you miss Wednesday Night Supper during the summer, we invite you to join us for Wednesday Night Supper - Vacation Bible School style on August 6 from 5pm – 6pm. (Adults $7, Children $3, Family Maximum $20)
We will be having tacos (and churros!) alongside the Vacation Bible School families. Afterwards everyone is invited to stay see what the children are learning at Vacation Bible School or join a summer time social time for adults.
Everyone is welcome, but if you aren’t attending Vacation Bible School consider submitting an RSVP so we make sure to have enough tables and churros!
Yoga with Pastor Kelli's sister, Kayti Pederson
Stretch, breathe, and connect—join us for a relaxing evening of yoga led by Kayti Pederson (Pastor Kelli’s sister). Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this gentle practice is open to all. We’ll wrap up with a little time to get to know one another after class.
Classes will meet on a few Thursday evenings this summer. Come to one or all three!
Location: Fireside Room or church lawn (weather permitting)
Dates: Thursdays, July 24, July 31 & August 7
Time: 6:00–7:00pm (with extra time for connection afterward)
Cost: $5 per class
Instructor: Kayti Pederson
Who: All levels welcome (minimum 6, max 20 participants)
What to bring: A yoga mat—if you don’t have one, let Kelli know
RSVP to Pastor Kelli at pastor.kelli@mtcalvary.com. We’ll let you know if the minimum isn’t met.
All-Ages Retreat
Registration is open!
Join us August 15–17 for our All Ages Retreat at beautiful Wapo Bible Camp in Amery, WI—just over an hour from Mount Calvary! This special weekend is designed for individuals and families of all types to come together for rest, fun, and faith.
Expect a blend of free time, worship, music, games, outdoor activities, reflection, and connection with others from our church community. Whether you come solo, with friends, or bring the whole family, this retreat is for you.
Details:
Location: Wapo Bible Camp, Amery, WI
Dates: Friday, August 15 – Sunday, August 17
Cost: $105/adult, $75/youth (12–17), $65/child (3–11), free for ages 2 and under. Max $350/family.
Includes your room and 4 meals
Register by sending a check (memo: all-ages retreat) or paying online. We can’t wait to spend the weekend together!
Questions? Reach out to Pastor Kelli Weiss (pastor.kelli@mtcalvary.com).
Backyard Barbecue with David & Karen
Mount Calvary’s cooks Karen and David may not be cooking up Wednesday Night Suppers during the summer, but they invite you to join them for Summertime Food & Fellowship. These events are all free and will be hosted at one of our cook’s homes and will allow our cooks to show off a different set of their cooking skills. Visit and catch up with Mount Calvary friends and tell stories of your summer adventures over a backyard barbecue, hosted by our cooks.
Location: Karen’s house
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Time: 6:00–9:00pm (drop in anytime)
Cost: Free
Hosts: David & Karen
Who: All are welcome! (Minimum 20, Maximum 50 attendees)
RSVP: Please RSVP so we can plan food and drinks accordingly.
Bring your appetite—we’ll bring the barbecue!
Community Music & BBQ Night with Sam & Elsa
Ease into a summer evening with live music, good food, and great company. Sam and Elsa will be making music, and we’ll have the grill and campfire going outside at Mount Calvary. Come and go as you’re able—this is a casual, welcoming night for all ages to enjoy the summer together.
What: Live music, grilled food, and community time around the fire
When: Monday, June 30 | 5–7pm (drop-in style)
Where: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, outdoors
Cost: Free
RSVP: Requested by June 29 to help us plan food
Ordination of Lauren Mildahl
You're invited to celebrate a joyful milestone in the life of our church—the Ordination of Lauren Mildahl into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Lauren has been called to serve as pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Circle Pines, MN.
All are welcome to join in this special worship service at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (3930 Rahn Rd) as we gather in celebration and blessing of Lauren’s call to ministry. A dessert reception will follow.
Morning Coffee & Treats with David & Karen
Missing Wednesday Night Suppers? Join our Mount Calvary cooks for a summer morning get-together filled with coffee, conversation, and sweet treats! This is your chance to relax, chat, and sample some of Karen and David’s baking skills.
Details:
Location: David’s house
Date: Wednesday, June 11
Time: 9–11am (come when you can!)
Cost: Free
Space: 10–20 people
RSVP by June 6 so they can prepare the perfect amount of goodies.
Grad Sunday!
Join us in celebrating our graduating seniors!
8:30am – Blessing & Presentation
10:00am – Blessing & Blanket Ceremony
Enjoy senior-led music during and cake afterward!
POSTPONED - Veteran Village Groundbreaking & Reception
UPDATE 5/19/25: Groundbreaking ceremony and reception are postponed due to weather forecast to a future date.
Join us for a special ceremony and reception as we break ground on the Veteran Village—a first-of-its-kind community right here on our former north property.
Veteran Village is a collaborative effort led by the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, Housing First Minnesota Foundation; Presenting Build Partner, Lennar; the Lennar Foundation; the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV); and Premier Build Partner, Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC. Once complete, it will include 22 homes to provide safe, stable housing for up to 36 veterans and their families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
This is an incredible milestone, and we're honored to be part of the story. Come celebrate this next chapter with us as we give thanks, honor our veterans, and witness this bold vision begin to take shape.
All are welcome! Please RSVP to katie.lintelmann@mtcalvary.com to help us plan.
Annual Congregational Meeting
Join us for a light continental breakfast and congregational updates! We’ll recognize outgoing and incoming council members, talk about our endowment fund and capital projects, and vote on new bylaws related to the fund.
Brunch Helpers Wanted - May 17 & 18
We need two volunteers on Saturday, May 17 to help prep brunch, and a few more on Sunday, May 18 to help with setup, serving, or cleanup for the Annual Meeting. Want to lend a hand? Contact Karen Dare at karen.dare@mtcalvary.com
Summer Camp Fundraiser
We’ve got 35+ youth heading out on summer trips—and you can help get them there! Join the fun with two awesome fundraisers: Build-Your-Own Mini-Figurine and a Quilt Raffle. Both are $5 each or 5 for $20 – your support goes directly toward trip costs. Have questions? Reach out to Liz (liz.lindner@mtcalvary.com).