Our Mission & Story
We are a Christian community of believers who gather together to worship God and to serve others.
Our Faith Journey Together
Welcome to Mount Calvary, where everything we do together is done for the sake of building and maintaining a healthy Christian community. As outlined in our mission statement, our focus is on welcoming all people exactly as they are, having faithful and meaningful worship, providing faith formation opportunities for all, and serving all our neighbors. These are the foundational practices of discipleship that guide our every step.
A Place of Unconditional Welcome
It is our sincere hope that you - whether you are a long-time member or a first-time visitor - experience the open arms of Jesus Christ, the welcome of new friends, and the deepening of your faith. As we all work to model our lives after the love of God, our hope is that you will not only find a place to worship but also a place to belong.
Worship that deepens Faith
Our worship services are more than just gatherings; they are meaningful experiences that strengthen your relationship with God. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual growth, where you can connect with your faith on a profound level.
Faith Formation Opportunities for All
Learning is a lifelong journey, and we believe that faith formation should be accessible to everyone. We offer diverse opportunities for individuals of all ages to deepen their understanding of Christianity and grow in their faith. Whether you're a child, a teenager, or an adult, there's a place for you to explore and enrich your spiritual journey.
Serving Our Neighbors
As followers of Christ, we are called to be servants of our community. At Mount Calvary, we actively engage in acts of service and compassion, reaching out to our neighbors with love and care. We believe that by helping those in need, we embody the teachings of Jesus and contribute to a more compassionate world.
Our Beliefs
As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we believe in the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In our preaching and teaching we trust the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Our teachings are grounded in the Scriptures of the Bible, the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds, as well as the Lutheran confessional writings in the Book of Concord.
ELCA teaching or theology serves the proclamation and ministry of this faith. It does not have an answer for all questions. Teaching or theology prepares members to be witnesses in speech and in action of God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit uses these witnesses to create, strengthen and sustain faith in Jesus Christ and the life we have in him. That life-giving work continues every day.
Our Journey Of Becoming A Welcoming & Affirming LGBTQIA+ Congregation
In June of 2022, the Mount Calvary church council shared their unanimous support for celebrating Pride Sunday. This was another step in this congregation’s journey in welcoming and affirming the LGBTQIA+ people in the life of this community. In June of 2023, Mount Calvary celebrated Pride Sunday once again with plans to continue into the foreseeable future.
Nearly a decade ago, in November 2013, the Mount Calvary church council unanimously approved same-sex/same-gender weddings. Today, the leadership of Mount Calvary is embarking on the path to becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation, in collaboration with Reconciling Works. This involves intentional prayer, conversation, and work to ensure every voice is heard. Our goal is to extend affirmation and welcome to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, in the spirit of faithful hospitality, grace, and love for all of God's people.
In this day and age of division and fear, Mount Calvary seeks to be a refuge for those that have been excluded. Here in this place, all are welcome and all are invited to participate in this process.
Our Story
Our journey began in the fall of 1960, with the first service held in the basement of the original parsonage at 4110 Diamond Drive in Eagan. Over the years, our congregation grew and evolved. In 1961, our first church building was completed at our current location. In 1977, a significant expansion nearly doubled the size of the existing building, accommodating our growing membership.
Throughout the years, our church has continued to adapt and expand. In 1999, the sanctuary received a major update, followed by renovations in 2004 to enhance various areas of our facilities. In 2005, we opened a food shelf and referral resource center, which later became its own non-profit entity, The Open Door, in 2009.
In 2020, we celebrated our 60th anniversary with pride, reflecting on our history as a vibrant and relevant Lutheran community of Christian believers. We remain committed to our core values, focused on missions both locally and globally, and unwavering in our faith in the Lord.
Join us at Mount Calvary as we continue to grow and change in response to God's challenging yet rewarding call. We are proud to be a family-oriented congregation, dedicated to serving our community and grounded in our unwavering faith.