Pastor Jennifer Sung (Left) and Church Council President Joani Moberg
BY KAY SCHROVEN
Pastor Jenny Sung was travelling internationally when she became aware of the opportunity to become Pastor for Calvary Lutheran Church (CLC) on Chicago Ave. in Minneapolis. During her first interview she was cautious, gathering information and assessing the possibilities. By the second interview she felt the calling and found her new home. Pastor Sung (aka: Pastor Jenny) became the new Pastor for CLC in August 2024. She joins at a time when much change is in the works including how the property is utilized (See Southside Pride, 2/24) and how CLC serves its congregation and community. For example, recent reconstruction includes 41 affordable housing units known as the Belfry Apts. Like with most change, there was push back, but CLC found that a process of educating and discernment with member involvement was the key to success. The property is now owned by Trellis Management and leased back to the church (for 25 years with option for extension.)
Long time member, Joani Moberg grew up in this church, her mother also being a long-time member. Joani has been a member for 50 years and raised her own children here. “My almost grown son still likes to come here — he has true friends here.” Shari Seifert joined in 2010 and has become an active member of CLC including authoring, “Ashes to Action, Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising” (part of Augsburg’s “Mouth House” book series.) Located just a block from George Floyd Square, CLC has been especially involved in social justice action since the tragic murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Shari is also the president of the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice. She became a member, not only based on friends’ recommendations, but on her own experience including the inclusiveness of the church and its wider association with RIC (Reconciliation in Christ.) RIC is an organization dedicated to assisting faith communities. Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church.
The mosaic cross placed below the stained glass windows
With a focus on reconciliation, CLC reaches out to welcome all, including those who may feel left behind by traditional church experiences. Shari points out that the welcome statement says it all: “Welcome Beloved of God, each and every one of you is welcome here. This welcome is for all of us in our multiple identities — including all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, people of the global majority, doubters, skeptics, seekers and people of other faiths. We seek to repair harm we have done as a church. We strive to be actively antiracist and to dismantle White supremacy in ourselves, in church, and in society.”
This is a unique community with approximately 80 intergenerational families in membership. Joani says, “This is not a place to be anonymous; here you will be seen, known and supported. Members tend to be educated and interested in intellectual matters as well as spiritual ones.”
Easter Sunday Celebration
The April 20, 10 a.m. celebration opened amongst flowering plants, the beautiful mosaic cross draped with white fabric, the chairs arranged in a semi-circle with an altar at the center. The spirited, soulful music — led by Music Director Ben Larson — opened with, “Ain’t No Grave (can hold my body down)” to the pleasure of the approximately 50 parishioners in attendance. This is a diverse, friendly, engaged group of young and old, from various ethnic backgrounds and orientations. Pastor Sung began by reminding us that CLC has recommitted to repairing past harms, acknowledges the Dakota nation (forcibly removed from this land) and assures us that the church is actively striving to be antiracist and to dismantle White supremacy. She delivers the Word and the Gospel with a refreshing calm and warm approach, bringing ancient scripture to life for a modern word. Pastor Jenny is assisted throughout the celebration by Emilie Bouvier (Assisting Minister) as they share scripture, song and communion (which includes a gluten free option!)
The celebration closes with an open forum for members to make requests and/or announcements. There are requests for prayers, a reminder of the book study group (Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., currently reading “US: The Resurrection of American Terror” by Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler) and an announcement about “Clean-up Day” (April 27) when members will come together to remove garbage around the property and neighborhood, share food and hear from a guest speaker in honor of Earth Day.
With the recent passing of Pope Francis, Christians especially are reminded of his devotion to the poor and marginalized. It’s clear that Pastor Sung and the CLC congregation understand this and act on it, evidenced by their worship service, programs and events.
Sunday worship at 10 a.m. at 3901 Chicago Ave S. Mpls.
