If you would like to volunteer to bring food, drive or help with the lawn work at Ericksons, please contact the following people:  (You may also want to help out as a circle or other group)

        For food/driving help call:

                Carol Paterson-Smith –  763-3893 – home

                                                        766-9788 – cell

                        e-mail:   patsmi@charter.net

                                                OR

                Anne Eidsvold  -  846-6062

                        e-mail:  saraphil@rea-alp.com

 

        For yard work:

                Jay Sieling – 762-4117

 

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS FOR

THE ERICKSONS!!

Thank You!!

 

Thank you to all who have volunteered to help the Ericksons.  At this time we are providing a meal on Tuesday and Friday of each week. Drivers have not yet been needed.  As more needs arise, the coordinators will contact those of you who have expressed an interested in helping.  Thanks so much, Calvary Family, for your support.  You may still leave messages for Carol at  763-3893 or patsmi@charter.net  or Anne at 846-6062 or saraphil@rea-alp.com .

 

 

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UPDATES ON PASTOR ERICKSON:

 

2.8.08

I just looked at the last time that I wrote on this site.  It has been too long.  Most of you are aware of what is going on with Eric, but for those of you who do not log onto his “Caring Bridge” site, I will fill you in some.

  Eric has started to work 1/3 time here.  It seemed to be the best for him as the chemo really does wear him out.  He is tired so much of the time.  So, he has his treatments each month, usually on a Wednesday and Thursday.  These treatments are hard o him and when he returns, it usually takes him at least a week to start to pick up again.  By the time he goes back for the next treatment, he has more energy only to be set back again.  Chemo is nasty!!

   Still, the area pastors gather around him before he goes down for treatment and they offer wonderful prayer and support for strength and healing.  He is so thankful for this ministry and we, at Calvary, are too.

   Please continue your prayer support and warmth to Eric and his family.  Your love is a gift to them. 

 

11.28.07

I am sorry for the long time since I have updated you.  I believe that most of you are aware of Pastor Erickson’s journey and how he is doing.    On Monday, the 26th of November, he had an MRI which showed that the area in the brain where the tumor was has not changed.  That is good!!!  His last month after the second round of chemo in the cities was better than the first.  That is good!!!  Next Sunday and Monday, he will have the third treatment.  We are hoping that he will have another good month.  Please pray for that and thank God that there is no new growth.

     Pastor Eric will begin working 1/3 time next week.  He will have the same office hours each week (with the exception of days when he is not feeling as well).  The office will know when he will be here.  Just call for that information.

        We all appreciate your prayer support and the love shown, not only to Pastor Eric, but to the staff as well.

 

10.18.07

Pastor Erickson continues to be here each day.  The first week after his treatment was pretty hard on him.  But, then the next week he  bounced back more and is still doing that.  We continue to lift him up in prayer and know that God is keeping him in his loving care.  Please keep praying.

 

10.12.07

Pastor Erickson has been slowly regaining his strength since his treatments.  It is not easy, for sure.  His next treatment is scheduled for October 29 and 30.  Please keep him in your prayers.

 

9.27.07

Monday, October 1 begins the next part of my cancer journey.  The U of MN Hospital will install a ‘port’, and begin monthly treatments.  Thanks again for your prayers and love.

 

9.18.07

Pastor Erickson had his MRI yesterday.  Here is the report:  The tumor has not grown.  The doctor wants him to continue with chemo and he has two options for that.  He will be making a decision as to which one to do and then begin that soon.  Keep praying….. 

 

8.29.07

Hello - my dad requested that I send an e-mail update to you since I have some extra time at an internet cafe.  The trip has been a blast so far, some of the highlights have been a 24-hour buffet on our cruise ship, sailing close up to huge glaciers, seeing a whale, some dolphins and otters, and taking a helicopter up onto a glacier to go dog sledding.  Thank you for your prayers and thoughts for our continued happy traveling and I'm sure we'll have many stories and pictures to share when we return.

Micah Erickson

 

8.21.07

      Pastor Erickson began his vacation yesterday.  He is resting up for the trip to Alaska, which will begin on Saturday.  It will be a time for his whole family to be together. 

        Please pray that he will be able to enjoy this trip and that he will gain some strength back now that the treatments are over.

 

8.15.07

      Pastor Erickson finished his radiation this morning.  He brought the “head gear” that he has had to wear so we could see it.  I am sure he has a plan to show everyone at some point.  So, keep your eyes open for it….or you could ask for a look.  I think he is feeling better since his little sense of humor is returning more and more!!!!

        Now, we wait and hope and pray that the treatments did what they were supposed to do.  In the meantime, he will go on vacation next week and leave on the 25th for Alaska. 

        Please continue your prayers for him.

 

8.9.07

This morning Pastor Eric came and found me to tell me that he THINKS he is turning a corner….meaning his tummy is feeling a bit better and he actually enjoyed the meal that was brought to them on Tuesday for supper.  That is good news.  I am sure every day is different, but I know he will take the good days happily.  He is here every day and stops to go home and rest as needed.  He also played golf this week….yeah!!!!

Please continue your prayer support and encouraging words to him.  He appreciates it and so do we!!

 

7.23.07

The benefit on Friday, July 20, 2007 was a huge success and very heart warming to Eric and his family (including the Calvary staff family).  Thursday night,  Eric had been very sick so we were concerned that he would have a difficult time being at the benefit.  He was there and stayed from beginning to end.  He visited with as many has he could.  It was good for him. 

        Eric continues with his treatments and he also continues to struggle with being tired and nauseated.  Not an easy time for him, for sure.  He is spending some family time this week, both immediate family and Okoboji families.

Please continue to keep Eric and family in your prayers.

 

7.14.07

Pastor Erickson participated in the Relay for Life event last evening.  He spoke about his cancer and then he and two others led the group of cancer survivors around the field….everyone carrying balloons.  When they finished their lap, the balloons were released.  It was a very touching time for everyone.  Here is a picture of Eric walking around the field at Jefferson High School.

Please continue your prayer support.

 

7.10.07

Pastor Erickson is handling the treatments as well as can be expected....maybe a bit better than expected. He is tired but is here nearly full time.  We are thankful for that.  He keeps his sense of humor and we all laugh, or groan, as the case may be...we never know what to expect.....he always likes to see what reactions he gets.  Funny!!

   Please keep your prayers going for Eric and Karen.  They so appreciate it and so do we.

ALSO….DON’T FORGET THE BENEFIT FOR PASTOR ERIC ON FRIDAY, JULY 20 FROM 4-7 P.M. AT DISCOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL.  If you would like to bring 2 or 3 pans of bars for us, they may be brought to the school between noon and 3.  Call Sandy at church (763-5178) to let her know if you will be bringing bars.   Thanks.

 

6.29.07

Pastor Eric has one week in of treatment.  He is doing well, though maybe a little tired but he is at work and keeping up with things.  Please continue to pray for him.

 

 

6.21.07 

Pastor Eric begins treatment today.  Please remember him in your prayers.  We all pray that his body will cope as well as possible and that there will be healing.

 

6.18.07

We encourage you to visit the caring bridge site to keep updated on Pastor Erickson.  As of now, plans are to begin radiation and chemo this Thursday, the 21st.  He is here and we are happy for that.  The kids were so happy to have him at VBS last week.  It was good for them and for him.   Please continue to keep Eric and his family in your prayers. 

 

Pastor Erickson at VBS 2007

 

 

6.7.07

       

Hello church family,

 

We appreciate all of your support - the phone calls, prayers and visits.  We are so grateful to have you walk with us through these difficult days.

 

Pastor Erickson came through the surgery to remove a brain tumor last Tuesday very well.  He was alert and talking and remembering things more quickly than they expected immediately after the surgery and has continued to recover well. 

 

However, it is a primary brain tumor known as a GBM - a very malignant and fast growing tumor.  They were able to remove 95% of the tumor, but it had fingers shooting out from it that were going into the area of the brain that controls speech, so they couldn't take those out.  He will start radiation and chemotherapy as soon as the incision into his skull heals in 7-10 days. 

 

One prognosis is 9-12 months of life so we will pursue the most aggressive therapies available. We are all shocked and struggling to comprehend this right now.  We are holding on to hope - there are always exceptions to the statistics and we will do everything we can to be an exception.    
 

We are deeply grateful for your ongoing prayers and support.  A Caring Bridge Site has been set up at http://caringbridge.org/visit/pastorerickson so anyone who would like to can keep in touch with Pastor Erickson.  

 

Pastor Eric, Karen, Alyssa, Kwame and Micah Erickson

 

 

 

 6.6.07 

Pastor Eric is recovering from surgery and resting well.  They are still waiting for test results.  Please continue to pray for him and for his family.

 

********

 

 

 

 

February 2008

 

Someone said to me, “ I thought she was my friend, and instead she really hurt me.”  Another similar comment:  “I counted on my best friend to back me up, and he let me down.  I will never trust him again.”  These are comments from real life.  Chances are, if you have a pulse, you have been hurt by someone.

 

Our journey during this Lenten season is a reason to take some time to examine our relationships.  What HURT do I need to offer up to God?  Why can’t I shake off the hurtful memory?  How is God trying to HEAL the deepest part of my soul?  What is God’s dream for me to improve my love?

 

On Saturday/Sunday, February 9/10, we will hear the Old Testament lesson of Adam and Eve struggling with temptation.  In our love relationships, we are tempted to put down, run from honesty, or just don’t understand what our partner or friend needs.  So how do you forgive those who are hard to forgive?  How do you forgive the invisible people in your life?  How do you forgive those who seem not to care?  What does it mean to forgive ourselves?  What do I need to learn about God’s forgiveness?

 

These are all questions important enough to include in the two-part series that I am preaching on during the weekend before and after Valentine’s Day.

“I Would Really Feel Loved If…” Sat./Sun., February 9/10.

“What Do I Do with the Hurts I Don’t Deserve?” Sat./Sun., Feb. 16/17.

 

Come and bring a friend to worship.  Let’s call upon God to improve our love relationships.

 

Pastor Dale Olson

 

 

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THANKS to our Senior High youth and parents for helping with our Annual Meeting Spaghetti Dinner, and thanks to all who contributed.  Money raised goes for our Synod youth gathering in Alexandria, and our summer mission trip to Chicago.

 

 

Pastor Erickson

 

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Dear Friends in Christ,                                       February 2008

 

Each of you, I hope, has had the opportunity to meet our new Senior Pastor Dale Olson.  If you haven’t yet, make it your aim next time you come to church to greet Dale with a hearty, “I’m glad you’re here”, welcome.  I’ve been experiencing an awakening of activity and expectation for our common life and mission in Christ since Dale’s arrival.

 

The new Calvary Photo Directories should be here by April.  Thank you to the members of the Photo Directory Task Team who have spent hours working on this project.   

 

Name tags have been a hot topic of conversation around church lately as everyone was asked to wear one every time they were at church for worship service during January.  This effort started as a courtesy to Pastor Olson to help him identify names with faces.  Two Calvary members wore the same name tags made when Pastor Forrester was brand new.  We want you to have a permanent name badge.  Look for sign-up in the narthex or come by the church office.  We are asking each person to pay for the making of the name badge in advance.  The cost for each name badge is $3.  I urge you to look around, especially at worship and if you see some one you don’t know, introduce yourself.  Even if they have been a member for 15 years or longer (and this has happened), you will still do a bit to strengthen the bonds of Christian community at Calvary.

 

Lent begins February 6th.  After Ash Wednesday, this year at the 12:15pm Wednesday worship service we have 5 retired clergy that are Calvary members each assigned to a service and preaching on one of the 5 parts of Luther’s Small Catechism.  The Wednesday evening worship service will be at 7:00pm and will have as the “sermon” a drama written by Tim Strommen titled, “The Faith Dreams of Nellie”.  Note that there are meals before each of these Lenten services at 11:30am and 5:30pm in the basement Fellowship Hall.  

    

Pastor Mark Astrup