Sunday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. in the Friendship Room
Maureen Smith will preach on “God in Three Persons.” She will offer some thoughts on how to understand the confusing doctrine of the Trinity and how this teaching is a treasure of our faith that can make a difference in the way we live our lives.
Sunday, June 2
On Graduate Recognition Sunday, Rev. Colby will preach, launching a series of sermons based on stories about Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. In this first story (Luke 7:1-10) we hear of something that has become quite unusual in our time – we hear of an encounter between Jesus and someone one trusts in authority and institutions and comes for healing.
Megan Dvorak, oboe, will provide special music. Megan is a graduate of St. Olaf College 
with a B.M. degree in music performance. She is a freelance oboist in the Twin Cities, and has played with the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, as well as a sub with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Bloomington Civic Theater, and Golden Valley Orchestra, among others. She is also a passionate teacher with a small studio of young oboists. She is currently working as a loan processor at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, but hopes to go on to graduate school for music education and eventually become a music teacher.
Sunday, June 9
Rev. Colby will preach on a fascinating encounter between Jesus and disciples of John the Baptist (Luke 7:11-35). “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” they ask.
Shanta Hejmadi, our soprano section leader, will be singing pieces from Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Cantata no. 68. Shanta Hejmadi attended Lawrence University/Lawrence Conservatory (Appleton, WI) where she studied Voice Performance and graduated with a degree in Biology. Shanta teaches Simply Music Piano, and sings at Central. Shanta has sung with the Bach Society of Minnesota since 2012’s performance of Bach’s St. John Passion, as well as performing with other local artists and community theaters since 2004.
Sunday, June 16
We will celebrate communion, and Rev. Colby will reflect on Jesus’ encounter with a grateful sinner who finds forgiveness and peace (Luke 7:36-50).
Sunday, June 23
In a memorable scene from Luke (8:26-39), Jesus encounters a man who was struggling with “demons,” who lived in the tombs rather than in a home. The Rev. Anna Kendig, who works as a chaplain with people with mental illness , will be a guest preacher.
Justin Spenner, our baritone section leader, will be providing special music. Justin received his Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. He is a current Master of Music student at the U of M and studies with Baritone Philip Zawisza. He loves being here at Central, and looks forward to singing with the choir each week!
Sunday, June 30
The path to discipleship is compelling yet difficult. In Luke 9:51-62, Jesus appears to not tolerate excuses from would-be followers. Rev. Colby will preach.
How long does it take to dismantle a pipe organ console? It turns out that it takes 5 people about 5 hours. It was fascinating! The amount of mechanics in that console was pretty overwhelming. Also, seeing what was causing some of the issues was fascinating as well. 
For example, as the picture shows, the leather used in the bellows was crumbling and full of holes. We also found nests of exposed wires, and some switches that weren’t connected to anything at all!
Some folks have asked a good question: “Why can’t we just fix the old console?” The answer is that the parts that were used in the old console are just not available anymore, and even if they were, it would be so labor intensive to try and fix things that it would not be cost-effective.
Some of you have also been so kind in telling me that the organ sounded so good, there must not be that much wrong with it! Well, there are substantial amounts wrong with it, and I was just able to make it sound ok. There is so much more that the instrument should be able to do (and WILL be able to do once the wiring is fixed.) Duct tape is not good for long-term. (And yes, we really are using duct tape right now.)
Lastly, please know that we are keeping 80% of the current organ! ALL of the pipes are being saved and re-used (and fixed if need be), as are ALL of the wind chests and blowers, and ALL of the chest shades. Please know that we are being very conscientious about being good stewards of our resources.
The other great news is that our new console is being made for us as we speak! 
(See picture below!)
A special thank you to those who are supporting this work through our Legacy Campaign. We will need to pay the next installment on the organ soon, and your support is crucial and appreciated.
—Jennifer Anderson, Director of Music
