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Join us as we kick off our 4th season of Como Grow a Row with an educational event designed to cultivate knowledge, connection, and community growth.

Who’s joining us?

Click on each name to learn more

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, fellowship, and fundraising at Como Park Lutheran Church on March 14, 2026.

This year’s Roaring 20s–themed event will feature dinner, live auction items, and and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting our ministries, both locally and around the world.

Tickets are SOLD OUT. You can still participate though!  Bid online or dedicate a donation to one of the causes we support as a church by clicking here. 

Last year, the auction raised more than $15,000 for ministries beyond our congregational walls. More than half of the funds raised remain in our local community, supporting organizations such as Plymouth Christian Youth Center, Chelsea Heights Elementary School, Como Connects, Roseville Area High School’s food shelf program, Meals on Wheels, Keystone Food Shelf, and Shobi’s Table. Internationally, we support mission partners in Tanzania and Guatemala. A member (or members) of our congregation is personally involved in every organization that receives funding.

We hope you will join us as we continue this tradition of supporting ministries that make a difference close to home and around the world.

Want to help out?

Check out our list of volunteer opportunities below!

Sunday

1. FOR ALL AGES:
   • Volunteers are needed to help record, edit, and post worship videos for Sunday live-streams. Please contact the Tech Team at 651-646-7127 or technology@comoparklutheran.org to let us know of your interest. (Training and support on the church’s equipment and software are provided.)
2. FOR ADULTS:
   • Greeters
   • Ushers
   • Welcome Desk
   • Coffee Servers
   • Communion Preparers
   • Communion Assistants/Servers
   • Readers
   • Liturgists: Lead the congregation by singing the liturgy, prayer and psalm.
     • CONTACT: Tom Ferry at 651-435-4176 (direct) or ferry@comoparklutheran.org
   • Bus Drivers (class B license required)
     • CONTACT: Jonathan Nye at 651-435-4175 (direct) or jonathan@comoparklutheran.org

3. FOR CHILDREN:
   • Acolytes: Youth can acolyte when they enter 6th grade
     • CONTACT: Pastor Martin Ericson at 651-435-4172 (direct) or ericson@comoparklutheran.org
   • Also serve as liturgists, lectors, and ushers (See above.)

*If you would like to volunteer for any of the Sunday volunteer listings above, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at 651-435-4175 (direct) or jonathan@comoparklutheran.org.

Social Outreach

1. COMO GROW A ROW (in partnership with Como Community Seed Library)
   • During the growing season, you can help us fight food insecurity through the Como Grow A Row initiative. This initiative is a way for church members, friends, and neighbors to dedicate a garden row to donate their produce to a local organization fighting food insecurity; Every Meal and Keystone Community Services both accept fresh produce. Sign up to participate HERE.
2. EVERY MEAL (in partnership with Chelsea Heights Elementary School)
   • During the school year, you can help with Every Meal‘s Weekend Meal Program, which is a mobile delivery solution that provides 4-5 pounds of substantive nutritious food to children directly at their school. At the end of each school week, meals are distributed into children’s backpacks for them to take home for the weekend. Volunteers are welcome to help distribute food to children’s backpacks at Chelsea Heights Elementary School. Watch the tutorial video for volunteers HERE.
   • To volunteer, SIGN UP HERE.
3. KEYSTONE COMMUNITY SERVICES
   • Go to keystoneservices.org/volunteer to see all of the available volunteer options.
4. MEALS ON WHEELS
   • Go to mealsonwheels-rc.org to see all of the available volunteer options.

*If you would like to volunteer for any of the Social Outreach volunteer listings above, please contact the Hunger Ministries, Kitchen, & Events Coordinator at 651-435-4173 (direct) or sue@comoparklutheran.org.

Global Outreach

1. TANZANIA
   • You can support a student in our companion congregation in Itungi Village, Tanzania with their schooling. A year of secondary school costs approximately $400, and a year of vocational education costs approximately $125. If you would like to support a student for a year, contact Laden@comoparklutheran.org or go to our donate page.
2. GUATEMALA
   • Our partner-parish church is the Christo Lux Del Mundi (Christ, the Light of the World) Congregation in Santa Amelia, Peten, Guatemala. This village church consists of mostly Mayan Guatemalans in the northern reaches of Guatemala.  The location of the village and the lack of electricity and running water there present a number of ministry needs all their own, but chief in the minds of the parish are some basic improvements to the church building and grounds to improve their viability and self-sufficiency. If you would like to support them, please contact Laden@comoparklutheran.org or go to our donate page.
3. MADAGASCAR
   • Madagascar is Como Park Lutheran Church’s oldest and largest outreach ministry. We help the East Africa Missions office of the ELCA, which is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Over the past 90 years, as the Malagasy Church has become more self-sufficient; therefore, our support has shifted from supporting Missionary Pastors to Regional support for indigenous church ministries, to modest support for their health care ministries. If you would like to support them, please contact Laden@comoparklutheran.org or go to our donate page.

*If you would like to volunteer, support, or donate for any of the Global Outreach listings above, please contact the Financial Comptroller at 651-646-7127 or Laden@comoparklutheran.org.

Family & Education

1. CONFIRMATION – EVERY WEDNESDAY
   • Confirmation (grades 7-8) meets every Wednesday at 7 PM in the Fireside Room.
2. YOUTH GROUP MEETING – EVERY WEDNESDAY
   • The Youth Group (grades 9-12) meets every Wednesday at 7 PM in the Youth Room. Please note that there will be no Youth Group meeting on December 24 & 31 (due to the Christmas holiday break).
3. CONFIRMATION & YOUTH RETREAT – NOVEMBER 1
   • Youth in grades 7th-12th are invited to attend the Confirmation & Youth Retreat at Afton State Park from 1:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We’ll carpool from CPLC to Afton State Park for devotions, discussions, games, campfire, etc. RSVP to osterhouse@comoparklutheran.org.
4. FAMILY MOVIE/BINGO NIGHT – NOVEMBER 7
   • After a month hiatus and change in timing, Friday Family Fun Night is back. Have you missed our chaotic but fun time? We’ll now meet on the First Friday of the Month in the Fellowship Hall for the casual gathering of families over pizza, activities, and socializing.
   • Who: Families with kids, newborn through 6th grade. Older siblings are also welcome.
   • What: We’ll gather for pizza, activities, and socializing. (Free-will donation accepted to cover the cost of pizza.)
   • Where: CPLC’s Fellowship Hall.
   • When: Our next gathering is Friday, November 7th, from 5:00pm-7:30pm.
   • Why: To build relationships and community among our families and so our kids can play together.
   • RSVP via text to: 651-353-5623; please let us know if you are coming, so that we can order the right amount of pizza.
   • Adult Beverages: While beer and wine at CPLC events has been rare in the past, the Family & Education Committee would like to open Family Night to beer and wine for parents. This proposal was raised at the Church Council, and the Church Council approved the request, provided alcohol is only consumed in moderation (of course), it is shared freely, and an equally attractive beverage option is provided for anyone who chooses not to drink alcohol. Thus, if someone would like to bring beer or wine to share, along with specialty non-alcoholic beverages (mocktails, specialty soda, etc.), they are welcome to do so.
5. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL – DECEMBER 20
   • We will be rehearsing the Christmas Pageant in the sanctuary from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 20th.
6. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT – DECEMBER 21
   • We will be performing the Christmas Pageant in the sanctuary during the Sunday worship service on December 21st.

*If you would like to volunteer for any of the Family & Education Committee’s events, please contact the Youth Director at 651-435-4174 (direct) or osterhouse@comoparklutheran.org.

Property

God’s house is your house. Will you help see to its maintenance?

If you’re the sort of person who…

• • notices burned out light bulbs,
  • dripping faucets,
  • sticking doors, and
  • walls that need painting,

and you can spare an hour each month to meet with a few others to…

• • survey our needs,
  • build lists, and
  • occasionally call a few vendors (or volunteers),

then the Property Committee would love to hear from you.

Help us see and respond to the building’s needs to keep it beautiful, welcoming and working for all. No wrenches required.

*If you are interested in helping and/or joining the Property Committee with maintaining the church building, please contact the Pastor at 651-435-4172 (direct) or ericson@comoparklutheran.org.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Church Office at 651-646-7127 or office@comoparklutheran.org.

Food Collection for Keystone

1 in 5 Minnesota households can’t afford the food they need. 26% of households with children are food insecure. 40% of households of color are food insecure. As Minnesotans face new challenges, including reduced federal funding, more people than ever are turning to Keystone Community Services.

Let’s help restock the shelves before the holidays!

November 1st – 30th

Drop off donations at
Como Park Lutheran Church
(1376 Hoyt Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55108)

Monday-Friday Hours:
Walk-In > 9 AM – 1 PM
By Appointment > 1 PM – 5 PM
Sunday > 9 AM – 12 PM

Most Needed Items:
Canned Foods
Shelf-Stable Proteins
Cooking Staples
Quick-to-Eat Meals / Snacks
Baby Care Items & Food / Formula
Hygiene Products
Cash / Check (payable to Keystone Community Services or Como Park Lutheran Church with the memo line as Food Collection for Keystone)

*All items MUST be non-perishable and unopened.

For questions or concerns, contact Como Park Lutheran Church at 651-646-7127 or office@comoparklutheran.org.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday

Day of Service

September 7, 2025

RECAP

On Sunday, September 7th, CPLC and some of our neighbors participated in the ELCA National Day of Service. We tackled three projects this year:

1. Camp Noah Birthday Cards. Camp Noah is a day camp that serves children in communities impacted by disaster, this project had our members decorating 68 children’s birthday cards.
2. Post-State Fair Neighborhood Cleanup. This volunteer team consisted of 4 children/youth and 7 adults, and were tasked with picking up trash and debris at Chelsea Heights Elementary School grounds as well as the nearby Como Park neighborhood. The team covered 1 square mile and collected 8 bags of trash. In addition, the District 10 Community Council donated the use of clean-up tools to decrease the physical need to constantly bend over and pick up trash.
3. Stenciling Storm Drains. Volunteers for this activity were broken into 3-4 team members that stenciled storm drains in Falcon Heights neighborhood that are in the Lake Como watershed to help spread awareness of preventing pollutants from getting into our waterways. Team members were comprised of 3 kids/youth and 6 adults, and were responsible for stenciling drains from north of Larpenteur Ave to Garden Ave, and west of Hamline Ave N to Arona Street. Teams utilized drain stencils from the Friends of the Mississippi organization.

Thank you to everyone who participated in these service projects. We would also like to extend a big thank you to District 10 Community Council, the Friends of the Mississippi organization for the use of their tools, and Thrivent Financial Services for helping with material costs.

Photos

Pre-Fair Neighborhood

Block Party

2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our Block Party on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 6-8 PM in our church parking lot. Special thanks to Sweet Fruci’s Ice Cream Truck, St. Paul Parks and Rec, and Thrivent Financial. And a very special thank you to all of the volunteers. This block party wouldn’t be a party if it was not for everyone. Thanks to All.

CONTACT: Church Office | 651-646-7127 | office@comoparklutheran.org / Sue Brogger | 651-435-4173 (direct) | sue@comoparklutheran.org

Photos

Como Grow a Row

Growing & Harvesting Seasons 2025

Week 7 – July 5th-July 11th

Week 3 of Donation – July 10th – 132.5 lbs. of produce to Peace House Community & Keystone Community Services

*Donations are from the Como Park Farmers’ Market.

Week 8 – July 12th-July 18th

Week 4 of Donation – July 17th-23rd – 254 lbs. of produce to Peace House Community & Keystone Community Services

*Donations are from the Como Park Farmers’ Market and CPLC Giving Garden.

Week 5 of Donation – July 24th-July 30th – 286.5 lbs. of produce to Peace House Community & Keystone Community Services

*Donations are from the Como Park Farmers’ Market and CPLC Giving Garden.

Week 11 – August 2nd-August 8th

Week 6 of Donation – July 31st-August 6th – 206.5 lbs. of produce to Peace House Community & Keystone Community Services

*Donations are from the Como Park Farmers’ Market, CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and neighbors.

Week 7 of Donation – August 7th-13th – 221 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul, Peace House Community in Minneapolis, and Crisis Nursery in Shakopee.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, Como Park Farmers’ Market, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 8 of Donation – August 14th-20th – 219.5 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul, Peace House Community in Minneapolis, and Pillars of Lakeville Senior Living in Lakeville.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, Como Park Farmers’ Market, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 9 of Donation – August 21st-27th – 38.5 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden and CPLC members.

Week 10 of Donation – August 28th-September 3rd – 38.5 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 15 – August 30th-September 5th

Week 11 of Donation – September 4th-September 10th – 65 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul and 360 Communities Food Shelf in Burnsville

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 12 of Donation – September 11th-September 17th – 75 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul, Peace House Community in Minneapolis, and Hope Avenue Twin Cities – Day Shelter in Minneapolis.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 13 of Donation – September 18th-September 24th – 80 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul and Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 14 of Donation – September 25th-October 1st – 99 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul and Jordan Food Shelf in Jordan.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 18 – September 20th-September 26th

Week 19 – September 27th-October 3rd

Week 22 – October 18th-October 24th

Week 15 of Donation – October 2nd-October 8th – 138.5 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul, DMV Employees in Burnsville, and MN Teen Challenge in Minneapolis.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, Como Park Farmers’ Market and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 16 of Donation – October 9th-October 15th – 56 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 17 of Donation – October 16th-October 22nd – 121.5 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul and Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

Week 23 – Garden clean-up – October 25th-October 31st

Week 18 of Donation – October 23rd-October 29th – 91.5 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services in Saint Paul.

*Donations are from the CPLC Giving Garden, CPLC members, Como Park Farmers’ Market, and a community gardener in Lakeville.

GROWING FOR GOOD

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Como Park Lutheran Church hosted a community event to kick-off our third season of the Como Grow-a-Row Initiative.
This year’s event included games, make & take activities, presentations, free seeds, gardening advice, tool maintenance, treats, as well as tours of Como Park Lutheran Church’s Giving Garden—our Giving Garden is part of the Como Grow-a-Row Initiative.

A big Thank You! to the many volunteers and organizations that helped make this event possible, including the Ramsey County Master Gardeners, Como Community Seed Library, St. Paul Growers’ Association, MN Tool Library, MN Hobby Bee Keepers, St. Paul Parks and Rec, MN Seed Project, St. Paul District 10, Foxberry Bakehouse, community gardener Roxy Consoer, and Thrivent Financial Services.

Have a great growing season!

Photos

Photos are sorted by most recent. Click on the images to view in full size.

Como Park Farmers’ Market

Weekly Schedule:

Thursdays
2 PM – 6 PM
May 15 – October 30, 2025
1545 Hamline Ave N
Saint Paul, MN 55108

We are excited to be partnering with the St. Paul Growers Association to bring a farmers’ market to our Como Park neighborhood! This new market will take place in our CPLC parking lot located at 1545 Hamline Ave N, and will be held every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm from May 15 – October 30, 2025.

There will be a variety of locally grown and produced food items for sale. This market accepts and provides matching dollars to SNAP/EBT customers.

We look forward to seeing you at the market.

In association with Saint Paul Growers’ Association – Saint Paul Farmers’ Market

Contact: 651-646-7127 or sue@comoparklutheran.org

Photos

Click on the images to view their full view.

May 15, 2025 – Day 1

May 22, 2025 – Day 2

May 29, 2025 – Day 3

June 5, 2025 – Day 4

October 30, 2025 – Last Day

Social Ministries Auction 2025

an Emerald Evening

Thank you to all who donated items to, who attended, and who volunteered at our Social Ministries Auction on March 29, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at Como Park Lutheran Church. Your generosity and donations will be used for the best purposes of Como Park Lutheran Church.

This event featured Live Irish Music: The Irish Brigade, a dinner menu of corned beef & cabbage, potatoes & carrots, mac & cheese, rolls from Half Time Rec—featured in a scene from the film, “Grumpy Old Men,” and exciting live auction offerings, such as, Buen Appetito in Cortono, Tuscany Italy for 4 people, St. Croix River Cruise—a 3-hour tour, and a week at a North Dakota Cabin near Lake Sakakawea.

This event was sponsored by Kurt Johnson Auctioneering, Inc., Mary & Jim Sommerfeld Realtors, Bazaar Committee, and CPLC members.

CONTACT: Sue Brogger at 651-646-7127 Ext. 2203 or sue@comoparklutheran.org and Ruth Pechauer at ruthpechauer@gmail.com.

Photos

(Click on the photo to view its full size.)