Updates | Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN

100 Years of Community: Sue Brogger

Como Park Lutheran Church — Sat, 02 May 2026 00:40:55 +0000

Director of Hunger Ministries, Sue Brogger reflects on service, community, and a legacy of showing up for others.

Sue Brogger didn’t set out to lead, she was invited in. Today, she serves as Director of Hunger Ministries at Como Park Lutheran Church, helping lead much of the church’s outreach into the community. From food distribution programs to partnerships with local schools and organizations, much of what happens beyond Sunday mornings connects back to the work she helps guide. As she is quick to point out, that work didn’t begin with her. “There have always been people here doing this work,” Sue says. “I just stepped into it.”

Sue grew up at Como Park Lutheran as part of a multi-generational family rooted in the church. It was a place where community wasn’t something you joined later, but something you were raised in. “I felt at home growing up here,” she says. “My whole family was ingrained in the community.” That connection deepened as she returned as an adult, raised her own children in the church, and became part of the same kind of steady presence she had grown up around.

People like Roy Muscatello shaped that experience. A longtime member from her parents’ generation, Roy had a way of showing up when something needed to be done and bringing others along with him. “Roy was always there if something needed to happen,” Sue says. “And he was always inviting other people in to participate.” After the sudden loss of her father, that presence became deeply personal. Roy stayed close in small, steady ways, continuing to include her and making sure she had a place within the life of the church. “When you are invited in, you learn something new,” she says. “And you become part of another community.”

She carried that forward, not just the work itself, but how it happened, through invitation, relationships, and people showing up for one another without needing recognition. She recognizes that same spirit in people like Dick Young, another longtime member she describes, with a smile, as her “partner in crime.” If there’s an idea to try or something new to build, he’s the one who leans in without hesitation. “If I go to Dick with something,” Sue says, “he just says, ‘I’m in.’” It’s that kind of response that keeps things moving.

The work itself takes many forms, but it is always rooted in that same approach. The church partners with organizations like Keystone Community Services and Every Meal to address food insecurity, while also working directly with local schools to support families through food distribution. Volunteers pack meals each week, organize grocery deliveries, and respond to needs as they arise. When immediate needs surface, the response is just as direct. During Operation Metro Surge, when families in the community were sheltering in place, the church quickly organized a food drive to get groceries into homes. Other efforts like the Giving Garden and the Como Grow a Row initiative invite members and neighbors to grow food to share. “You don’t have to have a big garden,” Sue says. “You can plant one pot, one row, and decide it’s going to be shared.” It is a simple idea, but one that has grown into something collective, where small contributions build into something much larger.

In 2025, more than 2,500 pounds of fresh, locally grown produce were collected and distributed through these efforts, reaching organizations, families, and individuals across the community. For Sue, the number is not what stays with her. “It’s what happens when everyone does a little bit,” she says. “That’s what makes the difference.”

That belief reflects how Como Park Lutheran has long understood its role, not as something separate from the community, but as part of it. When asked why the church still matters, her answer is simple. “We are their neighbors,” she says.

It is a straightforward statement, but one that carries a clear responsibility: to pay attention, to listen, and to respond with whatever resources are available. “Como Park has a well of resources,” Sue says. “People who want to help. It’s about connecting that to where it’s needed.” That work continues because people step into it, often in small ways that build over time. The same kind of invitation that once shaped Sue’s experience is now something she extends to others, creating opportunities for people to take part, contribute, and find their place. “I think when you invite people in, they find their place,” she says.

For Sue, that invitation is not new, it is something she has lived her entire life. As part of a family that spans generations at Como Park Lutheran, and now with her own children connected as a fourth generation, she represents both continuity and growth, a legacy not only of belonging, but of participation. As Como Park Lutheran Church marks 100 years, that legacy continues to take shape through people like Sue, and through work that carries forward because people are still willing to show up, step in, and take part in something larger than themselves.

This story is part of our “100 Years of Belonging” series as Como Park Lutheran celebrates its centennial in April 2026.

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Vacation Bible School 2026

Como Park Lutheran Church — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:20:52 +0000

Prefer text? Here are the details:

Kids from our neighborhood and from our congregation are invited to summer Vacation Bible School. We will be partnering with counselors from Camp Onomia to fill the week with Bible stories, songs, games, crafts, and more.

Dates: July 6–9
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Ages: PreK–5th grade (completed). PreK children must be potty trained and have experience participating in a class environment.
Location: Como Park Lutheran Church, 1376 Hoyt Ave W., Saint Paul, MN 55108
Cost: $40 per child (financial assistance available)

Please bring a bag lunch.

Registration:
Please register by June 22: https://forms.gle/jpMvXJzwQh4Jwpbk8

For questions or concerns, please contact David Osterhouse at osterhouse@comoparklutheran.org

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Como Park Farmers’ Market 2026

Como Park Lutheran Church — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:36:44 +0000

There’s nothing better than fresh food and community connection. The Como Park Farmers’ Market returns this season, bringing together local growers, makers, and neighbors in one vibrant space.

From May 14 through October 29, stop by every Thursday from 2-6 PM to shop fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods. Located at 1545 Hamline Ave in St. Paul, this market is a great way to support local growers while enjoying the best of the season.

Please note there will be no market on August 27 and September 3. We hope to see you there!

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Growing For Good 2026

Como Park Lutheran Church — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:44:40 +0000

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

MN Hobby Beekeepers – Connect with local beekeepers and discover the vital role pollinators play in our food system and gardens.
Como Grow a Row – Join a community effort to grow fresh food and share it with neighbors.
St. Paul Parks and Rec – Enjoy fun, hands-on outdoor games and activities for all ages.
21 Roots Farm
St. Paul Growers Association
MN Tool Library
Como Community Seed Library
District 10 Como Community Council

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Chelsea Heights Food Drive

Como Park Lutheran Church — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:05:42 +0000

The food pantry we launched with Chelsea Heights School and the PTO at the end of January came to a close on Wednesday, March 25.

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2026 Lent & Holy Week Worship

Como Park Lutheran Church — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:29:47 +0000

Sundays – 9:30 AM Worship; Wednesdays during Lent – 6:30 PM Holden Evening Prayer

Lent is a season of repentance and prayer as we turn again to Christ and walk with him toward the cross and the resurrection. It is a time to hear God’s mercy, reflect on our lives, and open ourselves to transformation through the Spirit.

Our worship during this season follows a steady rhythm of Sunday morning services and midweek evening prayer. All services will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

February 18 – Ash Wednesday
Imposition of Ashes & Holy Communion

February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25
Holden Evening Prayer (No Holy Communion)

March 29 – 9:30 AM
Palm/Passion Sunday
Palm Processional, Processional Gospel (in the Narthex), Shorter Passion Gospel

April 2 – 6:30 PM
Maundy Thursday
First Communion & Holy Communion

April 3 – 6:30 PM
Good Friday
Passion Gospel (No Holy Communion)

April 5 – 9:30 AM
Easter Sunday
Holy Communion

Through Word and Sacrament, we move together from ashes to the joy of the empty tomb, trusting in God’s grace and celebrating the hope of new life in Christ.

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2026 Mission Auction – March 14

Como Park Lutheran Church — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:18:02 +0000

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.

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Family Fun Night – First Friday of Every Month

Como Park Lutheran Church — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:41:29 +0000

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.) Parent’s are allowed to bring beer or wine to share along with specialty non-alcoholic beverages (mocktails, specialty soda, etc.)

Where: CPLC’s Fellowship Hall

When: Our next gatherings are February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, and June 5, from 5:00–8:00 PM.

Why: To build relationships and community among our families and so our kids can play together.

RSVP: Please let us know if you are coming so that we can order the right amount of pizza!

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Ash Wednesday Soup Supper & Worship

Como Park Lutheran Church — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:43:40 +0000

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • Youth-Hosted Soup Supper

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Our youth are stepping into that calling by hosting our Ash Wednesday Soup Supper.

Begin the season of Lent in prayer, community, and support of our young people. Your suggested $8 donation helps send them to camp and supports youth ministry opportunities that shape lifelong faith.
February 18
Dinner: 5:15–6:15 pm
Worship with Eucharist: 6:30 pm

Come share a simple meal and step into Lent together as a church family. All are welcome!

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Announcements

Como Park Lutheran Church — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:07:08 +0000

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Special Events

FOOD COLLECTION FOR KEYSTONE – NOVEMBER—Let’s help restock the shelves before the holidays! In the month of November, drop off donations at Como Park Lutheran Church. Most needed items are 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. Click here for the FLYER.

7TH-12TH GRADE YOUTH & CONFIRMATION RETREAT – NOVEMBER 1—Join us for a retreat on Saturday, November 1st 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 David Osterhouse at osterhouse@comoparklutheran.org.

FRIDAY FAMILY FUN 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.

STEWARDSHIP BRUNCH – NOVEMBER 9—Join us for brunch on Sunday, November 9th after worship service in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Pastor Marty at ericson@comoparklutheran.org.

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON- NOVEMBER 13—Join us for lunch on Thursday, November 13, 2025 in the Fellowship Hall at 12:00 PM noon for dine-in or at the front turnaround entrance at 11:30 AM for pick-up/to-go. Our menu is orange glazed chicken breasts, rice pilaf, vegetables, rolls, and pumpkin pie squares. Suggested donation is $10 per meal. Bus transportation is available. RSVP by November 6th to 651-435-4175 or jonathan@comoparklutheran.org or online.

LEFSE MAKING – NOVEMBER 15 & 16—It’s Lefse time! Join us in the CPLC kitchen to make lefse: Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th. On Saturday, we will peel, cook, and mash the potatoes. Saturday is from 1 pm to 4 pm in the CPLC Kitchen – Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm – we will roll and make the lefse! Volunteers are needed on Sunday for forming the dough balls, rolling the lefse, and flipping it on the lefse griddles – as well as packaging it all up! Pizza and beverages will be provided on Sunday. The lefse will be sold in the narthex starting on Thanksgiving weekend. Funds will support the CPLC Quilters Group and our food ministries. Sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Desk. NO Experience needed to help at this fun event! Questions – contact Meg Duncan at 612-251-1158 or email melaurak@msn.com.

CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY – APRIL 25-26, 2026—Save the dates! We will be celebrating our 100th Year Anniversary in 2026. The Banquet is on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in the Rose Room at the Roseville Oval Skating Complex (details to follow) and the Special Worship Service is on Sunday, April 26, 2026. We are collecting stories and photos from members to share during this celebration. Please share your stories and photos by email them (written, audio, or video) to jonathan@comoparklutheran.org.

Recurring Events

COMO GROW A ROW – EVERY WEEK—We are in the season of harvest now. All donations are accepted on Sunday mornings and/or any time during the week. Drop off donations at the booth next to the Welcome Desk in the Narthex. Contact Sue@comoparklutheran.org.

WEEKEND MEAL PROGRAM – END OF EVERY WEEK—During the school year, you can help with Every Meal’s Weekend Meal Program, 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 at 8:00 AM, 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. To volunteer, sign up at: www.comoparklutheran.org/volunteer-opportunities

ADULT FORUM – EVERY SUNDAY—Join us every Sunday after worship service in the Fireside Room. Our speaker for Sunday, November 2nd is Pastor Martin Ericson, and our topic is Remembrances (All Saints Sunday). Contact Pastor Marty at ericson@comoparklutheran.org.

SUNDAY SCHOOL 2025-2026 – EVERY SUNDAY—Join us every Sunday after worship service on the 3rd floor. Register your child for Sunday School classes at no cost. Visit: www.comoparklutheran.org/sunday-school

MAKE A DIFFERENCE – EVERY TUESDAY—Let’s make a difference together by making quilts every Tuesday at 9 AM in the Fellowship Hall. At the end of the year, we donate our quilts to homeless shelters. We always accept & appreciate donations (bed sheets, pillow cases, & materials), which can be dropped off at CPLC. Join us whether you know how to sew or not. Contact Jan Lathrop (janetklathrop@gmail.com).

TUESDAY FAITH TALK & THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY—Join us for a Faith Talk every Tuesday at 9 AM and Bible Study every Thursday at 9 AM in the Fireside Room. To receive our weekly invitation and updates, email Pastor Marty at ericson@comoparklutheran.org.

JOYFUL RINGERS & CPLCHOIR REHEARSALS – EVERY WEDNESDAY—Joyful Ringers rehearse every Wednesday in the sanctuary from 6-7 PM, and ring once a month during Sunday worship service. CPLChoir rehearse every Wednesday in the Choir Room from 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM, sing roughly three out of every four Sundays, and use a sign up system, so that the Music Director knows how many singers will be present each Sunday and plan music accordingly. Newcomers are welcome whether you have experience or not. We learn the music, reading skills, and singing skills by sight and by ear each week during rehearsal. So, come make a joyful noise to the Lord! Contact Tom Ferry at ferry@comoparklutheran.org.

CONFIRMATION & YOUTH GROUP – EVERY WEDNESDAY—Confirmation (Grades 7th-8th) meets in the Fireside Room at 7 PM. Youth Group (Grades 9-12) meets in the Youth Room at 7 PM. Contact Pastor Marty at ericson@comoparklutheran.org or David Osterhouse at osterhouse@comoparklutheran.org.

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON – EVERY 2ND THURSDAY—Join us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall at 12:00 PM noon on the 2nd Thursday of every month from October through May. Our upcoming luncheon is on Thursday, November 13th. Our menu is orange glazed chicken breasts, rice pilaf, vegetables, rolls, and pumpkin pie squares. Suggested donation of $10 per meal is much appreciated to help support our Senior Ministry programs. RSVP for dine-in at 12:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall or for pick-up at 11:30 AM by the front turnaround entrance. Bus transportation services and meal delivery services are available. RSVP by November 6th at 651-435-4175, jonathan@comoparklutheran.org, or online.

WOMEN’S CRAFT GROUP – EVERY 3RD THURSDAY—We are in the Fireside Room on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6-8 PM. Here are the dates for your calendar: Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, Mar. 19, Apr. 16, and May 21. Bring your current project and join us! Contact Meg Duncan (melaurak@msn.com) or Cathy Gagné (cmtm@comcast.net).

SISTERHOOD SOCIAL – EVERY 2ND FRIDAY OF EVERY 2 MONTHS—All women are warmly invited to join us for a casual time of connection over food and drink. Come when you can, leave when you need—no formal agenda, just good company. Our upcoming social is on Friday, November 14th from 6-8 PM at the Dock & Paddle, Como Lakeside Pavilion. This will continue every 2nd Friday of the month for every 2 months and at the same time and place. Hope to see you there! Contact Hazel Bly (irisarrow@yahoo.fr).

TECH SHADOWS – EVERY SUNDAY—Come sit with us any Sunday during worship service in the sanctuary, and watch the technical side of worship! Find out if you’d like to be a CPLC Tech. Contact technology@comoparklutheran.org.

BUS SERVICES—If you would like a ride to Sunday worship services, please contact the church office at 651-435-4175 or jonathan@comoparklutheran.org.

NURSERY ROOM—Our Nursery Room is available for families with children ages 3 & under. Drop off your children before service, pick them up after service, or join them and enjoy your time in the Nursery Room. The Parents Room is also available.

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