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

Pastor Marty Retires After 26 Years of Ministry

Como Park Lutheran Church — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 01:20:59 +0000

When Pastor Marty Ericson arrived at Como Park Lutheran Church in 2000, he stepped into a congregation with a more complicated history than had been apparent during the call process. Looking back, he says he wishes he had asked more questions before accepting the call.

Still, one of his strongest memories from those early days has nothing to do with conflict or the growing pains of a church in transition. A month after arriving, he watched as Anne and their children came to church for the first time. Two longtime members, Alan Alshouse and Edgar Williams, introduced themselves to the children and learned their names. What stood out was not that they welcomed Pastor Marty’s family, but that they knew the names of all the children in the congregation.

“I started to feel like this is going to be a good place for us,” he reflected.

What Kept Him Here

Years later, Pastor Marty is preparing to retire after serving as Como Park Lutheran’s Senior Pastor since 2000. During that time, he has watched the congregation evolve in many ways. Membership declined. Committees reorganized. New ministries began while others concluded. Staff members came and went. The way congregations operate shifted alongside broader changes in society.

Asked what he will remember most about his years at Como Park, Pastor Marty answered simply: “The relationships with people.”

“Everything in the church is relational,” he said. “The church is the people. It’s not the building, and it’s not a program.”

Pastor Marty credits the congregation’s willingness to adapt as one reason he stayed for more than a quarter century. “There was always another thing on the horizon,” he said. That “next thing” took many forms over the years: worship initiatives, Bible studies, building projects, community outreach efforts, anniversaries, fund appeals, and new ministry opportunities.

He also points to areas where he believes Como Park has had an impact beyond what many might expect from a congregation of its size. The church’s partnerships in Tanzania, support for student scholarships, hunger ministries, educational programs, and local partnerships were among the examples he highlighted. He described the congregation as one that consistently “punches above its weight.”

Looking Ahead

When asked what he hopes never changes, Pastor Marty mentioned the congregation’s commitment to hospitality, its concern for children, its support of education, and its desire to feed people in need.

As the conversation came to a close, he was asked whether there was anything else he wanted to add. Rather than highlighting a program, a building project, or a milestone from his twenty-six years as pastor, he talked about the women of the congregation.

He remembered Alice Christensen and Lillian Soderquist, whose work around meals, receptions, and hospitality helped shape congregational life for decades. He also reflected on Elida Storsley and the influence she had through Bible study and education.

“To lift up the role of the women in this place is something that needs to be done,” he said.

Three days before retirement, sitting in an office already beginning to look like someone else’s, Pastor Marty says he is leaving a congregation that is healthy, cohesive, and financially stable. He believes there are strong assets in place for the next pastor who walks through the doors.

The congregation he joined in 2000 is different from the one he leaves today. Membership has changed. Programs have changed. The way churches operate has changed. Yet many of the things that first drew him to Como Park remain familiar: a commitment to hospitality, a concern for others, and a community where people know one another by name.

The post Pastor Marty Retires After 26 Years of Ministry first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

Como Grow A Row

Como Park Lutheran Church — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:00:31 +0000

Como Grow a Row

Growing & Harvesting Seasons

Join Como Park Lutheran Church, the Como Community Seed Library, and our Como Park neighbors in our 4th year of fighting food insecurity through the Como Grow A Row initiative. This initiative is a way for neighbors to dedicate a row or planter in their garden to donate their produce to local organizations fighting food insecurity; Keystone Community Services and Peace House Community both accept fresh produce. Last year, our collective efforts resulted in over 2,500 lbs. of produce being donated to local organizations.

How to Participate:

- Stop by the Como Grow a Row table in CPLC’s Narthex to sign up or Sign Up Here.
- Choose what produce you would like to grow and donate.
- Free seeds are available at the table in CPLC’s Narthex, at some little free seed library locations, or via the Seed Checkout from the Como Community Seed Library collection for pick up or by mail.
- Track your progress and share your pictures with us via social media with the hashtag #ComoGrowARow.
- Visit the University of Minnesota site for food safety tips when donating produce: UMN Food Safety Tips
- If you need help delivering your produce, contact Sue@comoparklutheran.org or 651-646-7127 Ext. 2203.

Useful Links:

- Vegetable Care TIPS for Growers

CPLC’s Grow A Row 2025 Photos

Click on the images to view their full size.

Week 0 – New plantings for the growing season – May 17th

Week 4 – June 14th-June 20th

Week 5 – June 21st-June 27th

Week 1 of Donation – June 26th – 61 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services

*Donations are from the Como Park Farmers’ Market.

Week 6 – June 28th-July 4th

Week 2 of Donation – July 3rd – 75 lbs. of produce to Keystone Community Services

*Donations are from the Como Park Farmers’ Market.

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.

The post Como Grow A Row first appeared on 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.

The post 100 Years of Community: Sue Brogger first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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

The post Vacation Bible School 2026 first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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!

This year, the market will take place in the CPLC parking lot at 1545 Hamline Ave N in St. Paul and will be held every Thursday from 2:00–6:00 PM, running May 14 through October 29. Please note there will be no market on August 27 or September 3.

You’ll find a wide variety of locally grown and produced foods, along with handmade goods from area vendors. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and offers matching programs to help make fresh, local food more accessible to everyone.

We look forward to seeing you at the market and celebrating the best of the season together 🥕☀️🫜

Using SNAP/EBT at the Market: https://stpaulfarmersmarket.com/food-assistance-2/
Stop at the information tent or table at any market.

Show your EBT card or ask for an EBT transaction. (EBT cards from other states are accepted.)
Market staff will ask how much you’d like to charge to your card. This amount is deducted from your monthly SNAP balance.
For example, if you deduct $10, you will receive $10 in tokens to spend with participating vendors.
You will also receive $10 in Market Bucks and $10 in Produce Bucks—these are free matching dollars you can use to buy more fresh food.
The market can match up to $10 per visit.
- So if you charge $30, you’ll receive $30 in tokens, $10 in Market Bucks, and $10 in Produce Bucks.

The post Como Park Farmers’ Market 2026 first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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

The post Growing For Good 2026 first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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.

The post Chelsea Heights Food Drive first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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.

The post 2026 Lent & Holy Week Worship first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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.

The post 2026 Mission Auction – March 14 first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.

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!

The post Family Fun Night – First Friday of Every Month first appeared on Como Park Lutheran Church, ELCA, RIC: Serving St. Paul, Falcon Heights and Roseville MN.