Moments of Meaning: John Darnall

MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.

John was a Sunday School teacher years ago when his kids were little, but now that he has grown children and young grandchildren, he thought that era was behind him.  But two years ago, John saw an announcement in the bulletin that there was a need for Bible Explorer Guides on Sunday mornings.  He wondered to himself, “Is this something I should do?”  For the next few weeks he continued to notice this announcement and began asking “Is God calling me to this?  Why do I keep noticing and being drawn to this announcement?!”  He kept feeling this pull, this call to say, “yes!” and he so he did!  He’s now in his 2nd year of leading Bible Explorers as a grandfather.  He enjoys coming to BE because of the kids and how fun they are.  He looks forward to connecting with them and observing how they think, problem solve, connect their own lives to the message and Bible story and shine their own gifts and talents into the classroom and into the world.

John feels that leading BE has helped him become more comfortable to teach lessons and share his faith.  He relates his feeling of call to The Great Commission.  “Aren’t we called to go and make disciples?  Not just of others out there in the world, but right here…we’re making disciples right here with these children at Mount Olivet.  I’m able to share Bible stories with them and help make connections to real life.  For example, in the story when the disciples are afraid and Jesus calms the sea, we make the connection that in our lives when we are afraid, feeling alone or stressed, maybe with a test or problem at school, we can trust that we are not alone, Jesus is always with us and will help calm whatever it is going on in our lives, don’t worry.”

John enjoys connecting with the kids and getting to know each of them and their unique personalities.  He delights in knowing their names and personalities and saying hi or giving a high five outside of their time together at Bible Explorers – “They always seem happy and surprised when I say hi or wave to them while we’re upstairs in worship or the welcome center or even outside of Mount Olivet.  I think it’s important for children to know other people, other than their parents, care about them.”

John isn’t quite sure of the exact impact he has as a BE guide, but he believes that God is calling him to this ministry, and there are moments where he finds meaning by getting to accompany children at Mount Olivet through the good and the bad of their lives - he can be a support to the family of a child whose parent who is living with cancer, or be a source of safety and comfort for a student who is quiet and shy and the beginning of each lesson, but warms up and feels comfortable and connected, having fun by the end of their time together. John says “Many times we feel called to something and don’t know why, but we follow God’s call and only later realize the impact on others but also how we have been changed, too.” We are grateful that John said yes to this call.

Moments of Meaning: Steve Chismar

MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.

Why are you a fire fighter? Where do you find meaning in your work?

In short, I love the job. I enjoy the variety of calls, the physicality, the adrenaline rush and comradery of those I work alongside. However, even more so I have always found great satisfaction in helping others and being a firefighter provides a consistent and tangible opportunity to do just that. My fire career started after attending an informational meeting hosted by the Plymouth Fire Department in 2013. It was one of those God inspiring moments where I left that meeting feeling as though being there was divine intervention. It was obvious that it was the path I should take and I applied as soon as I could.  I can sum up this part of my life in one word: Appreciation. I get the privilege to do a job that no matter how much I put in, I get more in return. 

What is hard about being a firefighter?  What causes you stress, and how do you handle it?

Life is not always fair and there are certainly situations that are hard to explain or understand. As a firefighter/first responder, we have greater exposure to these types of life’s realities. I handle the tough parts by finding time to pray for the individual or family as soon as I can. Diminished sleep (due to night calls) is probably my biggest stressor. As a coping mechanism, I recently started to meditate and have found it extremely beneficial.  

Where is God showing up in your work, and how does being a part of Mount Olivet influence you? 

As an imperfect child of God’s, I attempt to wake every morning with a sense of gratitude & purpose and ask that HIS will be done in my life that day. God shows up in the interactions with the people of the community we serve. There are plenty of calls that are not life and death in nature but rather someone called 911 because they needed help. We get to show up and help resolve their issue.  You may never again cross paths with that person so I try to take the opportunity to leave a positive impression. I find meaning and purpose in my faith and my family. I take pride in being a provider for my wife and children and know those blessings are a direct result of God’s love. Being a part of Mount Olivet has allowed me the opportunity to strengthen my faith, connect more deeply in my faith journey, and further engrain me in our community. 

Moments of Meaning: Diane Dickmeyer

MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.

Why do you do what you do? What inspires you, and what keeps you going?

I work for Robbinsdale Community Ed and primarily develop adult enrichment classes and special events.  I am also currently President of the Seven Dreams Education Foundation, which is a non-profit supporting the schools. I enjoy developing relationships and helping connect others. I am energized by building community and working with people to create something unique. I especially love the creative aspect in developing new things – I’m most proud right now of the “Who Are Our Neighbors” series which is a monthly session highlighting a different culture or group in our community. I am a “connector”.  I enjoy listening to others and finding ways to connect them with the things that I do.  It’s amazing what can come out of chance conversations. A good example is the “Songs of Hope & Freedom” event from a few years ago, that paired the Mount Olivet Chancel Choir with choirs from the schools to learn more about the history of the spirituals that we sing. I just want to be a good neighbor and encourage others to do the same.

What is hard about your life? How do you handle the tough parts?

I am now an empty nester, with all the kids working or in school.  The hardest thing is living this part of my life alone - my husband Ron died 4 years ago, and I am getting used to a new normal in my life.  Fortunately, I have a wonderful group of friends that surround me, and I joined choir at church a few years ago.  I have always loved music and just enjoy being part of that wonderful group. Giving back to the community is also important to me -  I volunteer both for the Seven Dreams Education Foundation, as well as for Blues Brews ‘n BBQ.  I thrive on keeping busy.

Where is God in your life? How does being a part of MO influence you?

My faith is what has kept me going, especially during the many years of Ron’s illness.  I am grateful that faith has been part of my life as long as I can remember. That certainly doesn’t mean that I don’t have moments of doubt, but God has held me up so many times. I have been a member at Mt Olivet for 30 years and watched the church evolve.  I really love that I clearly understand our mission, and I support the focus that we have right now on our community.  The “Who Are Our Neighbors” series that I coordinate came out of many conversations that we had here at church as well as other places.

Moments of Meaning: Alana Erickson

MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.

Alana has this wonderful calling to feed people.  Most of the time this calling shows up when other people in her life (family, friends, acquaintances, even friends of friends) are going through a rough time.  It’s during those times of deep waiting that Alana beholds God in her neighbor: waiting for a surgery or diagnoses, waiting to see if they will get better, waiting to see what’s going to happen.  That’s where Alana has found a calling.  It’s a space we all find ourselves in with others, where there seems to be nothing we can do to make it better, and most of us feel completely useless.  She feels this way too, but she reminds herself that she can’t fix it, nor should she, and she decides to give them muffins, or a casserole, or cookies. 

Alana says this calling came out of a wish to say yes to more opportunities to accompany those around her – to “Be Open” to recognizing God’s invitation to love her neighbor as herself.   While she is cooking, she uses the time to say a prayer for them, and thinks about them and all they’re going through.  And that’s what struck me the most during our conversation.  The noticing of people.  The acknowledgement.  It seems like such a small thing, to give muffins to someone in that hell but we laughed about it because if you’re in hell at least this way you get delicious muffins. 

She does this whole thing out of a sense of gratitude.   She feels that her life has been a gift from God and really the only response she can think of is to give back.  To walk alongside people and fit into the cracks that form in their lives, even if it’s just to say hey, I made you lasagna, eat it or freeze it, but it’s here for you.

Submitted by Rich Holleque.

Moments of Meaning: Greg Mueller

MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.

Greg Mueller: Finding God in work:

I have been involved in  the Hospitality Industry for 30 years starting off at McDonald's in high school, bar-tending through college, then on to Management and Directing.  I enjoy working in a Team dynamic, to achieve a common goal.  As a restaurant operator I am inspired by the people that work around me: vendors, servers, hosts, dishwashers, etc. all to achieve our goal: 'The Friendly and Generous Reception and Entertainment of Guests, Visitors and Strangers. 

I take great satisfaction in coaching and grooming employees seeking out the Hospitality Industry.  In this industry, I see God all around me.  I see God with the kindness to strangers, not because of expected gratuity or monetary gains, but kindness in connecting with strangers.  A stranger sought me out, to visit where I work, to experience what my team has to offer, if anything, for the sake of an adventure.  It's about connecting with people through cuisine.  This industry has taken me across the world to see different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life.  There are valuable lessons to pass down to my children, to be kind to strangers, to use your manners, to treat people with respect.

Being a part of Mount Olivet allows me to serve my community when called on.  Weather it's just to consult on the design of the new community kitchen, or to lead BBNBBQ food and beverage program.  Aside from volunteering with Mt. Olivet, the Hospitality industry is a terrific industry to give back.  I've been involved with local and national food based charities to aide in feeding those who are in need.  I work in this industry not for recognition, but to connect with people, to give back, to be thankful for what I have.  The feeling I get when helping someone in need, anonymously, is sacred to me.  I enjoy being around and connecting with people.

Moments of Meaning: Marlene Stimpson

Moments of Meaning: Telling stories of how faith, shaped in this community, has helped someone find meaning in their life.

Marlene, by her own admission, is not the kind of person to stay at home with needlework; she was intentional about looking for something to get her out of the house and engaged in the community. Her Bible studies, meditations, book studies, and the people she associates with encourage (and nudge) her to keep on even when she's tired. Her sense of purpose, all the way back to her being a girl scout, comes from a desire to leave a place and people in a better place or condition than when she found them.

For Marlene, it’s important to have something to do to make a difference. When she works at the front desk and people come in with tears or frustration, she notices how they calm and leave relaxed after talking with one of the PRISM caseworkers and getting groceries. There is satisfaction in watching the change in people as the staff at PRISM do their jobs well. It’s also exciting to see people celebrate their last visit at the food shelf because they had life changes happen and they no longer need PRISM’s services. She’s inspired by the smiles of children receiving KidPack, the appreciation of what is given at PRISM (by staff and families), seeing the emotional changes in families through their PRISM encounters, and seeing that people have been fed.

When Marlene was choosing a place to volunteer, it mattered to her that the organization was well-established, sticking close to its vision, goals & values. It needed to be a place the community trusts to provide food for families and that had kind staff. PRISM appealed to Marlene because of her early involvement in the group that formed the organization to respond to community needs, and because it continues to be faithful to the original vision.

When working at the front desk of PRISM, Marlene says it’s hard to try to calm some people – those who come in angry at first. But, she’s learned that people just want to be listened to for a few minutes, and then they relax after being heard. She chooses to come close, even though it might not be comfortable at first. In order to do this emotionally difficult work, she cares for herself and her wellbeing through prayer, going for a walk, and discussion with close friends help her regain a sense of balance or to see the chaos from a different perspective.

Marlene keeps a carefully planned calendar to keep balance with friends, family, church and volunteering. She works hard to keep commitments from overlapping –whether neighbor, family, volunteer, or church, so that she can be faithful to and honor each of her relationships. She’s grateful for her health which make it possible for her to be engaged in so many activities outside her home, and that she has the time and money that help create space for volunteering.

When asked about the difference her faith, formed in the community at Mount Olivet, makes in her life, she answers “Mount Olivet influences ways we can help and work in [the] community. Meaningful book studies, MO Talks, and other learning opportunities lead us toward compassion – both learning what others at church [such as youth] are up to and also knowing that others will listen when you want to say something.”

That she hopes her volunteering (and whole life) brings joy to the people she encounters and most of all that people can see her work as giving glory to God.

Written/Interview by Beth McGrew-King.

OPEN TABLES: Construction update!

A lot of changes happened this week. The wall between Fellowship Hall and a Room with a View is completely down now and progress is being made on the kitchen as the wall in the back of the kitchen has been opened up the entry area. Check out these photos!

Construction update!

BIG things are happening around here! Construction has begun - or should we say demolition! Check out these photo updates. #BEOPEN #OPENTABLES

Breaking Ground on Open Tables!

Thank you for joining us as we BLESS CONSTRUCTION on the new kitchen and space at entrance B.

You Responded in a BIG WAY!

Greetings Mount Olivet Community,

Just a few short months ago, our community decided to cast a vision just as the founders of our church took a bold step to build the first Mount Olivet church building in 1880.  We asked you to contribute your time and money in support of the Open Tables phase of the BE OPEN vision.  

You responded in a big way.   

We could not have imagined such a response to God’s call.  Our youth raised money for their future, our families boldly responded to grow into a vision that responds to our community needs and our elders contributed to a legacy that will be cherished for many years.  To date, a total of 252 families have contributed to the Be Open vision.  

The initial goal of $500,000 for the Open Tables was met and significantly exceeded with a pledged total of $624,400!

In worship this past Sunday, we read from John 21, where the disciples were hesitant to cast out their nets after fishing without success. Yet Jesus still called them to act and to trust in God’s abundant presence. We, too, may have been hesitant to approach such a bold goal; yet with the Holy Spirit and a vision that emerged from deep listening, the catch in our nets has exceeded our expectations.”

Now that the resources available for the Open Tables phase are known, we have the flexibility to accomplish a larger part of the Be Open vision while providing a solid base from which to continue with the Open Doors phase in the future.  The Building and Design team has finalized options and plans with the  architect on the renovations to the kitchen and the north entry.  Request-For-Proposal documents have been created and distributed for review by potential contractors.   Bids will be received in the next month and construction is expected to begin in June with a grand opening later this fall.

We aim to start the community meal through Loaves and Fishes in the late fall as well; a team of Mount Olivet members is already making preparations.

We will provide you with updates by email as the work progresses and there will be MO Talks throughout the summer that provides a showing of the construction as it progresses.

We are excited to launch what we have envisioned, and we are equally excited to see where God leads us as we continue to listen and discern God’s call by being open.

Mark Schmidt, Church Council President                       Ron Frehner, BE OPEN Leader