GOLDEN VALLEY, MINN. (Jan. 2, 2013) – After 16 years of serving the members and friends of Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minn., the Rev. Steve Dornbusch has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 8.
Dornbusch, who became Calvary’s senior pastor in 1997, will retire from nearly 40 years of full-time ministry. He has also held pastoral positions at Edison Park Lutheran Church, Chicago (1974-1976); Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, Iowa (1976-1986); and Morningside Lutheran Church, Sioux City (1986-1997).
Throughout his time at Calvary, Dornbusch was instrumental in building a renewed community-focused spirit within the congregation. This entailed sponsorship of several events at Golden Valley Days. It involved rallying the support of all kinds of volunteers and donors for Feed Haiti, an annual food-packing event in cooperation with Feed My Starving Children. And it led to the introduction of Calvary’s Community Meal, a free weekly dinner experience for anyone who would like to come.
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On top of the church’s increased community presence, Calvary remained committed to providing dynamic and creative ministry programs week after week and to focusing on its mission “to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” In particular, Dornbusch’s original dramatic portrayals drew people of all ages and from all backgrounds to worship together.
“What Pastor Dornbusch accomplished during his tenure at Calvary is nothing short of amazing, and we are a healthy and vital congregation today due in large part to his leadership,” said Brian McNeill, Calvary’s Church Council president. “With thanks to Pastor Dornbusch, we believe that Calvary’s best years are ahead of us.”
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The church formed a search committee in 2012 and has not yet named Dornbusch’s successor.
The mission of Calvary Lutheran Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Established in 1946, Calvary offers seven weekly worship services and a wide variety of programs for children, youth and adults. For more information, call 763-545-5659 or visit calvary.org.
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