Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church

04/22/2026

King Antonio came by to visit our friends at Life Academy today.

04/20/2026

1936-2026

Today we remember and give thanks for the life of long-time Mt. Calvary member, Alex Hansmann.

With the assurance of the resurrection and the promise of life-everlasting, we entrust Alex to the Lord.

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

Beautiful Sunrise service. We worship next at 10am.

04/04/2026

PREPARATION

-Saturday of Holy Week-

All is quiet now.

The cross is empty. The tomb is covered. The guards are waiting, the disciples hiding.

But don’t confuse quiet with absence.

Some have said God is silent, where is his answer to our prayers? Others say “God is dead.”

But don’t confuse quiet with absence.

Back in the beginning, on the seventh day of creation, God rested. For six laborious days he spoke all things into existence. Then rest. A quiet rest, but not absence. The fruit of his labor was busily multiplying. And God’s spirit sustaining all.

Now, on another seventh day, God rests again. The work is done, the job is finished, all has been accomplished.

The disciples wondered if this was it, as the grave sat covered and still. But little did they know, underneath the quiet, behind the rest, a joyful noise was brimming.

In one more day, now the eighth, a new thing will be done. Where sin once reigned, and death took hold, the victorious King comes forth.

All is quiet, but God’s not absent, this is the preparation.

Tomorrow we join in.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

04/04/2026

Soon…

04/03/2026

-Friday of Holy Week-

SIMON

Simon of Cyrene, who took the cross of Jesus.

What a moment. What a time. What a job.

Forced to carry the cross of another. The innocent suffering for the guilty.

An outsider, no less, Cyrene is in northern Africa, today's Libya, 900 miles from Jerusalem. Was he tired from the journey? Confused by the rabble? Concerned for the man convicted?

Silently he serves.

Would you do the same if you had the chance? Would you carry the cross of another? Would you give your life, or at least a portion, for the one who gave you his?

Simon of Cyrene, who took the cross of Jesus.

For a moment he helped the Savior of the World.

But did he know, did he see, could he understand, it was his own cross he carried that day, but Jesus took it from him?

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

04/02/2026

ALL THE WAY TO YOUR TOES

-Thursday of Holy Week-

The table is set, the meal is ready. But one more job to do.

The disciples' toes were dirty.

Who have you let touch your feet? Would you present them quickly to Jesus?

Strange to us, but normal for them, the washing of feet was necessary before a meal. Everyone reclining together, lounging at the table. But if stinky, muddy, ugly feet were close, who could enjoy the food?

Of course, this was someone else's job. Not the master of the house. He has more important things to do, providing the food, pouring the wine, leading the ritual conversation. How could he be soiled, by other people's toes?

Yet look at Jesus, he gives himself. He takes off his outer garments. He becomes exposed to other people's judgments.

He invites them over, takes their feet, pours out the water of absolution.

Sure, he gets messy in the process. But his disciples whom he loves, now they are welcome at the table. He has washed, cleansed, and covered over the ickiest, stickiest parts of their entire body. Now they can eat and drink, enjoying fully, the meal set before them. (And what a feast it is!)

Could they know, would they imagine, the far greater sacrifice he was soon to make?

Finally, a small challenge given. A simple invitation. Go and do as I have done. Become a servant of others. Not because of who you are, but because of what I have given.

This is the path of blessing.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

03/26/2026

Join us for each service of Holy Week as we again travel with Christ through his week of Passion. We begin with the Service of Palms, 10am Sunday, March 29th.

01/11/2026

Worship with us today as we celebrate the gift of the Savior to the nations - The Epiphany of our Lord (observed).

Divine Service: 10:00am; in person and online.

12/22/2025

Our Children did a wonderful job in proclaiming the good news of the incarnation in yessterday's Christmas Pageant. Thank you to our Board of Education and all the volunteers and families who gave their time to make this possible!

12/22/2025

Join us on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm for a Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols.