Whew! We made it through Y2K relatively unscathed, with concerns about the Y2K bug recognized to be largely unfounded. The disputed election between Bush and Gore was settled by the Supreme Court (remember “hanging chads?”). Barack Obama and Joe Biden won the presidential election in 2008, running against John McCain and Sarah Palin, and were sworn in January 20, 2009.
The International Space Station (ISS) became fully operational with its first resident crew. The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry as it returned from its 29th mission in 2003.
Terrorists hijacked four airplanes. Two of them struck the World Trade Center in New York, one struck the Pentagon in Washington D.C., with the fourth plane intended to strike the White House on 9/11/2001. This led to a drastic change in airport security. The Homeland Security Act was passed by Congress in 2002, one year later the Department of Homeland Security formally came into being as a stand-alone, cabinet-level department to coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 also led to the U.S. war in Afghanistan, a war which did not end until 2021. Two years later, the U.S. entered into war with Iraq which began March 20, 2003 when the United States and its coalition partners launched an invasion claiming Iraq held weapons of mass destruction. That war ended in December, 2011. Pope John Paul II died in 2005.
Throughout the decade there were several devastating natural disasters. In 2004 an earthquake and Tsunami in the Indian Ocean killed more than 10,000 people and caused massive destruction along the southern coastlines. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was one of the costliest natural disasters in the U.S. The earthquake in Kashmir 2005 was the deadliest earthquake in Pakistan, possibly killing as many as 87,000 people. There was another earthquake in Sichuan, China in 2008: with a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale, it flattened 80% of the structures in the area, leaving a death toll of almost 90,000.
We were riveted as US Airways Flight 1549 safely crash-landed on the Hudson River in New York with no fatalities January 15, 2009.
Apple released the iPod in 2001. Facebook launched in 2004. Initially known as “TheFacebook,” it became the world’s largest social media platform. The Internet shifted from dial-up to broadband by the mid-2000s. Netflix launched video streaming service in 2007, changing the way we watch movies and television. That same year Amazon debuted the Kindle, a wireless electronic reading device, changing the way many people read books. Also in 2007 Apple released the iPhone. The switch from analog to digital broadcast television was completed in 2009.
There was a global financial crisis which led to “The Great Recession” of 2007- 2009. Bitcoin was launched 10/31/08.
On TV we were watching The Sopranos, The Wire, The Office, West Wing, Mad Men, and Lost. Reality TV rose to new heights with shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, The Osbournes, and America’s Next Top Model.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone hit theaters in 2001, kicking off a multi-film franchise. The top-rated movies of the decade were sequels to previous blockbusters like the completion of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, or the Pirates of the Caribbean. Avatar, released December 2009 became the world’s highest grossing film, a claim it would retain until 2026.
In 2000 Eminem released The Marshall Mathers L.P., which became the fastest selling rap album of the time. Beyoncé released her solo debut Dangerously in Love 2003. Michael Jackson’s sudden death in 2009 triggered a wave of global shock. More familiar to me, and quite likely those reading this blog, Casting Crowns dominated the Billboard Christian Songs charts; and churches were singing praise songs by Chris Tomlin such as “How Great is Our God” and “Holy Is the Lord.” Or MercyMe with “I Can Only Imagine” and “Word of God Speak.”
In baseball, Barry Bonds beat Hank Aaron’s homerun record, a controversial win. Tiger Woods achieved the Career Grand Slam, holding all four professional major golf championships consecutively across 2000-2001. Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming at the Beijing Olympics. The Super Bowl? It wasn’t the Vikings. That’s all I’ll say about that.
Bloomington continued to mature, becoming more urbanized. The population according to U.S. Census in 2000 was 85,172. Early in the decade, grant money was spent on school expansion and renovation. The city’s first charter school, Seven Hills Academy, opened its doors in 2006. The Hiawatha Light Rail was completed in 2004, connecting the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and The Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis. Benefiting from the light ,transit-oriented development transformed the Control Data Corporation campus into high-density, multi-use urban village. IKEA, already having a presence in the U.S., opened a store near the Mall of America the same year. The Water Park of America opened two years later, not far away. In 2007 the 35W Bridge north of downtown Minneapolis collapsed. Bloomington celebrated its Sesquicentennial in 2008 and restored the Old Town Hall with the goal of making it look as it did when it was built in the 1930s. In its newly renovated Bloomington Ice Garden, rink #1, Bloomington hosted the 2009 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
The imminent threat of war (world war) after 9/11 gave a sense of urgency for prayer and evangelism. Across the country, military recruits increased, patriotic displays cropped up, churches reported increased attendance, and there were many calls for national prayer. “I see that God has been preparing all of us at Emmaus to have a major impact throughout our community and beyond for just such a time as this.
“And what a time this is: national tension, even fear, ever continuing terrorism, war, and unrest in many parts of the world; deep concern over a teetering economic situation, job losses, and rising health care costs: a society that is constantly becoming less and less ‘churched’ at the same time many mainline denominations are constantly becoming more and more ‘worldly’ and a growing skepticism that anyone ever really tells the truth. Every challenge in life is also an opportunity to offer the grace, love and peace that only Jesus can bring to the hearts of people.” Gary Haug, Emmaus Light, August, 2003
Emmaus, already well established with missions and outreach, was involved locally with VEAP, GMAE, and the youth were involved with Street Level, a weekly outreach in downtown Minneapolis. Emmaus maintained on-going collaboration with and support of Faith Tabernacle Gospel church in North Minneapolis.
After several years of consideration, the seeds of having a church plant came to fruition with Living Hope launching with its first worship service on September 15, 2002 in the St. Michael-Albertville Middle School auditorium. Meeting in a school auditorium, I find it notable the date is very close to Emmaus’ 51st anniversary. The Emmaus council asked Bob Halvorson to pastor this new group and he accepted the call. For the next several years, there were frequent updates in Emmaus Light, and Annual Reports on the progress of this new and growing church.
The decade saw many changes in the staff at Emmaus. I’ll do what I can to be brief, but each individual who was employed was there for a season, for a reason, and it is clear that God’s design was in every move. Jim Ritter was called to pastor a small AFLC church in CO and left in June, 2000, (right about the time our 50th anniversary celebration team started meeting). Our associate pastor, Gary Haug was called as senior pastor in 2001, Tom Gilman was installed as associate pastor in September, 2003. Then, in 2006 Gary accepted a call to Solid Rock FLC in Anoka, and Tom Gilman was called to the senior pastor position at Emmaus. Missionary Bill Lackey, who was in Minneapolis while on furlough, was hired to help staff for 2- ½ months before returning to Ecuador. Joel Baker, in his second year at AFLTS at the time, was retained as interim lay pastor while the search for associate pastor was ongoing in the fall of 2006. Nick Dyrud was called as associate pastor and started in 2007.
Mavis Miller was office administrator keeping everything running smoothly, even with all the transitions. Erika Johnson was hired in a temporary status to fill in as office assistant with the hopes that JoAnn Ruth would be able to return after having a stroke. Erika’s position transitioned to permanent when it became evident that JoAnn would not be able to return. Erika left in 2005 to pursue training in Missions with YWAM, and Sara Peterson was hired to fill the position. There were many volunteers who continued to provide crucial help during this time. (Just a few of the names recorded in the annual reports include Ruth Perin, Pat Brestrup, and Lois Johnson, who officially “retired” from her volunteer position coordinating bulk mailing with Angie Norell stepping into that role.
As mentioned earlier, Bob Halvorson was called to pastor Living Hope; while remaining on staff at Emmaus, he concentrated his time and energy in the churchplant. In December 2001 Michelle Satren and Steve Walswick were hired to co-lead Youth Ministries at Emmaus, and Jenny (Aaserud) Erickson was hired to lead Children’s Ministries. Jeremy Erickson was hired as full-time Youth Director in September 2004 and was diagnosed with cancer in spring the following year. The church was the church, coming around the young Erickson family, supporting in ways no one expected. God’s provision and work in this situation was nothing short of miraculous. (That is a story in itself. For further information visit www.jeremyerickson.com, and explore his music on Spotify.) Two AFLBS students were hired for the summer while Jeremy was receiving treatment for his cancer, Liz Lackey and Mike Power. When Mike was called to Youth work in Minot, ND, Micah Johnson, another AFLBS student came on board to work with Liz. Jeremy resigned his position in the fall of 2006, and Kurt Osweiler was hired as Youth Director starting in 2007. Jenny was able to resign from her position as director of Children’s Ministries to focus on being a wife and mother. Heidi Anenson was hired as an interim intern while attending Northwestern College. Emmaus leadership realized the opportunity to realign ministry responsibilities and duties; and as a result, Ben Webb was hired as Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries and started in that capacity in 2009.
Worship and Celebration ministries also saw changes when Josh Skogerboe left Emmaus in May 2005 to support the ministry at Living Hope. Mike Borg was hired as full-time Director of Celebration ministries. Mike was already familiar to Emmaus since he had worked under Josh as an intern as part of his training two years prior. It was so delightful to read the growth in this area as recorded in the monthly messages in the Emmaus Light and annually in the Annual Reports. God was teaching these godly men about worship and leaning into and relying on Him, and they in turn were faithful to teach the congregation.
In the Annual meeting held May 2002, the congregation voted on changing the church Constitution regarding election of head usher, nursery coordinator, and Sunday School Superintendents, changing from elected positions to volunteer status.
In August, 2001 the church celebrated their 50th anniversary with a banquet held at Cedar Valley Church. The planning committee worked on making the celebration special, spending the previous year making plans and contacting former pastors, employees, and members. They requested volunteers to join them. They were really hoping some of the younger people would come alongside to help with the plans. (Remember the internet was relatively new, and technology was more intimidating than it was useful to many people.) The celebration included plans for the full year, highlighting a different ministry each month.
Perhaps because of the 50th anniversary of faithful service, questions facing Emmaus early in the decade appeared more than once, from more than one person, and found in multiple sources: How do we effectively minister to the surrounding community? Should we plant another church? Should we start a second campus, or should the church relocate? Should we look at what we need to do to update the present building? How would we finance the updates? Should we consider starting a school as an outreach to our neighborhood? What are our current staffing needs?
In direct response to serving the community and outreach, Emmaus was able to help two families escaping persecution in Sudan: the Issa family in 2002, and the Alimo family in 2004. We were able to host a shower to help provide some basic household needs and assist the Alimo family with getting settled in the US. This connection also led to Emmaus having a desire to help the church in Sudan several years later when we were looking for where some of our capital campaign tithe money could be sent.
Play and Praise Preschool and Daycare was looking for a new home. Emmaus was interested in providing the building for their use. There were a few upgrades to the aging building, now 40-45 years old, which were required to accommodate a preschool/daycare, including fire prevention walls and the installation of a sprinkler system. It was a busy time of bringing the building up to code. Many hours of volunteer work and many dollars of hired work, and the project was completed. Play and Praise Preschool and Daycare moved in just before Christmas, 2006. Just a reminder of the times: this was the year that notes beganto appear in the bulletins “Thank you for remembering to turn off your pagers and cell phones during the service.”
In April of 2007 it was obvious the aging building needed more than just loving care and attention. It needed some work….and per one of the updates there was a comment that a bill of $96,000 was due to be paid in June and there was not money to pay it. The architect’s recommendations for expansion were to: fix the heating and A.C., remodel the bathrooms, remodel the sanctuary, move the nursery, add a cry room, move and consolidate the offices meaning an addition would need to be built to create new office space. Initial estimates came with a price tag of $1.5 million. It seemed ludicrous to even think about remodel or building an addition in light of the fact there was not enough money to pay a current bill. Pastor Tom noted that initially there was little support for a building project, including in his own heart. Money was due, political unrest, the U.S. was at war with both Iraq and Afghanistan, and the threat of world war was still on people’s minds, (Osama bin Laden was still calling the shots in the Mideast), the patriotism evident at the beginning of the decade waning, several members of the congregation unemployed due to the economy. There was a significant jump in the numbers and amount of the disbursements from the Sunshine Fund during the last half of the decade. Yet, God seemed to be changing minds, making it clear that He was leading Emmaus in the direction of expanding. After months of prayer, many discussions and several meetings, a Capital Campaign was launched in 2008. Some of the guidelines put in place were the church would tithe from the money donated for the building project, donations were in addition to member’s tithing/regular giving, and at least half of the pledge money needed to be collected before construction on Phase 1 could begin. P.I.E. (Pastor’s Information Exchange) meetings occurred, with apparent good exchange of information and ideas, and there were plans to continue with that format for future meetings. In 2008 there are “Great Heritage Great Future” Capital Campaign and celebration meetings announced in the bulletins, generating interest, enthusiasm, and excitement, with many individuals and couples sharing testimony of God’s faithfulness in response to their faith pledges.
Along with discussions of what to do with the sanctuary and the building, there were discussions regarding the house on the property at 8435 2nd Avenue. The initial question was whether to repair or raze. The cost of repair was consideredto be rather significant, including remodeling the kitchen and bathroom, repairing walls, replacing doors and windows. Citing its use as a ministry, the congregation chose to renovate. (And what a blessing that property has been to many over the years.)
Throughout the decade ministry continued: work with youth, children, and adults through classes, seminars, special programs, and activities, in spite of challenges in the building. As outreach to the neighborhood, the congregation came together to support the “Emmaus Expo” which was a special day designed to let the surrounding neighborhood know about Emmaus. Invitations were sent out or delivered announcing the Expo, an open house type of event being held in the parking lot, with fun activities for children, including a petting zoo with a God- centered focus, entertainment (one year skateboarding demonstration, another a magician, to name a few), free lunch, music performed by members of the praise teams, movie tent for kids, face painting, bounce houses, a prayer booth, and information about church programs. Feeling that the event was a successful outreach, these events were held annually for several years. They were a “lot of work, and a lot of fun” for participants and volunteers.
In April of 2000 the fellowship hall was transformed into a dinner theater for a special event, a good meal, and a good play, Interval, by Jeanette Clift George. It was meant to be a special program for a date night or an event to invite family, friends, or acquaintances, to a church event that was not intimidating, and hopefully spark conversations about faith. This was a completely different type of event from the children’s musicals, intended to reach a different audience.
Emmaus continued to support both local and international missions. The “Mission News and Notes” was published monthly in the Emmaus Light, and there was a missionary highlighted in each bulletin with current prayer requests, birthdates and addresses. When missionaries were going to be in the area, they were invited to come and talk during Sunday school or at a special event. The congregation was encouraged to donate to missions using the designated line on the offering envelope. Children had special collections for different missions during VBS week, and each month at Sunday school. Missions was also supported by the craft and bake sale held in conjunction with the annual Women’s Christmas Brunch, allowing for special monetary gifts to be sent to each missionary andmembers of their family. The Russian language camps, which were started in the mid-90s continued through the 2000s, with many teams going. Fund raising concerts were held; items for crafts were donated for these teams to bring with them. The teams included individuals from across the country, not just Emmaus members. In addition to the short-term mission work already being done by members, Respond! Short Term Missions started in 2007 with the first trip to Ecuador, in coordination with Bill Lackey, followed by trips to Philippines (PAMI), Turkey (EEMN), Naknek, Alaska (to support the AFLC church there, assisting with outreach), Baja Mexico (FFHM). The Respond! story is well-documented elsewhere. Around this time, Glenn Mork, a member of Emmaus was retiring from his job with Bloomington police department and started working with a ministry to children orphaned by civil war in Bunia, Hope Centers for Children of Africa (HCCA).
With our international missions, exciting things were happening because of technology. We were able to provide several groups with DVDs, DVD Players, and portable power! For example, in the Philippines they were able to show the Jesus film in villages in the hills/mountainous areas that do not have reliable electricity!
On the home front there were many opportunities for service and learning. With seminars being offered in the previous decade, attendance at a Network Seminar was encouraged, with the course offered 6 times in 2000 and many times over the next several years. This was a class that helped people identify their spiritual gifts and their passion, helping them find a good fit for ministry in the Body of Christ. Meeting with a team member upon completion of the course brought completion to the class. Many people found this class to be extremely beneficial and opened them to areas of service they never knew were available. It also gave people permission to not work in an area that was not a good fit for them. Sweeping the nation, the Alpha Course was an 11-week series that explores the basics of the Christian faith in an open, welcoming environment. It is designed around eating a meal together, having a short presentation looking at a big question of faith, and then small group discussion time to share thoughts and ask questions with no pressure. Emmaus’ first Alpha Course was held in January 2001 and was held many times over the next several years involving many volunteers. Emmaus members were encouraged to attend and to invite friends and co-workers who may have questions about Christianity.
In addition to these seminars, adult Sunday classes continued to offer variety, from topics such as finances and tithing, to book studies on specific books in the Bible, relationships, discipleship, parenting, or prayer. In 2001-2002 The Prayer of Jabez was studied in men, women, and couples’ classes. Classes were offered for Training and Equipping Class for Disciples of Jesus: Be One and Make One, there were Leadership training classes held before the start of the ministry year each fall to encourage and equip teachers and group leaders.
After a seven-year break, Emmaus Family Camp at Camp Patmos returned in 2000 and was held annually for several more years. What a sweet time of fellowship and bonding those weeks were. Relationships grew deep there, just out of spending un-hurried time together, whether playing a game in the dining room until the wee hours of the morning, spending time relaxing or playing at the beach in the afternoon or just chatting. Great speakers and programs in the mornings and evenings were just a bonus, as were the activities for kids. It is remembered fondly by the families who attended.
Participation in One on One or Fellowship/Small Groups, or Home Groups continues to be encouraged. Times of Refreshing, a caregiver support group, met every other week. BOTHERS (Barely Over the Hill Emmaus Renewed Saints) , and YAHS (Young at HeartS) met monthly for fellowship. (It is a fact, some of the contact people for these groups had been the contact people for the Young Marrieds in years past…) For the women, Circles were still meeting regularly; the Tuesday morning women’s Bible Study continued to meet. Coordinated by Kathy Christian, the women organized an evening Beth Moore video-based book study. Many Emmaus women came for these studies, but were also encouraged to bring friends. One year there were 135 participants, meeting for large group video and breaking into small groups to discuss the material they studied during the week. There was homework each week, and completing it was strongly encouraged to not only get the most benefit from personal study but to be able to better participate in the small group discussion. The fellowship was good, the teaching solid. The women continued planning a spring tea event most years, as well as the annual Christmas brunch, which is still a popular event. The quilters began meeting weekly year-round in the 2000s. Prior to that, they took a break during the summer. Since most of the quilters were retired, and many left for extended time during the winter months, it made sense to meet all year. According to the annual reports, attendance was between 9 and 24, and they made a LOT of quilts. I am uncertain which they valued more: the fellowship and supporting each other or actually making the quilts to give to those who needed them. There was also a group of women and some men who got together to cut stamps and labels to send to a mission as a fundraiser.
The men continued to have annual retreats, attended Promise Keepers events when they were held. For a physical outlet, there was basketball in the gym once or twice a week (depending on the year), softball in the summer, competing against other churches in the church league. There was an annual golf tournament, which was advertised as co-ed, and while women were welcome, I am uncertain if many attended. Pictures from these events look like there were a few father-son teams as well as other groups, and all appear to be enjoying the day. One year the women hosted a Rodeo Round-Up for the men to thank them for all the help and support they’ve provided for the women’s groups over the years. It was well-attended, with “Famous Dave” Anderson as the guest speaker. Yes. The women cooked BBQ ribs. And served them. To “Famous Dave.” A bold choice, don’t you think? (I do recall they were really, really good.)
In 2008 our first Worship in the Park event was held at Bush Lake. Having the worship service in one of the picnic shelters with lunch following and then staying for activities or fellowship was encouraged. Plans were immediately made to plan worship in the Park in August the following year.
For children, VBS was held every yearwith an evangelistic focus. The preparation and week of VBS was much prayed over. Each year saw between 90 and 180 children registered. Many volunteers and donations helped the week go smoothly.
Part of the remodel suggested by the architect in 2008 was to move the nursery from the lower level off the gym to the area that was, at the time, the pastor’s and administrator’s offices. The nursery downstairs, while it “worked” seemed to be less than welcoming for new or visiting families with young children. It was not easy for them to find or feel comfortable using such a remote room. Children’s church was offered during the services for kids with parent volunteers leading. Busy bags were available in the narthex to use for parents wishing to have their children remain in the sanctuary. Items in the busy bags were intended to tie inwith the service and the morning’s teaching. Sunday school and kid’s programs on Wednesday nights enjoyed the support of a sizable group of parent volunteers. Near the end of the decade curriculum was chosen that tied in lessons for nursery to adult so that families could be learning the same principles and enhance teaching that could be done at home, with “everyone on the same page.” There were special events for the 4th-6th grade students as well. Remember Gary Tenneson coordinating the 6th grade boys’ annual overnighter in the church? The ARC held Sno-Daze for this age group every winter. I am sure the kids looked forward to going, although some may have been concerned about spending two nights away from home without parents. With a strong music program, Emmaus students learned scripture and Biblical principles through song and performing in the musicals in the spring and at Christmas. Led by Vergene and Tom Downs, parent and youth volunteers assisted the kids with ALL that goes into such productions (set design, technical support, memorizing music & drama roles, choreography, food); and on the day of the program kids had a program they could be confident their parents, neighbors, friends, and relatives would enjoy. And hear a gospel message within it. Since the Sanctified Singers group includes students through 8th grade the kids participating are somewhat familiar with some of the “older kids” by the time they start youth group.
Is that a natural segue to the Youth? It always seems like the youth have the most going on. It seems there are so many activities, lots of fund raisers (the Easter breakfast, the Valentine’s banquet, the annual plant sale, among other things), SOLD OUT, Bible Studies, Bible Quizzing, canoe trips to the Boundary Waters, retreats, FLY convention in CO every other year, mission trips, confirmation, graduation, and just the natural energy they bring to the table. In April, 2005 Jeremy Erickson, as youth director, wrote an Open Letter to the Congregation, pointing out “For years we’ve prayed for an opportunity to reach our community—to minister to those in the immediate vicinity of our building and our people. For the last several years we’ve encountered a ‘problem:’ scores of teenagers, un-churched, and most often unchecked by their families…” The letter goes on to describe the difficulties caused by these youth: property destruction, challenging and disrespecting authority, disruption of ministry. “In short, I don’t know why they’re here! But they’re here—week after week. The church prayed, and they came.” The letter details actions that have been taken to deter some ofthe behavior, and the impact it was having on the students who were on the fence with their faith, and with the students who wanted to learn more about the Lord they loved and wanted to serve. Even reading this 20 years after it was written, my heart broke. The frustration, the dilemma was palpable. And, the appeal: “We need you, church! We need people willing to try and learn how to make connections with teenagers!…For I’m afraid if this problem isn’t embraced as an opportunity now—as a church—we may be compelled to send them away, intentionally or otherwise…Could we pray, Emmaus? Could we pray and know and see and follow where God leads us in our ministry to our youth?” I have included these lines because the following month Jeremy followed up with the encouragement provided by the church’s response. The men, already meeting on Wednesdays, committed to “being around” during SOLD OUT programming, as did two 20-something women, allowing the youth leaders to lead. He mentions, “And with that I must mention what I feel was the most empowering response to the plea: dozens of pray-ers, praying in their small groups, and homes for a more effective ministry to students at Emmaus…”
It has been 21 years since that was written. The building still stands, and most of the doors are still locked during the day, which is a good policy. Many of the adults who were at Emmaus at the time and involved with the youth recall there were issues, especially with regard to the vandalism in the building. I recently had the luxury of speaking with several of the youth who were in youth group at the time, and are now adults themselves, many with their own children. They recall growing in their faith, deepening relationships with friends, and enjoying being together. Several of these youth have gone on to full-time ministry or are currently actively involved in their church. Their recollection of being IN youth group was that they had a good time. “I remember looking forward to coming. We had fun. We learned. It was good.”
As they had since their beginning in 1951, Emmaus in the 2000s continued to reach out to the community, continued to stand firm in faith, accepting new members who were looking for a church that believed in and taught the inerrancy of the Bible. Like the generations before, there was strong concern for the youth, but there was also a need to care for those who were aging. Changes in the building reflect the concern to make the building safer to get in to and to navigate, be a more “welcoming” environment. The church continued to select pastors, employees, council members and call committees whose hearts would seek God’s plan and design for the church. As a church, we were taught to lean into God, to worship, and to trust His plan for our future.