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Pastor Hillary and Pastor Evan Christensen - Pastors
Pastor Hillary and Pastor Evan Christensen were called to Calvary Lutheran Church of Swede Home, Augustana Lutheran Church of Genoa, and First English Lutheran Church of Rising City in July of 2022 after graduating from United Lutheran Seminary in Pennsylvania. Pastor Evan grew up in Omaha, completed his undergraduate degree at Midland University, and previously taught elementary special education. Pastor Hillary grew up in Wahoo, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and taught elementary music. They both served their internships in the hills and hollers of wild, wonderful West Virginia. They enjoy playing board games and raising their wonderful son, Wilder. 
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​Diana Johnson ~ Organist 
Diana Johnson began Church Organist at 12 years of age, had a minor in music as an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska and received a Master's degree in Organ Performance in 1985. She has been Organist at Calvary since 1975.
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                             Linda Fuhr - Secretary
Linda Fuhr started her duties as Secretary of Calvary in August, 2019.   Linda and her husband Don live in the Swede Home Community. Linda retired from full time employment in 2016.  She and Don have 2 daughters and 6 grandchilden, both families live in the Ankeny/Johnston (Des Moines Metro) area of Iowa.
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At the 2020 annual meeting the Extra Mile Award was presented to Cheryl Jones and Diana Johnson.  These two members have for years gone the extra mile and are  two members who exemplify the values of this congregation. One or both of these members have served as a Synod assembly delegate, confirmation mentor, Sunday School leader, WELCA leader, Altar Guild chair, church council member, Evangelism an Outreach leader, Bible Study and spiritual growth leader, worship committee leader, Organist and Pianist, Singer and seamstress.  They are both passionate about church mission, the preservation of this building and the future of this congregation. Above all, we witness, see and hear their God given talents each Sunday during service. 
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Presented at the 2021 annual meeting 
In a year with a worldwide pandemic, a year that was far from normal, our council’s biggest challenge was to make worship as normal as possible. The challenge of maintaining worship while reaching all of our congregation, not only for the period of time when we were not physically worshiping here at Calvary, but for the continuing Sundays when some of us were at Calvary, while others who may have health concerns, stayed at home.
These two individuals helped us make that happen.
Linda Fuhr’s dedication to Calvary this past year was remarkable. When our council made decisions that would affect her workload, Linda never missed a beat. She embraced the extra responsibility. Linda helped  Calvary tremendously, distributing our weekly services by email, regular mail, and on Facebook. Linda’s assistance to both Calvary and First Lutheran in keeping our joint ministerial agreement moving forward, along with communication with Synod, during the pandemic, was a blessing to both councils. Linda’s service to our congregation is a testament of her faith and is greatly appreciated.
Lisa Oquist, like Linda, has shown great dedication and service to Calvary. Lisa has faithfully recorded Calvary’s family and Sunday School giving, along with maintaining our membership roster, for years. Lisa also creates the yearly counting schedule and is herself a member of the counting team. Lisa’s weekly commitment of recording our giving is, like Linda’s, a testament of her faith and is also greatly appreciated.
Lisa’s and Linda’s steadfast service to Calvary this past year makes them an east choice for recipients of the “Going the Extra Mile” award.
     Kent Adelson and council
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EXTRA MILE AWARD   PRESENTED JANUARY 23, 2022 ANNUAL MEETING
Our congregations going the Extra Mile Award is given in recognition of a commitment of faith, service, support, time and talents, both here at Calvary and in the community. This year’s recipient is the perfect example of those attributes. Our congregation has been blessed to witness her lifetime commitment to our congregation and community.
· This year’s recipient of the award was confirmed and married at Swede Home,
· Taught Sunday School and Summer Bible School
· Served on the Church Council, as well as most committees we voted on today
· WELCA member, and has served as WELCA President
· Served as Synod Assembly Delegate
· Volunteered in helping with our annual ice cream social
· Volunteered in the kitchen countless times over the years in helping prepare and serve meals for funerals, Lenten services and special occasions, such as the  annual meeting meals.
· When there has been a need, she has helped.
· And on top of all of that, she is presently the oldest living member of our congregation., at 97 years of age. Please join me in congratulating LaVerne  Stevens, this year’s extra mile honoree
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​At the January 22, 2023 Annual meeting—the Extra Mile Award was presented to Mike and Anita Haack.
Mike and Anita were recognized for the many years they have been active with the Swede Home Youth group. They were always willing to sponsor the youth activities, and members have good memories of the times enjoyed.
Both Mike and Anita help with ushering and Anita is  always willing to be a scripture reader.  Mike has served many years on the church Memorial Committee and has served on several other committees through the years.
Swede Home is always appreciative of the beautiful Christmas tree that decorates our sanctuary each year  during the Advent and Christmas season- Mike and Anita have annually donated the tree in memory of their son Jason Haack.
Every member shares their time and talents in different ways, and we are thankful for Mike and Anita having gone the extra mile so faithfully over the years.
 

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