Near the end of 2005, the prayers my wife and I were praying seemed to tell us that it was time to open ourselves to the possibility of a new Call and place to serve. In a series of events that some would call "circumstantial" but I believe was a "God thing," we were offered and accepted the invitation to be a member of the pastoral team here at Calvary. And so, on March 1, 2006, we made the move to a brand new place for us - Calvary, and Grand Forks, and North Dakota. As a lifelong Iowan and (some would say) fanatical Iowa Hawkeye fan, I'm still getting used to the fact that we are North Dakotans now. But we're having a great time, and we are delighted to be here. There is something very special about this congregation. There is something very special about the staff whom you've called me to work beside and with. I haven't yet defined what that "special something" is exactly, but high on the list is the fact that at Calvary the word "team" isn't just a word, it's a reality. This church isn't just "one of us," it is "all of us." It is all of us understanding that the Lord of the Church has plans for His Church, and He has gifted and called each and every one of us in unique ways to be a part of those plans. We look forward to being partners with you in continuing to go where Christ leads, down the path He promises to empower and bless.

By way of some "personal notes" for those who are interested...

• Kathi and I have one child, Melissa, who graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005 and is now the Catering Manager at Western Illinois University.
• Kathi's mom, Jeanne Kuentzel, moved with us to Calvary and Grand Forks.
• My mom, Dorothy Dykstra, still lives in my hometown of Sioux Center, Iowa.
• I was ordained in 1984, and have served two calls since then. The first was in Dows, Iowa (from 1984-1991) and the second was in Lake Mills, Iowa (from 1991-2006). We enjoyed both of those calls very much and remain honored to have served fine congregations there.
• In my spare time, I like to read, work in my yard, grill, and golf.
• Kathi and I both graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa with degrees in Instrumental Music Education. I was a school band director for two years. Kathi taught for about 10 years. We both still enjoy singing and playing, and have joined the City Band here in Grand Forks.

We look forward to getting to know you all.

And we cherish your prayers!

Your partner and brother in Christ... Pastor Roger Dykstra