Calvary is served by a team of three pastors and an intern – Troy Troftgruben, Kristen Larsen-Schmidt, Roger Dykstra and Sarah Raymond. We answer to just about anything, but most folks call us “Pastor Troy,” “Pastor Kristen,” “Pastor Roger” and “Intern Pastor Sarah”
Pastor Roger I’ve been a pastor since 1984 and have served at Calvary as Lead Pastor since March of 2006. I’m blessed to work with an incredible team of colleagues who have been called by this congregation to be staff and teammates with me. I’m blessed as well to serve in a church where so many people truly understand that the church isn’t just a building and the church isn’t just a staff of “hired people,” the church is all of its people, called by God to be the difference God’s love calls us to make in God’s world. I believe all people are uniquely gifted by God for the difference-making purpose God has created them for – not just in the church on Sunday but in the everyday moments of all days. As a pastor, I hope to help people discover the profound difference God makes in our lives, seeing us through hard times and igniting us for life that’s the real thing in all times.
Pastor Troytroy.troftgruben@calvarygf.org
I have served at Calvary since June of 2008 and I love it. Calvary is a vibrant group of faithful people who embrace serving together, genuinely care for each other, and live out grace in their lives. While I engage equally in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and worship leadership, I am the pastor at Calvary who works most directly with Bible Studies and men’s ministries. On the side, I teach as an adjunct instructor at UND. I grew up in the area (Park River), and Calvary is my first call as a pastor.
Pastor KristenI have been serving here at Calvary since January of 2009. This is my second call, having served in a smaller congregation for 6 ½ years. I love being a pastor at Calvary. It is a vibrant grace-centered place, full of generous members and warm-hearted colleagues. As one of Calvary’s pastors, I share in the privilege of preaching, teaching, visitation and worship leadership. I am the pastor who works most closely with new member orientation and women’s ministries.
Sarah Raymond – Intern PastorI have been on staff for several years here at Calvary both before and during my time as a seminarian. I am currently serving as Calvary’s intern pastor and I will graduate in May 2013. I am involved in many areas of ministry as I learn and gain experience. I love working with confirmation and with a group that recently finished reading through the whole bible in 3 years. Some other joys of my job are to facilitate a community Cancer Support Group, teach knitting and crocheting to prayer shawl makers, and preach and lead worship as needed. The great thing about my education as a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, preparing to be an ELCA Pastor, is that I get to put what I am learning into practice here at Calvary. I am thankful for Calvary’s willingness to support and encourage me in my learning process.
