Hamline United Methodist Church

Posted

An historic church looking toward the future

Feat3_15HamlineChurch1 Hamline Church at 1514 Englewood Ave. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption]

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

Hamline United Methodist Church (HUMC),1514 Englewood Ave., is an  impressive stone building that has towered above the neighborhood since it was built in 1929. According to Senior Pastor Mariah Furness Tollgaard, “The imposing architecture of the church is both our greatest asset and our greatest challenge.”

HUMC is a congregation with historic roots (the building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places), but they are committed to moving forward as a community in new, meaningful ways.

HUMC was recently in the news as a stake holder in the decision-making over Hamline University’s proposed campus expansion. In question, among other things, is the destruction of several homes in the neighborhood - some of which are owned by the University.

In September, HUMC offered up their space as a “neutral meeting ground” in which stakeholders could work toward resolution. “Our interest is in preserving integrity in our community, and demonstrating commitment to everyone working together in a civil process,” Tollgaard said.

This type of open-mindedness is apparent in the way the church is ministering lately.

“Our passion,” said Tollgaard, “is in claiming the sacred in everyday life, and with that in mind, the possibilities for ministry are endless.” The congregation gathers at 10am on Sundays for what Tolgaard called a “blended service.” Traditional meets contemporary here, and one is as likely to hear Brahams as they are to hear U2 or the Wailin' Jennys.

Feat3_15HamlineChurch2 Senior Pastor Mariah Furness Tollgaard. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin) [/caption]

Throughout the church calendar are opportunities to engage in study, service and fellowship. To name a few, there are vegetables to tend in the summer garden, providing food for the Hamline Midway Elders. Volunteers contribute time to the Block Nurse Program, which keeps seniors living independently in their homes. Thirsty Scholars is a monthly fellowship group for men with children under 18, which meets in local brew pubs. There are prayer groups, Bible studies and book groups as well as a women’s outdoor recreation club and a crafter’s night for all ages.

In April, the church will break ground for a community oven, and by May or June HUMC hopes to be inviting neighbors to join in the fun of baking breads and pizzas outdoors.

The current membership at HUMC is around 400, down from twice that in the 1950’s. “Our goal,” said Tollgaard, “is not to be a huge church, but rather a community of people woven together.”

Four years ago, HUMC merged with Church of the Good Shepherd in a move that attracted many young families.

HUMC is a reconciling church, welcoming all persons as full members into church life regardless of sexual orientation. Tollgaard feels strongly about revitalizing the church, helping people meet their spiritual needs and welcoming them into a community of faith.

Tollgaard is the youngest senior pastor ever called to HUMC; she will also be the first to take maternity leave when she and her husband have their second child in March.

After undergraduate work at the U of M, Tollgaard received her MDiv from Harvard’s Divinity School and served at a Methodist church in northern California.  She considers herself something of an anomaly, coming from a family where almost everybody studied law. Both her parents, her husband and one brother are attorneys. She said, “I guess I just found another way to do the work of justice.”

Growing up in Owatonna, Tolgaard was the only member of her family to attend church-- though her parent’s names appeared on the membership roles of the local Methodist church. She received what she clearly remembered as a call to ministry when she was only 13. “I became aware that God was calling my name while on a mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota,” she said. “There was a conversation with elders late one night about God and spirit and the land, and from then on, I knew what I wanted do with my life. I didn’t come out as a wanna-be minister for years, it was so not cool as a teenager. But there was no question in my mind, and I kept the secret to myself.”

According to Tollgaard, “This is a changing time for churches around the world. People everywhere are searching for more meaning and purpose, but not necessarily within the old ways of doing things.

At HUMC, there is a sense of the old meeting the new with grace. Tollgaard said, “People ought to come and check us out. We’re probably not the church you think we are...”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here