Meet Dianne Orth
Describe yourself in 5 adjectives.
Girl-gone-gray, hospitality, networker, pastoral support, Mimi
Tell us about your family and how long you’ve been at Calvary.
I have been at Calvary 21 years, ever since as a widow with 3 kids, “we” married widower Pastor Larry and his daughter. My late husband, Dave, died in an avalanche while snowmobiling with friends in the Tetons. Larry’s wife, Tammy, went to be with the Lord after a 10-year battle with cancer. As a blended family, our oldest, Macai, married our former lead Pastor Todd Olson’s oldest son Luke and they live in N. St Paul with their 5 kids, aged 9 to 1. That’s how I got my name “Mimi.” Renee is married to Connor Cabalka, who also grew up at Calvary. They got married after schooling on opposite coasts and now have 3 little girls, ages 4, 2, and 10 months, and live in Plainview. My #1 son (my only son!) Ben, wife Brittney, and 11 mo. old daughter live in Spokane, WA, while he finishes a nurse anesthesia program. Our youngest, “baby” Becca and Sam temporarily live outside Los Angeles while Sam is in seminary. They gave us grandchild #10, a girl born in August.
Share a bit about your younger years and places you’ve lived.
I grew up in Des Plaines, IL, with faithful, steady parents and one sister who is about 3 years older. In my late teens, I had a summer job commuting to an office in Water Tower Place on Michigan Ave, in the heart of downtown Chicago. I lived in NW Indiana to attend Valparaiso University for nursing school. I was glad when the door opened to come to Rochester for an internship in 1986 and start work here in 1987.
If you had no limitations, what would you do with your life?
Host a Care-BnB and have the weather be nice enough to sit in Adirondack chairs and gab away with guests. Oh, and I’d like to be in the mascot suit for a big sporting event.
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about facilitating care for people and connecting them to others’ giftings. I get to do this at church through coordinating hospitality, particularly with the Children’s Heart Project families. As a Mayo outpatient GI “hepatobiliary” (chronic liver disease, hep c) nurse, I love to see patient’s issues resolved and questions answered.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Taking walks or riding bikes with my honey Lawrence George (aka Pastor Larry, “L. G.”) on the Douglas Trail and getting back to pickle ball with Calvary people.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
My favorite holiday tradition is having all the kids and local grandparents (my late husband’s parents and sister-in-law) to the house for Christmas and reading with my best Brooklyn accent The Last Straw, about the camel who despite his joint pain, gout, and sciatica brought a big load of gifts to the baby King. Many thanks to L. G. for his every day and holiday cooking talents!
Share one thing that you love to do that you get to do nearly everyday.
I sit in the corner living room chair and do my daily Bible reading, and later in the day, I drink one can of Diet Coke (it’s my worst addiction!).
If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?
Laverne and Shirley (for those who can remember: 1976-1983)
What do you appreciate about Calvary, and where do you serve?
I appreciate the people at Calvary! My favorite hours of the week are when we cross paths in the lobby or gym, hosting small group and evening Renovaè, bringing kids to the Wednesday evening family meal, and helping with the kitchen-clean up, and even popping in to Thursday morning Renovarè “opening” when I can. I serve on the Usher Team so I can see who’s new, hope they feel welcome and get connected. Behind the scenes, I coordinate Rochester Christian Hospitality Network (RCHN) which offers free guest room stays to dozens of Clinic patients and their families each year, as well as coordinate Calvary’s annual hosting of Children’s Heart Project groups. By the way, if you readers are interested in RCHN or CHP, please contact me! Calvary will be hosting for CHP 3 five-year-olds from Bolivia early May through June!
Meet Martha Renaud
Tell us about your family and how long you’ve been at Calvary.
My husband, Tom, is the tallest man at Calvary, but more importantly, he is gentle, listens well, and loves Jesus. We met via eHarmony when we were in our mid-30s, and to our delight, God has gifted us with three children. Mary (age 4) loves books so much she sleeps with a stack every night. Isaac (age 2) is expressive and likes to empty boxes. Stephen (9 months) is big in body and heart!
In 2019, we moved to Rochester from Colorado Springs and joined Calvary shortly thereafter.
Share a core childhood memory and a bit about your younger years and places you’ve lived.
I grew up the middle child of seven on a turkey farm in Sleepy Eye, MN. After attending University of Northwestern in St. Paul, I moved to Colorado Springs to become assistant editor of Brio magazine for teen girls. My high school English teacher once encouraged me to try a journalism class, and over time, that field turned into a 15-year career for me.
If you had no limitations, what would you do with your life?
I’d volunteer more in addition to raising a family.
What are you most passionate about?
Sleep. I’m in a tiring stage of life right now, and I’m very passionate about getting adequate rest.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I used to like picnics until last summer when we were attacked by bees at Oxbow Park. Isaac was stung twice. He and Mary still talk about it all these months later. This summer I’ll leave the PB&Js at home.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I like the tradition of a festively decorated table for whatever the holiday is. My mom taught me that a pretty napkin and a party favor at each setting is the beginning of a great occasion.
Share one thing that you love to do that you get to do nearly everyday.
I love holding, kissing, and squeezing a baby.
What do you appreciate about Calvary, and where do you serve?
I appreciate volunteers like David Henry, Amy Holty, and Susan Hansen who faithfully serve in children’s ministry most Sundays. Their consistency and love for children are gifts to our family. I serve in Calvary’s nursery on occasion and am a table discussion group leader for Pre-K Moms (formerly known as MOPS) at Christ Community Church.