A Historical Look at Discovery

In 1988 the Rev. Paul Bosshardt was assigned by the Minnesota Annual Conference to organize the first United Methodist church in Chaska — it was his father, Rev. Floyd Bosshardt who began the Chaska vision some years earlier through the purchase of a six-acre site on County Road 17 (currently County Road 15), just off Trumble Street, in the Bluff Pointe Subdivision.   

Pastor Bosshardt started his ministry in Chaska by going door to door telling people of the first United Methodist Church coming to town soon.   It was in September of 1988 that the first service of this new UM congregation was held in the Commons Area of Chaska Middle School (the present Middle School East Building) in September 1988.  Discovery’s Chartering Service was held the following May on May 7, 1989.  

Worship for Discovery continued at the Middle School for five years. With a membership of 50, it was decided a permanent site was needed.  On July 11, 1993 the ground breaking of the first phase of a new 5,000 square foot structure at 950 Trumble Street, Chaska took place.   The Discovery congregation celebrated the first service in the new building Christmas Eve, December 24, 1993.  The building’s consecration service was held February 6, 1994. 

By the time the 10th anniversary was celebrated, it was becoming clear that Discovery had grown beyond phase one.  Coming late to worship Sunday morning meant you might not find a seat.  The question loomed large: add to the existing building or ... what?  God in His wisdom once again provided the answer.  After much discussion and negotiation, in December of 2000, Discovery was authorized by the Minnesota Conference to purchase Family of Christ Lutheran Church building at 275 Lake Drive East in Chanhassen.  This congregation had outgrown its facilities, but with its spacious sanctuary and many class rooms and offices, Lake Drive East was exactly what Discovery needed and at less cost than additional construction on Trumble Street. Discovery's first service in the new church was held on Sunday, February 17, 2002. This also marked the beginning of Discovery's rather unique two- campus ministry, for now there were two "homes": Discovery in Chaska, was known as the South Campus and was used for an Interactive Alternative Worship Service Sunday evenings and WATCH (Wednesday at the church) Night activities, while Discovery in Chanhassen, known as the North Campus, was used for Sunday morning and special worship services, Sunday School, and all administrative and other functions.  

Discovery continued as a two-campus church until 2007. Since that time, the South campus has been sold and the congregation now worships, gathers and offices in Chanhassen.