WEEKLY NEWS & UPDATES FROM WBLUMC | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | | Sunday worship | May 17, 2026 | |
Pentecost Sunday & Summer Worship
Our summer worship schedule begins on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, with one blended service at 10am! As a symbol of the flame of the Holy Spirit, we invite you to wear something red during worship—you can at home for Church Online, too!
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Summer Sermon Series
We never really walk alone: Soul Friends accompany us on our spiritual journey. Explore the path with us May 31 - July 12 at 10:00am worship!
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Graduation Sunday
It's time to celebrate our high school and college graduates! If members of your family are graduating high school or college, we want to celebrate you! Please fill out this form by Mon., May 25. For more information, email Joan Hartman.
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Summer Sunday School theme: Snowball Mountain
Meets Sundays at 10am in June and July. Mixed ages in theater for music, bible stories, science, and activity stations. Let me know if your middle school or high school student wants to be an assistant.
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Good Earth Village Camp Families
We have our biggest WBLUMC group yet going to Spring Valley in June! Watch your emails for packing lists, health forms, and payment reminders.
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National Day of Prayer
You are invited to attend a National Day of Prayer Gathering TONIGHT from 7:00pm-8:00pm. The event is being held at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, which is our neighboring church to the north. Please join and invite a friend. Light refreshments will be available after the service.
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FINAL World-View Workshop • Sunday • May 17
4:00 PM-5:15 PM • Room 200
In this final session, we’ll compare the Theological and Integral world-views and consider how each helps us understand today’s reality.
- Quick review of the first three world-views
- A closer look at the Integral world-view
- Discussion: choosing a world-view that best reflects our current experience
You’re welcome to join even if you haven’t attended earlier sessions.
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BeFrienders Ministry
BeFrienders Ministry is sponsoring a nature walk at Tamarack Nature Center on Mon., May 18th at 2:00pm. We will have a guided walk with a retired Methodist pastor. All are welcome. For questions, contact Barb Hinz at 651-777-0465.
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Monday Book Club
The title for May, our last for this reading year, is "The Women of Arlington Hall" by Jane Healey. We’ll meet on Monday, May 18, 7-8:15pm, with your choice of in-person in room 200 or via Zoom; email Rick Flynn. Thank you for joining the Book Club this year! We will reconvene in the fall!
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Safety Reminder on Church Communication:
Please be aware that pastors and church staff will never email, text, or call asking for money, gift cards, or copies of the church directory. While the “from” name in an email may appear to match a pastor or staff member, the actual email address is often different and may be fraudulent. Please use caution and do not respond to suspicious messages. If you ever have questions about the legitimacy of any communication, contact the church office directly before taking any action. Thank you for helping keep our church community safe.
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Women’s Golf Group 2026
This week on Wed. May 20, we will play at Island Lake Golf Course.
If you are interested in playing or would like more information, please email Marcia Lantto, alternate contact is Carol Effertz 651-429-6023. To view the 2026 Golf Schedule, please click here or on the photo. We hope to see you soon.
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Coffee for Widows/ers
We invite all widows and widowers to join us for a warm and friendly coffee gathering on Thurs., May 21 at 9:30am in the library. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Karen Fairchild at 651-426-4725. We look forward to connecting with you! All are welcome!
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Baking with a Purpose (BWAP)
In partnership with Missions, we will be baking to raise money for Bridging where the homeless build a home. On Sun., May 31, we will have Honey Oatmeal (great for sandwiches), Craisin Walnut, and a Pain Au Levain Sourdough for sale in Fellowship Hall between services. Thank you to all who have made this year’s BWAP successful, we will return in the fall!
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WBLUMC has been invited to march in the Manitou Days parade as part of a coalition of LGBTQ+ affirming churches in the area. The parade is June 19th at 6:30pm. If you would like to be part of the team, please email Pastor Christine.
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Art in the Hallway! Co-Creations:
Art in Collaboration with AI
by Randy LaFoy
This collection explores artwork created in partnership with artificial intelligence—not as a replacement for the artist, but as a responsive digital tool shaped by human intent and imagination. Each piece reflects a collaboration between personal vision and expansive digital patterns, highlighting how emerging technology can push the boundaries of creativity while expressing timeless feelings of beauty and wonder.
May I purchase a piece of art? YES! Proceeds from sales will cover production costs, with remaining funds donated to the Tanzania Life Project.
1. Choose Art: Browse art displayed in the halls and mark your selection on the sheet.
2. Payment: Make checks to WBLUMC with Tanzania Life Project in the memo line or drop cash off in the office.
3. Take art home: You may take your artwork home after worship on May 31.
Thank you for supporting the Tanzania Life Project!
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Pastor David Doppenberg
to Retire
Pastor David Doppenberg will retire this summer from Elk River UMC. His final worship service is Sun., June 7, with a celebratory reception to follow.
If you’d like to send a note of congratulations for his memory book, mail it to Pastor David Doppenberg c/o Elk River UMC, 1304 Main St. NW, Elk River, MN 55330.
To attend the service, please contact the church at 763-441-2750 with your name and number attending.
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Joan Hoffman
We remember long-time member Joan Hoffman, who passed away at the age of 89 on May 3.
Her family is planning a service for her at the church on Tues., May 26, at 2pm. Visitation will be held an hour prior service with fellowship and desserts afterwards in fellowship all. All those who knew Joan are welcome.
| | Green Team Tip of the Month | | |
One in three bee species is facing risk of extinction, largely because of neonicotinoid pesticides used by many growers. “Neonics” are absorbed by plants and carried into the pollen and nectar that bees feed on, causing disorientation, impaired foraging, reduced reproduction, and high mortality rates. They remain in the soil and plants for long periods.
Before you buy plants this year, ask the nursery or big box store where you shop if they or their suppliers use neonics. If they don’t know, move on to a retailer who has committed to selling neonic-free plants. You can be a bee saver!
Learn more about the Green Team by attending a meeting! Join us on the first
Monday of each month at 7:00pm in room 200. See the church calendar for updates.
| | Church Calendar & Elected Committee Meeting Minutes | |
May Elected Committee Meetings
Below are the May meeting dates for the church committees with elected members, in addition to the volunteer Worship Committee.
Thurs., May 21: Church Council Mtg., 6:30pm, rm. 200
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Church Calendar
Click the church calendar button to find out more about meetings, events and worship on the frequently updated online church calendar.
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Meeting Minutes:
All committees are being asked to provide minutes, and we now have a Realm link for the congregation to access this information. Click the video below to learn how to view all minutes that are available!
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