WEEKLY NEWS & UPDATES FROM WBLUMC | Thursday, May 21, 2026 | |
The office will be closed in honor of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25.
We'll reopen at 9am Tuesday, May 26!
| | Sunday worship | May 24, 2026 | |
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!
Frederick Buechner • Rachel Held Evans
Marilynne Robinson • Christina Rossetti
Jarena Lee • Brennen Manning
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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 Wed., May 27. 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 Joan 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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Women’s Golf Group 2026
This week on Wed. May 27, we will play at Phalen Park Golf Course in St. Paul. 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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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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Rainbow Families
Are you the parent or grandparent of a member of the LGBTQ community? Join us for conversation and fellowship on Thurs., June 4 at 6pm in the library. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Luann Roberts at 218-590-6424. We look forward to connecting with you! All are welcome!
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North Lawn Music Stage
Trustees and volunteers have begun work on updating the music stage. In addition to reinforcing the surface, you may notice a slight shift in the stage location to optimize the view for guests. Work will be completed soon — just in time for our Music on the Lawn series beginning June 14.
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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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Help Needed!
An adult or teen is needed on Sunday mornings during the church service this summer to assist once or twice a month with a child with special needs so their parent can attend the church service. Skills needed are a willingness to listen to children's songs and to get needed supplies such as a wet paper towel to clean up after snack. You will be paired with a church member experienced in working with this child. For more information, please email Barb Hinz or call her at 651-777-0465.
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Lost & Found
Items that have accumulated will be on display in Fellowship Hall from May 31–June 14. Any items not retrieved by that time will be donated to Goodwill on Mon., June 15. Please stop by to see if you’ve left something behind! Contact the church office with questions.
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Manitou Days Parade
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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Carpet Replacement
Thanks to a generous donation, we are replacing the carpet from the narthex to the east doors and the education wing. This is part of the repairs being done due to damage caused by the leaking skylight and its replacement. The installation is scheduled for the week of June 22nd and should take 3-4 days to complete.
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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.
Joan Kae Hoffman obituary
| | 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 7pm in room 200.
See the church calendar for updates.
| | Calendar & Meeting Minutes |
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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