Hennepin Happenings
News & Events @ Hennepin Avenue UMC
July 12, 2019
FEATURED EVENTS
Summer Worship Series: The Gift of Wonder

This summer, get to know God in a new way. Experience The Gift of Wonder in our 9-week summer worship series. Can you imagine a God who dances with shouts of joy, laughs when you laugh, loves to play, enjoys life, and invites us to join in the fun?

In this series we will explore what it means to delight in God, to set our imaginations free, to return to the rhythm of life, to cultivate gratitude, and more. Using the book The Gift of Wonder by Christine Aroney-Sine as our guide, every week we will try a new practice for opening ourselves to awe and wonder–to God.
Guest Musician in Traditional Worship: Gregory Milliren
Sunday, July 14 at 10am in the Sanctuary

Gregory Milliren, Associate Principal Flute of the Minnesota Orchestra, will share his musical gift with us this Sunday in Traditional Worship.  Greg is a Milwaukee native who joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 2009, having served as guest principal with the Dallas Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Seattle Symphony, and has been a guest with the major orchestras of Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, National, Detroit, Colorado and Jacksonville. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and University of Southern California. Greg and his husband Dan Mollick, an Edina middle-school orchestra teacher, live in St. Louis Park with their rescue pit bull, Sadie.  
School Supply Drive
July 7-28, East Entry

July is Education Awareness Month! You can supply students around the world and at home with the supplies needed to succeed in school. HAUMC will be supporting UMCOR, Joyce Preschool, MNIC, The Dignity Center, and students in Biawalla, Sierra Leone. Lists of needed supplies can be found at the reception desk or online at haumc.org/supplies. 
Collection bins will be located in the East Entry.
Adulting 101: Bikes in the City
July 14, 1pm in the Longfellow Room

You’ve heard the Twin Cities is an amazing place to be a cyclist, but you aren’t sure how to start. This Beginner Biking workshop is for you. Hear from cycling experts on what to buy, where to go, and how to be safe. Get outside this summer and join the cycling community! RSVPs are helpful but not necessary. RSVP to [email protected] .
MINISTRY NEWS
A Special Goodbye from Mark Peterson

My Dear Friends and Colleagues at HAUMC and Koinonia. It has been a pleasure to work with you these past six years. As I fade into the sunset, I wish you the very best as Koinonia and the Care Team move toward a new future. After Monday, July 15 you may reach me at [email protected] . May God bless and keep you and those you love forever.

-- Mark Peterson
Project Baiwalla
Student Sponsorship Fair
Sundays July 21 - August 4 in Carlson Hall

Project Baiwalla is returning this July to offer Hennepin members an opportunity to renew their financial commitment to sponsor children in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone. Last year, we were so touched by Hennepin's extravagant generosity, sponsoring the education of 120 children. Each donation of $150 paid for an individual student’s school fees including cost of uniforms, shoes, books, and related school expenses for one year. We hope members will continue to give these children a chance at having a bright future! The next school year is right around the corner!

For those that are not familiar, Project Baiwalla is an Outreach Ministry of Hennepin Avenue UMC and OC Ministries. Together with OC Ministries of the Minnesota Annual Conference and community partner Pastor Judith Banya, we are working to build up the resources of the Baiwalla community so that their basic needs are met regarding their nutrition, education, health care and spiritual needs.
Help Drive our Immigrant Family

Flexible volunteers needed to drive on Sunday mornings. Our immigrant family from the Congo loves attending Hennepin Avenue UMC! But since they are a family of 7 and live on the east side of St. Paul, providing transportation to worship is a challenge for the Refugee Services Committee. If you can help occasionally or regularly, please contact Judy Tucker at  [email protected]  or Joan Jemison at  [email protected] .
Calling All Shutterbugs!
Send Us Your Wonder-Full Photos of Hennepin

Amateur and professional photographers, we invite you to share your photos of Hennepin Avenue UMC and its ministries in action. This summer, as we explore The Gift of Wonder, we would love to share your photo-vision with the greater Hennepin community. We are especially looking for not only photos of our awe-inspiring building, but also of our amazing community of people, our powerful worship services, and our transformational ministry programs and events.

Please email your photos to [email protected] with the subject line "Wonder-Full Hennepin." In the body of the message, please include a caption that explains your photo's context and names anyone who is shown--and be sure to include your full name so we can give you photo credit!

By sharing your photos with us, you give Hennepin's Communications staff permission to freely use the image for promotional purposes (on our website and social media, etc.) and in Hennepin communications (worship slides and bulletins, digital newsletters, etc).

Questions? Contact Amy Griffiths, Director of Marketing and Communications, at [email protected] . Happy snapping!
Summer Choir: A Great Place for Singing

During these beautiful summer months, the Sanctuary choir slips into "summer mode" and welcomes additional singers to join in the ministry. Instead of midweek rehearsals, the ensemble meets an hour before worship (9am) for musical preparation and prayer. Experienced singers (music-reading is advised, a love of singing required!) need only call or email Mark Squire to let him know you plan to sing a single week or for several summer Sundays! Come join in the joy of song!
Making Sense Class
July 14, 11:15am in Room 104
Led by John Guy

Come join the Making Sense Class as we work to understand some of the complex issues regarding our faith, the future of the United Methodist Church, and other pressing issues.

We are beginning a study of Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger, addressing the challenges faced by the United Methodist Church, HAUMC and what we can do to help our clergy and lay leaders as we navigate this uncharted territory.

So grab a coffee and join us in Room 104. We look forward to welcoming you!
Be a Chaperone or Host for Freedom School & Earth Camp

Hennepin Kids for LYFE is hosting 3 upcoming events at Koinonia, and we need additional chaperones and hosts. On July 16, Park Avenue UMC's Freedom School is coming to Koinonia for a day camp experience. Freedom School is a summer literacy program that empowers youth to believe in their ability to make a difference in their lives and their world through positive role modeling, literacy, and activism. Hosts are needed to help guests find their way around the property and lead small groups in fishing, hiking, and daily activities.

Earth Camp is scheduled for August 12-15. This camp welcomes campers who have completed 1st-6th grades. Earth Camp serves as a great entry point camp for kids who are just beginning to experience sleep away camps. Chaperones are needed in order to allow maximum registration for this event. You may volunteer to help for one day or for all 4 days.

To help with any of these camp experiences, please contact Lynne Carroll at  [email protected] .
Progressive Christianity
July 14, 11:15am in the Harrison Room

Everyone is welcome to this discussion group. This Sunday we will be discussing a critical review of a book by Bishop John Shelby Spong. We meet the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Pub Theology
July 17, 6pm at Sisyphus Brewing
712 Ontario Ave W #100, Minneapolis

This drop-in group of Hennepin members and friends ages 21+ gathers monthly to discuss faith, life, stress, family, and so on with a tasty beverage. Invite a friend to join you, and learn more at  haumc.org/pubtheology .

Youth Mission Trip Info Session
July 28, 11:30 am in the Longfellow Room

Youth and their parents/guardians are invited to gather to hear more about the Youth Mission Trip to Spirit Lake taking place August 4-9. Ask questions about what to pack, get details about transportation, start bonding with the Mission Trip team, and visit with Rick Belbutoski, our new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
First Annual Hennepin Avenue UMC Youth Mini-Golf Invitational
August 18, 12noon-4pm

Fore! The First Annual Hennepin Ave. Youth Mini-Golf Invitational will take place on Aug. 18 from 12noon to 4pm. The afternoon will include fun and fellowship as we play a round of mini-golf at the Walker Art Center's Skyline Mini Golf course. Post-putting, we'll gather back at HAUMC for ice cream and to celebrate the afternoon's Champion. All students entering grade 8-12 are encouraged to participate and bring friends!

No need to register--just show up at Hennepin with $10 cash to pay for your round of mini golf. Contact Rick Belbutoski, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, with questions: [email protected].
Sunday Brunch
10am-noon in the Social Hall
$10 per person | $25 per family

Every weekend, Chef Warren Seta serves Sunday Brunch in our Social Hall. It's a time of food, fellowship, and service to one another. Everyone is invited to join friends and make new ones as we enjoy brunch together.

Note the new price--we rely on your payment to cover our expenses. We invite you to practice Radical Hospitality by covering the cost of brunch for a guest who cannot pay.
SUMMER CAMPS
Music & Arts Immersion Camp for Singers in Grades 3-8
July 29-August 2, at the Basilica of St. Mary
88 17th St N, Minneapolis

Children of diverse abilities and cultures will join together to create a musical cantata ("In the Image" by Mark Burrows) using music, drama and choreography, Orff (mallet) instruments, handbells, percussion and art, all through the light of the Christian faith. Campers will present performances highlighting their achievements on the last day of camp, at 1pm and 2:30pm. Daily schedule: 8:30am - 4pm, breakfast, lunch and daily snacks provided. This will be taking the place of “Joyful Uproar” of years past.

Tuition: $100.00 (scholarships are available). A NON-REFUNDABLE $25 registration fee is due by July 15 to secure a spot, with the balance due on the first day of camp.

Questions? Ready to register? Contact Director of Music and Fine Arts Mark Squire at [email protected] .
Earth Camp
August 12-15, at Koinonia Retreat Center

Earth Camp is a great entry point into sleep away camps. Campers who have completed 1st - 6th grade will enjoy 4 days and 3 nights of hiking, fishing, swimming, and bonfires. We experience God with all of our senses while we make new friends and connect with some of our favorite church friends as well.

Register at  haumc.org/register . Chaperones are needed, so dust off your hiking boots, and contact Lynne Carroll at  [email protected]  if you are interested!
ART & MUSIC AT HENNEPIN
Wonder
New Art Display
Through the Summer in Carlson Hall

The Fine Arts Team is pleased to present their summer exhibit with a display of works from the HAUMC permanent collection around the theme of wonder. Curated by team member Tom Arneson, who suggests, "When you spend some time with the show, think about which pieces speak to you of wonder and awe." What do you see? What does a particular piece speak to you? The exhibit will continue through the summer months. Would you like to be involved in the Fine Arts Ministry? Contact Mark Squire (Director of Music & Fine Arts) or Beth Arel (Fine Arts Team Chair).
International Cello Institute Recitals

The International Cello Institute is presenting their annual distinguished faculty recital series, CELLOici, during July at HAUMC in the Art Gallery. There are three recitals in the series:
  • July 15, 7:30pm - Julie Albers, Principal Cellist of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra;
  • July 21, 3:00pm - Colin Carr, internationally renowned cello soloist;
  • July 26, 7:30pm - Brant Taylor, Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at internationalcelloinstitute.com/recitaltickets . Individual tickets are $25 for Adults and $15 for Seniors. Children and students are free. Save $10 if you purchase tickets to all three concerts!
ACTIVISM & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Hennepin Hosts National Night Out--Let's Meet our Neighbors!
Tuesday, August 6, 6:00-8:00pm
in the Hennepin Avenue UMC parking lot

On Tuesday, August 6, the Loring Park community comes to Hennepin for National Night Out! We’re opening our doors and getting to know our neighbors as we celebrate the summer, have fun, and work together to make Loring Park a safer, more caring place to live. Contact Audra Howard and Suzanne Taylor for more information. Volunteers are needed to help make this first-time hosting a great event! Look for the NNO display and sign up today in Carlson Hall!
Help Open the Doors of the New Baiwalla Secondary School

The new Baiwalla Secondary School is finished and scheduled to open in September. OC Ministries of the Minnesota Annual Conference is assisting with the start up needs. Can your company or business help furnish laptop computers for the computer lab, office supplies and equipment, gardening tools, food commodities, educational DVDs or science lab equipment? Contact Ann Carlson at 763-464-6850 or carlsonaj99@ gmail.com  with donations or questions.
Green Team Meeting
July 14, 12 noon in the Art Gallery

Please join us for the second Green Team meeting! Last meeting we got the chance to learn a little bit about each other and how we may serve in this ministry. This meeting will be all about brainstorming our projects to come and assigning priority to those projects. Come with your ideas of how we might live our green faith into the world!

Please RSVP to [email protected] for this event. To join the Green Team go to haumc.org/green.
Responding to the Crisis at the U.S./Mexico Border
Shared from the United Methodist Committee on Relief

In light of the recent news about children in U.S. government holding facilities along the U.S.-Mexico border, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has received numerous requests to respond. Unfortunately, the facilities in question are managed in such a way that precludes even UMCOR’s assistance. Access to these government facilities is extremely limited.

As the arm of The United Methodist Church mandated to cultivate and promote mission, the General Board of Global Ministries seeks to equip churches with tools to use as they confront the frustration and helplessness that this situation evokes. While this particular case is in the U.S., we recognize that migration is a global issue and the breadth and depth of Global Migration programming at UMCOR and Global Ministries reflects that fact.

As a church that is united on the need to care for children, we can be in mission together. Here are things you can do:

1. Pray: Pray for children. Below, you will find a prayer to use this Sunday. You might choose to dedicate a service to suffering children everywhere or conduct a prayer vigil in your community for the children suffering along the border.

2. Act: Act on behalf of children. While UMCOR hygiene kits cannot be taken to U.S. government holding centers, they are being distributed at transitional shelters all along the U.S.-Mexico border. In the last three months, UMCOR delivered 46,128 hygiene kits to six church-run transitional shelters. Instructions on how to make and send these kits are available  here

You can also act by calling your U.S. elected officials.The General Board of Church and Society offers some suggestions on issues to raise with these officials. Find those  here .

3. Give: Give on behalf of children. Through the  Global Migration Advance , UMCOR provides grants to organizations along the U.S. border and elsewhere around the world that are working to fill gaps in the needs and rights of migrants.

Jesus implored his disciples to welcome the children. This is our mission: to make sure the children are welcomed. Thank you for your prayers, your actions, and your gifts.
Minnesota Methodists
Statement of Support

If you are in agreement for an inclusive Methodist church, please go to minnesotamethodists.org and sign the general statement on the homepage. The more people who sign the statement, the better able we are to show the call for an inclusive, affirming church. If you have questions, please contact Becky Boland at [email protected] or at 612.281.1595.
UMC-Next Minnesota Feedback

United Methodists from across the United States are gathered for conversation on the future of the denomination. The priority is to allow participants to speak freely and plainly, offer ideas, and find a shared space with one another as they consider God’s calling for the future of the UMC.

UMN-Next Minnesota is looking for your feedback regarding what is next for Methodism in Minnesota. If you live in Minnesota or are a member of the Minnesota United Methodist Church community, please take some time to complete the survey at: https://forms.gle/4xhLPUfaZioyEUkR6. All feedback is confidential .
Volunteer at The Dignity Center and the Life You Change Could be Your Own!

The Dignity Center welcomes people of all ages and experience who are looking for a chance to make a difference and take a stand against poverty and homelessness. We have positions available to fit your skills and time availability. Email Mary Martin at [email protected] and schedule a tour today!
Discover Something Wonderful at Old School by Steeple People

You know what's wonderful? Meeting new people and doing good for the community & the environment at the same time! Come hang out with us at Old School by Steeple People. We're conveniently located close to Church at 1901 Nicollet Avenue S. For information about volunteering, contact Molly Johnson ([email protected]). Yes, we have air conditioning!
Serve Up Radical Hospitality for Hennepin's Sunday Brunch Guests

Who doesn't love brunch? At Hennepin, it is a time for radical hospitality, family, friendship and great food! Share these blessings with our community by volunteering to help serve brunch in our Social Hall. All ages of volunteers are welcome, so your whole family can serve together. Sign up at haumc.org/brunch .
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Bruce Ario Reading & Book Signing
July 13, 1-3pm
Barnes & Noble at Calhoun Village
3216 West Lake Street, Minneapolis

Hennepin member Bruce Ario, author of  Everyone is a Star; Help from Above, Push from Below; Fight for the Middle  and  City Boy,  will be signing copies of his books at the Barnes and Noble at Calhoun Village  on Sat., July 13, from 1-3pm.   All 3 books feature characters with disabilities. 

Bruce made a decision to be a writer as he met with another homeless man in the library in 1983. Previous to being homeless, Bruce had completed two years of law school. The man asked him, "What do you want to do with the rest of your life?" Bruce thought and then said something that had been in his heart since childhood, "I want to be a writer." The man smiled and then said, "Go do it.”

Among other things, Bruce was seeking justice. He tells stories that are inspiring, ones where justice is served with resolution and results. His work focuses on themes of recovery where the story takes us to the depths before bringing us to a new direction and understanding. Bruce wants the reader to grasp something substantial and sustaining. His unique experiences and universal insights offer calming relief to his readers. Don't miss this chance to meet Bruce and discover his writing!
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Please fill out an announcement form at www.haumc.org/events .
The deadline for announcements is 12 Noon on Monday for announcements to be included in the following Friday's newsletter. 
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Thanks for sharing your stories!
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