Your Weekly Newsletter
for all things Hennepin
| | | Grounding in Faith with Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay | | |
We are stewards of a building, yes.
We are also stewards of the humans connected with the building.
The staff at Hennepin are amazing. This past Sunday - children and choirs and video artistry and a baptism and glory - was an outward and visible sign of the many hearts and hands conspiring (breathing Spirit together) to create ministry.
Hennepin employs thirty-two humans; fourteen are full time. We believe that all staff are sacred gift from God. Because of our belief in justice and dignity we pay our staff fairly and we offer benefits and pension to our full time staff. I hope that you feel good about that. I do.
Living costs more these days. Our intent is to offer all staff a 3.5 cost of living increase.
Why do I tell you this? Our single largest budget item is staff. Together we bear witness to the reality that our staff is a powerful ministry engine. Do you appreciate a clean and heated building? Thank our staff. How about rooms set up and safe and welcoming space for children and the Dignity Center outreach and a choir and organ that loft our hearts and funerals and weddings and a building open for 12 hours a day every Monday - Friday? Thank our staff.
As you pray about your annual support for our shared ministry, please consider the faces and gifts represented in the photo above.
Together, we are stewards of a mighty ministry. Thank you for your support.
Pastor Elizabeth
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On Sunday the 22nd of November you will be invited to dedicate your pledge for our annual ministry support AND your Growing our Future Capital Campaign support.
I hope you feel the powerful good of joining hearts and gifts in shared commitment to the ministry we share. We are Growing our Future together.
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Sunday, November 15, 2026
This Sunday's Message:
Growing Our Future
Abundance
with Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay
Matthew 25:14-30
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Meet Marilyn! From the Sunday School room where she first learned that God and Jesus loved her, to the art gallery, social hall, and sanctuary, Marilyn reflects on the spaces at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church that have shaped her life. She shares how easy it can be to take for granted the gifts from previous generations that have helped keep Hennepin thriving, and reminds us that it is now our turn to give back. We all play a bigger role than we may imagine in caring for Hennepin and ensuring that it continues to be a place for many generations to come.
To hear how Hennepin has impacted other members of Hennepin, click here.
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To support repairs and our other major long-term projects, please consider pledging to our Capital Campaign Fund here.
| | HAUMC Community Notes & News | | |
Blessing Tree
Take part in our Blessing Tree! Take a leaf and share how your relationship with Hennepin has been a blessing to you. Add your leaf to our tree.
As a community, let's explore the beautiful ways we nurture each other's lives.
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Sit with Us at Brunch!
New to Hennepin? The Queer Justice Team invites you to find us at brunch this Sunday! There's an open spot for you!
Also, our team's monthly meeting is at 9am in classroom 106 and open to all who are interested in queer justice. All are welcome!
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First Aid & CPR Opportunities at HAUMC
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 17! We will be offering multiple classes to learn First Aid and CPR. The three options will be listed below—if you have any questions, please contact our parish nurse, Brenna.
- First Aid Basics and Hands-Only CPR with Brenna | 4:30–5:30pm
- Red Cross First Aid & CPR Certification with Eric Lillstrom | 5–7pm | Cost: $100 | Online learning modules to be completed ahead of time. 2 yr certification.
- First Aid Basics and Hands-Only CPR with Brenna | 6:30–7:30pm
Brenna's class will cover how to handle medical emergencies while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Examples include: passing out (syncope), seizures, choking (adults & children), Narcan and EpiPens, head injuries, burns (helpful for kitchen volunteers), bleeding, signs/symptoms of shock, AED, and hands-only CPR. Towards the end of class we'll have the opportunity to use Eric's mannequins to practice chest compressions.
Eric's class will go into much more detail with time for questions. The online learning modules are self paced and take anywhere from 2–4 hours. Eric will be teaching CPR (with compressions AND rescue breaths). This is a great opportunity and attendees will be eligible for Red Cross's 2 year certification for First Aid & Child/Adult CPR.
These trainings save lives! Help keep our community (and your families and friends) safe!
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Brenna (brenna@haumc.org)!
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Thursday, November 26
10:30am | Temple Israel
2323 Fremont Ave S
ALL are welcome! The longstanding partnership among downtown Minneapolis congregations brings neighbors of different faiths together every Thanksgiving.
This year, we will gather at Temple Israel to give thanks and celebrate the richness of our diverse faiths. Through music, readings and prayer, we will reflect on the blessings in our lives, the values that unite us, and the importance of community.
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Convening 2027: Faith in Home
Thursday, Dec 3 | 7–9pm | Creekside UCC
106 E Diamond Lake Rd
For 25 years, Beacon has worked to create the equivalent number of new homes, and now all the progress in Minnesota is at risk.
As a Beacon community, our response is to gather as our entire collaborative, congregants, clergy, supportive housing residents, service partners, and elected officials, to ground ourselves in the reality of supportive housing. We will do this as we meet for Convening: Faith in Home and launch the second Losing Home, Losing Sleep Vigil. 6:30 p.m. Learn more and register here.
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Dignity Center Winter Coat Drive | ALL of November!
We are still collecting new and gently used coats, hats, and gloves for our Dignity Center guests. Please place donations in the East Entryway anytime during the month of November.
Our greatest need is for L or XL mens jackets and gloves.
Our goal is to fill the bin in the East Entryway so that the Dignity Center feels stocked and set for guests!
| To learn more about the Dignity Center, their mission, and other ways you can get involved, click here! | | |
The Stories That Connect Us
Sunday, November 15 | 3–5pm | Westminster Church | 1200 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis
Join us for The Stories That Connect Us: A Celebration and Fundraiser for 15 Years of Healing Minnesota Stories!
Since 2011, Healing Minnesota Stories has brought the voices, experiences, and narratives of Indigenous people into the center of our work of healing justice.
Under the leadership of Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs, Healing Minnesota Stories has led a movement of repair through conversations, concrete action, organizing, and Sacred Sites Tours. In the past 15 years, Jim Bear has led more than 500 tours for close to 15,000 people – the largest tour program of its kind in Minnesota. To learn more and RSVP, click here.
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Common Hope Visit
Antiqua, Guatemala | November 2–6, 2026
By: Jane Mylrea
HAUMC sponsors two students in Guatemala, Ana Rosario Turuy Luis, age 12 and Josue Gabriel Sican Lopez, age 19. Common hope students receive wrap around services to support their continued school attendance. Families receive medical, dental, housing, and educational assistance. Less than 20% of students in Guatemala graduate from high school. Our sponsor student, Josue, has just reached that goal and I was honored to attend his graduation on behalf of HAUMC. He plans on continuing his studies in business while working. His parents are cooks and they work very hard for their 3 children. The family squats on their land of 10X10 meters and the home is concrete block.
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Ana lives in a small remote village in the mountains, San Rafael. She and her 4 siblings live with their mother in a concrete block home with water and electricity. They use a wood stove to cook. Ana’s mother sells vegetables. Older siblings have quit school as teenagers to work and help at home, which is traditional in this village.
Guatemala is a very beautiful country with mountains, volcanoes, jungle and amazing people. Half of the population are from 28 different indigenous tribes. Violence, poverty and instability continue and with the help of Common Hope one by one its students will achieve education and stability. Thank you church for being a part of this important mission.
I will be presenting further information and photos and if you are interested in individual sponsorship, vision trips and support please contact sponsorship@commonhope.org or visit www.commonhope.org and of course I
would love to chat with you. - Jane Mylrea, janecmylrea@yahoo.com
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For those of you who have recently sat in our north balcony, you may have noticed something subtle, but wonderful! Our Recyclers have been creating new pew envelope holders that are larger to better meet our needs. This section is the first that has been completed in this ongoing process of replacing 250 holders.
Thanks to the Recyclers for your effort and hard work!
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This Week at Hennepin | November 12–19
Click on each event name to learn more! Weekly ongoing events can be found on our online calendar.
| | | FREQUENT & DAILY EVENTS | | Morning Coffee | Weekday Mornings | 8–8:30am | Zoom
Morning Coffee offers participants an opportunity to gather in fellowship, share recent joys and concerns, and support one another through prayer. Following a brief devotional reading or scripture passage and discussion, the group concludes by praying for personal needs, the church, the nation, and the world. Morning Coffee is intended for those who wish to cultivate a daily practice of prayer, connect with others on a daily, weekly, or occasional basis, or anyone seeking prayerful support during a challenging season in their lives.
Morning Coffee is an open group, so feel free to drop in whenever you are in need of prayer and connection, or just want to say hi! | | Closings | Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday Evenings | 7–7:30pm | Zoom
Are you looking for a warm way to end your day? Drop into Closings and share a conversation with friends. This open, lay-led group is a place for conversation, connection, and community. | | | | | |
Centering Prayer Virtual | 7–8pm | Zoom **ADDED Format**
Led by Bill Gjetson, Centering Prayer is a method of Christian prayer that emphasizes resting in God's presence. For six weeks (Nov 7–Dec 12), we will meet via zoom on Thursday evenings. We will begin with a check-in, and move into a brief discussion about a new weekly reading, before practicing our Centering Prayer. Our time together will close with a brief reflection and prayer, as we learn and recognize what Centering Prayer means in our lives.
We still meet in-person on Sundays, and everyone is welcome to join us for both days, or whichever session works best for them.
| | | FRIDAY | November 13 | | Friday Bible Study | 9–10am | Harrison Room & Zoom
Join us for conversation, study, and fellowship! We will begin with a few minutes of fellowship, before spending the rest of our time with scripture. Our group is self-led with leadership rotating monthly. People are invited to drop-in throughout the season and year as their schedules allow. | | Coffee & Connection with Pastor Elizabeth | 10–11:30am | Longfellow Room & Zoom
Join Pastor Elizabeth for a weekly time of sharing conversation, coffee, and topical study! Come for an opportunity to find your unique path to spiritual growth—there is coffee and a fine group of humans to enjoy!
Current Book: Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler | | | | SATURDAY | November 14 | | Growing with God: Early Childhood Faith Formation | 9:30–11:30am | Room 103
Growing with God is a place for our youngest members and their parents to learn about God and ways to incorporate faith into the everyday. HAUMC members Deb Roberts, Licensed Parent Educator, and Jan Russell, certified Parent Coach, are helping plan these meet-ups. Together we will share fellowship and support on the parenting journey. Every gathering includes conversations on important parenting topics and hands-on ways to connect with your little ones. | | Downtown Minneapolis Grief Coalition | 10–11:30am | Ed Wing & Border Chapel | Registration for meetings begins at 9:30am
Find support at the Grief Coalition—a safe space for adults to grieve the death of a spouse or partner, family member or friend, or child. Each week, gatherings will begin with a 30-minute presentation from a different speaker about a topic related to grief and loss, followed by small group discussions.
November 14 Speaker & Topic: Ted Bowman: Thankfulness in the Midst of Grief and Grieving | | | | SUNDAY | November 15 | | Queer Justice Team | 9–9:55am | Room 106
Join the Queer Justice Team at HAUMC! People of all backgrounds are welcome. Come discuss how our church can better take action to build our beloved queer community and support our LGBTQIA+ friends in our city at large. | | Blood Pressure Clinic & Depression Screenings | 11am–12pm | Library
Stop by the Library after worship to meet with our Parish Nurse, Brenna, for free blood pressure checks and depression screenings. Learn about other resources and ask any questions you have! If you need more privacy, you can contact Brenna directly. | | Living the Questions: Intergenerational Faith Forums | 11:30am–12:30pm | Art Gallery
Enjoy lectures and engaging discussions about history and contemporary themes related to progressive Christianity.
Nov 15: The Prophetic Jesus | Jesus offered direct challenges to the status quo. He still does. Let's hear and learn from teachers and each other. | | | | Centering Prayer | 11:30am–12:30pm | Border Chapel
Led by Bob Williams, Rev. Christy Key, and Rev. Cindy McCalmont, Centering Prayer is a method of Christian prayer that emphasizes resting in God’s presence. In this class, Bob, Christy, and Cindy will talk about the history of Centering Prayer, share what it has meant in their lives, and then provide ample opportunity for the group to pray and discuss. | | Salon Se Lève | 2:30–4pm | Art Gallery
Join us for a performance series that presents, supports, and encourages Minnesota's most gifted emerging young artists.
November 15 Artists:
Andre Peck
Anna Pistavas Wakely
Sponsored by the Music at Hennepin series. | | | | MONDAY | November 16 | | Disciple Bible Study with Bill Tipping | 6:30–7:45pm | Zoom
Winter’s Journey into Spring | We will meet weekly and explore the Bible—Genesis all the way through Revelation. Scripture readings will be sent via email a week or so before class and typically take about 20 minutes to read (you do not have to complete the readings to participate each week). This is a unique small group experience and our learning and inspiration will come from each other. All are welcome, drop in as your schedule allows! | | | | TUESDAY | November 17 | | Bible Study with Rev. Cooper Wiggen | 10–11:30am | Harrison Room
Tuesday Bible Study emphasizes soul, fun, fellowship, and the seeking of wisdom as Christ Followers. Learning more about the texts from Sunday worship will be the fall subject. To learn more, connect with Rev. Cooper Wiggen. | | | | | |
Spirit of the Heart | 12pm | Dignity Center **NEW**
Beginning Wednesday, November 4, Mitchell Molloy will be creating a Circle of Support around the dining room table at the Dignity Center. With an opening reading and period of meditation, Mitchell will guide the group to deep reflection, honest sharing, and a healing sense of community. This group is for both Church Members and Dignity Center Guests. Come explore the spirit of your heart.
| | | Compline: Calming Night Prayer | 8–8:30pm | Zoom
Seeking spiritual renewal and a peaceful heart as you prepare for sleep? Join us for Compline, a calming night prayer offering reflection and rest in God’s presence. We’ll gather on Zoom to pray together in this quiet, sacred time on the third Wednesday of the month. You’re welcome to join 5–10 minutes early to get acquainted with fellow participants. | | | | THURSDAY | November 19 | | Thursday Bible Study | 11am–12pm | Longfellow Room & Zoom
This Bible Study and fellowship group of primarily women meets weekly from September to May. It uses current books by contemporary Methodist authors to study a variety of Biblical themes, books, people, or events. Studies are six to eight weeks in length. The variety of backgrounds and interests of the group contribute to some great discussions. New participants are welcome! | | Grief Support Group | 4–5pm | Longfellow Room & Zoom
The death of a loved one whether it be a spouse, a child, a sibling or a close friend, can be the source of great pain or depression, particularly in the holiday season when the feeling of their absence can be very acute. If the burden still weighs you down, come and find understanding and comfort to lighten your load. All are welcome whether the loss is recent or in the past. | | Disability Action Team Meeting | 6:30–7:30pm | Zoom
The Disability Action team explores the ways HAUMC can be more inclusive and supportive of members and visitors with a wide range of disabilities, including those with chronic illness and mental health concerns, and their allies and advocates. | | | | | |
Knotty Quilters Holiday Sale
Sunday, November 22 | Before & After Worship | Carlson Hall
Want to indulge yourself? Or choose a gift for a loved one?
You are invited to peruse and select from the handmade comfy quilts and laprobes, cuddly stuffed bears, colorful soup cozies, and a miscellany of other items that are offered by Knotty Quilters!
Knotty Quilters regularly create and donate items to provide care, comfort, and celebration for the HAUMC church family and neighbors near and far. Your purchases (via check, cash or Venmo) help them pay for needed supplies.
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Advent Adult Study: “A Moment of Truth—Faith in a Time of Genocide” w/ Rev. Dr. Nancy Victorin-Vangerud
Tuesdays, Dec 1–22 | 6:30-7:30pm | Harrison Room & Zoom
How can we learn and understand more clearly the context of Palestinian Christians living in Bethlehem, Gaza and the West Bank today?
This 4 week study, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Nancy Victorin-Vangerud, has been prepared by leaders of United Methodist Kairos Response. We are invited to a sacred dialogue with the Kairos Palestine II document–a living confession born from the hearts and voices of Palestinian Christians hoping while suffering. This Advent, how can we be the whole Body of Christ in our time?
Study guides will be available to prepare ahead, and each meeting will begin and close in prayer. For more information, and sign-up, contact Nancy.
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Cookies with Queers
Saturday, December 5 | 9–11am | Koinonia Hall
The Queer Justice Team is hosting two FUN cookie-making events, and YOU are invited! All are welcome at both events – bring your family and friends. The cookies we make will be served after Christmas Eve Worship, but helpers get to bring some home! Join the Queer Justice Team on December 5. We'll BAKE BARS and prep the COOKIE DOUGH for the December 19 All-Ages Cookie Fest event!
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Just Married!
Congratulations to Cam and Marguerite! All of us at Hennepin wish you a lifetime filled with love and countless blessings as you begin this new chapter together.
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We celebrate the baptism of William!
Last Sunday, our congregation had the joy of celebrating the baptism of William, child of Stephanie and Isaac! May God bless William as we at Hennepin support his faith, confirm his hopes, and surround him with love.
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Prayer Requests
We invite you to pray for our community and our world, for even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. Romans 8:26
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- Sandy Fletcher
- Bryce Walters
- Noah
- Jim and Bill
- Phillip Duffy
- Judy Sranmark
- Keith Sjoquist
- Donald Turner
- Ross DePriest
- Sergei Gulika
- Vada Bean
- Surgery: Yvonne Butler (daughter of Kate Lewis)
- Hospitalization: Father of Eric Tissot, Dickens Deutsch
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- Treatment for cancer: Kristin Shardlow, Janet Jacobs, Michael Sampica, Sarah Shapiro, Ephim, Scott Fredrickson, Rev. David Wheeler
- Recovery from cancer: Svetlana Gulika
- For those who have died: Emil, the father of Tim Eberhart; Thomas, the father of Bob Scott; Karen Andrew
- For those who don’t have shelter from the cold
- For Indigenous relatives
- For democracy and community organizing
- For those recently married: Cam and Marguerite
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What We Learned Last Sunday
November 8: Learning and fun! Our kids were worship leaders and we are so proud of them! Our church is more complete when our young people are fully engaged in our worship spaces. We plan to do this again on February 14 and on May 16.
Coming Up This Sunday
November 15: Learning and fun! Hennepin Kids will learn about Jonah and the Big Fish, Club 67 will learn about Deborah, and the high school students will return to our book study! Our kindergarten-2nd grade class will also have library time with Kathryn Johnson.
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