June 5, 2025 | Weekly Newsletter

Summer!

Summer commences with Pentecost on the 8th of June. We will celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit to break down barriers and remind us of our shared identity as beloveds of God; all of us, always.

We'll have a short all-church meeting in the sanctuary following worship on the 8th during which we will share the components of the Strategic Ministry Plan we are hoping to adopt in late summer.

Throughout the summer we will explore what it means to be a people who are open to revival. What does revival mean? It means that we believe that God is stirring up ministry, connection, and power here and we each have a part to play in the unfolding of our future. During worship every Sunday from the 15th of June on, we will hear from one of our members a snapshot of their faith story and we will have short conversation circles following worship.

So, come to church, grab a summer snack, find a table, and join in the conversation! Each group will have a leader. All you need to bring is yourself. We will also have a Zoom room for those who cannot attend in person.

Like God in the Psalms (Psalm 121:4), Hennepin Avenue UMC neither slumbers nor sleeps. We are intimately connected with the wellbeing of the city, our neighbors, and all of creation.

About that–DO NOT miss the parking lot party on June 11th from 5–7pm. This is the best outreach we can do, and we need you to share welcome and joy with our neighbors. And, the music is amazing!

Blessings and happy summering.

Pastor Elizabeth

With Gratitude for Your Blessing

A Note from Pastor Laura

Dear Hennepin Community,

Thank you for the incredibly warm and grace-filled send-off. I have been deeply moved by your kind notes, thoughtful words, and the many ways you have shared your love and encouragement with me in this season of transition. Each message, hug, and blessing has been a reminder of the deep relationships we’ve built and the Spirit that binds us together. I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the ways you’ve shaped my ministry, and challenged me to grow.

Know that I carry you with me, and I will be cheering you on with great love as you continue to follow where the Spirit leads.

With heartfelt thanks,

Pastor Laura Hannah

Grief Support Group

Thursday, June 5 | 4-5pm

The death of a loved one can be the source of great pain or depression. 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. People may attend in person or on Zoom.

We will meet only once in June, and will meet again bi-weekly starting in July. Read More

Bells of the Lakes Spring Concert

Saturday, June 7 | 7-9pm

Please join us as we celebrate the final concert this spring! Hennepin Chime will also be playing a few pieces. The concert will take place in Hennepin's beautiful Art Gallery as part of the Hennepin Music Series.

Bells of the Lakes, founded in 1996, is a Twin Cities community handbell ensemble. Read More

Church Meeting

Sunday, June 8 | After Worship

On June 8th we'll gather following worship for a chance to:

• Hear about our Strategic Ministry Plan

• Approve our delegates for Annual Conference

• Affirm the membership of the Lay Endowment Fund board

We will gather after worship and adjourn at noon! Bring yourself and your excitement for Hennepin Avenue UMC's future. Read More

Loring Park Neighborhood Party

Wednesdays, June 11 & August 13 | 5-7pm

Join us at the Hennepin Avenue UMC parking lot for two evenings of community celebration. These events aim to bring people of all ages together, fostering connections within the Loring Park community.

Enjoy live music, a variety of food trucks, a bounce house, face painting, a lemonade and popcorn stand, yard games, an aisle of local artist vendors, and more! Meet and greet with local political leaders, discuss community issues, and engage with your neighbors. Read More

This Week in Hennepin History

Written by Phil Wala

Author Sir Walter Scott and actor William Windom share a common connection to Hennepin Avenue Church. Discover that connection and read more about Hennepin History. 

What We Learned Last Sunday

Communion Sunday and Service Sunday

It was a busy morning! We planted the beans in the Three Sisters garden, and noticed that the corn is already up! We also created beautiful chalk messages for Pastor Laura thanking her, wishing her well, and blessing her as she begins her new chapter of ministry. 

Coming Up this Sunday

June 8: Learning and Fun!

It’s Pentecost Sunday! We’ll learn about how the Holy Spirit came to the first Christians and how the spirit still dwells among us today.

To submit event announcements to be published on the public events calendar, please send all the details to communications@haumc.org.

To plan your event, including reserving rooms, email scheduling@haumc.org.

For story ideas or editorial content, you can email commsdirector@haumc.org. All content is subject to the discretion of the editorial team.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church www.haumc.org