June 26, 2025 | Weekly Newsletter | | Grounding in Faith with Pastor Elizabeth | | |
"I have called you by name, and you are mine." Isaiah 43
Baptisms and bombs are a potent reality.
On Sunday, those who entered the sanctuary and joined us online were keenly aware that hours earlier, bombs had been dropped by our government. We came to worship carrying fear, grief, and a profound sense of the volatility of life in this time.
And then, there was Simon and his two moms, Susan and Kerri. Simon has two teeth and life is wondrous. Through the sacrament of his baptism, Simon invited us into an awareness that life is wondrous for us all.
We are invited to remember our baptisms. As we read the newspapers, as we listen to our hearts, as we gather this weekend to celebrate Pride and the exuberant joy of being a grace-drenched rainbow people, we remember together the way God has called us each by name.
Find the wondrous, friends. Give thanks for the LGBTQI+ community that has somehow not given up on the church. Help chalk our property with rainbow welcome. Bring a chair and join in the concert on our front steps on Sunday at 11:00.
Remember your baptism. Believe God's promises. Give and live thanks.
Pastor Elizabeth
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Church News of the Week:
The stories that keep us connected
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Community Art Event: Chalking for Pride
Friday, June 27 | 10am-3pm
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The Queer Justice Team and Hennepin Youth invite you to help us show our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors that they are loved–with a colorful chalk-art display! Hennepin chalkers will receive a FREE "Hennepin/Love All" rainbow tie-dye t-shirt! Shade tents are provided.
Join us at the corner of Hennepin and Groveland to create amazing Pride-themed chalk art–all skill levels are welcome! Read more and sign up!
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Pride Parking Fundraiser for Youth Mission Trip
Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29
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If you're attending the Twin Cities Pride Festival this weekend, you can support our youth by parking in our lot! Proceeds benefit the youth on their Appalachia Mission Trip to Kentucky this July (spots are still open to join them, see Giving & Service Spotlight, above).
In the parking lot, stop by our party tent to snap a selfie in the pride-themed photo booth, grab some awesome Pride swag & brand new Hennepin "LOVE ALL" giveaways, sing karaoke and win a prize at the Party Cart, stroll through the pride-themed Community Garden, and more!
(We'd love a few more volunteers! Festival info + sign up form here.)
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Pride Concert: Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen
Sunday, June 29 | After Worship
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The Queer Justice Team and Hennepin Music present... Singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen and her spouse Paula Pedersen will be performing a concert in celebration of Pride on the north steps after worship on Sunday, June 29!
Paula and Sara make their home in northwest Wisconsin (near Duluth/Superior) with their dog, cat, a flock of chickens, and two beehives.
Read more.
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Nurse Appointments & FREE Blood Pressure Screenings
Sunday, June 29 in the Library | 9-10am & 11am-12pm
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Our new parish nurse Mattie Melin will be providing free blood pressure screenings in the Library at Hennepin–before and after worship, most Sundays this summer! Read more.
Mattie is also offering her appointment calendar, if you'd like to meet with her. "I cannot diagnose, prescribe, or provide care beyond the scope of my license. I can listen, provide guidance, provide first aid care, and help you or a loved one navigate the healthcare system."
Book an appointment with Nurse Mattie HERE.
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Renew Your Support to Provide Children an Education at the Ormsby School in Baiwallla, Sierra Leone
By Ann Carlson
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We are excited to announce the 7th Hennepin Avenue UMC Baiwalla Campaign–to provide education for students at the Ormsby School in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone.
We partner with OC Ministries, an organization of the Minnesota UMC to raise money to support the school. Without your continuing and generous support, the school and the kids would be in dire straits for an education. Neither the government nor families have sufficient resources to fund the school adequately.
Your contributions enable children to access an exceptional education with dedicated and experienced faculty and ample learning materials. Read more and donate.
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Old School is Moving!
Grand Re-Opening is July 18
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Dear Old School Friends,
We are delighted to share some great news! This summer, Old School by Steeple People will be moving to 2728 Lyndale Avenue South. This is a return to our roots on Lyndale, and a great opportunity for better foot traffic, retail relationships, and enhanced visibility. We think you’re going to love the new location.
Our current location will remain open through Friday, July 11 and will offer 75% off the entire store July 9–11.
When we reopen on July 18, you can expect a larger space, free street parking, additional space for donations, and even more of the quality goods that have made the nonprofit shop a Twin Cities thrifting staple for 46 years!
Read Press Release and Frequently Asked Questions.
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You're Invited to the Emerson Village Grand Opening
Monday, July 21 | 3:30-5:30pm
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In March 2023, Hennepin Avenue UMC used funds from the sale of the Koinonia Retreat Center to make a significant contribution to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. The funds were used to help build Emerson Village in north Minneapolis. Emerson Village is now fully occupied and provides supportive housing to 40 families with children.
Hennepin's Housing Justice Team is discussing ways to strengthen the relationship between our church and Emerson Village. But first, we want to encourage you to attend the Emerson Village Grand Opening to celebrate how our donation was used to improve the lives of 40 families. Learn more and register here.
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The Basilica Music and Arts Immersion Camp 2025
July 28-August 1, 2025 | For Singers Entering Grades 4-8
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Children of diverse abilities and cultures are invited to join together to create a musical–using music, drama, choreography, Orff (mallet) instruments, handbells, percussion, and art–all through the light of the Christian faith.
Campers will also work with local artists and visit local arts organizations during the week. Campers will present two performances highlighting their achievements on the last day of camp.
A light breakfast and snacks are included–campers bring their own lunch. Registration is due by July 1. Read more and register.
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Recap: 2025 Minnesota Annual Conference of the UMC
June 11-13, 2025 | St Cloud, MN
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About 500 United Methodists from across Minnesota came together in St. Cloud to worship, learn, discern our shared future, and celebrate what God is doing through us.
Drawing on 1 John 4, our theme was “Created to Love Boldly.” We were reminded that God loves us beyond measure and inspired to share God’s love in a hurting world.
See photos, read articles, learn about the votes, and watch videos HERE.
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This Week in Hennepin History
Written by Phil Wala
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What We Learned Last Sunday
Learning & Fun!
We celebrated the baptism of Simon Barry and welcomed his moms as new members! In Sunday school, we began a series of lessons about the Apostle Paul. Paul did so much to help the early church grow, that we will be learning about his adventures for several weeks to come!
Coming Up this Sunday
June 29: Learning & Fun!
Paul got into lots of dangerous adventures! We’ll learn about how he escaped over a wall and we’ll see if we can help some stuffed animals escape a tower on the playground in laundry baskets!
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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.
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