March 20, 2025 | Weekly Newsletter | | Grounding in Faith with Pastor Elizabeth | | |
"I have called you by name, and you are mine"
–Isaiah 43: 1b
This is a plea:
Please, wear a name tag!
One of the hardest thing for anyone - pastor or visitor or long-time member - to do is learn names.
Names matter. When someone calls us by name we feel affirmed and seen.
We want all people who encounter Hennepin to feel affirmed and seen. That's why we have a name tag table right by the front (east) entrance.
I cannot tell you what a difference it makes to speak your name as I serve you communion. Through giving and receiving the eucharist, we share mutual affirmation and beholding. It is one of the most sacred gifts given, this mutual feast of communal grace.
I want to call you by name. I want you to be able to call each other by name.
Every day of your life, God calls you by name.
Every Sunday, help us to do the same.
Thank you!
Pastor Elizabeth
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Church News of the Week:
The stories that keep us connected
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A Musical 36 Hours at Hennepin!
Written by Sally Messner
| | | | This past weekend, our sanctuary was blessed with the sound of young people uniting their voices in song. On Saturday, a choir of singers in grades K-12 from ten different churches led us in a hymn festival lifting up love, mercy, and compassion for our neighbors. On Sunday night, the Bethel College Concert Choir (North Newtown, Kansas) lent their expert harmony and artistic expression to songs of unity, humanity, and... Read More and See Photos. | | |
2025 Hennepin Scholars Announced!
Written by Jack Fistler
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Announcing our 2025 Hennepin Scholars, who will receive scholarship support for their 2025-2026 academic year. These talented students will be pursuing college, university and seminary studies in Minnesota and around the country. Our Scholars will be honored on Graduation Sunday this spring. Congratulations – we’re proud of you!
Read More and View the Recipients!
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New Member Class
March 23rd after worship (11:15am) in the Longfellow Room
| | | | Join us after worship on Sunday, March 23, for a New Member Class in the Longfellow Room! Whether you’re a regular attendee considering membership or a visitor looking to learn more, this is a great opportunity to explore Hennepin’s mission, ministries, and ways to get involved. Pastors Elizabeth and Laura will guide the conversation, sharing what it means to be part of this community of faith. | | You’re welcome to drop in, or email Pastor Laura (laura@haumc.org) if you’d like to learn more. We’d love to connect with you! | | |
Celebrate National Agriculture Week!
Hosted by the Creation Collective - This Sunday After Worship!
| | | | Join us on Sunday, March 23, for a special National Agriculture Week Celebration, hosted by the Food/Agriculture and Public Policy Hives of the Creation Collective. This event will explore the vital role of the Federal Farm Bill, how it impacts all U.S. citizens, and its specific effects on Minnesota—particularly in areas of conservation and supplemental food programs. The program begins with... Read More and View Event. | | |
Knotty Quilter Spring Sale
Sunday, April 6th from 9am-12pm in Carlson Hall
| | | | The Knotty Quilters use their sewing skills to make comfort quilts and teddy bears that are donated to specific groups that serve people who are going through difficult times. Their Spring Sale is coming on April 6! Stop by, peruse and shop the many colorful quilts, cuddly stuffed bears and handy carry-all totes. Profits from sales benefit community agencies as well as Hennepin Church ministries. Cash or check sales only, please. | | |
Christians Against Christian Nationalism
A St. Cloud Workshop Recap and Upcoming Author Q&A
| | | | Hennepin member Jerry Gale led a well-attended workshop in St. Cloud, drawing over 90 participants—many from other churches—to discuss the dangers of Christian Nationalism. Pictured are Pastors Leah Rosso and Faith Totushek, who helped host the event. Continuing the conversation, join us May 3 for A Conversation with Katherine Stewart on Faith and Politics. Stewart, author of The Power Worshippers, will discuss her new book, Money, Lies, and God. View Event. | | |
Downtown Grief Support Coalition
Written by Evie Anderson
| | | | My husband John and I were 50-year Hennepin members. In those 50 years, we learned from and were inspired by seven lead ministers (starting with Rev. Pennington) and experienced more activities and changes than you can imagine. When John died in July 2022, Pastor Judy Zabel put me in contact with the Downtown Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support. I started attending about six months after his death and... Read More. | | |
This Week in Hennepin History
Written by Phil Wala
| | | | March 22, 2000: Twenty-Five years ago, Hennepin Church celebrated its quasquicentennial (125th) year by inviting some former pastors and associate pastors for a series of Wednesday evening Lenten services. One of those invited back was Rev. David Tyler Scoates, listen to Scoates’ sermon from that event, along with an introduction by pastor Rod Wilmoth. Prayer and scripture reading is provided by Rev. Sally Johnson... Listen and see the rest of the history. | | |
Circle of Support: Finding Strength in Uncertain Times
2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month at 9am in Room 106
| | | | When Sandee Koch, a licensed psychologist and member of HAUMC, facilitated the first Circle of Support, she gave people a chance to share how they’re feeling and, even more importantly, to generate ideas for well-being. People left feeling connected to each other and uplifted! The next Circle of Support will be Sunday, March 23rd at 9am in Room 106. If you’ve been asking the question: “How do I support myself and others during this time of political upheaval?”Join us. | | |
Easter Flower Dedications: Honor Your Loved Ones
Submit Your Dedication by April 6
| | | | This Easter, honor a loved one by dedicating a flower in their name. These flowers will fill our sanctuary with beauty, life, and hope as we celebrate the joy of resurrection. Dedications will be listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin. Submit your dedication using this form by April 6. If ordering multiple flowers, add each name separately. All dedicated flowers will be available for pickup after the 11am Easter service. | | If you need any assistance submitting your dedication, we’re here to help. Please reach out to Chickadee at Reception by calling (612) 871-5303, emailing chickadee@haumc.org, or stopping by in person. | | |
What We Learned Last Sunday
Learning and Fun!
We flip flopped some lessons, and learned about Blind Bart last week. It went well with our discussion of Blessings from Children’s Time. Jesus blessed Bart by restoring his eyesight, and then Bart blessed others by sharing the story of Jesus with others! We also had a great time creating our own ways to capture our blessings on a daily basis.
Coming Up This Sunday
Learning and Fun!
Our story this week is about how Mary uses really expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus’ feet. The disciples are appalled and think this is super wasteful, but what does Jesus say about this?
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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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