Thursday, February 8, 2024

Grounding in our Faith with Pastor Elizabeth:

It’s Mardi Gras at Hennepin this Sunday!!!!!

Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday”. It’s a celebration founded (as many Christian celebrations are) on a Roman festival - in this case, the celebration of spring and fertility. Ash Wednesday on February 14 ushers us into the season of Lent. 

Mardi Gras Hennepin style will feature saxophone ensemble Ancia Saxophone Quartet and our Hennepin musicians, including all who join in singing hymns designed to wing hearts to heaven.

We will celebrate with Pastor Laura and her husband Andrew and family the baptism of their son Steven.

Following worship we will learn from the artist whose work blesses Carlson Hall and adjourn to Koinonia Hall for brunch and a variety show.

Come join in! The party won’t be the same without you.

Pastor Elizabeth

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of your email and click the link titled "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" to see the whole newsletter!

Convergence: Strategic Planning Project Survey

Click HERE for the Survey Link

You can find a PDF of the letter of intent from the Strategic Task Force HERE

We ask that each member of your household (teens included) take the survey for themselves. We want to hear each person’s unique perspective.  

If you have multiple survey takers in your household, please close your browser window after one person takes the survey, and open an incognito or in-private window for the next person. This will avoid getting a message that the survey has already been completed. Click HERE for an instruction document for taking the survey online.

We have printed versions available at reception for those who would want to pick up a hard copy and drop it back off at church. You can also reach out [email protected] to request a paper version be mailed to you with a stamped, returned envelop.

Lent Begins next week on February 14, Ash Wednesday. Join us for our Ash Wednesday service including the imposition of ashes in the Sanctuary at 7pm.

Holy Week Schedule

March 24: Palm Sunday - 10am (arrive early to receive your palms!)

March 28: Maundy Thursday - 7pm

March 29: Good Friday - 7pm

March 31: Easter Sunday - 9am and 11am

Easter Lily Dedications

Submit Your Request by March 10.

You can make a donation of $30, or more, to honor or memorialize loved ones and help decorate the sanctuary with Easter Lilies.

Your name, and the name of your loved ones, will be published in the bulletins on Easter Sunday.

The deadline for submission to be printed in the bulletin is Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Click the link HERE to donate and submit your dedication.

Check out the Events Calendar for information on these, and other, upcoming events, classes, and opportunities. You can even subscribe or add events to your own calendar to help keep yourself organized!

KEY SAVE THE DATES

February 2024

February 8 UWF Monthly Circle

February 10 Open Yoga

February 11 Mardi Gras Festival / Karen Caldwell Artist Talk

February 14 Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins

February 15 Monthly Virtual Book Club / Grief Support Group

February 17 Streamlined Governance Meeting #2 / Open Yoga

February 18 Bach Motet in Worship / New Member Class

February 19 "Nurturing Faith in Children" Book Study Begins

February 19 President's Day

February 29 Grief Support Group

Streamlined Governance Meeting

February 17 at 10am

Longfellow Room and Zoom



Lay Leaders have been looking at a streamlined governance idea for our great church and we want your thoughts.

If you missed the presentation this past Sunday, please gather with us on Saturday, February 17 at 10am (with donuts and coffee!). You are encouraged to attend and discuss this exciting approach. The presentations will be the same on both days.

You can join in via Zoom HERE

If you have questions in advance, please contact Marla Tipping (Connections) at [email protected].

Mardi Gras Festival Variety Show!

February 11 | 11:45am | Koinonia Hall

It's not too late to sign up!

Sign up HERE to perform for the HAUMC Mardi Gras Festival Variety Show!

Share your gift or passion with us at the Mardi Gras Variety Show! The show will begin at 11:45am in Koinonia Hall as brunch is wrapping up. Sign up using the link above and Sally Messner will contact you about your performance.



This show is open to all kinds of gifts—singing, magic tricks, ventriloquy, playing an instrument, soliloquy, you name it!

Any questions? Contact Sally at [email protected].

Mardi Gras Sunday at Hennepin

February 11 | 10am-1pm



On February 11 we will be celebrating Mardi Gras! After a special worship, you can float in and out of the special Carnival-themed events.

Schedule:

10am Join us in worship for Jazz in service with the ANCIA Saxophone Quartet, a special baptism, and music from the Zodiac Suite.

11:00am Brunch begins

11:15am Hear from artist Karen Caldwell, who mines the rich history and visuals from Bardados' Carnival and mask tropes (among other things)

11:45am Variety show begins (while you enjoy your brunch)

New Member Class!

Becoming a Member

Sunday, Febuary 18, at 11:30am

Longfellow Room



We will be blessed by your presence!



We invite you to a time of learning about Hennepin Ave UMC! If you, or someone you know, have been visiting for a time, you may have questions about ministry opportunities or membership through Hennepin UMC. We would love to share an hour with you on February 18th in the Longfellow room after worship at 11:30am.

It is an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Hennepin Avenue UMC and making Hennepin your spiritual home. Should you desire to join the church we will welcome you at a worship service within a month - a date to be determined by the group.

Blessings to you,

Pastor Elizabeth

Sermon Series: Active Faith 1/14-2/11

At Hennepin Avenue UMC, our vision is to grow deeper in our love of God and neighbor, to welcome all people, and to heal a broken world. This week we begin the new Sermon Series called Active Faith to explore more fully what this means as we show up. in faith, in this world, now.

How do we put faith into practice in a changing world? By discovering and rediscovering together what that means.



We invite you to come back, to talk with us about life, share your questions, and find community. We’d love to listen and get to know you better.

(Artwork Courtesy of Ingrid Bloom)

This Sunday:

Worship at 10am

Mark 9:2-9



This Sunday's Message

Active Faith

Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay

Make sure to join us next Sunday, February 18th for the First Sunday in Lent when we will have the opportunity to experience the Bach Motet Jesu, meine Freude in all its glory!

Now on View

Karen Caldwell: Fragments

Carlson Hall, Jan 11-April 8

Artist Talk with Karen Caldwell

February 11 at 11:15 am

Longfellow Room and Carlson Hall

The Fine Arts team is so pleased to present Karen Caldwell, Fragments; a diverse body of new work produced over the last year by local artist Karen Caldwell.

Karen Caldwell is a British-born, Barbadian artist who now calls the Twin Cities home and has her studio in the Northrup King building in North East Minneapolis.



She offers a unique dimension through her artwork, infusing it with an intimate and empathetic portrayal of the experiences and stories, the fragments that make the whole, and the pieces we carry or discard along the way.

United Women in Faith

Monthly Combined Circle

February 8 at 1pm

Longfellow Room and on Zoom

We're having a planning session for the rest of 2024, both for circle events and programs in conjunction with other HAUMC groups.

We also want to recognize Kate Lewis for earning a certificate for completing the requirements for Plan II in the 2023 Reading Program. Many books in this program, which is particularly strong on social justice, are available in the HAUMC library.

We believe love in action can change the world.

The United Women in Faith combined circles gather monthly on the second Thursday at 1 pm. Every day, we show up. We take action. We get it done. And we invite you to join us! HAUMC's United Women in Faith combined circle is continuing to offer a hybrid option for our programs in 2023.

Join Zoom Meeting HERE

Meeting ID: 876 1312 6826

Passcode: 555079

Join by phone: +1 651 372 8299

If you are interested to learn more or join the local branch of this national organization click HERE or email: Susanne Mattison at [email protected] and Laura Dirks at [email protected].

Monthly Virtual Book Club

Febuary 15 | 7pm | On Zoom

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Starting in February, The Monthly Virtual Book Club is kicking off 2024 with a year of reading Banned Books.

Fittingly for Black History Month, they will begin with reading Toni Morrison's groundbreaking novel, The Bluest Eye.

Toni Morrison’s acclaimed first novel, published in 1970, follows Pecola Breedlove—an 11-year-old Black girl living in an America whose love for its blond, blue-eyed children has a devastating effect on those who do not conform to narrow and artificial standards.

She prays for her eyes to turn blue: so that she will be beautiful, so that people will look at her, so that her world will be different. This is the story of the nightmare at the heart of her yearning, and the tragedy of its fulfillment.

A National Bestseller and a Parade Best Book of All Time. From the acclaimed Nobel Prize winner—a powerful examination of our obsession with beauty and conformity that asks difficult questions about race, class, and gender with the author's characteristic subtly and grace.

If you enjoy reading, please join the Hennepin Avenue UMC community for an hour-long discussion via Zoom about this book!

The books can be read online through local libraries or inexpensive websites like thriftbooks.com.

Join the Zoom Meeting HERE

Meeting ID: 898 0983 7941

Passcode: 496102

Email Jane Mylrea if you are interested to get on the mailing list! ([email protected]).

Scroll to the bottom of your email and click the link titled "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" to see the whole newsletter

Nurturing Faith in Children

Book Study with Pastor Laura Hannah

Mondays from 7-8pm

February 19-March 18

Zoom

"In this inspiring parenting book, learn how to create space for your children to get to know God in a way that focuses on trust instead of a list of rigid rules."

Join Pastor Laura for a five-week book study on Meredith Miller's book Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From. Together we will read the book and gather to discuss the themes and build community around the effort of nurturing faith in children.



The first ten registrants will receive either a physical or e-copy of the book! After that, registrants will be responsible for purchasing their own copy of the book.

Click HERE to Purchase a Book

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89316527140?pwd=bzJKT2tpZ1V4eUQzai9MTVExTDN5Zz09

Meeting ID: 893 1652 7140

Passcode: 606980

Poetry, Prayers, and Practice: Wednesday Facebook Live Hosted by Hennepin Ave UMC Clergy

Wednesday 5pm on Facebook Live!

This week we hear from Pastor Laura Hannah.

You can see the video from last night on Facebook right HERE.

You can access the full playlist, at any time, on YouTube!

Grief Support Group with Roger Lynn

February 15 and 29 at 3pm

Harrison Room and on 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.

All are welcome whether the loss is recent or in the past. If the burden still weighs you down, come, and together we can find understanding as we share stories and comfort to lighten the load.

The group will be led by Rev. Roger Lynn. Please call him at the church (612)-871-5303, ext 190, if you are interested in participating or if you have questions. People may attend in person or on Zoom.



Zoom info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86575144930?pwd=YTdIa2RaUjF4RXNKM3YyWG5lYlJEQT09

Meeting ID: 865 7514 4930

Passcode: 152997

Friday Morning Men's Bible Class

Every Friday from 7:30-8:30am

Longfellow Room / Zoom

As we follow a book that leads us through the Bible, we have interesting conversations about what these passages of scripture mean to us. It is one of the few venues you can find where conservatives and liberals share their thoughts and spiritual insights and listen respectfully to one another. By honestly sharing our thoughts and spiritual experiences, we expand our own understandings as well as gain insight into the rich variety of experiences in other men's spiritual journeys.

Every Friday morning there is stimulating conversation, good coffee, and delicious pastries.

All are welcome. Contact Phil Graczyk, (612)-435-1331 or [email protected] for the Zoom link.

Hope for Creation in a Climate-Changed World is canceled for this week January 28th

Winter Series: What are we to believe?

Resumes February 4th at 11:30am

Art Gallery and Zoom

All are welcome to attend as often or as little as you're able. No prior knowledge is needed. You can follow along with the material or just drop in.

You can sign up for the HFC newsletter HERE to receive the Zoom link, updates, and materials.

Check out the EVENTS page for more information about the upcoming sessions!

Thursday Morning Bible Study

Thursdays | 11am

Longfellow Room and Zoom

Thursday morning Bible Study class has begun their winter study The Parables of Paul by J. Ellsworth Kalas.

In this six-week study, class members will discover the apostle Paul's compelling way of sharing Jesus' message with others through the use of the metaphor which makes things clear by giving us a picture. Paul's letters are full of these word pictures. From casting himself in the role of a slave, to presenting the Christian as a soldier or an actor, even showing how we are vessels in the King’s house, Paul's gallery of enriching, life-changing story pictures help us visualize the Christian life so that we may live our faith more fully.

Mary Mensheha and Juanita Reed-Boniface will facilitate the weekly sessions, at 11am in the Longfellow Room. Join us in person or on Zoom.



CLICK HERE to join the Zoom meeting

Meeting ID: 864 1531 0144

Passcode: 437485

Dial manually

+1 929 205 6099 US

A Winter's Journey into Spring

Disciple I Bible Study with Bill Tipping

Monday Nights, 7-8:15pm

Nov 20-May 6 on Zoom

24-week class to be taught on Zoom on Monday nights from 7-8:15, starting November 20 and ending the week of May 6.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98490980500?pwd=ckhnU1BSYmRXbXhnWHBXc1RXS2JMdz09

Meeting ID: 984 9098 0500

Passcode: 264355

Join by phone: 312 626 6799

Reflection

11:30am after worship

Dorcas Alcove

Look for room changes as new options are explored.

This week Refection will meet in the Dorcas Alcove.

Reflection is an opportunity to set aside some time for deepening personal faith and to learn about the faith experiences of others. What started as an experiment initiated by George Rodgers Adams ("Rodge") in June has become a wonderful new way to explore faith at HAUMC!

Each week we will pose a question for an informal, open-forum discussion. Anyone is welcome to join at any time. No former knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity and an inquiring mind.

Anyone is welcome to join at any time. No former knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity and an inquiring mind.

This Sunday's question is:  What are your foundational spiritual beliefs, and where did they come from — things you’ve read (such as the Gospels), things you’ve heard (such as sermons), or things you’ve experienced (such a transcendent moment)?

Look out for signs as the group tries out other locations. If you have any questions you can ask reception on Sunday mornings or email Rodge Adams at [email protected] for more information.

It is a standing gathering so feel free to drop by any Sunday as your schedule allows.

Daily Prayer Fellowship: Coffee Time

8–8:30am Monday–Friday Mornings

Zoom



Morning Coffee is a chance to check in, engage in a lively discussion about a short scripture passage or topic, and then pray our way into the day. All are welcome!

Join Zoom Meeting by Video Here or

Join by phone

‪Dial: 312-626-6799



Meeting ID: 842 8341 6140

Passcode: 975868

Daily Prayer Fellowship: Closings

8–8:30pm Mon, Tues, & Thurs Evenings

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.

Join Zoom Meeting by Video Here

or

Join by phone

‪Dial: 312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 892 5043 5902

Passcode: 113680

You can watch last week's worship in full HERE.

You can get a PDF of the sermon HERE to print or read for yourself.

Open Yoga with Leslie Ball!

Saturdays | 11am | Church of Youth

Please arrive between 10:45-10:55am

Years ago we offered regular in-person yoga classes at HAUMC until the pandemic moved us to an online format.



After receiving many requests, we are so thrilled to say we can resume Saturday morning Yoga Practice!

Class information:

• Our students range from teenagers to 90 years old. You do NOT need any prior experience; we welcome newcomers!
• We start at 11am, so please arrive between 10:45-10:55.
• We wrap up a little after noon.
• Bring your own mat, or borrow one of our gently used mats for class.
• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. (No need for yoga fashion; many of us wear sweatpants, scrubs, even pajamas... whatever works.)
• Your first class is free of charge, and subsequent classes ask for a free-will donation.

For those who don't know Leslie:

For twelve years I’ve been leading Open Yoga, a restorative yoga program incorporating spirituality and recovery into a holistic practice. Open Yoga is an outgrowth of my training at United Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and at New York University (Master of Fine Arts), along with my decades of grateful recovery in the 12-step community. I remain forever thankful for my most immediate teachers: the students in our Open Yoga classes.

Any questions? I’d love to hear from you; please email me at [email protected]

Joan Jemison Is Recognized For Service!

At a recent UWF meeting, Joan Jemison was presented with a special mission recognition pin in honor of the many hours she volunteers at the Dignity Center.

Note: She's always happy to have help making the many sandwiches that are needed every week! You can sign up HERE if you would like to help or just stop by!

Director of Family Ministry Update

A few weeks ago, a group consisting of clergy, staff, parents, volunteers, and representatives from the Staff Parish Relations Committee interviewed candidates for the Director of Family Ministry role. After a lot of good conversation and discernment about the program's needs and the candidates' skills and gifts, the team decided to not go forward with any of the finalists.

The plan is to repost the position and do further networking to exhaust other avenues that may yield qualified candidates.

In the interim Kelsey Johnson and Ryan Hackey have stepped up to provide more volunteer support on Sunday mornings for Sunday School. I am so thankful for the depth of leadership and passion for the faith formation of our children, and I want to thank all the Sunday School volunteers who are stepping up in this season of transition.

The Confirmation Program in the interim will continue to be shepherded by me. I am thankful for the added support from Jan and Ariel from Good Samaritan UMC and Lake Harriet UMC as we finish up the program year. The Confirmands are planning a service project, and please be on the lookout for ways to support their project in March and April.

While this season of being in transition continues, I look to all the adults in this church to continue to pray and give their time to support this program. One thing we are looking for in the next Family Ministry Director is someone who can mobilize people to make this program successful. If you have a good idea for an event or offering for either children or youth, please reach out to me. I would love to discuss the idea and if it is in alignment with the program and how I can support you in forming a team to make your idea a reality.

Pastor Laura Hannah

An Update on Choir Attire

A team of choir members, friends invested in music ministry, and staff have begun considering future choir attire. The current robes consisting of a teal cassock and white cotta (or surplice) are several decades old and wearing out. The team is meeting to have honest and open conversations about Hennepin's culture and liturgical tradition, the choir’s expression and role in worship, as well as accessibility, inclusivity, and mobility. We are also doing research into various attire options, including cost, and considering the approaches of sister congregations.

With the choir’s input, we hope to make a decision to have the new attire in place in the fall. We invite you to pray for the choir attire team as we seek to serve Hennepin’s music ministry faithfully: Liz Buckingham, Glenna Dibrell, Irene Imai, Sally Messner, Chris Meyer, Joanna Paetznick, Krista Riedel, Mike Schmidt, and Phyllis Waggoner.

For the rest of the winter and the spring, the choir will wear the current robes on many Sundays. Sometimes we will wear black, particularly when leading alongside guest musicians, or wear something else to lift up the theme of the service. For one Sunday each in March, April, and May, we will not have a “uniform” as we invite others to join us for a community sing—a pick-up choir like the one that sings on summer Sundays. Watch for a future Hennepin Happenings article on how to come and sing with us!

Sally Messner, Director of Worship and Music

Memorial Flowers

Sign-ups available

Remembering the beloveds that came before us is one of the precious gifts of being in a beloved community together. If you would like to donate sanctuary flowers in memory of or in honor of a loved one or in honor of a special event, we have created a new process to do this. Click the link below and fill out the information for your desired date.

If you are unable to sign-up digitally, you may also ask for a form at the reception desk.

Sign-up HERE

Old School by Steeple People (OSSP)

Store hours: Wednesday through Sunday 11am-6pm



Are you looking for a great way to freshen up your wardrobe AND support a good cause? Stop by OSSP and check out some of the amazing outfits you can put together for yourself!

Check out this classic black and white, perfect for an urban chic look.

Donations are accepted 11am–4pm and by appointment

• Must be in bags or closed boxes and labeled “clothes”, “books”, or “hard goods”
• If donating clothing: clean and in-season only, please
• Maximum 3 bags/ boxes as we have limited storage
• No electronics, please

Have you seen OSSP Must Haves with Morgan and Tammi? What a fun duo and what a great partnership this continues to be for us!



If you haven't seen them already in the store displays, you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram to see their trendy and thrifty looks for fall! And of course it is all for good causes and community!

Best of Minneapolis Award in the Thrift Store 2022

Sustainable Jungle 2022

#1 in “Gettin’ Twin Cities Thrifty“ 2022

City Pages “Best Thrift Store” 2019

Old School by Steeple People, a 501c3 nonprofit, serves the community by selling donated quality used clothing and household goods at affordable prices and donating profits to worthy charitable causes.