Council Corner
by Connie Ford, Moderator
During the September Council meeting, we strengthened our skills as board members by learning more about the intent, structure, strengths. and limitations of the balance sheet as a representation of the church’s assets and reserves. We again committed Council’s strong support to the combined capital and annual appeals.
Transferring focus to our creative sides and looking toward the future, we worked individually and in small groups to picture Creekside UCC as a gingerbread person. To prime ourselves for similar conversations with others across the congregation, we imagined our church as a gingerbread person now and again five years from now when the church person has grown into its best self. We envisioned our church person becoming, among other things, multi-generational, accepting of diverse opinions, broadly connected in the community, happily housed, ecologically aware, deeply spiritual, action-oriented, a singer and hugger, and, in multiple aspects, diverse. We are eager to explore how visitors and a wide range of congregation participants view us now and would envision our best future person.
Question of the Month: How and why is Council supporting the capital appeal?
Answer: One hundred percent of Council members have pledged their commitment to the life and the future of Creekside UCC through participation in the capital appeal. Councilors know that if we ask others to give generously, each of us needs to do the same. Besides financial support, Council members also participated in conversation groups led by the appeal team and served as greeters at the kick-off event. We participated because the spiritual life and the work of Creekside—and our community partners who use our space—depend on a safe, welcoming, and more energy-efficient building. Creekside Montessori provides a loving and creative educational foundation for children, and it provides Creekside Church with 17% of our operating budget.
Council’s role is to look toward the future and envision, with the congregation and the community, the church we are called to become. Our potential for the future will be much greater when our building is welcoming, safe, well-functioning, and attractive for each person who enters. Now is the time.
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October Special Offering
This month we support one of our newer faith partners, the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. The Coalition calls on the Christian Church to address the extinction, enslavement, and extraction done in the name of Christ on Indigenous lands. It is dedicated to following Indigenous leaders and mobilizing Christian churches to fight against ongoing colonial predation and to find another path to the survival of life on our planet. If you would like to give an offering to the Coalition, please use the envelopes in the pews on Sunday mornings or the special designation online in Realm. Give online during the month of October or put your check in the envelopes in the pews with “special offering” in the memo line.
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A Combined Campaign to Invest in our Church and Community
Blessed are those who walk hand in hand with goodness,
who stand beside virtue, who sit in the seat of truth;
For their delight is in the Spirit of Love, and in Love’s heart they dwell day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water, that yield fruit in due season, and their leaves flourish;
And in all that they do, they give Life.
—Psalm 1, translation Nan Merrill
Creekside celebrated the kickoff of Rooted and Growing at a wonderful event on September 25 at the Museum of Russian Art. Together, we honored the more than 100 years Creekside has been a physical and spiritual presence in this community, working to achieve God’s vision on earth. Like the tree that is planted by a stream of water, we are deeply rooted and growing.
As we look to the future, we know our building is critically important to bringing God’s vision of justice to our community and world. In this space, we nurture self-discovery, generosity, curiosity, and a love for learning in children and youth, helping young people grow up to be faith-based, justice-seeking adults. We also provide a home for Creekside Montessori School, a vibrant school serving more than 100 children five days per week, year-round. As we continue our welcome for children and youth, they deserve spaces that are safe and supportive.
Creekside is also a hub for community partners and neighbors, providing affordable, quality space for organizations such as Beacon Interfaith, Minnesota Conference UCC, ISAIAH, Mental Health Connect, TRUST, VEAP, United Theological Seminary, as well as arts, recovery and caretaker groups. Ensuring these groups have an accessible place to meet is an act of social justice.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said. As we at Creekside seek to continue to bend that arc, we know our building is critical to this vision. It requires investment to remain a place where our community can come together to work for justice, love, and peace.
Rooted and Growing is a combined appeal to support capital improvements plus the annual stewardship appeal for 2027. As you will hear frequently: Two appeals. One commitment.
Capital Appeal Priorities: $1.5M
- Centering the needs of children and youth in the present and future use of our church
- Improving the energy efficiency of our education wing
- Creating engaging and welcoming spaces to grow, imagine, collaborate, and seek justice
- Stewarding our aging building responsibly for future generations.
This looks like:
- Replacing roofs on each section of our building
- Upgrading the original 1950 windows and air conditioning in the education wing to significantly improve energy efficiency and meet the needs of the church and community partners who use the building
- Refreshing the heavily used spaces in our building such as the faith formation classrooms, Fireside Room, and Dining Room to share a story of a thriving faith community
Annual Stewardship Appeal for 2027: $900K
This church belongs to all of us, and our annual giving is what sustains our commitment to community, justice, and spiritual growth. The annual appeal provides 80% of our operating budget.
The success of our appeal depends upon increases in annual giving plus a commitment to the capital portion of the appeal. Please prayerfully consider what God is calling you to do and return your capital and annual stewardship pledge cards to the church on Consecration Sunday, November 15.
Learn more and follow our progress.
"Rooted and Growing": Readers’ Theatre Stories Requested!
"No one has ever become poor by giving." — Anne Frank
Since 1992, Readers’ Theatre presentations have marked significant events in the life of our beloved church! This simple, yet powerful, art form is made up of personal stories woven together to form a “tapestry” that documents our collective history. Over the years, we’ve addressed tough topics, tender issues and grappled to bring about change…most recently changing the name! And now, we want to hear from you on the topic of money! What is your giving story? How do you, or your family, discern where your money goes and why? Do you "wing it", use a budget, or tithe? “Money talk” can be uncomfortable, albeit necessary and even fulfilling! We want to hear how you make these important decisions and about your personal experiences with, and reflections on, giving.
Once gathered, stories will be edited for time and presented at both services on November 8. Everyone is encouraged to submit a story. Please limit to 400 words or fewer! Send submissions/questions to Mary at marykeepers@msn.com by October 13. As always, complete anonymity will be honored.
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Our Life Together
Baptisms
October 11
Are you interested in being baptized? Contact Rev. Emily at egoldthwaite@creeksideucc.org.
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Thank You to Our Summer Worship Leaders
Over our summer worship series, we were blessed with many guest musicians and preachers. Our members shared generously of their talents to inspire and guide us in sacred moments of worship.
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Community and Belonging
Monday, October 2 at 6:30 pm in the Fireside Room
Come and join us. We meet on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 to plan fun events that will bring our community together such as Gathering Sunday, Chili Cookoff, Advent Market, End of the year picnic or whatever fun event someone can come up with. We laugh a lot!! Please contact Judy Jungwirth at judyjungwirth@gmail.com if interested.
Newcomers: Learn More About Creekside Luncheon
Sunday, October 4, 12:15-2 pm, Dining Room
Newcomers, we are thrilled you have been coming to Creekside lately! Would you like to learn more about getting involved? About becoming a member of Creekside UCC? Please join us for a lunch following the second service to hear about the many ways to be involved and meet members working in the various ministries and fellowships. You'll get a tour of the church building and also meet other newcomers.
If you decide to become a member, we will welcome new members into our church community on October 25 at both 8:30 and 11:00 services. We trust that committing to this community of faith will enrich your lives. Also, know that your joining is a great gift to the church: It encourages all of us so!
RSVP for the luncheon to Ellen Baker at etbaker@hotmail.com. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Susie Hayward at shayward@creeksideucc.org or Ellen Baker at etbaker@hotmail.com.
Senior Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
October 6, 8:00 am in person
Richfield VFW 6715 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield
ABCD Mystery
Saturday, October 24 – Sign up by October 11
Mark your calendars for one of the best activities of the year—our ABCD Mystery event. Appetizers, Beverages, Conversation, and Dessert. It will take place Saturday late afternoon on October 24.
This party matches 6-8 guests with a host in the host’s home, and here’s the mystery—if you sign up to be a guest you don’t know where you’re going until a week or so beforehand. And if you sign up to be a host you don’t know who’s coming until your doorbell rings.
This is a great way to meet people you may not know, and to have a wonderful evening. Please sign up at the welcome desk by October 11. Any questions? Call Kathy LaFayette at 612-272-5762 or Ann Croaston at 612-790-4409.
Women of a Certain Age
Wednesday, October 21, 9:30 am: 3rd Wednesday of every month in the Fireside Room
Women of a Certain Age, (WOCA) will be meeting the third Wednesday morning of the month starting this September. At our first meeting we map out our program for the year. So bring yourselves and your ideas to the Fireside Room at 9:30 and the group will entertain all your wonderful ideas. New members please tell me your email addresses so you can be included in the messages and be able to meet with us remotely by Zoom if you would like. Contact Belle Scott at bellebscott@gmail.com.
Cookie Ministry
Our Cookie Ministry is in need of more volunteers! We deliver cookies to visitors. Please contact Judy Jungwirth at judyjungwirth@gmail.com if interested.
Sunday Morning Volunteers
Sunday morning volunteers create a sense of friendliness and accessibility for visitors as well as regular attendees. As you think about the new church year, consider signing up to usher, greet, or work the welcome desk. Contact Connie Ford at connieford651@gmail.com about ushering or Helen Nikiel at helennikiel@gmail.com about greeting or Welcome Desk.
Creekside UCC Foundation’s 2026 Annual Meeting
The Creekside UCC Foundation’s 2026 Annual Meeting will be held after the 11:00 service on Sunday, November 1. The Foundation Board will give its annual report, nominate Board members, review the financial report, and present the budget for membership approval. All Creekside members are voting members of the Foundation, and so we hope you will plan to attend!
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Wednesday Nights at Creekside
This fall, we are offering a few Wednesday evening opportunities. The meals are timed for people to be able to attend choir or other activities but you can also just come for supper. All are welcome to newcomers!
Creekside Bridge Action
Wednesdays through October 28, 5-6 pm
Gather at the church and walk to the 35W bridge where we will hold signs motivating Minnesotans to vote this November. Important – this is a non-partisan action. Please don’t bring signs about candidates or parties.
Bag Supper after Bridge Action
Wednesdays through October 28, 6–7 pm in Fireside Room
Bring your own supper for fellowship time after the bridge action. (Remember – no nuts!)
Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays through May 19, 7-8:30 pm
Creekside’s choir welcomes adult singers to rehearse Wednesdays and sing in worship services Sept – May. Contact Nancy Grundahl for more info.
It All Counts Book Group with Rev. Emily
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, and 21, 7-8 pm
Have you ever felt out of place in a faith community, or thought you were doing prayer or church wrong? Author Rev. Natalia Terfa felt that way much of her life, the story behind her new book, It All Counts: Finding God Everywhere They Told You Not to Look. This would be a great conversation for those rediscovering church or exploring their spiritual life at any stage. RSVP to Rev. Emily (egoldthwaite@creeksideucc.org). Books are available for $19.99 at local stores like Moon Palace Books, or borrow a copy from church.
Family Supper and Activities
October 4 and Nov. 11, 6-7 pm
A meal coordinated by Mary Wagner, for all ages. RSVP to the church office and let us know if you have any allergies or dietary needs. All food served at the church is nut-free.
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Faith Formation for Adults
Adult Learning Communities
Looking for connection and inspiration? Consider joining one of Creekside’s ongoing Adult Learning communities. No commitment or previous experience necessary!
Centering Prayer: Mondays, 6:30-8 pm, Zoom
The first Monday of the month Centering Prayer meets in person in the Chapel. RSVP to Cate Calkins at cate2004@me.com to receive the Zoom invite. All are welcome.
Contemporary Theologies: Sundays at 9:45 am, Room 207
As its name suggests, this group is focused on issues in theology. It is structured around discussing a book chosen by the group. Discussions are wide-ranging and enthusiastic. The process of sharing our responses to the text yields not only a learning experience but also community, fellowship, and new connections for our faith journeys. Contact Bob Power at bobpower651@gmail.com to get details about our education-hour meetings. Zoom arrangements are available, just ask. Visitors and new participants, including mid-book, are always welcome.
Rediscovering the Bible: Sundays at 9:45 am, Minnehaha Room
No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary, all are welcome. Contact Jeff Richards at jeff.h.richards@comcast.net for additional information.
Women’s Spirituality: Sundays at 9:45 am, Room 211
As we look forward to a new church year, consider joining Women's Spirituality. The group offers the opportunity for deep engagement around spiritual questions and a brain reset with weekly meditation. (Check out our newly gifted finger labyrinth.) We celebrate the festivals of the Wheel of the Year and explore the female face of God. Weekly attendance is not expected--come when you can. Contact Connie Ford for more information.
Holy Imagination Adult Education Sessions, October 11 and 25 at 9:45 am, The Chapel
Building on September’s Remembering the Future workshop, we’ll continue exploring themes from our Holy Imagination fall preaching series with two adult education hours in October. On October 11, University of Minnesota PhD candidate Addison Cox will introduce us to the literary and artistic traditions of Afrofuturisms, exploring how Black communities have used imagination to envision futures beyond oppression in which Black life flourishes. Then, on October 25, Rev. Susie and Creekside’s Student Organizing Chaplain, Doe Hoyer, will lead a workshop on “Imagining the Church of the Future.” Together, we’ll consider how the place and role of the local church are changing—and what younger generations might be showing us about the church that is emerging.
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Faith Formation for Children, Youth & Families
Our Faith Formation programming is off to a great start, and it’s not too late to join the fun!
Register for grades K-7
Register for grades 8-12
Sunday Morning Programs (9:45-10:45 am)
- Kindergarten/1st Grade Godly Play/Cherub Choir: Room 204
- 2nd/3rd Grade Bible Literacy: Room 205
- 4th/5th Grade Self-Care: Room 206
- 6th/7th Grade DEI: Room 104
- Youth Group (grades 8-12): Youth Room
Childcare is available in Room 210 from 8:15 am-12:15 pm.
Intergenerational Sundays Restart in October
The first Sunday of each month, one of our faith formation classes will design and present parts of the 11 am service, and the service itself will be formatted in a way that is inviting and accessible to people of all ages. Our first Intergenerational Sunday of the programming year will be October 4, which is also World Communion Sunday. The youth group will be helping to run this service. Our second Intergenerational Sunday will be November 1, when the 6th and 7th graders will be helping us celebrate All Saints Day. We hope these worship services will be a great way to engage our youngest church members in the worship experience and help the rest of our community get to know them. Please join us!
8th Grade OWL Update
Creekside has a long history of offering comprehensive human sexuality education as part of our commitment to justice and affirming all God’s children. Traditionally, we have offered a full year of Our Whole Lives (OWL) to our 8th graders, meeting during the education hour on Sunday mornings. We are switching it up a bit this year so that we can expand the welcome to other churches in the area who don’t have trained facilitators of their own or have too few youth to run a program. By moving to a retreat format instead of Sunday mornings, we are making this valuable class accessible to more people who have other obligations at their home churches. We also hope this will make the class easier to fit around busy sports schedules, etc. We will meet on 3-4 weekends over the course of the school year for longer sessions that may or may not include overnights. We’re still working out the dates and details, but as soon as we have that settled, we will be spreading the word. Meanwhile, our 8th graders are invited to join the youth group on Sunday mornings.
Safe Church Policy Training
October 10, 10-11 am
If you are teaching a class or serving as a Senior Friend, or volunteering with children in any other way, we need you to update your Safe Church Policy training every year. If you missed the session at the beginning of September, there is one more opportunity for you to check this off your to-do list.
Please let Bree know if you are planning to attend this session. If you need a training and aren’t able to make it to one of these sessions, please let Bree know that, too, so we can schedule an individual make-up session for you.
WANTED: People willing to train as OWL Facilitators (especially non-females)
Our church is blessed with quite a few certified OWL instructors, but the vast majority of them are female-identifying, which is all fine and dandy, but wouldn’t it enrich the program to be able to have instructors of different gender identities? So, if you are not female-identifying (or heck, even if you are) and are interested in helping to guide our young people through comprehensive human sexuality education, we would love to connect you with a training opportunity. Give Bree a shout at bmckee-miller@creeksideucc.org with any questions you may have.
Upcoming Dates:
Sunday, October 4:
- Intergenerational Service at 11 am (youth group leading)
- Youth Trip Report-back during education hour. All are invited.
Sunday, October 18:
- MEA Weekend—no Faith Formation programming
Contact Bree McKee-Miller with any questions about faith formation programming.
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Social Justice
Beacon
On Tuesday, September 15, 25 Creekside members enjoyed a delicious lunch and pledged financial support for Beacon. Many thanks to all who attended. We heard from two individuals who currently live in Beacon Supportive Housing tell us about the life-changing help at their new home. If you have questions or wish for more information, please contact Susan Lampe.
Race Matters Team
Race Matters is an active group that meets every month to plan experiences that will deepen our awareness of ourselves and others with regards to issues of race and racism (and other “isms”). This year we are excited to carry on the work of the Land Acknowledgement Team as we live out our covenant and commitments. If you have a passion for connecting antiracism and social justice to our spiritual lives, this is the place for you! Contact Kate Andrews van Horne for more information (kaand004@gmail.com).
Creekside Immigration Team
October 11, 2:00 pm, Downtown Appleton
Join us at a vigil to stand with immigrants and against the detention center’s opening.
CoreCivic, Inc. is scheduled to begin operations at the Appleton, Minnesota, Detention Center in the final quarter of the year on behalf of ICE. What else can you do? Reach out to our Minnesota politicians running for congress and governor asking them to commit now to holding our government accountable and guaranteeing federal oversight of the detention center in order to ensure the humane treatment of those housed within the borders of our state.
Global Justice
Guatemala—We’re All Connected—Three Report-Backs
October 6, 8:00 am, Richfield VFW
October 13, 7:00 pm, Chapel
October 18, 12:15 pm Dining Room
The Creekside/Rights Action Guatemala Delegation is ready to share their experience from their trip in August. The world only has one address, but reality looks different depending on where one is located. The U.S. looks different from Guatemala.
On October 6, a couple of us will be at the Men’s Breakfast to share on a personal level what we saw and heard and invite responses and discussion. On October 13, Global Justice Night, we’ll be talking about a precedent-setting lawsuit by our partners in Guatemala that we visited. If you have time, take a quick peek at this related report. Sunday, October 18, after 11:00 am worship, is our full report-back, slides and all. Most of the delegation will be there. All of these events are related but unique. The delegation hopes to see you there.
Electoral Engagement Team
Early voting for the mid-terms has begun! The Creekside Electoral Engagement Team encourages Church members to support their families, friends, and neighbors who are eligible to vote in getting to the polls. Recent executive action at the Federal level has cast uncertainty on mail-in voting, making in-person voting the better choice this election cycle. Early in-person voting is a convenient option and is available to all Minnesota voters. Get your vote counted and ensure that those you care about, young, old, and in-between, do as well.. Let’s each of us reach out to five people to help get them to the polls. Join us at the adult education session on the mid-term voting process at 9:45 am on October 18.
ISAIAH
ISAIAH will support efforts to increase voter turnout statewide for the fall election. In anticipation of the 2027 legislative session, ISAIAH will be working on providing a public healthcare option for all Minnesotans. Changes occurring January 1, 2027, in Medicaid eligibility, funding, and ACA (Obamacare) costs will cause a dramatic increase in the number of uninsured Americans and Minnesotans. Equally concerning is the dramatic drop in SNAP benefits which occur at the same time. ISAIAH also intends to push for greater daycare assistance. In the coming month we’ll engage the congregation in an educational effort: The Power of Public Christian Witness. The purpose of the sessions is to ground participants in the biblical, historical, and spiritual foundation for Public Christian Witness, and awaken a personal and collective call to act in this moment.
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Future in Full Color: Attend or Volunteer!
On Sunday, October 11, Prism Organizing Network will hold its 2026 fundraiser at Creekside UCC from 4:00–6:00 pm. Join us for connection, celebration, refreshments, and a program highlighting Prism Organizing’s statewide work to advance LGBTQIA2S+ safety, dignity, freedom, and power.
CQRC invites congregants to attend and help welcome our guests. Volunteers are needed between 2:00 and 6:30 p.m. for setup, registration, ushering, food service, the photo booth, and cleanup. Even an hour helps! RSVP here to attend the event or sign up here to volunteer. Can’t attend? Please consider making a contribution. Gifts of $100 or more will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.
Learn more about CQRC at our third-Sunday meeting, 12:15–1:30 pm, with Zoom available. Our next meeting is October 18.Questions? Contact Jonathan Swoyer at jonathan.swoyer@gmail.com or 763-528-0104.
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Creekside Art Exhibit
Traditional Birch Bark Art in the Fireside Room
Thursday, October 8, 5:30 pm; dinner served
This October, we are excited to welcome Pat Kruse, a Native American artist whose beautiful birch bark artwork already hangs above the fireplace in our Fireside Room. Beginning October 8, Pat will display a collection of his traditional birch bark artwork. At the Art Talk on October 8, Pat will share the history and traditions of birch bark art, talk about his artistic process, and tell us more about his own work. A meal will be served as part of the evening. Be sure to stop by the Fireside Room during October to enjoy this wonderful collection of traditional birch bark art!
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Ministry of Care
Ministry of Addiction and Recovery Support (MARS)
Monday, October 5, 7:00 pm. In person in the Minnehaha Room; Zoom option available.
Contact Gloria Englund 612-749-4006 or gloria@recoveringu.com for more information about how to meet with us.
Sunday Morning Flowers
Sunday Morning Flowers are provided by Christine Kolb of Christine’s Floral Touch. To sponsor a weekly arrangement, send your desired date, bulletin note/dedication, and any flower or color requests (not required) to Naomi at admin@creeksideucc.org. Christine will be in touch regarding payment (christine@christinesfloraltouch.com or 952-210-6412). Weekly arrangements are $65 each, which includes tax and delivery.
What is Prayerways?
Prayerways is a vibrant ministry of dedicated volunteers who feel called to pray for you, Creekside UCC and our greater community. Every week a list of confidential prayer requests is emailed to Prayerways “ministers.” Each Prayerways member prays for the concerns given them. Pray-ers choose their own time, place, and method of praying, are committed to regular prayer for others and keeping all prayer requests confidential. Prayerways Curator: Diane Titusdahl: 507-298-0276, diane.titusdahl@gmail.com.
Dementia Caregivers’ Happy Hour
Third Monday of the month. Next one: October 19, 6:30 pm at a local restaurant
Many members are helping a neighbor or family member with dementia, daily or on occasion, near or far. Unwind and find confidential support with others in similar situations. Most attendees order dinner. Contact Dawn Baker at dawnovichi@gmail.com for specific location and a spot at the table.
Report from Mental Health Connect: Chronic Procrastination and Well-Being
50% of college students and 25% of adults have chronic procrastination. It can rewire your brain and weaken your ability to confront challenges. There are strategies to help. Work toward excellence, not perfection. Repeat the mantra “Done is better than perfect.” Try the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for a work period. 25 to 50 minutes is optimal. Take a 5-15 minute break to do something self-soothing (walk, read: calming but not absorbing.) Repeat. Repeat. Develop an action plan. List what you need to accomplish. Define one objective, something measurable. Decide on a target date and how you will reward yourself. Look for places you can get support. All are invited to the monthly education meetings. Sign up for Mental Health Connect’s newsletter at mhconnect.org. For help with issues of mental illness call the navigator line 612-642-1220.
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Parish Personals
View them here.
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