October 18, 2017

Dear Hennepin Community:

Our United Methodist connection runs deep and wide. There are those who have worshiped and been in ministry among us over the years that have gone on to other churches and places around the world. Yet, their connection to Hennepin Church is always present. Their lives and their deaths are held sacred by us.

Two such people have passed from this life to the next and we offer this notice of their passing. The Rev. Jeanne Audrey Powers died September 29, 2017. Rev. Powers was a pioneer feminist ecumenist who represented the United Methodist Church as a respected teacher, workshop leader, writer, preacher, spokesperson, campus minister and missions executive. She was among the first women in the Methodist Church to be granted full clergy rights. She made Hennepin her worshiping home for many years, living across the street at 410 Groveland and was active and supported our Reconciling Ministries. Rev. Powers was a mentor and inspiration to many in our congregation and will be dearly missed. A service honoring her life will be held at Centenary UMC, 501 - 2nd St., Mankato on November 11th at 11:00 am.

Genell Poitras, long time missionary in South Korea, passed away September 24th in Park Rapids, MN. Genell and her husband Ed were sponsored in their ministry for many years by Hennepin Church and maintained important friendships here. A service celebrating her life will be held at Hubbard United Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN on Saturday, October 21st at 11:00am.

These two women shared their faith in significant and yet different ways in this community. May we continue to hold their families and friends in our prayers as we honor the legacy they have planted at Hennepin Church.

In blessings and peace,

Sally Howell Johnson