Thursday, January 12, 2023

FEATURED THIS WEEK

A Few Dates to Keep in Mind for January

January 16 MLK Jr Day (building will be closed)

January 15-21 Downtown Clergy Civil Rights Learning Trip

January 20 Scholarship application deadline

January 21 The Event (Youth)

January 22 Soup Potluck

January 29 College Care Package Drive Ends

February 5 Church Conference to approve the Budget

February 19 Koinonia Legacy Funds Vote

Key Justice Save the Dates:

This year there is a huge surplus in MN budget. Help make sure these funds go where they can do the most good!

There are a couple of key dates coming up just around the corner to make your voice heard at the State Capitol. Click to learn more...

• Lobby for the Future: A Climate Day at the Capitol

January 25 9am - 1pm

• Indigenous Rights & Climate Justice Platform

February 15 11am - 4pm

• Homeless Day on the Hill

March 8 8am - 12pm

Check out the Events Calendar for upcoming events, classes, and opportunities to help keep yourself organized in the coming year.

What are you looking forward to at HAUMC in 2023?

If you would like to share your thoughts with my team, you can click the link below. CLICK HERE to answer the question.

If you still haven't done so, you can fill out your Estimated Giving Form Here

Senior Pastor Judy Zabel is retiring, June 2023.

It is with mixed feelings we share the news that on January 8, Pastor Judy Zabel announced that she will retire in June 2023.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee has already begun working with our Twin Cities District Superintendent, Cynthia Williams, and our new bishop, Lanette Plambeck, to discern who will be our next lead pastor. Judy's spirit, optimism, and infectious energy are amazing gifts to the church and we have been so blessed to have her lead us through the troubling and changing times these past few years. I don't know that there could have been anyone better suited to meet those challenges for the church.

Thanks in no small part to her leadership, we are now set up for a renaissance. A rediscovery of what it means to be Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, now, and in the future.

She has cleared a path for us. Now it is up to us to step forward in our faith and create the future we envision for ourselves and our community.

It takes wisdom to follow where one's soul calls, even if the way is not yet known. It is exciting to think about what is next for Judy and her family.

With gratitude and heartfelt thanks to her for her service.

Click the link HERE to read her official letter.

Staff Parish Relations Committee Survey

The Bishop of the Minnesota Annual Conference will appoint a new lead pastor for Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and that person will join our congregation in late June.

To inform the decision of the Bishop, HAUMC's Staff Parish Relations Committee prepares a profile of our congregation, including information about the congregation, our community, and what needs our congregation will have for a new pastor.

To best understand our needs, the Staff Parish Relations Committee has prepared a survey for the congregation to fill out.

This information from the survey will be summarized and sent to the bishop and her cabinet to help discern the best person to lead our congregation in the coming years.

This is your chance to weigh in on the appointment process.

You can fill out the survey by clicking HERE.

Please submit the survey by January 31.

Speaking of Judy Zabel, did you know she was mentioned in the NYT Style AND People did an exclusive on a marriage she performed here at HAUMC on Dec 17th? The NYT requires a subscription but you can read the People article any time. Pretty cool story!

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE DIGNITY CENTER

Rev. Margaret Mary Kelly will begin on January 17, 2023.

We are happy to announce that the Reverend Margaret Mary Kelly has been hired to be our new Executive Director of The Dignity Center. She will begin work on January 17, 2023. Margaret Mary is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) in MN and an ordained minister from the ELCA. She says,

"My particular passion is supporting people of faith at both ends of the economic spectrum as they find solidarity with one another. I have experience partnering with diverse faith groups as they learn to be in solidarity with those who have been left out of the dream of safe homes, good food, and stable relationships. My deepest joy is building community with a diverse coalition of people."



Our search team members: Sandy Christie, Barb Ludack, Ann Carlson, Kevin Schill, and Judy Zabel believe that Rev. Kelly's strong relational skills, experience in data analysis and social science research methods, budgeting and fundraising for a non-profit organization, excellent skill in public speaking, and experience in developing new systems for a non-profit organization make her an excellent choice for this position.

Welcome Margaret Mary in worship on January 22nd! And stay to chat with some warm soup!

Soup Potluck

Sunday, January 22 2023

Koinonia Hall

after worship-1pm

Giving folks a chance to gather, eat, and chat. Gather after worship in Koinonia Hall for a soup potluck. Come! Bring your favorite recipe and share warm conversation and food! 

If you are able to bring food or volunteer, please sign-up HERE

Here are a couple of soup-making gems of advice from a 1920s cookbook

(on view in the history display)

"Let onion atoms lurk within the bowl, and half-suspected, animate the whole."

and "Use a little Condensed Milk in all soups and gravies if an unusually good flavor is desired. Be careful not to use enough that it can be detected. Possibly 3 T. to 1 qt. Do not let your prejudice keep you from trying it at least once." Thanks to the ladies 100 years ago for that sound advice!

Look for more archival recipes Thursdays on Social media and feel free to share your own recipes there as well!

Hennepin Scholars 2023

Call for Applications

Deadline January 20, 2023

Looking for support to continue your education? Whether a little extra money for college or that one class that is just out of reach, we invite you to apply for a Hennepin Scholars award for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Scholarships are awarded in modest amounts to students pursuing seminary, college or

university degree programs, or other post-secondary degree or certificate programs.

Applicants may be Hennepin members or employees or others.

Application deadline is January 20, 2023

Award notices by February 6, 2023.

More information and application forms at www.haumc.org/scholars, or contact Jack Fistler or by phone 612.435-1321. 

Filled with Love! College Care packages collection drive

January 4-29

Collection Bins in East Entry

Our HAUMC youth will be putting together Valentine's Day care packages to send to HAUMC students who are away at college. We are collecting the following items to go inside the care packages: Valentine's Cards, candy, snacks (microwave popcorn, ramen, instant mac and cheese, etc).

Collection bins will be located in the East Entry through Sunday, January 29th.

Sermon Series: i see you.

January 1- January 22

God creates, knows, loves, and sees all of us in our full humanity. But as people, we can fall into the habit of assuming everyone is the same or everyone is like us. Or worse yet, we may fear what being, or knowing, the “other” means. While we share a common humanity, these assumptions can be harmful and prevent us from truly seeing other people and listening to their perspectives. By looking at Biblical stories, this series will help us learn how to listen to, respect, affirm, and act for and with others. In doing so, we come to know God even more fully.

This Sunday's Message

i see you.

Respect the Stranger

Rev. Judy Zabel, Senior Pastor

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:14-22

(The Message)

Worship at 10am

This Sunday we will also welcome new members to the congregation and thank Rev. Kevin Schill for his amazing service as Interim Director of the Dignity Center.

Be sure to wish Judy a bon voyage as she joins the other Downtown Interfaith Clergy group for a Civil Rights tour in Georgia and Alabama (Jan 15-21)! She flies out right after worship but will be back in time for next Sunday.

You can follow the Downtown town Congregations' Trip on Facebook and look for updates upon her return!

Reflection

Harrison Room

11:15 am / approx. 15 minutes after worship, Sundays



Reflection is an opportunity to set aside some time for deepening personal faith and to learn about the faith experiences of others.  

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.

You can email Rodge Adams HERE for more information.

The question for this Sunday’s gathering is:

"How important is it to have some form of credal statement as part of a worship service?” 

It is a standing gathering so feel free to drop by on a 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

Thursday Morning Bible Study

Thursdays, 11am-12pm

Zoom

Thursday morning Bible Study will resume on Jan. 5 with the study of the book Women of the Bible New Testament from the Rose Visual Bible Studies.

This six-session study shows us that social traditions do not constrict God!!

We will learn how they were faithful to the Lord despite difficult circumstances. Chapters include: Women on Jesus's Family Tree, Mary of Nazareth, Anna, The Woman at the Well, Mary and Martha, and Builders of the Church: The Women of Romans 16.

All sessions will be held via Zoom.

CLICK HERE to join the Zoom meeting.

Meeting ID: 864 1531 0144

Passcode: 437485

Dial manually

+1 929 205 6099 US

THE WORSHIP AND FINE ARTS MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM SURVEY

138 and counting! 

Now is the chance to make your voice known, what would you like to see in worship?

The Worship & Fine Arts Ministry Leadership Team (WFAMLT) sends a big "Thank You" to the 138 friends who filled out the Worship Survey in November 2022.

Encouraged by the results and the insights, the team has decided to redouble their efforts to hear from as many people from HAUMC as possible!

SO, if you haven't filled out a survey, please do so now! (It should only take around 5-7 minutes)

CLICK HERE

What have we heard thus far?

• Children & Youth - The place and ministry roles for children and youth in worship was strongly affirmed. (We love our young people!)
• Hybrid Worship - While online worship is affirmed as "a legitimate form of worship" it was clear how can cultivate a stronger sense of community between the two modes and supporting the formation of an online community through our streaming. ** This makes it particularly vital to hear from the online worship community!
• Concerts & Performances - Those who have already responded through the survey have indicated that concerts and performances at HAUMC are an important part of their life. Right now we're hearing a desire for a wider diversity in programming, and there is comfort with some of the concerts being ticketed.
• Elements of Worship - The printed worship guide is a strong value for those we've heard from, as is the use of video projection. (This is NOT to say everyone likes both!)
• Musical Diversity in Worship - 61% said the 'mix' was just about right; 31% said they're ready for even more diversity in worship.

We've received a wonderful volume of written comments, too numerous to list here, and your WFAMLT is beginning to study these responses t chart our course in the months ahead.

It is NOT TOO LATE to add your voice to this conversation!

Many thanks for your joyful participation!

The Worship & Fine Arts Ministry Leadership Team

Beth Wiggins, Chair

Mark Squire, Director of Worship & Fine Arts

United Women in Faith

Twin Cities District: Winter Gathering and Leadership Sharing

Saturday, January 21, 9:30-noon

Zoom

We must show our faith through our actions, reminding ourselves that each and every human being is divinely designed, a sacred piece of this creation in which we are all tied together." - Rev. Janet Wolf

Catch the excitement when you hear Rev. Janet Wolf's message from the UWF 2022 Assembly- challenging and inspiring us to think about how to put love into action with a discussion will follow.

Leadership Sharing will "dig" into the organization's name change, and challenges to Christian life and faith that we all face. Learn about new resources and ways of organizing as UWF.  

Registration by January 16, preferred online using this link:  https://forms.gle/SrNmCEGBVXSZ7TEFA

or send first/last name, email, phone #, Unit name, and relationship to UWF (Member/ Guest) to: 

Sandy Meyer,

8724 Valley View Place, Chanhassen, MN 55317

No charge for the meeting but donations are always welcome. Half of the offerings collected at the Twin Cities District Winter Gathering on January 21, 2023, will go to ENS-Restoring Waters. The second half of the offering will be used for undesignated mission giving supported by United Women in Faith. 

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

Thursday, January, 19, 7pm

Zoom

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

From the author of Reese Witherspoon's Book Club pick The Scent Keeper comes a “heartbreakingly delicious” national bestseller about a chef, her students, and the evocative lessons that food teaches about life.

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.

CLICK HERE to Join Zoom Meeting:

Meeting ID: 898 0983 7941

Passcode: 496102



To share this event with your friends and family, click here

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

Confirmation and Youth Group Schedule

Attached is the schedule for the year. Click here to open.

Look for more information coming for some special January events for youth and families.

The Event 2023: Rooted

Saturday, January 21, 10am-3pm

The Minnesota Conference of the UMC Youth Ministry is planning for THE EVENT 2023 and our youth is excited to be joining in!!

Youth (grades 6-12) and their adult leaders are invited to The Event 2023 on Saturday, January 21 from 10am-3pm! There are 3 sites hosting this event. Our HAUMC group will join the Eagan site.

Mark your calendars and click HERE for more information.

The Confirmation Class will be planning February's Serve Sunday Project!

Contact Patrick Henning to find the myriad of service opportunities we have available to suit any schedule and tailored to particular skills and experiences.

Right now is a good time to sign up to serve in worship or volunteer for child care slots! But as spring approaches we will have more and more fun service projects to work on!

State of the Church 2022 Recap

The State of the Church 2022 was held on November 6th.

The PowerPoint from the meeting can be found here:

Old School by Steeple People

Store hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Donations accepted 11:00am – 4:00 pm, and by appointment

There is a particular need for mittens and gloves to help keep the community warm!

• 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