Thursday, March 2, 2023

FEATURED THIS WEEK

A Few Dates to Keep in Mind

March is MN Foodshare month at GMCC

March 5 Youth Art Party

March 8 Homeless Day on the Hill

March 9 UWF monthly Circle: Archives

March 10-11 Confirmation Retreat

March 12 Pilgrimage: An Interfaith Civil Rights Journey at Beth Israel

March 19 Pilgrimage: An Interfaith Civil Rights Journey #2 at Westminster

March 16 Monthly Book Club

March 26 Pilgrimage: An Interfaith Civil Rights Journey #3 at Ministry Baptist

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

The LARGEST grassroots food & fund drive in Minnesota is happening NOW!

Minnesota FoodShare

February 27th – April 9th, 2023

Donate and Volunteer directly with GMCC.

Now you can give directly to GMCC!

Share your time, your food, and yes, your resources!

THE NEED: Minnesota’s charitable food system (food shelves and food banks, meal programs, etc.)continues to run at capacity. This has been exacerbated by rising inflation and the end of various financial and food supports established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving into 2023, it will be critical to focus on creating a just and equitable food system that is able to meet the growing number of Minnesotans in need

THE DREAM: We envision a future where all Minnesotans have access to healthy food and no one struggles with food insecurity. This initiative directly addresses these issues. We invite you to join our efforts and advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity in our communities

THE WORK: GMCC’s Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982 as a campaign advanced by congregations to restock food shelves in the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The effort was so successful, and the need so evident, March Campaign became a statewide initiative just one year later and is now in its 42nd year.

THE ACTION: You can find your nearest food shelf by clicking here, or you can Click here to donate!

You can follow and support them on Facebook HERE

NEXT WEEK!!

LIVE YOUR FAITH BY YOUR ACTIONS!

Homeless Day on the Hill

March 8, doors at 8am, program 9am - 12pm

Join in! The event starts with a program at Central Presbyterian Church followed by a walk to the State Capitol to meet with our lawmakers and rally to support equitable housing and services in our state. You can start at Central or go Directly to the State Capitol to join with the community to fight for affordable housing.

As an Align MPLS congregation, we have the privilege of organizers who have identified the legislative priorities. Please review these priorities and find ways to include them in your advocacy work around housing insecurity.

Align top 3 legislative priorities

Homes for All legislative agenda

MNIPL Community Connector Circle

Tues., March 7, 4-5pm - Online

Do you share climate justice information and opportunities from MNIPL with your congregation, community, or team? We invite you to attend our new Community Connector Circle! We'll share ideas, ask questions, celebrate successes, and get to know each other. Meetings on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 4 pm and 1st Thursday at 12 pm. Come as often as you like! Click here for dates and Zoom link. 

MNIPL Building Local Networks

Tuesday, Mar. 7, 7-8:15pm

Online

Across Minnesota, all kinds of opportunities to address the climate crisis will be opening up following this legislative session. How do local communities come together to leverage funding and programs for the energy revolution? Learn how your town or city can “localize” the movement and meet its climate goals. Click here for details/register. 

Voices for Climate Song Circle, MNIPL

Sunday, Mar 19, 4:00-5:30 pm

United Theological Seminary, St. Paul

Join our March "Voices for Climate" Song Circle! All are welcome, especially kids!

Please register HERE so we can let you know of any event updates.

A potluck dinner will follow - bring a dish or beverage to share.

Let us know in the Registration Notes whether you plan to join the potluck. And plan for the next song circle, on April 16. 

Art Party Day

March 5 11:30am-1:30pm

Church of Youth • 6th-12th graders



The youth will be having an art day! Canvases and paints will be provided so to create whatever comes to mind!

The finished works of art will be used to decorate the Church of Youth space.



This event will be for youth 6th-12th grade only! All skill levels are welcome! Lunch will be provided. 

The Pilgrimage: An Interfaith Civil Rights Journey

Three Sundays in March, 4:30pm

March 12 - Temple Israel - Video premiere and panel discussion

March 19 - Westminster Presbyterian - video premiere and panel discussion

March 26 - Fellowship Ministry Baptist Church - Service of song and reflections

Over Martin Luther King (MLK) weekend, Minneapolis senior clergy traveled to Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery for an interfaith civil rights journey.

We heard Bryan Stephenson, author of “Just Mercy” present at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, walked the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, memorialized the innocent children killed at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, visited the new Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, and bore witness at the myriad of powerful museums and monuments paying homage to the leaders and foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement.

Our hearts and souls were touched as we prayed together at significant moments, sharing each of our traditions’ words of healing and reconciliation.

We are bringing our pilgrimage back to Minneapolis to share the lessons and insights we gleaned on this remarkable multi-faith journey.

Please join us for a series of three presentations of our trip, and for panel discussions and worship to commemorate the convergence of Ramadan, Passover, and Easter on three consecutive Sundays in March from 4:30-5:15 pm.

Sermon Series: Fountains of Grace.

February 26 - April 9

During the season of Lent, as we remember what it means to be human. The joys and the pains, the sorrows and the celebrations.

We come together to find refreshment from God’s fountain of grace.

The different images of cups shown in Scripture will serve as a touchpoint for exploring aspects of our relationship with God.

What does our brokenness say about us?

How do we live our faith?

What does it mean to seek justice in this world?

This exploration culminates in the most exhilarating celebration of all – Jesus is risen for us and we have new life in him!

Steeple is Purple for Lent

Our Steeple is Purple in honor of Lent, the season leading up to Holy Week and Easter.

Purple (or violet) symbolizes repentance and penance. The color reminds us of the violet flower that bows its head and is a symbol of humility. Lent is the season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

It is a time of reflection leading up to the Passion and Easter.

We invite you to experience lenten worship every Sunday at 10am, where we explore the sermon series Fountain of Grace, all leading up to Holy Week in April.

This Sunday's Message

Fountain of Grace: Cup of Living Water

Rev. Judy Zabel, Senior Pastor

Scripture: John 4:7-29, 39

Worship at 10am

[Image description: Rev. Judy Zabel smiling in a neutral background]

Extending our Radical Hospitality!

Last week we detailed some of the great work of the Disability Action Team, and this week we have a special request from Patrick! As we move into Lent and are welcoming more and more visitors and parishioners this holy season, it is especially important to make our spaces inviting to all.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church practices radical hospitality by offering complementary feminine hygiene products, infant diapers, wipes, and lotion in 9 of our restrooms.

This ministry is important because it's a simple but powerful opportunity to show how much we value our parishioners and guests. It's a very easy way of extending dignity to those who may not have these supplies on hand. 

We are looking for a few people to help us to check on and refill these items- based completely on the volunteers' availability!



Time Commitment: Approximately 30 minutes (all supplies are provided by Hennepin Church)



Please contact Patrick Henning for more information or to get involved.

This may seem like a simple thing or inconsequential thing, but it can make a WORLD of difference to the comfort of ALL who come through our door.

Reflection

Harrison Room

11:30am 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.  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.

You can email Rodge Adams HERE for more information.

The question for this Sunday’s gathering is: "What is the hope that prayer offers?”  

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

Lent Series

Thursdays, 11am-12pm on Zoom

If you are looking for a way to deepen your understanding of Lent, Thursday Morning Bible Study is hosting a Lenten Study using the Book by Adam Hamilton "In Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws.

[Image description: A table with 3 bibles open and 3 people clasping hands in a circle]

Throughout his ministry to his final days on the road to the cross, we find stories of his relationships with ordinary, flawed, and unexpected people. Many of them were struggling, some were outsiders or even outlaws. Whoever they were, from those he healed, even the outlaws with him at his crucifixion, Jesus brought the good news of God’s kingdom to those who most needed to hear it.

They will continue to hold the weekly meetings on Zoom. Wouldn't it be nice to take time just once a week, during the day, to explore faith during this season of Lent, even on your lunch break at work? See how it affects the way you go through the week.

New members are always welcome!!

CLICK HERE to join the Zoom meeting.

Meeting ID: 864 1531 0144

Passcode: 437485

Dial manually

+1 929 205 6099 US

United Women in Faith

Program: HAUMC Archives!

Thursday, March 9, 1:00pm

Hybrid: Longfellow room and Zoom

Margaret Osborne and Carol Southward, members of the Archives Committee, will be with us to talk about the collection, including the material on women's activities.

Join us to see the special historical items they plan to bring with them.

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].

From Longing to Belonging: Creating a Beloved Community with Persons with Disabilities

Tuesdays at 7pm-8pm

April 11 - May 16

Zoom

What would a radical community of inclusiveness look like for persons with disabilities? Through subtle but vital changes, you may have noticed how Hennepin is moving toward this goal.

Now the Disability Action Team is offering a six-week class, over zoom, to learn about and discuss the intersection of church and disability. This class begins the Tuesday after Easter, so mark your calendars now!

This is a class for every body, including yours!

During each one-hour session, selected portions of From Longing to Belonging by Shelly Christensen will be read and discussed. There is no need for any reading or homework outside class sessions. Deb Roberts and Krista Machtmes, both licensed educators, Hennepin members, and Disability Action Team members, will lead.

For more information, see the course description, and to register on REALM CLICK HERE

Registration is NOW OPEN!

Monthly Virtual Book Club

Thursday, March, 16, 7pm

Zoom



The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

“Funny, tender, and moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry reminds us all exactly why we read and why we love.” —Library Journal, starred review

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and see everything anew."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 Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89809837941?pwd=bEZZeXU3ZlR2TGNVUW9jUVBsUEZ0dz09

Meeting ID: 898 0983 7941

Passcode: 496102

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

Church Conference Koinonia Funds Vote A resounding YES!

With a resounding yes, HAUMC members voted to contribute more than $1.3 million from the sale of our Koinonia Retreat Center to nonprofits Beacon, Bridge for Youth and Envision for affordable housing projects in our community!

The culmination of a long process, the congregational vote on Sunday, February 19, authorized the distribution of the proceeds of the sale of the retreat center, totaling $1,638,782.

During that meeting, church members voted to fund the four proposed recipients at the below-listed amounts.

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative: $895,000

Envision Community: $221,890

The Bridge for Youth: $221,890

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Board of Trustees: $300,000

This is a time of great joy! These transformational funds support neighborhood nonprofit organizations that address the needs of those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk.

This is the work of HAUMC in the world and it is awe-inspiring.

Thank you to all who have participated in this long process and for the way we were able to voice and hear all the different perspectives with grace and dignity.

There are so many that have been involved with and touched by the spirit of Koinonia. We wish to say a prayerful thank you to those who have held Koinonia and Hennepin Avenue UMC in their hearts.

The true work of community building continues! This is an inspiring time at HAUMC and we thank God for it.

In gratitude,

The Strategic Council of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

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.

Old School by Steeple People

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

Donations are accepted 11:00am – 4:00pm, 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