Thursday, March 16, 2023

FEATURED THIS WEEK

With the snow taking up space in our lot, remember there is FREE parking in the covered lot next to the Walker Art Center. Just pick up a voucher from reception or any of the ushers.

A Few Dates to Keep in Mind

March is MN Foodshare month at GMCC

March 18 Before Bach's Birthday Bash Concert

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

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

April 1 Annual Conference Mission Summit at HAUMC

Holy Week Schedule:

April 2 Palm Sunday, 10am Sanctuary

April 6 Maundy Thursday, 7pm Art Gallery

April 7 Good Friday, 7pm Sanctuary

April 9 Easter Sunday, 10am Sanctuary

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

New Pastor Appointed!

Welcoming Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay

I pray, teach, and embrace the means of grace in my life.- Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay

The biggest news this week is we have our new Pastor! We are so pleased to welcome

Reverend Elizabeth Macaulay!

Her first Sunday with us will be June 25, 2023.

Pastor Elizabeth has a rich and varied background that will be a great fit for our church. She graduated from college with a major in elementary education and a minor in music. Her first positions in Methodist churches were as a soprano soloist and as a director of a children’s choir. After working as a community organizer around social justice issues, Pastor Elizabeth was called to ministry.

In her own words, "My theological perspective is saturated in the grace of God, the succor of beauty, and the amazing grace of love shared with family and other beloveds."

Read the official letter to members from Jeff Neiblack and the Strategic Council HERE

And you can read more about her from the MN Annual Conference HERE

[Image description: Elizabeth Macaulay smiling, portrait in a neutral background]

Easter Lilies

You can make a donation of $25, or more, to honor and 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 bulletin on Easter Sunday.

The deadline for submission to be printed in the bulletin is Monday, March 27, 2023

Click the link below to give now:

https://onrealm.org/HennepinAvenueU/give/EasterMem

[Image description: Close-up of an Asian Lily in full bloom]

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

The Pilgrimage: An Interfaith Civil Rights Journey

Final Two Sundays in March, 4:30pm

March 19 - Westminster Presbyterian - presentation and panel discussion

March 26 - Fellowship Missionary 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 4:30-5:30pm.

Before Bach's Birthday Bash!

March 18, Saturday from 9AM-5PM

at HAUMC Sanctuary 10:30am-11:30am

The annual Before Bach’s Birthday Bash, a sequence of five, hour-long concerts devoted primarily to music by Johann Sebastian Bach and presented this year at various venues in Minneapolis:

All events are free (donations accepted) and open to the public!

Join us for the entire day, or at any of the five individual destinations. The first hour’s program will be broadcast live on YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio network stations (KSJN-99.5FM in the Twin Cities).

[Image description: The HAUMC pipe organ fills the frame from the chancel]

Performance Schedule:

9:00-10:00 AM – St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral (519 Oak Grove Street)

2013 Foley-Baker (4 manuals, 87 stops, 80 ranks)

10:30-11:30 AM – Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (511 Groveland Avenue)

1979 Sipe (4 manuals, 55 stops/78 ranks)

1:00-2:00 PM – 1st Unitarian Society of Minneapolis (900 Mount Curve Avenue)

1961 Holtkamp (3 manuals, 27 stops, 35 ranks)

2:30-3:30 PM – Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church (2020 West Lake of the Isles Parkway)

1980 Jaeckel (19 stops, 28-ranks)

4:00-5:00 PM – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1917 Logan Avenue South)

1998 Dobson (2 manuals, 36 stops, 45 ranks)

Twin Cities American Guild of Organists

Pipe Dreams

Your Classical MPR

Minnesota Annual Conference UMC Mission Summit

Saturday, April 1, 9:00AM-3:00PM

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

The Mission Promotion Team of the Minnesota Annual Conference UMC has chosen a Mental Health Focus for its 2023 Mission Summit to be held in the Twin Cities District on April 1, 2023.

Consider this-

THE NEED:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year

• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14

THE ACTION:

In collaboration with the Health Ministries Team, an exciting and informative program will be offered to everyone at NO cost!

(*registration is required).

Register at: https://mnumc-reg.brtapp.com/MissionSummit2023

Schedule:

8:30am – 9:15am Check-In, Refreshments & Opening:

9:15am – 12:15pm Opening Session NAMI MN(National Alliance on Mental Illness, MN)

12:15pm-12:55pm Lunch : provided Free of charge

1:00pm-2:00pm Minnesota Judicial System & Mental Health

2:00pm-2:45pm Panel Discussion with presenters

2:45pm-3:00pm Closing Remarks

Presenters:

Kay King (NAMI MN) Bob Swanson (NAMI MN Volunteer)

Honorable John R. McBride, District Court Judge (Ret.) & UMC Pastor Honorable Nicole J. Starr, District Court Judge, Ramsey County

Speaker - Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making – TBD

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!

Why is our Steeple is Purple?

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.

You can find all events and information about Holy Week on our Easter Page

HERE

EASTER OFFERING: RTMS FOR H.O.P.E

Our Easter offering this year supports all of the important Risk-Taking Mission and Service (RTMS) missions of HAUMC.

Your great generosity provides HOPE to so many…with a focus on Hunger, Opportunity, Prosperity & Environment…HOPE.

Each week we will focus on one leading up to Easter!

H for Hunger

O for Opportunity

P for Prosperity

E for Environment

[Image description: a ceramic chalice decorated with 2 handprints overflowing with water, surrounded by lilies on a reflective surface with a pastel background. One lily floats on the surface of the water in the cup]



To provide OPPORTUNITY we support Common Hope in Guatemala and the Richard Ormsby School in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone. Ana & Josue are able to attend school in Guatemala thanks to your donations. We’re excited to be organizing a mission trip this summer to meet them in person and see firsthand how opportunities can change a whole community. In addition to all of the Baiwalla student sponsorships, HAUMC RTMS also supports the meal program and two teachers’ salaries at the school. And, of course, our very own Dignity Center provides many tools for economic and housing stabilization to people in our neighborhood. 

You can give at any time Send your offering anytime, online by clicking HERE

or by check, with a memo noting "Easter Offering."

This Sunday's Message

Fountain of Grace: The Cup You Choose

Rev. Laura Hannah, Associate Pastor

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Worship at 10am

[Image description: Associate Pastor Laura Hannah smiling  in a neutral background]

Cellist Richard Belcher will be with us this week to perform a solo excerpt from the Requiem by John Rutter. We are privileged to have Requiem presented in its entirety on Palm Sunday- including special guest musicians and the HAUMC choir, directed by our own Shari Speer.

Next week, on March 26, Rev Margaret Kelly, Executive Director of the Dignity Center, will be preaching and Copper Street Brass will be in worship!

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 at [email protected] for more information.

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

DATE CHANGE!

United Women in Faith

Program: HAUMC Archives!

Thursday, March 16, 1:00pm

Hybrid: Longfellow room and Zoom

With the impending snow, today's UWF will be postponed until next week.

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?



A personal story from Marilyn Newstrum

Hennepin’s morning “Coffee with Judy” chat group, which meets five days each week, recently chose to read together out loud and share our thoughts about Shelly Christensen’s book “From Longing to Belonging.”  

In the process of doing so, we discovered a broader and more complex picture of the needs of the many individuals who come through our doors and make their way through our church life. It reminded me of the family story of the groomsmen at my parents' wedding carrying my invalid grandmother in her homemade wheelchair up the then-existing narrow stairway from the parking lot door to the Harrison Room on the second floor, where this event was being held.  

It also focused me on what my grandchild with autism might experience in our space. We have, over the decades, developed plans for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the aging, but we came to realize there is more to it than that.  

Out of this discussion grew a Disability Task Force to carry forward the planning for those who need more than what Hennepin is currently offering. 

Join with us for the “Creating Beloved Community with Persons with Disabilities Class,” to learn more about creating a loving space for Every Body.

By Marilyn Newstrum

(A third-generation Hennepin member!)

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: A Novel 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

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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