[HAUMC Website]
January 16, 2016
In This Issue...
Rev. Dan Johnson Preaching this Sunday
10:00 AM in the Sanctuary

Our District Superintendent, Rev. Dan Johnson, will be preaching at the Traditional Worship service this Sunday.  He will also convene the Church Conference at Noon.

Church Conference
This Sunday, January 24 at Noon in the Art Gallery

The purpose of the church conference is to elect leaders, receive a report from Ad-Council, and approve the 2016 budget.  District Superintendent Dan Johnson will convene. 

Let's Celebrate December Giving!

December was a big month for giving at Hennepin!  Here are some numbers:

Syrian Refugee Offering
(Christmas Outreach)
$29,008.60
UMCOR Health Kits
1,872
Kits (and counting)
Coat Drive
600
Coats
UMCOR School Kits
400
Kits
Angel Tree
40
Gifts for Refugee Children
Emma Norton
10
Hospitality Baskets
Aliveness Project
10
Individuals Received Gifts

Lent: Into Your Hands
Devotional Submissions Due January 31st

In the book of John, it is written that Jesus' final words are: "Into your hands, I commend my spirit." This is a vulnerable and humble act of letting go. The season of Lent invites us to letting go, to opening our hands in release and in surrender. It also invites us to hold our hands and our hearts open to the new birth that God is always offering. 

Our theme for Lent 2016 is 'Into Your Hands'. We will surround ourselves with images of hands and with the many acts our hands do in the ordinary and extraordinary days of our lives. What do you see when you look at your hands? How do you use your hands in the context of every day? When have your hands known pain? When have they been a vehicle of comfort? What would you like to open your hands to receive? How are you willing to place your life in the hands of God? 

We welcome you to place your submissions for the Lenten devotional in our hands. Short reflections (250 words or less), poems or prayers of your own creation or those that are important to you can be sent to [email protected]. The deadline is January 31st. This is a quick turn around time so we ask you to be prompt and thank you in advance for your sharing.

The Faith of a Mockingbird:
A Small Group Study Connecting Faith and Culture

Sundays in January at 5:30 PM
led by Kathryn Johnson and Nancy Graves-Cronin

Pastor and author Matt Rawle is on a mission. He sees Christ all around him-in books, movies, TV shows, rock music-and he wants to share what he sees. As Matt says, "God offers the raw ingredients, and 'culture' is whatever we cook up."

In The Faith of a Mockingbird, based on Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, pastor and author Matt Rawle uses Lee's beloved characters to explore Christian faith, theology, and ethics.

Being a Reconciling Congregation
Sunday, February 7 at 11:15 AM

Hennepin has been a Reconciling Congregation, welcoming the GLBT community, since 1994. Our neighbor Dave Nuckols will share thoughts and answer your questions concerning the present and future of the reconciling movement from his perspective on the Board of Directors of the UMC-wide Reconciling Ministries Network. Dave is also the co-lay leader of Minnetonka UMC and serves on Bishop's Ough's Human Sexuality Task Force. His experience includes working with the progressive coalition at both the 2012 and 2016 General Conferences. Dave will represent Minnesota as its 1st reserve lay delegate for the upcoming General Conference alongside Hennepin's own Judy Zabel and Paula Colton. Join us for this stimulating discussion where we will envision HAUMC's next steps as a leading congregation in the reconciling movement.

Final UMCOR Health Kit Assembling Next Month
February 7 in Carlson Hall

Come help us, next month, to reach our goal of 2500 Health Kits.  We will be assembling and preparing for shipment to Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA.

February "Beat the Winter Doldrums" Project
February 6-7 at the Emma Norton Residence in St. Paul

The United Methodist Women have a fun service project planned for the weekend of February 6-7 and we are counting on a few good women (or men) to help! A team of 4-5 people are going to renovate one of the rooms at the Emma Norton Residence in St. Paul: that is, clean, paint and redecorate the room. The first day would be cleaning and painting, the second day would be decorating, with some time thrown in for shopping for the room décor. The funding for this project will be provided by the United Methodist Women. Emma Norton Services has a residence for women who might otherwise be homeless and who struggle with issues of chemical dependency, mental health, and domestic violence. Call or email Nancy Gale if you are interested: (763) 509-0622 (h) or (763) 350-2354 (c) or [email protected].

Advance Directives and Funeral Planning
Sundays, February 14, 21, & 28 from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM

A two session workshop on creating or updating your Advance Directives will be held in the Art Gallery. You should plan on attending both sessions. The instructor is Koinonia Program Director Mark Peterson, a veteran hospital chaplain. Mark is certified by the Minnesota Council of Churches to do Advanced Care planning. A third session on "Planning Your Funeral," taught by Pastor Sally Johnson, will be held on February 28. Once completed, you will have the option of storing your Advance Directives and Funeral Plan at Church. Register for these workshops www.hennepinchurch.org/register, or at the Reception Desk in Carlson Hall. There is no cost.

Zentangle...the art of drawing meditation
Wednesday, February 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

As a part of our Hands On Lent Year (HOLY), this class will lead folks in the practice of meditative drawing available to everyone. Simple techniques will be shared and the class will end with a short worship service.

The Jesus Fatwah
Love Your Muslim Neighbor As Yourself
Sundays, February 14, 21, & 28 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Feb. 14: From the people who created Living the Questions, this dvd based series weeds through the disinformation rooted in stereotype and watered by fear. Led by Rev. Bill Mate

Feb. 21:  The conversation continues in Islam 101: Misconceptions, Islam in America, Making Connections with Christians and Muslims. Led by Rev. Bill Mate.

Feb. 28:
 The conversation continues led by 17 Islamic and Christian scholars offering reliable information about what Muslims believe, how they live out their faith and how we can all be building relationships across the lines of faith.

Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot Box
February 24 at 7:00 PM in the Art Gallery

Produced by the Southern Poverty Law Center, this movie was made to remind us that this event, more than any other, moved the Civil Rights agenda in this country to enacted legislation. It is made from film shot at the time and a great reminder of the human spirit moving with resolve.

Open Yoga
Wednesdays at 5:30 PM & Saturdays at 11:00 AM

Feeling tired and achy? Struggling to find balance in your life? You need no yoga experience to practice.  Sessions move at a gentle pace offering tools to increase your strength and flexibility, calm and focus, mindfulness and gratitude. 

Worried about your age? One regular student is 82 years old. 

Don't have a yoga mat? Gently used mats are available. 

Come with loose clothing - pajamas and sweatpants welcome. Free will donation; first class free. Leader Leslie Ball is a certified instructor trained at both Kripalu Center and Corepower Yoga - with a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary. Email Leslie with any questions: [email protected] .

News from Koinonia

Several events are planned for the first few months of 2016, including: Ad Council Retreat (Jan 22-23); Created by God Youth Retreat (Feb 19-21); Women's Retreat (Apr 8-10); Confirmation Retreat (Apr 22-24). In the works: Art and Spirit Retreat, Men's Retreat, Birding Retreat, Dignity Center Retreat. Mark your calendars! 

For fun - visit 
https://www.facebook.com/KoinoniaRetreatCenter to see photos and videos of the New Year's Retreat.

Get Involved!

There are many ways to get involved at Hennepin with a range of time commitments. This week we ask you to consider:
  • Tour Guide Team: after the Sanctuary service lead a tour of the church with an emphasis on our incredible art to visitors and curious members, training is provided
  • Card Ministry: coordinate the sending of Get Well cards to our congregation
To learn about these opportunities and others email [email protected] or call the church office at 612-871-5303.

ArtReach Art Fair on September 17, 2016
Save the date! 

ArtReach is an all church event. Artists and volunteers are invited to participate!  Email [email protected] for more info.

Contributions
Thank you for all of your pledges! If you would still like to pledge for 2016, please click here for a printable pledge card, pick up a card at the church reception desk, or call 612-871-5303 to have one mailed.


Go to our event calendar at the HAUMC website to find out about upcoming events Hennepin Church.




One More Thing...

Worship With Us!

  8:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM11:15 AM
Submissions and Deadlines
The deadline for e-Spire is Noon on Monday for the upcoming Tuesday email. Please send to  [email protected] or drop off at church.  All submissions are subject to editing for space and content. Thanks for sharing your stories!