Your Weekly Newsletter
for all things Hennepin
| | | Grounding in Faith with Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay | | |
Hennepin has hosted two excellent gatherings over the past week. Both gatherings featured authors who invite us to pay attention to the role of faith in private and corporate life. How are the stories of our faith being used by persons in power? Are the words and phrases spoken on the lips of leaders reflective of the heart of the Christ?
What would Jesus do hearing the words of our faith being used to justify war, division, persecution and public execution? We know the answer to that question: "Woe to you, scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites" (Matthew 23).
The question for each of us is this: How do we listen with our heart for the truth of faithful teachings? From where does truth come as so many are jousting for our allegiances and hearts?
I invite us each to: Listen for grace. Listen for compassion. Listen for wisdom. Listen for humility. Listen for coherence. Do the utterances being trotted out to fire up passions spring from the power of the Beatitude blessings of Jesus? Do they help us to see the sacred in each and in all?
One of my favorite writers and teachers is the Rev. Cameron Trimble. Cameron came to lead us through our Strategic Ministry plan process for both the church and The Dignity Center. Cameron writes a daily reflection (Piloting Faith on Substack) raising our hearts and hopes in this fraught time. Sign up. Her reflections will come to your inbox daily.
I am excited to share that Cameron will be in our pulpit on Sunday! She will preach and remind us of the power of our grounding in faith.
Are these easy days? No. Do we have the power of communal resistance and blessing? Yes. Get outside this MEA weekend, eat apples and crunch leaves under your feet. Inhale the sweetness of the earth.
And, come to church on Sunday. You'll be blessed. I promise.
Pastor Elizabeth
| | HAUMC Community Notes & News | | |
Singing in Community: Pre- & Post-Election Sing
Monday, Nov 2 & Wednesday, Nov 4 | 6:30–7:30pm | Sanctuary
On the days before and after the election, you are invited to gather with neighbors to raise your voice in song. We will build solidarity in expressing all that we bring to the gathering—grief, hope, anger, peace, love—there is room for all. We will meet in the sanctuary of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church 6:30–7:30pm on November 2 and 4. Songs will be short and simple enough to learn by ear. The HAUMC Singing Resistance group will lead the singing.
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From Sep 29-Oct 1, four of our staff members attended the Momentum Leadership Institute at The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. Christy Key (Executive Pastor), Adam Froehling (Facilities Director), Carly Swenson (Director of Communications) and Zach Hammill (Multimedia Producer) attended three days of workshops and informational sessions. They have come back with inspiration and ideas to revitalize and innovate aspects of communication, facilities management and signage, as well as new approaches to congregational care and community support!
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Elections are Tuesday, Nov 3! Make your voting plan!
Are you registered to vote? Check your status, or register here.
Find your early voting polling locations here. In-person absentee voting began Sept 18. In-person early voting begins Oct 18. You can also find early voting "pop-up" locations here. Pop-up locations are open for one day.
Are you familiar with the candidates? Click here and enter your address to receive a list of all candidates that will be on your ballot to help you prepare for Election Day.
How do you plan to get to the polls? Click here to learn more about early voting, town halls, polling accessibility, and more.
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NEW Exhibition on Display in Carlson Hall!
Bearing Witness featuring photography by John Arthur Anderson
The HAUMC Fine Arts Team is pleased to feature photography that bears witness to the Twin Cities community, culture, and resistance to social injustice; as well as photography that bears witness to nature and creation’s rare flowers and precious wildlife.
Mark Your Calendars: John Arthur Anderson will be here for an Artist Talk on Friday, Nov 6 at 6:30pm.
Stop by Carlson Hall anytime between now and Nov 15 to view Bearing Witness.
To learn more about John Arthur Anderson, please click here!
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Trunk hosts NEEDED for Trunk or Treat!
Sunday, October 25
2–4pm | Parking lot
We need YOU to help make Trunk or Treat a spooktacular success! Decorate your trunk with spooky, silly, or festive Halloween themes, and help us hand out some candy to trick-or-treaters in our parking lot! You can bring your own candy to hand out, or Hennepin will have a few bags to get you started. If you or someone you know would like to host a trunk, sign up here!
This event is open to everyone—invite your friends, family, and neighbors for some candy, creativity, and community!
Can't make it? Donate a bag of candy! Collection bin is in the east entry. Click here for trunk inspiration!
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Big thanks to those who have gotten their flu and covid vaccines this fall! If you haven't had a chance to do so- make your appointment today! Getting these vaccines not only protects you, you are also helping protect your family, church community, and greater community! Last flu season we lost 179 children to the flu, (85-90% of these children were not vaccinated) and in total we lost about 24,000 people.
Both vaccines are available at your primary care clinic, or a neighborhood Walgreens or CVS. If you have questions or concerns about these life-saving vaccines, don't hesitate to call or email me!
Your Parish Nurse,
Brenna (brenna@haumc.org | 612-435-1316)
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Lost and Found: THREE more days to claim lost items! | Carlson Hall
Have you lost anything recently? There is a lost and found set up in Carlson Hall through THIS Sunday, October 18. If you see something that belongs to you, please grab it! All unclaimed items will be donated to the Dignity Center if they are not picked up by the end of the day on Sunday, October 18. Click the images above to enlarge.
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Join us for a Movie Benefit for Groveland Food Shelf!
Sunday, November 1 | 1pm | $15
The Heights Theater, Columbia Heights
Join us for the 25th Annual Groveland Food Shelf Benefit! Bring your family and join us at the historic Heights Theater for a screening of the classic Muppet Movie! Follow Kermit and the entire Muppet family on a hilarious, music-filled cross-country adventure, featuring beloved stars of the late '70s. Before the show, Ed Copeland will entertain us on the Heights' Mighty Wurlitzer!
Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will benefit Groveland Food Shelf. We will also be accepting non-perishable food and cash donations to help keep our neighbors fed.
Enjoy a family night out with a classic movie, while contributing to an important cause! Tickets can be reserved ahead of time to guarantee your spot.
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This Week at Hennepin | October 15–22
Click on each event name to learn more! Weekly ongoing events can be found on our online calendar.
| | | THURSDAY | October 15 | | Grief Support Group | 4–5pm | Longfellow Room & Zoom
The death of a loved one whether it be a spouse, a child, a sibling or a close friend, can be the source of great pain or depression. If the burden still weighs you down, come and find understanding and comfort to lighten your load. All are welcome whether the loss is recent or in the past. | | Disability Action Team Meeting | 6:30–7:30pm | Zoom
The Disability Action team explores the ways HAUMC can be more inclusive and supportive of members and visitors with a wide range of disabilities, including those with chronic illness and mental health concerns, along with their allies and advocates. | | Monthly Book Club | 7–8pm | Zoom
Do you enjoy reading? Join the Hennepin Book Club! We meet once a month via Zoom for an hour long discussion about a new book each month. Invite your reading friends, too! Books can typically be read through local libraries or inexpensive websites like thriftbooks.com.
October Book: The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett | | | | FRIDAY | October 16 | | Friday Bible Study | 9–10am | Harrison Room & Zoom
Join us for conversation, study, and fellowship with our new name, new time, and new study text! We’re using Adult Bible Studies from Abingdon Press and Cokesbury. All are welcome! People are invited to drop-in throughout the season and year as their schedules allow. | | Coffee & Connection with Pastor Elizabeth | 10–11:30am | Longfellow Room & Zoom
Join Pastor Elizabeth for a weekly time of sharing conversation, coffee, and topical study! Come for an opportunity to find your unique path to spiritual growth—there is coffee and a fine group of humans to enjoy! We are starting a new book this week!
NEW Book: Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler | | | | SATURDAY | October 17 | | Downtown Minneapolis Grief Coalition | 10–11:30am | Ed Wing & Border Chapel | Registration for meetings begins at 9:30am
Find support at the Grief Coalition—a safe space for adults to grieve the death of a spouse or partner, family member or friend, or child. Each week, gatherings will begin with a 30-minute presentation from a different speaker about a topic related to grief and loss, followed by small group discussions.
October 17 Speaker & Topic: Julie Bonde: The Dragonfly Project | | | | SUNDAY | October 18 | | Queer Justice Team | 9–9:55am | Room 106
Join the Queer Justice Team at HAUMC! People of all backgrounds are welcome. Come discuss how our church can better take action to build our beloved queer community and support our LGBTQIA+ friends in our city at large. | | Blood Pressure Clinic & Depression Screenings | 11am–12pm | Library
Stop by the library after service on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month for free blood pressure checks and depression screenings, or to discuss health concerns and learn about resources. | | Hope for Creation | 11:15am–12:30pm | Longfellow Room
The Hope for Creation class continues this fall with more curriculum from Garrett Seminary’s Midwest Bioregional Hub. Knowing that the land is our first teacher, we will spend seven Sundays bringing design principles together with ecological practices. Our foundation is always a reading from an eco-theologian followed by good conversation. You are welcome any and all Sundays! | | Reflection | 11:30am–12:15pm | Harrison Room
Reflection is a Sunday morning gathering after worship service for discussion of important religious concepts in an intimate, informal setting. Those gathering gain insights by sharing personal experiences and beliefs, and develop a stronger sense of community through their sharing. Both observers and participants are welcome. | | Living the Questions: Intergenerational Faith Forums | 11:30am–12:30pm | Art Gallery
Enjoy lectures and engaging discussions about history and contemporary themes related to progressive Christianity.
Oct 18: The Bible | Living the Questions DVD
The authority of the Bible plays an important role in one's understanding and participation in Christian worship and practice. Let's hear and learn from teachers and each other. | | Centering Prayer | 11:30am–12:30pm | Border Chapel
Led by Bob Williams, Rev. Christy Key, and Rev. Cindy McCalmont, Centering Prayer is a method of Christian prayer that emphasizes resting in God's presence. In this 6-week class, Bob, Christy, and Cindy will talk about the history of Centering Prayer, share what it has meant in their lives, and then provide ample opportunity for the group to pray and discuss. | | | | | |
Crafting with Queers | 11:30am–1:30pm | Carlson Hall
All are invited to join the Queer Justice Team for a fun afternoon of creativity! We'll provide the basic supplies and instructions for 2-3 simple artistic projects -OR- if you have something you're working on, please bring your own creative project to do! October's featured craft is making Sun Prints (sunshine permitting). Questions? Email Ellen Sundell!
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Disciple Bible Study with Bill Tipping | 6:30–7:45pm | Zoom **BACK after break!**
Winter’s Journey into Spring | We will meet weekly and explore the Bible—Genesis all the way through Revelation. Scripture readings will be sent via email a week or so before class and typically take about 20 minutes to read (you do not have to complete the readings to participate each week). This is a unique small group experience and our learning and inspiration will come from each other. All are welcome, drop in as your schedule allows!
| | | TUESDAY | October 20 | | Bible Study with Rev. Cooper Wiggen | 10–11:30am | Harrison Room
Tuesday Bible Study emphasizes soul, fun, fellowship, and the seeking of wisdom as Christ Followers. Learning more about the texts from Sunday worship will be the fall subject. To learn more, connect with Rev. Cooper Wiggen. | | Hennepin Community Garden | 6–8pm | Parking lot
Join Creation Collective and others in caring for our garden! We meet on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer and into the fall, weather permitting. Local produce harvested throughout the fall will be donated to Groveland Food Shelf and Community Meals. Anyone is welcome to join us, no experience needed! | | | | WEDNESDAY | October 21 | | The Art of Building Community | 12–1:30pm | Dignity Center
Meet with guests from the Dignity Center and share a home cooked lunch, followed by an art project led by a local artist. Help us build a compassionate community through art and shared experiences! To RSVP, email Brenna Healy.
This series has been made possible with a grant from the Minnesota Annual Conference. | | Mental Health Team Meeting | 12:15–1:15pm | Longfellow Room & Zoom
The Mental Health Team meets monthly to plan ways to reduce myths around mental illness, to help people connect to resources in the community, and to create a mental-health friendly, stigma free congregation. | | Congregational Care Meeting | 4:30–5:30pm | Longfellow Room & Zoom
The Congregational Care Advisory Board oversees all the Care ministries of the church, including the one-on-one work of the Care Team and ongoing educational opportunities for the entire congregation. | | Compline: Calming Night Prayer | 8–8:30pm | Zoom
Seeking spiritual renewal and a peaceful heart as you prepare for sleep? Join us for Compline, a calming night prayer offering reflection and rest in God’s presence. | | | | | |
Every Body Belongs: An Evening with Dr. Amy Kenny
Monday, October 26 | 6:30–8pm | Zoom
The Minnesota Annual Conference Disabilities Ministries Committee and Office of Racial Equity and Justice invite people with and without disabilities—including clergy, laity, ministry leaders, and community members—to a 90-minute virtual conversation with Dr. Amy Kenny, scholar, author of My Body Is Not a Prayer Request, and advocate for accessible spaces of faith. To read more about Amy Kenny and register for this event, click here!
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Halloween Movie Night: The Night of the Hunter (1955 Thriller)
Thursday, October 29 | 6–9pm | Art Gallery
The Queer Justice Team presents... a viewing of the movie, "The Night of the Hunter", followed by a short Q&A with local filmmakers. Movie refreshments will be provided! Please feel free to bring your own comfortable folding chairs, if you'd like. Costumes are welcome but certainly not required. All are welcome! Read more here.
While this movie isn't officially rated, we'd consider it PG-13. Read the synopsis here. If you have any questions, contact Rachael.
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40 Years in the Wilderness: A Webinar on how the Church Can Support Those with HIV and AIDS
Tuesday, November 3 | 12pm | Online | Registration Fee: $40 (sliding scale)
Registration deadline: Monday, Nov 2
For more than forty years, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has challenged society and the church to confront stigmas, foster understanding, and extend compassion. In this webinar, Rev. Dr. Justin Shamell will explore the historical and theological roots of stigm in the church, data on individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and practical steps congregations can take to create ministries of compassion. To learn more about this upcoming webinar, the facilitators, and to register, please click here.
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Prayer Requests
We invite you to pray for our community and our world, for even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. Romans 8:26
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- Randy Minyard
- Noah
- Jim and Bill
- Phillip Duffy
- Judy Sranmark
- Keith Sjoquist
- Mother of James Leavens
- Terra Anderson and her father, Cory
- Kadie Kinsler
- Donald Turner
- Ross DePriest
- Sergei Gulika
- Vada Bean
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- Ksenia Zubairova
- Diana Kate Scherbert
- Hospitalization: Dickens Deutsch, Karen Knutson
- Treatment for cancer: Kristin Shardlow, Janet Jacobs, Michael Sampica, Sarah Shapiro, Ephim, Scott Fredrickson, Rev. David Wheeler
- Recovery from cancer: Svetlana Gulika
- For those who have died: Karen Andrew
- For all suffering from addiction
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What We Learned Last Sunday
October 11: Learning & Fun! It was Bible Sunday! 3-year-olds and 3rd graders received bibles during Children's Time in worship. In our classes, Hennepin Kids learned about Abraham and Sarah's visitors and 3rd graders tested their knowledge playing bible golf. Club 67 learned about Abraham and Sarah, and the older teens finally began discussing, "What We Talk About When We Talk About God."
Coming Up This Sunday
October 18: Learning & Fun! Hennepin Kids will learn about Isaac's Blessing, Club 67 will learn about Jacob, and older youth will continue with their book study and talk about how the world is way bigger and way weirder than we think.
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