February 27, 2025 | Weekly Newsletter

"My heart shall sing of the day you bring, let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near, for the world is about to turn."  

Mary - Paraphrased in the Canticle of the Turning

Our final hymn last Sunday was based on Mary's song of freedom and determination: The Magnificat.

We joined our voices to proclaim that "the world is about to turn" toward God's vision of the hungry being fed and those outcast given welcome at the table of grace.

This is our ministry. We are a people who take up the song of freedom and we live it with courage, gusto, and hearts both broken and steadfast.

Last week we held two gatherings at Hennepin that turned us toward God's  justice vision made flesh. There were sixty who gathered in our Art Gallery - including 11 clergy from UM churches - to learn about community organizing and the power of relationship. We learned the importance of connections around justice issues. It is a beginning. Across the United Methodist connection in Minnesota - and beyond - the signal fires of justice-making are burning.

On Sunday we were hosts to a rainbow gathering. In our sanctuary, under the prayers of the peace cranes, LGBTQIA+ kindred, allies, and our elected officials gathered to hear how to fight back fear. Keith Ellison's office, Scott Dibble, Leigh Finke and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan were in our sanctuary to name the ways Minnesotans can fight against the hate-speak and intentional fear-mongering being stirred in our public arena.

I was proud to be your pastor. As I welcomed them and named our commitment to full inclusion since 1994, the applause was spontaneous affirmation of the witness of this church.

Friends, we are part of a movement dedicated to flipping the tables of injustice.

We sing. We pray. We organize. We gather. We say "no". We will not be silenced.

The world is turning, this we know. We will do all we can to ensure that our hearts continue to sing of the day God brings when the fires of justice burn for all people.

Thank you for your witness.

Pastor Elizabeth

Friends, we know blessing because of Pastor Laura. Her recent announcement of a new appointment stirs up gratitude and grief, you can read it below. As we celebrate with her we want to celebrate her. Laura's last Sunday will be June 1st. She will then have the three month renewal leave she so richly deserves. The Bishop and Cabinet of the Minnesota Annual Conference are meeting with our Governance Board shortly to discern our next pastoral fit.  

A Message from Pastor Laura Hannah

Beloved Hennepin Avenue UMC, With deep gratitude, I want to share Bishop Lanette Plambeck’s intention to appoint me to The Grove in Woodbury and Cottage Grove, and I along with the Core Team of The Grove affirm the Bishop’s intention. My last Sunday at Hennepin will be June 1st, and I will be appointed to The Grove on July 1st. As already announced, I will be on renewal leave from June 2nd through August 31st, and I am thankful for this... Read More.

Mardi Gras Brunch

Sunday, March 2 at 11:15am in Koinonia Hall

Our brunch Super Stars are whipping up another incredible meal, this time with a festive Mardi Gras twist! Inspired by the flavors and traditions of New Orleans, our crew is planning a special brunch menu just for the occasion. Indulge in delicious bites while soaking in the fun and energy of our annual Variety Show—we’ll provide the beads, the king cake, and a joyful atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy great food and entertainment all in one lively celebration! View Event.

Stand with Trans Youth: Join Pastor Elizabeth at the Capitol

Monday, March 3 at 2pm at the Capitol

A bill, HF 12, which seeks to ban transgender youth from participating in sports, is moving to the floor of the Minnesota House on Monday, March 3.

Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, Lead Pastor of Hennepin Avenue UMC, has been invited by OutFront Minnesota to lead a prayer, affirming the inherent worth of all children and calling for a future where every young person is safe and supported. Read More and Join Us.

Creation Collective: Basics of Permaculture Seminar

Sunday, March 9 at 11:15am in the Art Gallery

Sandy Christie, Certified Permaculture Designer and retired Architect, will present the Basics of Permaculture design on Sunday, March 9th from 11:15am-12:30pm in the Art Gallery.

• Permaculture = Permanent + Agriculture. It was developed by two Australians, Bill Mollison & David Holmgren
• David Holmgren: “Permaculture is consciously designed... Read More and View Event.

Youth Brainstorming Session

Sunday, March 9 at 11:30am in the Church of Youth

All kids, youth and parents of 6th-12th graders are invited to a special brainstorming session on Sunday, March 9th at 11:30am in the Church of Youth. Many youth and parents have expressed interest in doing more to build a community that is deeply supportive of our middle school and youth members. Stakeholder ideas and feedback are critical to developing programming that youth and parents agree is... Read More and View Event.

Love One Another Hymn Festival

Saturday, March 15th at 2pm in the Sanctuary

You are invited! Hennepin is hosting the Love One Another Hymn Festival led by children and youth on March 15th at 2pm. Whether you want to participate or are simply interested in listening to the wonderful sounds, all are welcome.

If you want to learn more or know someone who might be interested in participating, follow this link. Please register by March 1.

This Week in Hennepin History

Written by Phil Wala

This week we share some more clips from the 80-year-old color movie film found in the church archives. This time, the clips highlight music at Hennepin Avenue Church in the early 1940s. There is no sound, but you will see singing at a University of Life meeting, Mildred Nye directing the youth chorus, and Thure Fredrickson directing the choir from the organ. Fredrickson was organist, choir director... Watch the video and see more history!

What We Learned Last Sunday

Learning and Fun!

Our lesson was about the Beatitudes. We discussed that God’s vision for the world is very upside down from what we actually see a lot of the time. We shared our thoughts about how many in our society value money and fame, but Jesus was teaching that love and compassion were the greatest blessings of all.

Coming Up This Sunday

Service Sunday and Communion!

We will follow the same format that we used for the first Sunday of February by combining Service Sunday with Communion Sunday. Please sign in your kids and then have them head straight to the education wing. Younger kids will work together to create 50 hygiene kits for the Dignity Center while older kids will work to complete the tie blankets that they started a few weeks ago! We will begin work on our service projects right away, and then come in as a group for communion. After being served communion, kids will return to the education wing where parents will pick them up!

To submit event announcements to be published on the public events calendar, please send all the details to communications@haumc.org.

To plan your event, including reserving rooms, email scheduling@haumc.org.

For story ideas or editorial content, you can email commsdirector@haumc.org. All content is subject to the discretion of the editorial team.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church www.haumc.org