Call of Faith Page 1

Call of Faith Faith United Methodist Church Telephone: 612-781-3167 2708 33 Avenue N.E.

St. Anthony Village, MN 55418 Web: www.faithumchurch.com

Faith is Handicap Accessible Email: Faith@faithumchurch.com

January 2013 Edition

In This Issue Page

Around the Parish 8, 9, 10

Children's Corner 8

Church Calendar 11

Church News 1, 5

Community Connections 7

Did You Know? 6

Extend and Serve 7

For the Beauty of the Earth 4

Over the Coffee 2, 3

Youth Arcade 3

Church Contacts

Pastor Rev. Leigh Brown Pastor@faithumchurch.com

Director of Music Jo Halvorsen Joh@faithumchurch.com

Director of Faith Formation Rev. Susan Mullin Smullin@faithumchurch.com (Hours: Tues. Wed. Thu. 10:00 - 4:00) Communication & Facility Kristin Erlandsen Kerlandsen@faithumchurch.com Administrator (Hours: Mon. 9:00-4:00, Wed. & Thu. 9:00-3:30)

Finance & Membership Janet Olson Jolson@faithumchurch.com Administrator (Hours: Tues. & Wed. 8:30 - 3:30, Fri. 8:30-2:30)

Organist Marie Kuglin

Treasurer Rod Long

Church News

Worship Schedule

Sundays: 9:00 AM Adult Christian Education 10:00 AM Fellowship Time 10:30 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM Christian Education for Children and Youth

Wednesdays: 6:30 PM Contemplative Worship

If you need nursery care for your children

during Adult Christian Education on Sunday

morning please contact

the church office at 612-

781-3167 by Wednesday.

We will happily

arrange for childcare!

All Church Meeting

Sunday, February 10 11:30 AM (after worship)

All are encouraged

to attend.

Topics will include: • A review of 2012 reports • Election of leadership for

2013 • Adoption of the 2013 budget • Membership changes

Birthday Bash & Non-Talent Show Sunday, January 20, 3:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to join us for the 6th Annual Birthday Bash and Non-Talent Show. Sit at the table of your birth month and enjoy your specially decorated birthday cake. In addition, we will have beverages, great fellowship, and a delightful Non-Talent Show.

For the Non-Talent Show, you may volunteer to sing, dance, play an instrument, tell a joke, or anything else you want.

If you would like to volunteer for baking a themed cake or participate in the Non-Talent Show, please sign up in the Commons. Contact Jo Halvorsen if you have questions.

Call of Faith Page 2

Over the Coffee by Rev. Leigh Brownby Rev. Leigh Brownby Rev. Leigh Brownby Rev. Leigh Brown

Faith UMC is in a unique position in our existence – hovering in size between a “pastoral” church (attendance of

51 to 150, clergy-led) and a “program” church (attendance of 151 to 400, with strong participation of laity in pro-grams for all ages and in pastoral care.) Our Sunday morning worship attendance at Faith averages about 150. Sometimes it is difficult to make this transition in our heads. Members occasionally compare our ministries today to the Faith of the 1970s, when we were a strong “program” church. Sometimes members bring me bulletins and bro-chures from “corporate” size churches with 400 to 1000 in attendance, or even from mega-churches of 1,000 or more. The question – spoken or unspoken – is, “Why can’t we do this?”

In addition to being a bit smaller in size at Faith, we are increasing in age (I mean the congregation, not the organi-zation!) Did you know:

That we have 12 children in grades K – 5? That we have no 9th grade confirmation class this year?

Why does any of this matter? Our size determines how we operate from an administrative standpoint, as well as what the ministry and daily life of our church looks like. And our age range determines our sustainability.

Despite the challenges, I think that we are at a promising time in our church life – a tipping point.

It is impossible to maintain ourselves at this tipping point forever. As Alice Mann writes in her book Raising the Roof: The Pastoral to Program Size Transition, a church in transition is a very uncomfortable place to be. It is a church of too few trying to do too much with too little. It is a church that wants a program church agenda (children’s programs, youth group activities, retreats, a large music program, social justice opportunities, small groups, etc.), but has a pastoral size congregation to implement and fill this diverse array of activities. This burns out church members, staff, and clergy. It strains budgets.

So how do we make the jump? In The Church Growth Handbook William Easum says, "The basic law of congrega-tional life is that churches grow when they intentionally reach out to people instead of concentrating on their institu-tional needs." If we do this, I believe that we at Faith United Methodist Church are well-positioned to grow in size and vitality. Consider:

• We are a Reconciling Congregation, unique in our neighborhood. A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 53 percent of Americans say gay marriage should be legal, up from 36 percent in just 2006. Support for gay marriage reaches 69 percent among adults under age 30. Seven in 10 Americans report hav-ing a friend, family member or acquaintance who is gay or lesbian.

• We offer a creative approach to Christian Education with our rotation model Sunday School curriculum. Our teachers and leaders are well-loved by our kids. And our renovated Sunday School and youth rooms are de-signed to attract children and youth and spark creativity.

• We have a high quality blended music program and worship service, and prolific talent within our congrega-tion. Our music director, organist, band and bell leaders are first class! Our youth can master the accordion in six months! Our children sing like angels! We have piano players of all ages, guitarists, percussionists, flut-ists, various band and orchestra members and even a didgeridoo player (a didgeridude!)

• We offer a variety of hands-on and financial mission opportunities for all ages. We are active in fighting hunger in our community, repairing homes in Appalachia and educating children in Nicaragua. We played a role in helping our Conference to lead the United Methodist initiative to combat malaria in Africa.

- continued on page 3 -

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Over the Coffee by Rev. Leigh Brownby Rev. Leigh Brownby Rev. Leigh Brownby Rev. Leigh Brown

• We are friendly; committed to caring for our members and growing in spiritual vitality. We hear testimo-nies of this commitment to care for each other every Sunday morning. We have volunteers that visit the homebound, prepare meals for the ill and grieving, knit prayer shawls and baby blankets, make cards and help with driving and other needs.

• We have a beautiful and functional church building.

In 2013 we are proposing a new model for church leadership to empower us in this time of transition. We are separating the elected committees of the church (trustees, finance and staff-parish relations) from the mission and vision activities of the church. The elected committees will provide support for the mission goals, but not define them. This means that everyone is free to participate in the missional ministry of the church without being tied to the elected committee structure. (Unless you want to be tied to committee meetings... some folks have a gift for administration – and we need you!) You can commit to a ministry for one activity, for a short period of time, or ongoing. You can try new things. You can start a movement!

We are the church together. We will continue to inform you of ministry opportunities. And if you are interesting in becoming involved in any area of the church, please contact either Susan or myself and we will connect you with the right people. We need your passion and creativity, and we want you to use your time in a way that energizes you.

For more on growing the church, see “Did you know...” on page 6.

Youth Arcade

REGISTER NOW!! - UMY's 2013

Registration Forms due is January 10th

(Forms Available in the Commons)

What's Your Journey?

February 1-3, 2013

Doubletree Hotel,

St. Louis Park, MN

Cost $140/person

Grades 9-12

Keynote Speaker: Shalom R. Agtarap, Pastor, Ellensburg First

UMC, Ellensburg Washington

We are excited to be able to work with a nationally known youth / young adult speaker in the United Methodist Church!!! Her blog is featured on UMC.org.

Confirmation Classes

January 2 - No Class - Christmas Break

January 9 - Promised Land - What is God's Role in War?

January 16 - Promised Land - What Will My Future Bring?

January 23 - Davidic Rule - What Makes a Good Leader?

Youth Game Night & Pizza Party

Friday, February 8, 4:00-7:00 PM For youth in grades 6-12

If you like to play pool, foosball, wii tennis, Apples to Apples, or Settlers of Catan – this event is for you! Come meet other United Method-ist Youth from Faith, Fridley, Commu-nity, and Northeast UMCs. We will play games, eat pizza, and talk about future events and service projects. Bring a friend! Bring the games you want to play! We will supply the food.

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For the Beauty of the Earth by Rev. Susan Mullin

Bill McKibben is a writer. And a United Methodist. His first book, The End of Nature, was published in

1989. It is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change. He thought once peo-

ple read his book they would act to reduce the production of green-house gases and prevent climate

change. As the years passed and little changed, Bill realized that change is not so easy… and he has

rolled up his sleeves and gotten to work on grass-roots organizing.

An interview with Bill McKibben was published in The United Methodist Reporter on February 3, 2012.

He was asked, “How would you assess United Methodist involvement in “creation care,” specifically

such issues as global warming?” Bill responded, “I think the denomination has taken all the right posi-

tions, and I think it hasn’t meant much.” Ouch. The social principles and resolutions of the United

Methodist church are only as strong as the willingness of people like us to become involved and en-

gaged in these issues. If our principles are only words on paper, they don’t mean much.

I recently had the opportunity to see Bill McKibben speak at the Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University

of Minnesota. He was on the road promoting divestment of stock in fossil fuel companies. He calls it the

“Do the Math” tour. Here’s the math:

• 2o centigrade – The nations of the world have agreed that we should limit the increase in average

global temperature to two degrees centigrade (Copenhagen Accord, 2009). This is far from a per-

fect scenario. (Think of this year’s drought and Superstorm Sandy).

• 565 gigatons – the amount of carbon that we can release into the atmosphere by mid-century

without exceeding an increase of 2 degrees centigrade in global temperature.

• 2,795 gigatons – the amount of carbon already contained in the proven coal and oil and gas re-

serves of the fossil-fuel companies, and the countries (think Venezuela or Kuwait) that act like

fossil-fuel companies. In short, it's the fossil fuel we're currently planning to burn.

The main point of the “Do the Math” tour is that we are already planning to burn five times as much car-

bon as we can afford to burn and still maintain anything resembling our current climate. This is scary

math. But our God says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are

mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b). We have each been called by name – baptized into a new life in Christ.

Bill McKibben asks us, as people of faith, to consider whether we can in good conscience make a profit

from an industry that threatens the future of our planet. Specifically he is asking us to not purchase ad-

ditional stock in fossil fuel companies, and to gradually divest of the stock we currently hold (individually

and collectively) over the next five years. I think it is a good question for us to consider. How do we in-

vest our time and our money? Does our investment reflect our life in Christ?

For more information check out the Calendar of Events on our website: www.faithumchurch.com. Church office hours are generally: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM.

Call of Faith Page 5

Church News (continued)

January Faith Forum

Jan. 6 TBD

Jan. 13 Refugee Services. Kristin Zoellner - Team Coordinator for Education, MN Council of Churches.

Jan. 20 Newgate Education Center (where donated cars fund automotive training). Ron Severson.

Jan. 27 Our Changing Climate. Rev. Susan Mullin - MN Interfaith Power & Light.

Chancel Flower Sign-up

If you are interested in providing flowers for Sunday mornings in 2013, please sign-up on the chart in the Commons. Cost is $30 per Sunday.

Upcoming Lectionary Scriptures:

Jan. 6 Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12

Jan. 13 Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3;15-17, 21-22

All are encouraged to attend on Thursdays at noon!

New Bible Study Class!

Rev. Andy Keck, Director of Library Services at Luther Seminary, will be leading a 6-week study of “By Water and the Spirit.” What does it mean to be baptized? Learn how our baptismal covenant relates to discipleship in daily life. This class will meet in the Ebenezer Room starting Sunday, January 6. All are welcome! Attend one class or all six. If you sign up in the Commons, we will be sure to order enough books for every-one who plans to attend.

Old Log Theater

Sunday, February 3 (leaving right after worship) Cost of $50 includes the bus, lunch, and a ticket to the play

Liven up your winter by joining us to go see Perfect Wedding – A riotous comedy about a man who wakes up on the morning of his wedding with a dreadful hangover, a bump on his head and a stranger in his bed. This sets off a chain of comic disasters, lame excuses and false confessions, leaving every-one in the wedding party hopelessly befuddled and the audience aching with laughter. A nonstop, de-lirious comedy and touching love story. If you would like to attend but need financial assistance, please contact Susan Mullin or Pastor Leigh. Watch for the signup sheet in January.

Minneapolis School Fair

Showcase

Explore all of your public and charter school possibilities

Saturday, January 12 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

at the Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 - 2nd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN

MN Reconciling Ministries Potluck Saturday, January 26 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

at Faith Church!

Please join us for a potluck luncheon and bring your friends! Folks from many Twin Cities area Reconciling Churches will gather here at Faith to share ideas, a meal, and fellowship. Everyone is welcome!

Call of Faith Page 6

Did You Know?

Did you know…

The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ

for the transformation of the world.

Local churches like Faith UMC provide the most significant arena through which

disciple-making occurs. This is a four-fold task….We could abbreviate our mission

as one of welcoming-worshiping-nurturing-sending.

We reach out to people and welcome them into the church

[Note: This is a critical task and our growing edge at Faith]

We have a direct responsibility for people of the “world” around our church, the community in which we

and others study, work, shop, play, and so forth. In this world are people with many hurts, doubts, and

questions. There are some who are new in the community and feel a little lost, some who are proudly self-

sufficient, and others who are in desperate circumstances. Our mission is to reach out to them, listen to

them, accept them, share the gospel in word and deed, invite them into the family of faith, and joyfully

receive all who will respond.

We relate people to God and help them deepen their relationship with God

The second task in making disciples is to offer people opportunities for growing closer to God. Whether

they are visitors or old-time members, just beginning the journey of faith or well along the road—all are in

need of God’s love in Christ. Through worship, prayer, study, and honest sharing, we help one another dis-

cover that the Holy Spirit is not far off but present with us, wanting an open and loving friendship with

each of us—not only friendship but commitment as well. Through our congregation’s various ministries we

encourage one another to give our selves to Christ, to ground our lives in the living God.

We nurture people in Christian living

Third, our congregation’s mission is to nurture people of all ages in the Christian faith and to help them

practice the disciplines of discipleship. The church exists not to serve itself but to serve the world. We

come to church not only for our own personal enrichment but also to prepare ourselves to do the work of

love and to get ready to be Christ’s disciples in the community. Through worship, baptism, Communion,

Bible study, prayer, and other means of grace, we’re strengthened for ministry.

We support people in their ministry

As members of the congregation, we’re sent into the community to serve those in need and to make our

community more loving and just. We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us in these minis-

tries and that wherever there’s need and suffering, we meet Christ, already at work. But still, we cannot be

effective in ministry on our own. So the congregation exists, in part, to surround and support each mem-

ber in his or her ministry. We do not always succeed in our efforts to be faithful disciples in the world. But

with the loving support of the community of faith, we can continue to grow.

The four tasks are reprinted from umc.org

The Call of Faith is the newsletter of Faith United Methodist Church, St. Anthony, MN. Next deadline is Monday, January 14, 2012. Please include information through February. Contact Kristin Erlandsen at 612-781-3167, or email to Kerland-sen@faithumchurch.com.

Call of Faith Page 7

Extend and Serve

Community Connections

Make a Difference

86 New Refugee Arrivals: Welcome Them Home

In the past two months, the Minnesota Council of Churches has had 86 new refugees ar-

rive with dreams of a new and stable life of opportunity. All of these refugees are in need of

household items to furnish their new homes. We’re asking for your help since we currently

have very few items in stock to give to new families. In particular we need help stocking their kitchens with

items such as bake ware, mixing bowls, pots and pans, silverware, and cooking utensils. We also need dining

tables and chairs so families can share a meal together. Please spread the word and help us meet this great

need. Donations can be brought to the Minnesota Church Center at 122 West Franklin Ave Suite 100, Minnea-

polis, MN 55408 during business hours. If you have questions or are scheduling a furniture delivery, please

contact Kristin at 612-230-3219 or at kristin.zoellner@mnchurches.org.

…And More Baby Blankets!

Did you know that our church provides space for a childbirth class? Most weeks, there is a

group of young adults coming to our church to prepare for the birth of their child. The Chris-

tian Education Team would like to bless these new parents with a baby blanket and a book

called Give Me Grace: A Child’s Daybook of Prayers. If you would like to donate baby blankets,

please bring them to the church office and label them “for new parents.” We are looking for

receiving blankets (approximately 34” to 36” square). They can be hand-made or store bought.

Minnesota is truly blessed with natural beauty; our lakes, forests, the Boundary Waters, Lake Superior, and so much more in all parts of our state. Our Camping Ministry is now focused on growing a wilder-ness/adventure program that will bring campers of all ages into a closer relationship with both Creation and our Creator

Camp Minnesota is putting into place a multi-step program that will take campers (of all ages) through progressively challenging adventures, unforgettable "fun", life-long friends, and provide the needed train-

ing and experienced leadership along the way. Campers and leaders will learn to "slow down" and experience something totally different from their normal life routines. Staff will guide and be ready for those teachable moments where the experience will point to God.

Elementary campers! Camp in the woods, cook over a fire, canoe, swim, hike, fish, shoot archery, and much more while you gain the needed skills to take you on even greater adventures. Have so much fun doing something new! See the stars like never before and grow in your knowledge of nature and of God!

Junior High campers! Grow in your outdoor skills and knowledge. Base camp at KoWaKan on the edge of the Boundary Waters, with high-level canoeing, kayaking, hiking, wilderness camping, plus so much more! Enjoy a unique style of fun and a relaxing pace different from your normal life. Make your first wilderness trip into the BWCA or other wilderness area! Learn about community and about personal growth. Get ready for even greater adventures!

Senior High! Take highly challenging treks into the BWCA and other wilderness areas. Backpack into the Rocky Mountains, sail or kayak the Apostle Islands, rock climb, tree-climb, catch your largest fish, AND learn to be a leader. Gain multiple skills that will guide you into a life of adventure and appreciation for the wilderness and all of Crea-tion! Prepare to become a camp or church leader!

Senior High may also sign up to serve as "Service Staff" to learn even more about what it takes to become a leader or servant in a wilderness camp setting. A part of your stay at camp will include your own BWCA adventure! Campers & Parents --- Start looking now for those Camp Minnesota camps offered in 2013 that will start you on this path of adventure and learning. Call the Camping Office at 612-230-CAMP (2267) to find out more.

Call of Faith Page 8

Sunday School Happenings

Children's Corner

After Christmas Kids Bells Bowling

Party!

Sunday, January 6 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

No experience required. Bring your parents! Invite your friends!

Just let Janet Schafer know how many are coming: 651-639-1683.

Children from 4 years old to 5th

grade will be learning about the

Disciples using art, Bible skills and

games, cooking, and drama. They

will be learning that a disciple is

anybody who tries to follow Jesus

by studying his words, actions, teachings, and story.

Doing this changes your life!

Think about ways you can incorporate this lesson in

your family life. Maybe set aside a day or part of a day

when everyone in the family follows Jesus by doing

something in his name. It could range from volunteer-

ing to a family retreat. Whether it involves engage-

ment with the world or gently withdrawing from it,

make Jesus the focus.

Call of Faith Page 9

Church Calendar - January 2013

Classical Music Academy is held on most: Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 PM in room 218 Tuesdays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM in rooms 116, 121, 218 Thursdays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM in rooms 116, 121

Bradley Childbirth Classes are held on most: Sundays 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the Nursery Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Nursery

Date Event Time

Tues. 1/1 Church Office Closed. Happy New Year!

Thu. 1/3 Lectionary Group 12:00 PM

Sun. 1/6 Adult Christian Ed 9:00 AM Fellowship 10:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM C&Y Christian Ed 10:30 AM Kids Bells Bowling Party 2:00 PM Choir Christmas Party & Potluck 3:00 PM

Mon. 1/7 Cub Dens 6:30 PM Worship Design Team 6:30 PM Scouts 7:00 PM Wed. 1/9 Mary Martha 9:30 AM Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 AM Staff Lunch 12:00 PM Organist Rehearsal 4:00 PM Meal/FH 5:45 PM Contemplative Worship 6:30 PM Confirmation 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:15 PM

Thu. 1/10 Lectionary Group 12:00 PM 500 Cards 1:00 PM Board of Trustees 7:00 PM

Sat. 1/12 Men's Breakfast 8:00 AM Un-hanging of the Greens 9:00 AM

Sun. 1/13 Adult Christian Ed 9:00 AM Fellowship 10:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM C&Y Christian Ed 10:30 AM Pack Leaders 7:00 PM

Mon. 1/14 Call of Faith Information Due Cub Dens 6:30 PM Scouts 7:00 PM

Tue. 1/15 Christian Education Team 6:30 PM Communications/Mktg Team 6:30 PM Wed. 1/16 Mary Martha Circle 9:30 AM Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 PM Organist Rehearsal 4:00 PM Meal 5:45 PM Contemplative Worship 6:30 PM Confirmation 6:30 PM Kids Bells 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:15 PM Handbells 7:30 PM

Date Event Time

Thu. 1/17 Men's Work Group 9:00 AM Lectionary Group 12:00 PM Ordination Group 12:00 PM Staff Parish Relations 7:00 PM

Fri. 1/18 Cub Pack Meeting 7:00 PM

Sat. 1/19 NE Community Meal 6:00 PM

Sun. 1/20 Adult Christian Ed 9:00 AM Fellowship 10:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM C&Y Christian Ed 10:30 AM Birthday Bash 3:00 PM

Mon. 1/21 Cub Dens 6:30 PM Scouts 7:00 PM

Wed. 1/23 Mary Martha Circle 9:30 AM Mom's Club 9:45 AM Pastoral Staff Meeting 1:30 PM Organist Rehearsal 4:00 PM Meal/Fellowship Hall 5:45 PM Contemplative Worship 6:30 PM Confirmation 6:30 PM Kids Bells 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:15 PM Handbells 7:30 PM

Thu. 1/24 Lectionary Group 12:00 PM 500 Cards 1:00 PM

Fri. 1/25 Church Office Closed

Sat. 1/26 Reconciling Congregations Potluck 12:00 PM

Sun. 1/27 Adult Christian Ed 9:00 AM Fellowship 10:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM C&Y Christian Ed 10:30 AM

Mon. 1/28 Cub Dens 6:30 PM Scouts 7:00 PM

Tue. 1/29 Worship & Music Team 6:30 PM

Wed. 1/30 Mary Martha Circle 9:30 AM Pastoral Staff Meeting 1:30 PM Organist Rehearsal 4:00 PM Meal 5:45 PM Contemplative Worship 6:30 PM Confirmation 6:30 PM Kids Bells 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:15 PM Handbells 7:30 PM

Thu. 1/31 Lectionary Group 12:00 PM