december 2010 !nspire
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Relevant Inclusive Beautiful
UPCOMING EVENTSDECEMBER 4
UMW Christmas Event (p.9)
DECEMBER 4 & 5Youth Dinner Theater (p.9)
DECEMBER 940 Below Christmas Party (p.9)
DECEMBER 10Life Adventures
Christmas Luncheon (p.3)
Little Kids, BIG Fun (p.3)
DECEMBER 12Christmas Around the World (p.10)Parsonage Open House (Back Page)
Surviving the Holidays (p.3)
DECEMBER 16Ag Grad Celebration (p.2)
DECEMBER 24Christmas Eve Worship (p.2)
DECEMBER 26One Worship Service (p.2)
DECEMBER 31JANUARY 2Koinonia Retreat (p.10)
JANUARY 2One Worship
Service (p.2)
December 2010 HennepinChurch.org
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS AVAILABLE, ART PROJECTINTHEWORKSOur 2010 Advent Devotional, In Days to Come...Great Joy! are available
at the information tables and at the reception desk. A related art project willbe unfolding in the weeks of Advent this year as well.
During Advent, you may notice quite a few three-dimensional representations of this sketch around thechurch these Vessels of Anticipation, Hope and
Joy will be journeying with us through the Adventand Christmas season. The vessels represent ourcommunity at Hennepin Church, which carries,sustains and nurtures us through both the winter
and summer seasons of life.Importantly, we need your help to completethese sculptures!
Around these vessels will be slips of paperand art supplies. You are invited to writeconcerns, prayers, anxieties and worries onthe slips of paper and deposit them into thevessel. Then you may use the art supplies toillustrate or write about your hopes, dreamsand sources for joy on the outside of the vessel.In this way, we will gather together to allow ourhopes, joys and dreams to carry each othersworries and concerns.
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!NSPIRE MONTHLY NEWSLETTERHere is your December 2010 Edition
of the !nSpire. There is much to readand learn about inside. Did you knowthat the publication of this newsletter ismade possible by a grant from theHennepin Church Foundation? Thankyou for supporting the Foundation withyour time and gifts!
The January 2011 edition deadline is10:00 AM, Thursday, December 16th.Send your info to [email protected],submit online at HennepinChurch.org(Share Your Story) or drop off at church,attn: Daniel, 612-435-1320.
SOUPER SUNDAYCommunity Meals
Ministry will celebrate
Souper Sunday on
February 6, 2010.
Many churchescelebrate Super
Bowl Sunday as
Souper Sunday,
and this year
C o m m u n i t y
Meals is hoping
you will bring soup that day. But
why just bring one can of soup for the
hungry. If you buy a can of soup for the
hungry each time your team wins, think
of the ministry that could be done this
winter. If your professional, college,
high school or neighborhood team winswont you buy a can of soup, and bring
them all on February 6? How many
cans would that be? Join in the fun, and
celebrate Souper Sunday from now
until February 6. There will be many
grateful thanks.
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
CHRISTMAS CONCERTSunday, December 12
Peace Lutheran presents WelcomeTo Our World Christmas concert. Apowerful and moving celebration inmusic from contemporary Christianartists, plus many traditional holidayfavorites. The band PLC is led byHennepin members Doug Ness and
Judy Porter. A holiday lunch at Noonwill precede the 2:00 PM concert. Formore info contact Doug Ness at 612-799-2057, or visit peacecoonrapids.org.Church is located at 20 NorthdaleBoulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55448.
AG GRAD CELEBRATION
Toi Tsilo has completed his studieshere in Minnesota and will return at the
end of December to South Africa tocontinue the vital work of fighting
wheat stem rust. Please gather withProject Ag Grad for Tois Sending ForthCelebration:
Thursday, December 16Hennepin Avenue UMC
5:30 6:00 reception
6:00 6:45 dinner6:45 7:30 program
Cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP by12/10 to Eric Forsberg or Gloria Peck at
763-542-8641 or [email protected]
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
12:00 Noon Border ChapelA contemplative service
of carols and communion.
2:00 PM Art GalleryMusic, poetry, silence and
candlelight on the labyrinth.
4:00 PM SanctuaryA family-friendly service with pageant,
choirs and candlelight.
Childcare available for infants.
7:00 PM SanctuaryCarols, communion and candlelight.
Childcare available for infants,
ASL interpreted.
11:00 PM SanctuaryCarols, communion and candlelight.Prelude concert begins at 10:30 PM.
Page Two
AD COUNCILAPPROVES
SEARCHFORPARTNER
IN KOINONIASUPPORT
BY BOBBIE KELLER
Over the coming year, Hennepin
Church will seek an outside partner toshare Koinonias facilities and costs,
according to an Administrative Councilresolution passed at its Nov. 4 meeting.
A search committee, working with a
consultant, is to present its partnershiprecommendations to the Ad Council
by Dec. 2011 for action at the Church
Conference in January 2012. If a part-nership agreement is not imminent by
Jan. 2012, the Church Conference willbe asked to approve the dissolution andsale of Koinonia, with the proceeds
going toward funding the missions ofHennepin Church.
After 18 months of study, a KoinoniaTask Force appointed by Ad Council
determined that Koinonias currentoperation is not viable for the longterm. Koinonias current capacity does
not generate sufficient revenue toensure a balanced annual operations
budget and, as with any aging facility,the buildings will continue to need
building code upgrades, maintenanceand improvements. In addition, whileHennepin is subsidizing 100 percent
of Koinonias costs, Hennepin Churchgroups are using the retreat center only
6.3 percent of the time.
Thats a large capital investment fora resource that Hennepin people use solittle, said Fred Blaisdell, Board ofTrustees chair.
The task force presented a report tothe Ad Council in September and to the
congregation in October. The Boardof Trustees and Finance Committee
supported the task forces conclusions,added details of their own and pre-sented the final recommendation that
the Ad Council unanimously approved.According to the resolution, the
church would be looking to partnerwith a non-profit organization that has
a mission and philosophy agreeablewith Hennepins, and a financial and
organizational position strong enoughto support a commitment of at least 10
years. The partnership would also needto generate increased use of the facility
and sufficient additional income tocover operations, facility maintenance,
repair and expansion needed by thepartner.
In other business, Ad Council mem-bers learned that a Parish Nurse would
join the Hennepin Church staff. Cynthia
Ashley began her duties Nov. 21. Herposition is possible for the next two
years through a designated gift.Acting as the leaders they are, Ad
Council members submitted their 2011
pledges during a designated time in themeeting.
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Page Three
SPEAKINGOUR FAITH:
STEWARDSHIP UPDATECHRIS JACKSON,MINISTEROF ADMINISTRATION
As of the printing of thisnewsletter, Nov. 24, we
have received 286 pledgeresponses from our church
households for the 2011Operating Budget and
Capital Fund. This currentyear, 2010, we have 617households that have
pledged, allowing us (with some cuts) to have balanced our Operating Budget. So,we have a ways to go for 2011. We need every household to respond.
As I said in my call for pledges during the November 14 worship service: someof you are regular givers, some are first time pledgers, and some of you give
occasionally to special projects or at holidays. Others of you are tithers, giving theBiblical tradition of 10% of income. Your pastor Bruce Robbins and I are in thatgroup. Others of you give joyfully even beyond 10%. I thank all of you. But I also
want those who feel that they cannot pledge much or at all because of job loss,
family illness, or other troubles to fill out a pledge form and return it. Write onthat card zero, or $1 or $10 a month, but also tell us how you are thankful for thiscongregation, and how we may pray for you. If your life is in crisis, you need this
congregation. We want to be present for you now, and then be present to rejoicewhen your life is whole again. Your pledge response tells us you are connected tothis congregation and have not forgotten that connection.
I am an odd guy; I like talking about money. Money is a wonderful tool thatcan do much goodness in our world and our Church, as long as it is joined with
energetic passion, prayer, and the blessing of God. I believe Hennepin Church isworth it! Do you? I await your collective response. Your message though your
pledges will determine how we are in ministry in 2011. The Finance Committeeand Ad Council will act early in the year. It is up to you.
SURVIVINGAND CELEBRATING
THE HOLIDAYS HOLISTICALLY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12,4:00 PM IN BORDER CHAPEL
Welcome to this Sunday afternoongathering in the chapel that allows asafe, holy place to share among commu-nity. Join us for personal reflection and
sharing of how to cope and enjoy theholidays simultaneously. Learn how tobalance yourself between the hectic andthe holy activities of the season. CallCynthia Ashley, Parish Nurse, at 612-435-1310 with questions.
GREAT JOY!
A LIFE ADVENTURES
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 ATNOON
Join us for lunch and a program ofstory and song with Jodi Gustafson,Hennepin Office Manager and Sally
Johnson, Minister of Worship andSpiritual Formation. Sharing the storyGreat Joy! by Minnesota author KateDiCamillo, Jodi and Sally will inviteeveryone into the many joyous songs ofthe season. We will be accompanied onpiano by Hennepin CommunicationsDirector, Daniel Pederson. Reservationsby December 5. Lunch is $12.00
REBEKAHATTHE WELL:
BEFOREAND AFTERTOM TYLER, FINE ARTS COMMITTEE
The painting, Rebekah at the
Well by Italian artist Francesco
Fernandi (1679-1740) has been
conserved, revealing more clear
and vibrant colors in the sky and
background.
Donated to Hennepin in 1917
by T.B. Walker, it has hung in
Wesley Hall, almost unnoticed, in spite
of its 48x61 size. Placing Biblical
events into European landscapes (as was
typical of the time) the story depicted
tells of Abraham who wanted his son
Isaac to take a wife, and we see Rebekah
at the well, showing she is the chosen
one. The conservation of this painting
was made possible through dedicatedfunds. See it displayed on the North
wall of Carlson Hall.
LITTLE KIDS, BIG FUN
NOVEMBER 10
Little Kids, BIG Fun is a once a month
event for families with young children.
Its a night when you dont need to cook,
clean, or entertain your kids! Come and
enjoy a good meal at 5:30 PM as a
family, and then have some grownupand kid time from 6:15-7:15 pm.
Wednesday, December 8, we will
be having a Wrapping Party! Get some
lessons from a former professional
gift-wrapper, with fun for those of us
w/out anything to wrap as well. The
Kids activity will include Christmas
ornaments and games! Cost is only
$20/family, but dont let that keep you
away. ALL ARE WELCOME! Please
sign up at the front desk or on the
church website: HennepinChurch.org.
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AS YOU MAKE YOUR LISTS...JACK FISTLER, LEGACY GIVING
Oh, its that joyous time of year when
lists abound. We have lists for holidaymenus, Christmas cards, gift shopping,
items for family holiday letters, eventsand Advent services to attend, and soon. And, of course, the super-organized
among us use lists of lists to keep thingson track. Good wishes with all your lists
this season! Its a special time of thank-fulness for family, friends and Gods
grace and affirmation of our faith.As you plan your year-end charitable
giving, we hope that Hennepin Church
is at the top of your list. This may be anopportune time to review your interests
and estate plans, and to establish alegacy gift for a special purpose or
project. Through careful planning, inlight of federal and state tax laws, you
may make a cost-effective gift, perhapsa larger one than you had considered.There are many ways to provide a
legacy gift for Hennepin Church and/
or Hennepin Foundation. An estateprovision, or combination of outrightand estate giving, may best fulfill your
interests and provide financial benefitsfor you.
Its a special time of thankfulness for family, friends, and Gods grace. To
express your faith and thanks throughlegacy giving, contact Jack Fistler at
[email protected] or 612-435-1321. We
can discuss together a list of options toconsider!
IT GETS BETTER!ROB GAMBLE, CHAIR
RECONCILING MINISTRIES
There are two important websites anda hotline for junior and senior high
youth who may be questioning theirsexual orientation or are being bulliedif they have been identified as possibly
being gay, lesbian or transgender. Thehotline is a 24/7 national hotline for
GLBT youth considering suicide.
Trevor Helpline 866-488-7386Suicide hotline (toll free)
TheTrevorProject.org
You Tube It Gets Better
The press has reported bullying/
suicide stories of youth in the past fewmonths. There has been an outpouring
on You Tube from men and women ofall ages telling personal stories of being
bullied and ending with the message ItGets Better. There are songs written and
performed by The Twin Cities GayMens Chorus recorded in our own Art
Gallery and other choral groups andperformers.
Our message to ALL YOUTH is thatit DOES get better! This is especiallyimportant for GLBT youth to believe.
You will graduate from high school andwont have to face your tormentors any
longer. You can establish a life more in
your power. You can find happinessand a good life. This does not mean it
will be easy, all of us still have to earn aliving, make friends, fall in love, growin our spirituality and deal with life.
God has given you gifts that the worldneeds friendship, love, talents, skill,
humor and faith.I urge adults to sample some of the
stories on It Gets Better to gain someunderstanding of what many GLBT andheterosexual youth experience in their
school and the community.Finally look forward to the Bishops
pastoral letter, Beloved Community
Statement approved at the Nov. 2-6Council of Bishops. Addressing theissue of the escalating violence in the
world, they call upon all of us to workfor peace and justice. Bullying is a part
of that rising violence.
CHILDRENS MINISTRIES
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Classroom helpers are needed for the
following grade levels:
Preschool (age 3)
Pre-Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade 5th Grade
Classroom helpers volunteer about 6
times per year (Sept-May). Helpers are
asked to assist the lead teacher with
the lesson and help ensure a safe and
loving environment for all students.
Please consider sharing your gifts with
the children of Hennepin through this
no-prep commitment. For information,
contact Dana Neuhauser at 612-435-
1306 or at [email protected].
Page Four
CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANTDANA NEUHAUSER,CHILDRENS MINISTRIES
All children ages 3 and up are invitedto enter into the story of the birth of
Jesus by participating in the annualChristmas Eve Pageant (4:00 PM onFriday, December 24) It will be a simpleretelling of the Christmas story. Every-one has a part to play. Those childrenwho are in 3rd grade or older areinvited to be readers.
Pageant Rehearsal will take placeSunday, December 19 at 4pm. Parentsor other adults are needed to serve invarious capacities including costumingand help during the pageant.
Children ages 3 2nd grade may alsosign up to sing in one of the specialchoirs. Additional choir rehearsals forare scheduled for Sunday morningsduring Advent.
Sign up online or in person at thereception desk.
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Page Five
(The next four pages summarize letters that Pastor Bruce
Robbins wrote to the congregation while on sabbatical.
Some of these were sent to the congregation by email, and
are now collected here for a mini diary of his time away).
Sabbatical Letter 1: August 25
These days have been a rich whirlwind and am gladto give some glimpses of where I have traveled, with
much gratitude to the Hennepin community (and the
Lilly Foundation).
Italy: I spent some time with Adam and Casey at a
beautiful house built in the11th century some
twenty miles east of Florence in the mountains of
Tuscany. We spent four days visiting the muse-
ums of Florence and more days hiking the hills
covered with vineyards and olive trees. The trails
had plenty of ripe fruits along them blackber-ries, plums, pears and cherries. As for the city
sights, I think Michelangelos huge David is the
most beautiful sculpture I have ever seen. Of
course the time with my son and daughter was
the best of all.
Mozambique: I left the leisure of sabbatical
time and traveled to Maputo for the first part of
my work with the Study Committee on the
Worldwide Nature of the United Methodist
Church. I was there to hear the life and chal-
lenges of the United Methodists in Mozambique
and South Africa. The denominations structure
needs to change to be more equitable for the
40% (and growing) membership of our churchresiding outside the United States. The poverty
and inability to support their pastors was offset by
a great spirit and the excitement of proclaiming
the Wesleyan vision of the grace of Christ. We
also focused on the spread of the UMC in
South Africa where there already has been a
strong and established Methodist Church of
Southern Africa that came from British Methodist
roots. That conversation was not easy.
Cote dIvoire: My stay would have gone even
better if it didnt take my suitcase four days to
arrive (out of my five days there). In a country
that likes to dress up, I was lacking even more
than usual! However, the meeting more than metmy expectations in so many ways. The church
was autonomous since it emerged from its
British roots in 1985 and until 2004 when it was
integrated into the UMC. (Why they joined the
UMC is a complicated story.) Now they are
strong, vital and growing with the church highly
regarded within the country. They even have
their own radio station. And the current president
of the nation (in office since elected in 2000)
welcomed us for a visit in his offices. He isADAM, CASEYAND BRUCEIN ITALY.
BRUCE PREACHING IN ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST, IN A ROBE THAT WASPRESENTED TO HIM. THE SERVICE HAD ABOUT 1000 PEOPLE IN A
CHURCHTHATISJUSTUNDERCONSTRUCTION!
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Page Six
United Methodist. One evening we were
welcomed to worship by a big brass band,
dancing and a 100 voice choir!
Our committee meeting surpassed my expectations
as well. We agreed to propose a new covenant and
structure for United Methodists that will go to the 2012
General Conference. I have been asked to develop a
first draft for a new structure for the denomination.(You can look at my book A World Parish? in the
library to see the direction I intend to go in that design.)
Here are a few glimpses to share with you:
* While deplaning, I watched a woman take her
rolling suitcase and place it on top of her head to
exit the plane, undisturbed by the jostling of all the
passengers.
* We sang My Country Tis of Thee with our heads
bowed, hands folded and with different words in
French.* When the brass band started up their tunes for our
arrival, 50-100 Muslims were gathered across
the street, prostrate on mats, saying Ramadan
prayers and seemingly undisturbed by the brass
sounds bouncing off the walls.
* Lastly, after preaching in an unfinished, cement-
block, windowless church, I was clothed and gifted
a beautiful robe and hat. I wore it while shaking
more than 800 hands! In the church service, they
prayed that I would help them find the money to
complete their church!
I have just arrived in Antioch, Turkey. Tomorrow I go
to visit the Church of St. Peter, considered one of the
first churches and described in Acts (11:25-27) as the
place that believers were first called Christian. More
about that in my next letter.
Sabbatical Letter 2: October 6
I write to you from my sister Betsey's, house outside
of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. These recent days have
been so beautiful brilliant days and exceptionally
starry, new-moon nights. After two months of travel, it
is wonderful to slow down and appreciate Minnesota at
foliage time. I hope you, too, have been enjoying these
fall days.
Last time I wrote,
more than a month
ago, I was leaving
Africa and headed
to Turkey. For more
than a week I
traveled to treasured
Christian places such
as Antioch, Cappa-
docia, Ephesus andIstanbul. I became
immersed in the
history of Roman
times. Antioch and
Ephesus were ancient and huge cities (Ephesus with
nearly 250,000 people at the beginning of the Christian
era). I was struck by the complexity of a culture that
has been the crossing point of empires for millennia
and still serves as a bridge between the Eastern and
Western worlds. Just as everywhere else I visited, I
wanted more time to learn, to look, and to hear thestories of the place and its people.
One day I had breakfast in Istanbul and dinner in Je-
rusalem. The cities seemed so different from one an-
other, with one great exception: both cities were trans-
formed by the practices for the month of Ramadan.
From my hotel I could see Sultan Ahmet, the site of the
historic Blue Mosque at the heart of the Old City. I ar-
rived on a Sunday night of Ramadan before a national
holiday in Turkey and saw thousands upon thousands
of people were pouring into the parks surrounding theBlue Mosque for "iftar," the breaking of the day's
fast. Families were celebrating with picnics beginning
at 10:00 at night! In both cities, I was in awe of the
commitment to the fast. In Jerusalem I watched outdoor
workers who spent all the daylight hours working in
the 100-degree sun without eating or drinking. Given
the length of the day and amount of daylight, it is much
harder to fast when Ramadan falls in the summer than
in the winter! The month of Ramadan falls about ten
days earlier each year.
THE ROCK FORMATIONS IN CAPPADOCIA,
TURKEY, NEAR THE SITE OF AN HISTORICMONASTERY HOME OF GREGORY OF
NYSSA AND BASIL THE GREAT FAMOUSCHURCHFATHERS.
A ROMAN MOSAIC FROM ANTIOCH NEAR AN ANCIENT CAVE CHURCHWHEREITISSAID PETERAND PAULPREACHED.
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Page Seven
I had been to Israel a couple of times before;
however, this time I wanted to spend as much time as
I could in Palestine on the more difficult side ofthe security wall. So I traveled extensively and visited
Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus and Qalqilya.
The security wall has devastating impact on the Pales-
tinian people and I have a sense of such need to tell
people about the situation. Because of the settlements
and the restrictions on the Palestinian people, the
present situation seemed accurately characterized as a
slow transfer of the land from Palestine to Israel. I
have pictures and stories to share when I return.
In recent weeks my plans changed from the agenda
I presented earlier. I needed more quiet time so I
returned to the U.S. earlier than I anticipated from the
Middle East. I did so in order to travel to Karme
Choling, a Buddhist monastery in Vermont where I
spent a week in retreat, learning of that tradition. I tried
to practice meditating and learning through living a
different tradition for a few days. I felt honored and
privileged to have the opportunity and teachers that Ihad. Again, so many stories to tell! As I have told some
of you, I am deeply interested in how we can honor
and participate in the other great faith traditions of our
world.
Again, I am thankful for this opportunity. I've caught
glimpses of Hennepin Church and talked to a couple of
you, so I know that all is well. I trust the way we are all
searching to understand how our lives are different be-
cause we are part of the Body of Christ. I look forward
to returning at the end of November and to begin withyou a new year in Advent. May we keep each other in
our prayers.
Sabbatical Letter 3: November 7
Yesterday began the third and final part of this
wonderful gift of sabbatical, made possible by you and
the staff who have supported the church these past
three months. I am very grateful. Last evening I
arrived in Panama to participate in the Conference of
Methodist Bishops. I am asked
to help envision new ways forMethodists to relate across the
world to help us act as one
body. I had the luck to encounter
Bishop Sally Dyck this morning
and then have breakfast with her.
Immediately, she told me how
much she enjoyed two recent
visits to Hennepin Church:
preaching and then meeting with
a group of members. Thanks to all
of you who provided hospitalityand wonderful worship; I am sure
you enjoyed her preaching. It
turned out that today (Nov. 7) was
her birthday also!
These last weeks I have been
in and out of the Twin Cities,
spending time with my mother,
seeing friends, marveling at the
renovation of the parsonage,
THE SULTAN AHMET MOSQUE (BLUE MOSQUE) IN ISTANBUL.
A SECURITY FENCE BETWEEN BETHLEHEMAND JERUSALEM.
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Page Eight
reading and enjoying the long string of very beautiful
fall days. It had been many years since I could sit
quietly and be grateful. I also have been:
going to worship services and watching people
respond to different forms of worship.
learning about Turkey and its complex history.
It is truly a crossroads of culture and religion!
reading scripture and writing some articles for a
magazine on preaching.
and going to some movies! I recommend Fair
Game, which just opened in Minneapolis.
While taking care of myself, my thoughts have often
turned to Hennepin Church and all you are doing. I lift
you up in prayer, together and individually. I also
know that the church will celebrate Stewardship Pledge
Sunday this week.
Earlier today I joined the opening worship here at the
conference. The president of the United Methodist
Council of Bishops, Larry Goodpaster, (also bishop in
North Carolina), preached. Here are the two verses he
used:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship. Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your minds. (Romans 12:1-2).
Here are points he made:
Notice how the people (bodies) of the community
are presented to God together. The bodies (in
Scripture) are plural and the sacrifice is singular.
Have you considered that in worship all of us are
offered together to God?
He quoted a young preachers sermon from 1954,Martin Luther King, Jr., saying, We are called to be
a people of conviction, not of conformity; of moral
nobility, not social respectability. We are com-
manded to live differently and according to a
higher loyalty.
When we go to Hennepin we are doing two things,
according to Paul: we are presenting ourselves
1) Together to God, as a sacrifice (even as we
seek to understand what that means); and
2) as Transformed Nonconformists (Dr. Kingssermon title).
Sometimes I get complacent about the place of the
church in my and your life. The call and commitment
is different from any other voluntary organization. It is a
new home for this life and beyond. Out of my own
resources, I used to give much less than I do now I
used to think of it in a list with other charitable giving.
Because of my appointment to serve as a spiritual
leader, I decided to start tithing. That has been hard
especially this year. Please do this exercise: calculatewhat a tithe would be to you and seek to offer
yourselves sacrificially, whatever that means in your
circumstance. I will seek to provide a tithe of my
income for 2011. See if you can join me. You might
become a Transformed Nonconformist through your
giving in many ways to the church.
In three weeks I will have the joy of returning to
worship with you. We can give thanks and celebrate
the ways the Holy Spirit puts a seal on our hearts and
marks us (Ephesians 1:13). Its a priceless gift we
receive.
THE CITY OF GOREME, BUILT INTO CAVE WALLS. SOME OF THE CAVESWEREUSEDFORMONASTERIES; OTHERSTORAISECARRIERPIGEONS.
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40 BELOW
CHRISTMAS
PARTY
AND
POTLUCK
On Thursday, December 9,
we will get an early start tocelebrating Christmas with our
annual 40 Below Christmas
Potluck. We will have access
to the kitchen in the Dignity
Center to heat up and put
the finishing touches on our
culinary delights!
Set up and get food ready
from 6:30-7:00, with the party
starting at 7:00. Hope to see
lots of people there! This is a
low key event with great food,people and conversation.
Look for us on Facebook at:
HAUMC 40 Below.
Page Nine
INVENTING A CHRISTMAS STORYYOUTH DINNER THEATER
UMW and the Hennepin Youth have come together to present Inventing a
Christmas Story. The partnership began with a generous grant from UMW (The
Shannon Bequest) to underwrite the youth theater project. Then the timing workedto have one of the performances during the UMW Christmas Party. We are glad
to support our young people and look forward to this special performance,
remarked Karen Andrew, UMW President.
Performances will be: Sat., Dec. 4
at 11:00 AM and Sun., Dec. 5 at 11:00
AM. Both performances will be in
Social Hall and includes a 3-course
brunch.
Tickets are available on the church
website. Adults-$12, Students-$5,
Families-$30. Reservations are
strongly encouraged (and very helpfulto the planners).
SSPECIALPECIAL HHOLIDAYOLIDAY
AANNOUNCEMENTSNNOUNCEMENTS
BREAKFAST AT HENNEPIN
No Breakfast on Dec 5 (the youth are
doing their Play), which includes
brunch. Reservations required. Walk-ins possible only if space allows.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
The Church will be closed on Saturday,
December 25, Saturday, January 1, 2011
and Monday, January 3, 2011.
WORSHIP TIMES CHANGE
On Sundays December 26 and January
2, we will have one worship service at10:00 AM in the Sanctuary. Coffee only
will be served on December 26 at
11:00 AM, and Coffee will also be
served on January 2, and Breakfast at
Hennepin resumes that day, 11:00 AM.
UMW CHRISTMAS EVENT
AND LUNCHEON
DECEMBER 4, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
What a great way to begin the holidayseason! Shop our International Bazaarwhere youll find items from several
groups such as Hennepins Haiti, Africa,
and India mission partnerships. Theyouth group will perform Inventing
a Christmas Story," a 4-part play. Ourspecial hands-on mission project willfind us filling 100 birthday bags for lo-
cal underprivileged children. The morn-ing also includes a mission recognition
ceremony followed by a 3-course lunchserved by youth group volunteers.
Tickets are $12.00 Adult, $5.00Child/Student, $30.00 Family. Tickets
may be purchased on the church website
at hennepinchurch.org or by calling the
church office at 612-871-5303. Child-
care will be available.
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NEW YEARS RETREATAT KOINONIA:
FIREAND ICE
The New Years Retreat this year at Koinonia
is Fire and Ice. Plan now to join your family of
Hennepin at Hennepins own Koinonia Retreat
Center in South Haven. Come and unwind
from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas
Season December 31st through January 2nd.Last year over 70 Hennepin members,
family, and friends ushered in the New Year
at Koinonia with games, crafts, fellowship and
praise. This year we are planning an encore
event complete with sleigh rides, broom ball,
sledding and a concert courtesy of The Multi-
generational committee. You can plan to come
and spend one or two nights at Koinonia.
1) Two Day Package; begins with dinner on Friday December 31st
and concludes with brunch on Sunday, January 2, 2011. Cost:
Adults $120, children under 12, $80.00, Family maximum of
$240.00. If you register for the event prior to December 20th:
Adults $95.00, Children under 12, $55.00, and a family maximum
of $190.00.
2) One Day Package; begins with dinner on New Years Day and
concludes with brunch on January 2. Cost: Adults $60.00, children
under 12, $40.00, Family maximum
of 120.00. If you register for the event
prior to December 20th: Adults
$50.00, Children under 12, $30.00,
and a family maximum of $95.00.
You may register by calling or stopping by
the Reception Desk: 612-871-5303. Comeone, come all to this magical weekend!
Page Ten
MID-WEEK PRAYER LIST
MARY MENSHEHA ,CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Do you listen carefully when thecongregational joys and concerns are
read during Sunday worship andperhaps jot down a name to remember?Do you regularly check the Weekend
Update posted on the kiosk to see whichmembers are ill or have requested
prayers? Are you one of the manymembers who faithfully sign the cards
that are sent to those in need of prayersupport?
Sunday is a great time to learn and
respond to what is going on in ourcongregation. But a lot can happen
between Sundays. The church mayreceive news of a death or other
significant event in a members life.
Sometimes waiting until the next
Sunday is too long a wait to requestprayers.
Do you take time to pray for ourchurch family during the week? If you
do, the Congregational Care Ministryis offering an opportunity for you to
receive a mid-week e-mail listing of theprayer requests for our congregation.
If you would like to receive thisPrayer List as a way to stay connectedwith members in need of prayer and
support throughout the week, contactTara Emerson at [email protected].
Please put Prayer List in the subjectline and you will begin receiving the
weekly update. That's all you need todo - plus continue to prayer for one
another.No matters of a confidential nature
will be shared in this communication.
CHRISTMAS
AROUND
THE WORLD
SANCTUARY CHOIR
WITH WOODWIND
AND PERCUSSION
ENSEMBLE
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 12
11:00 AM
Take a world tour with the Sanctuary
Choir, soloists, and chamber orchestra.
Music in a wide variety of styles and
languages from many countries will
carry you to places youve been and
places youd like to go, in this season of
joy and hope.
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SELECTED EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
Kjerringsleppets 5:30 PM
St. High Girls Book Club 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30 PM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
Administrative Council 6:00 PM
Lydia Circle 7:00 PM
Science and Faith Roundtable 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
Alanon 10:00 AM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
UMW Christmas Event 9:00 AM
Youth Brunch Theater 11:00 AM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
All Church Worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
Library Board 10:45 AM
Youth Brunch Theater 11:00 AM
A Story to Stand On: Ginger Sisco 11:00 AM
Community Meals 4:45 PM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
India Partnership 11:00 AM
Reconciling Committee 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
Little Kids BIG Fun 5:30 PM
Steeple People Board 5:30 PM
Local Outreach 6:30 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Joy Circle 9:00 AM
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
40 Below Christmas Potluck 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Alanon 10:00 AM
Life Adventures Christmas Luncheon
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
Regular Sunday worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
Blood Pressure Screening 10:30 AM
A Story to Stand On 11:00 AM
Christmas Around the World 11:00 AM
Parsonage Open House 12:00 PMSurviving the Holidays 4:00 PM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Youth Council 6:00 PM
Childrens Council 6:30 PM
Russia Partnership 6:30 PM
Foodservice Committee 6:45 PM
Finance Committee 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Staff Parish Relations 6:00 PM
Koinonia Board 7:00 PM
Trustees Meeting 7:00 PM
Sr. High Girls Book Club 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16
January !nSpire Deadline 10:00 AM
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
Ag Grad Celebration 5:30 PM
Peace Through Justice Forum 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
Alanon 10:00 AM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Regular Sunday worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
A Story to Stand On 11:00 AM
Copper Street Brass Concert 11:00 AM
Peace through Justice Forum 11:00 AM
UMW Leadership 11:00 AM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
Multicultural Committee 7:00 PM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Global Outreach Team 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
D.C.E.H. 2:30 PM
Haiti Partnership 6:00 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas EveSERVICESAT 12:00 NOON,
2:00 PM, 4:00 PM,
7:00 PM, 11:00 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day~ BUILDING CLOSED ~
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26
One Worship Service 10:00 AM
Coffee Fellowship 11:00 AM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
Fine Arts Committee 7:00 PM
Hospitality Committee 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
Koinonia RetreatAlanon 10:00 AM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1
Koinonia Retreat
~ BUILDING CLOSED ~
SUNDAY, JANUARY 2
One Worship Service 10:00 AM
Coffee Fellowship 11:00 AM
Breakfast 11:00 AM
Send Calendar Corrections
SEEDFOR THOUGHTFROMTHE MULTICULTURAL COMMITTEE
The latest Wilder research studyabout homelessness notes that togetherAfrican American and American Indianpeople make up 4% of the MN adultpopulation, but this group accounts for41% of the homeless population. Whydo you think this is so? Do we as Chris-tians, have a responsibility to addressthis disparity in homelessness betweenpeople of color and Caucasian people?
Many are uncomfortable when theysee a person standing at a freeway exitholding a sign stating Homeless: Canyou spare some change? Why do youthink people panhandle for money? Whatdo you do in this situation? What shouldthe community do about this?
Imagine that you know a 36-year-oldAfrican American man, released fromprison to a halfway house two blocksfrom Church. He does not have a GEDand has a felony for robbery on hisrecord. The prison rules state he mustfind a job and a place to live in 60 days.If not, he will be put back into prison.What are the chances that this man willget a job and a place to live in thiseconomy? How would you pray for thishim? What could do for him?
Recently, a homeless, mentally ill andchemically dependent African Americanman was severely beaten with injuriesto his ears/eyes/head. He was treated inthe ER at Hennepin County MedicalCenter and kept there for 10 hours, thenhe was released to the street, with no-where to recuperate. If you were in thissituation, what would you want tohappen to you?
BAREFOOT ZONE:
WALKINGTHE
SPIRITUAL PATH
SALLY HOWELL JOHNSON
A new book collecting some of Sallysdaily blog writings is being published!The book is available to congregationmembers at a pre-publication price of$10. After Dec. 1 the price is $14.00.Order by phone at 1-888-696-1828 orkirkhouse.com/Books/Barefoot-Zone.Order forms are also available at thereception desk. All proceeds fromthe book will go to the HennepinFoundation Scholarship fund.
Page Eleven
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December 5 - 2nd Sunday in Advent
8:30 AM Communion Service9:00 AM Sacred Journey
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Bruce Robbins, Preacher
11:00 AM Many Voices
December 12 - 3rd Sunday in Advent8:30 AM Communion Service
9:00 AM Sacred Journey
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Bruce Robbins, Preacher
11:00 AM Many Voices
December 19 - 4th Sunday in Advent8:30 AM Communion Service
9:00 AM Sacred Journey
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Bruce Robbins, Preacher
11:00 AM Many Voices
December 26 - 1st Sunday after Christmas10:00 AM One Service in the Sanctuary
January 2 - Epiphany Sunday10:00 AM One Service in the Sanctuary
December 24 Christmas Eve
12:00 Noon Border ChapelA contemplative service of carols and communion.
2:00 PM Art GalleryMusic, poetry, silence and candlelight on the labyrinth.
4:00 PM SanctuaryA family-friendly service with pageant, choirsand candlelight. Childcare available for infants.
7:00 PM SanctuaryCarols, communion and candlelight.
Childcare available for infants, ASL interpreted.
11:00 PM Sanctuary
Carols, communion and candlelight.Prelude concert begins at 10:30 PM.
Welcome Back Bruce!Parsonage Open House Dec 12
To welcome Rev. Bruce Robbins back to Hennepin
after his sabbatical, on Sunday, Dec. 12th from 12:00Noon 2:00 PM, you are invited to a special open
house at the parsonage for holiday snacks and to seethe recently remodeled first floor rooms. The Board ofTrustees and the SPR Committee are your hosts.
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
511 Groveland Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
HennepinChurch.orgHennepinChurch.org
Sunday Worship Schedule
Great Joy!Great Joy!
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 2906
Minneapolis, MN