nSpireChristmas Eve

Worship Serviceson Tuesday

December 241200 Noon

Communion in the Chapel

200 PMLabyrinth in the Art Gallery

400 PMFamily ServicePageant

in the Sanctuary

1030 PM Prelude Concert

1100 PMCandlelight Service

in the Sanctuary

Free Parking is available in the Walker Ramp on Christmas Eve and also on Sunday Mornings

December 2013Hoping It Might Be So Teri Johnson Lead Pastor

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

A very full week of evening meetings left me no room to attend my usual work-out class at the gym There was however one class offered at a time I could make so I decided to give it a try I was the first student to arrive yet there were no words of welcome or instruction So I patiently waited in a corner for others to arrive and I would watch and see ldquowhat they didrdquo

Soon others arrived and busily retrieved mats and took off shoes Some came wearing slippers that had once donned my little feet The instructor promptly began with instruction to move to our bar The bar Quickly each person moved to the bars the music began and the instructorrsquos voice quickly spoke her choppy commands ldquoreleve second position third position fourth position fifth position and plieacute

My heart almost stopped for I had heard this all before in another time and another place With one hand gently holding the bar it was as though my older body slowly awakened to the movements As my feet fought to remember each stance my spirit was soaring almost literally awakening If I looked a fool who could not keep up I did not care I had been here not literally but at another time as a little girl who proudly wore her pink ballet slippers to Miss Martinrsquos ballet studio It was a simple time the time of childhood when responding to Miss Martinrsquos commands was the most lsquostressfulrsquo time of my week Now decades later in another state in another facility with another body the commands came back as sweet words of by-gone days

During Advent we allow ourselves the liberty to become as little children to see once again with simple eyes Most of us gradually lose the capacity for wonder during our lives We become cynical or bitter or at least realistic Practicality and common sense dim our view We forget how to dream We forget second third fourth and fifth position We forget how to plieacute But during the season of Advent we are awakened once again

Thomas Hardy the English poet managed to capture the poignant sense of this seasonal renewal of vision in ldquoThe Oxenrdquo

(continues on p11)

HennepinChurch

Monthly Newsletter

Awaken to Amazement

Coming EventsDecember 1

Breakfast Fellowship Returns (p2)Contemplative Service (p3)

December 8Advent Festival (p3)

And The Angels Sang Glory (p3)Breathing Into Advent (p4)

Steeple People at Church (p9)

December 10Breathing Into Advent (p4)

December 11Contemplative Service (p3)

December 13Life Adventures (p3)

December 14Youth Theater (p7)

UMW Merry Mission You (p10)

December 15Parsonage Open House (p4)

Breathing Into Advent (p4)Steeple People at Church (p9)

Youth Theater (p7)

December 20MN ChoraleHennepin Chime (p3)

December 24Christmas Outreach Offering (p6)

Christmas Eve Worship (p1 9)

Dec 25-27Church Closed (p6)

December 30Combined Worship Service (p6)

Dec 30 ndash Jan 1Koinonia New Yearrsquos Retreat (p3)

Itrsquos a New Day for Breakfast Fellowship Time1030 AM - 1230 PM Starting December 1On December 1st breakfast will be offered again in the Social Hall This is a chance to eat with others at Hennepin Church to gather as a community and enjoy each otherrsquos company as an extension of the Communion Table In December breakfast will be a free-will donation We encourage those who can to throw in a bit more and those with less to feel free to throw in a bit less We want everyone to feel comfortable coming down for coffee or for a full breakfast and to give what they can to make this successful With that in mind there are lots of volunteer opportunities Each week we will need greeters and hosts people to help with preparing the food and others to stay and eat If you are interested in volunteering please contact Leah Rosso at LeahRossoHennepinChurchorg or Sally Johnson at SallyJohnson HennepinChurchorg Our breakfast fellowship at Hennepin is not so much a ministry for the people as it will be a ministry by the people Itrsquos a new day at Hennepin Come be a part of it

No Meetings in AdventPreparing Our Hearts and Minds for the Christ ChildAdvent is a challenging season for Christians as we kick into high gear trying to get everything ready for Christmas We fill the four weeks of Advent with work shopping baking cleaning reaching out to family and friends holiday parties and concerts How can we center ourselves and find silence and holy anticipation as we await the birth of the Christ child One way to help center ourselves in the holiness of Advent includes NOT coming to church for committee meetings Yes There will be NO committee meetings in the month of December Also in keeping true to staying spiritually healthy during Advent and taking care of our souls the church will be closed Dec 26 amp 27 to ensure the entire staff can savor sacred time with family

New Notable Books in Your Church LibraryLois Carr

Your church library now has on display many fine books acquired by donation and purchasing Check out these brief descriptions come in and choose one or more that fit your interests

Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur We do not have to be perfect to do Godrsquos work Jesus chose ordinary men ndash fishermen tax collectors political zealots ndash and turned their weakness into strength as He can do for todayrsquos modern disciple you

Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur Celebrated for their courage vision hospitality and spiritual giftedness these women were at the heart of Godrsquos redemptive plan

Vestments by John Reimringer Exploring age-old and yet urgently-contemporary issues in the Catholic Church this novel about a priest torn between opposing desires ndash his devotion to the mystery and safe harbor of the church and the continuing attraction to his first love

Prayer ndash Finding the Heartrsquos True Home by Richard J Foster This Quaker theologian and author provides a comprehensive survey of 21 kinds of prayer designed to help draw readers to prayer and to a deeper relationship with oneself God and others

A Country for All An Immigrant Manifesto by Jorge Ramos To deal with our broken immigration system the author makes the case for an achievable solution to this emotional issue changing the cruel and capricious system that doesnrsquot work wastes billions of dollars and is in direct opposition to our national principles

Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons In this updated edition Simons gives strategies for combatting the dirty looks taunting notes and social exclusion that plague girlsrsquo friendships and that have gained momentum in cyberspace by helping them handle the dangers of life online

Find out more through our online listing at LibraryThingcomcatalogHAUMC

2

Coming EventsDecember 1

Breakfast Fellowship Returns (p2)Contemplative Service (p3)

December 8Advent Festival (p3)

And The Angels Sang Glory (p3)Breathing Into Advent (p4)

Steeple People at Church (p9)

December 10Breathing Into Advent (p4)

December 11Contemplative Service (p3)

December 13Life Adventures (p3)

December 14Youth Theater (p7)

UMW Merry Mission You (p10)

December 15Parsonage Open House (p4)

Breathing Into Advent (p4)Steeple People at Church (p9)

Youth Theater (p7)

December 20MN ChoraleHennepin Chime (p3)

December 24Christmas Outreach Offering (p6)

Christmas Eve Worship (p1 9)

Dec 25-27Church Closed (p6)

December 30Combined Worship Service (p6)

Dec 30 ndash Jan 1Koinonia New Yearrsquos Retreat (p3)

Itrsquos a New Day for Breakfast Fellowship Time1030 AM - 1230 PM Starting December 1On December 1st breakfast will be offered again in the Social Hall This is a chance to eat with others at Hennepin Church to gather as a community and enjoy each otherrsquos company as an extension of the Communion Table In December breakfast will be a free-will donation We encourage those who can to throw in a bit more and those with less to feel free to throw in a bit less We want everyone to feel comfortable coming down for coffee or for a full breakfast and to give what they can to make this successful With that in mind there are lots of volunteer opportunities Each week we will need greeters and hosts people to help with preparing the food and others to stay and eat If you are interested in volunteering please contact Leah Rosso at LeahRossoHennepinChurchorg or Sally Johnson at SallyJohnson HennepinChurchorg Our breakfast fellowship at Hennepin is not so much a ministry for the people as it will be a ministry by the people Itrsquos a new day at Hennepin Come be a part of it

No Meetings in AdventPreparing Our Hearts and Minds for the Christ ChildAdvent is a challenging season for Christians as we kick into high gear trying to get everything ready for Christmas We fill the four weeks of Advent with work shopping baking cleaning reaching out to family and friends holiday parties and concerts How can we center ourselves and find silence and holy anticipation as we await the birth of the Christ child One way to help center ourselves in the holiness of Advent includes NOT coming to church for committee meetings Yes There will be NO committee meetings in the month of December Also in keeping true to staying spiritually healthy during Advent and taking care of our souls the church will be closed Dec 26 amp 27 to ensure the entire staff can savor sacred time with family

New Notable Books in Your Church LibraryLois Carr

Your church library now has on display many fine books acquired by donation and purchasing Check out these brief descriptions come in and choose one or more that fit your interests

Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur We do not have to be perfect to do Godrsquos work Jesus chose ordinary men ndash fishermen tax collectors political zealots ndash and turned their weakness into strength as He can do for todayrsquos modern disciple you

Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur Celebrated for their courage vision hospitality and spiritual giftedness these women were at the heart of Godrsquos redemptive plan

Vestments by John Reimringer Exploring age-old and yet urgently-contemporary issues in the Catholic Church this novel about a priest torn between opposing desires ndash his devotion to the mystery and safe harbor of the church and the continuing attraction to his first love

Prayer ndash Finding the Heartrsquos True Home by Richard J Foster This Quaker theologian and author provides a comprehensive survey of 21 kinds of prayer designed to help draw readers to prayer and to a deeper relationship with oneself God and others

A Country for All An Immigrant Manifesto by Jorge Ramos To deal with our broken immigration system the author makes the case for an achievable solution to this emotional issue changing the cruel and capricious system that doesnrsquot work wastes billions of dollars and is in direct opposition to our national principles

Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons In this updated edition Simons gives strategies for combatting the dirty looks taunting notes and social exclusion that plague girlsrsquo friendships and that have gained momentum in cyberspace by helping them handle the dangers of life online

Find out more through our online listing at LibraryThingcomcatalogHAUMC

2

Advent Festival ndash Fun for All Ages1100 AM December 8

On Sunday December 8 we invite children and adults to gather together for Advent fun We will make ginger-bread houses ornaments to take home and Godrsquos Eyes for one of Hennepinrsquos Christmas trees Parents may choose to participate in the activities or go and enjoy the Advent Concert If you are interested in volunteering to help with the event please contact Dana Neuhauser at DanaNeuhauser HennepinChurchorg

And the Angels Sang GloryAdvent Concert ndash 1100 AM December 8The annual Advent concert by the Sanctuary Choir and orchestra is an important part of the season at Hennepin This concert will include works for choir and brass orchestra by Biebl Pinkham Rutter Custer and others It is at 1100am and is free Parking is also free (and warm) in the Walker Art Center ramp

Life Adventures Laurie Leigh HarpFriday December 13 at 1200 NoonHennepin Seniors (from age 55 to 105) are invited to this luncheonprogram featuring award winning harpist Laurie Leigh With many years of professional performance experience Laurie has a musical talent and delightful style that will surely bring a memorable sparkle to this holiday celebration Invite your friends to join you Cost is $15 Prepaid reservations requested by Dec 9

Minnesota Chorale in Concert with Hennepin Chime700 PM Friday December 20 at Hennepin

The Minnesota Chorale will be giving a concert in our Sanctuary on Friday night Dec 20 This event replaces the annual ldquoJingle Bell Docrdquo concert which was canceled by the Minnesota Orchestra They have invited the community childrenrsquos choir they sponsor and the Hennepin Chime to be part of the eveningrsquos festivities The concert is free and is expected to be SRO so come early and invite a friend to share in Hennepin Hospitality

Advent Contemplative ServicesDec 1 at 700 PM and Dec 11 at 600 PM

Advent may be the most challenging season for Christians to inhabit How can we find silence and anticipation in the midst of all the shopping all the Bing Crosby This Advent at Hennepin we invite you to enter into the sacred mystery of the season by attending two worship services on Sunday December 1st at 700 pm and Wednesday December 11 at 600 pm in the Border Chapel The services will include readings prayer and silence Special music by Bill and Natalie Goldman will be a part of each service with cello and viola A special piece of these services will be the voices of Zechariah and Elizabeth Usually when we think of the Advent story Mary Joseph and the angel Gabriel come to mind But what about Zechariah and Elizabeth Theirs is a story filled with deep sorrow and heartfelt longing In these worship services we will come together to acknowledge both the wounds we endure and the blessings we receive the grief we bear and the joys we are given Please make these special services part of your Advent journey

Hennepin Says Hello to Neighbors

In November Hennepin mailed 11000 invitations to every resident in the 55403 zip codeHennepin neighbors all In the picture on the right Pastor Teri Johnson and Bill Mathis Minister of Music and Fine Arts do the honors down at the Post Office The invitations highlight the Sanctuary Choirrsquos Advent Concert and other Advent Services and Events So look for some new faces welcome them warmly to this beautiful church and ask them to return again You can pick up invitations at the reception desk to invite a friend Remember donrsquot come alone Wersquoll see you here

New Years at KoinoniaMonday Dec 30 ndash Wednesday Jan 1

Our annual New Yearrsquos Retreat at Koinonia Retreat Center returns for another year Treat yourself or give a gift of rest and relaxation to a friend $90Adults $65Youth $245 Family Max (under 4 free) Call Mark Peterson at 612-435-1305 or go to HennepinChurch orgregister to sign up

3

Advent Study The Light Will Shine1100 AM ThursdaysFrom the start of Advent through Epiphany Sunday this class will use the resource The Light Will Shine to examine and discuss the lectionary scriptures and hymns for Advent to gain fresh perspectives on our journey toward Christmas and beyond The class meets in the Longfellow Room on Thursdays at 1100 AM New participants are always welcome Mary Mensheha and Juanita Reed-Boniface are co-leaders with assistance from clergy

Sanctuary Flowers for 2014Calendar for 2014 is Available NowItrsquos t ime to sign up to donate Sanctuary flowers for 2014 Donating is easy ndash just sign up for your special day on the flower chart in Carlson Hall now and about a week before your selected date you will receive an email or a phone call reminding you to order flowers and collecting the dedication for the bulletin The 2014 calendar is now posted on a kiosk in Carlson Hall

As You Make Your ListsJack Fistler Legacy Giving

Itrsquos that joyous time of year when lists abound We have lists for holiday menus Advent services and concerts to attend family holiday letters gift shopping and so on Some of us even use lists of lists to stay organized Good wishes with all your lists and activities this amazing Christmas season Itrsquos a time of special thankfulness ndash for family friends and Godrsquos grace

As you plan your year-end charitable giving we hope that Hennepin Church tops your list This may be an opportune time to review your interests and financial planning and consider a legacy gift for Hennepin An estate provision or a combination of outright and planned giving may best fulfill your wishes and secure financial benefits for you and your loved ones

To express your faith through a legacy gift contact Jack Fistler Director of Legacy Giving at JackFistler HennepinChurchorg 612-435-1321 If you already have Hennepin in your estate plans please let us know so we may convey our gratitude

Special financial planning notes As you plan your year-end gifts it may be beneficial to consider contributing highly-appreciated stockssecurities And people ages 70frac12 and older may make direct tax-free distributions from their IRAs to Hennepin Church before December 31 ndash contact Jack and your IRA custodian for more information

Parsonage Open HouseDecember 15 200 - 400 PMMarty and I warmly invite you to a holiday open house at the parsonage on Sunday afternoon December 15th from 2-4 pm Please come for warm cider and holiday treats as we celebrate the warmth of the Advent season Bring the kids as we have a great toy room on the third floor We look forward to our first AdventChristmas season with all of you ndash Pastor Teri Johnson

Steeple People ExpansionChristmas is coming early to the Steeple People Thrift Store this year November 18 was the grand opening of our newly expanded space at the corner of Lyndale Avenue South and Franklin Avenue We will feature everything you could possibly need for Christmas as well as our regular assortment of merchandise Come get a head start on your holiday shopping and support Steeple People at the same time

Julie Delene Breathing Into AdventSundays Dec 8 15 at 1100 AMTuesday Dec 10 at 600 PM

In these busy days it is easy to feel stressed and pulled in multiple directions Yet Advent calls us to stillness to silence to reflection Learn and practice breath techniques to live well and be present to the gifts of this season In this workshop you will learn skills to renew embody and strengthen your energy Learn to ldquoturn-offrdquo the external distractions and ldquotune-inrdquo to your inner wisdom and operate from a place of wisdom peace passion and purpose Mindful breath practices will teach you to consciously and methodically deal with stress pain illness and all that would distract us from the blessings that come our way

In this workshop you willbull Release restrictions and stressbull Practice skills to recharge and rejuvenatebull Connect with your inner wisdomJulie Delene works with individuals and organizations

to renew and unify reach new clarity and focus and create positive changes in their lives work and relationships Julie is the founder of Move as One LLC creator of the MOVEStrade method and author of Moved To Create She is a certified trainer of Miracle of the Breathtrade and active practitioner of mindfulness based trainings Julie has taught numerous groups and individuals how to increase their personal fulfillment and achieve goals

4

Ad Council Considers Ways to Improve Hospitality Bobbie Keller

Making Hennepin Church more inviting mdash with both building improvements and smiles mdash topped the Administrative Council meeting agenda Nov 7

In presenting the statistical report for October Rev Leah Rosso encouraged Ad Council and all church members to greet people they didnrsquot know at Sunday services and all church events

ldquoWe are entering a season when many more people who have never been here are walking through our doorsrdquo she said ldquoHospitality is not just a committee Itrsquos a whole church effort on Sunday morningsrdquo

Hospitality also includes updating church facilities to make the building more functional and accessible Barry Schaub representing the Board of Trustees told Ad Council members that construction of restrooms in the narthex should be done in December He said that the Social Hall stage and lower level restroom work was going well Finishing touches including the stage wood floor restroom wall and floor tile plumbing fixtures lighting and finishing work are in progress The Social Hall will be re-carpeted and receive new LED lighting during November Parking lot lighting is finished and functional

In addition fire-rated doors will be installed between the education wing and the main building at all floor levels by early December to comply with city building code

Capital improvements at Koinonia are also moving along Construction to transform Columbine from a guesthouse dorm housing 30 people to a mini-motel featuring seven units for small-group and individual rentals began Nov 4 The ldquonewrdquo building should be ready in January with the first rental already scheduled Hennepin youth have suggested two new names which the Koinonia Board was to consider at its November meeting and recommend to the Hennepin Board of Trustees

Before construction began 10 volunteers worked about eight hours over two days to demolish Columbinersquos interior saving about $14000 Harley Wilson and Kevin Dahlen of the Koinonia staff did pre-work on the ceiling and insulation

In addition Sumacrsquos heating system installation was completed on Oct 30

In other business Ad Council members unanimously affirmed the Food Service grievance policy and Accessibility Agreement for Food Shelves The formal documents are necessary because Community Meals works with Second Harvest and receives some government funding

Ad Council members also heard that

bull the number of Koinonia bookings for First Quarter 2014 already surpasses that for the same period in 2013 and the number of times Hennepin Church people will use Koinonia has increased for 2014 This indicates Koinonia is achieving viability

bull John Cole has begun his role as Director of the Dignity Center replacing Ann Carlson who retired Rev Jim McChesney is now Hennepinrsquos Visitation Pastor replacing Bob Brinkley who retired Facilities Director Tom Flood has left the Hennepin staff to work with his home church

bull to enhance their visibility and possibly attract new members committees will take turns highlighting their activities at a table in Carlson Hall each Sunday beginning Nov 17 The effort is a follow-up to the Sept 29 Community Fair when information about all committees was available

bull the Hennepin Foundation has had about $200000 in grant requests with about $150000 in available funds The Foundation Board is considering the requests and grant notifications will go out in early January

bull Hennepin Church is experiencing a ldquobaby boomrdquo and more help is needed in the nursery on Sunday mornings

bull Pacem Singers who visit the ill and homebound are always looking for requests to sing

bull the youth will preset the play ldquoA Little Christmas Carolrdquo on Dec 14 and 15

bull Sunday brunch will begin again in December when the Social Hall renovation and new restrooms are complete

bull Ad Council members and committee chairs will begin the first steps of strategic planning at their annual retreat at Koinonia Jan 31 to Feb 1 2014 The goal is to create a plan in 2014 for the next three to five years with help from Alban consultant Sarai Rice who will facilitate retreat sessions

bull the Ad Council will not meet in December

Advent Devotional Awaken to AmazementAs the Worship Team planned for Advent an image that arose was that of the Godrsquos Eye You may remember these simply colorful crafts made in Sunday School or at camp As we did some research we learned that there is actually an astronomical phenomenon called ldquoGods Eyerdquo It is a nebula photographed by the Hubble Spacecraft and seems to be an enormous shape of an eye It is colorful beautiful magical miraculous It is also the cover art for our devotional and the inspiration of a new piece of art being created by Hennepin staff member Doug Abbott Be sure to get your Devotional starting Dec 1 and come and see the beautiful new artwork

5

Christmas Outreach OfferingUMCOR Syrian Refugee ReliefPaula Colton Outreach and Youth Ministries

Christmas is a time to count our blessings and to give so others may experience joy This year the Global Outreach Team has selected UMCORrsquos disaster relief fund for Syrian refugees as the recipient of the Christmas outreach offering

Since March 2011 the Syrian conflict has claimed over 70000 lives and displaced 425 million people internally including more than 16 million Syrians who are being hosted in foreign countries This event is placing an unprecedented strain on communities infrastructure and services Humanitarian agencies are hard at work to provide people in Syria the protection and assistance needed to survive this volatile environment each day Emergency supplies and material support such as UMCOR relief kits bring peace of mind to conflict-affected families who have lost their jobs and are unable to provide for their children due to the Syrian crisis

Hennepin Church has always been responsive to the needs of others This type of second mile giving is a way to express compassion for those who have no voice and feel utter hopelessness You can help to provide hope during this season of giving

100 of your gift goes directly to UMCORrsquos disaster relief and humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees No portion of the gift is kept for administrative purposes The impact of your gift is truly felt by those who need it the most Please use the enclosed envelope or label your check Christmas Outreach Offering You may also give at HennepinChurchorgcontribute Please indicate your gift is for the Christmas Outreach Offering

On behalf of the Global Outreach Team may you find many ways to share the joy of Jesus birth during this season of love

Building Hours Worship ScheduleOver the Holidays there will be some changes to our

regular building hours and worship timesWe will be closed December 25-26-27 for staff to

enjoy sacred family time for Christmas Church offices will be open on Monday December 31 and will be closed on Tuesday January 1 2014

On Sunday December 30 we will have ONE Combined worship service at 1000 AM in the Sanctuary

February Mission Trip to Costa RicaDorothy Lilja Global Outreach

A group of Hennepin members who went to Cuba on a mission trip met over a year ago to discuss the possibility of organizing another VIM (Volunteers In Mission) trip A number of possibilities in Central and South America were explored paying particular attention to the time to travel to the location cost and feedback from other groups that have traveled to the various locations

A Costa Rica location was selected and our Hennepin group obtained very good feedback from other Minnesota teams about the United Methodist Strong Mission located in San Carrillos After several presentations about the Strong Mission Hennepin con tac ted the m iss ion about t im ing cos t accommodations and projects that a VIM team would be assigned (light construction teaching and craft projects)

The Strong Mission was found to be particularly well organized with great team accommodations and transportation It also provides adventure excursions to national parks volcanoes beaches waterfalls raincloud forests and wildlife preserves enabling Hennepin members to experience Costa Rica more broadly Fortunately Strong had an opening to accommodate Hennepinrsquos team during February ndash the dry season and higher cooler altitude The Hennepin group selected the Strong Mission and now is in the final stages of organizing the trip Paraphrasing Charlie Strong

ldquoThrough our travels and work within Costa Rica and Nicaragua my wife Angela and I have become acutely aware of a multitude of suffering children needing basic opportunities and resources not available to them due to their economic status In 2004 we created Strong Missions in order to help provide for costs necessary to lend assistance to such children If you join us in mission you will be able to make a real and lasting impression in the lives of the economically oppressed In addition you will complete your trip with a good feel for the Costa Rican culture as well as a renewed heart for the mission of the Church to the poorrdquoFor more information on the Strong Mission visit their

website at StrongMissioncom

6

Christmas Outreach OfferingUMCOR Syrian Refugee ReliefPaula Colton Outreach and Youth Ministries

Christmas is a time to count our blessings and to give so others may experience joy This year the Global Outreach Team has selected UMCORrsquos disaster relief fund for Syrian refugees as the recipient of the Christmas outreach offering

Since March 2011 the Syrian conflict has claimed over 70000 lives and displaced 425 million people internally including more than 16 million Syrians who are being hosted in foreign countries This event is placing an unprecedented strain on communities infrastructure and services Humanitarian agencies are hard at work to provide people in Syria the protection and assistance needed to survive this volatile environment each day Emergency supplies and material support such as UMCOR relief kits bring peace of mind to conflict-affected families who have lost their jobs and are unable to provide for their children due to the Syrian crisis

Hennepin Church has always been responsive to the needs of others This type of second mile giving is a way to express compassion for those who have no voice and feel utter hopelessness You can help to provide hope during this season of giving

100 of your gift goes directly to UMCORrsquos disaster relief and humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees No portion of the gift is kept for administrative purposes The impact of your gift is truly felt by those who need it the most Please use the enclosed envelope or label your check Christmas Outreach Offering You may also give at HennepinChurchorgcontribute Please indicate your gift is for the Christmas Outreach Offering

On behalf of the Global Outreach Team may you find many ways to share the joy of Jesus birth during this season of love

Building Hours Worship ScheduleOver the Holidays there will be some changes to our

regular building hours and worship timesWe will be closed December 25-26-27 for staff to

enjoy sacred family time for Christmas Church offices will be open on Monday December 31 and will be closed on Tuesday January 1 2014

On Sunday December 30 we will have ONE Combined worship service at 1000 AM in the Sanctuary

February Mission Trip to Costa RicaDorothy Lilja Global Outreach

A group of Hennepin members who went to Cuba on a mission trip met over a year ago to discuss the possibility of organizing another VIM (Volunteers In Mission) trip A number of possibilities in Central and South America were explored paying particular attention to the time to travel to the location cost and feedback from other groups that have traveled to the various locations

A Costa Rica location was selected and our Hennepin group obtained very good feedback from other Minnesota teams about the United Methodist Strong Mission located in San Carrillos After several presentations about the Strong Mission Hennepin con tac ted the m iss ion about t im ing cos t accommodations and projects that a VIM team would be assigned (light construction teaching and craft projects)

The Strong Mission was found to be particularly well organized with great team accommodations and transportation It also provides adventure excursions to national parks volcanoes beaches waterfalls raincloud forests and wildlife preserves enabling Hennepin members to experience Costa Rica more broadly Fortunately Strong had an opening to accommodate Hennepinrsquos team during February ndash the dry season and higher cooler altitude The Hennepin group selected the Strong Mission and now is in the final stages of organizing the trip Paraphrasing Charlie Strong

ldquoThrough our travels and work within Costa Rica and Nicaragua my wife Angela and I have become acutely aware of a multitude of suffering children needing basic opportunities and resources not available to them due to their economic status In 2004 we created Strong Missions in order to help provide for costs necessary to lend assistance to such children If you join us in mission you will be able to make a real and lasting impression in the lives of the economically oppressed In addition you will complete your trip with a good feel for the Costa Rican culture as well as a renewed heart for the mission of the Church to the poorrdquoFor more information on the Strong Mission visit their

website at StrongMissioncom

6

Youth News What an Amazing Fall Paula Colton Outreach and Youth Ministries

We brought 22 students to the conference-wide gathering of Junior United Methodist Youth They stayed and played all weekend at Craguns in Brainerd Among the topics we discussed was bullying and how students are deeply affected by the behavior of others Bullying was framed around the story of the Good Samaritan and the students were asked to think about what a Christian response to the behavior of bullies

Recently care packages were sent to our Hennepin Church students who are off at college Many of them come home for Christmas and we hope you extend the hand of hospitality to them as you greet them by name and learn about their adventures away from home

Coming up this December Bake Sale on Dec 8

On December 8 will be our annual youth bake sale to benefit the scholarship fund for children and youth at Hennepin You can help by baking Please bring your items packaged for sale but do not price them And of course you can shop for some delicious Christmas baked treats in Carlson Hall

Youth Theater ReturnsA Little Christmas Carol600 PM December 14 and 1100 AM December 15Get your tickets now

This season the youth theater presents ldquoA Little Christmas Carolrdquo Join us for an abbreviated version o f t h e s t o r y o f h o w Scrooges heart is warmed to the generosity and joy of Christmas Tickets are available in Carlson Hall for $10 Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund for youth and children at Hennepin December 14 show time is 600 PM and appetizers and dessert will be served December 15 show time is 1100 AM Your ticket includes Hennepin Breakfast as well as coffee and dessert

2014 Stewardship UpdateItrsquos A New Day Giving and Living in Christ

As we continue to celebrate our new day at Hennepin Church we rejoice over the opportunity in our stewardship campaign Our stewardship series and classes reminded us that we are to give out of our abundance rather than live in the mindset of scarcity

We have already made an incredible showing of audacious giving To date (Nov 19)

bull we have received 289 pledges for a total of $1018371

bull we have received 42 new pledges andbull 164 pledges were increases

The stewardship committee wishes to thank everyone who made a commitment for 2014 And everyone counts If you have not yet completed a pledge card it is not too late for you to experience Godrsquos abundance in this new day If you need a pledge card extra cards are available from the ushers or you may pledge online at HennepinChurchorgPledge

If you want to explore what is right for you please reach out to Pastor Teri Jodi Standke or another trusted friend We are in this community together and it is together that difference is made

Generosity changes us the church and the world Thank you for making a difference as we continue to live give and grow in Christ

Social Hall Renovation UpdateCompletion Near Breakfast Fellowship Begins Dec 1

We had meeting number 15 and the end is in sight The social hall carpet is finished and looks wonderful Vinyl has been laid and the cabinets will be returned to their spot

The roof vent fabricating went well and is being installed Woodwork is installed this week Doors are installed next week The family restroom plumbing fixtures will be installed next week Tiling on the main bathrooms should be finished by Thanksgiving

The social hall ceiling will be cleaned and ready for the new LED fixtures Plaster patching will be done next week The back storage roomwalkway will be cleaned up and painted over the next two weeks The narthex wood work will be installed after Thanksgiving The narthex bathroom floor tile will be either reused or matched as closely as possible to the existing hallway floor

A leak in the roof near the new venting was discovered Repairs and new caulk should make the area watertight A final coat will finish the stage floor

7

Students building props for the Youth Theater event

Office Space and Staff TransitionsTerry Ruttger Administrator

This past several weeks have brought about many changes in the office layout and in our staff makeup at Hennepin We give thanks for those whose time with us has ended as we look forward to revitalization and renewal of our staff and office space

Tom Flood maintenance director at Hennepin Church has taken a new position at St Richardrsquos Catholic Church his home congregation Tom has faithfully served Hennepin for many years and has worked in making Hennepin a place of welcome and hospitality

Martha McCartney will no longer be in our accounting area at Hennepin Church She has her own business and has decided to pursue other clients We are thankful for Marthas many years of devoted service to Hennepin Church and wish her well

Liz Gagnon our new accountant will be overseeing the FinanceAccounting Area Liz a CPA has both public accounting experience and has worked in several churches She will help us move into our new 2014 unified budgeting model Welcome Liz

Connie Wilcox administrative assistant is no longer working at Hennepin Church She supported many areas including the Dignity Center Youth amp Childrenrsquos Ministry and Life Adventures We wish her well

Tara Emerson has transitioned into working with pastoral care and other support projects You will find her new office area next to Larry Duncan Mark Petersonrsquos office space has moved by the fireplace

Terry Ruttger has moved to Tararsquos recent space and will be nearby to assist Liz as we make the transitions in the finance department

Thanks to you all for patience as we continue in this New Day Wersquoll keep you posted for an upcoming open house in the church offices so you may see the changes and note where everyonersquos new space is located

Reconciling MinistriesRob Gamble

The Council of Bishops requested that Bishop Wenner and Bishop Wallace-Padgett file a complaint against retired Bishop Melvin Talbert Bishop Talbert violated two rules in The Book of Discipline He performed a same-sex marriage in the North Alabama Conference on Oct 26 intruding in the episcopal ministry of Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett

Since Bishop Talbertrsquos acts were highly publicized one could almost guarantee a complaint would be filed The Council of Bishopsrsquo directive was most likely a pro-active move to keep this in-house and not be complicated by an outside organization or person The complaint will be filed in the Western Jurisdiction where Bishop Talbert retired

The steps are 1 The Bishops filing the complaint meet with

Bishop Talbert and the presiding Bishop They could reach a satisfactory agreement for all an announcement would be made that the complaint had been satisfied Or

2 It could go to trial The jury pool will be representatives of the five episcopal areas in the Western Jurisdiction The decision of the jury is final and the jury sets the penalty Since it has been reported in the media and Bishop Talbert has admitted to the marriage the work of the jury will be to determine the penalty The Western Jurisdiction is much more open to the Reconciling Ministries movement than some others

This will not change The Book of Discipline nor the official UMC stance on same-sex marriage Any change requires General Conference action in 2016 We will watch this unfold

Prayer Shawl Thank YouThe following letter was recently received at church We share it here as a

celebration of thanks for the Prayer Shawl Ministry members at Hennepin Church There is power in prayerDear Knotty Quilters

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the lovely gift of the prayer shawl I wore it to my last chemo treatment and not only was I warm but I truly felt wrapped in care I canrsquot tell you how much it means to have your thoughts and prayers with me and my Dad and Nancy during this time and we are all buoyed up by them Treatment is going very well and I am planning on a full and healthy recovery ndash due in great part to the kindness of people such as youYour thoughtfulness is MUCH appreciatedMost sincerelyKerstin Sjoquist

8

Steeple People is ComingChristmas is coming and for your convenience Steeple People Thrift Store is coming to the East Entry Gallery on Sundays December 8 and 15 Wersquoll bring books (for children teens and adults) home deacutecor items and fun things for Christmas Be sure to stop by our tables to see what goodies we have brought from the store As always all proceeds support local national and international non-profit organizations

Volunteering A Life Transformed Kathleen Chesney

In the building that houses Steeple People Thrift Store (SPTS) Michael Gertjejansen prepares small appliances for sale He volunteers on Wednesdays his regular day off from his paying job at Wells Fargo

Two years ago Michael was too ill to work But after chemical dependency treatment and medication helped stabilize his life he was given an opportunity to serve ldquoI just loved it hererdquo he said recently during an interview at Steeple People ldquoI felt worth something I felt lovedrdquo

Michael has been employed and sober for the last 18 months Before treatment he was unable to leave his fatherrsquos house due to mental illness and addiction ldquoI had panic attacks if I thought about leavingrdquo he said ldquoI had neck and back pain and was self medicating by abusing alcoholrdquo

After going through treatment for illness and addiction Michael moved to a transitional house Progress Valley A few months later the staff recommended him as a volunteer at Steeple People

ldquoI felt like I belonged hererdquo he says about his early experience ldquoI was contributing to a better societyrdquo SPTS grants its profits to programs that help persons in poverty

Michael also takes donated electrical devices to his home and fixes them in his spare time He says it relaxes him

The Dignity Center A Source of Stability

Another part of Michaelrsquos stabilization was his work as a client at the Dignity Center (DC) He heard about the DC from fellow store volunteers He got involved with the program and was assigned an Advocate with whom he developed a relationship of trust and care

ldquoShe did not make judgments about my alcoholismrdquo Michael said Rather he was given encouragement and kindness along with resources and help with basic needs ldquoIrsquom still wearing the coat and hat they gave me Even having appointments to keep helped me feel normal againrdquo

Lives are being transformed as a result of the ministries of Hennepin Be a part of this combining of time talent and resources for the living out of faith and the building of kin-dom

Christmas Eve at Hennepin Awaken to Amazement

Tuesday December 241200 Noon - Chapel Communion

200 PM - Labyrinth in the Art Gallery400 PM - Family ServicePageant

1100 PM - Candlelight Servicewith 1030 PM Prelude ConcertFree Parking is available in the Walker Art Center Ramp on Christmas Eve

and also on Sunday Mornings

MEA Family Retreat at KoinoniaDeb Rash

When I asked my daughter for a one-word description of her time at Koinonia over MEA weekend this year she said ldquoWe aterdquo So I asked for a more descriptive word and she said ldquoIt was wetrdquo So then I asked her for a word that described how she felt about it and she said ldquoGoodrdquo It took a bit to get to that one word but the conversation it led to turned out to be pretty telling

The food is always good and plentiful at Koinonia A highlight from being there in the Fall was that we were there for the transition from chocolate milk in the cooler to the hot chocolate machine

Yes it was a bit wet but we had sun when it counted for the photo scavenger hunt and the moisture in the air during the chapel service on Sunday morning turned into the first huge snowflakes of the year We all got out of our seats and outside for a few minutes to enjoy it

And yes it was good There were so many activities but we also spent time relaxing and connecting with the families we traveled with it seems impossible not to become a big family if you spend the day there

9

Itrsquos a New Day for Hennepinrsquos United Methodist WomenJennifer Hipple UMW President

As you know UMW has been around a long time Those who came before us going back well over 140 years were deeply committed to creating something by and for women that allowed them the opportunity to make a real difference in the world through mission The genesis of UMW included sponsoring missionaries in India and Africa Those early Methodist women also looked to UMW for spiritual nourishment and fellowship Ultimately the focus of UMW would be three-foldbull To know God and to experience freedom

as whole persons through Jesus Christbull To develop creative supportive fellowshipsbull To expand concepts of mission through

participation in local and global ministries of the church

As president of Hennepinrsquos United Methodist Women and on behalf of our leadership team I wish to share with you a growing desire in the hearts of many of us to purposefully move forward with discovery around how we can refresh UMW at Hennepin The legacy that brought us to where we are today an international organization that annually generates over $14 million in mission giving is one to be respected and admired However we also recognize that many women feel disengaged from UMW They view it as an organization for older women and one that doesnrsquot speak to them They donrsquot wish to be part of a Circle that meets at 1000 AM on Tuesdays And to many that is how they perceive UMW Thatrsquos how I used to perceive UMW

Our UMW leadership team is borrowing Pastor Terirsquos mission of celebrating ldquoItrsquos A New Day at Hennepinrdquo by fervently seeking to ldquore-modelrdquo United Methodist Women Moving forward our goal is for all Hennepin women to see themselves as part of United Methodist Women In the months ahead we will be in a process of discovery working with clergy and inviting all those interested to help us identify how we can broaden and deepen the scope of programming resources and events to revitalize what United Methodist Women looks like at Hennepin But we need YOUR help

The UMW leadership team has postponed its Annual Gathering to early 2014 At such time we will invite all Hennepin women (men too) to join us for a time of sharing and discussion as we begin to outline a revival of UMW at Hennepin We will also report on the 2013 budget and introduce a proposed budget for 2014

In the meantime please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions I hope you will join us in this effort

Hennepin UMW Merry Mission YouDecember 14 ndash Get Your Tickets NowThis year we wil l be providing complimentary tickets to Hennepinrsquos womenrsquos holiday event coming up on Saturday Dec 14 Our theme is Merry Mission You Enjoy coffee and treats an international gift market a special keynote about mission with Pastor Teri and help with fun and quick hands-on mission projects followed by a great lunch A free-will offering will help defray lunch costs but we need everyone to pre-register

Wersquore Also Looking for a Few Good MenWersquore inviting men to help serve our holiday luncheon (no cooking required) and do cleanup For tickets or to volunteer to serve lunch please contact Carol Wiechmann by Dec 9 at clwiech2000yahoocom or 763-786-6961 Thanks

Knotty Quilters Bears for BabiesHennepinrsquos Knotty Quilters can often be found with

needle and thread in hand looking for something to stitch Did you know they make more than quilts They also put their hearts of gold into making beautiful fabric bears for babies and all kids at heart In fact children baptized at Hennepin receive one of these special handmade bears (or a baby quilt or blanket)

Quilter Marjorie Heggestad says the bears are often made from fabric donated by members of the congregation Marjorie adds that the group has made custom bears using fabric from a loved onersquos old shirt to help preserve their memory From cutting out fabric to stitching and stuffing several pairs of loving hands go into making these one-of-a-kind bears

Knotty Quilters Maggie Berget Marjorie Heggestad and Judith Pratt with some of their ldquobear-yrdquo good friends

10

Steeple People is ComingChristmas is coming and for your convenience Steeple People Thrift Store is coming to the East Entry Gallery on Sundays December 8 and 15 Wersquoll bring books (for children teens and adults) home deacutecor items and fun things for Christmas Be sure to stop by our tables to see what goodies we have brought from the store As always all proceeds support local national and international non-profit organizations

Volunteering A Life Transformed Kathleen Chesney

In the building that houses Steeple People Thrift Store (SPTS) Michael Gertjejansen prepares small appliances for sale He volunteers on Wednesdays his regular day off from his paying job at Wells Fargo

Two years ago Michael was too ill to work But after chemical dependency treatment and medication helped stabilize his life he was given an opportunity to serve ldquoI just loved it hererdquo he said recently during an interview at Steeple People ldquoI felt worth something I felt lovedrdquo

Michael has been employed and sober for the last 18 months Before treatment he was unable to leave his fatherrsquos house due to mental illness and addiction ldquoI had panic attacks if I thought about leavingrdquo he said ldquoI had neck and back pain and was self medicating by abusing alcoholrdquo

After going through treatment for illness and addiction Michael moved to a transitional house Progress Valley A few months later the staff recommended him as a volunteer at Steeple People

ldquoI felt like I belonged hererdquo he says about his early experience ldquoI was contributing to a better societyrdquo SPTS grants its profits to programs that help persons in poverty

Michael also takes donated electrical devices to his home and fixes them in his spare time He says it relaxes him

The Dignity Center A Source of Stability

Another part of Michaelrsquos stabilization was his work as a client at the Dignity Center (DC) He heard about the DC from fellow store volunteers He got involved with the program and was assigned an Advocate with whom he developed a relationship of trust and care

ldquoShe did not make judgments about my alcoholismrdquo Michael said Rather he was given encouragement and kindness along with resources and help with basic needs ldquoIrsquom still wearing the coat and hat they gave me Even having appointments to keep helped me feel normal againrdquo

Lives are being transformed as a result of the ministries of Hennepin Be a part of this combining of time talent and resources for the living out of faith and the building of kin-dom

Christmas Eve at Hennepin Awaken to Amazement

Tuesday December 241200 Noon - Chapel Communion

200 PM - Labyrinth in the Art Gallery400 PM - Family ServicePageant

1100 PM - Candlelight Servicewith 1030 PM Prelude ConcertFree Parking is available in the Walker Art Center Ramp on Christmas Eve

and also on Sunday Mornings

MEA Family Retreat at KoinoniaDeb Rash

When I asked my daughter for a one-word description of her time at Koinonia over MEA weekend this year she said ldquoWe aterdquo So I asked for a more descriptive word and she said ldquoIt was wetrdquo So then I asked her for a word that described how she felt about it and she said ldquoGoodrdquo It took a bit to get to that one word but the conversation it led to turned out to be pretty telling

The food is always good and plentiful at Koinonia A highlight from being there in the Fall was that we were there for the transition from chocolate milk in the cooler to the hot chocolate machine

Yes it was a bit wet but we had sun when it counted for the photo scavenger hunt and the moisture in the air during the chapel service on Sunday morning turned into the first huge snowflakes of the year We all got out of our seats and outside for a few minutes to enjoy it

And yes it was good There were so many activities but we also spent time relaxing and connecting with the families we traveled with it seems impossible not to become a big family if you spend the day there

9

Itrsquos a New Day for Hennepinrsquos United Methodist WomenJennifer Hipple UMW President

As you know UMW has been around a long time Those who came before us going back well over 140 years were deeply committed to creating something by and for women that allowed them the opportunity to make a real difference in the world through mission The genesis of UMW included sponsoring missionaries in India and Africa Those early Methodist women also looked to UMW for spiritual nourishment and fellowship Ultimately the focus of UMW would be three-foldbull To know God and to experience freedom

as whole persons through Jesus Christbull To develop creative supportive fellowshipsbull To expand concepts of mission through

participation in local and global ministries of the church

As president of Hennepinrsquos United Methodist Women and on behalf of our leadership team I wish to share with you a growing desire in the hearts of many of us to purposefully move forward with discovery around how we can refresh UMW at Hennepin The legacy that brought us to where we are today an international organization that annually generates over $14 million in mission giving is one to be respected and admired However we also recognize that many women feel disengaged from UMW They view it as an organization for older women and one that doesnrsquot speak to them They donrsquot wish to be part of a Circle that meets at 1000 AM on Tuesdays And to many that is how they perceive UMW Thatrsquos how I used to perceive UMW

Our UMW leadership team is borrowing Pastor Terirsquos mission of celebrating ldquoItrsquos A New Day at Hennepinrdquo by fervently seeking to ldquore-modelrdquo United Methodist Women Moving forward our goal is for all Hennepin women to see themselves as part of United Methodist Women In the months ahead we will be in a process of discovery working with clergy and inviting all those interested to help us identify how we can broaden and deepen the scope of programming resources and events to revitalize what United Methodist Women looks like at Hennepin But we need YOUR help

The UMW leadership team has postponed its Annual Gathering to early 2014 At such time we will invite all Hennepin women (men too) to join us for a time of sharing and discussion as we begin to outline a revival of UMW at Hennepin We will also report on the 2013 budget and introduce a proposed budget for 2014

In the meantime please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions I hope you will join us in this effort

Hennepin UMW Merry Mission YouDecember 14 ndash Get Your Tickets NowThis year we wil l be providing complimentary tickets to Hennepinrsquos womenrsquos holiday event coming up on Saturday Dec 14 Our theme is Merry Mission You Enjoy coffee and treats an international gift market a special keynote about mission with Pastor Teri and help with fun and quick hands-on mission projects followed by a great lunch A free-will offering will help defray lunch costs but we need everyone to pre-register

Wersquore Also Looking for a Few Good MenWersquore inviting men to help serve our holiday luncheon (no cooking required) and do cleanup For tickets or to volunteer to serve lunch please contact Carol Wiechmann by Dec 9 at clwiech2000yahoocom or 763-786-6961 Thanks

Knotty Quilters Bears for BabiesHennepinrsquos Knotty Quilters can often be found with

needle and thread in hand looking for something to stitch Did you know they make more than quilts They also put their hearts of gold into making beautiful fabric bears for babies and all kids at heart In fact children baptized at Hennepin receive one of these special handmade bears (or a baby quilt or blanket)

Quilter Marjorie Heggestad says the bears are often made from fabric donated by members of the congregation Marjorie adds that the group has made custom bears using fabric from a loved onersquos old shirt to help preserve their memory From cutting out fabric to stitching and stuffing several pairs of loving hands go into making these one-of-a-kind bears

Knotty Quilters Maggie Berget Marjorie Heggestad and Judith Pratt with some of their ldquobear-yrdquo good friends

10

Itrsquos a New Day for Hennepinrsquos United Methodist WomenJennifer Hipple UMW President

As you know UMW has been around a long time Those who came before us going back well over 140 years were deeply committed to creating something by and for women that allowed them the opportunity to make a real difference in the world through mission The genesis of UMW included sponsoring missionaries in India and Africa Those early Methodist women also looked to UMW for spiritual nourishment and fellowship Ultimately the focus of UMW would be three-foldbull To know God and to experience freedom

as whole persons through Jesus Christbull To develop creative supportive fellowshipsbull To expand concepts of mission through

participation in local and global ministries of the church

As president of Hennepinrsquos United Methodist Women and on behalf of our leadership team I wish to share with you a growing desire in the hearts of many of us to purposefully move forward with discovery around how we can refresh UMW at Hennepin The legacy that brought us to where we are today an international organization that annually generates over $14 million in mission giving is one to be respected and admired However we also recognize that many women feel disengaged from UMW They view it as an organization for older women and one that doesnrsquot speak to them They donrsquot wish to be part of a Circle that meets at 1000 AM on Tuesdays And to many that is how they perceive UMW Thatrsquos how I used to perceive UMW

Our UMW leadership team is borrowing Pastor Terirsquos mission of celebrating ldquoItrsquos A New Day at Hennepinrdquo by fervently seeking to ldquore-modelrdquo United Methodist Women Moving forward our goal is for all Hennepin women to see themselves as part of United Methodist Women In the months ahead we will be in a process of discovery working with clergy and inviting all those interested to help us identify how we can broaden and deepen the scope of programming resources and events to revitalize what United Methodist Women looks like at Hennepin But we need YOUR help

The UMW leadership team has postponed its Annual Gathering to early 2014 At such time we will invite all Hennepin women (men too) to join us for a time of sharing and discussion as we begin to outline a revival of UMW at Hennepin We will also report on the 2013 budget and introduce a proposed budget for 2014

In the meantime please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions I hope you will join us in this effort

Hennepin UMW Merry Mission YouDecember 14 ndash Get Your Tickets NowThis year we wil l be providing complimentary tickets to Hennepinrsquos womenrsquos holiday event coming up on Saturday Dec 14 Our theme is Merry Mission You Enjoy coffee and treats an international gift market a special keynote about mission with Pastor Teri and help with fun and quick hands-on mission projects followed by a great lunch A free-will offering will help defray lunch costs but we need everyone to pre-register

Wersquore Also Looking for a Few Good MenWersquore inviting men to help serve our holiday luncheon (no cooking required) and do cleanup For tickets or to volunteer to serve lunch please contact Carol Wiechmann by Dec 9 at clwiech2000yahoocom or 763-786-6961 Thanks

Knotty Quilters Bears for BabiesHennepinrsquos Knotty Quilters can often be found with

needle and thread in hand looking for something to stitch Did you know they make more than quilts They also put their hearts of gold into making beautiful fabric bears for babies and all kids at heart In fact children baptized at Hennepin receive one of these special handmade bears (or a baby quilt or blanket)

Quilter Marjorie Heggestad says the bears are often made from fabric donated by members of the congregation Marjorie adds that the group has made custom bears using fabric from a loved onersquos old shirt to help preserve their memory From cutting out fabric to stitching and stuffing several pairs of loving hands go into making these one-of-a-kind bears

Knotty Quilters Maggie Berget Marjorie Heggestad and Judith Pratt with some of their ldquobear-yrdquo good friends

10

Hennepin Community NewsRachel Elliott

It has been a fun time for some of our members this month For birthdays there were Bill and Caroline Pilgram who both turned 96 in November and Jean Vanselow celebrated her birthday as ldquoresident of the monthrdquo at her condo Becky Monson and Jonathon White are preparing for retirement In a cancer survivor study at the University of Washington are Marilyn Sly and sisters Prayers ascend for each cancer patient at Hennepin including Nancy Gale Cathy Wright Ed Barsness Kay Sommers and Kerstin daughter of Nancy and Keith Sjoquist Joining the Hennepin community by baptism is Foster Tillman Forrest son of Amanda Erickson and Brian Forrest Tessie Barrett and Paul Talley celebrate the birth of Everett Barrett Andrea Braun and Tim Kinden welcomed Edward Kristopher Ryan and Sussan Weaver welcomed Annabelle Jane Weaver and Damon and Christina Dahlheimer celebrate the birth of Isabel Marie Marilyn Newstrom welcomes granddaughter Sabrina We are sorry for the departure of Tom Flood from Hennepin to his own church St Richards in Richfield And Art Smith retired from the recyclers after 23 years (Enjoy your new house Art) Moving to new addresses were Jack and Abby Graber Don and Joan Keefe and Chris Jackson We hope you are all settled in How great to hear that Scott Simmons has fully recovered from brain surgery preformed in July and to see Marcia Engel in church Hospital folks during the month have been Maggie Berget Cathy Wright Jewel Meyer Hanna Emerson Tom Ludlow Daniel Dahm and Ed Barsness Recovering at home have been Rhoda Grover Joe and Billye Elmore Jewel Meyer Wayne Babcock Dorothy Kouri and Maggie Berget In care centers have been Brian Macinish Peter Hagen Charleen Bauer Tom Walker Dick Hoffman Irv English and Wayne Babcock We continue to pray for all our service men and women from Hennepin Ramar Davis Godfred Kankam August Dobbins and Nicolas Plummer Congregational deaths include Edith Perron Lucia Haun Beth Allen Bill Mathisrsquo father Jenny Considinersquos grandmother Bryant Holmstromrsquos mother Phyllis Thomsonrsquos father Dana Neuhauserrsquos uncle and Jeanette Blackrsquos family was saddened by a loved onersquos death We pray you will be comforted by the love of our heavenly father We donrsquot know all the Recyclers but we thank them for their amazing talents and faithfulness

240-Year-Old Mite Box on DisplayThe churchrsquos 240-year-old mite box can now be seen in the Archive display case in Carlson Hall The box was made from a tree that stood next to one of the first churches where John Wesley preached It was given to Hennepin Church in 1925 by a descendant of the person who received it in England about 1770

nSpire DECDEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER

The nSpire is a monthly newsletter for members and friends of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church Thanks to all who have shared articles or information for this issue 1000 AM Thursday Dec 19th is the deadline for the January 2014 edition Please email articles to DanielPedersonHennepinChurchorg submit through our website HennepinChurchorg or drop off at the church attn Daniel 612-435-1320

Hennepin AvenueUnited Methodist Church511 Groveland AvenueMinneapolis MN 55403612-871-5303

HennepinChurchOrg11

Hoping It May Be Socontinued from page 1

13 ldquoChristmas Eve and twelve of the clock Now they are all on their knees An elder said as we sat in a flock By the embers of hearthside ease We picture the meek mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen Nor did it occur to one of us there To doubt they were kneeling then So fair a fancy few would weave In these years Yet I feel If someone said on Christmas Eve Come see the oxen kneel In the lonely batton by yonder comb Our childhood used to know I should go with him in the gloom13 Hoping it might be sordquoIn the silence of these dark advent days may our

eyes be opened to the amazement of the waiting and of the wonder May a place deep within us recall bygone days when our spirits soared and we trusted the goodness and simplicity of life

And may our advent prayer simply be Hoping it might be so AmenIn Christrsquos Amazing Peace Teri

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO 2906

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church511 Groveland AvenueMinneapolis MN 55403612-871-5303

December 1 830 AM Communion Service 900 AM Sacred Journey 930 AM Sanctuary - Leah Rosso preaching 1100 AM Many Voices 500 PM Sunday at 5 Gathering of Recovery

December 8 830 AM Communion Service 900 AM Sacred Journey 930 AM Sanctuary - Paula Colton preaching 1100 AM Many Voices 500 PM Sunday at 5 Gathering of Recovery

December 15 830 AM Communion Service 900 AM Sacred Journey 930 AM Sanctuary - Teri Johnson preaching 1100 AM Many Voices 500 PM Sunday at 5 Gathering of Recovery

December 22 830 AM Communion Service 900 AM Sacred Journey 930 AM Sanctuary - Sally Johnson preaching 1100 AM Many Voices 500 PM Sunday at 5 Gathering of Recovery

Tuesday December 24 ~ Christmas Eve Services ~

1200 PM Communion Service 200 PM Labyrinth 400 PM Family Service (Pageant) 1030 PM Prelude Concert 1100 PM Candlelight Service

December 29 1000 AM ONE Combined Service

label here

Itrsquos a NewDay