*Thank you for Assisting with Worship today:

Refreshments: Muriel Gilbertson

Greeters 10 am: Duane & Nancy Burns, Mi-

chael & Melinda Jankowski, Louise Litman,

Vonda Miller

*Reminders to those assisting next week

(1/1/17) with worship:

Refreshments: Deb Fish and Louise Litman

Greeters 10 am: Joan & Marv Williams, Jim

& Jackie Pahula, Siri Brueshaver, Tom &

Deb Fish, Angie Nicholas

We are looking for volunteers to join our re-

freshment host team. If interested, please con-

tact Deb Fish @651-452-9102/Louise Litman

@952-891-3284.

Welcome - We’re honored that you have chosen to worship with us!

If you are a first or second time guest or new to our community, please stop by our Welcoming Desk in the Narthex. You may also fill in a visitor card in the

pew or at the desk if you wish.

1

*Attendance

Last Sunday in worship: 245

Next Sunday—Jan. 1st One combined Worship service at 10 am.

Pastor Emma will tell us about the 12 days of

Christmas.

*Indicates a new or revised announcement this week.

Children/Youth Nursery Care NOTE: There will not be any

Nursery Care on Christmas Day or New Years

Day.

Nursery Care is provided from 9:00am–noon for

children 3 years of age and younger every Sunday

year round.

Children’s Church NOTE: There will not be

any Children’s Church on Christmas Day or

New Years Day.

Children’s Church—(age 3–Grade 1) is during

the 9:00 and 11:05 a.m. Sunday morning worship

services. Sunday School between services.

Children’s Sunday School– NOTE: There will

not be any Sunday School on Christmas Day

or New Years Day. Classes will resume Janu-

ary 8, 2017

Age 3 – Grade 5 – Sunday School begins at 10:15

in room 110 with a large group opening time be-

fore children are escorted to their individual grade

level classes. Our later start time allows for chil-

dren to finish cookies and donuts upstairs before

they enter the classrooms. Children under age 3 –

child care is provided in our Little Blessings

Nursery located on the main level in room 202.

JAM Club There will NOT be JAM Club on

Wednesday, December 28th.

(For grades K-5) - Wednesday night at 6:24pm

Worship Education/

Inspirational

Upcoming Baptism Sunday, January 8

at the 9 or 11:05 a.m. service.

Call the church office, at 952-890-2515,

to register for the pre-baptism meeting with Pastor Braudt on Jan. 4th

Adult Education Sunday mornings—10:05-11:00 a.m.

Faith on Film - Is not meeting Dec. 25 but IS

meeting on Jan. 1 Faith on Film will meet today, the topic will be

“science and religion”. We are in the Annex

(room off of the Bosshardt Room where Sunday

morning coffee is held). Faith on Film is taught

by RHUMC member Jonathan Ozanne.

Pastor’s Study-Not Meeting Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 This class meets in Pastor Robert’s office. Each

week, discussion focuses on a book and chapter

in the Bible. There is always room around the

table to drop in. This class is facilitated by Joe

Dedeaux.

Sisters Class—Not Meeting Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 Will resume January 8. Sisters Class meets on

Sundays 10:15-10:55 am. In the library. All

women are welcome.

Tuesday Bible Study

Tuesday Bible Study Class, will begin the series

“Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine” on

Jan. 17th. These sessions will run for 6 weeks and

meet from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. We will embark

on an exciting journey from where Christianity

was born to its eventual place as the official relig-

ion of the Roman Empire. The video portion is

hosted by author and distinguished history pro-

fessor Jonathan Phillips who takes us on a 12,000

mile journey through 7 countries. Each of these 1

hour videos will be followed by ½ hour of discus-

sion. There is no book to purchase but signing up

(at the kiosk in the lobby or on-line through the

church web site) will be helpful. If you have

questions please contact Pastor Emma at 952-890

-2515, ext. 205 or emelin@riverhillsumc.org. All

are welcome.

Book Club

Wednesday evening bi-monthly Book Club

6:00- 7:15 p.m.

Every other month this group meets in the library to

discuss a book selected by the group.

Feb. 1, 2017 “The Rosie Project”

by Graeme Simsion This is a hilarious, feel-good

novel narrated by an oddly charming and socially

challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to

find out if he is capable of true love. Contact

Pastor Emma at 952-890-2515, ext. 205. 2

Support Groups

Al-Anon Meeting

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at River Hills UMC.

AA Meetings

Thursdays at 7:30 pm and Fridays at 8 pm at

Grace UMC, Burnsville

Gamblers Anonymous

Fridays at 7:00 p.m. @River Hills UMC.

ADHD, Autism, & other Disabilities on the

Spectrum

Monday, January 23, 2017, 6:45pm

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, A.V.

Mindful Parenting: How to Stop the

Fighting, Yelling and Frustration

No cost for this presentation.

Barb Andrus, Certified Parent Coach,

Mad2Glad

Are you stressed out and exhausted?

Tired of your child’s poor listening, lack of self

-control and defiant behavior? Discover why

children with ADHD and/or Autism push your

limits, try to control everything, and how you

can transform your home into an enjoyable

space rather than a war zone.

In this interactive presentation you will receive

solutions from the Mad to Glad that are key to

having a calmer, more cooperative child and

restoring your sanity.

Care Giving Support Group Our next meeting will be Monday, February 6,

2017. We will be taking the month of January

off. We usually meet the first Monday of each

month at 7:00 pm. in the Library. This support

group is for anyone in the midst of care giving

for a family member or friend. If you have

questions please contact Allen Moore 651-238

-0634 or Pastor Emma 952-890-2515, ext. 205.

Memory Café

Memory Café is a monthly memory

care discussion group where those

experiencing early to moderate

dementia can meet in a safe and supportive

environment. Join us every third Tuesday of

the month through 2016 at The Rivers 11111

River Hills Dr., Burnsville, Memory Care

Activity Room 6:00-7:00 pm.

NEW MEMBER CLASS Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 p.m.

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Sunday, January 22,

9 and 11:05 am

3

Mission &

Service Fellowship and

Special Events

*Rhum Cafe! December 28

Closed

End of Year Giving Please remember that the IRS states that all

gifts to a non-profit must be either received or

postmarked by Dec. 31 to be included in the

current year’s giving.

This includes online donations dated 12/31. The

church DOES NOT receive funds donated

online immediately, therefore please initiate

these transactions well in advance or drop off a

check to the church on 12/30 or pop it in the

mail on or before 12/31 early enough to be post-

marked 12/31. Thank you all for your generos-

ity and continued support of the many ministries

of River Hills UM Church.

Denise Poetter, Administrative Assistant

CALLING ALL

TALENT Do you have a special talent in the arts that you

want to share? A song that needs to be sung? A

dance that wants to burst forth? A need to express

God's word through a sketch, whether by drawing

or by drama?

These are just some examples of the many artistic

talents we want to incorporate into the worship

services at River Hills Church. Whether you are

an individual or group that is hearing God's call

to share your gifts through the arts, we would

love to include you in worship. Please note we

are not looking to form new Discipleship Groups,

such as a dance troupe or acting troupe. These

will be one time commitments to be incorporated

into worship. If interested,

please complete a volunteer card found in the

pew or email the church office at

riverhills@riverhillsumc.org or Pat Hammond at

kphhammond@mac.com.

Also...

River Hills Church is also looking for people who

are willing to teach their art in an informal setting

(Note: You would be a voluntary teacher). If in-

terested, please complete a volunteer card found

in the pew or email the church office at

riverhills@riverhillsumc.org or Pat Hammond at

kphhammond@mac.com.

*Habitat for

Humanity We will be working at the Habitat for Humanity

Panel Plant Feb. 23, 24 and 25. More informa-

tion and a sign-up will be available soon, save

the date.

2017 Flower Chart If you would like to donate an altar flower ar-

rangement for a Sunday morning in 2017, please

see the new flower chart located on the bulletin

board in the Narthex just outside the Bosshardt

Room or at riverhillsumc.org and click on the

worship tab. Our cost for 2017 is holding steady

at $40.

5

Church Office Closed

Dec. 26 and Jan. 2nd Sun Dec 25, 2016

10am Worship-S Mon Dec 26, 2016

Church Office and Early Childhood Center Closed Tue Dec 27, 2016

8 am Men’s Breakfast—Baker’s Square in Apple Valley 7pm Al-Anon-F

Wed Dec 28, 2016 NO River Kids Practice tonight NO RHUMC Café tonight NO Wesley Bell Practice tonight NO JAM Club tonight No Youth Group tonight NO Jubilate Bell Practice tonight 7:15pm Chancel Choir Practice-S

Thu Dec 29, 2016 7pm Praise Team Rehearsal-S Fri Dec 30, 2016 11am Organ Rehearsal- Cathleen Harris-S

Church Office closes at 3:00 p.m. today 7:30pm Gamblers Anonymous-F

Sat Dec 31, 2016 11am Organ Rehearsal - Cathleen Harris-S 7 pm Organ Rehearsal—Cathleen Harris-S

Sun Jan 1, 2017—HAPPY NEW YEAR! Food Collection Sunday 10am Worship-S

Mon Jan 2, 2017 Church Office and Early Childhood Center Closed

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S-Sanctuary • B-Bosshardt Room • Y-Youth Room Lower Level • F-Fellowship Hall Lower Level • L-Library • A-Annex • P-Pastors Office

PRAYER LIST THIS WEEK

Prayers of Sympathy

Martha and Donald Knisley’s daughter Marisa Knisley Bocanegra died in an automobile accident on Novem-

ber 29. Her daughter Hallie, was seriously injured. Many thanks for all the prayers. Marisa's funeral was

Thursday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Island.

Church Family

Lillian Shattuck; Barry Estes; Sandy Thibos; Sue Hawes; Carol Walker; Mac McInroy; Carl and Joy Potter;

Dick Branden; Connie Anton; Bonnie Covart; Bob Leaf; Wayne Baugh; Sandra Shill; Jerry Kelly; Jay Dee

Yearous

Friends and Family

Sean, friend of Aaron Raschke; John Goz, friend of Marty Applebee; Paul Fread, son of Marge Fread; Debbie

Hansen; friend of Barb Haagenstad and Kim Engstrom; Amy Kaluzne; friend of Julie Demko; Kathy, daugh-

ter of Marge Friend; Julie friend of Marge Fread; Jackie Smith, friend of Rosalind, Georgia, and Randy Cirk-

sena; Gary Drewianka, partner of Sylvia Peterson; Jim and Rita Demers, friends of Jim and Mona Ervin; Joan,

cousin of Ginny Heitkamp; Clayton McDougal, father of Chris McDougal; Janice Buvala, mother of Sara

Vander Lugt; Clyde Johnson, father of Amy Pearson; Pat Braudt, mother of Rev. Robert Braudt; Cory Branden

son of Billie and Dick Branden; Linda Dehkey, daughter of Alice Pierce; Skip Wolff, neighbor of Randy and

Georgia Cirksena; Virginia Cerny, mother of Kim Christianson; Steve Jones, son of Mike and Sue Althoff;

Faith Williams, sister of Marv Williams; Kenneth and Vivian Fread, family of Marge Fread; Rebecca, grand-

daughter of Mike and Sue Althoff; Norma Blackman, mother of Brenda Barta; Mike Metz, friend of Mary

Davis; Helen, Aunt of Jean Bornholdt; Alice Whitby, mother of Jane Mayne; Linda Banks, friend of Everett

Goodridge; Sharon Woodward, daughter of Dave and Donna Sundheimer; Charlotte Umezu; John and Grace

Feuk, parents of Eric Feuk; Bishop Bruce Ough; Missionaries Kristen Brown (Israel/Palestine the Middle East)

and Nancy Robinson (Sierra Leone, Africa), Cynthia Williams, River Valley District Superintendent

Prayers of the

People

Prayers: Prayer requests are accepted in the church office at 952-890-2515, cwilkens@riverhillsumc.org or through our

website at riverhillsumc.org. Please let us know if your prayer is to remain confidential for only the prayer chain or is to be shared on this page of the weekly announcements and The Herald monthly newsletter.

6

We’re Here to Serve You Rev. Robert Braudt..……..…….Lead Pastor

Rev. Emma Melin………...…..……... Deacon

Pat Hammond….Dir. Arts and Innovative Worship

Dan and Stacy Julson Dir. of Praise Team Melissa Miller..….Dir. of Children’s Ministries

Maureen Ballentine ..Dir. of Youth Ministries

Denise Poetter……..Administrative Assistant

Carrie Wilkens……...Communications

Coordinator

Dr. Jong-Won Park…...Dir. of Chancel Choir

Cathleen Harris…...…………….……Organist

Marilyn Pyle……...…………Dir. of Bell Choirs

Cary Suriono….Sunday Nursery Coordinator

Lori Bergsten…The Herald Newsletter Editor

Melissa Hansen…Dir. of Early Childhood Center

Office Hours:

Mondays - Friday 9:00 - 3:00 Emergency pastoral care after

office hours and on weekends,

please call:

Rev. Robert Braudt,

@612-839-2111 or

Rev. Emma Melin,

@651-483-9833

11100 River Hills Drive Burnsville, MN 55337

Phone: 952-890-2515 Fax: 952-890-4536

Large Print Bulletins, Hymnals and Hearing

Devices: available, ask an usher for assistance.

Thank you for wearing your nametags: If you need

a nametag, contact the church office, 952-890-2515.

Child Care is available for ages 3 and under.

Children are always welcome in worship: Children’s

activity books and bags are located just outside the

sanctuary doors on the “Kids Kart”.

Refreshments Inside of Sanctuary: The Trustees ask

that food or beverages please not be brought into the

sanctuary. However, bottled water, bottled formula for

infants, and spill-proof cups for small children are

permitted.

Online Giving: The church offers online giving. Just

visit the church’s website (www.riverhillsumc.org),

click the “Share” tab, and follow the simple step-by-

step directions. It’s secure, convenient and flexible.

Posting Materials in the Church: If you wish to have

something posted in the church, please get a copy to

the church office for approval. Please do not use

scotch tape or duct tape to tape things to the walls,

doors, windows, etc. Use instead either tacky putty or

painter’s tape, which you can find in the cabinet above

the mailboxes in the church office. The Trustees thank

you.

From the Finance Committee: Any groups or

individuals wishing to do fundraising activities in the

church/congregation should submit requests at least 2

(two) weeks in advance to the Missions Committee

and the Finance Committee of the church. The

rationale for this policy is to limit the number of

simultaneous fundraiser activities and to ensure the

fundraiser meets the mission of the church.

Library: We are NOT accepting any more books for

the church library right now.

Deadline for Bulletin Announcements: Tuesdays at

noon. E-mail Carrie at cwilkens@riverhillsumc.org.

Deadline for The Herald Newsletter: 15th of each

month.E-mail The Herald editor, Lori, at

lori.bergsten@gmail.com. www.facebook.comRiverHillsUMC

7

Please remember to contact

the church office when you

move.

2016Poinsettias NAME # color DEDICATION

Mike & Sue Althoff 1 Red In Honor of our children & grandchildren

Arey Family 1 Red In Honor of Marilyn Young

In Memory of Jim Young

The Barrett Family 1 Red In Memory of Jim & Dorothy Barrett, Jerry & Bev Huisinga

Ron & Dorothy Barton 1 Pink In Honor of our family

Pete, Beth & Samantha Davis 1 Red In Honor of our family

1 Pink In Memory of our moms and grandparents

John & Kim Engstrom 1 Red In Honor of Kay & Joe Campbell

In Memory of Val & LeRoy Engstrom

Tom & Deb Fish 1 Red In Honor of River Hills United Methodist Church

Marge Fread 1 Red In Honor of children, grandchildren & greatgrandchildren

In Memory of parents & brother Rev. Harold D. Minor

Arnie & Muriel Gilbertson 1 Red In Honor of children & grandchildren

In Memory of our parents

Lucie Gruman 1 Red In Memory of parents, Lucy & Alton Barillier, husband Loran

1 White

Howard & Mary Hall 1 Red In Memory of our parents

Kris & Al Harmon 2 Red In Honor of Jamie, Shane, Jonathan, Jane & Ginny

In Memory of parents & Christopher

Ginny & John Heitkamp 1 Red In Memory of our parents

Rick & Nancy Ireland 1 Red In Honor of our children and their families

Jane & Gerry Kaplan 1 White In Honor of our daughters, Maggie and Emma

Carl & Dixie Larson 1 Pink In Honor of our loved ones

In Memory of Jennie Sandquist

Betsy MacDonald 1 Red In Memory of Bud MacDonald

Barb & Bill McGuire 1 White In Memory of George & Nellie Johnson

Bob & Sheri Mello 1 Red In Honor of Kaitlyn & Lindsay

1 Pink In Memory of Beverly Mello and Louise Lange

Vonda Miller 1 Red In Memory of my parents and grandparents

Doug & Jan Monro 1 White In Memory of Gladys & William Monro, Kenneth & Carol Kaufman

Allen & Terry Moore 1 White In Memory of Andrew Moore

Kim & Gina Patch 1 White In Honor of granddaughter Adeline Grace Patch,

children Jennifer, Michael & Maria Patch

In Memory of granddaughter Ella Grace Patch, our parents, our brother

Michael, Amy, McKenna, Lucas Pearson 1 Pink In Honor of our parents and grandparents

In Memory of those that have gone before us

Kevin & Becky Sefton 1 Red In Memory of Becky's father - Rod Stotler

All Shimp 1 Red In Memory of Carole Shimp

Barb Skochil 2 Red In Honor of Jamie Holly

1

White

In Memory of Robert Heurich, Joan Heurich & Richard Skochil

1 Pink

Springer Family 1 Red In Memory of Patricia Springer

Dave & Donna Sundheimer 1 Red In Honor of our family

Wanda Thomas 1 Red In Honor of Diane Cornick Cleven

In Memory of Dorothy & Carroll Cornick and David Cor-nick

Cliff & Dixie Tye 2 Red In Memory of Hal Tye & John Zauner

Doris Urbain 1 Red In Memory of husband, Dale Urbain

Lynn & Tom Wieczorek 1 Red In Memory of Oren & Ione Hazelton

Dave & Nancy Willetts 1 Red In Honor of our children

Carol Wylde 1 Red In Honor of Family