December 2010 !nSpire

8/8/2019 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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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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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.


10/12

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.


11/12

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


Little Kids BIG Fun 5:30 PM

Steeple People Board 5:30 PM

Local Outreach 6:30 PM


Joy Circle 9:00 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


Staff Parish Relations 6:00 PM

Koinonia Board 7:00 PM

Trustees Meeting 7:00 PM

Sr. High Girls Book Club 7:00 PM


January !nSpire Deadline 10:00 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


D.C.E.H. 2:30 PM

Haiti Partnership 6:00 PM


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


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

to [email protected]

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


12/12

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



December 19 - 4th Sunday in Advent8:30 AM Communion Service

9:00 AM Sacred Journey



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

December 2010 !nSpire

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