Relevant Inclusive Beautiful

March 2011 HennepinChurch.org

FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS: PRACTICES FOR LENT
MARCH 9 — ASH WEDNESDAY
5:30 Soup and Bread Supper
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 9
Fed by the Presence of One Another: Forming Covenant Discipleship
groups. None of us travel our faith journey alone. We travel with Ash Wednesday (p.1)
God and with one another. Lent is often a time when we seek to do MARCH 13
things differently. We ‘give things up’ or ‘take things on’ for Lent. New Member Class (p.4)
What if instead we chose to form relationships during Lent? On this
MARCH 15
first day of the observance of Lent, learn new ways you can become
more connected in the Hennepin community. Bill Mate, Dana Ancient Church Women (p.3)
Neuhauser and several others will share the gifts of becoming part of MARCH 16
a Covenant Discipleship group. For interested parents, Deb Roberts Lenten Supper/Activity (p.3)
will be leading a discussion around spirituality in the home and how - Singing with Sara Thomsen
to look at parenting as a spiritual journey.
MARCH 20
Kids activities are planned for children ten and under.
New Member Class (p.4)
7:00 Ash Wednesday worship in the sanctuary
Blue Zones Class begins (p.4)
SCHEDULE CONTINUES ON PAGE THREE > > >
Young Adult Sledding (p.7)

HEARTS, HUNGRY AND OTHERWISE MARCH 23

BRUCE ROBBINS Lenten Supper/Activity (p.3)
- Mindfulness Meditation
A friend asked me the other day what brings me the most joy
and the most anxiety. And so I tried to search my heart — its MARCH 25
hungers, fears and joys. I had no immediate answers. Walk to Emmaus Potluck (p.2)
My joy comes when I see people’s lives touched by the Spirit, especially as MARCH 30
the fragility of life becomes clear...when I watch them hope and love and pray Lenten Supper/Activity (p.3)
for one another. Recently I saw a man hover near death, recover and then
- Bread Baking to
realize, “I have a new story to tell!” (Don’t we all, when we see with new eyes?)
My anxiety comes when I think of opportunities missed or of how much Feed our Souls
work remains unfinished. Sometimes, my heart hungers for signs of
accomplishment. Here is one: a couple of weeks ago, thirty-six retired United
Methodist bishops signed a statement calling our Church to eliminate all the
discriminatory language against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
people! Hennepin, as a Reconciling Congregation, has advocated this change
for more than 15 years. (See HennepinChurch.org for more on this story).
And I could talk on and on about the grace and love that arises from people
in this church. There is no better antidote to anxiety in a hungry heart.
Can we tell this story to more people?
We have a calling and the chance to make such a difference. We do our best,
and yet we still get caught up in our institutional status quo. Even so, we can
trust that God provides for our hungry hearts. God gives us times of patience,
and of holy impatience, and calls us to live together through them both. May
you enter Lent in the days to come with a heart both hungry and satisfied.
!NSPIRE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Here is the March 2011 !nSpire News-
letter. There is much to read and learn
about in these pages. Thanks to all who
have shared their articles or information
for this newsletter, YOUR newsletter!
The April 2011 edition deadline is
10:00 AM, Thursday, March 17th.
Send your info to Spire@haumc.org, HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
submit online at HennepinChurch.org
(Share Your Story) or drop off at church,
attn: Daniel, 612-435-1320.
AROUND THE CHURCH
CHRIS JACKSON,
MINISTER OF ADMINISTRATION
A story from Elie Wiesel:
A man came and said to the rabbi,
“I know that you know the Bible,
maybe you can answer me. In the
Bible it’s written that God asks
Adam, ‘Where art thou?’ Is it
conceivable that God didn’t know
where Adam was?” And the rabbi
answered: “God knew, Adam did
not.” Do we know where we are?
That is, do we know our place in
history? Do we know our role in
society? I can tell you my experi-
ence...My place is measured by
yours. In other words, my place
under the sun, or in the face of
God, or in my own memory, is
measured by the distance it has
from you. In other words, if I see
a person or persons suffer, and
the distance between us does not
shrink, oh, then, my place is not
good, not enviable. Where am I?
I am where you are, and if not,
who knows where or whether I am
at all?”
(Chris’s words:) We are called to Sanctuary Task Force recommendations.
be the Church together, to move Twelve areas from the report were then
God’s loving and grand purposes identified:
forward in this tiny corner of the world
at Hennepin Avenue. May we shorten
the distance between ourselves, and
between ourselves and God, and may
we take care of each other as we see
the image of God and the spirit of
Christ in everyone.
EMMAUS GATHERING
Learn more about joining a pilgrim Walk
to Emmaus on March 25 at Hennepin
5:30 mixer; 6:00 potluck; 7:00 program
in Border Chapel For more info, contact
Nancy or Keith Sjoquist 612-825-3576.
MODIFICATIONS CONSIDERED
FOR CHURCH SANCTUARY
This article is the first in a series to
provide information and a forum for
discussion about implementation by
the Trustees of recommendations from
the 1998 Sanctuary Task Force study.
In 1998, a Sanctuary Task Force pre-
sented recommendations to the congre-
gation. The recommendations followed
extensive congregational and staff input
through focus groups, surveys, and pre-
liminary discussions with architects
regarding cost estimates. The 1998 Task
Force recommended changes to the
sanctuary to address limitations in
flexible use, in access, in lighting, in
acoustics, bathroom locations, narthex
congestion, and other concerns.
Concurrently, new east entry con-
struction was being considered by the
congregation. Since funds did not
appear available for both projects, the
church decided to proceed with the
east entry rather than the Sanctuary
Task Force recommendations.
Those recommendations have been
tabled since then. During subsequent
years, the church has succeeded,
through several capital campaigns, in
providing funding to retire construction
loans and to fund capital needs of the
church which had been delayed while
repaying loans.
RECENT ACTIONS BY THE TRUSTEES
In May, 2010, with improved condi-
tion of Trustee capital funds and with
many priority capital projects completed,
the Trustees again examined the 1998
1. Organ casement and surround
(unfinished from the installation
of the organ in 1980)
2. Chancel flexibility involving pulpit,
2011 SPIRE BRUNCH
HOLD THE DATE: MAY 14
On Saturday May 14, 10:00 AM to
12 noon, the Hennepin Foundation and
Board of Trustees will hold the annual
Spire Brunch, honoring donors who
give beyond the annual pledge. All
— Page Two —
lectern, and partial height walls
3. A thrust stage needed for large
services and performances
4. Task lighting for the chancel area
5. Ambient lighting for chancel area
6. Storage in or near the Sanctuary
7. Improved narthex lighting
8. Improved narthex space and traffic
patterns
9. Narthex restrooms
10. Narthex drinking fountain
11. Reducing sanctuary drafts from
air conditioning
12. Increased lighting under and in
balcony areas
In June, Trustees and the Hennepin
clergy (Bruce, Leah, Bill, Sally and
Chris) discussed these recommendations,
and provided their views for priorities
from the Task Force recommendations.
The 1998 Task Force had not yet
engaged an architect to provide design
options for its recommendations. In July
2010, the Trustees selected two
architectural firms respected for work in
historical church restoration to present
proposals for options to address these
twelve areas. Subsequently, the Trustees
retained Kodet Architectural Group and
appointed a steering committee to
interface with the architects.
The Steering Committee members
are Larry Dunbar and Dan Meyer, chair
and vice-chair of the 1998 Task Force;
Fred Blaisdell and Keith Sjoquist, Board
of Trustees representatives; Tom Flood,
Hennepin building/grounds director
and Barry Schaub, member of the 1998
Task Force.
The sanctuary, built 1916, has twice
experienced major remodeling: in 1952
and in 1980. This history of change
will be included in the next !nSpire.
Also included will be discussion of the
process being used by the architect to
gather information from and about the
church as a basis for its development of
options. These options would then be
considered by the church in addressing
these twelve areas.
church members are
welcome! Olga Viso,
director of the Walker
Art Center is the
speaker, and brunch
follows the program.
Be our guest!
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT: FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS (continued from p.1) FRESH THE MOVIE
MARCH 6 AT 11:00 AM
MARCH 16 — FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS: SINGING WITH SARA THOMSEN
Does the anticipation
5:30 Share in a Plenty of Potluck Soups. Bread and Beverages will be provided.
of spring have you think-
6:15 Worship for Everyone
ing about things that are
6:30 Songs sung with intention, like seeds planted with care, can new and FRESH? If so, mark your
take root in an individual or community and flower into calendar for March 6 at 11 am to attend
unexpected fruits: simple joy, healing balm, increased sensi- the community screening of “FRESH the
tivity, awe and wonder, a re-enchanted and revitalized spirit, movie” in the Hennepin Art Gallery.
a grounding and centeredness, a deepening of compassion. This documentary, by Ana Joanes, offers
Singing feeds our hungry hearts in many ways. No previous new thinking about what we're eating,
singing or music reading experience needed. ALL AGES encouraged. and it may just be your call to action. You
MARCH 23 — FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION will be inspired by the actions of others,
including farmers, thinkers and business
5:30 Share in a Plenty of Potluck Soups. Bread and Beverages will be provided. people who are reinventing our food
6:15 Worship for Everyone system. Come, be inspired, stay for a
6:30 Mindfulness Meditation with Lisa Venable, M.A., an author, discussion, and leave feeling FRESH.
inspirational speaker and spiritual psychotherapist. She holds FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers
a Masters degree from the Adler Institute and is a long- and business people across America
time student and teacher of Mindfulness Meditation. Her who are re-inventing our food system.
workbook, “What Would Love Say?: A Course in Spiritual Each has witnessed the transformation of
Self Talk” has guided clients to use mindfulness and spiritual our agriculture into an industrial model,
healing to work through fear and limiting beliefs. This session runs for 90 and confronted the consequences: food
minutes. The benefits of Mindfulness Meditation include improving the contamination, environmental pollution,
quality of your personal and professional lives. Mindfulness gives a sound depletion of natural resources, and morbid
approach for calming the mind, creating balance and reducing stress. obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable
Kids will be Praying with our Feet. Children will be invited to walk the alternatives, they offer a practical vision
labyrinth as they actively say their prayers and learn more about prayer. for a future of our food and our planet.

MARCH 30 — FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS: BREAD BAKING TO FEED OUR SOULS DISCOVERING ANCIENT
5:30 Share in a Plenty of Potluck Soups. Bread and Beverages will be provided. CHURCH WOMEN
6:15 Worship for Everyone
6:30 Bryce Johnson, Woodbury United Methodist Church, will Come learn about the strong, bold
share his sabbatical journey of learning to bake bread around women of the Church’s past. We’ll be
the world. Woodbury UMC members also built an outdoor learning some, discussing some, and
bread oven which now welcomes those in the community to praying together prayers that they
sacred act and art of bread baking. Bryce will share how this wrote. For an hour a month, you can
simple act has fed his and the congregation’s hungry hearts. nurture your soul and faith life by being
a witness to the ancestors of our faith.
Kids will make pretzels and explore the ways making food and eating food
Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 PM March 15,
connects us to God and one another.
April 19, and May 24th in the Harrison
APRIL 6 — FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS: NOURISHING FOOD, NOURISHING SOULS Room, refreshments provided.
5:30 Share in a Plenty of Potluck Soups. Bread and Beverages will be provided.
6:15 Worship for Everyone OUR CHURCH LIBRARY
6:30 Organic Farmers Red and Nina talk about their connection to the earth Are you looking for a great bedtime
and why they chose to go into farming. story? Have you wondered about the
Kids will plant seeds and have activities around their connection to the relationship between archaeology and the
earth and to God. Bible? Do you want to better understand
daily life in Haiti, or find a new favorite
APRIL 13 — FEEDING HUNGRY HEARTS: WALKING THROUGH HOLY WEEK poet, or discover resources for some
5:30 Share in a Plenty of Potluck Soups. Bread and Beverages will be provided. serious Bible study? You can find a book
6:15 Worship for Everyone for any of those needs in our Church
6:30 Holy Week has been “Holy” and “Unholy” through the centuries. Many Library. You can explore the collection,
Jews across the world have reason to be frightened when this week read others’ reviews, find local book-
arrives. Bruce will take us through some of the tradition, good and bad. related events and create a “must read”
And he will try to help us prepare in creative ways for the week to come. library of your own by stopping by the
Kids will make prayer journals and will participate in other Holy Week Library page on the Hennepin Church
activities. website: hennepinchurch.org/library.

— Page Three —
NEW MEMBER CLASSES HEALTH AND WELLNESS ZONE OPENING DOORS…
CYNTHIA ASHLEY, PARISH NURSE ENRICHING LIVES
The upcoming New Member classes
are March 13 & 20; April 3 & 10. I am so inspired with the JACK FISTLER, LEGACY GIVING
information that author Dan
Buettner shares in his book It is said that gifts open doors (Prov.
The New Member class is a two-part 18:16) enriching the lives of recipients
The Blue Zones. The many
class with the first focused on what and donors alike. Two new endowed
centenarians he interviews
United Methodism is, a brief history of funds in the Hennepin Foundation
seem so adjusted, grounded and
Hennepin Ave UMC, and a tour of the engaged with life and living well. I can affirm this wisdom.
church. The second part of the class is learn from these wisdom-filled folks. I Through her estate, the late Edna
focused on group discussion around the also feel motivated to incorporate some Downing provided support for church
book "Three Simple Rules" and using of these lifestyle lessons into my own school activities at Hennepin Church.
our spiritual gifts. The first week we life. I sense the Hennepin community is A longtime English and journalism
meet in the Dossal Alcove right next to overflowing with healthy lifestyle tips teacher, Edna and her mother were
the Social Hall and enjoy brunch. The and living well also. especially committed to church school
second week we have lunch together at I invite you to come and share your education. In her will, Edna stated that
the parsonage, right next door. Both wisdom or longevity interest with me in her mother, Mrs. E.C. Downing, was “a
classes are from 11am-1pm. If you want the upcoming 4-week Blue Zones book dedicated Church School leader for
to sign up or have questions, please study series, Sundays, March 20 & 27, more than twenty-five years and a fifty-
contact Pastor Leah (leah@haumc.org) April 3 & 10 at 11:00 AM in Rm 201. year church member.” In establishing
Learn how we can live well and live the Downing Church School Fund, the
or Kristyn Ebert (kristyn@haumc.org) by
long in a safe supportive community. Foundation gratefully recognizes both
email or phone (612-871-5303).
Edna and her mother.
HENNEPIN JOB SUPPORT GROUP MINISTRY The Johnson Reconciling Fund has
BY JERRY GALE been initiated by Kate Johnson in
memory and honor of her late husband
The Hennepin Job Support Group started in the fall of 2009. Employment ministry Rev. Howard Johnson to support the
had been identified for several years as something that Hennepin should provide, ministries of Hennepin Church with the
usually when a member was unemployed/seeking a job. In the fall of 2009, the GLBT community. Rev. Johnson was
unemployed member was me and after being out of work for six months, I well-known to many Hennepin members
decided we really, really needed to start an employment ministry at Hennepin. One for his dedicated Methodist ministry
of the reasons for starting a job networking and support group at Hennepin was and interest in outreach to the GLBT
that most of the church-based job groups in the Twin Cities are held in the suburbs. community. Initial funding was provided
Except for holidays and an occasional snow storm, the group has met twice by Kate and other memorial gifts for
every month. We have had over 50 people in the group. Most have attended once Rev. Johnson; additional gifts, both
or twice but there are several regulars that have made almost every meeting. outright and deferred, are welcomed
Given our success, the Basilica asked the group to give a presentation February in order to fully endow this Fund for
18. We shared what we have learned from our monthly job support meetings: Hennepin’s Reconciling Ministries.
• We don't consider our group a networking group. (Contact Jack Fistler for information.)
• Our support group will listen to you and offer advice and support. Legacy gifts can touch lives in so
• It is a place to practice your elevator speech, have your resume reviewed and many ways. To plan a legacy gift or
practice interviewing. contribute to an existing fund with the
• It forces you to report to the group about what you have done in your job Foundation or Trustees, contact Jack
search since the group's last meeting. Fistler, Director of Legacy Giving, 612-
• Besides our concern about your job search, we also ask what you have done 435-1321 or Jack@haumc.org
to take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.
• A support group is not a counseling service. SPECIAL THANKS TO BAKERS!
• A support group cannot find you a job. That is still up to you. Thanks to the fabulous Cookie Bakers
• A support group is most effective when an experienced job counselor leads at Hennepin, we have a wonderful
the group. hospitality reputation. But we are
Regarding the last item, we used some Foundation funds in 2010 to hire Leslie running out of cookies pretty often. If
Philmon to lead the meetings. She has over 16 years’ experience in job counseling you signed up to be a cookie baker and
and has been a tremendous resource for the attendees. But, we could always use got a card from me, please accept my
more support. If you have job counseling skills and experience, please join us at thanks. I hope you put the dates on
our meetings in March on 3/14 and 3/28 at 7:00 PM in the Longfellow Room. your monthly calendar, and will be
Finally, I’d like to thank Julie Malmgren and Mike Demcisak, two church faithful in your baking, so we don’t run
members who have regularly attended the meetings and provided positive support out. You are what makes Hennepin so
to the other attendees. gracious!
— Page Four —
WORSHIP IN THE STYLE OF IONA AT 11:00 IN THE CHAPEL STEEPLE PEOPLE STORE
SALLY JOHNSON DONATES $25,000
The Iona Community in Scotland is committed to searching for “new ways to At the end of 2010, the Steeple People
touch the hearts of all.” After returning from a pilgrimage this past fall to this tiny Surplus Store donated $25,000 to 28
island, also called Holy Island, I was struck with the beauty and simplicity of the non-profit organizations including
words and music of their worship. It was welcoming of all people, wherever they Downtown Congregations to End
are on their faith journey. Using a rotating theme for each day of the week, the Homelessness, the Bridge for Youth, the
community focuses on Welcome & Hospitality, Justice & Peace, Healing, Care of Groveland Food Shelf, Loring-
Creation, Commitment to Walk in the Ways of Jesus, and Celebration of Faithful Groveland Meals on Wheels, Project for
Community. Each worship service includes music, scripture, prayer, a way to Pride in Living and St. Anne’s Place (a
connect with fellow worshipers, offering and a call to live out in daily life the faith shelter for women). We also donated
we declare. two goats, two sheep and two trees to
At the beginning of 2011, our Many Voices worship service at 11:00 AM in the Heifer International. (The complete list
Border Chapel, began creating its worship around this simple liturgy. We rotate is available at the store). At Hennepin,
week to week the themes described above. On the Justice & Peace Sunday, we we gave grants to support the mission in
will engage in a hands-on act of justice like creating health kits for the Dignity Haiti, the Compass 180 Prison Ministry,
Center, which we did in January. On Healing Sunday we will be involved in and the Dignity Center. In addition, we
varying rituals of healing. Our hope is that this community of worshipers will gave vouchers worth $11,498 to clients
continue to welcome those for whom this experience of worship is helpful in their of the Dignity Center so that they could
own spiritual formation. We invite all Hennepin members to join us for worship at buy clothing and other essential items.
any time and to invite those they know who may enjoy this worship style. Since 2003, we have given $89,000 in
We are also seeking musicians to add to our worship life. If you play an vouchers to the Dignity Center, and
instrument (flute, drums, guitar, violin, etc.), and would be willing to offer your since 1979, grants and vouchers have
gifts for music every now and then, please email me at Sally@haumc.org. In the totaled $780,000. If you’ve donated or
meantime, we ask that you keep this growing community in your prayers, that we bought items or volunteered, you can
may continue to listen to the movement of the Spirit among us and that those who feel proud of these accomplishments,
would find the Holy in the beauty and simplicity of this service will be welcomed and we sincerely thank you for your
and find a home. donations, time and efforts.

RAISING VOICES DIGNITY CENTER BENEFIT FEATURES GREAT MUSIC

FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE!
April 30, 2011
Become a Patron Today!
Please become a concert patron and
support the important work of The
Dignity Center. Patrons enjoy reserved
parking, a pre-concert reception from
5:45-7:15 PM at Summit House, 400
Groveland Ave (Jeanne Audrey Powers’
apartment) VIP sanctuary seating, and a
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus CD. Levels
of tax-deductible donations are:
• Bronze Level $100-$249
• Silver Level $250-$499
• Gold Level $500-$999
• Platinum Level $1,000-$4,999
• Benefactor Level $5,000 and above
You may write a check to the Dignity
Center with a notation “TCGMC” or
donate online through PayPal or credit
card at HennepinChurch.org. or call
612-871-5303. With your permission
your name will be listed in the concert
program. Donor vouchers for admit-
Do your part to support the work of The Dignity Center by attending the con-
tance will be sent to you. Thank you in
cert, making a donation, or volunteering. For details, visit HennepinChurch.org or
advance for your generous support!
call the church office at 612-871-5303.
Combine an entertaining evening with a worthy cause at the fifth annual fund-
raiser for The Dignity Center, featuring the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. Special
guests, Hennepin Chime, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church’s bell
choir, will join the chorus at this inspiring concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30
at HAUMC.
Proceeds from the concert, “Raising Voices for Justice,” benefit The Dignity Cen-
ter, a unique outreach ministry of HAUMC that helps homeless and poor people
regain stability. Suggested, tax-deductible donation is $25 per person at the event.
Celebrating its 30th year, the award-winning Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus has
built a solid reputation for musical excellence and adventuresome programming.
This dynamic organization, which changes lives and builds communities
through music, is pleased to support The Dignity Center’s mission by offering a
program of uplifting music at this event.
The Dignity Center serves hundreds of poor and homeless adults in the Twin
Cities, providing support, counseling, encouragement, opportunity and resources
for people as they move toward self-sufficiency. To help a client move from home-
lessness to minimal stability costs $600 a year.
The need for its services has risen dramatically. In 2010, the Dignity Center re-
ported record numbers of clients and amazing success stories:
• 5,000 client visits, a 25% increase over the previous year.
• 5,000 hours of donated time from over 75 trained volunteers from the metro
area, HAUMC and other congregations.
• 75% of clients made progress in key focus areas such as employment, hous-
ing, education, and medical or health issues.
• 250 clients achieved their goals on the road to self-sufficiency.
— Page Five —
LAY LEADERS’ RETREAT:
CULTIVATING SPIRITUAL VITALITY
BY BOBBIE KELLER
What is spiritual vitality and how can
we further cultivate it at Hennepin
Church? This was the main theme as
Administrative Council members and
other lay leaders gathered at Koinonia
Jan. 28 and 29 for their annual planning
retreat. Julie Delene, founder of the
consulting firm Move As One, facilitated
the process.
Last year, Bishop Sally Dyck asked all
churches in the conference to formulate
ministry plans based on two Gospel
initiatives: cultivating spiritual vitality
and reaching new people. Hennepin
Church leaders set goals in both areas
but did not make the progress they had
hoped.
At the retreat participants discussed
spiritual vitality and agreed it means
something different for everyone and
for each of us at different moments in
our lives. Divided into small groups,
they pasted magazine pictures on poster
board to illustrate what spiritual vitality
meant to them. Those boards have been
on display in Carlson Hall on Sundays
during February.
The group agreed Hennepin Church
is full of smaller communities, each
PROJECT 52: 2010 UPDATE
BY RODNEY BACON
Formed in 1987 by Geoff and Sandy
Popham, the concept of this program is
to contribute at least $1 per week to
support various local, national and inter-
national outreach programs. The follow-
ing eighteen projects will share $13,472
which was received from 59 HAUMC
households:
Compass 180 Prison Ministry
Habitat for Humanity
Neighborhood Involvement Program
Groveland Emergency Food Shelf
The Dignity Center
Community Meals
Children of Parents with Leprosy
UMCOR/Sager Brown
St. Petersburg Russian Church Bibles
Dmitrov Autism Project
Moscow Church Ministry, Russia
Maria’s Children, Russia
India Partnership Potatoes
UMCOR Africa Sustainable Agriculture
connected to the whole, and that
many people are a part of several
communities. These can include every-
thing from boards and committees to
specific-interest groups such as the
Sanctuary Choir, the Knotty Quilters or
adult education classes, to informal
groups that spring up spontaneously.
In the coming year, the Hennepin
congregation will focus on building
connectional communities sharing God
consciousness, after the example of
Jesus, in the hope that this will
strengthen our spiritual vitality and help
us reach new people.
To begin the process, retreat partici-
pants divided into small planning
groups, each centered on one of 10
Community Actions for 2011. Among
the actions are:
• Connect every person to a specific
part of our community.
• Engage communities in specific
ways to connect their worship
experience to their daily lives.
• Discover our own individual gifts
and perspectives to recognize and
appreciate contributions.
Members of the congregation, espe-
cially those on committees, will hear
more about the 10 action items and
how they can participate in coming
weeks.
Haiti Reconstructs
Grace Children’s Hospital (Haiti)
Healing Hands for Haiti
Kissy Eye Clinic, Sierra Leone
Each of the above projects received at
least $491, with The Dignity Center
topping the list at $2,584 and the 3
Haiti projects collectively receiving the
next highest amount of $1,800.
The 2011 Project 52 brochure is now
available. Participants select the project(s)
they wish to support, knowing that
100% of all contributions go to the min-
istries they have selected. To participate,
simply fill out the pledge form in the
brochure, designate the projects to
which you wish to contribute and indi-
cate the payment plan you prefer. Your
check(s), made payable to “HAUMC –
Project 52”, can be mailed to the
Church, put in the offering plate or left
at the front desk.
The recipients thank you for your
generosity!
— Page Six —
HENNEPIN MAKES IT HAPPEN!
While Hennepin’s 2011 UMCOR
Sager Brown mission team served there
in January, the 2010 Sager Brown stats
were released which include:
• 3,006 volunteers
• $6,685,272 relief supplies shipped
Impressive as those numbers are, also
note Hennepin’s own 2010 UMCOR
Sager Brown stats which include:
• 28 volunteers at Sager Brown; too
many volunteers to count at Hennepin
• 1500+ kits assembled and shipped
at a value of nearly $20,000
Here are some of the particulars of
Hennepin’s own UMCOR Sager Brown
story.
• Days after the Haiti earthquake last
January, Haiti disaster donations
purchased kit items and members
assembled 1000 health kits. Funds
were tapped again and 22 sewers
were recruited to sew receiving
blankets, washcloths, baby gowns
and jackets to make 100 layette kits.
• In April, United Methodist Women,
using funds from their budget
created 50 birthing kits.
• In November, utilizing Project 52
and Hennepin Heartwarmer Funds
designated for UMCOR kits, Life
Adventures volunteers created 50
more birthing kits.
• In December, with school supplies
purchased from those same funds
last July, and with bags sewed by
volunteers, members assembled 250
school kits.
• Additional layette, sewing and birth-
ing kits were created throughout the
year by individuals in the UMCOR
Sager Brown Partnership.
It is truly the members of Hennepin
and their friends that have made the
HAUMC/ UMCOR Sager Brown Partner-
ship such a significant ministry! And the
mission continues. HAUMC has already
fielded a 21 member mission team to
Sager Brown in January, 2011; your gifts
continue to come in; shoppers watch for
sales; and sewers are back at work. On
behalf of those many individuals whose
lives are touched by this ministry, the
UMCOR Sager Brown Partnership says
thank you to the many individuals and
groups who make it possible.
SELECTED EVENTS…
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
India Partnership 11:00 AM
Stretch and Smile 1:30 PM
Communications Ministry Team 6:00 PM
Reconciling Committee 6:30 PM
Dignity Center Steering 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
Kjerringsleppets 5:30 PM
Susanna Wesley Circle 7:00 PM
Senior High Girls’ Book Club 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 3
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30 PM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
Administrative Council 6:00 PM
Book of Acts Bible Study 6:00 PM
Lydia Circle 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
Alanon 10:00 AM
Life Adventures Luncheon 12:00 Noon
SUNDAY, MARCH 6
All Church Worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
God’s Children Sing 9:45 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
Library Board 10:45 AM
FRESH the Movie 11:00 AM
UMW Leadership 12:00 PM
Community Meals 4:45 PM
TUESDAY, MARCH 8
Stretch and Smile 1:30 PM
Children’s Council 6:30 PM
Russia Partnership 6:30 PM
Food Service Committee 6:45
Koinonia Board 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
~ ASH WEDNESDAY~
Little Kids, Big Fun 5:30 PM
Steeple People Board 5:30 PM
Soup and Bread Supper 5:30 PM
Ash Wednesday Worship 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 10
Joy Circle 9:00 AM
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
Book of Acts Bible Study 6:00 PM
Lydia Circle 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
Alanon 10:00 AM
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
Regular Sunday worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
Blood Pressure Screening 10:30 AM
Reconciling Ministries Brunch 10:45 AM
Youth Council 10:45 AM
New Member Class 11:00 AM
Salon se Leve 2:00 PM
MONDAY, MARCH 14
Faith in Action Team 6:30 PM
Local Outreach 6:30 PM
Job Support Group 7:00 PM
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
Stretch and Smile 1:30 PM
Foundation Board 6:00 PM
Global Outreach Team 6:30 PM
Multigenerational Committee 6:30 PM
Finance Committee 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
Senior High Girls’ Book Club 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
April !nSpire Deadline 10:00 AM
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
Staff Parish Relations 6:00 PM
Shared Ministries 6:00 PM
Book of Acts Bible Study 6:00 PM
Peace Through Justice Forum 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
Alanon 10:00 AM
Life Adventures Luncheon 12:00 Noon
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
Regular Sunday worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
Blue Zones Class 11:00 AM
New Member Class 11:00 AM
Peace Through Justice Forum 11:00 AM
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
Stretch and Smile 1:30 PM
Adult Nurture 6:00 PM
Dignity Center Steering 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
Senior Council 10:00 AM
Haiti Partnership 6:00 PM
Trustees 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 24
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
Science and Faith Roundtable 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
Alanon 10:00 AM
Emmaus Potluck 5:30 PM
SUNDAY, MARCH 27
Regular Sunday worship at
8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Breakfast 10:30 AM
Blue Zones Class 11:00 AM
Singing in the Light 4:00 PM
MONDAY, MARCH 28
Hospitality Committee 7:00 PM
Fine Arts Committee 7:00 PM
Job Support Group 7:00 PM
TUESDAY, MARCH 29
Stretch and Smile 1:30 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 31
Thursday Bible Study 11:00 AM
Labyrinth 3:00 PM
— Page Seven —
YOUNG ADULT SLEDDING
Meet other 20 & 30 year olds, get
outside and enjoy the last of the snow!
Meet at Hennepin at 2:00 PM on March
20th for one last sledding adventure.
Bring a sled if you have one! We’ll plan
to be done around 4:00 PM. If, by any
chance of luck, there is no snow, we’ll
find a place to go hiking instead. :)
Please RSVP to Leah Rosso so we know
you’re coming (Leah@haumc.org) or
you may sign up at the front desk.
RECONCILING MINISTRIES
ROB GAMBLE, CHAIR
2nd Sunday Brunch: 10:45 – noon in
Dorcas Alcove, off the Social Hall.
Reconciling Committee invites LGBT
members, parents and allies to gather
for Brunch! Pick up your breakfast for
$5.00 and join us. Committee meeting
follows at Noon.
Sing a New Song
Sing a New Song is a time for LGBT
individuals, families and allies to gather
for worship, fellowship, Bible study and
begin planning for General Conference
2012 in Tampa. Contact Rob Gamble at
robgamble@usfamily.net or pick up an
application at the Reception Desk.
$250.00 scholarships, depending upon
the number of applicants, are offered for
Sing a New Song, Reconciling Ministries
national gathering Aug. 25-28 at Sawmill
Creek Resort at Huron Ohio. Early Bird
Registration total of $500.00 before
May 1. There are registration rates for
children and students. See sans2011.org
for more info.
MARCH HUNGER OFFERING
The March Hunger offering goes to
One Great Hour of Sharing. Last year,
Hennepin members gave generously to
the United Methodist Committee on
Relief (UMCOR) to support the work of
hurricane recovery in Haiti expecting
100% of their gifts would be used as
intended. This is possible only because
UMCOR relies on a separate source,
One Great Hour of Sharing, to cover
administrative costs in all of its many
ministries: responding to disaster,
fighting hunger, alleviating poverty,
providing relief supplies and offering
hospitality to refugees and immigrants.
HennepinChurch.org Nonprofit Org.
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church U.S. Postage
511 Groveland Avenue PAID
Minneapolis, MN 55403 Permit No. 2906
Minneapolis, MN

Feeding Hungry Hear ts

Sunday Worship Schedule

March 6 sunday at five supports spiritual formation using principles of
8:30 AM Communion Service the twelve-step recovery tradition. We share our stories of hope
9:00 AM Sacred Journey and healing in an inclusive, informal, holistic community —
welcoming all seekers wherever they are on their journey.
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Bruce Robbins, Preacher
We are a diverse group of pilgrims. Some of us have no
11:00 AM Many Voices
previous experience in recovery, while others have decades.
5:00 PM Sunday at 5: A Spiritual Gathering of Recovery Some are long-standing members at Hennepin, others have no
March 13 history with the church at all. We come from a variety of faith
8:30 AM Communion Service traditions. We are men and women, black and white, gay and
9:00 AM Sacred Journey straight; teenagers, college students, parents, and grandparents.
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Bruce Robbins, Preacher What binds us is our belief in the principles of recovery —
11:00 AM Many Voices shared by all great faith traditions including accountability and
5:00 PM Sunday at 5: A Spiritual Gathering of Recovery responsibility, hope and faith, gratitude and service, honesty
and humility, prayer and meditation, love and healing. We
March 20 open with readings from a variety of traditions, listen to an
8:30 AM Communion Service inspiring song or two, and then listen to each other. Everyone
9:00 AM Sacred Journey who wishes is invited to share – and anyone can choose to
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Bruce Robbins, Preacher remain silent and simply listen.
11:00 AM Many Voices We sit in a circle facing each other. There is a lot of laughter.
5:00 PM Sunday at 5: A Spiritual Gathering of Recovery It is also a safe place to shed tears. Regardless, you’ll see many
heads nodding in empathy and recognition. What is said in our
March 27 circle stays within the confines of our hearts. Just before six, we
8:30 AM Communion Service take a few moments of silence – then join hands and recite the
9:00 AM Sacred Journey serenity prayer. Afterwards, we enjoy fellowship over coffee,
9:30 AM Sanctuary, Leah Rosso, Preacher tea, cocoa and homemade shortbread.
11:00 AM Many Voices Please come join us, won't you? Come be part of this new
5:00 PM Sunday at 5: A Spiritual Gathering of Recovery community as we grow into the mystery of God’s healing love.