[HAUMC Website]
January 12, 2016
In This Issue...
Lent: Into Your Hands
Devotional Submissions Due January 31st

In the book of John, it is written that Jesus' final words are: "Into your hands, I commend my spirit." This is a vulnerable and humble act of letting go. The season of Lent invites us to letting go, to opening our hands in release and in surrender. It also invites us to hold our hands and our hearts open to the new birth that God is always offering. 

Our theme for Lent 2016 is 'Into Your Hands'. We will surround ourselves with images of hands and with the many acts our hands do in the ordinary and extraordinary days of our lives. What do you see when you look at your hands? How do you use your hands in the context of every day? When have your hands known pain? When have they been a vehicle of comfort? What would you like to open your hands to receive? How are you willing to place your life in the hands of God? 

We welcome you to place your submissions for the Lenten devotional in our hands. Short reflections (250 words or less), poems or prayers of your own creation or those that are important to you can be sent to [email protected]. The deadline is January 31st. This is a quick turn around time so we ask you to be prompt and thank you in advance for your sharing.

Pub Theology

This Wednesday!
January 13 @ 6:00pm-8:00pm
2nd Wednesdays | Rotating Locations
Aimed at young adults, open to all!

612Brew
945 Broadway St NE; Minneapolis, MN 55413

Deep talk about God, faith, church, ethics, spiritual practices, current events, relationships, and more... all while enjoying good company and a tasty beverage. RSVPs are always helpful for reserving tables.

If it's open, we'll likely meet in the semi-private room off to the side, as live music will kick in at 7:00pm. Don't forget to pop your head around the corner to see if we're already there! WholeSoul is the food truck on-site that night.

Grant Merritt: Environmental Challenges in Minnesota
Life Adventures
This Friday, January 15 at 12:00 Noon in the Social Hall

Hennepin member Grant Merritt, whose career focus is environmental law, led a 13-year effort to stop the dumping of taconite tailings from the Silver Bay plant of Reserve Mining Company into Lake Superior. He also served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Grant will share highlights of his life and work.  Prepaid reservations due January 13.  Register at the reception desk. Cost is $12.
 
Ad-Council Survey
Please let us know how last year's change in worship times is affecting you and your family by following the link below or by completing a survey at the reception desk in Carlson Hall. 

 
The Faith of a Mockingbird:
A Small Group Study Connecting Faith and Culture

Sundays in January at 5:30 PM
led by Kathryn Johnson and Nancy Graves-Cronin

Pastor and author Matt Rawle is on a mission. He sees Christ all around him-in books, movies, TV shows, rock music-and he wants to share what he sees. As Matt says, "God offers the raw ingredients, and 'culture' is whatever we cook up."

In The Faith of a Mockingbird, based on Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, pastor and author Matt Rawle uses Lee's beloved characters to explore Christian faith, theology, and ethics.

Young Adults' Epiphany Party
This Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM - $5

Park Tavern Bowling & Entertainment Center
3401 Louisiana Ave S; St Louis Park, MN 55426

Save the date for this annual fellowship tradition! Unlimited bowling from 5:00pm-8:00pm, plus dinner with an unlimited pizza and salad bar from 6:00pm-7:00pm. RSVP to Pastor Nate today! 
What is Our Response to Climate Change?
A report on the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris
This Sunday, January 17 at 11:00 AM in the Art Gallery

Rev. Mullin, a United Methodist deacon from Minnesota,  will share her experience in Paris during the climate negotiations and her work as a member of the United Methodist Global Creation Care Team. Come learn about ways the United Methodist Church is responding to climate change. Share your ideas and opinions about how we as the United Methodist Church could make a difference.

Church Conference
Sunday, January 24 at Noon in the Art Gallery

District Superintendent Dan Johnson will convene. The purpose of the church conference is to elect leaders, receive a report from Ad-Council, and approve the 2016 budget.

February "Beat the Winter Doldrums" Project
February 6-7 at the Emma Norton Residence in St. Paul

The United Methodist Women have a fun service project planned for the weekend of February 6-7 and we are counting on a few good women (or men) to help! A team of 4-5 people are going to renovate one of the rooms at the Emma Norton Residence in St. Paul: that is, clean, paint and redecorate the room. The first day would be cleaning and painting, the second day would be decorating, with some time thrown in for shopping for the room décor. The funding for this project will be provided by the United Methodist Women. Emma Norton Services has a residence for women who might otherwise be homeless and who struggle with issues of chemical dependency, mental health, and domestic violence. Call or email Nancy Gale if you are interested: (763) 509-0622 (h) or (763) 350-2354 (c) or [email protected].

Final UMCOR Health Kit Assembling Next Month
February 7 in Carlson Hall

Come help us, next month, to reach our goal of 2500 Health Kits.  We will be assembling and preparing for shipment to Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA.

Open Yoga
Wednesdays at 5:30 PM & Saturdays at 11:00 AM

Feeling tired and achy? Struggling to find balance in your life? You need no yoga experience to practice.  Sessions move at a gentle pace offering tools to increase your strength and flexibility, calm and focus, mindfulness and gratitude. 

Worried about your age? One regular student is 82 years old. 

Don't have a yoga mat? Gently used mats are available. 

Come with loose clothing - pajamas and sweatpants welcome. Free will donation; first class free. Leader Leslie Ball is a certified instructor trained at both Kripalu Center and Corepower Yoga - with a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary. Email Leslie with any questions: [email protected] .

News from Koinonia

Several events are planned for the first few months of 2016, including: Ad Council Retreat (Jan 22-23); Created by God Youth Retreat (Feb 19-21); Women's Retreat (Apr 8-10); Confirmation Retreat (Apr 22-24). In the works: Art and Spirit Retreat, Men's Retreat, Birding Retreat, Dignity Center Retreat. Mark your calendars! 

For fun - visit 
https://www.facebook.com/KoinoniaRetreatCenter to see photos and videos of the New Year's Retreat.

Please Pray for the U of M Regents, HAUMC's Administrative Council and the Buffalo UMC Confirmation Class - all will be at Koinonia this week.



Get Involved!

There are many ways to get involved at Hennepin with a range of time commitments. This week we ask you to consider:
  • Tour Guide Team: after the Sanctuary service lead a tour of the church with an emphasis on our incredible art to visitors and curious members, training is provided
  • Card Ministry: coordinate the sending of Get Well cards to our congregation
To learn about these opportunities and others email [email protected] or call the church office at 612-871-5303.

ArtReach Art Fair on September 17, 2016
Save the date! 

ArtReach is an all church event. Artists and volunteers are invited to participate!  Email [email protected] for more info.

Contributions
Thank you for all of your pledges! The initial counts have been encouraging! If you would still like to pledge for 2016, please pick up a card at the church reception desk or call 612-871-5303 to have one mailed.


Go to our event calendar at the HAUMC website to find out about upcoming events Hennepin Church.




One More Thing...

Worship With Us!

  8:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM11:15 AM
Submissions and Deadlines
The deadline for e-Spire is Noon on Monday for the upcoming Tuesday email. Please send to  [email protected] or drop off at church.  All submissions are subject to editing for space and content. Thanks for sharing your stories!