Hennepin Happenings
News & Events @ Hennepin Avenue UMC
January 18, 2019
FEATURED EVENTS
Ricardo Levins Morales Reception
Tonight, 6pm in Carlson Hall

 All are welcome to attend a special “Meet the Artist” reception hosted by the Fine Arts Team. This will be an opportunity to interact with Ricardo Levins Morales and experience his social justice-focused graphic art. In addition, The Ricardo Levins Morales 2019 Liberation Calendar, a colorful and informative collection of Morales prints and important stories of hope, resilience and resistance, will be available for purchase ($15 each) at the reception desk.
"Building Community"
Sabbath to End Homelessness observance
January 20

Come join in an educational and enriching observance of the Sabbath to End Homelessness featuring Joe Kreisman, Director of the Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness, at the 8:30am Sacred Journey worship service; special liturgy and sermon at the 10am Traditional worship celebration; and a 11:15am Sunday Forum with Dr. William Walsh of Envision Community – a collaborative offering housing and healthcare solutions to persons without homes through tiny house communities. All morning, visit Carlson Hall to learn how to participate in actions to help end homelessness led by representatives of The Dignity Center, Street Voices of Change, and the Homes for All Coalition. 
Movie and a Meal: First Person Plural
January 26, 4:30pm in the Art Gallery

4:30pm Doors open for Seating
5-6:45pm Film Screening
7pm Somali meal and discussion with director and actors

First Person Plural is the new feature film by Twin Cities filmmaker, Eric Tretbar, whose independent feature films explore the intimate conflicts of love, family duty, belief and politics as they depict the many peoples and communities of the Twin Cities. 

Developed with actors, artists, composers and musicians from the Twin Cities’ thriving Somali, film, theater and music communities, First Person Plural is the story of two Minneapolis filmmakers—the son of a Somali imam and daughter of a white Baptist preacher—who fall in love on Thanksgiving Day and bring together their estranged families for Thanksgiving dinner.

With a cautionary twist, the film expresses hope and tolerance at a time when we need them most. First Person Plural takes us inside the creative process—of cinema, belief, and love—showing how the images we create and consume can bring understanding, but also destruction. Love can conquer all, but it’s fragile, and needs our care and courage.

We hope you can join us for this special preview screening, followed by a discussion of the film’s issues and production with the director and actors. This event is open to the public and tickets are now available here . Cost: $25 and includes the movie and meal.
Ministry News
Parenting for LYFE
January 20, 11:15am in the Social Hall

Parenting for LYFE is an open, drop-in group that meets monthly to discuss all things parenting. We welcome parents with children of all ages. Grab brunch as a family, and then our child care helpers will have engaging activities for your little ones while parents have a chance to discuss a parenting topic of the day.

We will begin 2019 by welcoming early childhood expert and author, Dr. Dawn Rundman, who will introduce her book, “Little Steps, Big Faith.” In her book, she navigates current early childhood brain research to arrive at surprising insights about how very young children experience God and how parents can use science to teach faith.
Entry Point
January 20, 11:30am in the Longfellow Room

If you are interested in becoming a member of HAUMC, please join us at Entry Point to meet Rev. Judy Zabel and have your questions about membership answered. Child care is available.

RSVP to Larry Duncan at 612-435-1309 or larry@haumc.org .
Welcome Our New Tour Guide Coordinator

We welcome new Tour Guide Coordinator, Sonja Barnaal. Tour guides provide a walking tour of our historic building on Sunday morning following worship. Training and a sample script are provided. If you would like to join the tour guide team, contact Sonja at sonjab221@gmail.com or 952.546.1615.
Our thanks to Lori Johnson for serving faithfully in this position for many years!
Short-Term Life Groups: America's Original Sin

Join the church-wide discussion about anti-racism. Sign up for a 5-week LYFE Group opportunity to discuss America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis. Groups being offered:
  • Sundays at 7:00pm with Pastor Nate Melcher.
  • Tuesdays at 7:00pm with Michelle & Mike DeVaughn, at their house: 5812 James Ave S., Minneapolis MN 55419.
  • Wednesdays at 6:30pm with Bryan Carter & Kristy Barnes.
  • Sundays at 11:30am with Heather Alden and Maren Jensen, begins Jan. 27 in the Longfellow room.

Register at haumc.org/register .
The Salvation of Dr. Who: Small Group Study
Mondays through February 11, 7pm in the Longfellow Room

Bring your sonic screwdriver and explore the intersection of faith and science through the beloved TV series Doctor Who in this new, video-based discussion group. Author Rev. Matt Rawle ( Faith of a Mockingbird, Hollywood Jesus ) brings attention to the religious in the midst of pop culture. In The Salvation of Doctor Who , Matt draws on the long-running cult favorite to chart the intersection of faith and science. Chapters include “Bigger on the Inside,” “God and Time and God’s Time,” “The Oldest Question in the Universe,” and “The Sonic Screwdriver Is Mightier Than the Sword.”

Small group led by Curtis Johnson. Study books are $10; pick yours up the first class. The group is free and open to all.
Library Exhibit
January 20-February 3, in the Library

The Library Team has recently partnered with the Outreach Committee to create a special display of books on homelessness within a larger display of books on racism. The books are both fiction and nonfiction and for readers of all ages. Titles include Our Invisible Neighbors ; Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City ; and The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on City Streets .
Adulting 101: Personal Branding
February 3, 1pm in the Longfellow Room

Personal branding is the way you show up, the way you market yourself, and is unavoidable. In a world with an increasingly faster pace, the “snapshots” we have of each other are worth our attention. The “snapshots” people attach to you become part of your personal brand. Join consultant and coach Bill Lewis for a workshop on taking charge of your personal brand so people think about you the way you want them to think of you. RSVPs are helpful but not necessary. RSVP to Nate Melcher at nate@haumc.org.
Life Adventures: The String Man
February 8, 12 noon in the Social Hall

Hennepin seniors and friends, here's a Valentine with "no strings attached." Paul Imholte, "The Stringman," will entertain us with traditional, light classical, and original music on hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and autoharp. Along the way, he'll give us a history of the various instruments. Prepaid reservations are due by noon, Monday, February 4 . Cost is $18 and includes lunch.
Youth Ski Trip
February 15-17, Lutsen and spirit Mountain

Register for this annual retreat to Lutsen and Spirit Mountain for a weekend of skiing, games, good food, and a great road trip. $260 covers lodging, lift ticket, transportation, and most meals. Free lessons available, rentals are an additional charge. Scholarships available. For more information, contact Rev. Nate Melcher at nate@haumc.org.

Register at haumc.org/register .
Pub Theology: Spirited Conversations, Spiritual Matters
February 20, 6-7:30pm
Sisyphus Brewing
712 Ontario Avenue W #100 Minneapolis, MN 55403
This drop-in group of Hennepin members and friends age 21+ gathers monthly to discuss faith, life, stress, family, and so on with a tasty beverage. Invite a friend to join you, and learn more at haumc.org/pubtheology.
Outreach Opportunities
Get Involved

If you are interested in getting involved at Hennepin Avenue, contact Cheryl Gibbons at cheryl@haumc.org.
Help to Host Sunday Brunch

All ages welcome, making it a fun opportunity for families to serve together. Set up and clear away the best brunch in town.

Sign up at haumc.org/breakfast .
Serve During Worship

Share your gifts during Traditional Worship! 
Greeters, Ushers, Acolytes, Sound Booth and Candle helpers serve on Sunday morning before and during worship. 
To Greet, contact Steve Boyd at  theboydsmn@gmail.com  
To Usher, contact Cheryl Gibbons at cheryl@haumc.org
To Acolyte, contact Cheryl Gibbons at  cheryl@haumc.org 
To help in the Sound Booth, contact  communications@haumc.org  
To assist with candles, contact Cheryl Gibbons at  cheryl@haumc.org

Share your gifts during Sacred Journey Worship!
Greeters and Hospitality helpers serve during worship. Contact Denny Smith at monarchdj@comcast.net  for details and to sign up.
EarthKeepers Training
April 25-28, at Koinonia Retreat Center

The God who created us now calls us to participate in healing relationships between people and the earth, and between the peoples of the earth. How are you being called to lead in this healing? Join the United Methodist Hopeful EarthKeepers movement, as we work together to steward a more just and sustainable world!

EarthKeepers work within their communities by:
  • Lifting up the importance of caring for creation at the heart of our Christian faith;
  • Responding creatively to ecological devastation and climate change;
  • Working for justice so that all communities have access to clean water, clean air, clean energy, healthy food, and green space.

Who are EarthKeepers?
  • EarthKeepers are United Methodists who are keenly aware of the ecological challenges in our world today and feel called to be part of a movement to transform the world. They work with their congregations and communities in many different ways: for example, growing community gardens, advocating for renewable energy policies, working for environmental justice, creating liturgy, or leading discussion groups on creation theology.
  • EarthKeepers are laity and clergy, students, part-time and full-time workers, and retirees. They may have a vocation that allows them to focus on caring for creation during their regular work hours, or they may choose to volunteer their time.

Expectations
  • EarthKeepers participate in three days of intensive training in theology and community organizing.
  • EarthKeepers help others understand how caring for God’s creation is a core part of our identity as Christians.
  • EarthKeepers provide leadership for a community project or advocacy campaign that aims to transform our relationship to God, the earth, and one another. Come with a project of your own, or join with others in new or ongoing projects.
  • EarthKeepers meet quarterly with a regional cohort for worship and ongoing support and training.

Cost:
  • $250 early bird / $275 after March 1 (staying at camp).
  • $125 / $150 (commuter).
  • $40 / $50 (Saturday only, for current EarthKeepers, includes lunch and supper).


Deadline: April 17

Questions, contact: Rev. Susan Mullin at susan.mullin@comcast.net
Conference-Wide Spirit Lake Mission Trip
July 7-12, Sheyenne, ND

The Spirit Lake Reservation, located in east-central North Dakota on the south shores of Devil Lake, is home to more than 6,000 people in the Dakota tribes of Pabakse, Sisseton, and Wahpeton bands. Established in 1867 via treaty, those who call the reservation home live in extreme poverty and struggle with incessant flooding and an unemployment rate of over 43%.

This summer, make it your family’s mission to live life through service with them and join us on a conference-wide mission trip led by Hennepin Avenue UMC. The Spirit Lake Ministry Center offers comfortable accommodations and a variety of meaningful service work for volunteers of all ages as well as opportunities to engage with the Spirit Lake community and culture. Total cost is $200 per person (includes lodging, food, and transportation). For questions or information contact Becky Boland at bolandbecky@gmail.com. To learn more about the Spirit Lake Ministry Center, visit www.spiritlakeministrycenter.org.

Register at https://mnumc-reg.brtapp.com/SpiritLakeMission19 . Registrations and deposits are due April 30 .
ART & MUSIC AT HENNEPIN
New Art Display: Ricardo Levins Morales
January and February, in Carlson Hall

The HAUMC Fine Arts Team is pleased to present the works of local graphic artist Ricardo Levins Morales in the Carlson Hall gallery during January and February. Morales, who describes himself as a “healer and trickster organizer disguised as an artist,” was born in Puerto Rico and was drawn into activism in Chicago when his family moved there in 1967. His art is an integral part of his activism with farmers, environmental, labor, racial justice and peace movements.

Morales’ art has won numerous awards, but according to the artist the greatest affirmation is the way his art has been used by grassroots movements and communities, including within his Twin Cities surroundings. “I’ve created over the years to encourage the laughter, hope, love and anger that move us toward a better world,” says Morales in regard to the prints on display. “Many were made for and within the labor and social justice movements of our time."
“Ricardo is a visual poet and weaver of hope and meaning for our times.” — Alexa Bradley

“Ricardo Levins Morales’ work recharges my spirit and strengthens my resolve.” — Stone Cairns

“I was attracted to RLM’s art because of its beauty, and I have also found it to be a powerful tool for education about social movement history and current social justice issues.” — Tim DeChristopher
In Recital: Andrew Hackett
January 27, 3pm in the Sanctuary

HAUMC Organist Andrew Hackett presents a brilliant program of rich repertoire on the Sanctuary organ. Reception following. The performance is free, and the community is cordially invited to attend.
Singing in the Light
January 27, 4pm in the Art Gallery

Singing in the oral tradition -- just for the joy of it!
We meet occasional Sunday afternoons at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.
All ages and all abilities are welcome.
No music to read.
No performance.
Songs, rounds, and chants from around the world -- from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Singing in the Light is an ongoing fundraiser for the community work of Mar de Jade Holistic Lifestyle Center, Chacala, Mexico. This is the retreat center where Barbara and her colleague Margie Weaver lead their Singing and Yoga Retreat. They offer a variety of programs in their community including those that support children, youth, and single mothers.

Suggested donation at the door: $10-$20 (please don't let money keep you away -- nobody checks what you give). No need to RSVP - just grab your friends and come.
Copper Street Brass: Tools of the Trade
February 17, 1pm in the Sanctuary

Being a professional musician is something people do as a job. And just like a builder builds houses for her job, musicians use tools (instruments) and materials (building blocks of music) just like a builder to do our job of building songs.

The musicians in the Copper Street Brass use tools called “Brass Instruments” to build songs. During the presentation we’ll meet each brass instrument, learn its name and job, and hear how it is used as a tool to build songs using musical building blocks like melody, harmony, and rhythm. Be ready to move and sing along to your favorite songs with CSB! This concert is free and open to all.
Salon se Lève
February 17, 2:30pm in the Art Gallery

Showcasing the national award winning pianist Shuen Wu, back by popular demand to thrill us with his virtuosic performances of unusually heart stopping repertoire… and in her debut appearance for Salon se Lève, the violinist Catherine Carson, first prize winner of the Thursday Musical Competition is sure to resuscitate us with her heart warming golden-toned instrument – a VERY special Valentine indeed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dignity Brew: a Dignity Center Social
January 24, 4pm at La Dona Cerveceria
241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis

Shake off the Winter woes and warm up at this Latin-themed brewery with friends of the Dignity Center and Thrivent Financial Services. This benevolent 3 hour concoction features great company, Latin American & Minnesota fused Beer, tasty tacos and burritos, amazing prizes, and the opportunity to learn about Thrivent Financial Services and the Dignity Center's work to support persons with a lived experience of homelessness.

Entrance: A Warm Smile
Church Conference
January 27, 11:15am in the Sanctuary

There will be a church conference for the purpose of receiving and approving the 2019 budget. All Hennepin members are eligible to attend and vote. Child care will be provided.
NEWS FROM KOINONIA
It’s leadership week at Koinonia – please pray these groups will have successful visits: River of Life Evangelical Free Church Leadership Retreat, Elim Mission Church Leadership Retreat and the Hennepin Avenue Methodist Ad Council Retreat. They’ll be joined by students on retreat from Buffalo UMC and Gloria Day Lutheran Church. This will be one of the busiest weeks of the year at Koinonia!
NEW AT HENNEPIN
Tai Chi Classes Now Being Offered
Beginning January 15
Tuesdays, 11am in the Church of Youth Room
Thursdays, 6pm in the Church of Youth Room
Saturdays, 2:30pm in the Church of Youth Room

Classes will be offered by Rondi Atkin, who has been doing tai chi for more than half her life. She began studying tai chi in the mid-1980s while living in Chicago under the instruction of Elizabeth Wenscott. In 1994 she was awarded an instructor certificate in Tai Chi Ch'uan by Master Hsu Fun Yuer and started her own school in Chicago. In 1999, she returned to Minnesota and in 2004, she resumed her tai chi studies at Twin Cities T'ai-chi Ch'uan. She currently studies under Sifu Ray Hayward at Mindful Motion T'ai-Chi Academy.

Tai chi involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Tai chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. If you are looking for more balance, flexibility, and strength in body, mind, and spirit, then come try a class.

For more information, contact Rondi Atkin at rondi@taichiinthehood.com. The cost is based on a sliding scale and the first class is free.
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Please fill out an announcement form at www.haumc.org/events .
The deadline for announcements is 12 Noon on Monday for announcements to be included in the following Friday's newsletter. 
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