April 11, 2024 | Weekly Newsletter

It is hard to keep track of all of the ways we are deciding future together.

Nationally we have an election coming that is powerful beyond the telling.

As a denomination we are moving into yet again another time of discernment for the larger United Methodist Church.

As a congregation we are engaged in a strategic planning process while moving into a streamlined governance model.

Here is what we want to provide. We want to provide information.

To that end you are strongly encouraged to attend the Reconciling Ministries gathering at Hennepin on Saturday, April 13th from 11:30 - 2:30pm. We will gather for potluck and will be blessed to hear about the legislation coming before our General Conference from our two elected delegates: Rev. Carol Zaagsma and Dave Nuckols. If you want to help greet and serve people it isn't too late to sign up!  

We are offering an opportunity to learn more about streamlined governance from one of Minnesota's District Superintendents. We will gather in the Art Gallery on April 27th from 10am - 12pm to hear from Rev. Susan Nienaber. 

Jerry Gale of Hennepin UMC is organizing a group to learn about and resist Christian Nationalism. Please reach out to Jerry at jerrygalemn@gmail.com if you are interested in helping create connections and advocate for the compassionate power of the teachings of Jesus.

Lastly, we are hosting Annual Conference ordination on May 29th at 7pm. For the first time in a long time the statewide gathering of United Methodists will be held in Bloomington. When we were asked about our openness to hosting ordination we replied with an enthusiastic "yes". We perceive that Hennepin is meant to be a shared "Cathedral of the Many" for all. What better place for an ordination than our sanctuary? Can you help make this happen? Please contact Lynne Carroll at lynne@haumc.org. We need you!

We are deciding future together. Day by day we choose to engage in ways that build up the Body of Christ. Thank you for your commitment to joining in the justice and healing movement of Jesus.

Easter sings yet. The stones of despair are rolled away.

Let us build a world that echoes "Hallelujah".

Pastor Elizabeth

Town Hall: Streamlined Governance Informational Session

April 27, 2024

Would you like to learn more about the streamlined governance model recently approved at Hennepin? Join us for a Town Hall Saturday, April 27, 10am - 12 noon in the Art Gallery with guest speaker District Superintendent Rev. Susan Nienaber. She will help us learn more about streamlined governance and the rationale for why this form of governance has been adopted across the United Methodist connection. She has seen how this model frees churches for ministry. We'll have the coffee pot on and donuts to share.

A note from the Governance Board task force: We are finalizing the position description, application, and interview and evaluation documents and they will be available online and in-person Sunday, April 14. Our goal is to elect our first Governance Board members at a church conference on June 23.

From Small Beginnings to Restoring Hope:

A Journey with Emma Norton Services and Ministries

Written by Val Walker

Being associated with Emma Norton Services and Ministries has always been a source of joy for me. I first became aware of the ministry to young women when I visited the St. Paul Girls’ Club located in a 4-bedroom house in St. Paul. Four young women lived in the house under the care and supervision of a house mother hired by the Conference WSCS (Women’s Society for Christian Service). From that small beginning has arisen an ever growing commitment by the Conference UM women to provide a ministry to girls and women...Read More

April is Earth Month!

The Hope for Creation class spent the Fall sessions gaining an understanding of the magnitude of the climate crisis. The winter sessions focused on what our theology (especially our United Methodist theology) says about care of the earth and the many ways God IS Nature and Nature IS Us.

This spring is the beginning of discussions about how HAUMC should respond with Climate Action. For Earth Month 2024 we will celebrate in several ways...Read More

Sacred Sites Tour Reflection

Written by Pastor Laura Hannah

This past weekend the confirmands from this church, Good Samaritan UMC, and Lake Harriet UMC joined adults from this church and Hamline UMC for a learning experience called the Sacred Sites Tour. The tour was led by Jim Bear Jacobs (Mohican), and the tour offered an opportunity to learn about Minnesota’s history from a Native Perspective through story-telling and meditation...Read More

Twin Cities UWF Spring Gathering at Hocokata Ti

April 20, 2024

Twin Cities District United Women of Faith (UWF) are providing a cultural experience that enhances one's knowledge and understanding of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history. The group will meet Saturday, April 20, 2034 at 10am at Hocokata Ti (ho-cho-kah-tah-tee) the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's cultural center and gathering space...Read More

Old School by Steeple People

Old School by Steeple People will be in the HAUMC parking lot from 9:15-10:15am on the following Sundays to accept in-season donations: April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13.

On Sunday the 21st they will be with us are part of Earth Day Celebrations, selling some reusable wares in Carlson Hall! Thrifting is a fun way to be green.

See Old School's Look of the Week here!

To submit event announcements to be published on the public events calendar, please send all the details to communications@haumc.org.

To plan your event, including reserving rooms, email scheduling@haumc.org.

For story ideas or editorial content, you can email commsdirector@haumc.org. All content is subject to the discretion of the editorial team.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church www.haumc.org