April 18, 2024 | Weekly Newsletter

The lectionary text from the book of Acts (Acts 4: 5 - 12) for this week has sceptics asking Peter "By what power or by what name did you do this?"

As United Methodists are ordained, Elders are enjoined to "take thou authority" in leading the life of the church.

As individuals join the church each commits to "use the power God gives us to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever form they present themselves." (UMC Membership vows)

The issue of power and how it is to be wielded is of vital importance.

As we watch our nation and world navigate abuses and rightly uses of power, we are called to consider power through the lens of our faith.

What did Jesus teach about power? What have we to learn about the sanctity of created being and our communal call to being power full?  

Power has gotten a bad rap. When I was involved in community organizing power was defined as "the ability to get things done". There are so many things that need to be done.

As followers of Jesus, how will we wield the power God gives us? As United Methodists we turn to the quadrilateral as an ethical tool. What has scripture, tradition, reason and experience to teach us? How do we commit to being deeply intentional about the use of power as we seek to partner with the Spirit in order to get things done?

Hennepin Church is organizing in such a way that the power of the laity, clergy, staff and Spirit will be freed for ministry. Please join us for a time of further learning about streamlined governance on April 27th from 10pm - 12noon. We will meet in the Art Gallery to learn with Rev. Susan Nienaber.

And, don't miss church this Sunday! One of the most powerful leaders I have been blessed to learn from is preaching. The Rev. Dr. Molly Marshall is President of United Theological Seminary. I serve on the Board of Trustees there. Being in Molly's presence has taught me much about powerful leadership.  

God is at work at Hennepin and the world.  

Claim your power!

Pastor Elizabeth

Volunteer Spotlight

We have the honor of hosting the Ordination Worship Service and rehearsal for the Annual Conference on May 28 and 29. This service honors the achievements of those that have answered their call to ministry, those retiring from years of active ministry, and others who lead our many congregations throughout our conference. We need volunteers to make this happen!

Click here to Sign-Up to volunteer

General Conference

April 23 - May 3, 2024

This year the General Conference takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is the first General Conference since the pandemic and legislation slated for GC2020 will be addressed.

On May 12th we have an opportunity to hear from our Resident Bishop, Rev. Lanette Plambeck. Bishop Plambeck will bring the sermon through which she will help interpret the actions taken at the General Conference and implications for our shared ministry going forward.

Delegate Rev Dawn Taylor-Storm states“Methodism began as a movement, in small groups around kitchen tables.... “I see that same spark now as delegates come together dreaming and planning for a church that is Christ-centered, celebrates diversity.”... Read More

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.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 937 8897 7295

Passcode: 297494

Please visit the Governance Board webpage for Governance Board application and timeline or pick up a copy at the receptionist desk. Applications for serving on the Governance Board open May 1.

What a Fully Furnished Apartment Means:

A Journey with Emma Norton Services

“I am so grateful to the people that were able to furnish our apartments. It gave me more space to focus on myself and all the other moving parts.”

– Cecilia, an Emma Norton client who moved into Restoring Waters on April 8.

In last week’s newsletter, you heard from Val Walker about the history of Emma Norton Services, and how the new building, Restoring Waters, will expand access and care for people in recovery from homelessness...Read More

Sing Joyfully: Twin Cities Children's Choir Festival

And Ecumenical Hymn Sing

April 27, 2024

Let us know you are coming on the facebook event!

Join us for an ecumenical hymn festival led by a choir of children from around the Twin Cities! We will sing about God’s beautiful creation and our role as stewards of the earth. Musical leaders include G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate artistic director of VocalEssence and cantor of worship and the arts at Westwood Lutheran Church; Phillip Radtke, assistant to the director of the Minnesota Boychoir and cantor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; and Kristine Denton, collaborative pianist. Hennepin’s lead pastor Elizabeth Macaulay will offer reflections. Come to support our children and to sing joyfully!

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