Twin Cities District
Connecting United Methodists in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Transforming Lives

Liz Lopez, Superintendent	February 2010
Pamela Pettit, Editor	(612) 230-6146; fax (612) 870-1034 twincitiesdistrict@minnesotaumc.org www.minnesotaumc.org/twincities

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In This Issue If you read nothing else in this issue please read about the Leading Your Congregation Training

• Learnings from Liz
• Developing Congregations
• Strengthening Clergy and Lay Leadership
• Training and Equipping Events
• Global Health and Connection
• Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
• Superintendent's Calendar 

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Learnings from Liz . . .

"PATHWAY TO RENEWAL…"

"When we assess a congregation's vitality, we look for three marks of inner health:

• Continued spiritual formation as an essential for everyone rather than an activity pursued by some
• Relationships among people that embody the kin-dom of God; relationships that are honoring, forgiving, loving, caring, mutual and generative
• A deep, pervasive concern for the temporal and spiritual well-being of those beyond the doors of the church – a concern that manifests in action

Marks of Decline:

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Episocopal Area Reduction Announcement

From the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops

 

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 United Methodism's Four Foci for the Quadrennium

 

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Someone said, "If you don't know where you're headed, any road will do." We hope our churches and pastors aren't living life that way! Because we live in a new day and time of social networking, and a culture where only 17 percent of people show up for church on Sunday, it's time to "rethink" church.

 

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Starting New Multi-Cultural Faith Communities Seminar: March 1-2, Church for All Peoples UMC, Columbus, OH. This seminar is designed to focus on specific strategies and proven methods to start a new multi-cultural faith community, which is an exciting and continuing challenge. For further information and registration contact the Bishop Rueben Center for Leadership Development at (605) 995-2166. 

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Caring and Sharing

Prayers for

Sympathies to

• Sarah (camp manager at Decision Hills) and Terry Lockwood, on the death of Terry's son, Nick.

Congratulations to

• Faith UMC, in Saint Anthony on becoming a welcoming congregation.
• Fridley UMC, on their fourth year of being a welcoming congregation.

Thank you to the following churches that paid their apportionments in full for 2009:

Aldersgate, Arlington Hills, Brooklyn, Brunswick, Camphor Memorial, Centennial, Christ, Church of Peace, Church of the Good Shepherd, Community, Discovery, Eden Prairie, Edgewater Emmanuel, Epworth in St. Paul, Excelsior, Fairmount Avenue, Faith in St. Anthony, First, Good Samaritan, Grace, Hamline, Hennepine Avenue, Hillcrest, Lake Harriet, Minnehaha, Minnetonka, Mounds Park, Normandale Hylands, North, Olivet, Portland Avenue, Prospect Park, Richfield, Riverview, Silver Lake, Simpson, Spirit of Hope, St. Anthony Park, St. Paul's, and Wheelock Parkway. 

Join in our connectedness by praying with our district superintendent for the following churches, their pastors, parish, and leaders:

• African
• Camphor Memorial
• Fridley
• Lake Harriet
• Olivet
• St. Anthony Park

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Structures of Care for One Another

Haiti Resource: The Upper Room has published prayers for Haiti: Words of Hope for People Who Help. The 32 page booklet includes an introduction by Bishop Charlene Kammerer, meditations, prayers, and scripture. This booklet provides spiritual nourishment to all who are working on behalf of Haiti, whether through recovery efforts, financial contributions, or ongoing personal prayers. Churches can receive 100 free copies to distribut through their ministries. (Limited to the first 250 requests.) To request copies, e-mail Cindy including your full mailing address. To see Prayers for Haiti in pdf, visit www.upperroom.org/haiti. If you would like to make a financial donation to offset the costs associated with Prayers for Haiti, go to www.upperroom.org/gift.

 

Emma Norton Scholarships Available: For women currently enrolled in a graduate program leading to full-time Christian vocations. Contact Faye at (218) 768-4519 for further information and application. Applications are due by June 15.

 

United Methodist First Choice Federal Credit Union: Serving the Dakota's and Minnesota has a whole range of services available including:

• various kinds of loans for churches, homes, and autos
• savings accounts
• checking accounts
• ATM cards
• Wire funds
• cashier checks
• low interest VISA cards with no annual fee

For information on these services and more, contact them at (800) 658-3950 or visit www.umfirstchoicefcu.org.

 

Ministers' Monthly Communion: A monthly time of worship, renewal, and communion is set aside for all clergy the third Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m., at Hennepin Avenue UMC. Contact Rev. Jim Gaughan at (952) 470-9118 for further information.

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Tuesdays @ 10am Central: The Communications Ministry Webinar Series from United Methodist Communications are only 30 minutes long and are free. They share up-to-date and relevant information, resources, and tools that will enhance your church's communications ministry. To sign up and learn more, visit Tuesdays @ 10am Central on the on the UMCOM.org web site. Topics for February are on Befriending the Internet. In March a series of Mastering the Multimedia Maze will begin.

• Feb. 9: ease and convenience of creating website favorites and social bookmarking
• Feb. 16: updates and content delivered to you instead of checking every website by using RSS Feeds and Feed Readers
• Feb. 23: explore the world of Cloud Computing (for beginners) where you can accomplish most anything online without having to download software

United Theological Seminary offers:

• Black History Month Chapel Series, Feb. 9, 16, 23
• Evenings at the Bigelow: "Readings and Reflections on Love" with Leslie Ball, Feb. 11
• Susan Draper White Lectures in Women's Studies with Joyce Ann Mercer, March 1 & 2
• Multicultural Lectures with Justo L. Gonzalez, April 12 & 13
• Spring Convocation featuring Craig Wright, American playwright and television writer, April 28-29

For information on these events visit the web sit at www.unitedseminary.edu.

 

Today Is The Day: Educate, Energize, Empower: Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hennepin Avenue UMC (511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis). Building Social Action Ministries, sponsored by the Church and Society Ministry Team. Bishop Sally Dyck will be preaching and Jim Winkler will be the keynote speaker. Workshops include: Social Principles, Immigration, Eco-Justice, Minnesota Without Poverty, Advocacy, and How to Talk About Controversial Issues. $15/person, includes lunch ($60/parish maximum). For further information call (651) 523-2032. Register at https://events.minnesotaumc.org.

 

Global Music Workshop: Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-noon, Minnetonka UMC. Learn from Mark Sedio basic techniques of authentic global music performance styles. $15/person. Register by Feb. 9 at www.minnetonkaumc.org, or contact Cynthia at (952) 474-4114 for more information.

 

Passion for Ministry: Feb. 26-28, Lake Koronis Ministries, Paynesville. For adult, youth, children, and camping ministry leaders and volunteers. $60. Contact the camping office at (612) 230-2267 for further information or visit www.campminnesota.org. 

 

The Academy for Vital Christianity: Community programs from United theological Seminary include:

Register at least two weeks in advance for reduced rates on these evening and Saturday short-term seminary-level classes. For information and registration contact Renee at (651) 255-6138.

 

What's Next: A free seminary exploration event at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, March 2 and 13. May 1 will be specially designed for second-career, mid-life folk and their partners or spouses, with local musician Neal Hagberg. For further information and registration visit www.unitedseminary.edu.

 

Leading Your Congregation Training: provided by the cabinet, conference staff, and special guest speakers for members of Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committees, church council leadership, finance and administration staff and volunteers, pastors, and local church lay leaders. Choose from one of the following dates and locations:

• March 7, 2-6 p.m., Belgrade Avenue UMC, North Mankato
• March 13, 1-5 p.m., First UMC, Saint Cloud
• March 14, 2-6 p.m., Brooklyn UMC Brooklyn Center

Workshop options include:

• Get the Most of Your SPRC
• Transform Conflict into Growth
• Personnel Practices for Multiple Staff
• How to Handle Your Church's Money
• Collaborative Chruch
• Revitalize Your Church One Step at a Time
• Know Your Neighbor
• Grow Generous Givers

Horizons of Faith—Justice for the Common Good: March 12-14, First UMC, Omaha, NE, featuring Emilie Townes and Tex Sample, $45 before Feb. 19 ($65 after). For further information and registration contact Sue at (402) 556-6262.

MissionInsite User's Conference: Practical Ministry Applications for the 21st Century Information: April 13-14, Good Shepherd UMC, Kansas City, MO, led by Churck Salter and Peter Wernett of the MissionInsite Team with Tom Bandy of Thriving Church Consulting. Learn how to go beyond the numbers to anticipate needs and design ministries. For further information and registration visit www.missioninsite.com.

Opting for the Margins: The Promise of the United Methodist Deacon: April 15-17, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL. This event will provide an opportunity to hear from some of our most articulate Deacons, and share in the efforts to clarify, for the United Methodist Church, the unique contribution of Deacons to the mission of Jesus Christ. for information and registration visit www.garrett.edu/deacondialogue.

Let Your Light Shine: April 15-18, Orlando, FL. Featured speakers will be Barbara Bruce—Keeping Your Mind, Body, and Soul Healthy in the Workplace, Vicki Wallace—Rethink Church, and Beanie Rankin of GCFA—Every Member Counts and We Count Every Member. The 28th Annual Conference of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) will also include an outing to Sea World Orlando and an optional visit to Kennedy Space Center. Join with other UMC office workers from around the nation and learn together and from each other. Register by March 1. PAUMCS is an organization under the General Council of Finance and Administration that provides guidance and consultation for continuing education of church secretaries.

The Hats We Wear: April 30-May 2, Good Earth Village, Spring Valley. A weekend of spiritual growth, personal renewal, friendship, and fun with guest speaker Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay. Specially designed for women and men working and volunteering in UM church related offices by the MN Chapter of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS). For information and registration contact Linda by April 12. Brochures will be sent to all churches.

Assembly 2010—Faith, Hope, and Love in Action: April 30-May 2, St. Louis, MO. Celebrate, lift up, learn, and return to your communities better equipped for mission. Speakers include Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, Lila Downs, Anita Phillips, Erica Williams, CeCe Winans, Judy Woodruff, and Bishop Joaquina Nhanala. Register on line. United Methodist Women national conference.

 

Minnesota Walk To Emmaus: Men—May 13-17; Women—May 20-23; at Koinonia Retreat Center in Annandale. For more information contact Darlene a or visit www.mnemmaus.org.

 

Summer Theology Workshop: June 6-10, Lake Koronis Ministries, Paynesville. Hear from Dr. Phil Rolnick, speaker, and Rev. Peter Milloy, book study leader. The theme is "One World, Science and Faith," with book study of God After Darwin, by John F. Haught. Contact Rev. Bruce Buller or the camping office (612/230-2267) for more information.

 

Certification Institute: July 18-23, Candler Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA, sponsoed by the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries and the General Council on Finance and Administration for secretaries and administrative assistants. The Institute is designed to stimulate professional growth and development of the individual. Participants are introduced to business concepts required for understanding the financial operations of the church as well as relationships with the pastor, church employees and members of the congregation. Visit www.gbgm-umc.org/paumcs/certification.html for further information.

 

Contrast and Companionship: The Way of the Church with the World: July 22-24, Chicago. A missional church convocation for pastors, judicatroy leaders, and lay leaders sponsored by the Center for Parish Development. Featured speaker will be Dr. George Hunsberger. Reflect on the changing context of our country, explore how God is shaping hearts, imaginations, and minds for engagement in the world, indulge in presentations, Bible study, worship, and pausing take a broader view. Register before April 30 for savings. See www.missionalchurch.org or call (773) 752-1596 for details.

 

Holy Land Pilgrimage: Oct. 24; informational meeting Feb. 21, 4 p.m., River Hills UMC, Burnsville. Join Rev. Duane Sarazin in a Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Israel and Egypt (optional extension). Contact Duane at (952) 890-2515 for more information.

 

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Upcoming Fellowship Events and Celebrations

 

Scouting Sunday: Feb. 14 (Boy Scouts)

 

Metro West Builders Annual Celebration: Feb. 21, 3:30-6 p.m., Brunswick UMC, Crystal. Enjoy fellowship, displays, and a program with architect and liturgical design consultant Carl Sandquist. $8/person. RSVP by Feb. 15 to (651) 925-6874 or on line at www.metrowestbuilders.org.

 

Macbeth: The play Macbeth, by william Shakespeare, will be presented at the Guthrie on Feb. 16 and March 2, at 7:30 p.m., with special panel discussions, "Power and Corruption of Power: Reflections on Shakespeare's Macbeth," following the performances. Panelists include local political figures, seminary professors, and religious leaders. Tickets are $20. Call the Guthrie Box Office at (612) 377-2224 and quote "A113" to receive this offer.

 

Girl Scout Sunday: March 14

 

Northeast Minneapolis Tenth Annual Spiritual Art Show: March 21-26, 3-7 p.m., Elim Church (685 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis). Free admission. Contact Nick and Rosie at (612) 789-6527 for more information.

 

 

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Speaker Available: Dr. Anna Versluis, a member of St. Peter UMC, is a geography professor at Gustavus who lived and wroked in Haiti for years and is available to speak wirh our congregations about Haiti. Her research focuses on land use and disaster in Haiti. She has lived, worked, and traveled in Haiti including three years working for a Haitian human rights organization in Port-au-Prince. Contact Dr. Versluis at (507) 995-7765 to make arrangements for her to speak with your congregation.

Parish Nurse Preparation Course: March 8-12, Luther Seminary.  For information and registration call (218) 299-3893.

 

World Day of Prayer: March 5

 

One Great Hour of Sharing: March 14. Churches are asked to take a special offering for the United Methodist Committee on Releif, UMCOR. This offering will cover the basic operating expenses of UMCOR enabling100% of all donations to special causes to be used for the cause in which they are intended. UMCOR is one of the first disaster response units on site and one of the last to leave. Resources are availabe online at www.umcgiving.org/OGHSCLM09D or by calling (888) 346-3862.

 

 

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Outreach Opportunities

 

Haiti Disaster Relief:

Collection sites have been set up to receive UMCOR Health Kits until April 1. These kits are desperately needed for relief work being done in Haiti. Prepare your kits exactly as prescribed on the UMCOR web site and deliver them to Bethel UMC in Mound, Camp Kingswood in Mound, or Faith UMC in West St. Paul.

 

United Methodist Volunteers In Mission-North Central Jurisdiction is coordinating teams to go to Haiti. Please register on line at umvimncj.org. 

 

Donations can be made through your local church by writing "UMCOR Haiti" in the memo line of your check.

 

For more infomation on how you can help go to www.minnesotaumc.org and click on "Disater Response: How You Can Help" in the Quick Links box.