Twin Cities District
Connecting United Methodists in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Transforming Lives
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Liz Lopez, Superintendent
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January 2010
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Pamela Pettit, Editor
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In This Issue
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Learnings from Liz . . .
A NEW DECADE – 2010!
This week I was struck by Chip Nielsen's pastoral article in his newsletter – January 2010. Chip is the pastor at Arlington Hills UMC. He says: "Congratulations! You have survived the first decade of the 21st century! We now begin the second decade of the 21st century. Time does fly when you're having fun! Many of us remember the distinct decades of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, etc. What will distinguish this decade from the ones that came before it? How will our world, culture, and church change? Every once in a while we need to take a step back and ask some larger questions of life. What in the world is God doing now and where is God leading us?"
What powerful questions not only for us as people of faith, clergy, laity, but congregations as well! What did our ministry look like in the last ten years? How many lives were transformed? How did we reach out to our neighbor? How many lives did our ministry impact? How did our church grow? How many disciples were shaped? Did we do more outside the doors of our church or did we just stay inside? How many were shaped and formed by Bible study, covenant groups, adult spiritual formation events? How many leaders were empowered and trained? Was our worship so inviting, filled with vitality and good preaching that those who came to experience it stayed and came again and again? Did we tell the United Methodist story in such a way that we felt that connectionalism with our sisters and brothers across the Minnesota Annual Conference? Did we teach the foundations of financial stewardship in such a way that the needs of the congregation were met and much more! Was there excellence in all that we did? Did we go out and share the good news of Jesus Christ so that others would come to know Christ through us? What will the answers to these questions look like at the end of this second decade?!
There have been a lot of challenges in the last ten years especially in the last few with the economic crisis. People have lost their jobs, their homes, their income, and their dignity in many ways. Where is God leading us as we face what is before us in these times? What is going to distinguish this new decade from the last? Each of us will answer this differently but I believe we are being called forth into a new kind of ministry that is calling us to change. Change is strange as Bishop Sally shared a few years ago, but we can no longer do ministry "like we have always done it." As Chip reminds us, the world, our culture, our church is changing. The question is how will we get on board and thrive and not be left behind.
Laity, clergy, and congregations are being given an opportunity to think through–yes "re-think" your ministry in this new decade with the congregational ministry plans. You are being given the opportunity to plan for the next five years where you see your congregation making its ministry impact. You are being given an opportunity to pray, plan, and work together to see where God is leading you in this new decade.
I am excited to see and hear what develops. I hold each of our Twin Cities clergy and congregations in prayer as you are in this process. Also know I am available as a resource along the way. We as people of faith and congregations hold the promises and possibilities of what our world, our culture, our communities, our people, and neighbors need at this moment in time. What is God calling you to be and do in this new decade?
"What movements of God in the world can your church lead and support as we struggle to be faithful to the high calling of loving both God and neighbor?!" (Rev. Chip Nielsen)
As we begin this New Year of 2010 in the midst of all that is before us may we once again remember who we are, what we are called to be as United Methodists and the great heritage of our faith.
John Wesley's Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by you or laid aside for you,
brought high for you or brought low by you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
you are mine, and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Blessings!
Liz
PLEASE REMEMBER! IMPORTANT!
Due before FEBRUARY 1, 2010--- To be completed and returned to the district office:
- Form 1—Local Church Leadership List
- Form 2—Report of Lay Speaker (Local & Certified)
- Form 3—Report of Recommendation for Candidacy for Ordained Ministry
- Form 4—Inactive/Unresponsive Membership Report
(Forms are available on the conference web site in the Quick Links box. See announcement at the end of this newsletter for further information on Tables I, II, and III.)
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United Methodism's Four Foci for the Quadrennium
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Developing Congregations
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Strengthening Clergy and Lay Leadership (Equipping Leaders, Transforming Existing Congregations, Teaching the Wesleyan Model of Forming Disciples of Jesus Christ)
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Global Health and Connection (Ending Malaria and HIV/AIDS, Global Outreach, Transforming the Lives of Children)
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Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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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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Lent resources from Rethink Church
UM Communications has Lenten worship resources to help congregations Rethink Church. A Journey to Hope provides an invitation to journey through real-life circumstances like job loss, low self-esteem, relationship issues, money problems, and even death and grieving. Television, worship graphics, and more will are available to help congregations connect with visitors, especially young adults. For more information, contact Rethink Church at (877) 281-6535 or rethinkchurch@umcon.org.
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Caring and Sharing
Prayers for
- Russ Sheffler, conference IT, recovering from a another surgery.
Welcome home to
- Rev. Jen Hill, returned safely from being deployed in the Navy.
Join in our connectedness by praying with our district superintendent for the following churches, their pastors, parish, and leaders:
- Church of Peace
- Community
- First
- Korean UMC of Minnesota
- North
- Simpson
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Structures of Care for One Another
InfoServ: The UM information service will become exclusively an e-mail and online information service effective April 1. Telephone support services will be discontinued. Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the UMC are also available online at www.infoserv.umc.org. Funding for InfoServ comes from apportionment giving.
Groth Music Scholarship: for graduating high school students starting bachelor's degrees in music education, performance, or therapy in 2010-2011. Apply by Feb. 26. Contact Richfield UMC (5835 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis MN 55419) at (612) 861-6086 or visit their web site for more information.
Summer Camp Staff: positions now available include counselors, lifeguards, program directors, cooks, maintenance, and more. Contact the camping department at (612) 230-2267 for further information or visit www.campminnesota.org and click on "Summer Employment."
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Recharge: Jan. 9. A conference for people ministering to children, youth, and families. Speakers include Tiger McLuen, President of Youth Leadership, and Katie Waddell, Director of Upper Room Kids. Visit www.ministryrecharge.com or call (612) 746-6498 for further information.
Christian Educators Fellowship: Jan. 21, 10 a.m., Resource Center for Churches (122 W Franklin Ave., #2, Minneapolis). Learn about the "Praying in Color" book study. $5. Contact Karen at (651) 423-2475 for more information.
Worship Workshop: Jan. 30, Good Samaritan UMC, Edina. Learn from Marcia McFee how to make worship a vibrant opportunity for people to meet God and prepare to care for the world. Registration is $25 before Jan. 25, $30 after, and includes lunch. Visit www.marciamcfee.com for more information.
Communications Ministry Webinar Series: Free online learning seminars air every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and feature one specific topc each week. Compliments of UM Communication.
Leading Worship 101 for Lay People: Feb. 1-26, (approved by the GBOD as an advanced course in Lay Speaking Ministries). See www.beadisciple.com for information and registration on this online course.
Church and Cultural Change: Feb. 9-11, Willowbrook UMC, Phoenix, Ariz. George Barna and Phyllis Tickle will offer insights into our culture and how we can respond. Register by Jan. 10 for a reduced rate.
UMYs: University of God: Feb. 12-14, St. Cloud Holiday Inn and Suites, for grades nine through 12, $130. Register before Jan. 12.
Ethical Leadership, the Church and the Global Economy: Feb. 25-27, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, $150. The conference will assemble key academic and clerical leaders to help us become agents of transformation in the economic recovery of the Midwest and the world. Worship leaders include Bishops Gregory Palmer, Sally Dyck, and John Hopkins. For information and registration visit www.garret.edu/elc or contact Wendy at (847) 866-3961.
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:
- Christianity's Enduring Life: Contemporary Stories of Diversity, Renewal, and Global Growth, March 20 and April 10, Wayzata Community Church
- Interpreting the Older Testament with Integrity: Feb. 27 and March 20, Saint Paul's UCC
- Our Neighbors of Other Faiths: April 19, 26; May 3,10, 17, Hazel Park Congregational UCC
- Reading the Gospells Today: Feb. 20 and March 6, Plymouth Congregational Church
- Sunday School Teaching 101: Feb. 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, Normandale Hylands UMC
- Understanding Islam: Feb. 20 and March 20, Centennial UMC
- Wrestling with the Problem of Evil and Suffering: April 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, Cottage Grove UCC
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.
2009 Q3 Ministers' Conference, Ministry Celebrates the Wonders of God's World: March 9-11, Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, KY. Join together with a team of scientists, pastors, and theologians to deal with Biblical responses to issues of science and faith. Register by Feb. 1 for $49. ($99 after Feb. 1.) For information and registration call Ginny at (877) 776-3646
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
Register online at least one week in advance.
Embracing Change: Communicating Faith in Today's World: April 7-10, Chicago. Connect with communicators from around the world at the 2010 Religion Communication Congress. Hear from internationally acclaimed speakers, learn from skill building workshops, and join in discussions. Register by Jan. 15.
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.
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.
Summer Theology Workshop: June 6-10, Koronis Ministries, Paynesville. Join the conversation, One World, Science and Faith, with Dr. Phil Rolnick of St. Thomas University. Study the book God After Darwin, by John F. Haught. $279. Register with Bruce at (507) 287-6707.
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Parish Nurse Preparation Course: March 8-12, Luther Seminary. For information and registration call (218) 299-3893.
Nothing But Nets: Donate $10 or more through Jan. 31 to the Send a Net effort and get two complimentry tickets to an NBA game, subject to availability and participating teams. Visit www.nba.com/2009/news/12/14/sendanet. Designate yourself as a United Methodist under "NBN: how did you hear?"
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Outreach Opportunities
United Methodist Volunteers In Mission-North Central Jurisdiction (UMVIM-NCJ): Projects for volunteer teams and training opportunities are listed on the UMVIM-NCJ web site. Some of the new projects include:
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Philippines, Feb. 23-March 7, repair and painting at Asbury College
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Namagua, Nicaragua, June 14-23, teachUM, children's programs and preschools
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Ica, Peru, July 29-Aug. 12, medical and construction
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Bolivia, July 31-Aug. 15, construction and other duties, where GBGM missionaries Ardelle and Gordon Graner are
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Sierra Leone, school construction and rehabilitation
UMCOR adds new Birthing Kit: This new kit helps birth attendants in developing countries conduct clean and safe deliveries. The $8 birthing kit contains basic essentials such as soap, latex gloves, plastic sheeting, razor blade, receiving blankets, and a zip-lock bag. Download kit instructions or give to UMCOR Advance #901440 through your local church.
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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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Human Relations Day Offering: Jan. 17, your special offering goes to help with issues of aleviating poverty and working with criminal justice through programs funded by the General Board of Global Ministries. Give through your local church noting "Human Relations" in the memo of your check. For worship materials, posters, special envelopes, and other information visit the UMC giving web site.
UMVIM Train the Trainer Class: Jan. 22-23, Mount Clemens, MI. For those interested in training Early Disaster Response Teams. $25 includes manual and lunch. Contact Rev. Heather Klason for more information.
Early Disaster Response Team Training: Jan. 30, Evansville, IN. $25 includes lunch, materials, and supplies. Register with Bruce at (812) 422-8155.
Peace with Justice Grants are available from the General Board of Church and Society for programs that seek to bring the whole of human life, activities, possessions, use of resources, and community and world relationships into conformity with the will of God. Churches must apply before Feb. 12. For information and application contact Marvlyn at (202) 488-5643.
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.
Day on the Hill: March 25. This year's theme is Justice We Pursue! The keynote speaker will be Rabbi Harold J. Kravitz. Register online at www.JRLC.org.
UMC Individual GBGM Volunteer Training: April 15-18, Camp Kingswood (7301 Kingswood Rd, Mound). This is a special training by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) for those seeking two-month or longer UMC service opportunities. Contact Lorna at (605) 692-3390 for further information.
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Outreach Opportunities
Emma Norton Services Wish List: Contact Lucille at (651) 224-1329 to volunteer or provide in-kind gifts. Emma Norton Services is a nonprofit organization providing affordable housing and conprehensive services for homeless women and families in Minnesota. It is also a UM General Advance Special.
Volunteers Needed
- Kitchen help
- Front desk reception, data entry, and filing
- Teach a craft or skill to residents
- Help with bulk mailings
- Cleaning, painting, or yard work
- Childcare and/or tutoring at Emma's Place
In-Kind Products Needed
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Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, tissue, etc.
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Single bath towels and/or bath towel sets
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Blankets for single beds
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Hand and body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, bath wash toiletries, sanitary items, deodorant, razors, hair brushes
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New or gently-used dorm size refrigerators (1.7-4.6 cubic feet capacity)
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All purpose cleaning spray, tub and tile cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, Windex, Pine-Sol, Soft Scrub, bleach, garbage bags
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Liz's Calendar: (off on Fridays)
January:
| 1 |
Office Closed |
| 4-6 |
Cabinet |
| 7 |
Living Spirit, 7 p.m. |
| 10 |
African UMC, 11 a.m. |
| 11 |
dCOM, 1 p.m. |
| 14 |
Budget Process, 2:30 p.m. |
| 17 |
Vietnamese Lanuage Ministry, 11 a.m. |
| 18-21 |
Cabinet Retreat |
| 24 |
Minnetonka, 8:45 a.m. |
| 28 |
Common Table |
| 30 |
Hennepin Avenue, 9:30 a.m. |
| 31 |
Prospect Park, 9 a.m. |
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***Important Announcement about Tables I, II, and III***
The 2009 Tables I, II, and III are now available on the conference web site under Quick Links
or
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In the Utility Links box, click on Forms & Documents
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In the Search Terms box enter "Table" and click the search button
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You will find the 2009 Tables I, II, III as well as the 2009 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Tables I, II, III and the 2009 Tables on the Web
Tables will not be mailed unless you request them from your district office. Please submit Tables I, II, and III on or before February 1, 2010. Tables submitted before January 1, 2010 will be returned!
Tables may be submitted online at the GCFA Eagle web site, e-mailed to the conference office, or mailed to the conference office. To submit Tables on the Eagle web site, please see the instructions on the 2009 Tables on the Web, as described above. E-mail completed Tables to BJ Olsen at bj.olsen@minnesotaumc.org. Mail Tables to: Minnesota Annual Conference, 122 W Franklin Ave Suite 400, Minneapolis MN 55404.
The Book of Discipline 2008, paragraph 340.3 gives the pastor the responsibility for care of all church records and local church financial obligations, including the certification of all financial, membership, and any other reports submitted by the local church to the annual conference.
Pastors, if you delegate the preparation and mailing of these reports, please review the final documents carefully and verify the information before signing and submitting the forms. Your prompt attention to the preparation and mailing of accurate reports will save time and resources in our effort to gather the information.
One use of the information in these reports is the calculation of apportionments. Churches that submit incorrect information or fail to submit the reports will have apportionments calculated using incorrect information. Please help us help you by providing accurate information and returning the Tables I, II, and III promptly.
Please make copies of the Tables for your rough drafts. MAKE A COPY OF THE COMPLETED TABLES FOR YOUR RECORDS! If you have questions on how to fill out the Tables, please contact BJ Olsen at (612) 230-6138.
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Reach New People!
Cultivate Spiritual Vitality!
. . . in our United Methodist Churches
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