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Twin Cities Scene, June 2009

Twin Cities District
Connecting United Methodists in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Transforming Lives
Liz Lopez, Superintendent
June 2009
Pamela Pettit, Editor
(612) 230-6146; fax (612) 870-1034
twincitiesdistrict@minnesotaumc.org

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Courageous Goals For Challenging Times
Michelangelo once said, “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” That’s the challenge of setting goals.
Because so much is changing around us and much of it is beyond our control, these are difficult times to set and keep goals. Last June I set some rather audacious goals for the leaders of the annual conference—including myself—and since then the goals have become even more audacious!
The mission of United Methodists is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Minnesota United Methodists have the gospel imperatives (based on the Great Commandment and Great Commission): reach new people and cultivate spiritual vitality. These constitute the method to fulfill our mission.
How do we know that we’ve made disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by reaching new people and cultivating spiritual vitality?
When peoples’ lives are changed through our churches’ ministry and mission, we know qualitatively that we are reaching new people, cultivating spiritual vitality, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. Changing lives with the gospel is our ultimate mission!
However, we also need some quantitative measures. If counting heads (or noses, as my mother would say) seems somehow repulsive to you, remember that numbers represent people—people who, we hope, are experiencing the gospel’s life-changing effects. Eugene Peterson says in his introduction to the book of Numbers, “Counting and list-making and rosters are as much a part of being a community of God as prayer and instruction and justice. Accurate arithmetic is an aspect of becoming a people of God.”
Following are the audacious goals I challenge us to reach by 2012.
Goal 1: Plus one (+1)
The conference membership tally will show a positive increase of one in 2012, rather than the losses that our statistics have shown in recent years through 2007 (the most recent statistics available). Because some people question whether membership is the best measure, I’d happily accept a positive increase of one in worship attendance in 2012, rather than the losses our statistics have shown in recent years. Whether we see an increase in membership or attendance, it will be a sign of generative ministry and mission. Since June all conference staff have been working on strategies to help churches meet the audacious goal of +1 by sharpening our focus, alignment, and support of local churches and clergy in reaching new people, such as through new church starts, new ministries, new worship services, and church redevelopment.
Goal 2: Greater than (>)
Minnesota will have the greatest percentage of young adult clergy (ages 25 through 35) among all the U.S. annual conferences. At 5 percent we’re now at about the middle. I hope we achieve about 10 percent in order to meet the goal. Our young-adult clergy, in conjunction with the Board of Ordained Ministry and conference leaders, are developing strategies to help us. Does this mean we don’t need or want clergy older than 35? No! We want an even distribution of clergy throughout the various age groups, as we have had throughout most of our history until recently.
Goal 3: 100 percent (100%)
The Minnesota Annual Conference will pay its apportionments in full by 2012. We are developing strategies for this goal in the present economic climate. Awareness of how apportionments serve our neighbors near and far as well as ourselves is fundamental to this goal. We also need to rethink ways of functioning as an annual conference so as to be most effective with apportioned dollars and sustain our organization.
When I presented these organizational goals (or measurements of the fulfillment of our mission) in June, it seemed like a stretch to accomplish them by 2012. As the stock market began to plummet by late fall they seemed nothing short of impossible. Frankly, I was rather discouraged by November 2008 about whether we had the energy to develop our mission, methods, and measurements and whether we could accomplish them.
Then I realized that without clear mission, methods, and measurements, we would be adrift in these changing, chaotic, and uncertain times. In December, when we found we needed to develop a spending plan for 2009, our mission, methods, and measurements gave us direction. Without them, I think we might have eaten our seed corn—that is, we might have trimmed ministries that contribute to our health and growth. Our seed corn is congregational development.
Psalm 126 says: “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” If you plant rather than eat your seed corn in lean times, you may have less to eat while you wait for the seed to germinate and grow. So you sow in tears of hunger with the hope of a joyful and fruitful harvest to come. The spending plan for 2009 required sacrifices by the staff (including district superintendents) and in ministries and missions. Tears of sacrifice mingle with the hope that our seed corn of congregational development will produce fruit in the future.
The goal to increase our number of young-adult clergy is challenged by the decrease in clergy retirements. When economic considerations discourage eligible clergy from retiring, there are fewer appointments available. I don’t think this has affected us in Minnesota as much as some other places. I hope for everyone’s benefit (especially people who want to retire!) that it improves by next year. However, it still takes resources to recruit, train, and support young-adult clergy in order to retain them.
Sharing good news around the world
Paying 100 percent of our apportionments undoubtedly seems especially challenging during difficult economic circumstances. For 2008 we remitted each General Fund based on the total received for that fund plus a proportionate amount from the uncollected apportionment line item. This resulted in payment of around 92.5 percent for the World Service Fund and almost 107 percent for Africa University.
Our apportionments make resources available for our Minnesota ministries and enable us to support life-changing missions around the world. We can make a difference when we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Goals must challenge us, even beyond what seems possible at times, so that we stay focused, aligned, and moving forward. They keep us focused on the “one thing” (making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world) by aligning our ministries at the congregational and annual conference levels with reaching new people and cultivating spiritual vitality, and moving forward when it’s difficult to know what is best to do in changing, chaotic, and uncertain times.
Thank God for a mission worth living for, methods that are time-tested (by Jesus, no less!), and measurements that keep us on the road when it’s easy to drift or lose our way. If we are setting goals that we can easily meet these days, our goals are too low and will not keep us moving toward health and growth.
You are all in my prayers as you stay focused on the mission, align with the gospel imperatives, and move toward positive measurements in all our resources.

Bishop Sally Dyck

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Liz will be on renewal leave through the summer. She will be scheduling clergy conversations for August and will be sending out an information email to all the clergy about this. Please watch for this. If you have a need for a District Superintendent please contact the District Office and Pam Pettit, Twin Cities District Administrative Assistant will direct you to one of the DS’s.

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 United Methodism's Four Foci for the Quadrennium

  • Developing Congregations
  • Strengthening Clergy and Lay Leadership (Equipping Leaders, Transforming Existing Congregations, Teaching the Wesleyan Model of Forming Disciples of Jesus Christ)
  • Global Health and Connection (Ending Malaria and HIV/AIDS, Global Outreach, Transforming the Lives of Children)
  • Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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Focus 1: Developing Congregations

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2009 School of Congregational Development: July 29-Aug. 2, Chicago, IL. SCD is designed for leadearship of new and existing congregations who will start and strengthen missional congregations that reach out and transform their communities and the world. It is sponsored by The General Board of Global Ministries, The General Board of Discipleship, and Path 1. Register by July 1 online or contact Deborah at (877) 899-2780, ext. 7051.

Love Offering: Members of Annual Conference brought $77,500 for the 2009 Love Offering in support of missions. Funds will continue to be collected at the conference office through December.

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Focus 2: Strengthening Clergy and Lay leadership
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Caring and Sharing
Prayers for 
  • Rev. Jennifer Hill, on her deployment with the Navy.
  • Glendoris Rash, recently diagnosed with a non-malignant tumor in her stomach.
  • Jeff Kruse, conference lay leader, healing from cardiomyopathy.
  • Rev. Bruce Ruggles, who injured his left shoulder.
  • Rev. Kathleen Zielinski, who broke a bone in her foot.
  • the staff of the Kansas West Conference, who lost the majority of their building on May 19 in a fire.

Congratulations to

  • Rev. Tiffany McDonald on the birth of her daughter.
  • Rev. Bill Reinhart and Lauren Hernandez of Coon Rapids UMC on winning the Denman Evangelism Award from the Minnesota Annual Conference for 2009.
  • Rev. Donna Martinson on receiving the Jeanne Audrey Power Ecumenism Award.
  • Those commissioned as provisional elders: Rev. Cindy Kennedy, Rev. Mariah Furness, Rev. Brian Manly, and Rev. Luke Nelson.
  • Newly-ordained elders: Rev. Karen Ashton, Rev. Amanda Larsen, and Rev. Rachel Morey; and newly-ordained deacon Rev. Loronda Schuler.

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

  • Arlington Hills
  • Excelsior
  • Hamline
  • Minnehaha
  • Prospect Park
  • Trinity
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Structures of Care for One Another

Peace With Justice Sunday: June 7. This special offering supports global outreach through the General Board of Church and Society and annual conference-related peace-with-justice ministries. Make donations to your local church with “Peace With Justice” in the memo.

Ministry and the Mis-Wired Mind: Sponsored by BeFriender Ministry and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Minnesota chapter. Hosted by St. Michael Lutheran Church (1901 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington). Two community education sessions are open to the public; attend either or both. Registration and further information is available on the BeFrienders web site or by contacting Joanne at (952) 767-0244.

  • Understanding Mental Illness, June 23, 7-9 p.m.
  • Caring Ministry and Mental Illness, July 21, 7-9 p.m.

Social Principles study guide available

The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church 2009-2012 is a 64-page booklet that facilitates study of the denomination's statements on issues in the contemporary world. The booklet is available through Cokesbury, a division of United Methodist Publishing House, (877) 231-1593.

The Social Principles are a prayerful, thoughtful effort on the part of the denomination's highest policy-making body, General Conference, to speak to contemporary issues from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions. 

The booklet contains the official text of the Social Principles from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2008 along with study exercises for individuals or small groups, a topical index, and "Our Social Creed." It is hoped that these discussions will occur in a group, but the booklet is designed for either individual or group study.

Annual Conference: A resource CD was sent home with each church with information from the 2009 Annual Conference. Information is also available on the conference web site. Ask your lay delegate about the "Eight Characteristcs of Life and Faith" study guide they received.

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Training and Equipping Events
Summer Theology Workshop: June 7-11, Koronis Ministries, Paynesville, $269. Guest speaker will be Dr. Paul Rhodes Eddy, co-author of Lord of Legend: Wrestling with the Jesus Dilemma. (It is recommended to read the book before you come.) Other discussion: What does it mean to be created in the “image of God,” Genesis 1:27. For further information and registration contact Bruce at (507) 287-6707.
Summer Institute in Spirituality and the Arts: June 8-12, United Theological Seminary (3000 5th Ave., New Brighton). An opportunity to explore the intersections of art and religion in one’s personal life or faith community. Register by June 1. For a complete description and registration visit the UTS web site. For further assistance contact Renee at (651) 255-6138. 

School of Christian Mission (SCM): July 14-19, St. Johns University, Collegeville. Weekday (July 14-17), weekend (July 17-19), and drive-in (July 16) options available. Studies include The Beauty and Courage of Sudan: Why a Dream of Peace is Possible; Food and Faith; and Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival. Contact Elizabeth for more information. Register by June 30 with Marge, (507) 278-4167. 

Focus 2009: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: July 21-24, Indianapolis, IN, with pre-conference events on July 20. A quadrennial conference for all people in ministry with children sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship. Focus 2009 provides attendees with innovative workshops, unique worship experiences, inspiring preachers, dynamic speakers, relevant resources, and networking opportunities that will support them in creating, renewing, and revitalizing ministries locally and globally. Register before July 2. For further information contact Mary at (877) 899-2780, ext. 1760.

Courage to Lead Retreat (rescheduled): July 28-30, ARC Ecumenical Retreat Center, 1680 373rd Ave. NE, Stanchfield. For clergy and congregational leaders to renew and sustain their spiritual resources and contribute to the vitality of their congregations.

Heart of the Artist Retreat: July 31-Aug. 1, Rosemount UMC. Noted songwriter, speaker, church leader, consultant, and author Rory Noland will be in the Twin Cities to lead this retreat. Rory has taught hundreds of workshops around the world related to arts and ministry as well as spent twenty years as music director at Willow Creek Community Church. This retreat is specifically designed to meet the spiritual and community needs of your team. The goal of the retreat is to help artists connect with God and with each other. Topics include: Guidelines for Authentic Community; Servanthood vs. Stardom; Excellence vs. Perfectionism; How to Resolve Relational Conflict; The Artist and Solitude; The Power of the Arts; and How to Keep Your Passion Alive. $50 per person includes lunch on Saturday. Register with Terry at Rosemount UMC (Attn: Heart of the Artist Retreat, 14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount, MN 55068), (651) 423-2475, ext. 216.

NCJ Division on Ministries with Young People Convocation and Legislative Assembly: Aug. 28-30, Wisconsin Dells. Four youth, young adults and their adult leaders. Watch the web site for more information and registration. 

Money Matters: Financial Freedom for All God's Children and All God's Churches: Sept. 21, Rosemount UMC (14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount). Michael Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, OH, will be here to talk about money and the transformation of ministry in the congregation. $25 if registered before Sept. 14. For further information contact Val at the Minnesota UM Foundation at (612) 230-3337. 

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Upcoming Fellowship Events and Celebrations

Summer Musical: Studs Terkel's Working: From the Monday morning blues to the second shift blahs using the original words of some uncommon common men and women. Working is open to the community. Auditions will be held June 14 and 15 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Performances will be Aug. 20-22 and 27-29. All will be held at Richfield UMC (5835 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis). Contact the church for further information at (612) 861-6086.

UM Day at the Dome: July 29, 7:10 p.m. start time; the Minnesota Twins take on the Chicago White Sox. Each church will receive a mailing from the Twins office.

Minnesota UM Softball teams wanted for tournament
The annual Minnesota UM Softball Tournament, which raises funds to enable young people attend Minnesota UMC camps, takes place Aug. 21-23. Your church team can take part in this fun event that makes possible a life-changing camp experience for young people. If you want to pull together a team to participate, contact Don Enberg at dlenberg@netscape.net. In the subject line type "UMC Softball Contact." Or call Don at (612) 598-8361.

 

Going Forward Job Club: Free monthly support group for adult job seekers. Includes light dinner and child care. RSVP is required in advance for child care. Next session is June 29, from 6-8 p.m. Sessions are held at Community UMC (950 Gould Ave. NE, Columbia Heights). Contact Becky at (763) 788-9009 for further information.

 

Education and Training Resource Fair: June 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community UMC (950 Gould Ave. NE, Columbia Heights), free. Learn about educational and training resources that are available in the metro area as well as financial aid options available to adult learners. Contact Becky at  (763) 788-9009.

Grant Writing Workshop: July 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Community UMC (950 Gould Ave. NE, Columbia Heights). Learn the fundamentals of writing a succssful grant proposal. In addition, you will hear from a panel of funders on their processes on accepting proposals. $20 includes lunch. Register by July 10 with Becky at (763) 788-9009.

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Focus 3: Global Health and Connection
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Project Legos: Community UMC (950 Gould Ave. NE, Columbia Heights). For youth in junior high through high school. This nine week program begins on July 1. It is designed to teach students that they can make a difference in the community. Participants will identify a community issue in which they have an interest, learn how to address that issue, and then be given an opportunity to implement their solution. The program is free but registration is required. Register by June 19 with Becky at (763) 788-9009 to participate.

Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency community classes: For a list of classes on CPR/AED and First Aid visit the MVNA web site or contact Cheryl at (612) 331-5342 for further information.

Mission Caravan: Meet Our Neighbors in the Twin Cities Area: Aug. 12-13. An opportunity to learn more about UM-related missions and have hands-on experience. $50, meals and transportation included. Register by July 20. For further information contact Mary Ann at (763) 241-9541. 

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Outreach Opportunity

Nothing But Nets: Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest nations, has one of the highest maternal and child-mortality rates in the world. Forty percent of these deaths are caused by malaria. Malaria can be easily prevented for a family of four with a simple $10 insecticide-treated bed net. One million Sierra Leone residents still need bed nets. The program expects to turn its efforts to Congo and won't be sending them to Sierra Leone without paid orders received by June 30. Donations for Nothing But Nets can be made to your local church. Receipts received at the Conference Office before June 15 will be designated to Saving Lives in Sierra Leone. During session at Annual Conference members gave $2,100 to Saving Lives in Sierra Leone.

Flu Vaccination: If you are interested in scheduling a worksite flu vaccination clinic contact the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency at (612) 617-4784.

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Volunteer Opportunities
Tutors for Homeless Children: Mary's Place (401 N. 7th St., Minneapolis). Volunteers to help with reading approximately once a week on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afternoon from 3:30-5:30 p.m. beginning June 16. Contact Charlotte at (612) 328-4384 or Kathy at (612) 328-0988 if you can help.

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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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Spider's Web: June 10, Park Square Theater, (20 W Seventh Pl, Siant Paul), Free performanc of Agatha Christie murder mystery to benefit Emma Norton Services. Reservations are required and donations are requested. Contact Jeffrey at (651) 251-2632 for reservations.

Help Build a Minnesota Where Everyone Thrives: The Minnesota Council of Churches is working towards building a Minnesota where everyone thrives including safe shelter, adequate food, and healthcare. To learn about the programs, advocacy networks, and how to make donations visit the MCC web site. The Minnesota Council of Churches is part of A Minnesota Without Poverty, a statewide, interfaith movement to end poverty by 2020 that has over 6,000 committed advocates.

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Liz's Calendar:

Liz is on renewal leave until the end of August.

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 Reach New People!

     Cultivate Spiritual Vitality!

          . . . in our United Methodist Churches

 

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