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Twin Cities District
Connecting United Methodists in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Transforming Lives
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Learnings from Liz . . .
Reinvigorating the Movement!
Throughout our connection a movement has been set in motion to reinvigorate the United Methodist Church. It started as a conversation led by the Council of Bishops and everyone who has chosen to participate in the conversation has come to believe that we are doing nothing short of answering the questions for our time, according to one news article. What is the United Methodist vision for living Wesley’s principles—doing no harm, doing good and loving God? And how does that vision enable us to fulfill the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?
The movement has lead to the creation of four “areas of focus.”
- Developing principled Christian leaders for the Church and the World
Our leadership must expand and grow with the demands and expectations of the world. The church must recruit young people for ministry and provide them with the skills necessary to be effective in this new time of opportunity. That includes women and people of color the world over. Similarly, we must offer leadership training for lay people who are in ministry in countless ways.
- Creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones.
The U.S. with 180 million unchurched people is the third largest mission field in the English-speaking world and the fifth largest globally. The Path I Team composed of many partners across the church, is focused on re-evangelizing the U.S. by creating a national strategy to train and equip church planters to start new congregations. In addition, existing congregations that are ready to be renewed into vital, vibrant churches will be energized to inspire faithful discipleship.
- Engaging Ministry with the Poor
Ministry with the poor will mobilize United Methodists to reduce poverty and embrace the poor as valued members of the family of faith. Strategies will include Bible Study, prayer, confrontation with poverty’s root causes, health care, housing, employment, services to economic migrants and public policy advocacy on a global scale. We especially want to reach out and protect children.
- Stamping out Killer Diseases of Poverty by Improving Health Globally
Conditions of poverty cause illness and death. The lack of access to doctors, nurses, medications and appropriate facilities is deadly, especially among those who live in conditions of poverty. But the diseases of poverty are not inevitable. We the people of the United Methodist Church can play a significant role and will mobilize us to action, strengthen health-care infrastructure, and advocate for health policies and global approaches that promote health for all. (Resource: UMC.org)
As I continually look at these four areas of focus I know that many of the churches in the Twin Cities are doing them. Beginning with this March Twin Cities Scene we are going to section each of these four areas of focus and align the things we are doing in the Twin Cities District and Annual Conference under each section. My good colleague, Clay Oglesbee (River Valley District) gave me the idea as that is how their district newsletter is framed.
As you look at these four areas of focus and know that your church is doing something special in one particular area, let us know! We have much to share in this Twin Cities District!
I know many of you will be having special Lenten services, studies, and small group Lenten experiences. Please know that I keep you in my prayers in this season as we reflect on our spiritual life and call. As you pack for your Lenten journey, I borrow this from Rev. Pat Toschak, Austin First UMC:
In his book, When Christ Lives in Us, Justo Gonzalez says, “Fasting is a reminder that there are other values besides self- gratification and meeting our own needs. It’s about traveling light on the road with Jesus. It is about leaving behind those things that will become a hindrance or will be entirely inappropriate for the path we are taking.”
May your journey be blessed in these days . . .
liz
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United Methodism's Four Foci for the Quadrennium
- Developing New 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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Earthen Pot Theatre
Earthen Pot Theatre is a new creative ministry in the Twin Cities to work with congregations and emerging ministries, to develop creative arts that will bring new vitality to worship, and to build relationships within congregations or between churches and their neighborhoods. Rev. Theresa Mason (the director of this ministry, former chaplain at Hamline University, and a UM clergy) has woven the arts and faith throughout her life.
Earthen Pot Theatre can provide assistance for introducing or strengthening the arts (drama, readers’ theatre, puppetry, mime, visual arts, etc.) based on the particular size, budget, talents, and needs of the church or group. This creative ministry offers consultation and workshops on basics such as acting, improvisation, puppetry, ventriloquism, or starting a drama ministry. Churches that want to take their existing worship or arts ministries to the next level, can contact Theresa Mason to coach them on topics such as interpreting scripture, developing prophetic arts that address social issues, or building arts ministries to connect with persons outside the church. She can serve as a consultant, guest director, workshop leader, or artist in residence. If you would like a brochure or more information about Earthen Pot Theatre, contact Rev. Mason at (651) 917-9385 or (651) 307-9287.
Big Lake New Church Start
As seeds are planed in the ground so has a new church start been planted in the Big Lake area. With the support of 14 other United Methodist churches surrounding the area, community events have been held in parks, homes, and at one of the local elementary schools. Follow the growth on Pastor Jim Beard's blog. To support this new chuch start give to Advance Special #7569.
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Focus 2: Strengthening Clergy and Lay leadership
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Classifieds
Workshop/seminar leader available: Frank Nelson, author of Claim the Name and Getting Mentors and Parents More Involved in Your confirmation Program, is available to lead workshops on these subjects as well as on new approaches to marriage preparation for engaged couples.
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Focus 3: Global Health and Connection
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Volunteer Opportunities
For North Central Jurisdiction Volunteer In Mission trips, trainings and news including global justice volunteer opportunities and RX ConneXion Consultaion IX (in May), read the newsletter on line.
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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor
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Urban Servants/Mission Minnesota: Multi-group mission experiences are being offered throughout Minnesota (and one in Iowa) this summer where youth and adults work together. Participants stay at Camp Kingswood at night and go to worksites during the day. For further information see the camping web site or call Camp Kinswood at (952) 472-3586.
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Reach New People!
Cultivate Spiritual Vitality!
. . . in our United Methodist Churches