• 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

Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, by Mike Slaughter
A new Kind of Christianity, by Brian McLaren (Speaking at the Westminster Town Hall Forum on April 15 at noon)  

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Caring and Sharing

 

Prayers for

 Sympathies to

• the family of Rev. John Blackford, who died Feb. 13.

Congratulations to

• Jean Waldt, member at Epworth UMC in St. Paul, on receiving Member of the Year award for 2009 from the United Methodist Women of Minnesota for the Twin Cities District.
• Rev. Jeanette Pettit, whose prayer for UMCOR Kits is included in the UMCOR resource kit for Haiti. 

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

• Arlington Hills
• Church of Peace
• Good Samaritan
• Korean of Minnesota
• Park Avenue
• Simpson

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Structures of Care for One Another

2010 Dreves Scholarship Program: For students in the greater St Paul Area who belong to congregations that are members of the St Paul Area Council of Churches and who intend to continue their education in an accredited institution of learning next fall. For requirements and application visit www.spacc.org/scholarship. Applications are due before March 12. 

 

• Denman Evangelism Award
• Francis Asbury Award for Fostering UM Ministries in Higher Education
• Jeanne Audrey Powers Award for Ecumenism
• Rural Church Award for Outstanding Rural Ministry

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. 

 

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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, at https://events.minnesotaumc.org. (Brochures were mailed to all churches.)

 

Online workshops by the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship: For information and registration visit www.BeADisciple.com.

• Simply Christian, Feb. 22-May 2
• Devotion to Jesus: The Divinity of Christ in Early Christianity, Feb. 22-April 23
• Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth, Feb. 22-May 2
• Multimedia Technology in Worship for the Church Volunteer 101, March 15-26 (approved by GBOD as an advance course in lay Speaking ministries)
• Writing (or Editing) Your Safe Sanctuary Policy, March 1-27
• How to Become a Disciple Online Facilitator, April 12-23

Every Church a Peace Church: March 8, 6:30 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church (1900 Nicolett Ave, Minneapolis). This event is a potluck supper meeting and is free and open to the public. The speaker for the evening will be Kathy Kelly on The Price of Peace and the Cost of Discipleship: Religious Nonviolence in a Warlike Culture. Kathy is a co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, a co-founder of Voices in the Wilderness, has lived in Baghdad, and visited Gaza and Pakistan. For further information contact Rod at (651) 228-7224.

 

Basic and  Advanced Lay Speaking Courses The Basic Course looks at using spiritual gifts for work in the church. The Advanced Course works on efective sermons and preaching skills.

• March 13: Lamberton UMC (612 S Fir St), 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20. Contact Audrey at (507) 752-7809 for registration and advance purchase requirements.
• April 24: Owatonna UMC (815 E University St), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., $15. Contact Bob at (651) 454-8994 or Rev. Cindy Yanchury for information. Register at https://events.minnesotaumc.org before April 10. Bring with you a bag lunch, Bible, course book, notebook and pen. Course books are available from Cokesbury: contact Denise at (877) 231-1593.
  • Basic Course participants will need to purchase and read the book Lay Speaking Ministries—Participant's Book, by Sandy Ziegler Jackson.
  • Advance Course participants purchase and read the book From Your Heart to Theirs—Delivering an Effective Sermon, by Tony Frank and David Carroll.

"Am I Ready?" Tax/Retirement Seminar: March 16, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Normandale Hylands UMC (9920 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington). For all clergy to learn from Wayne Barrett about spending, saving, investing, and retirement. $25/person before March 9. Register at https://events.minnesotaumc.org. For further information contact Val at (612) 230-3337.

Christian Educators Fellowship meeting: March 18, 10 a.m. to noon, Good Samaritan UMC (5730 Grove St, Edina). Learn about technology and family ministries with Rev. Dandy Lewis. Contact Karen at (651) 423-2475 for more information.

 

Rethink Church Workshop: March 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hope UMC, Blue Earth, $20 (includes lunch). Learn from Rev. Victoria Rebeck and Jerad Morey how to reach out in creative ways. Contact Rev. Wane Souhrada for more information. Register at https://events.minnesotaumc.org.

MissionInsite User's Conference: Practical Ministry Applications for the 21st Century Information: April 13-14, Good Shepherd UMC, Kansas City, MO, led by Chuck 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. 

 

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 as we explore the physical and spiritual stages of life. 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. Call Gail at (952) 474-5471 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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, CeCe Winans, and Bishop Joaquina Nhanala. Register on line at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/assembly. United Methodist Women national conference. For more information call Rennae at (507) 532-5916

 

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 call the camping office at (612) 230-2267) for more information.

 

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Upcoming Fellowship Events and Celebrations

 

Lyle, The Kindly Viking: a musical comedy, March 5-7 and 12-14, Aldersgate UMC (3801 Wooddale Ave S, St. Louis Park) Fridays at 7 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 3:30 p.m.

 

 

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.

 

UM Historical Society of MN: Connect with others interested in exploring our stories as the basis for understanding the present and moving into the future. For further information visit the website or contact Thelma Boeder.

 

Journey's of Paul: Nov. 4-14. Travel to Greece and retrace Paul's journeys with Rev. Mike Miller. Enjoy onsite lectures and archaeological sites such as Corinth and Phillipi. For further information or a brochure contact Rev. Miller at (952) 937-8781.

 

 

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Multimedia resources for UMCOR Haiti promotion: Download video, ads for bulletins and newsletters, recordings of hymns from Haiti, and suggestions on how to use these new resources from the GBGM website.

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Outreach Opportunities

Radio Methos in Cote d'Ivoire: Help UMCom to meet their fund raising goal of $70,000 by Easter. (Great Lenten offering idea!) Radio Methos is providing programming to Ivorians relevant to their needs. Education regarding malaria, agriculture, reconciliation programming, and Bible study will transform lives in the country of Cote d'Ivoire. Here's what they need in an eggshell:

1. Educate yourself on Radio Methos in Cote d'Ivoire by going to amplifyhope.org.
2. Get excited about Radio Methos and how programming will transform lives and communities in Cote d'Ivoire.
3. Get involved. Spread the word: e-mail, phone call, blog, website, and church challenges.
4. Seventy thousand dollars worth of self-denial and sacrifice by Easter for 2010 broadcasting. Together, we can do it!

 

Haiti Disaster Releif:

Collection sites have been set up to receive UMCOR Health Kits until April 1. These kits are desperately needed for releif 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. Layette and Birthing Kits are also being asked for by UMCOR.

 

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. 

 

Tools for Haiti Relief Project: NCJ United Methodist Men are collecting tools for Haiti rebuilding. If you can donate, contact Dave at (763) 757-3704.

 

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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor

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Songs of Hope Concert: March 5, 7:30 p.m., Hennepin Avenue UMC (511 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis). Hear Ann Reed's music. Freewill donation to benefit Emma Norton Residence. Contact the church at (612) 871-5303 for more information.

Emma Norton Services Theatre Benefit: Painting Churches, by Tina Howe, March 14, 7 p.m., Park Square Theatre (20 W 7^th Place, St Paul). Tickets are free; however, a freewill offering will be taken to benefit Emma Norton Services. For reservations and further information call Paula at (651) 224-1329, by March 8, or visit the Park Square Theatre website.

FoodShare: Be a Superhero in the minnesota fight against hunger. March is Minnesota FoodShare's campaign. For information on how you can get involved contact Sue at (612) 721-8687 ext. 326, or Laurel at (651) 789-3865.

Discover SPACC: a partner in service and justice: March 18, 11 a.m. to noon, St Paul Area Council of Churches (SPACC) (1671 Summit Ave, St Paul). This informational tour highlights the Council's mission, programs, and outcomes. Presentations are a great way to introduce your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and congregations to the work of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches. Register with Connie at (651) 789-3857.

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. Attend seminars and meet with your elected politicians.

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. 

UMVIM Team Leadership Training: April 18, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Camp Kingswood (7301 Kingswood Rd, Mound), $25 for snack and manual. Contact Bob at (763) 571-1551 for information and registration.

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Outreach Opportunities 

Native American Ministries Sunday: April 25. This Sunday serves to remind the church of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. For information and resources visit www.umcgiving.org and click on Special Sundays. Your generous gifts help develop and strengthen Native American ministries.

Change the World: April 24-25. What if...on one weekend all around the world, 11 million United Methodists came together to work with their local communities? What if...as we serve people locally, we unite globally to eliminate a preventable, treatable disease that kills one child every 30 seconds? Do you have a food pantry, a clothing closet, an ESL program, a tutoring program, etc.? Schedule an activity for either an existing or new outreach ministry on either April 24 or 25. Invite both your congregation and local community to be involved. Go to www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld for more information.

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Liz's Calendar: (off on Fridays)

March:

2	Urban Action Team, North, 6:30 p.m.
7	Riverview, 9:30 a.m.
8-10	Cabinet
14	Church of the Good Shepherd, 10:30 a.m. Leading Your Congregation Training, Brooklyn, 2 p.m.
16	Am I Ready? Seminar, Normandale Hylands, 8:30 a.m.
18	dCOM, Church Center, 8:15 a.m. Common Table, Church Center, 3:45 p.m.

 

Reminder: Daylight savings time begins March 14. 

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Reach New People!

     Cultivate Spiritual Vitality!

          . . . in our United Methodist Churches

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