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

Liz Lopez, Superintendent	May 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

• 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 . . .

Running Towards the Goal

Plans—Goals—Outcomes

I'm off and running and not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us

 who want everything God has for us.  Phil. 3:14-15  

I am not a runner! My son though, ran cross-country track while in high school and he had a fantastic coach who worked with him around setting goals, planning how to work towards them and what the outcomes would be if he kept training and practicing. My son was really into sports, competitive and worked very hard towards all the goals the coach set for him. At his track meets very few were the times he came in first but he often came in 3^rd and 4^th and always received his award. Part of his being on the team was that he had to keep his grades up (and the coach was always on top of this) and a covenant to train and practice. Without the training and practice the coach let them know that the team would not do well. 

1. As per our conversations at the congregational training events, I would like the clergy and congregational ministry plans in to the district office by May 15. Many of you have emailed me that you will get the congregational plan in as soon as your Ad-Council approves it. It would really be helpful if I had both by June 1 since I am setting up one on one clergy conversations. If you are still working on them fine. Just send me a draft or what it is you are working on. Or you may be using another tool and that would be fine to send. Some of you have already sent the plans in! Thanks!
2. In the next couple of weeks I will be emailing all clergy the schedule for one-on-one consultations where we will talk about both plans.
3. In mid-June I will be sending out my fall schedule as to when I will want to meet with SPRC’s and leadership to talk about the congregational ministry plan.

I am excited to hear what will be happening in the Twin Cities District! Thank you for your ministry!

 

Liz

 

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If your church's vision isn't stunningly unique, then probably you don't have one.  Will Mancini, Auxano Consulting (LCI 2010)  

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United Methodism's Four Foci for the Quadrennium 

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The U.S. is the fourth largest mission field in the world. The fastest growing religion in North America—U.S. is the "unaffiliated."   Reggie McNeal, Leadership Network (LCI 2010)  

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Workable Evangelism: Discover your congregation's blueprint for evangelism. Build your "workable evangelism" tool belt. One day or multi-day training events led by Dr. Robert Pierson of Leadership Nexus are available. Trainings are based on three excellent resources: Needs-Based Evangelism, by Robert Pierson; the Go Fish! series of three books on evangelism by Kent Millard, Adam Hamilton, and Robert Pierson; and UMCom's "Rethink Church" campaign. Visit www.leadershipnexus.org or contact Dr. Pierson at (918) 477-7549 for further information.

 

Dr. Pierson is a retired UM pastor who serves as Executive Director for Clergy Uniting for Growth and Ministry, an ecumenical organization created to provide opportunities for pastors to network and collaborate, as well as the chair of the Evangelism Committee and the Natural Church Development Program for the Oklahoma Annual Conference. Previously he served for 15 years as chairman of the Large Church Initiative and has helped start a number of churches through Russia.

 

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Caring and Sharing

 

Sympathies to

• Mary Wright and family, Conference Camp Coordinator, whose father died April 21.

Prayers for

• Rev. Duane Lunemann, recovering from back surgery.
• Rev. Jennifer Hill, preparing for deployment with the Navy.

Congratulations to

• Rev. Tyler and Eleanor Christiansen, on the birth of their son, Wesley, on April 15. 
• Rev. Liz Lopez, on her article published in the Well Springs Journal of United Methodist Clergywomen, Vol. 13, 2010.

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

• Christ
• Epworth/St. Paul
• Grace
• Living Spirit
• Portland Avenue
• Salem

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 Every church in conflict has lost their sense of mission. They don't have a destination and so drift and meander. They have forgotten who they are and what they are about. This is why understanding the sense of mission provides immunity.  Peter Steinke, Healthy Congregations (LCI 2010)

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Structures of Care for One Another

Zimbabwe UM Fellowship is available to sing in churches. This is one of their ways of fundraising. They are also in need of microphones, music keyboards, and drums. This UM congregation meets at Brunswick UMC. Please contact Hazel Masuka at (763) 447-7258 or Loriet at (651) 206-5214 to invite them to perform for you or if you can help with their equipment needs.

Ruth Skewes Eakin Scholarship: First UMC, St. Cloud, awards need-based scholarships to Minnesota UM undergrads attending St. Cloud University. Application deadline is June 11. contact Rev. William Meier at (320) 251-0804 or visit www.fumc-stcloud.org/article237371.htm for further information. 

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2010 Christian Home Month: Families Called to Peace: Christian Home Month is a program of the UMC General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) and is typically celebrated in in the month of May. However, congregations may choose any month of the year to focus on the Christian home and its key role as a center for faith formation. GBOD has made resources available for planning, worship service, devotional times, and a retreat. Visit www.gbod.org/family/homemonth.html to learn more.

Pre-Conference gathering: The Shalom Community churches are hosting a pre-conference gathering on Thurs., May 6, 6:30 p.m., at Walker UMC (3104 16th Ave S, Minneapolis). The potluck will begin at 6:30 p.m. and disussion of legislation will start at 7 p.m. All clergy and lay members of the MN Annual Conference are invited to attend. There will be a brief overview of each item presented to the 2010 Annual Conference session followed by a time for questions and discussion. Please bring copies of the legislation with you either electronically or on paper. The legislation can be found at http://www.minnesotaumc.org/ConferenceSession/tablid/40274/Default.aspx.

MissionInsite Webinars: MissionInsite (MI), the conference demographics resource, will be hosting a number of 30-minute web-seminars on the new MI system interface, including basic navigation and use of features. There is no cost for these webinars but you are asked to register with Michelle Saxon at (877) 230-3212 ext. 327 and choose from the following times: 

• Mon., May 10, 10 a.m.
• Tues., May 11, 3 p.m.
• Thurs., May 13, 9 a.m.
• Mon., May 17, 2 p.m.
• Tues., May 25, 10 a.m.
• Thurs., May 27, 3 p.m.

For more information on MissionInsite visit www.missioninsite.com.

Preparing the ground for Difficult Dialogues: May 17, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., House of Hope Presbyterian Church (797 Summit Ave., St. Paul). In this leadership workshop you will learn about choosing and preparing participants for dialogue, creating the conditions for meaningful dialogue to succeed, crafting communication agreements, and building a spirit of reflective collaboration. RSVP to Rabbi Amy Eilberg.  

Christian Educators Fellowship Meeting: May 20, 10 a.m. to noon, Hennepin Avenue UMC (511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis) tour the art gallery and join together for lunch for $10. Contact Karen Klekner at (651) 423-2475.

Discover SPACC: Saint Paul Area Council of Churches invites you to tour their building and programs from 11 a.m. to noon on either May 20 or June 17. Contact Connie Johnson at (651) 789-3857 to reserve your place.

Know Hope: May 22, 6:30-9:30 p.m., River Hills UMC (11100 River Hills Dr., Burnsville), for youth, young adults, and anyone seeking inspiration. Hear incredible testimonies, skits, drama, and great music from people who've been there. A time for small group discussion and prayer will help you find your way to know hope. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Register at www.riverhillsumc.org or contact Bonnie Laab at (952) 890-2515.

Got Soap? June 2, 10-11:30 a.m., Herberger Suite, St. Cloud Civic Center. Gain insights into the messy work of reaching out to new people and worshiping outside the box. Look at the behind the scenes dynamics (time, money, and effort) it takes to get new people into our churches, as well as the faith required when cause doesn't lead to direct effects. $25 (proceeds go to Advance Special 7569). Register before May 14 at https://events.minnesotaumc.org. For more information contact Rev. Jim Beard.

Feed Your Passion: June 2, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kelly Inn Poolside, St. Cloud. The Church and Society ministry team will have short nourishing presentations on immigration, peace with justice, and supporting those dealing with addictions.There will be a time of sharing ideas and connecting with others. $10 includes lunch. Register before May 14 at https://events.minnesotaumc.org. For further information contact Rev. Linda Gesling.

Summer Theology Workshop: One World, Science and Faith: June 6-10, Lake Koronis Ministries, (15752 Co. Rd 181, Paynesville). Hear from Dr. Phil Rolnick, St. Thomas University and Centennial Church, speaker, and Rev. Peter Milloy, book study leader. Book study of God After Darwin, 2nd edition, by John F. Haught. Contact Rev. Bruce Buller, or call the camping office at (612) 230-2267) for more information. 

Christian School of Mission: St. John's University, Collegeville, choose from weekday (July 13-16), Drive-in Day (July 15), or weekend (July 16-18). Studies include For the Love of God: John's Letters; Joy to the World: Mission in the Age of Global Christianity; and The Beauty and Courage of Sudan: Why a Dream of Peace is Possible. Highlights this year include an all Africa Dress for International Dinner on Thursday and Saturday evenings; Three "Mom and Childs" schalarships; plus free nursery for children ages five and under at the weekend event. Further information and registration is available on the conference web site under Mission and Ministries, United Methodist Women, in the April 2010 Newsletter, or by contacting Marge Jensen at (507) 278-4167. Register before June 30.

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Resources

 

JRLC e-Xpress is an e-mail action alert from the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition that gives you up-to-the-minute information on legislative action that social justice activists need to know and keeps you current on activities and opportunities to learn and act. Visit their web site to subscribe. 

 

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Upcoming Fellowship Events and Celebrations

 

Saint Paul Area Council of Churches (SPACC) 2010 Annual Assembly: May 6, 5:30 p.m., Midland Hills Country Club (2001 Fulham St., Roseville), $40/person or table of 10 for $360, guest speaker Ms. Valeria Silva, the new St. Paul Public Schools Superintendent, updates on the important work that SPACC is doing, and dinner. For information and registration call SPACC at (651) 646-8805.

 

Cinco de Mayo Parade: May 8. La Puerta Abierta UMC invites you to joing them on May 8, 8:30 a.m., meet at the church (690 Livingston Ave., St. Paul). Bring your own banner with words supporting immigration reform. Parade will start at 10 a.m. Contact Rev. Nohemi Ramirez at (651) 558-1896 for further information.

 

Fidgety Fairy Tales: May 13, 11:30 a.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (4801 France Ave S, Minneapolis). This is a musical that re-imagines some of our most familiar fary tales. It was created to raise awareness and promote positive images of children with mental health disorders such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety, by the Open-Up Theatre, a performance company of children ages 10-18. RSVP by May 6 to Andrea Brown, of the Interfaith Network on Mental Health (INMH) at (612) 767-2209 (including special meal request).

Every Church A Peace Church potluck and speaker: May 10, 6:30 p.m., Michael Servetus Unitarian Society (6565 Oakley Dr NE, Fridley). The program following the potluck dinner will ba a presentation by Bill Davinie and his views on the war in Afghanistan. Mr. Davinie retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2007 after more than 26 years serving as a diplomat (including Washington, DC, Tajikistan, and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad). Prior to joining the Foreign Service he was a Presbyterian pastor in North Dakota, and he remains active in church affairs. This event is free, open to the public and reservations are not required. For further information contact Rod Olsen at (651) 228-7224. 

Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches Report to the Community: May 12. 4:30 p.m., Minneapolis Club. Register by May 5 with Karen Snyder at (612) 721-8687 ext. 316. 

Spring into Summer at Decision Hills Bible Camp: May 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., fundraising event includes plant sale, sporting equipment, outdoor items, recreational items, yummy baked goods, and special guest master gardner, Judy Toth, on how to make a rain garden. To see all the activities visit www.decisionhills.org.

Division of Indian Works, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches partner, will be holding an open house on May 20 from noon until 3 p.m. with feature presentations on various programs, food, drumming, social dance, and other activities. for more information contact Nigel Perrotte at (612) 722-8722 ext. 375. 

Kingswood Silent Auction and Family Fun Day: May 22, 4-6 p.m., activities include silent auction, zip line, canoeing, aqua biking, geo caching, and a hog roast. The camp and trails will be open for you to enjoy the property. Bring your friends and family, have fun, and help support camp experiences that change lives. $10/person or $35/family. For further information visit www.CampKingswood.bunk1.com or contact Paul Harcey at (952) 472-3586.  

UM night at the Twins game: Aug. 19, 7:10 p.m., $24 tickets for $18, watch for the flyer being mailed to all churches. Appoint a person to collect reservations for your church. 

 

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The church doesn't have a mission—the "mission" has a church. God is always in mission and is the one who "sends."  Reggie McNeal, Leadership Network (LCI 2010)

 

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Peace with Justice Sunday: May 30th, this offering supports peacemaking ministries, alternatives to violence, and new resources that encourage global justice. It empowers UMs to work for peace, love, and compassion for God's children everywhere. Call (888) 346-3862 to order envelopes and other resources that will be sent to your churh at no cost. Half of the offerings collected by our conference is retained to fund local peace with justice programs.

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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor

 

 

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We need to get beyond small thinking. The church is too big to say "just enough" to its financial resources.  Jim Sheppard, Stewardhsip Consultant (LCI 2010) 

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Urban C.R.O.S.S. (Christians Reaching Out through Service in Saint Paul): June 20-26, Mounds Park UMC (1049 Euclid St., St. Paul), includes outreach activities for grade seven to adults. $150/person suggested donation. Contact Eric Buck at (651) 774-8736 for more information on the projects and how you can be involved.  

Summer travels are a great time to visit mission projects. Visit the Community and Institutional Ministries website, http://gbgm-umc.org/cim, to find a mission in the area you will be traveling.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): A federal food assistance program that reimburses organizations that serve free meals to low-income children during the summertime works closely with Minnesota FoodShare. Learn how you can add meals to your summer youth programming plans or partner with another community organisation by visiting the Minnesota Department of Education's Summer Food Service Program website.

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Events

Saint Paul CROP Hunger Walk: 10/10/10 (Oct. 10). Plan now to join this year's walk through the scenic Cherokee Park neighborhood and raise funds to aliviate hunger. Contact Laurel Severns Guntzel at (651) 789-3865 for information.

 

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Liz's Calendar: (off on Fridays)

May:

 

4-5	1st 100 Days Training, Kononia
6	Shalom Pre-Conference event, Walker UMC, 6:30 p.m.
11	Emma Norton Breakfast, 7 a.m.
13	dCOM, Church Center, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
24-26	Cabinet
31	Memorial Day, office closed

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Reach New People!

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