Liz Lopez, Superintendent	August 2009
Pamela Pettit, Editor	(612) 230-6146; fax (612) 870-1034 twincitiesdistrict@minnesotaumc.org

One of the incredible blessings I have at this time is to have the kind of neighbors I have. The neighbors in my neighborhood have the reputation of caring for one another. They mow each other's lawns, water yards, check on each other's house when on vacation, or snow blow driveways when they are gone. They care for each other's pets and visit each other's churches. We recently visited St. Joan of Arc's Catholic Church because our next door neighbors wanted us to experience their faith community. Last summer they visited the Jazz Service at Minnetonka UMC. Then every summer at the end of July there is the traditional neighborhood picnic. Streets are blocked off and one neighbor uses their big yard to host the picnic and invites a local band to play on their deck. I could go on with more, but not even when I was growing up did I experience the kind of "neighboring" I experience now! I know who my neighbors are!

 

"Who is my neighbor?" is a significant part of what happens in my neighborhood. But this is only my neighborhood. The larger piece of "neighboring" comes when we step out of our comfort zone to find those neighbors who are hungry, in need of both material and spiritual care, and who are waiting for the church to present the Good News in actions and words they can relate to. Who are these neighbors?

 

Who are our neighbors who look different than we do, have a different skin color, wear different clothes than we do, have a different kind of name, speak a different kind of language, even experience a different kind of faith?

 

Our church's mission this year is to reach new people and cultivate spiritual vitality by asking the question "who is my neighbor?"—and expecting God's answer. Maybe you don't know all the neighbors in your neighborhoods—both where you live and in your church’s neighborhood. Maybe it is hard to step out of your comfort zone to find out, but with God’s help and prayer you can. Maybe you have always wanted to meet and get to know that different group of people who use your church on Sunday morning. Or, maybe you have wanted to know the group of kids who use your church parking lot to play basketball. Now is the time!

 

We are presented with so many opportunities to meet our neighbors and many, many of you do. The challenge is: how can we as faithful disciples be the face, mouth, generous arms, ears, hearts, and voice of Jesus Christ to our neighbors? When I was in the mission field one of the first pieces of training we learned was, "before you can tell a hungry person about Jesus Christ, you have to feed them first. But it is how you feed the person that the Christ in you is known!"

 

May you find new neighbors this summer and this year both at home and at church that will allow you to make the Christ in you known to them!

 

Blessings!    

Liz

I was thinking the other day about what it would be like at the Recovery Church if we took seriously the church RULE OF ONE. Ever heard of the RULE OF ONE?

Think what church attendance would be like if everyone brought just one new person with them each week? Or even once a month! THE RULE OF ONE.

Most budget concerns would be eliminated if everyone contributed one more offering per month. Or for those who slip $1 into the plate, think of plus one more each week. THE RULE OF ONE.

Ever thought of listening to the worship service with a different ear tuned to the message? One new thought from each worship service that could be used in the upcoming week might change your life. THE RULE OF ONE.

After the service is over, how much work would it take to invite someone you don't know in worship to come to coffee for fellowship time? Meeting one new person each Sunday might not only bring riches to your Sunday time, but it might be the very thing that changes that new person in your life. THE RULE OF ONE.

Maybe this week you could take the bulletin and mail it or share it with one other person who needs a lift. A short note on the cover saying, "Just thinking of you and offering up a prayer for your well being. Hope all is well." THE RULE OF ONE.

Ever noticed that one person in fellowship time that seems to be sitting alone without anyone to talk with? Just one time looking around the room and saying hello to that stranger just might be the extra effort to make someone else feel wonderful. THE RULE OF ONE.

Maybe this week the RULE OF ONE might come into your mind and heart and spirit. My prayer is for you this month to remember the RULE OF ONE.

Jo Campe

Rethink Church Training: UM program for inviting and welcoming is coming to the Twin Cities area Oct. 16-17. Plan on attending!

Investing in Congregations: The Minnesota Annual Conference has a desire to invest in those congregations that have the potential, capacity, and commitment to reach new people. We are looking to give grants in 2010 to congregations with the will to engage in risk-taking, innovative ministries, reaching new communities and holy experimentation. This grant is not a long-term subsidy for ongoing ministry, but rather seed money for a new venture. You can find the application on the conference home page under "Quick Links." Applications are due to Rev. Cindy Gregorson by October 30.

2009 Ed Dallas Bike Ride for Mobile Ministry: Mobile Ministry (an Advance Special of the Minnesota Annual Conference) is asking for your support to help them continue the work of spreading God's Good News in Northern Minnesota, serving the Kabetogama UMC, Crane Lake Chapel, and surounding areas of over 1,200 square miles. During the week of Aug. 23-29, Ed Dallas (joined in part by Rev. Mark Nordell) will be riding his bicycle from Chisholm, through Cromwell, Duluth, Finlayson, Cambridge, and Aitkin to Deerwood to raise support for this important ministry. Send your donation to support this ministry to the Minnesota Conference office indicating "Mobile Ministry Bike Ride." To learn more about Mobile Ministry or arrange for a speaker contact Rev. Ruth Ganglof at (218) 757-3336. When you are up North you are invited to join in worship on Sunday mornings at either Kabetogama UMC at 9 a.m. or Crane Lake Chapel at 11:30 a.m.

Sympathies to

• Rev. Cindy Rasmussen on the death of her husband, Clemmet Peterson, on July 31.
• Rev. Bryce Johnson, whose father, Donald Johnson, died July 27.
• the family of Kathryn Pansy Knol, widow of Rev. Herman Knol, who died July 19.
• Rev. Rob Gamble, whose mother, Melva Gamble, died July 18.
• the family of Russ Scheffler, conference IT Coordinator, whose father, Ted Scheffler, died July 16.
• the family of Phyllis Metzger, widow of Rev. Paul Metzger, who died July 8.

Prayers for 

ANNUAL CONFERENCE BUDGET INFORMATION
Please remember that at our 2009 annual conference session, the 2010 budget was voted and approved at $185,000 higher than the budget recommended by the Council on Finance and Administration and the Common Table. The final budget approved is for $6,690,241, plus uncollectable apportionments of $955,749, for a total to apportion of $7,645,990. As finance committees begin creating new budgets, please remember this important piece of information.

Equitable Compensation: The Minnesota Annual Conference values effective clergy leadership for every community and congregation, and seeks to ensure that every clergy receives a fair wage. Therefore, we offer equitable compensation grants as a short-term bridge until a congregation can grow into financial self-sufficiency, or if needed, another pastoral arrangement is made such as moving to less than full time or becoming a part of a cooperative parish or multi-point charge. Applications can be obtained by contacting the district office at (612) 230-6146.

Matching Grant Program: Help Hamline University students in your congregation with donations to the scholarship fund. Up to $1,000 in donations per student will be matched by the fund (for a $2,000 scholarship credit). Congregations or individuals without Hamline students to support may assist students in need. Contact Rev. Linda Gesling at (651) 523-2032 if you can help, or send funds to the Financial Aid Office, Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104.

Save the Date
District Trainings for Church Leaders

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. Our pastors, along with our superintendent, are to create intentional ministry plans and this fall all churches will receive training about how to catch God's vision for your church and the steps needed to begin to implement your unique path. Select a date (listed below) that fits your church's schedule; bring leaders, people who are passionate, curious, or skeptical about "setting a course"; and prepare by looking at the demographic information at Mission Insite. If your church already has a strategic ministry plan, please come and share a story of the difference it's making for your ministry. Further details will be published in the next newsletter.

• Sat., Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m.
• Sun., Oct. 4, 2:30 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.
• Mon., Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m.
• Sat., Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m.
• Mon. Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m.

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United Methodist Women     

Twin Cities Annual Meeting: Sept. 19, Brooklyn UMC, Brooklyn Center. Keynote speaker, Naomi Yaeger, is a freelance photographer, writer, and editor, and will speak on Green Team projects. $8 includes lunch. Register with Carol by Sept 14, at (763) 537-3678.

Mini School of Mission: Sept. 26, Lake Harriet UMC, $20. The day will be an introduction to School of Christian Mission with two studies in the morning and one after lunch. Contact Marge at (952) 831-1965 for further information and registration.

Conference Annual Meeting: Oct. 3, Richfield UMC, $15. Andris Salter, the Assistant General Secretary for Membership and Leadership Development, will give the keynote address. Register by Sept. 19, with Faith Buss (4624 Pleasant Ave., Minneaoplis, MN 55419) at (612) 825-8386.

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Lay Speaking Trainings

Equiping laity to use their spiritual gifts

Basic: Pre-reading and letter of recommendation required.

Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Campridge UMC (404 Cypress St. N., Cambridge), $10 (does not include lunch). Register by Oct. 5. For further information contact Mary jo at (651) 674-2718. 

Advanced: Basic training is a prerequisite.

• Go Preach: Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Grace UMC (29286 State Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes), $35 includes lunch and materials. Focus is on providing pulpit service. Register by Sept. 1 with Marion Hanson at (218) 837-5054.
• Using God's Gifts for Ministry: Sept. 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Detroit Lakes UMC (885 Pembina Trl., Detroit Lakes), $35 includes materials and lunch. Focus is on discovering spiritual gifts. Register by Sept. 10 with Marion Hanson at (218) 837-5054.
• Each One a Minister, by William J. Carver: Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Cambridge UMC (404 Cypress St. N., Cambridge), $10 (does not include lunch). Focus is on acquiring a better understanding of the church and its ministry needs. Purchase from Cokesbury ($12) and read the book Each One a Minister prior to class. (Denise Karau, cokesbury representative, [877] 231-1593)   Register by Oct. 5. For further information contact Mary jo at (651) 674-2718. 
• Dancing with Words, by Ray Buckley: Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Rapids UMC (1701 SE Fifth Ave., Grand Rapids). Focus on storytelling. Book available from Cokesbury. Register by Nov. 10 with Marion Hanson at (218) 837-5054.

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teachUM Fair: August 9-14, Native American Ministry UMC, 1738 S. 11^th St., Milwaukee, Wis. For all interested in UM mission; includes hands-on ministry and workshops. See www.umvimncj.org (click on teachUM link) for more information.

Liberian UM Abroad Annual Gathering: Aug. 14-16, African UMC (2100 93rd Way, Brooklyn Park). This gathering brings Liberian clergy, laity, and friends from the United States together annually to develop a networking relationship, through strengthening and nurturing, with those in Liberia. For more information contact Rev. Jonathan Doe at (763) 424-2825.

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

UM Volunteers In Mission Team Leadership Training: Aug. 29, 1 p.m., Okoboji UMC Camp, Iowa. Contact Dan and Jean Houston at (515) 432-1226.

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Star Lake Open House: August 7-9, Star Lake Camp, 10992 Star Lake Camp Dr., Pequot Lakes. Enjoy the many activities of the pristine wilderness. Free weekend does not include food. Contact the camp at (218) 543-4871 for more information or to register.

Celebration of Service for Organist Nelda Hart: Grace UMC (2510 Cleveland St. NE, Minneapolis) invites you to join in showing Nelda our love and appreciation for her thirty-plus years of faithful service as a church organist on Aug. 30, 10 a.m. for worship, lunch, and program honoring Nelda Hart as she retires. For further information contact Grace UMC at (612) 789-0479.

Annual Luncheon for Retirees/Spouses: Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m., Walker Methodist Health Center (3737 Bryant Ave. S, Minneapolis). Fellowship, lunch, and program hosted by Bishop Sally Dyck. For reservations or questions contact Sheilah at (612) 870-4007.

Celebration of Full Communion Between the UMC and ELCA: Nov. 1, 4-6 p.m., Hennepin Avenue UMC (511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis), Bishop Dyck to speak. Contact Rev. Pat Toschak for more information.

JUMYs 2009: Nov. 6-8, Holiday Inn, St. Cloud (Grades 5-8)

UMYs 2010: Feb. 12-14, 2010, Holiday Inn, St. Cloud (Grades 9-12)

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Focus 3: Global Health and Connection

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Keeping Up in a Down Economy: Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Trinity Presbyterian Church (2125 Tower Dr., Woodbury), from the Compassionate and Responsive Congregation series sponsored by the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMH).

18th Annual Children's Sabbath: Oct. 16-18. The Multifaith National Observance of Children's Sabbaths Manual is available through the Children's Defense Fund at (865) 457-6466 for $8. This year's Children's Sabbaths are designted to strengthen families; call for health care for all children; create paths of promise for every young person; and bring hope and a better tomorrow for all.

Change the World Conference: Oct. 22-23, with special intensives on Oct. 21 and 24, Ginghamsburg UMC, Tipp City, Ohio. A missional movement that is taking the church into the world instead of coaxing the world into the church. For information and registration visit the Ginghamsburg Church web site or call (866) 238-2930.

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Focus 4: Eliminating Poverty in Community with the Poor

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The Dignity Center is a Minnesota Conference Advance Special located at Hennepin Avenue UMC that serves the poor and disenfranchised of Minneapolis. They are currently low on sandwiches and cookies and in need of donations for bus passes as well as school supplies. Contact Ann Carlson at (612) 435-1336 to find out how you can help.

Emma Norton Services 2009 Annual Dinner: "Discovering Emma Norton Services" Partners Along the Journey of Change . . . and a Celebration of our Residents: Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m., Sheraton Inn (7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington). Reception, silent auction, dinner, and program. THere is no cost to attend but RSVPs are required by Oct. 5 to Jeffrey at (651) 251-2632.

Cardboard Box City 2009: Oct. 15-16, Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Pledges (rent) raised by Cardboard Box City residents will benefit the families served by Families Moving Forward of Minneapolis, and the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches' Project Home. Eat out, sleep out, rock out with live entertainment, and knock out homelessness. Register your group at www.spacc.org/projecthome or www.familiesmovingforward.org. For more information call (612) 529-2185.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Servant Hearts Ministries: First-ever adult Urban Servants weekend, Sept. 24-27, at Camp Kingswood. Enjoy fellowship and service to others. The registration fee of $175 includes food, lodging, program, tools, materials, and T-shirt. Register at www.campminnesota.org. For more information call (612) 230-6131.

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Outreach Opportunities

Home Repair in Tennessee: Mountain T.O.P. ministries is coordinating adult teams during October to help with major home repairs in Grundy County, Tenn. $200 includes all meals and materials. Contact Samantha at (931) 692-3999 for information and application.

Iowa Flood Relief: Oct. 4-10. A portion of our 2009 Love Offering was designated for Iowa Flood Relief. Now, let us go one step further by offering our time, talents, and energy to help our neighbors rebuild their lives and communities. Contact Rev. Kevin Schill at (651) 925-6874 for details.

Primetimers in Cambodia: Nov. 4-14. For older adults seeking to explore the culture of Cambodia and serve the people there. $1,975. See the Primetimers web site for more information.

Building Bridges of Peace and Understanding through Art: Based on the idea that, at its core, mission outreach should be about building relationships and understanding. Contact Rev. Kevin Schill at (651) 925-6874 for details.

• Haiti: Jan. 6-16, 2010, $1,450; $200 deposit due Sept. 15. Work in partnership with Haitian Artisans for Peace and Peace Pals. Join a team of artists and students to creat a mural for a park.
• Guatemala: March 14-22, 2010, $1,375; $200 deposit due Oct. 1. The program will be divided into two parts: half of each day will offer a day camp program for children of the Chichicastenango community; and the other half will be working with some of the finest weavers in the world, who will teach us about their craft.

UM Volunteers in Mission Costa Rica Trip: Feb. 10-24, 2010. Skilled and unskilled workers are neede to work on construction projects near San Jose. $1,400 inclues airfare and other expenses. Contact Rev. Dennis and Barbara Glad at (763) 213-1297 for details.

Disaster Response in Louisiana: Teams are needed at the Grandriver Station in Plaquemine, La., to rebuild homes. Contact Michelle Hadden at (225) 659-7450 for more information or to register.

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Liz's Calendar

Liz is on renewal leave until the end of August.

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 superintendents on call.

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Reach New People!

     Cultivate Spiritual Vitality!

          . . . in our United Methodist Churches