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Relevant Inclusive Beautiful

December 2009 HennepinChurch.org

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MAKE YOUR 2010 PLEDGE TODAY

As this December newsletter went to press,Hennepin Church members and friends had justexperienced Pledge Commitment Sunday in all

worship services. Each year, we ask everyone tomake an estimate of their giving for the comingyear. Yellow pledge cards were mailed to allhouseholds, are available in the sanctuary pewpockets, and and appear on the church websiteunder the "giving" menu. We need your supportto continue inspiring worship, faith filled classes,and hospitality and outreach to our neighborsnear and far. If you have not yet returned yourpledge card, please do so today! May yourgratitude guide your giving for 2010.

CHRIS JACKSON, Minister of Administrationon behalf of the staff and

Finance/Stewardship Leaders

THE STARSOF HENNEPINNEW YEARS RETREATAT KOINONIA

What could be better than New Years Eveat Koinonia, stargazing with Michael Lynch,weatherman extraordinaire, and his giant tele-scopes? Join others from Hennepin Churchrelaxing, enjoying the outdoors, a bonfire, crafts,chatting, eating, or doing absolutely nothing.Friends and extended family are always welcome.Begins with supper on Dec. 31 through brunch

on Jan 2.

Fees for the entire weekend are 2 nightslodging, five meals - Adults $100, kids$75,family $200;

for one night and 3 meals - Adults 60, kids40, family $120.00.

Come just for dinner Thursday or Fridaynight for $15 a person.

You may come for as little as an afternoon.We dont want cost to be a deterrent, so scholar-ship money is available. Sign-up sheets are atthe front desk or you can register online usingthe form below. We look forwarding to ringingin the new year with you!

HAPPY NEWS!

Lily Rosso,

daughter of

Leah, would

like to

announce

that shes

going to

have a

sister or

brother

this coming

May!

YOUTH DINNER THEATERIN BETHLEHEM INN

Come see the youth of Hennepin in their inter-active dinner theater production ofIn BethlehemInn. This takes place in the Social Hall and will

include a play, dinner, and musical entertain-ment. Tickets on sale in Carlson Hall on Sundaysand are also available for purchase online at

HennepinChurch.org. They are $10 foradults, $5 for students, free for childrenunder 5, with a family cap at $30.Performances will be Saturday, Dec. 5,at 6:00 PM, as well as Sunday, Dec. 6,

at 11:00 AM, replacing that daysbrunch. Hope to see you there!Also, dont forget our Annual YouthBake Sale: Dec. 13 & 20.

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PREPAREFOR CHRISTMASWITH MUSICAND GIVING

What are your traditions for Christmas

preparation? For me, it used to mean going to

Dayton's Anniversary Sale in October to start my

Christmas shopping. Then I'd call a friend and

set a date for the two of us to do marathon

cookie baking. Lately though, instead of thinkingabout the work of getting the work of Christmas

done, I've been thinking in terms of Advent.

While it does connote getting ready for

Christmas, the focus becomes quite different.

First of all, for me it means putting some

money in the red Salvation Army kettle. Next

up will be helping with the Christmas party for

Dignity Center clients. We'll have food and

music, and the clients will get a small gift. One

or two will give me a precious gift by sharing

their very real sense that despite all they suffer,

they feel the presence of God in their lives.

No preparation for Christmas would becomplete without wonderful music. At Hennepin,

we are so fortunate to have the music to come

to us. On Sunday, December 20 at 11:00, there

will be a concert "Brass, Bronze and Wood,"

featuring the Cooper Street Brass, the HennepinChime and Andrew Hackett, at our wonderful

Sipe organ. This is a perfect way to prepare for

Christmas! Donations from the concert will go to

the Dignity Center. Our souls will be warmed in

two ways first by hearing the inspiring music

and secondly by knowing that the donations will

be wisely used to help those in need. (By theway, the bell ringer at the red kettle may well

have gotten his hat and gloves at the Dignity

Center.)

KAREN ROWLEY, Dignity Center

Now, more than ever, the Dignity Centerneeds your financial support. Because of

the downturn in our economy, the D.C. has

an increased number of clients receiving

services. By the end of September, 3214

clients had been served 1180 more than a

year ago. The demand for bus transportation

has tripled during 2009! So, when you

attend the concert, please make a generousdonation to bless those who are struggling

to get back on their feet.

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THE CHURCH BUILDINGWILLBECLOSEDon Friday,December 25th and Friday, January 1st inobservance of the holidays. The Church will

have limited hours on Saturday, December 26thand Saturday, January 2nd. Please schedule inadvance your plans or call the church that day ifyou plan to be in the building on these days

THE HENNEPIN GIVING TREEThis year as we enter the Christmas season

and prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus,

Hennepin would like to introduce the GivingTree. This tree represents all of the ways thatHennepin Church offers you the opportunity togive a gift and in return know that you are sup-porting one of our many ministry programs thatare dedicated to serving others in both our localand global communities. Heres a summary of

the opportunities you will find available atHennepin beginning December 6th:

HENNEPIN HEARTWARMERS

In honor of a loved one, make a donation toyour choice of various outreach projects aroundthe world, submitted by various Hennepin minis-try programs, and change a persons life with a

simple gift. This year the Heartwarmers brochureswill be hanging on the Giving Tree in the EastEntry of the church. Feel welcome to take oneand turn it in with your choice of donation to theHeartwarmers table on December 6, 13, or 20.

TOYSFOR TOTS

The Childrens Council is collecting Toys!

Toys for Tots, a program of the US Marine CorpsReserve, collects donations of new, unwrappedtoys for kids of all ages. Toys are distributed tochildren in need within the community, whomight not otherwise have Christmas gifts underthe tree. Collection boxes will be under theGiving Tree in the East Entry on Sundays begin-

ning December 6.BOOTSFOR CHILDRENOF STONEBRIDGE SCHOOL

150 children attend this school in downtownMinneapolis. All of them are either homeless orlive in transient housing. We will be collectingnew winter boots for these children in sizes 3-7.Please bring your boots to the Art Gallery on

Sunday mornings or make a donation by checkto HAUMC with 'BOOTS' in the memo line.Please make your contribution by December 18.

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE

Hennepins International Outreach partnershipswill be selling crafts in Carlson Hall made by

artisans living in Haiti, India, Africa, and Russiaon December 6th, 13th, and 20th. Support theseministries and the communities in these coun-tries by purchasing these one-of-a kind gifts.

In light of the many changes occurring at Hen-nepin during this busy time of year and the manyopportunities to give that are mentioned above,

the Angel Tree Project will not be offered thisyear. We are looking for people interested inhelping plan and organize the Angel Tree Projectfor the Christmas season of 2010. If interested,please contact Kristyn Ebert at 612-435-1305, oroutreach@haumc.org.

REBUILDING:A GROUPFOR PEOPLEWHOHAVEBEEN SEPARATEDOR DIVORCED

Starting January 14th, a rebuilding group forpeople who are separated or divorced is beingled by Rev. Mary Keen (a United Methodist

pastor and therapist at Westminster PresbyterianCounseling Center). It will be held on Thursdayevenings from 6-8 pm, starting with a potluckmeal. Cost is $40 and includes a book withregistration. Aid is available for those not ableto cover the $40. The group will run for sevenweeks. Register by calling the church at 612-

871-5303 or signing up at the reception desk.Please contact Pastor Leah with any questions atLeah@haumc.org.

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SO, HOW ARETHE CHILDREN?

Though it may sometimes be invisible, muchhas been going on in Childrens Ministries atHennepin. With Maria Wiblins resignation, StaffParish Relations Committee increased DanaNeuhausers (Assistant in Childrens Ministries)hours for an interimtime as Director ofChildrens Minsitries.Dana lives in South

Minneapolis with herhusband, three children(9, 7 and 3 years old)and 5 chickens. Priorto joining the staff atHennepin, Dana wasDirector of Christian

Education at the Church of the Good ShepherdUMC in St. Paul. Before joining the staff at GoodShepherd she was an admissions officer at Mac-alester College. Dana graduated from Macalesterwith a B.A. in Japan Studies and earned a M.A.in Higher Education Administration from TheUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She is anactive member of Christian Educators Fellowship.

Dana helped lead our Childrens Ministriesthrough the shift from the Rotation Model ofSunday School which had been in place forseveral years to Seasons of the Spirit, a lectionarybased curriculum that is being used with chil-dren, youth and adults. Dana says this about thisvery significant shift:

The change to Seasons of the Spirit has beenmet with enthusiasm. One of the best thingsabout the curriculum is that it follows the lec-tionary. Families have generally experiencedthe same scripture in worship and Sundayschool and have an opportunity to continuetalking about it together after church ends.

Having the same teachers for the whole yearhas provided consistency that both childrenand parents appreciate. All classes preschool 5th grade gather in Carlson Hall for an open-

ing worship time. We light a candle to remindus that Jesus is the Light of the World, sing asong or two, collect an offering, and say aprayer. Through these small gestures, they arelearning some of the behaviors and expecta-tions of corporate worship. It has been a greatjoy to see children as young as three sharingtheir quarters to help others and singing alongto a variety of hymns and Sunday schoolsongs.

Dana reports that some of the interestingthings happening in Childrens Ministries rightnow includes the 3rd grade class currently takinga break from Seasons of the Spirit to learn moreabout the Bible. It is wonderful to see them with

their Bibles in hand, getting more comfortableusing them and feeling more ownership of thisspecial book. Ive even heard a few rumors ofolder siblings with a touch of envy over the newChildrens NRSVs that we gave this year.

Dana states that one of her goals for 2010 is tofurther develop a faith milestones ministry. Faith

milestones are the significant markers that weexperience in our journey of faith, for example,receiving our first Bible and Confirmation. Thereare other milestones she would like to celebrateand lift up in the childrens faith development.At each age and stage, children and their fami-lies will have the chance to celebrate and learn

more about these special milestones of faith.If you have not met Dana yet, please introduce

yourself. In addition to Sunday mornings, she isusually in the office Tuesday Thursday 10:30AM 4:00 PM and is always available by e-mailat Dana@haumc.org.

40 BELOW CHRISTMAS PARTY!Let's start the Christmas season early with apotluck on December 10th! If you are ableplease bring a toy or game for Toys For Tots.

Don't worry about keeping things warm as wehave access to the kitchen. Please join us for anevening of fun and friendship in the LongfellowRoom at 6:30pm. Contact Leah@haumc.org.

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BRASSQUINTETFINDSBLESSINGINMAKING, SHARINGMUSIC

For The Copper Street Brass Quintet, Henne-

pins current artist-in-residence, connection withthe church is a natural fit. To us music-makingis spiritual, says Timothy Bradley, who playshorn. Interacting with our audiences and eachother inspires us, and we enjoy the creativitythat being in a small group allows.

As artist-in-residence, the Copper Street Brass

Quintet (The CSBQ) participates in worship andconcerts at Hennepin, and rehearses at thechurch. The quintet also presents communityconcerts, offers educational outreach programs,and provides music for festivals, weddings andother events outside the church. Group memberswrite and arrange much of their own music. Asa chamber group, were flexible, says Corbin

Dillon, who plays trumpet. We play as well inintimate settings as in concert halls brassmusic doesnt have to be loud.

Besides Tim and Corbin, The CSBQ includesAllison Hall, also on trumpet, Alex Wolff ontrombone and Stefan Kac on tuba. Tim is thegroups music arranger, and Stefan is its resident

composer.

NEW MEXICOBEGINNING

The CSBQ formed in Albuquerque, N. M.,in the summer of 2007 and named itself after astreet near Tims home there because the namehad a good ring, he says. The group moved to

Minnesota a year later. New Mexico is a won-derful place, but we wanted to take advantage ofthe great arts scene here in the Twin Cities, saysTim.

To get acquainted and increase its visibility,The CSBQ began offering its services for churchworship. One Sunday the quintet played withHennepins former organist Don Livingston,

who put the group in touch with Bill Mathis,Hennepins minister of music and fine arts. TheCSBQ became Hennepins artist-in-residencein September 2008. Its a mutually beneficialrelationship, says Bill.

SHARINGTHEIRCRAFT

In addition to performing what they callclassroom showcases, a mix of performing andteaching for band classes and brass sections, thefive musicians have recently developed theirAcademy Mentorship Program (AMP). The AMPpartners with an inner city school to provide freemusic lessons to deserving students who may

not otherwise be able to afford them. In work-ing with students, we also can help them buildinterpersonal, leadership and communicationskills, says Allison.

Incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, thequintet is a full-time ensemble that rehearsesfour times a week and maintains an office in

Hennepin Church. The CSBQ is currently look-ing to expand its board of directors and is alsoseeking funding for its community performancesand AMP and commissions of new works forbrass.

On Dec. 12, the quintet will be part of a holi-day program at the new Lakeville Performing

Arts Center, and a two-week-long January 2010tour will take the group all the way to Houston,Texas. No matter how far they travel, groupmembers will continue to engage Twin Citiesaudiences with their music and creativity especially those at Hennepin.

Everyone here is supportive of what were

doing, says Tim. Were lucky to have theopportunity to be here in this beautiful church.

BOBBIE KELLER

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ONE POTATO,TWO POTATO

The Gandhi Ashram is acooperative of weavers in Jaipur,

India who bear the stigma of leprosy.Because they were unable to secure jobs, theystarted a Weavers Cooperative, then a Schooland then a Dispensary for their own childrenand those in the neighborhood. The India Part-nership has been helping support this Co-Opas they turn social custom upside down by

becoming leaders in their community throughthe successful school and dispensary services.Weaving has been the mainstay of their income,

but markets are disappearing. Personal incomeis scarce. A Rebuild the School ScholarshipFund has recently begun to help keep students at

the school. HAUMC has supported the weaverslargely through donations from Hunger Offering,Project 52, Heartwarmers, and purchase of theirhand loomed goods. And the India Partnershiphas been looking for other ways to sustain the

Cooperative.The India Partnership linked with Compatible

Technology International has applied for andreceived a grant from Vista Hermosa Foundation,a family enterprise in NW USA. It will fund apotato processing plant on the grounds of theGandhi Ashram. This chance for new employ-ment is really a Godsend. Potato processingtechnology is not new and uses simple equip-ment. Pray for its success as this Gandhi Ashramproject begins this first, start-up POTATO year.

Hank Garwick (HAUMC) and Joy DeHarpporte(Prospect Park UMC) for the India Partnership

The Copper Street Brass Quintet will be part of the Brass, Bronze andWood concert on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.The group will also provide music along with the Sanctuary Choirand Hennepin Chime for the 11 p.m. service Christmas Eve and the

prelude concert at 10:30. A link to the CSBQ website can be found atHennepinChurch.org, just look under Music and Arts.

A PEWFOR YOU!With the Board of Trustees planned remodelingof the Border Memorial Chapel, the pews in thechapel will no longer be used. We want to make

these pews available to church members before

donating them to other organizations or persons.There are 22 oak pews: 8 3 long. If interested,please contact Chris Jackson in the church officeat Chris@haumc.org, or 612-435-1308.

WHEREHAVEALLTHE CHILDREN'SBULLETINSGONE?Several people have asked about the Childrens Bulletins. Largely, the decision to stop buyingthe bulletins was based on the fact that children leave sanctuary worship following the childrenssermon, approximately 15 minutes into the service. These bulletins are intended as a way toengage children in the lectionary and are particularly useful during the sermon, when children arelikely to disengage from the service. The first part of worship is interactive and engaging and it isappropriate that children participate.

There is no doubt that bringing a child to church can be an exercise in aggravation. While

we do not want our children to be disruptive or hamper the congregations worship, we mustremember that baptized children are members of the church. Children learn by doing, so helpingthem to participate in the liturgy is helping them learn what it means to be part of this Christiancommunity.

On the Sundays when there is no Sunday school for children, age-appropriate bulletins thatfollow the order of worship will be available.

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DIGNITY CENTER PLANSAJOYOUSCHRISTMAS PARTYFOR CLIENTS

At noon on December 18 there will be gospelmusic, a delicious luncheon, holiday gifts andsmiles on the faces of Dignity Center clients andvolunteers. Each client will receive a $20 gift

certificate from Target, thanks to the generosityof Hennepin Church members. Steeple Peoplewill provide Christmas mugs stuffed with candy.Photos will be taken and each client will be

given a photo keepsake. For many clients, thisparty may be the only celebration they attend,and the only place they will receive a gift.

There is still time for you to become part of thecelebration. You can donate money to purchasea gift certificate for a client; sign up to bringcookies or a salad for the luncheon; help servefood for the event; or provide hospitality to ourguests at the event. For questions, contact AnnCarlson Carlsonaj99@msn.com 612-435-1336.

FAITHIN ACTIONIS NOVEMBERTOPICFOR AD COUNCIL

The Ministries to the City (local outreach)Committee officially became the Faith in ActionTeam following Administrative Council approvalNov. 5. The needs of the church, as well ascommittee members time commitment andinterest, have changed, said Kristyn Ebert

Johnson, director of outreach and volunteerism,in explaining the change.

According to the name-change proposal, theFaith in Action Team wants to engage moreHennepin Church participants in working withand serving others through projects in the sur-rounding community. Its objectives includeeducating Hennepin Church people on waysthey can put their faith into action, and planning

and implementing local outreach opportunitiessuch as participation in Habitat for Humanity.While they feel its important to know what

others are doing, group members will spendless meeting time reporting on projects andmore on making them happen. Creating abudget, dispersing funds, and deciding whatministries to support through hunger offeringsand Project 52 will remain part of the teamsfunction.

In other business, Larry Dunbar, internationaloutreach chair, Pastor Bruce Robbins and KristynEbert Johnson discussed a recent mission trip toCuba. They and eight others from Hennepin

Church visited Cuba in October as Volunteers inMission, part of a United Methodist Committeeon Relief (UMCOR) project. The group helpedto renovate a hallway in the Cuban Methodist

Seminary, Havana, and visited several Methodistchurches and a retirement home.

Dunbar also reported on the status of HennepinChurchs five outreach partnerships, with India,Haiti, Africa, Russia and UMCOR. The mostaction is happening in India, where HennepinChurch is helping to support a growing school

that now has more than 250 students. The objec-tive is to help the school become self-sustaining.

Dunbar said that 28 Hennepin Church peoplewould participate in the annual Volunteers inMission trip to Sager Brown in Louisiana in

January 2010.In addition, a church member is organizing a

Hennepin emergency response team that couldhelp with clean-up efforts from natural and otherdisasters if needed. A training session for thoseinterested will take place this winter.

Ad Council members also heard that:

Following the departure of Maria Wiblin,minister of youth and multigenerational

ministries, Sonja Parr is coordinating youthministries.

Our annual Church Conference will takeplace Saturday, January 30th at 9:00 AM.

BOBBIE KELLER

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SELECTEDEVENTS

TUESDAY

, DECEMBER

1Youth Council 6:00 PMIndia Partnership 6:30 PMReconciling Committee 6:30 PMFaith and Life Group 8:00 PMWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2Kjerringsleppets 5:30 PMSr. High Girls Book Club 7:00 PMTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

Bible Study 11:00 AMPrayer Shawl Meeting 1:30 PMLabyrinth Open 3:00 PMAdministrative Council 6:00 PMScience&Faith Roundtable 7:00 PMSATURDAY, DECEMBER 5UMW Christmas Event 9:00 AMDinner Theater 6:00 PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6Regular Sunday worship at8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AMQuilt Sale 9:00 AMSunday School 9:45 AMBreakfast 10:30 AMSpirituality of Parenting 11:00 AMQi Gong 11:00 AM

Dinner Theater 11:00 AMHoliday Baking 4:00 PMCommunity Meals 4:45 PMSeasons of the Spirit 5:00 PMFirst Light Class 5:30 PMMONDAY, DECEMBER 7Job Transition Group 7:00 PMBeginners Bible Study 7:00 PMTUESDAY, DECEMBER 8Russia Partnership 6:30 PMFinance Committee 7:00 PMFaith and Life Group 8:00 PMWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9Little Kids, Big Fun 5:30 PMTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 10Joy Circle 9:00 AMSenior Council 9:30 AM

Bible Study 11:00 AMLabyrinth Open 3:00 PM40 Below Potluck 6:00 PMFoundation Board 6:00 PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11Life Adventures Lunch 12:00 PMSUNDAY, DECEMBER 13Regular Sunday worship at

8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AMSunday School 9:45 AMBreakfast 10:30 AMBlood Pressure Screening 10:30 AMFAQs LGBTA Fellowship 10:45 AMSpirituality of Parenting 11:00 AMQi Gong 11:00 AMPraying the Scriptures 11:00 AMSeasons of the Spirit 5:00 PM

First Light Class 5:30 PMMONDAY, DECEMBER 14Multi Cultural Committee 7:00 PMTUESDAY, DECEMBER 15Childrens Council 6:30 PMInter/National Outreach 6:30 PMFaith and Fiction 7:00 PMFaith and Life Group 8:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16Steeple People Board 5:30 PMFood Service Cmte 6:30 PMKoinonia Board 7:00 PMTrustees Meeting 7:00 PMSr. High Girls Book Club 7:00 PMTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 17Jan. !nSpire Deadline 10:00 AMLabyrinth Open 3:00 PM

Staff Parish Relations 6:00 PMLydia Circle 7:00 PMFRIDAY, DECEMBER 18Dignity Center Client Party 12:00SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20Regular Sunday worship at8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AMYouth Bake Sale 9:30 AM

Sunday School 9:45 AMBreakfast 10:30 AMBrass, Bronze & Wood 11:00 AMPeace & Justice Forum 11:00 AMSeasons of the Spirit 5:00 PMFirst Light Class 5:30 PMMONDAY, DECEMBER 21Job Transition Group 7:00 PMBeginners Bible Study 7:00 PMTUESDAY, DECEMBER 22Dignity Center Steering 6:30 PMAdult Nurture 6:30 PMFaith and Life Group 8:00 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Worship Services

12:00 Noon Carols &

Communion in the Chapel2:00 PM Labyrinth, Carols

and Poetry in Art Gallery

4:00 PM Christmas Worshipand Pageant in the Sanctuary

5:30 PM A Service ofRemembrance in the Chapel

7:00 PM Carols & Communionin the Sanctuary

11:00 PM Carols & Communionin the Sanctuary (with a 10:30 PM

Prelude Concert)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

Building ClosedChristmas Day

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

Building Closed

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27Regular Sunday worship at8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:00 AMNO Sunday SchoolSeeds of Celebration 10:00 AM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28Fine Arts Committee 7:00 PMTUESDAY, DECEMBER 29Faith and Life Group 8:00 PMTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 31Labyrinth 3:00 PMKoinonia Retreat 5:00 PMFRIDAY, JANUARY 1

Koinonia Retreat All DaySATURDAY, JANUARY 2Koinonia Retreat: ends in the AM

Send calendar correctionsto: Schedule@haumc.org

Save the Date: 9:00 AM Jan. 30,

for a Church Conference. Moreinformation to come. See the

Jan. !nSpire and Sunday Spires.

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BE THERE. BE HOPE.CHRISTMAS OUTREACH OFFERING

FOR SUDAN EMERGENCY

Independence from foreign rule came to Sudanin 1956 but for most of the years following it hasbeen at war for complex reasons economical,political, racial, religious/cultural differences,severe drought and desertification. Over 6 millionSudanese have been internally displaced and ahalf million fled to other countries.* Some havereturned, but many continue to be displaced.

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on

Relief), United Methodists humanitarian aidagency, has been in Sudan since 2005 to helppeople uprooted by conflict and struggling witha lack of resources. In its sites in the capitol cityof Khartoum, extreme Southern Sudan, andSouthern Darfur, UMCOR provides humanitarianaid and serves as model for peace and diplomacy

as it works for the good of the whole populationthrough both emergency and long term develop-ment projects. It work is described below.

UMCOR staff, teachers, children servedparticipants in skills building classes, andcommunity leaders working with UMCORcome from all different tribal and political

groups and from all sides of the conflict. Women, as well as men, serve in the

decision making.

Needs of both the displacement campsand their host communities are consideredand served.

Food insecurity is alleviated and liveli-

hoods are promoted through sustainableagriculture programs providing seeds andtools, and agronomists to share new tech-nologies.

Schools and supplies for children, trainingfor teachers, and vocational training pro-grams for young adults and women areprovided.

Safe water is insured and water pointsestablished.

A camp registration process has beenestablished and has become a model forothers.

Emergency supplies are distributed tocamp residents plastic sheeting, jerrycans to carry water, blankets

Through Christmas, God offers a gift of hope

for a better world. The Hennepin congregationwill soon be asked to give their own gift of hopefor the uprooted people of Sudan. The ChristmasOutreach Offering, dedicated this year for UM-COR use in the Sudan Emergency will assist astruggling people to work toward a better future.

*Statistics from USAid Bureau for Democracy,Conflict,

and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) May 2008.Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, Nov. 2007.

In the city of Al Daein, blacksmiths forge farmingimplements that UMCOR is distributing to internally

displaced families. Rather than import the tools fromsomewhere else, UMCOR is supporting the localeconomy of the region by providing employment tolocal craftspeople. Credit: Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR

THE NETWORK CHRISTMAS PARTYHave some Christmas fun and meet other UnitedMethodists in their 20s and 30s at The Network

Christmas Party! Potluck at 6-ish at Hennepin,

then carpool over to A Brave New Workshop forBret Favres Christmas Spectacular at 8pm.Cost: only $10! RSVP by Dec.10 for the showand for childcare. Email Leah (Leah@haumc.org)

or call the church: 612-871-5303.

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Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

612-871-5303 HENNEPINCHURCH.ORG

A monthly newsletter of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. Please submit allphotos, stories and story ideas to Daniel Pederson at the church, 612-435-1320 or use theon-line form at HennepinChurch.org/share. All items are subject to editing for content andspace availability. The January 2010 !nSpire deadline is 10:00 AM, Thursday, Dec. 17.

HOLIDAY BAKING (ANDEATING) FOR

PEOPLEINTHEIR 20SAND 30S!Come enjoy great company, learn how to make

delicious desserts, and, of course, eat them! Thisis a cooking class for people who love to eat anddont mind learning a few things along the way.(Recipes will be available to take home withyou, and perhaps some leftovers too!) Sunday,December 6th at 4:00 PM at the parsonage. Costis $5/person. Contact Leah for more information:

Leah@haumc.org.

THE SPIRITUALITYOF CHILDREN

AND PARENTINGPlease join these teachers and parent educators

to discuss and share resources on the spiritual

nature of children and parenting, how to nurtureour childrens spiritual lives, and how to answertheir big questions, even as we have questionsof our own. Take a break in the early days ofDecember to celebrate the joy of the childrenthat grace your lives. Led by Deb Roberts andKathryn Johnson, Dec. 6 & 13 at 11:00 AM.

ANNUAL YOUTH HOLIDAY BAKE SALEOn Sundays Dec. 13 and 20, please bring

your favorite holiday treats for donation, to besold at this event. Please package treats so theyare ready to be sold, and bring them to the BakeSale tables in Carlson Hall before 9:30 AM on

the morning of the sale. Contact Ellen if youwant to help: Ellen-HotLava@comcast.net

QI GONGQi Gong (pronounced: Chee Gung) is a form

of exercise that works with the energy in the

body to support all systems of health and well-ness. James Schattauer will be share his journeywith Qi Gong and some of the exercises thathave been personally effective in buildingstrength, mental acuity and better health. Eachsession will begin with an easy warm up,followed by a series of simple exercises that willbe taught in a certain order so that the participantwill be able to take what they learn and establishtheir own routine at home. Wear comfortable

clothing. Dec. 6 & 13, Jan. 10 & 17 at 11:00 AM.

PRAYINGTHE SCRIPTURESOF ADVENTThe scriptures of Advent invite us into an

encounter with the One who lives among us,

Emmanuel. In the winter of our Minnesota dayswe are also surrounded by the darkness whichholds Mystery and the promise of the ever-increasing light. We will use the ancient prayerpractice oflectio divina to listen to familiarscriptures in new ways, allowing them to becomeour prayer for this most holy season. December

13 at 11:00 AM, led by Sally Johnson.

WELCOMINGTHE WILD ONEOur 2009 Advent Devotionals are in! Thanks

to all our contributors! You may pick one up atthe church or you may read along each dayonline at HennepinChurch.org/Advent. Enjoy

the Wild -ness and Amanda Hunters art in thiscooperative project!

8/14/2019 Dec 2009 !Nspire

12/12

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 2906

Minneapolis, MN

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

511 Groveland Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Sunday Worship at Hennepin

DECEMBER 6 - 2nd Sunday in Advent8:30 AM Communion9:00 AM Sacred Journey9:30 AM Sanctuary-Bruce Robbins, preacher

11:00 AM Many Voices-Bruce Robbins, leader

DECEMBER 13 - 3rd Sunday in Advent8:30 AM Communion9:00 AM Sacred Journey9:30 AM Sanctuary-Leah Rosso, preacher

11:00 AM Many Voices-Leah Rosso, leader

DECEMBER 20 - 4th

Sunday in Advent8:30 AM Communion9:00 AM Sacred Journey9:30 AM Sanctuary-Bruce Robbins, preacher

11:00 AM Many Voices-Sally Johnson, leader

DECEMBER 27 (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL)8:30 AM Communion

9:00 AM Sacred Journey9:30 AM Sanctuary-Bruce Robbins, preacher

11:00 AM Many Voices-Bruce Robbins, leader

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24Christmas Eve Services

12:00 Noon Carols, Communion in the Chapel

2:00 PM Labyrinth, Carols, Poetry in theArt Gallery

4:00 PM Christmas Worship and Pageant

in the Sanctuary

5:30 PM Service of Remembrance in theChapel

7:00 PM Carols and Communion in theSanctuary

11:00 PM Carols and Communion in the

Sanctuary (10:30 Prelude Concert)