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The Spire

A Publication of Hillcrest United Methodist Church

9100 Russell Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431

952-881-8601 occ@hillcrestmethodist.org

www.hillcrestmethodist.org

www.facebook.com/hillcrestmethodistchurch

January 2019

Epiphany Sunday

Sunday, January 6, 2019

A few of our 2018 Christmas Eve Scripture Readers

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People are the Church

Prayer Requests The following persons have been raised in prayer during the month of December:

Joanne A.—mother of Dylan Murdock’s girlfriend, diagnosed with

endometrial cancer

Marie Burton

Becky & Nathan Cahn—ADHD and Anxiety Challenges

Einor Colebank – recently hospitalized with pneumonia

Glen Ellingson Barb Ermisch Linda Fleming

Janet & Lyle Gesche—both are recovering from pneumonia

Glenys Harrington

The family and friends of Gene Hedegaard following his passing.

Barbara King, mother of Deb Engel, & the Engel family

Dawn Kreutz Melissa, Connor, Tyler & Hannah Kuyper

Pastor Gary Liker—recent concussion diagnosis

Maxine Mehlhoff Ronin Millette

Edith Ottinger, mother of David, who recently had knee surgery in Tennessee

following a recent fall. Prayers for David as he travels to be with her.

Dale Phelps—recent surgery

Joan Seha

The family and friends of Doris Shepersky following her passing

Jim Van Winkle Louis Waters Jim Whiting

Carole—recently diagnosed with breast cancer

Keith, Judy Krei’s bro—recent cancer diagnosis, surgery on his back to put in

a rod to help alleviate back pain.

Those we Have Lost Sharon Edlund (4/8/ - 11/22/2018)

Doris (Dorie) Shepersky (5/13/1929 -12/11/2018)

Her life was celebrated at The Grove (formerly Woodbury-Peaceful

Grove UMC) on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Gene Hedegaard (10/20/1923 - 12/16/2018)

Funeral Details will be shared once they are confirmed. Information

will be displayed on the white prayer board, in the EXTRA, through the

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prayer chain messages and through an Echo Call.

Thank You’s Thank you to all who contributed to “Give a Little Gift” for the Walker Care

Center. This project has been carried on for many years. All residents receive a

gift at Christmas. In addition, 119 personal care items such as shampoo,

condition, lotion, soap, cosmetics, etc., were donated to the Marie Sandvik

Center. Thank you for generously donating to both causes.

Thank you to Ione Johnson, Diane Darr, Marian Mathias, Nancy Jensen, Phyllis

Worley. Judi Demaray. Kathy Roberts, George Roberts for preparing

sandwiches for Simpson Shelter. Also a big thank you to Kathy and George

Roberts for the delivery of sandwiches. We completed the mission on

December 18th.

Thank you for all the cards, gifts and Christmas wishes! We are honored to be at

Hillcrest UMC, in and among the hearts, hands, and feet of Jesus! - Pastors Jill

and Jerry; Kaite

From the Pastors’ Desks “Give God Your Best” was the promise we used to kick off our 2018/2019

pledge drive. As I have been thinking about this promise, of “Give God Your

Best”, it seems to me we could live into the promise all year round. As we look

back on 2018 we have experienced change and growth here at Hillcrest. We have

been enhancing our worship service, developing our children/youth program,

expanding our adult education opportunities, maintaining/decluttering God’s

building, as well as working with our neighborhood partners to spread the gospel.

It’s Easy to Submit a Request for Prayers! Call: Elinor Colebank (952) 977-9114

(OR) Email Lynne Scherer: lmscherer@iphouse.com

(OR) Call the church office (952) 881-8601

(OR) Fill out a Prayer Request Card on Sunday

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As we look to 2019 and beyond, God needs more of our time, talent, and

our financial resources. We currently have several ministry opportunities

available. We are seeking a Children/Youth program director and an Accounts

Payable person to assist Lyman Demaray, our Treasurer. We are creatively

working to raise funds to balance our 2019 church budget so we can continue our

current ministries and add others.

My wish for you is health, happiness, plus an open heart and mind to hear

the Spirit moving within the church and within God’s people. Please continue to

pray and to ask God how you can live into the promise to “Give God Your Best.”

Blessings! Pastor Jill Meents

Dear Hillcrest Family,

Thank you for the many kind expressions of love and caring for my birthday

and Christmas. They are greatly appreciated. In July, 2015 when I retired at the

Annual Conference level I told the Hillcrest congregation that I would continue my

ministry as long as I was able. As I reviewed my Diaconal Minister report from last

year and updated it for 2018 I realized the same thing. This year has been a

continuation of my struggles both personally and professionally. So after much

prayerful consideration and in consultation with my family I have decided now is

the time for me to step away from all my commitments at Hillcrest. Instead I will

continue to focus on the health and personal needs of my family.

In Christ's Love,

Toni Kisch, Diaconal Minister

Committee Meetings & Small Groups Membership, Evangelism, Missions & Outreach

Tuesday, January 8, 2019—10:00a in the Library

Staff/Parish Relations Committee

Tuesday, January 8, 2019—6:00p in the Library

Trustee Committee

Tuesday, January 8, 2019—7:00p in the Gathering Room

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Church Council

Tuesday, January 8, 2019—8:00p in the Gathering Room

United Methodist Women Circle Day

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Finance Team

Wednesday, January 9, 2019—7:00p in the Fireside Room

Tuesday, January 15. 2019—7:00p in the Gathering Room

Children’s Ministry Team Meeting

Thursday, January 17, 2019—7:00p in the Fireside Room

United Methodist Women Executive Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 29, 2019—9:45a in the Fireside Room

Book Club—Monday, January 7, 2019 “It’s 1893, and at the Chicago World’s Fair, Louis Comfort

Tiffany makes his debut with a luminous exhibition of

innovative stained-glass windows that he hopes will earn

him a place on the international artistic stage. But

behind the scenes in his New York studio is the

freethinking Clara Driscoll, head of his women’s division,

who conceives of and designs nearly all of the iconic

leaded-glass lamps for which Tiffany will long be

remembered. Never publicly acknowledged, Clara

struggles with her desire for artistic recognition and the

seemingly insurmountable challenges that she faces as a

professional woman. She also yearns for love and

companionship, and is devoted in different ways to five men, including Tiffany,

who enforces a strict policy: He does not employ married women. Ultimately,

Clara must decide what makes her happiest—the professional world of her hands

or the personal world of her heart.“ Amazon.com review

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M&M Event Tuesday, January 8th at 12:00p Noon

Menu: Soup, Bread, Vegetables & Dip with Fruit Cobbler for dessert.

Program: Doug Tenpas and the Corps of Discovery. On February 23, 1803,

President Thomas Jefferson won approval from Congress for a visionary project,

an endeavor that would become one of America’s greatest stories of adventure.

Twenty-five hundred dollars were appropriated to fund a small expeditionary

group, whose mission was to explore the uncharted West. Jefferson called the

group the Corps of Discovery. It would be led by Jefferson’s secretary, Meriwether

Lewis, and Lewis’ friend William

Clark. Over the next four years, the

Corps of Discovery would travel

thousands of miles, experiencing

lands, rivers and peoples that no

Americans ever had before. One of

the great American Adventures was

Lewis and Clark’s “Corps of

Discovery”!

In 1992, Doug Tenpas (son of Fern Tenpas) and a friend started their journey

to retrace the Lewis and Clark trail from South Dakota to the Pacific Ocean, just

like the Corps of Discovery did, by boat and horseback. Doug will be with us to

share the story of Lewis and Clark, and his own adventures on the trail!

Cost: $10.00 per person, last day to sign up Sunday, January 6, 2019. Bring a

Friend!!

Educational Opportunities Religions of the world

Want to know more about them? Join us for a brief 45 minutes after the worship

service, starting on February 10th, in the library. We will explore the beliefs of

Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and our own Christianity though short video

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presentations by leaders of these religions, followed by brief discussions. Plan

now to bring your coffee to the library after the services for six Sundays, starting

the second Sunday in February, to increase your understanding of today’s more

diverse world. Pastor Jerry Jensen

Mission News December Communion Offering Thank You!

Hillcrest Members and Friends,

Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our outreach

projects during the month of December. Because of you...we filled two Christmas

Trees in our “Feel the Warmth” project...mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats will be

donated in January to two schools: Hillcrest Community School and Valley View

Elementary. Please continue to shop at sales and or knit away...donations will be

delivered by mid-January. (Students lose them, they get worn out, teachers need

a supply when gear gets wet during recess, students forget them, and or just do

not have them.) While not wanting to be recognized, a “Hillcrest angel” reached

out to the Knitters at Creekside Center and mentioned we are collecting for our

schools...guess what...a huge delivery of hats and caps came because of that

connection. Thank you to our “Warmth Angel”!

In addition, a special Christmas Offering was collected during the month to

support two of Hillcrest’s long standing outreach projects...”Sandwiches for

Simpson Shelter” and “Loaves and Fishes”. Monies collected will be used for

supplies needed to support these projects. While totals are not in, we are in awe

of your willingness to reach out and make a difference in the lives of

others! We invite you to read the 2018 Annual Report coming in January. In the

Financial Report, you will find financial totals for the specific MEMO projects we

participated in during the past year.

Again, thank YOU! The MEMO Committee

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January 2019 Communion Offering

During the entire month of January our only MEMO focus will be collecting

new or nearly new blankets for Bridging. We want to make a difference by

donating blankets of warmth to those in need. Watch for sales, shop at a thrift

store, and or make one, two, or three! Please make sure that any “gently used”

blankets are stain free and without holes. There will be totes in the coat area for

you to place your blanket donations. Let’s fill them up with our love and warmth!

Schedule of Upcoming Mission Opportunities February 2019—Hillcrest Community School— We will collect a financial

donation to be used on special programming for the school (i.e. a special

presentation from Climb Theatre). We are also working with the school to present

a Hillcrest C. School Winter Art Show, here at Hillcrest UMC, during the month of

February.

March 2019—Financial Support for Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge,

Christian Rehab and Recovery. Their choir will be here to perform on March 10,

2019. More information in the February Spire.

April 2019—Financial Support for the Koronis Tabernacle. More

information in March Spire.

Financial News 2018 Contributions All contributions, to be credited to 2018 financial statements, must be in

the office of Hillcrest UMC by December 31, 2018. If they are mailed, they must

be post-marked December 31 or before. Any questions can be directed to Lyman

Demaray or Kay Young. Thank you!

2018 Year End Financial Statements Year-end Financial Statements will be available on January 6, 2019.

2018 General Fund Thank you to everyone for their donations in 2018 to the general fund,

tuckpointing project and other monthly communion giving. You are amazing!

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Charitable Giving / Tax Planning Remember Hillcrest as you consider end-of-year charitable giving and tax

planning. You may recall that at the 2018 Charge Conference in January, the

budget was approved knowing pledges were going to be short from achieving a

balanced budget. Heath and economic issues have affected the giving of some of

our members, so for those that can, please consider an additional contribution

or pledge to help offset this shortfall. Thank you so much for your

consideration.

If you are over 70 1/2 and make required minimum distributions from your

IRA, you can reduce your taxes by making them “qualified charitable

distributions” (QCDs). This is done by making the distinction directly from the IRA

plan administrator to Hillcrest UMC—which reduces your gross income and leads

to lower taxes. This can be valuable whether you itemize your deductions or not

for tax purposes. Any questions can be directed to Lyman Demaray.

2019 Electronic Giving An Electronic Giving Option will be available starting on January 1, 2019.

Kay Young has created instructions for setting up your Electronic Giving. See Kay

for a copy of instructions or with any questions.

Articles

Tai Chi Tai Chi will return on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 10:30a in the

Fellowship Hall. If you have considered joining Tai Chi but are still on the fence,

plan to visit for one FREE class! Any questions can be directed to Kay Young.

Flower Chart Be sure to check out the 2019 Flower Chart! Dates are still available early in the

year! Help us brighten the sanctuary each week with a special floral display.

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Children & Youth News Children’s Sunday School Our quest for our Children and Youth Coordinator is still on! We have had a

couple Potential candidates, but are still on the search. Do YOU know someone

that might be interested in hanging out with a bunch of fun kids on Sunday? Grab

a job description (located on the literature rack in the coat room) and share the

job! We are also looking to schedule our Children’s Ministry volunteers for

January and February—would you be willing to lead a Children’s Moment in

worship or an Activity following class? Kaite will have everything ready for you,

you just need to come ready to have FUN!

During the month of January, our main theme will be: God’s Promises.

January 6th: God Gives Us Strength

Children’s Moment: OPEN Activity: Kaite Knack

January 13th: God is Everwhere

Children’s Moment: OPEN Activity: Kaite Knack

January 20th: Unbreakable Promises

Children’s Moment: OPEN Activity: Kaite Knack

January 27th: What About Guilt?

Children’s Moment: OPEN Activity: OPEN

Sunday, January 20th will be the last Sunday that Kaite will be leading the

Activity following Children’s Moments. She will still support the programming

through the office preparing lessons and arranging volunteers. If you feel the

calling to step into the Children & Youth Coordinator position, temporarily, until

we hire the right person, please let Kaite know.

A Children’s Ministry Team Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday,

January 17th at 7:00p in the Fireside Room. If you are a member of this

committee, or feel called to attend, we are delighted to have you! Final

decisions on curriculum and layout of Sunday School space will be made at this

time. Any questions can be directed to Kaite. Please RSVP by Monday, January

14th by 2:00p if you plan to attend the meeting.

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Hillcrest Child Care News

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the children, families and staff of Hillcrest Child

Care Center. We are excited to begin 2019. Our year will begin with a staffing

change. Pam LaMotte who has been with us since August of 2002 is leaving. She is

moving to be closer to her son and his family. Pam will be greatly missed, but we

support her decision. Fortunately, we are blessed to be adding Carla Zenk to our

team of teachers. Carla has experience working in child care, nursery school and

elementary school settings. She worked at Nativity of Mary in Bloomington for

many years. We think she will be a wonderful addition to our preschool staff.

Our infant, toddler and preschool programs are full. The first opening we

will have will be in infants in July of 2019. If you know of anyone expecting a child

after May 7th of 2019 and will be looking for infant care toward the end of July,

please let them know about us.

As we start the new year we thank you once again for your ongoing

support, and we ask for your continued prayers for the children, their families and

our staff. We ask that you pray that God continues to guide us to best care for His

children.

Blessings to all of you!

Bonnie Beyer

Director, Hillcrest Child Care Center

Planning Ahead Annual Church Conference Sunday, February 3rd, 10:45a in the Fellowship Hall

Led by District Superintendent Dan Johnson

All Reports for the Annual Church Conference are due to the church office no

later than Sunday, January 6, 2019. Thank you to those who have submitted their

reports!

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Hillcrest United Methodist Church

9100 Russell Ave S

Bloomington, MN 55431

E-mail: occ@hillcrestmethodist.org

hillcrestmethodist.org

Phone: (952) 881-8601 Fax: (952) 888-2961

www.hillcrestmethodist.org

www.facebook.com/hillcrestmethodistchurch

MISSION STATEMENT

“Living the Ultimate Challenge —

To Make a Difference in God's World”

How We Share Our Gifts

You will find our members out in the community

serving meals at Loaves and Fishes...

There will be knitters working on prayer shawls

or preemie hats while volunteering in the church

office…

Others will be making blankets for a battered

women's shelter. We will be found making sandwiches for homeless

shelters in the church kitchen, making t-shirts into

diapers...or simply caring for our neighbors in countless little ways.

People need care… we try to provide that care

in the name of Jesus.

Share your gifts—Join us!

Every Sunday: Worship, 9:30a Fellowship, 10:30a

Communion First Sunday of Every Month

Hillcrest UMC Staff: Pastor Jill Meents Certified Lay Minister Jerry Jensen

Communications Coordinator: Kaite Knack

Director of Music: Nancy Miller

Organist/Pianist: Loryce Sivertson

Child Care Center Director: Bonnie Beyer

Child Care Staff: Jasmine Tapia Garcia, Bishara Haji, Samira Hashi, Pam

LaMotte, Christine Merchant, Savannah Reineccius, Jessica Ronnei, Jennifer

Contreras Sanchez , Becky Seaman, Jean Scott, Carla Sorensen and Kristin

Zumberge

Church Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday, 9:00a-3:00p & Friday, 9:00a-12:00p

Church Office: 952-881-8601

Child Care Center Hours:

Monday—Friday, 6:30a-6:00p

Child Care Center: 952-881-5330