We Make the Church by Invitingby Audra Howard and Jeff SmithDo you remember the first time you were invited to something? How did it make you feel? Pretty great, right?! It is more than just a nice gesture. It is about being personally asked to join someone in doing something they enjoy and is meaningful to them.

Our goal as Hennepin Church is to equip each other with skills to be invitational.Being an invitational community is directly related to the great commission in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus gives pretty clear instructions: tell His story and invite all people into a relationship with Him.So how as a church family can we begin to be more invitational?

1) Be inspired by what is already happening. There are amazing stories of invitation happening every day at Hennepin and it is changing lives. We want to hear your stories of how

you’ve invited and/or how you’ve been invited. Share your stories of invitation with us! Email Audra Howard at audramhoward@gmail.com to share your story. 2) Look at and learn from our current committees and teams that are dedicated to being a more welcoming and invitational church (Hospitality, Communications, Connections and Adult Nurture) to ensure that we’re doing the things that are most invitational. 3) Collaborate with our church staff and the new marketing effort being planned by the Lewis Effect team to ensure inviting is a part of the fabric of Hennepin ongoing.

MARCH2017

(Continued on p. 9)

InSPlRE†Eritrean Family is Thrivingby Ann CarlsonAfter Tesmafarian (father) was drafted for an indefinite period of time by the Eritrean military, he fled to Israel. This made it unsafe for his family to remain in Eritrea, so Adhanet (mother) hired people to smuggle the family out by night on foot—first to Ethiopia and then to Kenya. The family then reunited and lived in Nairobi, Kenya for five years. Adhanet worked as a hair dresser to put food on the table and to send her kids to an English speaking school.In time, Adhanet applied for refugee status to come to the United States. The family was carefully vetted by the USA Department of State before they were allowed to enter the country. They chose to come to Minnesota because they had friends and an Eastern Orthodox Church community here to support them. They were assigned to the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Resettlement Program in order to provide them with settlement assistance. The Refugee Resettlement Program asked HAUMC to partner in providing the family with support and coaching to help them build a new life here.Since their arrival on November 21, the Araya-Hanns family has moved into a three bedroom house on the East Side of St. Paul (close to a bus line). The HAUMC team provided furnishings and assistance in setting up the household. Members of the team have also provided rides to appointments.Adhanet and the two oldest girls are attending classes teaching American culture, financial management, job

I N S I D EHennepin Kids for Life

Koinonia Caramel Corn Recipe church.orgHENNEPlNavenue united methodist511 groveland avenueminneapolis, mn 55403 phone 612-871-5303

†The Arsya-Hanns family with church members at HAUMC on Christmas Eve(Continued on p. 3)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19-20

...and so much more!

Coming Events March 17-19 & 24-26

Godspell w/Pastor Nate & Gertie (p. 6)

Sunday, March 19 Children’s Sabbath

Food Labyrinth (p. 6)

Wednesdays March 22 & 29 Mind-body-spirit workshops (p. 6)

Saturday, March 25 Steeple People celebration (p. 3 & 7)

Sunday, March 26 Food Share donation deadline (p. 6)

Lori Sturdevant presentation (p. 7)

Tuesday, March 27, 29 & 31 Dignity Center “Open House” (p. 9)

Tuesday, March 28 Toni McNaron presentation (p. 7)

Wednesday, March 29 Waters Weaving labyrinth

March 31- April 2 Art & Spirit Retreat (p. 8)

Sunday April 2 Climate Change presentation (p. 7)

Entry Point: New Members Class (p. 9)

Wednesdays April 5 & May 3 Kjerringsleppets (p. 6)

Palm Sunday, April 9 Music of Passion Concert (p. 8 & 12)

Monday, April 10 Emma Norton fund raiser (p. 8)

Maundy Thursday, April 13 (p. 12)Good Friday, April 14

Tenebrae service (p. 8 & 12)

Easter Sunday, April 16 (p. 12) Easter Sunday (p. 12)

Thursday, April 20 Rust College A Capella Choir (p. 8)

Sunday, April 23 Capital Campaign: Witness Weekend

Hamline University A Capella Choir (p. 8) Soul Café (p. 8)

April 20-23 & 27-30 Emmaus Spring Walks

Friday, April 28 Foundation Scholarship Applications due (p. 10)

Sunday, April 30 Capital Campaign: Commitment Weekend

LYRA Vocal Group (p. 8)

May 4-5 Spiritual Aspects of Birding Retreat (p. 8)

May 5-7 ‘Help, Thanks, Wow!’ Women’s Retreat (p. 8)

Wednesday, June 21 Pastor Nate’s ordination (p. 2)

Sunday, June 11 Bill Mathis’ last Sunday

For more information:hennepinchurch.org/events

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Pastor Nate is getting ordained!Friends, I am thrilled to share with you the opening sentence of a letter I received on Feb. 9: “It is our delight and pleasure to let you know that the Board of Ordained Ministry has voted to approve your request to become a Full Elder within the Minnesota Annual Conference.” I am being ordained in June! It’s an honor and I’m glad to be in this church during such a pivotal milestone in my life. Thank you to all of you for these last three years. I’ve learned a lot about myself and serving a church. I’ve prayed with you and broken bread with you. I’ve witnessed the Holy Spirit at work in what we’re doing as a church. It’s been a long road in such a short time, and all I can say is thank you. Around a month before I arrived at Hennepin Avenue in 2014, Bobbie Keller interviewed me for a newsletter article. At the time, I said, “There will be a lot of mutual learning going on for both the congregation and me as we start our journey together.” Friends, let’s face it: the last three years has been a turbulent ride, with many twists and turns none of us saw coming. Some have been amazing, others painful, and all with God. And there has been a tremendous amount of mutual learning. Your trusting vulnerability astounds me and your care for me and my family has been nothing short of offering the love of Christ. This is a good church to cut my teeth as a rookie. Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.In the time since we announced my big news on February 12, I’ve noticed a pattern of what people ask, so here are responses to Frequently Asked Questions about my ordination:1. Can I witness your ordination? Yes! I’ll be ordained at the Annual Conference session on the evening of Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, MN. I’d be honored to have friends from Hennepin Avenue worship alongside me and, as is tradition, stand in support and solidarity in the moment I’m ordained. Pastor Judy and I have talked about how if we have enough people interested, perhaps we’ll need to rent a bus!2. Are you getting a new appointment now? No! Becoming fully ordained doesn’t mean automatically getting reassigned, and to my knowledge the Bishop has no plans to reassign me right now. While of course nothing is guaranteed, my hope to continue to serve Hennepin Avenue UMC for a long time to come.3. If you’re not ordained now, what are you? I’m a provisional elder, sometimes called a commissioned elder. In 2014, the Board of Ordained Ministry assessed me as prepared for ministry and commissioned me to do the work of an elder for a three-year provisional period. One (overly!) simplistic way to think of it is I’m shifting from probation to tenure. 4. Does this mean you’ll get to wear a stole? Yes! Finally! 5. What steps are left in your process? Just one. School is out, paperwork written, exams finished, interviews concluded. The final official step is the clergy body votes on whether to affirm the Board’s vote to approve my ordination at Annual Conference. Having witnessed this voting take place, it’s often a time of celebration to welcome new clergy sisters and brothers and I’m as excited for this welcoming moment with my peers as the actual ordination.On behalf of Kelly, Gertie, and Bea, we offer our thanks for your support of my vocation and our family. May the Spirit continue to bestow on you wisdom and strength to share the love of Christ to all you encounter. The best of all is, God is with us. Rev. Nate Melcher, Associate Pastor

INVITING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

advocates in their interviewing technique. The training also promoted goal setting, decision making and problem solving. The merit of our program is validated by being selected as a student learning host site for 3 university social work programs: St Thomas/St Kates, Augsburg, and the University of Minnesota. In the 2015-16 school year, we hosted one Bachelor of Social Work foundation intern and 7 community service learning students. For the 2016-17 school year we are hosting 4 Bachelors of Social Work foundation interns!The Dignity Center has built a strong Network of Supporting Congregations. The Dignity Center now has volunteers from 6 of the 18 Network Congregations. The Network Congregations additionally contribute in kinds and funds and host programs and youth projects.Our vision for 2017 is to Listen- Assess- Connect.We look forward to growing an empowered community where people can develop a sense of pride and regain their self respect, a place where people can network and support each other as they work to attain stability.

StreetSongby Bill MathisStreetSong-MN is a choir “for people experienced in homelessness.” Now in its 3rd year, the choir rehearses once a week and performs all over the Twin Cities. Concerts have been as varied as the homeless memorial service each December, Christmas at the Mall of America, and the Ordway Theater. The group is sponsored by the Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness, and is led by Teri Larson from the Basilica and our own Bill Mathis. They recently received national attention when they were featured in the cover story in a church musicians’ trade journal, The Chorister. If you’d like to know more, call Bill Mathis at 612-871-5303.

Steeple People Celebrationby Susanne Mattison“Celebrate 37 Years of Steeple People Thrift Store” is the theme of the party being planned to mark the closing of this valued ministry. The celebration will take place on Saturday, March 25, 1:30 - 3:30 pm in the Social Hall. A short program will begin at 2:00 pm. Church members, volunteers, customers, and the broader community are invited to share memories, conversation and a light lunch. Planners suggest that attendees wear clothing purchased at the store. The store was incorporated in 1979 by six members of Hennepin Church: Evy and Carl Ahlberg, Hank and Dottie Garwick, and Betty Lou and Ivan Lee. From humble beginnings in the parsonage basement, the ministry quickly grew in size and scope and moved to the corner of Lyndale and Franklin. The store’s mission has been to serve the community by selling donated quality used clothing and household goods at affordable prices and donating profits to worthy causes. Since its begining, over $1.5 million in today’s money has been donated via annual grants to agencies, including the Dignity Center, thanks to donors, volunteers, staff, and faithful customers. The store has had to close because the building will be razed for a redevelopment project. The last business day was January 31. Regrettably no suitable and affordable replacement location was found.

The Dignity Centerby Mary MartinThe Dignity Center is a place where all people are welcome, focusing our services on people who are motivated to make the changes necessary to stabilize their lives. We give our participants the confidence, the courage, and the tools to invest in themselves.In 2016, we changed the perception on the street that we are a drop in center offering a free meal and resourcing immediate needs; i.e. food, clothing, bus transportation. If someone was in need, we connected them to the community resource that could best provide what was needed. This strengthened our connections to the community resources.As a result, people are taking advantage of the Dignity Center to get on their path to stability and continuing to visit as they maintain the progress they are making. Community is happening!Successful participants become ambassadors of our program telling their friends and others of their success and then they start to volunteer. At the close of 2016, we had 5 participants volunteering weekly for hospitality, reception, cleaning, intake, and in leadership roles. Changing the perception from a drop-in center to an effective life transforming program involved introducing training that taught and supported the volunteer

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4) Get organized, inspire and equip all HAUMC community members to commit to 2017 being a Year of Invitation! We’re striving for inviting to truly become a way of life here at Hennepin. Are you ready to become a more invitational church?! Keep your eye out for more information about opportunities to learn practical

skills that will help us all be more invitational. If you want to be more involved in planning or have a story to share about how you’ve already been inviting others, please let us know by emailing Audra Howard (audramhoward@gmail.com) or just call the church office at 612-871-5303 to be added to our list.

6/25 - 7/1LYFE Camp grades 7-12

7/9 - 7/12 Earth Camp grades 1-6

7/22 - 7/30 Sr. High Mission Trip grades 10-12

7/24 - 7/30 Joyful Uproar grades K-6

Registration Links are Open! hennepinchurch.org/register

511 Groveland Avenue Minneapolis, MN

Summer is just around the corner! Hennepin Kids for LYFE invites you to make your summer by joining us for one of our exciting camps.

Sign Up at www.hennepinchurch.org/registerScholarships are available! Just ask!

Whether it be a day camp or overnight camp - we have fun planned for all ages & stages!

8/7 - 8/11 Vacation Bible School Hero Central 3 year olds-grade 4

reminder to all of us at Hennepin to Live Your Faith Everyday – no matter what our age!

Kids for LYFE:What’s In a Name? by Lynne Carroll

At the beginning of August, the decision was made to refresh and re-launch programming for children and families at Hennepin. Step #1: a new brand, beginning with a new name. The name Hennepin Kids for LYFE was chosen.

The new name helped us achieve three major objectives. First, we wanted to move away from using the term “Sunday school,” because one goal is to offer kids an experience that feels different from their Monday-Friday school experience.

A second goal has been to build stronger community. Our messaging has constantly been reinforcing the idea that we are all Hennepin Kids – just as we are all Children of God – from birth through forever! It was also important to have programming for Children and Families integrate with what is happening in the larger church community.

The acronym LYFE is a consistent

hennepin kids lyfe

Sunday Snapshot

Trunk Or TreatOctober 2016

Carol Choir PracticeDecember 2016

Roadside Kindness PacketsJanuary 2017

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Sunday, March 19Children’s Sabbath

Altar Choir leads the 10 am Traditional ServiceNo Hennepin Kids Sunday School

Sunday, April 9th - Palm Sunday Palm Parade!

Sunday, April 16 - Easter SundayNo Hennepin Kids Sunday School

For more information contact:lynne@haumc.org

Introducing Frolic!by Lynne Carroll

Frolic is a brand-new ministry of Hennepin Kids for LYFE that targets families of infants and toddlers under the age of three. The Frolic suite of products includes a board bible, board books, story books, and a monthly e-newsletter that is generated based on the child’s age. All of these resources offer families age-appropriate guidance on their child’s development and faith formation.

Families will receive a welcome letter and board bible when their children are baptized or when Hennepin Kids for LYFE learns of a new baby born into our Hennepin family. After that, families will automatically begin receiving the monthly e-newsletter and will also receive a quarterly package with a new book and messages of love and support from Hennepin Kids.

At Hennepin Kids for LYFE, we know that families with young children are busy, and helping their children take their first steps of faith can be a daunting task. We are so excited for this opportunity to provide tools and support during these precious first years!

6/25 - 7/1LYFE Camp grades 7-12

7/9 - 7/12 Earth Camp grades 1-6

7/22 - 7/30 Sr. High Mission Trip grades 10-12

7/24 - 7/30 Joyful Uproar grades K-6

Registration Links are Open! hennepinchurch.org/register

511 Groveland Avenue Minneapolis, MN

Summer is just around the corner! Hennepin Kids for LYFE invites you to make your summer by joining us for one of our exciting camps.

Sign Up at www.hennepinchurch.org/registerScholarships are available! Just ask!

Whether it be a day camp or overnight camp - we have fun planned for all ages & stages!

8/7 - 8/11 Vacation Bible School Hero Central 3 year olds-grade 4

March is Food Share MonthBring your donations by March 26Please pick up a bag and bring it back to church filled with non perishable food items. On Sunday March 19, we will build a food labyrinth! Collection will continue through 3/26. Food donations will support Groveland Food Shelf.Food requested: Cooking oil Sugar 4 lb. bags Flour 4 lb. bags Beef stew Chili Canned meat Canned fruit (chicken, tuna, salmon) Canned pasta meals Jelly, jam Canned tomatoes 100% fruit juice Coffee in small bags Fill bags, with grocery items to help your neighbors who face hunger. Return your donations to Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.Do: Give generously and donate your favorite foods. Don’t: Give expired items or use this opportunity to clean out your cupboard.

Walking & Praying the LabyrinthWednesdays During Lent

“Make me to know your ways, God; teach me your paths.”

~Psalm 25:4In 1994, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church became the first church in Minnesota to buy a canvas labyrinth for the purpose of providing walking prayer. The labyrinth was making a renaissance in the the United States and around the

world. This ancient path created in church floors, fields, in stone and on fabric had been re-introduced by Dr. Lauren Artress of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to people hungry to deepen their spiritual lives. Since its appearance at Hennepin, the labyrinth has been offered on Christmas Eve, during retreats and worship, and especially during the season of Lent. We have also created a large labyrinth in a field at Koinonia Retreat Center. This year as we make our way through Brian McLaren’s book We Make the Road by Walking, it seemed apt that we offer the labyrinth in a significant way. Walking the labyrinth can be done in many ways. First of all, it is another way of praying that involves moving. When one enters the labyrinth, there is an effort to have this be a time of letting go, of ‘Traveling Light.’ In the center of the labyrinth is a place to receive, to rest, to take as much time as needed to be held by God and the prayers of others and to offer your own prayers. And in leaving, the path invites the walker to integrate what has been received, learned and to return it to the world. Most Wednesdays we will have our 40 foot replica of the labyrinth that is set into the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. On Sunday, March 19, as we collect our donations for March Food Share, we will create a ‘Food Labyrinth’ in Carlson Hall using some of our collections.

Led by local labyrinth creator and artist, Lisa Moriarty, we will pray over the cans and boxes and the people who will receive them. On March 29, we will host the Waters Weaving labyrinth for prayer for all those places in need of water, where water is endangered. Please join us in our Lenten labyrinth prayer as we become ‘Traveling Light’ for one another and for the world.

Making Sense of the BibleSundays at 11:15am in Room 106New Series Beginning This SundayJoin us as we read The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem, by Marcus Borg. This series will be led by Rexi Warner.

See Pastor Nate in Godspell!March 17-19 and March 24-26Friday & Saturday evenings: 7:00pmSaturday & Sunday matinees: 2:00pmLake Harriet UMC | 4901 Chowen Ave. S. Minneapolis

Pastor Nate Melcher and his oldest child, Gertie, are joining an intergenerational cast of nearly 50 for a production of Godspell at Lake Harriet UMC. Come and see this accessible, joy-filled, powerful telling of the Gospel of Matthew filled

with classic songs like “Day by Day,” “Prepare Ye,” and “Beautiful City.” Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis, doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Admission is “pay what you can.” Learn more at www.lakeharrietumc.org/godspell.In a time when our nation is divided by discord and vitriol, let us seek hope in the One who binds us together and says, “Yes, we can! Yes, we can!”

Mind-body-spirit movement and dance workshopsWednesdays, March 22 and 28 at 7pm in the Border ChapelIntegrate spiritual devotions, prayers, yoga, dance, and having fun.

March 22 - Renewal through DanceMarch 29 - Finding balance, & harmony

Register: ibloomdancing@gmail.com or 612 845 3221.

Kjerringsleppets, a women’s book group1st Wednesdays at 6pmApril 5 - Zeitoun by Dave Eggers (Harrison Rm.) May 3 - Digging to America by Anne Tyler (Longfellow Rm.) Always open to women of all ages.

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Thursday Bible Study Thursdays at 11am in the Longfellow RoomA seven week study of CREED, What Christians Believe and Why, by Adam Hamilton, began on March 9. The class is led by Mary Mensheha and Juanita Reed-Boniface. New participants are welcome.

Women’s History MonthSundays at 11:15am in the Art GalleryIn honor and celebration of Women’s History Month, Hennepin Church is pleased to host the following adult education experiences:

March 26 An Unfinished AgendaLori Sturdevant Was the 2016 election a setback in women’s quest for full and equal participation in American democracy? Or was it the start of the long-awaited next wave of the women’s movement? Lori Sturdevant, editorial writer and columnist for the Star Tribune and author of “Her Honor: Rosalie Wahl and the Minnesota Women’s Movement,” will explore those questions and invite conversation about the 20th century women’s movement’s unfinished agenda.

Tuesday, March 28 at 7pmHennepin Reads with Local Author, Toni McNaron & Musician Leslie Ball

Toni McNaron is a Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita in English at the University of Minnesota. Her research has focused on Renaissance literature, feminist writing, and GLBT literature and culture. While at the University of Minnesota, she began and chaired the Women’s Studies Program,

the Center for Advanced Feminist Studies, and the GLBT Studies Program. Currently, she directs the College in the Schools Literature program through the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota, teaches Shakespeare in her living room, and visits the Arboretum regularly to facilitate discussions of books about gardens, gardeners, flowers and nature.

Emmaus Spring WalksMen’s Walk is April 20 - 23Women’s Walk is April 27 - 30This is a mini 72 hour Discipleship course where each person can walk with Christ. It is a very personal and powerful guide for living life as a daily Christian.Each person on this journey is called a Pilgrim, and each Pilgrim has a Sponsor(s) to be their partner. We are ready for both Pilgrims and Sponsors. Please contact Nancy Sjoquist (nsjoquist@gmail.com) and Pastor Judy Zabel (judy@haumc.org).

Church and SocietyThe message of salvation brought by Jesus Christ binds us together as a people and sends us forth to bring healing in the midst of strife, justice in the midst of brokenness, and love in the midst of hate. As United Methodists, we are called to invite people to enter into a community of faith responsive to a vision of justice ministries that is biblically and theologically grounded, and to invite United Methodist congregations to play a prophetic role in bringing God’s vision to reality. Our mission is to advocate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the church and society. Sign up by emailing SocialJustice@haumc.org today!

Climate Change: Signs and Implications for the AntarcticSunday, April 2 at 11:15amChuck Dayton travelled by ship to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula last November. The polar regions are warming faster than anywhere on earth, and Chuck will discuss the signs and implications of climate change for the Antarctic. Sea level rise and ice shelf break up result in loss of the food supply of krill, impacting wildlife including penguins and whales while changing deep ocean currents worldwide. He will also share his photos of huge penguin rookeries, elephant seals, whales, and the rugged, ice-bound and mountainous terrain of these very special places.

37 Years of Steeple Thrift Store

2016

Let’s

Join us on Saturday, March 25 to honor Steeple People’s service to the community.

We will share memories, photos, experiences, conversations, and a light lunch.

A short program is planned for 2:00pm.

Wear something purchased at Steeple People to the Party.

Saturday, March 25 from 1:30-3:30pmHennepin Avenue UMC | Social Hall 511 Groveland Ave. | 612-871-5303

37 Years of Steeple Thrift Store

2016

Let’s

Join us on Saturday, March 25 to honor Steeple People’s service to the community.

We will share memories, photos, experiences, conversations, and a light lunch.

A short program is planned for 2:00pm.

Wear something purchased at Steeple People to the Party.

Saturday, March 25 from 1:30-3:30pmHennepin Avenue UMC | Social Hall 511 Groveland Ave. | 612-871-5303

37 Years of Steeple Thrift Store

2016

Let’s

Join us on Saturday, March 25 to honor Steeple People’s service to the community.

We will share memories, photos, experiences, conversations, and a light lunch.

A short program is planned for 2:00pm.

Wear something purchased at Steeple People to the Party.

Saturday, March 25 from 1:30-3:30pmHennepin Avenue UMC | Social Hall 511 Groveland Ave. | 612-871-5303

Help Support Emma Norton ServicesMonday, April 10 at the Minneapolis Marriott NorthwestReservations due by March 31We hope to see you at the HAUMC tables at the Emma Norton Services’ Annual Dinner and Silent Auction. The program features Bishop Bruce Ough and Yvette Richards, past president of National UMW. Your $50 ticket ($15 of which is tax deductible) supports Emma Norton Services as it provides affordable housing, basic needs, and support services to women, children, and families who are homeless and experiencing the challenges of mental and/or chemical disabilities.Please contact Laura Dirks (612-378-3026; lauraedirks@gmail.com) by March 31 to reserve your spot. Scholarships are available. Thank you.

Art & Spirit RetreatMarch 31 - April 2 at Koinonia Retreat Center We will enjoy the beauty of being in the woods and the beauty of being together in community. We will make art, sing and pray together, laugh, maybe cry, share in meals and find rest for weary souls. We will hold the theme of “BALANCE” before us and notice its wisdom for our healing and the healing of the world. Presenters:Peter Juhl, Rock BalancingThere’s no “magic” in Peter Juhl’s stone balancing, but he wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to believe there is. The Eagan artist has a knack for creating unbelievably

balanced towers of rocks and then photographing them— sometimes just seconds before they topple. “The challenge is to build something really delicate that looks impossible. I try to see if somebody doesn’t believe I did it without glue or steel rods, and that’s what makes it exciting.”

Mary Honstead, The EnneagramWe are born with a certain way of making meaning of the world and of being in relationship. The Enneagram is a tool to help us understand ourselves better and find balance as workers, friends, partners, and artists.

Carol Michalicek, Mandala Artist“A mandala is an integrated structure organized around a unifying center.” (Longchenpa) Mandalas have long been an art form that brings balance to the creator and the observer. Try your hand at the creation of your very own way of balancing your spirit and the Center that holds you.

Registration: Cost is $140. for two nights lodging, five meals and a small materials fee. To register go to hennepinchurch.org/register or call the church office at 612-871-5303. Registration will be taken until March 28th. Upon registration, an email will be sent for taking the online Enneagram inventory. Questions: Sally@haumc.org, 612-435-1328

Spiritual Aspects of Birding RetreatMay 4-5 at Koinonia Retreat Center | haumc.org/registerNature photographer Dave Astin will lecture on camera techniques for beginners and experts, and will discuss how spirituality can be enhanced by a walk in the woods.

Help, Thanks, Wow!Women’s RetreatMay 5-7 at Koinonia Retreat Center Author Anne Lamott says there are really three essential prayers...Help, Thanks, Wow! At this retreat women of all ages are invited to a weekend getaway in the beauty and calm of Koinonia. We will explore what prayer means to us, how we pray and discover new ways of communicating with God. We will relax, laugh, sing, spend time together, eat good food and meet with women whose wisdom will carry us home. Cost is $125 for meals and lodging for two nights. To register go to hennepinchurch.org/register or call the church office at 612-871-5303. Questions, Sally@haumc.org. Hope to see you there!

Soul CaféSunday, April 23, 7-8pm in the Art GallerySteven Hobert, Brad Holden and Steve Blons will be performing, along with guest bassist, Chris Bates.

Upcoming Music EventsIn the Sanctuary unless otherwise notedMarch 19 10am Children’s Sabbath

All Nature Sings - Altar Choir

April 9 12 Noon

Passion concert - Chamber Singers

April 14 7pm Tenebrae service - Journey

April 16 9am & 11am Easter services

April 20 7pm Rust College A Cappella Choir

April 23 10am Hamline University A Cappella Choir

April 30 10am LYRA Vocal Group (St. Petersburg)

May 7 10am Celebrate Life! - Journey

May 7 7pmArt Gallery

Hennepin Chime spring concert

May 14 7pm Haydn: The Creation Sanctuary Choir

June 11 10am Bill Mathis’ last Sunday

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ERITREAN FAMILY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Dignity Center “Open House”March 27, 29 & 31As part of its 15th birthday celebrations, the Dignity Center will be throwing open its doors to you! If you are curious, or are a supporter of the ministry, this is a wonderful opportunity to visit and witness firsthand the life changing work that takes place at the Dignity Center. Choose anytime between 9:30am and 12pm. The doors will be open to you on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the last week of March. If you visit on a Wednesday at noon, you can also join us for the official birthday celebration! Cake’s on us! Happy Birthday Dignity Center!

ChurchLife Member Databaseby Cheryl GibbonsHennepin Members are invited to sign up for ChurchLife to engage, connect and communicate. ChurchLife is a database that gives members direct access to the church directory and calendar as well as a personal profile, giving history and much more. Sign up to attend events, donate, serve or invite others to join you for a special project or event. Go to haumc.org/churchlife to sign up today. Already on ChurchLife? Update your personal profile with contact information or a picture. Sign up to serve as an acolyte, usher, greeter, communion server, library helper, Breakfast@Hennepin server or Dignity Center volunteer. Check out new opportunities and support Hennepin

ministries on ChurchLife. Get involved today! Need the App? There is a free mobile app called ChurchLife that members can download by going to your App Store and selecting ChurchLife App and download/install. Use the same sign on (email and password) that you use for the Hennepin website sign on. Don’t have a computer? Contact Cheryl Gibbons at 612-435-1332 to sign up and update your profile. Your name and email must match what is on record at the church. Larry Duncan (larry@haumc.org), Hennepin’s Membership Secretary, can help if you are unable to log into ChurchLife.Printed instructions for signing up and updating your profile are available at the receptionist desk. Want to dig a little deeper? The Spiritual Gifts Assessment helps people identify their God-given gifts and find ways to connect their gifts with others through their community of faith. Learn about your Spiritual Gifts by taking the assessment online at http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/spiritual-gifts. Take the assessment and send the results to cheryl@haumc.org.

Book Cornerby Rosemary BuellHave you visited the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church Library recently? We’re located on the West side of Carlson Hall. Here are some of the new books in our Library:

Adults: Upstream by Mary Oliver Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-WeberChildren’s: I Like Being Me by Judy Lalli Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Stop by and check out a good book!

seeking, and transit navigation. In a short time, the family has accomplished much. Here are some highlights:

• All of the kids speak English fairly fluently and Mom is improving daily

• They are becoming integrated into their Eastern Orthodox church located in downtown St. Paul

• Feven (21) and Feruz (18) are enrolled in St. Paul Community College

• Feven has a job working for MNBEST (owned by HAUMC member Hyon Kim)

• Adonay (16), Abel (13 ) and Heanos (10) are all enrolled in the Como Park Area schools

• Adonay and Heanos are playing on soccer teams.• Everyone is learning to use the bus system• Adhanet wants to work as soon as possible (Do you know

of any job openings —preferably retail or cleaning?)The family has welcomed the HAUMC team members with open arms and are amazed by the generosity of the HAUMC community which has provided them with many useful gifts such as winter clothing, backpacks, wallets, purses, slippers, pajamas, a soccer ball and some toys.The Refugee Resettlement Team will continue to provide support to the family, and the experience of welcoming the Araya-Hanns family from Eritrea to Minnesota has been a rewarding experience for all.

Easter Memorials and ContributionsTo provide lilies to Hennepin’s homebound members or sponsor special instrumental music to be performed Easter Sunday. Your gifts will be listed in a special insert to our Easter bulletin. Please attach this form with your gift. Make checks to HAUMC, with “Easter Lilies” or “Easter Music” in the memo. Deadline to be included in the listing is April 2.

Lily ($20) in memory of:

Lily ($20) in honor of:

Easter Music in memory of:

Easter Music in honor of:

Your Name:

Phone:

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Entry Point: New Members ClassSunday, April 2 at 11:30am in the Longfellow RoomVisitors and guests are invited to explore membership and meet Rev. Judy Zabel. Child care is available. RSVP to Larry Duncan at 612-435-1309 or larry@haumc.org.

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begin their volunteer opportunity approximately 30 minutes prior to worship services and serve through the beginning of worship, at collections and a few minutes for cleanup after service. Approximately 10-12 people serve as an usher each Sunday and our goal is to set up an ongoing list of those interested in this area. The Hospitality Team seeks additional people to serve on their team and are currently recruiting greeters and ushers. There are no age restrictions or dress code. If you have the gift of helping or servant hood, this is your sweet spot! To greet Contact Steve Boyd at tandsboyd@gmail.com or 507.206.1698 To usher Contact Jon Nygren at jon.nygren@faegrebd.com or 763.951.2103.You may also volunteer at haumc.org/churchlife OR use the Get Involved bookmark located in the Sanctuary pews to sign up for these and other opportunities at HAUMC.

Hennepin Foundation Scholarshipsby Jack FistlerNeed help with educational costs? Applications are available for 2017-2018 Hennepin Foundation scholarships. Awards are provided in amounts up to $3,000 for students pursuing seminary, college or university degree programs, or other post-secondary degree or certificate programs. Applicants may be Hennepin members, Hennepin employees or others with a connection to Hennepin. Highest priority for consideration is given to (1) applicants seeking to be ordained, followed, in priority order, by (2) applicants preparing for other church-related work, (3) applicants studying for careers in other non-profit human services fields, and (4) applicants pursuing programs other than in categories (1)-(3).See application for more information. Applications are due April 28, 2017, with awards announced on or before May 19. Application forms and guidelines are available at the reception desk, online, or by contacting Jack Fistler, 612-435-1321 or jack@haumc.org.

Communications Teamby Rev. Nate MelcherThe Communications Team is working with our marketing consulting firm, The Lewis Effect, to take the data from internal/external market research and turn it into our “Brand Book,” to unify how we speak about our church and evangelize why it is meaningful to us to do God’s work in the world. We’ve determined our brand archetypes are the empowered “Caregiver” (think Walgreens, Marriott, Campbell’s) and “Innocent” (think Coke, Dove) and developing language, imagery, and other forms of communication based on brand values such as welcoming, social justice, action, healing, tradition, and a sensitivity for the compassionate. As this process winds down this spring, we hope to help every member of Hennepin Avenue be better equipped to tell the world about how they, too, can “grow from the inside out with HAUMC.”

UMW Volunteer Awardby Cathryn KasicWatch out. Talk with Michelle DeVaughn and you might find yourself agreeing to help with a wonderfully constructive, joy-filled project. As Susanne Mattison says, “You just can’t say ‘no’ to that woman.” Marla Tipping happily adds, “Whenever you agree to work on a project with Michelle, you know you are going to have fun, learn a lot, laugh, work hard, and advance the kingdom of God.”In honor of that spirit, the United Methodist Women (UMW) presented a Volunteer Award to Michelle, recognizing her contributions in the community and giving thanks for how Michelle uses her infectious smile and powerfully positive attitude to help people find their volunteer interests and strengths.Michelle consistently shares her talents by gleefully teaching Sunday School, Club 56, Confirmation, facilitates countless meetings and focus groups around issues facing the church, and so much more.In addition to assisting Connections Committee – where she helps align people with community needs – Michelle has an informal, amazing hospitality ministry. After each worship service, she engages visitors in conversation and finds out what drew them to Hennepin Church. Marla Tipping portrays Michelle well: “She exudes the kind of Radical Hospitality we hope to create in our church as we stand in the present and look to the future. She is a true disciple.”

Hospitality Teamby Kimm SchneiderSome of the most important people on Sunday at Hennepin Church may be people you take for granted. Greeters and ushers have the very important role of warmly welcoming and assisting all who enter our building for Sunday worship. Have you ever thought about that?Greeters welcome visitors and longtime friends at our entry doors and guide them along the path toward their destination. We extend God’s love when we share our smiles and handshakes so this is a vital step in our hospitality chain. Greeters required serving time is approximately 30 minutes prior to or after worship services. We are looking for 6 to 8 people to serve as a greeter each week. Ushers engage everyone at the doors to the sanctuary and provide worship bulletins for the 10 am service. They also assist with collection of the offering, communion and with cleaning the sanctuary after service. Ushers can help with seating or provide other needs such as hearing assists or large print bulletins. We like to think of our ushers as the hands and feet of Jesus. Half of the ushers

Michelle DeVaughn

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Koinonia Cooksby Mark PetersonDo you have cookbooks at home? Betty Crocker, Better Homes and Gardens and America’s Test Kitchen are the old reliables. Churches, schools and community groups produce others - usually as fundraisers. Most of us have stacks of cookbooks, yet we seem to go back to the same old tried and true recipes - because we know they work. The same is true at Koinonia.A Koinonia guest recently said, “Two things stand out about this Retreat Center – the hospitality, and the food!” That led to a conversation with Michele Capes, Koinonia’s Food Service Manager. I asked Michele what she thought about publishing a cookbook of Koinonia’s favorite recipes. She liked the idea, but we agreed that publishing a cookbook is a lot of work, and we didn’t want copies to end up gathering dust on a shelf. Instead, we decided to take advantage of technology and share a few recipes on Koinonia’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/KoinoniaRetreatCenter) and here in the Inspire. This month, Michele shares the first recipe in a series we’re calling “Koinonia Cooks.” It’s a favorite evening snack: Koinonia Caramel Corn.

Koinonia Caramel CornIngredients:8 C popped popcorn1 stick margarine (not butter)1 C brown sugar1 C light corn syrup1/2 tsp salt1 tsp vanilla3/4 tsp baking soda

Instructions: Place popped popcorn in extra large mixing bowl and set aside. Combine margarine, sugar, syrup in kettle. Bring to a boil for 4 minutes stirring continuously. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, vanilla and baking soda until soda is dissolved. It will foam! Carefully pour hot mixture over popcorn and mix until coated. Pour coated popcorn onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper, spread and let rest. It will be gooey. Once it is cooled, you’re ready to enjoy. For crunchier caramel corn, bake on cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven for an 15-20 minutes.

I’ve tried this recipe, and it works! Radical hospitality can be expressed in many ways, and one of them is food. Cook up a batch of Koinonia Caramel Corn, share it with friends – and tell them about our Retreat Center. If you can think of another favorite Koinonia treat, let me know and I’ll ask Michele for the recipe. Watch this space for other “Koinonia Cooks” delicacies in the months to come!

Legacy GivingBe Part of Our Futureby Jack FistlerWe’re always planning – from the short trip to a favorite store, a task around the house, to an upcoming vacation, or our long-term financial objectives. It’s part of human nature. Planning is a loving and responsible activity as a friend, spouse, partner, parent, or grandparent, or as a Hennepin member. Through your heartfelt planning, a part of Hennepin’s future can begin with your legacy gift. Contact Jack Fistler, Director of Legacy Giving, 612.435.1321 or jack@haumc.org to explore tax-wise opportunities for a Legacy Gift. (Note: With hints of federal tax reforms ahead, this may be an especially important time to discuss your charitable giving goals and overall financial plans with your financial advisor.)

MARCH 2017 NEWSLETTER

The InSpire is a monthly newsletter for members and friends of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. 10:00 AM, Monday, March 20 is the deadline for the April 2017 InSpire. Your articles may be emailed to spire@haumc.org or dropped off at church, attn: Ben.

Sign Up to Receive InSpire by Postal MailYou May Always Get InSpire Electronically

or Pick Up a Copy at ChurchWe encourage you to receive the newsletter electronically, or pick up at church. We are mailing only to those who request it. We will send an eNewsletter to all whose email address we have. If we don’t have yours, please contact ben@haumc.org to be added to our email list. To get the InSpire Newsletter by mail contact trinka@haumc.org or 612-871-5303.

InSPlRE†

M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R

JANUARY 2016

Add us on Snapchat and Instagram!Hennepin is trying to broaden its social media presence. Add us on Instagram and Snapchat with our username HennepinAveUMC or add us on Snapchat by taking a photo of our Snap ID on the app.

Breakfast at HennepinBreakfast from 10am until 12:30pm. Join our fun team of volunteers on Sat or Sun! Sign up at hennepinchurch.org/breakfast or in the Social Hall.

Sunday Tour Guides NeededFollowing 10am Traditional Worship ServiceTraining and a sample script are provided. Contact Lori Johnson at lori.johnsonnj@gmail.com.

Lenten Calendar 2017WEDNESDAYS IN LENTLABYRINTH PRAYER WALKS10am-9pm in the Art Gallery

Throughout March, we will offer various labyrinths for prayer. Many days will contain live music to accompany the prayer walks.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS 2.0 6:30-7:30pm in Room 203

Living the Questions 2.0 is a DVD-based, interactive study featuring prominent theologians from around the world.

You can attend one or all!

LYFE GROUP6-7:15pm in the Longfellow Room

Lenten LYFE Group will study the book, We Make the Road by Walking, by Brian McLaren as they form a community of people who study and pray together.

8:00 AMSabbath Beginnings in the Chapel

9:00 AMSunday School

8:30 AM Sacred Journey in the Art Gallery

10:00 AMTraditional Worship in the Sanctuary

WORSHlP†SUNDAY SCHEDULEHennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

511 Groveland AvenueMinneapolis, MN 55403

612-871-5303

8am Communion Service8:30am Sacred Journey

10am Traditional Worship