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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
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