Upload
vukhuong
View
214
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The 11.10.0 Prayer 1
Choir Spotlight 1
March Sermon Series 2
The Pastor’s Pen 3
Blessings for Babies 4
Children’s Ministries 6
Letter from New Youth Director 7
Making Di sc ip les , T rans forming the Wor ld Issue 3
March 2017
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
T H E H E R A L D
RIVER HILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Hello’s and Goodbye’s — Part II By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC
When we shared the news last month about
the transition in staffing for the Director of
Youth Ministries, we did no realize that was
only the first chapter of change for River Hills
Church this year. We shared the following
with the congregation in a letter:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce
that Pastor Emma Melin will be retiring
effective July 1, 2017, from the staff of River
Hills UMC. … Knowing that Pastor Emma
cannot be replaced, we will soon begin the
process of discerning the next steps for River
Hills and will be sure to include the
congregation in the conversation of further
developments.” (Full content of the
congregational letter is available from the
church office.)
The statement “Knowing that Pastor Emma
cannot be replaced” raised a number of
questions. It was never intended to be read
as “will not be replaced.” It was meant as a
compliment to the ministry only Pastor
Emma could fulfill in the life of River Hills.
Her servant heart is irreplaceable. How to
move forward is the real question.
We would like to invite members of the
congregation to come together in a town hall
style forum. We will discuss the critical roles
that Pastor Emma fulfilled at River Hills and
the ministry areas we need to staff for in the
future. We will discuss the process before us
and the options we have to staff ministry at
River Hills. It will be a time of not only
dreaming about the future of the church, but
a time to consider the practical implications
of the decision at hand.
Please join us for one of the following
Future Staffing Forums to engage in the
conversation:
Tuesday, March 7, 11:30 a.m., Sanctuary
Tuesday, March 7, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m., Bosshardt Room
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m., Sanctuary
In February, we prayed
together at 11:10.0 the
following Winter Prayer:
Thank you for the fertile and
frozen ground in my life.
Help me to do my part to
prepare my life and our
church for the promise of
something new. May our soil
be rich with love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control,
so that we might break
through the frozen places for
all those You call us to love.
Amen.
On March 1, we begin Lent.
The word origin comes from
the Anglo-Saxon word
lencten, which means
“spring.” Would you join
other members of River Hills
each day at 11:10.0 a.m.
or p.m. or both to pray for a
season of Spring at RHUMC?
Spring is a time when life
returns. Winter gives way. It
has done its work, but there
is more to life than Winter.
What was once frozen begins
to show signs of life and
growth. Spring is a reminder
of hope. Pray with us:
Thank you for new
beginnings. Help me to
surrender the barren and
lifeless places in my life and
in our church so the promise
of new life may break
through. You will Spring
forth. Prepare the soil of my
life and my church to receive
the seeds of faith so they
may grow to offer fruits of
hope, love, peace, and joy to
our community. Amen.
We will have special
gatherings every Wednesday
Lent — The 11:10.0 Prayer Continues By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC
Continued on page 1
(Continued from Front Cover)
night during Lent. Each night will focus on the commitments
we make to our community every time we celebrate a
baptism, new members, or confirmation. These are
sacramental commitments we make to show our love for the
community. Set aside these dates as we grow with
anticipation how God will break through in our lives.
Wednesday, March 1 -- Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 8 -- Prayers
Wednesday, March 15 -- Presence
Wednesday, March 22 -- Gifts
Wednesday, March 29 -- Service
Wednesday, April 5 -- Witness
Lent — The 11:10.0 Prayer Continues By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC
Choir Spotlight on … Jim May By Cathleen Harris, RHUMC Organist
When the summer sun begins
to shine, you may notice a
motorcycle parked in the
River Hills parking lot. Who is
the “rebel” who comes to
worship on such a machine,
you may ask? It is none other
than Jim May.
Jim was born in Janesville,
Wisconsin. He graduated
from high school in Albert
Lea, Minn., and earned his
degree in Psychology from
the University of Minnesota.
He currently works as a
consultant for Metaplexity
Associates, Inc. More
specifically, he is a TOGAF-
certified Enterprise Architect,
certified in the Factor
Analysis of Information Risk.
He is also an instructor for
TOGAF certification and FAIR
certification.
Jim became interested in
music at an early age. “As a
kid, I took guitar lessons for a
month or so,” he said. “The
instructor insisted on
teaching notation and the
instrument at the same time.
I insisted on not practicing. It
didn’t last very long. In junior
high, I played a wicked cello
in the orchestra. I was second
chair and was slowly closing
in on first chair when I got
kicked out for hiding the
director’s music while he was
off taking a phone call during
class … again. He told my
parents I wasn’t any good at
the cello and should probably
give it up. As an adult, I
started taking guitar lessons
again. This time, I had some
good instructors and learned
a little guitar over the years.
These days, I play the guitar
at home. I own a small mix of
electric and acoustic guitars
that I play when I can find
time. My favorite is the
12-string. No matter what
chord you play, at least one of
the notes will be right.”
When did Jim join RHUMC?
He replied, “I don’t
remember, but I do recall
dinosaurs still being around
at that time.” Jim joined the
Chancel Choir around the
year 2000 (A.D.) when
Spencer was the choir
director. Jim was recruited by
John Petran, who cornered
him one Wednesday evening,
telling him that he should join
the choir. “I went through all
the excuses: You’re kidding/
I’ve never sung in public/I
don’t read music/You don’t
have a robe my size. None of
them worked. Until that day, I
had only sung in the
bathroom while my kid was in
the tub. Since then, River
Hills is still the only place I’ve
ever sung in public.” Jim has
been chained to his chair in
the bass section for years.
However, he feels he is
becoming more like a tenor,
as his note-reading
experience grows. “They get
all the tricky stuff.”
Jim has been married to Julie
May — “she’s the likeable,
shy one” — for over 25 years.
Julie is a teacher in the River
Hills Early Childhood Center.
Their daughter, Bailey, is a
manager at Noodles in Apple
Valley. They have one dog,
Olie, who is “lazy, sleeps all
day, and won’t get a job – we
don’t know what to do with
him!”
Some of Jim’s interests
include cooking, outdoor
activities, construction
projects, working at Habitat
for Humanity, fishing, golfing,
and travel. This year Jim is on
a committee at River Hills,
working on the digital identity
of the church.
Jim enjoys listening to almost
anything except rap music.
One of his favorite songs is
“Western Swing” performed
by Bob Wills or Asleep at The
Wheel. Favorite hymns
include “It is No Secret,”
“Because He Lives,” “Through
it All,” and “In the Garden.”
Jim’s favorite part of singing
with the Chancel Choir is
when he gets to sing solos!
When asked if he has any
deep thoughts to share, Jim
replied, “Learn to say yes to
things that scare you; things
usually work out better than
you expect.”
Photo Courtesy of
Twin Cities Aesthetic
Jim and Julie May
Sunday, April 9 -- Palm Sunday
Thursday, April 13 -- Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 14 -- Good Friday
Sunday, April 16 -- Easter
P R A I S E & PR AY E R S
Page 3 Issue 3
Prayer requests are accepted in the church office at any time, 952-890-2515. Or e-mail Carrie
Wilkens, Office Communications Coordinator, at [email protected] or through our website,
riverhillsumc.org. Please let us know if your prayer is to remain confidential or is to be shared on
this page of the monthly newsletter and also in the announcements in the weekly bulletin.
Prayers Requested for:
Church Family: Sandy Thibos; Lee Covart; Jay Dee Yearous; Bonnie Covart; Kaitlynn Feuk; Sue
Hawes; Carol Walker; Mac McInroy; Carl & Joy Potter; Dick Branden; Connie Anton; Bob Leaf; Wayne
Baugh; Sandra Shill; Jerry Kelly.
Friends and Family: Mark Solberg, brother of Vonda Miller; Elaine Lidke; Mary Doyle, friend of Scott McGuire; Neil Arneberg and family,
friends of Beth Davis; Diane Kaluzne, friend of Julie Howe; Jerry Cerny, brother of Kim Christianson; Golda, friend of Scott McGuire; Scott
Peterson, friend of Georgia Cirksena; Sean, friend of Aaron Raschke; John Goz, friend of Marty Appleby; Paul Fread, son of Marge Fread;
Kathy, daughter of Marge Fread; Julie, friend of Marge Fread; Jackie Smith, friend of Rosalind, Georgia & Randy Cirksena; Gary Drewianka,
partner of Sylvia Peterson; Jim & Rita Demers, friends of Jim & Mona Ervin; Joan, cousin of Ginny Heitkamp; Clayton McDougal, father of
Chris McDougal; Janice Buvala, mother of Sara Vander Lugt; Clyde Johnson, father of Amy Pearson; Cory Branden, son of Billie & Dick
Branden; Steve Jones, son of Mike & Sue Althoff; Faith Williams, sister of Marv Williams; Kenneth & Vivian Fread, family of Marge
Fread; Norma Blackman, mother of Brenda Barta; Mike Metz, friend of Mary Davis; Helen, aunt of Jean Bornholdt; Linda Banks, friend
of Everett Goodridge; Sharon Woodward, daughter of Dave & Donna Sundheimer; Charlotte Umezu; John & Grace Feuk, parents of Eric
Feuk; Bishop Bruce Ough; Missionaries Kristen Brown (Israel/Palestine the Middle East) and Nancy Robinson (Sierra Leone, Africa);
Cynthia Williams, River Valley District Superintendent.
PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY
For the family of Jean Shaw, a former member of RHUMC who recently passed away. Jean had been living in memory care the latter
part of her life. Her funeral was held on Jan. 29 at White Funeral Home in Burnsville.
For Dori Warren, whose brother passed away on Feb. 7.
For Jane Mayne, whose mother recently passed away.
For the family of Lillian Shattuck, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 11. Lillian has been a member of River Hills UMC since May
2000. A Celebration of Life service was held at River Hills on Saturday, Feb. 18.
PRAYER OF JOY
For Jon and Kim Engstrom on the birth of their grandson, Zachary Christopher Rudie, born on Feb. 23 at 11:59 a.m. Proud parents are
Chris and Stephanie Rudie.
PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
From the sermon to the delicious dessert to the music to all who loved Dad and gave loving support to us. Thank you! Thank you!
— Julie, Vicki and Dave (family of Andy Anderson)
PRAYER FOR A NEW BEGINNING
For The Well, a United Methodist Church (formerly Rosemount UMC) that began a new Sunday Worship Service at Carmike Movie
Theater in Apple Valley on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
March Sermon Series By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC
Wednesday, March 1 — Ash Wednesday — “The Price of Abundant Life” (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
Sunday, March 5 — 1st Sunday of Lent — “The Price of Temptation” (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11)
Wednesday, March 8 — Lenten Service — “Take Time to be in Prayer”
Sunday, March 12 — 2nd Sunday of Lent — “The Price of Privilege” (Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17)
Wednesday, March 15 — Lenten Service — “Take Time to Share Presence”
Sunday, March 19 — 3rd Sunday of Lent — “The Price of Asking for Help” (Exodus 17:1-7; John 4:5-42)
Wednesday, March 22 — Lenten Service — “Take Time to Give Your Gifts”
Sunday, March 26 — 4th Sunday of Lent — “The Price of Sin” (1 Samuel 6:1-13; John 9:1-41)
Wednesday, March 29 — Lenten Service — “Take Time to be in Service”
The Herald Page 4
Rev. Robert Braudt
The Pastor’s Pen By Rev. Robert Braudt
Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC
Ash Wednesday is one of my
favorite days in one of my
favorite seasons. Ash
Wednesday and Lent keep it
real. It’s not about
impressing anyone. It’s not
about building influence or
gaining power. It’s not about
letting your voice be heard.
It’s not about winners or
losers. It’s not about
success or failure. While I’m
tempted to use the
metaphor of the “rubber
hitting the road,” I think it’s
more about getting our feet
dirty.
Our model for Lent is Jesus
going into the wilderness,
after he was baptized,
before he began his
ministry. He had to get out of
town, away from any
remnant of a social network.
He knew something that we
too often forget when we are
overwhelmed with the world
around us. When it is just
you and the wilderness, it is
When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
real. No one to lean on. No
one to help you out. No one
to impress. No one to keep
you accountable. No one to
blame. To go into the
wilderness, you walk away
from all of the things you
built, the things you often
use to measure the value of
your life, your privilege or
your entitlement, and spend
time listening to no one
else. No media. No politics.
No spin. No claim to
anything. You either have
what it takes to make it or
you don’t. You may be
surprised by the challenges
you face successfully and
humbled by the ones that
get you down. In either
case, it is real. And when
you face the real, you can
no longer face the reality of
your neighbor without
understanding.
I remember one of my first
Ash Wednesdays in
ministry. It was only days
before a truck bomb
exploded in the under-
ground parking ramp at the
World Trade Centers. I
remember watching on TV
as people streamed out of
the building covered in soot.
People pointed fingers and
others jumped in to take
credit. When I saw the ash
on their face, I did not see
an act of a terrorist, but a
reminder that we live in a
fallen world. It’s real. It’s
how we face that reality that
will matter. Will we become
wild in the wilderness,
tempted to take the power,
or will faith lead us through
the temptations and
challenges that we will
inevitably face?
I invite you on the journey of
Lent. Let’s keep it real.
5 2 - W E E K B I B L E R E A D I N G P L A N !
Epistles The Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Gospels
Week of Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
2/26 1 Corinth 3-4 Genesis 36-39 Ruth Psalm 27-29 Job 19-20 Isaiah 51-55 Matt 26-28
3/5 1 Corinth 5-6 Genesis 40-43 1 Samuel 1-5 Psalm 30-32 Job 21-22 Isaiah 56-61 Mark 1-2
3/12 1 Corinth 7-8 Genesis 44-47 1 Samuel 6-10 Psalm 33-35 Job 23-24 Isaiah 62-66 Mark 3-4
3/19 1 Corinth 9-10 Genesis 48-50 1 Samuel 11-15 Psalm 36-38 Job 25-26 Jeremiah 1-6 Mark 5-6
3/26 1 Corinth 11-12 Exodus 1-4 1 Samuel 16-20 Psalm 39-41 Job 27-28 Jeremiah 7-11 Mark 7-8
4/2 1 Corinth 13-14 Exodus 5-8 1 Samuel 21-25 Psalm 42-44 Job 29-30 Jeremiah 12-16 Mark 9-10
4/9 1 Corinth 15-16 Exodus 9-12 1 Samuel 26-31 Psalm 45-47 Job 31-32 Jeremiah 17-21 Mark 11-12
Page 5 Issue 3
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The men of the church
meet for a prayer breakfast
at Baker’s Square, 15200
Cedar Avenue, Apple Valley.
We always meet at 8 a.m.
on the fourth Tuesday of
the month. Come join us for
food, fellowship, and
sharing our faith journeys.
We hope to see you there!
Online Giving Option
RHUMC offers online giving.
Visit www.riverhillsumc.org,
click on the donate button
on the homepage, and
follow the step-by-step
directions. It’s secure,
convenient and flexible.
Sunday Sermons
Available Online
Did you miss a service or
just want to watch a
sermon again? Check out
prior Sunday sermons at
riverhillsumc.org.
Food Shelf Collection
River Hills UMC collects food
for 360 Communities food
shelf the first Sunday of
every month. Donations can
be left in the east entrance
any time.
Please Donate General
Mills Box Tops,
Campbell’s UPC Codes
The Mission Committee has
an ongoing collection for
General Mills Box Tops,
which we send to Red Bird
Mission in Beverly, Kentucky,
and Campbell’s UPC codes,
which we send to McCurdy
Ministries in Espanola, New
Mexico. These are projects of
the United Methodist Church
in the United States. The
collection box is in the
Mission Center by the east
entrance. There is a list of
participating products on the
Mission bulletin board.
Blessings for Babies!
Donate baby formula, diapers and wipes
to help the tiniest guests at our local food shelves!
This March, River Hills UMC is partnering again with MN
FoodShare and 360 Communities to bring “Blessings for
Babies” to our local food shelves who badly need baby
formula, diapers and wipes. They especially need formula for
babies with sensitive tummies! Throughout the month of
March, we will be collecting donations of these items as well
as monetary donations in support of MN FoodShare.
Join us for a special Missions Moment on Sunday,
March 12, when Sue Lewis, the volunteer coordinator from
360 Communities, will share how our donations impact the
five local food shelves they serve. We will also collect a
special offering in support of their work. Please help us bring
blessings to our tiniest neighbors!
For further information, please contact Barb Skochil, 612-
492-9384 or [email protected].
12th National Gathering of UM Men
This year’s gathering of United Methodist Men will be
held July 7-8 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in
Indianapolis, IN. Our theme will be Discipleship – The
Contact Sport.
Guest speakers include Bishops Jonathan Holston and
James Swanson, as well as Dr. Kevin Watson (author of The
Class Meeting) and Shan Foster (director of MEND – Ending
Violence–Mending Communities).
Attendees will be able to choose from 19 workshops to learn
new techniques for making men into growing disciples of
Jesus Christ and 3 mission outreach projects hosted by our
ministry partners.
For all registration questions, please email Martha Davis,
Depression Support Coalition to Offer Spring Speaker Series
Everyone is welcome to attend the spring speaker series
offered by the Depression Support Coalition. The series
meets once a month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Richard’s
Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Ave. So., Richfield, MN 55423.
For more information, please contact Jolaine Liupakka,
Director of Pastoral Care, 612-869-2426 or
March 14 — “ADHD in Youth” Presented by Josh Stein, MD
This group will also meet April 11, May 9, and June 13.
Fundraising Notice
Groups or individuals wishing to do fundraising activities in
the church/congregation should submit requests at least
two weeks in advance to the Finance Committee of the
church. The rationale for this policy is to limit the number of
simultaneous fundraiser activities.
Blessings for Babies!
Donate baby
formula, diapers
and wipes
to help the tiniest
guests at our local
food shelves!
(See story on this page.)
Page 6 The Herald
Everyone is Invited to Enjoy a Good Meal at RHUMCafe
March 1 – ASH WEDNESDAY – Turkey Feast
March 8 – Pulled Chicken and Pulled Pork
March 15 – St. Patty’s Day Corned Beef and Vegetables!
Guaranteed Best Corned Beef you’ve ever tasted!
March 22 – Creamed Chicken & Veggies over Biscuits
March 29 – Sloppy Joes
In addition to our featured menu items, we also have fixings for Sandwiches, Salad Bar,
Applesauce, Desserts, and a choice of Milk, Juice, or Water to drink. We do our very best to
offer gluten-free options and we try to meet dietary restrictions if we know about them.
Bring a friend! We serve dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, in Fellowship Hall.
RHUMC Care Giving Support Group
The next meeting of the Care Giving Support Group is March 6. We meet the first Monday of
each month at 7 p.m. in the Bosshardt Room. This support group is for anyone in the midst
of care giving for a family member or friend. If you have questions, please contact Allen
Moore, 651-238-0634, or Pastor Emma Melin, 952-890-2515, ext. 205.
Everyone Invited to Upcoming Book Club Discussions
Every other month, this group meets from 6 to 7:15 p.m. the first Wednesday in the library
to discuss a book selected by the group. Facilitators are Becky Cook and Pastor Emma Melin.
Upcoming Book Club Reads:
April 5 — “Half Broke Horses” by Jeannette Walls. This is the endearing tale of Lily Casey
Smith, born into poverty in the early 1900s frontier of West Texas. At age 15, she sets off
across the desert to teach children in Arizona. Racing horses, flash floods, tornadoes, and
playing poker are just some of the adventures that will stick with you from this true story
based on Walls’s grandmother.
June 7 — “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse
at a Connecticut hospital. While doing a routine checkup on a newborn, she is suddenly
reassigned. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African
American, to touch their child. However, the next day the baby goes into cardiac distress
while Ruth is alone in the nursery. What happens next???
Sunday Morning Adult Education Information
You are welcome to join these educational opportunities for adults on Sunday mornings from 10:05 to 11 a.m. between
worship services.
Faith on Film. Open to anyone. Meets in the Annex (room off of the Bosshardt Room where Sunday morning coffee is held). The
class discusses a variety of topics by watching and discussing movies and documentaries. RHUMC member Jonathan Ozanne,
a lawyer who has taught adult Sunday School classes for years, facilitates this class.
Pastor’s Study. Open to anyone. Meets in Pastor Robert’s office. Discussion focuses on a book and chapter in the Bible each
week. There is always room around the table to drop in. This class is facilitated by Joe Dedeaux.
Sisters Class. On March 5, we will begin our new study, “Easter from the Back Side.” We welcome all ladies interested in a
small group study. Meets in the library from 10:05 to 10:55 a.m. For questions, call Pixie Gruman, 952-432-1170.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study Class Begins New Book on Feb. 28
“Creed, What Christians Believe and Why”, written by Adam Hamilton, is our new study material. We meet from 10 to 11 a.m.
on Tuesdays in the Bosshardt Room. Books and a sign-up are on the kiosk in the lobby. You may also sign up through the
church website. Suggested book donation is $13. Contact Pastor Emma Melin if you have questions, 952-890-2515,
ext. 205 or [email protected]. All are welcome.
Page 7 Issue 3
Children’s
Ministries
Save the Date!
Vacation Bible School
June 26 - 30
Join us from 9 a.m. to
Noon at River Hills Church!
Eco Kids Day Camp
July 10 - 13,
Monday through Thursday
This camp is for current
3rd - 8th graders.
Hop on over
to church and
paint a bunny!
Take home a cute 12"x12"
stretched canvas Easter
decoration!
Class held in room 109.
Led by Melissa Miller.
(8 spaces available)
For grades 3 and up.
Date: Saturday, March 25
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $5.00 (Make checks
payable to RHUMC.)
Sign up using this link: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E044FAEA62DA20-paint
Music, Arts & Drama Camp at Advent UMC
Calling all students entering Grades 3 - 8 in fall 2017! Advent United Methodist Church in
Eagan invites you to participate in MAD Camp (Music, Arts, & Drama) Aug. 13 - 18.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the story of Moses never existed? Or if Moses
was raised by an evil villain and never received his calling from God? Join us for MAD Camp
to find out the answers to these questions and more!
This year’s MAD Camp will present a full-length musical called Moses Exodus, script by Eve
Burdick, lyrics and editing by Ariel Johnson, and music by Alec Lorio. With a full-length
musical planned, an improved tech schedule, and a superhero-themed curriculum, this camp
is sure to be MAD! Campers will be able to choose their electives once they are registered.
Cast auditions and registration deadline are April 9. Auditions for those wishing to participate
in the cast will be held after service starting at 11 a.m. This date is also the registration
deadline for anyone wishing to act in the musical. Tech registration deadline is July 1. This
registration is for anyone wishing to participate in the technical aspects of the show.
There will be two performances — 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18, and 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 20. Cast
members are also invited to sing on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Advent Cares locations.
Volunteer staff with creative skills are needed. Senior high and college age students are
encouraged to share their talents with our campers. For questions or to volunteer, contact
Pastor Cindy, [email protected], or Ariel Johnson, [email protected].
Who: Students entering Grades 3 - 8 (Fall 2017)
When: Sunday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (lunch provided)
Monday - Friday, Aug. 14 - 18, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Before Care at 8 a.m. is $5/day
Performances: 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18, and 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Advent United Methodist Church, 3945 Lexington Avenue South, Eagan
Cost: $75 per student for actors and technicians
Register and pay online at www.advent-umc.com.
The Herald Page 8
“Blessed by the Water” will be the theme for
Arts Sunday. Do you have something that you
would like to share that might contribute to our
understanding of the theme? All mediums are
welcome — performing art, visual art, literary
art, or even culinary art! Get your creative
waters flowing! Encourage one another and
let’s make this another wonderful weekend of
worship at River Hills Church!
Arts Sunday
April 23
MCCI Weekend to be May 5 to 7
Beginning last spring, River Hills began a process called MCCI, Missional Church Consultation
Initiative. Throughout this past year, Pastor Robert attended monthly gatherings with six
churches that were chosen by the Annual Conference for this journey. The process included
leadership training in many key components for effective church leadership. Additional group
training was provided on Break-through Prayer Initiatives and new ways to look at
stewardship. All of this, and more, is in preparation for our MCCI weekend.
In short, our MCCI weekend will be an opportunity for everyone to share their insights and
dreams about being a more vital congregation in our community. Outside consultants will use
this time of sharing as well as input from a self-study and feedback from worshipping guests
to give us some prescriptions for our church to consider. Those prescriptions will be
presented on Sunday morning, May 7, in a combined worship experience at 10 a.m. As a
congregation, we will have 30 days to meet in forums and pray through whether or not we
are ready to embrace these prescriptions. If we decide to proceed, we will be given additional
support of outside experts to help us in the process of realizing these plans. More
information will be forthcoming, but for now, put these dates in your calendar for this
critically important event.
A Letter from Emma Marais, New Director of Youth Ministries
Hello RHUMC Community! Thank you for an amazing and warm welcome. I am so excited
for this new season of life. The youth of this church are wonderful, and it is such a joy to
get to know them and the rest of the congregation. When I tell people about my new job,
I get caught in this moment of disbelief. I get to hang out with middle and high school
students and teach them about what I love most: Jesus. I can’t imagine a better job.
The other coolest part about this job is the people I get to work with. I knew as soon as
Pastor Robert and I talked that I wanted to work with him. I have also had the pleasure
of working with Kasey Johnson, who has provided me with incredible support throughout
this transition. All of the other staff members have been so helpful, warm, and overall
fun to be around. I feel blessed to get the opportunity to work with them.
As adults, we have a huge responsibility to support the youth in our lives. It is not only a
responsibility, it is a privilege. I know it’s cliché, but our youth really are the future. We
are part of this great community that allows us to play a part in the lives of people of all
ages. We all have a lot to learn from each other. Trust me, I’ve already learned things
from the youth (apparently you have a “score” on Snapchat?) and I cannot wait to learn
even more. I invite you to join me in supporting and learning from the youth of this
church.
If you are interested in getting involved or just want to say hello, please feel free to drop
by my office (I’m in Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) or send me an email at
[email protected]. I can’t wait to get to know you!
Blessings,
Emma Marais
River Hills
United Methodist Church
11100 River Hills Drive
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
Phone: 952-890-2515
Fax: 952-890-4536
E-mail: [email protected]
Lead Pastor Rev. Robert Braudt
Deacon of Confirmation & Nurture Ministries
Rev. Emma Melin
Director of Children’s Ministries Melissa Miller
Director of Youth Ministries Emma Marais
Administrative Assistant Denise Poetter
Office Communications Coordinator Carrie Wilkens
Director of Arts & Innovative Worship Pat Hammond
Directors of Praise Team Dan & Stacy Julson
Chancel Choir Director/
Music Coordinator Dr. Jong-Won Park
Organist Cathleen Harris
Director of Bell Choirs Marilyn Pyle
Sunday Nursery Coordinator Cary Suriono
The Herald Newsletter Editor Lori Bergsten
Early Childhood Center Director Melissa Hansen www.riverhillsumc.org
A T T E N DA N C E
March 15 is the deadline for the April issue
of The Herald. We appreciate your contribu-
tions. Please submit your news in The Herald
newsletter box in the church office or send
to [email protected]. If you have any
questions, please contact Lori Bergsten,
newsletter editor, 952-808-1239.
H E R A L D D E A D L I N E
R I V ER H I LL S CH U RCH STAF F
F I N A N C E C O M M I T T E E U P DA T E
Page 9 Issue 3
Sunday Worship Hours
Traditional 9 a.m.
Worship
Education Hour 10:05 a.m.
for All Ages
Contemporary 11:05 a.m.
Worship with
Praise Team
Nursery care is available
during both services.
www.facebook.com/
RiverHillsUMC
Making Disciples,
Transforming the World
P R O F E S S I O N A L P H O T O S River Hills UMC has retained Twin Cities Aesthetic
to take professional photos of our church events
for use in our publications. View and purchase
individual photos at http://order.tcaesthetic.com/
RHUMC. Do you need photographic services? Twin
Cities Aesthetic offers member discounts. Referral
credits benefit River Hills UMC. For booking, visit
www.tcaesthetic.com or call 952-240-7393.
Sunday 2016 2017
1 133 + 96 = 229 One Combined Service 117
2 130 + 103 = 233 158 + 103 = 261
3 134 + 72 = 206 236 + 214 = 450
4 146 + 102 = 248 185 + 117 = 302
5 146 + 122 + 108 + 114 = 222
Ash Wednesday 106 = 374
Year-to-Date Total 1,290 1,352
Year-to-Date Weekly Average 258 270
Women’s Circle Fellowship Naomi Circle. Come join us at 9 a.m., Friday,
March 10. We meet on the second Friday of
each month in Room 109 (the 4th and 5th grade
Sunday School room). This year our focus is on
supporting the River Hills Children’s Ministry
programs as we spend time each month helping
Melissa Miller, Director of Children’s Ministries,
complete some of the prep work for upcoming
projects. Please come join in fellowship and
service whenever your schedule is free on the
second Friday of the month!
Norma Circle. Sewers are invited to join us
anytime from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday,
March 11. Our mission is to provide hats,
scarves, mittens, and sewn other items to those
in need. Participants can come with or without
sewing skills — just a heart to help those in
need. We work in project areas that include
making pom-poms, flowers, crochet chains,
cutting/sewing fleece scarves, knitting, knitting
machines, crochet, winding balls of yarn, or
helping to make hat packs for distribution. If you
have yarn, fleece, or thread to donate, please
leave in the Norma’s Circle Donation Bin in the
east entrance. We meet the second Saturday of
each month.
M E M O R I A L S
A gift to the Stain Glass Window Fund was
given to the church in honor of Marilyn Pyle
by Bell Choirs in 2003. If you are
interested in presenting a gift to the
church in memory of or in honor of a loved
one or a friend, please contact:
Don DeGenaro, Chair of Memorial
Committee, 651-688-9983
Monthly Report to the Congregation
For the Period Ending Jan. 31, 2017
Church Operating Budget*
Monthly Year to Date
Budgeted Income $63,411 $63,411
Actual Collected $64,404 $64,404
Over (Short) $993 $993
*Does not include Early Childhood Center.
Interested in additional information about River Hills UMC
finances? Financial statements can be requested from the
church office. Additional questions can be directed to any
member of the Finance Committee.
River Hills UMC
11100 River Hills Dr.
Burnsville, MN 55337
www.riverhillsumc.org
www.riverhillsumc.org
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
www.facebook.com/
RiverHillsUMC
Sunday Worship Hours
Traditional Worship 9 a.m.
Education Hour 10:05 a.m.
for All Ages
Contemporary 11:05 a.m.
Worship with
JAM Club Decorates Valentine Cards,
Delivers to Residents of The Rivers
Our February service project involved making Valentine cards and decorations,
then delivering them to our friends at The Rivers. In March, we will be collecting
fleece and making blankets to donate. Watch for announcements on ways you
can help us out! JAM Club meets Wednesday evenings from 6:24-7:30 for
children in grades K-5.