The Pastor Shares

Soon we will be embarking on a Lenten journey! Did you know? Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means “spring.” Lent a season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) that begins with Ash Wednesday. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. The imposition of ashes can be a powerful way of experiencing and participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation.

Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Some Christians choose to “give up” something or make a special sacrifice during the days of lent. They may fast for a meal a week and give the money they would have spent to “Feed My Starving Children” or the food shelf to feed hungry people. Others choose to take a positive action, like involving themselves in a peace or justice ministry.

Your Lenten journey will be enhanced and blessed by the Wednesday services and fellowship of the Eastside Churches. May this Lenten season bless you with a greater faith and the peace of Christ!

Pastor Chip

Arlington Hills UMC will host the Ash Wednesday services for the Eastside community churches at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Our regular Wednesday night meal will be served. Youth and adult groups are invited to attend. The service will include the imposition of ashes. The preaching pastor will be Rev. Nancy Swanson from Hazel Park United Church Christ.
Once again we are participating with the Eastside community churches during Lent the schedule for 2007 is included on the pink calendar page. All services will be, unless otherwise noted at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Soup and bread will be served at the host church for all services with one exception on Good Friday.

We will be taking an offering and the monies will be sent to Merrick Community Food Shelf.

The theme this Lenten season is
“The Season of Hope and Renewal”.

EDUCATION NEWS

SUNDAY SCHOOL

MISSION PROJECT

We will be assembling sandwiches during Sunday school time on February 18th. The sandwiches will be dropped off at the Simpson Shelter. Simpson Shelter supplies the basic necessities of food, shelter, and safety with the ultimate aim is to instill a sense of dignity and self-respect in those who come through the door. These homeless are taking active steps to become self-sufficient. This is an important outreach of Simpson United Methodist Church. If you would like to help, please sign up on the Sign-up Sheet.

All the classes will work together in an assembly line buttering, making and packaging the sandwiches. We usually make about eighteen loaves of sandwiches – LOTS of sandwiches! We have a great time and the children know they are doing something that is useful and important.

Sunday School

“Journey to the Cross”

On Sunday, February 25th, the Sunday School begins a unit on the last days of Jesus called Journey to the Cross. We will be recruiting for teachers for this rotation soon. If you would like to teach, please talk with Maxine and watch for the yellow sign-up sheet.

LIVING OUT LOUD!

There will be NO Wednesday programming on Wednesday, February 21st – Ash Wednesday. There will be a soup supper followed by a worship service in the Sanctuary.

We will be one of the churches participating with the Eastside Community Churches during Lent.

Care packages

We are partnering with Hamline United Methodist Church to send a BIG Care Package to Amy Houde. Amy is the daughter of our custodian Ron and Jill Houde (she has also worked to clean our church). Amy has been stationed in Iraq and was just informed that her tour of duty has been extended. We are all hoping to lift her spirits and help her feel connected and cared for by the people back home. The needs are small, when added up along with the feelings that go with them, we become huge.

Some of the items Amy has asked mom and dad for are: deodorant, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, Loofa’s (they work best to remove sand from their bodies), Beef Jerky (her favorite), toothpaste and brushes, or money to purchase some needed items. You can find a complete list of items at the Welcome Center. Items at the box located at the Welcome Center. We hope to get it sent by the end of February to show Amy our love and concern.

VALENTINE DINNER
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Our youth are creating a magical evening for singles and couples in honor of Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 10th at 6:00 p.m.

There will be fabulous food, wonderful music, dancing, and exceptional service from our youth. Cost of the dinner is $17. The proceeds from this event benefit the mission trips this summer.

The registration deadline is February 4th, questions call the church office (651.776.1547).

SUNDAY BOOK GROUP

Our February meeting will be Sunday, February 11 at 9;00 a.m. we will discuss The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon. Our March meeting will be March 18 and we will discuss, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. On April 22nd we will be discuss, The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. We welcome you to join us!

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SUMMER TIME
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
We have not had a church run Bible School for a number of years. We are considering a Bible School this summer – we would need a number of volunteers to help. The ratio of helpers (adults & youth) to children usually comes out at one volunteer for every three to four children.

If we have people willing to help with the VBS, we could have one this summer. If you are interested please, sign up on the yellow Sign Up Sheet. Depending on interest, we could organize a Bible School this summer. For more questions, please talk to Maxine in the church office.

MOMS IN TOUCH

A Moms in Touch group meets at Arlington Hills. Please plan to join Moms in Touch in the Chapel on Wednesdays, at 1:30 p.m. Please invite a friend and come prepared to share one-way God has blessed you! For more information, call Elaine (651.483.3002).

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

We are starting the study of Acts. The Tuesday Morning Bible Study, led by Pastor Chip, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. This is wonderful time of studying God’s Word, prayer and fellowship. If you can arrange your schedule to join us for this study, it will enrich your spiritual life. Please join us.

WALKERS AT MAPLEWOOD (WAM)

If you want to get in some good exercise and share in fellowship with others in our church family, plan now to be a “Wammer” – a “Walker at Maplewood.” We meet Wednesday mornings at the Maplewood Mall. Coffee and fellowship is in the Food Court at 8:45 a.m. with walking before or after. It’s a great way to stay healthy!

2007 FLOWER CALENDAR

A reminder, our 2007 Flower Chart is up in the Narthex and ready for you to sign-up to give flowers for our Sunday morning worship services. Flowers may be given for special occasions, to celebrate a birthday, wedding, baptism, or in memory of loved ones.

Sign-up now so you are able to select that special date. Order forms with all the information are at the bottom of the flower chart. If you have any questions, please call Helen Merkle (651.484.3170).

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I want to say thank you for all the cards and expressions of sympathy my family and I received when my mother passed away. Your thoughfulness and caring have helped us through a very difficult time.

Jan and Tim Petersen

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Thank you so much for all the telephone calls and cards offering kind words of encouragement after my recent surgery.

Cy Roy

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Thank you for the holiday fruit basket, my daughter and I enjoyed it. There are a lot of God’s workers making things go well at Arlington Hills. The feeling I got being in Rebekah Circle made me know that I was among friends. It was great! Friends are a great blessing and I than you for that! God’s blessings on you,

Ruth Rose

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We appreciate so very much the prayers, visits, phone calls, cards, gifts treats, and most recently the lovely prayer shawl received since John’s illness.

Each gift has brought a bit of sunshine during these troublind days. We deeply moved by your kindness and generosity.

Nancy and John Gorman

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UMW Circling Meetings
HANNAH - Members of Hannah Circle will be meeting on Saturday, February 3rd at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Laurie Mickelson (651) 777.6416 if you have questions.

LYDIA – Wednesday, February 7th at 12:30 at church in the Fireside Room. Call JoAnne Dansdill (651) 774.7121 with any questions.

NAOMI – We will meet on Thursday, February 1st at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Ann Thompson, 3033 Highpoint Curve, Roseville. Tele. 483.4899. We look forward to seeing.

REBEKAH – We will meet on Thursday, February 1st, 9:30 a.m. at the church in Fireside Room. Please call Susan Surine with any questions (651) 774.2224

UMW Winter Brunch

Saturday, February 24

9:30 a.m.

This will be a very special morning. After a light brunch, we will enjoy the program, Gloryland – A Journey through African-American History, presented by Candy Pettiford. Through drama and music, Candy will introduce us to many different characters and stories that make up Gloryland. Sign-up at the Welcome Center. The cost is $5. We encourage all women of the church to join us – and – bring a friend to this wonderful program!

BLB’s (Breakfast/Lunch/Bunch) Fellowship Group

Take the “blues” out of winter and join us for a fun time!! We are a “social group” ages range from older than the first “boomers” 60+. We will meet for breakfast on Saturday, February 10th, at 9:00 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, County Road D and White Bear Avenue (kitty corner from Maplewood Mall). Please sign-up at the Welcome Center. Everyone is welcome!

JOYS & CONCERNS

Please remember those who have recently been hospitalized or are in care centers or continuing with medical care: John Gorman, Jerry Leland, Bonnie Ahrens, Don Lay, Gary Hunt

Sympathy to Alan and Nancy Smiley upon the death of Alan’s mother in Florida.

Sympathy to Betty Passer upon the death of her sister Theresa in Colorado.

Congratulations to Bob and Gail Lowery upon the birth of Ayden on January 10th..

SUNSHINE PRESCHOOL

Sunshine Preschool is a non-profit, non-discriminating, neighborhood preschool offering multi-age classes for 3,4, and 5 year olds. Classes are offered three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or two-day a week on Tuesday and Thursday. Our classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

We offer an accredited program and a state licensed facility with an experienced, professional staff. Our state licensed teachers and our staff members continually update, refine and acquire new skills through ongoing staff development and continuing education opportunities.

Classes are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Rates are $120 per month for the 3-day and $95 for the 2-day. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $45 per application. Children must be three years old by August 31, 2007.

Please call Jan Frankenberg (651.776.1547) for registration material. Also, please feel free to contact us to schedule a time to visit our wonderful classrooms, view the gymnasium and see our preschoolers in action.

MINISTRY TEAM

Ministers – All members of the congregation.

Pastor – Rev. Carl “Chip” Nielsen III

Director of Shared Ministries/Education – Maxine Wallen

Director of Music & Organist – Leah Harding

Choir Director – Luana Mitchell

Youth Ministry Leader – Susan Finn

Administrative Assistant – Jan Frankenberg

Wednesday Chef – Sandy Nentwig

Sunshine Preschool Teachers –Elaine Gregory, Kathie Winters

Mary Youngstrom, JoAnne Dansill

Custodian – Ron Houde

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Gen Schnaith

3003 Hazelwood St. #309

Maplewood MN 55109

PH (651.256.8791)