The Pastor Shares
Easter is coming!!! Not just the celebration with families gathered, colored eggs and a big Easter ham but the real Easter--the celebration of Christ’s triumph of love. On the morning when the stone was found rolled away, Jesus called Mary Magdalene by name. Later, he called from the lakeshore to his friends and he told them to throw out their nets. He also entered the closed room where His disciples gathered. These were intimate events. Like special favors to friends, his appearances were not meant to impress or overwhelm. They simply demonstrated that Christ’s love overcame death.
Sometimes, when we feel discouraged and overwhelmed. It helps to remember that we have not been forgotten or abandoned. Jesus is the one who knows our every care. On the other side of the cross is the crown that is the hope and the promise that we have in Christ. May our days be filled with the complete awareness of God’s victory in Christ and his promise hope!
He is Risen!
Pastor Chip
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EDUCATION NEWS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The last Sunday School rotation will be Noah. The end of the year is fast approaching and Sunday School will end for this school year on May 21st with a party. More about the party plans in the next Builder.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, April 9th, the children will be processing into the service with palms waving. Please meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:15 a.m. for directions and palms.
Easter Sunday
Easter is April 16th and with a little luck our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be outside by the playground. All children are invited to come and hunt for three Easter Eggs each. One Easter Egg is a special egg, with an Easter surprise inside. If the weather is too cold or wet, we will have the hunt in the two Sunday School rooms.
Just a reminder, there is NO Sunday School on Easter.
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Minnesota Conference
2005 Giving for Benevolences and Apportionments
Total giving (apportionments plus other benevolences) from Minnesota United Methodists increased to $8,399,480 in 2005 from $7,228,810 in 2004. Generous gifts to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) accounted for much of the overall increase in 2005 and included $430,000 for the tsunami in South East Asia, $622,000 for hurricane relief in the US Gulf Coast and $22,000 for the Pakistan earthquake. The 2005 Love Offering was almost $109,000 and was dedicated to helping children in our communities, in other parts of the United States, and around the world. Thank you for your generous response to these many needs in 2005.
Minnesota Conference's 2005 apportionment receipt rate was 86%. While total dollars received on apportioned funds increased in 2005 by over $150,000, the rate of receipts dropped from 2004's rate of 86.9%.
After several consecutive years of paying World Service at 100% through use of reserve funds, reserve funds were not sufficient to allow full payment of World Service for 2005. An additional $114,000 would have been necessary to reach 100% payment for World Service and another $104,000 to reach 100% payment on other General Conference apportioned funds for a total of $218,000. Conference reserves are at the level required by Annual Conference policy; but there are not excess reserves to allow for 100% payment of World Service.
Sandra Lackore, General Secretary and Treasurer of the General Council on Finance and Administration, reported recently that 15 annual conferences paid 100% of all general conference funds in 2005, an increase of three over 2004. North Central Jurisdiction Conferences that paid 100% are Detroit, Illinois Great Rivers, Northern Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Thank you for your generous support for UMCOR and other Advance Specials in 2005. Thank you to the many churches (over 75%) who paid apportionments at 100% and to the additional 15% of churches who paid over 90% of their 2005 apportioned amounts and to those who increased their apportionment payments in 2005. Apportionments provide the connection, the vehicle of hope, between our gifts and needs around the world.
Barb Carroll,
Director of Finance/Administration and Treasurer
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START YOUR SPRING CLEANING!
As you begin your spring cleaning and are trying to decide if you should keep or pitch old Arlington Hills memorabilia you have gathered over the years . . .
DONATE IT
The History group is looking for general material or items you may have some packed away, gathering dust from UMW, Youth, choirs, Scouts, Sunday school, sports, picnics, etc.
The group will be getting together on April 29th please clearly mark your box “History Group”. If you have questions, please contact one of the group members:
Warren Nentwig Janet Stolts Gene Anderson Skip Staehnke Kaye Olson Kristi Wheeler
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KID’S DAY CAMP
Mark your calendars for this summers Kid’s Day Camp. The 2nd Annual Kid’s Day Camp will be held from Monday, June 26th through Friday, June 30th. The camp counselors will come from Decision Hills camp and are wonderfully trained. The camp is for preschoolers (those going into kindergarten) through 4th grade.
The camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $70. for the entire week. It was fantastic last year so plan to have your children attend.
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SWEDISH MALE CHORUS
125TH ANNIVERSARY
The St. Paul Swedish Male Chorus will celebrate their 125th Anniversary on Sunday, April 30 with a Festival Concert at First Lutheran Church (463 N. Maria Avenue, St. Paul.) at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature Swedish and English song by the chorus along with the Flickorna Fem, American-Swedish Institute Male Chorus, and special guests from Sweden: the Tingvalla Toner. Concert tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door.
Four members of the Tingvalla Toner will be staying with me for the week and they plan to join us for our LOL supper on Wednesday, May 3. They will sing "Children of the Heavenly Father", a Swedish folk song, for us in Swedish and sing it with us.
If you have other songs you'd like from them let me know and we'll add them to our request list. They also will sing some of what they have prepared for the concert. I have not asked them to do a formal concert for us, but to "sing for their supper" and mingle.
-Diane Fruci (651.774.8362)
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THANK YOU!!!!!!
The SH Youth would like to thank all members of AHUMC for their prayers and support during their trip to St. Cloud to attend the annual UMYS convention. This year's theme was "Soak Up the Son". The weekend was filled with workshops, Bible study, music, fellowship, worship with Rev. Grace Imathiu from Kenya and communion with Bishop Sally Dyck. Thank You all for helping to make this experience possible! Chaperones: Lee Carriker & Larry Jones
Seniors: Nick Pechman, Ben Doehne, Josh Hernandez; Junior: Tyler Watson ; Sophomores: Doug Carriker, Dixie Scruggs; Freshmen: Andrew Ayetey. Trevor MacDonald, Alia Russell
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MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST GROUP
The Thursday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast group will resume their regular schedule on April 6th. Men of all ages are invited to join us on Thursday morning from 7:30-8:30 a.m. for a great time of breakfast, prayer, Bible study and fellowship.
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We will miss you!
To all of our friends and church family at Arlington Hills we will miss you! After Easter, we are moving to Melissa’s hometown – Dyersburg, Tennessee. We were richly blessed during our 16 years here. You are an important part of our lives.
We believe this church is a place where people grow spiritually. The church as a whole is also growing spiritually and wonderful things will continue to happen through the work of the Arlington Hills’ members and staff. You are in our prayers.
A special thank you to members of GAP, the Disciples Bible class, the choir (including Leah and Luana), and Pastor Chip. Our sponsors, Virgie and Cy Roy, welcomed us to this church and kept on welcoming us for sixteen years. Words cannot express the extent of our appreciation for Arlington Hills. The shared love of each member, growing in Christ, makes Arlington Hills a place of warmth and kindness—and a safe harbor during times of trouble. Our new address is:
Stephen and Melissa Barton
P.O. BOX 846,
Dyersburg TN 38025-0846
Love to “you all”,
Stephen and Melissa Barton
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WEDNESDAY BOOK GROUP
We invite you as we turn to a brief study of a provocative new report on conservation in Minnesota. Prepared for the Minnesota Campaign for Conservation by Dave Dempsey and Cheryl Appeldorn, the report is titled Minnesota Calling: Conservation Facts, Trends, and Challenges.
The report examines pressures on Minnesota natural resources as the state population grows and spreads out over the land during the next 30 years. It considers the consequences for recreation, water, and quality of life. We expect to begin the study Wednesday evening, April 19, at 6:30 p.m., and will take about 2 weeks.
We then intend to conclude our LOL season with the new Lee Strobel book, The Case for a Creator.
The group meets in the old wing upstairs next door to the library. Please join us for stimulating discussion. This is a freewheeling conversation, not a lecture or presentation, and we'd be delighted to have you join us. Facilitators/referees are Alan Smiley and Jim Watson. If you would like to participate, please contact one of us so we can arrange your copy of the book.
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PRAYER CONCERNS
Please remember . . . those who have recently been hospitalized or are in care center or continuing with medical treatments: Bob Smith, Karen Schreiner; Dave Desens; Dee Quick; Laura; Pat Roth,
Sympathy and condolences to the family of Warren Churchill. Warren died at New Harmony Care Center on Thursday, March 16th. In respect to Warren’s request there will be no visitation or church service.
Card’s may be sent to the family in care of:
Lynn Abrahamson
POB 25185
Woodbury MN 55125
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THANK YOU NOTES
Dear Arlington Hills Church family,
A big thank you to my wonderful church family for your many concerns about me following a knee replacement. I felt God’s presence with me just knowing others were praying for me.
Vera Schreiner
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Dear Arlington Hills Friends,
Thank you so much for the prayers and calls. My elbow is on the mend and will see you soon. Your concern and kindness are greatly appreciated.
Dona Leland
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MAPLEWOOD CARE CENTER RESIDENT HONORED
Reba Ewing, a member of the Spiritual Care Committee, was called to her eternal home on December 26, 2005. Her presence and support was a worthwhile contribution to our Committee. A plaque will be placed on first floor in her honor and also in honor of any member of our Committee who is called home to God. They are honored for spreading the good news that Jesus shared with us.
Reba Ewing was a member Arlington Hills United Methodist Church and Rebekah Circle.
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UMW QUILTERS
The Quilters continue to meet at the church on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 10:00 a.m. Anyone who is interested in sewing and who would enjoy the social contact is invited to join us.
On our May 11th meeting day we will be visiting the home of Mrs. Pat Collinger, to view the beautiful appliquéd quilts and wall hangings which she has completed.
We are grateful to Ted Appleman for the gift of fabric left by his late wife, Gladys, who was an active member of UMW and a very talented seamstress and crafter.
For more information call Betty Passer (651.771.9020).
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THE CONNECTION
The next Connection event is scheduled for Sunday April 30. After Sunday's worship service we will go to the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast followed by a day at the Como Zoo and Conservatory.
The breakfast is located at the Fairview Community Center in Roseville. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall. If you need tickets please contact Todd Levig at toddlevig@usfamily.net or 612-270-5701.
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THE GAP
Come catch a glimpse of life on glamorous Park Avenue – the Golden Mile in Minneapolis during the turn of the last century! The GAP is scheduled for a tour of the beautiful Swan Turnblad Mansion, which houses the American Swedish Institute on Saturday, April 15, followed by a classic Swedish buffet!
We invite anyone interested to join us for this tour of a collection of Swedish Americana! Cost is $20 per person, all-inclusive for tour ticket and traditional Swedish Smorgasbord, featuring Swedish meatballs, cheeses, breads and potato sausage. We will carpool from church April 15, at 1:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required for the tour, so please contact Lenore & Bob Weber (651.653.8760) to confirm reservations by Sunday, April 9.
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UMW News
CIRCLE MEETINGS
HANNAH - Members of Hannah Circle will be meet on Saturday, April 1st at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Laurie Mickelson (651) 777.6416 if you have questions.
LYDIA – Wednesday, April 5th at 1:00 p.m. at church. We will be calling everyone with details.
NAOMI – We will meet on Thursday, April 6th, 9:30 a.m. the home of Catharine Haas. Questions call Mary Ellen O’Brien 651.484.7559.
REBEKAH – We will meet on Thursday, April 6th, 9:30 a.m. at the church in the Fireside Room. Please call Susan Surine with any questions (651) 774.2224
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UMW Enrichment Day
– Saturday, April 22, 2006 –
Women of the church…SAVE THIS DATE! Plans are underway for a special time of Spiritual Enrichment for the women of Arlington Hills. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and will go to approximately 12:30 p.m. Watch for more details in the Sunday bulletins and at the Welcome Center.
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emma norton SERVICES
Emma Norton Services is a National United Methodist Mission right here in St. Paul. We can have hands-on involvement with our financial support (and paper products), our volunteer support, and our prayers for the staff and volunteer board members who continue to provide guidance to carry on and continually improve the program.
EMMA NORTON ANNUAL DINNER
May 9, 2006 is the big day, the Sheraton Inn (Hwys 494 & 100) is the place. The cost is $30 again this year for an evening of enjoyment, inspiration, good food, and a chance to put your money into mission work at the ever delightful Silent Auction. This is one way to show your support for Emma Norton Services by attending this delightful event. For detailed information on tickets or opportunities to donate to the Silent Auction call Deanna Kramer (651-251-2632) or e-mail - deanna@emmanorton.org or when I get back from Alabama in early April call me -Diane Fruci (651-774-8362), e-mail difruci@aol.com
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NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
The Builder welcomes news and feature articles from members, and friends. The staff will not write the/your article(s). We reserve the right to edit material for content and length. Next Builder deadline is Sunday, April 16, 2006. E-mail articles to Jan Frankenberg at jan@arlingtonhills.org or leave in mailbox #11 in the office. All address changes and mailing inquireies may be directed to Jan at (651.776.1547 – ext. 10). Thank you!
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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
Administrative Assistant – Jan Frankenberg
Sunshine Preschool Director – Becky Marshall
Sunshine Preschool Teachers – Elaine Gregory, Sara Wade, Kathie Winters
Custodain – Ron Houde
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SPRING FLING
– Thursday, May 18, 2006 –
6:00 p.m. – Punch
6:30 p.m. – Spring Fling Meal
7:15 p.m. – Entertainment
Cost: Free will offering to cover entertainment.
Door Prizes ! ! ! !
The Spring Fling is open to all generations of women. Bring your friends, daughters, granddaughters, aunts, and nieces. This year we want to be creative. Join with some of your friends and reserve a table to decorate together. Sign up at the Welcome Center.
Your table should have a theme such as wedding, spring, gardening, birthday, Christmas, New Years, 4th of July, Easter, NASCAR, storybooks, sewing, cooking, sport team or any other idea you may have.
Each women is asked to contribute a salad and dessert to share. If you are unable to prepare something please come, as there will be plenty of food.
Tables need to be decorated Wednesday, May 17 after 6:30 p.m. or by
Thursday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. Decorations should include eight plates and
glasses in the theme. Questions, please call Marsha Froehle (651.429.9643) or
Evleyn Hunt (651.645.5888).