Pentecost has arrived! The fresh winds of God’s Holy Spirit are blowing and change is happening in our lives, church, and world. Change is always a little unsettling. There are people in our lives, places and situations that we value and enjoy and wish would remain the same forever. That is not possible. All we know is in a continuing process of being created and re-created by the hand of God and the hands of humans. The challenge is for us to be co-creators with God of a kingdom where love, justice, peace, and well being for all is the guiding principle.
A wise man remarked, “The only things that we can control are the little things. God has the say about when we are born, die, health, and salvation”. Our faith helps us to trust in God’s love in the midst of the big changes in our lives. When change takes place it is always chaotic for a time. That’s to be expected and it’s OK.
If you have ever been in a delivery room for the birth of a baby you know that it is a messy process. God is giving birth to new possibilities and opportunities for our church. We have a choice. We can try to defy the winds of the spirit like a tree and risk having our bark and leaves stripped or we can let the winds of the spirit move us to a new place like a sailboat or a hot air balloon. The choice is always ours but the winds of God’s spirit will blow. Happy Sailing!
Pastor Chip
RALLY DAY 2004
Why do we have Rally Day each year? Rally Day, the kick off to the fall season and the restart of Sunday school classes after summer break. It brings the entire congregation back to worship together in God's house.
Our Rally Day theme will be “Fall Fair Day” with a small scale Minnesota Fair atmosphere. Start preparing now by putting up some pickles (Pastor Chip's delight) and preserves to be put into the judging booth along with your baked goods, crafts, garden produce, flower arrangements, etc. -- just like at the fair!
Join us for Sunday school (all ages) at 9:00 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m. Plan to stay for “Fall Fair Day” food, balloons, games (all ages), contests, information booths and lots of fun and laughter for everyone. Again we plan to host a golf tournament, please watch for details in August issue of the Builder.
Watch for information about purchasing shirts with a logo to show that you are proud to identify with Arlington Hills and proud to be a Christian.
Does anyone have a source for tent canopies for the dining area and information booths? Please contact Dave Engelhardt (651.484.9268).
Catch the Spirit and encourage everyone to join in, help out and especially to invite and welcome new and old neighbors.
NEW
MINNESOTA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE WEBSITE
The Minnesota Annual Conference has established a new website as of June 25, 2004. The site’s purpose is to keep Minnesota United Methodists informed and to provide resources for their ministries. Make it the “home page” of your web browser if you’d like. The site is located at www.minnesotaumc.org
EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM
It is with deep regret that we lose Liz Jones as team leader. She has had a more than difficult year with losing both staff members involved in our active programs, but she has had the support of yearning church to sustain her.
Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, she has stepped down. Thanks Liz for a wonderful term of service. You have, during your term of leadership, added and expanded programs like Living Out Loud, Kids in Mission, Alpha and adult education opportunities, so as to bring a richer and more diverse offering to our church. Thank you!
DEACONS
Thank you, Angie Star and Anne Kaese for listening to a higher power and responding to our need for two new deacons. Angie will be involved with the Spiritual Development and Education Ministry Teams. Anne will be working with Leadership and Communications. Both have been team members on some of these teams. The will be joining Beth Thompson and Jim Watson as deacons.
By a 2002 Charge Conference action there are four deacons at Arlington Hills. They are selected/renewed annually with nomination by the pastor and approval by the Church Council. Deacons may serve up to six years. The Deacons are assigned to oversee two ministry teams/committees each (which becomes their primary emphasis and with whom they serve).
At Arlington Hills the position of Deacon is that of a lay person who serves as an assistant to the Ordained Clergy and works closely with the Lay Leaders. It is generally accepted that Deacons, both in scripture and here, can and should be engaged in virtually all functions of the ministry of the church (with the exception for ongoing involvement in the specialized functions applying only to ordained clergy).
Bells, bells, and more bells
– by Kaye Olson –
Was anyone hearing bells over the weekend of June 24? Six handbell ringers (and two guests) from Arlington Hills heard plenty of bells. That’s the weekend 800 handbell ringers gathered in Duluth for the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) Area VII Festival. 2004 is a special year as AGEHR celebrates its 50th anniversary.
It was an amazing weekend that began Thursday evening with a concert by about 100 Young Ringers who were completing their youth conference. Then, we spent the next 2˝ days practicing, attending classes (different bell techniques, bells in worship, ensemble ringing), reading new music, and enjoying fellowship time with each other and with bell ringers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois.
Strikepoint, a church-based handbell ensemble from Duluth, was the showcase choir and performed beautifully on Friday night. The group of twelve rings 76 handbells, 36 melody chimes, and 25 melody bells. They are amazing to watch! I have their latest CD in case anyone wants to hear it.
The weather in Duluth was very nice and we had a great setting near the Arial Lift Bridge and we had time for walks along the lake and, of course, shopping.
The Sunday morning meditation was inspiring as we sang together and listened to a beautiful handbell piece by the Bells’ Angels sextet from Rapid City. The Holy Spirit was indeed working within the hands and hearts of those musicians. WOW!
The festival ended on Sunday with a public concert at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The concert included four massed-choir pieces and three pieces by each of four smaller groups. For me, the massed pieces, Grand March and Battle Hymn of the Republic were just awesome. It was exciting to be part of such a wonderful experience.
Our Bell choirs will be starting up again in the fall. We are always looking for new ringers. Come and join us!
Arlington Hills Bell Ringers: Diane Fruci, Andrea Kienitz, Bonnie Kienitz, Linda Oberg, Kaye Olson, and Nancy VeerKamp Guests: Larry Kienitz and Mark Hansen
Labyrinths
of St. Croix Valley Tour
Join us Thursday, August 5 as we tour private “Labyrinths of St. Croix Valley”. We will car pool from church at 9:30 a.m., with lunch in Hudson, and return to church by 3:30 p.m. Make your reservation at the Welcome Center. Passengers will buy lunch for the volunteer drivers! If you and your vehicle are available for this outing, please call Martha Oviatt (651.776.4612).
UPPER ROOMS
Upper Room Daily Devotional Guides are available to all in the church narthex. We subscribe to a few large print copies of the Upper Room.
If you or someone in your family has some vision loss and would appreciate reading daily devotions in larger type, please contact Jan Frankenberg in the church office (776-1547). We would like to correct our subscription numbers, so there would be enough for everyone who would like one.
Upon request, copies, large or regular sized print, will be delivered to folks in care centers or those who are homebound. Please let us know how we can help you.
CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD
ITEMS NEEDED
The Hmong Community United Methodist Church is offering a clothes closet for the Hmong new refugees arriving. Donations of clothing, furniture, and other household items in good condition will be appreciated.
If you would like to donate, please contact Rev. Daniel Yang (651.222.5358).
GREAT ADVENTURE TRAVELERS
If you are looking for a great travel opportunity the Great Adventure Travel Group (Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran & Arlington Hills UMC) has plans for two trips in October and December.
October 7-10, 2004: The group will travel to the Norsk Hosfest Scandinavian Festival in Minot, North Dakota and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center & Gallery, riverboat cruise the Missouri and lunch, Gatlin Brothers and tour of General George Custer’s home. Travel by Deluxe motorcoach, premier tour guides at venues; all meals but one lunch included, three nights lodging at Bismarck Fairfield Inn. Signup deadline is August 1 with $100 deposit due.
December 6-10: Branson Christmas Show with Sunshine Tours, and a professional singing tour guide to enrich a holiday mood. If you haven’t experienced Branson during the Christmas season, this one is for you! Check the bulletin board for brochure. A $50 deposit and completed registration form is due to Sunshine Tours.
Travel will be more fun with YOU on the bus. Questions, please call Barb Holmstrom (651.774.7067).
TEE UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
The Annual Operation Classroom Ministries Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2004, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Emerald Greens Golf Course in Hastings.
Price will be $75 per golfer, which will include 18 holes with a cart, door prizes, prizes for longest drive (men & women), closest to the pin and longest putt, donation to Operation Classroom Ministries, and a dinner to follow at Rosemount UMC. For more information and registration: www.mumac.org/golf.html. You must register by September 1, 2004. Questions: Tom Stire 1-320-597-3509.
SUNSHINE NEWS
Sunshine preschool is now accepting applications for a teacher’s aide position for the upcoming school year. The hours will be approximately 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Monday through Friday. The only qualification is a love of children, patience and an eagerness to assist the teachers in a variety of ways.
If you or someone you know is interested please contact Jan (651.776.1547) for an application or submit your resume. If you have questions, please call Becky Marshall, Program Director (651.482.8744) or Michele Gorden, SN Board Chair (651.704.0998.
CHRISTIAN CONCERN,
COMFORT & HEALING
* Please note that hospitals no longer contact the church when a member is hospitalized. If you or someone you know is going to be admitted, contact the church office. If possible, the Pastor will visit and the name will be included in the prayers of the church. *
Please remember . . . those who have recently been hospitalized: Linda Corwin, Vera Schreiner, Jean Tifft, Skip Staehnke, Steve King.
Those who are experiencing health concerns . . . Myrt Sierra as she has medical tests. Helen McDonald as she continues to recover from surgery. Jodi Bewell as she recovers from surgery. Gladys Appleman, as she has another round of medical tests.
Anniversary celebrations . . . Richard & Catharing Haas - 58th years. Dean & Vera Schreiner – 60th years. Ken & Carole Benson – 34th years.
Christian sympathy to the families of
. . . Bill Davis, Scott Vollink, Karen Tourdot.
Could you help update our lists???
If you know of any members or friends of Arlington Hills who are hospitalized, in a nursing home, or shut-in please notify Jan in the church office (651.776.1547). We are in the process of updating our lists. Thank you!
THANK YOUS!
We wish to thank our church family for the prayers, cards and visits during Jack’s recent health problems.
Jack and Audrey Davis
©©©
With a grateful heart, I thank all of you for your prayers and many expressions of kindness over the last several weeks.
My hip replacement surgery went well and I am progressing well during this recovery time.
God love you all.
Caroline Nentwig
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My Church Family,
Many, many thanks for all your prayers, cards, visits while I have been recovering from heart surgery.
I really felt your presence through all of this and hope to thank you in person shortly. My church family is so wonderful.
A “special” thank you to Pastor Chip for his personal visit, his care and concern.
Vera Schreiner
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Dear Arlington Hills UMC Family,
During the last three months, your contributions to Merrick Community Services’ food shelves totaled $1,194.
Due to your generosity, 1,712 families or 4,213 individuals received food through MCS’ food program. During this quarter, 72,597 pounds of food and $4,572. was donated.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness and continued support.
Sincerely,
Francis Ivory,
Executive Director
Merrick Community Services
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Dear MOMs Club,
A heartfelt thank you for your continued support and for your recent donation to Arlington Hills to be used in the nursery and cradle room areas.
It’s a joy and pleasure to see so many happy Moms and kids enjoying our beautiful facility. We appreciate all the good work you support in our community.
Jan Frankenberg
Admin. Asst.
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WHAT IS “M AND M”?
- Methodists and Mission -
Just an update during the months with a letter M in them (March, May, September, November, December) our Outreach Ministry Team will provide local mission opportunities for outreach in our local community.
These opportunities to serve others will change from month to month. They can be anything from assisting our senior members, providing support and/or services for Emma’s Place, Alley Shoppe 109, Merrick Community Services and other opportunities that come before our Ministry Team.
- August Mission Project -
“Adopt A Classroom”
With all the schools facing budgets cuts in their funding and trying creative ways to help supplement their budgets, we are creating a “Adopt A Classroom”.
We will be working with Arlington Hills Lutheran, Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church to support one of the St. Paul Public Schools on the East Side, Bruce F. Vento Elementary School, 409 East Case Avenue.
Some of the items needed are: Pencils (regular #2); notebooks (one subject, wide rule or college rule); folders; crayons (8-16-24 count); scissors; glue sticks; erasers protractors; compass; graph paper; post-it notes; colored pencils; pencil sharpener; plastic zipper pencil pouches; practice books in writing or math for at home; backpacks (new or gently used).
As you can see the needs are many each classroom has 20-25 children, many who are at poverty level and their families are unable to purchase these school supplies.
Help a child in need by dropping off your donation anytime during the month of August. Look for our display in the Fellowship Hall and donation area. We will deliver all AHUMC donations to the school before school begins.
Bruce F. Vento Elementary School would love having volunteers to help in the many areas of need at the school. Please contact Katy Mommaerts, (651.293.8685, ext. 107 or katy.mommaerts@ci.stpaul.mn.us
- UPCOMING DATES-
- Methodists and Mission -
Saturday, September 11th
Saturday, November 13th
Saturday, December 11th
We meet at the church and this is for ALL ages from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Childcare is provided. We will end the day with lunch at the church and a fun activity. If you have a small mission project or know of an opportunity please contact Todd Levig (651.490-9780), Outreach Ministry Team Leader.
Stewardship
Ministry Team Notes
Some pathways to “giving” . . . listed is a brief summary of giving opportunities and ways to give.
· An outright gift of cash, land or appreciated securities.
· Inclusion of AHUMC in a will providing a gift of money or property
· Trusts and charitable gift annuities that pay the donor specified income for life.
· Designation of AHUMC as the owner or beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
· Inclusion of AHUMC as a charitable beneficiary in a life estate agreement.
If you have questions please speak with anyone on our Ministry Team: John Nentwig, Team Leader; John James; Linda Oberg; Bill Morter; Dennis Miller; Bert Nienaber; Diane Fruci; Jim Watson.
MEDIA TEAM
We are looking for people that would be interested in “staffing the sound booth” on Sundays, weddings, or funerals. Also needed is someone with PowerPoint skills that could help with Sunday worship. Questions, please talk with Pastor Chip.
THE GAP
Our August outing will be canoeing on the St. Croix River on Saturday, August 7. We will meet at 1:00 p.m. at the Marine Landing Boat and Canoe Service, 10 Elm Street, marine on St. Croix, MN; (651.433.2864).
They will provide canoes (including life jackets) and shuttle us up stream to Osceola, where we will enter the river. We will spend a 3-4 hours with some pretty scenery canoeing (easy canoeing on this stretch of the river) downstream to their facility, which has a restaurant. Plan to bring water and snacks to eat along the way. Those who are interested can then stay and have dinner at the very informal deck restaurant. This should be a fun time on the water. Questions, call John or Thelma James (651.482.9763).
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, August 15. 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!