HAMLINE
SPOTLIGHT
on church
groups
In May,
2009 the Communications Committee embarked on a new project called The Hamline Spotlight, which will help the whole Hamline Church
community become aware of the committees, groups, and
organizations that contribute to the vibrant life of our
church. Each month, we will spotlight the work of two or three of these committees and organizations.
In this way, we hope the whole community will recognize and appreciate the contributions we
all, in our individual ways, make in meeting our mission of spreading
Christ's love to all people.
SPOTLIGHT SET 7
November, 2009
Worship Team
Getting to know
our partnering church,
Church of the Good Shepherd
Additional Holiday
activities
continuing:
Capital Campaign Information
Holiday Tea - November 8. 2009
Hamline
Church Holiday Events
As we move
towards the Holiday Season, Hamline Church will offer many opportunities
for members to
celebrate together, as well as share our good fortune with those
less
fortunate.
Some of the
programs and events to look forward to include the following!
The Church and
Society/Missions Committee will once again promote the
Caring Tree in the
sanctuary, and ask for donations of winter scarves, hats,
mittens, gloves
and socks for both children and adults.
These donations will
be distributed to
families through the Hancock School.
This is a wonderful
way help children
in the congregation experience the wonderful joy of giving.
New and gently
used clothing will also be collected for God's Closet. There i
s a special need
for men's clothing, and new underwear and shoes for both
adults and
children. What a wonderful reason
to clean out your own closets!
Plan to join in
the fun, and burn off some of those holiday calories at the Barn
Dances that will be
held on November 13th and December 4th from 7:00
PM to
9:00 PM - no
experience necessary!
We also wish to
recognize the wonderful year-around efforts of the Member
Care Committee. Co-chaired by Betty Ward and Joyce
Evans, members
of this committee
and volunteers keep the holiday spirit of joy and caring
alive year around. The committee is involved in knitting
prayer shawls for
those in need of
comfort or in the hospital, providing soup and bread or
casseroles to
members who are ill or in need of a loving gesture, sending
cards to brighten
the day or celebrate a special occasion, and delivering
communion and visiting
with those unable to attend worship services.
For any of us too
busy to shop till we drop, the SCRIP program can offer
something for
everyone on your holiday list- or maybe a little gift for your
special
self! There is an absolutely
amazing array of gift cards for any
and every
interest or taste available to order the first Sundays in November
and December-
right on time for Christmas delivery!
A percentage of the
value
of each card purchased is returned to church - this is just the best idea
available!
The United
Methodist Women will once again host a wonderful Holiday
Bazaar on Sunday,
November 22, 8:30 – 12 Noon.
Yummy baked goods
and other wonderful
gifts will, of course, be available.
The Worship
Committee
What better time
of year to recognize the extraordinary efforts and
contributions of the Worship Committee than during this blessed holiday
season!
The Hamline Church Worship Committee, co-chaired by Linda Krueger and
Kati Green is responsible for overseeing all aspects of worship,
working closely
with the pastor and choir director year-around. Members and volunteers with
this committee serve communion, are the lay readers, ushers and alter
guild,
and are present each week to support all aspects of the worship
services.
In addition to their participation in the worship services, members of
this
committee also offer recommendations and service in caring for the
altar,
ensuring a comfortable and beautiful environment and make
recommendations
for all major celebrations and services.
This committee offers every member and volunteers the opportunity to
participate
in the beautiful worship services offered at HUMC, and is a wonderful
way for
members to celebrate in service together!
Partnership with Church of the Good Shepherd
1849 Marshall Avenue
Saint Paul, MN
Church of the Good Shepherd
website
____________________________________
SPOTLIGHT SET 6
mid-October, 2009
Capital Campaign
Information
Holiday Tea -
November 8. 2009
continuing:
Hamline-Midway Elders - Block Nurse Program
Rally Sunday - New views of the celebration on September 13!
________________________________________________________________________________
"Catch the Spirit - Capital Campaign" continues
through 2011.
We thank ALL DONORS/PLEDGES to our recent funding drives
- Miracle Sunday (May 17) results were truly miraculous! -
SOUTH CHANCEL STAINED GLASS WINDOW
Tuck Pointing a Preserving Project
Completed in Septmber, 2009
ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Completed in December, 2008
____________________
- If you're interested in helping with a project to "recycle
as craftwork"
some of the old roof slate
tiles, contact the church office -
EIGHTH
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA - November 8, 2009
2:30PM
Cathy Wurzer
Tickets will be available after worship in the Fireside Room
during October. Our speaker this year is Cathy Wurzer of local PBS/MPR/KTCA Almanac fame. Her book about Hwy 61, Tales of the Road, will be featured. Please reserve early, our tables fill up fast.
ANNUAL
HOLIDAY HIGH TEA
.
. . . . . . . indulges the senses with delectable treats, festive ambiance and
scintillating remarks.
We put out
our best china, serve "high tea" and our waitrons are a group of men
of the church bedecked in formal outfits including colorful bow ties. True to
tradition, the Holiday Tea features Tea Source Gold Tea. At this November
fund-raiser event, we usually serve 160 guests.
Over the
past several years, Holiday Tea at Hamline has featured some well-known
Minnesota writers. In 2002, author - Tom Hegg was guest speaker, reading from his popular book, A Cup of
Christmas Tea. In 2003, church member and Hamline Univ. Drama Prof. emeritus, Bill
Kimes, presented
A Child's Christmas in Wales. In 2004, the speaker was church member and very
popular mystery writer, Wm. Kent Krueger. The speaker at the 2005 "Holiday High Tea" on Nov. 13,
was Minnesotan, actor, comedian, and writer, Lorna Landvik and it was a sell-out! The 2006 very successful Holiday Tea took
place on Sunday, November 12, at 2:30 P.M. Faith Sullivan, well-known
author from the Twin Cities, gifted speaker, and author of many books, gave a
very lively talk on the art of writing and publishing. The 6th Annual High Tea,
held on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 was SOLD OUT. Prof. Gary Reineccius, Ph.D., a member of our congregation, spoke about the qualities
of chocolate. Another sell out, the Nov. 9 seventh annual holiday tea, 2008
featured State Fair Prize Winner - baker, jelly make extraordinaire, Margery
Johnson.
Views
of the Holiday Tea on Nov. 9. 2009
Many thanks to ALL WHO HAVE ATTENDED AND ALL WHO HAVE HELPED CARRY
OUT HIGH TEAS through the years.
____________________________________
SPOTLIGHT SET 5
SEPTEMBER, 2009
Hamline-Midway Elders Block Nurse Program
continuing: Barn
Dances
Rally Sunday - All church celebration on September 13!
Children and Youth Education
- Stop by
the display in the
church foyer and LEARN about the wonderful education program!
HAMLINE
MIDWAY ELDERS BLOCK NURSE PROGRAM
Hamline Midway Elders, a Living at
Home/Block Nurse Program was founded in 2001 as a neighborhood based
organization that provides services to help seniors remain independent in their
own homes. The goals of Hamline Midway Elders (HME) are to assist seniors with
at least on activity of daily living, and to
recruit, train and manage neighborhood residents to be volunteers. Specifically, they help area seniors
arrange transportation, meal and grocery delivery, shopping trips and seasonal
chore assistance. They also offer telephone reassurance, friendly visits,
volunteer respite and caregiver support and facilitate referrals for nursing
and home health aide care as well as reliable home
maintenance businesses. HME
serves between 150 and 200 area residents each year.
Monthly
luncheon seminars are offered the second Tuesday of each month at the Hamline
Church. A meal is served for a donation from 11:30 to 12:15 PM
From 12:15 to 1:00 pm a different speaker
addresses a current, relevant health or healthy lifestyle topic. For example, this
summer, speakers explored when and how to hire Home Health Care, pre-packaged
med set up and special aspects of diabetes
care.
?Healthy
Moves,? a new, no-cost physical activity
program is also available to help seniors in the privacy of their own homes
maximize independence, build strength, increase flexibility and reduce their
risk of falls. Each winter, HME
also organizes joint friendly, exercise groups led by volunteers trained
through the MN Arthritis Association.
There
are plans to begin a craft group for seniors to create ?green? gifts this fall. Utilizing
?found? objects around the house, the final creations will
be useable and great fun to make as well as earth friendly.
HME offers many flexible
and rewarding volunteer opportunities geared to an individual's talents and
schedule. Please call Monica
Gallagher at 651-209-6542 if you would like more information on how to
volunteer, or Beth Reedy Hanson at the same number for more information about
the Hamline Midway Elders program and services.
____________________________________
SPOTLIGHT SET 4
AUGUST, 2009
Children
and Youth Education
Barn Dances
Rally Sunday
The 4th Spotlight focuses on three very different
programs that contribute to the church in very important ways: Child and
Youth Education, Barn Dances, and Rally Sunday.
CHILDREN
AND YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM
?It runs on volunteers!?
That's how Laurie
Erickson sums up the success of Hamline Church's child and youth education
program. Laurie, whose official
title is Director of Education and Youth, has been working with parents and
other volunteers for the past two years to make our education program dynamic
for the kids who participate. It's
not an easy job. Laurie
coordinates the efforts of more than fifty volunteers each year. Some are parents with children in the
program, but many are not. Some
have stepped forward on their own; some Laurie has recruited because of their
special skills or knowledge.
The education
program is used by approximately sixty children from thirty-five families. Each Sunday on which education is
offered involves the work of nearly a dozen adults. These volunteers act as shepherds in a Zone—a specific
focus of instruction—or as teachers in one of the four units that kids
can choose to explore the Zone topic.
The units might include art, computer, cooking, games, music, or
science. While older children are
involved in education, toddlers and pre-school children are being cared for by
other volunteers.
One of Laurie's
greatest challenges has been to create a vibrant program for older youth, many
of whom have lots of other activities competing for their time and energy. She's accomplished much by allowing the
participants to create the kind of group that taps their interests. What has moved kids, according to
Laurie, are outreach projects—painting, the Advent Workshop, working with
a women's shelter—and social gatherings that have included bowling and
movie outings, cooking, and art.
They've also participated in a couple of debates with adults as part of
the Sunday Forum program. And, of
course, kids are always hungry, so Laurie always has food for them. Her bottom line: ?They appreciate that
I don't tell them what to do, that I'm not just another mother.?
If you'd like to
help—and the education program is always in need—contact Laurie
Erickson at 651-603-7082 or via email at lerickson@hamlinechurch.org.
BARN
DANCES
Several times
every year the sound of an Appalachian string band takes the place of the
heavenly organ music at Hamline Church.
And instead of our choir, you'll hear the rousing voice of square dance
caller Robin Nelson. On select
Fridays every fall and winter, Hamline hosts a neighborhood barn dance. We've been doing it since 2002.
The barn dance
began as a project by the Outreach Committee, and was a brainchild of Kathy
Vadnais, who'd heard about a group of musicians and a caller. It was hoped the barn dance might be
another way of involving Hamline Church with the surrounding neighborhood. The idea worked like a gem. Within that first year, attendance at
the barn dances exceeded a hundred people, the vast majority of whom were not
members of our church.
The barn dance
continues to be a huge draw and most dancers continue to be from outside the
Hamline congregation. But people
don't just come from the neighborhood anymore. They come from as far away as Richfield and Elk River. And they cut across all lines of age
and economic, ethnic, and religious background.
There's a nominal
fee these days--$5.00 for one person, $15.00 for a family—that helps to
pay the musicians and caller and to cover some of the cost of the refreshments
that are offered. But it's little
to pay for a unique evening of toe-tapping music, great dancing, and fun for
the whole family.
Upcoming barn
dances have been scheduled for Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, and
Mar. 19. Anyone wishing to help
can contact Barbara or Rolfe Leary.
RALLY
SUNDAY - September 13, 2009
Traditionally,
Rally Sunday is the celebration that kicks off the start of a new year for our
education program. At Hamline
Church, however, it has become much more.
Not only do we rally round our Sunday school, we highlight all the
organizations, groups, committees, and myriad efforts that sustain and
invigorate the Hamline Church community.
This year's Rally
Sunday, which will be held on September 13, will again feature games and
activities for kids, tables staffed by members of all church groups who can
answer questions about the work they do for the Hamline community,
make-your-own ice cream sundaes, and a lively celebration of this vital
congregation in all respects.
These days, Rally
Sunday is coordinated by a task force of volunteers. This year's effort is being spearheaded by Kent and Diane
Krueger, Laurie Erickson, and Amy Shultz.
They'd love to have your help.
If you'd be willing to lend a hand in this annual effort, contact Kent
Krueger.
See you on
Rally Day in September!
________________________________________
SPOTLIGHT SET 3
July, 2009
Music
Fiction and Fellowship
Youth Mission Activities
In July, the
Hamline Spotlight falls on Fiction and Fellowship, Hamline Church Music
Program and Hamline Church Youth Missions all of whom
contribute in unique ways to the vitality of our community.
Fiction and Fellowship Group
Many years ago,
Pastor Greg Renstrom initiated a number of groups within the Hamline Church
community that were aimed at fostering greater fellowship centered around
particular social interests.
Unfortunately, most groups have not survived, but as it approaches its
tenth year, the Fiction and Fellowship group is still going strong.
On the second
Sunday of every month (except during summer), from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.,
the group gathers in the Green Room of Hamline Church to discuss a book they've
all had an opportunity to read.
The gathering usually draws between fifteen and twenty participants. A potluck of treats is always part of
the evening's charm.
The ?Fiction?
denotation is a little misleading because the group generally alternates
between books of fiction and non-fiction.
Readings range from the classics to newer publications, from
internationally known to locally known writers, and on several special
occasions, the authors themselves have joined the group for the
discussion. A number of times, the
group has had the opportunity to attend a theater production based on one of
the books they've read.
Fiction and
Fellowship is open not only to the Hamline Church community but also to anyone
who'd care to join in on the fun.
For more information on becoming a part
of this marvelous fellowship opportunity, which begins again in September,
contact Fiction and Fellowship Co-Cordinator Kent Krueger.
Hamline Church Music Program
Anyone who has entered the stunningly beautiful
Hamline Church Sanctuary on Sunday morning understands why the music program is
rated so highly by members and visitors alike. The organ music is equally stunning each and every
week.
Chuck Parsons, 
HUMC Music Director, is an incredibly gifted musician.
As the music lilts and floats, and then builds and
soars throughout the sanctuary every member cannot help but to become lifted by
its power and beauty.
As the service continues, the adult choir creates
beauty and leads the congregation in our treasured hymns. Chuck's dedication and leadership
shines through their talent, as well as the clear and vi brant tones of the
Bell Choir.
Chuck states that the mission of the music program is
quite simple- to support worship.
In addition to the adult choirs, he enjoys working with the children's
music productions, the Ars Nova Brass musicians, and collaborative musical
efforts with Hamline University 
and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Chuck says the part of his role he
enjoys most is the congregation, and currently finds maintaining the strength
and integrity of the music program within the financial constraints of greatest
concern.
Chuck is seeking
ongoing funding for scholarships that allow four outstanding music students to
continue in the Chancel Choir.
These four singers are the backbone of this group, and are essential in utilizing
the rich musical heritage of Hamline's choral library.
Chuck also hopes
to develop growth in the children's participation, offer a music reading class
to all members and explore the development of a unique concert series to
increase community awareness of the church's outstanding music talent and offer
a wonderful gift to the community around HUMC.
Hamline Church Youth Mission events
The HUMC Church Youth Mission events are dedicated to
helping children and young adults discover the personal value they receive by
reaching out to help others and to expose the youth to an experience that will
allow them to look beyond the safe borders of their own culture.
Last year a small
group of adults and youth traveled to Fort Thompson, South Dakota to the Crow
Creek Reservation.
They stayed in
dormitory housing and worked to build a playground for an elementary school.
The youth experienced different facets of the culture they were visiting each
evening. A few of the things they enjoyed were a trip to a sweat lodge, a
native drumming/singing exposition, an evening at a pow-wow, a cultural museum
visit, a traditional meal and numerous other experiences. 
The youth who
participated in this rewarding experience, which offered equal amounts of hard
work, team development, new learning experiences and tremendous pride in their
accomplishment included: Evan Beyer, Alex Beyer, Alex Short, Sam Erickson,
Sarah Elder, Brittany (Sarah's guest) and Nicole (Jim Schlaeppi's
grand-daughter)
Everyone who
attended enjoyed the trip. The adults enjoyed watching the kids absorbing the
culture. It was also interesting to test their limits as far as building
skills. Many participants learned how to use some new tools, with the help of
Jim Schlaeppi, and realized how important geometry really is when building a
playground. Adam Beyer (the
teacher) was terrific help!
This year, the
youth and adult attendees will travel to the same reservation in South Dakota.
They are not sure what project will await them. As guests of another culture they will follow the host
group's path.
The group will
hold a fund-raising ?Pow Wow for Peace? on July 12,
following church. It will be an all day outdoor activity, including
ten hours of drumming, kid's activities, ?Prairie Inspired Cuisine?,
entertainment and an evening campfire
The goal of the
youth and adults will be to get pledges prior to the event to support their
drumming and pay for the mission trip in this manner.
Please keep this
trip in your prayers. It can never be the same as last year, but hopefully the
journey will be just as rewarding to all who attend.
___________________________________________________
SPOTLIGHT
SET 2
June, 2009
State Fairgounds Dining Hall Team
Women's
Third Thursdays
Men's 4th Thursday
Breakfasts
(Vacation
Bible School - continued)
___________________________________________________
Dining Hall Committee
Now in its 112th year, the Hamline Dining
Hall, located on the State Fairgrounds, continues its ministry of feeding
thousands of hungry fairgoers. In
fact, our dining hall is the oldest continuous concession of the entire fair,
and has become famous far and wide for its home-style meals, especially the
mouthwatering ham loaf.
Each August, during the twelve days of the State Fair,
operating the dining hall requires the effort of between 230 – 250
volunteers. It's proven to be a
marvelous opportunity for fellowship, not only for the members of our
congregation but also for the many volunteers who come from outside our church
community. It's an experience that
cuts across denominations, ages, and ethnic backgrounds.
Ten years ago, the dining hall began serving meals
during the ?Back to the Fifties? Street Rod Association car show in June,
expanding its ministry and increasing its need for volunteers.
The committee works long and hard to mount these
important efforts, and we applaud the work and commitment of all those
involved. Every one of us needs to
be aware of our own responsibility in helping these folks fulfill this vital
mission of Hamline Church.
If you'd like more information about volunteering, contact
Teresa Renneke or Wayne Ferlas or
members of the
sign up to volunteer team: Joyce Evans, Judy Hartman, Betty Ward, Camille Chasteen or Theresa Perry.
See the Dining Hall webpage on the church
website: http://www.hamlinechurch.org/article.asp?oid=34
___________________________________________________
Women's
Third Thursdays
A few years ago several women from the Hamline Church
community gathered to share their love of crafting and conversation, and what
has since become known as Women's Third Thursday was born.
As the name suggests, gatherings are held on the third
Thursday of every month in the church parlor, from 6:30 until 8:00 PM. Women bring their own
interests—knitting, quilting, mending, handwork, simply chatting or whatever— to the company of
others. The gatherings usually
include a dozen or more participants, and the faces change regularly. It is, say those who attend, a
marvelous opportunity to get to know one another in a congenial and relaxing
environment. Treats, of course, are welcome, but not required.
Pippins
May, 2008
Food donations May 2009
Recently, we've encouraged folks to bring
along 1 or 2 non-perishable food
items each month to replenish the food share baskets in church and the response
each month has been gratifying!. Women of all ages and life stages are welcome.
Coordinators: Helen Vulu and Mary Lou Wolsey
Additional contacts: Judy
Hartman or Betty Ward
___________________________________________________
Men's
Breakfast
The story goes like this: Men's Breakfast began with a challenge from UMW. The men of Hamline Church didn't have a
comparable organization, UMW said.
Why not create one? So one
Thursday morning several years ago, the pastor, Greg Renstrom, convened a small group of men at Key's
Restaurant for breakfast and conversation. In fits and starts, the group continued and has grown to
become an active part of the social life of many men in the Hamline Church
community.
May 28, 2009 gathering
495
County Road B - Roseville, Minnesota
The venue has changed over the years—from Keys
to Denny's and finally to its current location, the Perkins Restaurant in
Roseville—but the day hasn't.
The fourth Thursday of every month, at 8:00 AM, you'll find the group
gathered. It may consist of
anywhere from a handful to as many as fourteen men, taking advantage of this
opportunity for a meal and for relaxed fellowship in an environment that has no
agenda.
The group always welcomes more participation. Feel free just to show up!
If you'd like additional information, you may contact Bob Brokopp or
John Jakel.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Every June, a group of dedicated church
members leads three evenings of education for children in a fun, safe, and supportive environment called
Vacation Bible School (VBS).
VBS is open to any child from pre-school through 6th grade, regardless
of denomination. Those who
volunteer to give a hand in this program help with the educational goal of Hamline Church, which is to offer a
quality Christian education program, inclusive to outside communities as well as the church
community.
Activities include: Bible stories, art
projects, games, science and music. Adult Bible study is also available. Family dinners
are served all three days of the program.
See the 2009 Cokesburywebspage: http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/camp-edge-overview.php
This is a marvelous opportunity to be a part
of a program important not only to members of our congregation but also to our effort to reach out to
the community beyond our church
walls. Volunteers are needed and welcome.
For more information or to volunteer,
contact Laurie Erickson at mailto:lerickson@hamlinechurch.org,
651-645-0667 or Patrice Beyer.
See information on VBS on our website:
http://www.hamlinechurch.org/article.asp?oid=2
____________________________________
SPOTLIGHT SET 1
May, 2009
Church and Society/ Missions Committee
Hamline Gardeners
Vacation Bible School (continued in June Spotlight)
CHURCH AND
SOCIETY MISSIONS COMMITTEE
This committee is
one of the most active and broad-reaching groups in Hamline Church. Every year Church and Society Missions
oversees a number of projects that reach
out to the community beyond our sanctuary.
Projects include:
- Loaves and
Fishes: Serving meals to several hundred needy people at the Dorothy
Day Center
one Sunday every other month.
- Food Shelf
and
Minnesota Foodshare: Overseeing collection to replenish the food
bank at
the Keystone Community Services and the food shelves in Minnesota.
- FareShare For
All: A food distribution
program.
- Family Place:
Preparing food for homeless
families.
- McVay Youth
Partnership: Providing refreshments for Hamline students who work
with
junior high youth to development academic and leadership skills.
- Building
Projects: Working with
program such as Habitat for Humanity.
- Paint-a-thon: Preparing and painting the homes of the
needy in our area.
- Others: Crop Walk, Pride Festival, UMCOR,
etc.
If you would like to
know more about this committee or help with its important work, contact Pat Alexander.
See their church
webspace: http://www.hamlinechurch.org/article.asp?oid=10
and their brochure
linked at: http://www.hamlinechurch.org/ChurchSocMissions.htm
___________________________________________________
HAMLINE
GARDENERS
The award-winning
beauty of the gardens on our church grounds is certainly a gift from God, but that gift is helped by the
hard work of many members of our community who labor to keep the gardens looking lovely. Every spring
the Hamline Gardeners prepare the
beds, which include cleaning, mulching, weeding, and replanting. In
addition, the group is responsible
for the innovative environmental rain garden project begun last year, which brought help and
praise from the entire Hamline-Midway community.
The Gardeners are
?doers? who work to share God's gift of beautiful flowers and plants with others. They're
concerned about the environment and about social issues and see their work on the gardening
projects as helping further the efforts of Hamline Church to reach out to the larger community.
The group has plans
for the future that include collaborating with the Hamline student group SPROUT to grow a vegetable
garden, with proceeds going to the Hamline Midway Elders and food shelves, and completing the rain garden,
which will be dedicated in honor
of Maxine Smith.
To help with the
work of the Hamline Gardeners, contact Amy Schultz or Woo Zonneveld.
See their church
webpage: http://hamlinechurch.org/HUMCGardening09.htm
For more information
on our gardens and other related projects, connect to these internet links:
Rain garden: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmgreening/sets/72157602593732012/
SPROUT Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/hamlinesprout?lnk
_______________________________________________________
reformatted and edited from HUMC Live Wire monthly newsletters
for website: http://hamlinechurch.org/Spotlight1.htm