December 28 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

WORSHlP
†
December 28, 2014
10:00 AM
SANCTUARY
There is no
reversing
this road
The path that
bore you here
goes in
one direction
only,
every step
drawing you
down a way
by which
you will
not return...
– Jan L. Richardson
PRELUDE
Where + is indicated, standing or sitting, we praise God.
You are invited to read aloud the bold text.
The First Sunday after Christmas
GATHERING CAROLS
HYMN NO. 251
HYMN NO. 218
HYMN NO. 244
HYMN NO. 242
ENTRY INTO CELEBRATION
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Love Came Down at Christmas
Love comes into our lives...
At Christmas and every day.
Love comes into our lives...
In the birth of the Christ Child and the birth of each baby born.
Love come into our lives...
When we reach out to the lost and the lonely,
the homeless and hungry.
Love comes into our lives...
As gift and sign.
Let us worship together this God of Love!
PROCESSIONAL HYMN NO. 246
WELCOME AND CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY
Joy to the World
Immanuel, God with us, help us to stand firm in our faith and to
go on discovering what the Good News is for us, here and now.
Help us not to take refuge in words, other people’s or our own.
Surprise us with your poetry, your pictures, which are beyond
words, your living letters, which are people, your signs, which
are at once here-and-now and belong to all places, all times,
all people, your wisdom which can only be understood by the
child in us. God of surprises, God with us. Amen
†
HENNEPlN
avenue united methodist
511 groveland avenue
minneapolis, mn 55403 phone 612-871-5303
church.org

SONG
God’s Surprise
TIME WITH CHILDREN
Paula Colton
+ SHARING THE PEACE
May the Peace of God be with you.
And also with you.
The congregation may greet each other with a sign of reconciliation and peace.
+ PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION: HYMN NO. 254 (stanza 1) We Three Kings
Next Week: we begin January with
a Sermon Series “Gift Return.”
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-13.
Nate Melcher will be preaching,
“Gift Return: Prayers”
+ SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of
Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is
the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star
at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod
heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling
together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of
them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem
of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you,

Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the
rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my
people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned
from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent
them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and
when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay
him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of
them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over
the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped,
they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the
child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.
Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to
return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
For the Word of God in Scripture,
for the Word of God among us,
for the Word of God within us,
Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE
RESPONDING WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
MUSICAL OFFERING
In the Land of “Now What”
Rev. Sally Howell Johnson
The Friendly Beast
+ PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS REGENT SQUARE
All creation join in praising our Creator, Spirit, Son.
Evermore your voices raising to th’ eternal Three-in-One:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the Blessed One.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SUNG PRAYER
Star Child
Preaching Schedule for the
Sanctuary Worship Service:
Dec. 28: Sally Johnson
Jan. 4: Nate Melcher
Jan. 11: Judy Zabel, guest
Jan. 18: Paula Colton
Jan. 25: Nate Melcher
Feb. 1: Kent Millard
Feb. 8: Kent Millard
Feb. 15: Nate Melcher
Feb. 22: Kent Millard
March 1: Kent Millard
March 8: Nate Melcher
March 15: Nate Melcher
March 22: Sally Johnson
March 29: Kent Millard, Palm Sunday
April 5: Kent Millard, Easter
April 12: Marcus Borg, guest
April 19: Nate Melcher
April 26: Nate Melcher
May 3: Kent Millard
May 10: Kent Millard
May 17: Nate Melcher
May 24: Nate Melcher
May 31: Paula Colton
June 7: Kent Millard
June 14: Kent Millard
June 21: Nate Melcher
June 28: Nate Melcher
July 5: New Lead Pastor Arrives*

Ministers
Every member of Hennepin Church.
Clergy
Paula Colton, Youth & Families; Sally
Johnson, Worship & Spiritual
Formation; Jim McChesney, Pastoral
Care; Kent Millard, Interim Lead Pastor;
Nate Melcher, Associate Pastor;
Richard Waggoner, Music Emeritus.
Program Staff
John Cole, Dignity Center; Kevin
Dahlen, Koinonia; Jack Fistler,
Legacy Giving; Liz Gagnon, Finance;
Andrew Hackett, Organist; Mary
Helfrich, Office Manager; Bryant
Holmstrom, Facilities; Mary Martin,
Dignity Center; William Mathis,
Music & Fine Arts; Dana Neuhauser,
Children’s Ministries; Daniel
Pederson, Communications; Mark
Peterson, Koinonia; Dennis Sanders,
Electronic Communications; Jodi
Standke, Interim Administrator.
Twin Cities District
Superintendent
Judy Zabel
Minnesota Area Bishop
Bruce Ough
Hennepin is a Reconciling
Congregation, welcoming the
full participation of all persons,
including the LGBT Community.
SUNDAYS at
HENNEPIN
~ Worship Services ~
Sacred Journey 9:00 AM
Sally Howell Johnson
Sanctuary Service 9:30 AM
Rev. Kent Millard, Interim
~ Chapel Gatherings ~
Holy Communion 8:30 AM
Rev. Nate Melcher
Many Voices 11:00 AM
Rev. Sally Johnson
Sundays at Five 5:00 PM
(Recovery) Leslie Ball
Gathered and scattered...
God is with us.
In suffering and hope...
God is with us.
Now and always...
God is with us.
A prayer from the Iona Community
+ HYMN NO. 238 Angels We Have Heard on High
+ BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
The Sanctuary Flowers are given by Chuba and Rachel Nsude
in celebration of their 11th wedding anniversary.
Regular Worship Services Resume
on Sunday, January 4, 2015
We Welcome You!
Welcome! If you’re a visitor, know that we’re glad you’re here, and that we’d
love to get to know you better. Please leave your contact information in the
Friendship Folder found in each pew. Hennepin Avenue United Methodist
Church has a place for you. If this is your first visit, welcome. If you are
returning, welcome back.
Do you have any questions about Hennepin, any at all Just look for folks
wearing a Matchmaker badge! Our Matchmaker program exists to welcome
you and to help you connect and engage within this wonderful church. You
can also reach out by email: Matchmakers@HennepinChurch.org.
Welcome Bags are available at each entrance for guests to receive if you’d
like more information about Hennepin Church.
Nursery for infants – age 3 is available today until 12:30 PM in Rooms 101
and 103 on the main floor of the Education Wing. Any usher would be
delighted to help you find the nursery.
Coffee is available each Sunday in Carlson Hall. Our thanks to Jim Cone of
Coffee and Tea, Ltd. for supplying our Sunday coffee.

There are many ways to serve at
Hennepin Church. From one-time,
rollup-your-sleeves-get-somethingdone
projects to ongoing groups
and committees, there is bound to
be a fit for your interests and gifts.
To find out how to volunteer,
please call 612-435-1337 or go to HennepinChurch.org/Get-Involved.
GET
involved
Want to get involved right away Use the Get Involved Card in
the pew rack (sanctuary) or as you enter other worship spaces.
Fill it out and place in the offering plate, or hand to an usher.
➡ Ushers Needed for Sanctuary Service! We need YOU to join
the ranks of dedicated ushers and greeters in Festival Worship.
Please use the “Get Involved Card” to indicate your interest.
† Worship Time
Discussion
Sunday, January 4 at 11:00 AM
Discuss Worship Time Proposal
at Adult Forum
On Sunday, Jan. 4 at 11:00 AM there
will be an Adult Forum to discuss the
Worship Time Proposal. Bring your
questions and ideas about what is
best for the congregation. This is in
preparation for the non-binding straw
poll planned for our Jan. 11 Church
Conference. All are welcome!
December 28 – Today at Hennepin
8:30 - 11:30 Mother’s Lounge Room 104
8:30 - 12:30 Coffee Fellowship Carlson Hall
8:45 - 12:30 Nursery/Childcare **NEW** Longfellow Room
10:00 - 11:00 ONE Combined Worship Service Sanctuary
5:00 - 6:00 Sunday at Five Gathering (Recovery) Border Chapel
NO Brunch Today.
Regular Worship Schedule Resumes January 4, 2015.
It’s not too late...
New Year’s Eve at Koinoinia
Come to Hennepin’s retreat center on Lake Sylvia for these events just
around the corner (flyers in Carlson Hall): Dec. 31 – Jan. 2, New Year’s at
Koinonia! Ring in the New Year with friends! Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, Art and Spirit
Retreat: Express your spirituality through art and activities, lectures and
discussion. Feb. 27 –March 1, InterGenMen Retreat: Reflect on the
prodigal son, and think about relationships between fathers and sons,
friends and co-workers. Sign up at HennepinChurch.org/Register or contact
Mark Peterson for more information Mark.Peterson@HennepinChurch.org.
Tuesday, December 30
6:00 PM Young Adult Reunion
Wednesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve
9:30 AM Knotty Quilters
1:00 PM Recyclers
5:00 PM Office CLOSES
Thursday, January 1
New Year’s Day
Church Closed Holiday
Friday, January 2
7:00 AM Men’s Fellowship
10:00 AM Alanon
Saturday, January 3
11:00 AM Open Yoga
Saturday, January 3
11:00 AM Open Yoga
Sunday, January 4
8:30 AM Holy Communion
9:00 AM Sacred Journey
9:30 AM Sanctuary Service
11:00 AM Many Voices
11:00 AM Worship Time Forum
Sunday, January 11
11:00 AM Church Conference

Hunger Offering: 1 in 8 people worldwide goes to bed
hungry every night. Your gift to the Hennepin Hunger
Offering will help us to respond by supporting ongoing
programs that address hunger among those who are
poor and address global issues of sustainability and
appropriate technology.
Community Meals: Hennepin has been serving a hot,
nutritious meal to our neighbors in need for 26 years.
In a dining room filled with love, music, laughter and
kindness, hearts are filled with God’s love. Volunteers
of all ages and abilities are needed for this joyous
work. Please sign up on the website!
Thursday Bible Study will resume January 8 with Revival:
Faith as Wesley Lived It by Adam Hamilton. 11:00 AM
in the Longfellow Room. New participants welcome.
Men’s Bible Fellowship: At 7:00 on Friday mornings a
group of men gather for Bible study, conversation and
fellowship (homemade cinnamon rolls included!). All
men are invited to attend this lively discussion.
Kjerringsleppets, a women’s book group, meets the
1st Wednesday of the month from 5:30 - 7:00 PM in
the Longfellow Room. The group is open to women of
all ages and welcomes new people. Contact Sally at
Sally.Johnson@HennepinChurch.org or 612-435-1328.
Jan. 7: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.
Feb 4: The Orchard by Theresa Weir.
Science and Religion Roundtable on Jan. 22 at 7 PM:
We’ll be discussing Evolution and Ethics: Human
Morality in Biological and Religious Perspective by
Philip Clayton and Jeffrey Schloss.
Nametags! Do you have a nametag on today You are
encouraged to wear a nametag every Sunday. A name
with a friendly greeting is welcomed by visitor and
members alike. There are nametags in all the pew pads
and at the entrances to the Sanctuary, Carlson Hall,
Social Hall and Art Galley. Help to welcome all!
Koinonia Retreat Center
Come to Koinonia for these events just around the
corner (flyers in Carlson Hall): Dec. 31 - Jan. 2, New
Year’s at Koinonia! Ring in the New Year with friends!
Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, Art and Spirit Retreat: Express your
spirituality through art and activities, lectures and
discussion. Feb. 27 - March 1, InterGenMen Retreat:
Reflect on the prodigal son, and think about
relationships between fathers and sons, friends and
co-workers. March 6 - 8, Women’s Retreat: Focus on
the practice of Sabbath and slowing down.
~ Holiday Office Hours ~
* Office Closes at 5PM on Dec.31 *
CLOSED: January 1, 2015
We are a Caring Community
Pastoral Care: Please notify the church
office if you, a family member or any other
church member are experiencing illness,
hospitalization, or are in need of pastoral
care. Please call 612-871-5303 and ask for
Pastoral Care, ext. 771 or email
PastoralCare@HennepinChurch.org.
Congregational Joys and Concerns are
posted each week in the Pastoral Care
area of the kiosk in Carlson Hall. Cards for
members in need of cheer are available to
sign at the reception desk.
Pacem Singers are available to sing to
Hennepin members and friends, bringing
comfort of favorite hymns and songs to
your surroundings.
Downtown Grief Support Group:
www.mplsgriefsupport.com 9:30 AM Sat.
Sept. 6 – Dec. 27, Westminster Presbyterian
(1200 Marquette). Dec. 6: Bob Bartlett
shares “The Effects of Grief.”
Sunday Spire (Bulletin)
The deadline for the Sunday Spire
is 10:00 AM on Monday for the
coming Sunday. Please send to
Spire@HennepinChurch.org or
drop off at church, attn: Daniel.
Suggested article size is about 50
words. All articles are subject to
editing for space and content.
Thanks for sharing your stories!
Breakfast @ Hennepin
Our breakfast fellowship is
back! Supported by a free-will
offering and the help of you,
our volunteers! Come on
down to the Social Hall today
from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM for
great food and fellowship!
NO Brunch on Dec. 28
Gratitude for your Giving
At the end of October, the
Operating Budget Income received
in each of the past three years was:
2014 - 73% of Budget
2013 - 78% of Budget
2012 - 78% of Budget
Thank you for your support!

Nate’s Holy Land Journal
January 7-16: thelifemosaic.com
Pastor Nate is traveling to the Holy
Land with Bishop Bruce Ough and
other United Methodists from the
Minnesota and Dakotas Annual
Conferences from January 7-16.
Pending he has reliable, consistent
internet access, Nate hopes to
chronicle his journey with reflections
and photos throughout the trip. You
can go to Nate’s personal blog, thelifemosaic.com, to
subscribe and follow along as he journeys to this
amazing region of the world for the first time.
Pub Theology
2nd Wednesdays, 6-8 PM
Aimed at Young Adults, Open to All
This drop-in group gathers to discuss
faith, life, stress, family, and so on with a
tasty beverage. Bring a friend; new faces
are welcome. RSVPs are helpful for
saving tables (contact Pastor Nate). Join
us Jan. 14 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Steel Toe Brewing
4848 W. 35th St. St. Louis Park. (Steel Toe doesn’t have
a kitchen and welcomes outside food.)
Young Adults Epiphany Party
Sunday, January 18 from 5-8 PM
Celebrate the new year with three hours
of unlimited bowling and shoe rental
and an hour of unlimited pizza, salad,
and pop buffet (6-7 pm). See you at Park
Tavern (3401 Louisiana Avenue S. St. Louis Park). Cost is
$15; contact Pastor Nate for scholarship opportunities
(don’t let cost deter you). To RSVP, contact Kirk &
Melissa Ingram at (corn0156@umn.edu) and/or Pastor
Nate Melcher at (nate@haumc.org).
New Member Class
Meet 11:00 AM, Sunday, Feb. 1. Join Feb. 8
We’ll share a meal together, learn about the history of
the church and where it’s heading next, United
Methodism, and engagement in the life of the church
and community. We’ll take questions and explore the
membership vows together. RSVP Rev. Nate Melcher
(nate@haumc.org).
The Practicing Life
Sally Johnson’s NEW Book, Available!
The Practicing Life: Simple Acts. Sacred
Living by Sally Howell Johnson (with
cover art by Hennepin member,
Barbara Brandt) has just been
published and is available in Carlson
Hall! “The Practicing Life offers insight
and inspiration for a connection of
mind, body, spirit. This is a practice that can bring joy,
peace, and an attention to the sacred in the everyday.”
Congratulations, Sally!
Women’s Book Group
Kjerringsleppets – 1st Wednesdays (Jan. 7) 5:30 PM
This women’s book group meets the 1st Wednesday of
the month from 5:30 - 7:00 PM in the Longfellow Room.
The group is open to women of all ages and welcomes
new people. For info, contact Sally at 612-435-1328 or
Sally.Johnson@HennepinChurch.org. Jan. 7: The Storied
Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. Feb 4: The Orchard
by Theresa Weir.
Thursday Bible Study
11:00 AM Thursdays. New Topic Starts Jan. 8
We will begin a six-week study based on Rev. Adam
Hamilton's new book Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It.
John Wesley's message and faith continue to speak to
21st century Christians. The lessons cover Wesley's land,
life, ministry, and teachings. (A great tie-in if considering
the Hennepin Heritage tour to England.) Class meets at
11 AM in the Longfellow Room. Mary Mensheha and
Juanita Reed-Boniface are co-leaders with clergy
assistance. New participants always welcome.
Ushers and Greeters Needed
For 9:30 AM Festival Worship
Everyone who worships at Hennepin Church deserves
a warm welcome! We’re in need of new faces to join the
ranks of dedicated ushers and greeters in Festival
Worship. Benefits include:
• You choose your commitment level.
• You get the training you need.
• Guests get a genuine welcome from you!
• You get to meet new people and connect!
To try greeting, contact Stephen Boyd: srboyd@me.com

Karen Hering at Hennepin
Registration Due by January 4
Karen Hering, literary minister and
author of Writing to Wake the Soul will
lead a program on the spiritual practice
of writing at Hennepin Church. FREE
on a registration basis, and held Sat.,
Jan. 17 from 9 AM -12 PM and Sun., Jan. 25 from 4-6
PM. Register for this two session event at
HennepinChurch.org/register, call 612-871-5303 or
Sally.Johnson@HennepinChurch.org.
Thursday Bible Study
Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It – Starts Jan. 8
Jan. 8 brings a six-week study based on
Rev. Adam Hamilton's new book
Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It. John
Wesley's message and faith continue to
speak to 21-st century Christians –
calling for a revival of our hearts and
souls so that our world might be
changed. (A great tie-in for those
considering the Hennepin Heritage tour to England.)
Art of the Struggle
Dignity Center Art Exhibit Through Dec. 31
A Dignity Center participant, Ethel
brings first-hand experience to the art
that she shares with us. She has raised
two children and seven grandchildren.
“I have always had a passion for my
artwork and am to pleased to share my
line of paintings on canvas and paper
bags that show struggles of African
American women and portray stories
of families that became victims of poverty.
Toy Drive Thanks!
A big Thanks from Hennepin's
United Methodist Women for
your support of our "quick" toy
d r i v e f o r E m m a N o r t o n
Services in St. Paul. With your
help, Santa's sleigh made an
early delivery of several bags of toys, books and games
for the deserving children of Emma Norton women this
Christmas. Thank you for brightening their world.
Worship Time Proposals
Pick Up Your Copy of the Document at Reception Desk
On Dec. 4, the Administrative Council discussed some
possible options for worship times at Hennepin. Please
read this document and enter the discussion about what
is best for the whole church and its mission. This
document can be picked up at the reception desk or
read online at HennepinChurch.org/Worship-Schedule.
Church Conference
11:00 AM – Sunday, Jan. 11
District Superintendent Judy Zabel will be our guest
preacher and will be lead our congregational meeting.
Included in the discussions will be a non-binding straw
poll on the Worship Time Proposals.
Toys Needed for Nursery
Join the excitement and help update our church nursery.
We have specific needs for new toys. We are registered
at Target! So grab the registry list, in stores or online,
and give the babies of our church some new toys to
play with this year. Toys can be dropped off at the
nursery in Sundays or at the front desk during the week.
Young Adult Reunion
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 6:00 PM
Young people age 18-25 who
grew up at Hennepin are
invited to a pot luck on Dec.
30, hosted by parents. The evening is yours to spend
with old friends from Confirmation and youth group.
Young adults, RSVP with Rev. Nate (nate@haumc.org).
Parents, RSVP with Michelle (devaughnmm@gmail.com).
Footsteps Through Italy
Life Adventures – Friday, Jan. 9 at 12:00 Noon
Join Pastor Sally and Dan Johnson,
along with several other Hennepin
members, as they share highlights of
their pilgrimage to Italy last fall.
Retrace their steps to the places where
St.. Francis, St. Claire, and St. Catherine experienced
God through the beauty of the world. Prepaid
reservations due Jan. 7. Luncheon cost is $12.
FACE TO FACE: Advent 2015 at Hennepin Church