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A monthly newsletter of Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church

SEPTEMBER 2015

Dear Friends,

There is a jackhammer At work on the street A block to our west. It reports loud progress

Pounding away at the Dense surface, chiseling Its way through the press of millions of tires that

Passed over to wherever. The streets are busy, In our neighborhood. As I try to quiet myself

And listen, my inner Traffic is heavy too. I imagine God finding Equal challenge getting in,

Breaking through the hard- packed routes of my fears And desires, tireless in Their running back and forth.

You go, God. Hammer away Gently, relentlessly to your Heart’s content and mine. No sense just sitting here.

I’ll put out some signs, Orange barrels and cones; Try to divert traffic a while So you don’t get run over.

I wrote that sort-of poem a couple weeks ago as the road-repair in our neighborhood picked up. It starts early, at about the same time I am trying to be quiet and still for a while, starting my day prayerfully, listen-ing hopefully, hopefully listening, paying attention to that “still, small voice”, before the louder ones take over with lots of words, e-mails, phone calls and meetings and all the other necessary and unnecessary noise that I cause or invite or that just comes.

As often is the case I’m late. Inspiration, or whatever stirs such thoughts, doesn’t always show up on my preferred schedule. I could’ve used these words way back in June, or May even, when the detours began and regular travel, which can be trying enough, became truly ad-venturous!

So, what if we imagined a hard-hatted, reflective-vested God, with jack-hammer in hand, working away on our busy inner selves, even as we witness similar things going on without? Does the image stop you? Does it make you think you could make things a bit less challenging for the Constructive One to be just that in your life and the paths you take?

Maybe, as you sit at the next intersection, waiting through several light changes because three or four lanes have become one – a road-repair miracle! – and everything has slowed – way – down - you can offer up a prayer for the people doing the work that otherwise threatens to drive you crazy. “Pray about it”, we are sometimes advised. So, go ahead. Why not? It can’t hurt. Just do it with your eyes open!

Whatever benefits your prayer brings to the laborers trying to smooth the way for your future travel, the activity will be beneficial for you. Low-er blood pressure, less churning of the digestive juices, a more relaxed disposition… you might find you arrive at work or at home in a better state than when you zoom back and forth with nary an obstacle to slow – you – down.

And, though this offering may seem a bit late, it’s not too soon to start preparing for the next “road re-prayer” season. (Sorry, corny I know, I couldn’t resist.) And, God’s work on and in us is never done. So… Happy, safe, and peaceful trails and travels! Shalom, Jeff

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KICK-OFF

RALLY DAY

Sunday, September 13

Worship and Sunday School (pre-k—6th grade) (10 a.m.)

All-Church Meal and Activities!

Immediately following worship in Fellowship Hall.

Everyone Welcome!

All Church Meal: grilled chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, watermelon, lemonade, brownies and a roll .

Activities: bouncy houses, face paintings, balloon ani-mals, scavenger hunt and cupcake walk.

To help with the meal, contact Rob Alber 763-528-3259 or at

claire.alber@hotmail.com.

Invite your friends and neighbors to this great event and intro-

duce them to your church!

Adult FORUM will resume on Sunday, September 13, between 9:15 and 9:50 a.m. We will resume the Great Courses video series on archeology of ancient Christian sites in the Middle East. All are welcome; please join us for education, discussion, and fellowship.

Calling All Bible Studiers! The adult Bible Study will commence on Tuesday, October 6, at 10:00 a.m. The reasons for not jumping in September are numer-ous, but let's simply say, with new staff persons just coming on board, children's and youth activities starting, plus preparation for Confirmation Sunday on October 11. It makes sense that the Bible Study will begin after much of that is up and running. So, thanks for your understanding. See you on the first Tuesday in October. Pastor Jeff

Family Health Fair

A free community-event sponsored by Spirit of Hope on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Family Health Fair is an educational and interactive event designed for outreach to provide basic preventive medicine, medical screening, and information/resources to people in the community.

Currently planned interactive events: Tai Chi and Laughing Yoga, Memorial Center Blood Drive, MVNA Flu Shots, Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar checks by North Memorial Home & Community Ser-vices, chair massages, nutritionist, and physical therapist; working on resources for children, youth, families and seniors. Lots of children events: bouncy houses, face painting, balloon animals, etc.

Hi my name is Penny Meschke and I'm excited to be here at Spirit of Hope and to get to meet you! So, I will begin by sharing a little bit about myself. First of all I love children, it's why I am here, they just make my heart sing. And, I do enjoy being with children of all ages too. I love music and singing; especially with children and writing little songs. Also, I sing in the Minnesota Chorale and play the mandolin. I love the arts, including painting, ceramics, and theater. I enjoy camping and canoeing. All of these activities I enjoy doing with others. I love sharing God’s love through Jesus and learning about the Bible in faith communi-ties; which stirred me to go to school. I am a second year student at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. One of my most favorite things to do is giggle and sing with my one-year-old grandson.

I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland Ohio. I spent a great deal of my childhood in a special place called Hiram House Camp where my parents were directors. The mission of this camp was to bring underprivileged children from the inner city to experience nature and the family life of camp. It was a big influence in my life. Through my middle school and teenage years I could be found singing duets with my dad at the Methodist Church where my mom was the director of Christian education. At the same age I could be found pic-nicking and painting in the woods with my mom. I am grateful for my childhood and I find such joy to be a part of others’ childhoods.

My husband's name is Wayne and we have five adult children whose names all start with N, three girls and two boys, and a son-in-law. The center of every thing seems to be our first grandchild, Ryland.

Church, children's ministry and children's music ministry have been a large part of my life. I've been a full-time children's ministry director for four years in Minnetonka and recently created parent-child faith-arts-music classes for a Lutheran Church in Maple Grove.

I am grateful for this new opportunity here, and I look forward to meeting you and hearing your childhood and faith stories.

Peace and blessings, Penny

Children and Family Ministries

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Thanks to the 2015 Paint-A-Thon Team! Thanks to all who participated in the 2015 Paint-A-Thon. Seventy-five hours of prepping and painting were provided by our team: Dianne Anderson, Julie Anderson, Joan Boger, Harry Dobney, Rose Dobney, Lyle Dyck, Eric Forsberg, Peter Gresser, Joan Grimm, Gene Miller, Bernie Mogck, Lowell Mogck, Terri Moore, Buzz Nelson, Jan Nelson, Joan Neudecker, Megan Nichols, Nancy Pavlik, Gloria Peck, David Peters, Toni Peters, Gary Plager, Jan Plager, Kate Plager, John Turrittin, Angie Willardson.

Sanctuary Choir is open to students in 9th grade through

adults. Choir will have its first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 16, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary and will sing for the first time this season on September 20. We will be continuing our schedule of rehearsing weekly on Sundays from 9-9:30 a.m. with the intent of singing that particular Sunday. Occasional Wednes-day evenings are scheduled throughout the fall in order to get a head start on anthems to make Sunday mornings easier.

Additional scheduled rehearsals:

October 21

November 11, 18

December 2, 9

You are welcome to participate in any of our ensembles on a short-term basis and not feel as though you must make a year-long commitment. The ability to match pitch is the only requirement for the participation in the choir, and we promise many things: free voice lessons as part of the rehearsals, sharper performance skills, fellowship with others and the opportunity to nurture and offer your gifts as part of worship!

Music Department News

Come, Be a Spirit-filled Ringer! Spirit A’Peal, our adult hand-bell choir, welcomes new ringers with joy. Even if you have never rung a hand-bell, if you can read music and are in the age range of 9th grade through senior citizen, we would love to have you try out the art of bell ringing with us. The commitment is for hour-long rehearsals on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (NEW TIME!!) and performances at an average of one or two services a month. First rehearsal for the new season will be Wednesday, September 16. If you need more information, see Kris Kooiker, Trudy Hoag, or another member of the bell choir!

Orchestra Dust off your horn! Tune up those strings! Wet down that reed! It is time for the orchestra to begin! The first downbeat is Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00 p.m., and we play for Kick-Off Rally Day on September 13! You don’t need to be an expert to play. All skill levels are welcome. We want YOU to help us praise God with your gift. Parts are written for the player, so all are wel-come. Please see Paul David Stanko (or any member of the mu-sic team) for more information. You can also email Paul David at pauldvd69@aol.com.

United Methodist Women Wednesday, October 14, at 10:00 a.m. Calvary Co-op, 7600 Golden Valley Road, apt #503. Hosted by Pauline Mariucci, 763.545.4471. We will gather at Pauline's apartment at 10:00 a.m., before heading up to the Skyline Room for refreshments and plan UMW Sunday on October 18, with our guest speaker. Any questions, please call Joan Bernick, 763.360.2669.

Children’s Music Welcome “Little Hands” Ring and Sing This is a new program at Spirit of Hope. It is an In the Beginning children’s choir for children 18 months to four years accompanied by parents, grandparents, caregivers and friends. It is an opportunity to accompany your child in faith, music and to meet other families.

We will sing, use simple instruments, puppets and props, as we move to music. Families will have the opportunity to sing, ring, play, and pray together.

As we learn simple songs together, there will be opportunities for us to share our music in worship for those interested. Comfortable clothes are recommended. Little Hands Ring and Sing is offered Thursdays at 6:00-6:45 p.m. beginning Thursday, September 17.

Mini Spirits (kindergarten—2nd grade) with Penny Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.-starts September 16

Holy Spirits (3rd—5th grade) with Penny Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m.-starts September 16

Youth Choir (6th-8th grade) Sundays 11:15 a.m.-12:00 noon-starts September 20

Music—We are looking for a piano accompanist for children choirs. Come and share your gift of music and get to know the next generation of church.

End Of The Summer Opportunity Would you like to have the chance to have a lovely container garden delivered to someone's front step? It's free of charge, and all you have to do is go to Random Acts of Gardening (randomactsofgardening.net) and complete a form. Anyone can receive one: a friend, neighbor, someone in need, so go to randomactsofgardening.net today! If you have questions, feel free to contact Kim Corey-Edstrom.

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Children and Family Ministry: You are invited to

accompany your child on his/her faith walk.

Sunday Mornings 8:30-9:15 a.m. Chapel Service

10:00-11:00 a.m. Worship

10:20-11:00 a.m. Faith Walk Rotation Sunday

School classes

11:00-11:10 a.m. Faith Walk Large Group

Faith Walk Sunday School is held from Kick Off

Rally Day to mid May for three year-olds – 6th graders.

Each week children gather in worship with their families for

songs and “Word with the children.” Then children are not

dismissed, but “Missed” to Sunday School. All kids meet

teachers at the back of the Sanctuary where they will be es-

corted to their group gathering. After Sunday School all chil-

dren are picked up by parents in Fellowship Hall, the large

room on the lower level, where we will have a closing song

and prayer together.

PreK 3 and 4 years - PreK Wing Classrooms

PreK will go directly to the PreK classroom spaces behind

the Nursery. Pre schoolers with gather for Faith Walk Large

group closing. Pre schoolers are picked up downstairs.

Faith Walk Sunday School is PreK - 4th grade kids will

learn core Bible stories using a rotation model. Students are

grouped by age/grade level and each rotation lasts three

weeks. During that period of time, classes will focus on a

specific Bible story and will experience that story by rotating

through learning workshops: Storytelling, Art, Games, Sci-

ence/Cooking, and Movie. While the elementary-aged kids

are rotating, the PreK kids will stay all together as a group

and experience the Bible story in a new way each week. This

is an exciting way for our kids to learn and we are excited to

begin on Sunday, September 13! Each month we will have

a surprise guest or activity in between rotation themes.

5th-6th Grade “Connect” class meets in the Youth Room

on the 3rd floor.

In Be-Tween-ers, Connect class 5th-6th grade: 5th and 6th

graders will have their own unique Sunday School just for

them, designed to meet them right where they are.

Here is how you can be part of this exciting faith formation

with our kids:

This model of Faith Walk needs three types of leaders:

Class leaders: stay with a group of children for the

entire program year. This could be 2-4 people sharing

leadership on a rotating basis.

Workshop leaders: sign up to teach a workshop for a

week time period. This allows for leaders of all ages and

stages to connect with kids using their own special gifts

and talents.

Special guest: you are invited to be a special guest at

Sunday school. Come share a talent, activity and your

faith story with the children.

Nursery for children infant –2 years available

during worship service

Milestone Ministry Program The Milestone program runs throughout the year and is de-

signed for children and their parent(s) to experience together.

The milestones include Birth to 3—Make a Joyful Noise,

Preschool and Kindergarten—Faith in the Home, 1st

Grade—Advent, 2nd grade—Prayer, 3rd Grade—Bible, 4th

Grade—Baptism, 5th Grade—Communion and 6th Grade—

Mission.

3rd Grade “A Bible of My Own”

Sunday, September 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parents and kids gather after worship where we’ll enjoy a

light lunch followed by a short lesson and hands on activities

learning how to use their new Bibles. Your whole family can

enjoy lunch together, and child care is available for other

kids in the family during the lesson portion. Please sign up

on the display table by Fellowship Hall.

Bible Presentation Sunday, September 27 Bible presentation to 3rd graders during worship.

5th Grade “Taste the Bread”

Sunday, September 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 5th Graders making ceramic communion cups on the potters

wheel.

Saturday, October 3, 9:00 a.m. to noon Family parent activity of baking bread, making banners and

communion cups. Parents and kids come together for hands

on activities learning about the Sacrament of Holy Commun-

ion. The whole family is invited to enjoy lunch together, and

child care is available for other children in the family during

the lesson portion of the event. Please sign up on the display

table by Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, October 4 we will be celebrating

communion.

Please watch for the Children’s Family Ministry Blog.

Children and Family Ministries

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Creative Spirits Reconvenes If you are looking for a friendly group and a time and place to finish some stitchery projects you are certainly invited to join Creative Spirits. We meet twice a month: first and third Saturdays in the comfy chairs of the lobby. We meet at 9:30 a.m. for usually two hours; and it’s a fluid group that come and go depending on our schedules. Those who wish to make prayer shawls also meet with us on these Saturdays. So come join us, we’d love to see you!

A nice perk is that for all the yarn endeavors, knitting, crochet, knifty knitting we often have free yarn donations.

This brings us to our annual appeal to church members who have leftover yarn on hand, or maybe have cleaned out grandma’s “stash” and don’t know where to donate it. We love and appreciate all the yarn donations and either make good use of them, or send them on for other worthy projects. So let us know if you have yarn to give. And again thanks to those who have do-nated in the past.

Serving at Simpson Shelter Please mark your calendars for the following dates which will bring us to the end of the year:

Monday, September 7

Monday, October 5

Monday, November 2

Wednesday, December 9

We are always in need of both food and workers, so please sign up and join our outreach and fellowship.

Some of you have asked if there are other ways to help. If you are unable to bring a part of the meal or serve the meal, you can do-nate to this fund by noting “Simpson Shelter Food Fund” on your check or offering envelope. Your money will be used to purchase milk, fruit or other needed items. If you have any questions, please contact me. Sally Turrittin

Spirit of Hope Ministry Trust Fund The Spirit of Hope Ministry Trust Fund provides a source of special funds for worthy programs and projects within the church and our community. The funds in the account are separate from the church operating budget and not available to use for the operating budget. The Ministry Trust Fund is managed by a Board of Advisors. The current members are: Steve Gunn; John Turrittin; Lisa Schroeder; Pam Collins; Ann Rest; and Eric Forsberg.

The Board makes grants based upon applications. Typically the grants have been between $500 and $1,000. Applications are available from the church office. The Board will consider applica-tions at its next meeting in October. If you have questions about the fund or the application process, contact the church office or one of the Board members.

Loaves and Fishes Please mark your calendars for the following dates which will bring us to the end of the year:

Wednesday, September 16

Wednesday, October 21

Monday, November 11

We will be helping with meals at Brunswick United Methodist Church for the Loaves and Fishes program. There are two shifts:

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for setup and food prep

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to serve and clean up

For more information see the sign-up sheet in the upper lobby or contact Linda Henry at 763-559-1849. We need your help!

Join us for the discussion of the book The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander. Wednesdays, October 14, 21, and 28. Supper is at 6:00 p.m., dessert, coffee, and discussion is from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend any or all of the discussions. We will introduce the series with the author's Ted Talk which explains how she came about researching and writing the book. Books will be avail-able for sale before and at the discussions, but you need not read the book to participate. We will engage an outside speaker/discussion leader. Adults and youth, please join us to study and discuss racism in our criminal justice system.

My name is Colette and I have a son named Ezra that is 15 months old. Thank you for welcoming me into the Spirit of Hope church fami-ly. I'm excited to meet all of you and watch your little ones in the nursery. I have been a personal care assistant and nanny for over ten years. I have worked in nurse-ries, taught gymnastics, conducted fun day camps and am a children's

birthday party champion! I love kids creativity and imaginations. My part here is to encourage this and create a positive environment. I look forward to sharing the word of the Bible with the children each Sunday through books, music and play!

This is our QR code to the Spirit of Hope website. You will need to have a QR code

reader app installed on your device in order to scan it.

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Youth Ministry

Sunshine Valley Corner We have had a wonderful summer at Sunshine Valley! Some of our highlights have been taking

walks to the park, a fieldtrip to Como Zoo and riding our trikes and bikes.

We have also had many blessings from our Spirit of Hope Friends! We have regular visits from

Jan Plager, Ruth Nicholson, and Polly Erickson who read stories to us and play games too!

Please let us know if you’d like to visit us as well! Our friends Gene Miller and Ron Lundquist

have saved parts from the trees they’ve removed for us to play on! Natural balance beams and stepping stones

are wonderful additions to our playground!

We give thanks for the lives of Jan Beidelman and Bill Stewart who both left memorials to Sunshine Valley. We

purchased a new toddler sized swing set with the donations in Jan’s memory. We also received donations in Bill’s

memory which we used to purchase two raised garden beds as well as materials to start our very first garden!

We are looking forward to an exciting fall. We are happy to have a full program and dedicated staff as we begin

another school year!

As always we feel blessed to be a part of the Spirit of Hope family.

Our New Youth Ministries Director Hi everyone! My name is David Hodd. I'm 24 years old, I am attending North Central University for a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, and I live in a townhouse in Savage. In the photo is my girlfriend Amy who is an art teacher in the Minnetonka school district. I was called into ministry when I was fourteen years old at a church camp in Park Rapids called STORM Camp, which I now serve as a leader in. After a long journey through faith God has called me to Spirit of Hope to serve as a youth leader. Previously I had managed a McDonald's and I just finishing up a summer pastoral internship through the United Methodist Church called The Eli Project. I love serving others and believe that God has called me to Spirit of Hope for a reason. I am excited to serve the youth and everyone else at Spirit of Hope! See you in church!

Here are a few things we have added to the Fall youth calendar: Youth Program Kickoff Event (6th—9th Grade) - Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. There will be pizza, ice cream sundaes and games.

Wednesday Youth Group/Confirmation—Every Wednesday evening starting Wednesday, September 23 (excluding holiday weeks) 5:45 p.m. food (optional) 6:15 p.m. Youth Group 7:00-8:00 p.m. Confirmation Journey

Planning meeting for high school youth program—Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. All high school age youth (9th—12th grade) and adult leaders/sponsors welcome.

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Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church

7600 Harold Avenue Golden Valley, MN 55427

763-545-0239 FAX 763-546-3109

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID

Twin Cities, MN

Permit No. 2806

“Change Service Requested” “Change Service Requested”

September Calendar September 6 Communion

September 7 (Offices Closed)

September 9 Orchestra Rehearsal Begins

September 13 Kick-Off Rally Day Sunday Orchestra Plays

September 16 Mini Spirits and Holy Spirits Begins Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Begins Confirmation Begins

September 17 Little Hands Ring and Sing Begins

September 20 Sanctuary Choir Sings

September 26 Family Health Fair

For more information, see articles within this newsletter or current bulletins.

Statement of Call: We are called by God to be a radically inclusive, caring com-

munity of faith – offering personal and social transformation through Jesus Christ.

Reconciling Statement: We are a reconciling congregation welcoming people of

all sexual orientations.

The Newsletter is a monthly publication of

Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church

Jeff Hansen, Pastor

David Hodd, Youth Ministries Director

Penny Meschke, Children & Family Ministries and Music

Peggy Bocklund, Finance Administrator

Janine Hall, Administrative Assistant

Sharon Seiter, Administrative Assistant

Colette Gorra, Nursery Attendant

Jerry Rubino, Minister of Music

Paul David Stanko, Instrumental Music Coordinator

Melissa O’Neill, Soprano

Susan Hofflander, Mezzo Soprano

Max Wojtanowicz, Tenor

Tom Witry, Bass

Sunshine Valley Childcare (763) 545-6906 Sharon Gebell and Diane Maney, Co-directors