White Bear Lake United Methodist Church
This Week's News
Please refer to your church directory for the contact person's phone number or call the church office.
Altar Flowers 2010
The new flower chart for 2010 is now up in the hallway going into the church office. Find a date you would like to have flowers on the altar, fill out a pink form and leave it in the church office with your check made out to the church with Altar Flowers in the memo line. The cost for the flowers is $30.00. There are many dates still available!
Art in the Halls
The art work on the hallway walls are from two local artists: Brian Zehowski and Katie Rausch. Brian is the collections photographer at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis. He is displaying a series of linoleum cut prints that visually explore aspects of his spirituality. Katie spent the last year living in China and traveling throughout Asia, and is displaying photographs taken during this experience. All artwork is for sale. Contact the artists for more information.
ASP Auction
Before, Between & After Services on Sunday, March 7th. Browse and bid on some unique and exciting auction items! Donations will be accepted through March 6 and donations forms are available on the table in the narthex or in the church office. All proceeds will support the youth Appalachian Service Project in July 2010. Contact Al and Nan Rausch with questions, or donations for the auction.
Beyond Either/Or: Sharing God's Promise
Join this one session study in the diversity of God’s people. Learn more about gender identity and celebrate the wonder of God’s creation as seen through straight, gay, transgender, bisexual, and questioning persons. This study will consist of presentation of information and discussion with a focus on how to understand and welcome all to be a part of our church home. Join us on Sunday, March 14 from 10:30 am -12:00 pm or on Monday, March 15 from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Book Club 2010
Do you love reading books? If so, come and join us at the Book Club this year. All church members and friends are welcome! The meetings are on the third Monday of each month in the church library. The book for March 15 will be: “The Shadow of the Wind.” Carlos Ruiz Zafon-2004-Fiction. Before everything else, this European bestseller is about a mysterious book, and it’s even more mysterious author.
Caring Hearts for our Homebound Church Members
A service project for preschool through 12th grade on Saturday, March 6th. Joan and Beth welcome our children, youth, and families to join us from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon for an hour of hands-on projects and an afternoon of visits to home-bound members of our church. We’ll be making cookies and other hand-made gifts and then delivering them to the home-bound church members and let them know how much our church family cares for each other. Please sign up for the 11:00-12:00 project session, the 12:00-2:30 pm visits, or BOTH! Parents/drivers are needed for the afternoon. Any questions, contact Beth Smith (Youth Ministries) or Joan Hartman (Children’s Ministries). Youth and family volunteers are still needed. Please sign up!
Chancel Choir Opportunity
Join the Chancel Choir as they prepare for an exciting service of all African music on May 16. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, March 10 from 7:30-8:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for a truly unique musical experience. Contact Maggie Sabin with any questions.Communication Dates
The Sunday Bulletin Information is due to the church office no later then Thursday noon; send info to communications@wblumc.org. The deadline for the Announcer is the second Sunday of each month. This allows us time to print the newsletter, and have it mailed in advance of the next month. Please send all info to communications@wblumc.org.
Day on the Hill, and March Letter Writing Event
The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) is holdingits annual Day on the Hill on March 25. Day on the Hill is the largest interfaith lobbying day in the state. The day will begin with a gathering at the River Center with Keynote Speaker, Rabbi Kravitz, Senior Rabbi at Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, and legislative briefings on issues relating to health care, housing, education and more. Buses will take attendees to the capitol to meet with legislators. For more information or to register for Day on the Hill go to www.jrlc.org. If you are unable to attend the event at the capitol you have an opportunity to address the same issues in letters to your legislators that evening, Thursday, March 25, at 7pm during the Church and Society Letter Writing Evening.
God's Closet
Items needed now are Fall and Winter clothing donations. God's Closet, operated by Epworth UMC, is located on White Bear Avenue. It collects and gives these items free to poor households. Please bring your clothing and small household donations and place them in the closet located off the Narthex.
Gubernatorial Candidates Forum
A gubernatorial candidates forum will be held on Saturday, March 6 at 3:00 pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (9185 Lexington Ave. N.E., Circle Pines 55014). Candidates from all major parties running for Minnesota governor will attend, and churches of the Northeast Suburban Caucus of ISAIAH are hosting this event. Nine questions for the candidates were developed by member churches and they are connected visibly to our values, morals and Faith; and focus on building a Future of opportunity and dignity for people in our area and all of Minnesota. Registration will begin at 2:00 pm. For more information, go to www.FAITHnrFUTURE.org.
Health Kits for Haiti
For One Great Day of Service on Saturday, March 6, there will be a new project and we will be putting together health kits to send to the UMCOR Sager Brown distribution center. Since we have a lofty goal to do 1,000 kits that day, we are going about this in two ways. We have sent out an invitation to neighboring churches to help collect supplies and also to participate March 6 if they desire. We also need money to help with shipment of the kits and $1.00 for each kit for Sager Brown to add toothpaste. If you wish to help, there will be a collection box for needed items near the church office, or money can be placed in the collection plates each week designated for OGDOS. The other plan for collection is to elicit needed items from businesses that may sell the needed items, and volunteers are needed to help contact these companies. Also, if there are people in the church who may have connections to a business that could help with donations, we would like that help as well. If you can help with either of these two things, please contact Bob Scruggs who is the inspiration and head of this endeavor (651-653-3823).
Items needed for the kits are:
1 Hand Towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”, no kitchen towels)
1 wash cloth
1 large sturdy comb—not pocket size
1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 bath size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
1 tooth brush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child size brushes)
6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
Help Haiti
People who give to UMCOR and other charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted January 22. Only cash contributions made after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010 are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card, or debit card. The new law only applies to cash (as opposed to property) contributions. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.
Also, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is accepting donations for this emergency help in Haiti. You can provide direct help by giving to the UMCOR Advance 418325, Haiti Emergency. Remember, one hundred percent of your donation will be used to assist those in Haiti who are in greatest need. Make your check out to the church and put in the memo line "UMCOR Haiti".
Kenneth Janzen Scholarship
Ken Janzen loved the educational process. After a number of years of post-high school
education, he continued his passion for involvement in the higher education process as a
college professor and administrator until his retirement. As a student, the availability of
scholarship money was a factor in allowing him to continue with his education. His family and
friends have established this scholarship in his name to honor him, and keep his
memory alive.
The five hundred dollar ($500) Kenneth L. Janzen Scholarship is intended to assist students
who have completed at least one year of post-high school education with the cost of
continuing their schooling. The student must be working towards an accredited degree or
certification following the completion of degree, e.g. teaching certification.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be a current member of the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church;
- Applicant must have finished a least one year of college education;
- Applicant must submit the application on or before April 30, 2010;
- Applicant must submit an official transcript of his/her post high school education.
Applications may be obtained from the church office at the address below. Call 651-429-
9026 for more information. Submit the completed application—along with the transcript—to:
White Bear Lake United Methodist Church
Attn: Ruth Janzen
1851 Birch Street
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Men's Softball League
Men’s (adult) softball begins in April. Teams will play Wednesday nights at Lakewood Hills Park, WBL. The cost is $50. If interested, please contact Clint Hallmark (653-9920) ASAP.
Mission of the Month
The Mission of the Month for March is the Minnesota Food Share Food Drive, a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. As many of you are aware, our Church has been actively participating in this event for the past several years. The following are just a few of the reasons why the this food drive is so important:
- All of your donations go directly to the White Bear Lake Food Shelf.
- The greater the donations to the local food shelf during the month of March, the greater the local food shelf’s share of contributions from the MN Food Share incentive food fund.
- The March Food Drive is responsible for more than half the food distributed by the food shelf throughout the year.
- Since 2000, the number of Minnesota children living in extreme poverty has doubled. Minnesota’s children are growing poorer faster than the nation’s children overall.
- In the Twin Cities suburbs, the working poor make up 60% of the people who use food shelves.
Please give generously.
Movie Night and Conversation - The Soloist
March 14, 6:30pm
In 2005 the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist, Steve Lopez, more than his face from a recent bike accident, was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez's good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers' personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless.
Join us for a viewing of this true story followed by discussion. Pop and popcorn will be served; childcare available.
New Member Class
A new member class will be held on Sunday, March 7 at 10:30 am. We offer this class to help you get better acquainted with new and existing members and to help you learn more about the uniqueness of our church. New members will be received into the church on Sunday, March 14. Childcare will be available. If you are interested in becoming a member of this church, contact one of the pastors, or the church office.One Great Day of Service
On Saturday, March 6, we will celebrate what has become the traditional, and single largest group volunteer commitment of our congregation: One Great Day of Service. As Bryce wrote in The Announcer following our first, One Great Day of Service six years ago, “It (is) a remarkable sight to see so many involved in one day. Throughout the year individuals and groups in our church are involved in a variety of service projects, and make a great impact. But there is something significant about combining our outreach effort on one day. We see that we are in this together, and that collectively, we make a real difference.”
Ordinary? Yes, since that is what every project on March 6 will be. Extraordinary? Yes, since by joining your fellow congregants in the spirit of holiness, the ordinary—as Rabbi Kushner has written—becomes extraordinary. Extraordinary, as well, because of the breadth with which our congregation has embraced this celebration. (Note we had over 150 people of all ages participate in 2009). For our congregation “Connecting Faith, Community, and Service” is clearly more than a nice tagline for the church.
March 6 will be similar to One Great Day of Service Saturdays in the past. It will start with a Brunch at 10:00 a.m., followed by a commissioning service preceding departures to the respective work sites or stations. Departure times will be coordinated with drive times so that participants will be able to return to church to conclude the afternoon with fellowship, coffee, cookies and punch (2:30-3:00). Once again opportunities will be available for all ages, some within the church and others within the community. Since planning is still in progress contact Carl Bandt (651-483-2833, carlbandt@comcast.net) with ideas and recommendations for this wonderful day.
Podcast Helper Needed
We are looking for pod cast volunteers to transfer Sunday morning sermons to a pod cast format for uploading to the church’s web site. It may require about 30 minutes of time. If you can help with this, contact Pastor Bryce.
Praise Jam
Praise Jam will be doing solo and ensemble night this week—grab your instrument and your music and join us for a night of fun! Piano players and singers, we’ll have a keyboard and a microphone available for you! No instruments? No worries! Rhythm instruments will be provided and enthusiastic listeners are always welcome as well. Whether you’re coming to perform, accompany, or listen, be sure to join us at 6:15 pm for a rocking good time!
Prayer
What is the fastest thing on earth? Bullet? Nah... sound? Not quite...light? Almost. The answer is PRAYER! Prayer reaches heaven even before we say it. The Prayer Team supports our community through prayer. Contact Julie Jacot to add a name of someone or something you care for to the prayer list. Prayer is the world's greatest wireless connection!
Senior High Skating at the Depot
Grab your skates and let’s go on Sunday, March 14 from 1:30-5:30 pm. We will carpool from church and drivers and chaperones are needed. The cost is $13.00 plus your snack. Sign up on the youth bulletin board and bring a friend!
Super "Sundaes" Summer Activities Fair
Get the first glimpse of all of the super, sizzling activities that are lined for this summer on Sunday, March 7th at 10:00am! Then grab your calendars and mark down the dates for great faith-filled activities. Several toppings for your bowl of ice cream awaits you at each station!
Third Annual Ice Golf Tournament
The Bear’ly Open Ice Golf Tourney raised $10,112 for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf. Despite freezing rain, the January 23 event attracted nearly 200 golfers. WBLUMC sponsored a golf hole and hosted the “Closest to the Pin” Contest. Thanks to Phil Siegle, Paul Dickson, Tom Dalhoff, and Steve, Logan, Connor and Ryan Pedersen for their volunteer efforts.
United Methodist Women
A new year is here and ten new books will be available this month on the special, UMW shelf in the library.
SOCIAL ACTION:
* Sacred Spark—A minister-mom's story about autism and possible causes.
* Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty
NURTURING FOR COMMUNITY:
* Growing Friendships and Living with Purpose in a Worn Out Body
EDUCATION FOR MISSION :
* Where Mercy Fails: Darfur's struggle to survive
* God Trusted a Woman
* Prayers and Ponderings
SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
* A Monk in the Inner City
* A Life Shaping Prayer: 52 Meditations in the Wesleyan Spirit
* My Tummy Talked in Church Today: and 51 Other Humorous Poems and Devotions for Adults who Love Children.
Anyone interested is invited to check these books out and discover the variety within the women's studies. Questions? Contact Gail Stucky.
Wednesday Night Meals
Wednesday Night Meals are at 6pm. Join us in the Fellowship Hall for this traditional Wednesday night meal, a wonderful opportunity to break bread with other members of the church. Individuals and families are welcome, and bring friends too! Cost is $4/person or $12/family. LOOK FOR THE SIGN-UP SHEET TO FIND A DATE YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO PREPARE A MEAL. Contact Rose Ryan.
White Bear Lake Food Shelf
Food donations are accepted at the Food Shelf on Mondays thru Fridays from 9:00 am-12:30 pm. Food barrels are located at Kowalski’s, Cub Foods, and Festival Foods (WBL and Vadnais Heights locations). Monetary donations are always welcome and checks should be made payable to White Bear Lake Food Shelf and sent to 1884 Whitaker Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. The Food Shelf is a 501 (c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
Winter Weekend Getaway
The Winter Weekend has been cancelled due to scheduling conficts.
Wish List
The Nursery is looking to acquire a dozen pagers to serve us in two ways: 1) To act as a way of communication between the nursery and the parents in another part of the church; 2) To stand as our security system for child pick up. For specifics surrounding this need, please call Joan Hartman, Sunday School Director at wblumc: 651-429-9026.
Youth Movie & Hobby Night
There will be a Movie & Hobby Night on Friday, March 26 from 6:30—10:00 pm at church. Kick back and catch a flick with tasty munches provided. Bring a hobby to share with the group. Sign up on the youth bulletin board.