Vol. 43, Issue 2, February 2015 Edition
WORSHIP AT RUCC
Centering Prayer: 9:40 a.m.
Worship service: 10:00 a.m.
Infant and Toddler care available.
Bible Adventures for children
3 years old through 5th grade,
10:15–11:15 a.m.
COMING UP
February 7: Learning Forum: The
Intersection of Suffering and Intimacy
with God
February 18: Ash Wednesday
February 22: All member vitality
meeting
February 22-28: Families Moving
Forward – hosted at RUCC
February 25: All church meeting
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
From Your Pastor .......................... 2
Worship ...................................... 3-5
Activities & Events...................... 5-8
Mission and Outreach ................ 8-9
Youth........................................ 9-10
“A path to home with support for stability”
RUCC will be hosting families associated with Families Moving Forward
between Sunday, February 22 and Saturday, February 28. These families are
currently homeless and depend on congregations like RUCC as they transition
to permanent housing.
There are many opportunities for participation. Meal preparation/dinner hosting
between 5:30 and clean-up each evening, evening hosting between 6:30 and
9:00 each evening, and spending the night/preparing breakfast. Financial
donations, which help to cover food costs, are also welcome.
A signup sheet for volunteers is located in the Narthex. Please consider
volunteering. It is a very rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Life of the Church ................... 10-13
Birthdays ................................ 13-14
Concerns..................................... 14
“We consider the families we serve to be our guests,
and try our best to make the experience as much like home as possible.”
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
2
From Your Pastor and Teacher
"There isn't anything except your own life that can be used as ground for your spiritual practice.
Spiritual practice is your life, twenty-four hours a day."
- Pema Chodron
God is still speaking
"The goal of spiritual practice is full recovery, and the only thing you need to recover from is a
fractured sense of self."
- Marianne Williamson
"If you don't have a spiritual practice in place when times are good, you can't expect to suddenly
develop one during a moment of crisis."
- Doug Coupland
We are on the verge of something very exciting here at Robbinsdale United Church of Christ. And
it isn’t something new. Our renewal and our growth in the coming year won’t be in something shiny
or fancy. Our renewal is going to be done in the way this church has been sustained and grown for
120 years. We are going to do it through prayer. The invitation to each of us in 2015 will be to pray
just a little more. It won’t be hard. It will be of little sacrifice, but being in prayer for each other and
for the world will have a huge impact in our lives and in our ministry.
We all have the freedom to choose our own path. This is what makes us human. Some will choose
their spiritual practice in quiet. Some will try praying out loud. Some will want to pray in small groups
and others will want to lead our congregation in heartfelt prayer. All of it is good. All of it is holy.
The act of spiritual practice is only hard at the very beginning. Once we say, “Yes!” to a spiritual
practice we have already begun shifting our priorities and opening up to the presence of God. This
is where miracle and mystery happen, and I invite you to enter into this spiritual practice again.
Remember also that prayer could happen in quiet solitude or in groups. Prayer can happen in our
bodies when we dance or do yoga. Prayer can happen over a cup of coffee with a friend or while
singing in the choir. Prayer can happen in the car on the way to work or right when the phone begins
to ring.
There is no right or wrong way to pray or engage in spiritual practice, but it is essential for the
health and vitality of our congregation that we don’t every stop thanking God for all those who gone
before us and asking God to guide us where we can serve those who will follow in our steps.
See you in church,
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
3
EPIPHANY THEME:
“A SEASON OF SURPRISES:
Stories of WOW!”
CENTERING PRAYER at
Robbinsdale United Church of Christ
Come and experience this form of prayer. Enter the
sanctuary anytime between 9:40 and 9:55 and sit with
the community in quiet contemplation. All are
welcome. May there be no barriers between you and
God within you.
If you would like to know more about this time of
Centering Prayer, pick up a brochure or talk with T.
Michael or a member of the Worship Ministry.
WORSHIP AT ROBBINSDALE UNITED
CHURCH OF CHRIST
A common February image is of that darn
groundhog and the expectation of six more weeks of
winter. Here in Minnesota we know better than to place
hopes in the symbiotic relationship between the
groundhog, sun and shadow. We know darn well that
there will be six more weeks of winter. It’s why some
folks travel south and others hunker down. In a
spiritual community the rest of winter is really just more
opportunity to connect around warm fires and beautiful
music. It is time for concerts, friends, and being in
worship. We are grateful for more cold days, because
they are the spiritual reminder to come inside to pray
and feel the warmth of this family of faith.
Three more weeks of stories of God coming into our
lives in unexpected ways. Three more weeks of
wonder and awe. Three more weeks of possibility and
joy. Three more weeks of engagement in the
community as we prepare for Lent. Hope to see all of
you there.
FEBRUARY 1ST – NEW MEMBER SUNDAY AND
COMMUNION SUNDAY
Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Title: “The Voice” – Rev. T. Michael Rock
Are we ready to take off our sandals and experience
the WOW? Are we prepared for the joy and possibility
of how God comes into our lives? Are we ready to
recognize the burning bush that stands in front of us
every day? Get ready for an important day of
revelation.
FEBRUARY 8th – MEN’S SUNDAY
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-44
Sermon Title: “Feeding Our Souls by Feeding Others”
– Men of RUCC
The Men’s Breakfast crew has planned another
amazing worship for us. They have been reflecting on
their core values and how their faith guides them. This
will be an excellent Sunday for growing in faith and
prayer.
FEBRUARY 15th – TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY
Scripture Reading: Mark 9:1-9
Sermon Title: “Transformation” - Rev. T. Michael Rock
More WOW! on the way. The disciples are almost
there, after all the healings and preaching and walking
with Jesus, they almost buy the unity of Jesus and
God. The experience in the garden takes them and us
to a whole new level of understanding. WOW!
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
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SEASON OF LENT BEGINS
Theme: “Out of the Ashes … Beauty”
We will be invited this lent to play in the ashes and
stories of hardship and suffering. We will hear stories
from the congregation about the lessons we have
learned. We will invite everyone to create something
beautiful out of something that has been burnt and
destroyed. This is the powerful journey of Lent that can
give life and transform the soul.
FEBRUARY 18th - ASH WEDNESDAY
6:00 p.m.—Soup and Bread Supper
7:00 p.m.—Worship w/ Laura Cannata, preaching
This is a wonderful ritual to mark the beginning of a very
thoughtful season. It is true, you can travel through this
season without coming to the service, but your journey
will only be enriched by the ritual mirrored in the
Beatitudes. Each of us begins the journey “poor in
spirit.” Make this service a priority this year for you
and/or your family. You will be glad you did.
FEBRUARY 22nd – SEMINARY SUNDAY
Scripture Reading: Job 2: 1-10
Sermon Title: “IS God Good ALL the Time?” Ministerial Intern, Moussa Foster
Many of us say that we experience the love of God on
a daily basis and we believe that we witness it in the
lives of others. Nevertheless, misfortune, injustice, and
absolute horror cascade through our lives with
numbing rapidity. Where is the presence of God in all
of this? Let’s take a look.
MARCH 1st – COMMUNION SUNDAY and
BLUEGRASS SUNDAY
Scripture Reading: Dialogue from Job 8 and 9
Sermon Title: “It Matters What You Say” – Rev. T.
Michael Rock
Did you ever find yourself in the midst of another’s
suffering with nothing to say? But then said something
anyway. We all do it. It is hard to sit with people who
are in the midst of pain. Let’s learn from Bildad and
Job about what to say and what not to say.
LENT AT ROBBINSDALE UNITED
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Lent begins on February 18, please look at the
board in the Narthex and consider signing up for one
or all of the Lenten Practices at RUCC.
The season of Lent is time of reflection and renewal
for many people. Some people give things up for Lent
as a spiritual practice. I like to take things on to grow
my faith. The practice of faith is always much easier
when we are not alone, so you are invited to be take
on a spiritual practice this Lent. There will be signup
sheets after worship, or you can call or e-mail your
choice. Each week you will receive an e-mail with
encouragement for your new practice.
Choice 1 – Fasting – On Mondays during Lent,
from sunrise to sunset, you are invited to refrain from
eating, while being mindful and aware of both your
physical and spiritual hunger. You may choose to fast
the whole time or for one meal, know you have the
permission to make this spiritual practice your own.
Choice 2 – Lectio Divina – This is a form of Bible
Study that asks you to read a short passage from
scripture and allow it to become a prayer for your life.
Each week you will be given scripture choices, or you
can find one of your own.
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
5
Choice 3 – Prayer / Meditation – Join the prayer
chain this month and practice your prayers in a more
intentional way.
Choice 4 – Alms Giving – This is a fun spiritual
practice. This involves a discipline of giving and
generosity. One way to practice is to put $2 in a jar
each day during Lent. Just be mindful of setting aside
$2, or any amount of your choice, and watch the jar fill
up. At the end of Lent, find a person or place to give
the money away. In doing so, you will not just donate
money, but you will give a piece of your spirit away.
Pray about the recipient and infuse your gift with love.
Some folks add a $1 for every time they swear, or utter
unkind words. This is a simple way of staying “on
course” during Lent.
It is my hope that folks will also take on one or more
of these practices for the six weeks of Lent.
Remember, when you sign up to take on one of these
practices, you will receive a special e-mail on Mondays
of encouragement from your pastor and teacher. If you
have any other questions, please talk with T. Michael
at any time.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
AN INVITATION FROM YOUR
PASTOR AND TEACHER
I have heard over the years from long time
members and new members about how we can
engage in the questions of faith in a more informal
setting. And because I love both the roles of Pastor
and Teacher, I am inviting you and anyone you might
know to come to a series of special evening of
teaching and conversation. Each of these events will
take no more than one hour, but they promise to be a
rich experience for everyone involved. Child Care will
be provided upon request.
LEARNING FORUM – Saturdays at 7 p.m.
February 7th – The Intersection of Suffering and
Intimacy with God
March 7 – The Intersection of Sexuality and Spirituality
April 11 – Pluralism as the Future of Faith
May 9 – Moving from Questions to Actions
QUILTING GROUP
Old friends and new members - quilting begins the
first Monday of each month; February 2 is next
meeting, and continues through May 4th. We'd love to
have you join us. Come ANYTIME between 5 and 9
p.m. - and help us tie knots to secure the quilts for
Simpson Homeless Shelter and Home Free Battered
Women's Shelter. No experience needed - and new
friendships can be kindled!! If you'd like to sew a quilt
top kit or have any questions, call Dawn Carlson Conn
at 612-281-6515 or Nancy Bossert at 763-473-0714.
We now have spectacular refrigerator magnets listing
all the dates; see Nancy or Dawn to get one!!!
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
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FAITH IN FILM
February 12th ~ 7 pm: Philomena
A world-weary political journalist picks up the story
of a woman's search for her son, who was taken away
from her decades ago after she became pregnant and
was forced to live in a convent.
BIBLE STUDY, NERD-STYLE
February 4th – 6 pm (every Wednesday)
Have you read the Lord of the Rings and or the
Hobbit? Have you seen the movies? Would you like to
find the deeper spiritual meanings hidden in your
favorite tales? Then join Ministerial Intern, Laura
Cannata, on Wednesdays, from 6-7:15pm for Lord of
the Rings Bible study. Call 651-592-4042 for any
questions. *You do not have to be a Tolkien expert to
participate.
Stars: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie
Kennedy Clark. Rated PG-13. Released in 2013
Faith in Film is the second Thursday of each
month. The upcoming film in March is; Priest.
Contact
Marc
Blakesley
at
marcblakesley@gmailcom or 612-325-1467 with
questions or suggestions. There is also a “Faith in
Film” group on Facebook.
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is
from God; everyone who loves is born of God and
knows God.” [1 John 4:7] The bible tells us part of the
unfolding narrative of God’s love for the world. The
event “God’s Love Story… a continuing testament” will
reiterates the fact that God’s core essences is love and
that God’s love for humanity and creation is continuing
to be revealed in new and exciting ways with each day.
“BIBLE AND BEVERAGES”
2nd
Every
and 4th Sunday night at 8:00pm
We will gather at “The Lodge in Robbinsdale” for
drinks and discussion. It will be a combination of
Sunday morning reflection and Bible Study for
Beginners (FYI - we are all beginners). Folks can bring
their own ideas for study as well. All are welcome.
On Saturday, February 14, the United Church of
Christ will celebrate the Open and Affirming ministry
settings from across Minnesota as places where God’s
love story is proclaimed as a continuing testament in
word and deed. We will gather for workshops at 1:00
PM and worship at 2:30 PM. This year’s celebration
will be hosted by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ,
900 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul.
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
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There will be three workshop options to choose
from. “Our Whole Lives” is a comprehensive faithbased sexuality education program. “Being Trans*
Welcoming and Why” will help people get answers to
questions about being inclusive of transgendered folk.
“Spirit on Lake” will be presented as a community
housing facility primarily created for the aging queer
population.
In worship we will acknowledge the various “Open
and Affirming” ministry settings in Minnesota. Our
preacher will be the Rev. Don Portwood, pastor of
Lyndale United Church of Christ, a congregation which
declared itself “Open and Affirming” in 1991. Choral
music for worship will be provided by an “Open and
Affirming Choir” made up of singers from churches
throughout the Minnesota Conference United Church
of Christ and under the direction of A. P. Hopper.
The choir is open to all who wish to join. A rehearsal
will be held at the host church on Saturday, February
7th at 10:30 AM. Questions about the choir can be
directed
to
Dave
McMahill
at
[email protected].
The “Open and Affirming” program within the UCC
comes from a 1985 General Synod Resolution calling
on all settings of the church to adopt statements of
“openness” and “affirmation” towards gay, lesbian and
bisexual people. A later General Synod in 2003 also
called upon the church to acknowledge and celebrate
the gifts transgender individuals bring to the church.
St. Paul’s UCC is located on the corner of Milton
Street and Summit Avenue North in Saint Paul. The
church building is wheelchair accessible. The host
congregation will provide refreshments following the
worship service.
ALL-MEMBER VITALITY MEETING
Sunday, February 22nd
All RUCC members are encouraged to attend with
their passions, interests, and enthusiasm as we plan
and organize for 2015! This will be a great opportunity
to share ideas and talk with others about the next great
thing happening at RUCC. If you have questions,
please contact our Moderator, Don Smith or Pastor, T.
Michael Rock.
CHOIR NOTES
Needed: Bell ringers for the RUCC Bell Choir to be
rehearsal and performance substitutes.
In a bell choir if people are missing, those notes the
missing people are not played or heard, making it very
difficult to have a successful rehearsal or performance.
Please let David know if you would be available on
Wednesday afternoons from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. to be a
rehearsal and a performance substitute. Contact
David Nordli at [email protected] or via text at 952913-9836.
PILGRIM GUILD
Tuesday, February 10th at 12 noon
Please come join us for the next Pilgrim Guild
meeting. We will be gathering at noon for a social
time. Dessert and coffee will be served by our lovely
hostesses, Lois Bossert and Susie Klatke. The
program is a surprise. T. Michael is in charge. If you
are not on our calling list, just let Keith Smith or Stan
Atkinson know. Jan Paulsen will be hard to reach
because she'll be in Cuba until the 9th but will be
anxious to share what she has learned about this
country. Hope to see you and bring a friend.
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
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NEW MEMBER CLASSES
BEING FORMED NOW
So many wonderful new families among us of
every size and shape. What a blessing. If you would
like to join Robbinsdale United Church of Christ,
please talk with Dawn Carlson Conn or T. Michael
Rock. We will have classes again in February, but
families and friends may join RUCC anytime they are
ready. We are excited to have all the new stories
become a part of the ministry at RUCC. If you have
any questions of know someone who may be
interested, please contact T. Michael at 612-275-0387.
INTERFAITH LEISURE AGE
Mission Statement:
Bringing God’s love to all in the community.
Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Elim Lutheran Church
3978 West Broadway, Robbinsdale
9am – 12 noon: social hour and cards
12 noon – 12:15: chapel
12:15 – 1pm: lunch (reservations required)
1pm – 1:45pm+: program
February’s Leisure Age Schedule:
February 5 — “Blake and Sullon” variety show
Many surprises. Don’t miss them!
February 12 — Valentine Party! Prizes and
surprises. Joanne Bolles sings and plays guitar.
February 19 — 9am board meeting. Blood
pressures taken 9:30am – 11:30am. Big Bob Scoggins
will be with us. He performs as a unique, nonelectronic, one-man-band.
February 26 — February birthday party. Richard
Szyplinski, who plays the cordovox; an electronic
accordion, will be our guest. Birthday people, please
let us know and pick up your cake after the
entertainment.
Lunch with Entertainment, which costs $9.00,
includes bread, salad, main dish, vegetable, dessert,
and beverages. For reservations, call 763-537-1171
on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday until noon. You may
also use this number to cancel a reservation.
We would really like to see a bigger group from our
church come to support Leisure Age.
If you have questions, please contact Jan Paulsen
(763-529-1986) or Keith Smith (612-588-1401 or 763588-4356).
JOINT RELIGIOUS LEGISLATIVE
COALITION
GET INVOLVED! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
JRLC Day on the Hill
Tuesday, March 10th, 8:30am – 3:30pm
State Capitol, St. Paul
The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's (JRLC)
Day on the Hill is an annual policy briefing and lobby
day. Clergy and lay people from across the state
attend Day on the Hill to show our interfaith
commitment to social justice and to participate in the
lawmaking process. Online registration is now
open! Register online (jrlc.org/register-for-day-on-thehill) to pay the discounted rate through February 15,
and reduced rate February 25.
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
9
MISSION AND OUTREACH
FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD
February 22nd – 28th
According to an article published in the Dec 29th
Edition of the StarTribune:
"Many of the state’s poorest families found little to
no relief over the past year, despite dropping
unemployment and booming construction. The
number of homeless children and families in
Minnesota remains higher than before and during the
recession, according to a report released Monday by
the Minnesota Housing Partnership, a nonprofit that
advocates for affordable housing.
Nearly 4,000
children in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth and
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school districts were
homeless around the start of the school year, more
than in any of the last seven years, the report says. In
Hennepin County, the number of families seeking
shelter in July, August and September — typically the
busiest months for the county’s shelter services —
was the highest quarterly average since 2000, with the
exception of 2013."
It is RUCC's opportunity to help make a difference
in the lives of others, particularly the children by
providing housing and meals for 1-4 families for a
week. It is the least we can do to make a dent in the
number of families that go without permanent shelter
despite what may seem like an economy that is on the
upswing. The sign up for volunteers is in the
Narthex.
Questions???? Call/email Dan or Karrie Haugen
[email protected] 763.438.8518 (Karrie)
[email protected] 651.335.6414 (Dan)
PRISM
A thank you from PRISM:
“On behalf of PRISM, I thank
you for your gift of $623 on
December 28, 2014! With your
contribution, you make it
possible for us to provide our
neighbors in need nutritious
food and valuable support services.”
The PRISM Food Shelf is always in need of
donations to help hungry neighbors. Please bring in
donations to church and drop them off in the shopping
cart outside the church office.
GIVING ONLINE TO RUCC
Giving has been made so much
easier. Just take out your smart phone
and click on the QR code and you will
be taken directly to our giving page on
our website, or visit us at
www.robbinsdaleucc.org and look for the giving tab
and you’ll get there as well. This would be a great way
to celebrate stewardship.
DO YOU FACEBOOK?
Remember to “like” Robbinsdale
United Church of Christ the next
time you are online. Updates and
reminders will be of great service to our
communication and mission. Friend RUCC today!
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
10
YOUTH
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES MINISTRY
Teachers’ schedule for the winter:
If you would like to teach two weeks or a month, or if
you have any comments or questions, please call or
email Barb Sisco (763-458-8808)
[email protected]
Voyagers (PreK through 2nd)
February Guide: Patti Miller
March Guide: Ken Beck
April Guide: Karrie Haugen
May Guide: John and Beckie Meyer
Trekkers (3rd through 5th)
February Guide: Diane Amundson
March Guide: Ken Beck
April Guide: Willa Truehart
May Guide: Maybe YOU?
Calling all shepherds! Come to an after-church
brainstorming session. Share your shepherding ideas
with fellow shepherds. Treats provided. February 8,
11:15-12:00 in the Bible Adventures room.
Planning pot luck for teachers! Watch for more
information in the March issue of the Mustard Seed.
YEP - 2
YOUTH at RUCC
February 6 - 7 – YOUTH LOCK-IN
Fun Times! 7pm to 9am
Bring a friend!
Learn to be a justice leader!
Sunday, February 22 – Sunday night Families
Moving Forward. 6:00pm to 9:00pm
WINTER HIGH SCHOOL MINNESOTA
CONFERENCE YOUTH EVENT
March 13-15, 2015 at Camp Koinonia in South Haven
When: March 13-15, 2015 | Check-in will begin at
6:30PM on Friday, March 13th and the retreat will
conclude at Noon on Sunday, March 15th.
Where: Camp Koinonia, 7768 Pilger Ave NW, South
Haven, MN 55302
Who: High School youth (grades 9-12) and their
adult leaders (21 and older)
Early Registration by February 9: $75 youth, $50
adult
Registration after February 9: $85 youth, $60 adult
Deadline for all registrations is March 2nd
SAVE THE DATES
July 19 – 22
Middle School urban immersion mission trip
July 26 – August 1
Youth Mission trip. Serving the UCC and faith
forming on the Iron Range
Look in your mail for lots more information coming
soon.
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
11
LIFE of the CHURCH
FROM YOUR INTERNS
“People all over the world, join hands for a Love
Train, a Love Train.” How my generation danced to a
vision of world peace from 1972, with this #1 song on
the R&B charts from the Ojays and the Philadelphia
writing team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff! Yes,
February is African American History Month in the US.
Please keep a sharp eye for signs.
There’s great news regarding our 40 Day Journey
with Howard Thurman. We have extended the
invitation for the Lenten journey and reflective spiritual
practice to the faith communities of El Bethel
Community Christian Center and Kwanzaa
Community Church! We’ll be reading and discussing
passages from that inspirational text of meditations,
but our new day and time is Mondays from 6 - 7:30 pm,
February 16 - March 30. Materials will be provided.
Let’s roll out our Fabulous February Potluck Dishes,
shall we? Stay tuned for fine tuning!
Thank you and bless you for your healing prayers.
Please continue to pray with me as I preach on the
First Sunday of the Lenten Season.
By the way, who loves yah, Robbinsdale United
Church of Christ?
W. J. Moussa Foster, Congregational Intern
(612)558-2441 [email protected]
[email protected]
evANGELism AND
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
Our new year as a community is off to a wonderful
start. A large group of new members joined us on
February 1st and our “body of Christ” has shifted once
again with new relationships, talents and
opportunities. Though each new member has a
sponsor, may we ALL help them feel at home. We
have just a few names to remember, but they have
hundreds!! So….WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS!!!
Just beneath the new member photos in the
narthex is a church directory which contains photos of
all new members since 2012 AND pre-stamped
“appreciate you” or “miss you” post cards to send to
those you haven’t seen lately at church or to those to
whom you want to send a note of appreciation.
At the February 1st luncheon, we not only enjoyed
good food prepared by Lisa Keske, Amy Hunt Fruin,
and Dawn Conn, but also were introduced to our new
RUCC Aprons. Several are available for purchase for
$15. See Dawn to buy one. At least 12 aprons will be
kept in the kitchen for use at potlucks, funeral
luncheons and serving at Simpson Homeless Shelter.
They say “Feed Your Spirit: Nourish Your Soul” over
the now famous UCC Comma and the name of our
church. Wear them proudly!!!
Thanks to all who have brought coffee hour treats.
The sign-up sheet is full for February, but March is fast
approaching. Thanks for signing up!!
If you have ideas on how we can extend
evangelism and hospitality within or beyond our walls,
please contact Lisa Keske or Dawn Carlson Conn.
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
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Kathleen Corradino
4021 Washburn Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612-925-5793
We are very glad to welcome Kathleen into
membership at RUCC. She was introduced to our
congregation by David Plumb, a very special person in
her life. Kathleen brings many gifts to our congregation
as a teacher, a DFL activist, and a lifelong learner.
Kathleen taught HS history, political science, sociology
and psychology. She is very happy to get involved in
the ministry by helping in the office, working with Bible
Adventures or participating in service to others.
Angie Marie Pederson (soon to be Davis)
3701 Orchard Ave. N.
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
612-968-0471
Angie and her fiancée, Jim, found RUCC while
searching for churches. They are planning a March
wedding in the sanctuary. Angie is currently working
as an Ameri Corps Member with Habitat for Humanity
on the Construction Site. Angie and Jim like to camp,
bike and visit with family and friends. We are super
excited to welcome them into ministry at RUCC.
Jim Davis
3701 Orchard Ave. N.
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
612-968-0471
Jim and his fiancée, Angie, found RUCC while
searching for churches. They are planning a March
wedding in the sanctuary. Jim also likes to camp and
bike in the nicer weather and he also spends time
around the construction site. Jim is a Union Electrician
and currently working as a locomotive electrician. He
has previously been on the crews helping with floods
in Stillwater and Moorhead. We are super excited to
partner with Angie and Jim in our shared ministry at
RUCC.
Tamara Ferrero
5401 52nd Ave. N.
Crystal, MN 55429
612-408-3094
Tammy and Tracy started visiting RUCC several
years ago with their son, Vincent. Tammy is an active
Mom at Vincent’s school and enjoys camping and
gardening. She and her family fit right in last summer
at family camp and are hoping to make it an annual
tradition. Thanks to Angie Schultz and Pauli Rike for
introducing Tammy, Tracy and Vincent to us.
Tracy Ferrero
5401 52nd Ave. N.
Crystal, MN 55429
612-275-3271
Tracy and Tammy started visiting RUCC several
years ago with their son, Vincent, and we are thrilled
to welcome them into membership. We are grateful to
their neighbors for helping them find their way to
RUCC. Tracy likes to sing, camp, paint, and generally
help out her friends and family when needed. We are
excited to welcome Tracy, Tammy, and Vincent.
Trinity Grewell
9401 Erickson Ct. N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Trinity is the daughter of Kathy and Marty
Petersen and has become an active member of the
youth group. She brings a great spirit and wonderful
smile to the church. Trinity plays the viola in the school
orchestra and in the church bandestra. She loves to
read and is a big fan of any book that features dragons,
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13
fairies, elves and all kinds of magical creatures. When
she isn’t chasing her baby brother, Grant, around the
church, you can find her in the youth room hanging out
with her new youth group friends.
Daniel (Dan) Luoma
4523 Washburn Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55412
763-516-3190
Dan and Beth started vising RUCC about two
years ago. After the birth of their son, Christian, they
are glad to back in our midst. Dan is a gifted XC Skier
and Mountain Biker. He works as an Environmental
Analyst at the U of M and is a volunteer coach at
Patrick Henry High School. Dan is looking forward to
getting involved in the ministry at RUCC through youth
and children’s ministry and hopefully playing his tenor
sax.
Elizabeth (Beth) Luoma
4523 Washburn Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55412
763-516-3190
Beth found RUCC after searching on the internet
for a progressive Christian community. They started
vising RUCC about two years ago. After the birth of
their son, Christian, they are glad to back in our midst.
Beth wanted to be in a church that was committed to
works of peace and justice. She is regulatory lawyer
and is looking forward to connecting to RUCC through
youth and children’s ministries.
Lola May Moser
2900 Douglas Drive, #102
Crystal, MN 55422
763-208-2704
Lola May comes to us from the UCC Church in
Pierre, SD. She moved to the area to be closer to her
family, but has spent her entire life serving churches
with her late husband. As a Pastor’s spouse, Lola May
has been involved in all kinds of church work and is
looking forward to connecting with Pilgrim Guild,
mission projects, and in other ways she can serve.
Tim Usset
2330 Jonquil Lane N.
Plymouth, MN 55441
763-742-5279
Tim is an ordained minister and serves as a
Licensed Therapist, Chaplain Supervisor and an Army
and Hospital Chaplain. Tim and his wife, Kelly, have
been very involved in church life, but have found the
welcome and theology of the United Church of Christ
to be a good fit to support his ministry. Tim also is an
avid biker, mountain climber, and musician. He is
interested in connecting to the ministry though
Mission, Trustees, PR, and issues of advocacy and
justice.
FROM YOUR MODERATOR
Investing in the future for RUCC –
Is a capital campaign needed?
Like a financial savings plan or physical asset, the
capital of our church-based community needs to have
periodic investments and re-commitments to the goals
we develop and envision over the years.
Whether we are committed to creating a vision and
process to anticipate and achieve the congregation's
long-range goals for ministry and community or
recognizing and celebrating the history of RUCC or
actively involved with and supporting our current
worship and education programs, the investment of
time, energy and money by all members of RUCC is
what sustains and grows this church community.
Due to the age of our physical capital, our building,
we are coming into a time when there will be the need
to repair and/or replace some of the basic components
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14
and systems within the building. Unfortunately, many
of these infrastructure items carry fairly significant
costs for replacement or upgrade. Based on the age
of the building and its use both for now and in the
future, this list may include: new boilers and controls
for the heating system; expanding the lighting
improvements; adding security and access systems;
replacing inefficient windows and doors; deferred
maintenance for the organ; or even added space for
expansion or new uses.
But long term commitments for a church community
also includes aspects of cultural Capital. Based on
futuring goals and RUCC culture, this list may include:
funding an Associate or Education Minister position;
child/youth/adult educational materials and programs;
membership growth and community action initiatives;
specialized training for existing programs (Parish
Nurse, Endowment, Planned Giving, Music, etc) and
lay leadership; and maybe new worship as well as
outreach options.
Over the last year, Coordinating Council and
Trustees have had discussions about the need to
develop and possibly initiate a managed Capital
Campaign to address these issues and items of
concern. It is our joint conclusion that such action is
appropriate and will be needed to sustain and improve
our property and programs for many years to come.
At the annual meeting, Coordinating Council will be
asking for the congregation's approval to move
forward with the initiative to investigate and begin the
process that may lead to the development of a major
Capital Campaign for RUCC.
If approved, over the next several months, the
Coordinating Council and Trustees will have
discussions and opportunities for your individual
involvement and feedback as the congregation
explores and considers entering into a focused Capital
Campaign in the near future. We will not only talk
about the process, but the goals and appropriate items
to be included in such an opportunity, and options for
giving and investing in the future for RUCC.
As we move forward in this process of
consideration and challenge, I ask that all of us
embrace a vision of what is a holistic and enduring
picture of the future for RUCC. It is that future for which
we will be creating new Capital and resources to build
upon through our efforts over the next year or so. I also
challenge you to look hard at what should be included
in those capital resources: building, staff, programs
and culture. And to examine your contribution and
commitment to making those capital resources a
reality.
Sincerely,
Don Smith, Moderator
TREASURER’S REPORT
As Church Treasurer, your Trustees and I believe it
is important to provide members of our church with
regular updates concerning pledges and the overall
budget. These reports will appear in our Mustard Seed
and always be brief and readable. That said, they will
occasionally include other information besides pledge
and overall budget updates.
Through the month of December, pledges received
total $246,047.50 compared to a budgeted figure of
$249,524.24. Through the month of December, our
overall budget includes revenues of $271,032.24 and
expenses of $267,035.33 leaving a balance of positive
$3,996.94. Thank you to everyone for your many
contributions.
Respectfully,
Dick Smith, RUCC Treasurer
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
15
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Greetings and best wishes
to all members and friends of
Robbinsdale United Church of
Christ who celebrate their
birthdays in February.
Tracey Flugel ............................. February 1
Toni Pangborn............................ February 3
Sebastian Waterhouse ............... February 5
Jennifer Stoos ............................ February 7
Cameron Gardner ...................... February 12
Corrine Myers............................. February 13
Wendy Lukaszewski................... February 17
Gert Wehking ............................. February 17
Samuel Davis ............................. February 20
Alexander Roelofs ...................... February 21
Christopher Roelofs……………..February 21
Kira Braun .................................. February 27
BILL BOSSERT MEMORIAL
It is with sadness that we let the congregation know
that long time member and leader, Bill Bossert, died
on Monday night, January 26th, surrounded by his
loving family. We are planning for a Memorial Service
sometime in March. Please keep the Bossert family in
your prayers. You can also send a note to Jane at:
Jane Bossert
13897 Community Drive, #212
Burnsville, MN 55337
Please keep these members and friends of RUCC in
your thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia Anderson
Jane Boggs
Jane Bossert
Amanda Busch
Rosaria Busch
Lorraine Dysart
Ken Evans
Kathy & Rodney Giddings
Dee Gustafson
Marion Hansen
Jean Hosterman
Kathy Keske
Tom Jensen
Curtis Johnson
Donna Larsen
Bradley Lloyd
Bill & Nikki McKinley
Edith Middleton
Sandra Nelson
Leonard Sidle
Dale Swenson
Dinner at
Your Door
Memorial
to Vince
Flesness
Once again, we had the opportunity to serve Dinner
at Your Door out of Crystal Center. Thank you to
Wayne and Donna Pitmon, Bill and Kathy Herrmann,
Skip Wills, Jim Puffer, Dale Fisher, Stewart Whelan,
Jim Benshoof, John Lloyd, Gil Doten, and all of those
who have served over the years by helping RUCC to
be a part of this community service which provides our
shut-ins with a fine meal.
Keith Smith
The Mustard Seed • February 2015
16
March Issue of The Mustard Seed
Please place all articles for the next
issue in the box marked “Mustard Seed”
on the shelf inside the door to the
workroom in the church office or
email to Annette Johnson at:
[email protected]
Issue deadline:
Sunday, February 22.
The next issue will be mailed
Friday, February 27.
When was the last time you checked out
our website at www.robbinsdaleucc.org?
Our webmaster, Nathan Syverson,
continues to create some wonderful new links
and updates as we learn to tell our story.
We are also asking folks to take pictures of
church events and people.
If you have ideas about the website
or would like to be one of our official
photographers, please email Nathan at
[email protected]
or T. Michael at
[email protected].