Post on 26-Apr-2020
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The Spire
A Publication of Hillcrest United Methodist Church
9100 Russell Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
952-881-8601 occ@hillcrestmethodist.org
www.hillcrestmethodist.org
www.facebook.com/hillcrestmethodistchurch
March 2019
Lenten Study & Soup Supper Wednesdays
March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10
Soup Meal: 5:30p
Lenten Study: 6:00p “He was not rich or educated, but was familiar with
hard work. He was quick-tempered and impetuous, but possessed a passion that would change the world.
He left everything to follow his teacher, yet struggled with doubt and fear.“
Join us in the Fellowship Hall as we explore Simon Peter over 5 weeks,
leading up to Easter Sunday.
Volunteers Needed: To Cook and Serve the Soup each Wednesday. There is a sign-up
sheet in the Coat Room on the literature rack. Please sign up for one (or MORE!)
Wednesdays to help serve our community! See Kaite with any questions.
Community Event! Bring your friends,
family and neighbors!
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People are the Church
Prayer Requests
The following persons have been raised in prayer during the month of February:
Marie Burton Becky & Nathan Cahn Elinor Colebank
Barb Ermisch Linda Fleming
The Family and Friends of Glen Ellingson, following his recent passing.
Janet & Lyle Gesche Glenyce Harrington Melissa Kuyper & Kids
Dawn Kreutz Maxine Mehlhoff Ronin Millette
Louis Waters Jim Whiting Barb & Jim Van Winkle
Ione Johnson, Ron Johnson, Stacy Johnson
Edith Ottinger Sonja, cousin of Luella Whiting in Sweden, following hospice
Mary Jo Miceli, friend of Linda Fleming who is undergoing cancer treatments
Those we Have Lost
Glen Ellingson (5/2/1926-2/11/2019)
Funeral Arrangements are Still Pending. Details will be shared through the Echo Call and
the Sunday EXTRA when they are confirmed.
Wow! What a surprise! Thanks so very much for the honor of being presented with the
UMW annual award. The tulips were so beautiful to look at during our bouts of extreme low
temperatures!! My sincere thanks to all the UMW members who do so many jobs around the
church silently, so they just get done. -Kay Young, 2019 Recipient of UMW
Excellence Award
It’s Easy to Submit a Request for Prayers!
Call: Elinor Colebank (952) 977-9114
(OR) Email Lynne Scherer: lmscherer@iphouse.com
(OR) Call the church office (952) 881-8601
(OR) Fill out a Prayer Request Card on Sunday
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From the Pastors’ Desks Would you be my Neighbor?
When Jesus was asked to sum everything up into one command, his response was we
are to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Most of us love this
simple idea, are able to talk about it, and fall short of the mark on execution. We have turned
this idea into a nice saying, put it on bumper stickers and on refrigerator magnets, posted it on
our Facebook page, sent out a tweet and then ignored our own advice. We haven’t really lived into the commandment and put it into practice.
Jesus said the most important thing we can do is to love God with all our heart, soul,
mind, and strength, AND to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus was really smart to reduce
everything important into one command. Jesus gave us a simple and powerful plan of action
to follow. When we begin to know our neighbors we can literally begin to change the world.
The Great Commandment should be at the center of our lives. When practiced and “lived out” in our communities we begin to feel great freedom, peace, and a depth of relationships. Jesus
commands us to be good neighbors so the communities we live and work in can become the
places that God intended them to be.
Building relationships is a process and doesn’t happen overnight. Yet, when we begin to build relationships with our neighbors we will more fully experience the life that Jesus
promises us. During the month of February, we explored the art of neighboring through a
sermon series. If you were unable to join us for a Sunday worship experience, you can check
out the messages on our web page.
A blank neighborhood map was included in each bulletin during our sermon series. You
were asked to spend a few minutes to see how much of it you might be able to complete.
What did the exercise reveal about your neighboring or lack thereof? Although each of our
maps may not show what we would like them to, it is important that we each “lean into” the blank spaces. As we move through winter, Jesus will provide many opportunities to get to
know our neighbors. I pray you take advantage of the opportunities Jesus provides for you.
Taken from “The Art of Neighboring, Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door” by Jay Pathak
and Dave Runyon.
Committee Meetings & Small Groups Membership, Evangelism, Missions & Outreach
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 10:00a in the Library
Staff/Parish Relations Committee
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 6:00p in the Library
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Trustees Committee
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 7:00p in the Gathering Room
Church Council
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 8:00p in the Gathering Room
United Methodist Women Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 9:45a in the Fireside Room
United Methodist Women Circle Day
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 11:00a in the Fellowship Hall
Finance Team
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 7:00p in the Gathering Room
Book Club
Monday, March 11, 2019
1:00p in the Library
Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many
generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River
Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately
inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during
a brutal winter famine. Though these women have been known to
complain more than contribute, they now must either survive on
their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis
depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and
starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of
steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community,
and forgiveness "speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness, and wisdom" (Ursula K.
Le Guin). Taken from Amazon.com Review
M&M Event
Tuesday, March 12th – 12:00p
Cost: $10.00 per person
Menu: Pizza, Salad, Cookies and Ice Cream
Program: The Edina Singing Seniors will be
here singing yesteryear’s hits! Image taken from their website: www.edinasingingseniors.com
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2019 Lent & Easter Schedule
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
6:30p at Peace in Richfield, MN
Joint Worship between Hillcrest UMC, Peace and Portland UMC. Please note, there will be NO meal served prior to this service. Soup Dinner & Lenten Study
Wednesdays: March 13, 20, 27, April 3 & 10, 2019
Soup Meal: 5:30p in the Fellowship Hall at Hillcrest UMC
Lenten Study: 6:00p in the Fellowship Hall at Hillcrest UMC
Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, April 18, 2019
7:00p at Portland Avenue UMC in Bloomington, MN
Tenebrae Service
Friday, April 19, 2019
7:00p at Hillcrest United Methodist Church
Easter Sunday Service
Sunday, April 21, 2019
9:30a at Hillcrest UMC
Easter Basket Hunt for the kids following worship! More information about Maundy Thursday, Tenebrae & Easter Worship will be in the April 2019 Spire!
Mission News
February Update
A Special Thank you to everyone who contributed financially to support Hillcrest
Community School. Principal Calvin Keasling visited Hillcrest UMC on Sunday, February 10th
and gave an introduction to what makes Hillcrest School so amazing. So far, we have collected
$475 to be used at Hillcrest Community School. Principal Calvin, and his staff, will let us know
where the money is needed most (supplies, special programs, etc.) and we will present them
with the gift at that time. Reminder: Hillcrest Community School is still in need of dedicated
lunch servers through the end of the year. Pastor Jill, Pastor Jerry, and Kaite make regular
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appearances and would LOVE to bring you with to show you the ropes! Let one of us know
when you’d like to tag along. (Please note: There are stools available for use at the school to
sit as you need to.)
March Mission Moments
During the month of March, we will be collecting
donations for The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge. From
their website: “Since 1983, MN Adult & Teen Challenge has
been restoring hope to people struggling with drug and alcohol
addiction. In addition to our effective and affordable
residential Licensed Treatment, faith-based Long-Term
Recovery and convenient Outpatient program, we have extensive prevention and
transitional/aftercare services.” Donations they receive are divided as follows: 12% used for
Management & General, 3% used for fundraising, 85% used for Program Services.
Financial News Volunteer Ministry Opportunity
We have a volunteer ministry opportunity available to assist Lyman Demaray, our
Church Treasurer, with accounts payable. We anticipate the duties will be completed in
approximately 3 hours per week, with flexible hours. If you can balance your own check book,
you can do this work!
The position includes:
· Becoming familiar with the Parish Soft accounting system for Ledger and
Choir Here:
Sunday, March 10, 2019
During Worship
March Communion Offering will go toward
the MN Adult & Teen Challenge Programs.
Pasta Meal to Follow Concert
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Payables
· Receiving requests for payment from church vendors and members
· Reviewing payment request for accuracy and authorizing approval
· Assuring that appropriate payments are made
If you have an interest in learning more about this ministry opportunity please reach out to
Lyman directly.
2019 Budget
At the 2018 Annual Church Meeting on Sunday, February 3, the proposed operating budget for 2019 was approved by those in attendance with the understanding that our estimated budget revenue was $14, 781 short of the estimated budget expenses. In order to reduce this projected shortfall, and assure funds are budgeted for new programs (such as the Children/Youth Coordinator position), we are asking for help from our members and supporters by making a special donation or additional pledge to Hillcrest. Please prayerfully consider how you can help, and then: call the church to add to your pledge, email treasurer@hillcrestmethodist.org, or use the enclosed envelope for a one time special gift. Your help is appreciated! Without YOU, Hillcrest could not have had such an amazing 2018! Lets make 2019 just as amazing!
How High Can You Count?
We’re looking for a few more volunteers to be a Sunday counter. Interested? See Kay Young for more information. Requirements are the knowledge of a 10-key adding machine and legible writing.
Hillcrest Child Care News
Snow, snow, oh glorious snow. . . the kids love it! Unlike many adults, when they wake
up and see the white flakes falling from the sky they are filled with joy and excitement. They
are enthusiastically waiting to be able to go outside and frolic in it. They cannot wait to drop to
the ground and make snow angels, or slide down the hill. It is fun to watch them play. It
reminds me of my childhood playing outside in this wonderful winter wonderland known as
Minnesota. Last month we welcomed an new infant (Kolby) and a new staff member (Lady) to
our Hillcrest Family. You can find both Kolby and Lady in our infant room. We always love
seeing our community grow.
All of our programs are currently full. Our next opening will be in our infant program at
the end of July. If you know of someone looking for care at that time, please send them our
way.
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Stay warm & think spring!
Bonnie Beyer, Director of Hillcrest Child Care Center
PH: 952-881-5330 Email: bonnie@hillcrestchildcare.com
Children’s Sunday School
February was filled with fun! We enjoyed talking about “Team Hillcrest” on Super Bowl Sunday. We hope you liked our display in the Fellowship Hall—that was just a few of the
reasons we think Hillcrest is SUPER! The following weeks our lessons were focused around
love. What is love? How does God show us His love? And how can we share God’s love with others? We had some wonderful discussion. The children enjoyed making valentines for the
members of our Hillcrest Family that are unable to join us on Sunday as frequently as they
once could. We also want to thank those persons who took a heart, and our praying for one or
more of the children at Hillcrest. Praying is a great way to show love for another person.
March is going to be an exciting month. First of all we are hoping to be in our NEW
SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM! The kids and I are very EXCITED and APPRECIATIVE to those who
made this happen. THANK YOU to Blaine Massee for giving us a fresh new look by painting our
walls. THANK YOU to Judy & Ron Krei, Lynne Scherer, and Kathy Roberts for creating a
beautiful environment for us to learn and love in each Sunday. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
Lent begins in March, as well. During this preparatory time before Easter, I will be
teaching the children about helping others, charity, acts of kindness, humility, obedience and
sacrifice. During this time we will be doing a service project. We will be collecting boxes of
breakfast cereal. We want to help the children in our community have the opportunity to
begin their day with breakfast. Please look for the collection area in the coat room starting
March 3rd. If you want to make their school teachers happy, keep in mind cereal with lower
amounts of sugar are best for the children (Kix Cereal, Cheerios, Cripix, Life, Chex Cereal are a
few that come to mind). We hope that you consider donating to our Cereal Drive. Also if you
would rather give a cash donation, we would be happy to do the shopping for you!
We have a wonderful group of children that come on a regular basis. We have been
enjoying learning, singing and praying together! The GOOD NEWS is we have room for
more! Please invite your grandchildren, neighbors’ children and friends ’children to come and join in the awesomeness of God’s kids at Hillcrest. See you Sunday! `
-Bonnie Beyer
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For Fun Church Hymns
The Dentist’s Hymn…. “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
The Weatherman’s Hymn… “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”
The Contractor’s Hymn… “The Church’s One Foundation”
The Tailor’s Hymn… “Holy, Holy, Holy”
The Golfer’s Hymn … “There is a Green Hill Far Away”
The Politician’s Hymn … “Standing on the Promises”
The Optometrist’s Hymn … “Open My Eyes That I Might See”
The IRS Agent’s Hymn … “I Surrender All”
The Electrician’s Hymn … “Send the Light”
The Shopper’s Hymn … “Sweet By and By”
The Realtor’s Hymn … “I’ve got a mansion just over the Hilltop”
The Pilot’s Hymn … “I’ll Fly Away”
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2018 Annual Meeting
Held Sunday,
February 3, 2019
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Hillcrest United Methodist Church
9100 Russell Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431
E-mail: occ@hillcrestmethodist.org
hillcrestmethodist.org
Phone: (952) 881-8601 Fax: (952) 888-2961
www.hillcrestmethodist.org
www.facebook.com/hillcrestmethodistchurch
MISSION STATEMENT
“Living the Ultimate Challenge — To Make a Difference in God's World”
How We Share
Our Gifts
You will find our members
out in the community
serving meals at Loaves and
Fishes...
There will be knitters
working on prayer shawls
or preemie hats while
volunteering in the church
office…
Others will be making
blankets for a battered
women's shelter.
We will be found making
sandwiches for homeless
shelters in the church
kitchen, making t-shirts into
diapers...or simply caring
for our neighbors in
countless little ways.
People need care…
we try to provide that care
in the name of Jesus.
Share your gifts—Join
us!
Every Sunday: Worship, 9:30a Fellowship, 10:30a
Communion First Sunday of Every Month
Hillcrest UMC Staff:
Pastor Jill Meents Certified Lay Minister Jerry Jensen
Communications Coordinator: Kaite Knack
Director of Music: Nancy Miller
Organist/Pianist: Loryce Sivertson
Child Care Center Director: Bonnie Beyer
Child Care Staff: Jasmine Tapia Garcia, Bishara Haji, Samira Hashi, Pam
LaMotte, Christine Merchant, Savannah Reineccius, Jessica Ronnei,
Jennifer Contreras Sanchez , Becky Seaman, Jean Scott, Carla Sorensen
and Kristin Zumberge
Church Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 9:00a-3:00p & Friday, 9:00a-12:00p
Church Office: 952-881-8601
Child Care Center Hours:
Monday—Friday, 6:30a-6:00p
Child Care Center: 952-881-5330