April 2015 Newsletter.pub

FirstCongregationalChurch
UNITED CHURCH
of Christ (UCC) of Anoka
April 2015
Newsletter
Church on the Move: Re-traditioning our Church
May 9, 2015 at Pilgrim Point
Re-traditioning is to take those fundamental ways we do ministry, pay attention to their core intent and make them work in new
contexts and new ways for today's church. Explore with us how leaders and churches are re-traditioning their ministries for the
21st Century.
Where: Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria, MN 56308
When: Saturday, May 9th (9:30am Registration & Hospitality
10:00am-3:00pm Program)
Who: Lay leaders, authorized clergy, ministry teams
Cost: $10/person (includes lunch and resources!)
Registration Deadline: Monday, May 4th
**Bring a team of 5 and your 5th person is free!**
Optional: Stay Overnight at PPC! - $25
Arrive Friday evening to stay a night at Pilgrim Point on beautiful Lake Ida prior to this
Church On the Move event; includes a continental breakfast Saturday morning.
Dear Friends: This invita on is on our front page for a good reason: I’m hoping there are some of you who will want to a end
this one-day, Saturday event! In my opinion -- First Congrega onal UCC of Anoka, in general, is a unique blend of the best of
tradi on and a desire for forward-thinking and innova ve interac on, flavored by a progressive theology. Yet – there are,
“out there,” many new approaches to exercising the ways we “move forward” in the Life of the Church.
This fall, a0er Chris and I have ended our 15-1/2 year ministry here with you, you will begin in earnest an exci ng process of
re-envisioning your future as a congrega on. It is both our hope and our statement of faith that you will be assisted in this
process by excellent interim clergy leadership. Yet -- knowing how you work, it may well be that it won’t take you as long as
has been projected to put your search team together, write your new church profile, and begin the interview process. You
may be ready to begin a search for a se led pastor/s “early”!
Whatever your ming, you will want to include new and newer members/par cipants and a variety of genera ons among
current ones, in this process. So – it may just be worth your while to take advantage of the op ons offered to you along the
way (such as the program adver sed above), to s mulate your thinking, s r your imagining and bolster your confidence and
courage, as you move forward.
It is our hope and our statement of faith that you will begin soon your move forward – not only into a new Spring, a new me
of re-birth in the physical world all around us, but also into a New Era of re-birth as a congrega on of God’s beloved people.
Resurrec on is at hand, dear friends! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
There are funds set aside for lay leadership to par cipate in leadership events. “Lay leaders” includes anyone who serves on a
board or commi ee, is an officer, teacher, helper, volunteer …You!
Email offi[email protected] of your interest in the May event!
Annual Meeting April 26th, 2015 9:30am
Rev. Sharon James Fazel
Youth
News
Update on MN Conference youth Event (CYE): The topic at this event was
religious pluralism. Our kids were engaged and did a fantas c job presen ng to the rest of the group. Rev. Chris Fazel and Chuck Hansen were
really proud of each of them! It was especially gra fying to hear their
thoughEul ques ons and comments. It was evident that learning about
other faiths is meaningful to our youth, as they deepen their own Chris an
understanding.
NIGHT ON THE STREET
Friday, April 17―Saturday, April 18
This is an annual event for our youth; they sleep
outside in a parking lot in Minneapolis to raise
awareness and funding for homeless youth in
Minnesota. This is a wonderful and enlightening
experience for the youth. We hope to participate this year with an even greater number of
our youth attending.
Religious Educa on News:
During March through May, Sunday School returns to the Faith Prac ces curriculum. Our topic will be
“Experiencing Beauty.”
Heifer Project news: the total raised for 2014 was nearly $1,300! The children chose the animals last Sunday that
will go to many families around the world: 1 Heifer, 1 Water Buffalo, 1 Llama, 1 Goat, 1 Rabbit, 3 Bee colonies, 2
Geese, 2 Chickens, 2 Ducks.
Thanks to all of you who made dona ons and have supported this project year a0er year. Also thanks to Heidi,
Nels, Cole & Ella Marshall for spearheading this fundraiser at church this year. We truly appreciate their
commitment.
The children will sing during 2nd Service on April 19 . Mark your calendars!
Pennies for Posies project starts May 3rd. Look for the colorful clay pots welcoming your dona on. The flower
plan ng will be on May 17th.
Gradua on Recogni on Sunday is May 31st. If you have high school, college (including masters and PhD programs),
and tech school/community college graduates, please no fy Theresa Meyer at 763-753-5236 or Leanne Patchen at
763-753-2144.
Watch for details: Vaca on Bible School: The Serenge Trek taking place June 15 – 19.
Jus n’s Gi0 All-Inclusive Prom
~~ Contact Theresa Meyer at
763-753-5236 or Leanne Patchen
at 763-753-2144 to help! ~~
Celebration of all our
New Members
and Participants
(since Jan 2014)
between services
9:30am April 12th
Please join us for cake,
punch and fellowship.
All are welcome.
Questions & Answers
Search and Call in Minnesota
How long does it take to get a new settled Pastor?
• It depends. Based on recent searches, between 10 and 24 months. Longer if there are significant issues for an Interim
Minister to address, or if a church really likes its Interim Minister. Churches that really like their Interims tend to take
longer with their searches. (The interim Minister is selected by the Church Council.)
How many applicants will the search committee get?
• In the metro area, 30-50 is typical. Fewer if the position is not full -time.
• In greater Minnesota, 10-30 for a full time position. Fewer for part-time.
What kind of applicants will we get?
• Many will be seeking their first call to qualify them for ordination. These people may be young or not so young, first career
or 2nd or 3rd.
•
Others will be more experienced. Note: 54% of all active (non-retired) UCC clergy are over 60 years of age. 83% are
over 50 years of age.
•
•
•
ONA churches get more applicants. Based on recent searches, about 25-30% of applicants may be lesbian or gay.
Some applicants may be from other denominations. 20% of our congregations are served by non-UCC pastors.
The last 5 searches (1 metro, 4 greater Minnesota) all called ministers from other states, specifically California, Colorado,
Indiana, Washington, and New Hampshire.
How much should we budget for the search?
• Committees should cover all costs for applicants who are interviewed in person. Between airfare, auto expenses, meal
and accommodations, it may cost up to $1,000 for every in-person interview. Most search committees budget $3,000 to
$5,000 for this.
•
Relocation costs: most searches are ‘capping’ the costs to move a pastor, or are negotiating them in conjunction with
other compensation. Recent moves have cost churches between $3,200 and $8,000. Actual cost may be higher.
Who should be on the search committee, and how large should the committee be?
• Qualities desired in search committee members: 1) currently active in, and committed to the church; 2) positive attitude; 3)
team player; 4) open minded (no hidden agendas); 5) able to maintain absolute confidentiality; 6) good listener; 7) trusted
and respected by congregation.
•
Size of committee: 5-8. An even number is ok because most decisions are made by consensus.
When asked to describe their experiences as search committee members, some said:
• “We loved working together – deep discussion, frequent laughter, and we felt honored to do this important work for the
congregation.” “This was a good opportunity to get to know church members in more depth, and it was enlightening to see
the range of applicants and how they do things.” “It was a faith-building experience, and we were heartened by seeing so
many ministers with progressive ideals and strong faith.”
Interim Pastor Search
Commi&ee Appointed
“At the Church Council mee ng held
on March 10, 2014, the Council voted
to appoint the current Personnel
Commi ee to serve as the Interim
Pastor Search Commi ee. The Interim
Search Commi ee will be charged with
the task of recrui ng, interviewing and
recommending to council, for their
approval, an Interim Pastor to replace
the Fazel’s when they re re later this
year. There will be a different process
and commi ee developed for the
search for permanent Pastor(s) at a later
date. The interim search commi ee will
only work on the selec on process for
the interim posi on. The commi ee will
be working closely with Rick Wagner,
Associate Conference Minister from the
UCC Conference Office. We will keep
the congrega on posted as we proceed
forward and have news to share,
however, if you have any ques ons or
comments, feel free to contact any of
the following commi ee members:
Jon Lundberg, John Comstock, Marcia
Gunderson, Sally West, Vicki Wilt, Carol
Linden
With the capable guidance of the
Conference Office and the commitment
of the Council and Interim Search
Commi ee, we are confident that our
transi on Plan is on track. Together with
the good people leading and suppor ng
this process, we are certain that this will
be a smooth and posi ve transi on.”
Ma
y 3 1s
t
Plan on attending a
Retirement Celebration with the
Fazels on the evening of May 31st.
Check out
our Church
Book Club!
At our next meeting we will be discussing
the April book of the month
“Home
Home Safe”
by Elizabeth Berg
Join us in the upstairs Conference Room
April 4th at 10am
“Berg is a tender and enchanting storyteller who wisely
celebrates the simple, sustaining elements of life, from
comfort food to birdsong to a good laugh. A keen and
funny observer, she is the poet of kindness. And not
only is this an insightful, graceful, and romantic novel of
one charmingly contradictory woman’s path through
grief, it is also a paean to the profound pleasures and
revelations of reading and the adventure and catharsis
of writing. Books, Berg affirms in her magical way, are a
unifying force for good in the cosmos.”
It is not necessary to have read the
book to join in the discussion.
Hope to see you here!!
WRITERS’ GROUP UPDATE
No Fooling…
It’s time for the YAHs
(Young At Hearts)
Spring Luncheon!
Don’t fool around! Head over to
your calendar right now and save
April 16th for our next get-together.
Anyone who loves a bit of lunch,
some yummy desserts and lots of
fun conversation is encouraged to
show up!
Bring your friends and neighbors
over to the Fellowship Hall at
11am. You’d be a fool to miss this!!
Hosted by your Faith Community
Nurse Advisory Team:
Leanne Patchen, Carol Linden,
Zilla Way, Judy Kreyer, Jim
Overtoom and Naomi Peterson
Become a member of Anoka UCC’s Writers’
Group, a supportive community of fellow writers
you can interact with other writers – discuss,
and share your writing. Whoever you are and
whatever your writing goals, you’ll find a home
here. You don’t have to be a church member.
Just have to have a desire to write poetry, fiction,
history, family stories, etc. or write for your own
enjoyment! Join us on the second floor,
administrative conference room at Anoka UCC ;
second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM.
Next meeting is Thursday, April 9th. We’d love
to have you join us! Feel free to contact Mary
McGraw at [email protected] or
763-427-0381 if you have any questions.
“J.O.Y. Sisters”
“Just Older Youth” women meet next on
Tues., April 7, 2015, at 1pm, Upper Fellowship
Hall, at church. We meet the first Tuesday of
every month, same me.
Come for support, fellowship and friendship!
1- Tanya Meyer
4- Eva Jachymowski
4- Teddy Mau
5- Dylan Benedict
6- Sadie Heger
7- Chloe Starr
8- Roger McCulley
10- Ernest Ridens
10- Carey Strouse
10- Zilla Way
12- John Zillhardt Sr.
14- Erin Dennie
16- Amanda Davis
16- Sco Delong
16- Jodi Hovde
18- Lauren Cains
18- Braden Wehling
19- Michael McFarlane
21- Natalie Arens
21- Joy Ozokwere
21- Sanibel Randolph
21- Duncan Riley
22- Marlye Riddel
25- Pat Jopp
27- Nathan Lagoon
27- Caitliln Slusher
27- Rohan Willoughby
30- John Freeburg
30- Callum Holder
Maintaining our Tradition for 105 Years: May Breakfast
May 2nd, 7:00am - 10:00am
The annual May breakfast has been in existence since 1910. Women were
not even allowed to vote back then! But the women of our church had a
vision to bring the community together for a May Day Breakfast. The
price has changed over the years and it’s now held on the first Saturday
in May, but the traditional breakfast menu has remained.
The chairperson for this year’s event is Ronda Hess. Many hands are
needed, so watch for information on how you can help.
Attention: Scrap bookers!
Our church has a lot of history and much of it
is documented and stored in our vault. We
are looking for a few folks to review these old
documents and pictures; scan them into the
computer for safekeeping and then to
scrapbook the really cool stuff so that
everyone can enjoy them for years to come.
Contact Jennifer Rono , Admin Assistant if
you’re interested in
being part of this
project.
UNRAVELING A MINI-MYSTERY
By Stan Deden
50 years have passed since Anoka resident Abbie Nathaniel Larson Sr. and his wife, Violet, donated 18 acres of land on the shores
of Long Lake, near Paynesville, to the First Congrega onal Church of Anoka, for the establishment of a Memorial Campsite in his
name. The gi0 was in response to a tragic aircra0 accident that killed his son, Abbie N. Larson II, his daughter –in-law Ann Louise
(Lanzen) Larson, and three of his grandchildren, Abbie N. Larson III (17), Jane Ann Larson (15), and Stephanie Larson (13).
In 2003, the campsite commi ee decided to make an effort to improve the documenta on of the situa on that resulted in the
dona on of the Campsite property to the church.
The primary documenta on the commi ee had was a le er from the late Abbie Larson Sr. in 1965 that included the name of one
of his daughters, Jane (Larson) Stone, of Atlanta, Georgia, and the first name of his other daughter, Sally. The le er indicated that
Sally, who lived in Elgin, Illinois, was the adop ve parent of the two children who were not involved in the fatal plane crash. One of
the children was named Laura Lee, and there was no name for the young boy or the last name of the adop ve parent. No current
church members could remember any other per nent facts concerning the family.
The Minnesota Historical Society has a Minnesota Death Cer ficate index that gave me the loca on of the county the death
cer ficates were filed in, Isan . A trip to Cambridge and a short search of the
back issues of the local paper yielded a front page ar cle about the terrible
aircra0 crash that happened just outside of town. The ar cle also gave
cri cal facts: the home town of the family was Bayport, Minnesota, and the
name of the youngest Larson child was Dwight.
A trip to S llwater and a microfilm search of the S llwater Gaze e gave us a
lot of informa on about the family. Abbie Larson Jr. was a druggist who
owned a pharmacy in Bayport, and another store in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.
He was also a Naval Reserve Officer. The key fact learned at this stop was the
name of the church the family a ended: Peoples Congrega onal Church, in
Bayport.
The commi ee contacted the church secretary in Bayport, Becky Clark, and
she assisted us by finding another key fact in the church’s bap smal registry:
The middle name for Dwight: Edward. At last we had a name to search on the internet: Dwight Edward Larson.
An internet search found 130 Dwight Larsons across the country. Two were listed as the correct age (39) one had the correct
middle ini al (E) and lived in Illinois. I called one individual in Colorado, and although he was not the person I was looking for, we
talked for awhile, and he requested and got the whole story of who and why we were looking. By coincidence, he had grown up
only 10 miles from the loca on of the church campsite in Minnesota.
The second name I tried was the correct Dwight E. Larson, and we spent several minutes discussing the situa on with the campsite,
and his feelings. He was delighted to know the campsite had been preserved as a memorial to his family. As he was growing up,
his mom had told him about the memorial. Dwight informed me that his mom and dad s ll lived in Florida, and promised to
contact them and his sister, Laura Lee.
Two days later, Sally Vik, of Naples, Florida called me and we discussed her memories of the campsite. She seemed pleased that
the campsite had been developed with a cabin and outbuilding as well as camper pads and electricity for the campers. She
informed me that her sister Jane Stone is also living, and also has an interest in the campsite. Sally promised to write me a le er
discussing her memories and feelings about the Memorial Campsite.
The extended family was unaware that Anoka, MN Senior High annually awards an Abbie N. Larson Memorial Scholarship, as does
the University of Minnesota. The High School will be given the informa on I have learned, so that future recipients of the
scholarship will know the story, and can communicate with the Larson family.
There have been a few coincidences rela ng to my search that some might find interes ng.
1. The Plane carrying the Larsons crashed on a farm owned by Ed Larson (no rela on) near Cambridge.
2. Abbie N. Larson II was born on March 29, 1927. His son, Abbie Larson III was born on March 29, 1947.
3. Shortly a0er I had contacted Becky Clark at Peoples Congrega onal, she a ended an all congrega on commi ee mee ng. The
minister asked each a endee to relate the most moving experience they had had in church. One woman remembered the Larson
funeral and how the en re community pulled together during a me of excep onal grief. She also reminisced about her good
friend, “Nate” who was killed in the plane crash.
Health Beat
Denna Rasmussen RN, FCN [email protected]
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community, but do you know the benefits it may hold for you? Research continues to show that
those who volunteer function at a higher level and suffer less depression! When we hear news about people needing assistance after a natural disaster,
see photos of abused animals, read about the thousands of people living on the streets... we may think “What can I do about those problems?” Well, we
can volunteer! In addition to helping remedy social problems, volunteering has a positive effect on your physical and mental health.
Helping others in need is such an important part of the American set of values that many schools now require their students to spend a certain number of
hours volunteering (doing “community service”). Looks good on your resume regardless of your age!
Just ask people who volunteer, and most will tell you that the personal satisfaction they get from volunteering far exceeds the time they give – it also
provides time for social interaction and building new relationships with people who have similar interests.
Volunteering isn’t like going to school or your job: instead of being told what you have to do for the boss or teacher, you get to pick and choose what
really interests you, and who or what is most deserving of your time! According to national surveys, more than 26% of Americans did volunteer work in
the 12 months ending September 2012: that number only reflects those 16 years and older who volunteered with organizations such as schools, nonprofit agencies, hospitals, places of worship. We Americans average 52 hours per year, most often working with religious groups, followed by education or
youth services and social or community service groups.
The Value of Volunteering
Whatever volunteers are doing, their personal contributions help others to connect with people and resources, so that serious social problems are diminished, notes the Points of Light Foundation. The goal is to bring people together to solve many of the problems that face our communities, in a most economical way. One study determined that the averaged value of volunteer time in 2011 was $21.79. Using that figure, the American volunteer force (63.4
million of us!), gave nearly 8.1 billion volunteer hours of service worth $173 billion in the year 2010.
Still not convinced it’s worth the effort?
Here are some reasons to reconsider!
▪Volunteers are healthier: persons who volunteer have fewer medical problems than the population in general.
▪Volunteering increases one’s physical agility: staying physically active reduces the incidence of heart disease, diabetes and premature death.
▪Volunteering increases mental well-being: improved self-esteem, increased endorphin production, enhanced immune systems reduce the stress of daily
life, improve confidence and sense of achievement.
▪Volunteering increases cognitive function: this points to the “use it or lose it” theory – volunteer work keeps the brain engaged, and enhances social
support networks that keep us in touch and involved.
▪Volunteers learn new skills, develop new hobbies, and can boost career options by exploring new fields: in one survey, 94% of employers reported that
volunteering can add skills and experience increasing value on-the-job; and, 94% of employees surveyed felt their volunteer experiences had helped
them get their first job, improved their salary or aided in promotion.
Then, there are the benefits to the community...
Remember no man (or woman) is an island! People depend upon each other. As commercialism and disruption of families break down traditional values,
we all suffer the consequences... Volunteering is ultimately about helping others, impacting their wellbeing... What better way to improve your life and
your community than by returning to society some of the benefits that society gives to you?
“Where do I sign up?”
▪Research the causes or issues that are important to you
▪Consider what you have to offer: if you can’t contribute a few hours each week, you might still have time to take part in annual neighborhood or church
cleanups, walkathons to raise money for a good cause, etc.
▪Decide whether you want to volunteer in ways that use special experience or skills you already have, or whether you’re trying something new that you’re
passionate about (some organizations offer training and professional development opportunities for their volunteers)
▪Don’t wait to be asked: there are many ways to find organizations that are looking for volunteers! And “think outside the box” ... many community groups
that use volunteers (e.g., neighborhood watch programs, prisons, disaster relief organizations, park services) may not have occurred to you but may just
be “the perfect fit”!
www.pointsoflight.org
www.worldvolunteerweb.org
www.aoa.gov (US Administration on Aging)
www.getinvolved.gov/newsroom/press/factsheet_health
www.nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering/benefits
NewMembers!
Please welcome these new members of our church community:
If you are a regular par cipant who would like to inves gate
becoming a member, please come to our next Prospec ve
Members Gathering on Sunday, April 19th, between services at
9:30am, in the Administra ve Conference Room (sanctuary level).
Our last New Members Sunday for this programma c year is
tenta vely set for May 17th, during both worship services.
Amanda Davis, Jeff Lester , Oz & Jax
Laurie Elvig
Finara Fang, Joy
SummitOnHomelessness -- May 14, 2-3:30pm
First Congrega onal United Church of Christ (UCC) of Anoka,
1923 Third Avenue, Anoka, MN
763-421-3375
Summit is for anyone interested in learning more about
addressing homelessness in Anoka County. Please join us!
Guests include: Michele Reid, Housing Program Coordinator for Anoka County
Social Services and Behavioral Health
Michele will explain “coordinated assessment,” which is Anoka County’s response to helping people who may be homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. It is NOT crisis housing,
rather it is matching people up to housing programs, if it is necessary. Come to the May
Summit On Homelessness to get further informa on on why this is so important and what
the community is doing to serve those who may be dealing with, or at-risk of becoming, homeless.
AND — Kelly Black, Emmanuel Chris an Center, who will talk about the “Convoy of Hope” event:
AUG 1, 2015 Spring Lake Park High School
1100 81st Avenue NE Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Convoy of Hope “serves guests of honor – in dozens of communi es throughout the world -- free groceries, health and
dental screenings, haircuts, family portraits, meals and much more at our community events.”
Financial Report
Message from the Board of Finance: We have great news so far this year! January and
February find us with posi ve cash flow for both months. In January, we had dona ons
of $30,512.86 and expenses of $20,151.23, giving us a posi ve cash flow of
$10,361.63. In February, we had dona ons of $39,656.65 and expenses of $28,405.07,
giving us a posi ve cash flow of $11,251.58. Our year-to-date cash flow is a posi ve
$21,613.21. Really nice start to the year. Keep it up!!!
Our largest savings came “on the shoulders” of Mary McGraw who became our Office
Administrator for two months, without accep ng any pay. One major expense of the
first two months was the replacement of sanctuary carpet. This $9,331.41, cost was
offset by a dedicated dona on from the Memorial Commi ee, of $7,650.00
Cash Flow by Month
$25,000.00
$20,000.00
$15,000.00
Monthly Cash Flow
$10,000.00
Running Total
$5,000.00
$0.00
Save the date for the 5th Annual Art4Shelter
Now in its 5th year, Art4Shelter is a fundraiser for Simpson Housing Services featuring over 1,000 original
artworks by emerging and established artists. This event is free and original artwork can be for purchased
for $30. All proceeds will support Simpson Housing Services.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Preview: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Art Sale: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Burnet Gallery, Le Meridien Chambers Hotel, 901 Hennepin Ave.
For more information or if you are interested in donating
Visit www.art4shelter.org
FIRSTCONGREGATIONALCHURCHUCCOF
ANOKA,MN
CHURCHCOUNCILMINUTES
Tuesday,March10,2015
(ElectronicallyApprovedbyCouncilonMarch16,2015)
Present: John Comstock, Rev. Christopher Fazel, Rev.
Sharon James Fazel, Shelly Gauslin, Anne Jenkauski, Jon
Lundberg, John Lutz, Mike Nielsen, Naomi Peterson,
Rachel Ridens, and Zilla Way
Call to Order and Invocation: Moderator Jon Lundberg
called the meeting to order at 8:15 PM, read Psalm 126,
and in accordance with its words, “Then our mouth was
filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy,”
read “10 Church Bulletin Announcement Bloopers.”
When the laughter subsided, he gave the Invocation. Jon
then reviewed the agenda and stated that in order to have
adequate time for Old Business items, the Committee and
Board verbal reports should be limited to items that need
immediate Council attention or are timely notifications.
Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of the February 10,
2015 meeting of the Church Council were electronically
approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Rachel Ridens stated that the
church finances are “very healthy” so far this year.
Pastors’ Report: Pastors Sharon and Chris reported as
follows:
Three youth and two adults are going to the UCC
Conference Youth Event on March 13-15. The
theme is Interfaith Relations.
Last Wednesday’s Lenten speaker, Dr. Fatma Reda’s
discussion of “Feminism in Islam” was excellent.
On March 15th, new members will be received at both
services and baptism will be held during second
service.
The Lenten speakers for the next three weeks were reviewed.
The Pastors’ Summit on Homelessness in Anoka County
will be held Thursday, March 12th. On May 14th, the
Summit will be held at our church. The Summit
involves people from many different organizations
networking more efficiently to combat homelessness.
Member Mason Nunemaker has invited the congregation
to an event he is hosting at the University of
Minnesota’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBT) Programs Office around LGBT
identities and faith/spirituality. There will be a panel
discussion regarding the intersection of these
identities on Monday, March 30th from 6-9pm in the
President’s Room in Coffman Memorial Union on
the East Bank Campus.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Nominating: Zilla Way talked with various committees
about their membership for the upcoming church year.
Diaconate: Will meet on Wednesday, March 11th, in
conjunction with the soup supper. There has been great
turn out for the meals.
Religious Education (RE): Chair Shelly Gauslin reported:
1) The Heifer Project has finished and soon they will
announce the total funds collected. 2) Shelly is presenting
“The Whole Body Listening Experience” to the Sunday
School children. Church members should become familiar
with the terms those lessons involve: “expected behavior”
and “unexpected behavior.” 3) A “Noisy Collection” will
be held on April 12th to raise funds for Pennies for Posies
plants. 4) On Sunday, May 31st, graduates will be honored.
5.) Vacation Bible School will be held from June 15-19.
Music Ministry: Chair John Lutz said that the committee
continues to update the keyboard job description.
Health Ministries: The “Honoring Choices” seminar was
well attended and good discussions were held.
Finance: Chair Mike Nielsen advised the Council that
David Morse has resigned 1) as a Board of Finance
member, 2) as the Lead of a team who compiles the
Weekly Account and Deposit Report, and 3) the person
who actually deposits the weekly offerings in the bank.
Suggestions are sought for volunteers to fill these
vacancies. Members of the Board of Finance are charged
to find a new Finance Board member and will take
suggestions for a volunteer to compile the Weekly Account
and also deposit monies collected during each week.
Trustees: Co-Chair Naomi Peterson stated that: 1)
Saturday, April 25th has been chosen as Spring Clean-Up
Day. 2) During the Trustees’ meeting, Stan Deden
presented information about new water quality standards at
the campground. He also reported that on May 24th, a
special Memorial Day service will be held at the
campground commemorating the campsite’s 50-year
anniversary. 3) Jon Rono, husband of our administrative
assistant, has offered to update our church’s computer
system. He will present his suggestions at the Trustees’
meeting in April.
Hospitality and Identity: Anne Jenkauski reported that
New Members would be welcomed at a special celebration
between services on April 12th. The committee is
discussing ways to encourage connection between
members.
--con nued on the next page--
Personnel: Jon Lundberg reported: 1) On May 31st, the
Personnel Committee and the Hospitality and Identity
Committee will co-host a retirement party for the Fazels.
2) On July 19th, (the Fazels’ last Sunday as our pastors), a
special ”Separation Service” will be held with involvement
by the UCC Conference. 3) Job description work continues for several employees.
OLD BUSINESS
Landscape Easement Update: Jon Lundberg advised
that he is still waiting to hear from the City of Anoka regarding the final approval of the easement document.
Interim Pastor Search
An Interim Pastor is hired by the Council rather than the
congregation. A motion was made by Jon Lundberg to
have the current Personnel Committee serve as the Interim
Pastor Search Committee. The motion was seconded and
unanimously approved. The members of the Personnel
Committee are: Jon Lundberg-Chair, Marcia GundersonTreasurer, Carol Linden, Sally West, Vicki Wilt, and John
Comstock. This information will be included in the April
Newsletter. All present expressed their thanks to the
Personnel Committee for taking on this search.
NEW BUSINESS
Zilla Way presented the idea of a By-Law change that
would have the starting date for new board members be
May 1st instead of June 1st. The Council approved
bringing this By-Law change to the congregation for a
vote at the April 26th Annual Administrative Meeting.
Zilla will put together the motion and have it published in
the upcoming bulletins and the April Newsletter.
ADJOURNMENT
The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April
14th at 8:15pm. There being no further business,
Moderator Jon Lundberg adjourned the meeting at 9:10
PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Naomi Peterson, substituting for
Mary McGraw, Church Clerk
Church Clean Up!
8:00am - Noon
April 25th 2015
Proposed By-Law Change
“The Church Council recommends that
church officers, and members of boards
and commi ees who are elected at the
April Annual Administra ve Mee ng
begin their term of office on May 1st,
rather than June 1st, of each year.”
———————————————
This proposed change will allow newly
elected members more me for orientaon before the busy fall season. (Many
boards and commi ees do not meet in
July or August.) Watch for official no ce
of this vote to be held at the April 26th,
2015 Annual Administra ve Mee ng.
This proposal will be printed in the
Sunday bulle n on April 12 and 19, as
required in our by-laws.
--Church Council
How is the date of Easter Sunday determined each year?
The first
Sunday
A0er ...
the first full moon
A0er ...
the spring equinox
Joys and Concerns
Prayers for:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Doug Cole, con nued rehabilita on a0er pneumonia
Laurie Elvig’s mom, now in memory care facility
Leo Foley, rehabilita on at Benedic ne Health Center/Innsbruck-1101 Black Oak Dr., New Brighton 55112
Porter Jenkauski (baby son of Anne & Adam Jenkauski), pneumonia
Dan Norrick’s dad Jim, now stabilized but s ll in care, and Jim’s wife Marjorie (assisted living)
Jerry Teeson’s brother Bruce, in hospital intensive care
Tom Way (Zilla’s son), on wai ng list for double transplant surgery
Mike Willoughby’s cousin Gary, in hospice, and another cousin (recently diagnosed with breast cancer) hospitalized a0er being
found unresponsive at home
Condolences to:
♦
Deb Braun, whose parents died in March .
Congratulations to:
♦
Jenni (Dergantz) Chastenet & Jus n Chastenet, on the birth of their second child, Grayson Daniel
♦
Amanda Davis & spouse Jeff Lester; Laurie Elvig; Finara Fang – on being received into membership in our congrega on, March
15th
♦
Amanda Davis’ & Jeff Lester’s two sons, Oz Davis & Jax Lester – on their bap sm, March 15th
♦
James Paye e, on finishing and submiYng his Ph.D. disserta on proposal
♦
Sarah Theisen, on having two of her art works chosen for display in the UofM, Morris Art Gallery (A total of 64 works were
chosen out of 124 submissions from all students.)
Thanks to:
Our Board of the Diaconate (plus Jenna Lutz’s dad, John Strain), who prepared and served glorious Lenten Suppers of
delicious homemade soups, along with fruit, bread and cookies, featuring two different soups a night over a period of
six weeks from Ash Wednesday through March 25. The soups were excellent, and the prepara on and service outstanding, as always. Bravo! (Recipes are in a special book downstairs in the kitchen, if you want to try your hand at any par cular soup.)
Everyone who worked with Sue Dergantz and others to make possible another week of our sponsorship for Family
Promise. Thanks to those who prepared food and offered your services in any other way. Your service, your food, your
love, your financial support – all really do make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you!
United Church of Christ
We congratulate the Presbyterian Church (USA) for the denomina on's decision
to affirm the marriages of same-sex couples.
ACBC
FOODSHELF
APRIL Item is…
Box Dinners
POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
First Congregational Church
UNITED CHURCH of Christ of Anoka
1923 Third Avenue South
Anoka, MN 55303
First Congregational Church
UNITED CHURCH of Christ of Anoka
At First Congregational
UCC of Anoka
Church Office: (763) 421-3375
Email:[email protected]
Fax: 763-421-3093
Church Website: ww.uccanoka.org National Website: www.ucc.org
WORSHIP: Sundays at 8:30am & 10:30am
Ministry Team
Co-Ministers: Rev. Christopher Fazel & Rev. Sharon James Fazel
Pastor of Ministerial Support: Rev. Curt Johnson
Office Hours: Mon.– Thursday – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm ( Office is closed on Fridays)
Faith Community Nurse Hours: Tues. - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm & most Thur. for Bible Study - 9:30 am
Chancel Choir Director:
Don Shier
Keyboardist:
Mark Anderson
Children’s Ministry Coordinators:
Theresa Meyer & Leanne Patchen
Children’s Music Ministry:
Terra Favilla
Youth Ministry Coordinator:
Traci Chur
Nursery Care Provider:
Traci Chur, Nursery Hours are 8:15 – 11:45 am
Faith Community Nurse:
Denna Rasmussen, RN, FCN
Sunday Morning Special Assistant:
Dale Beals
Funeral/Kitchen Coordinator:
Marlene Curtis
Custodial:
Best Cleaning Service
Church Office Administrator:
Jennifer Rono
Church Wedding Assistants:
Nancy Ahlberg & Naomi Peterson