Rosemount UMC
March 2008 E-News

14770 Canada Ave*Rosemount, MN, 55068*www.rosemountumc.org *651-423-2475

Kids Eat almost Free at Pasta on Wednesdays

Take an evening off from cooking for the family and enjoy some fellowship as well. The prices for children under 12 for Pasta on Wednesdays has been reduced to $2 per child. The menu changes weekly and includes pasta, salad, breadsticks and dessert. A meat-free option is available as well. To help us plan, please try to sign up by Monday afternoon. The meal is served from 5:30-6:30 each Wednesday. The cost for adults is $5 per person. Please join us!

Annual Chili Cook-off to Support Missions

Silent Auction Challenge! Everyone has something they could donate to this great cause; Babysitting Hours, Baked Items, Sports Tickets, Cabin Weekends, Crafts, Housecleaning, Manicures, Computer Help, etc. We are also challenging each family/small group/individual to enter a themed basket for the silent auction. The more baskets we receive the more Rosemount UMC can help out our local & global community. Donation slips are available in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Meredith Johnson 651-322-6676 or meredith.johnson@thomson.com

Electronic Giving - Avoid getting behind on your pledge by enrolling in our electronic giving program.

Important Benefits of Electronic Giving

• Satisfaction of giving to God first
• Easier to fulfill stewardship commitments
• Strengthens participation and support in the church
• Allows you to contribute even when you're away
• Easier personal budgeting
• More secure than bringing cash or checks to church
• More predictable cash flow for better planning

To sign up for this option, please fill out an authorization form available in the church office or on the nametag table. You choose the donation frequency (weekly or monthly) and the donation amount for each fund you wish to support. "I gave electronically" cards are available in the narthex on the nametag table to participate in the weekly offering during worship.

Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) would like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the paid staff the Church employs. We are proud to recognize their dedication and service to our Church and the community. Please join us in saying thank you for a job well done to the list of our dedicated and committed staff that helps make Rosemount UMC the success it is:

World Day of Prayer 2008

This worldwide ecumenical movement of women and men of many faith traditions come together to observe a common day of prayer the first Friday in March each year. This year Guyana women from eleven denominations have written the worship service. The theme, “God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding,” expresses the awesomeness of God’s creation. As we survey God’s work, its beauty and diversity, we begin to understand that we are called to care for all of creation. Guyana is a tropical country located on the northern coast of South America; but for cultural and historic reasons, it is considered to be a part of the Caribbean. Among the country’s distinctive features are dense rainforests, and Kaieteur Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in the world, fives time higher than Niagara Falls.

The World Day of Prayer motto, “Informed prayer leads to prayerful action,” affirms that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence. Millions of God’s people are suffering from violence, neglect, poverty and political injustice. Women and children, especially, are denied basic human rights and are victims of those who would exploit them and abuse them. The worship service will be held Friday, March 7, at 9:30am and again at 7:00 pm at Rosemount UMC.

New Member Class

In an effort to provide more options for prospective members, we will be offering the three hour membership class, one hour at a time. The classes will be held on three consecutive Sunday mornings from 9 - 10 AM beginning Sunday, April 6. Childcare is available. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 3 to the church office (651)423-2475 or Jim and Dawn Dibley (651)423-5392 or jdibley@rosemountumc.org.

Adult Life News-"Journey with a FoCUS on Christ"

Pastor’s Book Review- "The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, a Jew—Three Women Search for Understanding", written by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner

A friend of mine from seminary gave me this book almost a year ago, but I have just gotten around to reading it now. I found it to be what I had expected—interesting, thought-provoking, relevant, and an overall good read. But I found myself pleasantly surprised by the vulnerability of the three authors and the sincerity and intensity in which they approached this project.

The book is the journey of three women post-September 11th who meet regularly and discuss topics (often pretty bluntly) related to their three faiths. Their original plan was to write a children’s book addressing interfaith issues and to educate children about their common heritage. But their conversations turned out to be much more complex than they had planned, and over the course of a few years they challenged each other, exposed their stereotypes and prejudices, admitted their uncertainties and changing beliefs, and supported each other every step of the way. No topic was left untouched—heaven, hell, God, Jesus, Mohammed, terrorism, prayer, atonement, conversion, holidays—you name it, they experienced it and talked it through.

One thing that struck me was the expressed need and desire by all three women to be truly understood and seen as who they were. Not who the world thought they were, not who their religion said they should be, not what the media or popular belief or their neighbors or husbands or children thought they were, but who they actually were. All three placed stereotypes on others, and all three had experienced the effects of stereotyping before. Over time, they learned to ask questions instead of making assumptions, and they came to realize that they were allowed to change their minds, even if they had ardently expressed a different view earlier. It caused me to pause and think about the assumptions I make on a daily basis and how they might be influencing my relationships with others. What assumptions do we make in our church of people who aren’t like us? What assumptions do we make of people in our church who appear to be like us?

I came away from the book with a great sense of our responsibility to truly respect one another. If these women learned anything from September 11th, it was that we cannot afford to keep misunderstanding each other. But this is hard work! These women met for years discussing these things, and it took a lot of frustration and questions and reflection to come to a place where they could begin to understand each other. I only hope that I have the same energy and commitment to work as hard as they did when it comes to truly knowing and understanding anyone that comes my way.

Thoughts? Reactions? Have you read the book? Do you plan to? Send any responses to Pastor Brooke: bheerwald@rosemountumc.org

Next book: "Myth of a Christian Nation" by Gregory A. Boyd

Rosemount in Farmington! The next coffee gathering of Farmington residents will be Saturday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. We’ll be meeting at The Ugly Mug at 18450 Pilot Knob Rd, Farmington. Contact Brooke Heerwald with questions: bheerwald@rosemountumc.org	The GET IT Group (Guy’s Evening Thing) will begin a new Bible Study on Thursday March 27. The title of our study is “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby and Claude King. From the authors: “Experiencing God has profoundly changed the lives of Christians around the world who seek a more intimate relationship with their Creator.” The group is open to men age 30+. Please contact Larry Greaves or Kenan Kolb for more info. Meets the 1st and 3rd Thurs each month from 7:00 to 9:00pm in the Conference Room
Modern, Mature, Methodists (3Ms)- Senior citizens are invited to participate in the monthly activities of 3Ms. We meet on the 2nd Tuesdays of most months. March 11th we will have a bingo/card/game party, beginning at 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Bingo players are asked to bring a wrapped humorous gift (white elephant) for a prize. Refreshments will be provided.	Living Fully, Dying Well Sundays at 9:00 and 10:30 in D125.  Our best decisions about life's most important events are seldom made in times of crisis. "Living Fully, Dying Well," written by Bishop Rueben Job, assists in making careful, wise and prayerful preparation for meeting life's most important moments. A study for ALL ages designed for a frank and open discussion about faith mortality, and living every day to the fullest.  Led by Pastor Rick Ormsby. Questions or comments: rormsby@rosemountumc.org
African Fellowship - Interested in Africa? Want to make this a better world? Join the African Fellowship for a program, discussion, and pot-luck meal at 11:45 am, Sunday, March 9th in D125.	Adult Bible Study on Sundays 10:10 am -11:10am in the Conference Room. Newcomers always welcome. Contact is Dennis Lund nlund@charter.net.
The Bible from Scratch Especially for, but not limited to, those who know nothing about the Bible. Take the first step in serious, adult Bible study. Led by Pastor Karen Bruins every other Tuesday (2nd and 4th Tuesday each month), 7:00-8:00 pm	The Artist's Way/ The Creative Call Calling all artists! Of any kind and any caliber! The Artist’s Way/Creative Call small group will begin meeting on Wednesday, February 27th at 6:00 p.m. Look for Brooke Heerwald or DeAnne Parks in the Fellowship Hall. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 12th.  bheerwald@rosemountumc.org
Bible Study: "James and John" Here's a dynamic duo! The Letter of James and the Gospel of John. Held Thursdays at 10 am. Led by Pastor Rick Ormsby. Meets at Kathryn Cassem's home.

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Worship Ministry News

Moving Spirit Dance Ministry will be stepping out on Friday, March 28th from 2:30pm - 4:30pm, to serve at Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. This ministry makes a real difference for some of the world's hungriest children. Using the gift of time and energy, volunteers at FMSC help package hundreds of meals that are distributed in over 45 countries. If you are interested in joining our group on this service day, please contact Terry Field ~ tfield@rosemountumc.org

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Discovery Avenue Children's and Zone 56 News

The month of March just makes you want to march, doesn’t it? Discovery Avenue Children’s Ministries is certainly on the march! This is a month full of activity.

Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. Bunny Brunch. Share some breakfast treats with your family, join in on some bunny games and crafts, and be sure to have your “eagle” eyes on for the annual Easter Egg hunt. A special guest, Easter Bunny, will be on hand for snuggly pictures and gentle hugs. Come share the good news—Christ has risen!

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Friday, March 21, 7 p.m., room D121-124 Good Friday. This is a special Good Friday service just for our kids (1st – 4th grade). Experience the weight of the cross, the sharpness of the crown of thorns, the bitterness of tainted water. Worship together as we experience why Jesus died for us. Parent volunteers would be appreciated; please call Karen Klekner at church or kklekner@rosemountumc.org to volunteer. Nursery will be provided for younger friends while Mom and Dad are in worship.

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Church School: there will be no church school on Wednesday, 3/19 or 3/26 and Sunday 3/23 or 3/30.

Parent’s Night Out and Parent’s Morning Out:
PNO, Friday, March 14, 5-10 p.m. - PMO, Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 26, 9:15 a.m. – noon. Sign up sheets are at the Children’s Welcome table. Call Karen Klekner for availability.

March will march right on through and soon we’ll be into summer. Watch for our summer brochure, Funology 101-- loads of fun summer activities with a science twist! VBS will be June 16-20 in the mornings for those looking ahead.

Summer planning is underway! Hard to believe but summer really is just around the corner. If you would like to help with VBS (Power Lab, June 16-20) or have ideas for some fun summer events, please contact Karen Klekner at kklekner@rosemountumc.org. or at church.

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Zone 56 News

Zone 56 kids served at Feed My Starving Children in February. Way to go 5th and 6th graders! They have also teamed up with Club 78 to try to outwit the Senior High raising funds for Nothing But Nets. Why not help them out by dropping your pennies in the Culligan Water jug labeled for Zone 56/Club 78!!

Zone 56 kids will begin a new unit called “Making Good Decisions”. Just watch these kids grow in their love of Jesus by learning how to make the right decision based on His teachings.

Just as an FYI, there will be no Zone 56 on Wednesday 3/19 or 3/26.

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God’s Discovery Kids Preschool

Come join the fun! GDK is a preschool located in the Rosemount UMC Discovery Avenue. We are licensed by the MN Department of Human Services and specialize in immersing preschoolers in God’s love while preparing them for success in Kindergarten. Registration for the 2008-2009 school year has begun.

The following classes will be offered next year:

• 3-year-olds (3 by Sept. 1) 9:30 – 12:00 MW or TTh - $95 per month
• 4 -year-olds (4 by Sept. 1) 9:30 – 12:00 MWF or TWTh - $120 per month or 1:00 – 3:30 TWTh $120 per month
• 5-year-olds (5 by Dec. 1) 9:30 – 12:00 MTWTh - $145 per month

Brochures and registration forms are available on the GDK web site and at the Children’s Welcome Table in the narthex. There is a $55 per child registration fee. Scholarships are available. For more information contact Wendy Riphenburg at wriphenburg@rosemountumc.org or pick up a brochure at the children’s ministries table in the narthex.

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Elevation Youth Ministry News

Special Announcements!!
Attention 9th – 12th grade students! – UMYS – March 14th – 16th – @ the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud, MN. You will be joining over 1,000 High School students from across the state of Minnesota for a weekend of worship, workshops, food, and other great opportunities throughout the weekend. We will gather at Rosemount UMC at 3:45pm on Friday, March 14th. We will be on the road by 4pm. Please pack a bag dinner for the ride to St. Cloud. We will be stopping for lunch on the way home from UMY’s so bring some money for that. We will arrive home by around 3pm on Sunday, March 16th. Your final balance for the UMY’s weekend is due on Friday, March 7th!! Questions…give Josh a call at 651-423-2475.

Confirmation Student reminders!!

1. Make sure that you all have turned in your “Confirmation Covenant Form” You should have received this form in the mail, if you did not… copies are available upstairs in the Attic. You can pick them up on Wednesday or Sunday nights. You could also get one at one of our Nooma Nights! Secondly, continue to turn in your worship reflection forms and forms for your service projects. Please make sure that you place your name on the forms you turn in!! Forms are available in the Attic at the Confirmation Bulletin board by the bathrooms. Thirdly, please turn in your form that lists who your mentor is…if you are a 9th grader and do not have a mentor you need to get one!!! If you are an 8th grader and still need a mentor please get one! You need a mentor as part of your confirmation experience!!
2. 9th graders! – As a part of your confirmation process you each get to have an interview with Pastor Brooke, Josh, or Pastor Karen (your choice). There are limited spots and times for each one. So, the sooner you sign up the more choices there will be! The interview times will be posted on the office doors of Pastor Brooke, Josh and Pastor Karen. This is your responsibility to sign up. NOTE ABOUT SIGNING UP – Please DO NOT add a time slot to sign up sheets. The times and dates posted are when each person is available to meet with you. Please allow a ½ hour for the interview. Don’t worry, it is a very laid back time to chat about your confirmation journey. Those will begin mid March!

Mission Trips for the Summer of 2008!!! Registration forms are available at the bottom of the stairs on the way up to the ATTIC! They are available upstairs in the Attic on Wednesday and Sunday nights!

• Sr. High Mission Trip to Chicago! July 6th – 12th – Trip cost is $440/person – 7 Spots are available!Turn in non-refundable deposit of $220 and registration form to secure your spot for Chicago! Once you sign up more information will be coming out about meetings, etc…
• Middle School Mission Trip to Duluth! June 15th – 20th - Trip cost is $300/person – All spots are filled! Once you sign up more information will be coming about meetings, etc…
• Please call Josh for availability for summer mission trips! There is still time to sign up for these trips!! Scholarships are available!!!

 

Elevation Youth Ministry events for March

Sunday, March 2nd	Sr. High Youth (9th – 12th graders) meets from 6-8pm upstairs in the ATTIC. Topic: Dying Words.	NO Sr. Class 2008 this week!! See you next Sunday night!
Monday, March 3rd	NOOMA Night for 8th & 9th grade confirmation students and their mentors! Join us from 6-7pm upstairs in the Attic! If your mentor can not make the meeting please join us with a parent. See you all at NOOMA!
Wednesday, March 5th	Club 78 (7th & 8th graders) meets from 6:30-8pm. Topic: 9th & 10th Commandments – “You can’t Touch this!"
Sunday, March 9th	Sr. High Youth (9th -12th graders) meets from 6-8pm upstairs in the ATTIC. Topic: Why did Jesus Die on the Cross?	Sr. Class – Class of 2008 meets from 8-9:30pm upstairs in the ATTIC. This class is for Senior’s in High School. Join us! Friends are welcome too!
Wednesday, March 12th	Club 78 (7th & 8th graders) meets from 6:30-8pm upstairs in the ATTIC. Topic: “The Greatest Thing.”
Friday, March 14th – Sunday, March 16th	UMYS Sr. High Weekend – We depart for St. Cloud at 4pm from Rosemount UMC and return on Sunday, March 16th at 3pm to Rosemount UMC. Be prepared for a great weekend!
Sunday, March 16th	Sr. High Youth (9th – 12th graders) meets from 6-8pm upstairs in the ATTIC. Movie night! Join us for a show on the Big Screen!! Bring a movie snack to share!	Sr. Class – Class of 2008 meets from 8-9:30pm upstairs in the ATTIC. This class is for Senior’s in High School. Join us! Friends are welcome too!
Tuesday, March 18th	Youth Council meeting beginning at 7pm upstairs in the Attic.
Wednesday, March 19th	NO Club 78 tonight!
Sunday, March 23rd	NO Sr. High Youth – See you next week!	NO Sr. Class – See you next week!
Wednesday, March 26th	NO Club 78 tonight! See you next week!
Sunday, March 30th	Sr. High Youth (9th – 12th graders) meets from 6-8pm upstairs in the ATTIC. Join us with guest Pastor Brooke Heerwald! Hope you can join us!

Remember you are a Rock Star and Jesus believes in all of you!!!

Elevation Student Ministries
Rosemount UMC
We are ONE but, we are not the same, we get to carry each other!

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Mission News

Simpson Shelter Meal - Simpson Shelter for the month of March has been filled. The next available serving dates are April 21 and May 19. A sign up sheet is located on the west wall in the fellowship hall. Join us as we bring and serve a meal at the Simpson Shelter in Minneapolis which serves the 70 homeless people who stay there each night. This is a great family activity. We try to provide a meal once a month. Cooks are needed to prepare the meals in the Rosemount UMC kitchen. Contact Rich Wirt -rwirt@rosemountumc.org

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The Rosemount Family Resource Center is located on 145th Street and welcomes volunteers most days and times. There is a wide range of opportunities, from organizing food donations to helping kids with homework or getting a game of basketball going. Contact Rich Wirt -rwirt@rosemountumc.org or you may call the Center directly: (651) 322-5113.

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United Methodist Women

Salad Luncheon- Wednesday, April 23
Please mark your calendar and arrange your schedule to help with this yearly event. Opportunities are available to serve from 11am-1pm on Wednesday the 23rd, help set-up on Tuesday morning 22nd, and of course to make a salad or pie. Mary Moffit has graciously agreed to be the chairperson for 2008.

We always have several requests for recipes. A booklet was made approximately ten years ago "Salads Galore!, A Collection of Recipes from the Rosemount United Methodist Women." We would like to do this again this year- please start submitting your recipes ASAP to allow time for typing, printing and copying. They will be available for purchase at the luncheon. Please place them in the UMW mail box in the church workroom or email them to Janet Ewing, janete9@charter.net.

For Your Information: Spring Garage Sale Sunday, May 18-Friday May 23.

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Prayer Lists and Announcements

Please pray for the following members and friends of our congregation:

Cindy	Peter Dufek
Alison	Elaine Lidke
Jay Balek	Anne Hasbrouck
Kathy Steinberg	Tim Berghuis
Julie Povolny	Mary Ann Barnes
Max	People affected by the Tennessee and Arkansas tornadoes
Judy Roelofs	Victims of the school bus crash in Cottonwood, MN
Josh Fuller

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OUR SYMPATHY & PRAYERS to the following who have lost loved ones:

• Lowell and Nancy Larson and family upon the death of Nancy’s mother Jan. 27th
• Russ and Linda Rieth and family in your prayers upon the death of Russ's mother, Barbara "Baba" Shirley Rieth who died Jan. 23rd.
• Elvi and Jim Frisbee and family upon the death of their beloved mother, Josie Sacripant on February 23rd.
• Carrie and Steve Langseth upon the death of Steve's mother, Mildred.
• Jim and Marcia Behm upon the death of Jim's father, Gerhard "Giggs" Behm

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Welcome New Members

On February 10th we received the following new members:

• Delores Cavanaugh joined by transfer of membership
• Ken and Lana Huetten joined by Confession of Faith
• Jay and Janet Sorlie joined by transfer of membership

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Happy Birthday:

On March 7, Floyd Skinner will be 91. Please send cards to 14160 Heywood Path Apple Valley, MN 55124

On March 19, Marian Plowman will be 90. Send her cards to 101 Fuller Street N. Apt.204 Shakopee, MN 55379

 

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Baptisms

FEBRUARY 3… Kendelyn Mae Sauter daughter of Aaron Joseph Sauter and Ashley Ann Sauter, born July 17, 2007 in Phoenix, AZ. Sponsors are Thomas Sauter and Jolene Saunders. Proud grandparents, Scott & Donna Sauter and Mark & Danita Kocer.

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New Babies

We have proudly welcomed 2 new granddaughters - Kate Kowalczyk born 11/07/07 to Phil and Angela Kowalczyk; and Erin Peterson, born 1/16/08 to Natalie & Eric Peterson. Norb and Gloria Kowalczyk

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Congratulations!

Geoff Pittman (12th grade son of Lisa and Jerry Pittman) received word that he has been named a National Merit Scholar Finalist!!!! Way to go Geoff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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A HUGE heart shaped thank you to everyone who participated in the Valentine Cookie Bake this year! Rosemount UMC mailed out 29 boxes of cookies to last year’s high school graduates! It takes a lot of cookies to fill that many boxes – 1,152 cookies (or 96 dozen)! This year there were 24 people who baked cookies, 4 people who packed cookies and 1 person who mailed cookies . . . a special thank you to each of you! This is a big project and we couldn’t do it without your help! - - Rosemount UMC Caring Ministries Team