Making Disciples, Transforming the World Issue 2 February 2017 T HE H ERALD

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Hello’s and Goodbye’s By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC 1 Preparing for Lent Change is hard. No matter Maureen’s last day with us how prepared we might be, will be Feb. 7. If you want to Choir Spotlight 1 change can be a challenge. see her again, rumor has it God is bigger than our that she will be performing in 1 Arts Sunday greatest challenge. “Grease” at the Chanhassen When Maureen Ballentine, Dinner Theatre this spring. February Sermon Series 2 (We asked her the same RHUMC Director of Youth So I put out the word that we thing.) “Because I feel called Ministries, told me late this were looking for a new The Pastor’s Pen 3 to make a difference,” she fall that she had been Director of Youth Ministries: approached with an college job boards, social said. RHUMCafe 5 opportunity of a lifetime, I media, word-of-mouth, The team members affirmed felt the excitement and conference classifieds. The that call and have asked 6 Children’s Ministries exhilaration for her next response was not over- Kasey Johnson (long-time chapter, and abject horror in whelming, but quantity does RHUMC member, Praise Feed My Starving the thought of finding a not assure quality with job Team singer, and youth Children 7 replacement for her in the applications. I was excited to volunteer) to help assist middle of the program year. find three finalists whom I Emma in the transition into Maureen brought to River believed had the gifts and this new role. Emma’s Hills a quiet confidence that graces that could bring the would be difficult to replace. group to its next exciting The saying, “Deep rivers run chapter. Each of the finalists smooth,” fits Maureen. Her had very different strengths, depth of thought (she would so the work of the interview often dismiss it as over- team would be a challenge. analysis), was an inspiration A group of six people with a to me and to others who cross section of youth, were willing to venture in for parents, and church leaders a swim. Never afraid to came to the conclusion that challenge the status quo, but Emma Marais would be the always with unquestionable Strengthfinders results are new face of youth leadership love and acceptance, we at River Hills Church. Emma’s consistent with what we allowed her to push us. Her experienced, and we feel fresh approach to ministry is impact will be infinitely a bit unconventional. She they will give her a boost in getting to know the youth appreciated by this pastor. graduated last semester from the U of M and encourage them to get involved: communication, Carlson School of Management in activator, connectedness, positivity, includer. Emma three and half years with a major begins on Feb. 1. in Entrepreneurial Please take a moment to Studies and a express your support and Minor in appreciation to Maureen Marketing. Why Ballentine, Emma Marais, Youth Ministry? and Kasey Johnson during RIVER HILLS All pictures: Emma Marais, our new Director of Youth UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Ministries, enjoying a few of her many interests. Preparing for Lent — The 11:10.0 Prayer By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC

If Lent is the season to prepare for Wednesday, March 1 -- Ash Wednesday Thank you for the fertile and frozen Easter, what do we call the time we use ground in my life. Help me to do my part Wednesday, March 8 -- Prayers to get ready for Lent? This year we call it to prepare my life and our church for February! Lent is a season of 40 days, Wednesday, March 15 -- Presence the promise of something new. May our not counting Sundays, when we prepare Wednesday, March 22 -- Gifts soil be rich with love, joy, peace, for Easter. Lent comes from the Anglo- patience, kindness, goodness, Wednesday, March 29 -- Service Saxon word lencten, which means faithfulness, gentleness, and self- “spring.” It begins on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, April 5 -- Witness control, so that we might break through which lands on March 1 this year. We Sunday, April 9 -- Palm Sunday the frozen places for all those You call will have special gatherings every us to love. Amen. Thursday, April 13 -- Maundy Thursday Wednesday night during Lent. Each Wouldn’t it be great if we knew that night will focus on the commitments we Friday, April 14 -- Good Friday others from our church community were make to our community every time we Sunday, April 16 -- Easter praying this together? Our address is celebrate a baptism, new members, or So how do we prepare for Lent? In part, 11100 River Hills Drive. I’m going to ask confirmation. These are sacramental we know that we must make it through you to set an alarm on your phone to commitments we make to show our love winter. While the days grow slowly alert you that it’s time to pray. At for the community. Set aside these longer, we must keep bright the light 11:10.0, a.m. or p.m. or both, join dates as we grow with anticipation how that is within us. I would like you to join others in our church, wherever you are, God will break through in our lives. me in this prayer: no matter what you are doing, in prayer.

“Blessed by the Water” will be the theme for Arts Sunday. Do you have something Arts Sunday that you would like to share that might contribute to our understanding of the theme? All mediums are welcome — performing art, visual art, literary art, or even culinary art! Get your creative waters flowing! Encourage one another and let’s make April 23 this another wonderful weekend of worship at River Hills Church!

Choir Spotlight on … Cindy Farthing By Cathleen Harris, RHUMC Organist

You may have seen her in the As a matter of fact, all five of Cindy and choir — the soprano with the her brothers and sisters took her long, beautiful hair. You may piano lessons. She took husband, have also seen her in other piano lessons through high John, have parts of your church life: school and one year at been teaching Sunday School, college. More instruments members of playing the piano for the would follow: alto saxophone River Hills children’s Christmas lessons (5th grade through since 1993. program, playing the college) and organ lessons “We were John and Cindy Farthing with their children, keyboard with the Praise (11th-12th grade). looking for Coleman, Justine and Alyssa. Team for the Burnsville Fire As if that music experience just the Muster parade, or playing the were not enough, in high right church,” Photo Courtesy of Twin Cities Aesthetic organ for the 9 a.m. worship school, Cindy sang in several Cindy remembers. After service. You will find her choirs, including swing choir sitting in the pews for six of HYFRYDOL. Other favorites wherever she is needed. and madrigal choir, and she years, Cindy missed singing in include playing Mark Hayes Cindy grew up in Fisher, participated in a choir an ensemble. So in 1999, piano music, and the song Minnesota. As the fifth child contest, where students sing she joined the choir. “Blessings” by Laura Story. of six siblings, Cindy solos in front of judges. She When asked about her Cindy stayed home with her remembers a household full played the handbells in her favorite part of being in children and taught private of music. Her mother played home church and was also a Chancel Choir, she replied, “I piano lessons until she “went the violin, her father played member of her college choir. love singing in an ensemble.” back to work.” She now works the trumpet, and her grandpa Cindy graduated from One of Cindy’s favorite full-time at a bank in Prior played the piano by ear. Jamestown College with a hymns, which was sung at her Lake. Cindy and John have When she was 8 years old, B.A. in Business Administra- wedding, is “Love Divine, All three children: Coleman, Cindy began piano lessons. tion with a minor in Music. Loves Excelling” to the tune Justine, and Alyssa. Page 3 Issue 2

P RAISE & P RAYERS Prayer requests are accepted in the church office at any time, 952-890-2515. Or e-mail Carrie Wilkens, Office Communications Coordinator, at [email protected] or through our website, riverhillsumc.org. Please let us know if your prayer is to remain confidential or is to be shared on this page of the monthly newsletter and also in the announcements in the weekly bulletin.

Prayers Requested for:

Church Family: Lillian Shattuck; Sandy Thibos; Sue Hawes; Carol Walker; Mac McInroy; Carl & Joy Potter; Dick Branden; Connie Anton; Bonnie Covart; Bob Leaf; Wayne Baugh; Sandra Shill; Jerry Kelly; Jay Dee Yearous. Friends and Family: Diane Kaluzne, friend of Julie Howe; Jerry Cerny, brother of Kim Christianson; Golda, friend of Scott McGuire; Scott Peterson, friend of Georgia Cirksena; Sean, friend of Aaron Raschke; John Goz, friend of Marty Appleby; Paul Fread, son of Marge Fread; Debbie Hansen, friend of Barb Haagenstad & Kim Engstrom; Kathy, daughter of Marge Fread; Julie, friend of Marge Fread; Jackie Smith, friend of Rosalind, Georgia & Randy Cirksena; Gary Drewianka, partner of Sylvia Peterson; Jim & Rita Demers, friends of Jim & Mona Ervin; Joan, cousin of Ginny Heitkamp; Clayton McDougal, father of Chris McDougal; Janice Buvala, mother of Sara Vander Lugt; Clyde Johnson, father of Amy Pearson; Pat Braudt, mother of Rev. Robert Braudt; Cory Branden, son of Billie & Dick Branden; Skip Wolff, neighbor of Randy & Georgia Cirksena; Steve Jones, son of Mike & Sue Althoff; Faith Williams, sister of Marv Williams; Kenneth & Vivian Fread, family of Marge Fread; Norma Blackman, mother of Brenda Barta; Mike Metz, friend of Mary Davis; Helen, aunt of Jean Bornholdt; Alice Whitby, mother of Jane Mayne; Linda Banks, friend of Everett Goodridge; Sharon Woodward, daughter of Dave & Donna Sundheimer; Charlotte Umezu; John & Grace Feuk, parents of Eric Feuk; Bishop Bruce Ough; Missionaries Kristen Brown (Israel/Palestine the Middle East) and Nancy Robinson (Sierra Leone, Africa); Cynthia Williams, River Valley District Superintendent.

PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY

For Susie Wasmund and her family as they mourn the loss of her father, Stu Skulborstad, who passed away on New Year’s Eve. A Celebration of Life service was held at River Hills UMC on Saturday, Jan. 14.

For Kathy Estes on the passing of her husband, Barry, who went home to be with the Lord our Savior on Sunday, Jan. 8. Barry has been a member of River Hills since January 1991. A memorial service was held on Friday, Jan. 13.

For Julie Morgan on the passing of her father, Andy Anderson, who has been a member of River Hills since July 2014. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 21.

PRAYERS FOR NEW MEMBER

We are in grateful prayer for Sue Reeves, who joined the membership of River Hills UMC during the Praise Worship Service on Sunday, Jan. 22. Sue is retired and joined by letter of transfer from Orton UMC in Orton, Michigan.

PRAYERS OF GRATITUDE

A big thank you to all who contributed to the Armful of Love family this year with 360 Communities. They met the needs of 1,000 families again this year. All of the gifts were wrapped by the “Young at Heart" group and delivered. We had a family of six, which included a mother, 3 girls, and 2 boys. We were able to meet some of their wants plus give them $100 in Cub gift cards. We also purchased 19 other Cub $25 gift cards for 360 to fill in where needed for other families. — Monna Cochran

Thank you to everyone who worked with us planning Nancy Wallace’s memorial service Nov. 9. You all went above and beyond my expectations. The hymns were well thought out, Carl was wonderful — just like I remember him when I attended as a teenager in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the slide show was very well presented, the treats and reception were so very thoughtful. We all had a great time sharing moments afterwards. But most of all, as with any great church, we felt the warmth of the people. You are every bit the vibrant, caring congregation that I fondly remembered. It was great to see many of Mom’s old friends such as Marilyn, Muriel, Carl and Dixie. You all looked great! I found myself wanting to give Mom a call to tell her I had seen all of you, and how you are just as I remembered. But she was there, I know it. When we got up to sing the first hymn, I couldn’t get the words out, so strongly I felt her presence alongside me as she had been for countless hymns in the past. God bless! — Jay W. Wallace and Bruce and Glen

February Sermon Series By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC Sunday, Feb. 5 — 5th Sunday after Epiphany — “More Than Delight” (Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 5:13-20) Sunday, Feb. 12 — 6th Sunday after Epiphany — “More Than Being Right” (1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37) Sunday, Feb. 19 — 7th Sunday after Epiphany — “More Than Avoiding Evil” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48) Sunday, Feb. 26 — Transfiguration Sunday — “More Than a Mountain Top” (Exodus 24:12-18; Matthew 17:1-9) The Herald Page 3 The Pastor’s Pen By Rev. Robert Braudt Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC

Rev. Robert Braudt

When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

Jesus was talking. Clearly, rebel. The key to politics is follow me.” Leave your they had been listening. And getting people to choose family. Leave your job. Carry even though they were sides. the cross … and in the end, amazed at what he said, Jesus didn’t do politics. He there were only a few they left. They probably answered, “Give to the people left who had not run never had any intention to emperor what is due the away in fear. Their hearts follow him in the first place. emperor, and give God what were not strong enough. They were religious leaders. is due to God.” Jesus might How should we measure They were playing politics. have finished by saying, our lives? If it is by the Jerusalem was a hotbed of “And then you’ll have number of people who like religious discontent. It was nothing left to fight about.” us, follow us, friend us, buy everything that Pilate and If he did say it, no one our products, subscribe to Herod could do to balance recorded it. our services, attend our the interests of Rome with The temptation to pick worship, join our clubs, vote the interests of the Temple. sides, keep score, or win for us, visit us, or simply like And they were politicians. favor was not the goal. hanging out with us, we may The Pharisees were trying to Jesus wants us to give God have missed the point. lure Jesus into picking sides. what is due to God. That’s Jesus cared about our They asked Jesus if it was everything. When our hearts hearts. And Jesus knew our lawful to pay taxes. Religious are truly aligned with loving propensity to allow just law? Civil law? They were and pleasing God, we know about everything else to ready to snap the trap. It it is going to look exactly distract our hearts. What was a no-win situation for like loving our neighbors. would you need to give or Jesus. They were certain that We do know that Jesus did let go of to grow stronger in if his answer was to pay the not gain any followers that your faith? It is time to taxes, the religious would day. We also know that strengthen our hearts. rise up. If he said no to the Jesus did the same thing taxes, the civil authority over and over and over would cart him away as a again. “Sell everything and

52- W EEK B IBLE R EADING P LAN !

Epistles The Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Gospels Week of Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1/29 Romans 11-12 Genesis 20-23 Judges 1-6 Psalm 15-17 Job 11-12 Isaiah 29-33 Matt 14-16 2/5 Romans 13-14 Genesis 24-27 Judges 7-11 Psalm 18-20 Job 13-14 Isaiah 34-39 Matt 17-19 2/12 Romans 15-16 Genesis 28-31 Judges 12-16 Psalm 21-23 Job 15-16 Isaiah 40-44 Matt 20-22 2/19 1 Corinth 1-2 Genesis 32-35 Judges 17-21 Psalm 24-26 Job 17-18 Isaiah 45-50 Matt 23-25 2/26 1 Corinth 3-4 Genesis 36-39 Ruth Psalm 27-29 Job 19-20 Isaiah 51-55 Matt 26-28 3/5 1 Corinth 5-6 Genesis 40-43 1 Samuel 1-5 Psalm 30-32 Job 21-22 Isaiah 56-61 Mark 1-2 3/12 1 Corinth 7-8 Genesis 44-47 1 Samuel 6-10 Psalm 33-35 Job 23-24 Isaiah 62-66 Mark 3-4 Page 5 Issue 2

MEN’S BREAKFAST Mission Trip Meeting to be Feb. 19

The men of the church There will be a brief meeting at 10:15 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, meet for a prayer breakfast in the lower lobby for all who are planning to participate in at Baker’s Square, 15200 the adult mission trip to the Midwest Mission Distribution Cedar Avenue, Apple Valley. Center from April 23 to 28. A $50 commitment fee is also We always meet at 8 a.m. due at that time. If you have questions, please contact on the fourth Tuesday of Pastor Emma, 952-890-2515, ext. 205 or the month. Come join us for [email protected]. food, fellowship, and sharing our faith journeys. RHUM Gals Illustrated Blessings We hope to see you there!

Join us on at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, to create a “Blessing Board” using mixed media art. We will meet in room 109 on Online Giving the lower level at River Hills Church. Melissa Miller will be Option leading this project. Please bring $5 to cover the cost of

materials and an appetizer to share. RSVP by Feb. 8 to RHUMC offers online giving. [email protected] or [email protected]. Visit www.riverhillsumc.org, click on the donate button on the homepage, and Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

follow the step-by-step Join other volunteers from River Hills Church for a work day directions. It’s secure, at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse located at 113 NE convenient and flexible. 27th Ave., Suite T, Minneapolis. Our work dates are Feb. 23, 24, and 25. You may sign up for one, two, or all three Sunday Sermons days. We also need volunteers to provide snacks and lunch for each of the work days. You may sign up on-line at Available Online riverhillsumc.org or on the sign-up sheet located on the

Did you miss a service or kiosk next to the office door. It is also recommended that just want to watch a you fill out the waiver form before you come. (This needs to sermon again? Check out be redone every year.) It is found on-line at tchabitat.org/ prior Sunday sermons at volunteer, then scroll down to the “liability waiver”. riverhillsumc.org. Questions? Contact Kurt Triebenbach, 651-278-8617 or email [email protected]. Food Shelf Please Donate General Mills Box Tops, Collection Campbell’s UPC Codes

River Hills UMC collects food The Mission Committee has an ongoing collection for General for 360 Communities food Mills Box Tops, which we send to Red Bird Mission in Beverly, shelf the first Sunday of Kentucky, and Campbell’s UPC codes, which we send to McCurdy every month. Donations can Ministries in Espanola, New Mexico. These are projects of the be left in the east entrance United Methodist Church in the United States. The collection any time. box is in the Mission Center by the east entrance. There is a list of participating products on the Mission bulletin board. Please see related article below.

Mission Committee Supports Ministries With Your Donations of Labels, Box Tops By Karen Miller, Missions Committee Member

The Mission Committee sent many programs for the services for health and well- both ministries. If you would Campbell’s UPCs to McCurdy children and families of the ness, community outreach, like to find out more about Ministries in Espanola, New Espanola Valley. economic opportunities, a either mission, their websites Mexico. The charter school is food shelf, and community are www.mccurdy.org and We also sent General Mills part of the New Mexico Public housing improvement. Note: Box Tops for Education to www.rbmission.org. Education Department. It now The Box Tops have an Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Thank you to everyone who has its own campus and is in expiration date and are not Kentucky. Red Bird provides donated UPCs and Box Tops. the process of constructing a education for children in a accepted beyond that date. There is a collection bin in the new building. The United poor, remote area of Eastern Our church also gives Mission Center by the Methodist Church is active in Kentucky. They also provide financial contributions to church’s east entrance. The Herald Page 5 Everyone is Invited to Enjoy a Good Meal at RHUMCafe

Feb. 1 – Baked Ziti and Garlic Bread Feb. 8 — Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Soup Feb. 15 — Egg Bake and Hashbrowns Feb. 22 — Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches with Mashed Potatoes/Gravy

In addition to our featured menu items, we also have fixings for Sandwiches, Salad Bar, Applesauce, Desserts, and a choice of Milk, Juice, or Water to drink. We do our very best to offer gluten-free options and we try to meet dietary restrictions if we know about them. Bring a friend! We serve dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, in Fellowship Hall.

RHUMC Care Giving Support Group

The next meeting of the Care Giving Support Group is Feb. 6. We meet the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Bosshardt Room. This support group is for anyone in the midst of care giving for a family member or friend. If you have questions, please contact Allen Moore, 651-238-0634, or Pastor Emma Melin, 952-890-2515, ext. 205.

It’s Cold Outside! Keep Warm with a Good Book!

Every other month, this group meets from 6 to 7:15 p.m. the first Wednesday in the library to discuss a book selected by the group. Facilitators are Becky Cook and Pastor Emma Melin.

Upcoming Book Club Reads:

Feb. 1 — “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion. This is an hilarious, feel-good novel narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.

April 5 — “Half Broke Horses” by Jeannette Walls. This is the endearing tale of Lily Casey Smith, born into poverty in the early 1900s frontier of West Texas. At age 15, she sets off across the desert to teach children in Arizona. Racing horses, flash floods, tornadoes, and playing poker are just some of the adventures that will stick with you from this true story based on Walls’s grandmother.

June 7 — “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital. While doing a routine checkup on a newborn, she is suddenly reassigned. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. However, the next day the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. What happens next???

Sunday Morning Adult Education Information

You are welcome to join these educational opportunities for adults on Sunday mornings from 10:05 to 11 a.m. between worship services.

Faith on Film. Open to anyone. Meets in the Annex (room off of the Bosshardt Room where Sunday morning coffee is held). The class discusses a variety of topics by watching and discussing movies and documentaries. RHUMC member Jonathan Ozanne, a lawyer who has taught adult Sunday School classes for years, facilitates this class.

Pastor’s Study. Open to anyone. Meets in Pastor Robert’s office. Discussion focuses on a book and chapter in the Bible each week. There is always room around the table to drop in. This class is facilitated by Joe Dedeaux.

Sisters Class. We welcome all ladies interested in a small group study. Meets in the library from 10:15 to 10:55 a.m. For questions, call Pixie Gruman, 952-432-1170.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study Class

Our study “From Christ to Constantine” continues through Feb. 21. Watch the bulletin for a new Tuesday morning Bible Study session to begin Feb. 28. Contact Pastor Emma if you have questions. Page 7 Issue 2

Communion Milestone Event

Children’s For all 3rd - 5th graders Ministries (who have not attended a previous Communion Milestone).

You are invited to a special time together with Pastor Robert and Melissa Miller as we explore and Save the Date! prepare ourselves for receiving Holy Communion. You will then help serve Communion during Vacation Bible School worship on Sunday, Feb. 5.

June 26 - 30

Join us from 9 a.m. to Milestone Event Date: Saturday, Feb. 4 Noon at River Hills Church! Time: 5 to 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Eco Kids Day Camp Cost is $5 per child.

July 10– 13, One parent should attend with each child. Monday through Thursday RSVP to [email protected] or 952-890-2515, ext. 204. This camp is for current 3rd - 8th graders.

A Letter from Maureen Ballentine, Director of Youth Ministries

Thank you, River Hills!

As most of you know, my last day as Youth Director at River Hills is this month. Leaving River Hills was a difficult decision, but it seems as if God is doing something new in my life. I’ve been given an opportunity to work in theater once again that also incorporates working with youth and serving others.

It has been a privilege and an honor to work with the students and staff at River Hills United Methodist Church. I am better for having known and loved the students of RHUMC and I hope I have made a positive impact in their lives as well. I have faith that God will provide the right person to be the next Youth Director at River Hills. I know that the people involved in this transition are faithfully and prayerfully committed to following God’s lead in this season. The students are invited to continue texting and emailing with me and I will continue to lift them and River Hills up in prayer.

River Hills United Methodist Church is a close knit community and it can be a little intimidating coming in to a set of rich traditions and expectations. Please welcome the new Youth Director with open arms. The new Youth Director has a great opportunity and challenge ahead of them and I know they will appreciate your support, partnership, and encouragement!

Thank you for welcoming me and inviting me into your community. You have left an imprint on my heart and I am excited to see what God will do next at River Hills!

Maureen The Herald Page 7

SAVE THE DATES May 5 to 7 for MCCI Weekend

Beginning last spring, River Hills began a process called MCCI, Missional Church Consultation Initiative. Throughout this FMSC South Metro 4 Million Mobile Meal Packing Event past year, Pastor Robert attended monthly

gatherings with six churches that were Feb. 6 to 11 chosen by the Annual Conference for this

Location: Former Rainbow Foods journey. The process included leadership training in many key components for at the Corner of Cedar Ave. and County Rd. 42 in Apple Valley effective church leadership. Additional

group training was provided on Break- We need your help to reach our goal of packing 2 million meals! through Prayer Initiatives and new ways to VOLUNTEER! look at stewardship. All of this, and more, is in preparation for our MCCI weekend. Volunteer to provide child care for the following shifts: In short, our MCCI weekend will be an Monday, Feb 6 — 5 to 7 p.m. opportunity for everyone to share their Saturday, Feb. 11 — 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. insights and dreams about being a more Saturday, Feb. 11 — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. vital congregation in our community. *Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex or sign up on our church website! Outside consultants will use this time of sharing as well as input from a self-study Volunteer to pack meals for the following shifts: and feedback from worshipping guests to give us some prescriptions for our church Tuesday, Feb. 7 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. River Hills Praise Team will be playing! to consider. Those prescriptions will be Saturday Feb. 11 presented on Sunday morning, May 7, in a 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. combined worship experience at 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As a congregation, we will have 30 days to 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. meet in forums and pray through whether *Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex or sign up on our church website! or not we are ready to embrace these prescriptions. If we decide to proceed, we will be given additional support of outside DONATE! experts to help us in the process of Make donations payable to River Hills UMC and put FMSC in the memo line. realizing these plans. More information Check to see if your employer will match your donation. will be forthcoming, but for now, put these dates in your calendar for this critically For further information, please contact Barb Skochil, 612-492-9384 or [email protected]. important event.

“The 12 Days of Christmas”

Many of you who worshipped with us on Jan. 1 have asked for the Christian symbolism associated with the “12 Days of Christmas”, so I thought I would share it here. They may vary slightly depending on which source you look at, but these are the ones we used. The “true love” mentioned in the song refers to God and the “me” refers to every one of us. The repetitive pattern of the song reminds us of how God’s ongoing gifts and blessings continue to flow. — Pastor Emma

Day 1: A partridge in a pear tree = Jesus and the cross Day 2: Two turtledoves = Mary & Joseph Day 3: Three French hens = the gifts of the wise men: gold, frankincense, & myrrh Day 4: Four calling birds = the 4 gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John Day 5: Five golden rings = the Torah (first 5 books of the Old Testament): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy Day 6: Six geese a-laying = the 6 days of creation Day 7: Seven swans a-swimming = 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 12:6-8) Day 8: Eight maids a-milking = 8 teachings in the Beatitudes (see Matthew 5:3-12) Day 9: Nine ladies dancing = 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) Day 10: Ten lords a-leaping = the 10 commandments Day 11: Eleven pipers piping = the 11 Apostles who remained faithful Day 12: Twelve drummers drumming = the 12 beliefs in the Apostle’s Creed Page 9 Issue 2

River Hills P ROFESSIONAL P HOTOS United Methodist Church Women’s Circle Fellowship River Hills UMC has retained Twin Cities 11100 River Hills Drive Aesthetic to take professional photos of our Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Naomi Circle. Come join us at 9 a.m., Friday, church events for use in our publications. We are Feb. 10. We meet on the second Friday of each excited to let you know that you can also view

month in Room 109 (the 4th and 5th grade and purchase individual photos at http:// Phone: 952-890-2515 Sunday School room). This year our focus is on order.tcaesthetic.com/RHUMC. Do you need Fax: 952-890-4536 supporting the River Hills Children’s Ministry photographic services? Twin Cities Aesthetic offers member discounts. Referral credits benefit E-mail: [email protected] programs as we spend time each month helping Melissa Miller, Director of Children’s Ministries, River Hills UMC. For booking, visit complete some of the prep work for upcoming www.tcaesthetic.com or call 952-240-7393. projects. Please come join in fellowship and service whenever your schedule is free on the second Friday of the month! M EMORIALS

Norma Circle. Sewers are invited to join us A gift to the Stain Glass Window Fund was anytime from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, given to the church in honor of Glenn & Making Disciples, Feb. 11. Our mission is to provide hats, scarves, Mabel Shover by Dick & Charlotte Shover Transforming the World mittens, and sewn other items to those in need. in 2003. If you are interested in presenting Participants can come with or without sewing a gift to the church in memory of or in skills — just a heart to help those in need. We honor of a loved one or a friend, please work in project areas that include making pom- contact: poms, flowers, crochet chains, cutting/sewing fleece scarves, knitting, knitting machines, Don DeGenaro, Chair of Memorial crochet, winding balls of yarn, or helping to Committee, 651-688-9983 Sunday Worship Hours make hat packs for distribution. If you have yarn, fleece, or thread to donate, please leave in the

Norma’s Circle Donation Bin in the east INANCE OMMITTEE Traditional 9 a.m. entrance. We meet the second Saturday of each F C Worship month. U PDATE

Monthly Report to the Congregation Education Hour 10:05 a.m. For the Period Ending Dec. 31, 2016 for All Ages

Church Operating Budget* Contemporary 11:05 a.m. RIVER HILLS Monthly Year to Date Worship with Budgeted Income $81,047 $755,465 Praise Team CHURCH S TAFF Actual Collected $90,912 $767,627 Lead Pastor Rev. Robert Braudt Over (Short) $9,865 $12,162

Nursery care is available [email protected] *Does not include Early Childhood Center. during both services. Deacon of Confirmation & Nurture Ministries

Rev. Emma Melin

[email protected] A TTENDANCE Director of Children’s Ministries Melissa Miller Sunday 2015 2016

[email protected] 49 202 + 104 = 306 151 + 113 = 264

Director of Youth Ministries Maureen Ballentine 50 255 + 170 = 425 127 + 118 = 245

[email protected] 51 208 + 108 = 316 135 + 110 = 245

Administrative Assistant Denise Poetter Christmas Eve 134 + 238 + 261 = 146 + 220 + 182 = 633 548

Office Communications Coordinator Carrie Wilkens 52 122 + 92 = 214 Christmas Day (one service) = 69 Year-to-Date Total 15,108 15,175 www.facebook.com/ Director of Arts & Innovative Worship Pat Hammond Year-to-Date Weekly Average 291 292 RiverHillsUMC Directors of Praise Team Dan & Stacy Julson

Chancel Choir Director/ Music Coordinator Dr. Jong-Won Park H ERALD D EADLINE

Organist Cathleen Harris Feb. 15 is the deadline for the March issue of The Herald. We appreciate your contribu- Director of Bell Choirs Marilyn Pyle tions. Please submit your news in The Herald Sunday Nursery Coordinator Cary Suriono newsletter box in the church office or send to [email protected]. If you have any The Herald Newsletter Editor Lori Bergsten questions, please contact Lori Bergsten, www.riverhillsumc.org Early Childhood Center Director Melissa Hansen newsletter editor, 952-808-1239. Non-Profit Organization River Hills UMC 11100 River Hills Dr. U.S. Postage Burnsville, MN 55337 www.riverhillsumc.org PAID

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Sunday Worship Hours

Traditional Worship 9 a.m.

Education Hour 10:05 a.m. for All Ages

Contemporary 11:05 a.m. Worship with

Join us at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 1,

in the sanctuary for our Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes.