Our 2020 Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings GIVING Summary - MOE provided a $500 matching grant for Neighbors Inc food shelf offerings, UMCOR offerings and Heifer project offering. Members and friends of Mt Bethel Church mailed in offerings, dropped them off at church or made online donations.
2020 year-end Thanksgiving & Christmas offerings: Members and friends of Mt Bethel Church gave
$130 & $1,020 Neighbors, Inc: Gift Cards ($130) Angel wreath, and other gifts to Neighbors Inc foods shelf totaling ($1020)
$335 UMCOR
$2675 to Heifer International. By watching carefully, Church was able to increase our gifts by timing it with generous donors who tripled or doubled our gift. We were instrumental in giving the following to Heifer International.
2020 year-end Thanksgiving & Christmas offerings: Members and friends of Mt Bethel Church gave
$130 & $1,020 Neighbors, Inc: Gift Cards ($130) Angel wreath, and other gifts to Neighbors Inc foods shelf totaling ($1020)
$335 UMCOR
$2675 to Heifer International. By watching carefully, Church was able to increase our gifts by timing it with generous donors who tripled or doubled our gift. We were instrumental in giving the following to Heifer International.
- ONE Dream basket (sheep, heifer, goat, rabbit, chickens),
- ONE Community water well,
- SEVEN – Heifers,
- TWO – Alpacas,
- TWO Hope baskets (rabbits and chickens),
- NINE flocks of chickens,
- TWO hives of bees. Multiple families in 3rd world countries say Thank You.
Worship
The Way of Peace live stream Worship on Facebook Pastor David Johnston
Order of Christmas Eve Worship here
click image to view message
Leave Taking. Bishop Ough's last message to the Conference Click here to read.
The Scandal of the Incarnation: Bishop Ough's 2020 Christmas Video Message In his final Christmas message to the people of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, Bishop Bruce R. Ough implores us to follow Mary's example, to be the Lord's servant, and to open ourselves to God's way of conquering evil and redeeming the world. God sent his son, Jesus, as a tiny, fragile baby and chose to entrust the hope of the world to the womb of an unmarried, teenage girl. Mary got it right when she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” We are called by God in this Christmas season, beset by multiple evil and destructive viruses, to respond with the same openness to let God work through us to bring hope and healing to a broken, hurting, fearful world. Watch video / Read message / Download PDF
The Scandal of the Incarnation: Bishop Ough's 2020 Christmas Video Message In his final Christmas message to the people of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, Bishop Bruce R. Ough implores us to follow Mary's example, to be the Lord's servant, and to open ourselves to God's way of conquering evil and redeeming the world. God sent his son, Jesus, as a tiny, fragile baby and chose to entrust the hope of the world to the womb of an unmarried, teenage girl. Mary got it right when she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” We are called by God in this Christmas season, beset by multiple evil and destructive viruses, to respond with the same openness to let God work through us to bring hope and healing to a broken, hurting, fearful world. Watch video / Read message / Download PDF
Minnesota Department of Health November 18, 2020
COVID-19 Community Testing
All COVID-19 testing is no cost at Minnesota community testing sites. We are working together with communities to make sure everyone can get tested.
Sign up for an appointment: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites
What to expect: Community TestingMore about nasal swab and saliva tests: Types of COVID-19 Tests
**Inver Grove Heights Armory 8076 Babcock Trail, IGH.
DATES: Nov. 30, Dec. 1-4, 8-12, 15-19, 21-22, 28-30
TIME: 12noon - 6 p.m.
COVID-19 Community Testing
All COVID-19 testing is no cost at Minnesota community testing sites. We are working together with communities to make sure everyone can get tested.
Sign up for an appointment: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites
What to expect: Community TestingMore about nasal swab and saliva tests: Types of COVID-19 Tests
**Inver Grove Heights Armory 8076 Babcock Trail, IGH.
DATES: Nov. 30, Dec. 1-4, 8-12, 15-19, 21-22, 28-30
TIME: 12noon - 6 p.m.
Worship
11-25-2020 Thanksgiving Eve Worship ~ our worship outline, click here,
Pastor David Johnston
Philippians 4
Click here to view link to Thanksgiving Eve Worship video
Pastor David Johnston
Philippians 4
Click here to view link to Thanksgiving Eve Worship video
Being Connected - Staying Connected: Throughout this pandemic we have worked with members and friends of Mt Bethel Church in being connected. Offering tech coaching and growing connections to in house and community resources. At Mt Bethel the WiFi speed was increased to better support the level of social media worship tools of Mevo & iphone Facebook livestreaming and Zoom too. Homes that don't have WiFi, the Zoom ability to phone in has been helpful for some to participate in worship and prayer groups.
How to do Zoom on your ipad: here is a video of how to get the zoom app on your ipad. The video also covers how to join a meeting. https://youtu.be/u7X9TpAPNaE. Mt Bethel Church zoom code & password is found in the Calendar in the prayer or meeting event.
How to do Zoom on your ipad: here is a video of how to get the zoom app on your ipad. The video also covers how to join a meeting. https://youtu.be/u7X9TpAPNaE. Mt Bethel Church zoom code & password is found in the Calendar in the prayer or meeting event.
Do you know ... Dakota County Library now offers Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks to provide free internet access at home or on the go. To check out a WiFi hotspot or Chromebook, individuals can visit Dakota County Library catalog to place a hold on a Wi-Fi hotspot or Wi-Fi hotspot and Chromebook kit. Dakota County residents with a library card can also drop by any of our library locations to pick one up while supplies are available. Each can be checked out for 6 weeks. Individuals will need a Dakota County Library Card to reserve and check one out — registering for a library card can be easily completed in-person or online.
- To use a Wi-Fi hotspot, individuals will use their own phone, tablet, laptop or other device to connect to a hotspot and access the internet. Or, they can check out both a Wi-Fi hotspot and Chromebook and use the Chromebook to connect to the hotspot.
- The library is seeking to connect these Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks with those who lack essential internet access.
- The library's Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks are funded in part by the CARES Act and a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funds, CFDA 45.310 – Library Services and Technology Act, Grants to States Program (LS-00-20-0024-20).
Our 2020 Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings - MOE provided a $500 matching grant for Neighbors Inc food shelf offerings, UMCOR offerings and Heifer project offering. Members and friends of Mt Bethel Church mailed in offerings, dropped them off at church or made online donations.
MOE Team 2020 report – Mission, Outreach and Evangelism activities have been greatly curtailed in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. We were not able to celebrate the annual Night to Unite and Trunk or Treat of August & October with our neighborhood and neighboring Hilltop Elementary down the street was paused too due to the pandemic.
It was determined to support in 2020 the global ministry of Heifer Project and UMCOR and locally Neighbors Inc with Thanksgiving & Christmas offerings with MOE Mission offerings providing a matching Grant to each of the missions up to $500.
In this time of loving one another well by social distancing in this pandemic we have increased written correspondence/cards with the friends and members of Mt Bethel Church and also sending a welcoming card and dropping off a devotional gift to over 100 of our new home-owner neighbors within two-miles of Mt Bethel Church.
This summer our Garden Team cultivated ground, planted, weeded, watered and harvested over 200 pounds of produce delivered to Neighbors Inc Food shelf and shared with the parents of The Learning Garden day care and Sunday worship attenders. Special Thank you to Garden Team; Dan, Paula, Dave, Jeanne, Polly, Deb, Al, Linda, Joe, Sherry, & Barb. In November in addition to gathering funds for the Food Shelf we also gathered funds to purchase gift cards to families in need that Neighbors Inc will distribute to children, youth and senior citizens living in our area.
It was determined to support in 2020 the global ministry of Heifer Project and UMCOR and locally Neighbors Inc with Thanksgiving & Christmas offerings with MOE Mission offerings providing a matching Grant to each of the missions up to $500.
In this time of loving one another well by social distancing in this pandemic we have increased written correspondence/cards with the friends and members of Mt Bethel Church and also sending a welcoming card and dropping off a devotional gift to over 100 of our new home-owner neighbors within two-miles of Mt Bethel Church.
This summer our Garden Team cultivated ground, planted, weeded, watered and harvested over 200 pounds of produce delivered to Neighbors Inc Food shelf and shared with the parents of The Learning Garden day care and Sunday worship attenders. Special Thank you to Garden Team; Dan, Paula, Dave, Jeanne, Polly, Deb, Al, Linda, Joe, Sherry, & Barb. In November in addition to gathering funds for the Food Shelf we also gathered funds to purchase gift cards to families in need that Neighbors Inc will distribute to children, youth and senior citizens living in our area.
Because of the Brave by Ron Tranmer
America, the beautiful, home of the brave and free. A land that God, our Father, has given you and me. God knows that in our world, freedom always has its price, and can easily be lost, without fight and sacrifice. So with a love of country our bravest give their all, many even life itself… We’re grateful to them all. Our Army, Navy, National Guard, Air Force and Marines, present and past…all have made our bell of freedom ring. We thank you Veterans for your sacrifice and pray to God above, that you may know the greatness of our gratitude and love. Because of you, our nations flag will ever proudly waive. And we are still home of the free because of you… The Brave.
To our Veterans and their families ~ Thank You!
America, the beautiful, home of the brave and free. A land that God, our Father, has given you and me. God knows that in our world, freedom always has its price, and can easily be lost, without fight and sacrifice. So with a love of country our bravest give their all, many even life itself… We’re grateful to them all. Our Army, Navy, National Guard, Air Force and Marines, present and past…all have made our bell of freedom ring. We thank you Veterans for your sacrifice and pray to God above, that you may know the greatness of our gratitude and love. Because of you, our nations flag will ever proudly waive. And we are still home of the free because of you… The Brave.
To our Veterans and their families ~ Thank You!
Being the Church in a post-election season ~ A Message from Bishop Ough. Read more here...
A Prayer for the Nation from our UMC Book of Worship …. Look graciously, O Lord, upon this land. Where it is in pride, subdue it. Where it is in need, supply it. Where it is in error, rectify it. Where it is in default, restore it. And where it holds to what which is just and compassionate, support it. Amen.
A Prayer for the Nation from our UMC Book of Worship …. Look graciously, O Lord, upon this land. Where it is in pride, subdue it. Where it is in need, supply it. Where it is in error, rectify it. Where it is in default, restore it. And where it holds to what which is just and compassionate, support it. Amen.
Hebrews 12
11/1/2020 We celebrate All Saints' Day, a day set aside to honor those who have paved the way of faith for us. Nov. 1 is All Saints Day, a Holy Day, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from Nov. 1, 1767, Wesley calls it "a festival I truly love." On the same day in 1788, Wesley writes, "I always find this a comfortable day." The following year he calls it "a day that I peculiarly love." Hebrews 12 1-3 (CEB) So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.
We are a praying congregation. From our prayer journal the past 12 months we have prayed for Saints and those left behind.
10-26-2020 - a cousin Tim Mans
10-19-202 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Dick Phillips
9-21-2020 - Our friend Marlene Losie
9-14-2020 - Pastor Dan of Crossroads Church brother Tom Schauer
9-7-2020 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Helen Christiansen
6/8/2020 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Jill Lewis
5/26/2020 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Margret Lawrence & -Alicia's mom Faye Linscheild
4/20/2020 - Jill Lewis’ friend Hank Grafft & -Emerson’s brother n law Todd Magnuson, & -Dan’s mom Patti Glenn
4-14-2020 - Gregg’s brother n law/uncle Matthew Baugher
3-23-20 - D Eshelman’s aunt Dorothy
2/24/2020 - S Drain’s twin grandbabies, miscarriage in 2nd term. -A co-worker’s husband, Joe Wavunek,
2/17/2020 - D&S Larson’s friend Neil/loss of mother
2/3/2020 - JoAnn’s son Brian Nelson &-Oferosky’s nephew Jayden Skutt & -Judy’s friend Jean Boeck & -J&T's daughter n law Lorraine Akemann
1/27/2020 - Our friend Kim Madigan
Psalm 30: 10-12 (CEB) LORD, listen and have mercy on me! LORD, be my helper!” You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. LORD, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
We are a praying congregation. From our prayer journal the past 12 months we have prayed for Saints and those left behind.
10-26-2020 - a cousin Tim Mans
10-19-202 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Dick Phillips
9-21-2020 - Our friend Marlene Losie
9-14-2020 - Pastor Dan of Crossroads Church brother Tom Schauer
9-7-2020 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Helen Christiansen
6/8/2020 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Jill Lewis
5/26/2020 - Our Mt Bethel Church member & friend Margret Lawrence & -Alicia's mom Faye Linscheild
4/20/2020 - Jill Lewis’ friend Hank Grafft & -Emerson’s brother n law Todd Magnuson, & -Dan’s mom Patti Glenn
4-14-2020 - Gregg’s brother n law/uncle Matthew Baugher
3-23-20 - D Eshelman’s aunt Dorothy
2/24/2020 - S Drain’s twin grandbabies, miscarriage in 2nd term. -A co-worker’s husband, Joe Wavunek,
2/17/2020 - D&S Larson’s friend Neil/loss of mother
2/3/2020 - JoAnn’s son Brian Nelson &-Oferosky’s nephew Jayden Skutt & -Judy’s friend Jean Boeck & -J&T's daughter n law Lorraine Akemann
1/27/2020 - Our friend Kim Madigan
Psalm 30: 10-12 (CEB) LORD, listen and have mercy on me! LORD, be my helper!” You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. LORD, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
September-Octover-November: How the Church & Christians respond to the rancor, hate and fear in the midst of this election year. our Next Steps… A Christian Covenant for the 2020 Political Season
- Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and Live, Speak & Act as Jesus would Matthew 4:19
- Speak & Seek Love and Peace with All people Matthew 5:9 and 22:37-39
- Not Speak Hate, Fear and Division Romans 12:18-21
- I will Seek Unity, Compromise, Collaboration, Consensus especially with my Christian brethren. Ephesians 4:2-6 and The Pledge of Allegiance: … One nation under God, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for ALL!
- Avoid Divisions, Duality, Taking Sides, Insisting on MY Way, & Self Righteous Attitudes of “I’m Right…You’re Wrong!” Ephesians 4:26-29
- Seek out (as much as possible) honest, loving, calm conversations to bridge political divisions and to pursue greater understanding Ephesians 4:31-32
- Hold true to my convictions (Biblical-Political-Economic-Social)! Yet allow for diversity and differences in the Family of God and in our Nation Colossians 3:11
- Not Be Fearful & Anxious…but I will daily pray for our nation, for the Church, for the election, and for all of our political leaders Philippians 4:6-7
- Help make Sunday morning worship at Mt Bethel Church a Partisan Politics Free Zone. I will refrain from making political statements through the clothing I wear or in my conversations that might stir up divisions in our church fellowship.
Sundays in October we live streamed Worship in a pandemic from the Sanctuary ~ Wear a Mask, Social Distance 6 feet
People with COVID-19 symptoms did NOT Attend Worship or meetings at Mt Bethel Church.
Symptoms can include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Mt Bethel Church asks that if you have any one of these covid/cold/flu symptoms you stay home and participate in
livestream Worship posted on FaceBook or our website.
Due to rising COVID numbers in the Minnesota for November we moved back to just livestream Worship and Churching from out homes - Praising and praying from home.
People with COVID-19 symptoms did NOT Attend Worship or meetings at Mt Bethel Church.
Symptoms can include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Mt Bethel Church asks that if you have any one of these covid/cold/flu symptoms you stay home and participate in
livestream Worship posted on FaceBook or our website.
Due to rising COVID numbers in the Minnesota for November we moved back to just livestream Worship and Churching from out homes - Praising and praying from home.
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“My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world.” Billy Graham
Sunday, October 18, 2020 - Dick Phillips passed into eternity. Dick's Celebration of Life - service was held at Mt Bethel Church on Monday, Oct 26th for his immediate family members. Click here to view livestream of Dick's funeral service At this sad time, may the Phillips' family, be comforted by our care, our thoughts and prayers. |
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October our Stewardship Month. Our Stewardship letter and a pledge card was mailed to each home. On Sundays, October 11 & 18 Pastor David shared two messages on stewardship:
Living By Faith and Giving By Faith. As Methodist's we believe that we should Earn all we can…so we can Save all we can…so we can Give All we can. It's a great philosophy for life and to guide our personal finances! We will be talking about how these two streams of thought can come together to make us cheerful givers for Christ. The our Finance Team is asked that all 2021 Pledge Cards be returned to the church by Sunday, October 25.
Living By Faith and Giving By Faith. As Methodist's we believe that we should Earn all we can…so we can Save all we can…so we can Give All we can. It's a great philosophy for life and to guide our personal finances! We will be talking about how these two streams of thought can come together to make us cheerful givers for Christ. The our Finance Team is asked that all 2021 Pledge Cards be returned to the church by Sunday, October 25.
Spiritual & Physical Wellness ~ Sunday, October 18th Mt Bethel church hosted a Cub Mt Bethel hosted a Cub Foods Pharmacy Flu Shot Clinic immediately following worship. Over 10 of us got our flu shot. Thank you Cub Pharmacy for the shot of wellness.
Looking for a God sign? 70th street has a sign for you. Be the Light~ Live HOPE! October 14, 2020. Over 5 years of the Ad Board planning and two years of numerous 70th Street sign renewal task force meetings and lots of generous offerings... A sign from God.
Grateful and thankful for all the time & talent resources that have gone into the sign renewal.
Grateful and thankful for all the time & talent resources that have gone into the sign renewal.
September Sunday messages & October Friday Devotions by Pastor Johnston..... Encouraged us in next steps of How the Church & Christians respond to the rancor, hate and fear in the midst of this election year. Click for greater detail of the Next Steps… A Christian Covenant for the 2020 Political Season
- Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and Live, Speak & Act as Jesus would Matthew 4:19
- Speak & Seek Love and Peace with All people Matthew 5:9 and 22:37-39
- Not Speak Hate, Fear and Division Romans 12:18-21
- I will Seek Unity, Compromise, Collaboration, Consensus especially with my Christian brethren. Ephesians 4:2-6 and The Pledge of Allegiance: … One nation under God, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for ALL!
- Avoid Divisions, Duality, Taking Sides, Insisting on MY Way, & Self Righteous Attitudes of “I’m Right…You’re Wrong!” Ephesians 4:26-29
- Seek out (as much as possible) honest, loving, calm conversations to bridge political divisions and to pursue greater understanding Ephesians 4:31-32
- Hold true to my convictions (Biblical-Political-Economic-Social)! Yet allow for diversity and differences in the Family of God and in our Nation Colossians 3:11
- Not Be Fearful & Anxious…but I will daily pray for our nation, for the Church, for the election, and for all of our political leaders Philippians 4:6-7
- Help make Sunday morning worship at Mt Bethel Church a Partisan Politics Free Zone, refrain from making political statements through the clothing I wear or in my conversations that might stir up divisions in our church fellowship.
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Saturday, September 26, 9a-noon We were the Church, offering Hope to D&S Larson by helping them with yard work. Dressed to work and offer help in Jesus Name. A beautiful fall morning encouraged us well.
A message from Dick & Sandy.... We would like to thank Pastor Dave, Polly, Barb, Katie, Judy, Ethan and Jamie for all the work they did, it was greatly appreciated! |
Reflection from our Trustee and Finance Chairs
September 2020. MORTGAGE: The current status of our mortgage is PAID IN FULL. For the past 4 plus years we have had a 4.17% mortgage. The balloon would have been due in Aug 2021. The Ad Board decided to see what finance options were available this fall. Vermillion State Bank has agreed to pay off the mortgage. In exchange we will have a 3.5% ten-year unsecured loan with Vermillion. There is no pre-payment penalty and no 5-year balloon. This loan will save us several thousand dollars in origination fees, 3rd party title fees, etc. It is a win for us. The plan is to have this loan paid off in less than 5 years, but it offers us some flexibility if we are unable to maintain the current payment. The mandatory payment is less than ½ of our current payment. Thank you, Dan G, for making the initial Vermillion contact.
Respectfully, Craig Bonn, Chair of Trustees and Linda Emerson, Chair of Finance
September 2020. MORTGAGE: The current status of our mortgage is PAID IN FULL. For the past 4 plus years we have had a 4.17% mortgage. The balloon would have been due in Aug 2021. The Ad Board decided to see what finance options were available this fall. Vermillion State Bank has agreed to pay off the mortgage. In exchange we will have a 3.5% ten-year unsecured loan with Vermillion. There is no pre-payment penalty and no 5-year balloon. This loan will save us several thousand dollars in origination fees, 3rd party title fees, etc. It is a win for us. The plan is to have this loan paid off in less than 5 years, but it offers us some flexibility if we are unable to maintain the current payment. The mandatory payment is less than ½ of our current payment. Thank you, Dan G, for making the initial Vermillion contact.
Respectfully, Craig Bonn, Chair of Trustees and Linda Emerson, Chair of Finance
Heaven is so much greater than anything our limited minds can ever imagine. ---Billy Graham
Celebrating a life well-lived
September 19, 2020 our MahJong & Hand/Foot playing friend Marlene Losie playing, rejoicing in heaven.
Our Prayers for Marlene's friends and family to receive all God has for as you ~ Strength, Hope, Comfort, Peace ~as you love one another well in Marlene's JOY with Jesus.
Celebrating a life well-lived
September 19, 2020 our MahJong & Hand/Foot playing friend Marlene Losie playing, rejoicing in heaven.
Our Prayers for Marlene's friends and family to receive all God has for as you ~ Strength, Hope, Comfort, Peace ~as you love one another well in Marlene's JOY with Jesus.
Our one-day session was live streamed from Facebook click image for Summary of MN Annual Conference 2020
The Bible promises us that someday we will go to be with God in heaven forever because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. ---Billy Graham
August 25, 2020~ Surrounded by her family, our friend Helen Christiansen passed to her heavenly home ~ with Jesus!
Our Prayers for Helen's family to receive all God has for as you ~ Strength, Hope, Comfort, Peace ~as you love one another well in Helen's JOY with Jesus.
A private Worship service celebrating Helen's life will be held at Minnesota Lakes, MN in September.
August 25, 2020~ Surrounded by her family, our friend Helen Christiansen passed to her heavenly home ~ with Jesus!
Our Prayers for Helen's family to receive all God has for as you ~ Strength, Hope, Comfort, Peace ~as you love one another well in Helen's JOY with Jesus.
A private Worship service celebrating Helen's life will be held at Minnesota Lakes, MN in September.
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The Country Gospel Band,
Faces Turned, concert at Mt Bethel Church on Sunday evening August 23, at 6p in the East parking lot of Mt Bethel Church. Many brought a chair & mask, social distance between households enjoying worship with lots of music with a country gospel flair. Order of Worship 
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7/22/2020 Covid-19 pandemic summer Stay Safe Minnesota. We will begin to meet for Sunday Worship at 6p outdoors in the parking lot for worship and social distancing fellowship. Wear a face mask and 6-foot social distancing, if getting out of your car, bring your own chair - sit at least 6 feet from another as we stay connected. The services will typically be 30 minutes long. Worship will be live streamed on Facebook and posted to the website.
Moving Sunday worship time to 6pm in a pandemic summer allows worship attenders to worship in the shade of the Sanctuary in the parking lot. If the worship was 10a , the parking lot worship would be in the direct sun & heat- not very comfortable. If, on a summer Sunday night it is raining, worship will not happen in the parking lot, just live streamed. Reasoning, sound equipment and wet are not a good combination. If we see you Sunday night 6pm for Worship in the parking lot, wear a face mask and social distance 6 feet apart if getting out of your car, bring your own chair and 6 feet social distancing.
Moving Sunday worship time to 6pm in a pandemic summer allows worship attenders to worship in the shade of the Sanctuary in the parking lot. If the worship was 10a , the parking lot worship would be in the direct sun & heat- not very comfortable. If, on a summer Sunday night it is raining, worship will not happen in the parking lot, just live streamed. Reasoning, sound equipment and wet are not a good combination. If we see you Sunday night 6pm for Worship in the parking lot, wear a face mask and social distance 6 feet apart if getting out of your car, bring your own chair and 6 feet social distancing.
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Sunday, July 19 at 6pm.
Honk Honk Beep Beep - - - EG's parking lot Confirmation Celebration !!! We came together in the East parking lot for EG's Confirmation Service Worship. Click here to view celebration begins 7:17 min in. We are very proud of E and want him to know how much he is loved. Order of Worship |
7/18/2020: Per Ad Board's difficult decision, in this time of pandemic, Forge worship on Wednesday evenings at 6pm is being paused.
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Our 2020 Mid-year All Church meeting occurred
Sunday, July 12 at 11am. The meeting was lead by Elder of UM Church, Dr Dana Scopatz Agenda: 2020-2021 Nominations slate. Mid-year generous giving Financial update and 70th Street sign renewal update. Over 30 meeting attendees! |
70th Street Sign renewal Task Force is making ready for Saturday, July 18 Ad Board meeting. The task force met and reviewed quotes gathered. One of the action items from quote gathering was to do a Think Digital - Watchfire digital sign demo for consideration between a 16mm & 10mm sign resolution. The Watchfire demo is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15th at 1:30p at Mt Bethel Church.
An pen invite to attend the demo communicated in two weekly emails. !2 people attended including owner of The Learning Garden.
An pen invite to attend the demo communicated in two weekly emails. !2 people attended including owner of The Learning Garden.
Click to review Plan
6/12/2020 Re-Opening In-Person Church Preparedness Plan for Mt Bethel Church
Purpose: This document will serve as a place for formulating our process and plan to reopen for public worship at Mt Bethel United Methodist Church Sundays and Forge Community and small group meeting gatherings.
Each of the items is subject to change as more information becomes available and as discussion and discernment continues to take place. Please read plane here....
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Mt Bethel Church asks that if you have any one of these symptoms you stay home. https://mn.gov/deed/assets/worship-guidance-ACC_tcm1045-433301.pdf
Purpose: This document will serve as a place for formulating our process and plan to reopen for public worship at Mt Bethel United Methodist Church Sundays and Forge Community and small group meeting gatherings.
Each of the items is subject to change as more information becomes available and as discussion and discernment continues to take place. Please read plane here....
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Mt Bethel Church asks that if you have any one of these symptoms you stay home. https://mn.gov/deed/assets/worship-guidance-ACC_tcm1045-433301.pdf
Preparedness Plan for Mt Bethel: Guidelines for our Parking Lot Worship – weather permitting = rain
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vehiclegather.pdf
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vehiclegather.pdf
- Each household - family should be in a separate car
- People with COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, etc.) should NOT Attend.
- Restrooms will NOT be available.
- Cars Enter Carmen Ave entrance, Cars exit Casper Avenue.
- Social DIstancing Cars, attenders:
- Cars with the windows up, cars may park immediately adjacent to one another.
- Cars with the window down ~ cars should park 6 feet apart. Every other parking space.
- Attendees are encouraged to remain in their cars.
- If, the attendee is out of their car, required social distancing of at least six feet between people who do not live in the same household.
- Wearing facemasks is recommended - when others present
- One person to be designated for taking names of all attendees. At the conclusion of the meeting that person will communicate attendee names to [email protected]
- No food or beverages will be served at the event.
- There will not be passing of objects or physical contact between cars or people.
- Cars will tune their FM radio to a communicated frequency to hear the music and message testimony
- Attenders- Cars upon arrival into the parking lot Carmen Avenue entrance, a Host will give you a handout of Worship order and guidelines of parking and safe Parking Lot Worship.
- Cars - attendees will exit by way of Casper Avenue.
- Parking lot host will have 5-gallon pails for offering gathering
- Hosts will also be available for guiding parking. Face cars towards the East Doors.
9/12/2020 A message from Jill's daughter Amy, The weather looks a little questionable this morning but we're trusting it will clear up by noon today. We look forward to seeing people from 12 to 2 p.m. today at Salem Hills Elementary School. We will gather with immediate family for mom's funeral later in the afternoon.
In preparation for today, I prepared a "written eulogy" you can choose to download and print it if you'd like. We will have printed copies available at the events today. A video/slide show is still to come - soon, I hope.
I want to publicly thank the Rev. Margaret Fell and Judy Alich for their years of friendship with mom and for sharing their services at mom's funeral today. Rev. Fell and her husband George served alongside Jill on the trustee committee of Old Salem for many years. Jill and Judy played duets together at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church for 30 years. Judy also serves on the trustee committee for the Little White Church. Thank you also to Judy's husband Ken for helping operate the sound system for today's outdoor service and for Tapestry Vineyard Church for lending us the sound equipment. I am so grateful for all the help! Grace and peace, Amy
In preparation for today, I prepared a "written eulogy" you can choose to download and print it if you'd like. We will have printed copies available at the events today. A video/slide show is still to come - soon, I hope.
I want to publicly thank the Rev. Margaret Fell and Judy Alich for their years of friendship with mom and for sharing their services at mom's funeral today. Rev. Fell and her husband George served alongside Jill on the trustee committee of Old Salem for many years. Jill and Judy played duets together at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church for 30 years. Judy also serves on the trustee committee for the Little White Church. Thank you also to Judy's husband Ken for helping operate the sound system for today's outdoor service and for Tapestry Vineyard Church for lending us the sound equipment. I am so grateful for all the help! Grace and peace, Amy
“Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art! When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!" Morning of June 7, 2020. Our friend Jill Lewis is home ~ with Jesus! Our Prayers for her family and friends to receive all God has for as you, for us ~ Strength, Hope, Comfort, Peace ~as we love one another well in our sadness and Jill’s JOY with Jesus. Obituary
A celebration of her life drive through Saturday, Sept 12, Noon-2pm at Salem Hills Elementary
A celebration of her life drive through Saturday, Sept 12, Noon-2pm at Salem Hills Elementary
"Together we commit ourselves to our baptismal vows to renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world, to repent of our sin, and to use the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil,
injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves."
Let us lean into Listening.... in growing our understanding of how to dismantle racism.
reject the evil powers of this world, to repent of our sin, and to use the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil,
injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves."
Let us lean into Listening.... in growing our understanding of how to dismantle racism.
8:46 a.m. and p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds
For at least the next 30 days, we ask every United Methodist everywhere to join in prayer
at 8:46 a.m. and p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the time the officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck. Do this for at least the next 30 days. Pray for all persons of color who suffer at the hands of injustice and oppression. Pray for our church as we take a stand against racism. Imagine the power of a concert of prayer heard around the world.
For at least the next 30 days, we ask every United Methodist everywhere to join in prayer
at 8:46 a.m. and p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the time the officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck. Do this for at least the next 30 days. Pray for all persons of color who suffer at the hands of injustice and oppression. Pray for our church as we take a stand against racism. Imagine the power of a concert of prayer heard around the world.
Click to view Victory Garden Photos
Victory Garden 2020
Once again this Summer Mt Bethel will be growing a vegetable garden on the North side of our church building. We ask God for an abundant harvest of delicious vegetables that we can pass onto needy people in our church & community! Deb O and Pastor Dave sent out an invitation for planting and 9 attended the plant on beautiful Saturday morning, May 30 at 9a. Planted in the Victory Garden are: tomatoes, squash, green peppers, and many other veggies to bring to Neighbor, Inc. Also, we will make a portion of the produce available to people of our Church and to people from the Learning Garden. Gardening Teams of 2 people are set up to create a rotating list of teams to weed and water the garden each week, and then to harvest the garden and bring the produce to Neighbors, Inc. There is room for more to join the Victory Garden team. Yours for a Fruitful and Abundant Garden!! Pastor David & Deb Oferosky, Church Garden Team Leaders
Once again this Summer Mt Bethel will be growing a vegetable garden on the North side of our church building. We ask God for an abundant harvest of delicious vegetables that we can pass onto needy people in our church & community! Deb O and Pastor Dave sent out an invitation for planting and 9 attended the plant on beautiful Saturday morning, May 30 at 9a. Planted in the Victory Garden are: tomatoes, squash, green peppers, and many other veggies to bring to Neighbor, Inc. Also, we will make a portion of the produce available to people of our Church and to people from the Learning Garden. Gardening Teams of 2 people are set up to create a rotating list of teams to weed and water the garden each week, and then to harvest the garden and bring the produce to Neighbors, Inc. There is room for more to join the Victory Garden team. Yours for a Fruitful and Abundant Garden!! Pastor David & Deb Oferosky, Church Garden Team Leaders
Heaven will be a place of joyous reunion with all those who have gone to heaven before us. ~Billy Graham
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Margaret Lawrence crossed over to Glory. May the peace of God surround her children Steve and Linda and their families during this difficult time and strengthen, comfort and bless them in the days to come.
Saturday, June 13. The small family funeral will be at the Union Cemetery in Maplewood and led by Pastor Dave.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Margaret Lawrence crossed over to Glory. May the peace of God surround her children Steve and Linda and their families during this difficult time and strengthen, comfort and bless them in the days to come.
Saturday, June 13. The small family funeral will be at the Union Cemetery in Maplewood and led by Pastor Dave.
May 20,2020
We are all in this together.... A message from Bishop Ough. View video message here. Click to Read message here
We are all in this together.... A message from Bishop Ough. View video message here. Click to Read message here
Sunday 10am Worship &
Wednesday Forge 6pm Worship &
Friday 10am Devotions
Watch from our FaceBook page Or click here to watch from YouTube
** If you are logged into your facebook account, you will be able to view the live video making of the worship service from the Mt Bethel FaceBook page. When making the video of worship is happening there will be a red cue that says 'live' - click and watch.
**If a person does not have a facebook account or is not logged into their facebook account. One can view the facebook page and watch worship after the filming is complete. A person who does not have a facebook account or is not logged into their FB account will not be able to see the live video filming of worship until after the filming of worship is completed....
** After the Facebook filming of worship, the Worship service video is available from the Worship page 30 to 45 minutes after making the worship video for your viewing.
Wednesday Forge 6pm Worship &
Friday 10am Devotions
Watch from our FaceBook page Or click here to watch from YouTube
** If you are logged into your facebook account, you will be able to view the live video making of the worship service from the Mt Bethel FaceBook page. When making the video of worship is happening there will be a red cue that says 'live' - click and watch.
**If a person does not have a facebook account or is not logged into their facebook account. One can view the facebook page and watch worship after the filming is complete. A person who does not have a facebook account or is not logged into their FB account will not be able to see the live video filming of worship until after the filming of worship is completed....
** After the Facebook filming of worship, the Worship service video is available from the Worship page 30 to 45 minutes after making the worship video for your viewing.
A Special thank you to our 2020 COVID-19 Safe at Home “Easter (social distance) Garden” honoring & remembering loved ones this Easter.
JoAnn Nelson memory of Brian Nelson
Marie Miklya in memory of loved ones
Linda Brausen memory of Norm & Mickey Brausen
Barb Mahovlich memory of Dorothy and John Holems
Dick & Sandy Larson memory of their parents
George & Mary Anich memory of their parents
Pastor Dave & Jeanie Johnston for loved ones
Ron & Joann Larson in memory of brothers & sister n law
Tabbert family in memory of Kim Tabbert & Grandpas Kroening & Tabbert
Kathy Behrendt in memory of Mick Behrendt & Doris Toms
Kathy Petrie in memory of loved ones.
May you too bloom where you are planted.
JoAnn Nelson memory of Brian Nelson
Marie Miklya in memory of loved ones
Linda Brausen memory of Norm & Mickey Brausen
Barb Mahovlich memory of Dorothy and John Holems
Dick & Sandy Larson memory of their parents
George & Mary Anich memory of their parents
Pastor Dave & Jeanie Johnston for loved ones
Ron & Joann Larson in memory of brothers & sister n law
Tabbert family in memory of Kim Tabbert & Grandpas Kroening & Tabbert
Kathy Behrendt in memory of Mick Behrendt & Doris Toms
Kathy Petrie in memory of loved ones.
May you too bloom where you are planted.
The flowers that many of us of Mt Bethel Church purchased for Easter Sunday worship were available for folks to pick up at Mt Bethel Church on Thursday, April 9 from 9:30a - 11a. In person Easter worship is cancelled due to the Covid-19 stay at home order.
March Special Giving members and friends of Mt Bethel church are encouraged to make generous offerings online Click Here or use online banking and identify UMCOR or Neighbors in memo line
March 14, 2020
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ:
You are all aware of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic that has appeared in recent days. You are also aware that President Trump has declared a National Emergency and that Governor Walz has declared a State Emergency. Much of life in Minnesota, across our nation and across the world is shutting down to safely wait out this virus. Also, I have been in communication with the Office of the Bishop at the Minnesota Annual Conference and many of our United Methodist churches are closing down.
As Christians we do not know what the future holds…but we know who holds the future. So we will pray, trust God, and believe that he will bring us individually, our church, our community, nation and world safely through this crisis. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Mt Bethel Church wants to respond to these challenging moments in a godly and rational fashion to ensure safety for everyone in our church family. After much conversation, prayer and reflection, Mt Bethel UMC will take the following steps:
1. All worship services and gatherings at Mt Bethel will be canceled over the next month through Palm Sunday, April 5. This includes cancelling all Sunday morning worship services, all Wednesday night Forge Lenten worship services and cancelling the Maundy Thursday Passover Seder on April 9.
2. We will stay in contact with YOU and everyone who is a part of the Mt Bethel UMC family during these challenging times. I will be calling you by phone and talking and praying with you and for you. I also encourage you to do the same for your bothers and sisters in Christ in our church. Stay connected! Call by phone! Pray daily for each other and for our church and world!
3. We hope to set up online streaming for our church. This is an option that many churches are using during these challenges days. Online streaming will enable our congregation to connect and to have a worship experience together over the internet in the comfort of our homes. Of course, you will have to have a computer and access to the internet to participate in online streaming. We might be able to offer you technical support if you need help getting online streaming set up on your computer. We will keep you informed about this option as we attempt to set it up for Mt Bethel in the coming days.
4. Please continue to give, as the Lord leads you, to the ongoing ministries of Mt Bethel UMC even during these challenging days and during the coming month when we will not be gathering for group worship. As your pastor I will continue working and serving you and the Lord! Also, our Church will continue to do whatever Kingdom work we can do even in this liminal season! You can continue to give to Mt Bethel by mailing in a weekly/regular check, or you might consider moving your church offering/contributions to online giving. We already have a system set up for online giving. I have included online giving information below, or you can go to our church web site to access the information. If you need assistance setting up online banking give me a phone call (763-439-6838) and I will try to help you or direct you to someone on our Finance Team who can help.
5. We have informed the Learning Garden Day Care Center about the steps that Mt Bethel is taking during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we have told them that the Day Care can continue to meet at Mt Bethel even while our services are shut down. Many younger parents will continue working during this crisis and will need child care!! Pray for the Day Care! Pray for the health and safety of the children and staff!
Because the Covid-19 pandemic is a fluid and ongoing situation, we will inform you as we prayerfully change and adapt these guidelines to fit the moment and to meet the safety needs of our congregation.
Lastly, please know that our church leadership and I will be praying for you and holding you and our church before the Lord. I also invite you, and all those who love God and who love our Church, to pray for our congregation, our nation and the world during these challenging days.
If you have any questions or concerns please call me any time (day or night) on my cell phone at 763-439-6838.
In His Love,
Pastor David
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ:
You are all aware of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic that has appeared in recent days. You are also aware that President Trump has declared a National Emergency and that Governor Walz has declared a State Emergency. Much of life in Minnesota, across our nation and across the world is shutting down to safely wait out this virus. Also, I have been in communication with the Office of the Bishop at the Minnesota Annual Conference and many of our United Methodist churches are closing down.
As Christians we do not know what the future holds…but we know who holds the future. So we will pray, trust God, and believe that he will bring us individually, our church, our community, nation and world safely through this crisis. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Mt Bethel Church wants to respond to these challenging moments in a godly and rational fashion to ensure safety for everyone in our church family. After much conversation, prayer and reflection, Mt Bethel UMC will take the following steps:
1. All worship services and gatherings at Mt Bethel will be canceled over the next month through Palm Sunday, April 5. This includes cancelling all Sunday morning worship services, all Wednesday night Forge Lenten worship services and cancelling the Maundy Thursday Passover Seder on April 9.
2. We will stay in contact with YOU and everyone who is a part of the Mt Bethel UMC family during these challenging times. I will be calling you by phone and talking and praying with you and for you. I also encourage you to do the same for your bothers and sisters in Christ in our church. Stay connected! Call by phone! Pray daily for each other and for our church and world!
3. We hope to set up online streaming for our church. This is an option that many churches are using during these challenges days. Online streaming will enable our congregation to connect and to have a worship experience together over the internet in the comfort of our homes. Of course, you will have to have a computer and access to the internet to participate in online streaming. We might be able to offer you technical support if you need help getting online streaming set up on your computer. We will keep you informed about this option as we attempt to set it up for Mt Bethel in the coming days.
4. Please continue to give, as the Lord leads you, to the ongoing ministries of Mt Bethel UMC even during these challenging days and during the coming month when we will not be gathering for group worship. As your pastor I will continue working and serving you and the Lord! Also, our Church will continue to do whatever Kingdom work we can do even in this liminal season! You can continue to give to Mt Bethel by mailing in a weekly/regular check, or you might consider moving your church offering/contributions to online giving. We already have a system set up for online giving. I have included online giving information below, or you can go to our church web site to access the information. If you need assistance setting up online banking give me a phone call (763-439-6838) and I will try to help you or direct you to someone on our Finance Team who can help.
5. We have informed the Learning Garden Day Care Center about the steps that Mt Bethel is taking during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we have told them that the Day Care can continue to meet at Mt Bethel even while our services are shut down. Many younger parents will continue working during this crisis and will need child care!! Pray for the Day Care! Pray for the health and safety of the children and staff!
Because the Covid-19 pandemic is a fluid and ongoing situation, we will inform you as we prayerfully change and adapt these guidelines to fit the moment and to meet the safety needs of our congregation.
Lastly, please know that our church leadership and I will be praying for you and holding you and our church before the Lord. I also invite you, and all those who love God and who love our Church, to pray for our congregation, our nation and the world during these challenging days.
If you have any questions or concerns please call me any time (day or night) on my cell phone at 763-439-6838.
In His Love,
Pastor David
3/14/2020 not meeting face to face Sunday Worship, Wednesday Bible Study and FORGE Worship paused -
YES, meeting by Facebook live stream and YouTube post to Worship tab website.
In person worship has been adjusted all online now.
YES, meeting by Facebook live stream and YouTube post to Worship tab website.
In person worship has been adjusted all online now.
3-15-2020 Our Sunday morning message series and Wednesday Forge Lent series adjusted with the COVID-19 situation - focus switched to directly addressing Stay at Home order and being connected in Hope not fear. Live streaming of worship.
The mission of Mt Bethel United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. A new survey of U.S. spiritual “seekers” ages 25-49, conducted by Barna Group on behalf of United Methodist Communications, found that feeling welcomed was the top motivator in considering a church.
Other top factors are making friends and nurturing friendships (29%), support during difficult times (28%) and learning more about God (27%). Click here, view a video exploring more details about “seekers” in the U.S. and ways we of Mt Bethel Church can engage them. Genuine community and good teaching are top drivers for continued church attendance. Click here to view presention slides
Other top factors are making friends and nurturing friendships (29%), support during difficult times (28%) and learning more about God (27%). Click here, view a video exploring more details about “seekers” in the U.S. and ways we of Mt Bethel Church can engage them. Genuine community and good teaching are top drivers for continued church attendance. Click here to view presention slides
Sunday, February 2,2020 - Brian Nelson passed into eternity.
Brian's Celebration of Life - Funeral service will be at Mt Bethel Church on Saturday, February 8th .
Visitation at 10a, Service at 11a , Luncheon at noon.
At this sad time, may his mom JoAnn and family, be comforted by our care, our thoughts and prayers.
"Don’t worry, or feel sad for me, I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea."
Brian's Celebration of Life - Funeral service will be at Mt Bethel Church on Saturday, February 8th .
Visitation at 10a, Service at 11a , Luncheon at noon.
At this sad time, may his mom JoAnn and family, be comforted by our care, our thoughts and prayers.
"Don’t worry, or feel sad for me, I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea."
Feb 1, 2020 In the past weeks, some members and friends of Mt Bethel Church have discovered Unclaimed Funds Being held. The State of Minnesota is holding over $700 million in unclaimed funds that belong to Minnesotans, including over $50 million that belongs to Dakota County residents. These unclaimed funds come from sources like insurance proceeds that heirs are unaware of, forgotten bank accounts and annuities, tax refunds where the recipient has moved, and uncollected appliance rebates, among other things. Fact, one local teacher alone has over $1 million being held by the State. To check and see if the State has your money, click here. Also steps of how to claim your funds
From Neighbors Inc! Neighbors Inc has finalized the burger line-up for this year’s Great Neighbors Food Fight competition and fundraiser from February 1 to March 31.
One designated burger at each of the EIGHT participating restaurants: B-52 Burgers & Brew, BLVD Bar + Grille, Cherokee Tavern, Hamburguesas El Gordo, Inver Grove Brewing, Jersey’s Bar & Grill, Kaposia Club, Mississippi Pub
The cards sold for $40 each. at Mt Bethel $400 earned for Neighbors Inc
One designated burger at each of the EIGHT participating restaurants: B-52 Burgers & Brew, BLVD Bar + Grille, Cherokee Tavern, Hamburguesas El Gordo, Inver Grove Brewing, Jersey’s Bar & Grill, Kaposia Club, Mississippi Pub
The cards sold for $40 each. at Mt Bethel $400 earned for Neighbors Inc
click image view photos of Christmas 2019
Fun as fun can be when putting away..... good fellowship
Un-Hanging of the Altar greens & more…
Saturday, Jan 11. Click image for photos.
Un-Hanging of the Altar greens & more…
Saturday, Jan 11. Click image for photos.
January 2020 Bishop Ough, for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, answers questions about a new proposal for May 2020 General Conference that aims to address the United Methodist denomination’s longtime impasse over human sexuality. Read here or view the interview here. Links to resources and proposal responses
- Plan documents: Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation and FAQs about the mediation team
- Council of Bishops: United Methodist traditionalists, centrists, progressives, and bishops sign agreement aimed at separation
- Reconciling Ministries Network: An imperfect table, a chance to perfect
- Wesleyan Covenant Association: Key bishops and advocacy group leaders propose plan of separation
- UMForward: Living in God’s Liberating Light - The Epiphany Statement
- Uniting Methodists: Grace to be the church we are becoming
- Mainstream UMC: Great news! Negotiations reach compromise
- UMCNext: UMCNext proclaims a new season of ministry, opportunity
- Minnesota Methodists: Separation agreement released
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Annual Candlelight Epiphany Service at Old Salem Shrine held held on January 5, 2020 at 4:30p Over 70 attenders. Rev. Harold Lang, former pastor from Riverview Baptist Church, brought the message. Many Came and experienced an old-fashioned service as it was in the 1800’s including candles, lanterns, wood stove, while singing Christmas carols by the antique pump organ. Old Salem Kirche was the first evangelical church in the State of Minnesota organized in 1857 and the birthplace for several congregations throughout our region. Old Salem is located on Upper 55th Street and Annette Avenue between Robert Street and Babcock Trail in Inver Grove Heights.
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