LifeSource The Newsletter of WBLUMC White Bear Lake United Methodist Church | 1851 Birch Street | White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | www.wblumc.org APRIL, 2016 THE CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM The CCT, in partnership with the Bread Oven Ministry team, celebrated their 4-year anniversary on Sunday, March 13. Three hundred (300) caramel rolls were served to the congregation after both church services. The Congregational Care Team provides meals and transportation to church members in times of need. Fourteen meals and 57 rides were provided in 2015. In addition, the CCT, in partnership with the Hearts and Hands Needlework Group, delivered 5 baby blankets to newborn and baptized infants. If you are interested in volunteering for CCT, contact the church office. JOHN WESLEY AND WBLUMC It doesn’t take a historian to know that John Wesley never made it to White Bear Lake. In fact his one and only trip to what would eventually become the Unit- ed States was one of heartbreak and disappointment. For all the greatness that would come to enshroud John Wesley’s legacy, very little of it can trace its roots to those days in the late 1730s when he called colonial Georgia home. Yet White Bear Lake United Methodist Church often turns to its Wesleyan roots for guid- ance and inspiration. One such tool is the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. According to online resources, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (or Methodist Quadrilateral) is a methodology for the- ological reflection, but the name originates with a 20th century American Methodist scholar named Albert Outler. Outler analyzed Wesley’s writings and works, and determined there were certain patterns that came to guide Wesley’s actions. To Wesley, scripture, tradition, reason, and experience formed the basis of all theological doctrine, with scripture standing above the other three, but never existing apart. Our church re-emphasizes Wesley every few years for a variety of reasons. One, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral can help guide our decision-making as we enter into a new phase of planning or growth process. But it also can serve an educational role for new members. People are drawn to our church for various rea- sons, but not all may be familiar with who Wesley was or what being “Methodist” means. Using the quadrilateral can help explain the “method” of being a “Methodist.” To put it alliteratively, there is a methodical methodology in being a Wesleyan Methodist, and scripture, experience, tradition, and reason can help one sort through the various methods of Methodism. To this end, there have been book studies where the participants were able to reconnect to their Methodist roots, and sermon series to help give each of the quadrilateral pillars more definition and application. But Wesley was not only about doctrine and dogma. Whenever our church sponsors a mission event, be it a trip to Appalachia or Guatemala, or provides a meal to the Simpson Shelter, or an event centered on our bread oven, we are living out Wesley’s legacy. Wesley found a connection with the common people of his age. Through his ministries he was able to reach the working classes of Great Britain. As the Methodist church took root in the United States, it had a spe- cial appeal to those on the lower end of the economic scale, including slaves and those barely able to eke out a living tilling the soil or working as laborers. Wes- ley directed his theology into mission work, that all souls mattered regardless of race or experience. Our missions continue to reflect this ideal. So perhaps it’s once again time for a Methodist revival within our WBLUMC. I encourage readers to learn more about who John Wesley was and why his name came to be associated with an entire denomination. James 2:17 declares that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (ESV) And while that verse has been hotly debated throughout the centuries, John Wesley heeded the warning, and after careful analysis put forth a challenge to posterity to follow his lead and serve those we can. ~Jim Lindner, Church Historian Twenty Years Later In the twenty years I have served in ministry at White Bear Lake much has changed. I will highlight some of these changes in the next few Life Source articles. This month I focus on church staff. I have had the privilege to work with remarkable women and men sharing in ministry. Doing a quick tally: since 1996 I have worked with five Associate Pastors (maybe I was tough to work with), four Music Directors, six Youth Directors, five Operations/Office personnel. Perhaps my best work has been with those who led Children’s Ministry. By my count only three have been in that role. The only current staff member to outlast me is Carolyn Sayles. When I started, Carolyn worked with Marlene Conrin as one of the Church Secretaries. Carolyn is still working in the office, not necessarily by her choice. We keep calling her out of retirement (three times now) to fill in when we have a vacancy. What a treasure! Much of my joy in ministry has been working day in and day out with wonderfully unique staff members. As I am sure you understand, it is also part of the challenge. Each person’s personality, political views, life situation is unique, and each with a unique calling from God to serve in church ministry. This church has been blessed with remarkably talented staff; the current staff stand out. I will miss being with this creative and dedicated team. My hope is that together we have lived up to the high calling named by Paul in this letter to the church in Corinth. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ” ~ I Corinthians 12:4-7,12 In Christ, Pictured: Bob Knutson, Carolyn Sayles, Gene Rindelaub Julie Rindelaub Science Museum With Bryce’s retirement looming, Joan planned a special day in February for fami- lies to spend time with him at the Science Museum in St. Paul. We watched the IMAX movie, Jerusalem Together, enjoyed a continental brunch, and were then turned loose on the Science Museum for the rest of the day. Bryce reflected on his own time in Jerusalem with the families and then posed for elegant pictures with the children! We had a glimpse into his true nature this day. Bryce has built and maintained a wonderful connection with the children of this church. He will be missed by ALL! NEW COMMUNITY BRICK OVEN WEBSITE LAUNCHED The interest and growth of Community Ovens continues to gain momentum here in Minnesota. When an organization is looking for information about community ovens—how to build one, cost, etc. —they all seem to find us here at WBLUMC. With financial support from the Endowment Fund, we have developed a new website designed to be a re- source for interested organizations. It’s not yet finished, but currently contains a lot of useful information. To visit the website, here is the website address: http://communitybrickoven.com/. Note the links on the bar located on the main page under title header,. There are links to other social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Google. This website will allow any organization around the world to gain information and support for the construction and management of a community oven-Wow! As members of our church, you should be proud of the development of this unique ministry. There will be 10 community ovens operating this year in Minnesota—all sup- ported with guidance from our church. Woodbury UMC and Bruentrup Herit- age Farm (Maplewood Historical Society) are both considering ovens. If you have any questions or suggestions, please share them with Mike Faust.
Transcript
LifeSource The Newsletter of WBLUMCWhite Bear Lake United Methodist Church | 1851 Birch Street | White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | www.wblumc.org
APRIL, 2016
THE CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM The CCT, in partnership with the Bread Oven Ministry team, celebrated their 4-year anniversary on Sunday, March 13. Three hundred (300) caramel rolls were served to the congregation after both church services. The Congregational Care Team provides meals and transportation to church members in times of need. Fourteen meals and 57 rides were provided in 2015. In addition, the CCT, in partnership with the Hearts and Hands Needlework Group, delivered 5 baby blankets to newborn and baptized infants. If you are interested in volunteering for CCT, contact the church office.
JOHN WESLEY AND WBLUMC It doesn’t take a historian to know that John Wesley never made it to White Bear Lake. In fact his one and only trip to what would eventually become the Unit-ed States was one of heartbreak and disappointment. For all the greatness that would come to enshroud John Wesley’s legacy, very little of it can trace its roots to those days in the late 1730s when he called colonial Georgia home. Yet White Bear Lake United Methodist Church often turns to its Wesleyan roots for guid-ance and inspiration. One such tool is the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. According to online resources, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (or Methodist Quadrilateral) is a methodology for the-ological reflection, but the name originates with a 20th century American Methodist scholar named Albert Outler. Outler analyzed Wesley’s writings and works, and determined there were certain patterns that came to guide Wesley’s actions. To Wesley, scripture, tradition, reason, and experience formed the basis of all theological doctrine, with scripture standing above the other three, but never existing apart. Our church re-emphasizes Wesley every few years for a variety of reasons. One, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral can help guide our decision-making as we enter into a new phase of planning or growth process. But it also can serve an educational role for new members. People are drawn to our church for various rea-sons, but not all may be familiar with who Wesley was or what being “Methodist” means. Using the quadrilateral can help explain the “method” of being a “Methodist.” To put it alliteratively, there is a methodical methodology in being a Wesleyan Methodist, and scripture, experience, tradition, and reason can help one sort through the various methods of Methodism. To this end, there have been book studies where the participants were able to reconnect to their Methodist roots, and sermon series to help give each of the quadrilateral pillars more definition and application. But Wesley was not only about doctrine and dogma. Whenever our church sponsors a mission event, be it a trip to Appalachia or Guatemala, or provides a meal to the Simpson Shelter, or an event centered on our bread oven, we are living out Wesley’s legacy. Wesley found a connection with the common people of his age. Through his ministries he was able to reach the working classes of Great Britain. As the Methodist church took root in the United States, it had a spe-cial appeal to those on the lower end of the economic scale, including slaves and those barely able to eke out a living tilling the soil or working as laborers. Wes-ley directed his theology into mission work, that all souls mattered regardless of race or experience. Our missions continue to reflect this ideal. So perhaps it’s once again time for a Methodist revival within our WBLUMC. I encourage readers to learn more about who John Wesley was and why his name came to be associated with an entire denomination. James 2:17 declares that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (ESV) And while that verse has been hotly debated throughout the centuries, John Wesley heeded the warning, and after careful analysis put forth a challenge to posterity to follow his lead and serve those we can.
~Jim Lindner, Church Historian
Twenty Years Later
In the twenty years I have served in ministry at White Bear Lake much has changed. I will highlight some of these changes in the next few Life Source articles. This month I focus on church staff. I have had the privilege to work with remarkable women and men sharing in ministry. Doing a quick tally: since 1996 I have worked with five Associate Pastors (maybe I was tough to work with), four Music Directors, six Youth Directors, five Operations/Office personnel. Perhaps my best work has been with those who led Children’s Ministry. By my count only three have been in that role. The only current staff member to outlast me is Carolyn Sayles. When I started, Carolyn worked with Marlene Conrin as one of the Church Secretaries. Carolyn is still working in the office, not necessarily by her choice. We keep calling her out of retirement (three times now) to fill in when we have a vacancy. What a treasure! Much of my joy in ministry has been working day in and day out with wonderfully unique staff members. As I am sure you understand, it is also part of the challenge. Each person’s personality, political views, life situation is unique, and each with a unique calling from God to serve in church ministry. This church has been blessed with remarkably talented staff; the current staff stand out. I will miss being with this creative and dedicated team. My hope is that together we have lived up to the high calling named by Paul in this letter to the church in Corinth.
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ” ~ I Corinthians 12:4-7,12
In Christ,
Pictured: Bob Knutson, Carolyn Sayles, Gene Rindelaub Julie Rindelaub
Science Museum With Bryce’s retirement looming, Joan planned a special day in February for fami-lies to spend time with him at the Science Museum in St. Paul. We watched the IMAX movie, Jerusalem Together, enjoyed a continental brunch, and were then turned loose on the Science Museum for the rest of the day. Bryce reflected on his own time in Jerusalem with the families and then posed for elegant pictures with the children! We had a glimpse into his true nature this day. Bryce has built and maintained a wonderful connection with the children of this church. He will be missed by ALL!
NEW COMMUNITY BRICK OVEN
WEBSITE LAUNCHED
The interest and growth of Community Ovens continues to gain momentum here in Minnesota. When an organization is looking for information about community ovens—how to build one, cost, etc.—they all seem to find us here at WBLUMC. With financial support from the Endowment Fund, we have developed a new website designed to be a re-source for interested organizations. It’s not yet finished, but currently contains a lot of useful information. To visit the website, here is the website address: http://communitybrickoven.com/. Note the links on the bar located on the main page under title header,. There are links to other social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Google. This website will allow any organization around the world to gain information and support for the construction and management of a community oven-Wow! As members of our church, you should be proud of the development of this unique ministry. There will be 10 community ovens operating this year in Minnesota—all sup-ported with guidance from our church. Woodbury UMC and Bruentrup Herit-age Farm (Maplewood Historical Society) are both considering ovens. If you have any questions or suggestions, please share them with Mike Faust.
† 11:15 AM Interactive, Band-led & Casual Worship Service (45 min.) †12:00 PM Individual Prayer, Prayer Room
Staff
Bryce Johnson, Senior Pastor—ext. 102 [email protected] Brooke Heerwald Steiner, Associate Pastor—ext.103 [email protected] John McBride, Associate Pastor [email protected] Christina Koppes, Director of Youth Ministries—ext. 107 [email protected] Joan Hartman, Director of Children & Family—ext. 105 [email protected] John Koziol, Director of Music Ministries-—ext. 106 [email protected] Peteria Cochran Routt, Dir. of Trad. Music-—ext. 122 [email protected] Sophie Amelkin, Chancel/Children’s Choir Dir.—ext. 121 [email protected] Angela Bruentrup, Director of Operations—ext. 104 [email protected] Open Position, Administrative Assistant-—ext. 101 [email protected] Tim Wallin, Grounds Keeper Ron Houde, Building Maintenance Tom Leiser, Treasurer Harry Jones, Financial Secretary
2016 WBLUMC Ministry Leaders
Congratulations to Chris & Alyssa Anderson on the
birth of Jordy James on March 21. Jordy’s
grandmother is Gloria Anderson.
Our Sincere Sympathy to Cindy Mueller and family
on the death of husband and father Gerald on
March 26.
Our Sincere Sympathy to the family of
Sharon Sechrist who died in Arizona on April 2.
Thank You—Our family and I want to thank the
members of this church for the healing prayers said for
Jerry during his illness and subsequent death. All your
support was much appreciated. Thanks to Pastor
Johnson for visiting Jerry just before his death and his
spiritual guidance at the funeral. Jerry is now with the
Lord. Cindy, Erin, Ashley & Chris Mueller
WBLUMC Happenings White Bear Lake United Methodist Church 651-429-9026 | www.wblumc.org
Pastor Bryce plays
“Amos the Shepherd”
Doug Mulder, Board Chair
Jeff Lantto, Trustees
Scott Vipond, Finance
Glenn Oliphant, Bread Team
Ginger Davis, Staff Parish
Joy Ballou, Worship
Chad Koppes, Adult Faith
Carol Effertz & Jeremy Steiner, Hospitality
Barb Hinz & Roberta Schmidt, BeFrienders
Kelly Knutson & Diane Lund, Congregational Care Stephanie Boening Ondik, United Methodist Women
Karen Flynn, Library
Denise & Larry Kerr, Community Garden
Julie Jacot & Dave Hegdahl, Prayer Team
ALL CHURCH MISSION DAY— APRIL 16, 2016
This event, sponsored by United Methodist Women, is for all people interested in a hands on experience in missions. These expe-
riences will benefit people locally and internationally. We encourage everyone to join in a fun day for all ages with activities ap-
propriate for families, youth, and adults of any age. Some projects are at the church, and some will involve going to other places
in the Twin City area. Check out the list below to find an activity fit for your interest.
Gift Baskets for Shut-Ins: Assemble baskets and make cards for church members.
Girl Confidence Kits for Haiti: Assembling kits for female youth reaching puberty without necessary supplies.
Making Sandwiches: These sandwiches will go to homeless and needy individuals through Twin Cities Partner Shelters.
Sole Hope: This activity involves cutting soles and supports for shoes for children in Uganda. Shoes are needed to protect feet and pre-
vent getting bug-acquired illness.
Newborn Kits Assembly: This is a healthcare initiative to give midwives in rural Sierra Leone needed supplies in their work with birthing
and caring for moms with newborns.
Common Hope Books: This involves sewing and putting together cloth books for families with small children in
Guatemala. The books are to help with much needed early learning skills.
Blanket making: Anyone who is able to cut fabric and tie knots is encouraged to help with these no-sew fleece blankets.
These will go to The Bridge for Youth shelters in the Twin Cities. Our own, Alisha Olson, will be present to answer any
questions you may have about the needs of homeless youth.
Homeless Youth Project: The Harriet Tubman North Star Outreach Center is a new place opening for homeless youth from our Maple-
wood, WBL, school districts. It will open in June to offer a place for these kids to "drop in" for a bite to eat, possibly an exchange of clothing,
a safe warm/cool place to rest for a few hours.
Emma Norton Room Refinish: (This is actually a 2-day project. One day participation ok if unable to do both Saturday and Sunday) This
activity takes place at the Emma Norton residence in St. Paul. Rooms will need to be painted and decorated prior to residents moving in.
Feed My Starving Children—IS FULL
Second Harvest: This is very similar to Feed My Starving Children with a more local target group. This facility is in Golden Valley, and only
a small group of 9 can sign up for this event.
If you are unable to attend any of the activities, you may also contribute by giving money or items needed for the kits being prepared. There is a list of needed items available at church, and collection bins will be located in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch provided from 11:00-1:00. For questions contact Marcia Lantto at 651-426-4507 or [email protected].
WELCOMING YOU
In Honor of All Veterans The flower pot welcoming you at our south entrance is given by Donald and Verna Sonsalla. The rhododen-dron’s leaves of red represent valor and will burst into green as it matures. May there be hope and healing. The flowers of white signify the peace and good will dreamed for. As Don has written, service “is never forgotten.” “Here is earth, resurgent with color and bloom of spring, glorifying the dream and vision in the song it brings.” ~William Stanley Braithwaite
In Honor of Friendship The Kittleson Family has given the flowers welcoming you in the east entrance in support of their friend, Barb Klein. It abounds with reminders of a spring especially for her and for us. “The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created spring.” ~Bern Williams
In accordance with the bylaws of the Board of
Directors of WBLUMC, the Nominating Committee invites
members of the church to submit names of candidates to
be considered for nomination to the Board of Directors.
Candidates should be members of the church and have
strengths in working strategically on church policy and
fiduciary matters.
Please submit nominations via mail or email to the
Nominating Committee for review. Deadline for nomina-
tions is April 24, 2016. Questions about the Board of
Directors nomination process can be directed to Nominat-
ing Committee Chair, Mark Hebaus.
CUBA PHOTOS
Check out the photos in the hallway at church! Twin Cities area photojournalist, Tom Olmscheid (son-in-law of Sandy &
Don Craighead) shares his photos from three visits to Cuba through the
U.S. Government program called “People to People.” He has been the chief photojournalist for the Minnesota House of Representatives for over
35 years, documenting many of the events at the State Capitol.
He retired in 2011. His pictures from Cuba offer a view into a world few
have seen. They are full of life and color and should not be missed!
SPECIAL MUSIC
Mumford and Sons Sunday, April 24 at 11:15am
A ‘one of a kind’ contemporary service
featuring some of the Twin Cities’ best
rock musicians presenting the music of
the award winning band ‘Mumford and
Sons’ in a unique Christian context. This
service will be especially young person
friendly.
“CORONATION MASS” by
W. A. MOZART,
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 9:30 am
Mark your calendars for the Spring
Chancel Choir concert. They will be per-
forming one of Mozart’s most beloved
masses with instrumental and vocal
professionals.
Easter This Easter had more flowers, more music and more people than last year at both services! It was AWESOME! The church looked beautiful, smelled beautiful and sounded beautiful – the perfect reflection for the day – He Is Risen! With over 400 in attendance at the 9:30 service and over 150 at the 11:15 service it was an exciting place to be. Those present experienced the new life of Resurrection Faith. Come and continue to hear the Easter message as the pastors present the sermon series “Living Into the New”!
