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INSITES March 2020
TheGroveMN.church
Office@ Being
TheHope.org
651-738-0305 Ext. 111
Spring Fever
Family Activities Pictures with live bunnies
Crafts and activities
Flower planting
Spring cookie decorating
Dinner: $10 for the family
Ready for spring?
Come to this family fun community event!
Bring your friends.
March 20 5 - 7 pm
Page 2
LOOKING FOR A PLACE ON EASTER FOR YOUR FAMILY?
YOU ARE INVITED TO
7 am Historic Chapel Worship
9 am Traditional Worship
10:30 am Contemporary Worship
7:30 - 9 am Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
9:45 - 10:30 am and Activities for All 11:30 am - 12:15 pm Egg Hunt ~ Photo Booth ~ Crafts Gaga Ball ~ Donuts ~ Make Your Own Trail Mix
Sunday, April 12, 2020
For parents of 5th graders and older Wednesdays, starts March 4, 6:30-8 pm Led by Pastor Kelly Drop ins welcome! No preparation needed.
You know your tweens and teens talk about you to their friends, right? Here’s your chance to get some time away and talk about them. Get together weekly with fellow parents of tweens and teens to share stories of frustrations and small victories, to ask questions and offer support, and to build friendships.
March 4 through April 8 will focus on a parent portion of the 6th-12th grade discussion on
“Faith in an Anxious World” as well as other topics important to parents that evening.
Page 3
PALM SUNDAY — April 5
9 & 10:30 am – Worship, Worship Center
STATIONS OF THE CROSS — April 8
6:30 - 8 PM – Prayer Station Worship, Worship Center Appropriate for 9th Grade through Adult Sponsored by Student Ministry
HOLY THURSDAY — April 9
7 pm - Communion Worship, Chapel
GOOD FRIDAY — April 10
7:30 pm – Passion Worship, Chapel
EASTER SUNDAY — April 12
7 am - Sunrise Worship, Chapel
7:30-9 am – Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
9 & 10:30 am Worship, Worship Center
9:45-10:30 am & 11:30 am-12:15pm Activity Stations For All Ages
LENT STUDY
March 2 - April 8 Mondays — 7-8:30 pm
Wednesdays — 9:30-11 am
Wednesdays — 6:30-8 pm
Undone
by Laura Sumner Traux
Whether a big crisis shakes us
or little things wear away at us,
these are moments where we
are confronted with ourselves.
This is not the way that things
are supposed to be. We feel
like failures. We are undone.
Worse yet, we realize that
underneath our masks and
facades, we are not the person
we are pretending to be. Who
are we, really? Laura Truax
knows what it's like when life
hits the fan. But she discovers
that these times of exposure
and vulnerability can become
opportunities to find out who
we really are and what we are
meant to be. When we come
to the end of ourselves, God
meets us to help us face our
fears, take off our masks and
rediscover our true self as part
of his larger story. Your
journey isn't done. Come
discover how you can become
the person you long to be.
Books $15 — Available at the
church office or in class.
Page 4
The people of The Grove United Methodist Church are motivated by
our vision of Being the Hope. This refers particularly to our service
beyond the local church, whether that work is accomplished through
hands-on efforts or through financial support of partner organizations.
The general term for this work is missions. Compassion and Justice is
the team that supports and organizes our Being the Hope ministries.
In the next few weeks, the Compassion and Justice team will be
highlighting many of the ministries we support. This will start with the
mission fair on Sunday morning March 15, and continue in the weeks
to follow with mission moments in worship and highlights on The
Grove social media pages. On Easter Sunday, April 12, you are asked
to bring a Being the Hope mission offering or pledge that is 1)
prayerfully considered, 2) proportional to your means and 3) sacrificial
in depth. No other mission offerings will be received this year.
Being the Hope assures that ministries we care deeply about will
receive the right amount of support - according to our means and
their need - at the right time. All funds will be given through Being the Hope. See facing page for a listing of those receiving support in 2019.
Of course, all contributions and disbursements will be correctly
recorded and regular updates on our mission ministries will be
provided both in worship and print publications throughout the year.
Envelopes and commitment resources will be provided around the 30th
of March. As you consider your gift, may the prayer below serve as
a guide:
Jesus, be our vision. Let us see the world as you do
and give as you would have us give. Amen.
Key Details
One annual offering for all
mission work.
Receive offering on Easter
Sunday, April 12.
No other mission offerings
received this year.
Ministries we value receive
support through Being the Hope which is the fund for
all mission work.
Members and friends may
continue to make gifts to
individual missions through
the church, but these are in
addition to a Being the Hope commitment.
Mission funds are distributed
by the Compassion and
Justice Team with oversight
from the Core Team.
Pastor Dan Wetterstrom and
Pastor Kelly Lamon ask that
your mission gift be:
1. Born in Prayer.
2. Proportional to
your means.
3. Sacrificial in depth.
Page 5
Being the Hope is the umbrella fund for all of The Grove’s mission projects on a
state, national and international level. 2019 recipients are listed below.
United Methodist denomination-funded requests are marked with an asterisk.
Approximately $87,000 was received and distributed
as a result of last year’s campaign.
TWIN CITIES AND GREATER MINNESOTA
Backyard Farms, Brittany’s Place, Emma Norton Services, Food Shelves (Christian
Cupboard, Friends in Need, Neighborhood House), Friday Brunch, The Gathering,
The Giving Rack, Giving Voice Chorus, Homeless Youth Drop-in Center in Cottage
Grove, Hope for the Journey Home, Isaiah, Joint Religious Legislative Coalition,
Minnesota Council of Churches, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Neighborhood
House (Housing Fund) *Reach, Renew, Rejoice, Silent Friends, Summer Skoolie,
Tubman Holiday Party, United Methodist Women, Weekend Pack Program at
Armstrong and Royal Oaks elementary schools, Wesley Foundation U of M at
Mankato, Woodbury Elementary School.
NATIONAL
2nd Mile Ministry, Mountain Top, Angry Tias and Abuelas, Detroit missions
(Motown, Redford Brightmoor), *Human Relations Day, Minnesota Annual
Conference Camping Program, *Native American Ministries Sunday, Southern
Proverty Law Center – Immigration, *United Methodist Student Day, *UMCOR
National Disaster Relief, *UMCOR Sunday.
INTERNATIONAL
*MN Conference Annual Love Offering, Fair Trade Coffee, God is in
Control (Ghana), OC Ministries in Sierra Leone, Project Ag Grad,
*Peace with Justice Sunday, Robin’s Nest, Solar Oven Partners, Southern
Proverty Law Center – Immigration, *UMCOR International Disaster
Relief, *World Communion Sunday, *World Service Fund (through
Apportionments).
Page 6
Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf (CCEFS) ccefs.org 651-233-1296
This vibrant food shelf opened in 1983 at Woodbury Lutheran
Church where it served the community until 2018 when a new building
on the grounds of Guardian Angel’s Church in Oakdale openend.
Items available to families on a monthly basis include a variety of
nutritious food (grocery store model) along with paper products,
cleaning supplies, pet food and personal care items.
Being the Hope contributed $1,000.
Friends In Need finfood.org 651- 458-0730
A food shelf located in St. Paul Park, this vital organization opened in
1992. Over 170 volunteers served 28,000 people last year with 750,000
pounds of food. Families choose their food through the grocery store
model allowing them to choose what they both want and need. Being the Hope contributed $1,000.
Neighborhood House neighb.org 651-789-2500
A multi-service agency, Neighborhood House, provides invaluable
services in the area of basic needs and lifelong learning. Programs and
services include parent and early childhood education, youth
leadership programs, adult education and food support with six family
centers located through the city of St. Paul. All of the services provided
through this agency are free of charge. Over 15,000 individuals
participated in their programs last year!
Being the Hope contributed $1,000.
A Monthly Feature Highlighting Ministries We Support Through our Being the Hope Campaign
Page 7
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Third Annual
Being the Hope
Mission Fair
Sunday, March 15
10 am – 12:30 pm
Breakfast
Mission Trip Videos
Games
Service Projects
Photo Booth
Face Painting
Coloring
Social Justice
and more
learn about ministries
we supported in 2019
Over the next three months we will provide education regarding the upcoming General Conference, held
from May 5-15, 2020, in Minneapolis. Following is the basic information about this important event.
What is the General Conference?
• The UMC is a global church. The General Conference (GC) is the denomination’s top legislative
body. Approximately 862 elected delegates from around the world will attend the 2020 GC in
Minneapolis. Equal numbers of clergy and laity are delegates to this meeting.
How often does the General Conference meet?
• The GC meets every four years.
What happens at the General Conference?
• The GC meets to review and update the Book of Discipline, make decisions for the entire church,
and set missional and budget priorities for the next four years.
• Legislation: Several different proposals are currently on the legislative agenda addressing the issue of
GLBTQ+ clergy, laity and same-sex marriages within the UMC. If interested in reading about the
proposals, refer to the United Methodist News Service (umnews.org).
How is the General Conference different from the Annual Conference?
• General Conference is the legislative body for the world-wide church. Delegates represent each
Annual Conference and Central Conference (a Conference outside of the USA). Our Minnesota
Annual Conference will send one clergy and one lay delegate to the General Conference 2020.
• Annual Conference (AC) is a church’s local jurisdiction. The Grove is a member of the Minnesota
AC which meets every year. At the AC, each local church sends delegates. The number of clergy
assigned to the church determines the number of representatives each church sends. So, with two
clergy, The Grove sends two clergy delegates and two lay delegates. Retired clergy also attend. Since
the AC strives to have equal numbers of clergy and laity, “equalizing delegates” are lay
representatives that balance the representation between lay and clergy.
Who can vote at the General Conference?
• Delegates, clergy and lay may vote. Bishops do not vote; their role is advisory.
What does the General Conference have to do with The Grove?
• The decision from the vote of the GC will set the direction for The Grove. We will provide more
details in the next two months as the proposals become more defining.
What can I do to make a difference?
• You can volunteer for the General Conference by going to gc2020welcome.org/.
Educate yourself to the various proposals of GC 2020.
Page 8
PRIDE ALPHABET SOUP SYMPOSIUM Sunday, April 26, 11:30 am-2 pm, Fellowship Hall
After sharing in a potluck lunch, join the Pride Team and explore:
• What the LGBTQ+ letters stand for.
• What different genders mean.
• How churches become known as inviting vs inclusive vs advocating vs reconciling.
• Any questions you may have.
At 1 pm, a brief snack break followed by:
• An overview on the impact of the 2020 General Conference on The Grove.
Feel free to come for potluck and the first discussion beginning at 11:30 am, or return for the last portion at
1 pm, OR, best yet, stay for the entire presentation!
FAITHFUL AND INCLUSIVE 6-week study on Thursdays, April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 and 28
6:30-8 pm, Rm. 201, Woodbury Campus Pastor Kelly will lead the study
During this video study and discussion group, you will gain an understanding of how to be both obedient to
God’s Word and fully welcoming to LGBTQ* persons in the church. We will navigate biblical interpretation,
ethics and cultural impact as we listen to faith journeys of members of the LGBTQ+ community and their
families. This study will overlap with General Conference so we will enjoy ample time to discuss events there.
If you are interested in more resources about the General Conference and/or LGBTQ+ persons, please contact
Jill Easton ([email protected] or 651-336-7215) or Kelly Lamon.
DISTRICT GATHERING TO PREPARE FOR MAY 2020 GENERAL CONFERENCE Monday, March 2 at 6:30 pm — Worship Center
By: District Superintendent Cynthia Williams
For: Clergy, team leaders and members interested in denominational issues.
What: Topics will include General Conference plans and decision points, strategies for
handling the media, resources to facilitate dialogue/circle conversations and our
commitment to stay strong, stay together and stay focused on our mission.
Page 9
Page 10
MINNESOTA FOODSHARE
MARCH CAMPAIGN
Respond to Food Insecurity in our community by filling a grocery
bag with much needed food and household items for The Christian
Cupboard and Friends in Need food shelves.
Needed items:
Proteins: canned meats, beef stew, chili, peanut butter, canned
or dried beans, Boost/Ensure
Fruits and vegetables: canned, 100% fruit juice, canned jam and
jelly, spaghetti sauce
Complete meals: boxed pasta meals, instant potatoes,
hearty soups
Items corresponding to special diets: gluten-free, vegetarian,
vegan, low sugar or sugar-free, low sodium, etc.
Staple foods: sugar, flours, coffee, oils
Infant formula, baby food and diapers (especially sizes 5 and 6
and pull-ups)
Items specific to particular ethnic groups
Personal care items: shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste,
toothbrushes, feminine hygiene, toilet paper
Cleaning supplies: laundry and dish detergent, paper towels,
kitchen and bathroom cleaners.
BRING DONATIONS TO THE GROVE
DURING OUR MARCH FOOD DRIVE.
Page 11
The Healthy Brain: Maintaining Mental Fitness
Thursday, April 16
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
The Grove United Methodist Church 7465 Steepleview Rd, Woodbury MN 55125
Join us for a presentation that will teach you strategies you
can take to help ensure a healthier brain based on four
things you can do now for mental fitness. Presented by
Carolyn Klaver, registered nurse for Lyngblomsten’s
Community Services. Carolyn has over 35 years of nursing
experience including working with individuals who have
early to mid-stage memory loss. Learn more about The
Gathering at lyngblomsten.org/thegathering.
FREE. No registration required.
Questions? Contact Carolyn Klaver
952-261-5235 or [email protected].
[email protected], 651-738-0305, ext. 119 kids
Nicole Suyak Minister to Families with Children
4TH
GRADE MILESTONE – COMMUNION Milestone: Sunday, April 26, 11:45 am – 1:15 pm, Plaza
Blessing: Sunday, May 3 (9 am & 10:30 am service), Worship Center
Please join this special time to learn about communion. This event is for 4th graders but 5th graders who have not
attended this milestone are welcome. We do ask that each child be accompanied by at least one adult.
Lunch will be served. Families will bake the bread for communion served on the following Sunday. Children and
their families will serve communion to the congregation on Sunday, May 3 and will also be blessed in worship.
Please RSVP to Nicole Suyak by email or phone.
5TH
GRADE MILESTONE – USING OUR GIFTS TO SERVE GOD Wednesday, April 22, 6:30–8 pm, Worship Center
All 5th graders are encouraged to come for this night of transition from elementary to middle school, from
Creation Station to FROG. Students will meet at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall with the FROG 6th graders.
After discussion about our service topic, there will be a hands-on project. At 7:30 pm, students will join the
whole FROG group for their weekly worship.
Parents are encouraged to come at 7:30 pm for the worship service. Afterwards, Amy Fuller, Minister to Families
with Students, will answer questions middle school ministry at The Grove.
This is an exciting evening for your students—they are so ready to make this step forward! For information on
FROG and the confirmation process at The Grove, go to thegrovemn.church/ages-and-stages/students. There is
a link to the Student Ministry Brochure which describes opportunities for faith formation including confirmation.
Contact either Amy Fuller or Nicole Suyak by email or by phone.
Page 12
Thank you to all the families
who participated during our
Baptism Milestone!
Page 13
[email protected] or 651-738-0305, ext. 121 student
Amy Fuller Minister to Families with Students
2020 NIPPOLDT FAMILY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Introduction & Purpose Established in 2010, the Nippoldt Family Scholarship provides
financial assistance to young adults of The Grove United Methodist
Church for vocational, college and graduate studies.
Eligibility All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
• Member and active constituent connected to The Grove UMC
• Student up to 32 years of age
• Anticipated high school graduate, high school graduate or has
earned a GED.
The Nippoldt scholarship does not discriminate by age, race, color,
national origin, disability, creed, gender or sexual orientation.
100 Points Based Selection Criteria
• Ministry participation - 26 points
• Financial need - 20 points
• Academic ability - 20 points
• Short answer responses - 12 points
• Extracurricular involvement, service activities and work - 10 points
• Two reference letters - 8 points
• Discretionary points given by selection team - 4 points
Application Procedures
• Applications are available
thegrovemn.church/ages-and-stages/
students and in the church office.
• All materials should be submitted
together to the Director of Student
Ministries of The Grove UMC.
Applications due by Monday,
March 16 at 5 pm to the church
office.
• Past applicants must submit a new
application, new reference letters
and new short answers.
Re-submissions of past applications
will not be considered.
• Award recipients will be notified by
letter and/or called by
approximately May 15.
• Scholarship recipients will be
acknowledged in worship; amounts
will be disbursed in June. In the
past, scholarships have ranged from
$2,880 to $3,800.
For parents of 5th graders and older Wednesdays, starts March 4, 6:30-8 pm Led by Pastor Kelly Drop ins welcome! No preparation needed. See page 2 for details!
Page 14
First Saturday of the month ~ 5-7 pm For Families with children 4th grade and younger Community building, social time and learning To sign up, go to Family Grove Gatherings folder at timetosignup.com/thegrovemnchurch/
GROWNUP PLAYDATE
Saturday, March 7, 6-9 pm @ Pinz Bowling Alley in Oakdale
An event just for grownups! Find your own sitter and meet up for bowling/laser tag/arcade
fun. Food can be purchased at venue.
MANAGING OUTSIDE INFLUENCES
WITH GOOD OLD CHURCH POTLUCK
Saturday, April 4, 5-7 pm @ Woodbury Campus
Bring a dish to share. After supper, the parents will learn while the kids play.
Childcare for kiddos provided after supper.
GAME NIGHT AND COOK OUT AT PASTOR KELLY’S
Saturday, May 2, 6-9ish pm @ Pastor Kelly’s House
An event just for grownups. Meet at Pastor Kelly’s and bring a side dish. Hopefully it’s nice
enough to grill out. Come and enjoy the Lamon/Christensen household’s collection of
games, around 75 to choose from.
Page 15
Endowment Seminar
Thursday, March 19, 7-8 pm,
Woodbury Campus
According to Financial Advisor Edward
Jones, two-thirds of Americans surveyed
did not recognize 529 plans as an education
savings tool. This and other financial
strategies will be discussed at a seminar
sponsored by the Endowment Team.
John Mead, member of The Grove and
advisor with Edward Jones, will present.
Parents and grandparents – this seminar is
for you!! Refreshments are provided.
RSVP to [email protected] or call
the church at 651-738-0305, ext. 111.
Childcare is provided — please indicate the
age of the child(ren).
Come sing with
The Chancel Choir!
The Chancel Choir of the Grove UMC will
be presenting “THE CHANCEL CHOIR
PLAYLIST” on Sunday, May 17, at the 9 am
service. This collection of some of our
favorite anthems of this year plus several new
ones will be a service of word and song.
REHEARSING for this special presentation
will take place on Wednesday evenings from
MARCH 18 - MAY 13, from 6:30-7:15 pm in
Room 204.
SPECIAL INVITATION
The Grove Chancel Choir has also been
invited to sing with several other UMC
churches for the Methodist Choral Festival at
Hamline UMC in St. Paul on May 17 at
4 pm. This will be a musical celebration of
justice, hope, love and inclusion in
conjunction with the UMC National
Convention in Minneapolis this year. Each
choir will perform three or four pieces
individually and join together for four or five
pieces as a massed choir. It’s an exciting
opportunity to meet and perform with other
UMC singers and celebrate our love of music.
Please contact Lou Ann Henderson if
interested at [email protected] or
651-238-4369.
Page 16
Cub Scouts in Pack 9056 got to experience winter camping at Kiwanis Scout Camp in February. Don’t worry,
this is Cub Scouting so they weren’t sleeping in tents or some form of igloo outside. Nope, this was two days and
nights of cabin camping. Forty plus scouts and parents enjoyed this experience.
The scouts spent Saturday working on requirements for their various ranks and
rotated every twenty minutes to a new station. In the afternoon, everyone went on
a mile hike through woods. Before they left everyone made a bag of trail mix as
shown in the side picture.
The picture below shows the group gathering before the hike. Along the hike,
they saw various animal tracks such as rabbit, deer and even turkey. No bear
tracks because they are all sleeping snuggly in a shelter somewhere.
Incredibly, some scouts still had enough energy to go sledding and make
snowmen. That night they all got to watch a movie, eat popcorn (of course) and
have an indoor campfire where stories could be shared. The food was excellent.
That’s because the adults still prepare it in Cub Scouts for the most part. The
scouts loved serving everyone even though they would eat last.
Anyone wanting to join Cub Scout Pack 9056, which meets at Red Rock Elementary School or another pack
where your son or daughter goes to school, is encouraged to go to the following website www.JoinCubs.com.
Questions about scouting may be directed to Dick Hansen, Chartered Organization Representative for The
Grove UMC, at [email protected].
Page 17
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT COTTAGE GROVE The 9:30 am Sunday morning service at the Cottage
Grove Campus provides lay-led services which are
creative and heartfelt. Services are designed and
delivered by members of The Grove community in a
format that allows both the presenters and
congregation to explore their spiritual life more fully
by being the BODY of Christ in a very real way.
SUNDAY WORSHIP – COTTAGE GROVE
March 1 — Pastor Dan Wetterstrom
- Communion
March 8 — Dick Hansen
March 15 — Robin Hakari
March 22 — Jim Baker
March 29 — Pastor Kelly Lamon
LUNCH AT NORTH POLE IN NEWPORT
Wednesday, March 11, North Pole (2nd Wed)
Good conversation, good people and good food.
Just come. Questions? Muriel Richardson at
[email protected] or at 651-459-2805.
VOLUNTEER READERS NEEDED FOR
ARMSTRONG STUDENTS
Volunteers have the opportunity to spend time
helping Armstrong Elementary School primary grade
students. The commitment is usually one hour per
week; the schedule is very flexible. To volunteer
contact Paula Christensen at
The Grove United Methodist Church (The Grove) has a
well-established endowment fund.
Hope for the Future.
The fund is designated to help you and your
family establish a legacy gift
where a portion of your gift (up to 3%)
is distributed annually to the ministry
cause of your choice.
Plan A Gift to Your Church
Including your church doesn’t mean forsaking your children. You can provide for both. Simply
state in your will or estate the following:
I give The Grove United Methodist Church Hope for the Future Endowment Fund a specific dollar amount or a percentage of my estate, to be used by the church for the designated need(s) of my choice: general purpose, scholarships, missions, capital needs, and/or worship and music.
(Suggested language for will.)
Your planned gift will make a much greater impact than you can imagine. It may also
provide you with significant tax advantages.
For more information please contact
Pastor Dan Wetterstrom at
651-738-0305, ext. 13 or at [email protected]
A DRUM CIRCLE
1st & 3rd Friday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm
For individuals and families living with Autism/
Aspergers, and for anyone with disabilities or social
challenges who likes music, rhythm and dance. Pizza
on the 3rd Friday at 6:30 pm. Questions? Contact
Dick Hansen at [email protected] or at
651-459-7802.
VISITATION TEAM
Congregational Care Ministers (CCMs)
Mon., March 2 9:30-11 am, Rm. 207 (1st Mon.)
Congregational Care Ministers (CCMS) are lay
volunteers who are trained to listen and provide
emotional and spiritual support to others. CCMs
work alongside our pastors in providing care by:
• Visiting (hospital, homebound, care facility)
• Serving communion to members who can no
longer physically attend worship
• Providing a presence on Sunday mornings for
connection and prayer
• Telephoning persons in need of contact
• Following up on prayer requests
• Meeting one-on-one with persons needing a
listening ear, offering prayers and encouragement
• Offering support to grieving families
If you feel called to care for others as a CCM or if
you or someone you care about could benefit from a
visit or call from a CCM, please contact Carolyn
Winslow, Director of Caring Ministries, 651-738-
0305, ext. 129 or at [email protected]
HELPING HANDS TEAM
Through a carefully organized program, our hands
can extend the love of God by offering short-term
help to our church family members in need of
transportation (to church or medical appointments,
for example), meals (following surgery or during an
immediate crisis), grocery shopping or assistance in
other tangible ways. If you feel called to care for
others in very practical and helpful ways or if you are
in need of such assistance, contact Liz Tracy at
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, March 17, 10 am
Gathering Rm. (3rd Tue)
Join this group if you have lost a loved one (spouse,
parent, sibling, child), or you are a caregiver and
would like to share your story or receive support
from others facing similar life changes. Contact Karen
Eilers at [email protected].
GRANDMOTHERS WITH CHALLENGES
Would you or someone you know benefit from a
support group for grandmothers? Grandmothers with
Challenges are women who have unique
responsibilities in the grandmother role. Contact
Caroline King at [email protected] or Dan
Wetterstrom [email protected] to
find out if this group is for you.
KETTLEBELL EXERCISE CLASS
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:25-6 pm, Atrium
This class is for those who want a higher level class of
aerobic and strength building. Kettlebell exercise
develops flexibility, coordination and endurance.
Meet John Schultz, a certified Kettlebell instructor
(KBC) $5/class. Questions? Contact John Schultz at
FRIDAY BRUNCH - Memory Loss Social
Friday, March 13, 10 am-12 pm (2nd Friday)
Friday Brunch is a ministry for people in our
congregation who have memory loss. Participants
gather at The Grove for two hours to enjoy food,
fellowship, music and socialization. Our Grove
preschoolers join the fun. Jane Beckstrom will send
invitations to join this group.
Volunteer: Consider joining other volunteers who
enjoy socializing with preschoolers and participants
with dementia. Lots of fun!
Page 18
[email protected], 651-738-0305, ext. 129 - Upstairs Office 205
Carolyn Winslow Director of Caring Ministries
Page 19
CARE CORNER
Children and Grieving
How can we answer the many questions young
children have about death?
“Doris Stickney and her minister husband were
looking for a meaningful way to explain to
neighborhood children the death of a five-year-old
friend -- an explanation that would satisfy not only
the children but adult minds as well. While they
were preparing for the child's memorial service, the
fable of the water bug that changed into a dragonfly
came to mind.
Water Bugs and Dragonflies tells the story of a small colony
of water bugs living happily
below the surface of a quiet
pond. Every so often one of
them climbs up a lily stalk and
disappears from sight, never to
return. Those left behind are
faced with the mystery of figuring out what has
become of them.
Revealing the ‘miracle that makes shiny dragonflies
out of ugly bugs’, this graceful story reminds us that
God has given us the means of transforming our
metaphorical selves into dragonflies capable of
winging off contentedly into a new world.” (Taken
from preview accessed from thewell.cor.org)
Both the hardback and
smaller, paperback versions
of this book are available in
our own library here at The
Grove. Carolyn Winslow
also has additional copies of
the paperbook version.
Our Grove library has an entire section devoted to
books on grieving for all ages, available for loan.
Stickney presents a simple, wise tale that
illuminates a difficult reality without pretending to
contain all the answers.
The Grove United Methodist Church in
partnership with Good in the Hood supports a
Weekend Pack Program for the South
Washington County School District. This initiative
provides easy-to-prepare food for students that
have indicated a need for a bit of extra help with
meals at home on weekends.
Each week students receive bags containing
nonperishable food subsidies to eat during the
weekend. Each weekend pack has two breakfast,
lunch, dinner and snack items.
Volunteers pick up the weekend packs stored at
The Grove's Woodbury campus and deliver them
to Royal Oaks between 8 and 10 am (across the
parking lot from our Woodbury church campus)
and Armstrong Elementary school between
8:45 and 11am (behind our Cottage Grove
church campus).
The packs are usually delivered every Friday
morning during the school year. There are a few
other weekday morning dates due to school breaks
and holidays.
Please be aware that when you drop off packs at
the school, you must pick up the previous week's
empty containers and bring them back to the
church closet prior to the next delivery date.
You can sign up online for individual dates
and school locations at the following link
ttsu.me/weekendpack
Please email Delores Hedrick at
if you have any questions.
Page 20
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, 9:30-11 am, Rm. 207
This study will grow and nurture your spirituality by
blending the study of Scripture and books about
Christian faith. Contact Pastor Dan Wetterstrom at
READERS BOOK CLUB
Monday, March 9, 7-8:30 pm
In March, the group will be discussing the book
Educated by Tara Westover. In April, the book
will be Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben
Montgomery. Questions? Contact Darlene
Wetterstrom at [email protected].
GROWING IN FAITH - Book Study
Fridays, 10-11:30 am, Lunds & Byerlys
The group meets in the community room at Lunds
& Byerlys. Join this welcoming group. For more
information contact Betty Schilling @ 612-741-5885
FAITHKEEPERS - United Methodist Women
Tuesday, March 10, 9:30-11:30 pm, Gathering Rm.
This group raises funds for the betterment of
women, children and youth everywhere. They
work together with Faith In Action to promote
UMW and what it stands for. All women are
welcome. Contact Jackie Easton at
Faith In Action
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN (FMSC)
Saturday, March 7, 8 am carpool
In March, this group will go pack nutritional meals
at FMSC. Gather to carpool from the Woodbury
campus at 8 am, and the group will be back to
Woodbury by noon. Send Jean Roemer an email
at [email protected] to let her know you
are coming.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUP
2nd & 4th Wednesday, 7-8am, Rm. 205
Engage in spirited conversation about the Bible,
faith, and everyday life. Contact Dick Larkin at
[email protected] or 651-735-5894.
THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUP
Thursdays, 7-8 am, Rm. 201
Join a group of guys who like to laugh and have a good
time. Through reading, participants explore who they
are and how God is impacting their lives. Contact Lee
Slagter at [email protected].
COMPASSION AND JUSTICE TEAM
Monday, March 2, Rm. 201 (regularly 1st Mon)
The team builds community connections with
organizations focused on compassion and justice.
Through ongoing support, this team distributes
resources to partner organizations and educates the
church about the work of our community connections.
Questions? Jeanne Wadd at [email protected].
RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE
Saturday, April 25, 9 am-1 pm
Please bring your donations of gently used clothing,
shoes, pots, dishes, beddings, pictures, etc. Not
accepted: TVs, microwaves, computers or humidifiers.
$4 bag sale noon to 1 pm. Donations will be accepted
starting Thursday, April 23 in the Atrium.
Volunteers need on Friday to sort and set up.
Questions? Call Jackie Easton at 651-735-4526.
BAKE SALE ITEMS ALSO NEEDED!
Baked goods can be dropped off on Friday or
Saturday before 9 am. Questions? Call Jean Roemer
at 651-735-2243. Sale proceeds will go to missions.
CONNECT & GROW MEMBERSHIP CLASS
Sunday, April 26, 3:30-5 pm
Gathering Rm. - Childcare provided Learn about our congregation, its ministries, its
values and the meaning of membership. Find
opportunities to grow through study, service and
fellowship. If you plan to attend please contact
Pastor Dan at 651-738-0305, ext. 113 or at
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, April 3, 12-6 pm, Fellowship Hall
Donate blood and give the gift of life or volunteer
to be a hostess. To schedule an appointment, call
the Red Cross at 651-291-4607. Walk-ins are
welcome! Volunteer to staff the sign up table or the
snack table shifts 12-3 pm or 3-6 pm. Contact Jan
Slagter at [email protected] or at
651-739-7719.
FAIR TRADE COFFEE
Sunday, March 15, 10 am-12 pm (3rd Sunday)
Fair trade coffee and other products will be on
sale. In purchasing and using fair trade products,
we are supporting UMCOR’s Sustainable
Agriculture and Development Program.
In the Know - - - News You Need about Your Church!
STEEPLEBELLS—NEEDS RINGERS!
Tuesday Rehearsals, 6:30-8 pm, Music Rm
Ring at 9 am service on the 4th Sunday of the month
Do you love the beautiful music of the handbells?
The tradition of ringing church bells dates back to
400 A.D. and in modern times signifies the time for
worship or prayer. To keep this tradition alive at
The Grove, the ringers of Steeple Bells are
currently looking for additional members to make a
"joyful noise" the 4th Sunday of each month. Contact
Jan Rasmussen at [email protected].
THE GIVING RACK - THINK SPRING
The Giving Rack accepts in-season clothing. It is
time to start collecting spring items as well as gently
used sheets, towels, blankets, pots, pans and
everyday dishes. Donations may be left at the
Woodbury campus in the Giving Rack closet in the
Plaza or at the Cottage Grove campus. Donations
may also be taken directly to The Beloved Church,
1965 Sherwood Ave., St. Paul between 2 and 4 pm
on Mondays. Contact Pat Marzolf via email at
[email protected] with questions.
COLLECTION FOR SOLAR OVEN
PARTNERS
Don’t throw away your empty paper towel
cardboard centers! Solar Oven Partners can use
them to package small connecting pieces for the
solar ovens being sent to the Dominican Republic
and Sierra Leone. Recycle them in the Solar Oven
Partners basket in the Plaza collection area.
MILK GALLONS
Creation Station is
collecting plastic
milk gallons.
Please rinse, place
cap on and drop off
in the Collection
Area in the Plaza.
Thank you!
Page 21
Page 22
In This Moment by Karen Kingbury
Meet the characters: Wendell, a widower high school principal; Alicia, a single
caring, supportive teacher; Jordy, Wendell's senior son; Cami, Jordy's special friend;
Andy, Cami's father who has NO GOD as a tattoo; and, Luke, Wendell's defense
lawyer. (Luke is a Baxter, as you may have read other Baxter family books of Kingsbury,
and this family is involved.). The plot: as a final attempt to curb the violence, etc,
Wendell offers a totally volunteer group to meet for Bible study after school, called Raise
the Bar. When Andy finds out that Cami is attending, he sues Wendell because there
should be no religion in public schools. Read about the trial and support. Also see how
NO GOD is changed! Reviewed by Jackie Easton
THE LITTLE FREE LIBRARY is on Steepleview Road in
the Woodbury Grove, near the pre-school
playground. Please feel free to walk up to this little
library to find a book that interests you or to leave a
book that you've enjoyed and now want to pass on to
the next person.
Book Donations
Donations to the church library are
always welcomed. Find the crate
upstairs in the library to put the
books. Thank you for your help.
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
This is another wonderful Elephant and
Piggie story. Elephant Gerald and Piggie
are the best of friends. Gerald is careful.
Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling.
Gerald can. Gerald worries so that
Piggie doesn't have to. Piggie decides to
try to thank everyone that is important
to Piggie. "Everyone?" says Gerald.
"Everyone!" says Piggie. "You will forget
someone important." says Gerald. Piggie
doesn't agree and proceeds to thank
everyone. Squirrels for great ideas. Snake for playing ball.
Pigeon for never giving up. "You are still forgetting someone very
important" says Gerald. Piggie continues thanking including
Gerald. But Gerald tells Piggie again, "You are still forgetting
someone very important." You will have to read the book to find
out who Piggie is forgetting to thank. This book shows the
importance of thanking everyone for even the smallest
things. Review by Sandy Osborn
Salt to The Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Story of a group of
German refugees
trying to escape to
safety from the
advancing Russian
army near end of
World War II.
Each one born of
a different
homeland; each
one hunted, and haunted by tragedy,
lies and war. This includes a small
boy orphaned when his grandmother
dies while they are fleeing to safety on
the Baltic coast. Review by Gil Rohde
Page 23
HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY HOME
Temporary Shelter for
Homeless Families
March 1-7 & March 22-28
Can you imagine losing your job or being overwhelmed
by medical bills and not being able to pay the rent? Being
evicted because your apartment has been condemned?
Having a job but a broken down vehicle and needing to
choose paying the rent or fixing your car so you can go to
work? Families staying at Hope for the Journey Home
have lived through all these experiences and more.
Hope for the Journey Home is a temporary shelter for
homeless families located on the property of Guardian
Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale. It was founded in
2012 and provides rooms for up to seven families at a
time. While families work through the St. Andrews
Community Resource Center in Mahtomedi to find
permanent housing and jobs, those who have jobs
continue to work and children are transported to their
home schools. Each day everyone returns to Hope for
the Journey Home to relax, enjoy a healthy meal and a
good night’s sleep.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AND THAT’S WHERE THE
GROVE COMES IN. A staff member is present at the
shelter each day to provide orientation and direction until
9 pm, but volunteers are needed to staff an afternoon
shift where they perform easy chores and serve dinner.
(This shift has a flexible start time from 4-5:30 pm and an
end time of 8:15 pm). In addition, at least two volunteers
stay overnight from 8 pm until 9:15 am, sleep in a guest
room, and serve a continental breakfast on weekdays and
a heartier IHOP breakfast on the weekends. BOTH
individual volunteers and families are welcome to serve
either shift.
The Grove is one of 30 partner churches and has
committed to staffing for two weeks during the year as
well as providing financial assistance through Being the
Hope. Our next week is March 1-7 and March 22-28. To
sign up or get more information, contact Pat Marzolf at
[email protected]. Also, check out the Hope for the
Journey Home website at guardian-angels.org/hope/.
#CESKOOLIE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTIES
Mondays at Royal Oaks Elementary June 15 — July 6 & 20 — August 3
Mondays 5-6:30 pm
Thursdays at Armstrong Elementary June 18, July 9 and 23, August 6
Thursdays 5-6:30 pm
Come join our neighbors at the Skoolie Bus
Neighborhood Parties! Skoolie is a
repurposed, brightly painted school bus used
by South Washington County Community
Education as a mobile classroom. Skoolie is
coming this summer to schools adjacent to
both our Woodbury and Cottage Grove
church campuses. The entire neighborhood
is invited to participate in yard games, crafts,
food and fellowship.
Do you want to be a helper at the events?
Many opportunities for set-up, food prep,
food service, games and take-down.
Signups at ttsu.me/skoolie2020
Page 24
Page 25
May 31 - June 28
Admiring Our Differences
Ice cream treats served for Coffee Time each Sunday!
Campfire
Stories
August 16 - September 6
Noah, Deborah, Paul, & YOU! Everyone Has a Story.
Smores served for Coffee Time each Sunday!
Summer Stretch Celebration - August 16
July 5 - August 2 Taking leaps of faith into the unknown.
Sprinklers after 10:30 worship! Kids, wear your swimsuits!
MoutainTOP Celebration - July 26 Hear how our travelers made leaps of faith.
May 24 10:30 Outdoor Worship
Bring your pet to worship—on a leash, in a cage, or in a kennel—for a special blessing.
Grill Out Picnic 11:30 in the grove
Hamburgers, hotdogs, and the fixings. Games and fun!
VBS Celebration August 9, 10:30 Worship
Grill Out Picnic 11:30 in the grove
Hamburgers, hotdogs, the fixings. Crafts, bouncy houses, fun!
Our annual Pancake Breakfast
had a fantastic turnout: over 260
hungry folks!
Thanks to everyone who supported
our program . . . it was fun to have so
many families join us and we raised
$2,395!
Special thanks to Terri Heimerman,
general manager at CRAVE, and her
staff for hosting this fundraiser for us.
They supplied everything needed for
the breakfast and we cannot thank
them enough for their amazing
support of our preschool!
We serve the best families!
Page 26
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Woodbury Preschool ….. cont’d
Page 28
Cottage Grove Campus
8600 90th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
C ampus Phone: 651-769-1303
Main Office Phone: 651-738-0305
Sunday Worship Schedule
9:30 am
Woodbury Campus
7465 Steepleview Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Main Office Phone: 651-738-0305
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mon-Fri (8 am-3 pm)
Sunday Worship Schedule
9 & 10:30 am
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Daniel Wetterstrom, Lead Pastor — [email protected]
Rev. Kelly Lamon, Associate Pastor — [email protected]
Nicole Suyak, Minister to Families w/Children — [email protected]
Amy Fuller, Minister to Families w/Students — [email protected]
Carolyn Winslow, Director of Caring Ministries — [email protected]
Kelly Reese, Family Ministry Program Assistant —
Robin Muscoplat, Media Specialist, [email protected]
Roberta Wiig, Business Administrator — [email protected]
Maria Rella, Office Manager & Building Scheduler —
Jim Tousignant, Facilities Manager — [email protected]
MUSIC MINISTRY
Rick Murphy, Contemporary Music — [email protected]
Lou Ann Henderson, Woodbury Chancel Choir Director,
Jan Rasmussen, Steeple Bells — [email protected]
Grant Buse & Garrett Strain, Audio Technician
Lea Anna McGowan, Cottage Grove Choral Music — [email protected]
Jean Hendrickson, Cottage Grove Pianist — [email protected]
WOODBURY PRESCHOOL AT THE GROVE Julie Johnson, Woodbury Preschool at The Grove —
Office hours at the Woodbury
campus are Mon-Fri (8 am-3 pm).
The phone will be answered
during those hours. When the
phone is not answered, leave a
private message for any members
of the staff. Directions are given
on the phone system.
Church Leadership
The responsibility for the
day-to-day administrative tasks
of the church has been
invested in the Core Team.
The team functions as the
primary lay-clergy partnership to
provide guidance and direction
to ministries.
Betsy Stites – Chair
Jill Easton – Secretary
Roberta Wiig – Business Adm.
Jennifer Edney
Linda Kleinsasser
Rev. Kelly Lamon
Charlie Maier
Rick Osborn
Rev. Daniel Wetterstrom
