the Messenger I M M A N U E L U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T B R O C K T O N L A N E C O R C O R A N, M N BIRTHDAYS

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1 the Messenger I M M A N U E L U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T B R O C K T O N L A N E C O R C O R A N, M N WHAT MAKES A HERO The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus LENTEN SERVICES Every Wednesday through March 21 Maundy Thursday/Good Friday - Thursday, March 29 Meal 5:30-6:15pm Lent Worship 6:30-7:00pm Offerings will provide for some outreach meals during the coming year. Plans are to serve a meal at the Ronald McDonald House and a meal at Maple Hills. C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Rev. Jonathan Churho Lee PALM SUNDAY March 25 10:00 AM Worship SUNRISE SERVICE & BREAKFAST Sunday, April 1 at 7:00AM Men s group will provide and serve breakfast following the Sunrise Service. This is a wonderful way to begin the celebration of Christ s resurrection. Sign-up sheet is in the narthex. EASTER CELEBRATION 10:00 AM Worship umcchurho13@gmail.com Church Office: office@immanuelumc.church BIRTHDAYS 2 Jewel Albrecht 2 Jill Welch 2 Maggie Thompson 5 Leah Brass 5 Tatum Adele Brummer 7 David Beck 8 Kennedy Benjamin 9 David Hughes 9 Armand LaPlume 9 Glen Monzo 10 Jodi Brummer 11 Charlie Pereda 11 Mary Ann Rick 12 Jon Hall 13 Kaline Merges 14 Camryn Monzo 15 Ashley Xitumul 16 Gary Brass 18 Ethan Hager 19 Kamryn Fjellanger 20 Jeremy Hager 21 Paul Kuhn 22 Hailey Fischer 28 Nancy Fischer 28 Bob Thompson 28 Morgan Weeks 29 Mary Kolb 31 Sherry Brun 31 Gary Kamphuis W E A R E A C H U R C H R O O T E D I N A R I C H H I S T O R Y O F S E R V I N G G O D I N O U R C H A N G I N G C O M M U N I T Y. March 8 March 13 March 18 Tim & Christina Schwartz Lyle & Mary Treptau John & Deb Cupryna

2 From the desk of Pastor Jonathan Lee Dear Immanuel families, The Bible says, Where there is no vision the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18a) When I think about the many Sunday afternoons spent praying and seeking this Vision, I am reminded of the story of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk. He was a prophet in Judah and lived in a day when the people in his community and country felt God was irrelevant in their daily lives. Habakkuk yearned for hearts to be turned toward God, he mourned for the lack of spirituality in his friends and neighbors. Habakkuk did not have a vision or plan of his own to reach the hearts of his brothers and sisters in need, so he cried out to God saying: I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts, I will look to see what He will say. (Habakkuk 2:1a) In similar ways, we need to spend time throughout this process standing and watching, praying for the hearts of people in our community and for those who will be reached through the future ministry of Immanuel. As you know, there will be lots of changes in our neighbors. I have heard that about 400 houses will be built surround our church. I have believed that God has given us a great opportunity to reach out to new people. What is our vision for the next 10 years? Where are we heading? What is God up to among us? We are planning to make a Vision Committee to process and compare our vision to that of the Old Testament prophet mentioned above. I recall that when the Lord replied and gave Habakkuk the vision for his day and time, God said, Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that read it. (Habakkuk 2:2) The prophet was then filled with a sure and certain hope in God and he had the passion to share this hope with his community in need. First of all the Vision Committee will gather without agenda only praying that prayer of Jesus: Yet not what I want, but what you want. (Matthew 26:39) We want to hear what God wants us to do and to be in our community. After much prayer and study, it is given to you from the Vision Committee who have been praying and seeking God s will and future for Christ s church at Immanuel. I would like to invite you to join the Vision Committee. It is my prayer that we will share with sure and certain hope the witness of God s love in Jesus Christ to those in our community. I pray that we will unite toward a common vision and purpose as we effectively Share God s Hope, Love and Healing, with a world and community in need. In Christ s peace, Rev. Jonathan Churho Lee

3 LOVE, LEARN AND LEAP Jon Hall, Director of Children/Youth Ministries Look a Squirrel Our pup Monty (short for Montana) loves to bark pretty much at any creature that moves, but she is particularly fond of squirrels. To us we think that this squirrel looks like the last one, why worry about barking at it. Earth to Monty squirrels are not that exciting. However, for some reason there is a connection in her brain that tells her this squirrel is so exciting, this is unlike any other she has ever seen. This genuine excitement reminds me of Jesus teaching about who the kingdom of heaven belongs to (Matthew 18: 2-5). Jesus says unless we change and become like little children we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. To me this is a reminder that life should be lived to its fullest, that even the most mundane things in this world could be exciting. When we see God s beauty all around us or His faithfulness to us, what if we imagined this was our first time seeing it? Maybe each of us have our own Monty (animal or otherwise) that is excited when he/she sees something. Next time when I point out a squirrel to Monty, I will thank her for reminding me that this squirrel is not the same as the last one but even if it is, it does not make it less fascinating. The world is full of newness and potential when we see it from the perspective of a child or in this case a dog. YOUTH LOCK-IN SATURDAY, MARCH 10 AT 7PM PREPARE FOR LOTS OF FUN! ARE YOU READY?? P A N C A K E B R E A K F A S T Bring your friends and your entire family!! Sponsored by Immanuel Youth *Great opportunity to support Immanuel Youth! FROZEN SOUP SALE Due to popular demand... the United Methodist Women of Immanuel are planning another soup sale. A variety of soups will be on sale. They will be frozen and all you have to do is buy some, heat it up and ENJOY! SUNDAY, MARCH 11 *BOTH EVENTS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORSHIP

4 MISSIONS What s for lunch? Did you know that 1 in 10 persons in Minnesota don t have enough food to answer that question. March is Food Share month. This provides a great opportunity to fight hunger because CROSS has access to matching dollars from a statewide fund and for every $1 of money or food donated, they can purchase $9 worth of food. Over 50% of the approximate 5,000 individuals CROSS serves each month are children. Over 20% are seniors. Along with food, hundreds of families address concerns such as employment, mental health counseling, finances/budgeting, vehicle repairs and medical insurance. CROSS has developed multiple outreach programs to help those without transportation. This includes KidPack Weekend Food for Kids, Mobile Food Outreach to 6 sites and Meals on Wheels. Please bring your nonperishable food items and/or monetary gifts especially during March. Sunday, March 4 - focus on breakfast items Sunday, March 11 - focus on lunch Sunday, March 18 - focus on dinner Sunday, March 25 - focus on other items (cleaners, paper items, etc.) All checks may be made payable to Immanuel. Please designate in memo: CROSS. Thank you. UMCOR Sunday, March 11 Each year, we join United Methodists worldwide on the fourth Sunday of Lent in observing UMCOR Sunday (formerly called One Great Hour of Sharing.) This special offering is vital to the support of the United Methodist committee on Relief and its humanitarian ministries. On behalf of the United Methodist Church, UMCOR brings relief when catastrophe strikes. We are present in disaster areas all over the world with aid and along with food, clothing, shelter, and medical help - we stay to assist survivors rebuild lives. From building wells to feeding school children to establishing medical clinics in remote villages, we are hope for millions in nearly 80 countries in the world. Checks may be made payable to Immanuel designated to UMCOR Sunday.

5 HELPING HANDS REACHING OUT COLLECTION FOR MARCH PANCAKE MIX & PANCAKE SYRUP Each month churches in our community are assigned specific foods or household items to collect. If you would like to donate, please drop off items in the newly updated box located at the church entry. EASTER OFFERING The Easter offering will go 1/2 toward apportionments and 1/2 toward the support of Ardell and Gordon Graner, United Methodist missionaries in the Dominican Republic. Apportionments provide the financial backbone for our United Methodist Church. Along with administrative costs, apportionments are mission dollars that build new churches, pay missionary salaries, provide leadership for youth ministry and much more. As people of faith our giving is a powerful channel of Christ s love. Gordon & Ardell Graner Missionaries to the Dominican Republic There is a recent newsletter on the mission bulletin board from the Graners. It tells of a young pastor that serves two churches but lives on a salary of $200 USD a month. This is about $500 a month short of what they would need to have even a hint of security and comfort. They are faithful servants of Jesus and yet they are hungry and thirsty. The Graners have ministries that support Solar Ovens, Provide Clean Water and help the Children of the Dominican Republic. IT S NOT TO EARLY TO START SORTING THROUGH YOUR UNWANTED TREASURES! Start cleaning out your closets, basements, garages and attics, then SAVE items for upcoming Rummage Sale. Sale Dates: Thursday, April 19, Friday, April 20, Saturday, April 21 The sale is held indoors. You may bring items starting Sunday, April 1st. Items should be in reasonably good condition. No TV s or computers please.

6 PRAYER & PRAISE - Thursday, March 22 Prayer & Praise is Back! Prayer & Praise is a new interactive service offered on the 4 th Thursday of the month at 7pm. This relaxed, minute service offers an opportunity for you to pray aloud, pray silently, and sing hymns of praise and petition. Children are welcome and are led by John Hall in their own prayer experience. Take a step of faith and see what this service is all about. Discover the power of prayer! Upcoming Prayer & Praise Thursday, March 22 Thursday, April 26 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100 CHOIRS & PRAISE TEAM Immanuel UMC is proud of their adult choir, known as the Joyful Noise Choir. Our choir has a philosophy. It comes from James 5:13, which says, Are any [among you] cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. We are not the Mormon Tabernacle. We are a small choir with a huge heart. We sing because we re happy and we love to praise God. All children, Pre-K thru 6 th Grade, are invited to join the Hallelujah Choir. We rehearse every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. before Sunday School in the sanctuary. We generally sing the third Sunday of each month. We do special music and would love to have you join us! Songs are easily memorized and words will be printed and handed out for your kids to practice at home. All interested, contact Chris Lee at cjammerlee@gmail.com or I m always excited to see new faces! PRAISE The Praise Team has been busy learning new repertoire, playing in worship, and being part of the PRAYER & PRAISE services. We sing, pray and play together, praising the Lord in all we do. We would love to have new members - singers and instrumentalists welcome. We rehearse most Monday nights at 7pm. Just drop in, or give Joanie or Dennis a call or .

7 CHURCH EVENTS Tuesday, March 20 9:30AM *Meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday Ladies, please join us for this special time of fellowship, devotion and a short meeting. Want to know more? Contact Linda Gleason ALWAYS the 2nd Saturday of each month! March 10 at 9:00AM All men are invited! Enjoy a wonderful breakfast, devotions and share joys & concerns. It s definitely a group you want to belong to at Immanuel! Need more information? Contact Gary Brass ATTENTION LADIES! Join others for a monthly lunch at Lynde s Restaurant. There is always good fellowship and laughter. Never attended? This is a special invite and great opportunity to get better acquainted with everyone. Please let Alice Anderson know that you are able to attend so she can make reservations. Thursday, March 22 at 11:30AM Held on the fourth Thursday of each month Dinner & A Movie Night Sunday, April 15 4:00-7:00 pm Same Kind of Different As Me will be shown at 4:00pm in the sanctuary. The movie is about a successful businessman Ron Hall and his wife, Deborah who discover a renewed sense of purpose when they begin to volunteer at a local mission in Fort Worth, Texas. Their lives change forever when they develop an unlikely friendship with Denver Moore, a homeless man who inspires them to save their struggling marriage. The movie will be followed by a delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich Supper provided by the Growth & Hospitality Team

8 REFLECTIVE READING Homeless Pastor Jeremiah Steepek Teaches His New Congregation a Lesson in Being Christian. Pastor Jeremiah Steepek (pictured) transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church where he was to be introduced as the head pastor that morning. He walked around his soon-to-be church for 30 minutes while it was filling up with people for the service only 3 people out of 7-10,000 said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food. NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back. He greeted people only to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him. As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements. The elders were excited to introduce the new pastor to the congregation we would like to introduce Pastor Jeremiah Steepek everyone looked around clapping with joy and anticipation...the homeless man sitting in the back stood up...and started walking down the aisle...the clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him...he walked to the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on all of this). He paused for a moment...then he recited: then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. The righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. After he had recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them what he had experienced that morning...many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame...he then said Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples...when will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed the service until the next week. Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It is something that you live by and share with others.

9 CONFERENCE CONNECTIONS All United Methodist churches are connected through shared mission and ministry and united in their efforts to grow in love of God and neighbor, reach new people, and heal a broken world. Check out these news tidbits from the Minnesota Annual Conference, which serves all 350 United Methodist churches in the state. The ELI Project seeks interns, host churches for 2018: Churches need passionate young leaders, and young leaders need opportunities to discover their gifts for ministry. Since 2014, The ELI Project has been pairing college -age students with clergy mentors, giving each an opportunity to lead, grow, and learn. Interns explore vocational ministry in a paid, hands-on learning experience within a host congregation internship dates are May 29- Aug. 5. Apply by March 1, Please share this opportunity with any college students you know who might be curious about a future in ministry. Churches can also apply to host an intern this summer. Learn more at eliprojectmn.com. What are you doing this summer? Camp Minnesota is ready for you! Camp Minnesota is excited to announce registration for 2018 summer camping programs is open. Program information and registration details are available at campminnesota.org, and brochures are available at your local church. This summer, experience Christ, Creation, and Community at one of three beautiful Minnesota locations! BRIGHT SPOTS IN OUR MIDST When we don t limit God: Church raises over $150,000 for 150 th anniversary: Randy Koppen was the new pastor at First UMC in Redwood Falls. He felt that God was tapping him on the shoulder to invite the church to mark its 150 th anniversary by giving $150,000 to the community. This seemed like a pretty outrageous idea for a church that has 140 people in attendance on a Sunday morning. Church leaders decided on a three-fold plan. $50,000 would go to three local organizations: a food bank, an early-childhood education center, and a local park; $50,000 would go to the church s audio/visual system update; and $50,000 would be the money members donated on their own to non-profits in At first, church leaders got a lot of you re nuts! reactions. But First UMC learned that when we don t put limits on God, amazing things can happen. The money collected surpassed the $150,000 goal by 44%. Koppen says it s his hope that as other churches celebrate a special event, they know that it doesn t take a big church to make a big impact on the community. Tiny church decides to grow or die trying, doubles worship attendance: Two years ago, Gilbert UMC faced a tough future. Average worship attendance had declined to 11 people. They could only afford 1/10 th of a pastor s time. Instead of giving up or cutting back on expenses, they chose to go all in. They made a commitment to seek a half-time pastor and to learn how to reach their community together. They were going to grow or die trying. Two years later, average worship attendance at Gilbert UMC has nearly doubled to 19. There is an active children s ministry and the church has a new reputation in town. As one city official commented, I don t know what it is with your church. You are always doing something for the community. Other churches just want the community to help them. STAY CONNECTED! Like the Minnesota Annual Conference on Facebook, follow the conference on Twitter and Instagram (@MinnesotaUMC), and sign up (at for e-newsletters. For more information visit

10 REMEMBER IN PRAYER Health - Recovery - Strength Thanks Deb Cupryna for the beautiful handmade banners. They look great in our church. The Fine Arts committee Dan Klapperich thanks you for your prayers, visits and the many birthday cards he received. * * * * * * * * * NEW ADDRESS & PHONE Dan Klapperich has moved into a different room at Hillcrest of Wayzata. Hillcrest of Wayzata, Room Wayzata Blvd. Wayzata, MN This also changes his land line phone to He is not always able to reach the phone and it will take him a long time, so let it ring times. Then try his cell phone at after waking him up with the land line. NEW S Gene & Mary Ann Rick genemaryrick@gmail.com Jon Hall jonhalliumc@gmail.com CHURCH OFFICE DEADLINES Weekly Bulletin: All information and news should be in the church office by 8AM each Thursday. Newsletter Deadline: Submit articles and information for APRIL 2018 by Sunday - MARCH 18th. Mailing Crew: Meets on Wednesday, March 22 at 10AM. Contact Info: office@immanuelumc.church Ed Maunu - Ed is now recovering at home. Pray for renewed strength and complete healing. Gene Rick - Prayers as he continues special treatment. Prayers for strength and successful treatment. Praise that he has done so well this far into treatment. Shirley Webster s grandson-in-law, Anthony He is losing his eyesight and they are unable to resolve the problem of removing the cyst on his pituitary gland. Please pray for this young family. Dan Klapperich - Continue to pray that he receive the therapy and treatments needed. Karen reports that he is doing quite well. Dan appreciates hearing from you. John Cupryna Prayers for complete recovery from a brain aneurysm. John continues at North Ridge TCU, th Ave. N. Room 710, New Hope. John is slowly progressing with lots of PT/OT therapy. Pray specifically for him to advance with trach with speaking valve. Deb thanks everyone for continued prayers, hugs and support for their family. Cinda, Paul and Sherry Kuhn s daughter - Prayers as she continues her struggle with kidney disease. Patty Provo (nursery attendant s mom)- Prayers for healing and medical wisdom. She is hoping to come home soon. Jacob Cupryna - Pray for a healing miracle for hearing issues. He continues is deal with extreme hearing loss. Ashley and Gama Xitumul - Prayers for missionary members as they continue their ministry with Mobile Hope. Paula Gehrke s sisters, Carmen and Marla - Both are struggling with cancer. Pray for God s healing touch. Also, pray for Paula as she supports her sister s through this health journey. Pastor Jonathan, Diane and boys - Pray for the Lord to strengthen and guide them as they work with us to serve our church so faithfully. Continue to Pray - For church members that deal so gracefully with health issues on an ongoing basis. Also, pray for all those that are dealing with mental health issues. Missionaries - Gordon & Ardell Graner - Pray for our missionaries as they serve in the Dominican Republic. Prayers for our country and leaders that there may be peace & harmony. How are you doing with the Lenten Prayer Calendar? Share with someone what is happening for you. Please call or or elcaswell@comcast.net with prayer requests. Also, updates on prayer requests that are left on the list longer than two weeks are appreciated. Lois Caswell, Prayer Ministries Coordinator

11 DATE LAY READER USHERS Peace Candle Lighters March 4 Paul Kuhn Gary & Leah Brass Head Ushers Stan & Jewell Albrecht Carol Cody March 11 Mary Pieri Earl Caswell & Kris Caswell Head Ushers Melissa & Jack Schad Linda Gleason March 18 Jon Hall Gene & Mary Ann Rick Head Ushers Jan Jette & Jeanine Zanosko Melody, Kevin, Mac, Kaline Merges March 25 Keith Schad Steve & Marilyn Rickson Head Ushers Bob & Jean McFarlane Schad Family DATE FELLOWSHIP SERVERS GREETER(S) FLOWERS March 4 Carri Loken Kris Caswell March 11 Linda Gleason Jewell Albrecht For Kaline Merges Birthday March 18 Jan Jette Alice Anderson March 25 Pereda Family Pereda Family Acolytes (Fourth through Sixth Graders) Nathan Lee, Kaline Merges, Graham Pereda, Jack Schad, Morgan Weeks, Gavin Dupont, Caleb Lee, Madison Murray, Liliana Mendez