Digital Sign Variance–When we replaced all of our site signage in 2008 the city had not developed their ordinances governing digital signs and they imposed a restriction that we could only change the copy once a day. This proved to be a hardship for us to provide information about our services and other events. We processed the variance thru the city and received neighborhood approval. We received approval on January 19^th to allow us to change the copy on an as needed basis.

LED Lighting on stairs–We added recessed can LED lighting on each of the stairs to the Social Hall. This lighting does provide a higher foot-candle level of lighting on the stairs for safety.

Information Center–We have approved the installation of a new information center on the west wall of Carlson Hall. The information center will have a slat wall panel to hold the information brochures in a more organized fashion. The center will also have an iPad to access more detailed information from our church website.

North Balcony Stained Glass Windows–We have removed the windows in the North Balcony of the Sanctuary and are having them renovated and they should be reinstalled before Easter. This is part of our ongoing program of renovating one of they large windows every year. The windows have a normal lifespan of 100 years between renovations.

Elevator Replacement–The 1948 elevator serving the sanctuary and social hall must be replaced. The state and city requirements require that we upgrade the elevator to meet current codes. We will be replacing the entire elevator system in the same shaft. Because we are changing from a traction elevator to a hydraulic system we will have a larger cab to facilitate handicapped accessibility. We have received the bids for the construction and the work will start on June 4^th and be complete in 6 to 8 weeks.

Accessible Toilets and Stage Renovation–We will be converting the existing men’s toilet on the social hall level to serve as a machine room for the new elevator. The existing toilets do not meet the requirements for the amount of people that utilize the social hall and they do not meet handicapped accessibility requirements. We will work with Kodet Architects to design new toilets that will be in the northern part of the existing stage area. The existing stage will be renovated to provide an accessible platform projecting into the social hall.

Church of Youth–Thanks to a generous donation by a family in our congregation we will be renovating the lighting and other issues that need attention in the Church of Youth in the coming months.

The Trustees are completing the annual review of the church structure and overall the building has been well maintained by our custodial staff and the recyclers and we do not anticipate any large maintenance items.

Submitted by, Keith Sjoquist, Chair of Trustees

It all started last winter when a group of boys got inspired to start their own Hennepin Church Youth Basketball Team. One of the youth volunteers and member at Hennepin Church, Connor Molloy, did some research and discovered the Augsburg College Church Youth Basketball League (ACCYL). The purpose of ACCYL is to provide relaxed, yet structured games in a Christian setting, allowing students an opportunity for fun and exercise while building relationships with teammates, opponents, and God. Through these games and practices, Christian values are promoted throughout the coaching ranks and spiritual growth is encouraged within each team and individual. Devotions, prayers, and community service are a part of each team’s experience.

The team spirit is contagious when watching these young men interact with one another on the court. They care about playing well and playing fair. Watching from the sidelines, you notice immediately that this is not an ordinary game. These young men participate in devotions before each game…any player missing the devotions is not allowed to participate in the game. Additionally, the league rules are clear that players cannot talk back to (or argue with) the referees. Spectators and team mates are encouraged to cheer for their teams using only positive and encouraging language. And equal playing time is expected so players of all ability levels can experience fun.

What struck me as I watched the students play and engage in fellowship was that roughly half of the boys had little or no association with Hennepin Church prior to joining this basketball team. Basketball teams need five players on the court and a deep bench is preferable. However, as the boys pressed toward their dream of a basketball team, they struggled to find other youth group boys who were available to play. So they stepped outside of church and into their schools, looking for friends to join their team. They invited friends to play on a league and in the process of spending more time with their friends, they get the chance to share their faith with one another. These young men are practicing beloved community. They have invited friends to join in a fun activity that has focus and meaning. Basketball is just a game but through this league these boys can strengthen friendships through Christ and that will last longer than just a season of bball.

Knowing what is right or wrong on any issue is important. Yet is it enough from a faith perspective? When absolutely certain, can any one of us be open to the truth as expressed and believed by our neighbor if different from out own? Is there anything so certain to me or you that nothing could change our minds? Can’t that be a frightening thought? Read the scripture from Paul to the Corinthians. You might think it is about what to eat. What else is it about?

Sunday, January 29th Worship at 9:30 AM

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13

Preacher: Bruce Robbins, “The Step Beyond: Remembering What is Most Important.”

Click here for the 9:30 AM Bulletin.

When has God called you to do something difficult? Did you end up doing it? How were you changed in the process? How did your understanding of God change? Find some time this week to share your story with someone. We all need to hear stories of God’s call.

January, 22, 2012 Sunday Worship at 9:30 AM

Scripture Lesson: Jonah 1:1–3, 3:1–10

Preacher: Leah Rosso, “A Modest Proposal”

Click Here to read the bulletin for this service.

In The Book of Secrets, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 2004) a healing relationship is based on awarenesses. Both partners work to break old habits that promote suffering. We have to walk a fine line, because compassion means that we appreciate the suffering someone else is experiencing, as well as your own. Yet at the same time there has to be detachment, making sure that suffering, no matter how real, isn’t the dominant reality.

The attitudes that make for a healing relationship become part of a vision you hold for yourself and the other person.

For instance: ‘I won’t let you go through this alone. or ‘I am not going to leave you.”  These statements may cause burden and/or illness for all the individuals involved. We can however, become mindful, campassionate and truly interested and engaged with their suffering, yet, we need to know our healing boundaries and limitations in order for this healing realtionship to be truly ongoing and healthy.

A healing relationship maintains proper balance with self and others.

How is your healing and how healthy are your relationships?

Do you want to meet other young adults at Hennepin? Have a space where you can talk about faith stuff without offending anyone? Share ideas with others? The Dinner Groups at Hennepin meet once a month in people’s homes. They are made up of 6–10 people that want to connect with others and with God. Every four months or so we all get together to get to know other people, create new groups, and give people a chance to swap groups depending on schedules, friends, etc.

Two more groups will be started in February, and many groups have 1–2 openings for new people.

Come enjoy dinner on January 31st from 6:30–8:30pm. Meet some new people, enjoy good food, and see what you think! There’s no pressure to join a Dinner Group. Anyone can come to the party!

The Church Conference voted unanimously Jan. 14 to create a significant new chapter in the 50 year history of Koinonia Retreat Center (KRC), our retreat and conference center on Lake Sylvia, just west of Annandale.

The vote puts three actions into motion:

1. A commitment from the Administrative Council to increase awareness and support for Koinonia in the life of the church, especially to further the theme of “Practicing Beloved Community.”

2. An invitation for all Hennepin community members to be involved in efforts to support Koinonia.  (More on that later.)

3. A charge to the KRC Board of Directors to present a ministry plan, supported by a strategic business plan, no later than the June meeting of the Administrative Council.  If the Ad Council does not adopt the plan, the Church Conference empowered Hennepin to sell Koinonia.

With this vote, we have less than five months to reimagine what we want Koinonia to be, not for our past but for our future.  Would you like to help?  If so, contact Jeff Smith (jeffsmith24@comcast.net), the incoming KRC Board Chair.

We are especially eager to have parents of young children join us.  They are the future of our church and a generation sure to benefit from a strong and robust retreat center where they can learn about God’s creation, make new friends and have lots of fun.

Like the Lake Sylvia willow tree pictured here, Koinonia is a green oasis of love in a world filled with too much alienation.  Please help us deepen its roots and spread its branches.