July 26, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Important Dates

July 28 Newsletter Folding
July 29 – Aug. 2 General Assembly
Aug 6 IOCP Earl Cup Golf Tournament www.iocp.org
Aug 7-9 Vacation Bible School
Aug 8 Feed My Starving Children 11:30 am – 2:30pm
Brooklyn Park FMSC
Aug 9 VBS Foodshelf collection
Aug 12, 26 Midsummer Night’s Gathering 7 pm
Aug 17 Youth Outing 7 pm
Aug 21 Senior Lunch 11:30 am
Lakeshore Grill
Aug 29 School for Congregational Learning

A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure

Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

July Mission Focus: Unbinding the Gospel

August Mission Focus: Hunger No More

Vacation Bible School

August 7-9

This year our VBS theme will be “Hunger No More”. The children will discuss the issue of hunger throughout the world and what we can do to combat it. The weekend will include a mission trip to Feed My Starving Children on Sat. August 9 for children in 3rd grade or above. For more information or to register, please go to pccc.pbworks.com/Vacation-Bible-School-2009, look for materials in the Narthex, or call the church office to have a registration form mailed to you. Registration Deadline – Aug. 2

Sing with the choir this summer!

The choir will be performing songs throughout the summer in addition to solo performances. Anyone who can make the rehearsal and the scheduled Sunday is welcome to participate. Rehearsals will take place after worship on the Sunday prior to the performance. The next rehearsal will be on August 16 for the August 23 service.

Food Packaging Event

Saturday Aug. 8

11:30 AM -1:30 PM

Come join our VBS youth at this FMSC event. We have 24 spots to fill so we need you! If you will be able to attend, please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office at secretary@plymouthcreek.org or 763-559-1469

Save the Date!

2009 School for Congregational Learning

August 29, 2009

Spirit

Past, Present, & Future

Valley Southwoods Freshman High School,

West Des Moines, Iowa

Inspiring Worship

Intuitive Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm Executive Administrator, Christian Churches Together

Insightful Celebration

Invigorating Workshops (Including one led by Pastor Shane)

~Friday August 28th Kickoff~

6:00 PM Picnic ~West Des Moines Christian Church

Reenactment ~ Signing of the Declaration & Address

by Rev. John Bolen

2009 Honeywell Concert Band Schedule

Jeremae Francis, Director

Aug. 9 – Sun. 7 PM – Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN

Aug. 11 – Tue. 7:30 PM – Lake Harriet Band Shell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Food Drive

As Part of VBS, our youth will be collecting food and donations on August 9th. Please bring your food or monetary donations to church on the 9th to help support their efforts.

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!

July 19, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Important Dates

July 15 Youth Frisbee Golf Outing 5:30 pm
July 21 Board Meeting 7 pm - Rescheduled
July 22 Midsummer Night’s Gathering 7 pm - St. Edward the Confessor
July 24 Scrapbooking 7 pm

Calling All Gardeners! (and any who just like dirt…)

We had a Mission Gathering in May, and a few people hung around after church to chat about the church’s mission activities, make decisions about the future, and discern further God’s vision for our work together. It was a wonderful meeting, and we have an idea to float your way…

One of our church’s untapped blessings is the land around us, and I continue to hope along with many of you that God will lead us to know how best to use that for God’s greater good. Perhaps, in time, we will be called to develop that property with larger facilities to accommodate numerical growth. Until then, it remains an attractive lawn where child-care children and others can run and play on occasion, but otherwise sits dormant. Well, in last month’s Board Meeting, I asked the church to share a goal and vision with me for the upcoming fall- Community Outreach and Hospitality to Families. Let’s use this summer to prepare to redouble our efforts in autumn to let our neighborhood know that Plymouth Creek is a church that loves its neighbors and their families. As we do that, we should consider what resources we have already, and how we might use those more effectively.

Which is where mission and gardeners come in. What would you say to opening up some of our property to a Community Garden, starting Spring 2010? The idea is simple- we invite our neighbors to till and plant some veggies and flowers on our land, providing a safe outlet for families to work outdoors, while also growing food for people in need. You might want to do some planting, or help manage the garden. Or perhaps you might just enjoy another opportunity to meet your neighbors, while serving their wants and needs.

Can we do this? I don’t know, but it’s worth a conversation. There’s a lot to consider; soil conditions, community outreach, city restrictions, capitol investment, tending the garden, etc. So that’s where I need your expertise. Some of you know much already about gardens, and we all could use your wisdom in thinking this through. Some of you may be more like me, intrigued about learning a new task, but uncertain how exactly to do this gardening stuff. So will you do me a favor? Tear off the bottom of this sheet, if you’re interested, and put it in the collection plate during the offering time (or just return it to the church office). I’ll gather all the responses and be touch for a conversation about community gardening. Is this a way you think you can help serve your neighbors and build bridges into our community? If so, I’ll look forward to a conversation soon, and perhaps even sharing a shovel!

If you are interested in discussing a Plymouth Creek Community Garden, please contact Pastor Shane at pastor@plymouthcreek.org or 763-559-1469.

A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure

Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

July Mission Focus: Unbinding the Gospel

Youth, Food and Frisbee Golf!

Along with Plymouth Presbyterian and St. Edwards the Confessor, Plymouth Creek youth are invited to a cookout and Frisbee golf outing on July 15th, from 5:30-7:30 PM. We will meet up at Parker's Lake Park, do some grilling, meet some new folk from other churches, and then go toss 'the bee' around a bit. The churches will provide meat and food for grilling (Pastor Shane will probably be wearing an apron!); please plan to bring a side dish or some drinks, as well as a Frisbee to 'golf' with. If you're planning to come, let us know what you're bringing. And if you have any questions, or need to arrange a ride to and from, call Pastor Shane.

Vacation Bible School

August 7-9

This year our VBS theme will be “Hunger No More”. The children will discuss the issue of hunger throughout the world and what we can do to combat it. The weekend will include a mission trip to Feed My Starving Children on Sat. August 9 for children in 3rd grade or above. For more information or to register, please go to pccc.pbworks.com/Vacation-Bible-School-2009, look for materials in the Narthex, or call the church office to have a registration form mailed to you.

Sing with the choir this summer!

The choir will be performing songs throughout the summer in addition to solo performances. Anyone who can make the rehearsal and the scheduled Sunday is welcome to participate. Rehearsals will take place after worship on the Sunday prior to the performance. The first rehearsal will be on July 19 for the July 26 service.

Food Packaging Event

Saturday Aug. 8

11:30 AM -1:30 PM

Come join our VBS youth at this FMSC event. We have 24 spots to fill so we need you! If you will be able to attend, please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office at secretary@plymouthcreek.org or 763-559-1469

Good News!

Minnesota FoodShare’s 2009 March Campaign Exceeds Goal and Raises 33 Percent More than 2008 Campaign

The results are in! The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign raised 12,020,197 pounds of food and dollars combined. This is over 2 million more than the 2009 goal and a 33 percent increase over the total raised in 2008. The March Campaign is the largest food drive in the state and unique event because 100 percent of the 4.6 million pounds of food and 7.4 million dollars the Campaign raised will go directly to Minnesota food shelves.

“The results are especially exciting given our current economic climate,” said Sue Kainz, Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign coordinator, “The March Campaign began in response to the tough economic times of the early 1980’s and it has continued to grow. As more Minnesotans turn to their local food shelves for support, more of their neighbors are giving what they can to help.”

This year cash donations made up 62 percent of the campaign total. This is especially meaningful because due to their access to discount product and programs, food shelves can stretch each dollar donated into approximately four pounds of food. After doing the math, that means the campaign will achieve in 34.3 million pounds, nearly two-thirds of the total food distributed by Minnesota food shelves annually.

Kainz reminds us that although the March Campaign was a great success, food shelves need support year-round, especially during the lean summer months when donations are down and need is up because hungry children do not have access to school lunch programs.

For more information about the March Campaign, please visit www.gmcc.org/foodshare/marchcampaign. Minnesota FoodShare is a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC) which operates a family of social service programs and recruits support across denominational lines to help Minnesota families living in poverty. GMCC unites people of faith to serve people in need.

IOCP's Earl Cup Golf Tournament August 6

Sign up now (www.iocp.org) for Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners' Earl Cup Golf Tournament at Baker National Golf Course on Thursday, August 6. Enjoy playing 18 holes on a beautiful course, a great picnic dinner, awards, prizes, and live auction. $150/golfer; $600/foursome. Corporate sponsorships available (contact Nancy Holden—nholden@iocp.org or 952-288-2570).

Registration and putting contest begin at 10:30 a.m., tee off at 11:30 a.m. Host sponsor: Anchor Bank. Proceeds support the work of Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners.

Save the Date!

2009 School for Congregational Learning

August 29, 2009

Spirit

Past, Present, & Future

Valley Southwoods Freshman High School,

West Des Moines, Iowa

Inspiring Worship

Intuitive Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm Executive Administrator, Christian Churches Together

Insightful Celebration

Invigorating Workshops (Including one led by Pastor Shane)

~Friday August 28th Kickoff~

6:00 PM Picnic ~West Des Moines Christian Church

Reenactment ~ Signing of the Declaration & Address

by Rev. John Bolen

Unbinding the Gospel Update

A few months back, the congregation voted to explore the Unbinding the Gospel process that Rev. Isaac and the Board laid out in a series of meetings and newsletter articles. The purpose was to encourage the congregation to learn together, understanding more deeply and courageously the topics of faith sharing and prayer. It’s an exciting idea, and we look forward to where God will lead us in that venture. Since that vote, it has become clear that the timeline proposed to the church was a bit too ambitious, given current demands on people’s time and the plans we’d made already regarding this year of “Open-Armed Adventure.” So we’ve listened to people’s ideas and concerns, prayed for clearer discernment, and have come to a new conclusion about a more empowering ‘way forward.’

This Summer, beginning on July 12th, Rev. Isaac will lead an Adult Sunday School on the book Unbinding the Gospel. Through July and August, we invite people who are intrigued by the study to join us as we read and reflect together. This is similar to our previous proposal, but with two significant changes. 1) If you chose to join us this summer, we are not asking that you commit to leading another small group sometime in the future. We are still looking forward to a congregation-wide study of these resources (perhaps next Lent), but we’ve learned that some are hesitant about committing to leadership at this time. We don’t want that, however, to get in the way of your experiencing some good fruits, so come just prepared to learn and to share. 2) Because the timing of the study and our current situation, we feel it would be unwise to force a congregation-wide study before we’re ready. So we will not plan for a Fall E-vent, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going forward. Instead, we want to take a little more time for the ideas to sink in and work their way through the congregation, and be carefully attentive to the reality of who we are at this time. Look for further announcements as the process moves forward, in a more organic fashion.

So what do you think? Will you attend Summer School, and open yourself to learning more about your faith, and sharing that faith? Living in deeper intimacy with God through prayer? If you can’t make every session because of summer schedules, that’s just fine, don’t let that stop you. Because this could very well be an unforgettable summer adventure!

2009 Honeywell Concert Band Schedule

Jeremae Francis, Director

Jul. 26 – Sun. 7 PM – Centennial Lakes, 7701 France Ave. S, Edina, MN

Aug. 9 – Sun. 7 PM – Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN

Aug. 11 – Tue. 7:30 PM – Lake Harriet Band Shell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!

June 12, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Important Dates

July 15 Youth Frisbee Golf Outing 5:30 pm
July 21 Board Meeting 7 pm - Rescheduled
July 22 Midsummer Night’s Gathering 7 pm - St. Edward the Confessor
July 24 Scrapbooking 7 pm

Calling All Gardeners! (and any who just like dirt…)

We had a Mission Gathering in May, and a few people hung around after church to chat about the church’s mission activities, make decisions about the future, and discern further God’s vision for our work together. It was a wonderful meeting, and we have an idea to float your way…

One of our church’s untapped blessings is the land around us, and I continue to hope along with many of you that God will lead us to know how best to use that for God’s greater good. Perhaps, in time, we will be called to develop that property with larger facilities to accommodate numerical growth. Until then, it remains an attractive lawn where child-care children and others can run and play on occasion, but otherwise sits dormant. Well, in last month’s Board Meeting, I asked the church to share a goal and vision with me for the upcoming fall- Community Outreach and Hospitality to Families. Let’s use this summer to prepare to redouble our efforts in autumn to let our neighborhood know that Plymouth Creek is a church that loves its neighbors and their families. As we do that, we should consider what resources we have already, and how we might use those more effectively.

Which is where mission and gardeners come in. What would you say to opening up some of our property to a Community Garden, starting Spring 2010? The idea is simple- we invite our neighbors to till and plant some veggies and flowers on our land, providing a safe outlet for families to work outdoors, while also growing food for people in need. You might want to do some planting, or help manage the garden. Or perhaps you might just enjoy another opportunity to meet your neighbors, while serving their wants and needs.

Can we do this? I don’t know, but it’s worth a conversation. There’s a lot to consider; soil conditions, community outreach, city restrictions, capitol investment, tending the garden, etc. So that’s where I need your expertise. Some of you know much already about gardens, and we all could use your wisdom in thinking this through. Some of you may be more like me, intrigued about learning a new task, but uncertain how exactly to do this gardening stuff. So will you do me a favor? Tear off the bottom of this sheet, if you’re interested, and put it in the collection plate during the offering time (or just return it to the church office). I’ll gather all the responses and be touch for a conversation about community gardening. Is this a way you think you can help serve your neighbors and build bridges into our community? If so, I’ll look forward to a conversation soon, and perhaps even sharing a shovel!

If you are interested in discussing a Plymouth Creek Community Garden, please contact Pastor Shane at pastor@plymouthcreek.org or 763-559-1469.

A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure

Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

July Mission Focus: Unbinding the Gospel

Youth, Food and Frisbee Golf!

Along with Plymouth Presbyterian and St. Edwards the Confessor, Plymouth Creek youth are invited to a cookout and Frisbee golf outing on July 15th, from 5:30-7:30 PM. We will meet up at Parker's Lake Park, do some grilling, meet some new folk from other churches, and then go toss 'the bee' around a bit. The churches will provide meat and food for grilling (Pastor Shane will probably be wearing an apron!); please plan to bring a side dish or some drinks, as well as a Frisbee to 'golf' with. If you're planning to come, let us know what you're bringing. And if you have any questions, or need to arrange a ride to and from, call Pastor Shane.

Vacation Bible School

August 7-9

This year our VBS theme will be “Hunger No More”. The children will discuss the issue of hunger throughout the world and what we can do to combat it. The weekend will include a mission trip to Feed My Starving Children on Sat. August 9 for children in 3rd grade or above. For more information or to register, please go to pccc.pbworks.com/Vacation-Bible-School-2009, look for materials in the Narthex, or call the church office to have a registration form mailed to you.

Sing with the choir this summer!

The choir will be performing songs throughout the summer in addition to solo performances. Anyone who can make the rehearsal and the scheduled Sunday is welcome to participate. Rehearsals will take place after worship on the Sunday prior to the performance. The first rehearsal will be on July 19 for the July 26 service.

Food Packaging Event

Saturday Aug. 8

11:30 AM -1:30 PM

Come join our VBS youth at this FMSC event. We have 24 spots to fill so we need you! If you will be able to attend, please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office at secretary@plymouthcreek.org or 763-559-1469

Good News!

Minnesota FoodShare’s 2009 March Campaign Exceeds Goal and Raises 33 Percent More than 2008 Campaign

The results are in! The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign raised 12,020,197 pounds of food and dollars combined. This is over 2 million more than the 2009 goal and a 33 percent increase over the total raised in 2008. The March Campaign is the largest food drive in the state and unique event because 100 percent of the 4.6 million pounds of food and 7.4 million dollars the Campaign raised will go directly to Minnesota food shelves.

“The results are especially exciting given our current economic climate,” said Sue Kainz, Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign coordinator, “The March Campaign began in response to the tough economic times of the early 1980’s and it has continued to grow. As more Minnesotans turn to their local food shelves for support, more of their neighbors are giving what they can to help.”

This year cash donations made up 62 percent of the campaign total. This is especially meaningful because due to their access to discount product and programs, food shelves can stretch each dollar donated into approximately four pounds of food. After doing the math, that means the campaign will achieve in 34.3 million pounds, nearly two-thirds of the total food distributed by Minnesota food shelves annually.

Kainz reminds us that although the March Campaign was a great success, food shelves need support year-round, especially during the lean summer months when donations are down and need is up because hungry children do not have access to school lunch programs.

For more information about the March Campaign, please visit www.gmcc.org/foodshare/marchcampaign. Minnesota FoodShare is a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC) which operates a family of social service programs and recruits support across denominational lines to help Minnesota families living in poverty. GMCC unites people of faith to serve people in need.

IOCP's Earl Cup Golf Tournament August 6

Sign up now (www.iocp.org) for Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners' Earl Cup Golf Tournament at Baker National Golf Course on Thursday, August 6. Enjoy playing 18 holes on a beautiful course, a great picnic dinner, awards, prizes, and live auction. $150/golfer; $600/foursome. Corporate sponsorships available (contact Nancy Holden—nholden@iocp.org or 952-288-2570).

Registration and putting contest begin at 10:30 a.m., tee off at 11:30 a.m. Host sponsor: Anchor Bank. Proceeds support the work of Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners.

Save the Date!

2009 School for Congregational Learning

August 29, 2009

Spirit

Past, Present, & Future

Valley Southwoods Freshman High School,

West Des Moines, Iowa

Inspiring Worship

Intuitive Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm Executive Administrator, Christian Churches Together

Insightful Celebration

Invigorating Workshops (Including one led by Pastor Shane)

~Friday August 28th Kickoff~

6:00 PM Picnic ~West Des Moines Christian Church

Reenactment ~ Signing of the Declaration & Address

by Rev. John Bolen

Unbinding the Gospel Update

A few months back, the congregation voted to explore the Unbinding the Gospel process that Rev. Isaac and the Board laid out in a series of meetings and newsletter articles. The purpose was to encourage the congregation to learn together, understanding more deeply and courageously the topics of faith sharing and prayer. It’s an exciting idea, and we look forward to where God will lead us in that venture. Since that vote, it has become clear that the timeline proposed to the church was a bit too ambitious, given current demands on people’s time and the plans we’d made already regarding this year of “Open-Armed Adventure.” So we’ve listened to people’s ideas and concerns, prayed for clearer discernment, and have come to a new conclusion about a more empowering ‘way forward.’

This Summer, beginning on July 12th, Rev. Isaac will lead an Adult Sunday School on the book Unbinding the Gospel. Through July and August, we invite people who are intrigued by the study to join us as we read and reflect together. This is similar to our previous proposal, but with two significant changes. 1) If you chose to join us this summer, we are not asking that you commit to leading another small group sometime in the future. We are still looking forward to a congregation-wide study of these resources (perhaps next Lent), but we’ve learned that some are hesitant about committing to leadership at this time. We don’t want that, however, to get in the way of your experiencing some good fruits, so come just prepared to learn and to share. 2) Because the timing of the study and our current situation, we feel it would be unwise to force a congregation-wide study before we’re ready. So we will not plan for a Fall E-vent, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going forward. Instead, we want to take a little more time for the ideas to sink in and work their way through the congregation, and be carefully attentive to the reality of who we are at this time. Look for further announcements as the process moves forward, in a more organic fashion.

So what do you think? Will you attend Summer School, and open yourself to learning more about your faith, and sharing that faith? Living in deeper intimacy with God through prayer? If you can’t make every session because of summer schedules, that’s just fine, don’t let that stop you. Because this could very well be an unforgettable summer adventure!

2009 Honeywell Concert Band Schedule

Jeremae Francis, Director

Jul. 26 – Sun. 7 PM – Centennial Lakes, 7701 France Ave. S, Edina, MN

Aug. 9 – Sun. 7 PM – Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN

Aug. 11 – Tue. 7:30 PM – Lake Harriet Band Shell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!

July 5, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Important Dates

July 8 Midsummer Night’s Gathering 7 pm

St. Edward the Confessor

July 14 Board Meeting 7 pm

July 22 Midsummer Night’s Gathering 7 pm

St. Edward the Confessor

A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure

Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

July Mission Focus: Unbinding the Gospel

Youth, Food and Frisbee Golf!

Along with Plymouth Presbyterian and St. Edwards the Confessor, Plymouth Creek youth are invited to a cookout and Frisbee golf outing on July 15th, from 5:30-7:30 PM. We will meet up at Parker's Lake Park, do some grilling, meet some new folk from other churches, and then go toss 'the bee' around a bit. The churches will provide meat and food for grilling (Pastor Shane will probably be wearing an apron!); please plan to bring a side dish or some drinks, as well as a Frisbee to 'golf' with. If you're planning to come, let us know what you're bringing. And if you have any questions, or need to arrange a ride to and from, call Pastor Shane.

Vacation Bible School

August 7-9

This year our VBS theme will be “Hunger No More”. The children will discuss the issue of hunger throughout the world and what we can do to combat it. The weekend will include a mission trip to Feed My Starving Children on Sat. August 9 for children in 3rd grade or above. For more information or to register, please go to pccc.pbworks.com/Vacation-Bible-School-2009, look for materials in the Narthex, or call the church office to have a registration form mailed to you.

Pick-up Notes

The choir will performing songs throughout the summer in addition to solo performances. These “pick-up” performances will consist of choir members that are able to attend on the scheduled Sunday. Rehearsals will take place after worship on the Sunday prior to the performance. The first pick-up rehearsal will be on July 19 for the July 26 service.

Food Packaging Event

Saturday Aug. 8

11:30 AM -1:30 PM

Come join our VBS youth at this FMSC event. We have 24 spots to fill so we need you! If you will be able to attend, please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office at secretary@plymouthcreek.org or 763-559-1469

Second Quarter Response Fund Report

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

The Compassion Response Fund is an allocation the Week of Compassion Advisory Committee makes each year to enable WoC to respond quickly to requests for emergencies, disasters and other urgent and unexpected needs as they arise. For 2009 the WoC Committee has allocated $600,000 for the Response Fund; it is the single largest item in the WoC program budget. In addition to what is budgeted for the Response Fund, WoC receives designated gifts for the Fund and for specific disasters, countries and situations that further enhance our capacity to respond to emergency needs and appeals. To date WoC has made a disaster response on average of once every 2.2 days.

Below is a brief report of grants from the Compassion Response Fund and other designated disaster response accounts. Contributions for the Response Fund are needed and welcomed and will be used 100% for emergency response to humanitarian needs in the world.

Africa: [112,992]

$6 K - Angola, relief to flood-affected

$6 K - Chad, assistance to IDPs & refugees

$40 K - Darfur/Sudan, emergency relief

$6 K - DR Congo, severe storms

$6 K - DR Congo, crisis

$21 K - Kenya, famine relief

$6 K - Liberia, hunger relief

$6 K - Somalia, assistance to IDPs

$6 K - Zambia, food relief

$4,900 - Zimbabwe, food security

$1,250 - Zimbabwe, aid for medical clinic

$3,842 - Zimbabwe, water wells

Southern Asia: [90,750]

$10 K - Afghanistan, medical care

$6 K - Afghanistan, drought & food insecurity

$5 K - Bangladesh, cyclone relief

$5 K - Cambodia-Thailand, border crisis

$25 K - Indonesia, post-tsunami & earthquake rehabilitation

$2,500 - India, flood rehabilitation

$13 K - Myanmar, ongoing cyclone relief

$12 K - Pakistan, humanitarian crisis

$12,250 - Sri Lanka, assistance to conflict-displaced

East Asia and the Pacific: [11,250]

$5 K - Australia, bushfires

$5 K - China, northern Mindanao floods

$1,250 - Philippines, typhoon

Latin America and the Caribbean: [28,347]

$3,847 - Chaco Region, water project

$5 K - Costa Rica, flood relief

$7,500 - Costa Rica, earthquake relief

$1 K - Dominican Republic, fire

$5 K - Honduras, water project

$6 K - Honduras, earthquake relief

Middle East and Europe: [47 K]

$7 K - Bosnia, long-term recovery

$23 K - Gaza, humanitarian assistance

$6 K - Iraq, assistance to IDPs & refugees

$11 K - Republic of Georgia, post-conflict relief & recovery

General: [24 K]

$24 K - 2009 Rapid Response Fund

Domestic: [124,519]

$1 K - Arkansas, house fire

$1 K - Arkansas, ice storm relief

$6 K - Arizona, emergency water needs

$4 K - Florida, flood recovery

$5 K - Florida, long-term disaster recovery

$5 K - Florida, long-term hurricane recovery

$3,500 - Georgia, emergency heating

$6,500 - Illinois, hurricane

$2,500 - Indiana, flood recovery

$9 K - Kentucky, ice storm relief

$1 K - Kentucky, tornado recovery

$3 K - Kentucky, work in Appalachia

$11 K - Louisiana, long-term hurricane recovery

$10 K - Louisiana, ecumenical build

$500 - Missouri, tornado recovery

$1,500 - Oklahoma, wildfire recovery

$2,500 - South Carolina, wildfire recovery

$3 K - Tennessee, tornado relief

$30 K - Tennessee, hurricane recovery (evacuees)

$250 - Texas, house fire

$1,769 - Texas, hurricane recovery

$1 K - Texas, tornado recovery

$6 K - U.S., 2008 spring storms

$7 K - U.S., 2009 spring storms & floods

$500 - Virginia, trauma counseling

$2 K - West Virginia, flood relief

Save the Date!

2009 School for Congregational Learning

August 29, 2009

Spirit

Past, Present, & Future

Valley Southwoods Freshman High School,

West Des Moines, Iowa

Inspiring Worship

Intuitive Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm Executive Administrator, Christian Churches Together

Insightful Celebration

Invigorating Workshops (Including one led by Pastor Shane)

~Friday August 28th Kickoff~

6:00 PM Picnic ~West Des Moines Christian Church

Reenactment ~ Signing of the Declaration & Address

by Rev. John Bolen

Unbinding the Gospel Update

A few months back, the congregation voted to explore the Unbinding the Gospel process that Rev. Isaac and the Board laid out in a series of meetings and newsletter articles. The purpose was to encourage the congregation to learn together, understanding more deeply and courageously the topics of faith sharing and prayer. It’s an exciting idea, and we look forward to where God will lead us in that venture.

Since that vote, it has become clear that the timeline proposed to the church was a bit too ambitious, given current demands on people’s time and the plans we’d made already regarding this year of “Open-Armed Adventure.” So we’ve listened to people’s ideas and concerns, prayed for clearer discernment, and have come to a new conclusion about a more empowering ‘way forward.’

This Summer, beginning on July 12th, Rev. Isaac will lead an Adult Sunday School on the book Unbinding the Gospel. Through July and August, we invite people who are intrigued by the study to join us as we read and reflect together. This is similar to our previous proposal, but with two significant changes. 1) If you chose to join us this summer, we are not asking that you commit to leading another small group sometime in the future. We are still looking forward to a congregation-wide study of these resources (perhaps next Lent), but we’ve learned that some are hesitant about committing to leadership at this time. We don’t want that, however, to get in the way of your experiencing some good fruits, so come just prepared to learn and to share. 2) Because the timing of the study and our current situation, we feel it would be unwise to force a congregation-wide study before we’re ready. So we will not plan for a Fall E-vent, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going forward. Instead, we want to take a little more time for the ideas to sink in and work their way through the congregation, and be carefully attentive to the reality of who we are at this time. Look for further announcements as the process moves forward, in a more organic fashion.

So what do you think? Will you attend Summer School, and open yourself to learning more about your faith, and sharing that faith? Living in deeper intimacy with God through prayer? If you can’t make every session because of summer schedules, that’s just fine, don’t let that stop you. Because this could very well be an unforgettable summer adventure!

2009 Honeywell Concert Band Schedule

Jeremae Francis, Director

Jul. 26 – Sun. 7 PM – Centennial Lakes, 7701 France Ave. S, Edina, MN

Aug. 9 – Sun. 7 PM – Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN

Aug. 11 – Tue. 7:30 PM – Lake Harriet Band Shell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!

June 28, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Important Dates

June 30 Newsletter Folding

July 1 Music in Plymouth 7 pm

PCCC, YBR, TW Picnic

July 4 Independence Day

July 8 Midsummer Night’s Gathering 7 pm

A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure

Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

June Mission Focus: Guatemalan Scholarship Fund

July Mission Focus: Unbinding the Gospel

It is time for Food, Fun and Fireworks.

On July 1, members of Plymouth Creek Christian Church and Thy Word Worship Center as well as staff members of Yellow Brick Road are coming together to enjoy Music In Plymouth comfortably from PCCC. Sign up has already begun, and many have indicated that they are coming, will bring food and help with set-up and take down. If you have not already done so, please indicate on the sign up board if you will be attending, what food you will be bringing and how you will be able to assist this 1st annual event. See Chana Weaver for more details.

EQUIPPING CONGREGATIONS CONSULTATION - OUTGROWTH OF MACC - TAKES PLACE

About 40 church leaders met in Indianapolis recently to discuss ways to more effectively help congregations carry out mission. Their meeting was an outgrowth of work conducted by the Mission Alignment Coordinating Council (MACC), a 12-member group that has been meeting since 2008 to develop strategies to help the Church better organize its common life around the mission "to be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8).

The Indianapolis gathering, informally known as the Equipping Congregations Consultation, took place from June 16-18 and was designed to broaden the conversation about mission alignment to include a broader group of ministry partners. To read more about the meeting, visit: www.disciples.org/

WHITE HOUSE TAPS DISCIPLES PREACHER FOR FELLOWSHIPS COMMISSION

Cynthia L. Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur Ga., has been appointed to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Hale will serve on the commission along with such prominent citizens as former Sen. Thomas Daschle, special correspondent for NBC News Tom Brokaw, former NATO commander Gen. Wesley Clark, and renowned artist Maya Lin.

The White House Fellowship is America's most prestigious program for leadership and public service, providing young individuals with experience at the highest levels of the federal government. The commission met in Washington, D.C. last week to recommend the 2009-2010 list of young men and women to the President for selection as fellows.

Hale has been involved with the Obama campaign and administration in a number of ways. She gave the invocation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, read scripture at the National Prayer Service during the President's inauguration, and served as co-chair for Women in Ministry for Obama.

She will be the Wednesday, July 29 evening worship preacher at next month's General Assembly.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RESOURCE GROUPS, LEARNING TRACKS AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Volunteers will be required to fulfill a three-hour commitment on the afternoon of either Thursday, July 30 or Friday July 31. To volunteer or get more information, contact Amelia Walker with the name of the session you have chosen to serve and the date you will attend, at: butterfly317@comcast.net or 317-507-7077. Volunteers are encouraged to help pass the word about this service opportunity at the Assembly. For more information about the 2009 General Assembly in Indianapolis, Ind., visit: www.disciples.org/ga

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES INTRODUCES ONLINE FAITH FORUM

The National Council of Churches hopes to stimulate local ecumenical dialogue through its introduction of an "online Faith Forum." The NCC's Faith and Order Commission seeks to bring Christians of various traditions closer together for conversations about their faith. "We think the Faith Forum will be an invaluable tool for everyone who shares this goal of unity," said Antonios Kireopoulos, NCC senior program director for Faith and Order. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a member of the NCC.

The goals of the forum, and of Faith and Order, are based on Jesus' prayer recorded in John 17:21: "that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Faith Forum offers links to three downloadable guides as well as to books and DVDs designed to bring lay participants into conversation with the rich spiritual and intellectual environment of faith inquiry. To find out more

WoC at General Assembly

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Dear Friends,

Week of Compassion is celebrating 65 years of ministry at the 2009 General Assembly in Indianapolis!

The first official collection taken under the name Week of Compassion was February 20-27, 1944, with funds benefiting the Wartime Service Fund. In the intervening years, WoC has sent disaster and development aid to thousands upon thousands around the world, around the year.

We're looking forward to seeing many of you in July, and we have a great deal in store for those of you attending!

We are thrilled that Kathleen Norris will be the keynote speaker at the WoC dinner Friday evening, July 31, at the Marriott Hotel. "Kathleen is the award-winning poet, writer, and author of The New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, and The Virgin of Bennington. Exploring the spiritual life, her work is at once intimate and historical, rich in poetry and meditations, brimming with exasperation and reverence, deeply grounded in both nature and spirit, sometimes funny, and often provocative."

We will also be honoring Johnny Wray for 16 phenomenal years of faithful service and dedication to Week of Compassion's ministry that evening. We hope you will join us as we celebrate and praise God for our ministry together! To make your reservation, go to www.weekofcompassion.org and click on “WoC at General Assembly”

There will be two opportunities to have copies of Kathleen's books signed on Friday, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and again, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., in the WoC booth. A number of her books will be on sale in the Exhibit Hall bookstore.

Please be sure and stop by the WoC booth and visit with us, and also, with three of our valued partners who will be sharing the booth with us - Church World Service, Foods Resource Bank, and IMA World Health. There will be plenty of resources available and many opportunities for hands-on service presented. Stop by, and let's share new ideas for mission and outreach!

WoC is also sponsoring three exciting Resource Groups and co-sponsoring one of the Learning Tracks. For the full listing of WoC events at General Assembly and a description of the workshops and learning track, visit www.weekofcompassion.org.

For those of you not able to journey to Indianapolis, we will miss you. Please know that we rejoice in our ministry together. We count each and every one of you as our most valued partners as we reach out to the world in Christ's name through Week of Compassion.

Around the World, Around the Year: Where in the World Have We Responded This Week?

Disaster Responses:

Florida, long-term interfaith disaster recovery

Florida, flood recovery

Save the Date!

2009 School for Congregational Learning

August 29, 2009

Spirit

Past, Present, & Future

Valley Southwoods Freshman High School,

West Des Moines, Iowa

Inspiring Worship

Intuitive Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm Executive Administrator, Christian Churches Together

Insightful Celebration

Invigorating Workshops (Including one led by Pastor Shane)

~Friday August 28th Kickoff~

6:00 PM Picnic ~West Des Moines Christian Church

Reenactment ~ Signing of the Declaration & Address

by Rev. John Bolen

Unbinding the Gospel Update

A few months back, the congregation voted to explore the Unbinding the Gospel process that Rev. Isaac and the Board laid out in a series of meetings and newsletter articles. The purpose was to encourage the congregation to learn together, understanding more deeply and courageously the topics of faith sharing and prayer. It’s an exciting idea, and we look forward to where God will lead us in that venture.

Since that vote, it has become clear that the timeline proposed to the church was a bit too ambitious, given current demands on people’s time and the plans we’d made already regarding this year of “Open-Armed Adventure.” So we’ve listened to people’s ideas and concerns, prayed for clearer discernment, and have come to a new conclusion about a more empowering ‘way forward.’

This Summer, beginning on July 12th, Rev. Isaac will lead an Adult Sunday School on the book Unbinding the Gospel. Through July and August, we invite people who are intrigued by the study to join us as we read and reflect together. This is similar to our previous proposal, but with two significant changes. 1) If you chose to join us this summer, we are not asking that you commit to leading another small group sometime in the future. We are still looking forward to a congregation-wide study of these resources (perhaps next Lent), but we’ve learned that some are hesitant about committing to leadership at this time. We don’t want that, however, to get in the way of your experiencing some good fruits, so come just prepared to learn and to share. 2) Because the timing of the study and our current situation, we feel it would be unwise to force a congregation-wide study before we’re ready. So we will not plan for a Fall E-vent, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going forward. Instead, we want to take a little more time for the ideas to sink in and work their way through the congregation, and be carefully attentive to the reality of who we are at this time. Look for further announcements as the process moves forward, in a more organic fashion.

So what do you think? Will you attend Summer School, and open yourself to learning more about your faith, and sharing that faith? Living in deeper intimacy with God through prayer? If you can’t make every session because of summer schedules, that’s just fine, don’t let that stop you. Because this could very well be an unforgettable summer adventure!

2009 Honeywell Concert Band Schedule

Jeremae Francis, Director

Jul. 26 – Sun. 7 PM – Centennial Lakes, 7701 France Ave. S, Edina, MN

Aug. 9 – Sun. 7 PM – Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN

Aug. 11 – Tue. 7:30 PM – Lake Harriet Band Shell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!

June 21, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Important Dates

June 21 Annual Congregational Mtg 11:15 am

June 24 Midsummer Night’s Gathering

June 26 Sr. Lunch @ Ruth Porter’s house 11:30 am

June 26 Pastor Shane getting married

July 1 Music in Plymouth 7 pm

PCCC, YBR, TW Picnic

Senior's Lunch

June 26, 2009

11:30 AM at Ruth P.’s House

A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure

Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

June Mission Focus: Guatemalan Scholarship Fund

July Mission Focus: Unbinding the Gospel

It is time for Food, Fun and Fireworks.

On July 1, members of Plymouth Creek Christian Church and Thy Word Worship Center as well as staff members of Yellow Brick Road are coming together to enjoy Music In Plymouth comfortably from PCCC. Sign up has already begun, and many have indicated that they are coming, will bring food and help with set-up and take down. If you have not already done so, please indicate on the sign up board if you will be attending, what food you will be bringing and how you will be able to assist this 1st annual event. See Chana Weaver for more details.

This Wednesday night, 7-8:30 PM, at Plymouth Presbyterian (the corner of Rockford Rd. and Hwy 55), a second encounter with the "Nooma" video series will take place. Our first meeting was a great success, with a small group of folk from three churches talking together about faith and memories and "rain." These short videos and the discussions they create are creative and powerful testimonies to the relevance of faith in our modern world. If you want to talk with Christians from other churches about significant issues, difficult questions, profound experiences of hope and transformation, please come. It's a wonderful way to spend a summer evening.

WoC at General Assembly

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Dear Friends,

Week of Compassion is celebrating 65 years of ministry at the 2009 General Assembly in Indianapolis!

The first official collection taken under the name Week of Compassion was February 20-27, 1944, with funds benefiting the Wartime Service Fund. In the intervening years, WoC has sent disaster and development aid to thousands upon thousands around the world, around the year.

We're looking forward to seeing many of you in July, and we have a great deal in store for those of you attending!

We are thrilled that Kathleen Norris will be the keynote speaker at the WoC dinner Friday evening, July 31, at the Marriott Hotel. "Kathleen is the award-winning poet, writer, and author of The New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, and The Virgin of Bennington. Exploring the spiritual life, her work is at once intimate and historical, rich in poetry and meditations, brimming with exasperation and reverence, deeply grounded in both nature and spirit, sometimes funny, and often provocative."

We will also be honoring Johnny Wray for 16 phenomenal years of faithful service and dedication to Week of Compassion's ministry that evening. We hope you will join us as we celebrate and praise God for our ministry together! To make your reservation, go to www.weekofcompassion.org and click on “WoC at General Assembly”

There will be two opportunities to have copies of Kathleen's books signed on Friday, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and again, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., in the WoC booth. A number of her books will be on sale in the Exhibit Hall bookstore.

Please be sure and stop by the WoC booth and visit with us, and also, with three of our valued partners who will be sharing the booth with us - Church World Service, Foods Resource Bank, and IMA World Health. There will be plenty of resources available and many opportunities for hands-on service presented. Stop by, and let's share new ideas for mission and outreach!

WoC is also sponsoring three exciting Resource Groups and co-sponsoring one of the Learning Tracks. For the full listing of WoC events at General Assembly and a description of the workshops and learning track, visit www.weekofcompassion.org.

For those of you not able to journey to Indianapolis, we will miss you. Please know that we rejoice in our ministry together. We count each and every one of you as our most valued partners as we reach out to the world in Christ's name through Week of Compassion.

Around the World, Around the Year: Where in the World Have We Responded This Week?

Disaster Responses:

Florida, long-term interfaith disaster recovery

Florida, flood recovery

Save the Date!

2009 School for Congregational Learning

August 29, 2009

Spirit

Past, Present, & Future

Valley Southwoods Freshman High School,

West Des Moines, Iowa

Inspiring Worship

Intuitive Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm Executive Administrator, Christian Churches Together

Insightful Celebration

Invigorating Workshops (Including one led by Pastor Shane)

~Friday August 28th Kickoff~

6:00 PM Picnic ~West Des Moines Christian Church

Reenactment ~ Signing of the Declaration & Address

by Rev. John Bolen

Unbinding the Gospel Update

A few months back, the congregation voted to explore the Unbinding the Gospel process that Rev. Isaac and the Board laid out in a series of meetings and newsletter articles. The purpose was to encourage the congregation to learn together, understanding more deeply and courageously the topics of faith sharing and prayer. It’s an exciting idea, and we look forward to where God will lead us in that venture.

Since that vote, it has become clear that the timeline proposed to the church was a bit too ambitious, given current demands on people’s time and the plans we’d made already regarding this year of “Open-Armed Adventure.” So we’ve listened to people’s ideas and concerns, prayed for clearer discernment, and have come to a new conclusion about a more empowering ‘way forward.’

This Summer, beginning on July 12th, Rev. Isaac will lead an Adult Sunday School on the book Unbinding the Gospel. Through July and August, we invite people who are intrigued by the study to join us as we read and reflect together. This is similar to our previous proposal, but with two significant changes. 1) If you chose to join us this summer, we are not asking that you commit to leading another small group sometime in the future. We are still looking forward to a congregation-wide study of these resources (perhaps next Lent), but we’ve learned that some are hesitant about committing to leadership at this time. We don’t want that, however, to get in the way of your experiencing some good fruits, so come just prepared to learn and to share. 2) Because the timing of the study and our current situation, we feel it would be unwise to force a congregation-wide study before we’re ready. So we will not plan for a Fall E-vent, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going forward. Instead, we want to take a little more time for the ideas to sink in and work their way through the congregation, and be carefully attentive to the reality of who we are at this time. Look for further announcements as the process moves forward, in a more organic fashion.

So what do you think? Will you attend Summer School, and open yourself to learning more about your faith, and sharing that faith? Living in deeper intimacy with God through prayer? If you can’t make every session because of summer schedules, that’s just fine, don’t let that stop you. Because this could very well be an unforgettable summer adventure!

2009 Honeywell Concert Band Schedule

Jeremae Francis, Director

Jul. 26 – Sun. 7 PM – Centennial Lakes, 7701 France Ave. S, Edina, MN

Aug. 9 – Sun. 7 PM – Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN

Aug. 11 – Tue. 7:30 PM – Lake Harriet Band Shell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!