parkway courier...parkway courier 2 june/july 2016 we are saddened that patchwork quilt, a wonderful...

Parkway Courier Volume 51, No. 6 June/July 2016

Parkway: Rich in People, Rich in Ministries By Pastor Kathy Itzin

As we head towards our Congregational Meeting in June, I want to reflect upon how we are doing as a church.

What is important to us? How are our ministries? How are our people? Are we growing in heart, mind, and

spirit? Are we growing in awareness? Are we becoming more whole - more holy?

This Winter, we had speakers addressing issues such as ‘physician assisted death’, ‘Islam and Christianity’,

‘Judaism and Christianity’, and ‘Homeless Youth in the Cities’. Several of our members attended the Minnesota

Conference “Church on the Move” and heard our General Minister and President Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer

speak about the changing Christian Church, and the special gifts of the United Church of Christ.

After a year of planning, our Church Planning Team recommended an extraordinary approach to stewardship

this year. The congregation voted almost unanimously in its favor, surpassing our goal of $16,000 in increased

pledges by promising a whopping $23,000 increase. This plan included hiring a part time youth minister for $18

- $20,000 and a secretary. As the hiring process concluded, we promoted Char Merz to Director of Youth

Ministries and Faith Formation, (while remaining secretary on Mondays), and hired Lonnie Rose to be

secretary Tuesday - Thursday. This included an expectation that Char would take a few courses specific to

youth ministry. This arrangement saves us about $5,500 of the original plan approved by the congregation.

Char has since been certified as an instructor in the Our Whole Lives (sexuality & spirituality) program for

grades 7-12 and, with a grant from the Minnesota Conference, has also completed an intensive week of

training as part of the nine month “Vibrant Faith Youth and Family Certification Program.” This past year, our

youth have participated in Fireside Faith, a Senior High Mission Trip, and Vacation Bible School as well as

regular education and worship.

Our building and property have continued improving.Our standard lighting has been replaced with LED lights,

we have installed a new industrial dishwasher (and updated the plumbing) and we are upgrading our security

system. Our new members have been active in painting the meeting room and men's restroom, doing

yardwork, and donating plants that all add to the beauty of the property.

We have grieved the deaths of several beloved members since our last congregational meeting, including Al

Beckman, Delroy Elmer, Millie Guzek, Peter and Ralph Seeley, Margaret Mulvihill, and Maxine Watson. We

will miss them, and all the gifts that they shared with us.

We have also welcomed seven new members this year. Kevin Combs, Don Oney, Lonnie Rose, Gail Crespo,

and Rev. Mary Koon joined us in the Fall and Todd Lipelt and Ro Shanklin became members this May.

(Continued on page 2)

Parkway Courier 2 June/July 2016

We are saddened that Patchwork Quilt, a wonderful program in North Minneapolis, and excellent neighbors in

our building, will be closing this year due to lack of funding. They contributed to our ministries by providing us

with additional funding, donating several building improvements and providing an important ministry of their

own.

At the same time, we have welcomed several groups who have also shared our facilities. Church Without

Walls continues to use our sanctuary one night a week, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning, and a small

new church, Holy Passion also shares the sanctuary one evening a week and Saturday afternoons. Northside

Vegans, Jordan Neighborhood Association, and Victory AA continue to make good use of our facilities.

Our music program is growing and thriving. Our chancel choir joined with Robbinsdale UCC in a presentation

of the Rutter Requiem during Lent, and joined with three other UCC Churches in “A Gathering of Music and

Mission” at Mizpah UCC in March. In addition to Noel at Noon, and the quarterly Matinee Musicales, they also

hosted a Mindfulness Meditation Concert during Lent.

Brien Aadland, from United Theological Seminary, served as an intern here from September through April.

The Mionnesota Conference sponsored his internship by giving us an $1,800 grant, and it was a joy to see our

guidance and nurture result in his growth both in confidence and in ministerial skills. The Minnesota

Conference has awarded us another $1,800 to sponsor a new intern under our care next year.

Our Men’s Group and our Board of Community Outreach have done a remarkable job in reaching out to the

community. They sponsored several card parties with clothing donations going to a Men’s Shelter, and the

Men’s Group also made and served several Men’s Shelter dinners. They serve as valets in the winter, take a

night to make dinner and stay overnight each time we host Families Moving Forward, and they create positive,

and productive gatherings for our men. At the same time, Community Outreach assembles bags of food for

those who show up at our doors, collect soup for the food-shelves, provides Thanksgiving dinner, Mother’s Day

gifts, and winter hats and mittens for St. Anne’s Residence, and continues to provide Christmas gifts, for the

pediatric unit at North Memorial Hospital.

Parkway has hosted Families Moving Forward for four weeks this year, serving a total of 61 adults and

children, (almost 30 of whom are under 10). All food money is donated by volunteers, so the church general

funds are not used for this ministry. Both Edina Morningside UCC and Church Without Walls volunteer to help

us for an evening each time we host.

Our ministries are growing and changing, and so are our people! We have reason to be proud of who we are,

and what we have done. “Every generous act of giving, and every perfect gift…is from the Father of lights, in

whom there is no shadow…” (1 James 1: 17)


June Scriptures

June 5 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Proper 5 1 Kings 17: 8-24 (Elijah is visiting a widow, whose son dies, but Elijah prays and the child lives.) Galatians 1: 11-4 (Paul had violently persecuted the Christians, and look at him now!) Luke 7: 11-17 (Jesus brings the dead son of a widow back to life.) June 12 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING; 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Proper 6 Galatians 2: 15-21 (I have been crucified with Christ so it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.) Luke 7: 36-8:3 (Simon complains that a woman anointing Jesus and weeping is a well-known sinner, and Jesus lets him know what is important.) June 19 FATHER’S DAY (Kathy is gone, Women are taking over) (12th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Proper 7) Luke 8: 26-39 (Jesus heals the man with a legion of demons, and they all fly into the pigs, who jump off a cliff and are drowned.) (I think Dianne is focusing on including the marginalized.) Reading: ‘What Makes a Dad’ – Anonymous (This could be worked into our ideas of Fatherhood of God.) June 26 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Proper 8 2 Kings 2: 1-2, 6-14 (Elisha becomes the new prophet after Elijah) Galatians 5: 1, 13-25 (Christ has set us free. Do not submit again to a yoke of slavery….we are called to live freely, avoiding things that harm the spirit, but choosing that which helps us live in harmony.)

34th and Victory Memorial Drive

Thursday, June 9 features Rio Nido, a vocal jazz trio who started on the West Bank in the early 70's. They've played at hot spots around the Twin City area such as The Dakota, New Riverside Cafe and Extempore Coffeehouse. In 1983 they released and album called Hi Fly on Red House Records. They were inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame in April 2007 and are currently playing a reunion tour in Minneapolis.

Thursday, July 14 features #MPLS (M-P-L-S), a group who combines contemporary soul, R&B, and hip hop infused with the legendary sound that put the city, Minneapolis on the map, funk! This band is comprised of some of the most elite musicians whose resumes include playing with the Sound of Blackness, Mint Condition and Prince to name a few. They've been performing together since 2010 to sold out venues such as Bunkers, the Fine Line and First Avenue. They play to packed audiences all over the Twin Cities and have become a staple in the local music scene, performing in front of an average 200-2,000 on a regular basis.


July Scriptures July 3 4th of July and 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Proper 9 2 Kings 5: 1-14 (Elisha tells the great general Naaman what to do to get rid of his leprosy, but it is too easy, he doesn’t want to believe it, or believe Elisha). Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20 (Jesus sends out the 70 disciples in pairs to spread the Reign of God). July 10 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Proper 10 Galatians 6: 1-16 (This reading is from the lectionary for last week) (Work for the good of all). Luke 10: 25 – 37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) July 17 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Proper 11 Colossians 1: 15-28 (He is the image of the invisible God…he is before all things, and in him all things hold together). Luke 10: 8-42 (Martha and Mary) July 24 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Proper 12 Colossians 2: 6-19 (Continue to live your lives rooted in Christ…just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving). Luke 11: 1-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)…(and ‘Ask and you will receive’…). July 31 PICNIC WITH ROBBINSDALE UCC (We will probably follow their summer theme for readings, but here are the ones for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Proper 13). Colossians 3: 1-11 (But now, get rid of all things such as anger, malice, slander, and abusive language…for you have clothed yourselves with a new self, renewed in the image of your Creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew…slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!) Luke 12: 13-21 (Be on your guard against greed, for life is more important than possessions – parable of the greedy rich man).

Parkway PALS (People, Active, Loving, Serving)

By Andy Momont Parkway PALS met Friday, May 13, at the home of Reverend Kathy Itzin and Carol Anderson. Our meal was hot dogs and burgers furnished by Kathy and Carol (plus pies and beverages and plates), plus our usual potluck assortment of side dishes. Sometimes I think the S in PALS stands for Salivating! Instead of program, we spent the evening visiting, which was lots of fun. Thanks to Kathy and Carol for hosting, and to everyone who made it a fun evening. We won't be meeting over the summer, but mark your calendars for Friday, September 16, 2016, when we'll resume our monthly meetings and potlucks, usually on the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the church.


Board of Finance Announces Fundraising Incentive By Patrick Liestman

The Board of Finance would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful congregation of Parkway United Church of Christ for their growing generosity over the past several years. Pledges have grown, the “Go the Extra Mile” campaign has proven successful and we continue to receive donations for all the building repairs needed for our aging structure. In return we have a comfortable place to worship, a place where we can do the work God is calling us to do and a congregation of wonderful fellowship. The Board of Finance is very grateful for all you have done and would like to add an incentive for our current fundraiser.

We are currently fundraising for the dishwasher that was installed last winter and for an alarm system that is in need of repair and updating. The Board of Finance has secured a donation for a one week stay at the Bluegreen Christmas Mountain Resort in Wisconsin Dells and we would like to incorporate this gift as an incentive to kick start our two fundraising campaigns. Here is how it will work:

Each time you make a contribution towards either of these campaigns your name will be put in a “Hat” for the drawing for the recipient of the resort week. If you donate to both funds, your name will go in for each fund--up to one time a week for each.

There are no tickets to buy or sell and no required amount to contribute. Each contribution, no matter the size, qualifies for a name in the hat. Contributions for the dishwasher fundraiser and the alarm system fundraiser will go in the same hat.

You must note your name with the contribution. You also need to specify the fundraiser you are contributing to: Dishwasher or Alarm System, as they are on separate accounts.

You do not need to be a member of the congregation to make a qualifying contribution.

The drawing for the winner of the resort stay will be made on Rally Sunday, September 12, 2016.

The winner will receive a one week stay at the beautiful Bluegreen Christmas Mountain Resort in their choice of a cabin, cottage, timber or villa. The units come with a fully equipped kitchen, private bath, TV’s, DVD players and can sleep 4-6 people. Year around optional dates are available throughout 2016/17. The resort offers several swimming pools, a huge golf course, hiking trails and is located a short distance from all the Wisconsin Dells attractions from water parks and golf to skiing and shows. This is a perfect vacation to be one with nature or make a splash at all the festivities around town. Watch the bulletin board for brochures on Wisconsin Dells attractions. Transportation from Minneapolis to Wisconsin Dells is not included.

First Sunday Food Share

The Board of Community Outreach is announcing First Sunday Food Share is back for the summer. Remember to bring non-perishable food items on the first Sunday of each month. The food will be packed in paper bags for those in need on the Northside.

The collection of socks continues as well. All socks donated go to the students at Lucy Craft Laney School on Penn Ave. Socks collected over the summer will be delivered at the beginning of the next school year and several times throughout the year after.

All donations should be put in the shopping cart in the social hall.


AROUND THE CHURCH FAMILY

Please remember in your prayers:Gerry Hartley Rose Marie Lund (Durands' daughter) Jim Leerssen Tom Karlberg Marlene Mars Harriet Thompson Marcy (Alice Bowron's daughter) Parkway Church Eunice Shore Brett Sprague Marie Butler (Bone cancer in spine) Laura Mylan (Friend of Janet Zahn) Jan Schwarz Karen Anderson Andy Benjamin (Friend of Silverness’) Helen Seeley & Family Jeremy Burkett (Nephew of Dave Hendel)

Paul Boerger (Skin Cancer, Lester father) Theodore Cyrus Gaines (Frank's grandson) Bob Freeman Carol Goetze T. Michael Rock and Robbinsdale UCC Finnegan Maxwell (6months) (Friend of Lindsay) Erik Larson's Family Don Fox (Friend of Alice Bowron) Alan Johnston Pam & Curt Eckert (Friends of Dawn Stroschein) Michael Snitker Kathy LaPlante (Carol Anderson’s family) Maxine Rogers (Lonnie Rose’s sister) Ron Merz (Greg Merz’s father) Kathleen Bonneau (Alice bowron's sister-in-law) Melanie Jantzen (Alice Bowron's sister's friend)

1 Carol Goetze 10 Cindy Haughey 20 Kathy Itzin 1 Isabelle Shaffer 12 Kayla Bryan 20 Jane Williams 5 Eunice Shore 14 Mary Koon 26 Percy Ross 7 Gabrielle Graham 14 Savannah Lewis 27 Gerry Hartley 8 Bob Hankins 18 Austin Stoneburg 27 Phil Momont

25 Tom Ley 28 Katrina Stamboulieh

Parkway Courier

Charlene Merz, Editor

The deadline for the August Courier is July 20.

Please bring your articles to the church office or email them to [email protected].

All articles are accepted!


HAPPY/THANKFUL OFFERINGS

We are offering this gift because we are happy and/or thankful for:

May 1, 2016 Happy and Thankful for the wonderful and supportive congregation of Parkway. Especially those who brought desserts served with the Men's Group River of Life shelter meal, hygiene items for the people at the shelter and in the sewing circle providing cloth bags for the items to be kept conveniently in. It was a great success! -The Parkway's Men's Group

May 15, 2016 Bonnie's Birthday! Welcome to Middle Age! -Phil Jennings Our new God loving members! -Gerry hartley May 22, 2016 Phil Momont and Victoria 5 years of marriage. Phil's and my 5th Wedding Anniversary yesterday. -Victoria Morrison and Phil Momont

GREETERS NEEDED!

Greeters are needed to greet people on Sunday mornings as they come into the church. Please check your calendar and see if you have an open Sunday this summer when you can be a greeter. This is a great way to meet those you don't know very well and learn names. It also makes our already friendly church even more friendly! We're also looking for someone to organize greeters. Let the office know if you can help out!

Out to Lunch Bunch June

The Out to Lunch Bunch will meet at the 50's

Grill on June 9, at 11:30 a.m. Please call the

church office if you plan to join the group!

Out to Lunch Bunch July

The Out to Lunch Bunch will meet at Kay and

Jim Leerssen's house (7517 Edgewood Ave.

N., Brooklyn Park, 55428) on July 14 at NOON.

Croissants, meat, potato salad and beverages

will be provided. Please bring a side dish or

dessert to share. Please call Kay and Jim at

763-561-2018 if you plan to come. All are

welcome and encouraged to join the group!

Congregational Meeting

Notice is hereby given that there will be a Congregational

meeting of the members of Parkway United Church of

Christ, June 12, 2016, at 11:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

of the church at 3120 Washburn Avenue North,

Minneapolis, MN, for the purpose of reviewing the Annual

Report with updates on our fundraising projects,

Endowment Fund and pledges.

Fireside Faith

Join us for Fireside Faith on June

6 at 6 p.m. as we continue our

journey on exploring faith

traditions of Native Americans.

This evening we will focus on

drumming. Kevin Korell will be

the host: 2751 Xerxes Ave. N.,

Minneapolis, 55422. Please let

Char know if you can join us.

612-845-0294. All are invited and

welcome! Hope to see you there!

Parkway Courier

Parkway United Church of Christ

3120 Washburn Avenue North

Twin Cities, Minnesota 55411-1906

An Open and Affirming Church

Telephone: 612-522-2982

Fax Number: 612-522-1439

E-mail: [email protected]

Worship Service: Sunday, 10 a.m.

Office Hours: 9 a.m. − 4 p.m.

Monday − Thursday

Rev. Kathy Itzin, Senior Minister Lonnie Rose, Administrative Assistant Charlene Merz, Director of Youth Bonnie McClain, Director of Music Daniel Ritter, Organist Carolyn Hendel, Bell Choir Director Molly Merz, Custodian

Published by and for members and friends of

PARKWAY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Name Your Price Garage Sale

At

Parkway UCC Parkway UCC will be joining with the Victory Neighborhood Association for a community

wide Garage Sale on June 4, 2016

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

WE NEED YOUR HELP! CAN YOU DONATE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

Household Items

Handmade Crafts

Clothing

Toys

Plants

Time Sensitive Material

We will also be selling food, lemonade and soda.

Please call the office (612-522-2982) if you can help or

donate.

All proceeds will be going towards our missions.

WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SET UP TABLES

AND BRING SALE ITEMS OUT TO THE FRONT YARD

SATURDAY MORNING!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

CWOW 7-9 pm 9-4 Garage Sale

3 p.m. Baby Shower

1-4 p.m. CWOW

5-9 p.m. Holy Passion

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study 11:30 Out-to-Lunch 1-4 p.m. CWOW

10:15 Sunday School Holy Passion 4-9 p.m. Bunch at 50's Grill 5-9 p.m. Holy Passion

11 a.m. Coffee Hour 6 p.m. Fireside Faith

12:30 CWOW CWOW 7-9 p.m.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study CWOW 7-9 p.m. 1-4 p.m. CWOW

10:15 Sunday School Holy Passion 4-9 p.m. 5-9 p.m. Holy Passion

11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30 CWOW

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study CWOW 7-9 p.m. 1-4 p.m. CWOW

10:15 Sunday School Holy Passion 4-9 p.m. 5-9 p.m. Holy Passion

11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30-4:30 CWOW

26 27 28 29 30

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study CWOW 7-9 p.m. Flower Photo by

10:15 Sunday School Holy Passion 4-9 p.m. Janet Goettsch

11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30 p.m. CWOW


June 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

7-9 p.m. CWOW 1-4 p.m. CWOW

4-9 p.m. Holy Passion

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. Bible Study 7-9 p.m. CWOW 1-4 p.m. CWOW

10:15 Sunday School 5-9 Holy Passion 4-9 p.m. Holy Passion

11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30 CWOW

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study 7-9 p.m. CWOW 5 p.m. Rehearsal 2-5 Wedding


11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30 CWOW

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study 7-9 p.m. CWOW 1-4 p.m. CWOW


11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30 CWOW

24 / 31 25 26 27 28 29 30

10 a.m. Worship 7 p.m. Victory AA 10 a.m. Bible Study 7-9 p.m. CWOW 1-4 p.m. CWOW


11 a.m. Coffee Hour

12:30 CWOW


July 2016

parkway courier...parkway courier 2 june/july 2016 we are saddened that patchwork quilt, a wonderful...

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