Sunday Worship Schedule

9:00 AM Worship and Kids’ Time
10:00 AM Fellowship Time
10:30 AM Worship and FaithWalk
Wednesday Night Worship
7:00 PM

Next Centinel Deadline: December 11, 12:00 Noon
Sunday Bulletin Deadline: 12:00 Noon on Wednesdays

A Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 10
4:00 PM
Brass prelude at 3:45 PM

The concert will feature eight of Centennial’s choirs performing music of the Advent and Christmas seasons, including Christmas carols sung by all. No admission charge; a free-will offering will be received. Childcare will be provided and a reception will follow the concert.

Christmas Eve Worship Sunday, December 24

Share the Gift of … Love

In order to accommodate the overflow crowd we have been experiencing at our 4:00 PM service in recent years, please note that we are changing to 3:00 and 5:00 PM services this year. There will be no 7:00 PM service this year. Due to the necessity of saving some seating for musical groups in the sanctuary, we may need to seat some worshipers in the lounge or the chapel where we have closed-circuit TV viewing of the service. We hope that by changing the worship times, we will be able to seat everyone in the sanctuary.

Christmas Eve Morning at 9:00 and 10:30 AM

Christmas Eve Morning greets us with daylight surrounding us; with glad celebration! It’s a bridge to the soft candlelight of afternoon, evening, and nighttime Christmas Eve services.

Christmas Eve at 3:00 PM

Family Worship Service
(Please note the change in time.)

Come to the manger to welcome Jesus! Come to hear the story and sing familiar carols.

Christmas Eve at 5:00 PM

Family Worship Service
(Please note the change in time.)

Worship in story and song as Centennial members of all ages offer their musical talents in our Christmas Orchestra!

Christmas Eve at 11:00 PM

Candlelight Service

The Chancel Choir and congregation sing with the angel choir of old and ponder the miracle of Love with Mother Mary.

Message from the Finance Ministry Team

We have two situations of which we want to make the congregation aware. In order to meet all our commitments for 2006 we need to receive $114,000 by December 31, 2006. If you have fallen behind in your giving, please try to pay the balance by the end of the year. Many of you know that several of our outreach programs are scheduled for funding in December and we need to meet our budgeted income to fund these.

The second situation is in regards to the 2007 budget. We had a very successful pledge campaign this year with the average pledge increasing 5%. The proposed church budget increase this year is a modest 4% but we have had a structural change in our pledge base that leaves us with a $40,605 projected deficit for 2007. Three items make up 86% of our budget: staff and administration, trustees, and conference apportionments. Much of the trustees budget is fixed because it is maintaining the building, heat, lights etc. The conference apportionments are also fixed.

We have asked all work areas to go back and look at their budgets to see what expenses can be reduced; they have made considerable reductions. We are also considering additional ways of raising revenues. If any of you have the means to increase your 2007 pledge, we ask you to please consider it. We will provide additional updates on these matters.

Pastors’ Keyboard

Our youth of Centennial, both senior high and junior high, led our worship at both services on Sunday Nov. 19. We received many comments from our congregation about how moving the service was, and how it really made people think about how they live their faith. And so in this Pastor’s Keyboard I would like to share portions of an email message I shared with the staff about the service afterwards. A bit of background first. Our youth led the service, including the music, prayers, readings, and meditations on the senior high and junior high mission trips, the 9th grade confirmation trip to the Boundary Waters, and their involvement in serving the homeless in the Twin Cities as part of “Centennial Serves” back on Oct. 7. Robert Wright, a homeless person who is a friend of some people in our congregation, read one of the Scriptures and also shared his experiences with us. Here are excerpts from what I wrote, with a few explanatory notes added: 

Dear Staff,

I too was very moved by yesterday's service led by our youth. They shared from the heart and with confidence. It is obvious that they are being touched by Christ's Spirit through our youth activities. The youth praise band continues to gain confidence, and I really felt them leading the congregation in song. This wasn't easy, since most in the congregation didn't know the songs and didn't have the music, so the youth praise band could have fallen apart but instead shared great spirit with us! I thought all the music was a gift from God through our youth...and what an amazing handbell piece from the Alleluia Ringers! Having the pairs (Kelly and Natalie about the junior high mission trip, Robert and Andy about homelessness) share together was … intimate and moving…. And I wanted to shout "Preach it, brother!" when Robert read Scripture (from the King James, no less), because it truly was a proclamation of the Word of God to us—just in the reading of it [what artistry and movement of the Spirit there can be just in reading!]. Then when we heard how [high school senior] Andy Folsom's life has been changed by his involvement with the homeless, and that Robert lives underneath a bridge and ate pizza from a dumpster Saturday night, it really hit home.

Here during Thanksgiving week, I am very thankful for what EACH one of you as staff does to reach people with God's great grace throughout the WHOLE year, and help them feel empowered to share grace with others—like Robert, like the youth, like people of ALL ages here.  Your hard work and your giftedness are so appreciated! I really believe we are "building a church within the church," honoring BOTH the church that has been reaching so many people so well for 50-plus years, AND dreaming a church that can reach children, youth, and adults who need to be reached in less traditional ways—and doing BOTH at the same time!  It's a tall order, but I'm staking my life that it's possible, and that it's worth it—because it's for Christ and for allGod's children.

That was my message. Let me say to all of you as a congregation that I am thankful for you. Why? Because we are doing a gutsy thing that takes faith—right here at Centennial. Because through our Sunday morning services and our Wednesday night services, as well as our activities for every age group, I believe that we are “building a church within the church.” I am excited to keep building both the church here at Centennial that has been so effective in reaching people with the compassion of Christ for 50+ years, and at the same time to be dreaming and building a church here at Centennial that can reach a whole congregation of children, youth, and adults who need to be reached in alternative ways (like we are working to do on Wednesday evenings and other ways). Both are important. Both honor God. Both help us live out our spiritual DNA as Methodist Christians. We dare not neglect either part of this movement of God’s Spirit in our midst. 

Let’s do it together.

In Christ,
Brian

Thank you

On behalf of the City of Roseville, thank you for the use of the Centennial United Methodist Church on Election Day. Thanks, too, to your staff for the assistance given to the City. Your support for the City of Roseville and the election process is greatly appreciated.

Carolyn Curti, Elections Coordinator

Ron and I want to say a super-large, heartfelt “thank you” for the prayers, kind thoughts, cards, phone calls, and concern our congregation showered on us during Ron’s surgery and days in the hospital. Thanks especially to Pastor Brian and Pastor Melanie for their multiple visits to Ron—they meant a lot to us. Thanks, too, to Julia Nordling for her visit. We feel truly fortunate to be part of Centennial, and we certainly felt the love and support that is Centennial!

Nan and Ron Ness

A HUGE thank you to all of the people in our congregation who donated underwear, socks and other items for our mobile thrift store. We had five garbage bags filled (and heavy) with donations after Youth Sunday!  What a gift they will all be to the homeless population of Minneapolis.  We are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity. Sincerely,

Kelly Swanson, The Mobile Thrift Store and the Centennial Youth

On behalf of MN Refugee Services, I would like to thank you for your continued support of Minnesota refugees. Your work with the Shoe Spree and the sponsorship of the O Moo family have largely contributed to our ministry of hospitality. I have thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with Centennial folks, and I look forward to more interactions in the future! Blessings,

Christy Hallenbeck, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Vista Member, Refugee Services
Minnesota Council of Churches

Centennial News

Mardi Gras Silent Auction

The Youth will be returning to New Orleans this summer to build relationships with those who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. One way that you can support this trip is by donating items to our “Mardi Gras Silent Auction” which will be held at the church on Feb. 18. We are looking for hand-crafted items, as well as, theme baskets, pottery, artwork, labor hours (shoveling, mowing etc.) tickets, or whatever you come up with. You can find donation forms on our website or at the Welcome Center. We would like to know all donations by Jan. 1, 2007.

Carols during Fellowship Time

Sundays, December 10 and 17

If you play an instrument and would like to play carols between services, meet in the choir room at 9:15 AM on Dec. 10 or 17. Contact Dave Magnuson, 651.484.9439, if you’d like the music in advance.

Intergenerational Christmas Orchestra

Calling all musicians! We want you to play your instrument for the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve service! We have expanded the orchestra to include musicians of all ages, using the same music as played for the Carols during Fellowship Time. Dave Magnuson will be directing. Please sign up at the Welcome Center.

Lost and found—

Are you missing a cake pan, bowl, or other item from your kitchen? Please check the table in Linden Court for your items.

Boy Scout Paper Recycling

Did you know that 21% of Minnesota’s trash is recyclable paper? Did you know that recycling one ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water and 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space? Support CUMC’s Boy Scout Troop by placing your recycled papers in the pale green boxes by the playground. Please recycle only newspapers and magazines. Pack newspapers flat inside a grocery bag. Contact Brian Nordling at 651.636.1236 with questions or to arrange pickups at your home.

2006 Year-End Giving

As we near the end of 2006 please make note of these items:

• Gifts of stock must be in process by Friday, December 15 to be included in 2006 giving.
• December 31 is a Sunday this year. All 2006 gifts must be received by December 31. When mailing year end gifts, IRS regulations require that they be postmarked with a 2006 date to be included as 2006 giving.
• In 2006 and 2007, individuals over age 70 1/2 can make tax-free distributions of up to $100,000 from their IRAs directly to the church or other qualified public charities and count the contribution toward that year’s IRA Required Minimum Distribution. Please contact Lisa Schuler if you have questions, 651.633.7644 or lschuler@centennialumc.org.

Bake Sale a Success!

Thanks to the many volunteers who baked, donated, sold, or purchased baked goods for the Red Robin Election Day Sale. We were pleased that many of the voting public who stopped at our booth thanked us for being there again. We were sold out by 2:00 PM and yet made almost as much profit as we have in the past. The funds will be put to good use for the operating fund of Red Robin. Thanks to Cub Foods and Best Maid Cookies who gave us good quantity prices on the frozen cinnamon rolls and the frozen cookie dough.

Nan Carlson, Director
Jan House, Board Chair

Celebrating our gardeners

From May to October these wonderful members planted, weeded, pruned, and cared for Centennial’s landscape: Ruth Barnes, Marjorie Carr, Mary Crist, Jan Daniels, Norene Feldsien, Jeri Fink, Brian and Tracy Fodstad, Carolyn Gibson, Jane Gilbert, Ruth and Murray Harpole, Don Hopkins, Jerry and Nancy Jacob, Judy Jacobsen, Charlotte Johnson, Dick Klaus, Carolyn Krinkie, Mary Ann Krinkie, Wendy Lucas, Joyce and Johnny Markham, Dave Magnuson,

Julia Nordling, Erv and Beth Oelke, Dwight Peterson, Laure Resch, Peggy Rhodes, Chris Rohde, Amelia and Suzanne Sancilio, Jean States.

Remember in Prayer

Remember in prayer Steve Koehn, Todd Lewis and Eric Nevalainen, who are in active military service. Steve is training in Arizona; Todd and Eric are now serving in Iraq. Contact information is given below; please consider sending a letter or card to our members in the military.

Steve Koehn mailing:
spc koehn, Stephen
pit vipers
C Co. 305 Bn
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613

Email: smkoehn21@yahoo.com or smkoehn@hotmail.com

Todd Lewis mailing:
Major Todd Lewis
49 MCB / 657th MCT
LSA Anaconda
APO AE 09391
Email: Todd.d.lewis@us.army.mil

Eric Nevalainen mailing:
Major Eric Nevalainen
HQ 1/34 BCT
Unit #60000
APO AE 09331-0000
Email: eric.nevalainen@us.army.mil

We remember

Bee Kindseth, who passed away on November 1. Her celebration of life was held at Centennial November 6.

Mildred Eckart, who passed away on November 8. Her celebration of life was held at Centennial November 17.

Harriett Bromen, sister of Helen Dotray, who passed away on Oct. 26.

We celebrate

The baptism of Grace Kit Vokaty, daughter of Aron and Wendy Vokaty, who was baptized at Centennial on November 19, 2006.

Membership Changes

Withdrawal
Jerome Litschke

Transfers
Jerry Lilja to First Congregational United Church of Christ in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
John Kolden to Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Fellowship Opportunities

Call for more information. Sign-up at the Welcome Center. Visit the church web-site, www.centennialumc.org, for more information.

ASSETS and Brunch Bunch* (Adult Singles Enjoying Togetherness) join on Wed., Dec. 13, 1:00 PM at Kozlack’s. Bring a donation for Toys for Tots. Contact Madeline Allen, 651.483.8553.

Bridge Club meets the first Friday of the month in homes. Contact Dick and Marilyn Armstrong, 651.486.9008.

Deborah Fellowship meet first Friday of the month, 8:30 AM, at Baker’s Square in Roseville. Contact Nancy Ness, 651.483.3663.

Junior High Wed, Dec. 6 meet at 5:00 PM for Confirmation Mission First Night and serving at Operation Christmas Child. If you will not be able to attend, please contact Kelly so we can plan accordingly.

LOGOS Senior High Wed., Dec. 6 we’ll be joining Confirmation youth at Operation Christmas Child.  Meet at church at 5:00 PM for LOGOS and we’ll be back by 9:30 PM.  Dress for cold and for dirty work, as we’ll be in a warehouse. 

Married Couples Group (20’s, 30’s, 40’s) will meet Dec. 16 at 6:00 PM for a potluck dinner and a white elephant gift exchange. Contact Dawn and Mark Meyer, 651.486.0757.

Men’s Club Men's Club does not meet in December, but remember to sign up at the church for the Men's Club meeting on January 15, "Keeping our youth out of jail and off drugs and alcohol” by James Gilbert, Assoc Justice MN Supreme Court, 1998-2004 - for the DARE program. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Cost $8.

Piecemakers meet at church for craftwork on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM. Donna Hedblom 651.633.4191.

Plug & Chug (14 & over) Habitat for Humanity every Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call Ken Tate 651.633.6108 or Don Hopkins at 651.628.9713.

RARES (Retired, Almost Retired, Energetic Seniors) Christmas with “Jackie Burlingame and Friends” on Thurs., Dec. 14, 12:00 Noon. Sign up at the Welcome Center by Dec. 10. Cost: $6.50. Contact Joyce Rosene, 612.781.3500.

S.O.S. (Slightly Older Singles) Concert at Roseville Lutheran on Sat., Dec. 16, 7:30 PM. Freewill Offering. To carpool, meet at CUMC at 6:45 PM. Contact Vonnie Olson, 651.633.5508.

UMW (United Methodist Women) Watch the Sunday bulletin and The Centinel for upcoming events.

Women’s Breakfast Fellowship (women of all ages) meets Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 AM at Byerly’s. Contact Thelma Boeder 651.489.2604.

Women’s Night Out (women in fellowship) meet Mon, Dec. 4, 6:30 PM at Khan’s Mongolian Barbeque for supper and fellowship Contact Wendy Lucas 651.482.8592.

Young Adults (Ages 18-35, singles & married with no children) Join us on Wednesdays, 7:30 PM following Wed. Night Worship, for Young Adult Bible Study. Contact Katie Sharpe, 651.214.5556.

Centennial Staff

Volunteer Staff:

Pastor: Brian C. Hacklander
bhacklander@centennialumc.org
Pastor: Melanie Homan
mhoman@centennialumc.org
Minister of Christian Education: Donna Draeger
ddraeger@centennialumc.org
Director of Music/Organist: Robert Nienaber
rnienaber@centennialumc.org
Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Kelly Swanson
kswanson@centennialumc.org
Director of Red Robin Preschool: Nan Carlson
ncarlson@centennialumc.org
Church Administrator: Lisa Schuler
lschuler@centennialumc.org
Admin. Assistant/Membership Records:
Julie Elholm
jelholm@centennialumc.org
Communications: Tami Worden
tworden@centennialumc.org
Director of Children's Choirs: Deb Olsen
debolsen26@gmail.com
Child Care Supervisor/Coordinator: Jean Moline
hewle002@tc.umn.edu
Junior High Youth and Confirmation Ministries; Youth Praise Band: Jessica Mueller
jmeuller@centennialumc.org
Custodian: Gordon Overbo
Assistant Custodian: Eve Newman
Coordinator of Outreach Ministries:
Lauren Wendt
lwendt@centennialumc.org
Parish Nurse: Julia Nordling
parishnurse@centennialumc.org
Chancel Choir Accompanist: Sharon Follingstad
Wedding Liaison: Deanna Kieffer
Alternate Wedding Liaison: Tracie Ball

Funeral Coordinator: Jean Van Doren
Associate Funeral Coordinator: Marilyn Roberts
Steward of Capital Funds and Planned Giving: Bob Rosene
Pastors Emeriti: Clarence Nicholas, Joyce Rosene

Church office hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Centennial United Methodist Church
1524 West County Road C2
Roseville, MN 55113
651.633.7644
cumc@centennialumc.org