The Centinel 12-30-05

Sunday Worship Schedule

9:00 AM Worship and Kids’ Time
10:00 AM Fellowship Time
10:30 AM Worship and FaithWalk
Upcoming Centinel Deadlines:
January 9 and 23

Merry Twelve Days of Christmas to you from the staff here at Centennial!
Wishing you God's blessings in the New Year,
Brian, Melanie, Joan, Kelly, Bob, Lisa, Gordon, Julie, Deb, Nan, Jean, and Bobbi

Adult Mission Trip January 7–14, 2006
Nine people will leave for Port Charlotte, Florida to work on repairing and reconstruction of homes damaged by the devastating hurricanes of 2004. Please keep these people in your prayers as they travel and work in this mission ministry.
Melanie Homan
Don Hopkins
Mary Hopkins
Julie Jacob
Nancy Jacob
Steven King
Carrie Kramarczuk
Orest Kramarczuk
Elizabeth Murray
Steven Rohde
Jeneyene Sitts

Centennial's Website has a New Look
Over the course of the last few months, the Centennial Communications Committee has been working on a new design for our website. By creating a new design we will actually save money on hosting services by taking advantage of new technology. Thank you to Gordon Dietzman, Ray McDonald, Paul Lucas and Andy Schultz for their work on this project. Plans are to move to the new design by January 1, 2006. We ask for your patience as we rebuild the website and continue to make improvements in the design. We encourage you to visit www.centennialumc.org and let us know how we’re doing.

Parish Nurse Opening
The Staff Parish Relations Committee invites interested persons from Centennial to inquire or apply for the Parish Nurse staff position. This ministry combines nursing and faith to assist faith communities in caring for individuals and families and in promoting wellness in body, mind and spirit. It is a 10 hour per week position, open to a registered nurse licensed to practice in Minnesota and who has a commitment to a wholistic concept of health care. Experience in teaching, health education, and health promotion is desirable and community/public health nursing experience is helpful.

Christi Wirth-Davis, Staff Parish Chair, and Jan Daniels, founder of Parish Nursing at Centennial, will provide additional information about the position. Contact Jan at the church office, 651.633.7644, ext #36 or Christi, 651.787.0114.

RARES January Event
Retired, Almost Retired, Energetic Seniors will meet Thursday, January 12 at 12:00 noon for a luncheon and program featuring Sue Matt, a United States Postal Inspector speaking on Postal Fraud and Scams. Postal Fraud is a timely topic, and one that we’re sure will be of interest. Tickets are $6.50 each. Sign up by Jan. 8 at the Welcome Center, in the church office, or contact Joyce Rosene, 651.484.4582.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you would like to participate in the Prayer Shawl Ministry, our next meeting is Wed., Jan. 11, 6:00–7:00 PM. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Like to knit or crochet? Join us–we can also teach you. This ministry helps the sick, homebound, and those who have experienced loss feel the love of God wrapped in a shawl. Contact Marilyn Roberts 651.407.8819 or Tracy Fodstad 763.571.2301.

2nd Annual Centennial Men's Retreat
Friday, January 27 – Saturday, January 28
Recreate—connect with others—get some "alone time"—make new friends—for all ages! Cost: $75 ($65 without Friday dinner, $5 extra for a single room, if available). Scholarships available if needed. We will begin with dinner Friday evening and finish with a Saturday noon meal. Location: Carondelet Center at St. Kate's in St. Paul. Contact Brian Hacklander with questions. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Yogadevotion Beginner Classes at Centennial UMC
Thursday nights, 5:30–6:30 PM, January 12–March 2, 2006
Yogadevotion is a Christian based Yoga company. The owners, Robin Norsted and Cindy Senarighi, are both certified Yogafit instructors. They currently teach classes in nine metro area churches. If you miss a class at Centennial UMC, you can make it up at any of the other churches participating in this program. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center.

Yoga poses help to strengthen and release muscles, increase flexibility and range of motion, and improve balance. There will be a devotion during each class. The physical practice of yoga can still your mind to be open to the presence of God. The cost is $50 for the eight weeks. Please see one of the pastors if the cost is an issue.

This class is for you! It is for men and women of any age. Bring a friend! Contact Parish Nurse Jan Daniels at 651.633.7644 or email parishnurse@centennialumc.org. We need 15 paid registrations.

The North Star Commuter Rail Line...“Will It Be On Time?
CUMC Men’s Club Dinner Program Monday, January 16
6:30 PM Dinner (Tickets $8 ea) 7:15 PM Program
The Men’s Club dinner programs are open to the public and always worthwhile. Commuter Rail is coming to the Twin Cities and the North Star Line is the first of several anticipated routes between the central business districts and outlying metro areas up to 50 miles away. It represents a significant expansion of our mass transit system.

Jill Brown, Anoka County Information Director, will be here to fill us in on details and answer questions after a tasty and reasonably priced dinner. Plan to attend and bring a spouse, friends, or neighbors. Everyone is welcome! Sign up at the Welcome Center by January 12.

Prime Timers Event
Couples and singles 45+ are invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Sat., Jan. 28, in the Year of the Dog (2006 for those in tune with the International Calendar). Plans have us gathering at the Peking Garden (University & Washington Avenues in SE Minneapolis) for dinner and afterwards we'll have dessert at Deb and Gordon Dietzman's home. Watch for more details. RSVP to the Deb and Gordon at 651.487.1270 or Paul Lucas/Wendy Cederholm at 651.482.8592, or sign up at the Welcome Center.

Wednesday Night Worship
Our Wednesday evening worship services will resume Wednesday, January 4, with the Holden Evening Prayer Service. The monthly rotation of services includes a Youth-led worship on Jan. 11, Taizé Service on Jan. 18 and a Multi-Sensory Service on Jan. 25. Services are held in the Sanctuary from 7:00 to 7:25 PM. Come for an oasis of the Spirit!

Pastors’ Keyboard

In 1982, Father Harold Stockert did research into the origin of the words to the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Catholics in Elizabethan England were not permitted to practice their faith openly, and Stockert discovered documents that indicated that these Catholic Christians used symbolic songs and poems to hold on to their faith. One of these “underground” songs, according to Stockert, was “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

The partridge in a pear tree points to Jesus Christ. (Stockert wrote, “Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings.”)

The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic tradition.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing? These pointed toward the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
Finally, the twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed.

There’s a debate on the web about whether this research was accurate—perhaps the song was always just a secular song, or perhaps it became confused with a song dating to 1625 called “In Those Twelve Days.” No matter the outcome of this debate, the Catholic Christians of that day somehow had to find ways to keep their faith alive.

So do we. What would you choose as a way to summarize your Christian faith and keep it alive, in a time of many influences from the media and the pressures of everyday living that distract us from keeping our focus on God? What is the shorthand that keeps you alive in your relationship with Christ when life is a whirlwind?

Some people have a Bible verse on their refrigerator that they cannot help but see. Others seek a quiet time of prayer at the same time, same place each day, even if just five minutes in duration. Others look for Christ in the eyes of those in need. One friend of mine in our area, a progressive mainline pastor for many years, underlines his need for an ongoing friendship with Jesus.

There’s more at stake here than just a song. I seek to live a faith that I can pass on to my thinking, passionate teenagers. I seek to live a faith that will help us seek justice and peace in a time when the name “Christian” is in danger of being equated with narrow-mindedness. I seek the God who in Christ has embraced me in a love that I cannot totally fathom, and yet in the midst of that embrace, liberates me to seek the good of all creation.

What is the shorthand that helps keep your faith alive?
Joy and faith to you on the Fifth Day of Christmas,

Brian

Parish Nurse Notes

Here it is! Goodbye to 2005, welcome to 2006! There is something energizing about starting a new year. All those resolutions, plans, dreams. My wish is success to all of you as you follow your dreams.

You know I’m going to hope that better health and healthier lifestyles appear on your resolution lists. The best way to start the process is to do a little self evaluation:

• Are you eating right?
• Are you drinking enough water? (6 to 8 8 oz. glasses will do wonders!)
• Are you sleeping well? Enough? Do you nap? 30 minutes is highly recommended for a daily nap, preferably between 12:00 noon and 1:30 PM.
• Exercise? 30 minutes, at least 3 times weekly, of active exercise—walking, swimming, golf, tennis—is recommended.

Do you know about Yogadevotion? We will start a new eight week session on January 12th at 5:30 PM in Linden Court. Cost is $50.00. Sign up at the Welcome Center, or contact Jan Daniels.

In Partnership with Lyngblomsten,
Jan Daniels
parishnurse@centennialumc.org

Remember in Prayer

Todd Lewis who is in active military service.

We celebrate
The baptism of Jace Robert Wheaton, son of Alex and Amy Wheaton, who was baptized on December 4, 2005.

We remember
Norman Montain, father-in-law of Bev Montain, who passed away on December 20, 2005.

Praying through our Membership Rolls
Our prayers for each other empower us and create joyful bonds of love!

• Chad Hofmeister
• Emily Hofmeister
• Steve and Kay Hofmeister
• Wade Hofmeister
• David and Georgiana Hollister
• Eric, Bonnie, Michael and Kaylee Hollnagel
• Carolyn Holmes
• Fran, Jeff and Corinne Holmes
• Jamie Homan
• Melanie Homan
• Jenny Honecker
• Don and Mary Hopkins

Thank you

Dear Friends,
You have helped us so much during Otto’s illness. It has meant a great deal to have so much support, love, and prayers. So many people helped to make Otto’s service a celebration of his life. We continue to appreciate your support during my illness. Centennial has wonderful, caring people.
Shirley Bruss and family

Thank you to all the instrumental carolers who joined us between services in joyful music of the Christmas season. As in years past, we brought the spirit of Christmas to our coffee hour in a bright and festive manner. We’ll meet again next year on the two Sundays before Christmas. No invitation is necessary! Bring your instrument and bring a friend—all ages, all instruments!
Dave Magnuson

Giving to the Department of Indian Work means LOVE, CONCERN, and SUPPORT. Many, many thanks to all of you wonderful people for your donation of hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and socks. Centennial donated 69 scarves/hats and 49 pairs of mittens/gloves/socks. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Sheila WhiteEagle
Saint Paul Area Council of Churches
Department of Indian Work

The church staff would like to thank those of you who sent cards and letters, brought goodies, or stopped in the church office to visit during the Christmas season. We are blessed to have such caring people around us and we appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thank you!

Fellowship Opportunities

Call for more information. Sign-up at the Welcome Center.

ASSETS** (Adult Singles Enjoying Togetherness). Meet for a potluck at CUMC on January 18. Contact Mary Lu Carlson, 651.636.4632.

Bridge Club meets in homes the 1st Friday of the month. Marion & Dwight Peterson, 651.633.1786.

Deborah Fellowship meets the 1st Friday of the month, 8:30 AM, at Baker’s Square in Roseville. Contact Nancy Ness, 651.483.3663.

Jr High Fellowship Youth band rehearsals Sunday sat 12:00 Noon, lunch provided. Confirmation Trip to the Boundary Waters July 16-21, 2006; Junior High Mission Trip July 30-Aug. 4, 2006; TYL Camp July 30–Aug. 5, 2006. Contact Kelly Swanson.

Married Couples Group (20’s, 30’s and 40’s) will meet Saturday, Jan. 21, 6:00 PM for fellowship. Contact Dawn and Mark Meyer, 651.486.0757.

Men’s Club will meet January 16 for dinner and “North Star Rail…will the train be on time?” presented by Jill Brown, Anoka County information director. Contact Dale Noyed, 651.633.4197.

Piecemakers is a group of women that meet 9:30-11:30 AM each Wednesday at the church for craftwork. Contact Donna Hedblom 651.633.4191.

Plug & Chug (13 & over) work for 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.

Prime Timers (couples and singles 45+) Celebrate the Chinese New Year on Sat., Jan. 28. Plans are to gather at the Peking Garden (University & Washington Ave., SE Minneapolis) for dinner, dessert at Deb and Gordon Dietzman's home. Watch for more details. RSVP to the Dietzman's at 651.487.1270 or Paul Lucas/Wendy Cederholm at 651.482.8592, or sign up at the Welcome Center.

RARES (Retired, Almost Retired, Energetic Seniors) will meet Thursday, Jan. 12 for luncheon and a program featuring Sue Matt, a U. S. Postal Inspector speaking on Postal Fraud and Scams. Tickets are $6.50 ea, sign up by Jan. 8. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Contact Joyce Rosene,
651.484.4582.

Sr High Fellowship: Youth band rehearsals Sundays at 12:00 Noon, with lunch provided. Senior High Mission Trip will be held sometime around June 17-25, 2006 so mark your calendars and save the dates! Contact Kelly Swanson.

SOS** (Slightly Older Singles) “An afternoon with Mar Carlson” and her collection of Ladies Powder Compacts. Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2:00 PM. RSVP to Mar, 651.653.2470 or Marilyn Dunshee, 651.489.1809.

U M W (United Methodist Women) we will be joining RARES for our January meeting on January 12.

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

Women’s Night Out (women in fellowship) will not meet in January. Watch for info about our monthly nights out. Contact Wendy Cederholm, 651.482.8592.

Young Adult Ministry (Ages 18-35, singles & married with no children) Watch for information about events and activities or contact Pastor Melanie, 651.633.7644, ext. #12 or mhoman@centennialumc.org.

*Scholarships are available and confidential for Centennial sponsored events. Please contact one of the pastors. Contact Child Care Supervisor-Coordinator, Jean Moline, by leaving a message at 651.633.7644 ext. 38 at least 48 hours before an event. If there are no calls, child care will not be provided.

Staff:
Pastor: Brian C. Hacklander
bhacklander@centennialumc.org
Pastor: Melanie Homan
mhoman@centennialumc.org
Minister of Christian Education: Joan Lilja
jlilja@centennialumc.org
Director of Music/Organist: Robert Nienaber
rgnjr@centennialumc.org
Director of Youth Ministries: Kelly Swanson
kswanson@centennialumc.org
Director of Red Robin Preschool: Nan Carlson
ncarlson@centennialumc.org
Church Administrator: Lisa Schuler
lisas@centennialumc.org
Admin. Assistant/Membership Records: Julie Elholm
jelholm@centennialumc.org
Communications/Children's Choirs: Deb Olsen
dolsen@centennialumc.org
Child Care Supervisor/Coordinator: Jean Moline
Custodian: Gordon Overbo
Parish Nurse: Jan Daniels
parishnurse@centennialumc.org
Chancel Choir Accompanist: Bobbi Peterson
Youth Band Director: Jacob Notch
Youth Ministry Intern: Lindsay Bacher
Wedding Liaison: Deanna Kieffer
Alternate Wedding Liaison: Tracie Ball

Volunteer Staff:
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