The Centinel 2-24-06

Sunday Worship Schedule
9:00 AM Worship and Kids’ Time
10:00 AM Fellowship Time
10:30 AM Worship and FaithWalk

Upcoming Centinel Deadlines:
March 6 and March 20

Life. Feed The Root:

Wednesday Lenten Services:
March 1, Ash Wednesday
7:00–8:00 PM with Communion and the giving of ashes

March 8, 7:00–7:25 PM
Multi-sensory Service

March 15, 7:00–7:25 PM
Taizé Service

March 22, 7:00–7:25 PM
Youth-led Service

March 29, 7:00–7:25 PM
Healing Service

April 5, 7:00–7:25 PM
Holden Evening Prayer Service

Soup Supper Wednesdays

Beginning March 1, 5:30–6:30 PM The youth will serve soup and bread on Wednesdays during Lent. A free will donation is requested, with proceeds going toward the youth summer mission trips.

March is Food Share Month

The Keystone Make Hunger History forum February 12 documented a 10% increase in food shelf visits in our community in 2005 that is continuing this year, with another 10% increase last month over January 2005. This is not only increasing the need for food donations, but also for volunteers and facilities as managers work to respond. During 2005 Keystone Community Services, the Food Shelf managers for our area, had over 10,000 visits serving an average 2.5 persons each - adults and children – and distributed over 500,000 pounds of food. Our donations are needed and are making a difference.

Please rummage through your pantry and donate–before their expiration date–those cans, jars and boxes that have been accumulating. However, Food Shelf managers say they can leverage our supermarket dollars up to nine times through Second Harvest, Minnesota Food Share, corporate donations and other suppliers. So consider cash donations before rushing to the supermarket and loading your shopping cart. Your cash donations will be sent to our Keystone Food Shelf for food purchases as needed throughout the year. Please mark your envelopes clearly for “Food Shelf” and place in the offering plate.

Our Centennial 2005 donations totaled at least 1500 pounds of food (based on actual weights and estimates) and $1106 in cash. Let’s top this in 2006 beginning with March Food Share Month.

Church & Society Committee

Habitat for Humanity

As the days grow longer, it won’t be long before construction season in Minnesota enters its busy phase. Since the late 1980’s, Centennial has been involved with building affordable housing for families through the organization Habitat for Humanity. Their mission is to eliminate inadequate and poverty housing in the world. Homes are not given away, but sold at a reduced rate for qualified buyers who must also volunteer 350 – 500 hours of “sweat equity”. We will join forces with 13 churches in our area this year. It is a chance to put our faith in action as a witness to the gospel of Christ. The first day of the project is scheduled for April 17. There will be a number of different days available for Centennial members who would like to be part of this effort. We will have information tables and sign up sheets in Linden Court beginning Feb. 26, or contact Jack Griffin 651.633.8571 or Don White 651.636.4856.

Red Robin Super Sale

Now is the time to start making a clean sweep of your house for items to contribute to the Red Robin Super Sale being held April 28. Children’s clothing, toys, books, household goods, sporting goods and furniture are gladly accepted.

UMW Silent Auction

It’s not too early to start thinking about the Spring Luncheon and Silent Auction on May 13. Donations of items such as home-related services, filled theme baskets, antiques, and hand-made items would be appreciated. Baked goods will also be offered for sale. Contact Bev Montain, 651.644.2644.

Red Robin Registration

It’s not too early to be thinking about preschool for next fall! Registration for Red Robin Preschool’s 2006-07 school year is open. Red Robin at Centennial UMC offers two and three day morning class sessions for children 3–5 years old. Call Nan Carlson, 651.633.7644, for more info and/or a tour.

Summer Camping Brochure

There are over 180 separate camps and retreats to choose from. Each one is planning on:

Having a lot of FUN!
Having you meet great friends
Sharing Good News about Our Lord!
Changing Your Life forever!

It’s open to you and your friends—whoever they are! Brochures are at the Welcome Center or visit www.campminnesota.org.

You are invited to sing!

The Chancel Choir will present a portion of Handel’s Messiah for a concert on Palm Sunday, April 9, at 4:00 PM. All singers high school age and up are invited to Messiah rehearsals on Wednesdays, 7:30–8:00 PM.

Last chance for Chapel Organ

The old Chapel electronic organ ( Conn) is available to anyone who would like to remove it from church. The price has dropped to FREE, but the deadline is March 15 for someone to give it a new home. Interested, or know of someone who is? Contact Bob Nienaber at the church, 651.633.7644, or e-mail rgnjr@centennialumc.org.

"What's Going On at the University of Minnesota"

is the theme of the next Centennial Men's Club dinner program at 6:30 PM on Monday, March 20 in Fellowship Hall. A panel of University faculty members will address the question and respond to questions. The U is in a historic transformation as it attempts to become one of the top three public research universities in the world within a decade, and is asking the 2006 state legislature for over $230 million dollars in taxpayer support. It affects almost everyone in the state of Minnesota, and if you don't know what's going on this is an excellent opportunity to find out. Everyone is welcome. Dinner $8 per person, with registration needed by Thursday, March 16.

Pastors’ Keyboard

It was out in the middle of the Dakotas somewhere. The great preacher Hal Luccock told of a congregation who got hit by a furious blizzard. Out there, there is often nothing to stop the wind from whipping the snow around—and around. The snow was high. The U.S. mail could not get through for a week. Back in the days before email and Internet, that meant that the pastor and congregation had no clue what the denominational emphasis for that week was. Was it something like National Bible Week, or Religion in American Life Month, or Ecumenical Sunday?

And so the pastor walked out sheepishly before the congregation that Sunday and said that, “In the absence of any other reason for gathering, we’ll just worship God.”

Our focus at Centennial this Lent is just that. God.

As busy as our lives are, it’s easy enough to get distracted from keeping the main thing the main thing. Even in worship! But here’s to being countercultural and not giving in to the busyness that we sometimes wear as a badge of honor. Here’s to keeping our eyes on Christ.

Feed the roots of your faith this Lent. Melanie and I are looking forward to preaching a series of sermons on Feeding the Root during this season of spiritual reflection:

March 5 Grace: Where It All Starts (Brian)
March 12 Holy Communion: Bread for the Journey (Brian)
March 19 Scripture: Guidance for the Journey (Melanie)
March 26 Prayer: Sustenance for the Journey (Melanie)
April 2 Conferencing: Companionship for the Journey (Brian)

These practices are tied into the “means of grace” John Wesley encouraged Christians to build into their--our--lives.

Joan, Melanie, and I also encourage you to join us in taking up the Bishop’s Challenge to read the Bible and pray for 30 minutes each day during Lent. Check out the reading schedule in the Lenten brochure (page 3) mailed to you recently. These readings are part of a schedule designed to take us through the whole Bible in a year. If you want the whole schedule, let us know!

In the energy of Christ’s Spirit,

Brian

P.S. Please remember in your prayers me and the nine people from Centennial going on the Holy Land pilgrimage March 14-25.

Thank you

I want to thank the pastoral staff for their visits and caring attitude with my mother for the last few years. It was difficult for her to be away from her home church in Iowa and this link was always a happy one. Thank you also to our friends at the church who sent cards, attended visitation and said special prayers while we went through the journey of her illness & death.
Karen Rudd

Dear Centennial friends:
Thanks to everyone at Centennial, especially Pastor Hacklander and Pastor Homan, for their thoughts, prayers and concerns during my recent surgeries. It meant a great deal to me. I truly appreciate all of the cards, letters and calls that I received. A very special thanks to Jo Snyder for the prayer shawl.
Kathryn Belor

A special note of thanks to five sweethearts. Thank you to Miles and Jean Fredenburg, Vernon and Bonnie Eidman, and Marilyn Dunshee for taking care of all the kitchen duties for the Men’s Club Sweetheart’s Night. They helped to make the evening very enjoyable for all in attendance.
Jim House, Centennial Men’s Club

Parish Nurse Notes

Last month we talked about healthy aging and I referred to the “Mayo Clinic Women’s Health-source” publication. Following are some suggestions to help us age in a healthy manner:

Eating well: Include essential nutrients in your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes (dry beans and peas) are great ways to get those nutrients. Cut down on your intake of sodium and cholesterol. Use unsaturated fats such as olive or canola oil, and less of saturated and trans fats like butter and solid shortenings.

Keep physically active: Aim for 30 (or more) minutes of exercise everyday, if possible. This exercise will help control weight, improve circulation, increase muscle mass, give greater flexibility, and increase endurance and improve balance.

Use skin protection: Wear a hat, protect skin with clothing and a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (my dermatologist says a minimum of 30 SPF.)

Limit alcohol/avoid tobacco

Stay socially connected and intellectually curious: Neurofics–exercising your brain–may even keep memory maintained. Taking classes, reading, doing a hobby, and puzzles help. Also, trying a different route, whether walking or driving, alerts the brain to something new. Move the wastebasket, rearrange your desk—all send a new challenge to your brain.

Have regular medical exams, as well as preventative health screenings: You can get everything from blood pressure checks to osteoporosis checks when you desire. Be informed about yourself. Know your meds and what they do. Keep a narrative record of illness, test, etc. along with test results, in a file folder or on your computer.

Remember to check with your physician, nurse practitioner, or parish nurse if you have health questions.

In partnership with Lyngblomsten,
Jan Daniels, Parish Nurse

Red Robin Round-up

Understanding Possessiveness
Conflicts with possessions are a common form of dispute for preschoolers. Usually these struggles end quickly, when 3 and 4 year olds resolve them by giving in or giving up. A conflict can escalate when there’s competition for toys, space, or attention. A preschooler may hit, take an item, give a verbal command (“Give me that truck!”), threaten (“I won’t play with you if you don’t give me that truck.”), or negotiate (“I’ll let you play with the car if you give me the truck.”).

Learning to interact with others is a gradual process. The idea of ownership can be difficult for the still egocentric preschooler to comprehend. A child may believe that she’s giving her toys away if she lets another use them. They often need long uninterrupted times with their playthings before they feel secure enough to share them. By the time a child is 5 and 6 years old, they are exhibiting some egocentric behaviors but also have an awareness of what’s fair for others. They are better able to deal with feelings through discussion and observation.

To help a youngster a parent or grandparent can:

Reassure the child that their possession is hers/his, no matter who might use them.

Store the favorite belonging in a special place. A child shouldn’t be expected to share a favorite possession unless she/he decides to do so her/himself.

Create opportunities for your child and his friends to get together.

Encourage sharing by implementing turn-taking strategies. Try using a time limit or a specific number of times a game can be played before it’s the other child’s turn.

To avoid conflicts, teach a child to ask permission to play with a toy someone else is playing with, and to wait until the other child agrees to give the toy up.

Taking ownership is a way for a young child to feel more secure. Laying the groundwork by creating positive feelings of ownership and consistent relationships with loving adults, will help a child develop feelings of empathy. A growing awareness of others will lead to sharing.

Nan Carlson
Director, Red Robin Preschool

Remember in Prayer

Todd Lewis who is in active military service.

We remember
Mildred Cook, mother of Karen Rudd, who passed away on January 19, 2006.
Edna Johns, mother of Shirley Sandin, who passed away on February 13, 2005.
Dorothy Hunt, mother of Dennis Hunt, who passed away on February 21, 2005.
Joseph Ling, who passed away on February 22, 2006.
Marjorie Beneke, mother of Janet Beneke, who passed away on February 23, 2006.

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

Julianne Johnston
Matt Johnston
Robert and Jean Johnston
Belinda, Steve, Isaac, Levi and Lillian Jones
Douglas and Betty Jordahl
Katherine Jordahl
Esther Kallstrom
Kenneth and Marion Kamstra
Colleen Kargel
Ray and Helen Karinen
Benjamin Karrow
Dennis Kenewa
Deanna Kieffer
Bee Kindseth
Hal King
Steve, Carol and Erin King

Changes in Membership

Transfer:
Alan and Ann Salmela to First UMC in Stillwater
Sam and Alice Marks to Community Presbyterian Church in Texas

Withdrawn:
Sarah (Kyle) Cruit

Fellowship Opportunities

ASSETS* (Adult Singles Enjoying Togetherness) Lunch in the River Room, downtown Saint Paul, on March 15. Contact Lorraine Johnson, 651.628.3551.

Bridge Club meets in homes the 1st Friday of the month. Contact 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 Sundays at 12:00 Noon, lunch provided. Contact Kelly Swanson.

Married Couples Group (20’s, 30’s, 40’s) will meet Saturday, Mar. 18, 6:00 PM for fellowship. Contact Dawn and Mark Meyer, 651.486.0757.

Men’s Club will meet March 20, 6:30 PM for dinner and program “What is happening at the U of M?”–an update from a panel of University faculty members about the U’s historic transformation. Everyone is invited to attend. Sign up at the Welcome Center or 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+) Sign up by March 26 for tickets to “Music Man” at Lakeshore Players on Fri., April 21. Tickets $16.50 each. Contact Ron and Nancy Ness, 651.483.3663 or Howard and Jean Rieke, 651.484.6194.

RARES (Retired, Almost Retired, Energetic Seniors) will meet Thursday, Mar. 9 at 12:00 Noon for a luncheon and program. Melanie Homan and Carrie Kramarczuk will share pictures and stories from the recent adult mission trip to Florida. Contact Joyce Rosene, 651.484.4582. Cost: $6.50.

Sr High Fellowship Youth worship band rehearsals Sundays at 12:00 Noon, lunch provided. SOW, Servants of the World, our Senior High Mission Trip, is June 17–26. Contact Kelly Swanson.

SOS* (Slightly Older Singles) Academy Awards Party on Sunday, March 5. Chalkboard Capers at Irondale HS on April 1. Contact Barbara, 651.633.4296 or Corky, 651.765.0046.

U M W (United Methodist Women) General Meeting on March 2, 10:00 AM. Day on the Hill, March 2, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM—UMW will reimburse cost of registration, contact Bev, 651.644.2644. Save the date for “A Day Apart” at Centennial on April 1. Start planning now for the Spring Luncheon and Silent Auction on May 13.

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 meet Mar. 6, 6:30 PM, at Yarusso Brothers Italian, 637 Payne Ave in St. Paul. Contact Wendy Cederholm, 651.482.8592.

Young Adult Ministry (Ages 18-35, singles & married with no children) Lenten Study, Living the Questions, Wednesdays starting Mar 8, 7:30 PM in the Chapel. March 25: Supper at the Old Spaghetti Factory and skating at the Depot in Minneapolis–meet at CUMC at 6:00 PM to carpool. Contact Jeff Niblack, 612.378.1579.