“Behold, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19)

God is a God that leads us into new opportunities.  Here at Centennial we are letting the summer breezes of the Spirit blow through our midst.  So refresh your spirit with summer worship and summer opportunities you see listed inside.   Also see the information inside for the ways we are readying ourselves to reach people in new ways in the fall through worship, FaithWalk, and hospitality.  We’ll be bringing you monthly up-dates on summer activities—note the special color of the Centinel each month!

New Worship Schedule

On Tuesday evening, May 22, the Church Council voted unanimously to initiate a Sunday afternoon/evening alternative service followed by a FaithWalk experience for all ages starting in the fall. The traditional services we currently enjoy will retain the same schedule. We were guided by the results of the recent congregational survey, a comprehensive plan for the alternative service, and the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks to Deb Dickey, Bill Nara, Vicki Griffin, and Gordon Dietzman for putting the survey together and tabulating the results from about 425 respondents. Thanks also to the staff for presenting the details of the nature, promise and cost of this new ministry. We trust that the enthusiasm we felt will build throughout the congregation as we are led in this new direction of outreach.

Don Hopkins, Chair of the Church Council

Sunday Evening Worship Proposal

The Church Council and the Program Staff have taken all of the feedback we received from the congregation as we have considered all of the possibilities available to us with our worship styles and worship times.

One of the suggestions offered by lay people at both the worship informational meetings and the April Church Council meeting was to offer a Sunday evening worship option. After giving this idea more consideration, the potential of it grew in our eyes, as we saw this as a way to move forward in trying to reach new people and cultivate spiritual vitality, but also continue to meet the needs of the people who already worship at Centennial.

Based on the congregational survey, 68% of the respondents who ranked their preferences for worship identified keeping Sunday morning worship the same while adding a Sunday evening worship service, as their first or second preferences. Only 14% of the congregation listed this option as their fourth or fifth preferences. This schedule had the greatest level of consensus of all the options offered.

Some of the details are included in this Centinel. More information will come as plans and decisions are made. Please consider how you might serve this new mission and fill out a New Worship Interest Form, available at the Welcome Center.

Worship at 5:00 PM on Sundays

Melanie will take the lead on starting this new worship service. Melanie will preach three times a month at this service. Brian will preach once a month at this service. Vice versa, Melanie will preach once a month on Sunday mornings, Brian will preach three times a month on Sunday mornings (this is our current practice).

We are currently in conversation with different music groups to help lead worship for these services.

Worship will be “theme-based” instead of “lectionary-based”. Worship will consist of music, scripture, prayer, a message, and interactive experiences for people using a variety of technology.

FaithWalk for All Ages at 6:00 PM

This fall Donna Draeger has researched several options for children’s FaithWalk. There are several curriculums for “one-room Sunday School” that work for a small number of children who are of a variety of ages. This would grow and change as the need/number of children present changes. Donna, our Minister of Christian Education, will be teaching the children’s FaithWalk class.

FaithWalk classes for senior high students, young adults, and adults of all ages will be offered.

We plan to use the Transformation Journal Daily Bible Study, with individuals having the opportunity to meet to discuss the Study in small groups. The Wired Word curriculum will also be offered. This is a curriculum that takes news stories from the week, and offers Bible Study and reflection questions around the various topics people are hearing about in the news.

Nursery care will be provided throughout the evening.

Snacks and coffee will also be provided.

Training Sessions

We will hold two identical training sessions for those interested in helping out with the service. This will also be offered to the entire congregation. Please mark your calendars for one of these dates:

Sunday, August 19, following worship at 10:45 AM

-or-

Saturday, August 25 at 9:00 AM

We will start with an Igniting Ministries training in the morning for the entire congregation, on issues related to hospitality and welcoming. This training will offer practical advice and information on how to introduce yourself to people you don’t know, how to welcome newcomers, how to invite and include newcomers to join a small group, etc. We continue to receive feedback that this is an area we can improve on as a congregation. Lunch will be provided. There will be break out sessions, and persons can go to trainings on the things in which they are interested in helping. Our head ushers will train ushers. Our A/V techs can train persons interested in learning the sound board. There would be an opportunity to learn how to use the coffee machines and dishwashers, and what needs to be done to serve coffee, as well as training for new offering counters.

These are all trainings that will be useful in increasing the number of people with the knowledge base to volunteer at either the morning or evening worship services.

A New Worship Schedule and the Covenant of 100

What We Need to Make This Happen!

We need 100 people to be in covenant to help make this service successful in reaching new people. Persons who covenant will make this commitment for one year. After that time, you can continue with the Sunday evening worship, or return to Sunday morning worship. People who don’t feel they can completely commit are welcomed to participate as they are able without being a part of the covenant.

Our goal of 100 people we hope will include 25 young adults, several families with young children so there will be a critical mass of children for the FaithWalk class, 10 senior high youth, and adults of all ages who are interested and passionate about reaching new people and worshiping in a variety of new ways.

The covenant includes:

• Commitment to be present for worship every Sunday night for one year. (We understand that people are out of town at times, but if you are in town, we need to expect that you will be present.)
• Commitment to invite others and share with others the exciting new things happening at Centennial on Sunday nights.
• Commitment to Bible study and daily prayer, using the Transformation Journal as a guide.

The 100 people will be divided into groups of 25. Each group of 25 will be a Team. Each Team will volunteer one Sunday a month, to arrive at 3:30 PM to help lead and set-up worship. The jobs this team of 25 will divide amongst themselves will include:

• ushers
• greeters
• worship set-up and take-down
• coffee servers
• offering counters
• audio/visual
• computer tech

We need to recruit more volunteers for the media team, with the media team’s emphasis being work on films and background images for worship.

We need to recruit 4 volunteers to type worship words into our PowerPoints; one person per week for a monthly rotation. Worship information will be provided to each volunteer one month prior to the worship service they are working on.

We need to recruit small group leaders to lead study groups on Sunday evenings through the Transformation Journal. The set-up is quite simple and effective, including gathering time, study time, and prayer time, all lined out for the leader.

Please complete a New Worship Interest Form, available at the Welcome Center or scroll down, and return to the church office. If we work together we can reach new people as a congregation. We need your help to make it happen.

New Worship Interest Form

Name: _________________________

Email address: ____________________

Phone number: ____________________

___ I’m interested in more information on being part of the “Covenant of 100”. We ask that you prayerfully consider this commitment, as this is crucial to ensuring the success of this new service.

___ I’m interested in working with the media team on creating and editing films for worship.

___ I’m interested in helping create PowerPoint presentations for worship.

___ I’m interested in being a small group FaithWalk leader.

___ I’m interested in running audio/visual, or being the computer tech for worship.

___ I’m interested in being part of a new music leadership group.

___ I’m interested in making a monetary donation to help this vision for reaching new people become a reality. Please contact me to discuss this further. Please complete and return to the church office.

Young Adult Ministry

Young Adult Camping

June 15-17 at Wild River State Park

Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors, just north of Taylor’s Falls! We will try to keep the costs to a minimum. Please reserve your spot by signing up at the Welcome Center or email Katie Sharpe at shar0154@yahoo.com. Carpooling and pack lists will be coordinated closer to the date and once people have signed up. Bring a friend!

Young Adult Book Group

July 22, 10:30 AM at Centennial
"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult

Pick your book up in Melanie’s office this month, so you are ready for our July book discussion! Lunch provided, Taylor Seeman facilitating. We will discuss the faith implications for a small community, as they respond to an act of violence with varying desires for revenge.

Young Adult Kayaking Trip to the Apostle Islands

August 15-19

Sign up NOW for this annual trip! Down payment of $50 required by June 20. No kayaking experience necessary, this is a time of kayaking, getting to know new people, and studying scripture in the “great cathedral of God”. Brochures and registration forms are available at the Welcome Center.

Como Zoo and Conservatory on July 1

Watch for more information about this summer event for Young Adults.

Pastors’ Keyboard

We've been thinking about worship a lot at Centennial lately as we've been considering worship changes for the fall. So why is worship so important, no matter if we relate to traditional, alternative, or contemplative worship? The United Methodist Book of Worship talks about worship being the encounter between God and the congregation.

It's the "I-thou" encounter that Martin Buber talked about. It's Isaiah in the Temple: "I saw the Lord, high and lifted up, and the hem of God's robe filled the temple" (Isaiah 6). It's the disciples on Easter evening being joined by a stranger as they walk sadly to Emmaus, who opens to them the Scriptures, hears their heart cries and questions, and breaks bread with them, turning out to be the risen Christ. Encounter.

And worship prepares us for encountering God during our daily rounds. In the office. In the workshop. In the garden. In the classroom. On the soccer field. In the boat. As the Eastern Orthodox Christians like to put it, when the benediction is said, we go to the worship after the worship. We go to worship by practicing our Christianity as Monday Christians, in other words!

Practicing. By mulling over Scripture on Sunday, it helps us listen for a word from the Divine on Tuesday. By praying on Sunday, it helps us pray on Wednesday. By praising God on Sunday, we are better primed to praise God on Thursday. By breaking bread and drinking the grape juice on Sunday, we recognize the Christ in simple everyday things on Friday. We practice on Sundays so that we can keep living as Christians on Saturday!

The great comic Robin Williams was being interviewed one time, and in the interview he told how he would watch hours of old Jack Benny films and Marx Brothers comedies, trying to copy their gestures down to the tiniest turns of the head or twists of the hand. Now this is a fabulously talented spontaneous improvisational comic and actor. But the secret to his on-the-spot, fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants comedy? It's practice, practice, practice.

Are you practicing your faith in worship on Sundays, and then in all the other spaces of your life? We are joyfully, seriously, and prayerfully committed to helping people grow as disciples of Jesus Christ here at Centennial. That's why we are seeking to offer worship in new forms as well as traditional forms. May you encounter God with your fellow sojourners in faith at Centennial this week.

Brian

Summer Events

Searchers Book Group

Thursday, June 21, 7:00 PM at Centennial
Krista Tippet’s "Speaking of Faith"

Perhaps you have listened to her weekly show on MPR and have heard her interview a variety of faithful people from different religious perspectives. We will discuss her new book, which offers her insights from her work as creator and host of the show with the same name.

BeFrienders

Thursday, June 7. 7:00 PM at Centennial

Seventeen BeFrienders have completed ten sessions on lay pastoral care skills! We will gather to offer some final notes and insights to the group as they begin to make pastoral calls to our homebound. BeFrienders is a ministry of listening and presence to those in our community. Please contact the church and leave a message on the BeFrienders voicemail, 651.633.7644, Ext. 27, to request a call from one of our BeFrienders. Messages will be checked daily.

Summer Sunday Kids’ Time

Live B.I.G. this summer!

All children are invited to attend worship at 9:30 AM with their families. During June, July and August, following the Time with Children, those age 3 thru grade 4 are invited to a class featuring the One Big Room version of Live B.I.G. (Belief in God). This new curriculum includes a short DVD segment with follow-up activities for various ages.

We need one adult leader and one or two youth or helpers for each week – please sign up for a Sunday or two! Packets with lesson materials and the DVD will be available in advance.

Vacation Bible School

Lift Off! Soaring to New Heights with God
June 11-15, 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

It’s not too late to sign up to attend Vacation Bible School – or to volunteer to help. We’re looking forward to a great week of fun and growing in faith!

Worship Rotation

A New Look for Sunday Morning FaithWalk is coming in September

As soon as VBS is finished, we begin transforming our classroom spaces into inviting, colorful, interactive learning spaces! We have volunteer designers who have chosen a room to work on but we need volunteers to help with actual painting. Sign up at the Welcome Center or email Donna Draeger, ddraeger@centennialumc.org, if you are willing to be on list of painters that designers can call.

The newly decorated spaces will enhance our new Workshop Rotation format for our FaithWalk classes. We will be dividing our year into seven 4 week units. Children in grades 1-6 will spend 4 weeks focusing on the same Bible story as they rotate to a different workshop each week. Although the story remains the same, the children encounter it in different ways – and we know that the more different ways children explore a story or concept, the more it is reinforced in their memories.

We are excited that this approach to FaithWalk will allow even more adults at Centennial to interact with our kids and serve as faith role models. We need two kinds of volunteers: Workshop Leaders and Class Leaders. The Workshop Leaders prepare one lesson in an area that fits their gifts and interest (Art, Computer, Cooking, Music & Movement, Science, Games, Storytelling and Movies) and are visited by a different class each week for four weeks. Workshop Leaders sign up for one or more of the four week units as their schedule permits. Class Leaders commit to being with one class for September thru May and travel with their class to the various workshops. Relieved of the responsibility of preparing a weekly lesson, these volunteers focus on building relationships. Class Leaders connect with parents, welcome visitors, take attendance, and assist the Workshop Leader. Packets with detailed lesson plans will be available by late June. Please prayerfully consider how you would like to be involved in this new thing! Watch for sign ups and feel free to call Donna with questions, 651.633.7644.

A 21st Century Hero

Sunday, June 17, 4:00 PM at Centennial

We will be honoring the 62nd birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1991, as she continues to endure house arrest in Rangoon Burma. The program will include “State of Fear”, a Frontline video, stories of Burma by Robert Fuller, and Saw Josiah of the Brumese Community sharing personal experiences as well as those of recent Karen refugees. For information, contact Don Hopkins, 651.628.9713.

Church Conference

Reach New People— Cultivate Spiritual Vitality

Tuesday, June 19

All members of Centennial are invited to our annual meeting Tuesday night, June 19, at 7:00 PM. We will elect officers for the new program year starting July 1, hear highlights of our ministries, and head toward the future together! Most of the reports will be in a booklet, so we will keep the meeting moving and be finished by 8:15 PM. Come for a potluck at 6:00 PM.

Twins Fans’ Opportunity

When: Tuesday, July 17 at 7:10 PM

What: A block of Twins tickets has been reserved on the lower level near the first base side for a great price of $20 per ticket. Purchase a coupon for a hot dog and soda for $3.50 each.

Why: Get out and enjoy an evening of summer time fun with your Centennial friends watching or socializing at a baseball game.

Where: Meet at church at 6:00 PM to carpool.

Mark the date on your calendar and write a check to Centennial UMC and give to Lisa Schuler. The cut-off date is July 1, so respond early as there are a limited number of tickets Contact Steve Rudd, 651.490.5299.

Holy Land Trip

2008 Holy Land Trip Meetings will be held Thursdays, June 7 and 28, at 7:00 PM.  Pastor Brian will be hosting a trip to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan February 11 to 21, 2008.  It will include many biblical sites, led by a Palestinian Christian guide, with the opportunity to learn about Palestinian-Israeli issues.  We will be part of a larger group of churches and pastors.  Flyers are available at the Welcome Center and the narthex.

Summer Music Sign-up

Do you sing or play a musical instrument? You are invited to sign up for special music (solos, duets, trios, etc.) for worship during the summer months when our choirs do not sing. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Please sign up on the bulletin board by the nursery. Contact Bob Nienaber for information, 651.633.7644 or rnienaber@centennialumc.org.

Choir Sunday is July 8

Have you wanted to sing with the Chancel Choir but just haven't had the time? Well, now's your chance! You're invited to sing with us for morning worship on Sunday, July 8. Even if you are not currently a Chancel Choir member or have not sung in a choir for awhile, please feel free to join us. There's just the one rehearsal on that Sunday at 8:30 AM in the sanctuary. For more information contact Bob Nienaber at the church. Hope to see you on the 8th.

Prime Timers Potluck Thursday, June 21 at 6:00 PM

at the home of Dwight and Marion Peterson, 1536 Edgewater Avenue, Arden Hills, 651.633.1786. Hot beef brisket sandwiches, coffee, and water will be provided. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

UMW Shower for Simpson Services

Thursday, June 14 at 10:00 AM at Marion Peterson’s, 1536 Edgewater Ave., Arden Hills. United Methodist Women are invited to bring a cup of cut-up fruit, and donation items: twin-size flat sheets, cleaning supplies, men’s and women’s socks, towels, washcloths, standard foam pillows. More items are listed on the UMW bulletin board by the Library. Church members are encouraged to donate items for Simpson Services. Collection bins are located at the Welcome Center.

ASSETS Adult Singles Event

Wednesday, June 20

Meet at CUMC at 12:30 PM to carpool to Overflow Coffee Shop at University Ave. SE & 29th. Lunch at 1:00 PM. Contact Joyce Truax, 651.484.0320. (Please note that the location and time has changed since the publication was mailed. ASSETS will meet at 11:30 AM at Baker’s Square on Wednesday, June 20.)

Youth Ministry

Sr. High Mission Trip Meeting

Sunday, June 3 at 12:00 Noon

Graduation Sunday

Sunday, June 10 at 10:30 AM
There will be celebration for our senior high graduates at worship, followed by a brunch for the graduates and their families.

Sr. High Wednesday Lunches

Meet at the church at 11:30 AM and bring some money to enjoy a meal together at our favorite local summer spots. Watch in the bulletin for those weeks when Kelly is away.

New Orleans Mission Trip Meeting

Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 PM
Enjoy at BBQ at the Fertig’s home.

Senior High Mission Trip

June 22–July 1
It’s not too late to be a part of this group doing relief work for those affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA.

Junior High Car Wash

Sat., July 7; 9:00 AM– 2:00 PM
We’re having a church/neighborhood car wash to raise money for our mission trip to Duluth.  Our junior high youth going on the mission trip this summer will be outside with hoses and sponges in hand to help shine up your car.  Stop by and support our youth as they prepare to serve others by serving you!

ValleyFair Day

Thursday, July 12
Cost: $25.00 ($10 savings!)
Bring a friend and he/she will get an additional $5 off. Registration information was sent in the mail or contact Kelly.

Junior High BBQ

Wednesday, July 25, 6:30 PM

BWCA Confirmation Trip

July 15 – July 20; Cost: $185
Includes lodging, food, t-shirt, camping, canoeing one night into the boundary waters and transportation! We will be spending the week at the North Star Christian Adventures Camp on the border of the Boundary Waters.  It’s an incredible opportunity to enjoy nature, camp and cook outside without being quite as rustic as the Boundary Waters, but for one amazing night we will canoe into places that have never been seen by motors as we explore, paddle, camp, make bon fires and more. This trip is only for 9th grade students, but we still have space for more.  If you’re in 9th grade and you’re not signed up, contact Kelly.

Junior High Mission Trip

July 29 – August 3; Cost: $250
The trip includes housing, food, t-shirt, transportation, activities in Duluth and an opportunity to serve others. We will be leaving after worship on Sunday to head up north.  Once in Duluth we will be partnering with the organizations and ministries that already exist there and help them serve the community.  Playing with children, serving meals to homeless, hanging out at nursing homes, and learning about the culture of Duluth are just a few of the things we’ll do together.  This trip for 7-8th grade students has space available so contact Kelly!

T.Y.L. Camp

July 29 – August 3; Cost: $295
This year’s theme of Today’s Youth as Leaders is “Never No Answer.” Christopher Ames returns to lead us in song and story. Registration information is in the camping brochure.

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