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Pastor’s Corner: June 2024
PPUMC Family, June 15th will mark three years since I was called to this community. Reflecting on these three years, we have come a mighty long way. Since coming back from the annual conference, I am still resting on the theme “Jesus. Redeemer,” which is based on Isaiah 43:1, which states from the Common English Bible: But now, says the Lord— the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;…
Wrapping up a successful season of the Community Concert Series
On Saturday, May 18 we had our final performance in the 2023-2024 season of our Community Concert Series. The Friends of Arthur Maud, a talented quartet of performers, filled the sanctuary with beautiful renditions of pieces composed by Arthur Maud, an accomplished composer and longtime Prospect Park resident. This final concert marked a departure from our usual pattern of raising money for external nonprofits; instead, we raised money for our Free Community Meals program, which allows us to offer a…
GCORR: 29 ways to participate in Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates the unique contributions of African Americans to the American history. Whatever your heritage or background, black history is part of everyone’s history. Religion and Race have compiled 29 suggestions to help United Methodists celebrate Black History Month during this leap year. Some ways to celebrate may include educating yourself on black history or the various African American Methodist movements. You might also support local African American businesses/charities or participate in local advocacy. You can also explore…
Welcoming the Advent Season
Advent is here, and we begin the Christian year anew with a season of waiting. As the days grow darker, we draw closer to the arrival of the Light that turns the world upside down—or right-side up! The journey toward and beyond the manger is one of reversing expectations, encountering what we thought we already knew in brand new ways, and receiving good news in unexpected places. So, with one foot in the prophets and another in the Gospels, we…
Kicking off our 2024 Stewardship Campaign: SPLASH Love Around!
During the month of October, we will be raising money for 2024 via our Stewardship Campaign. This year’s theme is: SPLASH Love Around! We need $160,000 in pledges to meet our 2024 budget and we are asking you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to the pool that makes all our work possible. This money will go towards funding vital parts of the church such as staff salaries, children’s programming, and more. It will also help to fund ongoing…
Annual Conference 2023 Recap
The 169th session of the Minnesota Annual Conference took place May 31-June 1, 2023 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Drawing on Luke 24:13-35, the theme of this year’s gathering was “Encounter. Transform. Respond. The Emmaus Experience.” We heard from Rev. Dr. Michael Beck, co-pastor of Wildwood and St. Mark UMC in FL concerning Fresh Expressions. Pastor Isiah Dennis was recognized as a Licensed Local Pastor, Rev. Chris Kliesen Wehrman was honored for her time in ministry…
Pastor’s Corner: May/June 2023
Good Family, May 2, 2022 at 6:30pm was when I walked into the doors of PPUMC and met with Pastor Chris, members of the SPRC and District Superintendent Rev. Dan Johnson in community hall. The Bishop and members of the cabinet through prayerful discernment concerning me coming to Prospect Park as the next lead Pastor. I received word a week before I went to Germany that by unanimous vote, it was approved. June 5th was when I graduated from Luther…
Children’s Programming Survey: What would you like to see?
We are planning programming for children for the next year. We are seeking input to help us put together the programs that will help meet the needs of children in our community. Please complete this survey to help us gain insight on how we can serve the children within the community of Prospect Park. We would like survey submissions by May 1, 2023. If you have any questions about the survey or PPUMC, please contact Pastor Isiah Dennis at pastorid@prospectparkchurch.org.…
Pastor’s Corner: March/April 2023
Good Family, Welcome to the season of Lent, a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. Lent has always been my favorite season of the liturgical year because of a few things: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the space to pause and reflect. I need this reminder daily because sometimes I can get so wrapped up in the daily routine that I miss what…
MN FoodShare Month: Supporting Glendale Food Shelf
Minnesota FoodShare Month is happening now through April 9. For the month of March, we will be taking donations for longtime community partner Glendale Food Shelf. Visitors to the food shelf continue to increase and the demand for fresh produce, healthy proteins, culturally familiar options and nutritious staples grows simultaneously. If you would like to donate food items in addition to your monetary support, below are some items that the food shelf could really use extra help with sourcing: Canned…