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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;…
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…
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…
Project Mustard Seed: A new program for micro-funding community outreach ideas
The PPUMC Administrative Council has approved a new initiative called, Project Mustard Seed. This program is designed to encourage PPUMC members to propose and engage in activities that further the church’s mission through specific funding requests. PPUMC’s mission states, “We seek to be an inclusive Christian community that affirms faith in God and spiritual growth with a commitment to justice and stewardship of God’s creation.” Named after Jesus’ well-known parable, Project Mustard Seed is designed to grow new and exciting…
PPUMC Choir: Celebrating with Song!
The PPUMC Choir is excited to be back on an in-person weekly rehearsal schedule as we join with the rest of the congregation in exploring new ‘normals’ in the midst of the pandemic. Following all guidelines established by the church administrative council, we’re meeting – and singing – while masked and keeping safe distancing boundaries. There’s no doubt that vocalizing, supportive breathing and enunciating are a bit more challenging than in pre-COVID days; however, we’re so very grateful we’ve made…
PPUMC Service Projects Update: Supporting Afghan Refugees
A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the February campaign to support Afghan refugees via the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services. PPUMC collected three carloads of goods. The MCC was especially grateful to receive two car seats and a wheelchair. Most of our donations were household goods: kitchenware and cleaning/laundry supplies to help newcomers set up their new homes. Givers also contributed gift cards and a cash donation of $882. In prior months, we raised over $1250…
Project: Let’s Help (Afghan Refugees)
Over the past months, the PPUMC community has been incredibly generous in helping provide support to Afghan refugee families making their way to a new home in Minnesota. (See our previous post about this service project here.) As the re-settlement efforts continue throughout February, we will be collecting a variety of household items, specifically kitchen and cleaning/laundry supplies, as well as accepting monetary donations to be delivered to the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services for final distribution. There are…
Keep on Singing! (PPUMC Choir)
As choir director here at PPUMC, I feel pretty darn comfortable speaking for the entire congregation when I say we ALL love to sing, especially when together in the sanctuary. Ah, those sweet sounds! Of course, it has been nearly two years since we’ve last shared that gift in person; and yet, we’ve created new ways to join our voices together in song every single week…and we will continue on that journey! The reflection below comes from Liz Miller, pastor…
January-February Pastor’s Corner
Beloved Community, Today I plan to eat a peanut butter, bologna and lettuce sandwich on white bread, with the crusts cut off. I’m thinking to serve it on a favorite vintage plate (photo included) with a few potato chips on the side. If I can come up with some red licorice, it will be dessert. If you follow pop culture, I imagine you’ve figured out why. 1) It was Betty White’s favorite sandwich, and I’m curious.2) I learned about it…
Service Project Update: Afghan Refugees in MN
Did you know? 578 people have arrived in MN since September, that’s 163 families. The state of MN houses new arrivals at a hotel in Bloomington where they await placement in apartments or houses. 499 individuals have stayed at the hotel. 211 are currently at the hotel. 288 people have moved out and are in permanent housing. 55% of the people at the hotel are children. At any given time of day you can find someone wanting to play Uno…