There are many ways to get involved at Hennepin Church: below we showcase 42(!) groups and committees. Volunteers are involved in everything you see, touch, hear, learn and enjoy at Hennepin; from the beautiful roses in the parking lot, coffee in Carlson Hall, music in the sanctuary, funds for new carpet, education forums, Vacation Bible School and lots more. We invite you to check out these “communities” for 3 reasons: 1) to learn more about Hennepin Church, 2) to consider ways you want to be involved, and 3)  appreciate the work everyone does for our church, community and world.

The Connections Team can help connect people with an interest in volunteering to groups that can use their gifts and skills. If you find a fit in the list below, just email connections@haumc.org or fill out the Get Involved form.

 

Hennepin Avenue UMC Engagement Opportunities Description
Team *Committee members are appointed per discipline bylaws to insure experience and congregation representation.
Administrative Council*
(Ad Council*)		 Made up of 15-20 lay members who work with the staff to fulfill the mission of the congregation. Along with Methodist churches across the state, our focus is to reach new people and cultivate spiritual vitality. The Ad Council nurtures, mentors, listens, leads and supports congregational communities and groups. Meetings are open to all.
Adult Nurture Creates and plans for education and spiritual formation experiences at Hennepin, which includes classes, study groups, devotionals, Hennepin Reads and more.
Archives and History Collects and catalogs the church’s archives so they will be preserved for future generations.
Children’s Council Plans and executes programming and activities to build community, educate and support the spiritual formation of the children at Hennepin, ages birth through sixth grade. Efforts include Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Milestones Program, Nursery, Club 56, and Christmas Pageant.
Church of Youth Council Plans and executes activities and programs to build community, educate and support the spiritual formation of the youth at Hennepin. Efforts include Confirmation, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Mission Trips, Service Projects and more.
Communications Meets monthly to oversee the communications of the congregation through our church website, Facebook, advertising, weekly, monthly and quarterly publications.
Communion Servers Every 1st Sunday of the month help to serve communion to the congregation.
Community Meals
and
VeTech		 We serve a hot meal on the 1st and 5th Sundays to low income and homeless people as part of a hunger and hospitality program with other downtown churches. Guests also receive shelf-stable pantry items, toiletries, socks and underwear. Also, the U of MN veterinarian students provide free vaccinations for their pets. Volunteers of all ages find fun, fulfilling work. You can volunteer for one meal a month or more.
Compass 180
(Prison Ministry)		 Hennepin’s prison outreach program. Restorative justice through mentoring, education and scholarships.A life changing experience for everyone.

 

Team Description
Congregational Care A ministry of the congregation where we reach out in a variety of ways with love, compassion and support to those who are experiencing a life event or going through a transition. The facets of this committee’s work include, but are not limited to, prayer shawl ministry, funeral hospitality, card ministry, delivery of holiday flowers to the homebound, grief support group, and monthly one-on-one visits with homebound members.
Connections Team Help connect Hennepin members and attendees to a team/activity to further enrich the church community and build relationships that support their spiritual journey. Host annual Community Fair, recruit and train volunteers.
Cookie Jar Cookie bakers are folks who like to be part of the hospitality of Hennepin. They bake 3-dozen cookies 3-times a year and the cookies are used at funerals and other occasions where a cookie with a cup of coffee really tastes good.
Dignity Center Welcomes and supports people in poverty on their path to stability. It is an ecumenical outreach ministry providing social service through ongoing and supportive relationships plus learning and development opportunities for students of all ages. We are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM – Noon.
Finance and Stewardship To assure that adequate financial resources are available to enable HAUMC to fulfill its mission in the world, in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, and to help administer those resources carefully on behalf of the congregation. Financial direction, coordinate/oversee budgeting and fundraising, communicate to congregation.
Fine Arts Team Helps the congregation and the community at large on their spiritual journey using the visual arts through programming with our collection and other works; integrating the visual arts into the life of the church; conserving and maintaining the legacy of the Walker and Bennett families and others who have supported the fine arts at Hennepin and acquiring and commissioning art that reflects the life of the church and the diversity of the community.
Food Service Provides a hospitable atmosphere for people to gather over food in fellowship and Christian community. Coffee service, Sunday Brunch, and special events are some of the ways in which Food Service provides the means for fellowship which helps strengthen our church community.

 

Team Description
Foundation Board and Legacy Giving* Legacy Giving encourages and recognizes Hennepin members and friends who sustain the church’s future through estates for programs (Hennepin Foundation), building (Trustees) or other purposes for Hennepin ministries. The Foundation Board reviews applications and awards grants and scholarships to church programs and members.
Friday Morning
Men’s Bible Study		 Meets every Friday at 7:00 AM. We share rolls and coffee and conversation (sports, politics, etc.) until 7:30 AM. Rev. Jim McChesney is our study leader using “The New International Lesson Annual.” Participants include members of Golden Valley Spirit of Hope, Beth Shalom Synagogue, Mount Olivet Lutheran, HAUMC et al.
Please join us.
Garden Team Responsible for flowerpots near entrances, water plants, weed, etc. Care for rose/parking garden; fertilize, weed, etc.
Global Missions We offer opportunities for global service in a variety of ways from long-term partnerships in  Russia to  UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, LA.
Habitat for Humanity (HAUMC Work Days) Single day workdays with other Hennepin members and community groups at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity sites. Usually spring and fall.
Hospitality Team: Ushers, Greeters Welcome all who enter our building warmly and with intention to assimilate them with others.
Keep eyes and ears open to always improve our hospitality.
Kjerringsleppets A woman’s book group that meets once a month. We read a variety of genres and authors.
Knotty Quilters Quilters meet on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings to make service quilts that are distributed to organizations that give them as needed, and teddy bears for baptisms and such. Some items are sold to raise money for supplies or to donate to Hennepin’s various ministries. Contributions of fabric, yarn, batting and thread are welcome. New members are encouraged to join at any time.

 

Team Description
Koinonia Retreat Center Koinonia Retreat Center offers “a place apart” for people who are interested in spiritual growth, learning and recreation. The 110-acre property, one hour west of Minneapolis, is an asset worth preserving. Programs are being developed for people of all ages.
Library Team Supports the ministries of HAUMC, provides material for all ages, promotes religious education following the tenets of United Methodism. Funds are provided through special gifts, memorials, donations and the church budget.
Meals on Wheels Hennepin is part of a group of 5 downtown churches that deliver hot meals to elderly and disabled people. Our day to deliver is Friday. An hour of your time receives smiles and gratitude from 6-12 clients. Our drivers say this is the most fun you can have on a Friday morning and invite you to ride along any Friday.
Music Ministry:
Choirs and Concerts		 Supports the myriad of music activities at Hennepin for all ages where folks find music as a way to feel energized, moved and connected to God and others. Participate in choirs or appreciate music in worship and through concerts.
Office Support Many hands make light work. Assist with regular and special mailings, etc. Once a year to once a week. If you need to bring young children, we will make sure they have fun, too.
Outreach United Council Identifies, coordinates and supports local, national and international outreach activities.
Peace Through Justice Develops educational forums for Hennepin members and the community on justice issues that affect our world. Works in conjunction with Adult Nuture.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Makes shawls for Hennepin members and friends who are facing a serious illness or time of crisis. Scarves and mittens are made for Dignity Center clients and Community Meals guests. These needle workers meet at church the first Thursday afternoon of the month for fellowship as they knit. Yarn and patterns are provided.
Reconciling Team Works with its leaders and congregation to live into our mission of inclusion and acceptance that was defined when we adopted our Reconciling Statement in 1994. Our Church, in concert with the Reconciling Ministries Network, will continue working to achieve equality for the LBGT community in all aspects of church life. As new opportunities present themselves in the life of the church, the Team will continue to express its emphasis on welcoming all who may have felt excluded by specific Methodist doctrine.

 

Team Description
Recyclers The Recyclers meet weekly to help with the maintenance of the church, primarily using their many unique experiences and skills to repair and enhance the church buildings. They are known to creatively repurpose unused materials into special items and build beautiful, functional pieces that support Hennepin ministries (for example: picnic tables for Koinonia and cabinetry for the Church of Youth). All are welcomed every Wednesday afternoon. There’s a job for everyone.
Senior Council
Life Adventures		 Programs for Hennepin Seniors and friends offering opportunities for learning, entertainment, tours and socializing. The Senior Council plans these monthly events.
Staff Parish Relations* Acts as a liaison between the Hennepin community and staff. In addition to providing an ear for the concerns of the Community, SPR supports, listens and advises Clergy and interacts with the District Superintendent on issues relating to Hennepin. SPR has responsibility for planning the staff budget annually.
Steeple People Thrift Store Collects, sorts and sells donated goods at our store on Lyndale Avenue. Proceeds go to other charitable organizations at the church, in metro area and abroad. We have 75+ volunteers and could always use more.
Thursday Bible Study A study/discussion/fellowship group that meets at church weekly from Sept-May. Current books by contemporary Christian authors are used as resources for short-term studies on a variety of Biblical themes, people, places, events or books. Studies are 6 to 10 weeks each. Mary Mensheha and Juanita Reed- Boniface lead the class with clergy assistance.
Trustees* Trustees care for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds of the church and Koinonia Retreat Center. These facilities support the various missions of the church. There are nine Trustees that meet monthly to discuss financing and project process, and how we can provide facilities that enhance the various church programs and outreach to the community. We are always looking for new members who have a diverse background and skills, and who enjoy working together.
United Methodist Women Hennepin’s United Methodist Women (UMW) provides gifts of support to organizations that benefit women, youth and children in need, both in our backyard and around the world. Our Circles and women’s groups organize service projects and enjoy great fellowship with one another. We seek wholeness for ourselves and for others and live out our faith through acts of justice and kindness and serve as catalysts for social change. We are a sisterhood of Faith, Hope and Love in Action.

 

Team Description
Worship Team The Worship Design Team brings together representatives from the different services to do integrated planning for the worship life at Hennepin. The group reflects upon the lectionary (Scripture) passages for a season to choose an overall theme. Then it brainstorms, creates, or finds words, music, visual aids, altar items, pictures, etc. which highlight the theme(s) and can be integrated by the clergy into the worship experience at all services.
Young Adult Ministries Getting to know people at Hennepin can be a challenge. Connect with others in their 20s and 30s through dinner groups, Pub Theology, fun activities, bible studies, volunteering and more. Choose what works best for you and your schedule. Have fun with us!