Living Waters: February 2026
- Communications Coordinator
- 6 days ago
- 10 min read
4200 Lake Road
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
763-537-6965
The February Living Waters
Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ Newsletter
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace,
We welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all Creation.
Feb. 3 Bible Study 10am
Feb. 8 After service forum “My Body Makes Cannabis?” Jacqueline Higgins
Feb. 9 Finance 6PM
Feb. 10 Bible Study 10am
Feb. 15 After service forum “Explore Your Spirituality Type” NormaRae Hunt
Feb. 17 Bible Study 10am Out to Lunch Bunch 12pm Council 5:45 pm
Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday Soup Supper 5:30 service 7:00
Feb. 22 After service forum “Trump II: Has It Really Only Been a Year?” Greg Merz
Feb. 24 Bible Study 10AM
Feb. 25 Soup Supper 5:30, Book Discussion 6:00
March 1 After service Enquirer’s Gathering
Worship Page
Feb. 1 4th Sunday after Epiphany & Communion Sunday with Choir
Scriptures: Micah 6: 6-8 (This is what God requires of you…) & Mt. 5: 1-12 (Beatitudes)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sermon Title: “What Does God Require of Us?”
‘To act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God’ fits the spirit of the Beatitudes. Is that all there is to it?
Feb. 8
Scripture: Isaiah 58: 6-12 (This is the fast I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice…)& Matthew 5: 13-20 (You are salt of the earth and light of the world).
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sermon Title: “Be Who You Are”
We have one life to live, and it is meant to be a good one! Good for us, good for our community and good for the world! Live it well!
Feb. 15 Transfiguration
Scriptures: Exodus 24: 12-18 (Moses goes up the mountain to see God) & Matthew 17: 1-9 (Jesus is transfigured)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sermon Title: “God is revealed in the clouds”
The extraordinariness of God is revealed in the ordinary. Where do we find God now?
Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday Soup Supper at 5:30, Service at 7:00
Scripture: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21 (Don’t give and fast to be seen by others, be real)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sermon Title “Straight from the Heart”
Let’s do something this Lent that contributes to the world - that helps us become better people, helps others in their need, and helps the world become more whole. We are generous, healing and growing people!
Feb. 22 Seminary Sunday & 1st Sunday of Lent
Scripture: Matthew 4: 1-11 (Jesus is tempted)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sermon Title: “Draw on Your Strength!"
We each have an inner GPS system that guides us on the right road! As a UCC Mn. The conference church, one of our strengths, is also our seminary. Seminarian and member Jenn Bach will speak on why this matters!
March 1 Communion Sunday & 2nd Sunday of Lent
Scripture: Genesis 12: 1-4a (Abram leaves his home) & John 3: 1-17 (Nicodemus visits Jesus)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sermon Title: “In the Dark of Night” Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night because he was afraid. Jesus offered him information that frees him. What is liberating news for us?
Pastor’s Column
Every day there have been at least five news stories directly relating to the ICE occupation of Minnesota. Many of us participated in the march on Jan. 23rd or took part in vigils, and our congregation’s actions have continued. Our members collect food money for immigrant families, support other members who need help, and donate to schools and immigrant-supporting organizations. We protest, we serve, and we continue to be compassionate people.
On Sunday, in the midst of all of this, we hear the Beatitudes. “Blessed are they who mourn. Blessed are the meek.. Blessed are the poor. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness/justice/moral integrity.”
Our other reading is Micah 6:8. “God has told you what is good; what God requires of you. To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
That is all that is required.
Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with God.
This is not a goal to reach. It is a description of who you already are.
Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with God.
Thank you, Robbinsdale Parkway UCC! The world needs you.
Love, Pastor Kathy
Thank You Greeters!
We are a welcoming and hospitable congregation! However, no visitor realizes this until after worship when the smiles and handshakes happen. Therefore the role of the GREETER prior to worship is exceedingly important. Thank you to the following people who have greeted before worship in the past three months! Carol Anderson, Jim & Nancy Greenwood, Dan & Karrie Haugen, NormaRae Hunt, Lola May Moser, Millia Saade, and Garth Schumacher. Our apology if we missed your name on this list! Please join us for a now and then opportunity to serve!!
-Your Membership Growth Committee
Out to Lunch Bunch will meet at Nong’s Thai Cuisine 2520 Hillsboro Ave.N., Golden Valley, Mn. 55427 at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Join us for lunch and friendship!
Pilgrim Guild will not meet in February. Join us again in March!
Upcoming Inquirer’s Gathering – Sunday, March 1, 10:45 AM
Would you like to learn more about RPUCC and what becoming a member involves? Please join us following coffee hour in Heritage Hall on Sunday, March 1st!,
Our Food Shelf committee has decided to concentrate on one or two most needed items every 1-2 months. For January and February, we are collecting diapers and wipes. Please place these items in the designated basket by the office. We appreciate your support! For more information or to help with sorting, bagging, or transporting items, contact Nicole Anderson (nicolejanderson11@gmail.com), Diane Amundson (loonlake200@hotmail.com), or Dianne Star (diannestar54@gmail.com).
February Adult Ed. Forums!
Join us for three very interesting presentations after church during February! We will meet at 10:45 in Heritage Hall.
Feb. 8 “My Body Makes Cannabis? Jacqueline Higgins MS, MS-MCT, CNP, NP-BC
Feb. 15 “Explore Your Spirituality Type!” Rev. NormaRae Hunt
Feb. 22 “Trump Talk II: Has It Really Only Been a Year?” Greg Merz, Esq.
Lenten Book Discussions!
We have two excellent book discussions during Lent this year. On Wednesdays Ken Beck will lead Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times at 6:00 following soup suppers. This group will begin February 25th. Author Rev. Otis Moss is the pastor at Trinity UCC in Chicago, our largest UCC church. Chapters include: Link Love & Justice, Consecrate Your Chaos, Redirect Your Rage, Practise Prophetic Grief, and more. A very relevant book! Kathy Jo will have copies available at coffee hour and the cost is $13.00.
Beginning Sunday, March 1st, Rev. Cordelia Strandskov will lead a prayerful discussion of
God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us: 40 Devotions to Liberate Your Faith from Fear and Reconnect with Joy, by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail. We will read a 3-5 page devotion each day, reflect, and discuss how the devotions helped (or didn’t!) during the week. This devotional is feminist, anti-racist, and LGBTQ affirming. For anyone raised with a fear-based faith, this book is for you! Kathy Jo will have copies available at coffee hour and the cost is $22.00.
Both Lenten Book Discussions will be available on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 893 8075 5845 Password: 531440
Red Cross Blood Drive!
Blood supplies are critically low. RPUCC will host a Blood Drive on Tuesday, March 3. Our other open date is Tuesday, April 28. All appointment
times are 1:00 – 6:45 p.m. Make your appointment for either of the drives using your Blood Donor app (on Google Play Store or on Apple App Store) or at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=RdaleUnited or scan the QR Code.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
Mental Health Connect offers navigators who help remove barriers and complexity so that you can gain access to providers and resources for your unique situation. Navigation and follow-up services are free, individualized, and confidential. Call or text 612-642-1220.
Email navigator@mhconnect.org, or fill out the navigator request form on their website
at mhconnect.org. RPUCC is part of the Mental Health Connect Collaborative.
Share the Care Offering for February is Beacon Interfaith House Collaborative (www.beaconinterfaith.org), a “collaborative of congregations and housing advocates who believe that secure, affordable housing provides the key to safer communities, stronger families, and a healthier economy.” To donate, drop coins into the offering plate at church; place coins, bills, or checks into the designated container at worship; or mail a check to the church.
Make checks to RPUCC and put “Beacon” or “Feb” in the memo field.
To donate online, go to https://www.osvhub.com/robbinsdale-ucc/giving/funds,
click “Give Now” under the “Other” choice and follow the directions.
Go Greeters! The seemingly small job of standing near our church doors and welcoming all is no small matter. First impressions make a difference! The warmth of a smile and words of welcome invite us into the Beloved Community. Whether you’re a young child, an adolescent, or an adult of any age, we need a welcome.
The Membership Growth Team, Lola May, Millia, NormaRae, Pastor Kathy, and Victor, thank the following adults and young people for also serving as greeters in this last quarter. Jim & Nancy Greenwood, Jeannette Rost, Garth Schumacher, Dick and Nancy Larson, Nathan Syverson, Dan and Karrie Haugan, Jim and Louiva Puffer, Ashley Carlson, Charlie Stout, Aleric Loelman, and Mary Herkel Never greeted? We’d love to have you don an RPUCC vest and start greeting 20 minutes before worship.
Hospitality Report - Kathy Jo Gausman
Another Spaghetti Dinner is behind us!. We served about 85 people on Jan. 16 and sold brownies, bread and sauce and took in an additional $100, bringing us over $1000 total. We will set aside a portion of that to donate to one of the many needs of our community. Next is the Chili Cook-Off on February 1st after the service. At this writing we have 8 chilis to try plus cornbread to cleanse your palate in between tastes. $15 per entrant plus a free will offering. All money will go to immigrant concerns in our community.
February brings Lent and soup suppers starting Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18th. Various ministry groups will commit to set up and clean up each week. There will be a sign-up sheet to bring soup (4 regular meat and 1 vegetarian option) and 2 bread offerings. We start food service at 5:30 and serve until 6:30. We will offer two book selections to read for Lent. Ken Beck will lead Dancing in the Darkness: Spirituality...in Turbulent Times at 6:00 Wednesdays beginning Feb. 25th. Cordelia Strandskov will lead the discussion of God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us: 40 Devotions to Liberate Your Faith... after church on Sundays, beginning Sunday, March 1st.
We will be selling flowers for our Easter ‘garden’ beginning Feb. 22, the Sunday after Lent.
RPUCC Ministries
RPUCC members are involved in a variety of community service organizations. If you are interested in more information about one of these ministries, please reach out to the contact person listed in this table.
~ Ken Beck (SheriKenBeck@yahoo.com, 612-599-0491)
Treasurers Report:
My report here will be brief.
We ended 2025 with a $40,000 surplus that will be split between the 2026 budget and contingency reserves.
Thank you for submitting your pledge for 2026. Our 2026 budget depends on your pledge! Please contact Char Merz (finance@rpucc.org) if you would like to submit your pledge for 2026.
The Finance Team has one final meeting to put the final touches on the 2026 budget. We will submit this budget to Council on Tuesday, January 20th. If approved by Council, then the budget will be brought to the congregation at the annual meeting on January 25th.
Congregational Financial reports were given to members (along with the proposed budget) at the congregational meeting. If anyone would like a copy, please contact the parish office!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Ken Beck
Treasurer
Summary of Council Meeting, January 20, 2026
If you would like a full version of these notes, please let Teresa George know and they will be emailed to you (tmorigeorge81@gmail.com).
Most of the meeting was spent reviewing the budget for the Congregations’ consideration at
this Sunday’s 1/25/2026 congregational meeting. Ken Beck, Treasurer, reviewed the line items.
After discussion, the budget as proposed was approved by unanimous vote.
Various members have expressed interest in a restoration of the former choir screen.
The screen was dismantled when the chancel was remodeled. By consensus the
Council recommended that at this Sunday’s Congregational Meeting a small ad hoc
group of interested members gather and propose ideas to repurpose the screen.
Congregational Meeting Summary, January 25, 2026
A quorum was met with 65 members attending.
Budget: After a welcome by Moderator Nathan Syverson, and a prayer by Pastor
Kathy Itzin, Ken Beck, Treasurer outlined the Council‑recommended budget. He noted
it is balanced, with pledges covering 60% of expenses and rental income plus last
year’s surplus covering the rest. Wages and benefits make up 55% of costs and
building expenses comprise 25%. This is typical of a non-profit. After brief questions, the budget passed unanimously.
New matching Challenge:: Char Merz reported that an anonymous donor offered a $20,000 matching challenge with proceeds going towards reducing the $86,000 mortgage
Growth & Vitality Report: Pastor Kathy shared that the 2025 goal of launching several new committees has been met, as well as the establishment of of:
Personnel (restarted), Outreach Service and Justice, Connections and Care Ministry,
Communications, Membership Growth, Pastoral Relations, Liturgical Arts, Worship,
Sound, and Rentals. Shared Ministry Interest Surveys (due 2/1/2026) will strengthen the church by involving a variety of members while allowing current members to take needed breaks or change to other committees.
The other 2026 goal, in addition to establishing a shared ministry process, will be making congregational stewardship an awareness throughout the year.
Additional Items:: An ad hoc committee will explore re-purposing the former chancel screed. Interested members should contact Nathan. A question was raised as to member interest regarding the former Parkway bell. Members also agreed to discontinue the ‘I contribute online’ card currently in the pews. The meeting was adjourned in slightly less than an hour.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa George
People with Special Concerns
Taslimah Abdur-Razzaaq Rick Hackney A.J. Houle (Nancy Larson’s son in law, cancer). Amanda & Rosaria Busch (home) Joe Charley (friend of Lori Myren-Manbeck) Doug Fowler (Char's dad) Andy Momont (Parkinsons) Lisa Flynn (Carol & Kathy’s niece) Kristine Tures (Barbara Kinnunen’s daughter) Jim and Margaret Heglund Brad and Laurie Jones Jan Schwarz Jim Watry Bill Herrmann | Avery & Kylie Anderson (Dawn Conn’s great-granddaughters) Cordelia Standskov John Stoltzfus Spence Pierce and Faith Cozier Pierce Sharon Stevens (abdominal cancer) Sean Stiff Laura Cannata Judi Swenson, friend of Nicole Anderson All Caregivers Jesus is the Way Ministries All our immigrant neighbors |