Living Waters: May 2026

Notice

We are moving to mid-month publishing to enable members to have earlier notice of church events. The deadline is the 8th of each month for the next month.

Pastor’s Column

Dear Member and Friend,

We are a church bursting with new life! In this Easter season, as we look forward to Pentecost, I see new life everywhere at RPUCC!! 

Several visitors are considering future membership. We are in the middle of a transition to new leadership in our music ministry. 

Ten new committees have successfully launched this past year. Over 60 members sent in their Shared Ministry Interest Inventories, and all presently-serving committee members have indicated their service commitments.  The Shared Ministry team has worked hard to ensure that committee needs are filled.

Many members of our congregation attended precinct caucuses and many others participated in the Isaiah Palm Sunday People of Faith March at the Capital and No Kings marches in the Twin Cities. Members have been extremely active in supporting immigrants, other members, and the immigrant church that worships here. Palm Sunday,

Maundy Thursday/Good Friday and Easter celebrations together formed a remarkable Holy Week. Christ has risen, and new life is here!

Pastor Kathy

Spiritual Life

Worship 

April 19, 2026 Contemporary Band!

Scripture: Luke 24: 13-35 

(Some disciples meet Jesus on the way to Emmaus)

Preacher: Pastor Kathy

Sermon Title: “Then Their Eyes Were Opened”

April 26, 2026 Choir!

Scripture:  Psalm 23 & John 10: 1-10 

(The Good Shepherd)

Preacher: Pastor Kathy

Sermon Title: “Shepherding, 2026”

May 3, 2026 Communion Sunday & Bell Choir!

Scripture: John 14: 1-14 

(You know the way to the place where I’m going)!

Preacher:  Pastor Kathy

Sermon Title: “We Know the Way!”

May 10, 2026 Choir!!

Scripture: John 14: 15-21 (I will not leave you orphans) & 

Acts 17: 22-29 (In God we live and move and have our being)

Preacher: Pastor Kathy

Sermon Title: “The Spirit of Truth”

May 17, 2026   Mental Health Sunday & Contemporary Band!

Scriptures: Genesis 3: 7-11 & Psalm 139: 1-18” (Adam & Eve & Psalm 139)

Preacher: Pastor Laura

Sermon Title:  Shame: “Why is Mental Health Hard to Talk About?”

May 24, 2026 Pentecost Sunday ! Choir!

Scriptures: Acts 2: 1-18

Preacher: Pastor Kathy

Sermon Title:  “A Fresh Wind!”

May 31, 2026 - Congregational Meeting & Last Choir Sunday!

Scriptures: Genesis 1: 1-2:3 & Matthew 28: 16-20

Preacher: Pastor Kathy

Sermon Title: “Commissioned!”

SERVE AS A KEY PARTNER BEFORE SUNDAY WORSHIP!

Warm and friendly people, younger and older, serve in the ministry of GREETING. 

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, adolescent, or adult of any age, we need a

welcome and you can serve as a greeter.

The Membership Growth Team, Lola May Moser, Millia Saade, NormaRae Hunt, and Victor Morrison, thank the following adults and young people for joining us as greeters in the first three months of the year. Angie, Edward and Elliot Davis, Dan and Karrie Haugen, Dave Hendel, Jim & Nancy Greenwood, Jim and Louiva Puffer, Rosemary Rocha, Garth Schumacher, and Nathan Syverson to name most. Never greeted? We’d love to have you don an RPUCC vest and start greeting 20 minutes before worship, about 8:55 AM! PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME TO THE GREETER SIGN-UP SHEET IN THE LOBBY.

Faith Formation for All Ages

We had a great time volunteering at Feed My Starving Children last month! Our session packed enough food to feed 63 kids for a year and our meals were sent to Panama!

Youth of any age are invited for a pizza and movie night on Sunday, April 26th at 5pm in the Youth Room at RPUCC! We’ll be watching The Bad Guys! Please send any pizza requests and let Mikayla know if your family will be attending (mikayla@rpucc.org) 

Youth of any age are invited to play laser tag at Whirly Ball Twin Cities Maple Grove (13644 80th Cir N, Maple Grove) at 4pm on Saturday, May 30th! There’s no cost to attend. Please RSVP to Mikayla (mikayla@rpucc.org) 

Belonging and Community 

Congregational Meeting May 31 !

     On May 31, we will meet to elect officers,  vote on our new slate of committee members, and recognize those that are ending their terms of service. We will also discuss other relevant church business and update the congregation on our progress in selecting a new Minister of Music as well as a Communications Director.  This is a wonderful and growthful congregation! Come, celebrate who we are!

Lion’s Harvest - Emily Braun

On May 17th after worship, Dr. Stephen Menya will be sharing with us information about his work in Kenya. Dr. Menya is a member of the Robbinsdale community and the owner of Lion’s Gym. The mission statement of his organization is to bring the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Kenya through basic medical services. His work in his home village is holistic and for the betterment of the community. He has worked to build a medical clinic, an orchard, a sustainable chicken flock and small goat herd. You are invited to come and learn about how you can help support this meaningful work through donation of medical supplies, funds, or a work trip to Kenya. Come hear this interesting presentation about Lion’s Harvest!

This trip is tentatively scheduled for October 1-15, 2026. If you are interested, please contact Emily Braun at emilynbra@gmail.com.

Music For Summer Worship - We Need You!

This is an invitation to provide special music (an anthem) during a summer worship service! This can be vocal or instrumental. We encourage you to share your talents with your friends and family!

The only dates not available are when our contemporary band plays (the third Sunday of each month) on June 21,  July 19 and August 16.

If interested, please send an email to Communications@rpucc.org.  Let us know what date or dates work best for you. We will call you to confirm the Sunday you chose and get further details regarding the instrumental or vocal piece you’ve chosen to share.

The choir takes their summer break from June - August, so we encourage and welcome others to provide special music for worship during the summer months. This is always a fun and interesting way to share with our RPUCC community!

Generosity!

Generosity! Is a Progressive Christian Movement. We’ve changed our name from Stewardship to better reflect our action-oriented approach to giving. We are a team of fellow congregation members committed to our church’s mission to follow the Way of Jesus in our world. We aim to strengthen and expand our church’s collective focus on open, free, and abundant giving of resources and spirit. GENEROSITY! IS: Sheri Beck, Dan Haugen, Kathy Itzin, Lori Myren-Manbeck, and Chair-Garth Schumacher.  Christ is WITH you.

Hospitality Report - May, 2026                  - Kathy Jo Gausman

Lenten Soup Suppers brought in about $100 each night for Stand With Minnesota (help for immigrants due to ICE invasion). Additional contributions were donated on Maundy Thursday and around $100 was raised during the Easter Breakfast. Altogether, we donated $1,500 for immigrant support. We decorated the sanctuary for Easter with around 25 flowers and it looked beautiful for our Easter service. A little over 70 people attended the Maundy Thursday dinner and 100 came to our Easter Breakfast. 

The Spaghetti Dinner brought in close to $1,000, which was donated to Lucy Laney School for their students' needs. The Next Spaghetti Dinner is Friday, May 15th. Watch our new Bulletin Board in Fellowship Hall for our future activities as well as Blood Drive information!

Interested In learning more about RPUCC?

Upcoming Inquirer’s Gathering – Sunday, April 26, 10:45 AM

Would you like to learn more about RPUCC and the United Church of Christ? Join a small group to learn about the history of our church, our ministry opportunities and what it means to covenant as a member with the congregation. We’ll gather in Heritage Hall on Sunday, April 26th, at  10:45 am for about an hour. This is an information only session, no obligation or pressure concerning joining. Come explore with us!

Small Group Ministries

Out to Lunch Bunch will meet on Tuesday, April 21 at noon at Big Louie’s, 5216 W Broadway, Crystal. Everyone is welcome to join this group!

Pilgrim Guild will meet Wednesday, May 13th at 12:00.

Mental Health Connect

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, 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. 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text)

People with Special Concerns 

Taslimah Abdur-Razzaaq 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) Armin Bulchuck (Carol’s brother) Kristine Tures (Barbara Kinnunen’s daughter) Jim and Margaret Heglund Brad and Laurie Jones Jan Schwarz Jim Watry

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

Outreach, Service and Justice

Faith and Politics

Back In January, thirteen members of Robbinsdale Parkway UCC met for training on the

statewide precinct caucuses which were held in February. The training emphasized

the ISAIAH/ Faith in Minnesota legislative People’s Agenda, which covers issues of

Affordability, Dignity and Community. Most of the RPUCC members who attended the

training went on to participate in their respective precinct caucus and became delegates

to their Senate District convention. Senate District conventions were held in March and

early April. Now we’re on to the process of working to elect state representatives and

senators in November who support the Faith in Minnesota People’s Agenda. For more

information, please go to, www.faithinmn.org or www.isaiahmn.org

Mother’s Day for St. Anne’s Place - Nancy Larson

St. Anne’s Place is an emergency family shelter that supports women-led families as they work to stabilize and break the cycle of crisis and homelessness.  Operating in North Minneapolis, St. Anne’s Place serves nearly 120 mothers and more than 200 children each year.  St. Anne’s Place is now associated with People Serving People based in downtown Minneapolis. 

Let’s make May 10th a Happy Mother’s Day at St. Anne’s Place!  For the past 18 years, we have donated gifts for the children to give their moms on that special day. Any extra gifts will be passed out for birthdays, etc. during the year.  The director has asked for some very specific BRAND name items for the third year in a row, so they are always appreciated.

Please, No Hair Products

TREE HUT body spray shimmer mist                 Necklaces

EOS lotion                                                                  Purse-wallet

TREE HUT lip gloss/butter                                     Small boxes of chocolate

                                                                                      Gift cards

All gifts must be at church by Sunday, May 3.  Look for the decorated box in the hallway by the office to put them in.  You can also call Nancy Larson at (763) 226-1014 to shop for you.  All of us at RPUCC should feel blessed to have found this niche ministry in our midst, and I know St. Anne’s Place feels blessed to have us as friends!  Happy Mother’s Day!

Ministry Moments

The Outreach, Service and Justice team has provided two ‘ministry moments’ during our services, focusing on Common Hope and Meals on Wheels. We plan to move to one per month. We have also been reaching out to leaders of various church outreach and service programs, so that we remain current regarding their needs and goals. - Karrie Haugen, Chair

Red Cross Blood Drive

Red Cross Blood Drive! April 28, 1:00 - 6:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. 

Donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice via email.

Spread the word! This is open to everyone!

Make your appointment on your Blood Donor App or scan the QR Code or at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=RdaleUnited 

Dine Out, End HIV! 

Dining Out for Life is Thursday, April 30. Join us 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Tooties, 2706 Lowry Ave N., Minneapolis. Find a participating restaurant and a portion of your bill will be donated to the Aliveness Project to promote health and wellness for communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS. For restaurants servicing breakfast, lunch or supper, check out:    https://diningoutforlifemn.org/ 

Share the Care Offering Benefits Isaiah

Share the Care Offering For April, the Share the Care Offering is for ISAIAH, a statewide multiracial group of faith communities, Black barbershops, childcare centers and more fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota (https://isaiahmn.org). 

For May, the Share the Care Offering is for Mental Health Connect who provide community-based resources, support, and education to improve access to mental health services and to connect individuals and families to the services they need. RPUCC is part of the MHC Collaborative.  (www.mhconnect.org)

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.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZXjg7fvrAkG8LcE1fmk2k0R3lxNLGLlBIto1ZOkfZ2k/edit?usp=sharing ~ Ken Beck (SheriKenBeck@yahoo.com, 612-599-0491)

Administration

Shared Ministry Team Update:

The Shared Ministry team, Teresa George, Tim Hoppe, NormaRae Hunt, John LaPointe, and

Pastor Kathy has been meeting over the past two months, looking closely at the Shared Interest Inventory results collected in February from 65 people in our congregation. Together we are creating a slate of committee members to include those who will continue serving in the upcoming year, including those who are stepping into a new two-year term, beginning June 2026. We will acknowledge and thank those who are rotating off committee work this past year. The congregation will have a chance to see this new slate of committee leaders at the May Congregational Meeting, Sunday, May 31st.

Endowment Fund Opportunity

The RPUCC Endowment Fund provides about $10,000 for special projects and ministries suggested by congregational members.  The fund is to enhance the mission and ministry of RPUCC.  Any member of RPUCC may apply for these funds (or a portion of them).  There are many ways to apply.  You can complete the application form online.  You can print the application form and give the completed form to the Clerk (Teresa George) or to the Treasurer (Ken Beck).  You can ask for a print-out of the application form from Ken Beck (SheriKenBeck@yahoo.com. 

Treasurers Report:

• Our pledges for February are higher than budgeted.  This is because a few members paid their 2026 pledges in one payment in January and February.

• Endowment requests are due at the end of April.

• An up-coming expense may be the tuning of our organ.  Work may need to be done to get access to the organ’s pipes.

• Our financial situation is looking good because of the generosity of our congregation.  Thank you!

• Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  –Ken Beck, Treasurer

Summary of Council Meeting, March 17, 2026

Here is a summary of the RPUCC Council meeting of 3/17/26.  If you would like a full version of the notes, please let Teresa George know and they will be emailed to you (tmorigeorge81@gmail.com).

1.  Moderator report: The decision‑making process that led to cancelling the 3/15/2026 Sunday service due to weather was reviewed. Nathan will share a list with committee chairs that highlight recent accomplishments reflecting steady growth in the community.

2. Pastor’s report: Two former members have returned to regular attendance, and an acknowledgment of their renewed membership is planned. Holy Week - Maundy Thursday service will feature a Middle Eastern dinner and communion at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall, followed by a Good Friday service at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary. On Palm Sunday, Scripture Scholar Pete Eichten of Plymouth UCC will deliver the sermon.

3. Financial Report: Ken noted several budget lines that may appear ahead or behind due to timing of payments and receipts. Overall, finances remain in good shape.

4. Old Business: Endowment disbursements –Applications are due at the end of April and will be presented by Ken at the May Council meeting for award decisions.

5. New Business: Kenya Mission Trip – See Lion’s Harvest article in Belonging and Community.

RPUCC Meetings - (Additional Committee Zoom meetings are scheduled as needed)

April 15  Bell Choir 6:00, Choir 7:00

April 19  3rd Sunday of Easter, Band Sunday! Last Day of Book Discussion 10:45 

April 21  Bible Study 10:00, Out to Lunch Bunch 12:00, Coordination Council 5:45

April 22  Bell Choir 6:00, Choir 7:00

April 26  4th Sunday of Easter, Choir, Inquirer’s Gathering 10:45, Membership Growth 10:45

                Children & Youth Pizza & Movie Night Youth Room 5 pm. 

April 27  Shared Ministry 2:30 Generosity 6:30

April 28  Bible Study 10:00  Blood Drive 1:00 - 6:45 

April 29  Bell Choir 6:00, Choir 7:00  DINE OUT FOR LIFE Meet 5:00-6:00 Tooties on Lowry 

May 3   5th Sunday of Easter & Communion, Bell Choir! Forum: ‘Organics in Robbinsdale’ 

May 5   Bible Study 10:00 Property 6:00

May 6   Bell Choir 6:00, Choir 7:00

May 11  Shared Ministry 2:30 Finance 6:00 Hospitality 7:00

May 12  Bible Study 10:00  Property 6:00

May 13  Pilgrim Guild 12:00

May 15  Spaghetti Dinner 4:30-7:00

May 17  Mental Health Sunday, Contemporary Band and Adult Forum: ‘Kenya & Lion’s Harvest!’

May 19  Bible Study 10:00, Out to Lunch Bunch 12:00, Coordinating Council 5:45

May 20 Choir 7:00

May 24 Pentecost!!! Choir!

May 25 Memorial Day   (Generosity 6:30)

May 26 Bible Study 10:00

May 27 Choir 7:00

May 30 Children & Youth Laser Tag 4:00 (see Mikayla)

May 31  1st Sunday after Pentecost,  Last Day of Choir,  CONGREGATIONAL MEETING!