Living Waters: November
Pastor's Column.
November is a season of gratitude. Our Generosity committee has been working hard to promote congregational generosity, especially during this time when we reflect upon our stewardship. Commitment ('pledge') Sunday is November 8th. That day, we will gather with special gratitude for Steve Quesnel as we honor him for over forty years of music, community, and friendship! We are collecting donations for Steve; you can send your gift to the church (marked 'Steve') or use the donation button on our website. Meanwhile, let's be mindful of the gifts that surround us. "...and in everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
-Pastor Kathy
Spiritual Life
Worship
Oct. 18: Sermon Title: ‘That you may have life!’
Scripture: Exodus 20: 1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (the Ten Commandments)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
These ‘commandments’ launch us into community lives of interdependent, joyful lives of love. Let’s revisit commandments for today!
Oct. 25 Sermon Title: ‘So We May All Be One’
Scripture: 1 Cor 12: 12-31 (Just as the body is one, but made of many, so it is with the body of Christ)
Preacher: Pastor Laura
How would it change things if people anticipated each other's needs? How would life be different if we didn’t need to explain ourselves and instead just took care of each other?
Nov. 1 All Saints Day Bring Pictures of your loved ones!
Sermon Title: Bold Choices
Scripture: Acts 4: 23-35
Preacher: Rev. Wendy Vander Hart, Generosity Officer Mn. Conference UCC
Wendy is a Generosity Officer of the Minnesota Conference UCC and will be sharing her passion for helping communities discern and live into their God-given mission and purpose.
Nov. 8 Honoring Steve Quesnel & Commitment (Pledge) Sunday
Sermon Title: “Spreading the Light”
Scripture: Mt. 25: 1-13 (Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Everyone is given light to tend. How is your light doing?
Nov. 15 Sermon Title: “Surrounded by Opportunity”
Scripture: Mt. 28: 14-20 (Parable of the Buried Money)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Opportunities surround us in relationships, community, creation, and our daily work. What could God want for you?
Nov. 22 Sermon Title: “The ‘least’ among you?”
Scripture: Mt. 25: 31-45 (When did we see you hungry?- Whatever you do to the least of these…)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility.” Where does our responsibility lie? Is there a gift in that?
Nov. 29 First Sunday of Advent
Sermon Title:”What do we do now?”
Scripture: Mark 13: 24-37 (Keep watch - God’s reign will come)!
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
How do we resist evil and ‘grow the good?’ Whenever we do, we bring the light closer.
THE BELOVED ANIMALS WERE BLESSED!
We had our best animal turn-out in recent years on Sunday, October 4th . We had close to twenty
beloved dogs and a bearded dragon present in worship, along with photos of cats and two horses
named Dolly and Molly. And…at noon on the church lawn, several families brought their beloved
animals for a blessing. Why the first Sunday in October of the Blessing of the Animals? It’s closest to
the Feast Day of St. Francis, who deepened our sense of kinship to all God’s creatures, to all our siblings in the animal realm and all of creation. We’ll do it again next year!
Guest Speaker Nov. 1st
Your Generosity Team is proud to announce that Rev. Wendy Vander Hart, our guest minister and Generosity Officer of the Minnesota Conference, will preach on November 1.
She will share her passion for helping communities discern and live into their God-given mission and purpose. After coffee hour, Wendy will present the adult forum “Generosity Now & Later.”
GREETERS FOR ALL
Don’t think you’re taken for granted. No, no, no. Greeters are highly valued members of our faith community.
You are our first responders—at the doors, in the parking lot and even sometimes at the driveway.
Yes, Jim Benshoof has greeted people at the driveway entrance! Thank you for serving in this important way and please continue to sign-up! We value you.
Confirmation for All Ages and Faith Formation
Please join us for our first class in the Choir Room on Sunday, October 25th from 11am-12pm on ‘God, Prayer, and Confirmation.’ We will discuss: Who is God? What are different ways to pray? How can prayer fit into your life? What is Confirmation and what are we going to do? Intergenerational Confirmation!
This year, we are offering an intergenerational confirmation program consisting of monthly forums and field trips to different faith communities and service learning activities. Classes will be presented by Pastor Kathy and off-campus events will be led by Mikayla. This program is open to anyone interested in learning more about their faith, with lessons geared toward middle school and adult learners and discussion groups for youth and adults.
You are also invited to our first trip to the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center (3343 East Bde Maka Ska Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55408). We will attend an introductory class on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:30-8:30pm that includes ‘The Bodhisattva Way,’ with an introduction to meditation and how it relates to daily life. A $10 donation to the center is encouraged. If you’re interested in going, talk to Mikayla (mikayla@rpucc.org).
Our second class will be in Heritage Hall on Sunday, November 22nd from 11am-12pm on ‘The Life of Jesus and the Last Supper.’ We will discuss: Who was Jesus? What happened during his life? What difference did he make? What happened at the Last Supper? What about the Resurrection?
To put Jesus’ teachings into action, we will volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland (7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428) on Tuesday, December 1st from 6-8pm. Sign up to repack food on the hospitality bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall and reach out if you’d like to carpool. Come to Mikayla with any questions!
Youth Updates
We have had a fun start of the school year doing a scavenger hunt at the Spaghetti Dinner and spending time together at a youth group dinner! At the scavenger hunt, our kids searched for clues to answer the joke: Where did the spaghetti go to dance? …”The meatball!” At the youth group dinner, our middle schoolers gathered for a Chipotle dinner and hide and seek in the church!
We hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming events!
RPUCC and Genesis Church are hosting a joint Trunk or Treat event in the church parking lot on Saturday, October 24th from 10AM-12PM. Wear your costume, and bring a friend and something to carry your treats! We are looking for folks to volunteer their time and car trunks to pass out candy. Sign up to host a trunk on the sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall or donate candy in the church office anytime between now and October 17th!
Wear a costume to this month’s Spookghetti Dinner on Friday, October 30th and enter our costume contest! Judging begins at 6pm. The contest is open to all ages and everyone will get a prize!
Join folks from RPUCC to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children (401 93rd Ave, Coon Rapids, MN) on Saturday, November 14th from 5:00-6:30pm. You can register for our group online using this link http://www.fmsc.org/join-group?joincode=ZGV3B5 , sign up on the hospitality board in the Fellowship Hall, or call/text Mikayla Giehler (312-661-5394) and she will register you. Anyone kindergarten-aged or older can volunteer, and seated jobs are available! Afterwards, we will eat at the Culver's right next to FMSC (611 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433), where the church would love to treat your family to dinner on us so we can spend some more time together!
Belonging and Community:
NEW Members!
Sunday, October 18th, Milien McDermott and John Kunik joined our congregation. Together we covenanted with them to continue our journey of faith in God, following Jesus in our ministries. Over the next months, we hope you reach out and visit with Milien And John at coffee-hour or at another opportunity. We welcome John and Milien into the work and call of our ministry!
Milien McDermott
Hi! I'm Milien. My wife and I moved to the area a few months ago and I'm delighted to have found a new church home. I'm an Engineer who writes train control software, and I volunteer my time for a number of open-source projects. I also garden and play a little bit of piano in my spare time, along with learning the art of old house maintenance. My family and I have been proud UCC members in Eau Claire for almost a decade, which meant UCC churches were at the top of my list during my search.
John Kunik
John is a retired advertising, PR, and communications professional who has included acting, stand-up comedy, directing, and promoting children’s theater among his many talents. He is a widower and the father of three adult daughters. John is interested in continuing his theatrical pursuits as well as continuing his growth in Christ through his involvement with RPUCC. Welcome, John!
Spookghetti Dinner Oct. 30th, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
We will be putting a holiday twist on our classic spaghetti dinner! We encourage everyone to attend in a Halloween costume!
There will be a Costume Contest starting at 6:00 p.m. Grab a flyer outside of the sanctuary so you can invite your friends, neighbors, etc.
Events like these are great INVITING OPPORTUNIES!!!
SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCES ABOUND.
Throughout October and into November, almost 15 small group experiences have brought us closer to one another. We’ve been learning and growing our connections. Thanks to all the small group leaders and attendees for taking the time to go a bit deeper together.
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UCC AND RPUCC?
Sunday, November 15, 10:45 AM in the Heritage Hall, join Rev. Kathy Itzin and a few others for the next Inquirers’ Gathering. Attending this important session is part of the membership joining process for our congregation although you are under no obligation to join. You will get to know more about our church’s heritage and our current ministry. Just let Rev. Kathy know of your interest!
Out to Lunch Bunch! All are invited to come together for lunch at noon on the third Tuesday of each month. Each time, we choose a different restaurant for the following month. Join us November 17th, at Lynde’s Restaurant and Catering. 209 County Road 81 Service Rd W Osseo, MN 55369.
A Touch From the Past
In an effort to make our building more workable for all using it, items that had come from Parkway and stored in the Prayer Room were reviewed and moved. Among the items were two brass memorial boards from Pilgrim Heights Church. Pilgrim Heights was one of the four founding churches of Parkway. The brass name plates that could be removed from the boards were removed and are available to anyone with a family affiliation to the person honored on the plate. A list of the names is on a bulletin board in the hallway for ease of reference. If you are interested in a plate, contact Emily Braun.
People with Special Concerns
Taslimah Abdur-Razzaaq A.J. Houle (Nancy Larson's son in law, cancer) Amanda & Rosaria Busch (home) Doug Fowler (Char's dad) Andy Momont (Parkinsons) Lisa Flynn (Carol and Kathy's niece) Laura Cannata Patrick Labadie and June Perry (hospice) | Avery and Kylie Anderson (Dawn Carlson Conn's great-granddaughters) Cordelia Strandskov John Stoltzfus Spence Pierce and Faith Cozier Pierce Sean Stiff All our immigrant neighbors Mary Jane Lee, Hospice Lynn Koss | Kristine Tures (Barbara Kinnunen’s daughter) Margaret Heglund (Memory Care) Brad and Laurie Jones Jan Schwarz Willa Truehart Steve Quesnel Kim Langness and Andy Momont Jim Watry Tim Anderson-Itzin (Carol and Kathy’s son) |
Outreach, Service and Justice
Share the Care Offering: Share the Care donations for November will support The Northside Achievement Zone (https://www.northsideachievement.org/), who partners with scholars at all stages of life to ensure they realize their potential. They offer academic assistance, resources, and opportunities for families to support their success in school, work, and life. To donate, drop coins into the offering plate, cash in the designated bucket or donate online. Make checks payable to RPUCC with the memo "NAZ" or "Nov". Thank you for your support.
Cherish the Church: On Saturday, November 7th, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. we will be hosting Cherish Our Church. This is an opportunity for us to invest in improving and maintaining our church campus. There will be opportunities to dust, sweep, rake leaves, organize, etc. There is something for everyone to do! Bring your tools, rake, and, most importantly, a positive attitude.
Holiday Season Book Fundraiser: Dan Haugen
Most persons associated with RPUCC are probably not aware of the fact that I write children’s books; books meant to help children address their fears and self-doubts and better understand the things that confuse them. In addition to helping children, I also want my books to benefit pro-social organizations, like our church. With this in mind, Pastor Kathy asked me to introduce two of my newest books and a plan for a Holiday Season fundraiser benefiting RPUCC. Books will be sold for $10; with $6.50 going to the church’s general fund. $3.50 will be set aside to cover expenses.
Tenez, the Clumsy Little Howler Monkey is a story about a very small, not so strong, juvenile monkey who does not think she fits in. She can’t quite swing through the trees with her age mates and is very sad about that. That is, until she comes to realize that there is something else about her that is very important to her clan; helping her to slowly, but surely, overcome her fears and self-doubts.
I Wish Taylor Could Have Known Grandpa… is a story that is meant to help children better understand their older loved ones who are having problems remembering things; especially as they become a little less patient, more grouchy, or a bit more confused.
I Wish Taylor Could Have Known Grandpa… is told by someone who knew and loved Grandpa; including a “Grandpa story” that is shared with two family pets, by another pet who was very close to Grandpa. Kids who get to know their older loved ones a little better are almost always richer for that experience! I hope these books will benefit our church and, of course, the children and grandchildren who read them or to whom they are read!
Thanksgiving at St.Anne’s Place: Nancy Larson
This year makes the 25th year our church has donated money toward St. Anne’s holiday groceries and sent pies for dessert on Thanksgiving day.
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 2000 children each year.
There are two ways to donate to this ministry:
Donate to help with groceries. Address checks and envelopes to “Thanksgiving Dinner”.
Sign up to bake or purchase a pie. They have asked for 10 this year. These will be a sign-up sheet available on Sun, Nov. 2st for their pies of choice.
Thank you for helping RPUCC show love for our neighbors.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE ON COMMUNITY-ORIENTED MINISTRIES: Karrie Haugen
The following information is provided regarding each existing RPUCC community-oriented ministry: name, purpose, and contact person. If you are interested in one or more of these ministries, you are encouraged to connect with the contact person. If you are interested in being the contact person for one of these ministries, please let Karrie Haugen know (KarrieHaugenKH@gmail.com).
NAME OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED MINISTRY | PURPOSE OF MINISTRY | RPUCC CONTACT PERSON |
Minneapolis Crisis Nursery | Serve meals two to four times per year at the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery | |
Pine Ridge (Re-Member) | Volunteer service for a week at the Pine Ridge Reservation | |
NorthPoint | Lead food drives and deliver food to NorthPoint Food Shelf | |
Red Cross Blood Drive | Arrange for and conduct blood drives at church several times per year | |
Conversations with Friends | Support persons who are in ICE detention, many of whom face deportation | |
Solidarity Circle | Support immigrants in our community | |
PRISM | Collect food and raise donations for PRISM | |
St. Anne’s Place - shelter for women and families | Raise funds, support Thanksgiving dinner, and provide Mothers Day gifts | Nancy Larson (763) 226-1014 |
Lucy Laney Back to School Collection | Support students at Lucy Laney School with clothing and hygiene items | Nancy Larson (763) 226-1014 |
Common Hope | Continue our congregation’s partnership with Common Hope through sponsoring a student in Guatemala and encourage RPUCC members to personally support Common Hope | |
Meals on Wheels | Deliver meals during noon period once a month to homebound persons | Jim Benshoof jabenshoof@msn.com 612-799-5918 |
Mobility Worldwide | Build and distribute three wheeled hand propelled carts for persons who cannot walk | |
Isaiah | Statewide multiracial group building power for a multiracial democracy, caring economy, and thriving planet | |
Handmaids of Minnesota | Social justice work with a “Handmaids Tale” flavor. | |
Defending Democracy | Get out the vote and protect the vote! | |
NEAR Foodshelf | North-suburban Emergency Assistance Response. Located in Crystal, across from Big Louie’s. Families can visit this food shelf once per month. |
Administration
Treasurer's Report:
There have been a few developments that have the potential to negatively impact the financial position and the budget for our church in 2026.
These are opportunities for you to help with the financial health of the church outside of your pledged giving. Consider how you might be able to go the extra mile to help your church!
1) Check to ensure you are where you planned to be in your pledged giving for 2026. As of September we were $10,000 behind in pledged giving. This is due to the deaths or declining health of several congregational members who are then unable to fulfill their pledges. The effect of the loss of these pledged amounts could be a budget that is out of balance by over $25,000 at the end of the year. Can you give more this year to honor the past generosity of those who can no longer give? This would help land the budget in a good position this year!
2) There is a $20,000 matching gift to the church towards the balance of the capital campaign. This means that when we have raised $20,000 towards the remainder of the loan, the gift of $20,000 will be activated and we will be able to pay $40,000 on the balance of about $67,000. If we do accomplish this in 2026, the remainder of the mortgage could be paid off in 2027. This would be a great benefit for us in 2028 to not have capital campaign payments. Can you make a donation to the capital campaign?
Thank you for your considered response to this. If you have questions, please contact us. The Finance Committee members are Ken Mallak, Karrie Haugen, and Emily Braun.
Summary of Council Meeting * September 24, 2026
* The Nov. newsletter is published Oct. 15. As Council meets the 4th Thursday, summaries will always be for the previous month.
Here is a summary of the RPUCC Council meeting of 9/24/2026. 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).
Finance Policy: Revised Finance Policy approved unanimously. Key changes are a percentage trigger if an item goes over 5% of the budgeted amount. The endowment grants were increased by 5% from $10,000 total grant amount to $15,000 for grants due to great congregational involvement.
Ad Hoc Committee: A new committee (with representatives from Membership Growth, Communications, and other relevant groups) will be formed to coordinate RPUCC’s involvement in Whiz Bang Days and the Robbinsdale Meet & Greet event.
Congregational Meeting: Next meeting set for January 31, 2027.
Standing Agenda Item: “What is going on at RPUCC” will become a regular agenda item.
Council expressed and noted much enthusiasm for the Music Ministry enhancements to the Sunday Service thanks to new Choir Director David Hovick Lohman.
Confirmation Classes soon begin for three youth candidates. This will be an intergenerational program and adults are welcome to participate.
A recent elevator inspection noted the legal requirement for a landline telephone to be installed.
Finances: Income is down by nearly $10,000 due to several renters concluding their use of space (martial arts, Gem Club, Co-Dependents Anonymous) and pledges lagging due to death or illness of members.
A recently repaired gas meter resulted in a previously uncharged $10,000 gas bill now coming due.
RPUCC Meetings - (Additional Committee Zoom meetings scheduled as needed)
Oct. 18 Worship 9:15 New Member Sunday! Book Discussion 10:45
Oct. 19 Choir Practise 7:00
Oct. 20 Bible Study 10:00 Out to Lunch Bunch 12:00 Crystal VFW
Oct. 21 Bell Choir Practise 6:00
Oct. 22 Coordinating Council 5:45
Oct. 24 Trunk or Treat 10:00 - 12:00
Oct. 25 Worship 9:15 Disability Sunday! Book Study 10:45 Confirmation 11:00
Oct. 26 Choir Practise 7:00
Oct. 27 Bible Study 10:00
Oct. 28 Bell Choir Practise 6:00
Oct. 30 Spookghetti Dinner 4:30-7:00 6:00 Costume Contest
Nov. 1 All Saints Day / Communion Re. Wendy Vander Hart preaching & Adult Forum
Nov. 2 Shared Ministry 2:00, Generosity 6:30
Nov. 3 Bible Study 10:00 VOTE! VOTE!! VOTE!!!
Nov. 4 Bell Choir Practise 6:00 Choir Practise 7:00
Nov. 7 Cherish the Church 9:00 - 12:00! Come!
Nov. 8 Worship Service 9:15 Honoring Steve Quesnel and Pledge Sunday!!! Meal! Book Discussion!
Nov. 9 Finance 6:00, Hospitality 7:15
Nov. 10 Bible Study 10:00 Confirmation - Mn. Zen Center 7:30
Nov. 11 Bell Choir Practise 6:00, Choir Practise 7:00
Nov. 15 Worship 9:15 Inquirer’s Gathering 10:45
Nov. 17 Bible Study 10:00, Out to Lunch Bunch (Lyndes) 12:00
Nov. 18 Worship Committee 11:45 Bell Choir Practise 6:00 Choir Practise 7:00
Nov. 19 RPUCC Coordinating Council 5:45
Nov. 21 Turkey Bingo 4:30-7:00
Nov. 22 Worship 9:15 Confirmation 11:00
Nov. 23 Generosity Committee 6:30
Nov. 24 Bible Study10:00
Nov. 25 Bell Choir Practise 6:00 Choir Practise 7:00
Nov. 26 Thanksgiving - Church Office Closed
Nov. 28 Decorate the Church for Advent 9:00 - 12:00
Nov. 29 First Sunday of Advent Worship 9:15
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