Living Waters: October
In this edition of the 'Living Waters', we are exploring the biblical themes of generosity as we enter the upcoming programming year. Check out our Newsletter to discover everything happening at RPUCC.
Pastor's Column
Generousity: Kathy Itzin
This congregational emphasis exemplifies who we are and our attitude towards life! We receive with open hands and hearts, and we give with open hands and hearts. We are channels of God’s gifts to one another, and to all of creation. In years past, we envisioned caring for our money and how we spent it as good ‘Stewardship.’
Today we emphasize ‘Generosity,’ both as an attitude and as a lifestyle. We are generous with our perspectives, with our gratitude, and with our giving of money, energy, skills, and kindness. Generosity!
At the same time, we are grateful for all that is being given to us.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart is also!” - Jesus
Spiritual Life
Worship
Sept. 20: Sermon Title: ‘Free gifts’
Scriptures: Exodus 16: 2-15 (The Israelites complain of not having food in the desert and God gives them manna and quail) & Matthew 20: 1-16 (God’s reign is like a landowner who pays workers more than they made).
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Sept. 27 Sermon Title: ‘Come to the Water!’
Scriptures: Exodus 17: 1-7 (The Israelites complain of having no water, and Moses strikes a rock in the desert).
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
Oct. 4 Sermon Title: ‘Created as Community’
BRING YOUR ANIMALS, pictures of your animals, or mementos. All are important!
Scriptures: Genesis 2: 7, 18-23 (God said, ‘I will form a helper’ and … created every animal and bird…)
Preacher: Pastor Kathy
We are entrusted with loving and caring for the community of creation. We have companions throughout the entire web of life. Each member of creation is a gift!!
Sunday, October 4th, Blessing of the Animals Sunday! Inside at 9:15/ Outside at Noon
This year, we’ll not only invite you to bring your animals to worship in the sanctuary at 9:15 AM, but our church will invite the neighborhood to bring their animals to the front lawn between 12 and 2 PM. We’re offering this as an outreach to our wider community, hoping to grow our connections with those who may not yet know us.
This is an INVITING OPPORTUNITY! Reach out to an animal lover you know who may wish to come to our church on Sunday, October 4th!
Oct. 11 Sermon Title: ‘Reflections from Pine Ridge’
Scripture: Psalm 139 (Where can I go to escape your Spirit? - Wherever I go, you are there) & Galatians 3: 28 (There are no separations between us, for all are one in Christ).
Preachers: Members who experienced Pine Ridge
Our community has the gift of many members who have spent time in Pine Ridge learning, helping, growing, and strengthening community ties. Today they will share their stories and reflections with us throughout our worship service as well as during a luncheon downstairs. Join us!
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?
Where Your Treasure Is: Living Our RPUCC Covenant of Care
In Matthew, Jesus states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). He teaches that our hearts follow what we value. When we invest in God's work, our hearts are rooted there.
At Robbinsdale Parkway UCC, we offer an “extravagant welcome.” Our ministry of generosity breaks down isolation and loneliness; our prophetic ministry calls for wider care and justice, creating a treasured community–indeed, a Beloved Community.
During the Generosity Campaign, Sundays, October 11-November 8, we invite you to consider a greater leap of faith in financially supporting our ministry! Through our pledged gifts, offerings, and God’s leading, we can expand our outreach, fight for justice, and comfort those in need.
We will have greater impact both within and beyond the walls of this church. Generosity drives RPUCC’s impact. Giving intentionally allows us to serve, heal, and transform lives, embodying the hands and feet of God.
Expanding Our Reach:
Each act of generosity grows our ministry. More giving allows RPUCC to start new outreach, support global missions, and respond in crises. As resources increase, so does our ability to serve a hurting world, shifting from maintaining programs to expanding them to share hope and love.
Deepening Our Local Impact:
Closer to home, RPUCC’s consistent generosity makes it a reliable support for those in need. It funds community groups, youth ministries, and outreach programs that people depend on daily. When we give generously, those who walk through our doors or in the neighborhood receive tangible, life-changing support.
Stepping Up Together:
Our ministry depends on our people's growing commitment. As we face current and future challenges, our greater generosity helps us meet the moment. Doing so strengthens our ministry and helps Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ make a lasting impact.
Transforming the Giver:
We know that generosity transforms the giver as much as the recipient. Cultivating a spirit of open-handedness shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, aligns our hearts with the very nature of a giving God, deepens our faith, and knits our RPUCC community together. Thank you for YOUR current and growing generosity! The Generosity Team: Sheri, Lori, Dan, Garth, and Pastor Kathy
P.S. On Sunday, November 1, our guest preacher will be Rev. Wendy Vander Hart.
She 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.
A Message from our Minister of Music:
Hello, people of Robbinsdale Parkway!
Greetings from the new kid! I’m having such a great time getting to know this wonderful community. I’ve been a member of the UCC for 37 years but have spent the last decade working in another denomination. But coming here, I feel like I’ve come home. I have felt so welcomed and supported, and I’m so grateful. If I haven’t met you yet, please come up and introduce yourself. And even if we have met, it’s very likely that I’ve forgotten your name, so please remind me!
If you’ve been thinking about joining the choir, now’s the time! We just had our first rehearsal, and I’m already loving making music together. If you’re interested, shoot me an email (david@rpucc.org) or talk to me on Sundays.
In the past weeks, we have been following the story of the Exodus. Join us on September 27 when I’ll be singing Ken Medema’s epic song, “Moses”, a theatrical eight-minute retelling of the conversation between God and Moses at the burning bush. I’ve been singing this since I was in college, and it’s one of my all-time favorites.
Onward!
David Hovick Lohman
Minister of Music
Faith Formation for All Ages
Looking back…
In August, our youth served at Re-Member in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. It was a true blessing to get to know them better and watch them learn and form relationships. They brought such a fun energy to our group and contributed meaningful reflections that stuck with all of us as we worked.
We rounded out the summer by spending time together at our ice cream social and sending our kids and educators into a new school year with our backpack blessing! Here is a prayer we shared during the blessing: “God of new beginnings, please watch over us as we enter this new school year and surround our school with safety, unity, and joy. Give us courage when things feel uncertain, kindness when we see someone left out, peace when we feel anxious, joy in the moments that feel mundane, and patience amongst the chaos. Amen.”
Looking ahead…
We are excited to offer an intergenerational confirmation program this October-May, which will include a combination of monthly forums on different topics related to our faith, denomination, and church, as well as off-site interfaith and service opportunities. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks!
Heading into fall, we hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming youth events!
There will be a scavenger hunt for youth of all ages during the Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, September 18th. Meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6 PM for the hunt!
Anyone in middle school or high school is invited for dinner and Mario Kart in the Youth Room at RPUCC on Sunday, September 20th from 6-8PM! Email your Chipotle order to mikayla@rpucc.org by that Sunday morning.
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. Please email mikayla@rpucc.org if you’re interested in passing out treats (I’d love to help decorate your trunk and/or offset the cost of your treats).
Belonging and Community:
Opportunities to invite others into our faith community. These are incredible inviting opportunities
CHEERS FOR OUR GREETERS! Every Sunday, two people offer smiles and words of welcome to those entering the church for worship. Greeters are valuable partners in ministry. As a greeter, you offer an “extravagant welcome” to long-time, newer, and prospective members. Victor and Millia, seen in this photo, sign up at least one Sunday a month to greet, and so do many of you. Thank you. If you want to give this role a try, go ahead and add your name to the upcoming calendar for GREETERS. Arrive about 20 minutes before worship, don a red volunteer vest from the cloakroom, get a nametag, and position yourself at the parking lot door or the upper south door. We truly need and value you!
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UCC AND RPUCC?
Sunday, October 4 and 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! The Out to Lunch Bunch welcomes everyone who shows up! We will meet at noon on Tuesday, October 20, Crystal VFW 5222 Bass Lake Rd, Crystal, MN 55429 Join us!
Come See Kia Hammill’s Art-Piece Entitled: “Stalag-might”
Until October 10, 2026 You have the opportunity to go and support our very talented Church-Family member Kia Hammill! Here is the flyer below:
"Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" Showing: All Bodies All Minds OCT 2
All Bodies All Minds invites all to a showing of "Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" on Friday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Theatre treats will be available.
Invite friends, and neighbors to find out how the teenagers at Camp Jened began a revolution that would change the future for millions of people with disabilities.
The movie is rated R for language and sexual references. “Parents Guide To Crip Camp”, Recommends the film for ages 16+ Be mindful in deciding if you want your young ones of that age attending.
See the trailer at https://cripcamp.com/. Let us know you are coming by signing up at church or emailing ABAM@rpucc.org.
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) Armin Bulchuck (Carol's brother) 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 Sharon Stevens (abdominal cancer) Sean Stiff All our immigrant neighbors Mary Jane Lee, Hospice | Kristine Tures (Barbara Kinnunen’s daughter) Jim (Hospice) and 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) |
SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES THIS FALL
Look over the many upcoming small group opportunities to learn and grow this fall. With groups of four to eight, get better acquainted and learn something new. Whether offered for one session or up to four sessions, you’re invited to add your name to a sign-up form at the church.
We thank all the leaders who stepped up to offer these growing opportunities! These are also INVITING OPPORTUNITIES. Think of someone you know outside of the church who may also be interested in such a group!
Outreach, Service and Justice
Share the Care Offering: Share the Care Offering: The offering for October will go to St. Anne's Place Thanksgiving Dinner (www.havenhousing.org/st-annes-place). St. Anne's Place is a shelter for women and their children. Our donations help buy the food for their Thanksgiving Dinner.
Red Cross Blood Drive:
We will host our last Blood Drive of 2026 on Tuesday, October 13. Appointments are available 1:00 - 6:45 p.m. Recently, one member received 2 units of blood and another member received 4 units of whole blood. Let's grow the blood supply. Donors will receive a $15 e-gift card via email. Make your appointment now on your Blood Donor app or at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=RdaleUnited
Update regarding Nathan Emiliano, our Common Hope student on Hope: Jim Beenshoof
In mid-May, I had a wonderful visit with Nathan and his family. Similar to the first time I met Nathan in November 2024, both he and his parents expressed deep appreciation for the support our congregation provides through Common Hope.
In late August, I was delighted to receive the following update about Nathan from a Common Hope staff member:
"I am delighted to share a quick update on Nathan Emiliano. He is doing very well in school, earning good grades across both his first and second units. He continues to actively participate in our ¡AventuraT! youth program—an enriching space where students develop essential technology skills, strengthen soft skills, and receive psychological guidance to learn how to understand and manage their emotions effectively. Nathan's commitment and positive development are wonderful to witness, and your church's sponsorship plays a direct role in making these opportunities possible for him."
Thanks to all of you for helping Nathan to thrive!
PRISM Food Shelf Update: Our Marketplace Food Shelf continues to see record-high demand. In both June and July, more than 2,000 families visited the food shelf, and together we provided food for 12,689 people—about 15% more than last year.
Ways To Support PRISM
Food Shelf
Volunteer
Donate
Non-perishable food (must not be expired)
Cleaning supplies
Diapers and baby wipes
Personal hygiene items (Unopened)
Paper bags
Host a drive
Thank you for your interest in supporting PRISM with a drive! Whether you choose to host a physical, virtual, or combination drive - we’re very thankful
Neighbors in Need:
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is one of the 5 for 5 UCC Special Offerings. NIN supports ministries of justice and compassion in the U.S. One third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM).
The remaining two-thirds is used by the UCC's justice ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. We will collect this offering on Sunday, October 4; there will be NIN envelopes in the pews. You may also donate online at rpucc.org.
Administration
Treasurer's Report: While the general finances of the church are in a good position at this time, there is a development that has the potential to negatively impact our financial position. Robbinsdale Parkway UCC is fortunate to have members amongst us who have supported the church generously in giving of time, talent and treasure.
Due to the death and declining health of several of our congregational members, this year has seen an erosion of support in pledged giving.
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.
We are doing many good deeds in our community and around the world in outreach. If you are able to help contribute beyond your pledged giving, please consider doing so.
Your added generosity will help ensure a healthy and balanced budget and continuation of our good works.
Finance Report: Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ has only $67,794 remaining on our capital improvement loan!
For several years, we have been enjoying the benefits of:
air conditioning throughout the church,
a much warmer Fellowship Hall due to new insulated windows,
warm and no-snow steps in the covered parking lot entry and
warm rooms and lower energy use with our much needed new boilers.
Each month, we "waste" money paying interest on this loan. It is time to pay it off! A family in church has offered a $20,000 matching grant to help us make this happen before the end of this year. There is $17,000 left on this grant. Please prayerfully consider making a capital contribution so that we can retire this loan by December 31, 2026.
For those of you 72 ½ or older, you are required to take a minimum withdrawal (RMD) from your IRA account each year. If you take your RMD in cash and then give it to the church, you will have to pay tax on the withdrawal. You can choose to give some or all of your RMD to the capital fund through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). The money goes directly to the church and would help/meet your RMD requirement with no tax.
Finance Committee
Summary of Council Meeting August 27, 2026
This is a summary of the RPUCC Council meeting of August 27, 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).
· The Shared Ministry committee to be consulted for candidates for both a policy and procedures committee (consistent with the Growth and Vitality Plan), as well as recommending back-up people for Sound and Streaming; to provide subs for Sundays, funerals, and special services
· Money for the consultation fee for Jim Ladoux identified for a two- or three-year addition to Growth & Vitality goals; committee work to begin after the first of the year, presentation for vote at May Congregational Meeting
· Exploration of a possible electronic sign being pursued by the Hospitality committee.
· The budget remains within expected projections. Finance to dedicate an additional meeting to a revised financial policy. Emily Braun noted that the present $20,000 matching‑grant to exhaust the mortgage has yet to be met. She also noted that if $40,000 total was paid in 2026, the remaining balance would drop enough that only one additional year of regular payments would be needed to retire the mortgage fully.
RPUCC Meetings - (Additional Committee Zoom meetings scheduled as needed)
Sept. 21 Choir Practise 7:00
Sept. 22 Bible Study 10:00 Finance Policy Meeting 5:30
Sept. 23 Bell Choir Practise 6:00
Sept. 24 Coordinating Council 5:45
Sept. 27 Worship 9:15 Book Discussion 10:45, Membership Growth 10:45
Sept. 29 Bible Study 10:00
Sept. 30 Bell Choir 6:00
Oct. 2 Movie & Discussion: ‘Crip Camp’ 6:00
Oct. 4 Blessing of the Animals/World Communion Sunday 9:15, Enquirer’s Gathering 10:45 Animal Blessings on Lawn 12:00 - 2:00
Oct. 5 Choir 7:00
Oct. 6 Bible Study 10:00
Oct. 7 Bell Choir 6:00
Oct. 11 Worship 9:15 Book Discussion 10:45
Oct. 12 Finance 6:00 Choir Practise 7:00
Oct. 13 Bible Study 10:00
Oct. 14 Bell Choir Practise 6:00
Oct. 18 Worship 9:15 Book Discussion 10:45
Oct. 19 Choir Practise 7:00
Oct. 20 Bible Study 10:00 Out to Lunch Bunch 12:00 (tbd)
Oct. 21 Bell Choir Practise 6:00
Oct. 22 Coordinating Council 5:45
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