Retirement Celebration for Pastor Emma 1

Updates from Church Leadership 1

Choir Spotlight 1

June Sermon Series 2

The Pastor’s Pen 3

Children’s Ministries 5

2017 Graduates 6-7

Making Di sc ip les , T rans forming the Wor ld Issue 6

June 2017

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

T H E H E R A L D

RIVER HILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Where: Midwest Mission

Distri-bution Center,

Chatham, Illinois

When: April 23 to 28

Participants: Allen & Terry

Moore, Barb Morrow, Doris

Urbain, Ann Poirier, Bertie

Gelineau, Pastor Emma

Melin

Comments from the group:

The mission trip was a great

experience for me. I helped

with sorting and folding

hospital linens, helped pack

personal dignity kits, and

spent two days mending the

hospital linens. Before we

left to come home, I was

able to get some patterns to

bring home so I can make

diapers and children’s

hospital gowns in my spare

time. The staff and

volunteers at the Midwest

Mission Distribution Center

were wonderful to work with.

I also got to meet others

volunteering as well as

getting to know some fellow

RHUMC friends better! I am

excited about doing this

again in the future!

— Ann Poirier

It was a great experience

and I would encourage

anyone to get involved with

the Midwest Distribution

Center. You will have a very

enjoyable time.

— Doris Urbain

The staff and volunteer

coordinators are so very

dedicated and love what they

are doing that you can’t help

but ‘catch the fever’. When

Barb and I finished putting

together our first school desk

and sat down on it, Paul

said, “Now, I want you to

think about the children who

will be sitting at this desk in

Haiti.” It was also great for

our group to be able to

purchase $250 worth of

flannel needed for the

layette kits.

— Pastor Emma Melin

Amazing how many different

projects the MMDC does. I

was inspired by the number

of volun-teers, especially the

two 90-year-old ladies and

their dedication to volunteer

work. It was nice to work with

fellow church mem-bers and

get to know them better

through the work we did and

socializing with each other.

— Terry Moore

The mission trip showered

me with many blessings. I

was given the opportunity to

try many new things with

wonderful Christians from

several states. Two things

that stood out for me were

fixing bicycles and making

desks. Especially meaningful

was that the desks were

going to Haiti, where I

sponsor a young man

through World Vision. This

trip also made it possible for

me to make wonderful in-

depth friendships with our

RHUM team members.

— Bertie Gelineau

We had a very rewarding

week. I spent the week

working on stu-dent desks,

repairing bicycles, and

packing Personal Dignity

Kits. The Center does an

excel-lent job of using

volunteers of all ages and

ability levels. It is very

worthwhile and important

work that they do. Well worth

supporting!

— Allen Moore

This was my second trip to

MMDC and it was even more

fun than the first time I went.

Last year I was content to

varnish the desks that are

built there for shipment

around the world. This year I

took on a new challenge

(with a lot of encour-agement

and a little nudge from

Pastor Emma!) and learned

how to build the desks! The

oppor-tunities are endless to

be the hands and feet of

Christ for those in need

around the world, and I feel

so blessed to be a part of

this mission.

— Barb Morrow

Adult Mission Trip Report 2017 By the RHUMC Adult Mission Trip Participants

Mission Trip 2017 Participants:

Front Row (left to right): Bertie

Gelineau, Anne Poirier, Barb

Morrow. Back row (left to right):

Rev. Emma Melin, Allen Moore,

Terry Moore, Doris Urbain.

UPDATES FROM THE LEADERSHIP OF RIVER HILLS UMC

Facility Use. A letter was sent out last month asking for feedback from our congregation regarding the use of our facility by a

new congregation from a different denomination. We received both encouragement and concerns from our membership. When

we went back to the pastor of the Church of God in Christ congregation to let them know that further communication would be

needed with our congregation to answer our questions, they chose to withdraw their facility usage request at this time. We will

keep you updated if there are any changes.

Staffing Update. With Pastor Emma’s retirement coming soon, we unfortunately do not have any updates as to a possible

replacement for her role. Different options are being considered, but no clear candidate has been identified. The pool of

candidates is very limited, and we are not interested in making a long-term decision that will not be in the best interest of our

community. Please keep this process in your prayers. Your support and encouragement are appreciated.

Choir Spotlight on … John Keller By Cathleen Harris, RHUMC Organist

If you have ever handled

hissing cockroaches or worn

a fluffy red suit in the weeks

leading up to Christmas, then

you may have something in

common with John Keller.

John was born in

Philadelphia, where he

attended elementary and

junior high school. John then

attended an all-boy high

school in North Philadelphia.

“College attendance was

sporadic, so I prefer to say I

graduated from the SOHK

(School of Hard Knocks),”

quips John.

John remembers getting

involved in music at his

childhood church. “My

brother and I sang in the

younger age choirs and

attended Sunday school.

Singing was a big part of the

Sunday school hour.” John’s

father also sang in the church

choir. “My dad loved singing

and belonged to the Quaker

City Chorus, a large

barbershop group in Philly, as

well as a barbershop

quartet.”

“My brother was the musician

in the house, learning to play

the accordion, piano, and

organ. The rest of the family

were singers, including my

mother and younger sister.

As time passed, I taught

myself to play the Hammond

Spinet organ well enough to

make myself happy. I also

taught myself a few chords

on the guitar, but it has been

sitting in my closet now for

close to 25 years.”

Married at a young age, John

and his first wife had two

children: John and Elaine.

After the divorce, John moved

to the Twin Cities in 1980,

met Sandra at a bus stop,

and later married her. “The

years have reduced the

number of Kellers. My father,

mother, brother, and

daughter have all died. My

son, his wife, and their two

children live in Alaska. My

sister and her husband live in

Philadelphia.”

John’s career in computers

includes work as a computer

operator and programmer at

the Federal Reserve Bank in

Philadelphia, and as a

programmer at a consulting

firm in Minnesota. One of his

co-workers in Philadelphia

worked on the first large

computer ever made!

“Sandra and I both joined

River Hills Church in the early

’90s, but did not attend

regularly until Pastor Sarazin

started. At that time, we

became more involved in

church through the Disciple

classes, eventually leading

the classes for two years.”

What made John decide to

join the Chancel Choir? Well,

since John enjoyed singing

and attended worship

regularly, the choir members

could hear him as they

entered the sanctuary during

the first hymn. On Easter, he

always joined the choir to

sing the “Hallelujah Chorus”.

“Eventually, encouraged by

members of the choir, I

decided to join the Chancel

Choir. This was the same year

that JW became our Director.

Since then, I can be found

singing bass in the choir.”

Note: John forgot to mention

that he is part of a very

important tradition at our

Christmas Eve services,

where he sings the first verse

of “Silent Night” in German!

“Singing in our choir has

enabled me to share the

small gift of song that I’ve

received. I’ve also tried to

share a bit of myself by

wearing a red suit in

December, trying to bring a

smile to the faces of children

for a moment in time.” John

has also volunteered for

several years with Habitat for

Humanity and for 7 years with

the Minnesota Zoo. “I

thoroughly enjoyed being

stationed in the Zoo Lab,

where people could touch

different animals and insects.

My favorites included corn

snakes, boa constrictors,

blue-tongued skinks,

chinchillas, giant African

millipedes … and, hissing

cockroaches!

“Do I have any deep thoughts

to share? Try this poem:

Haiku about kids

Just blank slates when

they’re young

They learn all from us.”

Photo Courtesy of

Twin Cities Aesthetic

John Keller and Sandra Shill

10 a.m. Worship Service on June 18 Will Recognize Ministry of Rev. Emma Melin

A celebration of Pastor Emma’s ministry will be held Sunday, June 18, with only one service at 10 a.m.

A reception will follow. If you cannot make it, please send a card to the church office so that Pastor Emma will

know that you are with us in spirit!

June Sermon Series By Rev. Robert Braudt, Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC

Sunday, June 4 — Pentecost Sunday, Graduation Sunday — Emma Marais Preaching — (Acts 2:1-21; Mark 1:32-39)

Sunday, June 11 — Trinity Sunday — “Getting Started” (Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Matthew 28:16-20)

Sunday, June 18 — 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Rev. Emma’s Retirement — Rev. Emma Melin Preaching — (Matthew 9:35-10:8)

Sunday, June 25 — 3rd Sunday after Pentecost — “The Disagreeable Christian” (Jeremiah 20:7-13; Matthew 10:24-39)

P R A I S E & PR AY E R S

Page 3 Issue 6

Prayer requests are accepted in the church office at any time, 952-890-2515. Or e-mail Carrie

Wilkens, Office Communications Coordinator, at cwilkens@riverhillsumc.org or through our

website, riverhillsumc.org. Please let us know if your prayer is to remain confidential or is to

be shared on this page of the monthly newsletter and also in the announcements in the

weekly bulletin.

Prayers Requested for:

Church Family: Leota Erickson; Sandra Shill; Jerry Kelly; Susan Bahr; Gina Patch; Derek

Nelson; Corky Nicholson; Sandy Thibos; Jay Dee Yearous; Bonnie Covart; Carol Walker; Mac

McInroy; Carl & Joy Potter; Connie Anton; Bob Leaf; Wayne Baugh.

Friends and Family: Dick Martin, Melissa Hansen’s father; John, friend of Dennis & Joan Benson; Sallie Allen, friend of Peggy

Yamanaka; Father of Pastor Robert Braudt; Leonard & MaryLou, parents of Mike Amundson; Jeff, friend of Ken & Lesli Anderson;

Lou Olson, friend of Georgia Cirksena; Mike Kaluzne, friend of Julie Demko; Joe Gross, father of Carol Becker; Alton Barillier, brother

of Pixie Gruman; Linda Clatch, friend of Jeanne Cartwright; Cindy Enderson, sister of Barb McGuire; Mark Eide, friend of Vi Johnson

and Sharon Johnson; Grandson-in-law’s father of Marge Fread; Judy, friend of Dixie Larson; Ari Berg, niece of Carin & Dan Siebert;

Mark Solberg, brother of Vonda Miller; Neil Arneberg and family, friends of Beth Davis; Jerry Cerny, brother of Kim Christianson;

Golda, friend of Scott McGuire; Scott Peterson, friend of Georgia Cirksena; Sean, friend of Aaron Raschke; Paul Fread, son of Marge

Fread; Kathy, daughter of Marge Fread; Julie, friend of Marge Fread; Jackie Smith, friend of Rosalind, Georgia & Randy Cirksena;

Gary Drewianka, partner of Sylvia Peterson; Joan, cousin of Ginny Heitkamp; Clayton McDougal, father of Chris McDougal; Clyde

Johnson, father of Amy Pearson; Cory Branden, son of Billie & Dick Branden; Steve Jones, son of Mike & Sue Althoff; Kenneth &

Vivian Fread, family of Marge Fread; Norma Blackman, mother of Brenda Barta; Mike Metz, friend of Mary Davis; Helen, aunt of

Jean Bornholdt; Linda Banks, friend of Everett Goodridge; Charlotte Umezu; John & Grace Feuk, parents of Eric Feuk; Bishop

Bruce Ough; Missionaries Michael Arteen and Daniel Yang; Cynthia Williams, River Valley District Superintendent.

PRAYER OF JOY

For the baptism of Gisele Kathryn Howe on April 30 at the 11:05 a.m. Praise Worship service. Proud parents are Joseph and

Kathryn Howe.

PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY

For Corky Nicholson and the entire Nicholson family as they remember Dick, who passed away on Wednesday, May 3. Dick has

been a member of River Hills since 1968. A Celebration of Life Service was held on May 10 at River Hills UMC. Cards can be

sent to Don Nicholson, 15485 Danville Ave. W., Rosemount, MN 55068.

For Jen, Andy, and Asher Moore and their entire family as they remember Jen’s father, John Stucky, who passed away on

April 29. A Celebration of Life Service was held on May 10 at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church.

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the congregation and staff of River Hills UMC who made it possible for

me to expand my MCCI trip to Ohio to spend time with my dad after his heart attack. Recovering from a heart attack is

challenging enough, but after a flare up with his Parkinson’s, my father was in a dark place, and my mother’s best

efforts to support him were not enough. Without Pastor Emma’s willingness and readiness to step up to the pulpit and

fill the void, it would have been difficult to find the grace to leave. To the rest of the staff as they picked up any balls I

had left unattended, and to the congregation for their understanding, thank you is not enough. My dad is growing

stronger in spirit and body. My mom’s resolve has been renewed. My brother appreciated the bit of respite he received

during my presence. You gave me a gift that money cannot buy and time will not cause it to fade. Thank you from the

bottom of my heart.

— Pastor Robert Braudt

sometimes we fall short.

Resentment, misunderstand-

ing, selfishness, judgment,

fear, and disappointment

creep in. It doesn’t take

much to come off as less

than loving.

This church loves their

pastor, and while I couldn’t

be happier for them, I

wondered if it would last. I

hated to admit it, but I felt a

little cynical. I don’t like

being cynical. Cynicism is

like a little black rain cloud

in a Winnie-the-Pooh story —

a disguise for the purpose

of selfish indulgence. Was I

hoping that this loving to

love affair between congre-

gation and pastor would be

short-lived? Most definitely

not! It seemed more like the

ideal than a target of

cynicism. I turned to prayer

for some clarity. A verse

popped in my head as I

The Herald Page 4

Rev. Robert Braudt

The Pastor’s Pen By Rev. Robert Braudt

Lead Pastor, River Hills UMC

I learned this lesson in my

recent weekend at the

Coburn United Methodist

Church in Zanesville, Ohio. I

had the pleasure of being a

part of a consulting team for

their MCCI (Missional Church

Consultation Initiative)

weekend. Over three days,

we literally sat down with

hundreds of members of

their congregation to hear

their hopes and dreams for

their church. We listened as

they shared their strengths

and the ways they hoped to

grow. We listened to demo-

graphic data and feedback

from mystery visitors who

stopped by for worship. We

talked with the pastor and

staff. We talked with new

members and long-time

members.

One thing I observed was

just how much they all loved

Pastor Justin. Every time his

name was mentioned or his

It’s one thing to love.

It’s quite another to love to love.

giftedness was lifted up, the

people would applaud. Admit-

tedly, Pastor Justin is gifted.

He’s a strong preacher, he’s

musically talented, and he’s

filled with energy and

enthusiasm. It doesn’t hurt

that he has two boys who

are as cute as a button and

a wife who is a strong

partner in the journey.

They LOVE their pastor.

They LOVE to love their

pastor. It made me smile. It

was almost like driving a

new car with the window

sticker in the rear window.

They loved it when others

noticed and, given half a

chance, they would share

their opinion on all the new

features. Pastor Justin was

pretty easy to love.

Love is part of our water-

mark. It should be evident

when held up to the light. As

with any human institution,

drove to the church on Sunday

morning: “For if you love those

who love you, what reward do

you have?”Matthew 5:46a.

As followers of Christ, we are

not to love just the easy to

love, but we’re called out to

love the hard to love. Pastor

Justin is pretty easy to love. I’ll

humbly put myself in that

same category. I don’t like

giving people a reason not to

love me. I wonder though, as a

pastor, if I am doing my whole

job if I am always easy to love.

Over the next couple months, I

am going to unpack the lessons

I learned at Coburn UMC in my

newsletter reflections. I hope

you will journey with me and

share any reflections you

might have on the topic. Here

are some reflection questions

for you to consider:

1. What makes it easy for you

to love?

2. What makes it a challenge

for you to love?

3. Does your love look

different when it’s easy or

when it’s challenging?

4. Does God’s love look

different from our love?

5. Is there more to glean from

Matthew 5 for our world

today?

Epistles The Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Gospels

Week of Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5/28 Galations 4-6 Exodus 37-40 1 Kings 5-9 Psalm 66-68 Proverbs 2-3 Lamentations Luke 9-10

6/4 Ephesians 1-3 Leviticus 1-3 1 Kings 10-13 Psalm 69-71 Proverbs 4 Ezekiel 1-6 Luke 11-12

6/11 Ephesians 4-6 Leviticus 4-6 1 Kings 14-18 Psalm 72-74 Proverbs 5-6 Ezekiel 7-12 Luke 13-14

6/18 Philippians 1-2 Leviticus 7-9 1 Kings 19-22 Psalm 75-77 Proverbs 7 Ezekiel 13-18 Luke 15-16

6/25 Philippians 3-4 Leviticus 10-12 2 Kings 1-5 Psalm 78-80 Proverbs 8-9 Ezekiel 19-24 Luke 17-18

7/2 Colossians 1-2 Leviticus 13-15 2 Kings 6-10 Psalm 81-83 Proverbs 10 Ezekiel 25-30 Luke 19-20

7/9 Colossians 3-4 Leviticus 16-18 2 Kings 11-15 Psalm 84-86 Proverbs 11-12 Ezekiel 31-36 Luke 21-22

5 2 - W E E K B I B L E R E A D I N G P L A N !

Page 5 Issue 6

MEN’S BREAKFAST

The men of the church

meet for a prayer breakfast

at Baker’s Square, 15200

Cedar Avenue, Apple Valley.

We always meet at 8 a.m.

on the fourth Tuesday of

the month. Come join us for

food, fellowship, and

sharing our faith journeys.

We hope to see you there!

Online Giving Option

RHUMC offers online giving.

Visit www.riverhillsumc.org,

click on the donate button

on the homepage, and

follow the step-by-step

directions. It’s secure,

convenient, and flexible.

Food Shelf Collection

River Hills UMC collects food

for 360 Communities food

shelf the first Sunday of

every month. Donations can

be left in the east entrance

any time.

Please Donate General

Mills Box Tops,

Campbell’s UPC Codes

The Mission Committee has

an ongoing collection for

General Mills Box Tops,

which we send to Red Bird

Mission in Beverly, Kentucky,

and Campbell’s UPC codes,

which we send to McCurdy

Ministries in Espanola, New

Mexico. These are projects of

the United Methodist Church

in the United States. The

collection box is in the

Mission Center by the east

entrance. There is a list of

participating products on the

Mission bulletin board.

RHUMC Care Giving Support Group

The next meeting of the Care Giving Support Group will be at

7 p.m., Monday, June 5. We meet on the first Monday of

each month in the Bosshardt Room. This support group is

for anyone in the midst of care giving for a family member or

friend. If you have questions, contact Allen Moore, 651-238-

0634, or Pastor Emma Melin, 952-890-2515, ext. 205.

Join in June 7 Book Club Discussion

Every other month, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

the first Wednesday in the library to discuss a book selected

by the group. Please note that we are now beginning at

6:15 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. Facilitators are Becky Cook and

Pastor Emma Melin.

June 7 — “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. Ruth

Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut

hospital. While doing a routine checkup on a newborn, she is

suddenly reassigned. The parents are white supremacists

and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their

child. However, the next day the baby goes into cardiac

distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. What happens

next???

Depression Support Coalition Offers Spring Speaker Series

Everyone is welcome to attend the last session of the spring

speaker series offered by the Depression Support Coalition.

The series meets once a month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at

St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Ave. So., Richfield,

MN 55423. For more information, please contact Jolaine

Liupakka, Director of Pastoral Care, 612-869-2426 or

jliupakka@strichards.com.

June 13 — “Autism Spectrum Disorders”

Presented by Lindsay Narayan, LMFT, BCBA

and Mallory Andreasson, LPCC

Sunday Morning Adult Education

You are welcome to join these educational opportunities for

adults on Sunday mornings from 10:05 to 11 a.m. between

worship services.

Faith on Film. Open to anyone. Meets in the Annex (room off

of the Bosshardt Room where Sunday morning coffee is

held). The class discusses a variety of topics by watching

and discussing movies and documentaries. RHUMC member

Jonathan Ozanne, a lawyer who has taught adult Sunday

School classes for years, facilitates this class.

Pastor’s Study. Open to anyone. Meets in Pastor Robert’s

office. Discussion focuses on a book and chapter in the

Bible each week. There is always room around the table to

drop in. This class is facilitated by Joe Dedeaux.

Sisters Class. On a break until September. We meet in the

library between worship services during the program year to

discuss a book of choice.

Graduation

Sunday, June 4

We will recognize our 2017

high school and college

graduates at both worship

services on June 4.

Page 6 The Herald

Eco Kids Day Camp

Our Theme this year is “Birds of Pray”.

This camp is for current 3rd - 8th graders.

July 10 - 13, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Advent UMC, Eagan

Learn about caring for God’s creation through art, science, and fun.

Most of each day is spent outdoors exploring our environment.

Every day also includes an afternoon field trip.

(Early care is available from 8 - 9 a.m. at a cost of $5 per day.)

Melissa Miller is one of the deans for this camp.

Let’s try to get a big RH turnout!

Register online at www.campminnesota.org under OFFSITE CAMPS #1.

Vacation

Bible School!

9 a.m. - Noon

June 26 - 30

Children’s

Ministries

Sunday Morning

Summer Schedule

for Children

Nursery Care will be

provided during both the

9 and 11:05 a.m. worship

services for children

3 years of age

and younger.

Children’s Church (age 3 – Grade 1) will be

during the 11:05 a.m.

worship service only.

Messy Mondays — All Sessions from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in RHUMC Room 110

GONE FISHING! June 19 Make a clay sculpture fish, paint with bubble wrap, and do print

making with real fish! EEWWW!!

FIBER ARTS! July 24 Learn weaving, needle felting, and wet felting techniques. Sample each

art form then combine your new talents to make an art doll, figure or sculpture.

SAIL AWAY! Aug. 14 Paint a seascape picture using a palette knife and make a sailboat

mobile using driftwood and sea glass beads.

Paint in the Park — Tuesdays, June 6 and 20, July 18, Aug. 1 and 15

Different art projects will be offered each week including paint, chalk, pastel, weaving, felting,

and sculpting. Designed as a neighborhood outreach, this event will take place in South River

Hills Park located at 11514 River Hills Drive in Burnsville. Participants may stop in during the

hours of 10:00 and 11:30 to try their hand at painting and nature crafts. Free to the public.

(Looking for teens and adults to help supervise these events!)

Nature Hikes — 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturdays, June 10, July 22 and Aug. 12

We will go on a nature hike at Alimagnet Park, learn lots of new stuff about nature, and make

a craft. All walks will begin in the far parking area near the climber. 2nd graders and older

may be dropped off. Parents must stay with younger children. Alimagnet Park is located

two blocks north of County Road 42 on County Road 11 in Burnsville. Fair weather only!

Summer

2017

Register for Messy Mondays

and Nature Hikes by following

the link on our website at

www.riverhillsumc.org.

Page 7 Issue 6

Taylor Julson Parents: Dan and Stacy Julson

Graduating From: Farmington High School

Extracurricular: Student Council, National Honor Society, Wind Ensemble,

Concert Choir, Marching Band

Future Plans: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Major: Unified Early Childhood Education

Favorite Bible Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:13 and Jeremiah 29:11

Favorite Memory at RHUMC: Helping children grow in their faith through

teaching Sunday School, VBS, and Children’s Church.

Thomas Hastings Parents: Andrew and Lissie Hastings

Graduating From: Henry Sibley High School

Extracurricular: Ski Club, Boy Scouts

Future Plans: Dakota County Technical College

Major: Automotive Technician

Favorite Memory at RHUMC: Weekend retreat at Lake Okoboji.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES — CLASS OF 2017

Robbie Bergsten Parents: Rex and Lori Bergsten

Graduating From: Burnsville High School

Extracurricular: Boy Scouts, Bloomington Police Explorers, Robotics,

In-house Baseball and Basketball

Future Plans: Normandale Community College

Major: Undecided

Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Favorite Memory at RHUMC: Seeing the Yeti every Halloween.

Mark Christianson Parents: Dave and Kim Christianson

Graduating From: Rosemount High School

Extracurricular: Swimming, Marching Band, Boy Scouts

Future Plans: University of St. Thomas

Major: Pre-Law and Political Science

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 37:23-24

Favorite Memory at RHUMC: Discovering who I was in

the image of Christ at the Confirmation Retreat.

Dominique Eva Menard Parents: Ron and Heidi Menard

Graduating From: Lakeville North High School

Extracurricular: Wesley Ringers (5 years), Youth Group, Sunday School

Teacher, National Honor Society, Musicals, Students Helping Our Community,

Panther Prep Leader, Youth-Teaching-Youth, Peer Tutor, Teach Adaptive Dance

Future Plans: University of North Dakota

Major: Pre-Occupational Therapy

Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 12:2

Favorite Memories at RHUMC: Rapid City Mission Trip, Wesley Ringers,

singing with friends, teaching Sunday School, being goofy in Youth Group.

Emma Kaplan Parents: Gerry and Jane Kaplan

Graduating From: Burnsville High School

Extracurricular: Bel Canto Choir, Concert Choir, Freestyle Jazz

Ensemble, Musicals, Music Contests, Showcase, Volunteer at

Operation Glass Slipper (6 years)

Future Plans: University of Wisconsin River Falls

Major: Music Performance

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 95:1

Favorite Memories at RHUMC: Serving at Simpson Shelter and

Confirmation Lock-In.

The Herald Page 8

Jessica Park Graduating From: University of Minnesota Twin

Cities

Degree: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Organ

Performance

Jessica is the daughter of Dr. Jong-Won and Leonie

Park.

Noah Henry

Graduating From: Dunwoody College of Technology

Degree: Associates of Applied Science Automotive

Technology

Noah is the son of Kim Henry.

Emma Marais

Graduated From: University of Minnesota Twin

Cities — Carlson School of Management

(December 2016)

Major: Entrepreneurial Management

Minor: Marketing

COLLEGE GRADUATES — CLASS OF 2017

Melissa Miller

Melissa was awarded a Certificate In Arts &

Religious Leadership from THE INTERSECTION -

Wilson Yates Center for Theology & The Arts at

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

She is RHUMC’s Director of Children’s

Ministries.

Jazzlyn Woodall

Parent/Guardian: Nicole Merrell (mother) and Zoe Merrell (grandmother)

Graduating From: Burnsville High School

Extracurricular: Working at River Hills Early Childhood Center

Future Plans: North Hennepin Community College then Hamline University

Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 46:5

Favorite Memory at RHUMC: Duluth Mission Trip.

Nicole Willenburg Graduating From: Concordia University St. Paul

Degree: Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in

Differentiated Instruction

Nicole is teaching Spanish. She is the daughter of

Jerry and Joanna Willenburg.

Nicci Wahl

Graduating From: Concordia University St. Paul

Degree: Master of Art in Family Studies

Nicci is the Assistant Director of River Hills Early

Childhood Center.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES — CLASS OF 2017

Madeline Sefton Parents: Kevin and Rebecca Sefton

Graduating From: Eagan High School

Extracurricular: National Art Honors Society, Dance, Photography,

Drawing

Future Plans: St. Cloud University (Honors Program)

Major: Education

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23:4

Favorite Memory at RHUMC: Children’s Praise Team for Sunday

School.

River Hills

United Methodist Church

11100 River Hills Drive

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

Phone: 952-890-2515

Fax: 952-890-4536

E-mail: riverhills@riverhillsumc.org

Lead Pastor Rev. Robert Braudt

rbraudt@riverhillsumc.org

Deacon of Confirmation & Nurture Ministries

Rev. Emma Melin

emelin@riverhillsumc.org

Director of Children’s Ministries Melissa Miller

mmiller@riverhillsumc.org

Director of Youth Ministries Emma Marais

emarais@riverhillsumc.org

Administrative Assistant Denise Poetter

Office Communications Coordinator Carrie Wilkens

Director of Arts & Innovative Worship Pat Hammond

Directors of Praise Team Dan & Stacy Julson

Chancel Choir Director/

Music Coordinator Dr. Jong-Won Park

Organist Cathleen Harris

Director of Bell Choirs Marilyn Pyle

Sunday Nursery Coordinator Cary Suriono

The Herald Newsletter Editor Lori Bergsten

Early Childhood Center Director Melissa Hansen www.riverhillsumc.org

A T T E N DA N C E

June 15 is the deadline for the July issue of

The Herald. We appreciate your contribu-

tions. Please submit your news in The Herald

newsletter box in the church office or send

to lori.bergsten@gmail.com. If you have any

questions, please contact Lori Bergsten,

newsletter editor, 952-808-1239.

H E R A L D D E A D L I N E

R I V ER H I LL S CH U RCH STAF F

F I N A N C E C O M M I T T E E U P DA T E

Page 9 Issue 6

Sunday Worship Hours

Traditional 9 a.m.

Worship

Contemporary 11:05 a.m.

Worship with

Praise Team

Nursery care is available

during both services.

www.facebook.com/

RiverHillsUMC

Making Disciples,

Transforming the World

P R O F E S S I O N A L P H O T O S River Hills UMC has retained Twin Cities Aesthetic

to take professional photos of our church events

for use in our publications. View and purchase

individual photos at http://order.tcaesthetic.com/

RHUMC. Do you need photographic services? Twin

Cities Aesthetic offers member discounts. Referral

credits benefit River Hills UMC. For booking, visit

www.tcaesthetic.com or call 952-240-7393.

Sunday 2016 2017

14 186 + 135 = 321 178 + 129 + Wed. Lent 41 = 348

15 234 + 133 = 367 198 + 155 + Wed. Lent 40 = 393

16 188 + 110 = 298 Easter 576 + Lent 128 = 704

17 197 + 108 = 305 Art Sunday 146 + 123 = 269

18 170 + 102 = 272 159 + 117 = 317

Year-to-Date Total 6,053 5,781

Year-to-Date Weekly Average 336 321

Playground Progress Report

By Melissa Hansen, RHECC Director

The Early Childhood Center is excited to

share that we have met with a couple of

contractors about the playground. As many

of you are aware, the playground is in need

of repair and renewal. Our first step is to

correct the drainage and grading. We then

need to get rid of all the pea gravel and

consider options for a new surface material.

Watch for more updates in The Herald as

we start to make headway on this project!

To raise funds

for the new

playground, the

RHECC will take

part in the

Annual South

River Hills Day

Sales on Satur-

day, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. — rain or

shine — at RHUMC. Come shop the sale,

find bargains, leave with a few treasures,

and know that you helped support a worthy

cause!

M E M O R I A L S

A gift to the Praise Team was given to the

church in memory of Shirley Scoville by

Friends in 2008. If you are interested in

presenting a gift to the church in memory

of or in honor of a loved one or a friend,

please contact:

Don DeGenaro, Chair of Memorial

Committee, 651-688-9983

Monthly Report to the Congregation

For the Period Ending April 30, 2017

Church Operating Budget*

Monthly Year to Date

Budgeted Income $68,411 $258,643

Actual Collected $78,427 $257,229

Over (Short) $10,016 ($1,414)

*Does not include Early Childhood Center.

Interested in additional information about River Hills UMC

finances? Financial statements can be requested from the

church office. Additional questions can be directed to any

member of the Finance Committee.

River Hills UMC

11100 River Hills Dr.

Burnsville, MN 55337

www.riverhillsumc.org

www.riverhillsumc.org

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

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RiverHillsUMC

Sunday Worship Hours

Traditional Worship 9 a.m.

Contemporary 11:05 a.m.

Worship with

Praise Team

Mission Trip Members Use

Talents, Learn New Skills

Read a report of their trip to the Midwest Mission

Distribution Center on the front cover.

Left: Allen Moore

saws wood to be

used to build a

Left:

Bertie Gelineau

helps to fix

bicycles.

Above: Barb Mor-

row uses a drill to

build a student

desk.

Above:

Ann Poirier

mends hospi-