September is OPEN HOUSE MONTH throughout the United Methodist Church as we put into practice our motto:

As you know, keeping our hearts, minds and doors open is more than an annual responsibility! It is an ongoing challenge. The staff, the Ministry Support Team and the Church Ministry Council work to assure that our current welcoming statement (inviting, inclusive Christian community), is more than a statement printed on the front of our worship bulletin. In order to make that happen the Welcome Center is staffed with volunteers each week. Greeters, recruited by the Hospitality Ministry Team are present at the door each Sunday morning. But being welcoming is more than a Sunday morning responsibility, it also means working to keep our entire organization including our small groups accessible for visitors and members through clear contact information and accurate scheduling. The Church Staff takes this challenge very seriously when we meet weekly to work on calendars, schedules and prepare information for weekly worship bulletins.

On Rally Sunday, September 12^th we will open our doors with a festive return to the fall worship schedule (9 and 10:30 a.m.). Joining our Praise Band for dynamic musical worship celebration on Rally Sunday will be Gospel singer, Libby Turner (member of Camphor Memorial UMC – St. Paul). Her musical participation will launch the “Music and Fine Arts” initiative. Don’t miss the outstanding music and invite a friend or neighbor to join you for worship on Rally Sunday.

Following the second worship service the annual Rally Day Carnival will take place on the front lawn of the church at 11:30 a.m.. This will include a picnic lunch and exciting activities for the children. (see details on page 1) While thekids are having fun the adults can learn more about the small groups in our church designed for spiritual formation, service and Christian fellowship. Each group will have a display set up in the narthex area. Members of each group will be available to explain the mission of the group and how you can get connected.

We want to provide an accessible ministry that helps all people (visitors and members) to grow as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Let us keep our hearts and minds open to all who come through our open doors, as we share with them the grace and hospitality of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Mike Miller

United Methodist Bishop, The Rev. Sally Dyck, and her husband The Rev. Kenneth Ehrman, will move from east Ohio, into the Bishops residence on Howard Lane, September 1^st. Prairie Church member Tom Holland serves on an Annual Conference committee that is responsible to care for the Episcopal residence. Along with the committee, he has been working to assure the readiness of the home for the Bishops’ arrival.

Bishop Dyck says she’s excited about coming to Minnesota. She sees the role of bishop as two-part: providing administrative leadership by allowing others to do what they do best, and providing spiritual leadership.

Simpson Shelter has on-going donation needs. Some urgent needs are: African American skin and hair products; deodorant/antiperspirant; new women’s underwear (larger sizes); diapers (all sizes) and shaving cream. Other ongoing-needs include personal hygiene items, some clothing needs, some food items, cleaning products, household items, and other miscellaneous items. Please check the Social Action Bulletin Board at the west end of the narthex for a complete list of their needs

Tuesday, September 14—7:30 a.m.

Wednesday, September 29—3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 12—7:30 a.m.