I’m New
Learning about Christ UMC
We have regular gatherings for people who are new to the CUMC community. You get to meet clergy, church staff and church leaders. We give a brief introduction to our faith, history and reconciling. This is your chance to ask your questions while we get to know you and welcome you.
If you (or anyone you know) is interested in joining us, email email@cumethodist.com
Joining Sunday
Members can join through a brief ceremony in front of the congregation that is held once a month, typically on the fourth Sunday. We welcome new members at the service of their choice.
If you are coming from another church let us know, so we can transfer your membership.
What Are Connect Groups?
Faith->Life offers a variety of groups that range from one of events to covenant groups that meet regularly for years. Each term they offer six week classes called Connect Groups that come together around a book or subject. Check out their page to learn more Click Here.
Or check out our volunteer page for more opportunities to get involved Click Here
Contact the church office for more information: email@cumethodist.com
Faith → Life
Learn from Christ’s Teachings
We offer many ways to connect with others at CUMC. There are Connect Groups, Faith Formation Groups that meet weekly, Sunday Morning Classes, Short-Term Classes, Third Sunday Forums, and All Church Reads. If you are new to Christ Church or a longtime member, these groups provide an opportunity to grow friendships, faith, and outreach in meaningful ways. We invite you to participate in these outstanding opportunities.
Sunday Classes
Contemporary Issues
Host: Joel Charlson ~ Time: Sundays at 10:10 am ~ Place: Room 146 & Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/832924941
This class talks about current news topics viewed from a United Methodist perspective that apply to how we live our daily lives. Scriptures verses and critical questions related to the weekly topic lead to in-depth discussions.
Each Thursday Joel emails participants the week’s topic from Wired Word.
If you are interested in the class email Joel Charlson (joel.charlson@gmail.com) to receive the weekly Wired Word, or just drop in on Sunday!
Inquiring Spirits
Host: Ed Shafer ~ Time: Sundays at 10:15 am ~ Place: Room 145 & Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82253693720
Group members suggest theological topics, books or videos of interest to study. Visitors and non-readers are always welcome for freewheeling discussion. For further information contact Ed at shaferchruch@hotmail.com
Connect Groups
Breakfast FEllowship
Hosts: Amy Humphrey and Dean Swanson ~ Time: 2nd Wednesday of the month of at 8:30 AM Place: Charlie’s Restaurant at Hillcrest shopping Center
New members of any age are always welcome to drop in; no registration required.
CU Wednesday Crossroads
Hosts: Pastor Jenny and Pastor Kirkland~ Time: Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 PM ~ Place: Room 145
Pastor Kirkland is leading a Bible study with the app, BeADisciple.
For further information contact Pastor Kirkland at pastorkirkland@cumethodist.com.
Dinner/Lunch Club
Hosts: Marjie Blaisdell and Mary Schmidt ~ Time/Place: Groups will decide their time and place of meeting.
A terrific way for new or long-time members to build relationships with others in the church. Groups of 5 - 8 people share a meal and conversation 2 or 3 times in each other’s homes or restaurants. Sing-up by contacting Marjie Blaisdell at mablaisdell@gmail.com or Mary Schmidt at oronocmbs@yahoo.com.
Garden Ministry
Host: Mary Schmidt ~ Time: Spring/Fall ~ Place: CUMC Grounds
Contact Mary Schmidt at oronocomb@yahoo.com if you are interested in caring for CUMC’s piece of the earth!
Knit One Pray, Too
Host: Marjie Blaisdell ~ Time: Wednesday mornings 10:00 – 12:00 ~ Place: Skype, 3rd Wednesdays are in-person in the Fireside Room
Join the group that knits prayer shawls, scarves and mittens. Contact Marjie Blaisdell at mablaisdell@gmail.com for the WebEx link.
Men’s Coffee Group
Host: Dick Estry ~ Time: Thursday mornings at 8:00 am ~ Place: Room 145 & Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89503377386?pwd=czVQNzIxTTE1eHdvdmgzZlBXdmsxZz09
Whether you are a long-time member, new to CUMC or looking for a men’s fellowship group , you are invited to drop in for coffee and conversation. Contact Dick Estry at rk.estry@gmail.com for the zoom link or further information.
Hand & Foot Card Group
Hosts: Millie and Brian Webb ~ Time: Third Sunday of Each Month 4:00–6:30pm ~ Place: Member’s Homes
We chat, play cards, laugh, and share light snacks. Singles and couples are welcome, as partners rotate. Newcomers are welcome with no experience or experienced players willing to have fun!
If you are interested in joining or want further information, contact Brian at bkwebbus@gamil.com or Millie at 608-212-9706 (call or text).
Tea and Tacos
Host: Armanda Vanderheiden
Time: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays of each month. 4th Saturday of the month is “Ladies Night Out”. Place: Room 145
This all-inclusive women’s group creates a sacred space where women of all generations, backgrounds, and beliefs can come together to empower, encourage, and do life together. Drop-ins are always welcome! Childcare provided.
Contact Armanda at justgot2havejesus@gmail.com for more information.
Theology On Brew
Hosts: Pastors Jenny & Kirkland ~ Time: 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm
Place: March 14 at 6:30pm at Glynner's Pub at 1643 1/2 N. Broadway
This is a chance to connect with others to discuss life, theology, and everything! Young and young at heart adults are welcome.
Short Term Classes
Forgiveness: A Lenten Study
Sundays, March 17 and 24
We are using the book, Forgiveness: A Lenten Study by Marjorie J. Thompson as our guide for the Lenten season this year. Pastors Jenny and Kirkland will be leading an in-person study in the Fireside Room on Sundays at 10:15 am (between worship services) and by Zoom on Sundays at 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Meeting ID: 879 5667 5126
https://us02web.zoom.us/i/87956675126?pwd=dSdxZzNXVFg0Z3B4WEI2SnN3UWsyUT09#success
Faith Formation Groups
1:00pm- Monday – Women’s Study Group/ Zoom
Contact: Gwen Scilley at scilleys@charter.net
11:30pm– Tuesday – Brother’s in Christ / Zoom
Contact: Ken Bauman at blbauman@gmail.com
1:00pm– Tuesday – Covenant Discipleship Group / Fireside Room
Contact: Aileen Williams at alwatcharter55@gmail.com
8:30am– Thursday – Covenant Discipleship Group / Zoom
Contact: The Church Office email@cumethodist.com
1:00pm– Thursday – Women’s Group / Zoom
Contact: Gail Flanders at gflanders920@gmail.com
10:00am– 2nd & 4th Friday – Women and the Sacred /Fireside Room
Contact: Rose Kliewer at rose.kliewew@gmail.com
Special Events
Check back soon for 2024 events!
Third Sunday Forums
Every third Sunday (except December) at 10:00 AM we offer forums given by insightful guest speakers that cover a wide range of relevant topics. No registration is required. You can join in-person or by clicking on the Zoom link provided in the Sunday worship reminder the day of the forum.
March 17, 2024
“Immigration/Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas”
Jane Grieling
April 21, 2024
“Food Forest”
Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick
Volunteer Opportunities
Sundays
Coffee Host
Keep the coffee service stocked and ready during services. It’s a great opportunity to see and serve the many worshipers at our church.
Contact the church office: email@cumethodist.com
Sundays 8:30am - 11:00am
Note: you would not serve every Sunday but choosing one Sunday a month or a month out of the year would be appreciated.
Communion Host
Prepare communion on Sunday mornings and put it away after the service.
email@cumethodist.com
Ushers
Assist worshipers as they move in and out of their seats on Sundays.
Greeters
Tech Help
If you like learning about how tech stuff works, and are curious about running sound, lights, video, or the weekly slideshow during 9 or 11 o clock worship, join our behind the scenes tech team!
Contact email@cumethodist.com
Children, Youth, and Families
Sunday School
Guide a classroom of preschool to elementary aged children through lessons and activities around Bible stories each week.
Contact Jody Peterson at jody@cumethodist.com
Youth on Sundays
Help to facilitate discussion among middle school and high school as they process the sermon and ask questions about faith, life and CUMC.
Contact Pastor Amanda Larsen at pastoramanda@cumethodist.com
Activities and Events
Assist with trunk or treat, game nights, parties and other children, youth and families events as help is needed. This may mean making popcorn, supervising crafts or running music. We have jobs for all skill sets and age levels.
Contact Pastor Kirkland Reynolds at pastorkirkland@cumethodist.com
Vacation Bible School
Supervise classrooms of preschool and elementary activities for a week each summer. This opportunity is open to a wide variety of ages and skill sets. We need help with snacks, games, crafts and more.
Contact Jody Peterson at jody@cumethodist.com
Boundary Waters
Chaperone our middle school and high school mission trip to the Boundary Waters for a week in the summer.
Contact Pastor Amanda Larsen at pastoramanda@cumethodist.com
Appalachia Service Project
(ASP)
Our high school mission trip to Kentucky requires lot of adult help. Teams of high school students, college students and chaperones spend a week in Appalachia working to make homes warmer, safer and drier. We need chaperones, help fundraising and baking, coordinating the retreat, and planning. There’s a role for all kinds of skills and interests on the ASP team.
Contact Pastor Amanda Larsen at pastoramanda@cumethodist.com
Miscellaneous Volunteer Opportunities
Grounds Crew
Help keep up the outdoors space around CUMC.
email@cumethodist.com
Prayer Chain
Pray for members of our community when they need additional love and support.
email@cumethodist.com
Flowers
Deliver flowers to homebound members of our community after Christmas and Easter.
email@cumethodist.com
Garden Ministry & Vegetable Garden
Green thumbs wanted to help with gardening and weeding, planning and planting and landscaping on the church property. Whether you’re experienced as a gardener or looking to learn more, join the team.
Volunteers that are interested in assisting with the CUMC vegetable garden. Produce is provided to the Saturday Noon Meal Program.
Seasonal - May to October
Contact Kathy Lombardo at kathryn.lombardo@gmail.com
Congregational Care
Congregational Care at Christ UMC is for members, friends and guests. We seek to follow Christ’s example of care and compassion.
We believe prayer is the foundation of Congregational Care.
If you have a prayer request, we ask you to consider one or more of the following options: Prayer by the pastors, the Prayer Chain, and/or prayers listed in the Fresh Spirit, our e-newsletter. You may submit a prayer request by clicking on the button here. You may also call or email the church office.
The Prayer Chain consists of members who pray for all for whom they receive requests. The request is given by passing along the first name of the person(s) needing prayer. This preserves confidentiality.
Want a visit in the hospital?
Please note that you need to contact us or have a family member or friend contact us to tell us that you are in the hospital and want a visit. We do not have access to the names of members who are hospitalized. If you are in one of the Mayo Clinic hospitals you may be asked to indicate your willingness to have your name put on a list to which we have access during business hours. However, If you don’t hear from us, please call.
Those in town for medical care & Church MEmbers
Pastors and Parish Ministers are available to provide spiritual support such as prayer, communion, anointing and holy listening. Please contact the church office to request a contact.
Want to talk to a pastor?
Please contact the office to make an appointment with one of the pastors
Have a Pastoral Emergency?
Please call the office during business hours, 9 am-3pm and then dial 0 for immediate assistance. After hours and on weekends call (507)289-4019 for the Pastor on call.
Want to serve in Congregational Care?
Training is provided for the following Ministry Teams:
The Prayer Chain passes along the name of the person(s) requesting prayer until all members of the chain receive the request. They pray daily for them.
Lay Visitors: call on homebound members once a month or more to provide fellowship and spiritual support. Currently no in person visits are being conducted. Training is provided.
Parish Ministers call on members and friends of Christ UMC facing a major life challenge such as job loss, divorce, addiction, serious illness, death of a loved one. They receive extensive training and meet once a month with Pastor Nancy. Currently in person visits are not conducted.
Flower Ministry Team: Connect with Homebound and Bereaved Members regarding their wishes for a plant from the sanctuary following Easter and Christmas. They deliver the plants to them.
Knit One, Pray Two Connect Group is the Prayer Shawl Ministry Team. They meet virtually to knit and crochet prayer shawls for distribution by the Pastors and Parish Ministers to members of our church, guests and community members.
Bus Ministry: If you need or would like a ride to church, call the church office each week by Friday at noon. (507)289-4019
Memorials and Living Gifts Committee oversees thanking those who give memorials and living gifts to CUMC as well as approves funding requests for undesignated gifts. They also keep records of the memorials and living gifts given to CUMC
Please contact Dr. Peggy Johnson by emailing peggy@cumethodist.com for more information on any of the above