Hillcrest United Methodist Women (UMW) invites all PAUMC members, and especially former UMW members, to their General Meeting on Tuesday, September 7, noon, in their Fellowship Hall for a potluck lunch.  The program will be Helping Paws.

Helping Paws is a non-profit whose mission is to further independence of people with physical disabilities through the use of a service dog.  There will be a visit from a Helping Paws dog-in-training and its trainer, or a working service dog and its partner.  Call Susan Anderson with questions or a request for a ride.

On Tuesday, September 7, PAUMC will serve a hot meal at the Simpson Shelter in Minneapolis.  5 people will be needed to work in the kitchen and to help serve, and someone to help cook.  Bars/cookies will also be needed (and brought to the church by noon Tuesday) to feed 110 persons.  Monetary contributions to help pay for the feast will be welcomed.

The tentative menu is:  Texas Chili on rice, a lettuce salad, bars, cookies or cake, and assorted beverages.

A sign-up sheet is available in the narthex.  Participating in feeding the hungry at Simpson is always an extremely rewarding experience - and we even have fun!  For more information, contact Chris Seidel

Fellowship time, or the serving of coffee and other refreshments before and after the morning worship, will begin again on Rally Sunday, September 12.  Carol Emdy, PAUMC’s regular host for this event, will not be available to host on September 19, 26, or October 3.  If anyone would be willing to host (set up, serve and clean up) on those dates, please contact Carol.

The July 2010 Treasurer’s Report indicates that PAUMC’s income fell short of expenses by about $2,100.  The over-all year-to-date net is ($5,763.91).

Because of your generosity and hard work, the church has been able to maintain it’s programs in missions, education and outreach, even though it continues to deal with the effects of a poor economy, increasing expenses, and slow membership growth.

Thank you for your continued support.  If you have considered giving further financial assistance, please be assured that your church does have immediate need.

May God’s blessing continue to flow around us.

Pastor Suzanne is on vacation from Wednesday, August 11, through Thursday, August 26.  Those needing pastoral care during this time may contact Pastor  Shirley Duncanson of Hillcrest UMC at 952-881-8601.

The Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Program needs volunteers to help newly arrived refugees with services such as driving, enrolling in classes, setting up apartments, welcoming at the airport, and more.  Volunteer as an individual or a group.  You can choose to work with one family for several months or join a weekly list of volunteer opportunities and respond to the opportunities that interest you.

Currently, refugees are arriving from Bhutan, Burma, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Iraq.  No special training is required - orientation is provided by Refugee Services.  Extend Minnesota hospitality to our new residents.  Contact Kristin at 612-870-3600 to learn how to get connected.

You are invited to a weekly Men’s Study Breakfast at the church, in the Bazaar Room, Thursdays, 6:30am.  ALL MEN ARE WELCOME

PAUMC will hold its third annual community Block Party next Saturday, September 11, from 4-7pm here on the church grounds.  There will be free food, music from the Jumpin’ Jehosofats and Salsa del Sol, a dunk tank, a jumper, and activities for the children, and more!  Gather your friends, neighbors, and family. Come join us for fun, food and fellowship!  Questions may be directed to Lynn Livingston  or Lori Livingston.

United Methodist Church members throughout Minnesota are invited to join Rev.Chris Kneen of Hastings UMC on a tour October 20-29, 2010, to England featuring Methodist Church heritage and the life and ministry of John Wesley in England.

The experience also includes an exploration of British history, architecture, art and culture, visiting the cities of London, Oxford, York, Harrogate, Epworth, Bristol and Bath.

Departure is from the Twin Cities on roundtrip non-stop flights to London.  Contact Pastor Kneen, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or CrossingBorders at 800-990-6811 for a brochure detailing the itinerary,  inclusions and cost.

The Hats for the Homeless project of First Universalist Church will be collecting hand-knit hats for the guests of the Simpson Overnight Shelter.  Last winter, nearly 300 hats were collected.

All knitters are invited to participate.  The general guidelines to follow  include creating with wool for warmth and using dark colored yarn.  Hats need to fit a large sized adult head and cover the ears.  The deadline is December 6.   For details and patterns, go to   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Information can also be found at www.simpsonhousing.org.