Dear Minnehaha,
Our Celebration Sunday (March 21st released a marvelous energy of enthusiasm and faith among us. What a thrill to hear all those children singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and, with the teens and adults, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee!” My goodness, the now blooming sunflower plants brought new life into our worship – as did your financial pledges. After our youth band rocked us out and downstairs for meatballs, after Dean Ammerman and Val Walker announced the pledge results – - and during the cleanup time, I sensed a high quality of appreciative determination.
We have a good ways to go before we can afford the entire building project. Certainly, we had hoped for more. But – your participation Sunday in affirming our church vision really does generate more hope than I have felt in a while. I know that there are several MUMC people who have not yet pledged and certainly will. Yesterday I received a $500 check from former church members. More of that will come. They included a note of encouragement. Folks, what we are trying to do here is really important to a lot of people. They believe in us and our cause. In a world of growing fear and negativity, we are calling for faith and joyful creativity. In a world of closing hearts, we are opening our hearts and bank accounts for a new life. I look around at all the Minnehaha folks pitching in and doing their part – I can literally feel a growing resolve.
We have minds and hearts to mend – through God’s love we will do it!
We have hope to share through food, housing, prayer and friendship- Through Christ we will do it!
We have a church home to fix and improve – By the Holy Spirit, we will do it!
Shalom,
Cooper

PS. We will surely miss Van Nixon as our Contemporary Band leader (as of May 23, see Van’s announcement in this newsletter, pg 6). He has given us deep and generous faith as well as dynamic music. Minnehaha is a better, more soulful church because of Van’s leadership. I, personally, will miss working with Van. His playful nature, superb singing, and his quiet charisma have blessed me. Thank you, Van. Godspeed in your coming adventures.