This week as we turn to another month, I invite us all to take some time to start and end each day with intention. A strong practice of prayer is one way that we sustain faith and also create resilience in our hearts and minds. Prayer is an opportunity to listen for God's voice. It's also a way to release your hopes and anxieties.

Below are two prayers, one to start your day and one to end your day.

February

9 Paul Howe

Mike & Kristen Erlandsen

16 Jill Roesler

Bruce & Maureen Stemme

23 Ilona Spencer

Adam & Eileen Clift

Below is the first draft of this program year's Coffee Hour Schedule. There are some new names on the list, if you are a new member or regular attender, check to see if you have been added. If you would like to be included, but don't see your name, please reach out to the church office and we would love to add you to the schedule.

Coffee Hour servers bring treats to share and set up and clean up the coffee time with lemonade and coffee between Sunday School and Worship (Sept-May) and after worship (June-Aug.) Wherever possible, people are assigned to their birthday month.

Looking for volunteering and fun in February? Meet up with the Bouchers and the Hokansons at the Eagan Feed My Starving Children by signing up for Saturday, Feb. 22nd 5:00-6:30pm volunteer shift. We signed up our families individually as this is a meet up format. If you do sign up to volunteer, let us know by contacting Carol Hokanson at carol.hokanson@gmail.com. Also let us know if you are interested in getting a bite to eat afterwards. Here is the link: Volunteer at FMSC Hope you are able to join us!

Mark Your Calendars:

• Women's Retreat March 7-9 Location: Camp Koronis in Paynesville, MN (about 2 hours from the church) This fun and inspirational weekend is an opportunity to connect with other women and deepen your faith. Sign up online ASAP to reserve your spot. Cost: $145 per person (includes lodging for two nights, five meals, access to activities on the property, craft supplies, and an incredible experience with friends.) Scholarships are available. Please reach out to Pastor Shawna for assistance.
• MidWinter Concert March 2 at 2:00pm. Join us for our annual gathering of music presented by our talented vocal and instrumental choirs of all ages. Featuring a variety of musical styles, this program of joy and centering can be enjoyed by the whole family! A light reception is planned for after the concert.
• Join the Annual Fairmount North Shore Fall Hiking Weekend- Save the dates of September 26-28 to join other Fairmount folks for a fall weekend of hiking and fellowship in Grand Marais. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Aspen Lodge in Grand Marai under Fairmount Avenue Hiking Group. There are also Airbnbs, cabins, campgrounds, and other lodging available in the area. The weekend will provide opportunities to explore nature and/or shops, hike (or relax), gather with others from our group, and a Sunday service on the shore. Please join us for an intergenerational weekend on the beautiful shore of Lake Superior!

A Joyful Welcoming Community

• Wed School Dinner Winter Soup Suppers - Help Needed! Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up for Wednesday School Dinners. We are also looking for volunteers to bring soup in January and February! This is an important and fun way to be community. Sign up for a time that would work for you.
• Faithful Hospitality Volunteers Needed! Fairmount Avenue UMC is providing sleeping space for families experiencing homelessness as asylum seekers, specifically families with children, who have come through our southern US border. Volunteer Training will be held on February 18 and February 20 at 6:00pm each night. Volunteers are encouraged to attend one session.

• The "People Who Lunch " group will next gather on Thursday, February 13 at 11:30 at Andiamo Italian Restorante 80 N. Snelling . Call or text Cindy Bevier at 651-210-2329 by Tuesday , Feb 11 to reserve your spot.

• February Fun Invite your friends and family for some fun in February!

  · Spanish Language Class February 9 2:00-3:00pm. Come to learn conversational Spanish. $25 suggested donation to pay the instructor. Sign up online or just show up.

  · All Ages Puzzle Race Sunday, February 23 2:30-5:30, show up with a team of 3-4 friends for a fun afternoon of friendly puzzle competition in the Wesley Room. Puzzles will be provided and of different sizes for different groups. Bring a snack to share. Sign up online or just show up.

• Sunday Crafternoon Sunday, February 16, from 3:30-5:00pm, bring your craft projects, any craft project, and meet up in the Wesley Room to work side by side with friends. Tea and light refreshments will be available. Invite your friends and bring your project.

Igniting Hearts and Minds

• Sunday Night Bible Study - Sunday evenings at 6:30-7:30pm. (Every week except the first Sunday of each month.) Come when you can. We will begin with this week's lectionary reading and discuss future readings. This Bible study will give tools to help you read the Bible on your own as well as dig deep into the context of scriptures and encourage discussion. This Bible Study will meet in the Wesley Room.
• Sunday Night Quiet - The first Sunday of every month at 6:30 pm Pastor Shawna will lead a time of contemplative prayer and meditation. Feel free to bring a yoga mat or pillow if prefer to sit on the floor. Sunday Night Quiet will meet in the sanctuary.
• Adult Sunday School- Sundays at 9:00 am in the Wesley Room
• Confirmation for Adults - This Wednesday all are invited to dig deeper into the core teachings of Christianity and faith practice as a United Methodist. Whether you were confirmed years ago or never at all, this class will offer opportunities to think deeply about your faith. We will meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30.
• Followers Youth Activities - For all rising 6-12th grade youth. Join activities throughout the winter! For more information, contact Cindy, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at 763/321-8077 or email cindy@faumc.net.

Followers Youth Silent (online!) Auction Extravaganza Facts:

• All proceeds are designated for Follower Youth Service-Mission Trips

• Silent Auction Donations (Due 2/23) now being accepted. Please click or paste this URL (https://forms.gle/sdVmqREDefZHnouv6) for all the details and to fill out the online form and drop off donations in the Education Office near the desk. All proceeds are designated for Follower Youth Service-Mission Trips.

• Y.A.M. Activities - For all young adults (ages 18-30). Join in activities throughout the fall! For more information, contact Cindy, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at 763/321-8077 or cindy@faumc.net.

• Sunday, February 16, 11:45 - 1:00 PM Y.A.M. Light Lunch (free) & Spiritual Musings (History Room). Come often; Come as you! What to expect: A vegan soup dish with additional cheese options, etc. that can be added. The Spiritual Musings will cover a generalized topic for all–bring your brains.

For God's Work

• Faithful Hospitality Volunteers Needed! Fairmount Avenue UMC is providing sleeping space for families experiencing homelessness as asylum seekers, specifically families with children, who have come through our southern US border. Volunteer Training will be held on February 18 and February 20 at 6:00pm each night. Volunteers are encouraged to attend one session.
• Feed My Starving Children Meet Up with the Bouchers and the Hokansons at the Eagan Feed My Starving Children by signing up for Saturday, Feb. 22nd 5:00-6:30pm volunteer shift. We signed up our families individually as this is a meet up format. If you do sign up to volunteer, let us know by contacting Carol Hokanson at carol.hokanson@gmail.com. Also let us know if you are interested in getting a bite to eat afterwards. Here is the link: Volunteer at FMSC .ORG Hope you are able to join us!
• Worship Volunteers Needed! We need volunteers to assist as ushers, greeters, liturgists, and to serve on the Worship Committee. Volunteering is flexible to your schedule. Contact the church office if you think you can help by emailing admin@faumc.net.
  

• First Fruits - We’re so grateful to all who have recently signed up to volunteer. If you are interested in delivering food donations to Keystone Community Services after our monthly donations, please contact the church office or click here: Help Collect and Deliver First Fruit Donations to Keystone

• Adopt-A-Drain– Sign up to Help! We are looking for volunteers to clean the storm drains near the church: 3 at the corner of Fairmount and Saratoga and 2 on Fairmount just east of Snelling. Volunteers are asked to pick up and clear trash, leaves, snow and debris to allow water to drain. Please go to Fairmount Ave UMC: Adopt a Drain Signup to sign up for a month. If you have any questions, please contact Nita at nitahanson@gmail.com.

• Help Serve a Meal at Provincial House - Project Home is looking for volunteers to serve meals as a part of its weekend meal teams at 1880 Randolph Avenue. There are four shifts available every weekend on Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. This opportunity is great for groups of 3-6 people. Currently the way it works is for one person to sign up for the shift and then bring another 2-5 others with them to help. The link for more information and to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/PHMealTeams2023

Worship Resources for Online Worship:

• Be sure to follow Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church on Facebook.
• Subscribe to Fairmount Avenue UMC's YouTube Channel. We will be using YouTube to offer other creative learning experiences as well as publishing our weekly worship.

Giving online is easy through our PayPal Giving Fund page. Click the image on the left to check it out!

"A joyful, welcoming community; igniting hearts and minds for God's work."

Email: pastorshawna@faumc.net
Website: www.faumc.net
Location: 1523 Fairmount Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651.699.1335
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fairmount-Avenue-United-Methodist-Church-133875616634215/