As part of worship yesterday, EMC commissioned member Frank Bennett, MDiv., to serve as a community minister in covenant with us, the UCC Minnesota Conference, and the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. As a minister, facilitator, teacher and chaplain, Frank provides support, education and care for the unique emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges and opportunities at the end of life. We are so thankful for his service in our congregation and in the greater community.
After watching a video of eighth-grade graduates from Daylight School talk about their career aspirations—to become pilots, doctors and lawyers—EMC kids worked together to create a greeting for the students at this Kenyan center. EMC is proud to support this growing residential school.
EMC members and friends enjoyed a Women’s Social Evening on Friday, Jan. 20. Chatting, noshing and making a fleece blanket for the Frauensohuh Cancer Center were all on the agenda. 
There’s much more to a spinning top than what meets the eye. That was just one of the lessons that attendees of all ages learned during our latest Morningside U class: The Science of Spinning Things. Under the direction of Marcia Houtz of Hamline University, participants explored tippe tops and rattlebacks—which reverse direction—and even human tops. The only downside to the class? We missed our co-instructor, member Kathleen Lundgren, who was recuperating from an illness.
Sheila Raye Charles and Constance Fantin chat after worship.
EMC was blessed to welcome singer/songwriter Sheila Raye Charles to worship on Sunday. The daughter of Ray Charles shared a bit of her story and her music with our community. Plus, our chancel choir members were thrilled to sing along with Charles.
The bountiful gardens of Charlie and Barb Green, longtime EMC members, are featured in Northern Gardener this month. Over the years, these avid gardeners have transformed their weedy, overgrown yard into colorful and imaginative spaces, featuring 50 iris varieties, 70 hosta varieties, a British knot garden, a labyrinth, whimsical garden art, and much more. For beautiful photos and a great read, click here.
EMC teens and a few adults spent a meaningful Sunday afternoon volunteering for the Women’s Prison Book Project at Boneshaker Books in Minneapolis. They read thoughtful, appreciative letters from approximately 75 prisoners, located requested books—everything from novels to dictionaries, self-help books to religious volumes—and then packaged the books for shipping to prisons all over the United States.
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” —Hebrews 13:3
Candles are lit on the 2016 Transgender Day of Remembrance.
EMC’s worship yesterday remembered lives lost around the world due to acts of anti-transgender violence. Members read names and lit candles on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. The service’s Thanksgiving theme also called on us to make “room at the table” for everyone—yes everyone! #TDOR
Dreaming of snow globes and luminaries? Reindeer and elves? Houses made of sugar? Celebrate this season of togetherness with conversation, crafting, and lots and lots of glue at EMC.
Come enjoy an afternoon of holiday crafting for children and adults on Sunday, Dec. 4, 3 to 5 p.m. Tables will be staffed and arrayed with crafts—from the simple to the modestly taxing. Crafts cost 50 cents to $2 each to cover the cost of materials. Yet there’s no need to register or prepay. Crafters simply pay for punch cards upon arrival.
This event is another offering by Morningside U, a program of one-time workshops taught by Edina Morningside Community Church members. All classes are held at Edina Morningside Community Church, 4201 Morningside Road, Edina.
Greg Martens celebrates after the Eagle Award presentation with his parents, Tom and Sonja Martens, and his sister, Nicole.
EMC member Greg Martens was honored last Sunday during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held in Edina. The high school senior was among four Troop 48 boy scouts who received their Eagle Awards. Only four in 100 scouts ever achieve this distinction. Parents Tom and Sonja Martens were honored as well for their support of Greg throughout his youth scouting career. Congratulations, Greg!