Briefs: Founder of Hosanna Church in Lakeville to retire in 2015

The Rev. Bill Bohline, founder of Hosanna Church in Lakeville, has told the more than 7,000 members of his congregation that he will retire in November 2015.

Over 34 years, he led the growth of Hosanna from sparse beginnings into a megachurch with two campuses: the Lakeville original site and a new addition in Shakopee.

In 1996, the church bought 22 acres in Lakeville for a 1,000-seat sanctuary, and over the next seven years bought 36 adjacent acres and added a youth wing, gym and a nearly block-long atrium around a 2,500-seat worship center.

The long lead time until retirement, a church spokeswoman said, has partly to do with the need to choose a new senior pastor carefully to ensure its continued success.

The Lakeville Area Arts Center is urging folks to buy tickets in advance for its holiday lineup of shows, starting this week.

At least one show is nearly sold out, organizers warn.

Monroe Crossing, a bluegrass and gospel holiday show, kicks things off on Saturday.

Simple Gifts, a six-member ensemble led by Billy McLaughlin and featuring acoustic and vocal music, arrives on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $29 in advance and $34 at the door.

That Victorian favorite, "A Christmas Carol," offers nine show times: December 12-13, 19-20, 26-17 at 7:30 p.m.; and December 14, 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13.

Tickets for all shows are available online at www.LakevilleAreaArtsCenter, or during business hours at the center itself.

For additional information call 952-985-4640.

Dakota County

Where registration is required, consult the system's Web page, www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries.

Tuesday, 6–8 p.m., Burnsville.

Pages from old books, glue, paint and glitter create elegant holiday ornaments. Registration required.

Thursday, 6–8 p.m., Apple Valley. Dec. 17, 6–8 p.m., Eagan.

Learn the "lazy daisy" and other simple embroidery stitches to create one-of-a-kind snowflakes. Add wool felt and finish to make an ornament or gift tag. Presented by the Textile Center. Registration required.

Meet with a counselor to help set up an account with MNsure, where Minnesotans can compare plans and choose from health insurance options. Registration required.

Thursday, 1–4 p.m., Apple Valley.

Get help with divorce paperwork, in sessions presented by the Dakota County Law Library, Legal Assistance of Dakota County, the Minnesota Justice Foundation, and volunteer attorneys and law students. Registration required. Call 952-431-3200.

ProAct, a nonprofit serving people with disabilities, is collecting Christmas lights and electric and phone cords this holiday season.

They are collected and processed for the Recycling Association of Minnesota.

They will be disassembled by people with disabilities.

The program does not accept cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights or compact fluorescent lights.

The program enables valuable recyclables to be kept out of landfills while offering employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

Drop-off locations include many hardware stores and government sites. Among the locations:

Apple Valley: Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Av.

Eagan: ProAct, Inc., 3195 Neil Armstrong Blvd. (west of main entrance, near garage)

Lakeville: City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Av., or municipal liquor stores.

Mendota Heights: City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.

Rosemount: Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail.

Staff Reports