Northminster Family,
This Sunday we will mark the first Sunday of Advent, the turning of a page, the beginning of the new liturgical year. And, as we have done every year during Advent, we will enter into a time of purposeful and intentional waiting.
In her book of Advent artwork and reflections, Night Vision: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, Jan Richardson writes of this season that will begin on Sunday:
"The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. It is not possible to keep it from coming, because it will. That's just how Advent works. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God's hindquarters fade in the distance.
So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder.
There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing.
For now, stay. Wait.
Something is on the horizon."
I invite you to make the choice this year to engage Advent with intentionality. Pick up a new spiritual practice, or put down one that is no longer serving you. Plan ahead so that you can engage in some new weekly or daily rhythm to bring your body, mind, and spirit in tune with the sacred stories that will guide us toward the mystery of the incarnation at Christmas. If ever there were a year we could stand to deeply know what it is to be loved by a God who has taken on flesh, it is in this year, when we have been made so painfully aware of the mortality of our own flesh. Give yourself the gift of space to explore that mystery as deeply and fully as you can, so that it doesn't pass you by entirely.
As we begin the journey into this season together, friends, may we find the courage, the discipline, and the solidarity in the good company we keep - yes, even virtually - to wait for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to be born anew, as they always have been, and as they ever will be.
With you in the waiting,
Claire
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The Prayers of the People
An opportunity to celebrate and pray alongside siblings in our community.
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We pray alongside...
H.T. Garner, amid health concerns arising this week.
All those who are experiencing disappointment over changed and canceled holiday plans, loneliness due to distance from loved ones, fear and uncertainty as case numbers rise, or simply a more broad disillusionment that accompanies entering a normally joyful holiday season in an uncertain and unprecedented time. We hope you will reach out if you need to talk. You are seen, and you are loved.
We celebrate alongside...
Ella Mayfield (26th), Kirk Fisher (29th), Carol Rispoli (1st), Terri Ward (1st), and Will Sumner (3rd) as they celebrate their birthday.
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If you have concerns or celebrations you would like us to add to the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
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The Work of the People
How we are responding to the Spirit of Love
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CASA Christmas Project Deadline |
Just a reminder for those of you who sponsored a child for our November Missions Emphasis. All gifts are due in the CASA office located at 622 Riverside Drive in Monroe no later than Monday, November 30. Gifts should remain unwrapped and placed in a bag that is easily opened (such as a garbage bag) and the child's wish list placed inside the bag for identifying purposes. Each of you should have received an email from the church office with each child's wish list attached that you can print out and place in your bag. Thank you for your continued support of this mission! |
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Coordinating Council Special Election |
Ballots are in the mail to the membership as the Coordinating Council seeks to fill the unexpired term of David Culp who resigned from the Council last week. This was not an easy decision for David but he felt he could not fulfill his responsibilities to Northminster at this time. Therefore, the Council has submitted the remaining three names from the original election ballot for you to vote in one person to fill David's role. These nominees are, Anita Breen, Susan Curry, and Kyle Gregory. Please be sure to return your ballot by mail or drop in the church's secure mailbox by the front door prior to Wednesday, December 9.
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No Christmas Without Her:
Advent Sunday School Series
Begins This Sunday
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A trickster who subversively sought her own justice. A sex worker who bargained for those in her care. An immigrant whose passionate faithfulness echoes down to the present. A survivor who would not be silenced, even by a king.
These are the women who made it into the genealogy of the Messiah. Join us Sunday mornings at 10am to dive into the stories of the 4 women named in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1.
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Holy Ideas
How might we respond to the Spirit of Love?
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In this new season of social distancing, we need holy ideas to help stretch our imaginations for what is possible within this community more than ever.
Since we can't make use of the physical "Holy Ideas" board in the hallway, we'll maintain it virtually and keep it updated here in the newsletter. If you have an idea for a way the church can be church in this season, or if you see an idea you'd like to support to help it become reality, email the office.
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Giving to Northminster
Support Northminster's Work
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We are sensitive to the reality that financial uncertainty is one of the side effects of the pandemic. However, if you find yourself in a position to continue or increase your contributions to the church, know that your donation will be greatly appreciated. We have made the decision to honor our commitments to all those on our payroll (ministers, staff, choral scholars, childcare) who are relying on this income in an anxious time, and we cannot do that without your continued support.
To support Northminster financially, you can click here, or scan the QR code below with the camera on your phone.
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Sunday 11/29
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Preludes and Online Chat
11am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
After Worship - Narthex Chat
5pm - A Service of Gratitude
Wednesday 12/2
6:45pm - Digital Choir "Rehearsal"
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Worship This Week
The text this week is Job 17.
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