Holding Space for Grief in the Season of Joy |
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Northminster Family,
The turning of the seasons from autumn to winter is always such a complicated time. As the world outside grows darker, the nighttime lengthening and stretching out, encroaching on our waking hours, we turn toward family, toward friends, toward hope and peace, joy and love. We turn toward the stories and songs that console us, that remind us that with every passing winter there comes a blooming spring.
And yet.
For many of us, it Is difficult to see past the death and cold of winter into the blooming, new life of spring, the future we long for. Whether we are holding a fresh grief this year, or are simply reminded afresh of an old and aching wound, the sorrows we have faced are often compounded around the holidays, and often church seems like the last place we’re able to acknowledge that.
This is why, at Northminster, we have made the "Longest Night" service a part of our annual Advent rhythm to hold space for the grief that lingers in this season of joy. This Sunday evening at 5pm, all who find themselves facing loss of any kind this year and could use a space like this are invited to join us over Zoom for a service of grief and remembrance. We will make space for lament, we will make space for anger and questions and doubt, we will make space for sorrow, and, though we will not force it, we will make space for the joy that lingers even in shadow.
As the spirit of Christ abides with each of us, so we invite you to abide with this community in this shared space for holding our griefs – and one another.
You can return to this newsletter and click the button below to join the zoom call on Sunday at 5pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Love and light,
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...
Camille Peterson, as she grieves the death of her brother Jack Smith this week.
Jennifer Clark Richardson, as she prepares for surgery next week.
Sara Younger, as she recovers at home after hospitalization for COVID-19.
Kristen Oden, as she deals with multiple serious health concerns.
Debi Chandler, as her father Hugh Chandler prepares for a medical procedure in mid-December to address his kidney stones.
We celebrate alongside...
James Helton (10th), Cayce Roberts (12th), Beth Mayfield (13th), Tom McCandlish (15th), Frances Thrasher (15th), and Justin Denagall (17th) 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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Still Time to Submit for the Virtual Christmas Show! |
There is still time to add your Christmas Greeting photo or video! If you would like a home visit by an unqualified photographer, wearing a mask, make an appointment by text or call with Hannah Clark, 318-366-7625.
If you are sending longer video messages or talent submissions, text them to D.H. Clark (318-366-7519) or email at dellieclark@bellsouth.net.
Presented by Family Ministry Commission
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No Christmas Without Her:
Advent Sunday School Series
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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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Longest Night Service
Sunday at 5pm
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The holidays are not necessarily a joyful time for everyone. For some it can be a particularly difficult season of grief and depression as the hours of darkness grow longer and memories of all that we've lost come to the surface.
On December 13th at 5pm, we'll gather online for a Longest Night service. Sometimes called a "Blue Christmas" service or a "Service of Light in the Darkness," this will be a service designed to honor grief in a safe place that won't try to push it away. You don't have to move through this season alone.
Whoever needs this space is welcome.
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2021 Northminster Care Group Books |
Renee will be printing the new Care Group Directory after Christmas. Please review your information for any address, email, or phone number changes and be sure to submit this information to the church office at office@northmin.org as soon as possible. We would like to have these in the mail to you no later than January 20. |
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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 12/13
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Preludes and Online Chat
11am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
After Worship - Narthex Chat
5pm - A Service of Gratitude
Wednesday 12/9-16
6:45pm - Digital Choir "Rehearsal"
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Worship This Week
The texts this week are Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Luke 1.
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