Northminster Family,
There is much to draw out our anxiety this week, whether you’re more concerned about the outcome of the election itself, or the unrest in our nation over the result (whichever way it goes), the blatant and brash efforts at voter suppression or the way our relationships with one another will be affected when all is said and done. Perhaps your personal worries outweigh election anxiety this week and all that is just one more straw on the camel’s back.
Wherever you are, I invite you to pause for a moment, to breathe deeply, and to find the space you need to “center down,” in the words of Howard Thurman. The scriptures in Psalm 46 remind us that even as we acknowledge God as our refuge and strength with our words and in our minds, it is only in quieting ourselves and making space for stillness that we are able to fully realize God’s presence. If you need help to transition into that space, feel free to revisit Justin’s beautiful rendition of the song “Be Still” from our worship service a few weeks ago. You can find it here.
As you encounter whatever feelings come as this week wears on, remember that we are much more prone to pushing away our feelings than we are to actually feeling them. And when we neglect to feel our feelings, we are that much lesscapable of doing justice, loving mercy, or walking in humility – our unfelt feelings and the stories of resentment and anger they induce get in the way. So, please, for the sake of the world, I ask you: center down.
If it’s a new experience for you, you might find the method below helpful. It’s called the “PAUSE” process and is used in spiritual direction. Whatever method you use, may God’s presence enfold and surround you, and give you peace.
Carrying on,
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...
All those in our nation who are anxious or afraid this week as we await the results of the election. May peace prevail over violence, and may we commit to seeking justice and love regardless of the outcome.
Tracy Sandow, as he recovers from total knee surgery in Shreveport on Tuesday. Mary reports that the surgery went very well, the doctor was very pleased, and Tracy has returned to Monroe and will spend some time in rehab.
Tim and Marissa Jaquess, as Tim's sister Carolyn is on hospice.
Ellen Prather along with other friends and family of Angela Hallack, who passed away this weekend after receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 inoperable lung cancer.
Stan Hastey, retired Executive Director of the Alliance of Baptists, as he mourns the passing of his wife, Bettie, who died this morning of COVID-19.
Richard May and Walter Allen as they mourn the passing of Richard's older sister in Little Rock, who died this weekend of COVID-19.
We celebrate alongside...
Chris Pierot (7th), Edmond Abadie (7th), James Curry (9th), Anna Ham (11th)
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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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Outdoor Contemplative Service This Sunday Afternoon |
The holidays are difficult for many, and we want to find ways to safely connect during this season.
That's why, this Sunday on November 8th, at 4pm, we're going to have our first in-person gathering in about 7 months!
It will be a very simple service to give us an idea of how to better host outdoor, more holiday-specific services. There will be strict safety policies we'll enforce, so keep an eye out for a comprehensive list of those in the days to come.
Looking forward to (actually) seeing you.
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Advent is fast approaching, and what is already a difficult season for many promises to be even darker in the increased isolation of the pandemic. One direct way you can show up for those in your community is by contributing to this year’s collection of Advent reflections.
The theme of this year’s collection is “Waiting.” Advent has always been about waiting – about waiting for Christ to show up anew and anew, about learning to wait actively for the future to which we're called, about preparing a space as best we can when so much is out of our control.
If you’d like to be involved in this initiative to draw closer, to draw deeper, and to make meaning out of a chaotic season of waiting, then please let us know as soon as you can. Reply to this email by the end of the week to let us know if you’ll participate, and submit your pieces by November 15th. If you missed the churchwide email with detailed instructions and you would like to participate, click here for more info.
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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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Around Town
Virtual and Otherwise
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CA Studio's Shakespeare for 2020... MacBeth |
CA Studio announces its second virtual theatre piece, a live zoom experience of Shakespeare's MacBeth, November 7 and 8 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are free by RSVP'ing on the castudiola.com to obtain a link for the show.
MacBeth features Charles Pridgen as MacBeth and Laura Ulrich as Lady MacBeth. The show also features Eddie Fountain, Kierstin Curtis, Peyton Churchwell, Morgan Meyer, Aidan Wright, Becca Brown, Brett Scott, Ian Simoneaux and DeCordie Dumas Riley.
MacBeth is directed by Cathy Airhart Webb.
"Fair and foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air."
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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 spread of the coronavirus. 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 11/8
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Preludes and Online Chat
11am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
After Worship - Narthex Chat
4pm - Contemplative Service (Outdoors at Northminster)
Wednesday 11/11
6:45pm - Digital Choir "Rehearsal"
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Worship This Week
The text this week is 1 Samuel 8.
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