How Dare You Sing for Joy? |
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Northminster Family,
As I read and researched for the sermon this past Sunday I came across a strain of rabbinic thought about the Exodus story that put a name to one of the many questions that can trouble us about this sacred text. And as our nation hurdles toward the culmination of a truly unprecedented election season in so many ways, this line of thinking seems more relevant than ever.
In the Exodus story, after the ten violent plagues over Egypt, the Hebrews have been released only to watch in horror as the Pharaoh changes his mind and sends his soldiers after them in hot pursuit. Trapped at the edge of the sea, the people find salvation in God’s miraculous parting of the waters; they pass through in safety to the other side and then watch as the Egyptian soldiers attempt to follow them only to be swept away and drowned as the waters close in around them. The people then break into song, led by Moses and Miriam, rejoicing not just that God has brought them out, but that God has cast the Egyptians into the sea.
It’s here that, in a Sunday School class, we might often encounter some difficulty with the ethics of a story like this. What I learned this week is that the rabbis have been struggling with this text in the same way for centuries. In the Talmud, God’s angels begin to sing and rejoice along with the Hebrew people, and God stops them with the question: “How dare you sing for joy when my creatures are dying?” (Megillah 10b & Sanhedrin 39b).
What is it in us that is so drawn to tribalism and self-preservation at the expense of all others? The question the Talmud asks of this text is one I believe we need to keep on the forefront of our minds this election season, and the question is simply: Are we not all God’s creatures?
May we be ever mindful of the temptation to dehumanize and demean, even for a noble cause or in the name of righteousness and justice. And when it seems like there’s no way around it, may God open our eyes to see the path through the sea of right and wrong, us and them, black and white – even when that path is one we never could have dreamed.
In hope,
Claire
Image © 2010 Laura James | Eyekons.com
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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 who suffer, who ache, who long, who struggle, who wait, now in this season, and always.
Those still recovering from Hurricanes Laura & Marco in our area, and our neighbors to the east dealing with Hurricane Sally and its aftermath this week.
If you have a concern or know of one within our community we are always glad to lift them up together. Give us a call or email the church office; we are grateful when we can share one another's burdens.
We celebrate alongside...
Holden Fisher(18th), Joyce Files (19th), Paulette Cappel (20th),
Christina Tweet (21st), and Tracy Sandow (22nd) 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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Important Business Meeting This Sunday - Financial Ministry Plan |
Sunday at 4pm will be a business meeting over Zoom. Our Financial Ministry Plan will be discussed and voted on. Membership participation is encouraged. There is a link to join the Zoom call below. |
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Join us on Wednesdays at 5:30
How to Be an Antiracist
by Ibram X. Kendi
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The work of seeking God's justice through pursuing antiracism does not end with reading books, but the right book can help to jumpstart it. A group of interested Northminster members and friends have continued to dialogue about how the church can most faithfully respond to the racial injustice in our world, and one of the ways we are continuing the conversation is through reading Ibram Kendi’s How to Be an Antiracist. Please contact Claire if you have any issues getting hold of a copy of the book.
Reading Schedule
Wed., Sept 23 - Chapters 2-5
Wed., Sept. 30 - Chapters 6-9
Wed., Oct. 7 - Chapters 10-13
Wed., Oct. 14 - Chapters 14-18
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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 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 9/20
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Preludes and Online Chat
11am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
After Worship - Narthex Chat
Wednesday 9/23
5:30pm - How to be an Anti-Racist Study Group
6:45pm - Digital Choir "Rehearsal"
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Worship This Week
The text this week is Psalm 51.
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