March 5, 2020 | Second Sunday of Lent
The Alliance of Baptists Statement on Sex, Gender, and Sexuality
At the annual meetings of the Alliance of Baptists, they consider statements submitted by communities or individuals. These statements are often a call to ourselves to pay attention and learn more about a particular issue. They're a basis for the staff or board to endorse positions on issues, and they offer opportunities for Alliance congregations and members to join together in boldly addressing issues with faithful action. At the annual meetings each year, there is time for faithful questions and work to reach consensus on affirming the statements.

This last year, in Washington DC, the Alliance affirmed a statement on "Sex, Gender, and Sexuality," which was the partial inspiration for the theme of our Lenten journey this year. If you're interested in another way to frame the sexual ethic I attempted to encapsulate in my sermon on Sunday, please take a few moments to read what our denominational partner has to say on it below.

As always, please let me know if you'd like to discuss anything in any more depth. I'd be glad to buy you lunch or a cup of coffee. If you find yourself on the fence, or you've been hurt in some way by the way the church has told its story of sexuality, I hope you'll reach out.

Peace,
Zach
We, the Alliance of Baptists, have been on a journey of deepening acceptance, understanding and accommodation regarding sex, gender and sexuality. Our congregations and members have long been involved in generating movement toward affirmation and justice for people of all sexual and gender identities. We assert that we are a sex-positive people and view sex, gender and sexuality as life-giving, life-fulfilling graces that are central to our humanity, offering an intimate glimpse into God’s image and a means by which the Sacred is experienced in our midst. We are steadfast in our commitment to the highest values of our faith and all enduring faith traditions: love, justice, healing, liberation, reconciliation and peace. Thus, we challenge the membership and congregational partners of the Alliance of Baptists to engage in thoughtful study and to enter into substantive conversations about sex, gender, and sexuality that honors and is faithful to our shared commitment to be followers of the Jesus way. 

We value all bodies as intrinsically good and made in God’s image. We resist any theological or rhetorical framework that would identify human bodies as inherently depraved and sinful. We affirm without fear or shame the complexity and diversity by which humans made in God’s image experience sex, gender and sexuality, and we affirm the multiple ways we express sexual lives marked by love, justice, mutual consent and pleasure. We acknowledge that sexual and gender diversity defy binary categories and are intrinsically a part of the divine beauty and wonder of creation. We affirm diverse and vibrant relationships of integrity and commitment as well as strong families in which all members are respected, secure, enjoy adequate material and emotional support, and are honored as persons created in God's image. We affirm our experience that people in multiple kinds of loving relationships can live faithful and responsible lives as sexual persons. We acknowledge that people of all gender identities and all sexual orientations have sacred worth and dignity. 

We lament that religion, instead of being an agent of transformation, has too frequently been the source of so much pain and wounding, and that so many people of faith refuse to hear the cries and sufferings of sexual and gender minorities. We grieve the misuses of power that take God’s gift of sexual intimacy and distort it into experiences of abuse, brokenness, violence, and oppression. Heeding God’s call to justice and advocacy for those harmed and hated, especially when the harm and hatred has come in the name of God, we confront and denounce the suffering, injustice, or violence caused by sexual prejudice and ignorance that: 

  • Diminishes the worth and equity of women in church, in families, and in society; 
  • Exploits children and other vulnerable people; 
  • Devalues the Sacred worth of all people regardless of their sexuality and gender; 
  • Neglects the full inclusion of transgender and gender-non-binary persons; 
  • Refuses to accept the full inclusion of intersex persons and all people regardless of biological or developmental differences; 
  • Denies full access to comprehensive sexual healthcare, prevention, and treatment for sexually transmitted illnesses; 
  • Stands in the way of access to voluntary contraception, abortion and prophylactics; 
  • Creates double standards or ethics for different people groups based on their sex, or their sexual or gender identity; 
  • Targets sex, sexuality or gender for violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of any kind; 

We commit to respond to this suffering, injustice, and violence by being: 

  • Spiritual guides who say “no” to the way of fear and “yes” to the way of love; 
  • Healers who promote life and health where there is sexual woundedness and trauma; 
  • Educators who promote life-long, age-appropriate sexuality education in faith communities, schools, seminaries and the wider community; 
  • Prophets who challenge sexual injustice and oppression wherever it is found; and 
  • Leaders who seek to put an end to the harm and violence done to sexual and gender minorities in the name of God. 

We appeal to faith communities everywhere to address matters of sex, gender and sexuality with compassion, truth-telling, openness and courage. We call for Christian sexual ethics that are guided by a theological astuteness that integrates: 

  • The witness of the Bible and the life and teachings of Jesus; 
  • The lived wisdom of those who have been excluded or silenced because of their sexual and gender identities; 
  • And insightful scholarship about sex, gender, and sexuality derived from the fields of medicine, social science, the arts and humanities. 

We commit to work toward a world where all people are free to celebrate their sex, gender and sexuality in faith communities that are rooted in the liberating love and justice of God and in societies that value and practice freedom and justice for all. 
If you'd like to know more, or to see other statements passed by The Alliance, go to https://allianceofbaptists.org/about/statements.
Prayers of the People
An opportunity to celebrate and pray alongside siblings in our community.
We pray alongside...

Josh Evans , who had another back procedure on Wednesday after his previous surgery proved ineffective. He is home today recovering.

Stephen Payne who is suffering with back issues and is unable to get around comfortably.

Morgan Meyer , who lost her uncle in a car accident last weekend.

Jennifer Clark Richardson , DH and Hannah's daughter, who is still home recovering from knee surgery.

Peter Helton as he recovers from a nasty triple-hit of strep, flu, and an ear infection.

We celebrate alongside...

Lydia Duke (5th), and Cynthia Rodriguez (5th), Sara Younger (9th), Page Atkins (11th)
as they celebrate their birthdays.
If you have concerns and celebrations you would like us to add to the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.

The Work of the People
How we are responding to the Spirit of Love
Daylight Savings Time Begins this Sunday, March 8th!
Don't forget to Spring forward! 

Move your clocks ahead an hour before going to bed Saturday night or you're going to miss all the fun on Sunday morning. (Unless you have an iPhone, in which case just plug it in and enjoy being in the future.)
Guest Preacher this Sunday: Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus
Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus will lead us this weekend for the second Sunday in our Lenten conversation on sexuality. Kyndall is a is a spiritual director, preacher, poet, and feminist theologian. She often works with people on the margins of the church, and she is particularly interested in religious trauma, feminist spirituality, mystical traditions, and the intersection of systemic oppression and soul work.

Zach and Claire were both privileged to have worked on staff with Kyndall when she was pastoring in Waco, TX, and you may remember her from the sermo n she offered at their installation.

Kyndall will be preaching this week on Bathsheba, David, and the role of power dynamics in a progressive Christian story about sexuality. Please be advised that this week's service, Kyndall's sermon particularly, will deal with themes of sexual abuse and trauma.

If you would like to know more about Kyndall, visit her website at: http://kyndallraerothaus.com.
Daughters of Eve
Living better stories for women today starts with dismantling and re-telling some of the ancient stories embedded in our cultural identity.

On March 14th at 6pm, Northminster will be presenting an original production, written and directed by Northminster members over the past few months. We hope you'll join us as some of the oppressive stories of women in scripture are re-claimed and re-told as stories of agency and empowerment.

The women of scripture deserve better stories.
So do we.
Wednesday Night Book Study
Last year, Lutheran Pastor Nadia Boltz-Weber released her latest work, Shameless .

The summary reads: Christians are obsessed with sex. But not in a good way. For nearly two thousand years, this obsession has often turned destructive, inflicting pain, suffering, and guilt on countless people of all persuasions and backgrounds.

In Shameless, Bolz-Weber calls for a reformation. To make her case, she offers experiences from her own life and stories from her parishioners alongside biblical theology to explore what the church has taught, and the harm those teachings have caused.

We'll be reading Shameless over 5 weeks:
  • March 4 – Invocation and Chapter 1
  • March 11 – Chapters 2-4
  • March 18 – Chapters 5-7
  • March 25 – Chapters 8-10
  • April 1 – Chapters 11-12 and Benediction

As one summary says: If you’ve been mistreated, confused, angered, and/or wounded by shaming sexual messages, this one is for you.  

Please keep in mind that Rev. Boltz-Weber's writing style is painfully honest and at times crass. Her language is a tool she wields well to get her point across, but may be a stumbling block to some readers in our context. Be advised!
Alliance of Baptists: Anybody Up for a Road Trip?
The annual Alliance of Baptists gathering will be held this year in Ft. Worth, which is the closest it's been to Monroe in some years. If you are planning on attending and would be interested in a carpool with other Northminster folks, sign up in the hallway or contact the office.

We'd love to have a great group of folks to represent Northminster and to experience the welcome of this incredible group of likeminded churches! If you'd like more information, please contact the main office.

The gathering is Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26!
Help Cuban Kids Get to Camp
As you know Northminster has had a partnership relationship with Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, Cuba for 25 years. This is one of about 30 such partnerships between churches of the Alliance of Baptists in the United States, like ours and the Fraternity of Cuban Baptist Church in Cuba, like Enmanuel. Ten of these partnerships are in eastern Cuba which extends about 400 miles from Ciego de Avila, east to Santiago.

Because of increasingly difficult conditions in Cuba, we are being asked to join with these 9 other Alliance churches to raise $3000 to pay for transportation costs and camp fees so that 80 young people from the eastern part of the island can attend camp this summer. So that’s $300 for Northminster.

If you are interested in helping make this happen please write a check or go on-line and give. In the memo line please put Mission Camp Expenses. Thanks for helping!
March Mission Trunk:
Children's Coalition for NELA
Early Head Start provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and their families, and pregnant women and their families. The Children’s Coalition Early Head Start ( childrenscoalition.org ) serves 132 infants and toddlers in Ouachita Parish. We care for children year-round, providing everything they need during their time at the center—including diapers and wipes. Please consider donating infant/toddler diapers and wipes to the Mission Trunk during the month of March. The babies need you!

Holy Ideas
How might we respond to the Spirit of Love?
The following are currently on the Holy Ideas board in the hallway. If you'd like to support an idea and help it become reality, be sure to stop by and sign your name to it. If you have questions, email the sponsor of the idea.

If the idea gets the support it needs (3 signatures) by the expiration date, the supporters will meet with the appropriate commission to clarify and refine the idea into a specific, time-limited plan.

For more opportunities to get involved, check the hallway table and bulletin boards.

If you'd like information on getting involved in leadership commissions or Sunday School groups, you can click here .

To support Northminster financially, you can click here or scan the QR code below.
Around Town
How can we be present in our community?
Church Women United of Ouachita Parish
Church Women United of Ouachita Parish celebrates World Day of Prayer. You are invited to this event on Friday, March 6 at 11am at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, 716 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive in Monroe. This year's theme is "Unity in Prayer". Refreshments (covered dishes) will be provided by CWU members. Please contact Janet Dawson, Ellen Yeldell or Pat Hayes to RSVP.
Monroe Symphony League
Spring Book Sale
The League's Spring Sale will run two weekends and begin on Saturday, March 7 from 9am-5pm . and Sunday March 8 from 1pm-5pm . Admission of $1 is required on the first weekend only. The following weekend times are Friday and Saturday, March 13 & 14 from 9am-5pm . A huge selection is available with prices beginning at only 10 cents!
Monroe Symphony Orchestra Pops concert: The Sound of Broadway
On March 14, 2020 – 7:00pm  in the  Monroe Civic Center Arena the MSO presents a night of memorable music from the world’s greatest stage! Be sure to reserve a table for this annual gala, where “you bring the party and we’ll provide the entertainment!” Some of the most recognizable and loved melodies from Broadway will fill the night air. Special vocal guests Blake Oden and Leah Huber (recently seen and heard in ULM’s Spring production of  The Phantom of the Opera ) will be joining the orchestra to provide their youthful and exuberant interpretations of selected songs. Come join us as we celebrate “The Music of the Night!”
  • Tables on the arena floor can be reserved for $50
  • Each person at the table must have their own ticket.
Reserve your Pops table and purchase additional tickets for the concert  here :  (tickets and table reservations will be processed through Eventbrite site)
Strauss Theatre Presents:
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
"How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying!" brings big laughs and wonderful music in this clever lampoon of life climbing the corporate ladder. Winner of several Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize, this show tells the story of J. Pierepont Finch, who uses a little handbook to help him "succeed."
Patron Night
March 19th @ 7:00 p.m.
Other Show Dates: March 20,21,22,26,27,28
Times:7:00 p.m., Sunday @ 2:00 p.m.
Make your reservations today by calling the Box Office: 318-323-6681
Over the Coming Week
Note: We are in an exciting season of growth, as groups form and take on new shapes. This is wonderful! It also means we each need to be vigilant about checking in with the church calendar before putting any meetings on the books. Always alert Renee in the church office (office@northmin.org) before confirming any meetings/events that will take place at the church.

Remember the church calendar is always available on our website at northmin.org/calendar , or just click the "calendar" tab at the top of the page. For convenience, we'll also start including a button with a link in the "Upcoming" section of the newsletter each week (see below)!
Sunday 3/8
9am - Choir rehearsal
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Musical Preludes
11am - Call to Worship
2pm Immigration Meeting

Wednesday 3/11
6:30pm - Choir rehearsal
Worship This Week
The texts for this week are:
  • 2 Samuel 11:1-17
  • Lametations 3:46-51

Sunday's sermon will be preached by guest preacher Kyndall Rothaus.
Upcoming
March
5th NMC Book Club at Janet Dawson's
7th Northminster Parents Dinner 
14th Daughters of Eve Play, 6pm
15th Education Commission meeting 12:15pm
19th Family Ministries meeting 5pm
29th Movie Night: Boy Erased 5pm
April
5th Palm Sunday. Easter Egg Hunt and Lunch for Children and Families following worship
5th Holy Week Begins
9th Maundy Thursday
10th Good Friday
12th Easter Sunday
16th Family Ministries meeting at 5pm
19th New Member Orientation following worship
24th-26th Alliance Gathering
Ongoing
Daughters of Eve rehearsals: Mar. 8, 10, 13
Lent Book Study: Mar. 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1
Find Us Online