NEWSLETTER
Thursday, April 28, 2022
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REV. DR. CARL GREGG
OUR PULPIT GUEST ON SUNDAY
We welcome Rev. Dr. Carl Gregg back to Northminster this coming Sunday as our guest preacher and worship leader. Carl has been the minister at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick (Maryland) since 2012. For seven years from 2003 to 2010 he was our much-loved associate pastor at Northminster. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy (cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Furman University.
He is part of a Meditation Teacher Training through Buddhist Geeks, and is a Featured Blogger on Patheos (patheos.com/blogs/carlgregg). While at Northminster, among many accomplishments, Carl led us in adopting a long-range plan. He led a number of engaging book studies and helped us to adopt our church motto from the prophet Micah (“Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly With God”). Through his leadership we also adopted our church logo, the Northminster chancel window. Carl created and designed Northminster’s first Website. Having come to Northminster right out of Brite Divinity School, he also began learning how to be a pastor!
While Carl was at Northminster he met his future wife Magin LaSov, who then was the religion editor at the Monroe News-Star. Carl and Magin were married in 2007 in Magin’s hometown of Baltimore with a number of Northminster folks attending. She is an associate professor of English at Frederick Community College. Magin’s writings have appeared in numerous publications including The Washington Post and The Dallas Morning News. Carl and Magin have two cats (Kol Nidre and Shamash) and two dogs (Dobby and Scout).
Please plan to be in worship on Sunday to welcome Carl back to Northminster!
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A Welcome Party for Carl Gregg
This Saturday from 5pm - 7pm please join us at the home of Barbara Thompson at 804 Eason Place in Monroe for food and fellowship with Carl!
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, May 1, 2022
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Rev. Dr. Carl Gregg
"Deep & Wide:
How Many Interpretive Tools are in Your Toolbox?"
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022
Opening Hymn: Rejoice, You Pure in Heart
This hymn, inspired by Philippians 4:4, was written for the Choral Festival held at Peterborough Cathedral in England. The author was an Anglican priest and a professor of theology at Oxford University. Set to the tune, MARION, written in 1883 by Arthur Messiter.
Prayer Response: You Are The Way
Sarah, our soprano choral scholar, begins the response as a solo and the choir joins on the next verse. Jesus’ words to Thomas, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” the words inspired this hymn. George W. Doane, a powerful leader in the Episcopal Church in the US, served as parish priest, professor, and bishop of New Jersey. Set to the tune NUN DANKET ALL’ written in 1647 by Johann Cruger.
Gospel Acclamation: Hear Now These Words
This introduces the words from the Gospel of John. Jesus is speaking to his disciples. We are to hear these words and forgive, love and go into the world renewed.
Anthem: He Comes To Us
The text comes from “The Quest of the Historical Jesus”, 1948, by Albert Schweitzer. The words are beautifully set to music by Jane M. Marshall. The song tells us to follow Christ and to do the tasks set before us. Knowing that this will not be easy, we are encouraged to learn as we go and we will “Know Who He Is.”
Communion Anthem: In Remembrance of Me
From the 1970’s musical “Celebrate Life” this beautiful song has been popular since It’s writing. Reminding us to remember the sacrifice of Christ as we share communion together. Sarah will again begin this anthem playing the theme on clarinet and join by the choir.
Closing Hymn: Listen to Your Savior Call
William Cowper was trained as a barrister. He suffered from severe depression, but during a time of wellness he wrote this hymn based on John21:15 – a dialogue between Jesus and the individual. Set to the tune ORIENTIS PARTIBUS, a French melody, early 13th c. and arr. For congregational singing by Richard Redhead in 1853.
See You Sunday, Debi
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The Prayers of the People |
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We pray alongside.....
The oppression and suffering of the innocents in war torn countries.
Our Pastor Search Committee as they continue our search for our next pastor.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
Dibble Pate, recovering from hip surgery. Family is requesting no visitors or calls at this time, but cards are welcome and can be dropped off or mailed to the church office at 2701 Lamy Lane, Monroe, LA 71201. Family members will pick up the cards and deliver them to Dibble.
Tracy Sandow, dealing with serious medical condition.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) in critical condition after brain surgery.
Lisa Towns, goddaughter of Jim Files.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Our Brothers and Sisters in Cuba experiencing severe economic hardships, food shortages, and lack of medical equipment to administer Covid-19 vaccines.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Mark Wilson (28th), Ormara Nolla (28th), Jim Files (2nd), Judy Gaddy (2nd), and Owen Higginbotham (5th), as they celebrates their birthdays.
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We congratulate...
Bishop Nolan who was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at Neville Jr. High School. Bishop is the son of Cayce Roberts.
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We congratulate...
Northminster member Dan Sumner who has recently published a book which he coauthored with Katy Hobgood Ray. Its title is Snoozer Quinn: Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar Pioneer. As most of you know, Dan is a virtuoso guitarist. He has played, literally, all over the world in many prestigious venues. His impressive bio is posted on pre-roll-out promo for the book on Amazon. He and his wife Amy have been members for many years after moving to Monroe where he was Assistant Professor of Music Education and Guitar at ULM. Recently, he has been a full-time performing musician. He operates a recording studio, Fort Sumner Studio. Their children, Will and Maren, were part of our youth program. Amy is a very busy Attorney. Together they raise chickens and market a popular edible, Fort Sumner Hot Sauce. They are the proud grandparents of Will’s new and very beautiful son.
He says of the book “I want to tell all of you about Snoozer, but, it’s all in the book! So get yourself a copy why don’t ya? If you’re a guitarist, there’s something in here for you. If not, you’ll surely enjoy the stories and you can look at all the pretty black dots that I wrote while you listen to Snoozer’s magnificent solo guitar playing. The book will be available worldwide on June 6th in both print and digital versions.
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If you would like to share something in the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
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May Mission Trunk Emphasis:
MedCamps of Louisiana
Our May Mission is MedCamps of Louisiana. Their mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences. They believe that all people, regardless of medical or special needs, deserve to experience life to the fullest and that camping is an American tradition which epitomizes normalcy and provides participants with a sense of well-being, belonging, accomplishment and self-worth. MedCamps has never charged a fee to attend camp.
NEEDS: Gift Cards (Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Academy), Sharpie Markers, Batteries (A, AA, AAA), Lysol, Lysol cleaning wipes, Baby Wipes, Air Fresheners
Cleaning supplies: Simple Green Cleaner, Duct tape, Paper towels, Toilet paper, , First aid kits, Light bulbs, Mosquito spray, Wasp and hornet spray, 55-gallon trash bags, Latex Free Gloves, Towels, Pillows, All laundry detergent: sensitive free, Hand sanitize.
Other: Acrylic Paint, Paint Brushes, Foam Brushes, Board Games/Card Games, Paintballs, Friendship Bracelet Kits, Costumes (for skits and other stuff)
In addition, they have an Amazon Wishlist located at
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Time to Revitalize!
Easter means new life: new life in nature as long dormant plants spring into bloom, new life for individuals as potential long suppressed is released, new life in the world as the power of life over death is made manifest, and new life for the church as her mission makes new life a tangible hope. Easter happens when nature, individuals, the world, and the church are transformed by God’s rule, reign, and realm.
Our church is no exception. We are an Easter people constantly in need of revitalization. We do a great job of worship, of accepting all people, and of providing a loving community. However, do those outside the church in our city and region know what we offer at Northminster? How can those who need us find us? Are we the best kept secret in town? Do we hesitate to share the Good News of God’s inclusive love because we do not want to be perceived as pushy or like those other Baptists? What if we could develop a church-wide strategy for recruiting new members, reactivating inactive members, and retaining the members we have?
The Coordinating Council has authorized the formation of a Task Force focused on reaching out to those who need a church like ours. We know we are not the church for everybody, but we are the church for many who are alienated from their church of origin or who have never found a church open and accepting enough for them for find a sense of belonging. Utilizing a unified vision in personal, print, electronic, and social media communications, we can extend the ministry of the church to those who need our ministry and need to be a part of our ministry.
If you would like to be a part of such a group with such a purpose, please let us know. You can e-mail or text Darrell Cluck with your interest: cluckiator@aol.com, 318-537-1009. Together we can work toward a strong, healthy future for Northminster.
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Northminster COVID Information
We continue to follow state and CDC guidelines and accordingly recommend that if you are at high risk for severe illness - talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions; stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; and get tested if you have symptoms. The Coordinating Council recommends that immune compromised and unvaccinated individuals, and anyone experiencing cold or other illness symptoms continue to wear masks during our services.
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Northminster Book Club
Our next book is, Conjure Women by Afia Atakora. Book Club will meet Thursday, May 12 at 6pm at the home of Debi Chandler, 2005 Stuart Ave., Monroe for potluck and discussion. If you would like to join the Book Club, contact Debi at chandler@ulm.edu
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Given to the Glory of God
The floral offerings Sunday were given to the Glory of God and arranged by Marilyn Decker.
If you would like to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $100.
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Upcoming Events
This Sunday
9:00 am - Choir Practice
10:00 am - Sunday School for Children (K-5),
Youth, and Adults
10:45 am - Preludes
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
5:00 pm - Youth
Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice
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Sunday May 8 - Mother's Day
Sunday May 15 - 6pm Potluck followed at 7pm Business Meeting
Pulpit Supply Schedule
May
1 - Dr. Carl Gregg
8 - Dr. Scott Stearman
15 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
22 - Rev. Mark Windham
29 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
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Of Interest in the Community |
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VIEW SUNDAY'S CONCERT HERE!
If you missed the April 24 Sunday Music Concert with ULM students Jenny Smith and our own Preston Anderson, you can still enjoy it on our Northminster Church YouTube Channel or click this link: https://youtu.be/Jtd7kUTdRUk
Both Preston and Jenny will be involved in summer voice and performance studies. Jenny will be studying in Italy and additionally being given Italian lessons in an immersion program and living with an Italian family. Preston will be studying in a prestigious program in Iowa involving vocal performance and musical theater. The church will be collecting contributions, which will be individual voluntary gifts to help fund their expenses. If you are interested in helping these vocalist with expenses coming up in July, please contact Debi Chandler. Enjoy watching their concert!.
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BLEND: THE BIGGEST PARTY ON THE RIVER
Sunday, May 1, 2022
The Granddaddy of arts fundraising events in northeast Louisiana is returning, but in a new space and with a brand new vibe! Blend of the Bayou has enjoyed immense success since its beginning in 1997 and is the foundation for our new event, BLEND. Imagine an event where the classic Blend of the Bayou is "blended" with our popular North Delta Food & Wine Festival, while paying homage to many classic Blend of the Bayou elements we all know and love!
BLEND will be held this year in Downtown Monroe at the River Market on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 3pm to 7pm, in cooperation with the City of Monroe. This block party on the river featuring local men and women who cook, local favorite restaurant chefs, live music, drinks by local sponsors and a silent auction of area artists' works is set to be the top fundraising event of the year. Awards will be given to “Best of Blend – Restaurant” & “Best of Blend – Home Cook”. Ticket proceeds benefit the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana's programs and services.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! General Admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $100. Our 318Club and above members will receive a special discount on their ticket purchase (limits apply). To receive that discount code, please call 318.397.6717 OR email abigail@nelaarts.org. Visit the link below to purchase yours!
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MOREHOUSE MAY MADNESS SATURDAY, MAY 7
The annual May Madness Street Festival will be held May 7 around the Courthouse Square area in Bastrop, LA. Northminster's Admin. Assistant, Renee, and her band, Homegrown, will be playing music at the Farmer's Market located one block east of the courthouse from 9am to approximately noon. This street festival is free to attend and will have arts and crafts, food vendors, an antique care display, a main musical stage on the west end of the courthouse and another acoustic stage a block north of the courthouse at the Bastrop Visitor's Center, and much, much more!
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Did you lose this ring in the church? Contact Renee in the church office at 318-388-3717 or office@northmin.org if this is yours!
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If you have found a space of community, or healing, or hope at Northminster and believe in the work we are doing, please consider supporting us financially so that we will be able to continue creating spaces like this in all the days to come.
To support Northminster financially, you can click here, or scan the QR code with the camera on your phone.
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Northminster Church is located at:
2701 Lamy Lane
Monroe, LA 71201
318-388-3717
office@northmin.org
Temporary Church Office Hours:
Tues -Thurs 9am to 4 pm
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