NEWSLETTER
Thursday, May 5, 2022
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GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
This Sunday, the third in the season of Easter, is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” On this day, the possibly most well-known and beloved chapter in the Bible will be read, Psalm 23. There is universal comfort in these word in times of peril. Because the Good Shepherd is with us, we have no need to fear even the darkest of times.
It seems that the world moves in a steady pace from one dark time into another. Perhaps, as we age, and some of us certainly have, (Thanks be to God!) our optimism that we would see the dawning of peace and unity in the world in our lifetime seems to be waning. In such times of trekking through the valley of death we can find reminders that we are not alone, our Good Shepherd is with us, we have not need of being afraid.
I have been feeling down in recent years, with the toll the pandemic has taken physically, emotionally, economically, and on almost all levels of life on every citizen of the planet, the evil of this unjust, brutal war, and people at each other’s throats over politics and ideologies, to name a few, hope for our grandchildren being able to sing convincingly, “What a wonderful world!” seems to have vanished.
The Good Shepherd went looking for me last Sunday and found me in Justin’s voluntary, the incredibly beautiful and touching arrangement of “Be Still My Soul.” I sat at the organ bench with tears dimming my vision. I breathed in the spirit. I felt the Good Shepherd hoisting me up and placing me on shoulders of strength and mercy and whispering to me, “I am with you. I am on your side. Hear the words of this hymn. They are for you.”
That is what the Good Shepherd does. Every one of us and all the people in the world are the flock. But when even the least of us goes astray, the Good Shepherd does not rest until we are found. And when that happens a great feast of celebration is set, and everyone comes to the table.
Find your peace in the arms of our Shepherd.
D H
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, May 8, 2022
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Rev. Dr. Scott Stearman
"The Safe Shepherd"
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2022
Opening Hymn: Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven
Christopher Wordsworth, gifted nephew of poet William Wordsworth, served the Church of England successively as canon at Westminster, parish priest in Berkshire, and finally as bishop of Lincoln. This Easter hymn is one of his most enduring. Written in 1872 and set to the tune WEISSE FLAGGEN, written by Tochter Sion in Cologne in 1741.
Prayer Response: When Streams of Living Water Flow
We sing the second verse of the hymn Such Perfect Love My Shepherd Shows written by English clergyman Henry Baker, 1868. He greatly influenced hymnody in England and the United States through his leadership in preparing Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861). Baker’s hymn is a recast of a George Herbert poem. Set to the tune St. COLUMBA, an Irish melody and harmonized by Charles V. Stanford, 1906.
Gospel Acclamation: Your Word is Love
D.H. Clark wrote this introduction and response to the gospel reminding us that God’s word is love, truth and God is love. We ask God to teach us to love. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Anthem: The Lord is My Shepherd
From the Requiem by John Rutter, we sing his melody setting the text of Psalm 23. This movement was originally written in 1976 as a separate anthem but was included in the Requiem written in 1985.
Communion Anthem: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
A traditional hymn tune from the southern part of the US, Virgil Thomson set the hymn by Isaac Watts for choir in 1938. “No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.” What beautiful words…Praise be to you, O Christ.
Closing Hymn: Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
The theme of Christ as shepherd is familiar and beloved to Christians. Emma Lyons Doyle, Granddaughter of Laiana (translator Lorenzo Lyons), once said, “If you want to know the full beauty Of this hymn, hear it sung in Hawaiian.” Set to the tune BRADBURY written in 1859 by William B. Bradbury.
I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Happy Mother’s Day….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.
Deborah Chandler dealing with medical issues.
Larry Prather recovering from a hand injury.
Tracy Sandow, dealing with serious medical condition.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) recovering from brain surgery, now in rehab.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Owen Higginbotham (5th), as he celebrates his birthday.
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Welcome New Northminster Members
Welcome to Kim Norman and her twin daughters, Charlie and Scout (12 1/2) as they join the Northminster membership. The family previously attended First West. Kim is employed by the Ouachita Parish School Board.
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Congratulations Graduate,
Ella Mayfield from West Ouachita High
Ella was honored with the Citizenship Award, and awards in History and Fine Arts, Highest ACT, 4.0 GPA for four years (actually since kindergarten) and a full scholarship to University of New Orleans. Ella will also be giving a valedictory address at graduation.
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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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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 May 12
Our next book is, Conjure Women by Afia Atakora. Book Club will meet next 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 Peggy Caskey.
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
4:00 pm - Open meeting with the Pastor Search Committee to discuss the recommended candidate for Senior Pastor.
5:00 pm - Youth
Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice
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Sunday May 8 - Mother's Day. Senior Sunday
Sunday May 15 - 6pm Potluck followed by 7pm Business Meeting
Pulpit Supply Schedule
May
8 - Dr. Scott Stearman
15 - TBA
22 - Rev. Mark Windham
29 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
June
5 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
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Of Interest in the Community |
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MOREHOUSE MAY MADNESS
THIS SATURDAY, MAY 7
9am - noon
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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