NEWSLETTER
Thursday, June 16, 2022
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NORTHMINSTER’S MINISTRY OF INCLUSION:
WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING
ALL PEOPLE
Recently Monroe mayor Friday Ellis and other Monroe officials announced that the entire month of June will be celebrated as “Juneteenth Month” in the City of Monroe, a time to celebrate African Americans’ freedom from slavery and to celebrate their lives today. June is also LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a time to for us to celebrate the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. I think this is also a good time for us to also remember and celebrate Northminster’s “ministry of inclusion”. Many of you will remember that during the intentional interim time after Dr. Gaddy’s retirement we identified our inclusiveness of all people as one of our core values at Northminster.
Northminster’s Intentional Interim Team along with Dr. Steve Jolly helped to lead us through that time of discernment. The Intentional Interim Team developed a Church Profile describing our church in great detail. This profile was published on our website and sent to prospective pastors during our search four years ago and with some updates most recently. Here is what the profile says about our inclusivity:
“The Northminster Church family has developed a succinct set of core Values and Traditions. Congregants have come to embrace and revere these values which make Northminster such a unique house of worship in its region.
Inclusivity
Since our inception Northminster has welcomed, affirmed, and encouraged leadership and the sharing of personal talents from all persons regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, social status, religious background or financial ability.”
The next core value listed is our Worship Style.
During our search for a senior pastor, your search committee sent a few written questions to each person with whom we wanted to have further conversation and asked that they respond in writing. Our last question was for them to ask any questions of us. Not surprisingly they all did! One asked the following insightful question:
What has been the most meaningful ministry since Northminster began as a congregation?
After some reflection here is what our committee wrote:
“Our ‘ministry of inclusion’. It began with the full inclusion of women in all areas and leadership at Northminster. For almost three years at our beginning since we did not have a place of our own, we were welcomed by the local Jewish community into their space for worship and education. That act of hospitality on their part helped us all in our journey of inclusion with respect to interfaith relations. Soon after our founding, this ministry of inclusion began to include those of the LGBTQ+ community in our fellowship. Of course, our ministry includes those of the African American community. Northminster’s ministry has always included those ‘hurt by the church’ in one way or another. Our all-inclusive beliefs make us who we are as a church. We have always been a ‘safe place’ for all. We have learned it takes work and it is not always easy, but it’s who we are.”
Despite these actions, Northminster has never developed and adopted a “welcoming and affirming” statement to “officially” recognize and affirm our core value of inclusivity. Over the last couple of months, the Coordinating Council has been discussing our need at this point in our church’s history and the current climate in the country, to develop such a statement. In the next few days, the Council will be submitting to you the draft of a statement written by D. H. Clark and Mark Windham and approved by the Council. As you will see I think it clearly states who we are as a church in welcoming and affirming all people. I hope you will give it your most prayerful consideration. In that regard, following worship on Sunday, June 26 there will be a time for discussion concerning the statement. The current plan is to submit the statement for further discussion and the vote of the congregation at our regular business meeting on Sunday, July 17.
Craig Henry
**Note: Cuba 2022 Travel log will continue in next week's newsletter.
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, June 12, 2022
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Dr. Darrell Cluck preaches:
Something There Is That Doesn't Love a Wall
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, June 19, 2022
Opening Hymn: Community of Christ
Shirley Erena Murray has grown up with the Ecumenical Movement and addresses related themes such as Christian unity and social justice in her Hymnody. This text was first sung at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church New Zealand. Set to the tune LEONI, a traditional Hebrew melody and adapted by Meyer Lyon for congregational singing in 1770.
Response to Prayer: In Christ There is no East or West
At the beginning of the 20th century, many hymns were written to promote the oneness of humanity. English Congregationalist John Oxenham’s text is a lasting example. His great concern for those in military service led to the publication of a World War I hymnbook that exceeded eight million in circulation. Set to the tune St. PETER, by Alexander Reinagle, 1836.
Anthem: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
Based on Psalm 8, Linda Johnson adapted this text to the music of Tom Fettke. This beautiful anthem ends with a glorious Alleluia.
Communion Meditation: Deep River
A traditional spiritual arranged by Louisiana composer, the late Moses Hogan, and so beautifully sung by ULM Master of Music Ed student, Aaron Brown of North Carolina.
Closing Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory
Harry Emerson Fosdick, a prophetic preacher and writer, taught at Union Theological Seminary from 1915 to 1946. This hymn was written for the opening Service and dedication of Riverside Church, New York City, which he served for 20 Years. Set to the tune CWM RHONDDA by John Hughes, c. 1907.
Please join us for worship this Sunday….Blessing and Peace,
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.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
New Pastor Jillian Hankamer, as she and her husband Eric prepare to move to Louisiana in July.
Terri Kent Family, on death of mother, Mary Traylor.
Choral Scholar Sarah Talmadge's brother, suffering injury from a bicycle accident.
Hugh Chandler, father of Debi Chandler, advanced Alzheimer's.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) recovering from brain surgery, now in rehab.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Dibble Pate, recovering from hip surgery in the Guesthouse, Room 500 in West Monroe. Dibble is now accepting calls and visitors. Her landline number is 318-362-5903.
Tracy and Mary Sandow dealing with serious medical issues.
Our friends and sister church, Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, Cuba experiencing many economic hardships.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Denzell Denagall (20th), Maxwell Aro (21st), and Mary McCandlish (22nd) as they celebrate their birthdays.
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June Mission Trunk Emphasis:
Ronald McDonald House
June’s Mission focus is the Ronald McDonald House, which we have been a long-time supporter of, and hope to see an abundance of generosity toward.
Needs: Liquid hand soap, dishwasher detergent, Air Freshener spray, Liquid Laundry detergent, Chlorine Bleach, Dryer Sheets, 40w/60w Light Bulbs, Mailing and Duct Tape, Velcro, Scotch Tap, Reams of Paper, Postage Stamps, Toilet Paper, Toilet Cleaners/brushes, Swiffer/Wet Mop pads, Disposable latex gloves, Aluminum foil/plastic wrap, SOS pads. Kitchen Needs: Paper Plates, Paper Towels, Napkins, Plastic Storage bags (all sizes). Personal Items: Brushes, Combs, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste (travel size), Deodorant (travel size), soap, shampoo, conditioner (small sizes). Room Needs: Blankets, Fitted Sheets (white), games, movies, books, art supplies, blank greeting cards, blank journals. Miscellaneous Items: gift cards for local grocery stores, gas stations, Walmart, Target.
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Children and Youth Summer Kickoff Party Pics!
Northminster children and youth gathered last Sunday afternoon at the home of Beth Mayfield where they enjoyed food, games and fishing!
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Commissions: 2023 Budget Review
By now every member of each commission should have received by email the information needed to plan their 2023 budget. These items included (1) the most recent financial report for this year, (2) the end of year (2021) financial report from Connie, and (3) your worksheet for 2023. Your proposed budget is due in the church office by Sunday, July 31.
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Northminster COVID Information
Northminster follows state and CDC guidelines and accordingly recommends 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. 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 June 28
June 28 at 6pm in the home of Camille Peterson the Northminster Book Club will meet for potluck and discussion on this month's book, "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. If you would like to join the Book Club, contact Debi at chandler@ulm.edu
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Come hear Proclaimer Judge Wendell Griffin!
Wendell Griffen is pastor of New Millennium Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, a trustee of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, a board member of the Alliance of Baptists, a board member of the Christian Ethics Today Foundation, and a state court trial judge. His views concerning faith, justice, cultural competency, and inclusion have been expressed in his 2017 book, The Fierce Urgency of Prophetic Hope (Judson Press), and in his blogs, Fierce Prophetic Hope, Wendell Griffen on Cultural Competency, and Justice is a Verb!
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The Northminster Arts Commission Presents:
Ella Mayfield Art Exhibit
The art on display in the Narthex is the work of artist Ella Mayfield. A recent graduate of West Ouachita High School, Ella will be attending the University of New Orleans in the fall. Ella attends Northminster and is the daughter of Beth and Damon Mayfield.
From the Artist:
“My art uses expressions and vivid color in order to exhibit the emotion of the subjects, whether they be people or animals. I gravitate towards portraits because there is beauty in each person’s uniqueness, and I am able to portray them in ways that show what they care for and how they present themselves. Some of my works allow for me to explore different kinds of art and ways of putting down color. Mixed media art brings out different textures and creates intriguing and unique representations of reality. No matter what form I create art in, the process allows for me to interpret the world around me and create pieces that bring emotion to those viewing them. Art has always been an important part of my life. I began my immersion into the subject as a young child painting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, and I look forward to progressing and finding new ways to express creativity.” -Ella Mayfield
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Given to the Glory of God
The floral offering Sunday was 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.
**Due to budget constraints, flowers during the summer months will grace the altar if given in memory or in honor of loved ones.
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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
YOUTH: Check our Instagram page for any upcoming summer activities!
Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
June
19 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
26 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
July
3 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
10 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
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Of Interest in the Community |
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ULM/Northminster Choral Scholar Vocal Students Continue Fundraising Concerts
ULM vocal students Jenny Smith, Leslie Hobgood, James Wright, and Preston Anderson have all presented fundraiser concerts recently at Northminster. Jenny and Leslie have been accepted into a prestigious opera immersion program set for July in Italy. James and Preston, both Northminster Choral Scholars, have been accepted into the Savannah Boys Music Festival.
James and Preston will be performing another benefit concert on Tuesday, June 21st at 6pm at Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe. Should you attend, you may make donations then as this will benefit travel to the National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Audition Semi-finals in Chicago, June 29- July 3rd.
You may also contribute to this and the continuing summer education of these students by contacting Dr. Deborah Chandler to make a donation. chandler@ulm.edu or 348-0788.
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CA Studio in Collaboration with Strauss Theatre Center presents: Stoneface: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Buster Keaton
Performance Dates: July 14-16 2022
Directed by Cathy Airhart Webb. Justin Havard is the Piano Player (silent film accompanist) and Pat Hayes is doing costumes.
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Printers and Copiers Need to Go!
"Free to Good Home!"
As technology has evolved and the church has upgraded to meet the demands of this, we have accumulated many "obsolete to us" items that some of you might be interested in. We would like the items to go to someone in need of them or they will be stored until the next electronic recycling day, approximately in November. These are the items available. If you are interested in having them, please act quickly and let Renee know so that a time might be scheduled for you to pick the item(s) up.
Top Left: Brother HL1850 printer, black
Below left: Brother Color printer HL-L835CDW with extra cyan and magenta cartridges.
Below right: Kyocera KM-3035 copier with 2 unused toners.
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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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