NEWSLETTER
Thursday, June 30, 2022
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A CUBA TRAVELOG
MAY 2022
CONTINUED AND CONCLUDED
In the previous two articles I have told you a little about the visit DH and I made in May and about the Cuban peso. I will conclude today with more about happenings during our visit.
As I indicated in the first article, we worshiped with the Enmanuel congregation as usual on the Sunday we were there. The service was packed as it usually is with everyone wearing masks as still required by the Cuban government. We were actually relieved at that requirement because of the Cuban custom of hugging and “air kissing” on the cheek upon greeting others before worship. In spite of COVID that custom prevailed but fortunately with everyone wearing masks we were almost comfortable. Worship at Enmanuel is liturgical like our service at Northminster, but with some differences. They sing A LOT! And they all seem to know the words to every hymn or song they sing and sing with great gusto. They always make a joyful noise. Well, we do as well at Northminster but perhaps with a little more reservation.
Prior to worship on Sunday, during the Sunday School hour, the entire church met together in a large room in the educational space. It seems that we usually do this when we visit. It is a wonderful time of sharing, and it seems that everyone shares. One person speaking on that occasion was Omar Martinez. Among other things he spoke about the importance of Enmanuel’s partnership with Northminster, and it being a model for what our countries could do. We first met Omar on our first visit in 1994 when he was the Communist Party’s official in charge of religious affairs for Ciego de Avila Province. He was not a member of Enmanuel and as far as we knew did not consider himself a Christian. In every visit after that so long as he held the position, he took the time to come to see and visit with us. Perhaps he simply saw that as his “job”. But an interesting thing happened. As time went on, he and his wife began to attend Enmanuel and now are regulars. Now in retirement, for the last several years we have had good visits with him on every occasion we have been there. You never know!
On the previous Saturday afternoon at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon we had a really great visit with many of the young people at Enmanuel. Noel Fernandez, (the pastor emeritus) had told us he didn’t know how many would show up, but amazingly about twenty aged 10 to early twenties crowded into the room where we met. And they all had to get there by walking or riding their bicycles! And on a Saturday afternoon! They were eager to ask questions and to talk. Noel is their Sunday School teacher, and he said that sometimes he doesn’t have time to teach the lesson he prepared for talking with the young people about questions they have. After our visiting session we adjourned to the sanctuary where the 10-year-old young man played a couple of really nice pieces on the piano. Definitely a child prodigy. That young man’s father brought his trombone, and he with DH on piano did a pretty amazing rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “It’s a Wonderful World”.
And speaking of “wonderful world”, things are not wonderful in Cuba now, at least materially. As I mentioned in the first article, pork, typically a Cuban staple, is now scarce, and many other food and other items are too. Well, almost everything is scarce. There are long lines at the service stations that have gasoline or diesel. They are also scarce. During our visit there were “rolling blackouts” for several hours every day because of the scarcity of electricity. This also causes a shortage of water to many people because of the inability of pumps to operate. Medicine is in short supply. Cubans have also recently suffered through hyperinflation, but that situation has seemed to stabilize. When we first visited Cuba in 1994 it was during their “special period” after the fall of the Soviet Union, and times were tough. Noel says times are even tougher now, the worst he has ever seen in Cuba. There are many reasons for this, and I will not prolong this article by discussing them. For now, let me simply ask that we continue to pray for our Cuban sisters and brothers and work for the day when our government’s immoral embargo and other restrictions against Cuba are lifted.
Cuba si!
Craig Henry
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, July 3, 2022
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Dr. C. Welton Gaddy preaches:
Jesus and the Fourth of July:
Lamentations and Celebrations
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, July 3, 2022
Opening Hymn: This is My Song
These stanzas, published during the period between the two world wars, express a hope for lasting peace among all nations, races,
and cultures. Finlandia is derived from a “tone poem” of the same name Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Responses: Commonwealth Is God’s Commandment
Commissioned for the 30th Anniversary Gathering of the Alliance of Baptists. The refrain, pleading for peace of all creation, incorporates the word “peace” in many traditions including Hindu, Buddhist, and in
Islamic law connoting the “common good”. The text was written by Mary Louise Bringle, 2017. The words are set to the tune RESTORATION, written by William Walker, 1835.
We Shall Overcome
American folk music arranged as a hymn by Paul Abels. Used as a song sung in support of civil rights.
Anthem: Distant Land
A prayer for freedom written in 1990 by British composer, John Rutter. He composer the anthem in response to the demolition of the Berlin wall and the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. This Sunday
we sing this anthem in response to all the meaning challenges we still have in this world and as a response to a portion of Welton’s sermon.
Closing Hymn: O God, We Bear the Imprints of Your Face
Composer Bruce Neswick provided this setting at the request of the New Century Hymnal, 1994. We sing the hymn to the tune FINLANDIA, which we sang as our opening hymn.
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.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
New Pastor Jillian Hankamer, as she and her husband Erich prepare to move to Louisiana in July.
Montserrat Miller, cousin of D.H. Clark, serious illness.
Hugh Chandler, father of Debi Chandler, advanced Alzheimer's.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) recovering from brain surgery, soon to be moved from rehab to assisted living and will follow up with radiation treatments for remaining tumors.
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.....
Sherry Free (30th), Connie Smallwood (1st), Wheeler (1st), Pattie Morris (1st), and Mark McCleery (1st), as they celebrate their birthdays.
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Congratulations to...
Bishop Nolan who bested his last year's time and took 3rd Place (13-14 yo) in the Piney Hills Kids Triathlon! Bishop is the son of Cayce Roberts.
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Congratulations to Justin Havard
Justin wrote and has now had published, a musical piece for a dear friend, Rosemary Collins, who was a beloved wife, mother, teacher, and singer in Clearwater, Florida. She was an incredibly generous and vivacious person, and to know her was to love her. In December of 2020, Rosemary contracted COVID-19, and just days later passed away. The community was shocked and devastated— she had been such a light to so many, and it seemed unbelievable that she was gone. A few months later, while dealing with the grief of her loss, and trying to think of some way to honor her musically, Justin was listening to one of Rosemary’s favorite artists, Rosemary Clooney, and came across the song “Tenderly”. Immediately inspired, he wrote a motif based on that song, and set it to the Latin “In Paradisum” text, which speaks of choirs of angels singing the departed to their final rest. He dedicated it to Rosemary and for all the love and music she inspired.
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July Mission Trunk Emphasis:
Exit 318 (A Goodwill Industry of North LA)
July’s mission trunk focus is the program EXIT-318, which stands for Ex-Offenders in Transition, a program funded by the Department of Corrections, presenting a re-entry accountability plan and program designed to reduce recidivism through a variety of services provided to assist with the transition from institutionalization to community integration. This is a program supported by many companies and local businesses, with a home base in Goodwill Industries.
Needs: Basic necessities: deodorant, razors/shaving cream, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush. Towels, washcloths. New undergarments, socks. Basic cleaning supplies: broom/dustpan, mop, dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, 409, Windex, etc. Bedding: pillows, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters. Coats and other clothing. Gift cards are not advised.
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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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Choir Takes July Hiatus
The Northminster Choir will not meet on Wednesday nights during the month of July; however, they will still meet each Sunday morning at 9am prior to worship. Choir practice will resume on August 3.
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Coming Soon! Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School 2022 will take place this year at Northminster. The Education Commission is working on finalizing the dates and times for this special time in the life of our children!
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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. The exhibit will run through July 15th.
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 Robert Crawford.
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. Beginning July 6, choir will not meet during the month of July but will still meet Sunday mornings at 9am
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
July
3 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
10 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
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Of Interest in the Community |
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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 at Strauss Theatre Center
Directed by Cathy Airhart Webb. Justin Havard is the Piano Player (silent film accompanist) and Pat Hayes is doing costumes.
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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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