Thursday, October 17, 2024

Several of you have asked me what a Fall Retreat is. Will there be classes? Early morning risings? Campfire songs? What’s required of me? I’m going to use this space to address such questions and give you a tentative schedule for the weekend. 

First, will there be meetings? Often retreats such as this have speakers and or an overarching theme. I’ve led several retreats that resemble the latter and they can be very fulfilling, but that’s not what this gathering will be. We will not have a speaker and if there is a theme it’s community, time together, and relaxing. 

Do I have to get up early? That’s entirely up to you! Breakfast is served at 8 am and it’s important we all eat as the OWL Center is cooking for us. But a 6 am nature walk or meditation hour is not on the agenda. If you’d like to have breakfast and go back to your bed for a nap, do it! I can’t guarantee total quiet, but I fully support naps. 

Can I expect campfire songs? This is an absolute yes. Campfire songs and s’mores will be happening barring any weather-related limitations. I’m hoping some of our musically gifted folks will bring guitars and voices and be willing to lead us. And I fully intend to spend time by a fire. 

What’s required of me? This is the basic question to be answered. For our youth, I know Jennifer and Tiffany are working on a plan for the weekend. They will spend a good chunk of the day Saturday on the OWL Center’s Ropes Courses. For everyone else, meals are required, I’d like for you to participate in the maze on Saturday as that’s intended to be a group event, and I hope you’ll be present for our Centering Times and worship on Sunday morning before we head home. If you’re on the Coordinating Council we’re going to meet for a couple of hours on Saturday and there will be more to come on that from me and Mark. 

But for the rest of the adults who attend, whether for the whole weekend or just a day, I want this weekend to be yours. Need to come and nap? Go for it. Want to sip coffee while enjoying nature? The porch of the bunkhouse is plenty big. Want to see the OWL Center’s animals? I’m sure Chels King will be happy to introduce you to Albert Swinstein the pig. Enjoy hiking? The OWL Center is large and has lots of room for stretching your legs. 

Think of this as an extended version of that breath we take together every Sunday morning. My central hope in planning this event is that it can be an opportunity to breathe deeply, to slow down, to be away from the everyday and together with your church community. Allow this time to be an opportunity for a recharge. It just so happens this Retreat is on the weekend after the election. That wasn’t intentional but I think the timing will be perfect for some much-needed quiet post-election and before the stress of the holidays.

There is more information to be shared, but I hope this answers basic questions about the reason and form of the weekend. I will be sending out FAQs soon, but if you have specific questions that need to be addressed please get in touch with me via email, phone, or text. 

Pastor Jillian

Northminster Fall Family Retreat Schedule (Tentative) 

Friday - November 8

4-5:30 pm - Arrive and settle into lodgings 

6 pm - Dinner

7:30 pm - Centering time 

8 pm - Campfire and s’mores

9 pm - Quiet time begins

Saturday - November 9

8 am - Breakfast and Centering time 

8:30 - Maze 

9:30 - noon - Free time (adults) / Ropes Course (youth)

Noon - lunch

1- 4 pm - Coordinating Council meetings/Fishing, hiking, board games, napping, reading, etc. (adults) / Ropes Course (youth)

5 pm - Dinner  

6:30 pm - Centering time

7 pm - Campfire and s’mores 

9 pm - Quiet time begins 

Sunday - November 10

8 am - Breakfast 

9 am - Packing and cleanup 

10:30 - Worship service 

11 am - Final clean up and head for home

The Opening Hymn: God Is Here! As We Your People Meet Though he retired in 1969, this distinguished British poet has continued to write hymns. In addition to administering several circuits and local congregations, Fred Pratt Green published plays, translations, and poems. Emory University in Atlanta awarded him an honorary doctorate.

The Middle Hymn: In the Bulb There Is a Flower Natalie Sleeth composed her "Hymn of Promise" first as a choral anthem and then adapted it to this version for congregational singing. It was dedicated to her husband, Ronald Sleeth, who died shortly after she completed it.

The Anthem: You Do Not Walk Alone a traditional Irish Blessing written by Elaine Hagenberg.

The Communion Anthem: Near to the Heart of God by Ralph Manuel and written by Cleland B. McAfee.

Closing Hymn: Won't You Let Me Be Your Servant? Richard Gillard was born in England and later made his home in New Zealand. Largely self-taught, Gillard has described his musical style as "folk." This is the best known of his many songs in the US.

We Celebrate Birthdays with...

Lisa Cross (22nd)

Erich Hankamer (23rd)

as they celebrate their birthdays

YOUTH

Please contact Jennifer Kimble-Keen (318-307-6716 jkimble8366@gmail.com) if you are willing to provide a light meal for the Youth. They meet every Sunday evening at 5pm to approximately 7:30pm. Thank you!

SNATS CHORAL CONCERT FUNDRAISER AT NORTHMINSTER THIS SUNDAY AT 5PM

The Student National Association of Teachers of Singing will hold a fundraising concert at Northminster this Sunday at 5pm.

SEEKERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

This Sunday Rev. Jillian's Seekers Sunday School Class begins a new book, "My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church" by Amy Kenny.

Please read the Preface and first chapter for discussion this Sunday.

Reading Schedule: October 20 - Chapter 10

NORTHMINSTER BOOK CLUB

Our next book is Johnny and Jazzbo By Kathryn J. Hardy. The club will meet on Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm at the home of Beth Mayfield for potluck and discussion.

AFTER CHUCH FELLOWSHIP

In order to continue our after church fellowship, we need folks to volunteer to provide drinks and snacks. Please see the sign-up sheet in the hall outside the pastor's office!

Please, NO items with icing or "gooey" stuff. This is getting into our rugs and embedded into the concrete floors.

PUB THEOLOGY - OCTOBER 17

Thursday, October 17 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

Advent Makers Group

Wednesdays at 5pm

If you like to quilt, paint, crochet, knit, scrapbook, draw, or generally enjoy making things, plan to join Pastor Jillian on Wednesday nights before choir at 5pm. We will be preparing for Advent by making squares to accompany each week’s theme. This gathering is for adults and kids of any skill level. 

If you prefer a particular craft please plan to bring your own supplies. If not, Pastor Jillian will provide a variety of materials for you to unleash your creativity! 

TRUNK OR TREAT OCTOBER 27!

Trunk or Treat is coming soon! Sunday, October 27 5:00-7:00 pm. Are you wondering "what is Trunk or Treat?" You come to the church and park your car, truck, van, or SUV and open up your trunk. (or tailgate, hatchback, etc.) Decorate the back of your vehicle and kids will come Trick or Treat! It's going to be a lot of fun.

You can sign up to bring your car, drop off bags of candy in the church office, or volunteer to help with a game for an hour or two. (Games will be provided) The youth group will have a concession stand with tasty treats for sale. We are also inviting our friends with NELA Pride so that all families have a place they can feel safe to take their families Trick or Treating.

NORTHMINSTER FALL RETREAT: UPDATED PRICE LIST

Be sure to see the sign-up sheet on the hall table.

KITCHEN CLEAN-OUT UNDERWAY SOON!

Our kitchen is overflowing with items we don't need! Are you missing a bowl, platter, tupperware, drinking cup, etc?? If so, please take a look in the kitchen and GET YOUR ITEMS! Very soon we will be cleaning out unneeded items and donating them in order to make room for our growing base of folks that use and need the kitchen. Call the office if you have any questions!

OCTOBER MISSION EMPHASIS:

DRAGONFLY HARBOR

Dragonfly Harbor is an organization created to fill gaps in services for human trafficking survivors in Louisiana. They help human trafficking victims with resources and support on their journey from rescue to reintegration. Dragonfly Harbor is one of 65 agencies in the state that work with Human Trafficking. They serve survivors by providing services such as housing assistance, utility assistance, help obtaining documentation/ID’s for school and employment, and trauma focused mental health counseling. 83% of victims are under 17 and 86% of victims are sex trafficked. 

Trunk Needs: feminine/masculine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, washcloths, towels, deodorant, lotions, hair care products, also for African American victims, socks, lounge pants, and t-shirts of different sizes. 

The floral offering was given to the glory of God

Arrangement by Laura Duke and Ellen Prather