Thursday, December 7, 2023

ADVENT WEEK 2: PEACE

A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM

REV. JASON SMITH

Our friend Rev. Jason Smith, executive director of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, recently returned from a visit to the Republic of Georgia. There along with other peacemakers from several countries he helped celebrate the opening of the Peace Cathedral in Tbilisi. Please read Jason’s article below about a ray of peace in our weary world. 



PEACE CATHEDRAL BUILDING INTERFAITH COOPERATION

Following Malkhaz Songulashvili on a hike through the Caucasus mountains, one realizes that “trail guide” is yet another hat he wears. In November, the metropolitan bishop of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia and pastor of the Peace Cathedral in Tbilisi welcomed an interfaith delegation of peacemakers, of which I was honored to be a part, to offer a blessing on this project for peace and justice.

Before we offered our blessings for the church, the Bishop led us on a 12-kilometer hike. He wore sandals.

As our group of Canadian, Dutch, Georgian, German, and U.S. American peacemakers trekked across the mountain ridge, we each picked up a stone and held it in our hands. Keeping silence as we walked, Malkhaz invited us to consider how our stones represented something weighing us down.

According to Malkhaz, the best way to gain enemies is to work for peace. The leaders and laity of the Peace Cathedral know lots about these confrontations while working for peace. From being ostracized for their interfaith worship, ordaining women and men, taking in refugees from the wars in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine, to embracing and affirming LGBTQ+ persons, this community is a tiny beacon of justice and peace in Tbilisi.

Now, after years of construction and planning, the Peace Cathedral is coming into full fruition as a physical structure, extending its roof to shelter the Peace Mosque (Masjid as Salaam) and the Peace Synagogue (Beit Knesset HaShalom). Together, they form a unique space for people seeking God, known by different names, through different rituals.

The physical space housing the interfaith project expands the imagination. Approaching the building from the outside, it could be a warehouse or a nightclub. Graffiti-like neon wings dash up the sides of the front facade, inviting worshippers to lighten their loads and enter with a spirit of beauty and creativity.

Inside, stone walls surround worshippers in a way that connects back to ancient spaces of veneration and worship. Speaking with the chief architect of the space, Georgi Songulashvili, I learned that every detail in the sanctuary had a purpose and story. The walls behind the stone altar remain unfinished, symbolizing the work future generations must undertake. A pulpit rises in front of the Amos Wall, where a flowing relief rolls down with prophetic energy to bolster a preacher to deliver fiery words of justice and righteousness. The exquisite marble floors, quarried from mountains in Iran, were a donation to the interfaith project. Two pillars stand on either side of the altar reminding worshippers of the command to love God and neighbor. So much can be said about the beauty of the Cathedral’s sanctuary.

But beyond the nave, the beauty of this project becomes clearer. Flanking the apse are doors leading to the Peace Mosque and the Peace Synagogue. Each of these spaces has also been uniquely created to embrace diverse members of their faiths. We joined Imam Akbar Moghaddasi for afternoon prayers, and he explained to us that the mosque was created to be a space for Sunni and Shia worshippers. Across a short hallway, the Peace Synagogue is a space for Jews of many traditions to pray and hear the Torah read aloud. The Torah at Peace Synagogue was a gift from members of the German House of One, who were also present on this visit. The spaces of worship are all connected by a hallway and unified in a spirit of interfaith cooperation and dialogue.

We also visited the Crook Interfaith Library, honoring the tremendous work of peacemakers Roger and Mary Ruth Crook. The library is building a collection of resources from major religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Yezidism, and Zoroastrianism.

Though the community is small and many do not know about its work, the Peace Cathedral has friends in surprising places. Weeks earlier, the Peace Cathedral hosted the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. We wondered if perhaps even King Charles III would make the pilgrimage to the Cathedral one day.

I was encouraged that other partners were present on our visit and have dedicated themselves to the Peace Cathedral’s success. Members of the Alliance of Baptists were present, and representative Paul Hayes announced that the Peace Cathedral was becoming an official member congregation of the denominational movement. Representatives of the House of One in Germany were also present for this visit. This community in Berlin is following in the path of the Peace Cathedral to construct a single house of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

We asked Malkhaz how he is still inspired to seek peace in confronting difficult moments and challenging times. “Bad things are usually followed by good things,” he remarked. While not downplaying the hard moments, he explained that when Moses left Egypt with the Hebrew people, it was heartbreaking. But he got to see God on the mountain and lead the people into a new destiny. The Prophet Muḥammad likewise left Mecca fleeing conflict, but found community in Medina. Christ followed a path all the way to a gnarly death on the cross, but resurrection followed.

Back on the mountain, we walked several more kilometers holding our stones. We finally stopped on a hilltop and formed a cairn, or small stone structure. With a view of the mountains, we took a moment to pray, and then enjoyed some food and beverage as we kindled new friendships. Holding little cups of chacha, or Georgian brandy, we raised our glasses, looked each other in the eye and spoke the Georgian toast of gaumarjos, or “victory to you.” As peacemakers, we celebrate the victories of relationships, friendships, and solidarity in our shared journey toward peace. Amen.

**The Rev. Jason Smith is executive director of BPFNA~Bautistas por la Paz. He and his spouse, Myra, live in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. They have four children and share their home with a dog and a cat. For fun, Jason travels, watches Ted Lasso, cheers on the Little Rock Rangers and tries to play the piano like Elton John!

Opening Hymn: Now Bless the God of Israel This text by United Church of Christ clergywoman Ruth Duck is a paraphrase of the "Benedictus," which is often sung at morning prayer. She came to appreciate daily prayer while studying at the University of Notre Dame.



Middle Hymn: The Baptist Shouts on Jordan's Shore Charles Coffin, distinguished scholar and Latin author, was rector of the University of Paris for a time. The hymn, appearing here in a new translation, is from a breviary ordered by the archbishop of Paris to replace ancient Latin hymns with newer ones.



Special Anthem: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come by Paul Manz and adapted by Ruth Manz, from Revelation 22.

Communion Anthem: In the Bleak Midwinter sung by our choral scholars and choral intern.*  Sarah Talmage, soprano; *Naomi Kilpatrick and LeAnn Hammons, mezzo sopranos; Preston Anderson, tenor; and James Wright, Bass

Closing Carols: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethleham, Go Tell It on the Mountain

HANDEL’S MESSIAH AT NORTHMINSTER

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 at 7 PM

As has been the tradition at Northminster for many years, the Northminster Choir and friends, soloists and chamber orchestra will present Handel’s Messiah, Part I again this year. The performance will be in Northminster’s sanctuary on Tuesday, December 12 beginning at 7 pm. Soloists are Northminster’s Music Associate Justin Havard, baritone, Choral Intern Naomi Kilpatrick, mezzo soprano, and Choral Scholars Sarah Talmadge, soprano, LeAnn Hammons, mezzo soprano Preston Anderson, tenor, and James Wright, bass. Former Northminster choral scholar Morgan Meyer, soprano, will also solo. Dr. Deborah Chandler, Northminster’s Director of Music, will conduct. The concert is free, and everyone is encouraged to join us for this Christmas tradition. Please spread the word! For many the Christmas holidays are not complete without hearing this inspiring work in person.

Messiah was composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel. The libretto (text) was compiled from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter by Charles Jennens. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

The music for Messiah, Parts I, II and III, was completed in 24 days of swift composition. At the end of his manuscript Handel wrote the letters "SDG”—Soli Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory". This inscription, taken with the speed of composition, has encouraged belief in the apocryphal story that Handel wrote the music in a fervor of divine inspiration in which, as he wrote the Hallelujah chorus, "He saw all heaven before him". Apocryphal or not, heaven does seem to open for all who sing or hear this great masterpiece. It will again be presented at Northminster TO GOD’S GLORY.

We Celebrate with...

Jimmy Keen (9th)

Cayce Roberts (12th)

Beth Mayfield (13th)

Kassidy Stanford (14th)



as they celebrate their birthdays

Our Choral Scholars, Sarah Talmadge, LeAnn Hammons, Preston Anderson, and James Wright, our Choral Intern Naomi Kilpatrick, our Music Associate Justin Havard, and D. H. Clark led the Sabbath Service at Westlakes Seventh Day Adventist Church in West Monroe on December 2. They presented a beautiful program of Advent and Christmas music, including the solos from Messiah which they will sing on our performance on December 12. The scholars also entertained at the Biedenharn Museum last Sunday evening.

Children and Youth Christmas Program

Sunday, December 17at 5pm

Matt and Lucy's Version Births

Little did Matt & Lucy know when they agreed to help out with this year’s Christmas pageant that the director would give them each a different script and leave them to work out their differences… “Confounded Christmas Fun!”

Children will practicing the music during Sunday School, Youth will practice Sundays at 5:00.

If you need more information or have questions about participating contact Beth (318-348-2529) or Jennifer (318-307-6716)

The annual Chili Supper will follow at 6pm!

Youth Group Meals

Our youth meet every Sunday at 5:00. We would like to offer them a light meal. If you would like to help provide a meal click the link to sign up. They love easy meals. Some suggestions are tacos, spaghetti, chili, sandwiches and pizza! 

Please review the available slots by clicking on the button to sign up. Dates will be added as planning continues. Thank you! We typically have between 10-15 youth and adults. Please call or text Laura (318-387-4446) with any questions!

YOUTH MEALS SIGNUP

No SUNDAY SCHOOL on December 24th or December 31. Sunday School will resume on January 7.

No PUB THEOLOGY Meeting for the month of December. We will resume in January!

TONIGHT!

BIG SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP ON DECEMBER 17TH!

TWO EVENTS!!

SECURITY TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED

If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please contact Lola Wheeler for details. 318-816-1341

DECEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS: ALLIANCE OF BAPTISTS

As with previous years the Alliance of Baptists is Northminster’s mission emphasis for December. Since our founding in 1989 the Alliance has been our denominational home, connecting us with other like-spirited churches and individuals across the country. Northminster member Dr. Jo Ann Alley currently serves on the board of the Alliance, Dr. Welton Gaddy and Craig Henry previously served on its board and as its president, and D. H. Clark and Priscilla Asbury also previously served on its board.

The Alliance of Baptists is a group of progressive Baptists and other Christians committed to enacting God’s love and justice in the world. Founded in 1987, the Alliance of Baptists formed in order to provide a space for individuals who were tired of political infighting within the Southern Baptist Convention. As the organization’s story unfolded, the Alliance would come to provide a theological home for progressive Baptists and other Christians from across many denominational groups. Currently the Alliance numbers about 140 partner churches and a few thousand individuals.

During December, please consider making a financial gift to the Alliance so it can continue doing its important work. You may do so by writing checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line "Alliance Offering”. If you give in cash, be sure to place in an offering envelope and put your name, amount and "Alliance Offering" on the envelope. You may also give online through Northminster's PayPal by scanning the QR code with your camera phone. Be sure and notate "Alliance Offering". Finally, you may give directly to the Alliance by clicking the yellow button below. 

HELP MAKE CUBAN LIVES A LITTLE BETTER

The current economic situation in Cuba is quite dire with shortages of almost everything. Seven Northminster members and friends will be traveling to Cuba on January 25 to celebrate with Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel our beautiful partnership of 30 years. Obviously we are limited to what we can take in our luggage, but we can take a few things. Here are the items they suggest we can easily carry and are much needed there:

Disposable razors

Gelatin of different flavors

Powdered soups of different flavors

Powdered chocolate milk

Different flavors of tea

Light jackets for women (all sizes)

Boxer briefs for men (all sizes, lightweight fabric for quick drying)

We will be collecting these items through January 21st We are using the mission trunk in the narthex for you to deposit items. During this season of giving please be generous and help make the lives of our Cuban sisters and brothers just a little bit better. It also helps them to know that during these difficult economic times for them they are not forgotten.

Thanks for anything you can do!

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT WAS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

The Banner of

HOPE

At the foot of the banner of Hope a black Star of David encloses the Alpha symbol to express the darkness and suffering the world experienced in the beginning as recorded in our historical Jewish heritage. The open book above symbolizes the prophetic foretelling of hope through a messiah. A tree grows from the open book to remind us of the prophecy that through the root of Jesse a savior would be born. The three crowned orbs represent the sovereignty of the trinity over the world. At the banner top is the triumphant purple Chi Rho, the monogram of the Greek word for Christ. Rays of hope emanate down from the Christ symbol throughout the generations symbolized by the living branches.

If you would like to give flowers one Sunday in honor or in memory of someone special, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $125-$150

Many thanks to our Floral Committee (Marilyn Decker, Peggy Caskey, Robert Crawford, Peggy Burns, and Susan Curry) for the outstanding and difficult job of decorating the sanctuary for this wonderful season.