Thursday, March 7, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

Women Composer Sunday

The Task Force on Gender Equity of the American Guild of Organists has joined with similar groups in the UK to declare Sunday, March 10, 2024 “Women Composer Sunday.” Just as with other professions traditionally dominated by men, gifted female composers have historically struggled to gain the recognition they deserve. It is a well-known fact that in society in general through the 19^th century even undergraduate level education was discouraged, if not forbidden, for women. This lack of access to training was, as you can imagine, a huge stumbling block for someone whose head was bursting with melody and harmony that they wanted to share with the world. Thankfully, some stalwarts defied societal norms and stand out today as not only creators of some of the world’s best music but also superior in talent and fortitude than their better-known male counterparts, just because of the sheer intestinal fortitude it took to forge ahead, upstream, through a strong current of prevailing male domination.

One of the best 19^th century examples is Clara Schumann (1819-1896.) You probably recognize her married name Schumann. Of course, Robert Schumann, her husband, is well-known. She, from an early age, was a piano virtuoso, whose chief rival was Franz Lizst. She began work on her groundbreaking piano concerto when she was just 13. Her body of work includes a plethora of solo piano pieces and songs as well as chamber music. Grief and the pressures of caring for their seven children following Robert’s death at age 46, brought an abrupt end to her amazing, albeit far too short, career.

Moving to a more obscure time, Hildegard of Bingen (c1098-1179), in addition to being one of the very first known composers, let alone female, was a writer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, and medical practitioner during the High Middle Ages. Her compositions which explored hitherto unknown territories are still being performed today. Other notable examples over the centuries are Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), a published secular vocal music composer from the Venetian school, Marianna Martines (1744-1812), another Venetian, who played duets with Mozart and produced numerous sacred choral works, Maria Anna Mozart (1751-1829), Wolfgang’s sister, who was confined to home while her brother struggled to make his career, but who composed many pieces which sadly have not survived, and so the list goes on with similar stories attached.

Many examples are, fortunately, better known to the general public for the majestic power of their inspired work, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Dame Edyth Smith, Amy Beach, Lili Boulanger, and Florence Price, to name a few. Lili’s sister, Nadia, is especially known as a teacher of such great composers as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.

Perhaps I mentioned a name or two that you might not have heard of. I would like you to contemplate the factors that contributed to their relative obscurity. In our work for justice, if we do not try to dismantle the systems that try to stymy the contributions to humanity that such talented people can make to the world because of their gender, skin color, country of origin, or other bigotry, then think of what we are denying not only them but to all of us and all that is good in this world.

Next Sunday, we will feature musical works by female composers, in the preludes and voluntary, choral offerings and hymns. We will designate in the order of worship, just as we did with African American composers, which pieces are featured. There are so many stories of the lives of these women which are known. I urge you to read about these amazing women. I also urge you to ponder the likely vast field of those who might have been able to achieve the same, but whose barriers proved tragically impenetrable.

I would also ask that you take a moment next Sunday to speak a word of encouragement and gratitude to our Senior choral scholar, Sarah Talmage, who is graduating with a degree in musical composition which she plans to pursue in her graduate programs. She is an incredibly talented musician and choreographer. I, personally, cannot wait to see her body of work emerge and grace us all.

Peace to All,

D. H.

Hildegard of Bingen

Clara Schumann

Florence Price

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS!



Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed Saturday night!

Opening Hymn: I Greet You, Sure Redeemer This hymn first appeared in a sixteenth-century Strasbourg Psalter edited by John Calvin. The original tune Old 124th and text were both shortened to the present meter - the tune for an early English psalter and the text for the 1920 Hymnal of the Reformed Church in the United States.



Middle Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson, 1966 and set the the tune HOUSTON.

Anthem: O Love by Elaine Hagenberg.

The Communion Anthem: Psalm 23 by Z. Randall Stroope and arranged by Northminster Choral Scholar, Sarah Talmage. Sarah, soprano, along with Naomi Kilpatrick, mezzo soprano, sing this arrangement as a duet.



Closing Hymn: We Love Your Realm, O God This poem by Lavon Bayler, a United Church of Christ minister, was inspired by and modeled after the oldest commonly used American hymn, "I Love Thy Kingdom" by Timothy Dwight.

We Celebrate with...

Cynthia Rodriguez (5th)

Lydia Duke (5th)

Naomi Kilpatrick (7th)

Jennifer Clark Richardson (9th)

Page Atkins (11th)

as they celebrate their birthdays

CANDY NEEDED FOR EASTER EGG HUNT ON PALM SUNDAY

On Sunday, March 24 following worship we will hold our annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic.

Prior to this event we are in need of individually wrapped candy, small egg sized treats or filled eggs.

Candy and eggs may be dropped off at the church office Mon - Thu 9-12, 1-4.

MORE HELP NEEDED AS WE CONTINUE UPDATING THE CHILDREN'S ROOMS!

During the updating of the nursery, donations were so generous that we are now refreshing the 3-5 year old room and big kids room. The Amazon wishlist has been updated. Thank you for all the support and helping make this happen for all the youngest of our church family!

If you would like to contribute to this renovation, make checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line the check "children". CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON LIST

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

Holy Week Luncheon and Meditation



Holy Week is upon us. It will begin on Monday following Palm Sunday, March 25. As is our custom we will serve a light lunch beginning at noon each weekday, Monday-Friday. This year the meditations will be lay-led. As a focal point, we will use the ancient Christian tradition of meditations on the Stations of the Cross, a series of 14 points along the Via Dolorsa, or way of sorrows, representing the path Jesus took from his condemnation by Pilate to his being laid in the tomb. The schedule is as follows:

Monday

Introduction

I.Jesus is condemned by Pilate

II. The Cross is laid upon Jesus

III. Jesus’ first fall

Tuesday

IV. Jesus meets his mother Mary

V. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross

VI. Jesus’ face is wiped by Veronica

Wednesday

VII. Jesus’ second fall

VIII. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

IX. Jesus’ third fall

Thursday

X. Jesus is stripped of his garments

XI. Jesus is crucified

XII. Jesus dies on the cross

Friday

XIII. Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross

XIV. Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb

Coda

We are asking members to sign up for one or more of these stations. We will provide a sign up sheet, schedule and a few paragraphs to help jump-start your creative spirits. You are encouraged to share (a) work(s) of art (any art form) to deepen the impact. Pictures may be projected.

Importantly: There is around 20 minutes for each of the 5 days. Therefore, the meditations are each no longer than 7 minutes.

We are asking members to think of ways that these stops along the Via reflect or relate to steps along the journey every human pilgrim takes in this troubled world. Rather than just think of these steps as points of time in history, we would like to use them as metaphors and life lessons that speak to us today.

Since this tradition is primarily practiced in the Catholic Church today, it may be new territory for us. However, as with every biblical story, whether historic or in parable, we find deep meaning in contemporary context.

This congregation has as much or more creativity per capita than any in Christendom. This is a good opportunity to share that with each other.

Northminster Book Club

Our next book is The Women by Kristin Hannah. Join us for potluck and discussion on Tuesday, March 19 at 6pm in the home of Kyle Gregory.

PIATIGORSKY CONCERT

THE PIATIGORSKY FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AND PUBLIC OUTREACH

Friday, March 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Northminster Church in Monroe, Louisiana

Concert is Free

The program will feature masterpieces performed by two outstanding Piatigorsky Foundation artists:  Katherine Calcamuggio Donner, mezzo-soprano and Siwon Kim, piano

For over 33 years, The Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first-timers. It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances, and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences. Last season, The Foundation presented a tour of 9 concerts in Louisiana reaching over 570 people in Monroe, Shreveport and Alexandria.  Likewise, this year The Piatigorsky Foundation aims to reach hundreds of people across the North Louisiana region to increase awareness and appreciation of classical music in communities throughout the state. 

KATHERINE CALCAMUGGIO DONNER is an award-winning mezzo-soprano. She has been featured in important role and company debuts across the United States, eliciting kudos for her “soaring, rich voice” (The Miami Herald), her “polished musical and dramatic characterizations” (Kurt Weill Newsletter) and her “fine coloratura technique” (Philadelphia Inquirer). During the 2019-2020 season, Ms. Calcamuggio returned as the mezzo-soprano soloist with the Louisville Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah, with Heidelberg University Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah and with the University of Louisville’s Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s Mass in C. An active recitalist, she has performed with the Piatigorsky Foundation across the United States; and has given recitals in Chicago with the American Opera Society and the Chicago Lyric Opera Lake Geneva Chapter. As a winner of the coveted concerto competition at University of Michigan, she made her Hill Auditorium debut with the UM orchestra singing John Corigliano's Mr. Tambourine Man. Ms. Calcamuggio holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from University of Michigan, a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice at University of Louisville.

SIWON KIM, a choral conductor and a piano accompanist, earned a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Louisville in 2023. Currently contributing to the vibrant musical landscape at the University of Louisville, Siwon specializes in accompanying vocal performances within the voice area. Notably, his talents have extended to collaborations with the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) as an All-State SATB Choir accompanist, showcasing their versatility and skill on a broader stage. The journey to musical mastery began at the Korea National University of Arts, where Siwon obtained both a Bachelor's and a subsequent Master's degree in Choral Conducting, in 2008 and 2013, respectively. Siwon Kim's rich academic background and diverse experiences affirm their status as a dedicated and accomplished piano accompanist in the realm of choral music.

About The Piatigorsky Foundation: Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music. He once said, “Music makes life better. Music is a necessity. It is rich. It is imaginative. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone.” The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances. 

PUB THEOLOGY

Thursday, March 21 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

MARCH MISSION EMPHASIS:

THE RENEWAL CENTER

Northminster’s Mission Emphasis for March is The Renewal Center, formerly the DeSiard Street Shelter. This is a nonprofit 501(C)3 located at 722 Adams Street in Monroe that is a Christ-Centered Ministry assisting those in need to find hope and healing through the gospel. They assist anyone who may be struggling and provide them with the resources and support they need to get back on their feet. The Center believes that everyone deserves a chance, and they do everything they can to help anyone who comes for assistance and are hopeful that their work will make a positive impact in the community.

Items needed for the Mission Trunk include: 3-compartment to-go trays, trash bags, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, adult diapers (All sizes), toilet paper, cleaning supplies, water (bottles, jugs, etc.), coffee and coffee cups, paper towels, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products.

HOMEGROWN TO PLAY

BOILING POINT SATURDAY MARCH 16 from 6 - 9 PM

Renee Decker, invites you all to carpool north to Bastrop to the Boiling Point located at 1930 N. Washington Street. This is set up similar to Cormier's with outdoor tables, heaters, great food and drinks (crawfish, shrimp, crab legs, boudin, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans/rice, etc), and of course live music! If you've enjoyed 2/5ths of this band at Open Mic Nights, please carpool up to Bastrop and see what the entire band can do! Fun times!

Directions: From 165 N come just past the courthouse and turn left on the square on to 425N. Travel straight approximately 2 miles and the Boiling Point will be on the right at a light at the corner of N. Washington and Cherry Ridge Road.

8th Annual Food Bank Empty Bowls 2024

The Food Bank's Empty Bowls event will be held Saturday, April 6 at the Monroe Civic Center arena. With an all-inclusive event ticket, guests can choose a beautiful bowl to take home as a reminder of all of the empty bowls in our community. Enjoy a tasting from over a dozen local restaurants, live music, a silent auction and more. All proceeds benefit the Food Bank’s hunger relief efforts in Northeast Louisiana.