Our Kind of "Other"

In an effort to learn more about our new home I picked up a copy of The Ouachita Citizen last week. A couple of things in its pages surprised me, including pictures of folks who’d been arrested and a portion of Martin Luther’s “Perfect Harmony Not to Be Expected” sermon. But my favorite inclusion by far was on the “Devotional Page,” under the Directory of Houses of Worship.

Out of curiosity I looked to see if Northminster was listed, starting out of habit in the Baptist section. I quickly remembered I wouldn’t find the church there and so started checking the other headings. Obviously we wouldn’t be under “Church of Christ,” “LDS,” or “Full Gospel.” Some people might try to classify Northminster as “Episcopal” or “Presbyterian” based on worship style but we aren’t listed there either. No, to my delight Northminster is listed under the “Other” section along with a Church of Deliverance, a campus ministry, the Salvation Army, and a Baha’i community in West Monroe. 

Looking at the paper as I write this the listing still makes me giggle because I doubt the folks at The Ouachita Citizen have any idea quite how well they’ve classified us. Northminster is other. We’re different in our inclusion. We’re different in how much of our congregation is openly and beautifully part of the rainbow mafia (our daughter Robyn and her girlfriend’s favored term for the LGBTQ+ community). We’re different in our worship, our theology, our music, even in your calling me as your pastor. 

When Erich and I told people we were moving to Louisiana they were shocked. Not just because it was such a big geographical change, but because they were aware of my beliefs around LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial reconciliation, and my staunch feminism. Those Yankees couldn’t conceive of people in the South holding the same beliefs, which isn’t terribly surprising or inaccurate. But when those well-meaning folks took a look at Northminster’s website they came back to me and said something along the lines of, “Now I get it. These are your people.”

And they’re right. You are. You’re my kind of “other” and I’m so thankful we found each other. After all, part of being Christ-followers is being called to a life that is altogether different, altogether new, altogether loving.

Now it’s time to do the work of sharing our “otherness” with the rest of our community. I have a feeling there are more people in Monroe and beyond who are our kind of “other,” as well. 

Jillian

Rev. Jillian Hankamer preaches:

What's in a Name: Israel

Click the photo to view our Sunday service

SUNDAY, August 21 2022

Opening Hymn: Lead On Eternal Sovereign

At Andover Seminary, fellow students asked Ernest W. Shurleff to write a hymn for their graduation. This is the result. Shurleff became a Congregational minister and in his last years established churches in Europe and did relief

work during World War I. Set to the tune LANCASHIRE by Henry Smart, 1836.

Middle Hymn:  In the Bulb There is a Flower

Mataliew 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 hymn tune, PROMIS, was also written by Sleeth in 1985.

Anthem : God's Saving Grace

Austin Lovelace has drawn on two of the most well-known resources in hymnody by combining a text by Isaac Watts (based on Ps. 96) with one of the most familiar melodies from the Strasburg Psalter of 1525. The opening melodic motif is also found in the hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King,'" and also in many hymnals with the text "I'll Praise My Maker While I Have breath," also by Dr. Watts.

Communion Anthem: Bless the Lord My Soul

Composer James Mulholland set the words of Psalm 103 to a beautiful melody and arranged it for choir. It is found in a collection of worship responses by Mulholland.

Closing Hymn: Restless Weaver

This text was written by O.I Crickett Harrsion in 1988. It is set to the tune, BEACH SPRING, written in 1844 by B.F. White. The tune was first found in The Sacred Harp Hymnal of 1844. This tune is used for many wonderful hymns...ex. "As We Gather At Your Table" is one found in our hymnal at Northminster.

Let's celebration with one another this Sunday. See you in church,

Debi

We pray alongside.....

COVID SUFFERERS - several of our members have contracted COVID. PLEASE, if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of cold, fever, coughing, sneezing, etc., stay home, do not come to church and do not go out in public!

The oppression and suffering of the innocents in war torn countries.

Rodney Thomas, recovering from heart surgery.

Jay Aro Family (Ann, Henry & Maxwell), after Jay's motorcycle accident. Jay's condition has improved enough for him to be moved to a rehab center in Houston.  If you would like to help this new young Northminster family, you can click the "Go Fund Me" link below. You may also access the link for the most current information on Jay.

Aro Family Fund

Renee Decker, sudden severe hearing loss; headed to Shae Clinic in Memphis for steroid shots behind the eardrum.

Paulette Capel, recovering from knee surgery, and husband Mike Capel who will be her caretaker.



Sister-in-love of Debbie O'Neal, Pat, who is battling breast cancer.

Hugh Chandler, father of Debi Chandler, advanced Alzheimer's.

Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.

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.

Those with unspoken prayer requests.

Writing to Incarcerated Youth in Monroe

Letters of encouragement to incarcerated youth is a worthy effort that might just make a difference in the life of a young person whose path is unclear. The cards/notes can just be simple notes of encouragement, no names or addresses.

Renee has contacted coordinator Caroline Durham and if you will drop cards and notes off at the church office in the next several weeks, she will mail the cards to Caroline who will get them distributed.

Work is being done that is targeted at a youth facility in Monroe. The St. Charles Center for Faith + Action is assisting FFLIC (Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcertated Children) is interested in bringing words of encouragement and support to young people housed at several juvenile facilities, including the Swanson Center in Monroe.

You may have see that the Governor announced plans to send some incarcerated youth to Angola due to problems at the juvenile detention center in Bridge City. (See News Article here). Angola is an unacceptable place for children. NOT only will they fail to receive the rehab they need, including mental health services, education, and other treatment - but they will be placed at serious risk of harm if they are moved to an adult facility.

The Center joins with FFLIC in engaging many responses to this troubling announcement. While advocates are working to inform and impact the decision, so as to ensure our young people are in safe, rehabilitative, education-supported facilities, we are focusing on the young people inside.

We ask for people to write notes/cards of encouragment to the youth who are incarcerated. They are scared, worried , and feel alone.

We Celebrate alongside.....

Konner Keen (19th),. Emmy Grassi (24th), Ellen Prather (14th), and Susan Allain (15th), as they celebrates their birthdays.

The floral offering was given to the

Glory of God

And in loving memory of Christopher Tubbs

Arrangement by Laura Duke and Ellen Prather.

Due to budgetary constraints, altar flowers will only be provided if giving in memory or in honor of someone. Cost is approximately $100.

Job and Career EXPO

A job and Career Expo will be hosted by Ouachita Works along with the Ouachita Workforce 81, and West Monroe, West Ouachita, and Monroe Chambers of Commerce. There will be food and many employers seeking individuals to hire. This event is free to the Public. Find a Job!, Get Hired! Discover Your Potential!

WHEN/TIME/WHERE:

Wednesday, September 21

10 AM to 7 PM

Monroe Civic Center

401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy

Monroe, LA

Can You Give this Kitty a Home?

Mark Dennis, son of Camille Peterson found this kitty that was dropped off at Garnier apartments. Mark is feeding and caring for her but not set up to have a full time pet. She is very sweet and friendly and Mark is willing to have her fixed before re-homing her. She is approximately 3-4 months old. Please give this baby a home! Renee says she looks like a Russian Blue!