NEWSLETTER
Thursday, November 11, 2021
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Join us for Worship
Sunday November 14, 2021
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Are We Ready for the Immensity of God's Love?
Having lived through the nightmarish horror of the past 20 months, we may have, at some time or other, cried (with the psalmist) "God why did you forsake us in this time." We helpless watched and waited as we would hear the news of the numbers of people, increasing exponentially by the day, whose lives and that of their families were shattered by this novel virus. Deaths tolls mounted so rapidly, that it became impossible to honor with respect those whom we had lost. Health care workers and facilities were overwhelmed, exhausted, and showed a frightening pessimism we had never seen from them. The only thing we could not be sure of was who would be the next victim, for we were sure there would be many. Whose family would see their loved one put in an ambulance and not see them again until either their sheer human will and God-given strength would win the battle, get them off the ventilator, and be discharged, at times, after months and months, or, tragically, ever again? Had the world committed some unpardonable sin?
The scripture for this Sunday from Hebrews 10 reminds us that God's love and grace, and forgiveness, are always there for us. When times are good and seemingly carefree, it is easy to talk about the goodness of God. If we understand, at least in some way, the vast, unwavering, love God has for us, we can grasp the concept that God does not cause bad things to happen to us and to others, certainly not for punishment, for there is forgiveness for all, at all times, total absolution, not earned, possibly not even deserved, but there, because of love.
Most of all, God does not forsake us, ever. As the old song says, "Just when I need Him most," God (and Jesus) are there standing beside us, giving us grace and strength to weather the storms in a way not possible without that grace. We may be forever changed because of what happened, but we will never enter that abyss of grief alone.
An understanding of this gift also challenges us. The writer in this chapter quotes the Holy Spirit, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope...promise to all...and...provoke one another to love and good deeds...and not neglect to meet together and encourage one another" through these storms of life, which will inevitably come our way. It is in the faces and actions of those who care and love us that we see the face of God, and can come to grips with the fact that God's love is the fiercest force at work in our lives, stronger than death, stronger than grief, stronger than loss.
Peace and Joy to the loving communion of faith that is Northminster Church
Dr. D. H. Clark
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Rev. Dr. Darrell Cluck preaches Sunday.
"Paroxysms of Love"
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Click photo below for a link to the live stream on YouTube which will begin
around 10:45 AM on Sunday morning November 14.
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Our Worship in Song this Sunday |
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Opening Hymn : Love Divine, All Loves Excelling This hymn is said to have been suggested by a “Song of Venus” from Dryden’s King Arthur. It is one of 6,500 written by Charles Wesley, the “sweet singer of Methodism,” who was skilled at interweaving literary and scriptural images. The hymn is set to the tune, BEECHER, by John Zundel composed in 1855.
Anthem: O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
The text by George Matheson(1842 – 1906), was set so beautifully by Elaine Hagenberg in 2016.
“O Love, that will not let me go…I rest my weary Soul in Thee.” A lovely and amazing setting of this beautiful text, is another way to look at love for the message for Sunday’s sermon.
Communion Anthem: Set Me As A Seal Upon our Heart In 1989, composer/conductor Rene Clausen set this Song of Solomon text to a beautiful melody and arranged for choir. Clausen incorporated this setting into his larger work, A New Creation a few years later. Our choir has sung this work a few years ago and this anthem many times. The text shares…”many waters cannot quench love….neither can they drown it. For love is strong as death”!
Closing Hymn: Make Me a Captive Lord The text was written in 1890 by George Matheson. Set in 1953 to a beautiful tune, DIADEMATA, written by Donald Husted in 1953. The text is from Matthew 10:39: “Those who lose their life for my sake, will find it.”
I look forward to sharing worship with you this Sunday and hearing the thoughts and encouragement from Rev. Darrell Cluck. See you Sunday,
Debi
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"The Center for Children and Families Christmas Project
November's Mission Emphasis
- DO NOT DROP SONSORED CHILDREN'S GIFTS OFF AT THE CHURCH
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Deliver your gifts between now and Monday, November 29th at the center located at 622 Riverside Drive
- Gifts must be new and unwrapped
Put gifts in a garbage bag or bag that can be easily opened and place the child’s wish list inside the bag. Feel free to get any of the items from the wish list that you would like. Our only requirements are that they receive one outfit (shirt, pants) and at least one toy/item from their list. Please no gift cards.
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NARTHEX TRUNK ITEMS: if you would prefer to make general item donations you may donate directly to the Mission Trunk so that the Center will have "filler gifts" to fill out those wish lists that need additional items. Items must be in the trunk no later than Sunday November 28. Ideas are: baby dolls, footballs, basketballs, games, clothing items such as hoodies, NFL, NBA apparel, costume jewelry, NO CASH, CHECKS OR GIFT CARDS.
All donations are tax deductible, so for your tax purposes, The Center for Children and Families, Inc., EIN 72-1436720, P.O. Box 9493, Monroe, Louisiana 71211-9493, is a 501(c) (3) corporation. A form will also be available for you when you drop off your gifts.
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Blankets for Seniors
The Ouachita Council on Aging and the Communities Acting to Benefit Louisiana's Elderly have teamed up to sponsor the "Warm Up Ouachita Blanket Drive to help keep a senior cozy and warm this winter.
Drop off location: Ouachita Council on Aging, 2407 Ferrand St., Monroe between 9am and noon Monday-Friday. More info call 387-0535
Throws are accepted but full size blankets that will cover a bed are preferred!
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The Prayers of the People |
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We pray alongside.....
For our Pastor Search Committee as we continue our search for our next pastor
Those with unspoken prayer requests
Bill Krutzer - back surgery
Elvis Stelly - serious illness
Ralph Asbury - serious illness
Marc Bloch - serious health issues
Mike Cappel - serious health issues. Paulette Cappel as she navigates his daily care.
Our Brothers and Sisters in Cuba experiencing severe economic hardships, food shortages, and lack of medical equipment to administer Covid-19 vaccines.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Anna Ham (11th), Tim Eich (13th), Heidi McKenzie (13th), Mel Mobley (14th), Ken McKenzie (17th),Carol Ann Tubbs (17th), Charli Archer (17th) and Scout Archer (17th)
as they celebrate their birthdays
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We celebrate alongside.....
Milan Arpino, graduates from ULM in December. She was one of 11 students selected to attend the WSIA (Wholesale Specialty Insurance Association) Annual Marketplace Convention in San Diego, CA. This is a prestigious honor for our Northminster Choral Scholar. Congratulations!
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We celebrate alongside.....
Preston Anderson, Naomi Kilpatrick, and Sarah Talmage, three of Northminster's Choral Scholars who attend ULM, auditioned for and advanced to the semi-finals of the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition. This weekend they will compete in the semi-finals, and could go on to the finals. Congratulations!
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If you have joys or concerns you would like us to add to the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
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Children's Monthly Activity Time
The children will gather Sunday at 5:00 for their monthly activity. A light supper will be held outside followed by Thanksgiving crafts and activities. Please bring a mask to be worn indoors.
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"RIDES TO CHURCH"
New Transportation Ministry Will you help?
A few people in our fellowship, living in West Monroe and in Monroe, would love to come to our services but do not have transportation. We are looking for someone to help coordinate/give rides to church. This would only take a few minutes of your time on a Sunday morning and would mean so much to those on the receiving end. Please call or email the Church office if you are willing to be a part if this ministry.
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Important Business Meeting
Sunday, November 21 at 6pm
During the bi-monthly business meeting on Sunday November 21, an election will be held to select three new members of the coordinating council. The nominees are: Jo Ann Alley, Darrell Cluck, Charles Creech, Susan Curry, Bobbye Legan, and Mark Windham. The three chosen will join the remaining council members, Peggy Burns, Anita Breen, Patti Pate, Craig Henry, Claire Carrington, and Al Peterson. Please make plans to be in attendance.
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Urgent - Commissions!
Your written report concerning programming and activities for the remainder of the year along with names of those willing to serve a three year term on your commission is due in the Church Office by noon TOMORROW, November 12 in preparation for the Coordinating Council meeting on November 14. Each commission except Columbarium will need to replace two members rotating off. Our ByLaws state Commissions are to have meetings no less than quarterly. The Church has been struggling to get back to the business of doing and being church in all areas. WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!
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Northminster COVID Guidelines Revised
This week, Gov. Edwards lifted his statewide COVID mask mandate except for schools. The Coordinating Council has reviewed this recommendation and after discussion recommends the following revision to Northminster’s COVID Guidelines:
We will NO longer REQUIRE masking, but we will continue to strongly recommend mask wearing, especially for those highly immuno-compromised and unvaccinated individuals, and because we are now well into the flu season. We encourage and strongly recommend vaccination and masking for unvaccinated individuals of all ages. We will continue to require children workers to wear masks and be vaccinated, along with any other persons entering the child care areas of the church. We will continue to require vaccinations for all worship leaders. As we have all now become more aware of highly transmissible viruses and infections, we ask anyone who is coughing, sneezing, feverish, experiencing congestion, or feeling ILL in anyway to please stay home until such time as these symptoms are resolved. Any and all of these guidelines are subject to change as we move forward.
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Free HP Ink Cartridges Available
The church office has four ink cartridges for HP inkjet printers which we no longer have. If your home printer uses any of these cartridge numbers, please feel free to take them from Renee's desk. Available are:
HP 78 Tri-color
HP 932XL Black
HP 933 Cyan
HP 933 Magenta
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Last Sunday's Floral Offering
The November 7 floral offering was given to the Glory of God and arranged by Marilyn Decker
If you wish to give flowers in honor or in memory of someone, please contact the church office . Approximate cost is $100.
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Of Interest to our Community |
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Christmas Gala at Northwestern State University
Northminster's own Robert McCandlish is in his senior year at NSU, so it’s his last Gala performance. He will dance as the Cajun Nutcracker and will perform with a couple of other groups.
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Sing in Greece!
July 7 - 17, 2022 sing the Mozart Requiem in Athens and In Syros in the "Sacred Music Sunset Series" at St .Nicholas Cathedral.
Tour the islands of Hydra, Poros, Aegina and of course, the Parthenon in Athens and the ancient city of Corinth.
You can choose to go as a singer or non-singer! Please consider and let Debiknow!
Deposit $400 due December 10th.
$2800 plus airfare...from Dallas is under
$1000 at present.
318-348-0788
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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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Upcoming Events
Sunday 11/14
9:00 am - Choir Practice
10:00 am - Sunday School
10:45 am - Preludes
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
5:00 pm - Youth
5:00 PM - Children's Activity Time
Wednesdays
12:00 pm Brown Bag Lunch
6:30 pm Choir practice
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
November
14 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
21 - Rev. Mark Windham
28 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
December
5 - Rev. Jason Smith
12 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
19 - Rev. Kyndall Rathaus
26 - Dr. Deborah Chandler
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Northminster Church is located at:
2701 Lamy Lane
Monroe, LA 71201
318-388-3717
office@northmin.org
Office hours are M-Th 9-12 and 1-4
Friday 9-12
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