NEWSLETTER
Thursday, October 28, 2021
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A scholar of the Reformation reflects on Reformation Sunday:
A single event on a single day changed the world. It was October 31, 1517. Brother Martin, a monk and a scholar, had struggled for years with his church, the church in Rome. He had been greatly disturbed by unprecedented indulgence sales. Bishops, with the papal blessing, sold indulgences (forgiveness) for past, present, and future sins. All of this sickened the monk Martin Luther. Can we buy our way into heaven? Luther had to speak out.
But why is Reformation Sunday October 31? November 1 held a special place in the church calendar as All Saints’ Day. On November 1, 1517, a massive exhibit of newly acquired relics would be on display at Wittenberg, Luther’s home city. Pilgrims would come from all over, genuflect before the relics, and take hundreds, if not thousands, of years off time in purgatory. Luther’s soul grew even more vexed. None of this seemed right.
Dr. Martin Luther, in true professorial fashion, took quill in hand, dipped it in his inkwell and penned his Ninety-Five Theses on October 31, 1517. These were intended to spark a debate, to stir some soul-searching among leaders in the church. The Ninety-Five Theses sparked far more than a debate. The Ninety-Five Theses also revealed the church was far beyond rehabilitation. It needed a reformation. The church—and the world—would never be the same.
What is Reformation Day? It is the day the light of the gospel broke forth out of darkness. It was the day that began the Protestant Reformation. It was a day that led to Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and many other Reformers helping the church find its way back to God’s Word as the only supreme authority for faith and life and leading the church back to the biblical doctrines of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It kindled the fires of missionary endeavors, it led to hymn writing and congregational singing, and it led to the centrality of the sermon and preaching for the people of God. It is the celebration of a theological, ecclesiastical, and cultural transformation.
Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, President of Reformation Bible College
For a more critical view of the results of the Reformation, tune in Sunday morning.
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Join us for Worship
Sunday October 31, 2021
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Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Darrell Cluck preaching
"Reformed by Love"
Click photo below for a link to the live stream on YouTube which will begin
around 10:45 AM on Sunday morning October 10.
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Our Worship in Song
October 31
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Opening Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
There is speculation that this psalm paraphrase was written in 1527 when Martin Luther’s friend was burned at the stake, or in 1529, when Lutheran German princes protested the revocation of their liberties. It has been translated into more than fifty languages.
Gospel Acclamation : For All the Saints
D. H. Clark has taken an anthem by Scottish composer, John Bell, set to the familiar tune, O WALY WALY, and arranged our Gospel Acclamation and response. The text…”Bless all those who have shown their love in how they live”….Amen and Amen!
Anthem: For All the Saints
This is a traditional All Saints Day hymn by William W. How which consisted of eleven stanzas written for the Sarum Hymnal (1869) and set to a tune by that name, Sarum. It has grown in popularity since it was later paired with the enduring SINE NOMINE tune by English composer, Ralph Vaughan William, in The English Hymnal (1906). The choir will sing an arrangement of this hymn by Earl Rosenberg in 1951.
Communion Anthem: O Saints in Splendor Sing
The text is by Sylvia Dunstan and offered here with spoken memories of those gone before….those who have brazed the trail, given us strength, touched our lives.
Closing Hymn: I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
The text was included in Lesbia Scott’s Everyday Hymns for Little Children with her original words, music, and illustrations. A native of Britain, Scott was also the author of six published plays and enjoyed painting until her death in 1986.
I hope to share this day of reformation and remembrance of those who have gone before with all of you,
Debi
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A Special Opportunity
November Mission Emphasis
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"The Center for Children and Families Christmas Project
November's Mission Emphasis
As usual our November Missions Emphasis will be The Christmas Project by The Center for Children and Families. This year we will have 15 children available to be sponsored. You will find a signup sheet and the children's wish lists on the table in the hall. Gifts are due by Monday, November 29th at the center located at 622 Riverside Drive, but feel free to get them in as soon as you can. Please remember that the gifts need to be new and unwrapped.
You can simply put them 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.
We are also asking that if you do not wish to take an individual child, that you make toy donations directly to the Mission Trunk so that the Center will have "filler gifts" to fill out those wish lists that need additional toys. Suggestions are baby dolls, footballs, basketballs, etc..., games, clothing items such as hoodies, NFL, NBA apparel, costume jewelry,
Also, 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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The Prayers of the People
An opportunity to celebrate and pray alongside siblings in our community.
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We pray alongside.....
For our Pastor Search Committee as we continue our search for
Northminster's next pastor.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
Bill Krutzer having back surgery on November 3.
Ralph Asbury dealing with a serious illness.
Matthew Stewart, former choir scholar and member, dealing with a serious illness.
Ray Roberson's Grandmother dealing with a serious illness.
Miranda Seal's cousin's 11 yr. old son dealing with a serious illness.
Mike Cappel experiencing serious health issues. Paulette Cappel as she navigates his daily care.
Marc Bloch experiencing serious health issues.
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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If you have concerns or celebrations you would like us to add to the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
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Children and Youth at Northminster |
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Children and Youth Night
a Great Success!
Last Sunday night a group of six younger children, six middle school children and three high school youth met at the church for the kick off of the children's and youth fall programs. Hot dogs and chili (both meat and vegetarian), chips, fruit, cookies and drinks were served, thanks to Barbara Thompson, Beth Mayfield and Ellen Prather. They all completed an art project and Kathy Webb presented a Bible story to the younger kids. The event was held outside, the weather was perfect and everyone had such FUN!!!
The Children will start meeting monthly with the next meeting date to be announced.
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The Youth will start meeting every Sunday evening at 5pm beginning November 7. Their leaders are Laura Duke and Mackenzie Grassi.
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The Work of the People
How we are responding to the Spirit of Love
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Reminder To Commissions
Please meet within the next couple of weeks to discuss fall programming and activities for the remainder of the year. Send your written reports to the Church Office before November 11 in preparation for the Coordinating Council meets on November 14. Our ByLaws state Commissions are 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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Dr. Welton Gaddy's Interview with Author, Joan Chittister
The Women's Sunday School Class recently began a study of Joan Chittister's book, "The Time is now." Dr. Gaddy interviewed Ms. Chittister on his State of Belief program last week. Tune in to the Podcast to hear this inciteful and inspiring interview.
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October's Mission Trunk:
Asylum Seekers
Needs: Reusable grocery bags, Phone cards, Trak phones, Unlocked used smartphones less than five years old (with the name of the last provider AT&T, Verizon, or TMobile noted with the phone). Fast food gift cards that can be given or used to get food for the detainees once they are released. Walmart gift cards, VISA gift cards. Snack food (such as cheese and peanut butte crackers, Chicken salad and crackers, breakfast bars; food items that can be stored and given for snacks on the plane or bus. Toiletry bags that include toothbrush, combs, brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, shaving cream, shaving razors, and women's sanitary products that can be added to a small toiletry bag. Also, universal chargers, and charging cubes.
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Keeping You Informed
What you need to know
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Join Us for Lunch!
This Sunday Family Ministries is hosting the 5th Sunday Lunch at Catfish Charlies. Come join us for food and fellowship!
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Welcome Back Renee!!!
Renee Decker, our church secretary, will return to work full time on Monday, November 1, following recovery from heart surgery back in July. She has been working from home and a few hours a couple days a week the last couple of months. Please welcome Renee back after a very difficult time.
Our Church office hours are Monday-Thursday
from 9am-12pm and 1pm - 4pm, and Fridays from 9am-12pm.
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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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A Floral Offering
To the Glory of God.
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Last Sunday's Floral Offering
The October 24 floral offering in the Narthex and the Sanctuary was given to the Glory of God and in honor of and friendship to Randy Cory by Bill Kight and Paige Atkins.
Arrangement by Peggy Caskey.
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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Around NELA
Of Interest in our Communities
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Bayou Masterworks Chorale
and ULM Concert Choir Present:
Jubilate Deo by Dan Forrest. The performance will take place at Parkview Baptist Church on Novenber 8 at 7pm at Parkview Baptist Church. A donation of $10 is suggested.
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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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Giving to Northminster
Support Northminster
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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 10/31
9:00 am - Choir Practice
10:00 am - Sunday School
10:45 am - Preludes
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
12:00 pm - 5th Sunday Lunch Catfish Charlie's
Wednesdays
12:00 pm Brown Bag Lunch
6:30 pm Choir practice
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
October
31 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
November
7 - Dr. Scott Stearman
14 - Dr. C. Welton Gaddy
21 - Rev. Mark Windham
28 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
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Northminster Church is located at:
2701 Lamy Lane
Monroe, LA 71201
318-388-3717
office@northmin.org
Our office email is the best way to
contact us at this time!
You may access our website at:
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