NEWSLETTER
Thursday, January 27, 2022
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A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
Since we know that no emotion is beyond your care, no life beyond your reach, none beyond your love, we turn to you, Holy One. Forgive us, we ask, for hurtful words, harmful actions, and unhealthy thoughts; for leaving good deeds undone and good words unsaid; for allowing so many to live in the grip of poverty so that a relative few can enjoy the lap of luxury. Move us to work for the world as it could be: A world where abundance is shared, and peace is the norm; a world that knows neither hunger nor homelessness; a world where all are valued; a world in which people forgive each other so that we might live together. With the patience and persistence to make this world a reality, please grant us discomfort with easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships. Help us to preach and teach and write and organize and celebrate and console and challenge in hope that we can together do what others claim cannot be done. Amen
-Rev. Nathan Day Wilson, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Published by the Alliance of Baptists’ ecumenical partner, the National Council of the Churches.
From the Alliance of Baptists’ Prayers With the People received 12/15/21.
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Join us for Worship
Sunday January 30, 2022
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Dr. Darrell Cluck preaches
"God of the Underdog"
Contrary to popular opinion, God is prejudice. God plays favorites. God is bias, bias toward the poor, the helpless, the outcasts, the marginalized, the broken, the hurting, needy, the victims of injustice. In popular parlance: God loves the underdog. The scripture reading selections from Samuel depict the ultimate underdog. And God has a dog in this fight. Through a gritty battle scene, God's favoritism is shown when the runt of the litter, a cute little kid, who cared more about the glory of words than the glory of war, unarmored and armed with only slingshot, defeats brute force and overwhelming odds. God picks a side...our side.
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Click the photo to view our January 30th service |
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January 30, 2022
Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise (Yigdal Elohim Chai
The twelfth century scholar Moses Maimonides drew up the thirteen articles of the Hebrew creed, which were subsequently cast in metrical form (the Yigdal). This translation represents an ecumenical collaboration between Rabbi Landsberg and a
Unitarian minister Mann. The tune, LEONI, is a traditional Yigdal melody that was Adapted by Meyer Lyon in 1770.
Anthem: Lord of the Small
This anthem was written as a dedication to the glory of God and in loving memory of Erin Buenger, 1997-2009. Dan Forrest was commissioned to write this piece by the Chancel Choir and University Choirs of A & M United Methodist Church, College Station, Tx. Erin was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of five. After many years of treatments, surgeries and stem cell transplants, she lost her battle at the age of 13, she died. But not before she became a zealous and successful Congressional lobbyist on Capital Hill and designed glass lanyards to raise money for the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation.
Song in Sermon: At Seventeen
In an interview with Janis Ian, she explained that as a young girl she felt alienated. Mainly between the years 12-14 but “17” fit better in the lyrics. She felt she was ugly, and a misfit….never went to a prom or even asked to a dance. She said that she was being brutally honest in this song. Trivia: she performed the song on the first episode of Saturday Night Live!
Communion Anthem: Holy Gifts
A communion motet written by composer, professor, organist, Sam Batt Owens (1928-1998). He wrote over 270 church anthems while serving the church for over 56 years and as college music professor for 37 years. Setting the beautiful text by Charles Chapman Jr., Owens sets the melody to these words “To Thy table now, I come. Like a little child at home”.
Closing Hymn: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Of Huguenot Protestant ancestry, Frederick William Faber was influenced by the Oxford Movement and eventually became a Catholic priest. He wrote 150 hymns to correspond to the number of psalms. Set to the tune, IN BABILONE, a Dutch melody and arranged for congregational singing by Julius Rontgen in 1906.
Hope to share this wonderful music with you on Sunday. May we all live life as Erin did: to the glory of God. Debi
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January Mission Emphasis:
Humane Society
Needs: Dog treats (such as Milkbones). Please no rawhides, Puppy and Kitten food (canned or dry), Dog and Cat food (canned or dry), Cat litter, Puppy pads, all sizes, all stock livestock food, hay and shelled corn, Animal carriers, BLEACH, BIRKON,scrub brushes, Disposable gloves all sizes, Paper Towels, Tall Kitchen Bags. Laundry Detergent, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Dawn dishwashing liquid, First Aid supplies (like antiseptic spray), Old bath towels, t-shirts, sheets, blankets, etc...that can be placed in cages.
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February Mission Emphasis:
Children's Coalition - Early Head Start
Early Head Start provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and their families, and pregnant women and their families. The Children’s Coalition Early Head Start (childrenscoalition.org) serves 132 infants and toddlers in Ouachita Parish. We care for children year-round, providing everything they need during their time at the center—including diapers and wipes.
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Needs: Diapers sizes 3,4,5,6; Wipes, Training underwear 2T, 3T, Socks, infant, small and toddler, Board books. |
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The Prayers of the People |
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We pray alongside.....
Our Pastor Search Committee as they continue our search for our next pastor
Those in our church and community suffering from COVID infections
Those with unspoken prayer requests
DH Clark's cousin's wife - acute illness
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.....
Tony Arpino (28th), Ava Pugh (28tht), AMark Windham (30th), Jon Caron (1st), Michael Cappel (1st), and Kaylee Grassi (2nd) as they celebrate their birthdays.
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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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COORDINATING COUNCIL MEMBER RESIGNATION / REPLACEMENT
Due to excessive job demands, Claire Carrington resigned from the Coordinating Council leaving unfinished, 2 years of her 3 year term. Per the Nominating Committee and the original voting, Charles Creech was next in line. The Coordinating Council recommended Charles as a nominee to fill the vacancy at the January 16 Church Business Meeting, a vote was done, and it was unanimous. We thank Claire for her service to the Church and welcome Charles to this position of church leadership.
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HAVE YOU SCHEDULED YOUR PLANNING MEETING?
HAVE YOU SCHEDULED EVENTS ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR?
HAVE YOU SENT A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE CHURCH OFFICE?
REPORTS DUE BY FEBRUARY 6
The Coordinating Council will be reviewing Commission reports at their February meeting. A Coordinating Council liaison has been assigned for each commission to serve as an ex-officio member and they are listed below. Commission Chairs, please remember to notify your Coordinating Council liaison of your meeting dates and times.
Coordinating Council Liaisons to Commissions:
Arts - Anita Breen
Columbarium - Peggy Burns
Education - Craig Henry
Family Ministry - Mark Windham
Missions - Charles Creech
Worship - Patti Pate
Outreach - Darrell Cluck
Properties - Al Peterson
Social/Hospitality - Jo Ann Alley
Stewardship - Peggy Burns
Worship - Patti Pate
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Northminster Church COVID Guidelines
COVID cases continue to surge due to the omicron variant. According to state officials we are on the verge of returning to the days of mask mandates, restricted gathering sizes, and overwhelmed hospitals and health care systems.
MASK WEARING AT ALL TIMES, WHEN IN PUBLIC VENUES, IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AT NORTHMINSTER CHURCH. We all are at risk for not only Covid, but colds, flu and pneumonias. PLEASE MASK UP WHEN YOU COME TO CHURCH. Let's do our part in respecting and caring for each other and for our community. PLEASE stay home if you are sick and wear a mask when you go out in public until we get through this surge. PLEASE, consider getting vaccinated and boosted if you have not done so. There is a chance that you may be saving your own or someone else's life by following these recommendations.
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Northminster 2022 Family Care Directories Available Now!
Books are available and located on the hall table. PLEASE sign your name on the sheet provided so Renee can mark your name off the list, as all other books will be distributed by care group leaders or by mail.
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I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME
EQUITY FOR WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
(Book is provided free at the Church)
You’ve probably heard it said that “there is no such thing as a free lunch”. However, at Northminster there are free books! Several copies of the recently published I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Equity for Women in the Church are available for the taking (and READING). You will find them on the table in the hall outside the pastor’s office. Help yourself, read it and then please share with others.
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CA Studio Announces Auditions
Auditions for Anansi...the original Spider Man! will be held Saturday, January 29 at 1pm at the NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum at Chennault Park in Monroe. Additional auditions will be Monday, January 31 at 6pm at Northeast LA Children's Museum on Walnut Street in Monroe. Call 318-516-3939 for more information. Ages 8-adult, no experience needed!
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Northminster Book Club
Our next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6pm at the home of Camille Peterson, 3306 Oakleigh Circler, Monroe. Join us for dinner and discussion of Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding.
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Northeast LA Quilters' Guild:
2022 Quilt Show
2022 Quilt Show will be held in the West Monroe Convention Center at 901 Ridge Ave on Friday, February 25 from 9-5 and Saturday February 26 from 9-4. You may contact them on Facebook under North Louisiana Quilters Guild and on their website at nlqg.us
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Food Bank of NELA:
Empty Bowls
Our annual Empty Bowls event has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 26th. The event will still be held at the Monroe Civic Center, and we are very excited to have even more great food vendors and ceramics artists this year. We hope that you’ll still be able to join us for this fun event that helps provide thousands of meals to our neighbors facing hunger. If you are unable to attend the new date and would like your ticket purchase refunded, please contact our Director of Development and we will be happy to process the refund.
WHEN: Saturday, March 26th, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
WHERE: Monroe Civic Center Arena - 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy, Monroe. Use the main entrance and follow the signs and directions to park.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Attendees will show your email ticket receipt via phone or printout. With your all-inclusive ticket, you can choose a beautiful bowl donated by a local artist.
There will be a delicious tasting from 18 local food and beverage establishments. Click here to see who's participating! Food and beverage vendors will be serving tasting size portions of their tasty offerings for all to enjoy.
Once again talented local artist Leigh Buffingtonwill be painting a landscape live, which will go to one lucky high bidder in the silent auction. There will also be live music from Jeff Hicks and Paul Amy. 100% of your Empty Bowls ticket purchases go to support the Food Bank's hunger relief efforts in Northeast Louisiana. Thank you for helping our neighbors who face hunger!
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The Floral Offering Sunday 23rd
The floral offering on Sunday, January 23 was given to the Glory of God and in honor of Judy & Welton Gaddy and Mary & Tracy Sandow. Arranged by Robert Crawford
If you would like to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $100.
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Upcoming Events
Sunday 1/23
9:00 am - Choir Practice
10:00 am - Sunday School
10:45 am - Preludes
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
5:00 pm - Youth
Wednesdays
12:00 pm - Brown Bag Lunch CANCELLED
6:30 pm - Choir practice
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
January
30 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
February
6 - Dr. James Lamkin
13 - Dr. Scott Stearman
20 - Rev. Shelia Sholes Ross
27 - Rev. Elijah Zehyoue
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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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Northminster Church is located at:
2701 Lamy Lane
Monroe, LA 71201
318-388-3717
office@northmin.org
Church Office hours:
Mon -Thurs 9-12 noon & 1-4 pm
Friday 9-12 noon
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