NEWSLETTER
Thursday, July 7, 2022
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A Personal Message from Our
In-coming Pastor Jillian Hankamer
On January 29, 2021 Erich and I went through the worst day of our lives. After 4 years of struggling to have a child I was pregnant, but in my 22nd week I woke up in the middle of the night and knew something was wrong. We rushed to the E.R. and I went inside while Erich stayed in the car. COVID procedures didn’t allow him to come in with me so I waited by myself to be seen. It likely wasn’t more than 10 minutes, but it felt like I sat there a lifetime, shaking, weeping, and working to convince myself I was overreacting. I willed every fiber of my being to become a prayer, begging God to make sure our child was okay. I remember not particularly caring how I might emerge from that hospital.
I didn’t spend long in the E.R. After a quick chat with a nurse and doctor they whisked me upstairs to the Women’s Center so the OBGYN staff could take over. I was surrounded by people but all I could concentrate on was the little life inside me. The next hour or so is a bit of a blur. At some point Erich was allowed to come in since I was being admitted. I supposed that should have been my first clue that something was very wrong. Or maybe the sheer number of staff who were coming in and out of my room should have been an indication that this was an emergency.
But what I remember the most was the silence. The silence of the ultrasound tech as she examined me. Her face was blank and when I asked her what she was seeing she told me the midwife would have to interpret the results. Those results didn’t take long and the midwife didn’t pull any punches. My water had completely broken. Our child - whose heartbeat we’d heard, strong and steady just a few minutes before - was not going to survive. And even if she was delivered alive she needed to be 24 weeks old for the only NICU in the area to take her. She was two weeks too young.
Erich and I then had to make an unthinkable decision. Did we want to let my body try to go into labor naturally? Or would we rather I be induced, speeding the process up with the help of medication. The second option would help with my pain, lower my risks, and gave our terrible ordeal a clearer ending.
We went with the second option. In short order I was given medication for pain and to induce my labor. My nurses were lovingly tender with Erich and me as I dozed, we sobbed, and he called our families. At some point Teigen’s heartbeat stopped. I don’t know when exactly. And then on the afternoon of January 29th I delivered our beautiful, perfect, tiny little girl. I don’t know if labor was the most physically painful experience of my life, but it was certainly the most debilitatingly pointless.
We were able to keep Teigen with us for several hours after her delivery. We marveled over her long legs, long fingers, and flat feet - Erich’s gifts to her. We took in her Walker face - my mother’s family down to the head of dark hair. She weighed just over a pound. We didn’t get to see what color her eyes were. She was the epitome of a stillbirth. In fact, the whole world stilled to just her little face for that handful of hours.
At some point we had to decide what funeral home we wanted to use and if we wanted to have Teigen buried or cremated. Knowing we wouldn’t live in PA permanently we chose cremation. We were told the funeral home would collect Teigen’s body that evening. Then, a bit after 9 PM, the nurse took her away. Erich and I both knew without having to speak the words that if we didn’t set a time frame we’d be tempted to take her home with us. But we didn’t. And less than 24 hours after rushing from our home, scared but expecting, we walked back through those same doors without our daughter. Broken and in shock.
Church, we don’t know each other yet but I feel it’s necessary to share this, my most personal story, with you now for two reasons.
First so that we can all remember how complex human reproduction is and how much we simply don’t know when it comes to conception and being pregnant. My doctors weren’t able to tell me why my water broke so early, though they assured me it was nothing I did. To quote the hospital midwife, “Sometimes these terrible things just happen.”
But Erich and I did make certain decisions. I took the drugs to make my labor happen for my own health but mostly to make that terrible experience end. That decision leads me to wonder in these days following the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade what would happen to me, or Erich, or any of the medical personnel who helped us that day if it was now?
Would our choice to induce labor be considered an abortion? Or do the details of our situation provide enough gray area to keep us out of trouble? And for that matter does the grayness, the myriad of possibilities when it comes to conceiving and carrying a child to term hold weight anymore? How can bans and restrictions possibly be feasible for something as divinely creative and complex as the human reproductive system?
The second reason for me to share our story with you is not, as some of you might fear, to step into politics before I’ve even officially begun my work as your Pastor. For though I believe that politics belong in the pulpit because Jesus himself was political, I do not believe the pulpit (or even messages such as this one) is a place for partisanship. As I told my PA congregation a couple of Sundays ago, I don’t care about your personal politics.
What I care about is your heart. I care about your relationship with God through the tangible expression of Her love; Jesus Christ. I care about helping you live out the message and mission of Christ in the varied and unique way that you are specifically gifted for. I care about how you treat people, particularly the grieving, the disenfranchised, the marginalized. I care about how we go about disagreeing on difficult issues. And I care about us coming together to be a community that reflects the love, inclusion, and relentless grace of Christ.
Christ, who included women. Christ, who depended on women. Christ, who recognized womens’ giftings for ministry. Christ, who was shaped by strong women. Christ, who trusted women.
Whether you’re grieving or celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision I hope you’ll remember who and how Christ chose to treat people, particularly women. I also hope you’ll be mindful of how much gray there is when it comes to having or not having a child. Be tender with yourselves and with each other, beloved.
Jillian
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, July 10, 2022
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Dr. C. Welton Gaddy preaches:
Looking for a Church
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, July 10, 2022
The Hymns—
Glorious Things of You are Spoken
Written by John Newton in 1719, the author of “Amazing Grace,” and included in the Olney Hymns of Newton and Cowper, this popular hymn of praise lauds the city of Zion as a Rock of Ages. Here Zion is a metaphor for the church of God, standing strong in the face of all the foes that earth sets against it. The tune is Franz Joseph Haydn’s melody AUSTRIAN HYMN.
The Church of Christ, in Every Age
Prolific and ever inciteful poet Fred Pratt Green, whose hymns each speak a sermon to all, composed this hymn in 1969. It speaks of the church’s work in doing justice around the world and around the street. We are our most Christ-like when we are the servant church serving the least of these.
Community of Christ
Set to a traditional Hebrew tune, Shirley Erena Murray, another profound contemporary hymn writer from New Zealand speaks of Christian unity and social justice in all her hymnody. This hymn is a charge to be the church which brings about the change the world need to bring about the climate of peace.
The Anthem - I Will Forever Sing
H. Robert James adapted the text of Psalm 89 and set it to the music of Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739), a prolific Venetian composer. It is a psalm of praise for God’s goodness to us.
The Communion Anthem - Lord, Sanctify me Wholly
Jean Pasquet (b.1951) a Parisian professor of music set the 17th c. text attributed to Thomas Ken (1637-1711), considered to be one of the fathers of English hymnody, into a beautiful and simple motet. It is a prayer to be made holy so as to be worthy of God’s grace.
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The Prayers of the People |
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We pray alongside.....
The oppression and suffering of the innocents in war torn countries.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
Lydia Duke and Marleigh Kimble-Keen, Beth Mayfield and Laura Duke for their safe return on the weekend after attend Baptist Youth Camp in North Carolina.
Patti Bewick, sister of Carol Ann Tubbs, having cancer surgery next week.
Marilyn Decker, having knee surgery next Wednesday in Shreveport.
New Pastor Jillian Hankamer, as she and her husband Erich prepare to move to Louisiana in July.
Montserrat Miller, cousin of D.H. Clark, serious illness.
Hugh Chandler, father of Debi Chandler, advanced Alzheimer's.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) recovering from brain surgery, soon to be moved from rehab to assisted living and will follow up with radiation treatments for remaining tumors.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Dibble Pate, recovering from hip surgery in the Guesthouse, Room 500 in West Monroe. Dibble is now accepting calls and visitors. Her landline number is 318-362-5903.
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.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Bishop Nolan (9thth), Robert Crawford (9th), Vickie Krutzer (9th), D.H. Clark (10th), Mary Sandow (10th), Tim Legan (10th), Milan Arpino (11th), Mackenzie Grassi (11th), Paula Thomas (11th), Nathaniel Shlosman (11th), Deborah Chandler (12th), Jean Hartzog (12th), and Hannah Clark (13th),as they celebrate their birthdays.
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Congratulations to Choral Scholars
Preston Anderson and James Wright
for representing the Southern Region at the NATS semi-finals in Chicago, IL.
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July Mission Trunk Emphasis:
Exit 318 (A Goodwill Industry of North LA)
July’s mission trunk focus is the program EXIT-318, which stands for Ex-Offenders in Transition, a program funded by the Department of Corrections, presenting a re-entry accountability plan and program designed to reduce recidivism through a variety of services provided to assist with the transition from institutionalization to community integration. This is a program supported by many companies and local businesses, with a home base in Goodwill Industries.
Needs: Basic necessities: deodorant, razors/shaving cream, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush. Towels, washcloths. New undergarments, socks. Basic cleaning supplies: broom/dustpan, mop, dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, 409, Windex, etc. Bedding: pillows, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters. Coats and other clothing. Gift cards are not advised.
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AN OLD-FASHIIONED
PASTOR POUNDING
FOR THE HANKAMERS
In celebration of Jillian and Erich arriving in Monroe and to help them “set up housekeeping” in their new place (with their three rescue dogs), the Pastor Search Committee is sponsoring an “old-fashioned pastor pounding” for them. As you will see, it’s not actually “old-fashioned”, it’s just the idea that is. For those who don’t know, the practice began many years ago as a way to welcome the new pastor and his family to the church and community. Then, church folks brought a pound of sugar, or flour, or butter, stuff like that, hence the name. Now, of course, there is a lot more stuff besides food that can help ease the move to the new pastorate.
Our suggested list is below. There will be a sign-up sheet on the table in the hallway off the narthex. Please sign up for the item or items you intend to bring. Or you may call Renee in the church office (318-388-3717) to let her know, and she will put your name by the item(s). Please bring your item(s) to the church by Sunday, July 24 and place in the designated area in the narthex. Jillian and Erich hope to be fully moved to Monroe that next week before her first sermon at Northminster on Sunday, July 31.
Here’s the list:
All-purpose flour (5-pound bag)
Sugar (5-pound bag)
Package of brown sugar
Package of Stevia artificial sweetener bags
Corn meal (5-pound bag)
2 packages spaghetti
2 packages fettucine
2 packages linguine
Package white rice
Package brown rice
Package dried red beans
Package dried black beans
Package dried chickpeas
Package dried lentils
Tabasco
Catsup
Mayonnaise (any brand but not Miracle Whip!)
Mustard
Dijon Mustard
Community Coffee (beans or ground but not Keurig)
Community Coffee with chicory (beans or ground but not Keurig)
Package of individual black tea bags
Package of individual green tea/herbal tea bags
Laundry detergent pods (but not Tide)
Seventh Generation “free and clear” dryer sheets
Hand soap in dispensers
Spray and Wash (or similar)
409 Cleaner (or similar)
Toilet bowl cleaner
Tub and tile cleaner
Pledge furniture spray (or similar)
Windex (or similar)
Package disinfecting wipes
Large package of toilet paper
Large package of paper towels
Package large kitchen garbage bags (Force-Flex and unscented)
Package quart plastic food bags
Package gallon plastic food bags
Lamb and rice dog food (Sam’s)
This is the suggested list your committee brain-stormed with some assistance from Jillian. The list is not intended to be inclusive of every need so please feel free to bring other items you think they might can use. However, they DO NOT NEED dish washing soap, dishwasher soap or spices (except for Tabasco that they will “joyfully receive all people want to give!”).
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Sunday, July 17 at 6pm
We will have our Potluck at 6pm followed by the Bi-Monthly Business Meeting at 7pm. One item for discussion and approval will be our "Welcoming and Affirming Statement".
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Commissions: 2023 Budget Review
By now every member of each commission should have received by email the information needed to plan their 2023 budget. These items included (1) the most recent financial report for this year, (2) the end of year (2021) financial report from Connie, and (3) your worksheet for 2023. Your proposed budget is due in the church office by Sunday, July 31.
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Northminster COVID Information
Northminster follows state and CDC guidelines and accordingly recommends that if you are at high risk for severe illness - talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions; stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; and get tested if you have symptoms. Immune compromised and unvaccinated individuals, and anyone experiencing cold or other illness symptoms continue to wear masks during our services.
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Choir Takes July Hiatus
The Northminster Choir will not meet on Wednesday nights during the month of July; however, they will still meet each Sunday morning at 9am prior to worship. Choir practice will resume on August 3.
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VBS July 31- August 3
5:30m-7:30pm
Vacation Bible School 2022 will take place this year at Northminster beginning Sunday, July 31 and run through Wednesday August 3 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.. If you have any question, please contact Beth Mayfield at beth@mayfieldconstruction.net or 348-2529
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Northminster Book Club
A big "Thank You" to Camille and Al Peterson for hosting our Book Club in June. We had a great group of 16 folks and if you are interested in joining the fun contact Debi Chandler at chandler@ulm.edu.
The next book is Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd. Potluck and book discussion will be in the home of Kyle Gregory on August 18 at 6pm.
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The Northminster Arts Commission Presents:
Ella Mayfield Art Exhibit
The art on display in the Narthex is the work of artist Ella Mayfield. A recent graduate of West Ouachita High School, Ella will be attending the University of New Orleans in the fall. Ella attends Northminster and is the daughter of Beth and Damon Mayfield. The exhibit will run through July 15th.
From the Artist:
“My art uses expressions and vivid color in order to exhibit the emotion of the subjects, whether they be people or animals. I gravitate towards portraits because there is beauty in each person’s uniqueness, and I am able to portray them in ways that show what they care for and how they present themselves. Some of my works allow for me to explore different kinds of art and ways of putting down color. Mixed media art brings out different textures and creates intriguing and unique representations of reality. No matter what form I create art in, the process allows for me to interpret the world around me and create pieces that bring emotion to those viewing them. Art has always been an important part of my life. I began my immersion into the subject as a young child painting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, and I look forward to progressing and finding new ways to express creativity.” -Ella Mayfield
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Upcoming Events
This Sunday
9:00 am - Choir Practice
10:00 am - Sunday School for Children (K-5),
Youth, and Adults
10:45 am - Preludes
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
YOUTH: Check our Instagram page for any upcoming summer activities!
Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice. Beginning July 6, choir will not meet during the month of July but will still meet Sunday mornings at 9am
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
July
10 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
17 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
24 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
31 - Rev. Jillian Hankamer
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Of Interest in the Community |
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CA Studio in Collaboration with Strauss Theatre Center presents: Stoneface: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Buster Keaton
Performance Dates: July 14-16 2022 at Strauss Theatre Center
Directed by Cathy Airhart Webb. Justin Havard is the Piano Player (silent film accompanist) and Pat Hayes is doing costumes.
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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
Temporary Church Office Hours:
Tues -Thurs 9am to 4 pm
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