NEWSLETTER
Thursday, August 11, 2022
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Unexpected, Special, and and
Precious Moments in Worship
D.H. mentioned something in our staff meeting last week about little kismet moments that happen in worship from time to time. It’s those times things connect or come together in ways that weren’t necessarily planned. A hymn chosen because it’s an old classic dovetails beautifully with the sermon. The children sing a song that has better theology than anything else in the service (I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together…) or as happened on my first Sunday with you something in worship reminds you of another time or place or group of people.
D.H. and Debi were unaware when they chose the music for our first Sunday together that the writer of “Shall We Gather at the River?” which was part of the chorale anthem was the pastor of the church I served in Pennsylvania back in the 1800s. His name was Robert Lowry and along with pastoring FBC Lewisburg he also taught at Bucknell University (then the University at Lewisburg) and was the best known hymn-writer of his day. If his name doesn’t ring any bells other works of his surely will: “Up From the Grave He Arose,” “My Life Flows on in Endless Song/How Can I Keep from Singing?”, “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and the tune of Fannie Crosby’s “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.”
In fact, Lowry is so much a part of the fabric of my former congregation that they celebrate a Robert Lowry Sunday every January and the hymn closest to their hearts is “The Jubilee Hymn” which Lowry wrote for the church’s 50th Anniversary. It’s sung every Communion Sunday and on all special occasions.
So imagine my surprise and delight to see that “Shall We Gather at the River” was part of our first worship service together here at Northminster. It was as if my former congregation where I learned what it really means to be a pastor and whose people loved Erich and I so well the past four years was walking with me into this new adventure. As if some sort of beautiful, holy hand-off was happening from what was to what is and will be.
I am not someone who believes “everything happens for a reason.” In fact I find that sort of thinking quite damaging and unhelpful. What I do believe in, however, are thin places. Places in which the barrier between the human and the holy dissolves a bit. Where we can feel and hear and smell and experience God in a way that doesn’t normally happen. I felt that way the first time I stepped into Northminster’s sanctuary and I felt it again last Sunday morning. Call it kismet, call it a thin place, call it finding the sacred in the mundane - those kinds of moments in worship are so special and precious. I am grateful for them, for the folks in PA who took such good care of me, and for each and every one of you.
Jillian
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, August 14, 2022
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Rev. Jilian Hankamer preaches:
What's in a Name: Sarah's Laughter
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, August 14, 2022
Opening Hymn: God of Abraham and Sarah
The healing power of praise and the history of God’s dealings with humankind are the themes of this hymn, written by a United Church of Christ minister who is the grandson of Armenian Immigrants. The tune, CONSTANTINE, is named
for his father. James Gertmenian wrote this melody
in 1986.
Prayer Response : Near to the Heart of God
The words are by Cleland McAfee and set to music by Ralph Manuel. “O Jesus, Blest Redeemer, Sent from the Hear t of God.” The text was taken from James 4:8, “Come near to God and God will come near to you.”
Hymn : God of the Women: This hymn celebrates women in ministry in the Bible and faithful women of today. Set to the tune, SLANE, a traditional Irish melody we know from the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.”
Anthem: Inscription of Hope
The Holocaust is a stunning reminder of the tragic results of prejudice and hate toward other people. But it is also a reminder that hope held firm will eventually reign victorious over the greatest of odds. The text was found inscribed on the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany, where Jews were hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Hope was all they had to hold on to: hope was their only bridge to a brighter tomorrow. The anthem is by American composer, Z. Randall Stroope.
Communion Anthem: Come, Share, All are Welcome Here
Composer/arranger Don Schlosser set the words written by David Mears to a beautiful melody by Antonin Dvorak and arranged it for choir. The music is titled Romance, Opus 11.
Closing Hymn: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
William Bradbury met great success by composing hymn tunes and religious songs in a lively, popular style. He also helped establish music programs in New York public schools, served a church, and co-founded a piano company. The tune is SOLID ROCK.
I look forward to sharing worship with you this Sunday,
Debi
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The Prayers of the People |
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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 having heart surgery today.
Carol Ann Tubbs family, loss of son Christopher.
Miranda Seal in the loss of her uncle.
Jay Aro & Family (Ann, Henry & Maxwell). Jay is in ICU in a Shreveport hospital suffering from a head injury due to a motorcycle accident. 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.
Renee Decker sudden severe hearing loss in right ear, working with doctors to restore the hearing loss.
Paulette Capel, anticipating knee surgery on 8/15, and husband Mike Capel who will be her caretaker.
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.
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Northminster Book Club
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. If you are interested in joining the fun contact Debi Chandler at chandler@ulm.edu.
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Northminster COVID Information
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.
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Save the Date!
Alliance Fall Gathering
NOVEMBER 10-12, 2022 in Montgomery, AL
Registration opens August 15!
We'll be gathering at the The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration created by the Equal Justice Initiative. EJI works with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment. It is committed to changing the narrative about race in the U.S.
Check out the programming on our event webpage, and check back for more information as it becomes available.
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"THRIVE "
Prophetic Imagination: Knowing the Biblical Story - Being in the Story
September 13, 2022
If you are a lay leader or clergyperson wondering how to make the work of antiracism an essential part of your church's identity and outreach, this series is for you!
Starting in September the THRIVE project presents a series of learning opportunities focused on developing a congregational ministry for racial justice rooted in a holistic faith.
The first in the series titled, "Knowing the Biblical Story—Being in the Story," features educator, author and Baptist clergywoman, Susan Shaw, and will provide resources and illustrations of teaching the history of BIPOC in America as it intersects with the biblical story. (See Dr. Shaw's bio)
Dr. Shaw, a consummate storyteller, will illustrate how, “stories that are communicated well invite learners into a transformative realm in which old ways of living may be opened up to new possibilities,” as she writes in her book, Storytelling in Religious Education.
The new possibility imagined by the Prophetic Imagination Gatherings is a church committed to racial justice and healing. This new possibility requires “uncommon encounters, profound disruptions, sacred reimagining and prophetic action,” as noted by immediate past president of the Alliance of Baptists Michael-Ray Mathews in Trouble the Water, published in 2017.
The first Prophetic Imagination Gathering will be followed four weeks later, Oct. 11, by a session with opportunities to engage hands on and in small groups to implement and integrate the learning from the previous session.
Register now for the initial session, Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7:00 p.m. EDT to stir your imagination and draw from your church’s tradition of biblical study to address whiteness and enact antiracism.
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August Mission Trunk Emphasis:
Council on Aging Food Pantry
NEEDS: ***Dire need for canned meat, canned chili, tamales, corned beef, chicken, tuna, chicken and dumplins…anything that is a meal in a can basically. Canned fruit and soups such as chicken noodle or any of the chunky soups (especially noodles), rice, peanut butter, jelly, boxed non-perishable food items. They DO NOT NEED canned corn, peas, and green beans.
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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.
The easiest way to get the cards to the kids is to meet the FFLIC team at the Swanson Center for Youth this Thursday, from 2:30 - 3:00. HOWEVER, we realize this is not feasible for most of us. 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.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Barbara Thompson (11th),Janet Haedicke (12th), Ellen Prather (14th), and Susan Allain (15th), as they celebrates their birthdays.
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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!
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Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice.
Upcoming Months
September 25: Installation Service for Rev. Jillian Hankamer in morning worship.
October 15-16: Stagg Lectures at Northminster. Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews lectures on Prophetic Christianity.
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The floral offering was given to the Glory of God
And in loving memory of their Grandmothers,
Effie George and Martha Crooks
By David Culp and Mark Windham
Arrangements by Marilyn Decker.
Due to budgetary constraints, altar flowers will only be provided if giving in memory or in honor of someone.
Cost is approximately $100.
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Of Interest in the Community |
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Garage Sale Benefiting CA Studio!
A multi-family garage sale to benefit CA Studio, owner/director, Cathy Airhart Webb, Northminster member.
Saturday, August 13
3002 Fort Miro
7:00am-1:00pm
Items included, but are not limited to: seasonal wreaths and decor, costumes, and clothing, kitchen items, assorted fabric pieces, assorted tools and utensils, select children’s items/clothing, women's shoes, men's clothing, selected furniture items.
Text Erica at 318-355-1299 to donate.
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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!
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Small Chest Freezer for Sale
Contact the church office for information on a small chest freezer for sale. Renee will connect you with the seller who is a Northminster member. Pictured is a replica of the freezer.
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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:
Monday -Thursday 9am to 4 pm
Closed Friday
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