NEWSLETTER
Thursday, March 3, 2022
|
|
Welcome to Lent
Well, believe it or not, the season of Lent is upon us. In the past two years, there seems to be a distorted sense of time. Our reference points have been messed up in our isolation. It is just part of the confusion that has beset our lives during the pandemic. It is difficult to remember whether something happened yesterday or a year and a half ago. Isaac Watts once penned, "Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears us away, then flies, forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day." This disorientation, disturbing as it is, calls us to seek new ways to structure and discipline ourselves. Clocks, calendars, to-do lists, and smart phone reminders are some of the tools we use in our daily lives. In our spiritual life, the liturgical calendar can help us to focus on its various aspects in an ordered way.
The Gregorian calendar was devised in a partially arbitrary fashion, to follow the pattern of the earth's rotation and orbit around the sun. Our Christian seasons have been set up, over many centuries, to follow the earthly seasons and the natural human cycles. The year begins with Advent in which we long for and anticipate the coming of the incarnation of God's Love. Christmas is a 12-day feast of celebration. In Epiphany, the meaning of Christ's coming is revealed, as happened at his baptism. Following that spectacular turning point, as Jesus did, we need a time of contemplation, of self-examination, of planning, and of creating within ourselves new resolve to better live into Christ's loving example. This should and can be what Lent is.
Perhaps it's the Baptist in me, but I have never been one to see much value in giving up something I like for Lent. Maybe I'm selfish. Maybe I thought that was not what was required of me. Perhaps, God requires something else--do justice? love mercy? walk humbly with God? So, Lent can be whatever you want to make it be. Consider the possibility that we can take on something or some things for Lent--goals that strengthen both our own spirits and that of our fellowship together. Here are a few suggestions:
· Pray: Pray for the state of the world, the human condition, each other, and for our church in this time of searching.
· Learn: Open our eyes, minds, and hearts to resources that teach us how to do justice work, how to become anti-racist, how to care for the earth, how to do church better and take care of each other.
· Get healthier: Take care of our bodies, God's temple, The hands and feet of Christ on earth. Exercise more, eat better, rest, meditate.
· Work: Give of your time and talents to make our community and world better, and especially to help our church recover from the toll the pandemic has taken upon us.
· Give Thanks for, uphold, and support the work of our people--The Coordinating Council, our staff, our teachers and group leaders, and particularly for the challenging and back-breaking work of our pastor search committee.
We are and should be a beacon of hope in a sea of complacency and status-quo that is a hopeless morass for so many marginalized and hurting people. The brightness of that light depends on the energy the work of our people generates. Welcome to Lent. Use the time wisely.
Grace and Peace to all, D H
|
|
Join us for Worship
Sunday March 6, 2022
|
|
Dr. D.H. Clark preaches
"Ah, Wilderness"
|
|
Click the photo to view our Sunday service |
|
March 6, 2022
Opening Hymn: God of the Wilderness
David Evans, 1874-1948, wrote the first four verses of this hymn. D.H. Clark added verse five. These words are set to an traditional Irish Melody, SLANE. We are uplifted knowing that God is with us...everywhere!
Gospel Acclamation for Lent
During the season of Lent, the choir will sing this introduction and response to our Gospel readings. D.H. wrote the text to remind us again that God is with us through this journey.
Anthem: O Love, How Deep
From a Latin 15th century writing, Benjamin Webb translated that was then set to music by Everett Titcomb in 1952. We celebrate that God's love is deep, high and broad....we have this assurance. Thanks Be To God!
Communion Anthem: Call To Remembrance, O God
Richard Farrant, 1530-1581, wrote this early anthem that was published much later, 1983. We are called to remember the loving and tender mercy of God. It is a wonderful anthem for both the Lenten season and for communion.
Closing Hymn: O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free
Recounting the life of Christ, this hymn comes from an anonymous 15th century Latin hymn of 23 verses. It has been described as a precursor of Christmas and Epiphany carols. Set to the tune, DEO GRACIAS, from the "Agincourt Song," England, 1415.
I pray that we all worship together this Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent.
Pacem
Debi
|
|
March Mission Emphasis:
The Renewal Center (formerly The Desiard Street Shelter)
Now located at 722 Adams St., Monroe the Renewal Center is a safe place for especially vulnerable people to find haven, help, hope, and ultimately, home. They work with al of the homeless service providers, making our area much more effective in ending homelessness for thousands of families each year.
|
|
Needs: Styrofoam trays (like go plates with three sections), salt-pepper-knife-spoon-fork packages, all of which can be found at Sam’s Club, Dixie cups, toilet tissue, paper towels, Dawn dishwashing liquid, washing detergent.
|
|
The Prayers of the People |
|
We pray alongside.....
The oppression and suffering of the innocents in war torn countries.
Our Pastor Search Committee as they continue our search for our next pastor
Those with unspoken prayer requests
Bill Krutzer, continuing to have critical spinal problems.
Susan Allain, who had a heart procedure at St. Francis this morning.
Lola Wheeler recovering from an ankle replacement surgery.
Gail Blackman's sister, Debbie, receiving new treatment for a critical illness.
Rodney Thomas, serious eye issue.
DH Clark's cousin's wife - acute illness.
Sybil Lefebvre, in hospital with critical illness.
Ukrainian Exchange Student being hosted by the neighbor of Kim Norman whose family is safe for the moment, but she’s worried if she’ll even have a home or family to return to.
Our Brothers and Sisters in Cuba experiencing severe economic hardships, food shortages, and lack of medical equipment to administer Covid-19 vaccines.
|
|
The Celebrations of the People |
|
We celebrate alongside.....
Natalie Caron (4th), Lydia Duke (5th), Cynthia Rodriguez (5th), Sara Younger (9th), as they celebrate their birthdays.
|
|
|
|
Ella Mayfield: Best in Show!
We congratulate Ella Mayfield who won the Gretchen Dean Best in Show Award at the ULM 29th Annual High School Junior/Senior juried art competition. Works were submitted from all over north Louisiana and 57 pieces were chosen for the exhibit. The exhibition will be available for viewing through March 18
Monday - Thursday 8-4:30 and Friday 8-11:30 at the ULM Bry Art Gallery. Ella is a senior at West Ouachita High School.
|
|
Welcome New Choral Scholar
JAMES WRIGHT
Northminster's newest choral scholar is James Wright, a bass, who is a Sophomore Vocal Performance major at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He previously graduated from Neville High School in 2020 and has been a part of Dr. Deborah Chandler’s choir for 4 semesters. We enthusiastically welcome James to the Northminster family!!!
|
|
|
If you would like to share something in the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
|
|
Sunday School at 10am for
Youth and Children Grades K-5
Sunday School for Youth and Children begins this Sunday at 10am. Contact Beth Mayfield for more information at beth@mayfieldconstruction.net or 318-348-2529.
|
|
|
Northminster COVID Guidelines
The CDC and Louisiana Covid Guidelines continue to recommend MASK WEARING when in public venues and in large crowds. The Coordinating continues to recommend that we follow our state and national guidelines and WEAR MASKS AT NORTHMINSTER CHURCH DURING OUR SERVICES. PLEASE stay home if you are sick and PLEASE, consider getting vaccinated and boosted if you have not done so.
|
|
|
Northminster Book Club
The bookclub's next book is City of Theives by David Benioff. Pot Luck Dinner and Discussion will be held in the home of Carol Ann Tubbs, 3108 Claiborne Circle, Monroe on March 17 at 6pm. Email Debi at chandler@ulm.edu or the church office at office@northmin.org to be added to the book club.
|
|
|
The 2022 Alliance Annual Gathering
A Virtual Experience
April 22-24, 2022
On Jan. 31, the Alliance announced that the 2022 Annual Gathering will be held 100% virtually. To read more about this decision, click here.
|
|
|
|
About the Gathering Theme
For a thousand years, western Christianity has seen the cross through the lens of substitutionary atonement—that Jesus died in our place and reconciled sinful humanity to God. The Annual Gathering seeks to re-examine this theology and explore new atonement ideas through panels, workshops, and worship. The gathering is also an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of rejuvenating fellowship with like-minded followers of the way of Christ.
The planning team is still finalizing changes to the schedule which will be made public soon. Continue to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
|
|
Monroe Symphony League Hosts First Book Fair in Two Years!
After a two year hiatus, the book shelves are full at the Monroe Symphony League's Book Room. Make plans to shop the sale and help support the Monroe Symphony Orchestra!
WHEN:
Saturday ,March 5: 9am - 5pm
Sunday, March 6: 1pm - 5pm
Friday, March 11: 9am - 5pm
Saturday, March 12: 9am - 5pm
WHERE: 320 N. 4th Street, Monroe
|
|
CA Studio Presents:
Anansi, the Original Spider Man
Anansi the Spider is a trickster...but his tricks get him and his family into trouble. CA Studio's production of Anansi, the Original Spider Man at the NELA Delta African-American Heritage Museum shows how Anansi gets All the Stories of the World, but has to be rescued from his "trickseyness" by his six super-hero Spider Children and his wise wife, Aso.
Northminster members and friends Terryn Kimble, Pat Hayes, Norris Duke, and D.H. Clark and Cathy Airhart Webb are involved.
|
|
Friday, March 18 at the NELA Children's Museum. Tickets available for groups 5 or larger for the public performance on by calling 318-516-3939. Individuals/small groups may buy tics at the door after 5:30 p.m. on the day of performance.
Saturday, March 19 at the African-American Museum at Chennault Park. Tickets available for groups 5 or larger for the public performance. Call 318-342-8889 or buy for individuals by cash/card at the museum door.
|
|
Given to the Glory of God
The floral offering on Sunday was given to the Glory of God by JoAnn Alley and in recognition of the Alliance of Baptists on its 35th Anniversary and Northminster's 33-year Association. Arrangement 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.
|
|
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
5:00 pm - Youth
Wednesdays
12:00 pm - Brown Bag Lunch
6:30 pm - Choir practice
|
|
Pulpit Supply Schedule
March
6 - Dr. DH Clark
13 - Rev. Mark Windham
20- Dr. Darrell Cluck
27- Dr. Darrell Cluck
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
