Opening Hymn -  Sing Praise to God, Who Has Shaped

Joachim Neander was a dedicated, caring pastor of the Reformed Church in Dusseldorf, Germany. This was the most familiar of his fifty-six texts, which were published along with many of his original tunes in 1680, the year of his death. The tune, LOBE DEN HERREN was written in 1665. The text is taken from Ps. 68:4, 32, and Ps. 105.

Prayer Response  -  Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ

The response to the pastoral prayer will be the first verse of this hymn. The text was written by Frank von Christianson and published by The Hymn Society in 1074. The tune, SURSUM CORDA was written in 1941 by Alfred Smith, an Episcopal minister who first studied music when he was an adult.

Gospel Acclamation  - Hear Now These Words

DH Clark wrote the words and the music for our introduction to the gospel. It speaks of the love and forgiveness Jesus spoke of so many times. We should go and share this with the world.

Anthem - He Comes to Us

Albert Schweitzer wrote this text in 1948. It is part of his writings “The Quest of the Historical Jesus.” American composer, Jane Marshall, set these wonderful words to music in 1957. The text tells us to follow Christ….and that it is an effable mystery until He reveals to us…..”Who He Is.”

Communion Anthem  -  Ubi Caritas

This plainchant was set to music by French composer, Maurice Durufle, in 1960. The text translates,

Where there is Love…there is God!

Closing Hymn  -  Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

Influenced by George Whitefield’s preaching, John Fawcett joined the Baptist church, and served as minister in Wainsgate, England, for fifty-four years. Yielding to the persuasion of his parishioners, he declined invitations to move elsewhere. He wrote more than 160 hymns. The text is set to the tune, SICILIAN MARINER’S, an 18^th century Sicilian melody. The text is taken from Luke 2:29 and Romans 1: 16.

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.

Mara Loeb is in need of donations of unneeded coats and other winter items for the Detainees Most especially needed are small tops and sweaters. Released detainees, usually from warm southern countries, do not have adequate winter clothing. Please let her know if you can help. Contact Mara at maraloab@hotmail.com or 318-348-3026 or you may drop items off bagged to the church office.

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

Gregg Tidwell Family, on the passing of his father, Carl Tidwell

H.T. Garner, at home recovering from illness

Mary Sandow, at home recovering from pneumonia.

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.

Judy Eddington (20th), Tanya Shlosman (21st), Ann Files (22nd), and Gail Blackman (26th) as they celebrate their birthdays.

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.

Commissions....THE COORDINATING COUNCIL NEEDS YOUR REPORTS!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Edited by Rev. Dr. Alfie Wines, the book contains essays by clergywomen who write of the joys and struggles of being accepted by the church and by clergymen who support equity for women in the church. One such essay was written by Northminster’s former co-pastors Claire and Zach Helton. A couple of the essays are written by Rev. Sheila Sholes-Ross, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, MA, who will be our pulpit guest at Northminster on February 20.

Oh, and there’s another connection to Northminster. Here’s the back story. Equity for Women in the Church began as a community of the Alliance of Baptists. Rev. Sholes-Ross was one of its founders and a board member of the Alliance serving at the same time as DH Clark. Sheila can be very persuasive and convinced Craig Henry that he should become involved. Ultimately Equity became an ecumenical 501(c)(3) corporation with a racially diverse board of directors. Craig has served on its board and as its treasurer from the beginning.

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.

The floral offering on Sunday, January 16 was given to the Glory of God and arranged by Marilyn Decker

To support Northminster financially, you can click here, or scan the QR code with the camera on your phone.