Thursday, December 28, 2023

Happy New Year!

Opening Hymn: This is a Day of New Beginnings based on Luke 1:46-55 by Ruth Duck, 1985



Middle Hymn: In the Bulb There Is a Flower CNatalie Sleeth composed her "Hymn of Promise" first as a choral anthem and then adapted it to this version for congregational singing. It was dedicated to her husband, Ronald Sleeth, who died shortly after she completed it.



Anthem: The New World Forms "A Dance for the New Year" arranged by D.H> Clark and set to the tune SUSSEX CAROL. Pavane for the New Year by Elder James Olson, December 1948, alt.

Closing Hymn: Child of Dreams written by Darrell Cluck and set to the tune MORECAMBE

We Celebrate with...

Turner Wilson (28th)

Shelby Sheppard (28th)

Charlene Medders (30th)



January:

H.T. Garner (1st)

Beth Ingram (9th)

Lowery Thompson (11th)



as they celebrate their birthdays

Youth Group Meals

Our youth meet every Sunday at 5:00. We would like to offer them a light meal. If you would like to help provide a meal click the link to sign up. They love easy meals. Some suggestions are tacos, spaghetti, chili, sandwiches and pizza! 

Please review the available slots by clicking on the button to sign up. Dates will be added as planning continues. Thank you! We typically have between 10-15 youth and adults. Please call or text Laura (318-387-4446) with any questions!

YOUTH MEALS SIGNUP

FIFTH SUNDAY LUNCH DECEMBER 31

Join us at Catfish Charlie's.

No SUNDAY SCHOOL on December 31. Sunday School will resume on January 7.

PUB THEOLOGY will resume in January!

SECURITY TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED

If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please contact Lola Wheeler (318-816-1341) or the church office for details.

DECEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS: ALLIANCE OF BAPTISTS

This is the final Sunday to consider making a financial gift to the Alliance so it can continue doing its important work. You may do so by writing checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line "Alliance Offering”. If you give in cash, be sure to place in an offering envelope and put your name, amount and "Alliance Offering" on the envelope. You may also give online through Northminster's PayPal by scanning the QR code with your camera phone. Be sure and notate "Alliance Offering". Finally, you may give directly to the Alliance by clicking the yellow button below. 

HELP MAKE CUBAN LIVES A LITTLE BETTER

The current economic situation in Cuba is quite dire with shortages of almost everything. Seven Northminster members and friends will be traveling to Cuba on January 25 to celebrate with Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel our beautiful partnership of 30 years. Obviously we are limited to what we can take in our luggage, but we can take a few things. Here are the items they suggest we can easily carry and are much needed there:

Disposable razors

Gelatin of different flavors

Powdered soups of different flavors

Powdered chocolate milk

Different flavors of tea

Light jackets for women (all sizes)

Boxer briefs for men (all sizes, lightweight fabric for quick drying)

We will be collecting these items through January 21st We are using the mission trunk in the narthex for you to deposit items. During this season of giving please be generous and help make the lives of our Cuban sisters and brothers just a little bit better. It also helps them to know that during these difficult economic times for them they are not forgotten.

Thanks for anything you can do!

JANUARY MISSION EMPHASIS:

LOCAL HUMANE SHELTERS



Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter (kill shelter) 417 Well Road, W. Monroe. This shelter needs everything listed.

Human Society, 920 Freight Dr., Monroe This shelter does not need cat items.

 River Cities Humane Society for Cats, 5302 DeSiard, Monroe They need everything listed EXCEPT dog food)

Trunk 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. Most of these rescues have Amazon Wish Lists you may search for and order directly for them.

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT WAS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

The Banner of LOVE

Herald trumpets are representative of the announcement of joyous occasions. Both the IHS abbreviation and the crowned dove are symbols of Christ. When combined with the trumpets they bring to mind the joyous angelic announcement of the birth of Christ. Purple rays at the base indicate the dispersal of the joyous news throughout the earth.

The floral offerings above (December 24) were arranged by

Marilyn Decker and Robert Crawford

The floral offering was given to the Glory of God

And in loving memory of Welton Gaddy

And in honor of Judy Gaddy

If you would like to give flowers one Sunday in honor or in memory of someone special, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $125-$150

Many thanks to our Floral Committee (Marilyn Decker, Peggy Caskey, Robert Crawford, Peggy Burns, and Susan Curry) for the outstanding and difficult job of decorating the sanctuary for this wonderful season.