NEWSLETTER
Thursday, March 10, 2022
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The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Thus begins the Psalm for Lent II-C. When we sing and pray the psalms, we sing not only our praises for past deliverances, but also our hopes and assurances of future deliverance through the valleys of death’s shadow. We sing both of our joys and our desperations. Singing is necessary in times of joy. What better way to express our jubilation than to jump up and sing and dance? If we could not do that, we might just explode. On the other side of life is the dark side, times when we think things could not get worse—the sorrow of loss, the grief of utter failure, the longing for love that is not there—the list is endless. We need our songs then more than ever, for, once again, if we cannot express these gut-wrenching emotions, they will eat us alive. Thank God for song.
Undoubtedly, David, its likely composer, was in such a time when he sang it for the first time. It is written in the present tense. Armed conflict seemed to be the order of the day. Hosts had encamped around him, literally overshadowing his much smaller form and threatening annihilation. He knew where his strength, his only strength lay, in the Light and Salvation that was his God’s presence. His only other arsenal consisted of a slingshot and a rock. Was he afraid? I am willing to bet “Yes!” Who wouldn’t be? He was, however, strong in his faith that even if his own parents abandoned him, God would be there and never fail him. This is the assurance that gets us all through.
The world is in an armed conflict, the likes of which have not been seen since the 1940’s, given its threat of escalation to a world-wide level. Our psalmist David and his people must have been feeling then much like President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine are today. It does not take long to answer the question, “Of whom (and what) shall I be afraid?” Yes, we are afraid, rightfully so! The reality of that fear is reflected quite vividly in the faces of those fleeing the misguided, reckless, and marauding hosts that are encamped around and thundering into eastern Ukraine. They are the faces of humanity under a relentless siege. Yes, they, we, have a right to be afraid. Fear is a God given emotion that serves us well in times of danger. When we fear, where do we go. We, like David, need all the strength we can muster, to withstand and to protect ourselves and our people from irrational tyrants. We have to stand firm in God’s word. That strength shows in the photos of those civilians who have donned the fatigues of battle—young men who should be in university or beginning their careers, young women who should be attired in fashionably dress. But they show incredible strength and determination. “Be strong and let your heart take courage! Wait for God.” (Trust in the strength God gives you.)
Let us pray unceasingly that this assurance is ever-present in the minds and souls of those brave men and women who are fighting for their lives, and the millions who are separated from their loved ones and running for safety, and those who are making policy decisions in which the viability of the planet is at stake. “Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. False witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.”
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Join us for Worship
Sunday March 13, 2022
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Rev. Mark Windham preaches
"Living Outside the Margins"
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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March 13, 2022
Opening Hymn: Thank Our God for Sisters, Brothers
This hymn was written for a Union Thanksgiving service in 1948 by Rev. Roger Powell of Camillus, New York. It served as a rallying song for the first meeting of the National Council
of Churches in 1952. The hymn is set to the tune, PLEADING SAVIOR, a melody from The Christian Lyre, 1831.
Prayer Response: A Simple Prayer for Peace
God….please give us Love and Peace in our time. D.H. Clark wrote prayer response years ago. However, we have never meant it more.
Anthem: All are Welcome in This Place
The text and music were written by Marty Haugen. D. H arranged the anthem for our choir. “Let us build a house where love can dwell and ALL can safely live…..”
Communion Anthem: Dear God Embracing Humankind
This text is by John Greenleaf Whittier. D.H. set the text to two tunes, REPTON and REST. He made this arrangement for our choir. The message is that we see and enjoy the beauty of the Peace only God can offer.
Closing Hymn: Celebrate All Human Beauty
Shirley Erena Murray, hymn writer, is an acclaimed New Zealand poet. This wonderful text is set to the tune, BEACH SPRING, a Sacred Harp melody of 1844. It is harmonized for congregational singing in 2019, by D.H. Clark.
I so look forward to sharing worship with you this Sunday, the second Sunday of Lent. Also hearing the sermon by Rev. Mark Windham.
Pacem, Debi
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Time Change This Weekend! |
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Daylight Savings Time begins at 2am on Sunday morning. Please don't forget to "Spring Forward" your clocks before heading off to bed Saturday night! |
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March Mission Trunk 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.
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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.
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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.
Our Pastor Search Committee as they continue our search for our next pastor
Those with unspoken prayer requests
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Bill Krutzer, continuing to have critical spinal problems.
Susan Allain, recovering from heart procedure.
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, Monssarat - acute illness.
The Rick Lefebvre family at the passing of his wife, Sybil.
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.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Page Atkins (11th), as he celebrates his birthday.
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If you would like to share something in the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
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Reminder: 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A New Video of Northminster's Buildings and Grounds
A new video has been added to Northminster's YouTube Channel and was produced by DH Clark. Please click the button below to view the video!
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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:
Friday, March 11: 9am - 5pm
Saturday, March 12: 9am - 5pm
WHERE: 320 N. 4th Street, Monroe
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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.
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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.
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UNITY III: A community Celebration of Equality and Inclusion Joining in Song
On Saturday, March 19 at 6PM be a part of the UNITYIII Choir! Rehearsal is at 10am that morning in the sanctuary of Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, 301 Sherrouse St., Monroe. The event is sponsored by The Bayou Masterworks Chorale, ULM Choral Activities, International Multicultural Affairs and The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Given to the Glory of God
During the Lenten season the alter remains shrouded with no floral arrangement. Upon the arrival of Easter and the Eastertide season, the flowers will once again grace our altar.
If you would like to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $100.
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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
5:00 pm - Youth
Wednesdays
12:00 pm - Brown Bag Lunch
6:30 pm - Choir practice
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
March
13 - Rev. Mark Windham
20 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
27 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
April
3 - Dr. Debi Chandler
10 - Rev. James Lamkin
17 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
24 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
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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:
Mon -Thurs 9-12 noon & 1-4 pm
Friday 9-12 noon
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