NEWSLETTER
Thursday, April 7, 2022
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Palm Sunday Tension
Tension causes headaches. I did not learn that in medical school. I actually learned it at about the age of 9 or 10 from the Anacin commercials on our black and white RCA console tv. While I had no idea what neuritis, neuralgia, and tension were, I knew it must be bad and that Anacin, recommended by 98% of doctors, must be the remedy. Not all tension is bad. In music, tension with resolution is what engages the listener and helps make it beautiful. We who have done church for any time at all know that there is tension in what we do, but oh the joy, when there is resolution.
Some of the special days on the liturgical calendar might produce tension to those who really think about the meaning and stories behind the theme of the day. Trinity Sunday is such a day. Some of us struggle with our own theological formation in grasping its full meaning. Try to think deeply and delve into the narratives surrounding these days as we make our way through the church year. There is none so filled with struggle between good and evil, love and lust for power, unbridled, celebratory welcome and rejection as Palm Sunday. It can look like a dress rehearsal for Easter, but look a little deeper.
Worship planning for this day has always been difficult. Striking a balance with the triumphant strains of “Hosanna to the son of David!”, precious children waving palm branches, and grand processions and the foreboding sense that we are entering a week of contemplation, at least in part, of some of the most brutal acts a human is capable of. This is compounded, at Northminster, by the fact that we recognize the official birthday of our church on this day, its charter having been signed on Palm Sunday, 1989. (We now do our official celebration in the fall. It was, quite simply, overload for our worship planners.) At the time of this happy moment, most of us knew that the journey we were entering would not be devoid of tension, but we gladly and faithfully embarked.
In my opinion, the children of Israel were not so much elated, as hopeful that this “Messiah” would come in and solve all their problems with the wave of a magical hand. The word “Hosanna” means “Save us.” He was their last hope. They had forgotten God’s law of love. The fact that Jesus chose a donkey, his means of transportation in the hours just before his birth and the days just before his death, tells us that he considered himself to be “meek and lowly of heart,” not some regal, benevolent magician. He was bringing a gospel of love. The people wanted revenge, not really worrying too much who the scapegoat might be. Just before entering the “holy” city, he was so overwrought with its state that he wept. Still, he proceeded, knowing full well of the tensions awaiting him, but also knowing that this struggle is a part of the whole story that can lead to glorious resolution—Resurrection!
So, let’s go ahead and celebrate the good. Pray for a pretty day for an egg hunt for our amazing children. Flap the palm branches! But remember, they will be burned to make the ashes we wear the next time we enter this season. Tension? Yes. Pleasant? Not altogether. Necessary? I am pretty sure it is.
Be at peace on this tension-filled day and this Holy Week.
D. H.
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Join us for Worship
Palm Sunday April 10, 2022
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WELCOME JAMES AND LIZ LAMKIN
OUR WORSHIP LEADERS SUNDAY
We welcome Rev. Dr. James Lamkin back to Northminster as our guest preacher on this coming Sunday. And we are so happy that his spouse Rev. Liz Harris-Lamkin will also be with us leading in worship. James retired at the end of 2020 as senior pastor at Northside Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta where he served for twenty-four years. He has also pastored churches in Louisiana and Virginia.
Liz is a retired healthcare chaplain who served in several healthcare settings, the most recent being at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital from 1998 to 2020. She also served as an Air National Guard chaplain for 22 years. Before retiring in 2017 she deployed four times, three of those serving US troops in the combat zones in the Middle East. Liz is active in the Alliance of Baptists currently serving on the Endorsement Council (for chaplains) and the Clergy Affiliate Information and Resource Network (CAIRN) planning group.
When Northminster was founded in 1989 James was the Director of Pastoral Care at the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. During the three years prior to our calling Dr. Gaddy as our first pastor, James preached frequently at Northminster, first at our temporary home at Temple B’Nai Israel and then in our sanctuary upon its completion in 1991.
James and Liz’s wedding occurred in Northminster’s sanctuary in February of 1992, the first wedding to occur there. James and Liz currently live in Atlanta but are restoring a family home in North Carolina where they plan to live in retirement. Liz has been the “general contractor” on that project, but it is far enough along that she finally is able to be with us. Please plan to be in worship on Sunday to welcome Liz and James back to Northminster.
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Dr. Lamkin preaches
"Finding Your Place in God's Parade"
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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PALM SUNDAY
APRIL 10, 2022
Procession: Hosanna In Excelsis
Based on a theme by Andrew Lloyd Weber's Requiem, D.H. Clark arranged our processional music foe tenor solo and choir. We proclaim...Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. The choir will follow our children into worship as
they wave palm branches and we sing "Hosanna in the Highest."
Opening Hymn: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Jennette Threlfall of England, who was disabled by two accidents, wrote hymns that inspired hope and courage in others. This text was published in her collection Sunshine and Shadow. Set to the tune, ELLACOMBE, found in a German Songbook of 1784.
Gospel Acclamation for Palm Sunday
D. H. set words to introduce the Gospel reading to music from "the Holy City"
by Stephen Adams.
Response to the Psalm: Give Thanks to the Lord
The text is from the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. Robert Powell arranged these words and set to music in 1990. The anthem was originally written for the Madrigal Singers of St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire.
Communion Anthem: Adoramus Te (We Adore You)
The music is by Renaissance composer, G.P. Palestrina. It is a motet sharing the meaning of this part of the liturgical year...We adore the Christ, and worship Him. The Christ who by the sacred cross and passion has redeemed the world. We praise You now and forever. Thanks Be To God!
Closing Hymn: All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Brought to France by Charlemagne, Theodulph became bishop of Orleans but was later imprisoned by Charlemagne's successor. According to legend, he was released when the king, Louis the Pious, heard him sing this hymn from prison. The tune, St. THEODULPH, was written by Melchior Teschner, 1615.
We will sing and be thankful on this Palm Sunday,
Debi
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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
Carol Ann Tubbs sister, Patty Bewick, dealing with multiple serious medical conditions
Janet Dawson, at home recovering from surgery
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Lola Wheeler recovering from an ankle replacement surgery.
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.....
Arturo Rodriguez (7th), Peggy Caskey (8th), Mara Loab (8th), Norris Duke (9th), Janet Dawson (12th), and Ellen Yeldell (12th), as they celebrates their birthdays.
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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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April Mission Trunk Emphasis:
The Food Bank of NELA
Needs: Peanut Butter (plastic jars only), Beans (dry or canned), Canned Meats/Seafood (tuna, salmon, chicken, ham), Meals in a box/can (chili, mac & cheese, stew), Rice and Pasta (box or bag), Boxed Cereal, Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned soups, Pop-Top food items (spaghetti-o’s, soups) . PLEASE NO GLASS CONTAINERS. Other needs: Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels), Personal care items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap).
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Upcoming Easter Activities |
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REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR BLANKETS AND/OR LAWN CHAIRS! |
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SUNDAY, APRIL 10
PALM SUNDAY, LUNCHEON, AND EASTER EGG HUNT
All Children and the Parents are invited to join in Northminster's Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon and Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn following the worship service. The children will also lead the morning processional into the sanctuary by waving the palm leaves as the choir enters.
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HOLY WEEK LUNCH MEDITATIONS
"Light in a Dark Time" is our theme for this year's Holy Week Lunch Meditations. Join us from noon until 1pm as we gather for food, fellowship and meditation. The Hospitality Commission will be spearheading the food and
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MAUNDY THURSDAY
On Thursday, April 14 at 5pm we will gather in the Memorial Garden's of the Columbarium for Wine & Water followed by a Maundy Thursday service in the sanctuary at 6pm. Should there be inclement weather, Wine & Water will not take place.
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GOOD FRIDAY
On Friday, April 15 at 7pm the Northminster Choir and Friends will present John Rutter's Requiem as we recognize Good Friday.
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Congratulations Ella!
Congratulations to Ella Mayfield for recently winning top honors at the Regional National History Day for her paper “Freedom Abroad, Servitude Within: The Hypocrisy of the Declaration of Independence”. She will compete at the state level on Saturday at the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Ella is one of our youth and a senior at West Ouachita High School. Congratulations, Ella, and good luck on Saturday!
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Youth Assistance Needed
Once again Northminster Youth have begun meeting each Sunday at 5pm and this effort is lead by Beth Mayfield. The group has many exciting plans upcoming along with Baptist Youth Camp July 3-8. Beth is requesting help with leading and guiding the youth as they transition to adulthood. If you think this is a ministry you could add to, please contact Beth Mayfield at beth@mayfieldconstruction.net or her phone 348-2529.
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Northminster Book Club
Our next book is, Conjure Women by Afia Atakora. Book Club will meet Thursday, May 12 at 6pm at the home of Debi Chandler, 2005 Stuart Ave., Monroe for potluck and discussion. If you would like to join the Book Club, contact Debi at chandler@ulm.edu
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Northminster COVID Guidelines
We continue to follow state and CDC guidelines and accordingly recommend that 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. The Coordinating Council recommends that immune compromised and unvaccinated individuals, and anyone experiencing cold or other illness symptoms continue to wear masks during our services.
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Alliance Annual Business Meeting
The annual meeting of the Alliance of Baptists is a place and time where your presence and voice help give shape and form to the future of our movement for God’s justice and love! Again this year, the meeting will take place on Zoom two weeks before the Annual Gathering.
This year's virtual meeting will be held Saturday, April 9, 2 - 5p EDT. Registration is now open!
We will hear from the nominating committee. We will hear from our board of directors about the state of the Alliance. You will be invited to join new initiatives and share your voice! This is a chance for you to join the collective voice of the Alliance as we shape the future of our movement together!
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Come learn about the Alliance!
Come join your voices with others
in prophetic witness to God’s justice in the world!
Come and engage with others who share your commitment
to the embodiment of God’s justice and love!
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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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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
6:30 pm - Choir practice
Extra Choir Rehearsal and Performance:
Wednesday April 13 at 6:45 Dress Rehearsal
Thursday, April 14 at 6:45 Dress Rehearsal
Friday, April 15 at 7pm John Rutter's Requiem
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
April
10 - Rev. Dr. James Lamkin
17 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
24 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
May
1 - Dr. Carl Gregg
8 - Dr. Scott Stearman
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SHE LOVES ME A SUCCESS!
ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts presented She Loves Me, a delightful musical last weekend. The cast and creative team included Preston Anderson , James Wright, and Naomi Kilpatrick, Sarah Talmage (who choreographed the show) (all NM choral scholars), Justin Havard (director), and Debi Chandler, Musical director. It was so well done. We are so proud of ULM and particularly our two staff members and our choral scholars for their talent and dedication to perfection.
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The Masur Museum of Art:
Off the Wall Call For Art
The 13th Annual Off the Wall Fundraiser hosted by the Twin City Foundation to benefit the Masur Museum of Art will be held Friday, April 8 from 6-9pm. The museum is located at 1400 S. Grand St., Monroe. $50 per person.
Artist Packet Submission Deadline is April 4 at 5pm. Artwork Drop-offs accepted April 4-6.
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Northminster Choral Scholar presents Senior Vocal Recital
Evelynn Duval, who is one of our choral scholars will present her senior vocal recital at ULM on Sunday, April 10 at 4 PM in Biedenharn Recital Hall on the ULM campus. Part of her program will be pieces composed for her by D H Clark. She will be accompanied by Dr. Richard Seiler. The public is invited.
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YOU ARE INVITED!
James Samaritan is a 501c3 organization based in Covington, LA and newly expanded to the Monroe area. We hope you will join us for our Open House as we prepare to roll out our new youth mentoring program, LIFE Network. It will be a great opportunity for networking and to learn more about our agency. We look forward to partnering with you to improve the outcomes for our youth in foster care. The support of our community is what makes our mission possible!
Join us on Monday, April 11 at 10am at 908 N. 3rd Street, Monroe. Parking off Hudson Ave. behind location and at Okaloosa Restaurant.
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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
Temporary Church Office Hours:
Tues -Thurs 9am to 4 pm
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