NEWSLETTER
Thursday, April 21, 2022
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“Stewardship” has More Than One “T”
I’m not talking about the spelling of “stewardship” but our Christian understanding of it. In l Peter 4:10, the epistle writer says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” We generally understand this to include our gifts of time, talent, and treasure – the three “T’s” in “stewardship.”
TIME can be tricky and elusive for us. We are all given the same amount of hours and minutes each day that we are alive but if often seems that we do not have enough and it is easy to squander. Here are some examples of how we can be good stewards of our time.
o Attend worship service on a weekly basis. This is not only a structured time to worship our God but to refuel ourselves.
o Use prayer, reflection, and devotional tools to enhance your spiritual life. Make time each day for prayer and spiritual growth. Many sources, including the Bible, may give your thoughts and prayers direction.
o Get involved in the activities of Northminster. We have many opportunities for participation in book studies, book clubs, Sunday School, choir, mission activities, and so many others. Make it a point to attend additional services such as Holy Week lunches and devotions and other special gatherings.
TALENT is something that we all have; yes, you do have talent! It isn’t just about singing or playing a musical instrument or being able to create beautiful art in its many forms. Your talent may be for hospitality, reading, teaching, administration, or in many other manifestations.
o Use your gift, or talent, for music by participating in our choir or playing an instrument.
o Use your talent for hospitality to welcome visitors, to keep in touch with other members or friends, or to host one of our immigrants released from detainment.
o The talent for administration is so useful in service on one of our Commissions and on committees. There are other ways in which your talents can be put to good use in service of others.
o Use your talent for reading or teaching to read texts in the worship service or other services. Teach a Sunday School Class. Assist with Vacation Bible School.
TREASURE is what most of us think of when we consider stewardship, and it is as important as time and talent. In order to serve as we would like to, we need operating funds. Use your treasure wisely and effectively by:
o Give to Northminster’s general offering. These funds help pay for the services of our ministerial staff and other essential staff as well as our Scholars who add so much to our beautiful music. The amount of the gift matters less than regular giving, providing for a predictable influx of funds. The majority of our budget comes from your donations.
o Contribute to the missions of Northminster through the monthly mission trunk and other special needs and requests, such as Christmas giving. Mathew 25:35-40 encourages all of us to support those less fortunate than ourselves. God calls us to see Jesus in the faces of those who need help.
o Decide on a plan for giving. One possibility is to set an annual personal goal for giving. Suppose your goal is to give $1,000 per year; that breaks down to less than $100 dollars per month. If you can’t budget that amount, set a goal that is attainable and try to be regular in giving.
Stewardship is not just about what you give, it’s also about what’s given back to you; it can be life changing. Our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure is answering God’s call to service both to God and to others. Implement simple steps to incorporate stewardship into your daily life.
Pat Hayes, Chair of Stewardship Commission
I confess that I borrowed heavily from the article “How to be a Good Steward” by Lucy Mevec, the Director of Parish Stewardship at St Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport, LA. The article was included in Vol. 3, No. 9, April 2022 of CATHOLIC CONNECTION.
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Join us for Worship
Sunday April 24, 2022
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Dr. Darrell Cluck preaches
"Bout of Doubt"
The Sunday after Easter has unsanctimoniously been known as Low Sunday. Gospel readings this day deal with the aftermath of Easter's High Sunday. This year the Gospel tells the story of Thomas for the few who return to worship after the hassles of Holy Week. What in the world were the compilers of the lectionary up to by placing the quintessential passage on doubt immediately after the quintessential celebration of faith? Maybe, they knew human nature. Maybe they knew us. By taking a good long look at Thomas, we may learn much about what it takes for us to live faithfully in a world of doubt and worship faithfully on High and Low Sundays.
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
Opening Hymn: The Day Of Resurrection
A Greek canon--an extended poem of eight or nine odes, each Based on a scriptural canticle—was the source of this hymn. John of Damascus (8th century) gave up a high government position to enter a monastery. The hymn is set to the tune, LANCASHIRE, written by Henry T. Smart, 1836.
Prayer Response: Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face
We respond to the pastoral prayer with words by Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889. The tune, NYACK, was written by Warren Swenson. This setting is by Kevin Robison for the choir of Trinity Episcopal Church, Florence, Alabama, 1970.
Gospel Acclamation: We introduce and respond to the Gospel of John with the words…”The Light of
Good News shines forth…..and may this light guide our path. Praise be to you, O Christ.”
Response to Sermon : Were You There?
James Wright, our bass choral scholar, sings this well-known spiritual straight from the hymnal. It takes us from the crucified Christ to the Christ who rose from the tomb.
Communion Meditation: One Bread, One Body
The text and music was written by John B. Foley and arranged for choir by Lloyd Larson. It speaks that we are all, though many, serve one Lord.
Closing Hymn: These Things Did Thomas Count
The author sites his “reading of 20th century theology and its coming to terms with the limits of the enlightenment and rational cognition” as the foundational thought for this text. Being an uncommon tune, we wing the words of Thomas to the tune, HAMBURG”. We know this tune as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Lowell Mason, 1825.
See You 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.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammy) upcoming brain surgery.
Carol Ann Tubbs sister, Patty Bewick, dealing with multiple serious medical conditions.
Lisa Towns, goddaughter of Jim Files.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
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.....
Camille Peterson (23rd), Mark Wilson (28th), and Ormara Nolla (28th), 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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Time to Revitalize!
Easter means new life: new life in nature as long dormant plants spring into bloom, new life for individuals as potential long suppressed is released, new life in the world as the power of life over death is made manifest, and new life for the church as her mission makes new life a tangible hope. Easter happens when nature, individuals, the world, and the church are transformed by God’s rule, reign, and realm.
Our church is no exception. We are an Easter people constantly in need of revitalization. We do a great job of worship, of accepting all people, and of providing a loving community. However, do those outside the church in our city and region know what we offer at Northminster? How can those who need us find us? Are we the best kept secret in town? Do we hesitate to share the Good News of God’s inclusive love because we do not want to be perceived as pushy or like those other Baptists? What if we could develop a church-wide strategy for recruiting new members, reactivating inactive members, and retaining the members we have?
The Coordinating Council has authorized the formation of a Task Force focused on reaching out to those who need a church like ours. We know we are not the church for everybody, but we are the church for many who are alienated from their church of origin or who have never found a church open and accepting enough for them for find a sense of belonging. Utilizing a unified vision in personal, print, electronic, and social media communications, we can extend the ministry of the church to those who need our ministry and need to be a part of our ministry.
If you would like to be a part of such a group with such a purpose, please let us know. You can e-mail or text Darrell Cluck with your interest: cluckiator@aol.com, 318-537-1009. Together we can work toward a strong, healthy future for Northminster.
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Northminster COVID Information
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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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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Church Transformed for Easter
The floral offerings Easter Sunday were given to the Glory of God. Many thanks to the Flower Committee for ensuring our sanctuary is always a place of beauty and welcome. All arrangements in the sanctuary and narthex were artfully designed by Peggy Caskey, Robert Crawford, and Marilyn Decker. Also much appreciated is Samuel Boateng, who is always willing to lend a helping hand in all aspects of service at Northminster! Be sure to thank this group of dedicated individuals for their talent and service to God and Northminster Church.
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
This Sunday, April 24 at 3pm: ULM Vocal Student's Concert in the sanctuary
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
April
24 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
May
1 - Dr. Carl Gregg
8 - Dr. Scott Stearman
15 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
22 - Rev. Mark Windham
29 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
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Of Interest in the Community |
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THIS SUNDAY: ULM VOCAL STUDENTS TO PRESENT
CONCERT AT NORTHMINSTER
ULM vocal students Jenny Smith and Preston Anderson will present a concert in the Northminster sanctuary on Sunday, April 24 beginning at 3 pm. Jenny, a soprano, was the female lead in the recent highly successful ULM production She Loves Me. Preston, a tenor, is a Northminster choral scholar and was one of the male leads in She Loves Me. Jenny has been accepted into a prestigious opera immersion program set for July in Italy. As a part of the program students live with Italian families, learn some of the Italian language in which many operas are written and performed and receive intensive coaching by opera professionals. Preston has been accepted into the Savannah Boys Music Festival.
The purpose of the concert is to give Jenny and Preston positive performing experience and also hopefully to raise a little spending money for them as they further pursue their endeavors. They each have scholarships, but extra money is needed. The concert is free, but donations are encouraged to help Jenny and Preston with their expenses.
The music Jenny and Preston will present at the concert will include selections from their vocal recitals and the stage, including She Loves Me. So please put this date on your calendar and plan to attend to support Jenny and Preston.
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BLEND: THE BIGGEST PARTY ON THE RIVER
Sunday, May 1, 2022
The Granddaddy of arts fundraising events in northeast Louisiana is returning, but in a new space and with a brand new vibe! Blend of the Bayou has enjoyed immense success since its beginning in 1997 and is the foundation for our new event, BLEND. Imagine an event where the classic Blend of the Bayou is "blended" with our popular North Delta Food & Wine Festival, while paying homage to many classic Blend of the Bayou elements we all know and love!
BLEND will be held this year in Downtown Monroe at the River Market on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 3pm to 7pm, in cooperation with the City of Monroe. This block party on the river featuring local men and women who cook, local favorite restaurant chefs, live music, drinks by local sponsors and a silent auction of area artists' works is set to be the top fundraising event of the year. Awards will be given to “Best of Blend – Restaurant” & “Best of Blend – Home Cook”. Ticket proceeds benefit the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana's programs and services.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! General Admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $100. Our 318Club and above members will receive a special discount on their ticket purchase (limits apply). To receive that discount code, please call 318.397.6717 OR email abigail@nelaarts.org. Visit the link below to purchase yours!
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MOREHOUSE MAY MADNESS SATURDAY, MAY 7
The annual May Madness Street Festival will be held May 7 around the Courthouse Square area in Bastrop, LA. Northminster's Administrative Assistant, Renee, and her band, Homegrown, will be playing music at the Farmer's Market located one block east of the courthouse from 9am to approximately noon. This street festival is free to attend and will have arts and crafts, food vendors, an antique care display, a main musical stage on the west end of the courthouse and another acoustic stage a block north of the courthouse at the Bastrop Visitor's Center, and much, much more!
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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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