Thursday, April 11, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

NORTHMINSTER MEMBERS ATTENDING

ALLIANCE OF BAPTISTS

ANNUAL GATHERING

Northminster members JoAnn Alley, D. H. Clark and Craig Henry will be attending the Alliance of Baptists Annual Gathering beginning tomorrow in Charlotte, North Carolina. JoAnn is rotating off the board of the Alliance after having served for four years. D. H. also previously served on the Alliance board, as did Craig who also previously served two years as the Alliance’s president.

Joining them in Charlotte will be Rev. Eduardo Gonzalez and his wife Queen from Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Of course Eduardo is the pastor of Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel, Northminster’s partner church there. This will be Queen’s first visit to the United States. She was fortunate recently to obtain a U. S. visa allowing for this visit. Following the week-end in Charlotte they will be joining us in Monroe for a few days, and Eduardo will be preaching in our worship service on April 21. More about that in the coming days. Also at some time we will plan an all church event in celebration of them being with us and the 30th anniversary of the partnership between our two churches.

The theme of this year’s gathering will be “Decolonizing the Great Commission—Reimagining Partnership in Ministry”. Since it’s beginning the Alliance has used the partnership model in its mission endeavors rather than the paternalistic or colonizing approach used for so long by so many American denominations. Thus, at the gathering we will be celebrating the many partnerships between the Alliance and its partner churches and progressive Baptist groups in Cuba, the Republic of Georgia, Zimbabwe, Brazil and Mexico and churches, especially in Cuba. Northminster’s partnership with Enmanuel is one of about 30 such partnerships between Alliance churches and churches of the Fraternity of Baptist Churches in Cuba.

Opening Hymn: Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain Little is known of St. John of Damascus, an early Greek theologian, but his writings have survived. Among these are poems that have been made into hymns and some that have been integrated into Greek Orthodox liturgy.

Middle Hymn: I Love My God, Who Heard My Cry This African-American spiritual has become a popular setting for Isaac Watts' text. The harmonization by Richard Smallwood is an example of the contemporary gospel sound that he helped to pioneer with his singing group, "The Richard Smallwood Singers."

Anthem: Agnus Dei by Ron Kean

The Communion Anthem: Draw Us in the Spirit's Teather by Harold Friedell



Closing Hymn: Beautiful Jesus This text, which has also been translated as "Fairest Lord Jesus" and "Beautiful Savior," was included in a German Catholic hymnal published in Munster. The melody, known by various names, is thought to be a Silesian folk tune.

We Celebrate with...

Charles Creech (15th)

Charlotte Eich (18th)

Ann Aro (22nd)

as they celebrates their birthdays

THIS SUNDAY!

Call Jennifer Kimble-Keen at 318-307-6716 or Beth Mayfield 318-381-6913 to reserve your plate.

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 Jennifer Kimble-Keen (318-307-6716) with any questions! 

 YOUTH MEALS SIGNUP

Ex Post Credo

Several members asked for a copy of the poem Rev. Dr. Darrell Cluck used in his sermon Sunday. 

Ex Post Credo

I believe in beauty.

I believe in truth.

I believe in justice.

I believe in truth.

I believe in freedom.

I believe in peace.

I believe in spirits

Bound only for release.

I believe in mercy.

I believe in grace.

I believe inclusion

Of each tribe and race.

I believe in music.

I believe in art.

I believe in wonder

Mysteries impart.

I believe I believe;

I believe I doubt.

I believe honesty

Finally, will out.

BOOK CLUB

Our next book is New York Times Bestseller "First Lie Wins" by North Louisiana native, Ashley Elston. Potluck and discussion will be Tuesday April 23 at 6pm in the home of Debi Chandler.

PUB THEOLOGY

Thursday, April 18 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF

JUDY EDINGTON

On Saturday, April 27 at 4pm Northminster Church will hold a Celebration of the Life of Judy Edington. A reception will be held following the service in the Narthex.

APRIL MISSION EMPHASIS:

THE FOOD BANK

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is a non-profit hunger-relief organization that provides food, advocacy, education, and disaster response to the 12 parishes of Northeast Louisiana. Through its network of partners and programs, the Food Bank serves nearly 25,000 people monthly across Northeast Louisiana. 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)

Arranged by Marilyn Decker

Directions: US 165N to Bastrop. Travel past the courthouse to its corner then turn left on to US 425N. Travel through 4 red lights. At the 5th red light on the right is the Boiling Point.