NEWSLETTER
Thursday, July 28, 2022
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WELCOME JILLIAN AND ERICH!
Our new Senior Pastor Rev. Jillian Hankamer and husband Erich are on their way, driving from Pennsylvania, and should arrive in Monroe sometime late tomorrow. Please pray for safe travel for them. On this coming Sunday we will officially welcome Jillian and Erich to Northminster, and she will preach her first sermon as our Senior Pastor. Please make every effort to be in worship on Sunday for this special time as we begin our new journey together.
Jillian comes to us from First Baptist Church of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania where she was pastor for almost five years. She grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas and Erich in St. Louis. They met when she was an associate pastor at Kirkwood Baptist Church in St. Louis when Dr. Scott Stearman was pastor there. During our interim time Scott preached for us on several occasions, and he recommended Jillian to us. We are grateful to him!
Jillian received her undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches and her Master of Divinity degree from the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta. Erich holds undergraduate and masters degrees in sports management and an MBA, all from universities in St. Louis. He is the new boys soccer (his passion) coach at Ruston High School and will be a fulltime substitute teacher there.
Jillian and Erich look forward to settling into their home in Monroe with their two rescue dogs Montana and Josie. Their furniture and other household goods are mostly all packed up on a moving van that hopefully will arrive next week.
Please let’s give Jillian and Erich a big Northminster welcome on Sunday.
POUNDING THE HANKAMERS
Thanks again to all of you who helped to “pound” Jillian and Erich with items we think will help them to get started in their new place, and also with money. Depending upon their schedules we intend to deliver the items to them within the next few days.
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The Northminster Journey,
Season Nine
The gripping narrative that gives life to The Northminster Journey is about to begin a new chapter. The stories we have lived thus far are:
Prologue—Wandering and Discerning
Episode 1—A Church is Birthed
Episode 2—Finding Hospitality Among the Jews
Episode 3—The Young Bird Leaves Its Nest
Episode 4—Learning Who We Are—Early Mentors
Episode 5—The Welton Gaddy Years (the longest chapter so far)
Episode 6—Time to Regroup, Rethink, and Reimagine—Thank You, Steve Jolly
Episode 7—Doing Church in The Time of COVID—The Helton Years
Episode 8—Regathering, Refocusing, and Finding the Right Fit
And now, Episode 9 begins production this week. As with each of the previous sagas, there is an initial air of excitement and anticipation, but also of challenge that we all play our role in such a way that is worthy of our history and assures us of much more to come. We are urged to revisit carefully the story thus far, understand the almost incredible grace that infuses each episode, and be mindful of the risk, hard work, clear mindedness, and determination that has gone into making this a unique body of faith. Cherish our history, use past experience and the wonders of God’s revelation to help shape future decisions, and above all know the reason God called us so forcefully to be this church—To Do Justice, To Love Mercy, and To Walk Humbly with God through it all.
After a long and difficult search process, God’s grace once again shone through the days of frustration and disappointment as prospect after prospect, for one reason or another, did not pan out. We hopefully learned, once again, the recurring important lesson of being still and knowing that God is at our side as we continue to face and surmount some very high hurdles. Most of us have met Jillian and Erich. We have already assimilated them into our family. We have begun a new love story which has been the underlying theme of each chapter so far. We are all so excited about the possibilities and eager to see what lies ahead. God, our Director, has spoken, “Places, everyone! Action!”
Love and Peace,
D H
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, July 31, 2022
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Rev. Jilian Hankamer preaches:
Getting Baptists to Dance
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, July 31, 2022
OPENING HYMN: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
Henry van Dyke was a noted church leader, U.S. ambassador Navy Chaplain, and prolific writer. Many people associate this hymn with Beethoven’s ninth symphony, but few are aware of the original poem by the German classicist F. Schiller (1759-1805) that inspired Beethoven. Hymn tune is HYMN TO JOY, 1824.
MIDDLE HYMN: The Summons
“Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?” Our new pastor, Rev. Jillian Hankamer, chose this hymn for Sunday's service and it is her favorite. The words and music is by John Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland, 1887. The tune was named KELVINGROVE (Scottish).
ANTHEM: A Jubilant Song
Commissioned by the First Parish Church Congregational, Dover, New Hampshire for the celebration of the 350th anniversary of its founding. Allen Pote based The text on Psalms 90 and 96 in 1984.
COMMUNION ANTHEM: Agnus Dei
In 2000, composer Ron Kean wrote this anthem and dedicated it to his Daughters. He also wrote the following: “Agnus Dei” follows the publication of “Kyrie Eleison”. The hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” came to me to complement the emotion and spirituality of the timeless Latin text.”
CLOSING HYMN: God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian
A gift from Carl P. Daw, Jr. to Episcopal colleague Jeffery Rowthron for his Consecration as bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Connecticut, this text calls on the Triune God to aid and bless the person being ordained in ministry. Set to the tune, HYFRYDOL, composed By Rowland H. Prichard, 1844. Arranged for congregational singing by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906.
See you Sunday! Debi
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The Prayers of the People |
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We pray alongside.....
COVID SUFFERERS - we are hearing reports of several of our members having contracted COVID. PLEASE, if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of cold, fever, coughing, sneezing, etc., stay home, do not come to church and do not go out in public!
The oppression and suffering of the innocents in war torn countries.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
New Pastor Jillian Hankamer and husband Erich as they begin their new adventure in Monroe.
Jay Aro & Family (Ann, Henry & Maxwell). Jay had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a severe head injury and he is in ICU in Shreveport. If you would like to help this new young family to Northminster, you can click the "Go Fund Me" link below. You may also access the link for the most current information on Jay.
Renee Decker sudden hearing loss in her right ear and is receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy along with oral steroids over the next several weeks.
Paulette Capel, anticipating knee surgery on 8/15, and husband Mike Capel who will be her caretaker.
Anita Breen's friend who is suffering with COVID.
Montserrat Miller, cousin of D.H. Clark, serious illness.
Hugh Chandler, father of Debi Chandler, advanced Alzheimer's.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) is now in Assisted Living an d will begin radiation therapy on August 5 for six weeks, 5 days a week.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Dibble Pate McLaughlin, continuing to recover from hip surgery, and now moved to The Gardens at Georgia Tucker, 405 Stubbs Ave., Room 202, Monroe, LA 71201. Her number is 318-408-8226 and she looks forward to calls, cards, and visitors!
Tracy and Mary Sandow dealing with serious medical issues.
Our friends and sister church, Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, Cuba experiencing many economic hardships.
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Fifth Sunday Lunch
Join us at Jade Garden on Forsythe Ave. for lunch following worship this Sunday! Lets all come together and celebrate the Hankamer's arrival to Northminster!
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VBS Starts Sunday
July 31- August 3
5:30m-7:30pm
Vacation Bible School 2022 will take place this year at Northminster beginning Sunday, July 31 and run through Wednesday August 3 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. If you have any question, please contact Beth Mayfield at beth@mayfieldconstruction.net or 348-2529.
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Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays 6:30pm
We are back to our regular Wednesday night choir rehearsals! If you are a member who has not returned yet or you have been thinking about joining the choir, now would be a good time to come as our fall schedule kicks in. We would love to have you. Come a little early so we can get your music together and visit!
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NORTHMINSTER ADOPTS WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING STATEMENT
At the church’s regular bi-monthly business meeting on Sunday, July 17, the proposed Welcoming and Affirming Statement was approved. There was one modification recommended by the Coordinating Council based on the discussion held after worship on June 26. The idea of our adopting a statement began in the Coordinating Council in April, the statement was developed and was approved by the Council in June for recommendation to the church. The membership received the statement for consideration in June. The complete statement is set forth below.
WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING STATEMENT
OF NORTHMINSTER CHURCH
We the people of Northminster Church are a Welcoming and Affirming congregation. One of our most important founding principles, along with theological freedom of the individual member, is love and inclusion for all who enter our fellowship. Inclusion means not only acceptance and tolerance; it means full embracing love and respect for each other, a real desire to learn from each other, and an assurance that each member may participate fully in every aspect of ministry. We provide a safe, welcome and nurturing place for all who have felt marginalized by the church or by society at large. We, as a body, confess the church’s history of condemnation and exclusion of persons as being unworthy to be a part of the family of God. We further acknowledge this condemnation has harmed many lives in such forms as alienation, violence, and death.
We are committed to the work of justice and peace in our community and in the world for all people--not just the privileged few. In this work, we seek to follow the example set by Jesus in loving God and others as God loves us. We embrace all people with no regard to gender, age, race, ethnicity, immigration status, economic status, theological background, education, physical or mental condition, makeup of household, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We affirm and celebrate all loving and committed relationships.
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are God’s beloved, just as you are. You are worthy! You are welcome!
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Northminster Book Club
The next book is Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd. Potluck and book discussion will be in the home of Kyle Gregory on August 18 at 6pm. If you are interested in joining the fun contact Debi Chandler at chandler@ulm.edu.
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Northminster COVID Information
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.
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Save the Date!
Alliance Fall Gathering
NOVEMBER 10-12, 2022 in Montgomery, AL
Registration opens August 15!
We'll be gathering at the The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration created by the Equal Justice Initiative. EJI works with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment. It is committed to changing the narrative about race in the U.S.
Check out the programming on our event webpage, and check back for more information as it becomes available.
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Saturday, July 30th: Shelter Breakfast to be Served by Northminster Volunteers
As always when there is a 5th Saturday in a month, Northminster volunteers serve breakfast at the former DeSiard Street Shelter which is now known as the Renal Center of NELA and located at 722 Adams Street in Monroe. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Laua Duke at at 318-387-4446.
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August Mission Trunk Emphasis:
Council on Aging Food Pantry
NEEDS: ***Dire need for canned meat, canned chili, tamales, cornedbeaf, chicken, tuna, chicken and dumplins…anything that is a meal in a can basically, and canned fruit and soups such as chicken noodle or any of the chunky soups especially noodles, rice, peanut butter, jelly, boxed non-perishable food items. They DO NOT NEED canned corn, peas, and green beans.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Lilah Kate Higginbotham (31st), Vevlyn Wright (2nd), and Terryn Kimble (3rd) as they celebrates their birthdays.
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We celebrate alongside.....
Renee Decker, our Administrative Assistant, as we recognize her 6 year anniversary with Norhtminster Church on August 1st.
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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
Sunday, July 31 - 5th Sunday Lunch at Jade Garden
YOUTH: Check our Instagram page for any upcoming summer activities!
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Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice.
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This past Sunday's floral offering was given to the Glory of God and in honor and appreciation to the many voices who have filled our pulpit during the past year of transition.
Arrangement by Marilyn Decker.
Due to budgetary constraints, altar flowers will only be provided if giving in memory or in honor of someone.
Cost is approximately $100.
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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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IHave you inadvertently picked up a pair of wire reading glasses off the desk in the church office to use as readers? These are Renee's prescription glasses for mid-rang computer reading and have bi-focal lenses for close up reading. We all leave "readers" laying around and pick up any pair we see so perhaps someone mistakenly grabbed these on her desk not realizing they were prescription based glasses. The picture is similar to how the glasses look except the ear pieces are not so dark. This is basically the shape of the glasses and of course the ones lost have a bi-focal lenses as well. Please take a look around! It would be greatly appreciated to get these back!
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Northminster Church is located at:
2701 Lamy Lane
Monroe, LA 71201
318-388-3717
office@northmin.org
Church Office Hours:
Monday -Thursday 9am to 4 pm
Closed Friday
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