Thursday, February 8, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

2024 CUBA REPORT, PART I

As usual our visit to our partner church in Cuba was very well planned and very busy. Seven Northminster members and friends traveled to Cuba in late January to celebrate with Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila the 30^th anniversary of our beautiful partnership. Making the trip were Beth Mayfield, Kyle Gregory and her sisters Teri Mitchell and Bobbie Kern, D. H. Clark and his daughter Jennifer Richardson and me. This was Beth, Teri and Bobbie’s first visit. Kyle and Jennifer have previously visited on several occasions. D. H. and I figure we have been almost 30 times, although I did go once without him. So, a good contingent to represent Northminster.

At the outset let me say that Rev. Eduardo Gonzalez, Enmanuel’s pastor, told us that had it not been for Northminster’s financial assistance to Enmanuel over the last few years it would have been very difficult for the church to survive. Since our partnership began in 1994 Northminster has included a modest amount in our annual financial ministry plan as a “no strings attached” gift to Enmanuel. Some years the annual gift has included additional funds given by Northminster members. That was also the case this year along with the extra gift the church authorized. At least since the COVID pandemic, for numerous reasons the economic situation in Cuba has been very dire. Everything is in short supply, and most Cubans have needed all the money they can scrape together just to survive. Thus, the difficult financial situation for Enmanuel without our help and the difficult financial situation of most churches in Cuba that depend upon the gifts of their members. Fortunately, difficult times have not diminished the welcoming spirit and hospitality of our Cuban sisters and brothers that we felt everywhere.

Nor have difficult times diminished the musical spirit of the Cuban people that is evident everywhere. In fact, the first night of our visit shortly after we had arrived in Ciego de Avila, we were treated to an unbelievably wonderful musical concert at Enmanuel. Entitled “Concert for Peace” the concert featured the city’s community choir in the first segment and a local Cuban band in the second. The community choir is composed of eight women and eight men all of whom are very talented. Except for the last piece they sang, all of the works were performed a capella. The last work was the one D. H. wrote for the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of our partnership: “Justice, Peace and Love”. Our Northminster Choir performed that in English the Sunday before we left for Cuba. The Ciego de Avila City Choir performed it in Spanish with D. H. accompanying on the church’s piano. D. H. recorded their entire concert, and we will figure out a way to share that wonderful concert with you.

By the way, the choir had to sing to candlelight because a rolling electricity blackout began just as they were beginning. The lack of electricity was about to prevent the local Cuban band from performing because their guitarist needed power. However, just as Eduardo was delivering the benediction the lights came back on! And the band wowed the audience with some great music. A great beginning to a great visit. By the way, the entire community was invited to the concert and several from the community were in attendance including two Carmelite nuns. Like Northminster, Enmanuel is very ecumenical!

During our visit we also delivered new glasses to Carmen Perez, the young woman suffering from extreme myopia. She is so grateful for the improvement in her vision and to those who made it happen. As we have previously reported it is almost impossible for Carmen’s required new lenses to be made in Cuba. We were alerted to her need, and Haik Humble Eye Center generously and graciously supplied her with her new glasses. We are so thankful to them, to our friend Mary Sue Jacka, former office manager at Haik Humble, for facilitating our request and to Amy Edwards for making the lenses. Amy also took pictures of various frames and let Carmen choose the “look” she wanted. As you will see from the associated photo Carmen not only “looks good” she “sees better”.

Well, that’s enough for this week. In a later edition “Pigs fly in Cuba!”, music and a roasted pig just for us, a good visit with a country church, a memorable and celebratory 30^th anniversary celebration with Enmanuel, and more. Stay tuned!

But before I close, THANK YOU to all of you who made extra financial contributions to Enmanuel and donated food and other items they need. They appreciate your generosity so much!

Cuba si!

Craig Henry

February is Black History Month. The preludes are highlighting Black History Month. Although the composer is not known,” Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” is an African American spiritual. The other pieces are all by African American composers. The Voluntary is by Florence Price, an extremely accomplished composer in the mid- 20th century whose works did not achieve acclaim in their time owing to her gender and her race.

Opening Hymn: We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding In his commentary on the text, Hymnwriter Carl Daw describes the "implicit comparison between the attitudes and assumptions of the disciples on the Mount of the Transfiguration and the expectations of present-day Christians as they gather for worship."



Middle Hymn: Spirit of Jesus, If I Love My Neighbor Brian Wren gave this poem the subtitle "Pilgrimage of Confession" when it was first written, referring in part to the walk made by nine white South Africans in 1972 to draw other whites' attention to the injustice of migrant labor laws.

Anthem: Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts by Claude L. Bass. Bernard Of Clairvaux, translated by Ray Palmer.

The Communion Anthem: Angus Dei by Sonja Poorman.

Closing Hymn: O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair This tune was composed in honor of the defeat of France in Agincourt by England under Henry V. The words "Deo gracias..." were added in honor of the English King's wish that the glory for the victory be given to God.

We Celebrate with...

Pat Cohn (8th)

Nellen Hughens Brunson (12th)

Kwabena Addy (13th)

Marissa Jaquess (14th)

as they celebrate their birthdays

Updating the Baby/Toddler Nursery

We are in the process of updating the church's baby/toddler nursery area. Beth Mayfield, Jennifer Kimble Keen and Ann Aro have compiled a "Wish List" on Amazon to help transform this space into a usable nursery. Please click the link below to see the needed items. Also, if you would like to contribute to this renovation, make checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line the check "nursery".

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 Laura (318-387-4446) with any questions!

YOUTH MEALS SIGNUP

PUB THEOLOGY

Thursday, February 15 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

Lent Begins Wednesday, February 14

Lent begins Wednesday, February 14 and an

Ash Wednesday service will be held at 6pm.

SECURITY TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED

If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please contact Lola Wheeler (318-816-1341) or the church office for details.

FEBRUARY MISSION EMPHASIS:

EXIT 318

EXIT-318, signifying the 318 area code geography, and the abbreviation for Ex-Offenders In Transition, is a program funded by the Department of Corrections, and presents a re-entry accountability plan in the form of a contract with ex-offenders. This is a program supported by many companies and local businesses, with a home base in Goodwill Industries. This has been a very successful program in our region for 5+ years, and Northminster is in our 3rd year of collecting for this 2nd Chance program. 

There are 3 phases to the Exit-318 Program. The first begins well in advance of release from the incarcerating institution, involving education, getting ready, and understanding what is required to qualify and stay in the program. The second is going home, and ideally the third phase is staying home within the community. Both these phases have many support services involved, but part of any second chance involves re-homing, and the stuff needed to keep up with yourself.



So what can help get someone started off in a new spot?  Basic necessities: deodorant, razors/shaving cream, shampoo, soap, toothpaste-toothbrush. Towels, washcloths. New undergarments, socks. Basic cleaning supplies: broom/dustpan, mop, dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, 409, windex, etc. Bedding: pillows, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters. Coats and other clothing. Grocery gift cards and non-perishable food.

The floral offering was given to the glory of God

And in loving memory of

Janet Dawson

If you would like to give flowers one Sunday in honor or in memory of someone special, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $125-$150

Poetry Out Loud: Region 8 Competition

Join us Thursday, February 8th at 6:30pm as high school students from across Region 8 compete in the regional leg of the Poetry Out Loud journey. Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.  This year, students from Neville, Wossman, Choudrant & Ruston High will compete to see which two will respresent Region 8 at the state finals competition held at the Delta Grand Theatre in Opelousas, Louisiana on March 7th.

8th Annual Food Bank Empty Bowls 2024

The Food Bank's Empty Bowls event will be held Saturday, April 6 at the Monroe Civic Center arena. With an all-inclusive event ticket, guests can choose a beautiful bowl to take home as a reminder of all of the empty bowls in our community. Enjoy a tasting from over a dozen local restaurants, live music, a silent auction and more. All proceeds benefit the Food Bank’s hunger relief efforts in Northeast Louisiana.