NEWSLETTER
Thursday, March 17, 2022
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A Divine Intervention
By Darrell Cluck
I am in a dysfunctional relationship
With God.
It's all my fault.
I am too clingy.
I ask too much.
I give too little.
I blame God for what
I should blame on myself.
I expect God
to do for me
What I should do for myself.
Tired of being codependent,
God has called an
Intervention
To offer me one last chance.
I was told that I was going
To regularly scheduled Eucharist,
But when I got there,
Everyone was there
For me.
They want to send me
To a Rehab. Center
Called Lent.
My Sponsor made me promise to be true;
Cross my forehead and hope to die.
Forty days later:
God and I still talk,
But both of us have changed.
The love I get, now, is tough.
Letting go of my grip on God
Has freed the two of us.
God has better things to do
Than enable me to be self-destructive.
It is hard, sometimes, to make it
Without God loving me to death.
Yet, somehow, life is better
When we both act like grownups.
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Join us for Worship
Sunday March 13, 2022
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Rev. Dr. Darrell Cluck preaches
"Above Our Pay Grade: The Mystery of God's Goodness"
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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March 20, 2022
Opening Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Walter C. Smith, minister of the Free Church of Scotland and later moderator of the Assembly, wrote poetry as a retreat from work and to say what could not be fully expressed in the pulpit. He wrote these words in 1867 and it is set to the tune, St. DENIO, from a Welsh ballad in John Roberts' Caniadaeth y Cysegr, 1839.
Prayer Response: Maia' Prayer
Maia Mikhaluk lives in Kyiv, Ukraine with her husband Nick, who is a pastor, and her family. She has posted daily on Facebook a photolog of their journey during the horrendous war against her people. This was her incredibly hopeful and courageous post on March 12, 2022. DH Clark has set it to the music of a Ukrainian Folk Tune.
Gospel Acclamation
We introduce the Gospel with the words " Our bodies, souls and minds need your word
as we journey through the wilderness."....May it be that we hear the word of God and live by it.
Anthem: Out of the Deep
British composer, John Rutter, wrote a Requiem mass in 1985. It was first performed
at Lovers' Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas. We sing the second movement he set from Psalm 130. The choir will sing the full mass on Good Friday at Norhtminster.
Communion Anthem: Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face
The text was written by Horatius Bonar in 1855. He was a founder of the Free Church
of Scotland and author of 600 hymns. He wrote these words at his brothers request. It was
first printed in a leaflet for the author's church, St. Andrews's Free Church in Greenock, Scotland. Set to the tune MORECAMBE composed by Fredrick C. Atkinson in 1870. One of our Choral Scholars, Sarah Talmage, will play clarinet on this anthem.
Closing Hymn: If You But Trust in God to Guide You
The comforting words of Psalm 55:22 inspired this beautiful hymn by Georg Neumark,
who wrote both the text and the music. Neumark was a German poet who suffered much during the Thirty Years' War. The tune is NEUMARK and written in 1657.
We worship together this Sunday with love and heavy hearts. Let's be there with and for one another.
See you Sunday,
Debi
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March Mission Trunk Emphasis:
The Renewal Center
(formerly The Desiard Street Shelter)
Now located at 722 Adams St., Monroe the Renewal Center is a safe place for especially vulnerable people to find haven, help, hope, and ultimately, home. They work with al of the homeless service providers, making our area much more effective in ending homelessness for thousands of families each year.
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Needs: Styrofoam trays (like go plates with three sections), salt-pepper-knife-spoon-fork packages, all of which can be found at Sam’s Club, Dixie cups, toilet tissue, paper towels, Dawn dishwashing liquid, washing detergent.
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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
Denzell Denagall approaching hip replacement surgery.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Bill Krutzer, continuing to have critical spinal problems.
Susan Allain, recovering from two heart procedures. Susan added that she "would like to thank everyone at Northminster for their outpouring of love, prayers, and support."
Lola Wheeler recovering from an ankle replacement surgery.
Gail Blackman's sister, Debbie, receiving new treatment for a critical illness.
Rodney Thomas, serious eye issue.
DH Clark's cousin's wife, Monssarat - acute illness.
Bob Curry, friend of Bill Kight
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.....
Wayne Lee (23rd), as he celebrates his birthday.
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We congratulate our.....
Northminster Choral Scholars, Preston Anderson, Evelynn Duval, Naomi Kilpatrick, Sarah Talmage, and James Wright who attended Regional NATS in Baton Rouge last weekend. NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) strives to advance excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship and research. James Wright achieved 1st place in Musical Theater and 2nd place in Classical. Preston Anderson achieved 2nd place in Classical, 2nd place in Spiritual, and 2nd place in Musical Theater. Naomi Kilpatrick achieved 3rd place in Classical. It is a wonderful growing and learning experience for all participants! Congratulations to all!
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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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This Sunday: Potluck 6pm and Business Meeting at 7pm
Our bi-monthly business meeting will be preceded by a Potluck supper. This will be a great opportunity for the congregation to fellowship once more by eating at the church prior to the meeting. Bring a favorite dish and come enjoy a meal together, then join the Business meeting to discuss Northminster Church today and in the future.
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Extra Choir Rehearsal at 4:30pm this Sunday
In order to better prepare for the upcoming Easter season, the choir and some guest singers will meet this Sunday, March 20 at 4:30pm to rehearse. Please make a note that at 6pm there will be potluck dinner. All choir members and any guests are invited to join us for the potluck meal.
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Northminster COVID Guidelines
Gov. Edwards did not renew Louisiana's COVID-19 public health order which expired yesterday. The CDC considers Ouachita Parish community level is Medium and recommends the following guidelines: 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. We continue to follow state and CDC guidelines. 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's Office Hours Temporarily Changed
The Coordinating Council has made a temporary change to the church office hours. Renee will be working from home on Monday's and Friday's and has full access to phone messages, email, church files and other tools necessary to handle any immediate need.
Please feel free to call her cell phone for quickest assistance: 318-282-7855
Office hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday - 9am to 4pm
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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!
d time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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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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A New Video of Northminster's Buildings and Grounds
A new video has been added to Northminster's YouTube Channel and was produced by DH Clark. Please click the button below to view the video!
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THIS WEEKEND!
CA Studio Presents: Anansi, the Original Spider Man
Anansi the Spider is a trickster...but his tricks get him and his family into trouble. CA Studio's production of Anansi, the Original Spider Man at the NELA Delta African-American Heritage Museum shows how Anansi gets All the Stories of the World, but has to be rescued from his "trickseyness" by his six super-hero Spider Children and his wise wife, Aso.
Northminster members and friends Terryn Kimble, Pat Hayes, Norris Duke, and D.H. Clark and Cathy Airhart Webb are involved.
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TOMORROW! Friday, March 18 at the NELA Children's Museum. Tickets available for groups 5 or larger for the public performance on by calling 318-516-3939. Individuals/small groups may buy tics at the door after 5:30 p.m. on the day of performance.
Saturday, March 19 at the African-American Museum at Chennault Park. Tickets available for groups 5 or larger for the public performance. Call 318-342-8889 or buy for individuals by cash/card at the museum door.
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THIS SATURDAY!
UNITY III: A community Celebration of Equality and Inclusion Joining in Song
On Saturday, March 19 at 6PM be a part of the UNITYIII Choir! Rehearsal is at 10am that morning in the sanctuary of Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, 301 Sherrouse St., Monroe. The event is sponsored by The Bayou Masterworks Chorale, ULM Choral Activities, International Multicultural Affairs and The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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There are only a few tickets remaining for our 6th Annual Empty Bowls event on Saturday, March 26th! Help support the Food Bank's hunger-relief efforts and enjoy a serving of food, art and music!
THERE ARE LESS THAN 20 TICKETS LEFT, so get yours now! As in the past several years, there may not be any tickets available at the door if sold out in advance.
WHEN: Saturday, March 26th, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
WHERE: Monroe Civic Center Arena - 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy, Monroe. Use the main entrance and follow the signs and directions to park.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Attendees will show your email ticket receipt via phone or printout. With your all-inclusive ticket, you can choose a beautiful bowl donated by a local artist.
There will be a delicious tasting from 17 local food and beverage establishments. Food and beverage vendors will be serving tasting size portions of their mouthwatering offerings for all to enjoy. Once again talented local artist Leigh Buffington will be painting a landscape live, which will go to one lucky high bidder in the silent auction. Ceramicist Alyssa Guidry will do a pottery wheel demo. There will also be live music from The Toc Toc Troubadours. One hundred percent of your Empty Bowls ticket purchases go to support the Food Bank's hunger relief efforts in Northeast Louisiana.
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Thank you for helping our neighbors who face hunger!
Be sure to get your tickets today by clicking the box above before they sell out!
The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana Team
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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
4:30 pm - Extra Choir Rehearsal
5:00 pm - Youth
6:00 pm - Potluck dinner
7:00 pm - Bi-monthly Business Meeting
Wednesdays
12:00 pm - Brown Bag Lunch
6:30 pm - Choir practice
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
March
20 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
27 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
April
3 - Dr. Debi Chandler
10 - Rev. James Lamkin
17 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
24 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
May
1 - Dr. Carl Gregg
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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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