NEWSLETTER

Thursday, October 20, 2022

1st Annual Blessing of the Animals

Our first ever Blessing of the Animals was small but no less adorable for the intimacy of the gathering. The pets in attendance were all on their best behavior; we shared scripture, a hymn, and of course cookies for every pup. Each pet went home with a certificate of blessing to mark the occasion. A big thank you to D.H. for his help and seeing to the truly important details such as treats and water bowls.

I hope those of you who weren’t able to make it will plan to join us next fall as this will become an annual event. In the meantime, I will happily provide a hard copy of the blessing used and a certificate for anyone who’d like to bless their furry loved ones at home. Or I can bless your critters over the phone as I did for our daughter Robyn and her girlfriend’s two cats, two rabbits, and fish named Marsha Swimmington. 

Join us for Worship

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews preaches:

We Have Nothing to Lose But Our Chains

Click the photo to view our Sunday service

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Opening Hymn: Let Justice Roll Like Flowing Streams

This hymn begins our worship. The text was written by Jann Aldredge-Clanton and the tune, MIT FREUDEN ZART, by Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesang, 1566. Johann Jakob Schutz practiced both civil and canon law in Frankfurt, Germany, throughout his life. He had an interest in the company that purchased land in Germantown, Pennsylvania, from William Penn in 1683. Schutz published two collections of hymns. The text for today is based on Amos 5:24 and Isaiah 58: 6-8.

Gospel Acclamation: Do Justice, Love Mercy

For the 30^th Covenant Sunday at Northminster, September 15, 2019, DH Clark set text

from Micah 6:8 to music. This music introduces the gospel and responds to the reading. The accompaniment quotes “You Will Be Found” from the musical Dear Evan Hanson. 

Middle Hymn: When a Prophet Sings of Justice

The tune is composed by DH Clark in honor of Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews, the proclaimer

for The Frank and Evelyn Stagg Lectureship on Prophetic Christianity. The hymn was written for Northminster Church for the weekend of October 22-23, 2022. The text is based on Amos 5:24, Luke 4:4, Matthew 25: 35-40, Micah 6:8 and the folk song Simple Gifts.

Anthem: Prayer of Teresa of Avila

Commissioned by Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, Rockville, MD upon the retirement of its founding Pastor, the Rev. Dr. James G. Macdonell and in memory of Margaret Tholen, St. Teresa of Avila, Spain (1515-1582). The composer, Kenneth Lowenberg, set this wonderful text to music in 1999.

The Communion Anthem: Come to the Table Where Justice Abounds

DH Clark wrote this anthem to be sung during the serving of the Lord’s Supper. The text

reminds us of the infinite grace found at the table as we share this meal together. “This is God’s table, let’s all gather ‘round”.

The Closing Hymn: Let Justice Flow like Streams

This is one of two hymns Jane Parker Huber wrote for special events emphasizing economic justice for women at the time of the reunification of two Presbyterian denominations in 1983. The text’s brevity underscores the urgency of Amos’ pronouncements against injustice. The tune, ST. THOMAS, was written in 1770 by Aaron Williams.

What a special weekend we have coming up. Come share in the lectures and worship together,

Debi

We pray alongside...

Family and friends of Dr. Ava Pugh, friend of Norhtminster, who passed away today.

Anna Ham, on hospice care, and daughter Sheila McCormick, caregiver.

Darrell Cluck, recovering from colon surgery.

Frances Thrasher, fall resulting in a broken pelvis. She is with her daughter in Jackson, MS for the time being.

Miranda Seal,  serious back issues.

Duane Crews, nephew of Hannah Clark, serious illness. 



Jay Aro recovering after a motorcycle accident.

Judy Eddington

Kay Southern 

Tracy and Mary Sandow

Jim Files

Our friends and sister church, Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, Cuba experiencing many economic hardships.

Those with unspoken prayer requests.

New Members & Inquirers Class

Are you a new member or interested in learning more about Northminster? Join us on Sunday, November 6th folllowing worship for our New Members & Inquirers Class. Lunch will be served. Please sign-up on the list outside the Pastor's Office.

Renee will also be notifying those of you who are new members to remind you about this class

Sunday, October 30th at 5 PM. 

Everyone is welcome & encouraged to wear a costume. We'll have an award for Best Costume, games for kids, and hot dogs and s'mores for everyone. 

Plan to bring your lawn chair and join in this time of church-wide fellowship. If you'd like to donate candy, please label it and leave it in the church kitchen. 

Planning to attend? Sign-up on the list outside the Pastor's Office. 

Alliance Fall Gathering

November 10-12, 2022

Montgomery, AL

We'll join the Alliance of Baptists at a gathering at The Legacy Museum created by the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. This is part of their ongoing work around the theme: "Excavating Our Roots

Baptist History and the Origins of White Supremacy in the United States"

Tickets are $50 and you can still register online: www.allianceofbaptists.org

If you're attending join the carpool! We'll be leaving Monroe early on the morning of the 10th and returning in the late afternoon on the 12th. Please see Jillian, D.H., or Craig for more information. 

CUBA IN JANUARY ANYONE?

We are thinking of trying to plan a visit to our partner church in Cuba in January of next year. The visit will be about a week long. If you have an interest in going please see D. H. Clark or Craig Henry for more information. January is a good time to visit there!

October Mission Trunk Emphasis: Rays of Sonshine

Rays of Sonshine is a Women’s Addiction Recovery Residence specializing in quality, long-term residential care for women who suffer from substance and chemical dependency, who are victims of domestic violence, and who may also have co-occurring mental health disorders. These women generally have no other options. ROS uses abstinence, evidence and holistic based treatment in a relaxed, intimate, home atmosphere. Women can bring their children, and pregnant women are also invited. There is no time limit for staying. Rays of Sonshine is dedicated to seeing women’s lives rebuilt, children reunited with their mothers, and unborn children born drug free.

NEEDS:

Curtains and plastic mattress covers. These may be new or used. Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, soap, toothpaste/brushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, socks, new underwear, over the counter medicines and supplies that you would find in any medicine cabinet, especially for families with children. Because there are children, school supplies are needed. Every 2^nd Wednesday is the trip to Walmart for supplies, so Walmart gift cards are appreciated.

We Celebrate alongside...

John Gray (23rd), David Culp (25th), and Brennan Brown (26th) as they celebrates their birthdays.

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 - Worship Service

5:00 pm - Youth (Keep up with us on Instagram for any upcoming events or schedule changes!)

Wednesdays

6:30 pm - Choir practice.

Upcoming Events

October 22-23: Stagg Lectures

October 30th: Churchwide Halloween Gathering at 5 PM

Nov. 10-12: Alliance of Baptist Fall Gathering in Montgomery, AL

Registration deadline is Oct. 21

Lost & Found

FOUND:  This Bible was found in the pulpit area. There is no name inside. The Bible is located in Renee's office.

LOST: Renee's tape dispenser is missing...again. This is the second dispenser in a month that has disappeared off her desk. She has searched every room in the church for both of them and they could not be located. If you borrow items from the church office, it would be appreciated if they were returned same day. Thanks you!

Of Interest in the Community