Thursday, January 4, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

Happy New Year!

As a new year stretches out before us, my hope is that you're filled with excitement and the possibilities of what lays before you and us as a community. I'll be honest, I am both overjoyed for this year as it means our little girl will be here very soon (8 weeks to be exact) and apprehensive as Erich and I handle this massive change in our lives. To say nothing of keeping a small human alive!

I'm also quite aware that I'll be stepping away from my work while on maternity leave, something I've never done since I started ministry. I'm perhaps one of the lucky few who love my job and the people I work with and for. I look forward to being with you every week and know how blessed I am to have the privilege of being your pastor. Maternity leave doesn't change that, of course, but I will change through this process and I'm not quite sure how. 

The good news is, in this new year, that you don't need me for the church to run, and worship, and thrive. You make up the church, each and every one of you are ministers. And while I'm grateful you make room for me and my leadership, Northminster is the perfect example of a church of lay people who can take care of themselves. 

So perhaps 2024 is the year Northminster does some self care. Perhaps it's the year that idea you've had for Sunday school or worship or fellowship comes to fruition. Perhaps this is the year you find new leadership skills that the church needs. Because even with the unknowns of this year we, you, each of us has so much to offer. 

Jillian

Opening Hymn: O Morning Star, How Clear and Bright This German chorale by Lutheran pastor Philipp Nicolai became so popular that its tune was chimed by church bells and its words engraved on pottery. It has been called "the queen of chorales."



Middle Hymn: As with Gladness Those of Old After reading the Epiphany gospel, William Dix penned this hymn. Dix, the manager of a marine insurance company, was also a gifted hymnwriter. Among his many fine contributions is "What Child Is This."



Anthem: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion from Handel's "Messiah". Solo by our choral intern, Naomi Kilpatrick, mezzo soprano.

The Communion Anthem: Holy Gifts by Sam Batt Owens.



Closing Hymn: We Three Kings of Orient Are written by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and he wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City. It was the first widely popular Christmas carol written in America.

We Celebrate with...

Beth Ingram (9th)

Lowery Thompson (11th)

Renee Decker (12th)



as they celebrate their birthdays

Swain/Boateng Wedding

Samuel Boateng and Sarah Swain were married in Alexandria, LA on Saturday, December 30th. Northminster wishes Samuel and Sarah a lifetime of happiness!

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

Sunday School for all ages resumes this Sunday, January 7 at 10am.

The Coordinating Council has selected their officers for this year. Mark Windham will serve as Chair, Kyle Gregory will remain as Vice-Chair and D.H. Clark (staff) will serve as ad hoc Secretary.

A baby shower will be held for Pastor Jillian on Saturday, January 20. If you are interested in helping with the shower, please meet in the large Sunday school room following worship on Sunday, January 7.

PUB THEOLOGY resumes January 18 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

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.

HELP MAKE CUBAN LIVES A LITTLE BETTER

The current economic situation in Cuba is quite dire with shortages of almost everything. Seven Northminster members and friends will be traveling to Cuba on January 25 to celebrate with Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel our beautiful partnership of 30 years. Obviously we are limited to what we can take in our luggage, but we can take a few things. Here are the items they suggest we can easily carry and are much needed there:

Disposable razors

Gelatin of different flavors

Powdered soups of different flavors

Powdered chocolate milk

Different flavors of tea

Light jackets for women (all sizes)

Boxer briefs for men (all sizes, lightweight fabric for quick drying)

We will be collecting these items through January 21st We are using the mission trunk in the narthex for you to deposit items. During this season of giving please be generous and help make the lives of our Cuban sisters and brothers just a little bit better. It also helps them to know that during these difficult economic times for them they are not forgotten.

Thanks for anything you can do!

JANUARY MISSION EMPHASIS:

LOCAL HUMANE SHELTERS



Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter (kill shelter) 417 Well Road, W. Monroe. This shelter needs everything listed.

Human Society, 920 Freight Dr., Monroe This shelter does not need cat items.

 River Cities Humane Society for Cats, 5302 DeSiard, Monroe They need everything listed EXCEPT dog food)

Trunk Needs: Dog treats (such as Milkbones). Please no rawhides, Puppy and Kitten food (canned or dry), Dog and Cat food (canned or dry), Cat litter, Puppy pads, all sizes, all stock livestock food, hay and shelled corn, Animal carriers, BLEACH, BIRKON, scrub brushes, Disposable gloves all sizes, Paper Towels, Tall Kitchen Bags. Laundry Detergent, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Dawn dishwashing liquid, First Aid supplies (like antiseptic spray), Old bath towels, t-shirts, sheets, blankets, etc...that can be placed in cages. Most of these rescues have Amazon Wish Lists you may search for and order directly for them.

The flower committee would like to thank Larry Prather for twice providing cedar to the church for decoration during this season.

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