Thursday, February 29, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

Greetings, Church Family!

We’ve commenced an exciting adventure into uncharted territory in our life as a congregation here at Northminster. On Friday, February 16^th, the arrival of precious 5 lb, 12 oz, Eirinn Sophia brightened the lives of our Senior Pastor, Jillian, and her husband, Erich. This is the first time in Northminster’s 35-year history that we’ve had a baby arrive for a member of our pastoral staff, and this is particularly exciting in light of the growing number of young families and children within our congregation!

As such, it’s expected for Jillian and Erich to take some time away from “church life” as they begin to navigate their new role as parents. The plan, as it currently stands, is for Jillian to spend a couple months at home with Eirinn and Erich as their newly-expanded family bonds together and we, as a congregation, are cognizant and respectful of how important this time is to a new family.

We’re fortunate to have one of our “resident ministers”, Dr. Darrell Cluck, filling the pulpit in Jillian’s absence. I believe I can speak for us all when I say we’re always delighted to hear Darrell’s insightful sermons, his humorous anecdotes, and his phenomenal integration of poetry and music into his time at the pulpit.

Some of you may be asking the question, “but who’s leading the church while Jillian is out?” The answer is a simple one, and it’s going to take all of us working together during this “irregular” time. Northminster has always taken great joy in being a lay-led congregation, from the planting of our roots 35 years ago and continuing on through today. We have a vibrant and active Coordinating Council, a phenomenal array of Commissions including Arts & Education, Family Ministries, Missions, Properties, Social & Hospitality, and Worship – all of which are lay-led and are the impetus behind our day-to-day work of the church.

When the Coordinating Council reached out to Darrell to fill our pulpit during Jillian’s time away for maternity leave, please know that’s all we asked him to do – fill the pulpit – and he’s taken the bull by the horns and is bringing us thought-filled sermons every week. Our intention, from the Coordinating Council’s perspective, is to rely on the Council itself (including me as Chair) and the various Commissions of the congregation to fill the “pastoral gap” we’re experiencing while Jillian grows into her new role as mother to Eirinn.

All that being said, I’d like for us to all pull together during the next few weeks and take care of each other. If you know of someone experiencing illness or other issues, please reach out to the church office (office@northmin.org) or call the office at (318) 388-3717. You can also feel free to email me (marklanewindham@gmail.com) or call me at (318) 816-2396. As Micah 6:8 calls us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, let’s practice that with our church family!



Love to you all,

Mark 

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.



Middle Hymn: The Foolishness of God written by Darrell Cluck in 2011 and based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. Set to the tune FESTAL SONG.

Anthem: Forsaken by Dan Forrester. Text by D. H. Clark, adapted from Psalm 22 and Abide With Me by Henry F. Lyle, 1847.

The Communion Anthem: Lamb of God, a German Chorale from 1540 and arranged by F. Melius Christiansen. Text by Nicolaus Decius, 1531.



Closing Hymn: I Danced in the Morning by Sydney Carter, 1963 and set to the tune SIMPLE GIFTS.

We Celebrate with...

Lydia Duke (5th)

Pat Cohn Cluck (8th)

as they celebrate their birthdays

Hankamer Meal Train

Ann Aro has set up a "Meal Train" to help Erich and Jillian as they welcome their new baby Eirinn. Please click the link below to sign up to provide a meal. For any additional questions, contact Ann at 832-859-9156.

HELP NEEDED!

Updating the Baby/Toddler Nursery

The nursery now has a fresh coat of paint but we have nothing to put in the room! Please see the Amazon wish list by clicking the link below to help transform this space into a usable nursery. Also, if you would like to contribute to this renovation, make checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line the check "nursery". CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON LIST

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

Northminster Book Club

Our next book is The Women by Kristin Hannah. Join us for potluck and discussion on Tuesday, March 19 at 6pm in the home of Kyle Gregory.

PIATIGORSKY CONCERT

THE PIATIGORSKY FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AND PUBLIC OUTREACH

Friday, March 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Northminster Church in Monroe, Louisiana

Concert is Free

The program will feature masterpieces performed by two outstanding Piatigorsky Foundation artists:  Katherine Calcamuggio Donner, mezzo-soprano and Siwon Kim, piano

For over 33 years, The Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first-timers. It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances, and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences. Last season, The Foundation presented a tour of 9 concerts in Louisiana reaching over 570 people in Monroe, Shreveport and Alexandria.  Likewise, this year The Piatigorsky Foundation aims to reach hundreds of people across the North Louisiana region to increase awareness and appreciation of classical music in communities throughout the state. 

KATHERINE CALCAMUGGIO DONNER is an award-winning mezzo-soprano. She has been featured in important role and company debuts across the United States, eliciting kudos for her “soaring, rich voice” (The Miami Herald), her “polished musical and dramatic characterizations” (Kurt Weill Newsletter) and her “fine coloratura technique” (Philadelphia Inquirer). During the 2019-2020 season, Ms. Calcamuggio returned as the mezzo-soprano soloist with the Louisville Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah, with Heidelberg University Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah and with the University of Louisville’s Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s Mass in C. An active recitalist, she has performed with the Piatigorsky Foundation across the United States; and has given recitals in Chicago with the American Opera Society and the Chicago Lyric Opera Lake Geneva Chapter. As a winner of the coveted concerto competition at University of Michigan, she made her Hill Auditorium debut with the UM orchestra singing John Corigliano's Mr. Tambourine Man. Ms. Calcamuggio holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from University of Michigan, a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice at University of Louisville.

SIWON KIM, a choral conductor and a piano accompanist, earned a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Louisville in 2023. Currently contributing to the vibrant musical landscape at the University of Louisville, Siwon specializes in accompanying vocal performances within the voice area. Notably, his talents have extended to collaborations with the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) as an All-State SATB Choir accompanist, showcasing their versatility and skill on a broader stage. The journey to musical mastery began at the Korea National University of Arts, where Siwon obtained both a Bachelor's and a subsequent Master's degree in Choral Conducting, in 2008 and 2013, respectively. Siwon Kim's rich academic background and diverse experiences affirm their status as a dedicated and accomplished piano accompanist in the realm of choral music.

About The Piatigorsky Foundation: Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music. He once said, “Music makes life better. Music is a necessity. It is rich. It is imaginative. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone.” The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances. 

PUB THEOLOGY

Thursday, March 21 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

AWAB is pleased to announce that beginning on March 1, James Rice III will take on the role of Communications Coordinator. After a thorough search process which included 15 applicants from across the country, Rice was chosen to fill this integral role to empower AWAB to move its mission and vision to the next level of ministry.

Executive Director, Brian Henderson, states, “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome James to our team. James will bring experience, expertise, and enormous sums of energy to this position. We anticipate that the ever evolving trajectory of AWAB’s reach and impact will only keep expanding as James brings his passion to our welcoming and affirming work.”

Director of Development, Natalie Aho, comments, “The Communications Coordinator is a key position in the growth of AWAB. What a gift we have found in James! He is someone who understands Baptists and the AWAB mission and vision, is an expert in communication strategies, and has an abundance of joy for life. Pay attention to what's next for AWAB...there's sure to be lots of glitter and rainbows in our future.”

Board Chair, Bob Sittig adds, “We are so pleased to welcome James into the AWAB family. The skills that he brings to our organization are essential for spreading the message of equality for all God’s children. Welcome aboard James!”

James Rice III (He/His) is a minister, life coach, and seasoned communications professional. He holds his B.A. in Communication from Queens University of Charlotte and has been active in his local queer community since 2013. Before joining AWAB, James started his career as the Director of Communication on the boards of Charlotte Black Pride and the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, he was the Associate Director of Communications and Community Partnerships for Time Out Youth Center. A self-described “Son of a preacher man,” James has been in church his whole life. He was baptized as a child at the historic Rock Hill Baptist Church (Ridgeway, SC), was ordained in his family’s outreach ministry at age thirteen, and currently serves on the media ministry team at AWAB member church, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (Charlotte, NC). James is known for his infectious charisma, captivating speaking, and unapologetic authenticity. “I am the sum of all my parts,” James said. “I am Black, I am Gay, I am a Minister, and I’ve learned I never have to choose between them.” James’ commitment to social justice and intersectionality is reflected in his awards as a rare double recipient of top honors from both Charlotte Pride and Charlotte Black Pride. Receiving the Harvey Milk Award in 2019 and the Heart of the Community Award in 2021 respectively. James currently lives in Austin, Texas, but is excited to return to his friends and family in the Carolinas before year’s end. Outside of work, James is a true millennial who loves binge-watching House Hunters and being the best “Guncle” in the world to his nine nieces and nephews.

MARCH MISSION EMPHASIS:

THE RENEWAL CENTER

Northminster’s Mission Emphasis for March is The Renewal Center, formerly the DeSiard Street Shelter. This is a nonprofit 501(C)3 located at 722 Adams Street in Monroe that is a Christ-Centered Ministry assisting those in need to find hope and healing through the gospel. They assist anyone who may be struggling and provide them with the resources and support they need to get back on their feet. The Center believes that everyone deserves a chance, and they do everything they can to help anyone who comes for assistance and are hopeful that their work will make a positive impact in the community.

Items needed for the Mission Trunk include: 3-compartment to-go trays, trash bags, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, adult diapers (All sizes), toilet paper, cleaning supplies, water (bottles, jugs, etc.), coffee and coffee cups, paper towels, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products.

CONCERT TUESDAY, MARCH 12 AT 7:30 PM

ULM Concert Choir and Chamber Singers in Concert on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:30pm at Parkview Baptist Church . Tickets are $5 for the general public and students are free with ID.

HOMEGROWN TO PLAY

BOILING POINT SATURDAY MARCH 16 from 6 - 9 PM

Renee Decker, invites you all to carpool north to Bastrop to the Boiling Point located at 1930 N. Washington Street. This is set up similar to Cormier's with outdoor tables, heaters, great food and drinks (crawfish, shrimp, crab legs, boudin, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans/rice, etc), and of course live music! If you've enjoyed 2/5ths of this band at Open Mic Nights, please carpool up to Bastrop and see what the entire band can do! Fun times!

Directions: From 165 N come just past the courthouse and turn left on the square on to 425N. Travel straight approximately 2 miles and the Boiling Point will be on the right at a light at the corner of N. Washington and Cherry Ridge Road.

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.