Thursday, March 21, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

Happy Birthday Northminster!

March 19 was Northminster's 35th birthday. This date fell on Palm Sunday, March 19, 1989 when Northminster first opened its new doors at 2701 Lamy Lane.

This week we received this lovely email from Barbara and David Kline:

To our dear friends of Northminster Church,

It is truly hard to believe that Northminster has existed for THIRTY-FIVE YEARS! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 

I clearly remember in August, 1989 being warmly greeted by the leadership of Temple B’nai Israel and Northminster Church, the space filled members of both congregations and decorated with glorious flower arrangements created by Donald Nixon. The two congregations had invited the members of both to greet my husband David, our daughter Shira and me, welcoming us to the community. I honestly couldn’t tell who in the reception line went with Temple B’nai Israel or Northminster Church. In fact, it would take about a month or so for me to sort that out. The relationship, for sure, strengthened both of our congregations.

During those early years when Northminster was housed in our synagogue and provided music for several of our Sabbath services, I recall my husband David admitting that he had broken the commandment, “Thou shalt not covet…” for surely, despite himself, he did covet the spiritually uplifting sounds of your choir that graced your services and on occasion ours as well.

Then there was the walk from Temple B’nai Israel to the brand new building housing Northminster’s sanctuary and school. My husband and Reverend Nixon dedicated the building with members of both congregations there to celebrate. I had the honor of bestowing the priestly benediction over Cathe Nixon at her ordination, a highly emotional experience for me.

On 9/11 there was no question but that our two congregations would pray together under one roof, in this case at Northminster…pray for the safety of our nation and gratitude that we had been spared.

Our congregations joined together to create to magnificent programs, including representatives from several other Christian denominations, on subjects such as Seasons of Joy and Gladness (life cycle celebrations in each of our faiths) and Seasons of Holiness (the Holy days/holidays we celebrate throughout the year; the “how” and “why” of each). 

We joined Northminster at the national Baptist conference in McClean, Virginia, participating in the service with dance and a reading in Hebrew and in English of the Biblical passage, “Thou shalt not stand Idly by while thy neighbor bleeds.” Afterwards we walked together to the National Holocaust Museum and held another service where Reverend Welton Gaddy apologized for the way the death of Jesus had been taught for too many years. My husband recited the Kaddish, a prayer of remembrance and blessing for Jews who have died, in this case, specific to the Holocaust.

Northminster teamed with our congregation to celebrate David’s 40th year in the rabbinate and again to celebrate his retirement in 2004. That felt amazing.

For us, this relationship speaks to the beauty of both religions, elevating our teachings and our spirituality, enriching our souls and our everyday lives. With deep and lasting gratitude, we wish all of you at Northminster double and triple 35 year anniversaries, and may you all go from strength to strength.

With love,

Barbara and David

Opening Hymn: All Glory, Laud, and Honor Brought to France by Charlemagne, Theodulph became bishop of Orléans but was later imprisoned by Charlemagne's successor. According to legend, he was released when the king, Louis the Pious, heard him sing this hymn from prison.

Middle Hymn: Ride On! Ride On in Majesty Henry Milman, a priest of the Church of England, served successively as professor of poetry at Oxford, canon of Westminster, and dean of St. Paul's Cathedral, London. He was also a successful playwright and historian.



Anthem: Hosanna by Alfred Fedak

The Communion Anthem: Ave verum corpus by W. A. Mozart



Closing Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded This hymn is drawn from an extended Latin poem in seven sections, each addressed to a member of Christ's body on the cross. It comes to us by way of a German translation by Lutheran pastor and hymnwriter Paul Gerhardt.

We Celebrate with...

Molly HIgginbotham (25th)

Sandy Harrington (26th)

Pat Hayes (27th)

Thomas Abadie (28th)

JoAnn Alley (29th)

Amy Sumner (30th)

as they celebrates their birthdays

CHILDREN'S COALITION FOR NELA

CELEBRATES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Northminster Members Recognized

The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana continues to celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing and honoring the visionary leaders who, with unwavering dedication and passion, have served as Presidents on the Board of Directors.

Cynthia and Ellen, thank you, for your part in steering the Children's Coalition towards a future filled with hope and possibilities. Your leadership helped pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive communities where children and families can thrive!

Congratulations Robert McCandlish!

Northminster's own, Robert McCandlish, is appearing at the club 54 Below in New York on April 5!

Congratulations Samantha Clark

Congratulations to Samantha Clark (Samm), a PhD student in Dr. Rebecca Christofferson's lab at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, was one of only two students nationwide to be awarded the Dr. Catherine A. Knupp Scholarship.

CANDY NEEDED FOR EASTER

On Sunday, March 24 following worship we will hold our annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic.

Prior to this event we are in need of individually wrapped candy, small egg sized treats or filled eggs.

If you can bring egg filled with candy on Sunday morning, please do so.

PALM SUNDAY EASTER EGG HUNT AND CHURCHIDE PICNIC

Our annual Easter event will be held this Sunday, Palm Sunday, March 24 following worship. For our picnic the church will provide fried chicken and drinks and you are asked to provide side dishes and desserts. Please plan on joining us!

Prior to this event we will need help setting up tables and chairs. Contact Susan Curry at 318--680-2251 for ways you can help.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR UPDATED CHILDREN'S ROOMS!

During the updating of the nursery, donations were so generous that we are now refreshing the 3-5 year old room and big kids room. The Amazon wishlist has been updated. Thank you for all the support and helping make this happen for all the youngest of our church family!

If you would like to contribute to this renovation, make checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line the check "children". 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

Holy Week Luncheon and Meditation

Sign-ups Needed ASAP

Remember that every weekday during Holy Week, March 25-29, there will be a light luncheon served at the church at 12 noon. Each day there will be a 20-minute meditation. In Jillian’s absence we are asking members to volunteer to lead these devotionals. The theme is Stations of the Cross. This is an ancient Christian practice of meditating on 14 of the scenes that occurred between and including Pilate’s sentencing Jesus to die on the cross and Jesus’ entombment.

Each day will consist of three of these stations, so the meditations need to be about 7 minutes. We are recommending that you think of ways these occurrences may reflect and/or find relevance in today’s world. There is a sign-up sheet in the hallway or you can call the church office and Renee will sign you up. Feel free to take more than one. You will be provided with some suggestions to get you started, but we want to encourage your own creativity so, by all means, stray from these ideas as you are so inspired. You may use visuals, such as artwork or common objects for emphasis.

These luncheons are always a time of good fellowship, education, and inspiration. For those on lunch hour you will be out in time to get back to work. Please check out the display on the hallway table.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday

Introduction

I. Jesus is condemned by Pilate

II. The Cross is laid upon Jesus (taken)

III. Jesus’ first fall (taken)

Tuesday

IV. Jesus meets his mother Mary (taken)

V. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross (taken)

VI. Jesus’ face is wiped by Veronica (taken)

Wednesday

VII. Jesus’ second fall

VIII. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

IX. Jesus’ third fall

Thursday

X. Jesus is stripped of his garments

XI. Jesus is crucified

XII. Jesus dies on the cross

Friday

XIII. Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross

XIV. Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb

Coda

PUB THEOLOGY

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

On Maundy Thursday we will have Water and Wine in the Columbarium Garden at 5pm followed by Communion at 6pm.

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.

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.

INVITATION

Temple B'nai Israel is holding a Community Passover Seder and you are invited to attend.

Passover, like Easter, is a celebration of spring and hope. It is a time for all people to come together to celebrate community and hope for the future. To foster community, our Seder is open to everyone, Jew and non-Jews. Please extend our invitation to your congregation and their family and friends.

What:   Community Passover Seder

When:   Friday, April 26th at 6:00 pm.

Where: Temple B'Nai Israel

       2400 Orell Place (corner of Orell Place and Park Ave), Monroe, LA 71201

Cost: $50/person

Menu selections: Brisket, Chicken or Vegetarian

Students are free with ID. Reservation is still required. This event is catered so reservations are required by April 15th. Payment is due when making the reservation. We accept cash, checks, or PayPal.

For more information or to make reservations, call 318-387-0730. If no one answers, please leave a message with your name and call back number. Or you may contact us at 1868temple@gmail.com

Shirley Ketenli, Administrator

Temple B'nai Israel

2400 Orell Place

Monroe, LA 71201

(318) 387-0730

www.BayouJews.org