Thursday, March 21, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

A PRAYER FOR RESURRECTION

Of course, Sunday is Easter Sunday when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. But for Jesus’ resurrection to be meaningful to us we must reflect upon Maundy Thursday when Jesus shared a meal with his friends, was betrayed by a friend, and was handed over to the authorities. And Good Friday or Holy Friday when Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. At Northminster on Maundy Thursday beginning at 6 pm we will observe communion together in an informal service preceded beginning at 5 pm with wine and water in the Columbarium Memorial Garden. On Good Friday beginning at 6 pm we will remember Jesus’ crucifixion and death in a solemn Tenebrae service led by our Northminster Choir. And then there’s Easter Sunday! Resurrection Day! What are we to do with RESURRECTION?

Northminster’s former long-serving senior pastor Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy wrote many wonderful prayers, many of which are contained in his book PRAYERS from Adoration to Zeal. Here is his Prayer for Resurrection:

God of creation, compassion, crucifixion, resurrection, and redemption:

           Sometimes we have trouble getting up in the morning because of the difficulties of the preceding evening. How difficult it is for us to conceive of our brother Jesus getting up from the dead!

           Besides, resurrections seem foreign to our world. What we know best are

                       broken promises,

                       frayed relationships,

                       aborted dreams,

                       sorrowful death.

           We have grown accustomed to narratives without happy endings, rejoicing that takes place despite tragedy, and incidents that make no sense and bear no promise When it comes to resurrections, we are borderline cynics.

           We don’t like it this way, God, but frankly, most days we are not real sure there is another way. That is why the resurrection of Jesus catches us off guard. He comes to us early in the morning, late in the evening, in a garden, beside the Interstate highway, or at the office, and we don’t recognize him. We call him by the wrong name. We are not accustomed to resurrections.

           Please do not hear us as complaining, though. We are as profoundly thankful for the resurrection of Jesus as we are surprised by it. We take hope that reversals, major reversals, are possible.

           Stretch our faith and enlarge our hope to the point that we can fully embrace the resurrected Lord. By the power with which you raised Jesus from death, raise within us courage, integrity, dreams, goals, plans, joy, forgiveness, grace, faith, and peace that we may know life. Enable us to follow the risen Christ as well as greet him and to experience

                       promises kept,

                       relationships restored,

                       dreams realized,

                       death that gives way to life.

           God of resurrection, send the raised-up Lord to live within us in order that we may live with you—forever. Amen

Opening Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today The unknown editor of Lyra Davidica wanted music with more movement and spirit than found in the grave, slow-paced psalm tunes, with one note to a syllable. EASTER HYMN was among the first of a new popular style.

Middle Hymn: The Myrrhbearers. Words by D.H. Clark and set to the tune ST. DENIO. In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the 3rd Sunday of Holy Pascha commemorates the myrrhbearers, the women disciples who came to anoint Christ's body but, instead found Him risen. The went out to proclaim this good news to all.

Anthem: Glorious Everlasting by M. Thomas Cousins and based on Psalm 57:11, 14.

The Communion Anthem: "Alleluia" from Exsultate Jubilate by W. A. Mozart. Morgan Huth, soprano.



Closing Hymn: The Day of Resurrection A Greek canon-an extended poem of eight or nine odes, each based on a scriptural canticle-was the source of this hymn. John of Damascus gave up a high government position to enter a monastery.

We Celebrate with...

Thomas Abadie (28th)

JoAnn Alley (29th)

Amy Sumner (30th)

Bobbye Legan (1st)

Paul Brannon (2nd)

Ingrid Gray (3rd)

Tim Jaquess (3rd)

as they celebrates their birthdays

SHREK - THE MUSICAL A SUCCESS!

Congratulations and a big thank you to Justin Havard, Northminster’s incomparably gifted pianist and music associate, for the recent production of Shrek-The Musical at ULM. Justin was the director, but he uses his gifts and tireless energies in virtually every aspect of the production. Every person who saw the show, many of whom have seen multiple Broadway productions, had the same comment to make: “This show is Broadway worthy!” Of late, especially since the arrival of Justin at ULM, the musicals have been top-notch. The sets are breathtaking, The scenes take place, with a moving pace. The scene changes are seamless. Other technical aspects and the sound are flawless. The orchestra was perfectly balanced and timed with the cast and the action. The choreography (directed by our own choral scholar Sarah Talmage) was inventive, perfectly suited to each scene, and flawlessly executed by the dancers. And the Cast!!! What a dream cast. In the leads were three of our choral scholars, LeAnn Hammons, James Wright, and Preston Anderson. Sarah, in addition to choreographing the show, also shored up the chorus playing several characters. If, by chance, you missed this show, DON’T MISS THE NEXT ONE!! Please say something to these incredibly talented folks who share their talents so generously with us. 

Also, when you have an opportunity, let it be known to all the community and to the administration of ULM, how fortunate we are to have Justin Havard heading up the musical theater aspect of the School of Visual and Performing arts. These students are well prepared to step into comparable roles in any theater in the country. 

PALM SUNDAY EASTER EGG HUNT!

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

You have one more chance to join us for a delicious lunch and short meditation as we meet Friday at noon.

BOOK CLUB

Our next book is New York Times Bestseller "First Lie Wins" by North Louisiana native, Ashley Elston. Potluck and discussion will be Tuesday April 23 at 6pm in the home of Debi Chandler.

PUB THEOLOGY

Thursday, April 18 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

MARCH MISSION EMPHASIS:

THE RENEWAL CENTER

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

Saturday, April 6

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 FROM THE TEMPLE

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

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