Thursday, April 4, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry: 1989 - 2024

CONTINUE TO REMEMBER…

…those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 13:3) 

Recently Mara Loeb went to the Richwood Correctional Center with an English/Spanish translator to help a detainee who did not speak English. The officer in charge refused them entry until Mara brandished her weapon – a letter written by an immigration attorney listing federal statues which spelled out the rights of detainees. Still, before they left, Officer Phillips insisted on adding a caveat to the letter which could be used to override the statues if Center officials declared a Covid lockdown. It's not easy being green Sesame Street’s Kermit taught us.

Mara Loeb has been Northminster’s most enthusiastic advocate for detainees passing through the Richwood Correctional Center since January 2020 when the church sponsored in depth visitation training from representatives of the non-profit Freedom for Immigrants. She has provided transportation, organized supply donations, and occasionally provided temporary shelter to people who had been released from detention but were awaiting transportation to their final destination. Her work was made more challenging a few months ago when the management of the Center changed and more restrictive regulations put into place. Now legislation in progress in Baton Rouge portends additional hurdles for immigrants. Earlier this week lawmakers on a Senate committee advanced a bill that would authorize state law enforcement officers to arrest people in Louisiana that they suspect of being here illegally. As presently written, it would allow for penalties up to $10,000 and two years in prison.

Still a contingent of people continue working to advance the welfare of the detainees at Richwood. Drew Patel, manager of Studio Six motel in Monroe, is a vital link in the process of getting detainees from Richwood to their community of support. He works with Louisiana Advocates for Immigrants in Detention (LA-AID), a non-profit, to arrange food, shelter, tickets, rides, and clothes to help newly released persons get safely to their relatives or friends. Rather it takes a few days or a few weeks, all detainees must appear before an immigration court judge usually through a Zoom connection to test the validity of their claim. They state their case and are then either released or sent back to their country.  Drew recalls a case of a young married couple who received a complicated ruling for their family situation. The wife was approved for release, but the husband was denied release and ordered back to his country of origin. His young wife chose to go back with him.

Northminster has budgeted $1,000 this year to assist immigrants. Church members or interested parties who want to help could designate a financial gift for this fund. Backpacks and toiletries in small containers also are very useful. At Northminster we are all ministers!  

-Written by Mary Delancy

Opening Hymn: I Greet You, Sure Redeemer This hymn first appeared in a sixteenth century Strasbourg Psalter edited by John Calvin. The original tune Old 124th and text were both shortened to the present meter-the tune for an early English psalter and the text for the 1920 Hymnal of the Reformed Church in the United States.

Middle Hymn: These Things Did Thomas Count The author cites his "reading of twentieth century theology and its coming to terms with the limits of the enlightenment and rational cognition" as the foundational thought for this text.

Anthem: Stay With Us by Walter Pelz

The Communion Anthem: Bread of the World by David Henne



Closing Hymn: We Live by Faith and Not by Sight As dean of Canterbury, Henry Alford exemplified ecumenism by working closely with non-Anglican groups. He promoted New Testament scholarship with his famous commentary on the Greek New Testament, one of fifty books he published during his lifetime.

We Celebrate with...

Robert McCandlish (5th)

William McCandlish (5th)

Jay Aro (6th)

Auturo Rodriguez (7th)

Peggy Caskey (8th)

Mara Loeb (8th)

Henry Aro (8th)

Norris Duke (9th)

Ryder Adkerson (Kane Family) (9th)

as they celebrates their birthdays

THIS SATURDAY!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 14: YOUTH FUNDRAISER

See the sign-up sheet in the hall or call the office before the 14th to reserve your plate!

CHECK OUT OUR CHILDREN'S ROOMS!

The baby nursery and small children's room is nearing completion and those working on these rooms want to thank everyone who has donated to make these efforts possible. We still have a bit left to do in the older kid's room and 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

PASTOR JILLIAN RETURNS!

On Sunday, April 14 Pastor Jillian will be back us in the pulpit bringing us the Word of God. She will also begin some office hours on Monday, April 15. Jillian has been on maternity leave since the birth of Eirinn on February 16. Jillian, you have been missed and we look forward to having you back with us!

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!

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF

JUDY EDINGTON

On Saturday, April 27 at 4pm Northminster Church will hold a Celebration of the Life of Judy Edington. A reception will be held following the service in the Narthex.

APRIL MISSION EMPHASIS:

THE FOOD BANK

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is a non-profit hunger-relief organization that provides food, advocacy, education, and disaster response to the 12 parishes of Northeast Louisiana. Through its network of partners and programs, the Food Bank serves nearly 25,000 people monthly across Northeast Louisiana. Needs: Peanut Butter (plastic jars only), Beans (dry or canned), Canned Meats/Seafood (tuna, salmon, chicken, ham), Meals in a box/can (chili, mac & cheese, stew), Rice and Pasta (box or bag), Boxed Cereal, Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned soups, Pop-Top food items (spaghetti-o’s, soups) . PLEASE NO GLASS CONTAINERS. Other needs: Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels), Personal care items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap)

The altar floral offering was given to the Glory of God

And in loving memory of Bill Kight

By the Kight Family

The altar flowers were arranged by Peggy Burns. The pulpit urn was arranged by Peggy Caskey. The lectern urn was arranged by Susan Curry. The Narthex urn was arranged by Robert Crawford.

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.

Directions: US 165N to Bastrop. Travel past the courthouse to its corner then turn left on to US 425N. Travel through 4 red lights. At the 5th red light on the right is the Boiling Point.

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