Thursday, August 1, 2024

Yesterday, July 31, marked my second anniversary as Senior Pastor and it’s been a wonderful, busy, productive two years! Not only have we added new members (not the only indication of a successful congregation, but a joyful detail!), we’ve increased our community engagement, continued to support missional causes, and seen our youth and children’s ministries be revived and expanded in beautiful ways. 

Northminster is by no means perfect, as no church is. We have growing edges and things to work on. Elements of our work as a community that need more attention, and likely some blind spots we’re not aware of. There’s planning that needs to happen for our future, and of course on-going maintenance of our building and grounds. But with all that said, I am incredibly proud of our time together so far and look forward to all our years to come. 

I’ve talked before about my first meeting with Welton when I came to interview for the Senior Pastor position. When Welton asked about my first impression of the church I told him I felt like I’d come home, totally unaware of his book, Coming Home about the founding and first years of Northminster. I don’t remember everything about that conversation but will never forget his knowing smile at that moment. 

Northminster still feels like home. It’s certainly the first church I’ve served as a Pastor that gives me the space and ability to fully be myself as a pastor and person. And while I know the church has, is, and will continue to change, I am so thankful that this is the place and you are the people with whom I get to work, worship, and raise my family.

Thank you for letting me be your Pastor. It is the privilege of my life. 

-Jillian

Opening Hymn: All My Hope on God Is Founded British composer Herbert Howells studied with Charles V Stanford at the Royal College of Music in London and later taught there. The tune was composed for an English school and was named for Howells' son who died in childhood.

Middle Hymn: Sheltered by God's Loving Spirit Reflecting on the love she had experienced while going through deep pain, Deborah Patterson wrote this text for the funeral of a parishioner at St. John's United Church of Christ in Smithton, IL while serving as minister.

The Anthem: If We But Endure to the End by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.

The Communion Anthem: Hope of the World Author of many books in her field and an internationally recognized teacher, Georgia Harkness was one of the leading women theologians of her generation. This text was written for the Second General Assembly of the World Council of Churches.

The Closing Hymn: Blessed Assurance After hearing Phoebe Knapp play this tune on the piano, Fanny Crosby composed the poem on the spot. In her almost 95 years, Crosby wrote more than 8,500 gospel hymns and songs.

August 1-7 We Celebrate Birthdays with...

Elias Cross (2nd)

Vevlyn Wright (2nd)

Terryn Kimble (3rd)

Grayson Medders (5th)

Kate Medders (5th)

Rickie Keen (5th)

Julia Wilhite (6th)

Emma Medders (7th)

Morgan Huth (7th)

Maren Sumner (7th)

August 8-15 We Celebrate Birthdays with...

Melba-Kaylynn Kimble (8th)

Annie White (9th)

Carl Nolan (10th)

Sadye Bernheim (10th)

Barbara Thompson (11th)

Janet Haedicke (12th)

Ellen Prather (14th)

Susan Allain (15th)

ANNIVERSARIES!

REV. JILLIAN HANKAMER MARKS 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

July 31 marks the 2nd anniversary that Rev. Jillian Hankamer has been Senior Pastor of Northminster Church. Jillian's time here has been fruitful as Northminster has added 20 new and active members with several more individuals seeking to join our congregation. Jillian has also been busy in her personal live as she and Erich welcomed baby Eirinn in February of this year. Thank you Jillian for all you have done and are doing here at Northminster! We look forward to seeing what the future holds!

RENEE DECKER, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, CELEBRATES 8TH ANNIVERSARY

August 1 marks 8 years that Renee has been Northminster's administrative assistant. She has worked with Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, Rev. Steve Jolly, Revs. Claire and Zach Helton and now, Rev. Jillian Hankamer. She has made many great friends while working here and has felt the loss of some members who brightened her day almost on a daily basis. Renee looks forward to many more years at Northminster!

VBS STARTS SUNDAY!

From 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the evenings of August 4-8 Northminster will host Vacation Bible School for the children.

IF YOU HAVE NOT REGISTER, PLEASE DO SO NOW!

Click the link below

YOUTH LED WORSHIP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

The Youth of Northminster will be in charge of most aspects of worship on Sunday, August 11. They will give us a camp report as well as leading the congregation in singing hymns they learned at camp. Marleigh Keen and Terryn Kimble-Keen will bring the message. Please be sure and join us on this very special Sunday!

BOOK CLUB TONIGHT!

We will meet for potluck and discussion tonight, August 1 at 6pm in the home of Kyle Gregory.

RENEE ON VACATION AUGUST 5-9

Renee, our administrative assistant, will be out of the office next week on vacation. Please make a note that she will be in the Perdido Key area, so you might want to steer clear!!!!

NO NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK

Since Renee will be on vacation next week, there will be no newsletter published.

CHOIR REHEARSALS

The choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, August 14.

AFTER CHUCH FELLOWSHIP

In order to continue our after church fellowship, we need folks to volunteer to provide drinks and snacks. Please see the sign-up sheet in the hall outside the pastor's office!

Please, NO items with icing or "gooey" stuff. This is getting into our rugs and embedded into the concrete floors.

PUB THEOLOGY - AUGUST 15

Thursday, August 15 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

AUGUST MISSION EMPHASIS:

COA - FOOD PANTRY

Trunk Needs: ***Dire need for canned meat, canned chili, tamales, cornedbeef, chicken, tuna, chicken and dumplings…anything that is a meal in a can basically, and canned fruit and soups such as chicken noodle or any of the chunky soups especially noodles, rice, peanut butter, jelly, boxed non-perishable food items—they DO NOT NEED canned corn, peas, and green beans.

The floral offering on Sunday, July 28 was given to the Glory of God

and in honor of Marilyn Decker

Arranged by Robert Crawford