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Thursday, January 30, 2025

CUBANS ARE LIVING ACCORDING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES

 

Many of you know that Rev. Noel Fernandez, the pastor emeritus of Northminster’s partner church in Cuba, recently wrote his memoir entitled Living According to the Circumstances. The title is taken from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians where, while imprisoned for his faith, he writes that he was “living according to the circumstances.” On our recent visit to our sisters and brothers at Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, despite very difficult economic circumstances there, we discovered that most with whom we came in contact were also living according to their current circumstances. Having visited Cuba at least 30 times since our partnership began in 1994, we have always found that to be the case. It is what Cubans do. It appears to be part of the Cuban spirit. For the most part they are a resilient people. However, for some Cubans that is not the case. As you are probably aware hundreds of thousands of Cubans, mostly young people, have emigrated either legally or illegally to the United States in recent years. This includes members of many families at Enmanuel. This phenomenon has only heightened the immigration crisis in the United States, depleted the country of important human resources, and devastated the families left behind. There are many and complicated reasons for the current economic situation in Cuba, but there is not room here to report on that. Perhaps in another article.


Here is a little about what we experienced about living in Cuba during our few days there. Because of an antiquated electrical grid and a shortage of fuel needed to operate its generators, electricity is in short supply. Because of that, in Ciego de Avila and the rest of the country (except apparently for Havana) there are rolling black outs every day. While we were there, they typically lasted four to five hours each day, and somehow folks knew about when to expect them and how long they would last. For us it appeared that the blackouts were at the least inconvenient times of the day, but they were rolling so others probably weren’t so lucky. Many Cubans cook with electricity, of course their lights are powered by electricity, and the fans that provide a little “coolness” (there is very little air conditioning) operate by electricity. Additionally, the pumps that pump water to their homes are powered by electricity, so at times when there is no electricity there is also no running water. But they are learning to live with it. You get the picture.


Diesel and gasoline for vehicles are in short supply, and there seemed to be fewer of those vehicles on the streets and highways. There did appear to be a dramatic increase in electrically powered motor scooters. And, of course, lots of folks on bicycles, in horse or bicycle drawn carts and on horseback. For anyone needing fuel for their vehicles they must first obtain a letter of permission from the government before showing up at the service station. And the service station may still not have fuel. There is a “black market” operating in Cuba, and fuel is available there but only for those who have the money needed to purchase it. That leaves most folks out.


If we think eggs in the United States are expensive that is nothing to compare to the situation in Cuba. There is a significant shortage in eggs, and when found they are very expensive. We heard that average Cubans could spend a large part of their monthly income for a few eggs. Needless to say, not many Cubans are eating eggs. In addition to eggs most other food and other items seem to be in short supply.


Despite all this, the sisters and brothers of Enmanuel with whom we worshipped, those we visited in their homes, the young people we shared pizza with at lunch, all greeted us with much joy and enthusiasm as usual. As is typical there was a lot of hugging and “air kissing” as is the Cuban custom. As usual our experience being with our friends in Ciego de Avila was positive and loving. And with that said in the next edition of this report we will share more about the positive, loving, musical and festive parts of our visit, including a video log of our visit DH is currently preparing.


Cuba si! Peace!


Craig and DH

Join Us for Worship

Sunday, February 2 at 10:45 am

Rev. Jillian Hankamer preaching

Main Character Energy

Matthew 8:14-22

Stream Sunday's Service

View Order of Worship

View Previous Service

Our Worship in Song

Opening Hymn: We Offer Christ "We Offer Christ" was commissioned by St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Orangeburg, SC, for its 150th anniversary. The opening phrase derives from John Wesley's advice to Thomas Cike as he departed for America. "Offer them Christ."


Middle Hymn: God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak Daughter of the English Hymnwriter William Havergal, Frances Ridley Havergal was a gifted poet and student of several languages, including Hebrew and Greek. She also composed several hymn tunes.


The Anthem: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms by Eric Nelson. Text by E. A. Hoffman.


The Communion Anthem: If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments by Thomas Tallis and taken from John 14:15-17.


Closing Hymn: O Jesus, I Have Promised John Ernest Bode wrote these words when his daughter and two sons were confirmed. Although the Oxford scholar and rector wrote books of hyms, this is the only one to achieve lasting fame.

Our Concerns and Celebrations

Tom Atteberry


Peggy Caskey


Anita Breen


Andrew Smith, friend of Debi Chandler


Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel, our partner church in Ciego de Avila, Cuba.

Ann Knutson, Doug Martin, family of Jean Hartzog


Martha Wainwright, aunt of Jeff Sebastian


Marie Easterling, friend of Mara Loeb


Sarah Maloney, friend of Carol Ann Tubbs



Pattie Bewick, sister of Carol Ann Tubbs


Kristen Oden, friend of Northminster




We Celebrate Birthdays with...

MARK WINDHAM (31ST)

MIKE CAPPEL (2ND)

Children and Youth

YOUTH GROUP SUNDAY

Please contact Jennifer Kimble-Keen (318-307-6716, jkimble8366@gmail.com) if you are willing to provide a light meal for the Youth. They meet every Sunday evening at 5pm to approximately 7:30pm. Thank you!

CHILDREN'S BOOK CLUB!

A new activity for our kids!


Our new children's book club will meet Sunday, March 2, immediately following the worship service. Lunch will be provided. We will discuss the book My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett and do fun activities related to the book. Copies of the book are available on the table outside of Jillian's office. Children don't have to be independent readers to participate. Someone can read to them or they can listen to the audiobook!

Church Life

THIS SUNDAY

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION AND INQUIRERS CLASS

We will hold a New Member Orientation and Inquirers Class on Sunday, February 2 following worship at 12:30pm. Lunch and child care will be provided.

PUB THEOLOGY

Pub Theology is the third Thursday of each month at The Fat Pelican at 7pm. Next meeting is February 20




Ministry Opportunities

COMMISSIONS: The mission of Northminster Church is carried out through the leadership of 6 commissions - Worship, Education and the Arts, Family Ministries, Missions, Hospitality, and Properties. If you want to help with the ministry of one of these commissions, please call the church office for more information.

GREETERS COMMITTEE: Greeters perform a crucial ministry to the church as they are the "first face and impression" of Northminster Church that visitors meet. If you enjoy meeting new people and helping them learn about our church this could be your ministry. This ministry also involves handing out orders of worship, taking attendance, and collecting attendance sheets for the church secretary. Please call the church office for more information.

AUDIO/VIDEO MINISTRY:  Currently we video every Sunday morning worship service and other special services and make them available on our YOUTUBE channel. Recently another one of our member videographers moved away leaving only 2 members working in this ministry. We try to have at least 4 people on a month's schedule, one for each Sunday, so that they don't have to miss in-person worship services frequently. If you are just a little tech savvy with smart phones and computers you can easily learn to work in this ministry.  If interested, please call the church office for more information, we really need more help!

Coming Up

This Sunday


9:00 am - Choir Rehearsal


10:00 am - Sunday School


10:45 am - Preludes


11:00 am - Worship Service


Noon - After Church Fellowship


Wednesdays

6:30 pm: Choir Practice

Upcoming Events


Sunday, February 2 at 12:30pm: New Member Orientation and Inquirers Class. Lunch is provided


Thursday, February 20 at 7pm: Pub Theolog


Sunday, Mart 2 following worship: Children's Book Club


Friday, April 4 at 6:30 Murder Mystery Dinner hosted by the Youth


Sunday, May 4: Churchwide Fish Fry

Mission Emphasis

Our Mission Trunk for the animals has received several donations this week and we thank you greatly! If you would like to give to this mission you may do so on Sunday, (remember the church office is closed on Friday) the last day we will be collection before moving on to February's Mission Emphasis. Thank you! If anyone can bring a truck or large vehicle by on Monday and take these items to OPAS in West Monroe it would be most appreciated.

The Floral Offering

JANUARY 26

The floral offering was given to the Glory of God

Arrangement by Ellen Prather and Laura Duke

Of Interest in the Community

Giving to Northminster

If you have found a space of community, or healing, or hope at Northminster and believe in the work we are doing, please consider supporting us financially so that we will be able to continue creating spaces like this in all the days to come. Just click here, or scan the QR code with the camera on your phone.

Find Us

Northminster Church is located at:


2701 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-388-3717

office@northmin.org


Church Office Hours:

Monday -Thursday 9am to 4 pm

Closed Friday

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Click here to view a video of our Church bilding and grounds

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Vocal Vibes

by Dr. Deborah Chandler,

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