Thursday, September 26, 2024

Friends, I have a special opportunity to share with you. 

I was contacted by a gentleman named Macky Alston who was a good friend and colleague of Welton’s. Amongst other things, Mack and Welton worked together on “State of Belief.” Macky is also a minister and documentary filmmaker and he was gracious enough to contact me this week. 

Titled, “Acts of Reparation,” the film tells the story of “two friends — one black, one white — who travel South to their ancestral lands — Monroe, Louisiana and Penfield, Georgia —to explore what reparations means to them. From kitchen tables to porches, lost cemeteries to discovered diaries, their journeys lead to unexpected opportunities that transform their friendship, families, and communities. Together they reclaim and reckon with their roots.”

Macky made this film with Selina Lewis Davidson whose roots are here in Monroe and they’re showing it for free tomorrow night, Friday, September 27th at 6:30 PM at Tinseltown in West Monroe. You can follow the link below to reserve your spot. Racial justice and reconciliation is something Northminster has been exploring for several years now. This film is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the larger conversation in the Monroe area. And I can’t help but think Welton has give this effort his seal of approval!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acts-of-reparation-documentary-film-screening-filmmaker-qa-tickets-956191704127?aff=oddtdtcreator

Opening Hymn: In the Midst of New Dimensions Julian Rush, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, has spent more than a decade as director of the Colorado AIDS Project. he wrote this hymn on the theme of "diversity" for a meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Middle Hymn: O for a World Inspired by Charles Wesley's phrase "O for a thousand tongues" and the familiar tune AZMON, Miriam Therese Winter wrote this hymn envisioning a new world order for the Presbyterian Women's Triennial Conference in 1982. It was later recrafted and recorded by the Medical Mission Sisters.

Anthem: Can We Sing the Darkness to Light? Music and lyrics by Kyle Pederson. The composer invites the listener to imagine a world without weapons or war--where the human experience is defined not through continued judgement of others, but through the lens of mercy and compassion. "It could be beautiful."

Communion Anthem: Unity Based on Galatians 3:26, which tells us that we are all one in Christ. This supersedes any division among us that that the world might have wrought. and incorporating the antiphon for Maundy Thursday "Where there is love, God is present with us." written by D.H. Clark.

Closing Hymn: They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love

We Celebrate Birthdays with...

Jonathan Higginbotham (27th)

Darby Miles (27th)

Peggy Burns (29th)

Judy Fellows (29th)

Darrell Cluck (30th)

Kyle Gregory ( 30th)

as they celebrate their birthdays

CHARTER MEMBER MAKES SPECIAL TRIP TO SIGN COVENANT

Last Sunday was "Covenant Sunday" at Northminster where we proclaimed our Reaffirmation of our Covenant by each person present affixing their name to the bottom of the covenant. On Thursday of this week, Charter Member, Kay Southern was brought to the church by her daughter, Susan, and Kay signed the covenant as well. Kay's long time commitment and valuable role she has played in the life of this church are greatly treasured and appreciated. Thank you, Kay!

YOUTH

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!

SEEKERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

This Sunday Rev. Jillian's Seekers Sunday School Class begins a new book, "My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church" by Amy Kenny.

Please read the Preface and first chapter for discussion this Sunday.

Reading Schedule:

September 29 - Chapter 7; October 6 - Chapter 8;

October 13 - Chapter 9; October 20 - Chapter 10

FIFTH SUNDAY LUNCH SEPTEMBER 29

Join us at the Piccadilly following worship next Sunday at the Piccadilly!

NORTHMINSTER BOOK CLUB

Our next book is Johnny and Jazzbo By Kathryn J. Hardy. The club will meet on Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm at the home of Beth Mayfield for potluck and discussion.

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 - OCTOBER 17

Thursday, October 17 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

Advent Makers Group

If you like to quilt, paint, crochet, knit, scrapbook, draw, or generally enjoy making things, plan to join Pastor Jillian on Wednesday nights before choir starting October 16th. We will be preparing for Advent by making squares to accompany each week’s theme. This gathering is for adults and kids of any skill level. 

If you prefer a particular craft please plan to bring your own supplies. If not, Pastor Jillian will provide a variety of materials for you to unleash your creativity! 

FREE TO GOOD HOME!

We will soon be removing our projector and screen from the big Sunday School room and no longer have a need for this equipment. If you are interested in having it, please contact the office or Susan Curry.

SEPTEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS:

WAR VETERANS HOME

Trunk Needs: All toiletry items including body wash, body sprays, deodorant, shampoo, t-shirts OF various types and sizes, pajama bottoms, sweat pants, lotions, medicated powders. Both men (especially) and women’s items are needed.

The floral offering was given to the glory of God and in loving memory of

Argyle and Martha Cross by the Cross Family

Arrangement by Susan Curry