Thursday, September 4, 2025

I talk to Welton every Sunday. Or more accurately, I talk to Welton’s portrait every Sunday… which doesn’t sound better, so let me explain. 

As you know, Welton’s portrait hangs to the left of the Sanctuary doors. During the last hymn and before the choir recesses, I make sure to open those doors. I like the sense of opening us to the world as we conclude our worship together. And after Welton’s portrait was moved to the wall by the Sanctuary, I started talking to him as I was opening the doors. Sometimes I speak aloud, but usually it’s an internal moment of recognition and memory. 

I thank him for his years of service to our community. When we used his version of The Lord’s Prayer last Sunday, I thanked him for his words. When I’m feeling stressed or unsure what to do, I tell Welton how much I wish he were here to share his wise counsel. When the sermon’s a stinker, I tell him I’m glad he didn’t have to sit through that one! And I always, always tell Welton I miss him. 

Talking to Welton has become my weekly ritual that I really look forward to. Though he never talks back to me (no need to worry!), seeing his kind smile and Northminster stole is a bittersweet touchstone to someone who understood the beauty and challenge of pastoral life. Someone who, though he had dark nights of the soul, survived those nights and allowed those experiences to make him more compassionate, not less. Someone with an enormous reputation and considerable gravitas who could make you feel like the only person in the room. Someone who knew exactly what I meant when I told him Northminster felt like home from my first visit.

In some ways, I feel like Welton entrusted Northminster and all of you to me. My almost constant prayer is that I’m fulfilling that trust. 

I miss you, my friend. Let’s talk on Sunday. 

Sunday, September 7 at 10:45 am

Rev. Jillian Hankamer Preaching

"Spiritual But Not Religious" is Not Enough (Part 3 of 3)

Matthew 7:1-5

The Opening Hymn: Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer John Hughes, a railroad official by trade, composed this tune for the 1907 anniversary of Capel Rhondda, Pontypridd, Wales and it refers to the "low valley" area surrounding the urban district of Rhondda in southern Wales.

The Middle Hymn: Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song Carl P. Daw, Jr. wrote the text for Thy Hymnal 1982 (Episcopal), and expressly for the tune BRIDEGROOM. Born and educated in England, composer Peter Cutts has served as music director for churches in Massachusetts and on the faculty of Andover Newton Theological School.



The Anthem: Justice, Peace, and Love by D.H. Clark (2024). Written in celebration of thirty years as one family - Enmanuel and Northminster.

The Communion Anthem: One Bread, One Body by John Foley, arr. Lloyd Larson.

The Closing Hymn: Lead On Eternal Sovereign At Andover Seminary, fellow students asked Ernest W. Shurtleff to write a hymn for their graduation. This is the result. Shurtleff became a congregational minister and in his last years established churches in Europe and did relief work during WWII.

Wes Bolton (6th)

Noemi Amadeo (6th)

Eduardo Gonzales (9th)

MEETING THIS SUNDAY!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

We have a wonderful problem! Due to an increase in children in the nursery during worship we need an additional adult in the nursery. We are seeking volunteers to rotate nursery duty. There will be an orientation following worship THIS Sunday, September 7. We will go over expectations, responsibilities, and safety procedures. Parents of young children are also welcome to attend to ask questions and provide feedback. Please sign up if you plan to attend. You know where to find the sheet outside of Jillian's office! For more information contact Beth Mayfield or Ann Aro.

BOOK CLUB MEETING TONIGHT!

Kyle Gregory will be hosting a "Book Club Planning Meeting" in her home at 1306 Speed Ave., Monroe on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 p.m.

The club will discuss:

• Regular meeting times
• Book selection process
• Book selection for next meeting

Please bring a covered dish and a book to swap!

Call (318-348-1461) or email (janekylegregory@yahoo.com) to let Kyle know you plan to attend so that she will be properly prepared!

SHORT MEETING FOLLOWING WORSHIP 9/21

We will hold a short meeting following worship on September 21 to discuss an official meeting date and time and to see where we might want to begin.

If you have not signed up to join this group, either stop in at the meeting on the 21st or contact Jo Ann Alley.

PUB THEOLOGY

Northminster's Pub Theology meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Fat Pelican at 7pm.

"Different Brews, Different Views. All are welcome!"

NORTHMINSTER'S FALL FOLLIES

"A Talent Show"

Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, compose or read poetry, like doing short skits? If so, then Northminster is the place to be on Sunday, September 28 at 6pm!

Don't miss this delightfully entertaining occasion! If you are interested in being in the show, there is a sign-up sheet in the hall. We want YOU!!

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

5:00 pm - Youth

Wednesdays

5:30 pm: Craft and Chat

6:30 pm: Choir rehearsal

Coming Up

Tonight, Sept. 4 at 6pm0 - Book Club Planning meeting at Kyle Gregory's

Sunday, Sept. 7 following worship: Nursery volunteer/parent orientation meeting

Sunday, Sept. 21 following worship: Short Racial Justice meeting

Sunday, Sept. 28 at 6pm: Fall Follies

The Floral Offering

The floral offering is given to the glory of God

And in loving memory of Aunt Alice Floyd

By Missy Spicer

Arrangement by Ellen Prather and Laura Duke