December 11, 2025

EXPERIENCE THE MAGESTY OF HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Music and Tradition


On Monday, December 15 beginning at 7 pm in Northminster’s sanctuary, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah! Mark your calendars and join the Northminster Choir and friends for a spectacular live performance of Part 1 of this beloved oratorio, renowned for its soaring melodies, stirring choruses, and the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus. Whether you’re a longtime aficionado or experiencing Messiah for the first time, this concert promises to be an unforgettable celebration of tradition and artistry.


The event also features a chamber orchestra and organ and soloists Morgan Meyer, soprano, Naomi Kilpatrick, mezzo soprano, Preston Anderson, tenor, and Chris Michaeledes and Justin Havard, bass-baritone. Northminster’s Director of Music Dr. Deborah Chandler will conduct. Let this music uplift your spirit and bring the community together as we celebrate joy and hope through Handel’s masterpiece.


The concert is free but secure your seat early to avoid missing out on one of the most anticipated musical events of the year! Spread the word and gather your family and friends for an evening that captures the essence of the season and creates lasting memories. We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring night with Handel’s Messiah!

Sunday Worship

December 14 at 10:45 am

Advent III - JOY

Rev. Jillian Hankamer Preaching

Even in Our Fear, We are Called Forward

Luke 1:26-39

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To Stream Last Week's Service

Music Ministry

OUR WORSHIP IN SONG


The Opening Hymn: Now Bless the God of Israel This text by United Church of Christ clergywomn Ruth Duck is a paraphrase of the "Benedictus," which is often sung at morning prayer. She came to appreciate daily prayer while studying at the University of Notre Dame.


The Middle Hymn: With Joy Draw Water This text combines images from two Advent readings from the book of Isaiah, including the passage anticipating the reign of peace. The author, Ann McKinstry, has served as a writer-in-residence at Otis United Church of Christ in Massachusetts.


The Anthem: My Soul Gives Glory to My God by Hugop Jüngst and arranged by D.H. Clark. Text based on Mary's Song by D.H. Clark


The Meditation: " O Thou That Tells Us Good Things to Zion" from Messiah by G. F Handel and sung by Naomi Kilpatrick, mezzo-soprano.



The Closing Hymn: Return, My People This Advent text by United Church of Christ minister James Martin is set to a tune by British compposer Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, who is also known for his symphonies, organ works, and cantatas.

Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel. The text was compiled from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere a year later. Handel was born in Halle in modern day Germany in 1685, and took up permanent residence in London in 1712. He became a naturalised British subject in 1727.[ The music for Messiah was completed in 24 days of swift composition and was written in three parts with the part one being the Christmas portion. We end the concert with the Hallelujah Chorus which is from part two

The title page of Handel's autographed score

Our Joys and Concerns

Ellen Prather

Pat Hayes

Conrad Rispoli

Paulette Cappel

Mary Delancy

Anita Breen

glesia Bautista Enmanuel, our partner

church in Ciego de Avila, Cuba

Davey Norris, son of Dave Norris, nephew of Ellen Prather

Fred Loeb, brother of Mara Loeb

Geri Thompson, grandmother of Zach Bolton

Bobby Stapleton, family of Hannah Clark

Debra Blackman, sister of Gail BlackmanI

Cayce Roberts (12th)

Beth Mayfield (13th)

Tom McCandlish (15th)

Justin Denegall (17th)

Church Life

MAKING PROGRESS ON OUR NEW ADDITION !

NORTHMINSTER CHOIR PRESENTS MESSIAH


The Northminster Choir and friends present Handel's Messiah on Monday, December 15 at 7pm at the church. Admission is free. Come early to ensure you get a seat!

CHOIR, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH GO CAROLING!


On Wednesday, December 17 choir members, children and youth will meet at the church to go caroling in the community. More information will follow.

NORTHMINSTER ANNUAL CHILI SUPPER


The annual chili supper will take place on Sunday, December 21 at 6pm at the church. The usual sign-up sheet is in the hall for you to indicate what you will bring. Don't miss this fun event!

PIATIGORSKY CONCERT JANUARY 5


The Piatigorsky Concert is coming to Northminster on Monday, January 5 at 7pm. We will have further details on the artists when they become available to us. Mark the date!

LOST RING

Morgan Meyer's mom, Terry lost a large garnet gold ring here in the church on the night of the opera that was presented here in the sanctuary. If you have found this ring or find this ring, please bring it to the church office. This rings was a gift to Terry when she was young and holds great sentimental value and is irreplacable to her. Thanks!

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

5:00 pm - Youth


Wednesdays

5:30 pm: Craft and Chat

6:30 pm: Choir rehearsal

Coming Up

Sunday, December 14 at 4pm: Choir practice for Messiah

Monday, December 15 at 7pm: Messiah

Wednesday, December 17: Choir and Children go Caroling

Sunday, December 21 at 6pm: Chili Supper at the church

Wednesday, December 24 at 6pm: Christmas Eve Service

Monday, January 5 at 7pm: Piatigorsky Concert

January 29 at 5pm: Family Movie Night

Monthly Mission Emphasis

DECEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS


The Alliance of Baptists Offering

Each December Northminster places a special mission emphasis on supporting the Alliance of Baptists. As an Alliance church, Northminster seeks to embody Micah 6:8, Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with God. Please make checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line “Alliance.”


PLEASE REMEMBER OUR CUBAN FRIENDS THIS CHRISTMAS

Deadline drop off Sunday, January 18

 

There will be seven of us from Northminster traveling to visit our partner church in Cuba in January. So, we will have lots of luggage space to carry items they need and have requested. As you do your Christmas shopping please remember our friends in Cuba. It is a very difficult time for them with everything being in short supply or non-existent. We will be leaving to travel to Cuba on January 22, so there will even be time after Christmas to help. For December, please deposit any items you purchase in the Missions Trunk in the narthex. Here's the list:


Instant soups

Gelatin

(The above are two items requested for the elderly group that meets each week at the church. This will give them a light lunch. A very light lunch!)

Powdered milk

Bar soap

Toothpaste

Disposable razors

Women’s panties in all sizes

Men’s undershorts in all sizes

Men’s socks

AA and AAA batteries

Multi-vitamins

Analgesics

Anti-inflammatories


Please be generous and help our friends in Cuba during these difficult days there.


Cuba si!

The Floral Offering

Given to the Glory of God

Arrangement by Peggy Burns

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 9 am to 4 pm

Closed Friday

Northminster Website

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State of Belief 


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Vocal Vibes

by Dr. Deborah Chandler,

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