Thursday, July 25, 2024

Earlier this week I shared a quote on Facebook from Welton’s sermon, “Communion or Alienation” from October 1, 2000. In true Welton style, a beautiful Pastoral Prayer accompanies this sermon. This prayer also lends itself to Sunday’s gospel reading from John 6 in which Jesus is talking about being living bread. I’d like to share it with you because I found it centering and comforting amidst the storm of the world this week. 

“O God, knowing that we do not meet alone fills us with encouragement and instills within us the hope that re-enforces our strength for faithfulness. Not only do you move in our midst, you connect us to all who embrace your presence. We are more than any one of us; we are more than this congregation alone. We are members of a family of faith called into existence by your Spirit, marked by rich diversity, and moved by ineffable power toward compassionate unity. 

O God, we pray for brothers and sisters who gather this morning around other tables to eat the same meal that you have set before us. Some of these people are needlessly ill because of a lack of medication caused by political blockades. Some of these people are ruthlessly threatened by governments that have established one official religion or declared hostility toward all religions.

This morning, as we worship - as we pray, drink, eat, and listen - make us one with Masai Christians who meet amid gusts of wind blown along the plains of Kenya; make us one with Palestinian Christians who long for a homeland as they worship amid sounds of gunfire; make us one with Cuban Christians victimized by political hostilities that they neither created nor want to sustain; make us one with Roman Christians who kneel amid the splendor of Saint Peter’s Basilica. 

Thank you, God. Thank you for this worldwide family of faith and for the table around which we gather in the name of Christ. Amen.”

-Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, October 1, 2000

Opening Hymn: O Christ Jesus, Sent from Heaven James Crawford served as minister of the Old South Church in Boston for more than 20 years. His text uses imagery from the Gospel of John to indicate that the church's unity lies in the risk and hope of loving service.

Middle Hymn: As We Gather at Your Table In this hymn, commissioned by an Episopal parish in Virginia for the celebration of its tricenteinnial, Carl P. Daw, Jr., utilized familiar phrase from Isaac Watts' "Joy to the World," which was the motto for the celebration: "Repeat the sounding joy."

The Anthem: Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face by Warren Swenson, setting by Kevin Robison. Text by Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889. For the Choir of Trinity Episcopal Church, Florence, Alabama.

The Communion Anthem: Graced With Garments of Great Gladness by G. F. Handel

The Closing Hymn: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ This hymn came into being when composer Doreen Potter asked poet Fred Kaan to write a text for her adaptation of a Jamaican folk melody. It was first used at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Nairobi (1975) and in Vancouver (1983).

We Celebrate with...

Lilah Kate Higginbotham (31st)

Elias Cross (2nd)

Vevlyn Wright (2nd)

as they celebrates their birthdays

THIS SATURDAY AT 2PM

WEDDING SHOWER FOR ANGELA BOATENG

Join us on Saturday, July 27 at 2pm for a Wedding Shower honoring Angela Boateng and fiancé, Michael Boateng-Duah in the home of D.H. and Craig, 2401 Point Drive, Monroe. The couple is not registered and they would appreciate Amazon gift cards, other gift cards or monetary gifts. You may also leave a check for them in the offering plate, payable to Angela Boateng. Renee will distribute.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AUGUST 4-8

From 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the evenings of August 4-8 Northminster will host Vacation Bible School for the children. If you are willing to help with actual VBS activities or would prefer to help with food or other needed items, but not during BVS hours, please see the sign-up sheet in the hall or speak with Beth Mayfield.

REGISTER YOUR CHILD NOW FOR VBS 2024!

Click the link below to sign-up your child(ren). Please contact Beth Mayfield (318-348-2529) if you have any issues.

YOUTH SWIM PARTY THIS SUNDAY!

The youth will spend Sunday afternoon in the pool at D.H. and Craig's home at 2401 Point Drive from 5pm to 7pm. They will need to bring a towel and what they want to drink. Pizza will be provided and they are welcome to bring any other snacks they might like. In case of rain, the pizza party will move to the church.

NO WEDNESDAY CHOIR REHEARSALS

 DURING JULY

The choir will be on rehearsal hiatus during the month of July. However 9am Sunday rehearsals will continue.

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!

BOOK CLUB - AUGUST 1

Our Next book is Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See. We will meet for potluck and discussion on Thursday, August 1 at 6pm in the home of Kyle Gregory.

JULY MISSION EMPHASIS:

COA - FANS FOR SENIORS

Many senior citizens are moving their thermostats high and not cooling their home due to being worried about the increased cost of Entergy and some are choosing to buy their medications rather than pay their increased electric bill. Some have no AC at all. A plea was put out for donations of fans of any kind. Northminster will be collecting fans (box, tower, oscillating, all kinds) all through the month of July and the fans will be taken to the COA as they are brought to the church since the need is so great. If you would prefer to drop the fan(s) off yourself you may do so at their location at 2407 Ferrand St., Monroe. Tell them you are dropping off from Northminster Church. Their phone is 387-0535. 

Ollie's is a great place to get fans of all kinds and their prices are great! They are located at 2279 Louisville Ave. in the old Twin City Mall parking lot across from Piccadilly.

The altar floral offering on Sunday, July 14 was given to the Glory of God and in honor of the family of Anita Breen from Seattle, Washington

Arranged by Marilyn Decker