Thursday, June 5, 2025

With the beginning of Pride month, I’m reminded of two things:

One, it’s an honor to be an ally. Particularly through my work with NELA Pride I’m allowed into LGBTQIA+ spaces that I would certainly miss out on otherwise. I take part in conversations that matter and get to have a hand in ensuring safe places for people who need them. I also see queer joy, frustration, anger, and fear first hand which makes me want to work harder and reminds me just how privileged I am as a straight, white, cis-gender woman. I’m also aware that the work I’m getting to take part in is creating the kind of world I want my girls to live in - where people can be themselves fully and safely - and I don’t take that lightly. 

Two, Northminster has a reputation. We’re the “gay church,” the church with a heretic pastor, the church that doesn’t preach and teach the “real” gospel, the church that’s “always” flying rainbow flags. I’m not bothered by any of these labels, but I wonder if some of you might be so, let me address the noise. 

First, the most important thing for us to remember is that our calling is to follow Christ to the best of our abilities both individually and as a community. And perhaps the most important thing Jesus teaches us is to love God and love our neighbors. If we can honestly say we’re doing that - and I believe we are - then we’re following the example of Jesus. 

Second, “gay” isn’t an insult.  I’d always rather people call us “the gay church” than the hateful church, the unaccepting church, the unwelcoming church, or the angry church. I realize some of you might not feel the same, and while I’m not asking you to agree with me blindly, I would ask that we find middle ground. I think that middle ground is the acceptance that we are a different kind of church - that’s why many of us are at Northminster after all! - and if people actually walked through our doors and got to know us, they would see that all those labels aren’t accurate. We just aren’t that interesting! 

At its heart, Pride is about disturbing the status quo, standing against those who would deny people a place at the table, rejecting those who would treat others as less than, and embracing people fully. These are all things Jesus preached and lived. These are all elements of what the kingdom of God looks like. This is how we created a loving, kind, generous world for our children and those who come after us. 

Happy Pride my dear ones! Jillian

Music for Pentecost Sunday

The opening hymn, Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us, was written by a retired medical secretary from Nashville, TN who, in her nineties, wrote many hymns. Janie Alford’s text was published in 1979. The hymn tune called alternatively EBENEZER and TON-Y-BOTEL, is the subject of a story, published in the London Daily Mail in 1902, in which this tune was said to have been inside a sealed bottle that washed up on the shore of North Wales, thus “TON-Y-BOTEL” or “Tune in a Bottle.”

The response to the pastoral prayer is Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me. It was written by Danial Iverson, a North Carolina Pastor in 1926 and has become a favorite Christian chorus, celebrating the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Day of Pentecost is celebrated as the birthday of the Christian Church. The hymn Sing a New Church into Being, written by Delores Dufner and modified with a Pentecost theme by D. H. Clark, speaks of a new church which celebrates diversity, thus answering God’s call to justice and equity and finding strength and boldness in this new-found freedom.

The anthem sung by the choir is John Levitt’s setting of the hymn Come Down, O Love Divine, written in the 14^th century by a Christian brother, Bianco da Siena. It references the “coming down” of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. I was set to a new hymn tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams, DOWN AMPNEY, named after a small English village where he grew up.

The communion anthem is a new arrangement by D. H. Clark of the lovely “Song 13” by 17^th century English composer Orlando Gibbons. The Pentecost text Holy Spirit, Truth Divine is by Samuel Longfellow, a 19^th century American clergyman and brother of poet Henry Wordsworth.

The closing hymn, again celebrating the power of the Holy Spirit, is Every Time I Feel the Spirit. This favorite spiritual will feature James Wright, our recently graduated choral scholar, singing the verses with the congregation responding with the chorus.

MARIA REYES (6TH)

RICHARD DECKER (9TH)

CJ KEEN (9TH)

LUCY CROSS (10TH)

DAN SUMNER (11TH)

JOANNA CLARK (12TH)

SAVE THE DATES!

Northminster's Vacation Bible School will be held Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24.



More info coming soon!

SUNDAY YOUTH MEALS

(OR FUNDS) NEEDED!

The Northminster Youth Group meets each Sunday at 5pm and averages approximately 10 youth. Youth leaders try to stretch the budget to provide Sunday evening meals for them. There is a sign-up sheet in the hall for those willing to help provide actual meals such as sandwiches, pizza, tacos, burgers/hotdogs, chips, drinks, etc. Speak with JK Kimble or Beth Mayfield about what would be needed should you wish to provide an actual meal one Sunday evening.

Another great way to help with this, if you're not the "cooking kind", you may give financially. If giving cash, place in an envelope and mark it "Youth Meals" and if writing a check make payable to Northminster Church and memo line "Youth Meals". You may also use our Paypal account, Northminster Baptist Church and comment "Youth Meals".

REV. BRIAN HENDERSON OF THE

ASSOCIATION OF WELCOMING & AFFIRMING BAPTISTS (AWAB)

TO PREACH JUNE 15

Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson will be our pulpit guest and worship leader on Sunday, June 15. He is an ordained American Baptist minister who has served three congregations over 25 years. Brian has worked with the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists’ Board and Staff since 2019 before beginning as full-time Executive Director in 2024. Outside of his ministry responsibilities, Brian loves traveling and spending time with his three (nearly) young adult children.

MEET BRIAN AT DH & CRAIG'S SATURDAY NIGHT, JUNE 14!

Our church has been in the forefront, and practically alone as a body of Christ in NE Louisiana, in advocating for and welcoming and affirming all people, especially those who have been ignored or rejected by the church. That coupled with the mobilization of our local community in the form of NELA Pride, makes this an exciting time to be proactive. With all the acts of outright hostility to the LGBTQ citizens and their advocates committed by people in government, this time is critical.

If you would like to discuss with Brian Henderson how AWAB can function to assist in that effort and what part we can play in joining their work, you are invited to an informal time in the home of Craig and D H, 2401 Point Drive, Monroe at 6 PM on Saturday, June 14.

The plan is we have lasagna and salad provided (assuming Geno’s can do it). There is no obligation to bring anything other than yourselves. If you would like to bring an appetizer or dessert then indicate that along with plan to be there on the sign-up sheet in the narthex. You are welcome to bring a drink. Water and tea will be provided.

The June edition of The Welcoming Spirit is here—and it's filled with timely stories, powerful reflections, and practical resources as we step boldly into Pride Month together.

In this edition, you’ll find:

• A look at AWAB’s participation in the recent CQCL-led protest on Capitol Hill, where faith leaders gathered to stand for LGBTQ+ dignity and justice.
• A heartfelt reflection from our Board Chair on what Pride means to her family and why it continues to matter.
• A helpful guide for churches looking to participate in Pride festivals in ways that are respectful, affirming, and effective.

The Welcoming Spirit June 2025

NORTHMINSTER SOFTBALL TEAM HAS BEEN REVIVED!

After years on the sidelines, Northminster is stepping up to the plate with a brand-new softball team. It’s been too long since we've seen our name on the roster, but thanks to JK Kimble-Keen the Northminster Softball Team is officially back in the game. 

Mark your calendars! If you aren’t planning to play you can come support our team! The first game is set for Monday, June 9th at 6pm at Brady Field 2 in West Monroe. We want the whole Northminster family there to cheer them on. Make plans to by loyal supporters and cheer our team on for the whole season at each game:

PUB THEOLOGY

Northminster's Pub Theology TAKES PLACE 7pm at the Fat Pelican on the 3rd Thursday of each Month

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

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

6:30 pm: Choir Practice

Upcoming Events

Sunday, June 8: Pentecost

Saturday, June 14: Party at DH & Craig's

Sunday, June 15: Father's Day

Sunday, June 29: 5th Sunday Lunch

Sunday, June 29 - July 4: Youth Camp

Arrangement by Susan Curry