Thursday, February 20, 2025

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET JESUS

AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME?

If so, join our Sunday School class beginning on Sunday, March 9 at 10 am. We meet in the church’s library one door down on the left from Debi Chandler’s office. We would love to have to bring in more chairs! On that day we will begin the study of Marcus Borg’s acclaimed book Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus & the Heart of Contemporary Faith. You don’t need to buy the book. We will have plenty of copies. The book is thirty years old but as fresh and relevant today as ever. When I first read it, I could not put it down, and my book is well marked up showing how it captivated me. At its writing Dr. Borg was the Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University. He wrote numerous other important books that we may well study in the future.

In Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg addresses the yearnings of those who want a fully contemporary faith that welcomes rather than oppresses our critical intelligence and openness to the best of historical scholarship. Borg shows how a rigorous examination of historical findings can lead to a new faith in Christ, one that is critical and, at the same time, sustaining.

“Believing in Jesus does not mean believing doctrines about him” Borg writes. “Rather, it means to give one’s heart, one’s self at its deepest level, to . . . the living Lord.”

Drawing on his own journey from a naïve, unquestioning belief in Christ through collegiate skepticism to a mature and contemporary Christian faith, Borg illustrates how an understanding of the historical Jesus can actually lead to a more authentic Christian life—one not rooted in creeds or dogma, but in a life of spiritual challenge, compassion, and community.

In straightforward, accessible prose, Borg looks at the major findings of modern Jesus scholarship from the perspective of faith, bringing alive the may levels of Jesus’ character: spirit person, teacher of alternative wisdom, social prophet, and movement founder. He also reexamines the major stories of the Old Testament vital to an authentic understanding of Jesus, showing how an enriched understanding of these stories can uncover new truths and new pathways to faith.

For questioning believers, doubters, and reluctant unbelievers alike, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time frees our understanding of Jesus’ life and message from popular misconceptions and outlines the way to a sound and contemporary faith: “For ultimately, Jesus is not simply a figure of the past, but a figure of the present. Meeting that Jesus--the living one who comes to us even now--will be like meeting Jesus again for the first time.”

This is a short book—only 137 pages—but chock full of truth. Join us to Meet Jesus Again for the First Time!

Craig Henry

Opening Hymn: Praise to the Living God Curtis Beach, born into a family of several generations of ministers, was educated at Harvard, the Boston University School of Theology, and the University of Southern CA. A minister in the United Church of Christ, Beach authored The Gospel of Mark: Its Making and Meaning.

The Prayer Response: I Love My God, Who Heard My Cry This African American spiritual has become a popular setting for Isaac Watts' text. The harmonization by Richard Smallwood is an example of the contemporary gospel sound that he helped to pioneer with his singing group, "The Richard Smallwood Singers."

The Anthem: If You Will Only Let God Guide You arranged by David Schwoebel and words by George Neumark, alt.

The Communion Anthem: The Call from "Five Mystical Songs" by Ralph Vaughan Williams and arranged by D.H. Clark, 2008. Text by George Herbert.

The Closing Hymn: Poet James Weldon Johnston was the first African-American to pass the bar exam in the state of FL, and served as U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua. He collaborated with his comppser brother, John Rosamond Johnston, to write Broadway operettas and edit song collections. John appeared in vaudeville, directed London musicals, and headed the Music School Settlement in NY.

We Celebrate Birthdays with...

STEVE DAVIDSON (22ND)

ZACHARY INGRAM (23RD)

BOB TRENT (28TH)

NOEL FERNANDEZ (28TH)

A Northminster member is missing a white gold, round cut, four-pronged diamond ring. If you should happen to find it anywhere in the church or in the church parking lot, please notify the office. The owner would very much love to have it back. Thanks you!

YOUTH GROUP SUNDAY

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!

YOUTH RAISING MONEY FOR SUMMER CAMP BY PRESENTING

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY!



(Tickets on sale now through March 9, latest)

If you haven’t already, please mark your calendars for April 4th and be here for the Youth’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party! See the sign-up sheet in the hall for tickets and also indicate if you are willing to be a character in this play!

Tickets are on sale through February 28 and are $30 per person. Make checks payable to Northminster Church and note "Youth Camp" in the memo line. Can’t make it? Not to worry, you can still donate toward the youth’s camp fund. Simply notate “Youth Camp” on your check or your online giving. Thank you in advance for your support and willingness to play along! 

So you’re aware, this evening will take quite a bit of work and planning which is why we’re advertising early. Characters will be assigned, food will be made, and shenanigans will abound! In other words, it’s going to be a great night and I so hope you’ll be part of it. 

WHAT: YOUTH FUNDRAISER ($30 minimum donation)

ACTIVITY: MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY

WHEN: FRIDAY, APRIL 4 FROM 7 - 10 PM

CHILDREN'S BOOK CLUB!

A new activity for our kids!

Our new children's book club will meet Sunday, March 2, immediately following the worship service. Lunch will be provided. We will discuss the book My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett and do fun activities related to the book. Copies of the book are available on the table outside of Jillian's office. Children don't have to be independent readers to participate. Someone can read to them or they can listen to the audiobook!

Young at Heart? Young "ish"?

THIS SATURDAY!

Join us for a casual potluck and play date at the Aro home (1295 Winnfield Rd., West Monroe) on February 22nd at 3pm. There will be ping pong, cornhole, fishing, goat cuddling, and porch sitting. All are welcome, and this is a very kid friendly event. Bring a food or drink item to share. Contact Ann Aro with any questions (832-859-9156).

NAMETAGS!

Don't forget to pick up your nametag in the Narthex and wear it each Sunday!

PUB THEOLOGY TONIGHT!

Pub Theology meets tonight and is always the third Thursday of each month at The Fat Pelican at 7pm.

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

Wednesdays

6:30 pm: Choir Practice

Upcoming Events

Tonight at 7pm: Pub Theology

Saturday, February 22 at 3pm: Casual Potluck and Play Date in the home of Ann and Jay Aro.

Sunday, March 2 following worship: Children's Book Club

Sunday, March 9 at 4pm: Cello and Piano Concert Series

Sunday, March 16 at 6pm: Potluck followed at 7pm by Business Meeting.

Friday, April 4 at 6:30 Murder Mystery Dinner hosted by the Youth

Sunday, May 4: Churchwide Fish Fry



Saturday, May 31 10am-noon: Stagg Lecture

NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA

As we honor Black History Month, we do so with deep conviction, knowing that remembering and celebrating Black history is more urgent than ever. In a time when DEI initiatives are being rolled back and history itself is being challenged, we are called not just to reflect but to act. God calls us to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.

When public institutions are being stifled by fear, the church must step in to educate people about our real shared history. Understanding this shared truth and shared history is the key to our shared liberation. Honoring Black history means standing firm against the forces that seek to erase, diminish, or distort it. It means amplifying Black voices, supporting Black leadership, and committing to the ongoing work of racial justice—not just in February, but every single day.

As people of faith, we cannot be silent. We must continue the holy work of truth-telling, reparative justice, and radical love. Because Black history is American history. Black history is sacred history. Black history is now.

Join us for a BHM Teach-In, February 27 at 7pm ET, led by Alliance Co-Director Elijah Zehyoue.

Register now

NEW 2025 BWIM MONTH OF ADVOCACY CALENDAR

We are thrilled to debut the new and improved BWIM Month of Advocacy Calendar!

 What is it?

This downloadable calendar provides a daily action step to advocate for the full affirmation of women in ministry among Baptists throughout March. Whether you’re an individual, church, or organization, you’ll find powerful ways to take action.

 What’s Inside?

 Learn & Reflect – Engage with thought-provoking readings and resources.

 Raise Your Voice – Use social media to amplify the message of gender equity in ministry.

 Assess Your Church – Explore where your church stands on gender equity and take steps toward change.

 Watch & Discuss – Screen BWIM's documentary, Midwives of a Movement, and engage in conversation on women in ministry.

 Encourage & Uplift – Send notes of encouragement to women in ministry.

 Why It Matters

Every action—no matter how small—creates ripples of change. By participating in BWIM Month of Advocacy, you are joining a movement that is shaping the future of Baptist churches.

 Download the BWIM Month of Advocacy Calendar Now

 Learn More about BWIM Month of Advocacy

Let’s make March 2025 a month of bold advocacy, meaningful encouragement, powerful conversations, and transformative action. Together, we can create Baptist communities where all women are fully affirmed in their calling.

We're just over a month away from the 9th Annual Empty Bowls event and there are a limited number of tickets left! We hope you will join us on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at the Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall.

Enjoy a tasting of delicious food & beverages from local restaurants, live music, kid’s activities, photo booth and more! All proceeds will benefit the Food Bank’s hunger relief efforts in Northeast Louisiana. 

This event has sold out of bowl tickets in advance the past 5 years so get yours today!

GET TICKETS

WHEN: Saturday, March 8, from 11 AM to 1 PM.

WHERE: Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall - 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy, Monroe.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Attendees will check in with the scannable QR code on their digital tickets. A separate line will be available for those who don’t have access to their digital tickets. With your $45 all-inclusive ticket, you can choose a beautiful bowl donated by a local artist. Additional ticket types are also available with no bowl for children.