Northminster Family,
As we have prepared to pack up the office this week, I (Claire) have spent time gazing at the artwork that hangs on our wall, pictured here. It’s a piece by Jan Richardson called "Testify to the Light," and it accompanies a poem called “Blessed Are You Who Bear the Light,” which hangs beside it. The poem and its artwork have always spoken to me of the pastoral vocation to be light-bearers, even in what she calls ‘unbearable times.’
But of course, this is not the work of pastors alone. (If it were, it could not be sustained for long.) The work of the church is the work of light-bearing, of lifting up the lantern to light the way of love even in the darkness of chaos and fear, even when the way forward seems unclear.
“Blessed are you / who bear the light / in unbearable times, / who testify / to its endurance / amid the unendurable, / who bear witness / to its persistence / when everything seems / in shadow / and grief.
Blessed are you / in whom / the brightness blazes - / your heart / a chapel, / an altar where / in the deepest night / can be seen / the fire that / shines forth in you / in unaccountable faith / in stubborn hope / in love that illumines / every broken thing it finds.”
Since we were sharing an office, Zach chose the poem that hangs on the other side of the painting: the lyrics to Leonard Cohen’s “Anthem.” It carries forward the theme of light, reminding us that it is when we are able to be most fully present to the “cracks in things,” the places of woundedness and pain we would rather not see or allow to be seen, that the light can find a way through.
“The birds, they sang / at the break of day. / Start again, / I heard them say, / Don’t dwell on what / has passed away / or what has yet to be. / The wars, they will / be fought again. / The holy dove, / She will be caught again; / bought and sold / and bought again; / the dove is never free.
You can add up the parts / but you won’t have the sum. / You can strike up the march; / there is no drum. / Every heart, / every heart / to love will come, / but like a refugee.
Ring the bells that still can ring. / Forget your perfect offering; / there is a crack, a crack in everything. / That’s how the light gets in.”
Northminster, as you move into the transitional days ahead, may you carry on in your work as light-bearers, may you tend to the places of pain that need tending, and as you walk forward together, may your love illumine every broken thing it finds.
Love and light,
Claire and Zach
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The Prayers of the People
An opportunity to celebrate and pray alongside siblings in our community.
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We pray alongside...
Pat Cohn, in the loss of her brother, Henry Cohn Jr. Services were conducted Wednesday by Lakeland Funeral Home in Metairie.
Mike Cappel as he recovers from a shunt placement procedure. He is experiencing some complications. Also, please lift up Paulette as she navigates his recovery.
Janet Dawson who has been hospitalized with leg pain.
Mary Sandow, who had surgery following a facial fracture last Wednesday. The surgery was successful and she is recovering well!
Renee Decker, whose heart by-pass surgery has been scheduled for July 8 in Shreveport.
We celebrate alongside...
All of the ULM Choral Master of Music students who have contributed to our worship services in recent weeks, as they finish up their summer programming and return back home. We are grateful for the gift of their voices in worship!
Marilyn Decker (24th), Stephen Payne (26th), Larry Prather (27th), Claire Carrington (27th), and Ray Roberson (29th), Sherry Free (30th), Patti Morris (1st), , Connie Smallwood (1st), Lola Wheeler (1st), and Mark McCleery (1st) as they celebrate their birthday.
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If you have concerns or celebrations you would like us to add to the newsletter, please call the church office or email office@northmin.org.
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Upcoming Worship Leaders
Who will be filling the pulpit?
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Northminster's Pastor Emeritus to Preach July 4, 11, and 17
On Sunday, July 4 as well as the two following Sundays, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy will be filling our pulpit. Dr. Gaddy, Northminster's long time pastor, retired in October, 2016 and was since named Pastor Emeritus. He has preached several times in the last 5 years.
We are looking forward to hearing from Welton again and welcome him back to the pulpit in July!
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The Work of the People
How we are responding to the Spirit of Love
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Farewell Reception for Heltons! |
This coming Sunday, June 27, Zach and Claire Helton will serve their last day as pastors of Northminster Church. There will be a Farewell Reception immediately following the worship service. Please join us in wishing them success as they embark on new ministry paths. |
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On Sunday, July 4, from 5-7pm, Hospitality and Family Ministry commissions will host a church-wide get together to celebrate a return to almost-normal as well as Independence Day (assuming weather cooperates). It will be at the home of Craig Henry and D H Clark, 2401 Point Drive, 5th house on right after entering Point Place from Loop Road.
Updated food plan:
Fried chicken will be provided by Hospitality, but the sides will be potluck and bring your own beverage of choice. Tea & water, plates, napkins, cups, and tableware will be provided. There is minimal refrigerator storage, but the plan is to keep food indoors, so as to avoid the likely heat.
The pool will be available for those wanting to swim. A changing tent will be set up. Bring towels and swim gear and sunscreen. The yard has been treated for mosquitos. For those not swimming and wishing to do so, the house with its A/C will be available.
*Fireworks not included :)
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May-June Missions Trunk: MedCamps |
The May missions trunk emphasis will be MedCamps of Louisiana, and will continue into June so that we'll have time to bring donations.
MedCamps’ Mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences. They believe that all people, regardless of medical or special needs, deserve to experience life to the fullest and that camping is an American tradition which epitomizes normalcy and provides participants with a sense of well-being, belonging, accomplishment and self-worth. MedCamps has never charged a fee to attend camp. They have an Amazon Wishlist located at https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/FX22QLB21E96
MedCamps is currently operating three different programs at once due to COVID restrictions - family camps in person for 56 families, "Camp 2 You" in 7 different group homes and hospitals, and Camp-in-a-Box shipped to over 70 families so far!
Please see the wish list at the link above or in the graphic below and place all donations in the missions trunk in the Narthex!
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Volunteers Needed to Help Immigrants in Detention |
Volunteers are needed to sign up to answer phone calls for certain time slots, and convey needs to those responsible for specific functions (arranging penpals, transportation, and food delivery). If you are interested please contact the office and we'll forward your information on to the team. |
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Around Town
Fun in Northeast Louisiana
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Upcoming from
CA Studio for Kids
Midsummer "Mardi" Gras will run two Monday sessions, July 19 and 26 from 1-4 pm for children ages 5-7 Cost is $35 per child per session. Register at NELCM.org or call 318-361-9611
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Giving to Northminster
Support Northminster's Work
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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.
To support Northminster financially, you can click here, or scan the QR code with the camera on your phone.
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Sunday 7/4
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Preludes
11am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
Wednesday 7/7
Choir practice at 6:30 pm
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Worship This Week
Claire and Zachary Helton preach this week's sermon, and a stream will be available using the link below.
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