June 18, 2026

If you've worshiped at Northminster more than once, you've heard me end a service with the phrase, "Go be salty." You may have also wondered what exactly I mean by that.

The phrase has a double meaning, and I like both of them.

The first comes from Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the salt of the earth." Salt preserves. Salt enhances flavor. Salt brings out the best in what is already there. When Jesus calls his followers salt, he isn't asking them to retreat from the world. He's sending them into it—to make a difference, to add goodness, to help bring out the image of God in others.

That alone would be reason enough to keep using the phrase, but there is another meaning.

These days, being "salty" can also mean being a little feisty, a little stubborn, or a little unwilling to quietly accept things that aren't right. While I doubt that is what Jesus had in mind in first-century Galilee, I suspect there are moments when the church could use a little of that kind of saltiness as well.

The world does not need more people who are mean-spirited, cynical, or perpetually angry. We have plenty of those already. But the world does need people who are willing to challenge injustice, speak truth with love, and refuse to accept the idea that some people matter more than others.

The prophets were salty. Jesus was salty. Anyone who has ever stood beside a vulnerable neighbor and said, "This isn't right," has been a salty too.

So when I say, "Go be salty," I'm sending you out with both meanings in mind. Go bring goodness to the places where you live, work, and serve. Help preserve what is valuable. Bring out the best in others. And when necessary, be just salty enough to challenge the things that diminish God's vision for the world.

After all, Jesus didn't say, "You might become the salt of the earth someday.” He said, "You are."

So, go be salty.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

June 21 at 10:45am

Rev. Jillian Hankamer preaching

WOMENT OF THE HEBREW BIBLE

Miriam

Numbers 12:1-16

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MUSIC MINISTRY

Opening Hymn: God of Abraham and Sarah The healing power of praise and the history of God's dealings with humankind are the themes of this hymn, written by a United Church of Christ minister who is the grandson of American immigrants. The tune is named for his father.

The Middle Hymn: Mirian Shows Us Pathways to Freedom This hymn is a traditional Gaelic melody written by Jann Aldredge-Clanton and set to the tune BUNESSAN It is based on Exodus 2:1-10. 15:20-21, and Micah 6:4.

The Anthem: Open My Eyes by K. Lee Scott . Lancelot Andrewes, 1555-1626, alt.

The Communion Anthem: Come to the Table Where Healing is Found words and music by D. H. Clark and based on John 5:1-9.

The Closing Hymn: God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak Daughter of the English hymnwriter William Havergal, Frances Ridley Havergal was a gifted poet and student of several languages, including Hebrew and Greek. She also composed several hymn tunes. Canonbury was adapted from one of Robert Schumann's piano pieces.

The concept of a room alive with sound was basically related to a religious outlook. Music was not simply a performance to which one listened, but rather a manifestation in sound of the sacred place. The church itself was an architectural hymn of praise to the deity. Believers entered this domain - and when it began to resonate with sound, the sound came not from any specific source, but rather from everywhere, coalesced with the architecture. The awareness of such a sacred space could have an overwhelmingly powerful effect.

- Nikolaus Hamoncourt from Alice Parkers "Melodious Accord Good Singing in Church"

CHOIR POTLUCK BEGINS REHEARSAL HIATUS

On Wednesday, June 24 the choir will hold its last Wednesday Rehearsal until resuming in August. We will have a Potluck (and sing-through) in the home of Vickie Krutzer, 3018 River Oaks Dr., Monroe beginning at 6 pm.

The choir will not meet on Wednesday nights through the month of July but will still rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9am during this summer hiatus.

If you are considering choir membership, please come and get to know us by joining the potluck at Vickie's! We are always excited to hear of folks interested in choir and you will be embraced regardless of your skill level! 



The choir will be on hiatus through the month of July but will still rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9am during this hiatus.

OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS

Denzell Denegall 20th

Max Aro 21st

Mary McCandlish 22nd

Marilyn Decker 24th

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

VBS COMING JULY 26-30 5:30 - 7:30



Northminster's Vacation Bible School will run July 26 - 30 for peschool through 5^th grade. There is a sign-up sheet in the hall for volunteers either during VBS hours (meals, activities, etc...) or you may sign up to help out in other ways not associated directly with the VBS schedule. See Beth Mayfield for more information.

YOUTH FOOD PANTRY

The Youth Food Pantry has been a big success in the community. Each Sunday the youth ensure the pantry is stocked with items such as canned peas, corn, beans, soup, and canned meats. Other items include cereal, rice, pasta, protein bars, candy, juice boxes and any kind of packaged ready to heat and eat meals. So, as you do your weekly shopping keep this pantry in mind and pick up a few items to add to their stash. You can always place items in the youth room, kitchen or Renee's office. If placed outside the youth room please leave a note nearby specifying items are for the pantry. Thanks for helping to support this outreach mission!

CHURCH LIFE

"PLENTY SUPPER"

This Sunday at 6pm at Northminster

Join us Sundayt night at 6pm for our PLENTY SUPPER AND WORSHIP SERVICE beginning at 6pm. Pull up a chair, fix a plate and fellowship with us as we celebrate the beauty of the LGBTQIA+ community.

A CONTAINER FOR CUBA

We are again trying to ship a container to Cuba to help with the crisis there.. With no electricity, our partner church is planning on installing a solar panel system to completely electrify their church building.

We are aiming for the end of June to have purchased items shipped to Miami. The cut-off date for churches to send their items for the container is July 10, so the container will be loaded then for shipment to Cuba.

If you can give to our effort at Northminster please write a check or access our PayPal account. In the memo line please put “mission container”. DO NOT put the word “Cuba”!

Thank you so much for anything you can do to help our sisters and brothers in Ciego de Avila. Our gifts to them say that we care and are in solidarity with them during these difficult days there. They will also do a lot of good. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to DH Clark or Craig Henry.

Northminster Book Club Meeting

Our Book Club will meet in the home of Peggy Burns, 3408 Stowers, Monroe on Tuesday, June 30 at 6pm. The book is "Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi. Join us for potluck and discussion. Peggy asks that you please let her know if you are coming so she can have a head count! Call or email: 318-366-4431 peggyburns4431@gmail.com

PUB THEOLOGY MEETS TONIGHT

Pub Theology is held the third Thursday of each month at Melvyn's, 1126 Oliver Road, MonroeAT 7PM.

COMING UP

NOTE: OLLIE'S USUALLY HAS GOOD DEALS ON FANS.

THE FLORAL OFFERING

Sanctuary Flowers:  As is customary during the summer months of July, and August, altar flowers will only be by memorial or honorarium. If you would like to give flowers during the summer months, please contact the church office. Suggested cost $125.

Arrangement by Peggy Burns

OF INTEREST IN THE COMMUNITY