September 17, 2026

This Sunday is going to be a special day for us. It is our annual Covenant Sunday, when we remember the promises that have shaped this church and reconfirm our commitment to them. These are not just words we pull out once a year. They remind us who we have said we want to be and how we want to live together.

This year, we will also dedicate our new building. During the service, we will leave the Sanctuary and physically process together to the new building. I love that we will move into our new space, literally carrying our promises with us as we enter. There are so many possibilities awaiting us there. 

Sunday gives us a chance to remember what has brought us here, give thanks for what God is doing among us, and look toward what comes next.

I hope you’ll be there. I think it will be a day we remember for a long time.

Jillian

CUBA 

ENMANUEL ORDAINS ASSOCIATE PASTORS

This past Tuesday in a beautiful ceremony our partner church in Cuba, Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Vila, ordained its two associate pastors to the gospel ministry. Keila Cuesta and Alma Betancourt are both long-time church members who were recently called by the congregation to assist pastor Eduardo Gonzalez with his pastoral duties. In one photo Keila and Alma are shown with Eduardo and Alma’s daughter, Yamelis. Northminster participated by sending the stoles being worn by Eduardo, Keila, and Alma. They had requested something “simple”. Our congratulations to Keila and Alma on their ordinations and our prayers for meaningful ministries.

CUBA VISIT 2027

We need to begin planning for our 2027 visit to our partner church in Cuba, Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila. We usually go in January but can be flexible depending on schedules of those interested in going. We need commitments at least two months in advance of our visit so that religious visas can be requested and obtained. If we go in January that means we need commitments by November. If you have any interest in going please let either D. H. Clark or Craig Henry know. They can give you information about the cost and answer any questions you may have. As you know our Cuban sisters and brothers are suffering through a very difficult time. Let’s try to put a good group together so that in person we can express to them our love and solidarity. They really appreciate these visits.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

September 20 at 10:45 am

Rev. Jillian Hankamerpreaching

COVENANT SUNDAY AND NEW BUILDING DEDICATION

Matthew 20:1-16

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to view last Sunday

MUSIC MINISTRY

The Northminster Choir on September 13, 2026. This was Justin Havard's last day as Music Associate - Piano.

Director, Deborah Chandler, Patti Pate, Justin Havard, Hannah Clark, Cathy Airhart Webb, Rev. Jillian Hankamer, Naomi Kilpatrick, LeAnn Hammon Braden Tucker, Pat Hays, Jean Hartzog, Peggy Burns, Marilyn Decker, Kyle Gregory, Vickie Krutzer, James Cartridge, Kaitlyn Cloud, Monique Tate, Craig Henry, Charles Creech, Brandon Hale, Scott Higginbotham, Tom Atteberry, Landon Morris, Baron Brandon.

The Opening Hymn: Sing Te Deum Laudamus

by D. H. Clark, and paraphrased from a prayer of the people of Northminster Church, Thanksgiving Day, 1992 and based on plainchant melody "Te Deum laudamus."

The Anthem: They Did Not Build in Vain by Alfred V. Fedak, text by Alan Luff.

The Communion Anthem: One Bread, One Body by John Foley, arr. Lloyd Larson.

The Hymn: We Are Your People Originally written in 1973 for the hymnal of the United Reformed Church in England and Wales, New Church Praise, this text was revised by Brian Wren in 1993. The tune is named for the composer's father-in-law, who served as chair of the Congregational Union of England and Wales.



Building Dedication Song: Northminster Song by Chels King, 2025. Composed for the 35th Anniversary of the Founding of Northminster Church, Monroe, LA.

Unbelief is as much of a choice as belief is. What makes it in many ways more appealing is that whereas to believe in somethng requires some measure of understanding and effor, not to believe doesn't require much of anything at all. - Frederick Buechner

OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS

Holden Fisher 18th

Joyce Files 19th

Paulette Cappel 20th

JUDY GADDY

Amanda Gaddy checked in recently with Craig and DH and reported that Judy is doing well. Let's continue to keep her in our prayers!

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

YOUTH FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

We are having a time keeping the Youth Food Pantry filled. Folks are utilizing it and we need your help with items for the youth to stock the pantry with. We are in need of items that will keep in the heat and are sealed:

Any/all Canned Goods, (including meat, sauces, vegetables, etc..., Baby Food, pastas, mac and cheese, instant potatoes, rice, spapgetti sauce peanut butter crackers, snacks, protein/breakfast bars...just about anything you can think of that are considered "staples."

CHURCH LIFE

PUB THEOLOGY TONIGHT

Pub Theology is held on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm at Melvyns, 1128 Oliver Rd., Monroe.



COMING UP

THE FLORAL OFFERING

The floral offering was given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Thomas and Marjorie Sticklin by the Stricklin-McCandlish family

Arrangement by Peggy Burns

GIVING TO NORTHMINSTER