In this issue ...

• First Words
• Meet Our Summer Interns
• Session Update
• Congregational Meeting June 12th
• Golf to Defeat ALS
• Picklebal Returns
• Rummage Sale
• NPC Welcomes BSA Girls Troop 888

As I sit at my computer contemplating what to write for this edition of First Words, I feel the tension between the desire to acknowledge and respond to significant happenings of the past week and the shortage of time available to do so. To not acknowledge, however, the horror of the violence and the underlying racism of the shootings in Buffalo, New York and Laguna Woods, California would seem to be a dereliction of duty. So with the time I have, I will write these words and let it be enough for today.

 

We are followers of Christ, which means that Christ’s perspective on matters of violence and racism hold authority over our thinking and acting. We want to think and act the way Christ would have us think and act. Therefore, we stand against things like oppression, injustice, pride, violence, selfishness, cruelty, humans hating humans, and other forms of darkness, because Jesus stood and stands against them. As tempting as it can be to align ourselves with party platforms on surrounding issues, we will resist. No one should have to worry about being shot at a grocery store or in a church simply because of the color of their skin or their national heritage. We will stand and speak clearly that all people are created in the image of God, that God so loves all people that he sent his Son to die for all of us, and that since we are followers of Christ we will be there to love with our words and our actions.

 

The pastor who serves the congregation at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, Rev. Dr. Steve Marsh, was a mentor of mine when I first pursued ministry, and he officiated at Vicky’s and my wedding. He was not in the church when the violence broke out, yet his connection helps me to feel the closeness of the tragedy. I believe all of us should feel the closeness of such events. One of the news reports from the Buffalo shooting included a nearby resident describing how she no longer feels safe going anywhere for fear someone would attack her simply because of the color of her skin. I choose to share in her loss, to share in her fear. I believe it is a burden that we as Christ followers choose to bear in the name of Christ. Let her fear and loss be a catalyst to our taking action.

 

What can we do? We can represent the love of Christ. More than any other priority or value or agenda or group; we will represent Jesus and his love. It’s not complicated either. It simply involves going toward people around us, not letting fear or laziness or self-centeredness or hurriedness or pride or prejudices or anything else interfere with making humble connections with others on our block, in our stores, at work, in our community, or any where else. We will go toward others undaunted by our brokenness or theirs. We will listen and share and love. It’s what Jesus did and what Jesus commands of us.

 

My time is up. I need to move onto my next responsibility. These words will have to do. Please be praying for Steve and the congregations of both Geneva Presbyterian Church and the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church. Please be praying for the people of Buffalo, New York, especially those living in and around the area of the shooting. Pray too for us. Pray that we will be proactive peacemakers, taking the first step toward others with the love of Christ.

 

MEET OUR SUMMER INTERNS

 

Northminster’s Session (Board of Elders) held it’s standard, monthly meeting last night. Their work included an update on Girls BSA Troop 888 (see below), approval of connecting our congregation with the “Golf to Defeat ALS: Swing Fore Mike & Ron” event (see below), establishment of a congregational meeting for June 12 (see below), and approval of welcoming into membership as covenant partners the latest Starting Point class (more to come). The Session spent a good portion of their time growing their understanding of community and the values that undergird it. This later work is part of the preparation for Session’s role in our congregation wide What’s Next journey this year.

 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SET FOR JUNE 12

The Session has set Sunday, June 12, following worship for our congregational meeting to elect new officers. Northminster has two boards—the Session (elders) and Deacons. Each year we draw representatives from a broad group of our ministry teams to serve as our Nominating Team. Once the Nominating Team completes its work and we have a slate of names for each of the two boards, we then gather as a congregation to vote on the candidates, who will then begin their three-year terms on July 1. Please set your schedule to allow for a few extra minutes on the 12^th following worship.

 

GOLF TO DEFEAT ALS

PICKLEBALL RETURNS

We are pleased to announce the return of pickleball to NPC. For those unfamiliar with the game, this sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Everyone is invited, beginners and experienced players. We love just getting together to enjoy friendly noncompetitive play.

We have secured three different days to play that don’t conflict with the school or other scheduled groups.  

      Tuesday 5-7pm

      Thursday 5-7pm

      Saturday 9:30-11:30am

 

Please let Peggy or Mike Hieber know if you are interested in playing. A follow-up email will be sent after  after getting your responses.

Mike & Peggy Hieber
309.657.8202 (Peggy)
hiebspa@comcast.net

 

Important dates for our annual rummage sale are as follows. Proceeds will go to various church missions.Contact the church office to arrange a time to bring your items (309.691.6322 or office@northminster.us).

Sunday, June 5

Monday, June 6

Tuesday, June 7

Wednesday, June 8

Thursday, June 9

Friday, June 10

Saturday, June 11

 

8:00am–11:00am – bag sale

11:00am-noon – clean up and truck pickup

Many volunteers are needed the week of the sale to help set-up, sell, and clean-up. You may sign up in the lobby on Sundays or online. (Adult Volunteers sign up at http://tiny.cc/RummageSaleAdults; Youth Volunteers sign at http://tiny.cc/RummageSaleYouth). This is a wonderful way to connect with other church members while working side-by-side. There is a job for everyone, and if you work, you can shop the Volunteer Pre-Sale on Thursday, June 9^th, 4:00-6:00pm. We look forward to working with everyone again this year!

 

We cannot accept the following items: furniture in poor condition, stained or faded clothing, paint, flammables of any kind, cassette or VHS tapes, tube TVs, heavy or bulky computer monitors (only flat screens accepted), child seats or cribs, encyclopedias, large exercise equipment (i.e. treadmills, exercise bikes, etc). There will be no furniture delivery of purchased items. Please help us maintain our reputation of having quality items for sale. PLEASE NOTE: There will be a “BOUTIQUE” this year for more expensive items. Proceeds will go to various church missions.

 

For those unable to bring items to the church during the times listed, there is a pod in the parking lot by the dumpster— contact the church office to arrange a time to drop off your items.

 

NPC WELCOMES BSA GIRL TROOP 888!

For years, Northminster has supported the scouting program with Boy Scout Troop 88. Boys have had the opportunity to learn life skills, develop character and leadership skills, explore careers, and earn merit badges for a wide range of topics from camping to nuclear energy. Many prominent leaders in our community and our nation are proud that they became Eagle Scouts in their youth. Last month, Troop 88 awarded its 160th Eagle Scout rank.

 

While Girls have already been part of the BSA Scout Explorer program for some time, in 2018 the BSA opened its doors to girls in all its programs and began earnestly working to give them the full support of the organization. This move resulted in families being able to volunteer and scout together from elementary school through high school. Now, boys and girls are able to earn and learn through the Merit Badge program and work their way through the ranks to Eagle Scout.

 

The boy’s troop and the girl’s troop will share some resources including the church, certain committee members, as well as equipment, as needed. Both troops will now have access to local scout camps, such as Ingersoll, as well as national high adventure camps such as Philmont in NM, Northern Tier Canoeing in MN, and Sea Base in FL.

 

Meanwhile, the leaders will continue to follow the same gender-related safety rules as they did previously. Girls and boys will continue to use separate tents and restrooms, etc. A noted difference will be that the girl’s troop requires that at least one of the adult leaders present be a female.

 

The two troops will meet on the same night, however, during the small group time (patrol time), the girls will move to a different room. This blended approach enables the deeper development of single-gender friendships and relationships.

 

Both troops would like to thank NPC for supporting the scouting program and allowing them to use the church facilities. If there are any boys or girls from NPC who would like to join in the fun and adventure of the scouting program, please stop by on Monday nights at 7:00 PM during the normal school year or contact the troops’ New Member Coordinator at swbreidert@gmail.com.