News from Northside Drive Baptist Church

"For what has been, thank you. For what will be, YES!" Many of us find this concept helpful, challenging, even holy in our lives. Hold this thought as we suggest some changes at NDBC.

Women of the Church at NDBC has a long and proud history. It grew out of the Women's Missionary Union of the Baptist church and proudly led our church in local, national and international missions for years. Its contribution both to our congregational life and to the world at large is hard to overstate. We have loved it; it has nurtured us. Still, times change and life evolves. At this time, the backbone of our WOC membership is aging; attendance is shrinking, members are less able to commit to bring food each month, and officer positions are difficult to fill. Younger women are working in greater numbers and are unable to join us.

Many important things have not changed: there is still great enthusiasm for educational/missions programs and for the delightful fellowship we enjoy in monthly meetings. AND Northside Drive continues to have a strong commitment to engage in missions in our community and in the world.

But things are evolving...WOC already shares a few meetings with PIA's each year, enjoying food, learning, and fellowship with both men and women in our church. AND, there are other groups within the church that have developed the ability to cover some of the traditional WOC tasks. For example, the Missions Committee is an excellent leader/facilitator in many of our mission efforts.

THEREFORE...
We recommend combining WOC and PIA into TRIPLE E, a new group to engage, enrich, and enjoy. This idea allows us to combine the best of PIA and WOC at this point in the life of our church. The idea has been developed over the last 2-3 years with the input of many who have loved both organizations. We could be ready to start it up in September 2009.

Come hear more about this proposal at the WOC/PIA meeting at 10:30 AM, April 7 or at the Church-in-conference May 20. Bylaw changes will be required but are simple. All important work will continue uninterrupted, and we believe that TRIPLE E will bring new life and new joy into what we offer our congregation and the community. If you have questions, talk to any of the folks listed below. We ask for your thoughtful consideration and prayers.

FOR WHAT HAS BEEN, THANK YOU. FOR WHAT WILL BE, YES!!

Amy Taylor, President WOC

Patti Clark, Program Chair WOC

Susan Dew, Food Co-Chair WOC

Jane Jerden, Food Co-Chair WOC

Nancy and Ken Davis, Co-Presidents of PIA
Barbara Atchley, Program Chair PIA