Nine months before my father's death, he gave me a subscription to his favorite fishing magazine.  Actually, it was even more intimate than that-he gave me his own subscription.
     I was with him on that September day when he called the publisher.  I got to overhear; and that was part of the beauty of the gift.
     The magazine's name?  Well, it's not a word you often see in a pastor's column in the church newsletter.  I'm sure it will evoke many a response among punsters.  The magazine is...CRAPPIE.
     Now, before reading further, note the spelling.  End it with an "IE" and it clearly is a noun-a kind of fish.  Spell it with a "Y" and it becomes an adjective.  You get the picture.
     Crappie (also called slabs, also called specks) belong to the freshwater sunfish family.  However, back in Louisiana, we called them White Perch.
     My father loved White Perch fishing.  With the invention of light, then ultra-light, tackle in the 60's and 70's, plus the fiberglass rods, plus new plastics for the tiny jigs-this form of fishing took on a life of its own.  The movement even called for a new magazine!
     I think my father was a charter subscriber to CRAPPIE.  Old issues overflowed the magazine rack beside his Lazy-Boy.  Carefully, he clipped and filed articles of interest.  Also, every time they sent him a "time to renew" reminder...he did!  At the time of his death, his subscription was paid-up through 2012.
     But back to the beautiful phone call.  He probably spoke to a female new employee in the "subscriptions department."
     Here's my father's half of the conversation.  You can connect the dots....
 
     "Hello, this is J.M. Lamkin from Arcadia, Louisiana, and I'm 90 years old...Yeah man, that's old.  But you know what?  I feel like a teenager!  Yeah, I do....
     "But look here, I need your help.  I don't fish anymore like I used to....  Yeah, well, it's just hard for me to get my boat to the lake....  Yeah, that's right.  And all of my friends I used to go fishing with are dead....  Oh, yeah, I've got some young friends, but they are all busy and I don't want to bother them....
     "But anyway-I need your help: I want to give my CRAPPIE subscription(?) to my son, James.  He's a fisherman, too.
     "May I do that?
     "Oh that's great.  I think he will enjoy it.  Yeah, I enjoyed  catching them (those) White Perch...that's what we call them in Louisiana, White Perch....  Yeah, that's right.  I like to catch 'em and cook 'em.  Yeah,  they're good eating.
     "All right. I will send you his address and you will send the magazine to him?   Is that right?  OK.  That will be good.  Thank you very much....
     "And hey, I always say to my friends, 'We love you too; and that's the truth!'  Yeah, that is the truth!   OK.  Thank you.  Bye, bye."
 
     I still receive my father's subscription to CRAPPIE.  I read every issue; and I do so...in remembrance of him.

     I didn't really want to go.  Mission trips are hard work, uncomfortable sometimes, sweaty, loud, always sticky.  Still, there are a couple of reasons I have to go now and then.  First, I believe helping others is part of the rent you pay for breathing the air.  Raising your kids to be good citizens is important, but not enough.  What about all those other kids who don't land in stable, loving families, surrounded by opportunities to learn and grow?  The second reason is this: By pure luck or God's grace, I am surrounded by friends at NDBC who live and breathe missions.  They have my deepest admiration, respect, and love.  They make me want to be better.  I owe them.
     Now...Taliaferro County-up at 6:15 AM, drive to school, kids arrive at 8 AM for breakfast.  We scramble to be ready at our stations by 8:30 AM.  The mighty Hawks (the wildest group) swoop in, fueled by Fruit Loops and pure excitement.  They sit in their chairs like popcorn sits in the bag; they cannot hush.  They have a million questions but cannot wait for the answers.  Pumped up by their energy, we throw things at them as fast as we can-the Bible story, art projects, bingo numbers, balloons for relay races.  Then suddenly they're gone.  We take a deep breath and welcome the next group.
     After five groups and lunch, we power up all new stations and brace ourselves for the five waves of energy to surge back through.  Finally, 2:30 PM comes, and the kids stream out.  "See you tomorrow.  Will you be here tomorrow?  Yes, don't forget your homework-share something with someone.  I will.  Bye!"  The day is a blur, but tomorrow will be easier.  We learn, we find our groove, and so do the kids.
     What will I remember?  Tyreke:  "We got a bond, Miss Patti.  You taught me the Tar Heel fight song."  And later, "I'm gon' miss you.  Will you come back next year?"  A week ago, I would've said I'm busy next year.  Now I say, "You bet.  I wouldn't miss it!"
     What will they remember?  Not one of them could put it into words.  We hope they remember that God's love comes from unexpected people, through recreation, drama, music, and cooking, that it is full of grace, giggles, forgiveness, struggle, laughter, hugs and treats.  We hope they got a glimpse of Christ in the world.  Amen.

From the "Touching Taliaferro with Love" Mission Team...

THANK YOU to the Meeks, Konenkamps, and Schneiders for sharing your Lake Oconee homes with the Taliaferro County mission team.  Your generosity provided tired workers with a serene setting where we could revive our spirits and bodies in preparation for another day with 65 active children.  We sincerely appreciate your contributions to the success of 2009 Touching Taliaferro with Love.

Houston, Texas - July 2-3, 2009
 
     Pray for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as it has its General Assembly in Houston Texas, July 2-3.  The theme for 2009 is "Embrace the World: Welcome to your neighborhood." At this assembly, we want to understand that we are all neighbors in this world.  It is a world where Christ's compassion extends to our neighbors down the street and around the globe, one where we are changed as God changes lives through us, and one where - as one - we can make a world of difference.
     Mike and Amanda Gregg, as well as Jeremy Lewis, will be representing Northside Drive and attending the great workshops and seminars being offered.  Some of these workshops include:
     What would happen if your church stopped "doing church" and started being one?
     After 400 years of history, what's the future of being Baptist? What does it mean to your church?
     Is your church's giving down? A workshop on "Generosity as an Economic Strategy."
     Interested in a prayer retreat at your church? A ministry workshop on "Conducting an Annual Prayer Retreat for your church."
     Want to branch out into something new? A workshop on church starts or "Being a Teaching Church," which describes how your church can host a CBF ministry resident.
     Wish your church was more unified? A workshop about "Ten things you can do for the unity of the church."
     We look forward to learning how to embrace the world by getting to know our global neighbors and to leave the Assembly knowing that we are a part of the growing movement of God in the world.

We live in a culture that puts a high value on action, and accomplishment, that says doing something - anything - is better than doing nothing. Because of our desire to succeed, to meet these ever-growing expectations, we do not rest.
Because we do not rest, we lose our way. (Paraphrased from Sabbath by Wayne Muller)

We can't change the culture, but we can change the way we live in it.  We can't stop being in the lives we have, but we can take back the reins and renew our determination to Direct its course. With our effort and God's grace, we can restore balance, create space, and find within us the well of living water that never runs dry. Join us for a weekend of laughter and learning, of quiet and conversation, in the shelter of other women on the journey.

 

Our facilitator, Lalor Cadley, is a spiritual director with an office in Decatur.  For 20 years she has companioned women and men on the spiritual journey.  She also conducts retreats and days of prayer. Her columns have appeared in the Faith and Values section of the AJC. She is the mother
of two sons, 26 and 28, and lives in Lake Claire.
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You are invited to join the women of Northside Drive Baptist Church as we join our hearts and bodies in meditation, spiritual refreshment, worship, fellowship, exciting challenges (zip-line, hiking, yoga), and, as always, great fun together!

 

The spaces at Historic Banning Mills are limited. Secure your place by making your deposit of $100 by July 8. Make your check payable to Northside Drive, and give or mail to Syd Janney at 705 E. Morningside, Dr, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (phone: 404-873-4643).

For double rooms, the cost for the weekend is $250 for each occupant. A single room for the weekend will be $350. Your balance will be due on September 16.

 

Two local photographers, Sandy Springs resident, Ledra Davis, and NDBC's very own Myrtie Cope, showcase Italy and the American West.  The exhibit will be open to the public June 18-August 9, Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-5 PM and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM.  Go to www.myrtiecopephoto.com to view examples of Myrtie Cope's work.

 
It is time to reserve a copy of the NEW book "Stained Glass Windows at Northside Drive Baptist Church."  This gorgeously designed hard-backed book captures the beauty of the stained glass windows while describing their history and design.  Myrtie Cope, a member of the church, photographed every window and meticulously constructed the layout of the book.  The original story of the windows was created by former pastor, Rev. Tom Conley, and later revised by Rev. Mike Gregg.
 
We are taking pre-orders for the book.  The cost is $30 and a dedication for the book will take place on August 16 during the worship service.  Myrtie Cope will be autographing copies of the book after the dedication service.  To reserve your copy, please email the church at info@northsidedrive.org or call the church office.
 
You may preview the book in the office hallway of the Chapel during the summer.

SUNDAY, June 28
  9:30 AM - Summer Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel
TUESDAY, June 30
  9:30 AM - Youth Peace/Justice Day
  6:00 PM - Northside Yoga
THURS-FRI, July 2-3
CBF General Assembly - Houston, Texas
FRIDAY, July 3
Church/Preschool Closed for Independence Holiday