NORTHSIDE NOTES - October 07, 2009 |
 PASTORAL REFLECTIONS
"Doing Church"
The wrangling of words is in every pastor's job description.
Pastors have to make sure that we are actually using the words God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit in worship---otherwise we are just doing motivational speaking. Pastors have to check the theology of hymnody so that they are not empty entertainment. We overhear prayers making sure that they sound like the real prayers of the Bible: those gut-wrenching, God-beseeching, lament-laden, hope-claiming Psalms.
You get the picture.
Also, part of my "terminology tending" is confessional. I must confess my on theological jouney---and how that shows-up in my language.
For instance, the Hebrew name for God, transliterated YHWH, is a verb; and I am reclaiming that part of speech. That's right, God's name is a verb. It is hard to translate, but it is something like, I will be who I will be. The main thrust is: God acts. God's being is necessarily means doing.
Second, I find myself using the word Christian less as a noun and more as a verb. As a noun, it could lead one to think that you are a Christian if you endorse a list of doctrines. Come to think of it, make an inventory of required beliefs and it becomes easier to label people: valued orthodox team players on this side, troublesome heretic rebels on that side.
I prefer to speak of Christian as a verb as in, "I want to try to Christian my way through life." Christian is a way of living while attempting to follow Jesus.
Third, when I speak of church I am not referring to a building to which we come. I'm describing how we relate to one another. We don't go to church. We go do church!
Recent rising floodwaters have raised my appreciation of how naturally and beautifully NDBC does church. As several families have been displaced from their homes,temporary housing has been shared. Meals have been served. Money has been collected. Prayers have been prayed.
For some, it has been the moving of clothes. For others, the salvaging of family heirlooms. For some it has been ripping-up carpets and ripping-out sheetrock and hauling-off nearly everything. Our 20/30's alone have opened TNT Moving and Storage. Sweat has poured like sacramental drops of hope and love. I think there a Bible verse about that: "By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
I have cried over our parishioners' losses; but more than that, I have been proud of our congregation's capacity to do church.
As I do my job of tending words, it is obvious that Northside Drive Baptist Church is way ahead of me in attending to love. You are doing church. |
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UNPLUG THE CHRISTMAS MACHINE WORKSHOP
 Join us for a weekly workshop focusing on bringing love and joy back into the chaotic Christmas season. The workshop will be on Thursday nights, October 1-22, from 6-8PM, with dinner from 6-6:30PM and small group discussion following. The text, Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season will be provided at no cost to participants. Please register by either calling the church office: 404-237-8621 or by emailing Renee Gamache at info@northsidedrive.org. |
MISSION OPPORTUNITY
2009 Interfaith Partnership Habitat for Humanity Build
This year's house will be built at 2205 Ajax Drive, NW, Atlanta, 30318. The house is located off Hollywood Road and will be owned by Michael Karmin. Michael has a daughter, Michelle (age 16).
Michael works at Piedmont Driving Club. Michelle is in high school and works with VOX Teen Magazine, a nonprofit youth development organization.
Michael is excited about being able to own a home for him and his daughter and to be a part of a growing community.
The work schedule for this year's build is:
Day 5 - October 10
*Continue exterior painting
*Finish interior painting
*Install baseboard, window sills and miscellaneous interior trim
*Install kitchen cabinets and countertops
*Begin soffit and fascia
The house will be dedicated on Sunday, October 25.
For more information contact Beth Laxton at 404.351.2324 (work), 770.438.7963 (home) or laxton2125@charter.net. |
During the upcoming fall/winter season, Music on the Hill will present all 10 of Beethoven's piano and violin sonatas in a series of concerts. Each concert will feature an early versus late sonata contrast. For example, on October 11, Sonatas Nos. 1 and 6 will be presented (plus a sonata by Schumann), followed on November 29, with Sonatas Nos. 2 and 7 (plus a Schoenberg Phantasy). The concerts will be held in the Chapel at 3PM with Olga Shpitko on violin, and Tim Whitehead on piano. Admission is free, although donations are requested. |
| CALLED CHURCH-IN-CONFERENCE
There will be a called Church-in-conference on Sunday, October 11, 2009, immediately after morning worship. At this Church-in-conference the Nominating Committee will move that Walter Grant be elected as Trustee for Northside Drive Baptist Church, with a vote to follow. |
 A Young, Fresh Perspective on the Holy Land
by Rev. Eric M. Cain
Director of Youth Ministries
October 13, 2009
11 AM-1 PM in the Fellowship Hall
Eric will present a travelogue and reflections on his trip to the Holy Land in the summer of 2009, an experience that will continue to ENRICH his faith and ours. All ages are invited, so bring a friend and ENJOY the program and lunch ($5). |
PASTOR'S WEDNESDAY MORNING
BIBLE STUDY
The Book of Daniel: From Lion's Den to THE END!
September 23-November 11
10:30-11:30AM in the Fellowship Hall |
NDBC BOOK CLUB
A book review of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows will be Wednesday, October 14, at 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Jane Lamkin will be the facilitator and Nancy Davis the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished. |
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PRAYER MEETIN'
WEDNESDAYS
September 9-November 18, 2009
What ever happened to "prayer meetin's?" Our needs are so immense that two minutes of prayer at church every week seems rather trivial. At NDBC we would like to bring prayer to the forefront of our Wednesday night activities this Fall through study, sharing, silence and song. We think we can do this by getting back to basics and joining God and each other in prayer each Wednesday at 6:45PM.
Preceding the "Prayer Meetin" there will supper with Chick-fil-A and Jason's Deli alternating weeks, served at 6PM. The boxed meals are $5.00 per person, with a $25.00 family cap. To make a reservation for the boxed meal, you may use the Welcome card in the pew rack, call the church office, or email your reservation to
info@northsidedrive.org no later than Noon the Monday before the event. |
October 16 at 7PM
Let's get Unplugged with Dr. Caroline von Fluegge! Friday, October 16, at 7PM in the home of Mike and Amanda Gregg.
Finding balance is challenging for young adults. Are you really as healthy as you'd like to be? With over 20-years experience in the field of mental and physical well-being, Dr. Caroline is an expert in teaching practical yet scientifically sound tools for achieving personal fitness, balanced nutrition, and stress management. She places an emphasis on excellence, nurtures the very best in those individuals who are ready to dramatically change their health, and seeks holistic wellness in all areas of life. |
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WILLIAM D. UNDERWOOD
18th President of Mercer University
Worship Service Guest Preacher
October 18, 2009
 Prior to joining Mercer, President Underwood served at Baylor University as Interim President and held the prestigious Leon Jaworski Chair at the Baylor School of Law, having joined the law faculty in 1990 after practicing law with a large firm in Dallas .
President Underwood is an accomplished educator and scholar. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute and the American Bar Foundation. He has published extensively on a range of topics and has presented a number of papers on how faith relates to higher education, especially at universities that share the historical and theological commitment of Baptists to intellectual and religious freedom and respect for religious diversity.
President Underwood is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, which awarded him the Juris Doctor degree. He graduated as class salutatorian and was an editor of the University of Illinois Law Review. Following graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Sam D. Johnson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also holds a degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, where he met his spouse, Lesli. They have two teenage children, Jessica and William.
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 DISCOVERING GOD IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Reservations are now being accepted for our hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7. Nestled in the mountains of north Georgia, this inn offers a truly unique experience to visitors, as it is the only inn in Georgia that is accessible only on foot. Guests arrive at the inn after a five-mile hike through Amicalola Falls State Park and the Chattahoochee National Forest. Our trek will begin early on Friday, November 6, and conclude as we hike back to our cars at mid-morning on Saturday, November 7. This adventure is open to all members and friends of Northside Drive Baptist Church. The cost will be $80 per person, which will include two all-you-can-eat hot meals (Friday supper and Saturday breakfast), hot showers, overnight accommodations (two to a room in bunk beds), and all the amenities of home! If you have further questions, please contact our music director Paul Fletcher, who is coordinating this event, by phone at the church, 404-237-8621, or by emailing to paul@northsidedrive.org. To learn more about the Len Foote Hike Inn, you may visit www.hike-inn.com. Please do not delay in signing up for this event, as there are only a limited number of spaces still available.
Paul Fletcher,
Music Director |
 THE CALLAWAY CUP
GOLFERS!!!
The last major of the year, the Callaway Cup golf tournament is scheduled for Sunday, October 18! The outing is for members and repeat visitors, men and women, young and old, anyone who knows which end of the club to hold. We do request that if you hit them often, you know how to hit them quick. We will be again be playing Wolf Creek Golf Course, and again at a very reasonable discount rate. For more information email defending champion Hal Meeks at hmeeks@plmllp.com or call 404-352-2438 or 404-880-7191. |
| A SEASON OF ORDINATION
The Ordination of Laura Wheeler to the Ministry..... Sunday, October 25, during the 11AM worship service. |
| COMMUNITY TRUNK-OR-TREAT
 Sunday, October 25, 2009, from 5:30-7PMOnce again it's time for you to do the craziest thing-park your car in the church lot, adorn it with decorations, and then hand out candy left and right to little princesses, cowboys, goblins and wizards!
Each year we host Trunk or Treat for our community and friends. We hope not just our children will come, but those in the neighborhood-plus your own kids, grandkids, neighbors, friends and family. And grown-ups, too, of course!
Come and join us for Hot dogs, chips, drinks, treats, games and maybe a few tricks! ($2.00 per person for the meal) |
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NEW YOUNG ADULT SMALL GROUP
 Dream.Think.Be.Do. is a small group video study for twenty to thirty-somethings to help build a 21st Century faith. DTBD features the insights of over twenty-five theologians and teachers at the top of their game. Each of the twenty self-standing sessions contains a 20-minute DVD segment drawn from the critically acclaimed "Living the Questions" series-updated with connecting narrations, graphics, and music to engage a postmodern generation. The first volume Dream is 5 sessions long. Sundays at 7PM at the church in the Undercroft and Youth area November 1, November 29, and January 10. You may sign up by emailing Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. |
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IONA SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
A Northside Drive Baptist Church Youth Tradition
June 4-13, 2010  The NDBC Youth (9-12 grades) will embark on the 3rd pilgrimage in the past ten years to the Isle of Iona. Recently graduated youth (still in college) who didn't get to experience the previous pilgrimage to Iona are welcome to come, as well as a few adult leaders, seminary students, and young adults. There will be a limited number of spaces for parents of youth. We will have room for approximately 22 participants. The 10-day experience costs $1100 deposit for each participant. The cost will be split up into four payments of $275 each over a nine-month period. This will include transportation, lodging, most meals, and retreat events. The youth will be participating in fundraising activities to raise additional funding for the pilgrimage. Some limited costs will be offset by financial assistance per the youth budget. This is a spiritual pilgrimage, not just a "trip." The purpose of this experience is to engage in the life of the Iona community in Scotland, a place rich in Christian church history and spirituality, deepen your faith commitment, and further explore your life calling.
Contact Rev. Eric Cain if you plan to attend at eric@northsidedrive.org with your name, e-mail and phone number by October 1. Grace & Peace, Rev. Eric Cain | |
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CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, October 11
9:30 AM - Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
12:00 PM - Called Church-in-conference
3:00 PM - Music on the Hill
5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
MONDAY, October 12
7:00 PM - Church Council
TUESDAY, October 13
11:00 AM - Triple E
1:00 PM - Preschool Liaison
6:00 PM - Northside Yoga
WEDNESDAY, October 14
10:00 PM - Preschool Chapel
10:30 PM - Pastor's Bible Study
1:00 PM - NDBC Book Club
6:00 PM - Supper
6:45 PM - Prayer Meetin'
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Practice
THURSDAY, October 15
6:00 PM - Unplug the Christmas Machine Workshop
FRIDAY, October 16
7:00 PM - NDBC 20/30 | |
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CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Marjorie Alberson
Cecil Turner
Helen Callaway
Mary Dutton
Bob Haywood |
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NORTHSIDE YOGA 
Northside Yoga meets on Tuesdays at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall with registered Yoga Teacher, Amanda Gregg. Bring a mat, water, and the $10 fee.
To make a reservation for Tuesday's class, email
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The youth café, UNDERGROUNDS, will be open for a light breakfast at 9:30 AM each Sunday. Youth Church School will meet in the newly renovated youth space and begins at 9:45 AM.
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SYD'S SYNOPSIS
Do You Receive the Sunday E-mail Update from Syd Janney?
Want to Receive a Sunday Morning Church Email Update on Sunday Afternoons? Syd Janney's Synopsis is a beautiful description of the "special experience of Church School and Worship at NDBC." To receive it, notify the church office at renee@northsidedrive.org or 404-237-8621. |
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THE PAPERLESS PINNACLE
The Pinnacle is emailed as an attachment to the congregation and is available on the church website at www.northsidedrive.org.
If you would prefer not to receive the Pinnacle by U.S. mail, please call 404-237-8621 or email us at info@northsidedrive.org to let us know. |
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Wi-Fi is now available in the Educational building as well as the Fellowship Hall and Youth Area.
The network is: ndbcwireless.
The password is: northsidedrive. |
A silver bracelet was found in the church parking lot September 8; also a jump drive (a small USB drive for the computer) was lost at the recent funeral of Fisher Alberson, September 17. We are also missing a wheelchair that was stored in the Narthex closet.
*Call the church office and ask for Renee if you lost or found an item at the church. |
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NDBC STAINED GLASS WINDOWS OF NORTHSIDE DRIVE
There are still Stained Glass Window books available for purchase. A copy of the book is in the Narthex for previewing purposes. The cost is $30 per book. To purchase your copy contact the church office at 404-237-8621, info@northsidedrive.org or see Mike Gregg at church on Sundays. |
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Join the NDBC Facebook group
Follow NDBC on Twitter |
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
Eleanor Chandler - 2
Dick Underwood - 3
Jim Hermance - 3
Maddie Minton - 3
Neill Lester - 3
Larry Prince - 4
Camden Janney - 4
Alan Smith - 5
Andrew Wamberg - 5
Mona Stines - 6
Geneva Hall-Shelton - 9
Lindsey Bryson - 10
Bedford Davis - 11
Marjorie Alberson - 11
Louise Davis - 13
Mike Fletcher - 14
Barbara Atchley - 14
Billie Davis - 15
Stuart Meeks - 15
Joseph Schneider - 15
Helen White - 15
Susan Harlan - 16
Dianne DaLee - 17
Bruce Dick - 19
Janna Chandler - 20
Nelle Holbrook - 21
Miriam Wright - 21
Elizabeth Addison - 23
Cassandra McAllister - 25
Jeremy Lewis - 26
Jill Heacock - 27
Mike Egan - 28
Hartwell Dew - 28
Bernice Jones - 28 | |
