NORTHSIDE NOTES - November 18, 2009 |
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 PASTORAL REFLECTIONS
By James Lamkin
"It's Thanksgiving...by George!"
Two (and only two) of all the Pastoral Reflection articles I've written have risen to the top of the popularity chart. Consequently, I've rerun them annually.
The first article is about Easter, Jesus, and Waffle House. If heaven ain't a lot like W.H., then I don't want to go there.
The second article is about a former trustee and NDBC charter member, George Smith.
Since the seasons of gratitude and giving are upon us, it is time to revisit George once again.
Here 'tis:
George was a generous giver. His life echoed the biblical line of "where one's treasure is, there one's heart is also." George's heart was with Northside Drive Baptist Church. He stuck with us through thick and thin: from the day of our birth, until the day of his death. He put up with us. And yes, we put up with him!
I think it was John McIntyre that said, "The Bible says 'God loves a cheerful giver,' but we will be glad to take money from grumpy givers, too!"
George had a winsome, "grumpy generosity." It endeared him to me and too many. To love George was to know that a quiet, almost ancient, sadness followed him. He didn't hug much; but when he did, you could feel it.
Now when it came to countin'---George was the best! He could find a spreadsheet's bottom line faster than a speeding bullet. It was hard to "spin" things with George around. He saw through sugar sweet words and went for numbers.
Maybe that's why he always said that Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. Every year on Thanksgivinghe followed the old gospel song's instructions---the one that says, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one." Then like the surprise in the bottom of a Cracker Jacks box, "...it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."
Somehow, on Thanksgiving, George's heavy cloud of grief seemed to lift, burned-off by the sunlight of gratitude. And, of course, the bottom line on the ledger was love.
George crossed the Jordan a few years ago. I suspect he is still hassling St. Peter---questioning the need for streets of gold and complaining about the Pearly Gates when a simple stadium turnstile would do.
George's muse still visits---badgering us to be prudent in our expenses, generous in our giving, and grateful in our living.
As the holiday approaches, I suggest following his Thanksgiving approach. Make a list. Check it twice. And while you are at it, write a check to the church! (George would say that!) He knew that gratitude always evokes generosity.
Thank God for George. Grateful am I to have been his pastor; grateful are we to have been his church. |
The annual interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service will be held at 7PM on Wednesday, November 25, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. James Lamkin of Northside Drive Baptist Church preaching. The congregations of Trinity Presbyterian, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, New Hope A.M.E., St. Anne's Episcopal, Northside Drive Baptist, Northside Drive and United Methodist churches will join together to celebrate Thanksgiving. |
| CHURCH AND PRESCHOOL
OFFICES CLOSED
The NDBC Preschool will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays Monday-Friday, November 23-27.
The church offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. |
HANGING OF THE GREEN
There will be a Hanging of the Green Pre-service Fellowship at 9:30 AM in the Narthex followed by our annual Hanging of the Green Service at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary on Sunday, November 29. Worship Services will follow at 11:00 AM. |
November 29, at 3PM
Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Violin Sonata No. 7 in C minor and Schoenberg's Phantasy Op. 47. All concerts are offered without charge, but donations are appreciated. To see our brochure or for more information visit us on the web at www.northsidedrive.org and look for us in the "What's Happening" section. |
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YOUNG ADULT SMALL GROUP
November 29, and January 10
 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. You may sign up by emailing Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. |
Northside Drive began its 2010 pledge campaign on Sunday, October 25, with the conclusion slated for November 29. The theme surrounding this year's budget commitment is "The Joy of Generosity." As we approach the season of adopting and pledging our 2010 budget, prayerfully consider the ways in which you can support this endeavor.
You can submit your pledge to the Church in any one of the following four ways: (1) complete and sign a pledge card and mail it to the church, (2) call Carolyn Scott, the Church's Business Manager, and give her your pledge over the phone at 404-237-8621, (3) send an e-mail to Carolyn Scott at carolyn@northsidedrive.org containing the amount of your pledge and stating whether you will be fulfilling your pledge in weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual payments, or (4) submit your pledge over the internet by clicking on "giving" at www.northsidedrive.org. |
IT'S TIME TO ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
November 15-December 12
Poinsettias will be placed in the Sanctuary, December 20-27. If you would like to purchase a plant, put your name, a check for $20 and your designated message (i.e., in memory of..., in honor of..., in thankfulness, to the glory of God, etc.) in a Poinsettia envelope located in the Narthex at the flower table. To place an order by phone, contact Carolyn Scott at 404-237-8621. Plants can be paid for in person or by mail and may be picked up December 27, following the morning worship service. Plants left after that date will be distributed to retirement homes in the area. Deadline for orders is December 12. |
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ADVENT COMBINED ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL
December 6, 13, & 20
9:30AM, Room 206
Whether it's memories of caroling, Christmas pageants, or Christmas Eve services, the hymns of Christmas are some of the most evocative parts of the season for many of us. They refocus our spirits and remind us of the holiness and mystery of God's incarnation.
Dr. Karen Massey will be teaching a three-session Advent Study explaining the history behind some of our favorite carols: O Come, O Come; Emmanuel; Silent Night, Holy Night; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Focusing on the ways in which words and music can speak to the core of our experiences, the Combined Adult Church School will spend time in reflection, conversation, and simple enjoyment of these beloved hymns. |
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CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, November 22
Festival of Thanksgiving/Reign of Chirst
9:30 AM - Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
TUESDAY, November 24
11:00 AM - Staff Meeting
WEDNESDAY, November 25
7:00 PM - Community Thanksgiving Service
THURS-FRI, November 26 & 27
Church/Preschool Offices are closed. |
From time-to-time the church office is in need of volunteers to answer phones, monitor the doors, address envelopes or other small tasks. If you would like to help out, please give me a call at 404-237-8621 or get on my volunteers email list by emailing me at renee@northsidedrive.org. Your time and talents are appreciated! Renee Gamache, Administrative Assistant | |
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CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Cecil Turner
Helen Callaway
Mary Dutton
Bob Haywood |
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. |
Call the church office and ask for Renee if you lost or found an item at the church. |
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Join the NDBC Facebook group
Follow NDBC on Twitter |
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NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Claire Blackwell - 1
Grace Collins - 1
Laurie Nickless - 2
Doris Martin - 2
Rob Schwartz - 7
Sylvia Dick - 7
Elizabeth Dew - 7
Nancy de Jonge Davis - 8
Gordon Davis - 9
Larry McSwain - 10
Sheila Nicol - 13
Paul Fletcher - 17
Tom Vander Ven - 18
Beverly Allen - 20
Ted Clyatt - 22
Greg Hawkins - 23
Mary Margaret High - 23
Ian Fletcher - 25
Kasey Fletcher - 25
George Smathers - 26
Reidar Bjornard - 29 | |
