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NORTHSIDE NOTES - April 7, 2010
Pastoral Reflections
 
"Easter Basket"  
 by Rev. James Lamkin

 
ttwlSoon our Lenten pilgrimage will pale in our memories.  Soon, Easter Sunday's echoes of the trumpet enchamade will fade.  However, before Eastertide disappears in the rearview mirror, I wanted to pause and give thanks.

As I rummage through my basket, there are a lot of brightly colored Easter words fit for this Holy Season, such as: Amen and Hallelujah and God and Jesus and Love and Prayer and Resurrection and Faith and Church.

But there are other words, too.  Some of these are not so colorful, not so high-profile...but very necessary, such as gratitude and thanksgiving and appreciation.

It takes a lot of preparation to "do church" the way we "do church."  There may be easier ways-Quakers, for instance.  But our evolution has created traditions and expectations that give power to the events themselves.  "Christmas is not Christmas without...," we might say.  Or, "Easter just wouldn't be Easter if we didn't have...."

In addition, there are the routine activities-the less showy, but essential church efforts-such as missions, music, and ministry.

As I look into the beautiful basket of how Easter expresses itself in our congregation, I give thanks.

Here is a sampler of my gratitude.  It is not a roll call of names; rather it is listing of the faithful bunches of folk for whom I am thankful this Easter.

Flower folk.  Arrangements, abundant and beautiful, have accompanied us from the Passion Cross to the industrial strength palms, to Easter Lilies.

Also, the Parament Committee swapped green for purple, brought out the burlap for Ash Wednesday, and then bleached everything white.

And choir (bell choir included)!  Extra rehearsals and much effort made the season's music holy; plus the Worship/Music Committee shared in the pondering and possibilities.

The Children's Committee helped lead the way in the Palm Sunday Procession and Easter Egg Hunt.

The Good Friday homilists beautifully wove Jesus' words into their own words; and the musical offerings provided by Paul and Jeff.

Volunteer Nursery Workers tended the sleepers, creepers, toddlers, and poopers, while the rest of us sang the Hallelujah Chorus in peace.

Last, but not least, the church staff.  My colleagues.  Most of their work is invisible.  There's more planning, printing, proofing, posting, and picking-up than you would believe.

I know that God does the big work.  We can't raise the dead.  We don't roll away grave stones.  But there's a whole lot of readying that is unnoticed but vital to our spiritual experience as a faithful community.

Easter brought me a bountiful basket; and for it, I am grateful.
Your Ten Minutes Start... NOW! Mike Gregg 09
by Rev. Mike Gregg
 
"Visitors make up their minds about a church in their first ten minutes."  I hear this sentence in most articles I read about church growth and welcoming guests.  A visitor's first ten minutes include experiences such as parking and ease of access into the building, signage and clear directions, and welcoming guest with a warm greeting. The Membership Development Committee, along with the Greeters and Ushers of the church, has been doing a fantastic job responding to and welcoming the greater influx of visitors every week.  More guests are returning for subsequent visits and, as is evident in our rise in memberships, joining Northside Drive.
 
Each week, the Membership Development Committee and other members of the church will be staffing the Welcome Table in the Narthex.  They will wear nametags that say "Welcome Team" as well as have information about the church ready to give to guests.  All members of Northside Drive can help the Welcome Team by noticing new faces and making sure that they stop by the Welcome Table to fill out a Welcome Card, pick up some information, and take a USB flash drive with church documents on it.
 
Northside Drive has always been an extremely warm and welcoming church.  I am proud that visitors can now experience the second they walk in the door. You know, ten minutes doesn't give us much time.
 
If you would like to help greet guests by being a Greeter, Usher, or Welcome Team member, please contact me at mike@northsidedrive.org and I can help you find the right place in which to serve.
 
Upcoming Schedule for Welcome Table:
 Josh and Mallory Davis - March 21 & May 30
Brian and Megan Hendrix - March 28 & June 6
David Nelson and Marie Davis - April 4 & June 13
Barbara Atchley - April 11 & June 20
Lora Hawk and Brian Knight - April 18 & June 27
LeAnna Anantaraman and Laura Seay - April 25 & July 4
Dee and Nancy Davis - May 2 & July 11
Jeremy and Beth Lewis - May 9 & July 18
Amanda Gregg - May 16 & July 25
Jerry and Jackie Poole - May 23 & August 1
Parent, Child and Church Dedication 
 
Sunday, April 11, 2010
 
There will be a parent, child, and church dedication for Annaleigh Faith Gregg and her parents, Mike and Amanda Gregg, during the 11AM worship service on Sunday, April 11, 2010.
 

DTBD

Young Adults
 
"Think" (volume 2)
 
April 11 - Taking the Bible Seriously
May 2 - Evil & Suffering
May 23 - Violence
June 13 - Rapture & Revelation
 
"It's not about projecting someone else's 'truth'. It's a springboard for conversation about what's next for those who follow Jesus." Come engage your mind in what it's all about. Meeting at 7 PM in the church Undercroft and Youth area.
 
Email Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org to sign up.
Triple E
One Man's Take on the State of the Union
 
April 13, 2010, from 11 AM-1 PM in the Fellowship Hall
 
Walter Grant will deliver his own State of the Union address, his views about the current political environment and contemporary culture. Agree with him or not, we can promise laughter and groans. Feel free to express your opinions, too, all in good fun.
NDBC Book Club 
 
A book review of We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan that Will Work by Jimmy Carter will be Wednesday, April 14, at 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Nancy Davis will be the facilitator and Mary Ann Hickman the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished.
 
Oglethorpe University Presents 175th Anniversary Commemorative Concert
 
"A Panorama of American Music"
 
 
The Oglethorpe University Singers concert choir and Chorale chamber choir will perform a free concert in celebration of the university's 175th anniversary.  The commemorative concert will feature "A Panorama of American Music," from the founding of the United States to present day.
 
The free concert will be held Friday, April 16, at 8 PM in the Conant Performing Arts Center on the Oglethorpe University campus.  Conducted by Dr. W. Irwin Ray, Jr., with pianist David Buice, the performance will include music by significant American composers and encompass numerous "roots" genres in American music. Featured composers are William Billings, Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, Randall Thompson, Stephen Paulus, Edwin Robertson, and Charles Ives.  Music genres include Sacred Harp, Anglo-Celtic folk, black and white spirituals, gospel, minstrel songs, vernacular pop, jazz, and the Moravian tradition. 

The concert will feature solos by student vocalists, including graduating senior Marilyn Corbin.  The concert will showcase several student ensembles, which were selected in a competitive audition process for inclusion on the program.  

The Cathedral Players 

present
 
Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun"
 
April 16-17 @ 7:30 PM
April 18 @ 2 PM
April 23-24 @ 7:30 PM
 
A benefit fot the Buckhead Christian Ministry.
 
For ticket information, visit www.cathedralofchristtheking.org or call 404-233-2145 ext. 648.
 
Congratualtions to Our Colleague,
Mike Gregg, on "Being Published"

ttwl

  
Mike has written a chapter on worship in the new book Baptimergent!  The publishers chose this title because it combines the words Baptist and Emergent. The book's parchment-like cover portrays the notion of how tradition feeds contemporary Christians, as they draw from history, as well as experience.
 
From the staff of Northside Drive Baptist Church,
 
James Lamkin, Paul Fletcher, Jeff Harbin, Eric Cain, Carolyn Scott, Renee Gamache, Vanessa Johnson, and Richard Willingham.

ttwl 

  presents 
 
Beethoven's 'Spring' Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major
and Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major
 
Sunday, April 18, at 3 PM in the Chapel
 
Olga Shpitko, violin and Tim Whitehead, piano
 
 
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Career Networking Ministry
 
The recession has been creating havoc on our economy for the past 18 months and, as a result, there is over 10% of the work force without jobs.
 
Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta has begun a new ministry focused on helping people in the community who have recently lost their job or are interested in changing jobs.  The new ministry is called Trinity Career Networking Ministry.  The goal of this ministry is to provide unemployed people in our community with job search skills and resources including:
 
 -- resume writing
 -- interviewing skills 
 -- internet as a job searching tool  
 -- networking with other job seekers, human resources professionals, executive recruiters, and business executives 
 
The Trinity Presbyterian Church and the Career Networking Ministry invites anyone who is in a career transition to attend our meetings.  Please visit our website at www.trinityatlcareers.com.
Bridges of Hope Offering
 
Alliance of Baptists
 
From the Reynoldstown section of Atlanta to Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries in New York to the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zimbabwe, mission partners of the Alliance of Baptists are ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of those living in the margins-the poor, the oppressed, and the disenfranchised. Providing clean water, education, and medical care are just a few of the ways faith groups demonstrate God's presence in the midst of poverty, civil strife, and hopelessness. The national goal for the 2010 offering is $120,000 and Northside's goal is $2,000. Use the special mission envelope in your packet or mark your envelope Bridges of Hope

 
When Severe Weather Comes
 on Sunday Morning
 
As a rule of thumb, we will not cancel worship services on Sunday morning except under the most extreme weather conditions.  Members are urged to use their own good judgment as to whether they should attempt to make the trip.  Should inclement winter weather cause the cancellation of a service, here is the plan:
 
1) The pastor and the moderator will make the decision.
2) The moderator will notify the Chair of the Diaconate.
3) The deacons will use the "phone tree" to notify the congregation.
4) One of the ministers will send an email to all those on the church's email list (electricity permitting) and place a notification on the church's voice mail.
5) One of the ministers will notify the media.
 
iCARE
 
The NDBC Preschool is selling "icare" tote bags.  The bags are roomy, reusable, and highly durable. They come in four different designs and are only $6 each. (Samples are on the wall in the Preschool hall.) For more information and to purchase the bags, contact Vanessa Johnson, Preschool Director, at 404-237-9060.  
 
WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News Anchor Monica Pearson to Keynote Agape's Spring Benefit
 
Agape Community Center, will host its 3rd Annual Spring Benefit, Thursday, April 29, 7-9 PM, at the Ansley Golf Club in Midtown.

The fundraiser titled "Giving Wing to Better Tomorrows" will feature a cocktail buffet, a live auction and special guest speaker Monica Pearson, Emmy Award-winning anchor for WSB-TV Channel 2.

"In an effort to continue helping those affected by the economic downturn and recent area floods, we are hopeful that this event will bring in funding to serve the dozens of families that come to us every month for support," said Nell Benn, executive director.  "The demand in our service area for assistance with rent, utility bills, food andthe overall encouragement offered through the programs at our center has nearly doubled this year thus increasing the importance of this event."

The evening's theme, "Giving Wing to Better Tomorrows," coincides with Agape's butterfly logo, which represents rebirth or giving the community new hope that they can achieve and succeed.

"From Former Mayor Shirley Franklin to Ron Clark, each year we have been fortunate to have wonderful keynote speakers at our annual fundraiser," said Bonnie Harris, president of Agape's board of directors.  "We are even more delighted that Mrs. Pearson will join us this year in raising awareness about the good works of this fantastic organization."

Agape is an eminent model in Atlanta for successfully providing programs that empower families to break the cycle of poverty.  Its strong volunteer base provides vital connections for the children, families and seniors of the Bolton Road area in Northwest Atlanta.  Proceeds from this event will enable Agape to continue as well as expand its many vital programs including:

*Providing 150 children tutoring and nutritious meals each week
*Assisting more than 60 middle and high school students in completing college tours
*Allowing more than 50 families in crisis to keep the heat and electricity on in their homes
*Helping 80 youth to participate in a five-day-a-week summer camp for the entire summer

Spring Benefit tickets are $125 per person.  To purchase tickets or become an individual or corporate sponsor, call 404-367-3950 or email nellbenn@agapecc.org.  
Church Calendar
 
SUNDAY, April 11
  9:30 AM - Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship (Parent, Child & Church Dedication)
12:30 PM - Youth Sunday Night LIVE!
  5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
  7:00 PM - Dream.Think.Be.Do.
MONDAY, April 12
  7:00 PM - Church Council
TUESDAY, April 13
11:00 AM - Triple E
  6:00 PM - Northside Yoga
WEDNESDAY, April 14
10:00 AM - Preschool Chapel
  1:00 PM - NDBC Book Club
  7:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, April 15
12:00 PM - Romeo's @ Piccadilly's
  7:00 PM - TNT
FRIDAY, April 16
  7:00 PM - @ 20.30 
 
Volume 2 - Issue 14
In This Issue
Pastoral Reflections
Your Ten Minutes Start...
Parent, Child, Church Dedication
Dream.Think.Be.Do.
Triple E
NDBC Book Club
Oglethorpe University
"Annie Get Your Gun"
Baptimergent
MOTH
Career Networking Ministry
Bridges of Hope Offering
Severe Weather
iCARE!
Agape's Spring Benefit
Church Calendar
Church Family Concerns
Pastor's Church Growth
@20.30
TNT
R.O.M.E.O.'S
Northside Yoga
Stained Glass Books
The Undergrounds Cafe
Syd's Synopsis
Paperless Pinnacle
Wi-Fi
Lost & Found
Birthdays
Facebook & Twitter
CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
 
Helen Callaway
Mary Dutton
PASTOR'S CHURCH GROWTH TIP OF THE WEEK 

Bring a neighbor to the next Music on the Hill.
UNPLUGGED FRIDAY DINNERS 
ttwl

April 16 @ the Underwood's
 
May 21 @ the Meek's
 
Young adult Unplugged evenings. These are casual dinners at our homes where Mike will bring the main course and everyone else brings a side item. They are on Friday nights once a month at 7 M. If you are interested in attending and Unpulgged event contact Mike Gregg for more details.
 

TNT

TNT 

Thursday Nights Together

People of all ages from Northside Drive Baptist Church meet at 7 PM every Thursday night for dinner.
 
Contact
or 
for details.
 
ROMEO'S
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out) 
 
 
Every 3rd Thursday of the month (bring your lunch money)
 
11:30 AM-1 PM
 
Piccadilly's
 1715 Howell Mill Rd.
 
A time to visit with friends, tell stories and eat good food!  
 
 NORTHSIDE YOGA 
 
Yoga logo

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 mandayoga@gmail.com or for more information, visit www.northsidedrive.org.
stained glass book 
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS BOOK
 
The cost is $30.  To get your copy, call us at 404-237-8621 or email the church. A copy of the book is in the Narthex for previewing.
Youth logo

The youth café, UNDERGROUNDS, will be open for a light breakfast at 9:30AM each Sunday.  Youth Church School will meet in the newly renovated youth space and will begin at 9:45AM.
SYD'S SYNOPSIS
 
Do you receive the Sunday email 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 (404-237-8621).

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.
wifi
 
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.

lost&found
 
LOST: heirloom ring---gold band with two stones with smaller stones around the band.
 
FOUND: black leather glove, a man's tan hat and several umbrellas.
 
Call the church office and ask for Renee if you lost or found an item at the church.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS

LeAnna Anantaraman - 4
Anne Shiver - 4
Linda Fletcher - 4
Dot Clark - 5
Greg Colson - 6
Kay Braswell - 6
Eric Cain - 6
Allison Dick - 6
Alice Ledbetter - 7
Letty Konenkamp - 8
Mary Frances Smith - 8
Jennifer Sardone - 10
Mary Schwartz - 12
Brian Knight - 12
Zach Stines - 13
Suzanne Clark - 13
Robbye Taylor - 13
Tim Whiffen - 14
Marjorie Rives - 14
Ken Brant - 16
Liam Collins - 16
Glenn Allen - 16
Daniel Moore - 16
Dick Houston - 17
Hardy Pickering - 17
Wilton Looney - 18
Jada Getsay - 20
Heather Bongers - 20
Theresa Goriczynski - 20
Dave Wooten - 21
Patti Clark - 21
Allyson Dewell - 21
Floyd Carroll - 23
Katie Adams - 26
Gerry Humphries - 30
Elise McCrea - 30
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Renee Gamache
Northside Drive Baptist Church
404-237-8621