NORTHSIDE NOTES - August 18, 2010 |
Pastoral Reflections
"The Book of Job...and the Effort of Study" I have often chuckled at the heteronym Job. A heteronym (sometimes called a homograph) is a word that shares the same written form with another word, but has a different meaning, distinguished by pronunciation. For instance, "The bandage was wound around the wound." Get it? "The soldier decided to desert this post in the desert. The wind was too strong to wind the sail." So how about this: "Studying Job is one big job!" Nevertheless, we will go for it beginning Wednesday, September 15-November 10 (give or take a day for some fishing) Thomas Carlyle said, "I call the Book of Job, apart from all theories about it, one of the grandest things ever written with the pen." Virginia Woolf said, "I read the Book of Job last night; I don't think God comes out well in it." And Tennyson called it the world's "...greatest poem, whether of ancient or modern literature."
Apart from the brief prologue and epilogue, it is a poem...a long poem...42 chapters of poem. That is part of the reason Job is a job.
Another reason is: it is about suffering. "Prolonged pain makes theologians of us all," a preacher said. Suffering begs the why question. It echoes throughout the Psalms: "Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer?" It may be humankind's oldest question; and most unanswerable.
"The patience of Job," is a proverb in our everyday conversation; but Job was not patient. He was complaining, antagonistic, bitter, and despondent---like most of us would be. In the end he is wise...or, at least...experienced. He has wrestled with the Whirlwind---within himself, his friends, his family, and his God.
The Book of Job is not an explanation of suffering anymore than a treadmill is a guidebook on "How Humans Walk." But it is a gymnasium...a simulator...better yet, a play that asks the reader to join the main character on stage and go the distance. It is a tough job to "hang" with Job. Many may want the truth, but most "can't handle the truth."
But I've seen the bunch that turns out on Wednesday mornings for the Pastor's Bible Study. They can handle it.
Mike Gregg and I are talking about stretching the bandwidth of this effort. Maybe pod casts? Maybe outside reading resources?
And maybe testimonies? Some Northside Drivers have endured waves of loss, wrestled with the Whirlwind, and remarkably, have grown in the process.
So gear up for some word wrangling. Look up some heteronyms. Study may lead you to get the lead out.
In the meanwhile, Job waits for us on the dung heap; and don't tell me that we all haven't "done time" right there. |
New Way to Meet Other Northside Drivers
By Cathy Wooten
One of the joys of church membership is worshipping alongside other believers/seekers, and an extension of that joy is getting to know these fellow travelers on the journey. Because Northside Drivers come from across the metro Atlanta area, it is sometimes difficult for folk to get to know one another beyond the brief time of worship on Sunday. The Membership Development Committee (MDC) would like to make that more possible through a new fellowship initiative. NDBC Community Groups are a new way to connect with those members who live closest to you. The MDC has created 12 community groups arranged by neighborhood and Zip code, with coordinators for each of these groups. Groups can meet around a meal or other activity, with emphasis on getting to know one another better. Each member has been assigned to a group close to his or her home, but it is perfectly acceptable to visit other groups as well, if you wish. That can be worked out with the coordinator for the group or groups you are interested in. In the meantime, be looking soon for an email or phone call from your group coordinator about an initial get-together. |
Summer Adult Church School 2010
Join preeminent New Testament scholars Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan on location in Turkey as they trace the Apostle Paul's footsteps throughout the Roman Empire. This 12-session DVD and web-based study explores fresh insights into Paul's message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology, and the apostle's radical relevance for today. Filmed in High-Definition across Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Participant Guide written by John Dominic Crossan.
When: Sundays, June 6-August 29, 9:30-10:45AM Where: Fellowship Hall Facilitated by: Adult Church School Leaders
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Morning Worship in the Chapel
Energy, Intimacy & Hymnody.
July 4-September 5, 2010
Energy: We are lowering our utility expenses by moving into the chapel this summer. This expression of stewardship is environmentally responsible. Intimacy: The chapel is the church's original sanctuary built in 1954; for many members, it is coming home. Also, the space encourages a close, friendly atmosphere. Hymnody: Though the choir is taking a summer sabbatical (so as to return rested in the fall), the chapel invites lively congregational singing from the Baptist Hymnal. |
Wednesday Evening Opportunities
Wednesday's, September 8-November 10, from 6-9 PM. Visit our website, under the "What's Happening" section, for more details, www.northsidedrive.org. |
Book Club Review
NDBC BOOK CLUB'S book review of An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor will be Wednesday, September 8, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Mary Ann Hickman will be the facilitator and Nancy Hall-Shelton the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished. |
Church School Kick-Off Breakfast
Sunday, September 12, 2010 in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM Bring your favorite breakfast food to share.
Please bring food already warmed.
Milk, juice and coffee will be provided. |
New Deacons for 2010-2011
Welcome to our new Deacons who began August 1, 2010!
Wade Davis, Lora Hawk, Gail Hermance,
Angie Moore, and Jackie Poole.
On Sunday, September 12, 2010
Jada Getsay, Lora Hawk, Gail Hermance, and Angie Moore
will be ordained in the morning service. |
Golfers!!!
THE CALLAWAY CUP golf tournament is scheduled for September 12, 2010! The after-church outing is for MEMBERS (and Regular Visitors), MEN and WOMEN, YOUNG and OLD. This is early notice to SAVE THE DATE (9-12-10). The highly coveted Callaway Cup is named in honor of Raymund Callaway, a long-time member of NDBC. We now play in memory of Raymund who died in 2003. To sign up call Hal Meeks: c. 404-293-4042; h. 404-352-2438, o. 404-880-7180. |
Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study 
From Wounds to Whirlwind" September 15-November 17, 2010 10:30 AM Fellowship Hall |

Young Adults:
Small Group Sundays
"BE" Soul (volume 3)
Dream.Think.Be.Do is our young adult small group that meets to discuss theology and faith through a multimedia curriculum. We meet once a month at 7 PM in the Undercroft/Recreation area of the church on Sunday nights.
September 19, 2010 October 17, 2010 November 14, 2010 January 16, 2011
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2010-2011 Church Council Schedule
2010*
September 20
October 18
November 15
2011
January 24
February 21
March 21
April 18
May 16
*The next Church-in-conference will be Sunday, October 31,
in the Sanctuary following the worship services.
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2010-2011 Concert Schedule
2010
September 26
October 17
November 14
2011
January 23
February 27
April 17
May 8 & 22 |
NDBC Wook Days 2010 
(Number of Volunteers Needed) Day 1 - September 25 (8 Volunteers)
* Build exterior and interior walls in warehouse * Clear crawlspace * Set floor joists and lay floor decking * Sheath wall panels and install exterior walls * Install interior walls * Tie walls together, straighten and brace * Install front porch deck, columns, and beams Day 4 - October 16 (8 Volunteers)
* Finish siding and chalking * Begin painting exterior * Begin painting interior Day 5 - October 23 (5 Volunteers)
* Continue exterior painting * Finish interior painting * Install baseboard, window sills and miscellaneous interior trim * Install kitchen cabinets and countertops * Begin soffit and fascia Day 6 - October 30 (5 Volunteers)
* Touch up exterior painting * Finish soffit and fascia * Finish interior painting * Install porch and ramp railings * Install doorknobs and bathroom hardware Sign-up will begin on August 22, following the worship service. If anyone wishes to sign up prior to that date, please contact Beth Laxton at laxton2125@charter.net or 770-438-7963. |
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Church Calendar
SUNDAY, August 22 9:30 AM - Summer Church School 11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel MONDAY, August 23 1st Day of Preschool Year TUESDAY, August 24 10:00 AM - Staff Meeting 6:00 PM - Bylaws Committee Meeting WEDNESDAY, August 25 6:00 PM - Northside Yoga 7:00 PM - Adult Education Meeting THURSDAY, August 26 7:00 PM - TNT SUNDAY, August 29 9:30 AM - Summer Church School 11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel TUESDAY, August 31 10:00 AM - Staff Meeting WEDNESDAY, September 1 6:00 PM - Northside Yoga THURSDAY, September 2 7:00 PM - TNT |
Volunteers Needed for LifeSpan
Due to increase requests for medical appointment transportation for senior adults in Atlanta, we need more volunteers starting in September. Visit Lifespan for more information or call Laurie Stokes at 404-237-7307 to sign-up today! |
Olympic Pin Collection
Alice and Gene Ledbetter invites you to see their exhibit of historic olympic, Coca-Cola and other pins produced by their former business, A La Carte Graphics (1970-2000) at the Smyrna Public Library art gallery July 1-August 31, 2010. Monday-Thursday 10 AM-8 PM
Friday 10 AM-6 PM
Saturday 10 AM-5 PM
Sunday 1 PM-6 PM |
2010 Senior Information Awareness Fair
Helping Hands Home Assistance's focus is to link seniors, disabled persons, and their families with needed services. The 2010 Senior Information Awareness Fair will be Friday, September 10, from 10 AM-4 PM, at the Kia Center in Decatur. There will be an opening ceremony followed by a keynote address and the opening up of health screenings, an exhibitor floor and workshops on senior issues.
[Helping Hands Home Assistance, Inc. (HHHA) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2002 to serve senior citizens and people with disabilities. The organization helps them to live independently in their own homes by providing medical and non-medical services often times at minimal or no-cost to clients. HHHA uses funds from private pay, sliding fee scale, long-term insurance, Medicaid, other health insurance and government programs to cover the cost of care for people who otherwise would not be able to afford it.] HHHA Flyer 1 HHHA Flyer 2 |
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Labor Day Weekend
There will NO Church School on Sunday, September 5, and the Church and Preschool offices will be closed Monday, September 6, for the Labor Day Holiday.
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CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Helen Callaway
Mary Dutton |
PASTOR'S CHURCH GROWTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Have a "Something wonderful happened in our church the other day...," sentence ready for the next party if someone asks you, "Where do you go to church?" |
TNT
Thursday Nights Together
People of all ages from NDBC meet at 7 PM every Thursday night for dinner.
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ROMEOS
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month (bring your lunch money).
11:30 AM-1 PM
Piccadilly Cafeteria
1715 Howell Mill Rd.
A time to visit with friends, tell stories and eat good food! |
NORTHSIDE YOGA
Northside Yoga will now meet on Wednesdays through the summer 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 Wednesday's class, email mandayoga@gmail.com or for more information, visit www.northsidedrive.org. |
Upcoming Unplugged Events

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 PM.
If you are interested in attending an Unplugged event contact Mike Gregg for more details.
September 11
Picnic in Piedmont Park, @20.30 Kickoff!
October 1
Greek Festival
November 5
Dinner & Game Night
December 3
Christmas Party
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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.
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AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
Lindy Welch - 1 Jack Isakson - 2 Jim Lester - 3 Virginia Schwatel - 4 Dan Dalke - 5 Nancy F. Davis - 5 Sofia Tunon - 7 Sue McSwain - 9 David Bell - 9 Pam Whiffen - 10 Joyce Raley - 10 Bobby DaLee - 11 Carolyn Mahaffey - 11 Ella McIntyre - 11 Fay Brewer - 12 Landis Smith - 13 Callie Bryson - 16 Gary McAllister - 18 Mark Bryson - 20 Isaiah Lewis - 23 Jo Hunter - 24 Ken Davis - 24 Susan Isakson - 24 Suzanne Barksdale - 25 Curtis Tucker - 27 Keith Minton - 27 Michael McIntyre - 30 Elizabeth Sheeley - 31
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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. |
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS BOOK
A copy of the book is in the Narthex for previewing and the cost is only $30. To get your copy, call us at 404-237-8621 or email the church. |
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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