NORTHSIDE NOTES - March 2, 2011 |
Mardi Gras Luncheon  Laissez Le Bons Temps Rouler! Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival and Fat Tuesday, is celebrated all over the world as Ash Wednesday approaches. Our eighth Mardi Gras Feast will include Cajun food, beads, and masks. Sunday, March 6, at 12:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Bring the kids! Lunch menu: seafood chowder, shrimp etouffee and rice, jambalaya, corn and oysters, salad, French bread, and Betty's famous bread pudding. To make a reservation for the meal, you may use the welcome cards in the pew rack, call the church office at 404-237-8621, or email your reservation to info@northsidedrive.org no later than Thursday, March 3, for your reservation. Cost: $10 adults, $7 child, with a $25 family cap. |
|
The Choral Guild of Atlanta
proudly celebrating its 71st year
A Chorus Line Up
Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 4 PM, in the Chapel
Music from the Opera and Broadway stage
Habanera - Bizet Dido's Lament - Purcell
Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves - Verdi Bridal Chorus - Wagner
Neighbors' Chorus - Offenbach and more...
Tickets $15 ($10 for NDBC members) |
|
Praying the Psalms*
By Rev. James Lamkin
Psalm 61
*(The congregation is invited to read A-Psalm-A-Day during 2011. Here is this today's reflection and prayer by James Lamkin based on a Psalm from the past week.)
This psalm begins by begging God to listen to an oddly worded request:
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I....
As strange as the phrase sounds...it sounds familiar to me. It sounds like a gospel song.
There was a financial panic sweeping the states in 1871. That same year, a gathering of faithful folk assembled at the YMCA in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A telegram arrived telling the president, John Wanamaker, that the Philadelphia Bank of Jay Cook & Co. had failed and that he had lost $70,000 overnight. Soon, other attendees got similar news regarding their investments. "A pall of gloom was cast over the gathering," said gospel hymn writer named Erastus Johnson.
Perhaps with a name like Erastus, you are drawn to strange words. And that is what happened. Erastus did what he did well. He took a verse from the Bible and wrote a song based upon it. Just as the psalmist had found himself in the "Slough of Despond," and prayed that God would pull him out and give him a vantage point with firmer footing, so did Erastus Johnson pray that prayer.
His song launched from that strange verse, Psalm 61:2, about the Rock...the Rock that is higher than I!
The very next day it was sung. John Wanamaker called for it several times over the course of the week as the businessmen grieved their financial losses, but also offered gratitude to God for that which can never be lost.
I remember this hymn from my childhood. It feels like a "Sunday night church hymn." The first stanza goes:
Oh! sometimes the shadows are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep
Like tempests down over the soul.
Then the refrain swoops in. It is sung three times as the gospel song winds it way through the experiences of life.
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I.
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I!
Though I never heard beloved Northside Driver, Tom Jones, sing it, I can imagine Tom Jones singing it. His rich bass voice would have loved walking down the eighth-note run assigned to the choir's bass section. Like a slide trombone, it stretches out the "I" into a stair-stepped journey of joy.
With prayerful imagination, I pray this psalm back to God; and I do so with all the confidence, compassion, and vigor of Tom Jones...
"Loving God...
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I.
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I!"
Amen.
A-Psalm-A-Day Upcoming Schedule:
March 2-Psalm 61
March 3-Psalm 62
March 4-Psalm 63
March 5-Psalm 64
March 6-Psalm 65
March 7-Psalm 66
March 8-Psalm 67
March 9-Psalm 68 |
Pastoral Reflections
By James Lamkin
"Lent: A Season Soaked in Psalms and Stories"
Since January 1, we have been soaking in the Psalms.
First, some of us are reading a Psalm-A-Day. Then, we pray it. A few are even journaling a response to the psalm.
Turns out, the psalmists are far from bland. Their prayers aren't lullabies. As Walter Brueggemann said of the prophets, "They used the power of poetry to address a prose-flattened world." They grab life and God and grief and grace by the lapels and ask why and why not. Everyday, I see something in a psalm I had not seen before. Maybe I haven't been ready to see.
Second, on March 2, I start my Wednesday morning spring Bible study; and yes, we are studying the Psalms. I call the study: Poetic Praying. However, unlike the daily readings, this approach will be more in-depth with a focus on the content, intent, settings, authors, and forms of the Psalms. Y'all come.
Third, I think you will be blown-away with the Lenten booklets made available by the Adult Ed Ministry Team, chaired by Ruth Kramedjian. The theme is Travelers in Testimony: Psalms and Stories from the Faithful. Ruth recruited a whole bunch of Northside Drivers to submit stories. It is quite an anthology. Some of the testimonies spring from each day's psalm.
Fourth, as is our tradition, we will have Lenten Wednesday evening services in the chapel. The services will further the emphasis: This is Our Story, This is Our Song...Psalms that Seek the Sacred. The fabric of each worship service will contain the psalm-of-the-day, plus that a testimony from the Lenten booklet.
Last, but not least: a Lenten sermon series. This year's lectionary cycle leads us through the large personal-encounter-with-Jesus stories in John's Gospel. You know the likely suspects: Nicodemus, the Woman at the Well, a Man Born Blind, and Lazarus. I've named the series Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time. Marcus Borg has a book by that title. I recommend it. It has a special appeal to folk who want to look beyond a literal prose-approach to the gospels. Rather, how might these gospel writers be more like poets and portrait artist as they tell the Jesus story?
As Lenten shadows lengthen, may the psalms and stories of the Good Book hold us, call us, marinate us, and move us. May this be a season of sacred soaking. |
Triple E
March 8, 2011 @ 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall
Reflections of the Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears
Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears retired as chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Count in June 2009 after serving on the Supreme Court for 17 years. Justice Sears was the first woman to serve as a Superior Court Judge in Fulton County, Georgia, and was also the first woman and the youngest person ever to sit on the Georgia Supreme Court. Justice Sears is currently a partner at Schiff Hardin, LLP in its Atlanta office where she leads the appellate litigation team and also focuses on policy issues in family law.
|
|
NDBC Book Club
A book review of The Heart of a Distant Forest by Philip Lee Williams will be Wednesday, March 9, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Marjorie Rives will be the facilitator and Mary Ann Hickman the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished. |
|
Lenten Wednesdays 2011
"This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song...
Psalms that Seek the Sacred"
@ 7 PM in the Chapel
Ash Wednesday Service.......NDBC Staff.......March 9, 2011
Lenten Service..........Zach Bay..........March 16, 2011
Lenten Service..........Carol Younger.........March 23, 2011
Lenten Service.............Jillian Farmer..........March 30, 2011
Lenten Service..........James Lamkin..........April 6, 2011
Seder Service........................................April 13, 2011
(NO supper will be served prior to any of the services.)
Music & the Arts
Music on the Hill
3 PM in the Chapel
Beethoven Piano-Cello Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2..............March 13
Mozart and Brahms Sonatas.....................................April 17
Holy Week Services 2011
Palm Sunday.................................Sunday, April 17 @ 11 AM
Maundy Thursday Service...............Thursday, April 21 @ 7 PM(Preceded by a potluck meal in the Fellowship Hall @ 6 PM)
Good Friday Service............Friday, April 22 @ Noon until 3 PM
Easter Sunday...............................Sunday, April 24 @ 11 AM
Easter Egg Hunt...............................Sunday, April 24 @ Noon
|
|
Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study
The Book of Psalms: Poetic Praying
March 2-April 27, 2011 in Room 202
March 2.....Lesson One.......Psalm 3: The Anatomy of a Psalm
March 9.....Lesson Two.......Psalm 105, 111, 12, & 6: Different Psalm Forms
March 16...Lesson Three.....Psalm 1: The Portal Psalm
March 23...Lesson Four......Psalm 23 & 51: Favorite Psalms
March 30...Lesson Five.......Psalm 99: Royal Psalms
April 6.......Lesson Six........Psalm 137: Angry Psalms
April 13 ********NO MEETING**********
April 20.....Lesson Seven....Psalm 8: Humanity as God's Poetry
April 27.....Lesson Eight.....Psalm 121: Life as Poetic Pilgrimage |
| Roger Williams Church School Class
The Roger Williams Church School class invites you to join us for a nine-week study of the history and causes of the Israel-Palestine Middle East conflict, and the reality on the ground there today. Jim Barksdale, who traveled to the West Bank last year, will lead the series. Class discussion will begin promptly at 9:45 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Mar. 6 Today: Refugees & Right of Return
Mar. 13 Today: Settlements, Walls, Checkpoints & Consequences
Mar. 20 Today: Non-violent vs. Violent Resistance in Palestine
Mar. 27 Today: Legal Rights |
|
Beethoven Piano-Cello Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2
March 13, 2011
Charae Krueger, cello
Robert Henry, piano
Northside Drive Baptist celebrates the life of the human spirit, freedom of thought, and the power of imagination through the arts. With these concerts we welcome the wider community to experience the beauty and joy of chamber music. Our chapel offers a graceful and spiritual space where performers and listeners may join in celebration of the genius and inspiration of great composers.
*All concerts are offered without charge, but donations are appreciated. |
|
March Mission Madness
YOUTH
March 11-13, 2011
NDBC's very own Kristy Eggert (Assoc. Pastor of Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, Athens) will be the key note speaker at this year's March Mission Madness in Fitzgerald, GA. Stay tuned for more information or contact Zach Bay at zach@northsidedrive.org.
|
|
Community Group 2
WHAT: Community Group 2 gathering
WHEN: Sunday, March 26, 2011
WHERE: Andrew Hardin's abode
(270 17th St NW, Apt 907 Atlanta GA 30363)
WHO: Residences of Zip Codes 30306, 30030, 30033, 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30317, 30324, 30329, 30344 & 3036. |
NDBC Cherub Choir
For Preschool Age Children
The Northside Kids Children's Ministry is excited to announce the formation of a Cherub Choir for preschool age children. Nicole Harbin and Amanda Gregg are meeting with children in the Chapel from 10:25-10:45 on Sunday mornings. The Cherub Choir will incorporate school age children to assist for special songs. We hope that the children will come ready to sing and learn every Sunday immediately following Church School with Mr. JB. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nicole Harbin at 770-844-5797. |
|
Envelopes for Giving
If you need envelopes for your tithes and offerings:
1. To receive a complete box of offering envelopes for calendar year 2011, simply call the church office at 404-237-8621 and request a box of envelopes with dates that you may pick up or be mailed to you.
2. Generic NDBC offering envelopes are located in the pew rack behind the Welcome Cards.
3. Extra envelopes are located on the Welcome Table in the Narthex. |
|
Accessing Member Information and the Calendar on the Church Website
Five easy steps to starting your member account if you have not already done so:
1. Go to www.northsidedrive.org
2. Click on: RESOURCES and MEMBER LOGIN in the left side bar.
3. A new "Access ACS" page will appear. All new users must register by clicking on "Get your user name and password."
4. Enter last name, first name, and email address (it is IMPORTANT that you enter the email address that is in Northside Drive's database . . . other email addresses will not be accepted).
5. Your user name and password will be promptly emailed to you. You are now ready to login to the "Access ACS" database. Once you've entered your user name and password, you will be prompted to create your own personalized password.
If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the following church staff for help.
Questions regarding information in the church database or church calendar events? Contact Renee Gamache at 404-237-8621, ext. 101. |
|
Church Week
SUNDAY, March 6, 2011
9:30 AM - Church School
9:30 AM - Roger Williams Class
10:25 AM - Cherub Children's Choir
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
12:15 PM - Mardi Gras Luncheon
2:00 PM - Choral Guild of Atlanta
5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
6:30 PM - Beginning Handbell Class
TUESDAY, March 8, 2011
11:00 AM - Triple E
6:30 PM - Chat on the Chatt
ASH WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2011
10:00 AM - Preschool Chapel
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
1:00 PM - NDBC Book Club
6:00 PM - Northside Yoga
7:00 PM - Ash Wednesday Service (Chapel)
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, March 10, 2011
7:00 PM - TNT
FRI-SUN, March 11-13, 2011
Youth March Mission Madness
|
|
|
|
|
| CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Mary Dutton
Don DaLee |
|
PASTOR'S
CHURCH GROWTH
TIP OF THE WEEK
This week, ask the chair of the Outreach Committee, "How can I help?" |
NORTHSIDE YOGA 
YOGA meets on Wednesdays at 6 PM in Room #202, with registered Yoga Teacher, Amanda Gregg. Bring a mat, water, and the $10 fee. To make a reservation for Wednesday's class, email Amanda Gregg or for more information, visit www.northsidedrive.org. |
|
"TNT"
Thursday Nights Together
People of all ages from NDBC meet at 7 PM every Thursday night for dinner.
|
| ROMEOS
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out) Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 11:30 AM-1 PM. A time to visit with friends, tell stories and eat good food (bring your lunch money)!
Piccadilly Cafeteria |
|
CHAT ON THE CHATT
WHO: Northside Drive Baptist Church YOUTH MINISTRY
WHEN: Second Tuesday of EACH Month from 6:30-8:30PM
WHAT: Chat on the Chatt - for a time of relaxation and fellowship.
WHERE: Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee (Walton Coffee House) @ 6640 Akers Mill Road SE Atlanta, GA 30339
DIRECTIONS: Contact Zach Bay at 404-237-8621, ex. 102 for more information.
(drinkcoffeedogood.com) |
|
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.
Friday, March 4, 2011
If you are interested in attending an Unplugged event contact Zach Bay for more details. |
|
YOUNG ADULTS: SMALL GROUP SUNDAYS
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.
"BE"
March 20, 2011
"Mystery"
"DO"
April 17, 2011
"Incarnation"
May 15, 2011
"Compassion"
June 12, 2011
"Politics"
July 24, 2011
"Passion (Paul)"
August 21, 2011
"Resurrection"
|
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. |
|
NORTHSIDE NOTES
ARCHIVES
Did you miss an issue of our Northside Notes?
|
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.
| |
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Jim Mahaffey - 1
Jo Meeks - 1
Janet Bell - 2
Virginia Gilbert - 2
Jordan Clark - 3
Emily Getsay - 3
Jim Branch - 4
Ginger Cooper - 7
Raymond Jones - 7
Laura Wheeler - 7
Tom McComb - 8
Caroline Sisk - 12
Edie Hayes - 13
Jose Tunon - 13
Lora Hawk - 14
Wendy Overton-Ervin - 14
Lauren Whiffen - 15
Aline Cofield - 16
Emily Bryson - 18
Jane Fitzgerald - 18
Charley Joyner - 18
J.L. Jerden - 19
Vanessa Johnson - 19
Jim Barksdale - 20
Julian Turner, Jr. - 23
Don Wamberg - 24
Dan Oakley - 26
Calvin Dalke - 29
Walter Grant - 30 |
|
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. |
|
