NORTHSIDE NOTES - July 20, 2011 |
A Pastoral Prayer for Northside Drive Vacationers and Travelers
O God of voyages and voyagers,
Thrill us with not yet discovered possibility.
Protect us with the 23rd Psalm's certainty.
Strengthen us when the destination still is distant.
Empty us of stress's poison.
Open us...vacate us...through sabbath's vacation.
Rest us beside still waters and restore our souls.
Teach us through the strangely familiar.
Comfort us through the familiarly strange.
Befriend us through a stranger's kindness.
Connect us with the Holy Spirit's presence.
Keep us as we say daily The Lord's Prayer.
Heal us when tender feet weary.
Bless us when it is time to return...
For only by leaving, can we ever come home.
Amen
~ James E. Lamkin |
Pastoral Reflections 
An Original Recycler
Farm life, especially farm life during The Great Depression, required cobbling. A little bit of this, stitched together with a lot of that, and the remnants of life on the edge were recycled and folk survived. Like my father said of his Louisiana childhood, "We were reared on Ribbon Cane syrup and wild hog meat; and we used all of the pig...but the oink!"
My grandfather was the first born of ten children. Along with the birth order came a jack-of-all-trades job description. He trapped wild hogs down by the creek and kept them there to fatten them up. He was the village butcher, syrup cooker, amateur veterinarian, volunteer deputy sheriff called upon to raid moonshine stills, carpenter, blacksmith, beekeeper, fisherman, hunter, and of course, farmer.
When he died, I was seventeen and I inherited his dog collar business. I still have his tool boxes built of recycled lumber with handles made of wire threaded through pieces of rubber hose. Among the tools are scraps of copper pipes---discards, really. He split them, flattened them, then smacked them with a ball peen hammer and stencil. Many a coon dog was retrieved from many a dirt road in Bienville Parish because of a dog collar name tag made by John Lamkin, and later, by his grandson.
Papaw's boxes of alphabetical stencils and cigar boxes of brads and buttons were held shut by rubber bands. These weren't store-bought rubber bands; they were made from inner tubes. Bicycles tires fit small containers; car tires fit the bigger stuff.
Papaw salvaged. An old screw found on the sidewalk or bolt or nut or washer castaway on the side of the road, were like garden vegetables waiting to be harvested. He "canned" them. Mason jars lined his workshop shelves containing these hardware orphans awaiting adoption by a plow handle or barn door or garden gate.
As the resident grandson, I was drafted to assist him. He liked to be assisted. With nine siblings and seven kids, he was not wired for the solitary life. My name came at the end of a long litany of uncles. He went down the list every time: "Uh Joe, uh Billy, uh Sherwood, uh Elton, uh James (at last), hand me that spoke-shave." My job was to find stuff. He never put a tool back in the same place twice. "Where is my draw blade?" Projects were scavenger hunts.
Perhaps I am thinking of my grandfather, because it is his birthday, and because last week I saw a home movie, recently discovered, with him in it. He walks toward the camera up the path from the barn, picks up my cousin, Johnny, and smiles.
Also, I think of him because he had a skill-set of survival tools that I need, like storytelling, cobbling, and a fisherman's kind of persistence. He "lived recycling," and he lived through the Great Depression. I now live during the Great Recession; and God watches over both of us.
God is the original recycler, salvager, patchwork quilter. Like Jeremiah's potter's house story in the Old Testament, God takes what is used, maybe even used up, and recycles it with beauty, practicality, and delight.
I think God continues to salvage my life...and yours. That is what God does. That is who God is. God is the original recycler. |
A Postcard from Reidar Bjornard...
July 15, 2011
Dear friends at NDBC,
It is truly nice to be here in my old home town in Norway, although the temp is still 80+. The first third of my trip is devoted to my immediate family, later Karin's. Erik and family will be here July 23-30, then we will drive to other places in Norway.
God less you all!
Reidar |
|
Praying the Psalms*
By Rev. James Lamkin
*(The congregation is invited to read A-Psalm-A-Day during 2011.)
A-Psalm-A-Day Upcoming Schedule:
July 20-Psalm 51
July 21-Psalm 52
July 22-Psalm 53
July 23-Psalm 54
July 24-Psalm 55
July 25-Psalm 56
July 26-Psalm 57
July 27-Psalm 58 |
| Showing at the Smyrna Public Library
July and August 2011
The Art of the Handmade Book
Northside Driver, Ruth Kramedjian has a selection of her handmade books on exhibit at the Smyrna Public Library during the months of July and August. The handmade books are exhibited in the glass cases on the second floor. Most of these books have been made in 2010 and 2011. Many of the books are blank books suitable for journals and a few have original art included. Many of the books are for sale-contact Ruth at 404-210-9790 or rrpk2@yahoo.com. |
| Missions Corner
By Lora Hawk
Touching Taliaferro with Love 2011
Taliaferro is such a funny word. It looks like one thing but it's really pronounced totally differently. I find this fitting for the experience of Touching Taliaferro With Love. It looks like one thing but is really something completely different. Allow me to explain.
Spring before last I was interested in what many have raved about- the mission work they've done in Taliaferro County. So being the sucker that I am for things such as this, I thought I'd go down and do a little "do-gooding" myself. Barbara Atchley was ever so helpful in explaining the process (even though I missed the well planned and informative meeting) so that when I got down there last year I thought it would be a piece of cake. I wasn't going to let those kids walk all over me! Heavens no! I may be short, but I'm feisty!
But a funny thing happened while I was there. The children were wonderful. They loved me as I was, listened to me, said "yes ma'am", and used those wonderful magic words so lacking in many children's circles now: "please" and "thank you". They were so wonderful in fact that I decided to come back this year for a whole week.
I'm ever so grateful that I did. Because what I originally conceptualized as mission "work" turned out to be a true gift to me. Every morning is early, and some of us straggle in late, but happy to be there. Sometimes the children bicker and fight as children will do, but then when they resolve their conflicts you have this momentary glimpse of a very bright and humane future that gives me hope and refreshes my love for them and the world around us.
This is all above and beyond the wonderful gifts of camaraderie, friendship, love, compassion, and growth that are experienced in the presence of the fellow volunteers. Each night, fellow Northsiders and friends gathered for dinner and reflection with one another. We share laughter, stories, encouragement, and even challenge one another. Hey, I even rode a jet ski for the first time in my life thanks to the encouragement of Avery Kemp and Emily Getsay and thanks to the patience of Kay Braswell and Kendall Konenkamp!
And they call this mission work.... Isn't that strange? It's perfectly fitting though, for a place with a funny name. |
|
Hymnal Sub-Committee
AS YOU CONTINUE TO PONDER....
Time is drawing close for the Hymnal Sub-Committee to submit its report to the Worship and Music Committee regarding a recommended new hymnal for Northside Drive Baptist. Thanks to all of you who have dropped by the second floor conference room and spent time with the three "finalists"; for those who submit a personal review, be assured it will be read thoughtfully by the committee. The hymnals and review forms are available only until August 7.
Several have requested having the hymnals available on weekdays as well as on Sundays; so thanks to Renee our church secretary, they will be. Starting immediately the hymnals, white papers and congregational review form will be kept in a box in the conference room; feel free to peruse them at your leisure during the week, but please return all papers to the box in order once you are through. On Sundays they will be relocated to the conference table.
The three hymnals under consideration, along with general information about each on its publisher's website, are (in alphabetical order):
Celebrating Grace
Published by Celebrating Grace, Inc.
www.celebrating-grace.com
Hymns for a Pilgrim People
Published by GIA Publications, Inc.
www.GIAMusic.com
see Sacred Music - Hymnals - Legacy - "Hymns for a Pilgrim People" under "Hymnals for Other Denominations"
The Worshiping Church
Published by Hope Publishing
www.hopepublishing.com
see Products - Hymnals - "The Worshiping Church" (click hymnal cover)
YouTube video about this hymnal (in three parts):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtyD_fKz2SM
In some instances you may purchase single "review" copies for as little as $7.00.
Please take time to participate in this important decision. We earnestly desire specific comments from all and deeply appreciate your thoughts.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Irwin Ray, chair
Hymnal Sub-Committee |
Summer Adult Church School
Introduction to Major World Religions
June 5-August 28, 2011
Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM
In the Fellowship Hall
Mike Gregg and Zach Bay will introduce the series with a session entitled Ways of Encountering the Divine and close the series with Religion and the Future of Humanity. Several adult leaders will facilitate the other 10 sessions, which will include Islam, Shi'tes/Sunni, the Koran, Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Church of Scientology, and Christian Fundamentalism.
For supplements to this series, please visit our website.
|
|
Worship this Summer
in
The NDBC Chapel
11:00 AM
June 26-September 4, 2011
"There shall be seasons refreshing...." This is a line from There Shall Be Showers of Blessing, a Gospel song based on Ezekiel 34:26 and found in the chapel's Baptist Hymnal. Worship this summer will be as the hymn alludes: a season which is refreshing. And the season's refreshment will come through the intimacy of the chapel's sacred space, through the vitality of sacred music and congregational singing, and through stories of how God is at work renewing our lives.
The summer's sermon series will be: "The Neg-Lectionary." Like most mainline churches, we use the Revised Common Lectionary as the engine that drives weekly worship. For each Sunday and holy season there is a Gospel, Epistle, Psalms, and OldTestament text appropriately selected. However, even with all those Bible verses, there are still many scriptures which are neglected. Thus, "The Neg-Lectionary." The summer's scripture sampler includes: a sermon-sleeper who fell out of a window and died, a man who was lectured by his talking donkey, and a preacher who lost his voice (to the delight of many, I'm sure). 'Twill be an angular and refreshing approach to some overlooked scriptures. |
NDBC Co-Ed Softball 
The Northside Line-drivers are having a fun season. As always, we need a co-ed church softball team with 20-25 people. The team must be 50/50 female/male when on the playing field. Contact Coach Brian Knight (cell - 404-759-9063) if you are interested.
The Northside Line-drivers schedule:
Game 1 - Wed, 25-May @ 7:00 PM (L)
Game 2 - Wed, 1-Jun @ 7:40 PM (W)
Game 3 - Wed, 8-Jun @ 8:50 PM (L)
Game 4 - Wed, 22-Jun @ 8:50 PM (R)
Game 5 - Thu, 30-Jun @ 6:30 PM (L)
Game 6 - Thu, 7-Jul @ 7:40 PM (L)
Game 7 - Wed, 13-Jul @ 6:30 PM (L)
Game 8 - Wed, 20-Jul @ 8:50 PM
Game 9 - Wed, 27-Jul @ 7:40 PM
Game 10 - Wed, 3-Aug @ 7:40 PM
All of the games will be played at the NDBC ball field.
For more information about the NACL website, go to http://www.naclsports.info/pages/schedule.htm. |
|
Church Week
CHURCH WEEK
SUNDAY, July 24, 2011
NDBC Youth Mission Trip
9:00 AM - Congregational Hymnal Review
9:30 AM - Summer Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel
7:00 PM - Young Adults NOOMA
TUESDAY, July 26, 2011
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
WEDNESDAY, July 27, 2011
6:00 PM - Northside Yoga
7:00 PM - Adult Ed. Min. Tm. Meet.
7:40 PM - Co-Ed Softball Game
THURSDAY, July 28, 2011
7:00 PM - TNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Mary Dutton
Don DaLee |
|
JULY BIRTHDAYS
Cathy Wooten - 2
Mary Hodges Wamberg - 2
Priscilla Ferrer - 3
Comella DaLee - 4
Don Singleton - 4
Blanche Roberts - 5
Rowena Clyatt - 7
Mike Gregg - 10
Jon Paul Bell - 11
Marsha King - 11
Elaine Smith - 12
Richard Willingham - 12
Cheryl Dewell - 13
Angie Moore - 13
Chuck Stines - 14
Wade Davis - 14
Ray Griner - 15
James Lamkin - 15
Howard Green - 18
Lewis Baumstark - 18
David Moore - 19
Theron McLarty - 20
Kathy Harris - 21
Ramsey Davis - 22
Dean Konenkamp - 23
Jonathan Schroeder - 23
David Cook - 23
Richard Wilson - 24
Mallory Davis - 27
Betty Pierce - 28
Elliotte Bell - 29
George Taylor - 31
John Isakson - 31 |
|
PASTOR'S
CHURCH GROWTH
TIP OF THE WEEK
Throw a party this summer for four neighbors and invite the pastor. |
| 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 |
NORTHSIDE YOGA 
Wednesdays at 6 PM on the 2nd floor (Room #202) with registered Yoga Teacher, Amanda Gregg. Bring a mat, water, and the $10 fee. To make a reservation for a Wednesday's class, email Amanda at mandayoga@gmail.com 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.
|
|
YOUNG ADULT
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 Zach Bay for more details.
|
|
YOUTH
Encore! is a once a month youth event on either Sunday afternoon or Sunday evening. We focus this time on fellowship, discussion, and/or mission service.
Contact Zach Bay with questions. |
|
YOUNG ADULTS: SMALL GROUP SUNDAYS
NOOMA 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.
July 24, 2011
August 21, 2011
to sign up.
|
|
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. |
|
NORTHSIDE NOTES
ARCHIVES
Did you miss an issue of our Northside Notes?
|
|
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. |
|
