Sunday, November 27, 2011

 

The Worship and Music Ministry Team invite you to our annual Hanging of the Green Service Sunday, November 27, 2011. This is always a special service marking the beginning of the Advent Season. The service will take place at 9:30 AM in lieu of Church School, and will be preceded by a time of fellowship and refreshments in the Narthex. During the service we will reflect on some of the Christian components of the season, and special music will be shared as we decorate the Sanctuary. Plan to bring greens from your garden (holly, magnolia, evergreens, etc.) to help adorn our sacred space.

"My Mother Has a Talking Scale"

 

     My mother has a talking scale; but you would not know it...until it speaks.

     Most days, it masquerades as a common garden variety bathroom scale-the kind that sits quietly by the shower or hides under the vanity. You've see a thousand of them.

     However, this one talks.

     Years ago my mother's sight was taken. Flake by flake, it disappeared from the retina's delicate macula near the center inside wall of each eye. By now, there is nearly zero vision left. She has the worst case of macular degeneration of anyone I know.

     Northside Drive's own, Karen Perry, who worked for the Center for the Visually Impaired, gave me catalog containing equipment for persons who are blind. It has some pretty cool stuff that helps make life for low-vision folk more manageable. For instance, we've ordered several generations of talking watches, subscriptions to audio magazines, extra loud telephone ringers, and raised glue that marks the dial of a clothes dryer or the audio for a TV remote. Plus, she has a state-of-the-art video reader/enlarger that can make pictures and words sixty times bigger than normal.

     And...she has a talking scale.

     The family is used to it. Stand on it. Give it a second. Then, the words will come: "You weight is ___ pounds." In addition, it speaks in a loud clear voice, just in case the person standing on it is hard-of-hearing, as well. In fact, it is so loud, it can be heard in the next room.

     Guests seem surprised by this.

     Not infrequently, Mom will have someone drop-by for a visit. Before leaving, the visitor may ask to use the restroom. Then, a few minutes later, from behind the bathroom door, Mom hears, "Your weight is 172 pounds."

     Evidently, neighbors use neighbors' bathroom scales more than I realized. Maybe it is like going to another doctor to get a second opinion.

     However, with a talking scale, it is like the doc walks into the waiting room and announces your lab results to everyone.

     As guests leave Mom's house, they sometimes say, "Sorry. I didn't know you had a talking scale." Some measurements are best seen and not heard.

     Advent is a measuring season; and no, I don't mean the quantity of our overeating during the holidays. Rather, it is a time to take a look at our lives, a time to assess our readiness. Advent is a time of readying for the coming of God.

     Liz says her military work is a lot about readiness. Are processes, personnel, and equipment ready for deployment when called-up? If the U.S. Military should do it, then certainly the peacemakers of the Body of Christ should as well.

     If spirituality were a talking scale, what would it say? "Your prayer life is...lacking." Or, "Your awareness of 'the sacred' in all things is...minimal." Or, "Your emotional and spiritual maturity...is adolescent." (Then again, I don't want to project my problems on you.)

     I stepped on my spiritual talking scale this morning. It said, "Your spirituality is sorely in need...of Christmas."

     I have four weeks to get in shape. Join me? 

 

Joyous Toys Christmas Store---Buckhead Christian Ministry

Help Atlanta's children---infants to teens---have a wonderful Christmas by supporting BCM's annual holiday program, Joyous Toys. A card with the list of suggested gifts is available in the Narthex and in the Northside Notes. Please bring the NEW UNWRAPPED gifts by December 11.

 

Have TIME to donate? Volunteer during the week of December 12 to wrap the gifts that parents have selected for their children.

 

Contact: Donna McLarty 770-433-2771

 

Toiletries and New Clothing----The Extension

Located in Marietta, The Extension provides support to men and women who are in counseling to overcome addiction. A home for men and another for women provides extra support to those clients who are homeless. Contributions of toiletries (hotel or regular size) and NEW clothing will help these men and women in transitional programs experience the hope and joy of Christmas. Santa Bags with a list of suggested items are available in the Narthex. Please return the UNWRAPPED items by December 11.

 

Contact: Rhonda Harris 404-731-6061

 

Winter Missions Offering

Morningstar Children and Family Services

Morningstar provides specialized residential and community-based care for children who are intellectually disabled and have severe emotional disorders. A group of committed Baptists established Morningstar to serve children and families whose lives have been torn apart by abuse, neglect, and poverty. Your donation will help this vital organization continue to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the children.

 

Make checks payable to NDBC and write Morningstar on the memo line.

 

Northside Drive's goal is $2,000.

Contact: Barbara Atchley 770-436-0709

 

Giving Tree

Morningstar Children and Family Services

For most people Christmas is a time filled with memories of family, bountiful meals and cherished gifts. Imagine the season for a child who is removed from family and for whom family may hold few positive memories.   Through the Giving Tree we can help the children in Morningstar's residential care feel the love and joy of the Christmas season.

 

Take a tag from the tree and return the UNWRAPPED gift to the church by December 11.

 

Contact: Susan Harlan 770-377-3869

Suggested Gift List

Ages 0-3

- Fisher Price/Playschool toy sets (farms, schools, playground)

- African American/Hispanic baby doll sets and accessories

Ages 4-7

- Disney Character CD Players

- Art easel sets

Ages 8-11

- Remote controlled cars/trucks

- Hot Wheel sets (with racetrack, etc.)

- Basketballs, soccer balls, and other sports equipment

- Transformers

- African American and Hispanic Barbie fashion doll sets

Ages 12 and Up

- Fashion watches (with a big face)

- MP3 players

- CD players

- Brand name purses, accessories, etc.

 

BCM also needs Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt). BCM discourages donations of stuffed animals, as most children already have a favorite stuffed toy.

 

By Rev. Mike Gregg 

 

Susan's Deacon Families are:

Ray & Heather Bongers (and Ingrid)

Jim Branch

Eric Cain

Wade Davis

Kristy (Eggert) Bay

Sue Goddard

Jim & Gail Hermance

Nathan Hermance

Michael Hermance

Mary Ann Hickman

William High

Mary Margaret High

Don & Syd Janney

Taylor Janney

Camden Janney

Brian Knight

Jim & Mary Lester

David & Marie Nelson

Virginia Schwatel

John & Caroline Sisk

Our Annual Poinsettia Altar will be in place beginning Sunday, December 18, and remain through Sunday, Christmas Day. While altar flowers are always given to the Glory of God, it's our tradition at Northside Drive to give poinsettias each Christmas also in honor/memory/thankfulness for our friends and family. Each poinsettia plant is only $20, and order envelopes are available in the Narthex for your use (simply fill it out & drop it in the offering plate). Or call Rose Hidlay at 404-237-8621 with the number of poinsettias you wish to give, the memorial details, and mail your check to the church office. The deadline for orders is December 11. 

Attention all new and young families!

     Our Church School class has a new twist. We will gather together each Sunday from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall for donuts, coffee, and a time to relax, grow, and talk with each other. Instead of a set curriculum, we will fellowship with food and friends.

     We hope the children will all enjoy the nursery, preschool, and school age Church School classes together. If you have a baby not yet attending the nursery, feel free to bring your child to class.

     We hope to see you all Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. The donuts will be waiting for you!