"Sabbatical, Part II...and Easter!

       In the previous Pinnacle, I previewed that I will begin a three month sabbatical on the day after Easter Sunday, April 9. I am calling it, Theology and Terrain: The Alchemy of Pilgrimage. During this time, I will read, pray, relax, study, journal...and walk across northern Spain. Wow!

       In answer to your questions: "YES, I know that you are very jealous. I would be too. And YES, there is a difference between a sabbatical and a vacation...but if I were jealous, I wouldn't see the difference either. Also, YES, I have a good answer for why I am taking this crazy adventure...but if I were jealous, I would find it hard to believe, as well."

       As I've said before, my cup runneth over with gratitude for NDBC and the church's choice to maintain a pastoral sabbatical plan.

       But, back to the why question. Many, including my mother, have asked it.

I have been on three pilgrimages and have found the duet of the inner and outer journeys to be nourishing---more so than either alone. Plus, I love to read pilgrimage books. They tell of "thin place" encounters from Iona to The Western Wall.

       Over the years, I've noticed that the pilgrimage gold standard is The Camino de Santiago. Time and time again, it has come before my eyes. After years of reading the stories, I began to feel invited...like The Camino was calling me. Like most pilgrims, I sense that it has a gift to give me, but I have to walk it to receive it.

       One year ago, I saw a businesswoman on local television who had walked The Camino. I called her up and asked if I might talk to her further? As I walked into her office, the first thing she said was, "So why do you want to walk The Camino?"

       My answer surprised both of us: "I have been asked."

She said, "Good enough. Sit down."

       Since then, providentially, Camino folk continue to cross my path. Last Sunday, Tom Beck was in worship. I "accidently" bumped into him in REI back in November. Didn't know him from Adam; but turns out, he had just returned from walking The Camino three weeks earlier. He generously has loaned me much of his gear.

       I've put together a brochure on my sabbatical. It is available in the Narthex and on the church website. It tells more of the tale. Also, it does some "Who's on first, What's on second," explanation regarding staff leadership, pastoral care, preaching, and worship while I am gone. Grateful am I to Mike Gregg, Zach Bay, and our whole staff as they "make do" without me for three months. Jordan will "moderate" the church; Virginia Gilbert will make sure the Deacons, Deak! You will be just fine.

       It's like Easter. Just about the time I think God needs me to make Easter happen, I discover how wrong I am. God does Easter's big work: raise the dead, roll-away the stone, dispatch the angels; and make cameo appearances in gardens, at supper tables, and among road-weary disciples.

       I will be watching for God along the road. You do the same. Buen Camino!

     The Nominating has begun its task of encouraging and soliciting your assistance in carrying out the work of the many programs of our church. We need your help in two ways. First, eagerly sign up for one or more of the volunteer ministry teams of our church. And, second, make thoughtful nominations for Diaconate, Finance Committee, Personnel Committee and Moderator.

Volunteer Ministry Teams

     -- You are encouraged to prayerfully consider where your gifts and interests lie. Then, sign up for the ministry team(s) that can best use what you have to offer, and that best energizes you.

     -- The Nominating Committee will be stationed in the Narthex after worship each Sunday, beginning March 25 through April 22 (except April 8), to help you sign up to serve on various committees or make your nominations. You may sign up for volunteer ministry teams at that time. Feel free to remain on your current ministry team(s), or sign up for a new challenge on a different ministry team. You may also sign up via e-mail (renee@northsidedrive.org), or by dropping the attached/enclosed form in one of the nomination boxes placed throughout the church, or by mailing the form to the church office to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Nominations for Diaconate, Finance Committee, Personnel Committee and Moderator

     You are encouraged to prayerfully consider those church members who have demonstrated gifts of leadership, who have been active in the overall life of NDBC, and who have willingly given of their time and gifts in the mission and ministry of the church. Please use the attached/enclosed form to nominate those persons, and feel free to nominate yourself for any of these positions.

     -- The Nominating Committee will be stationed at a table in the Narthex after worship each Sunday, beginning March 25 through April 22 (except April 8). You may return your nominations to one of the nomination boxes placed throughout the church, or by mailing your nominations to the church office to the attention of the Nominating Committee, or by e-mailing your nominations to the church office (renee@northsidedrive.org).

     The deadline for receipt of the volunteer/nomination forms is Sunday, April 22.

     Thank you for your investment in the life of our church. We look forward to receiving your input as our church family prepares for the opportunities ahead.

Nominating Committee Members:

Beth Laxton, Chair     Kenneth Dean     Susan Harlan

Rhonda Harris            Brian Knight        Jim Nicol

Carol Younger

Nominating Forms:

Volunteer Ministry Teams

Nominations for Diaconate, Finance Committee, Personnel Committee and Moderator

Donate Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt

       The children of the church and in the community eagerly anticipate the Easter Egg Hunt every year. Please donate 1-2 dozen stuffed plastic eggs to be used for the event. You may drop off the eggs at the church office during the week or in the Children's Sunday School room every Sunday until Easter. 

Nursery Help for Easter Sunday, April 8

       Easter is one of the best opportunities to welcome guests and their children. In order to keep our nursery safe with an increased number of children during Easter Sunday Worship, the Children's Committee needs you to volunteer to be in a preschool room or the nursery. Please contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org for availability and more information.  

Tuesday, April 10

11 AM in the Fellowship Hall

Pam Dreisell, Senior Minister of Trinity Presbyterian Church, will reflect on life with her father, Lefty Driesell, successful long-time NCAA basketball coach, and the challenges and lessons their two vocations share. Join us to welcome a neighbor and to learn and laugh together.

       TRIPLE E meets on the second Tuesday of each month, September-May from 11 AM-1 PM in the Fellowship Hall of Northside Drive Baptist Church. Bring a friend and $5 for a light lunch.