NORTHSIDE NOTES - April 11, 2012 |
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Pastoral Reflections
By James Lamkin
"Thank You for Being Kind
to Us"
My father had some signature sayings. To this day, ask anyone in Arcadia, Louisiana, "Where you at there padnuh?" and they will tell you about JM Lamkin.
Another was, "We love you too...and that's the truth!"
Another was, "It's gone to Gibs." Gibsland (or "Gibs" for short, pop. 500) is a small hamlet eight miles from the metropolis of Arcadia (pop. 2,500). Somehow, to my father, when something or someone had, "gone to Gibs," it meant that the end was in sight.
There was one more saying.
He would say it to folk who had dropped by for a visit with a pound cake in hand. He would say it to friends in the pew when he attended a revival meeting in a "sister" church. He said it to my son, Stuart and to Sara, and to Liz and me, and most everybody. He said it to folk who visited him on his last day on Earth in Ruston hospital.
"Thank you for being kind to us." That is what he said. Perhaps he was more dependent on the goodness of others as he reached 90; so he necessarily added it to the repertoire.
I think of those words, his words, as I write my last Pastoral Reflections before heading into sabbatical time. Truly, Liz and I say, and say frequently, "Thank you for being kind to us," for kind you have been!
Thank you for the party on Palm Sunday. There was much joy in Fellowship Hall and I didn't mind sharing it with Jesus. Thank you Personnel Committee for advocating, once again, for Sabbath-keeping and spiritual renewal; and thank you for the gracious monetary gift that will help with sabbatical expenses. (And thank you Karen for the brief swing dance. More later.)
Plus, thank you for all of the notes and well-wishes and prayers you've sent my way.
At the Palm Sunday party, church Moderator, Jordan Clark, presented me with a resolution from the Church Council celebrating my fifteen years as pastor of NDBC. The beautiful wording blew me away.
Like layers of an anniversary cake, the end of my 15th year and the beginning of my second sabbatical seems to be a beautiful fit; joy upon joy.
And speaking of cake, my staff colleagues gave me one. It was "picture perfect," with "before and after" photos in the icing. It was good enough to eat...and to share...which I did with the NDBC preschoolers!
As you read this, I will be readying to walk one of the world's oldest Christian pilgrimages, The Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. As I do, I will think of you; and I will carry my father's words with me. With a handshake and a hug, he would look you in the eye, speak from his heart, and say, "Thank you for being kind to us."
Buen Camino. |
Youth Sunday, May 6, 2012
Do you have a senior or know of a college student about to graduate? We want to print their picture and future college or goals in the next issue of the Pinnacle, so send them in to the church office (renee@northsidedrive.org) today.
The youth will be leading our worship service on Sunday, May 6. You won't want to miss this worship experience!
A luncheon will also be served after the service in the Fellowship Hall! On the menu: beans, rice, chicken, beef, and tofu to make soft tacos, burritos and/or salad with dessert for $7.00 per person.
To make a reservation for the luncheon you may use the Welcome cards in the pew rack, call the church office at 404-237-8621, visit our website, or email your reservation to info@northsidedrive.org no later than Thursday noon, May 3.
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Share Your Time and Talents
The Nominating Committee 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 |
A Sabbatical Pilgrimage Quotation:
"Guardian of my soul, guide me on my way this day. Keep me safe from harm. Deepen my relationship with you, your Earth, and all your family. Strengthen your love within me that I may be a presence of your peace in our world. Amen."
Joyce Rupp, Walk in a Relaxed Manner:
Life Lessons from the Camino |
Agape Community Center
Through the Missions Budget, Northside Drive contributes to more than 25 agencies and organizations. This is the second in a series of articles that will spotlight some of the groups where our mission dollars are at work.
Celebrating its 15th year of service, Agape Community Center empowers and supports economically disadvantaged families in Northwest Atlanta. Agape's tutoring and mentoring programs serve 120-175 elementary through high school students each day. The lives of senior citizens and disabled adults are enriched through the RagTime Program that provides informative programs, field trips, arts and crafts, and physical fitness activities.
Agape's Extreme Bedroom Makeover!
A Service Project
Saturday's March 31 & April 28
Northside Drive is currently involved with Agape in redecorating children's bedrooms in low income housing in the Bolton Road and Marietta Road communities. The first makeover was March 31 with volunteers painting, assembling new bunk beds and decorating the room. The 14 and 8 year old brother and sister were most excited about their new study desks.
Volunteers are needed for the second makeover on April 28. If you would like to participate in this rewarding activity, email Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org.
For more information about the activities and volunteer opportunities at Agape, log onto their website www.agapecc.org. |
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Praying the Psalms*
By Rev. James Lamkin
*The congregation is invited to read A-Psalm-A-Day during 2012.
A-Psalm-A-Day Upcoming Schedule:
April 11 - Psalm 17
Apri 12 - Psalm 18
April 13 - Psalm 19
April 14 - Psalm 20
April 15 - Psalm 21
April 16 - Psalm 22
April 17 - Psalm 23
April 18 - Psalm 24 |
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A Sabbatical Pilgrimage Quotation:
"The saying is true that God helps those who help themselves, but it is equally true that God guides us to what we need."
Joyce Rupp, Walk in a Relaxed Manner:
Life Lessons from the Camino |
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Deacon Spotlight
Lora Hawk has been a member of NDBC since 2006. She is originally from the metropolis of Social Circle, Georgia, and is the daughter of a cotton and soy bean farmer. She lives in Midtown with her never-dull, gray, tabby cat, Mr. Fitzgerald. She is in the Roger Williams Sunday School class thanks to the late Jim Branch, and can often be found posting the sermon's notes on Facebook on Sunday morning. You can always tell when Lora is around-just listen for the laughter-you've found her!
Lora's Deacon Families are:
Bil & Lindsay Cadaret (Joseph Cadaret)
Chip & Gigi Collins (Liam, Aidan, Grace, & Henry)
David & Marie Cook (Addie & Ava Grace)
Bruce & Sylvia Dick
Allison Dick
JB & Virginia Gilbert
James Gilbert
Howard Green
Jeff & Nicole Harbin (Clara & Michael)
Gene & Jeanne Hill
Eddie & Ali Jerden (Chloe & Sienna)
Steve & Letty Konenkamp (Kendall Konenkamp)
Dean Konenkamp
Wilton & Martha Looney
Andrew & Angeline Wamberg (Mary Hodges) |
A [Baptist] Conference on Sexuality and Covenant
April 19-21, 2012
Atlanta, GA
First Baptist Church of Decatur
Co-sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Center for Theology and Public Life, Mercer University
Through plenary presentation, small-group interaction and resource breakouts, the conference aims to provide Baptists and other interested Christians an opportunity for honest, compassionate and prayerful dialogue around matters and questions of sexuality.
Concluding a year-long practice of prayerful covenant community, presenters and facilitators (both Baptist and non-Baptist) will offer diverse perspectives that encourage thoughtful reflection and conversation among participants. Above all, participants will be encouraged to consider what it means to live as covenant people the contemporary and emerging situation.
Everyone is welcome.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. If you have questions, please contact mshaw@thefellowship.info.
https://www.thefellowship.info/conference |
CHURCH WEEK
SUNDAY, April 15, 2012
9:30 AM - Church School
10:25 AM - Children's Choir
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
6:30 PM - Beginning Handbells
6:30 PM - Unblocking Class
MONDAY, April 16, 2012
7:00 PM - Church Council
TUESDAY, April 17, 2012
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
11:30 AM - ROMEOS
WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2012
5:30 PM - Music Together
5:45 PM - Northside Yoga
7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, April 19, 2012
7:00 PM - TNT |
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| CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Mary Dutton
Don DaLee |
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PASTOR'S
CHURCH GROWTH
TIP OF THE WEEK
Bring a work colleague to Worship next week. |
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APRIL BIRTHDAYS
Chance Cooper - 1
LeAnna Anantaraman - 3
Anne Hunt - 4
Linda Fletcher - 4
Allen Abbott - 5
Dot Clark - 5
Greg Colson - 6
Kay Braswell - 6
Eric Cain - 6
Allison Dick - 6
Alice Ledbetter - 7
Jonathan Kerch - 7
Letty Konenkamp - 8
Jennifer Sardone - 10
Mary Schwartz - 12
Brian Knight - 12
Zach Stines - 13
Suzanne Clark - 13
Robbye Taylor - 13
Tim Whiffen - 14
Marjorie Rives - 14
Ken Brant - 16
Liam Collins - 16
Glenn Allen - 16
Daniel Moore - 16
Dick Houston - 17
Hardy Pickering - 17
Wilton Looney - 18
Claire Maust - 19
Jada Getsay - 20
Heather Bongers - 20
Theresa Goriczynski - 20
Dave Wooten - 21
Patti Clark - 21
Floyd Carroll - 23
Noah Davis - 23
Gerry Humphries - 30
Elise McCrea - 30 |
| 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. |
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"TNT"
Thursday Nights Together
People of all ages from NDBC meet at 7 PM every Thursday night for dinner.
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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.
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Wednesday Nights!
The cost: $40 PER CHILD for the whole 10 weeks. Usual cost is $157.
The place: Music Together is on the first floor down from the Preschool hallway near the handicap accessible door (Rm 109).
The days: Wednesday's, Jan 11-Mar 14, @ 6 PM.
Please register ONLINE to confirm your space as soon as possible. |
Come join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month beginning October 19, at 7 PM, in the church Parlor to knit or crochet a prayer shawl. If you are not sure how, no problem, there will be plenty of people to help you get started. This group is open to anyone who would like to join! For more information call Susan Harlan at 770-377-3869. |
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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. |
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YOUNG ADULT: SMALL GROUP SUNDAYS
The young adult small group will be reading and discussing
The Sacredness of Questioning Everything by David Dark. We meet once a month at 6:30 PM and then go off campus for dinner together. The small group meets in the Undercroft.
NEXT MEETING:
April 22, 2012
to sign up.
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The youth café, UNDERGROUNDS, will be open for a light breakfast at 9:30 AM each Sunday. Youth Church School will meet in the newly renovated youth space and will begin at 9:45 AM. |
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THE PAPERLESS PINNACLE
The Pinnacle is emailed as a link 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. |
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NORTHSIDE NOTES
ARCHIVES
Did you miss an issue of our Northside Notes?
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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. |
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