NORTHSIDE NOTES - September 19, 2012 |
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Pastoral Reflections
by James Lamkin "God, Grant Me the Serenity..." A book sits beside me at home on my desk. I sip from it...especially when life gets dry. The book is The Five Things We Cannot Change by David Richo. We all know of Reinhold Niebuhr's famous prayer. It is the cornerstone of the recovery movement: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. The prayer emerged from Niebuhr's life as a theologian and pastor. He battled with religious liberals over their naïve views of sin and optimism for the Social Gospel; and he argued with religious conservatives over what he saw as a naïve view of scripture and a narrow definition of "true religion." The Serenity Prayer gathers-up the themes of his life and offers them as a profound, deep tissue massage into the tense muscles of our tired souls. It petitions God, requesting a composure that can only come when a glob, an occlusion, inside of us is separated into two distinct piles: the changeable and the unchangeable. The real healing comes when we start naming names and listing those things...the "things we cannot change." This is Job One; and this is where Richo comes in. He names aloud what we've always suspected; and when I rename them from time to time it is a balm for my "sin sick soul." So, what are the five things? 1-Everything changes and ends. 2-Things do not always go according to plan. 3-Life is not always fair. 4-Pain is a part of life. 5-People are not loving and loyal all the time. If you are like me, there is a duh! factor in reading these. I go, "Well, of course! I knew that." But there is something powerful about just laying them out there on the table for all to see, all to grieve, and all to accept. Then, do so again and again one day at a time. When I feel the most stuck, it often is because I am trying to change one of these unchangeables. I also am stuck (and quite busy) when I am trying to change history and trying to change other people. This rhythm of sin, Niebuhr would say...of alienating actions, followed by frustration, followed by confession, then by forgiveness and compassion...is a healing process as old as the hills. These ups and downs, raging storms and dead calms, are true for individuals, families, groups, and congregations. As we used to say, "The hard work of church is between revivals"...when ordinary time seems socked-in, and the extraordinary highs seem far away. But that is where the Serenity Prayer is at its most powerful best, spirituality is most tenacious, and God graciously is close. It is a human and holy journey; and NDBC has been at it sixty years: praying, hoping, succeeding, failing, confessing, forgiving, and of course, loving. In the next Pinnacle, I'll say more about this six decade parade of grace. By the way, The Five Things We Cannot Change has a subtitle: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them. Amen. |
With Gratitude for Church School
The lively discussions in our Art and Soul class always prep me for the worship service to follow. We honor the cares that each person brings to the table, we pray for each other, and we respect the big and little questions that we ask of each other as we grow in our faith.
So, it is a given that I will attend as many of the summer church school sessions as possible. My group is expanded, and I am able to share with people that I never see in my own class. Through their voices, I hear new ideas, new ways to look at this life of faith.
This summer we have been gifted with great leadership from various members of the congregation, as we explored how we can grow through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, solitude, journaling, Sabbath, fasting. We have been challenged to try one or more of these disciplines, and some of us have already done so.
This is my thank you to each leader and each participant with whom I have been able to share during this summer of church school. I am grateful.
Ruth P. Kramedjian
September 13, 2012 |
"And Your Daughters Shall Prophesy:
Sermons by Women in Baptist Life"
Edited by: Karen Massey
As long as there have been Baptists in America, there have been female Baptist ministers and preachers. Unfortunately, some Baptist denominations have not always been kind to them. Due to theological debate, often the existence of these female ministers has been ignored, and their words have not been recorded. This book of sermons seeks to record the words, insights, and experiences of several women ministers and preachers so as not to become part of the lost generations of women who have gone before them. This book is practical in its arrangement for classroom use or group readings.
To purchase a copy of Karen's book visit Mercer University Press. |
Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study
September 12-November 14, 2012
@ 10:30 AM in the Conference Room
Beginning on Wednesday, September 12, from 10:30-11:30 AM, in the Conference Room. I once again will offer a Fall Bible Study. This year we will study each upcoming Sunday's four lectionary texts: Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel. There will be study sheets distributed in advance containing each of the scriptures.
I am excited about this because the group's insights will help me prepare for the upcoming Sunday's sermon based on these same texts.
--James Lamkin, Pastor |
Fall Wednesday Evening Opportunities
Sanctuary Choir - Led by Paul Fletcher
Weekly @ 7:30 PM in the Choir Room
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Led by Susan Harlan
Every Third Wednesday @ 7 PM in Room 204
Us and God: A Study of Genesis - Led by Zachary Bay
September 12-October 31 @ 6 PM in Room 202
A Look at Hymnody - Led by Mary Kate Christian
September 12-October 3 @ 7 PM in the Parlor
Book Study and Discussion: Atomic Awakening
- Led by Jim Mahaffey
October 10-31 @ 7 PM in the Parlor
Workshop: This I Believe - Led by Cathy Wooten
November 7-14 @ 6 PM in Room 202
Visit our website under the "What's Happening"
section for more details. (www.northsidedrive.org) |
Us and God: A Study of Genesis
Led by Rev. Zachary Bay
Wednesdays, September 12-October 31
@ 6 PM in the Art & Soul Room
Come and join in a discussion of beginnings. We will read and discuss stories, and hopefully, overhear the groanings of Creation and Creator as each strives to exist with the other. This will be a study about us and God trying to live together this thing called faith. To prime the pump of conversation, we will make use of Bill Moyer's Genesis: A Living Conversation as commentary material. The book can be purchased inexpensively on Amazon.
Week 1: The Image of God ..................................Gen 1-2
Week 2: Temptation ............................................Gen 2-3
Week 3: The First Murder .......................................Gen 4
Week 4: The Flood, the Ark, & the Apocalypse ....Gen 6-9
Week 5: Call & Promise ....................................Gen 12-13
Week 6: A Family Affair ...........................Gen 16-17, & 21
Week 7: The Test ..............................................Gen 22-23
Week 8: God Wrestling ....................................Gen 28-32 |
A Look at Hymnody
Led by Mary Kate Christian
Wednesdays, September 12-October 3
@ 7 PM in the Parlor
Given the richness of tradition at Northside Drive, Intern Mary Kate Christian would like to take an in-depth look at hymns and how they shape our theology. She hopes to explore both the texts and music of hymns found in the Northside Drive hymnal and the supplement provided to look at the theology behind the writers' words, the biblical texts supporting the hymns, and how the music affects the words and our emotions while hearing and singing the songs. She will offer the opportunity for members to suggest hymns for the following week's study so that the hymns are hymns that are enjoyed by and familiar to a majority of participants. |
Missions Opportunity
2012 Interfaith Habitat
for Humanity Build
Volunteers from our congregation are needed for the 2012 Interfaith Partnership Habitat for Humanity build. In addition to Northside Drive, this year's partnership includes Ahavath Achim Synagogue, All Saints Church, Congregation B'nai Torah, Greater Springfield Baptist Church, North Springs UMC, Peachtree Christian Church, St. Anne's Episcopal, Trinity Presbyterian, Wieuca Baptist Church, Second Ponce Baptist Church and 1st Congregational UCC.
Northside Drive will provide workers for five Saturdays beginning September 29. On Saturday, October 6, Northside Drive will be the "lead" congregation. We will furnish most of the workers for the day (16) and provide lunch. Each construction worker and food volunteer will play an important role in making a family's dream of owning a home come true.
This year's house will be located at 440 Westmeath Drive, SW, Atlanta, 30310. The home owner is Tammelia Barkley. Living with Tammelia will be her children, Elijah (11) and Elysia (4) as well as her brother, James. Tammelia has been a clerk at Publix for the past six years.
Volunteer sign-up for both construction workers and food preparers will begin this Sunday, September 9. Please consider participating in this very important mission work.
This project is possible because of our congregation's commitment to Habitat Atlanta's mission of providing affordable quality homes and support services that promote successful home ownership. Your donations of food, funds, time, energy and hard work are greatly appreciated.
For more information, please contact Beth Laxton at 404-351-2324 (work), 404-216-0868 (cell) or via email at laxton2125@charter.net.
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Northside Drive Baptist Church Work Days
Day 1 - September 29 (6 Volunteers)
Build exterior and interior walls in warehouse
Clear crawlspace; Set floor joists and lay floor decking
Sheath wall panels and install exterior walls
Install interior walls
Tie walls together, straighten and brace
Install front porch deck, columns, and beams
Day 2 - October 6 (16 Volunteers)
Prep and install roof trusses; Install windows and trim packages
Install interior framing - wind bracing, deadwood, and attic stairs
Deck and felt roof; Install sub-fascia, barge rafters and drip edge
Build side porch and ramp
Install exterior trim, set-up for siding and begin siding
Day 3 - October 13 (2 Volunteers)
Shingle roof
Insulate walls and ceiling
Continue siding and begin caulking
Days 4 & 5 are not workdays for NDBC
Day 6 - November 3 (6 Volunteers)
Touch up exterior painting
Finish soffit and fascia; Finish interior painting
Install doorknobs and bathroom hardware
Install porch and ramp railings
Day 7 - November 10 (6 Volunteers)
Dedication Day
Clean house interior; Touch up interior painting
Rake and clear lot; Landscape
To sign-up for a work day, please contact Beth Laxton at
laxton2125@charter.net or 404-216-0868. |
The Callaway Cup
The Callaway Cup golf tournament is scheduled for October 14, 2012! The after-church outing is for all members, regardless of age, gender or talent. This is early notice to SAVE THE DATE (10/14/12). The highly coveted Callaway Cup is held by Melissa Bryson, last year's winner. Named in honor of Raymund Callaway, a long-time member of NDBC, this is the last major "toonamint" of the year. To sign up call Hal Meeks: c. 404-293-4042; h. 404-352-2438, o. 404-880-7180 or email hmeeks@plmllp.com. |

Family Lunches after Church
Join with other NDBC families for after-church lunches. Everyone is invited for a time of fun and fellowship together! We hope to see you there.
October 21 - Potluck Lunch at NDBC (bring a dish to share)
November 18 - Shane's Rib Shack (3155 Cobb Parkway)
December 16 - Potluck Lunch at NDBC (bring a dish to share)
For more information contact Marie Cook at mariedcook@yahoo.com. |
Church School 2012-2013
Nursery: (Room 100)
Teacher(s): Childcare Workers and Volunteers
Twos and Threes: (Room 102)
Teacher(s): JB Gilbert and Flora Carswell
Fours and Fives: (Room 101)
Teacher(s): Virginia Gilbert and Rotating Teachers
SchoolAge Children: (Room 204)
Teacher(s): Susan Harlan and Rhonda Harris
Children's Choir: (Chapel)
Teacher(s): Nicole Harbin and Amanda Gregg
Youth: (Undercroft)
Teacher(s): Zachary Bay and Brian Knight
Fellowship of Parents: (Room 207)
Community Leaders(s): David and Marie Cook
Art & Soul Class: (Room 202)
Teacher(s): Dan Oakley and Cathy Wooten
Community Leader(s): Barbara Atchley and Dick Houston
Roger Williams Class: (Room 201)
Teacher(s): Mary Lester
Community Leader(s): George Taylor and Lora Hawk
Allen-Davis Class: (Room 116)
Teacher(s): Larry McSwain
Friendship Class: (Room 205)
Teacher(s): Mary Ann Hickman |
Praying the Psalms
The congregation is invited to read A-Psalm-A-Day during 2012.
A-Psalm-A-Day Upcoming Schedule:
September 19 - Psalm 28
September 20 - Psalm 29
September 21 - Psalm 30
September 22 - Psalm 31
September 23 - Psalm 32
September 24 - Psalm 33
September 25 - Psalm 34
September 26 - Psalm 35 |
Church Week
SUNDAY, September 23, 2012
Women's Spiritual Retreat
9:30 AM - Church School
10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
6:30 PM - Beginning Handbell Ensemble
TUESDAY, September 25, 2012
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
WEDNESDAY, September 26, 2012
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
6:00 PM - Genesis Bible Study
7:00 PM - A Look at Hymnody
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, September 27, 2012
7:00 PM - TNT
FRIDAY, September 28, 2012
7:00 PM - 60th Anniv. BYO Picnic
SATURDAY, September 29, 2012
- Habitat Build
3:00 PM - 60th Anniv. Fun & Ice Cream Social |
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WORSHIP
Our first Sunday back
in the Sanctuary
will be this Sunday, September 23. |
CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Mary Dutton
Don DaLee |
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Joseph Cadaret - 1
Beth Laxton - 1
Kristi Wamberg - 2
Charles Dew - 3
Linda Clark - 4
Amy Bell - 6
Marie Cook - 9
Jeff Harbin - 10
Chloe Jerden - 10
Liz Harris-Lamkin - 11
Tim Getsay - 12
Jane Lamkin - 13
JB Gilbert - 14
Betsy Walker - 14
Will Ervin - 15
Megan Hendrix - 15
Suzette Knight - 15
Susan Pearson - 15
Henry Collins - 18
Tom Hicks - 18
Karen Massey - 18
Hal Meeks - 18
Linda Rushing - 18
Cyndi Vander Ven - 19
Linda Bridges - 20
Rebecca Moore - 20
Kendall Konenkamp - 21
Bil Cadaret - 22
Mary Kate Christian - 23
Ingrid Bongers - 24
Mary Dutton - 25
Sue Goddard - 25
Ann Morton - 27
Don DaLee - 30 |
ROMEOS
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out)
Every third 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
Every 3rd Tuesday |
"TNT"
Thursday Nights Together
People of all ages from NDBC meet
at 7 PM every
Thursday night for dinner.
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Come join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 PM, in Room #204 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. |
YOUTH LUNCH AFTER CHURCH
The NDBC Youth meet every 2nd Sunday after church to have lunch together. For more information contact Zach Bay at zach@northsidedrive.org. |
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. |

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.
Yoga has been cancelled for the summer and fall of 2012. Resume date will be announced after the first of the 2013 year.
To make a reservation for
a Wednesday's class,
email Amanda at mandayoga@gmail.com
or for more information, visit www.northsidedrive.org. |
YOUNG ADULT: SMALL GROUP SUNDAYS

The young adult small group reads a book each month on various faith-related issues. We meet on the third Sunday of the month at 6:30 PM for discussion and then go off campus for dinner together. The small group meets in the Undercroft.
to sign up.
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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
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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. |
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. |
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. |
NORTHSIDE NOTES
ARCHIVES
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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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