NORTHSIDE NOTES - November 4, 2012 |
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 Pastoral Reflections
By James Lamkin
Here and Now is Quite Enough
How much is enough? According to Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in history, the answer is: "Just a little bit more."
A fear and feeling of scarcity is deep in our psyches. Yet, when pressed to define how much we need, we are not sure...just more than we have now. We cite the uncertainty of the future (and has there ever been a certain future?) as reason for what we have is never enough.
Recently, a friend passed along a quotation from Roman Catholic mystic, Ruth Burrows, a Carmelite nun, in her eighties, living in England. She not only reminds us to trust in the sufficiency of God, but challenges us to pay attention to the locale of God's revelation. Here is a quotation from her book, To Believe in Jesus: "The stark, overwhelming reality is that God is giving [God's self] to us in the stream of the ordinary, mundane events of our ordinary, mundane life."
I am embarrassed at how much "other side of the fence," thinking I've done when it comes to greener grass. When I have more money.... When I have more time.... When life doesn't feel so ordinary.... When life is easier.... When I feel more secure....
Other versions might include: When I am thinner, when I am in shape, if I were prettier, if I were smarter....
Sister Ruth Burrows tolerates none of that. She coaches: live the life you have. Now. Do your best every day. Admit mess-ups. Start-over. Trust God.
But here's my favorite quote: "Divine love," Burrows says, "meets us in this real world and nowhere else: in this moment; in this circumstance, painful and humiliating though it may be; in this person; in the daily unexciting round of seeming trivialities which afford no measure of self-glorification. Divine love meets us here in our flawed, suffering, human condition, and nowhere else."
Whoa. Divine love meets us here...and nowhere else.
I suggest a long pause with this sentence. Get a cup of tea, a quiet space, a comfortable chair, and let that truth steep. Divine love meets us here...and nowhere else. For here is all we have right now.
We might even do this exercise as a congregation. When we start focusing on how much more we need to feel better about ourselves...or how much more will make us feel secure...let's stop and soak. How many more members do we need? How much more money? How much bigger a budget? How full a sanctuary? How many in Sunday School?
This time of year is a natural time to wonder, "How much?" Harvest time, still, is in our blood. Ready or not we have to plan for next year's budget...but how might we do so non-anxiously, generously, and lovingly right now.
If the Mayan calendar is right, we may never see January 1, 2013, anyway. So Sister Ruth might say, "Sure, pledge toward next year...but do it as a celebration of God's presence and bounty this year!"
The challenge is for each of us to our unique part; and plan on giving generously as God has given to us right here, right now.
Remember: Divine love meets us here...and nowhere else. And that is enough. |
Mike's Memos 
by Mike Gregg Heeding the Signs: What is the Future of Christian Education? While in college, I was often a pulpit supply preacher for small, rural Baptist churches in East Tennessee. I relished these opportunities to not only hone my preaching skills but to swim in the memories of growing up in seasoned Baptist churches. Upon entering a sanctuary near the hometown of Al Gore on one of my preaching gigs, I spotted the icon I remember as being of greatest importance in the Baptist church. No, it wasn't the cross, the pulpit or even the Lord's Supper table. It was the wooden sign above the door at the front of the sanctuary dutifully posting the Sunday School attendance and offering amount given the previous week. This sign held a place of prominence in worship as a Baptist church's morale and vitality were determined by the vibrancy of its Sunday School attendance. In fact, not too long ago, most Baptist churches valued Sunday School roster numbers as a marker for the health of the congregation as Sunday school attendance often exceeded worship attendance. Participation in church today, however, seems to be measured by those who attend the worship service rather than Sunday School. Sunday School and Wednesday night Bible studies are dwindling in many smaller and medium sized congregations with churchgoers hardly darkening the doors of the building for one hour each week. If the worship service is the only experience for many Christians, in what ways can Christian Education happen when traditional times of education, Sunday School and Wednesday nights, are no longer options for churchgoers? In several upcoming articles, I will explore the landscape of Christian education in the church and how we can heed the signs that reveal the future of religious education. We might finish this conversation with more questions than when we began. But that's ok. It is an exploration worth doing. Let us heed the signs together. |
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NDBC Preschool's 4th Annual Silent Auction
Our 4th Annual Silent Auction is taking place this week. Our goal this year is to raise $15,000, which will help us purchase new technology equipment and repair and upgrade some of the existing computers. The Auction is our main fundraiser during the year which enables us to offer some enrichment opportunities that tuition alone cannot cover. During the past couple of years, auction proceeds have allowed us to create a new library, purchase new furniture, display boards, and light tables, and offer Mandarin to all our 3, 4, and 5 year olds. |
2013 Pledge Season: The Art of Generosity
Submit YOUR pledge for the 2013 CHURCH BUDGET through any of these ways:
> You can return your pledge card by "snail mail".
> You can pick up a pledge card at the door of the church office, fill it out on the spot, and leave it in the envelope on the Business Manager's (Rose Hidlay) door.
> You can pick up a pledge card in the Narthex, fill it out and drop it in the offering plate (or hand it to an usher).
> You can call the church office (404-237-8621), ask for Rose, and tell her your pledge (or even leave her a voice mail).
> You can e-mail your pledge to Rose at rose@northsidedrive.org.
> You can pledge via our website (www.northsidedrive.org) by clicking on the "Giving" link on our home page. |
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 Missions Opportunity
2012 Interfaith Habitat
for Humanity Build
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
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 or sign up in the Narthex. |
Artist in the Narthex
As a continued celebration of our 60th Anniversary over the next twelve months, we will be privileged to see the work of twelve visual artists from our congregation. We will have works by a wood turner, a painter, a quilter, a photographer, a weaver---all on a Sunday morning, before and after worship, in the Narthex. Look for the notices in the Pinnacle and the eNotes, and celebrate the visual arts at Northside Drive Baptist Church.
November 11, 2012
Garrett Ray
Garrett Ray, senior at John's Creek High School and longtime acolyte for Northside Drive Baptist Church, will exhibit his drawings and paintings in the Narthex on Sunday, November 11. We have all seen Garrett in procession, clad in red with Cross or Bible in hand, leading us into our worship service. And many of us have seen and heard Garrett as he leaned into the music from his cello, caressing our hearts with emotions that we did not know we owned.
But Garrett's first love is in the visual arts arena. Cello lessons began in the 4th grade, and Garrett has played in an orchestra every year since. His love of art, however, began much earlier and by the 7th grade he was drawing comic strips. His parents gave him animation software, and in the 8th grade he produced an animation short in Spanish. So Garrett plans to be at the University of Georgia in the fall for 2 years in the art department, and then he plans to move to the Savannah College of Art and Design for a 3-year program with a major in animation.
Garrett will play his cello---music and art are both integral pieces of the joy of his life---so we will look forward to hearing him play in the UGA orchestra or a local community orchestra here in Atlanta. But for now, come see the artwork that Garrett will display in our Narthex. It is here in this community that Garrett has been able to serve, been able to grow spiritually and physically, and he hopes that he has brought some laughter and joy to our lives. |
Let's Knot Together
Women of the church will gather Monday, November 12, at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall, to complete several baby blankets for our growing population of babies. Blankets are already cut and are ready for your fingers to tie off the sides. Please join us for the fellowship and ministry of warmth and love we share with our newborns. If you have any questions, call or email Janet Bell, 770-434-0931, jjbells@charter.net. |
 Triple E
History of the Cherokee Nation
Jane Lamkin
Tuesday, November 13
@ 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall
We will look at the History of the Cherokee Nation, especially within Georgia, with emphasis on important leaders in the time from before the Trail of Tears through the American Civil War, including Sequoyah, Chief John Ross, General Stand Watie, Major Ridge, John Ridge and Elias Boudinot.
*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. |
Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study
September 12-November 14, 2012
@ 10:30 AM in the Conference Room
Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 AM, in the Conference Room. 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 |
Workshop: This I Believe
Led by Cathy Wooten
November 7 & 14
@ 6 PM in Room 202
What are your core values and ideals? Learn to write a short statement of belief based on the NPR series, "This I Believe." |
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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.
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. |
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Community Thanksgiving Service
The congregations and clergy of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, St. Anne's Episcopal, New Hope A.M.E., Northside Drive Baptist, Northside Drive United Methodist, and Trinity Presbyterian churches will join together to celebrate Thanksgiving.
The annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at 6:30 PM on Sunday, November 18, at St. Anne's Episcopal Church. Dr. Gil Watson, Senior Pastor of Northside United Methodist Church, will be preaching.
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NDBC Book Club
A book review of The Language of Flowers: A Novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh will be Tuesday, November 20, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Nancy Hall-Shelton will be the facilitator and Jane Fitzgerald the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished. |
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Praying the Psalms
The congregation is invited to read A-Psalm-A-Day during 2012.
A-Psalm-A-Day Upcoming Schedule:
November 7 - Psalm 77
November 8 - Psalm 78
November 9 - Psalm 79
November 10 - Psalm 80
November 11 - Psalm 81
November 12 - Psalm 82
November 13 - Psalm 83
November 14 - Psalm 84 |
Church Week
SUNDAY, November 11, 2012
9:30 AM - Church School
10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
12:15 PM -Children's MTM
12:15 PM - Worship & Music MTM
5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers
6:30 PM - Beginning Handbell Ensemble
TUESDAY, November 13, 2012
11:00 AM - Triple E
WEDNESDAY, November 14, 2012
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
6:00 PM - This I Believe
7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, November 15, 2012
7:00 PM - TNT
FRI-SAT, November 16-17, 2012
6:00 PM - Youth Lock-in |
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PICTORIAL DIRECTORY PHOTOS
Anyone who would like a print of their directory photo can contact Myrtie Cope at myrtiecopephoto@att.net. Prints are $5 for a 5 X 7 and $10 for an 8 X 10. |
| CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Mary Dutton
Don DaLee |
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NOVEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Claire Blackwell - 1
Grace Collins - 1
Laurie Nickless - 2
Doris Martin - 2
Rob Schwartz - 7
Sylvia Dick - 7
Elizabeth Cassata - 7
Nancy de Jonge Davis - 8
Gordon Davis - 9
Larry McSwain - 10
Sheila Nicol - 13
Herb Avery - 14
Paul Fletcher - 17
Tom Vander Ven - 18
Benjamin Schleicher - 19
Louisa Schleicher - 19
Beverly Allen - 20
Conda Abbott - 21
Ted Clyatt - 22
Edith Varner - 22
Greg Hawkins - 23
Mary Margaret High - 23
Tiffany Gibson Cox - 23
Kristin Youngquist - 24
Ian Fletcher - 25
Kasey Fletcher - 25
George Smathers - 26
Reidar Bjornard - 29
Annaleigh Gregg - 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 |
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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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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. |
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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.
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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 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. |
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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. |
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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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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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