NORTHSIDE NOTES - December 12, 2012 |
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 Pastoral Reflections
By James Lamkin
The Best Part of Christmas...
Is Christmas Eve
There was a tradition in my home town: nobody went to church on Christmas Eve. Neither Baptists, nor Pentecostals. Not a creature was stirring, not even a Methodist. All of Christmas Eve happened at home.
However, since moving away, and since becoming an adult, I can't imagine any O' Holy Night without gathering under a steeple with friends.
Back in the day (the 50's and 60's)...my mother's side of the family always gathered at our house for what I believed to be an age-old holiday tradition: Christmas Eve hamburgers. I assumed that everyone did the same.
Once-upon-a-time, my father had been a short-order cook. He and Papaw and Mamaw and Uncle Bill and their band of brothers ran a café on Highway 80, just north of the railroad track, and just after the Great Depression.
His Christmas Eve hamburgers were the best.
Another best was the arrival of Aunt Dorcas and Uncle Paul. They were mysterious, like the Magi. They came from afar...far away Clearwater, Florida. The sixteen hour trip required radio silence, like a spaceship on the dark side of the moon. We could only speculate when they were passing over Alabama.
Plus, Aunt Dorcas always brought the best presents: like science-kits-in-a-can that housed a Pandora's Box of electro-magnetic motors, an orbiting solar system, a telegraph key-pad, frog dissecting scalpels, a for-real crystal radio, a build-it-yourself telescope, plus some really fun books.
All of this happened on Christmas Eve; and Christmas Eve lives off of pure, 100 proof Hope.
Now, certainly, Christmas Day had its joys...like the time my parents stayed up all night (Spoiler Alert...!) putting together the toy farm set from Santa. Remember the tin buildings where "tab A" goes into "slot B?" Evidently, my father was tab-challenged and they finished the barn about dawn.
On Christmas Day, a late lunch was had at Grandmother's house; and a good time was had by all.
But, by mid-afternoon, we all knew the truth: no matter how many times we played the Goodyear Christmas Album with Bing Crosby singing The Twelve Days of Christmas...it still felt like Christmas already was over.
It's like Fred Craddock says, "Christmas is not Christmas. Christmas is the anticipation of Christmas."
Now, we Northside Drive Baptists take our liturgics seriously. You'll find no "sloppy agape" here. We ride the brake all through Advent. We delay the rush to the manger. But we live with Christmas anticipation in our hearts.
So, on The Holy Night, look for me, all grown-up, in the church house. I'll be the one with the big Bible and the bigger smile, believing that the best part of Christmas is Christmas Eve. |
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A Baptist Moravian Lovefeast
Sunday, December 16, 2012
at 6 PM, in the Chapel
The Christmas Eve Lovefeast, with its lighted candles, is one of the most beautiful services in the Moravian Church. In recent years, it has made its way into the hearts of a few Baptists too! Come and join us as the Youth and others lead in a service of simple Christmas joy. We will light beeswax candles, share sweet buns and coffee, hear stories of Christmas tradition, and sing our favorite carols. And in all of that, we will anticipate the cheer of Christmas Eve. It will be here before you know it! |
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Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir
Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15, at 7 PM
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
Tickets are $12 Seniors, $20 General and $40 Special Seating
Here's a video, where NDBC'er, Ramsey Davis, appears for a brief second, telling the audience about the concert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZvCH4cOZNM |
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Parents Morning Out, Children's Choir Rehearsal, Family Lunch and Caroling
Saturday, December 15, from 9:30 AM-1 PM
9:30 AM-11:30 AM Parent's Morning Out
Choir Rehearsal/Kids Activities
11:30 AM-12:15 PM Family Lunch/Craft
12:15 PM-1 PM Caroling
The kids will have choir rehearsal and other activities followed by a family luncheon at 11:30 AM. After lunch, we will caravan to visit church family members that are not able to get out.
Please RSVP to Nicole Harbin at nicoleharbin@yahoo.com or call 770-365-6423.
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Children and Cherub Choir Announcements
EXTRA rehearsal: Saturday, December 15, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM. This rehearsal is to prepare for Advent, Christmas Eve and Epiphany. Please email Nicole with any questions, nicoleharbin@yahoo.com or call 770-365-6423.
Important Dates to Note:
12/16/12: Children's Choir Singing in worship
12/24/12: Children and Cherub Choir singing at the Family Christmas Eve Service at 4 PM
1/6/12: Children and Cherub Choir singing in worship |
Advent Devotions with Dr. Steve Sheeley
Dr. Steve Sheeley will be writing devotionals through the Advent season. If you would like to be on his email list and receive his musings, you may email him at ssheeley4@comcast.net. May hope, peace, love and joy be with you this Advent season. |
Christmas Giving
During the Christmas season, Northside Drive Baptist Church provides many ways for members to brighten the holidays for those in need. Through gifts of clothing, toys, time, and money, we share Christ's love in our community and around the world.
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 16.
Contact: Rhonda Harris 404-731-6061
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Winter Missions Offering
Morningstar Children and Family Services
Morningstar provides specialized residential and community-based care for children who are intellectually challenged and have emotional disorders. A group of committed Baptists established Morningstar to serve children and families whose lives have been affected 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.
Contact: Barbara Atchley 770-436-0709
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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 holidays 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 16.
Contact: Susan Harlan 770-377-3869 |
 Christmas Poinsettias*
Sales November 25-December 9
Our Annual Poinsettia Altar will be in place Sunday, December 23 [Revised], and remain through Tuesday, Christmas Day. The deadline for orders has expired.
*U.S. tax regulations do not allow us to offer contribution credit for Easter & Christmas plants because the plants are returned to the giver. |
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The Prayer Ministry of the Deacons
By James Lamkin, Pastor
I am proud of the Deacons of Northside Drive Baptist Church. They are upgrading their prayer lists and Deacon Caregiving Ministries. Watch for the Tender Loving Prayer (TLP) list in the News from Northside Drive Baptist Church email that comes to you each week from the church office. The TLP list will take the place of the list formerly called Church Family Concerns.
The weekly TLP list will contain three or four names of senior adults in the church to whom the deacons are attentive, plus two or three others who have requested our prayers during a particular time of need. Every week, names will rotate on and off the list.
If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list please give the church office a call. As I always say, "It is an honor to pray for you."
This Week's Tender Loving Prayer (TLP) List*
Betty Almeida
Mary Chance
Aline Cofield
Julian Turner
Bill Jones
Wade Davis
*The TLP is a Diaconate ministry. Each week's list contains the names of three NDBC senior adults, plus two or three others who are facing a difficult time. If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call. |
Genesis...The Rest of the Story
Led by Rev. Zachary Bay
Wednesdays, January 9-February 6, 2013
@ 6 PM in the Art & Soul Room
January 9: Here Comes the Dreamer... (Chs. 37 & 41)
January 16: A Family Reunion (Chs. 42-46)
January 23: <No Bible Study>
January 30: The World Tilts On Its Axis (Chs. 47-48)
February 6: The End of the Beginning (Chs. 49-50) |
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.
January 13 Paul Fletcher - wood turning
February 10 Marshall Dewell - quilting
March 17 Kendall Konenkamp - painting and drawing |
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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. |
A Word About Bad Weather and the Church
As a rule of thumb, we will not cancel worship services on Sunday morning except under the most extreme weather conditions. Members are urged to use their own good judgment as to whether they should attempt to make the trip. Should inclement winter weather cause the cancellation of a service, here is the plan:
1) The ministers and the moderator will make the decision.
2) The ministers and the moderator will notify the deacons.
3) The ministers will email all those on the church's email list, and place a notification on the church's voice mail (if electricity and phone service are available).
4) The deacons will call members who need to be notified, but do not have email. |
Church Week
SUNDAY, December 16, 2012
9:30 AM - Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
6:00 PM - Moravian Lovefeast
7:30 PM - Youth Christmas Dinner
MONDAY, December 17, 2012
7:00 PM - NDBC Leadership Christmas Party
TUESDAY, December 18, 2012
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
11:30 AM - ROMEOS
WEDNESDAY, December 19, 2012
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, December 20, 2012
6:00 PM - Beginning Handbells
7:00 PM - TNT |
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CHRISTMAS AND
NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS*
The Church and
Preschool offices
will be closed
Monday & Tuesday,
December 24 & 25,
as well as
Tuesday, January 1.
*The NDBC Office
will be open on
December 31, 2012.
The office will be open 8:30 AM-3 PM on Monday, New Year's Eve. Often generous NDBC givers want to call in or drop by to do some last minute giving as part of their stewardship commitment! Rose Hidlay, our church Business Manager, will be here to help you.
May the New Year be
a good year for us all.
~ The NDBC Staff |
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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:
Dec 12 - Psalm 112
Dec 13 - Psalm 113
Dec 14 - Psalm 114
Dec 15 - Psalm 115
Dec 16 - Psalm 116
Dec 17 - Psalm 117
Dec 18 - Psalm 118
Dec 19 - Psalm 119 |
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DECEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Paxton Cooper - 1
Steven Sheeley - 2
Ali Jerden - 4
Mary Lester - 5
Susan Richards - 5
Hans-Luca Davis - 6
Jeannie Hearn - 7
Syd Janney - 7
Laura Butts - 7
Caleb Younger - 7
Lisa Barksdale - 8
Andrew Hardin - 9
Jack Guynn - 10
Ava Grace Cook - 10
Hunter Adams - 12
Elaine Eassa - 13
David Nelson - 13
Cristy Ray - 19
Charlotte Dalke - 20
Brian Hendrix - 21
Mike McIntyre - 22
Carol Younger - 22
Joan McIntyre - 24
Emma Chandler - 27
Bill Jones - 28
Mary Chance - 28
Amanda Gregg - 28
Ruth Trager - 28
Jeanne Goodwill - 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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UPDATE: Come join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 PM, in Room #207, the 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 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. |
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY PHOTOS
Anyone who would like a print of their directory photo can contact Myrtie Cope at mcopephoto@gmail.com. Prints are $5 for a 5 X 7 and $10 for an 8 X 10. |
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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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