NORTHSIDE NOTES - March 20, 2013 |
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 A Pastoral e-pistle
By James Lamkin
On Trusting the Terrain
My favorite prayer was prayed by an anonymous World War II army chaplain:
God,
when we find ourselves
in unfamiliar terrain,
help us trust our maps;
however,
when the maps don't match the terrain, help us trust the terrain.
I love that. It is the epilogue of many a human endeavor.
We are an adaptive species; but sometimes we would rather stare at the map of how things should be, than accept the fact that the terrain indicates that we are inflexible and lost.
How men refuse to stop and ask for directions is a case in point. If the Three Wise Men had been women, they would have gotten to Jesus sooner and brought more baby-friendly gifts.
How many times has it happened? Just when we have our lives all planned out...everything suddenly changes. Mother dies, the house sells, the accident occurs, the diagnosis is modified, the recession hits, the pregnancy happens, the company moves, or the transfer comes through.
Our well thought-out maps often have a short shelf-life. Abruptly, the terrain changes; and the trip you are on is not the one you packed for.
That was my daily experience on the Camino de Santiago. Five hundred miles on foot acquainted me with maps and terrain. The next day's path was supposed to be flat and firm; however, the previous week's rain turned it into a mud hole. Or the mountain vista's postcard perfect view would be socked-in.
Perhaps the journey of Lent is one continuous prayer about trusting the terrain. The promise of Jesus is to "be with us," and "dwell with us."
As we come near the end of our Lenten journey, let us pray for discipline and courage. We do not walk alone; and regardless of our maps, all terrain is holy ground to God.
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Lenten Wednesday Concert Series
"Every Voice In Concert Ring..."*
In the Chapel at 6:45 PM
(Childcare provided.)
March 20..........NDBC Sanctuary Choir
and Friends
*From "Of the Father's Love Begotten,"
#145 in The Worshipping Church Hymnal. |
Lenten Devotional
Dr. Steve Sheeley will be writing devotionals through the Lenten season. If you would like to be on his email list and receive his musings, you may email him at ssheeley4@comcast.net. May the longings of this Lenten season lead us to the resurrected Christ.
Today's devotional...
There are powerful images in this passage from John, as Jesus attests that he is the "good" shepherd. I'm sure that there were those who watched the flocks who cared little for the animals themselves and worked only for the livelihood. In contrast to those "hired hands," the good shepherd works and lives in relationship with the sheep. They "know" him and his voice, and he is able to call his own sheep out from the midst of other flocks. He leads, guides, loves, and cares.
We should not miss the fact that this is an "I am" saying, though. There is more going on in this passage than just Jesus' use of a metaphor. The "I am" sayings flesh out Jesus' divinity, and God as shepherd is not a new concept to John and his readers. What is new, I think, is the idea that the shepherd is willing to die for the sheep. In fact, this shepherd is not only willing to die for the sheep, this shepherd intends to be(come) the sacrificial lamb. There is purpose in the sacrificial death, since Jesus intends to "lay down" his life "in order to take it up again." And he intends to do so in the power and command from the Father....(click here to read more) |
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Fellowship of Families
Church School Class
Presents...
Sunday Mornings in the Parlor
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Examine the Cross
In Making Sense of the Cross, the author of this study, David Lose, invites participants to candidly examine the questions that many of us have about the Cross of Christ. Participants will explore how the Cross transforms how we read the Bible, what the Cross reveals about God, and how the Cross impacts our daily lives.
Topics include:
-- Why does the Cross Matter?
-- Portraits and Perspectives
-- Ransom and Victory
-- Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice
-- Example and Encouragement
-- Event and Experience |
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Holy Week
at
Northside Drive Baptist Church
March 24: Palm Sunday
11:00 AM, Worship
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March 27: Passover Seder Service
6: 45 PM, A Seder ritual, not a full meal.
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March 28: Maundy Thursday
6:45 PM,
A Service of Tenebrae
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March 29: Good Friday
"Noon Until Three"
The seven last words of Christ.
Homilies presented by NDBC members.
David Cook
12:05 PM, "Father forgive them..."
Chris Coleman
12:30 PM, "Today, thou shalt be with me..."
Alyssa Aldape
12:55 PM, "Woman, behold thy son!"
Karen Massey
1:20 PM, "My God, my God why...?"
Brian Knight
1:45 PM, "...I am thirsty."
Mary Dean
2:10 PM, "It is finished."
Rachel Sherron
2:35 PM, "Into thy hands..."
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March 31: Easter Sunday
11:00 AM, Worship
12:15 PM, Easter Egg Hunt |
Easter Lunch
All college students and young adults who cannot go home for Easter are invited to Mike and Amanda Gregg's home for a potluck lunch following NDBC's Easter Worship Service and Easter Egg Hunt on March 31. Bring a side item or dessert to share. The Gregg's address is: 2346 Thomas Rd, Atlanta GA 30318. We look forward to spending Easter together. |
Holy Week: What is it all about?
Palm Sunday: March 24
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday. On this day we remember Jesus' "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. The Gospel writers vary on the timing of the event and even its meaning and scope. Some say cloaks were tossed on the road, others say "leafy limbs," and John's Gospel speaks of "palm branches". The 11:00 AM worship service will begin with a Processional Hymn as the children, youth, choir and ministers enter waving palm branches. It is a festive day, though a penultimate one. The joy of celebrating the Christ who reigns, will soon be followed by the juxtaposed image of the Christ who has come to die. The shadow of the cross reaches all the way back to Palm Sunday.
Passover Seder Service: March 27
Every spring, our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate the Passover feast. It is an eight-day celebration, begun with the Seder, the Passover Meal. Passover is one of the high holidays---the most holy of days---in the Jewish year. It marks the single most important event in Jewish history, the Exodus from Egypt. And Passover is a joyous celebration. In that event, God delivered a people from oppressive slavery, and called them to be the people that would make this God known to the rest of the world. Celebrate the Passover Seder Service at Northside Drive on Wednesday night, March 27, at 6:45 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Remember, this is a symbolic ceremony, not the actual meal. Please make reservations through Renee Gamache at renee@northsidedrive.org or 404-237-8621.
Maundy Thursday: March 28
The 6:45 PM service of Maundy Thursday in the sanctuary remembers Jesus' last supper with his disciples. To them he gave the commandment to "love one another." Thus, Maundy Thursday is from the Latin, Dies Mandati, or Day of the Mandate. In this quiet evening service we observe a solemn communion service at the rail and own the darkness within ourselves and our need for grace.
It is a Northside Drive tradition to end the Maundy Thursday service with The Office of Tenebrae (Shadows). There are eight scripture readings. The candles in the Passion Cross and on the Chancel will be snuffed. The service will end in darkness.
Good Friday, Noon Until Three: March 29
This is the most somber of all services. One Gospel writer comments that as Jesus died on the cross, "there was darkness from noon until three." Thus, the sanctuary will be open during this time for any who want to spend the afternoon in worship and reflection. The Noon Until Three service contains seven rhythms focused on the seven last words of Christ (a composite from the four Gospels). Each rhythm lasts about twenty minutes and includes a tolling bell, a scripture reading, instrumental music, a brief homily, a prayer, and silence. It is "come and go" or feel free to "come and stay".
Easter Sunday: March 31
What a day of rejoicing it will be! On this day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The choir offers joyous and celebrative music; and before we go, as always, there will be a congregational singing of The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. An Easter Egg Hunt for all children will follow the Worship Service on the church grounds. |
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 Northside Kids & Holy Week
Children and Youth Waving Palms
Sunday, March 24, 11 AM Worship Service
Attention all children and youth! Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday! We want you to help us praise Jesus in worship by waving palm branches in the air! Please meet Mr. Mike in the Narthex before the 11AM Worship Service on March 24, to get your palm branches and instructions about waving them in the service. Bring a friend to Palm Sunday!
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 for the event (no peanut products please). 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
Easter, March 31, 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 Ministry Team 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. |
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Sanctuary Flowers
Would you like to participate in beautifying our Sanctuary for 2013? Now is the time to sign up. The price is $100 or you can share the cost with someone. If you are interested please call Nancy F. Davis at 404-252-9154. |
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LifeSpan
 Spring quarter begins Thursday, April 7, at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. come join us for educational classes and lunch. A great opportunity for fun and meeting new friends. Brochures are in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall. |
Church Week
SUNDAY, March 24, 2013
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 - Handbell Ensemble
TUESDAY, March 26, 2013
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
WEDNESDAY, March 267 20132
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
6:45 PM - Seder Service
THURSDAY, March 28, 2013
6:45 PM - Maundy Thursday Service
7:45 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
FRIDAY, March 29, 2013
12:00 PM - Good Friday Service |
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ALLIANCE OF BAPTIST
GATHERING
(CONVOCATION)
To Register Click Here |
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EASTER MONDAY
(Monday, April 1, 2013)
Church Offices Closed
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Preschool Offices Opened |
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This Week's
TENDER LOVING
PRAYER (TLP)
List*
Betty Almeida
Reidar Bjornard
Jeff & Faye Brewer
Mary Chance
Jim Hermance
Don DaLee
*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. |
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MARCH
BIRTHDAYS
Jim Mahaffey - 1
Jo Meeks - 1
Janet Bell - 2
Virginia Gilbert - 2
Jordan Clark - 3
William Chandler - 3
Raymond Jones - 7
Ginger Cooper - 7
Laura Foushee - 7
Caroline Sisk - 12
Edie Hayes - 13
Wendy Overton-Ervin - 14
Lora Hawk - 14
Aline Cofield - 16
Charley Joyner - 18
Jane Fitzgerald - 18
JL Jerden - 19
Vanessa Johnson - 19
Jim Barksdale - 20
Harper Bell - 21
Don Wamberg - 24
Dan Oakley - 26
Calvin Dalke - 29
Walter Grant - 30 |
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PASTOR'S WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
We meet weekly at 10:30-11:30 AM in the church's Conference Room. We study the texts selected in the Revised Common Lectionary for the next Sunday. Large print editions are available each week and for the upcoming week. Discussion is deep and lively. All are invited. |
| 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
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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: 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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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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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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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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YOUTH UNDERGROUNDS
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. |
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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NORTHSIDE NOTES
ARCHIVES
Did you miss an issue of our Northside Notes?
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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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