NORTHSIDE NOTES - June 5, 2013 |
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Pastoral Reflections by Rev. James Lamkin
The Dragonfly's Brother
News came this morning regarding Rev. Will D. Campbell. His obituary in The New York Times was titled: Maverick Minister and Civil Rights Stalwart, Dies at 88.
From a distance, I've always felt my life was linked to Will Campbell's. We both went to Louisiana College in Pineville, La. We both were "preacher boys" at L.C., though a generation apart. We both pastored in Bienville Parish, he in Taylor and I at Liberty Hill.
And we both loved Uncle Bill.
Being a son of the south, racism was in my drinking water. All was fine, of course, as long as "each race stayed in its place."
After my M.Div. and chaplain's residency, I returned to Louisiana to pastor in the late 70's. Racial tension was alive and well; and much of the tension was in me. I was tense about most everything.
About that time, Glenn Edwards, my mentor, passed along, Brother to A Dragonfly. It was Will's autobiography, his pilgrimage, his theology. It was endorsed by Robert Penn Warren.
That book changed me.
That book kept me in the ministry.
In 1980, I passed through Atlanta. Uncle Bill picked me up at the airport. On the front seat of the car was Will Campbell. Will and Bill had been ministerial students together at Louisiana College. Then came WWII. They went down to the draft office together, waved their deferment together, and enlisted.
The book has yet to be written of how the war changed all those provincial, small town country boys who left college and went off to far away places to fight in a world war.
The war changed Will. After it, he began to fight for the civil rights of African-Americans; but also, he ministered to their oppressors. In fact, right now, beside my computer screen sits a picture of an odd threesome: Will Campbell, our own Kenneth Dean, and the Grand Dragon of the Mississippi Ku Klux Klan. Will (and Kenneth) seemed to think that we are to love all of God's people.
"I came to understand the nature of tragedy," Will once said, "and one who understands the nature of tragedy can never take sides."
33 years ago, in the Presbyterian Building in downtown Atlanta, Will Campbell, at Uncle Bill's invitation, spoke to a group of religious journalists. There were about 25 in the room. I was the onlooker.
Off-the-cuff, Will said, "There are some people who can't forgive other people for not being white." Uncharacteristically, I spoke up, "Yes...but how do you minister to folk who can't forgive other folk for not being white?"
He responded differently than I expected. "Well, James, I think 'minister to' can be an arrogant verb. Last week I sat in the ICU Waiting Room with the Grand Dragon of the KKK while his momma was dying. Some would say I ministered to him. I'd just say, I was his friend."
There's more to say; but that's enough for now.
Will Campbell changed me; and I always will be grateful. |
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Summer Adult Church School
The Future of Faith in a Changing World
Sundays at 9:30 AM, June 2-August 25
In the Fellowship Hall
The world is changing and many faith communities are struggling to understand and adapt to a shifting culture. What are these shifts and how are they impacting churches? What does the Bible have to say? How do we navigate this unprecedented change?
Experts from congregational and academic backgrounds will explore these questions with captivating presentations, powerful demographics, and dynamic dialogue. Join us every Sunday in the summer for an exploration of the future of faith in a changing world.
Sessions Include:
June 2 - Rev. Michael Gregg
The World is Changing:
A Look at Postmodernism and the "Nones"
June 9 - Rev. Michael Gregg
The Church is Changing:
Postmodern Worship and the Missional Church
June 16 - Dr. David Garber
Moses, Jesus, and Superman
June 23 - Dr. Steven Sheeley
What do we do with Scripture now?
June 30 - Dr. Larry McSwain
The Crisis in the American Church
July 7 - Holiday: No Session
July 14 - Dr. David Bell
Youth and Religion:
Adolescent Religious Experiences in the 21st Century
July 21 - Dr. Larry McSwain
The Changing Face of America:
Demography
July 28 - Dr. David Garber
It's the End of the World as We Know It:
Culture's Obsession with Apocalypse
August 4 - Dr. Larry McSwain
Amazing Grace:
How Can We Be So Different and Not Kill One Another?
August 11 - Dr. Steven Sheeley
Worshipping in "Spirit and Truth"
August 18 - Dr. Rob Nash
Who Moved the Equator? Finding Church in the 21st Century
August 25 - Panel Discussion
Being a Fruitful Church in a Changing World |
Mike's Memos 
New CareNotes for You!
Have you noticed the CareNotes display rack near the front doors in the Narthex? If not, stop by and look. CareNotes are pamphlets designed to provide information and words of care to people who are hurting, confused, or in need of guidance. These publications give special emphasis to grief, illness, and family issues. The Deacons of NDBC have provided this resource as a way to give care and support to the church's members. The writers for CareNotes are people who have struggled with these tough subjects. Other contributors are therapists, pastoral ministers, chaplains, and health-care educators. The CareNotes in the Narthex give detailed information about family matters, intense grief, and caring for loved ones who are sick and dying. Take a moment on Sunday and browse this new collection. You might find a pamphlet that makes a difference in your life. |
Up-Coming Triple E
NDBC Member, Tom Vander Ven, will be one of the presenters at Triple E in Fall 2013. Recently, his newest book was published: [Enter Ghost]. It is available in paperback. To order the book, visit enterghost.wordpress.com, where you will find excerpts of text, as well as examples of the artwork, created and edited by Cyndi Vander Ven. Over his career, his poems appeared in several journals, and twelve of his plays were produced regionally. He co-authored A Campus Becoming (2010), on the early years of the Indiana University South Bend campus. Through stories, essays, poems, and plays, the book explores human desire and fear in childhood and in the face of aging, retirement, and mortality. |
NDBC Book Club  |
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.
June 25 - Potluck in Fellowship Hall
July 21 - Zoe's Kitchen
August 18 - Potluck in Fellowship Hall
For more information contact Marie Cook: mariedcook@yahoo.com. |
Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study
We meet weekly from 10:30-11:30 AM, thru June 26 (with the exception of June 18), 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. |
Missions in June
It's that time of year again! Well, no, it's not Advent or Christmas--nor is it Christmas in June--but it's that time of year when we Northside Drivers get hands-on with our missions. I guess you could call it Missions in June! We ask for your good thoughts and prayers as we go...
To NYC (June 8-15, 2013). As you read this article, some of the youth are with me in New York City. We are again working with our Alliance of Baptists friends at Metro Baptist Church, and this year, we are also working alongside some of our "youth-in-laws" from Milledge Avenue Baptist where my wife Kristy is the Associate Pastor. From serving meals in soup kitchens and bagging groceries in food pantries, to putting on work gloves and helping with the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, we are right now in the midst of doing the kind of good work that Northside Drive values.
And to Taliaferro (June 16-21, 2013). Some of the same folks who are in NYC this week will turn around and head to Taliaferro next week. There we will learn, we will grow, and we will play.
Pray for us as we go to meet God and people out in the world--that we might change and be changed in the experience. |
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"What Does the Bible Say About...?"
Summer Sermon Series
with Rev. James Lamkin
July 7-September 1
in the Chapel |
Gas Turned Off for the Summer!
May 31-September 3, 2013
As a cost savings to the church, the gas is turned off in the Spring and turned back on in the Fall. This is part of the summer savings program with Infinite Energy. We will have an electric water heater for use during those months. |
Touching Taliaferro with Love
Book Bags for TTWL
Remember the excitement of starting the school year with a new book bag? The children who are part of Touching Taliaferro with Love start their school year in early July and Northside Drive will help them begin with the supplies needed for a successful year. A couple of years ago, through the generosity of a Northside Drive family, each child at Taliaferro was given a new book bag. The gift brought squeals of delight from all the children.
Let's delight another group of 1st-6th graders with new book bags this summer. Collection bins will be available in the Narthex through June 9. Questions? Contact Susan Harlan or Barbara Atchley. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry
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. |
 NDBC Preschool
Camp HopScotch
Let's explore together with Northside Drive Baptist Church Preschool's Camp HopScotch! Five (5) fun-filled FULL week sessions, each with its own theme. All sessions include worship, music and movement and art. Camp HopScotch is staffed by NDBC Preschool teachers whose goal is to provide your child with a safe, exciting camp experience. The camp is open to children 12 months through 12 years of age. Visit our website at ndbcpreschool.org/summerprogram for more information. |
Church Week
SUNDAY, June 9
9:30 AM - Summer Church School
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
12:15 PM - Adult Education MT
TUESDAY, June 11
9:00 AM - Preschool Liaison Meeting
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
WEDNESDAY, June 12
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
THURSDAY, June 13
7:00 PM - TNT
SATURDAY, June 15
Summer Youth Mission Trip - Returns |
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THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXTS
June 9, 2013
1 Kings 17:8-24
Psalm 146
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17 |
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PASTOR'S
CHURCH GROWTH
TIP OF THE WEEK
Next time you send a "Get Well" note to a friend, mention that you've asked the NDBC staff and deacons to pray for them. |
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This Week's
TENDER LOVING
PRAYER (TLP)
List*
Linda Clark
Aline Cofield
Bedford & Louise Davis
Nancy 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. |
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JUNE
BIRTHDAYS
Steve Konenkamp - 1
Jolene Thomas - 1
Barney Moore - 3
Nancy Elaine Davis - 4
Jackie Poole - 5
James Gilbert - 6
Myrtie Cope - 8
Maria Schroeder - 8
Graham Mudd - 10
Larry Prince, Jr. - 10
Rose Hidlay - 15
Naomi Lewis - 17
Gene Hill - 18
Deborah Oakley - 18
Joleen Neel - 18
David Fletcher - 21
Barbi Avery - 22
Dorsett Davis - 24
Joann Warmack - 26
Steven McAllister - 26
Lisa Bridges - 26
Jim Nicol - 27
Michael Harbin - 28
Anne Maust - 29
Lois Pickering - 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
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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. Email Zach Bay 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 for more details.
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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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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?
to read more. |
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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 DRIVE STAFF
Rev. Dr. James Lamkin
Pastor
Rev. Mike Gregg
Minister of
Educational Life
Rev. Zachary Bay
Maddox Pastoral
Resident
Paul Fletcher
Director of Music
Jeff Harbin
Organist
Rachel Sherron
Children's Intern
Rose Hidlay
Business Manager
Renee Gamache
Administrative
Assistant
Vanessa Johnson
Preschool Director
Richard Willingham
Custodian
Gregory Colson
Director Emeritus
of Music |
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