NORTHSIDE NOTES - August 14, 2013
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A Pastoral e-pistle
By James Lamkin
On God and Gaps
A lot of life is spent in the gaps between our expectations and our realities. A short list includes: waiting for school to start, wondering if the job will ever get better, anticipating the birth, wondering if the kid will ever finish teething, readying to retire, adapting to retirement, sitting in waiting-rooms, and enduring the days when life seems to have little meaning.
These are the gaps between what life is, and what we want it to be; and death will be here before we know it.
The prize-winning author, Annie Dillard, speaks to these gaps in her book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek:
The gaps are the thing. The gaps are the spirit's one home, the altitudes and latitudes so dazzlingly spare and clean that the spirit can discover itself like a once-blind man unbound. The gaps are the clefts in the rock where you cower to see the back parts of God; they are fissures between mountains and cells the wind lances through, the icy narrowing fiords splitting the cliffs of mystery.
Go up into the gaps. If you can find them; they shift and vanish too. Stalk the gaps. Squeak into a gap in the soil, turn, and unlock---more than a maple---a universe.
This is how you spend this afternoon, and tomorrow morning, and tomorrow afternoon. Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you.
I love that. It is an antidote for my wishful thinking, a corrective for my would-have's, could-have's, should-have's, and my addiction to second-guessing.
Dillard invites us to, "Spend the afternoon," for we can't take it with us. In the smallest of these gap-times, we find God. Ask Moses.
Back in the day (the '60's) we spoke of, "God of the Gaps," claiming that God was only a rationalization between what science could and could not explain. Consequently, the greater the science, the smaller the gaps, and God would shrink in the process.
However, the arrogance of science has been humbled. Ask a physicist. The more that is known, the more we know that we don't know much.
But let us not bemoan this gap. Let us be in wonder of it.
The gap is the church's home turf. The gap, with all its angst, with its graveyard of success schemes, is fertile for Hope's planting...as long as we know we won't live long enough to see the results.
We "mind the gap" because God has asked us to. We tend the garden, knowing we can't make the sun shine, the rain fall or cease falling, or make the earthquake stop.
There are so many gaps in the doing of church, we don't even need a plow. We just plant in the cracks and tend what emerges as best we can. The Holy Spirit does the rest.
'Tis the season for the school bell to ring and the yellow bus door to open. So let us be learners, as well. Explore faith, nurture hope, connect with community, study the Bible, and pray to God. Come to Church School. Participate in worship. Grow spiritually, give generously while serving in and through the church.
The kick-off breakfast is September 8. It is a good way with good people to tend the gap between past and future. As Dillard says, "You can't take it with you."
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Summer Worship in the Chapel
July 7-September 1, 2013
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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
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
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The "Hymn of the Month" for August 2013
Our August Hymn-of-the-Month, Let Us, With a Gladsome Mind (#59 in The Worshiping Church), was written in 1623 when its author, John Milton, was only fifteen years old. This paraphrase of Psalm 136-with twenty-four stanzas!-was first published in Milton's Poems in English and Latin (1645). The five stanzas that we sing are based on verses 1, 2, 7, and 15 of the Psalm; which can be found in its entirety at #74 in The Worshiping Church. The tune is named after a small village in Herefordshire, England, where John B. Wilkes was employed as an organist. It first appeared in Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861), which was published by the vicar at Wilkes' church, Henry W. Baker.
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"What Does the Bible Say About...?"
Summer Sermon Series
with Rev. James Lamkin
July 7-September 1
in the Chapel
August 18
What Does the Bible Say About the Relationship Between Technology/Medicine/Ethics/Theology?
August 25
What Does the Bible Say About People After We Die?
September 1
What Does the Bible Say About Angels
with Mike Gregg
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 Parent, Child, Church Dedication
Sunday, August 18, 2013, there will be a parent, child, church dedication for Polly Dietrich and her family, Shane & Lindsay Dietrich-and big brother Witt, during the 11AM worship service. Sunday, August 25, 2013, there will be a parent, child, church dedication for Benjamin George Cadaret and his family, Bil & Lindsay Cadaret---and big brother Joseph, during the 11AM worship service.
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| Church Council*
The next Church Council meeting will be Monday, August 19, at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
*The Church Council consists of the Moderator, Senior Pastor, Treasurer, and Church Clerk, the chairs of the Diaconate, the Finance, Personnel, and Nominating Committees, the Adult Education, Children's, Communications/Technology, Facilities Management, Grounds, Landscaping, Hospitality, Marketing, Membership Development, Memorial Gifts, Missions, Preschool Liaison, Worship/Music, and Youth Ministry Teams, the Auxiliary Triple E, and the church staff.
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2013 Interfaith Partnership for Habitat for Humanity Build Northside Drive Baptist Church Work Days Many thanks to everyone who has signed up to participate in this year's Habitat for Humanity mission project. 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 2498 Verbena Circle NW, Atlanta, 30314. The home owner will be Jesica Harkness. Living with Jesica will be her 9-year old son, Jaden. For the last 8 years, Jesica has been employed by the City of Atlanta as a customer service representative. She is a graduate of Douglass High School, and she spends most of her time working and taking care of Jaden. Jaden is in the 4th grade at Atlanta Preparatory Academy. Jaden is an usher at church, sings in the choir and plays football. He loves math and even skipped a grade. Jesica has the support of her mother and aunt, both of whom live near her new home in Verbena. She is thrilled to be a part of the Verbena subdivision, to have a place to call her own and views this home as her family's future. Volunteers are still needed for several workdays. For more information, please contact Beth Laxton at 770.438.7963 or laxton2125@charter.net. Day 1 - August 24 (7 Volunteers) Day 2 - September 7 (16 Volunteers) NDBC Lead Day Day 3 - September 14 (4 Volunteers) Days 4 & 5 - not workdays for NDBC Day 6 - October 5 (4 Volunteers) Day 7 - October 12 (6 Volunteers) Dedication Day |
2013-2014 NDBC Children's Choirs
We are excited to see and hear each and every child at Northside Drive in choir this Fall! This year we will have 2 choirs; Cherub Choir and Celestial Choir. The Cherub Choir will be directed by Ms. Amanda every Sunday morning from 10:25-10:50 AM in the 2s and 3s Church School classroom (102). The Celestial Choir will be directed by Ms. Nicole every Sunday morning from 10:25-10:50 AM in the Chapel. The Cherub Choir is for all children ages 2 through Kindergarten. The Celestial Choir is for all children in grades 1-5. We have many fun things planned for this year. Join us after the Church School Kick-off on September 8, and invite your friends, cousins and grandchildren. For more information, contact Ms. Amanda at cherubchoir@northsidedrive.org or Ms. Nicole at celestialchoir@northsidedrive.org.
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 A Book on the Boundary:
A Study of Deuteronomy Led by Rev. Mike Gregg
September 11-November 20
@ 6:15 PM in Room 202
The Israelites are on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Moses delivers a pep talk to guide the people as they look ahead to their new lives as followers of the One God. Deuteronomy is a book on the boundaries. The reader is taken to the boundary of the land, the edge of the future of the Hebrew people, and the threshold of a new understanding of God. This study will explore the limits of the text while increasing our knowledge of God's law.
Chapters 1-4: The Spies and Remembering the Wilderness Journey
Chapters 4-6: The Ten Commandments
Chapters 7-11: Taking the Land, the Golden Calf, and the New Tablets
Chapters 12-26: The Deuteronomic Code: Worship, Diet, Leadership, and Identity
Chapters 27-28: Blessings and Curses
Chapters 29-30: Renewal of the Covenant and Exhortation to Obedience
Chapters 31-34: Joshua Becomes Leader, The Song of Moses, and Moses Dies
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| Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study
We meet weekly from 10:30-11:30 AM, beginning September 11, in the church's Conference Room. Right now, the plan is to go through Advent. 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 Sunday. Discussion is deep and wide and lively. All are invited.
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Northside Yoga 
Beginning September 11, YOGA will meet on Wednesdays at 5:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall with Amanda Gregg. The cost is $60 for a 6-week session or $13 per class for drop-in. Bring a mat, water, and small towel, and wear comfortable clothing. To make a reservation for a class session, email Amanda at mandayoga@gmail.com or visit www.northsidedrive.org. |
| Flower Ministry Team
Needed: Team members for Monday Flower Ministry
You may not know that Sunday's large altar flower arrangements are re-purposed into beautiful bouquets for our own Northside Drivers who are unable to attend services, or who are celebrating special events such as a new baby or a milestone birthday. This is an important person-to-person ministry of care for which we need your help.
Can you devote a Monday morning periodically (once a week, once a month, once in a while, once a year - your choice!) to come break down the altar arrangements into small arrangements (no talent required; vases provided) or deliver them? Men, women, families are all welcome---this is a wonderful way to show your love for each other.
The calendar of available dates is wide open and we're waiting for your call to claim a Monday for your own.
Call Nancy Davis at 404-252-9154 for more information or to sign up today.
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A Pastoral Prayer for Northside Drive
Vacationers & Travelers
O God of voyages and voyagers,
Thrill us with not yet discovered possibility.
Protect us with the 23rd Psalm's certainty.
Strengthen us when the destination still is distant.
Empty us of stress's poison.
Open us...vacate us...through Sabbath's vacation.
Rest us beside still waters and restore our souls.
Teach us through the strangely familiar.
Comfort us through the familiarly strange.
Befriend us through a stranger's kindness.
Connect us with the Holy Spirit's presence.
Keep us as we say daily The Lord's Prayer.
Heal us when tender feet weary.
Bless us when it is time to return...
For only by leaving, can we ever come home.
Amen
~ James E. Lamkin
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Church Week
SUNDAY, August 18, 2013 9:30 AM - Summer Church School 11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel 12:00 PM - Northside Kids: Family Lunches after Church 12:00 PM - Diaconate Meeting 7:00 PM - Young Adult Sunday Studies MONDAY, August 19, 2013 7:00 PM - Church Council TUESDAY, August 20, 2013 11:30 PM - ROMEOS WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2013 7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry SATURDAY, August 24, 2013 Habitat for Humanity Build |
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LABOR DAY WEEKEND
The Church &
Preschool offices
will be closed
in observance
of Labor Day,
on Monday,
September 2, 2013
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THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXTS
August 18, 2013
Genesis 1:26-31
Colossians 1:10-17
Mark 2:1-12
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PASTOR'S
CHURCH GROWTH
TIP OF THE WEEK
Watch for guests in the worship service; and afterwards, seek them out and introduce yourself to them.
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This Week's
TENDER LOVING
PRAYER
(TLP List)
Linda Clark
Aline Cofield
Bedford & Louise Davis
Nancy Davis
Ruth Dick
(Bruce Dick's mother)
*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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AUGUST
BIRTHDAYS
Lindy Welch - 1
Jack Isakson - 2
Sabrina Thomas - 2
Jim Lester - 3
Virginia Schwatel - 4
Nancy F. Davis - 5
Andrew Schwartz - 6
Sofia Tunon - 7
Sue McSwain - 9
David Bell - 9
Joyce Raley - 10
Carolyn Mahaffey - 11
Ella McIntyre - 11
Fay Brewer - 12
Terrell Kilgore - 15
Michael Fletcher - 18
Gary McAllister - 18
Beatrice Gregg - 19
Mark Bryson - 20
Isaiah Lewis - 23
Jo Hunter - 24
Susan Isakson - 24
Suzanne Barksdale - 25
Jack Fletcher - 26
Curt Tucker - 27
Michael McIntyre - 30
Elizabeth Sheeley - 31
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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. |
FAMILY LUNCHES
AFTER CHURCH
Join with other NDBC families for after-church lunches. Everyone is invited for a time of fun and fellowship together! Aug 18 - Fellowship Hall Potluck Oct 20 - Moe's Nov 17 - Zoe's Kitchen Dec 15 - La Parrilla For more information contact Amanda Gregg at amanda_agd@yahoo.com. We hope to see you there. Northside Kids 2013-2014 Calendar |
| 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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NDBC 2030
 NDBC 20.30 is a group for singles and couples in their 20's and
30's to come together for special events, social gatherings, Bible
studies, and mission work. We are an informal and casual group.
Even if you are not a member of Northside Drive Baptist, you are
invited and accepted. We are a group that explores life together
in hopes of learning more about ourselves, our place in the world,
and our connection with God. NDBC 20.30 is place to be honest
and a place to belong.
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UNPLUGGED
Young Adult Dinners
at HomeEvery First Friday Night at 7 PM Sharing food and friendship that feed our souls. Join us as we unplug from our busy schedules and gather for casual dinners at the homes of members of Northside Drive Baptist Church. Bring a side item or dessert and the main course will be provided. For more information, contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. Check the Young Adults event calendar on the website, Facebook page, or in print for a full list of dates. |
DINNER AND DISCUSSION
Young Adult Small Group Every Third Sunday at 7PM @ Central City Tavern The young adults of Northside Drive Baptist Church are invited to listen to the Homebrewed Christianity podcast at homebrewedchristianity.com and share their thoughts over dinner at Central City Tavern on Howell Mill. For more information, contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. Check the Young Adults event calendar for a full list of dates. |
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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 the church office at info@northsidedrive.org.
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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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GAS TURNED OFF FOR THE SUMMER!
May 31-September 3
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.
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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
to let us know.
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