By James Lamkin

What We Did on Our Summer Vacation...

     The first day of school always brought a knot to my stomach. Perhaps it was an allergic reaction to the unwelcomed bouquet of blue jean dye, fresh pale green paint, Butch Hair Wax, and sharpened pencils made by the Blackfeet Indians. Probably, my lunch of Vienna (the "i" is long) Sausages and mayo didn't help. Also, I was just a nervous kid.

     Each year school started, not with a bell, but with a question. "What did you do on your summer vacation?"

     Eventually, the discipline of the summer retrospective grew on me. Call it, an acquired taste. Thus, in the spirit of a pastoral chronicler, I offer a page from my post-summer reflections.

     The incredible Church School class on The Future of Faith in a Changing World was a joy!

     Some 60-odd (some odder than others) gathered weekly to hear an all-star, prophetic line-up. From Gregg to Garber, from Nash to Bell, from McSwain to McSheeley,...there wasn't a clunker in the bunch.

     They saw with clarity and spoke with authority. Nostradamus would be jealous.

     Here is a short list of take-away's: First, the attendees had a common experience and learned a common language for talking about an uncommon future. Bless his heart, Mike Gregg has been trying to tell us that the equator had been moved; but it took Rob Nash to convince us of it.

     Second, I think the notion of church as something you "go do," rather than a place you "come to," began to sink in. Then again, NDBC may have been a pacesetter in the "not need to come to" category.

     Third, Larry McSwain told us the truth. We are a commuter church. Try to get from Phipps Plaza to 3100 Northside Drive on Wednesday night, and you'll become a believer.

     Fourth, God has changed the church's complexion. Literally. Look around on any given Sunday. Watch your language about them and us. They are us! So how do we attend to our great joy over new numbers of people, while attending to the natural tension that emerges?

     Fifth, all of the speakers were big on God; and believe that God is up to something big. During the last century we sang, "We've a story to tell to the nations," but the next 100 years we need to sing, "The nations have a story to tell us!"

     I am grateful that my colleague, Rev. Mike Gregg our Minister of Educational Life, gets this...and has taught me this. Mike was the summer's cartographer.

     God's adventurous wind is blowing. We must trim our sails, weigh anchor, and follow the stars.

     A century from now, historians will reflect on the choices of Northside Drive Baptist Church and they will say, "During a transitional time for Christianity they were remarkably courageous. How did they do that?"

     Some of the answer may be: It is what we did on our incredible summer vacation.

     We will not have Church School on September 1, 2013 (Labor Day Weekend). However, the clergy will have coffee and conversation waiting for you in the Conference Room (Room 211) at 9:30 AM.

Paul Fletcher, Director of Music

2013 Interfaith Partnership for  

Habitat for Humanity Build

Northside Drive Baptist Church Work Days

    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

Sunday, September 8, 2013

in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM

With Dr. Jim Mahaffey

September 10, @ 11 AM

In the Fellowship Hall

     Jim, a nuclear engineer, research scientist, and writer, will explain, in his usual accessible and entertaining way, the largely inexplicable Higgs Boson, or God Particle, and its implications for scientists of the future...and the rest of us. Don't miss it! 

     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.

Sabbath Rest Silent Retreats

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

at Ignatius House
     Please join me for a wonderful afternoon of time alone with God, beginning at noon on Wednesday, September 11. We meet for lunch and then share time together to welcome a time of prayer and rest before God.

     Registration is easy by following this link http://bit.ly/RlbHQC . Scholarships are available for those that cannot afford the $22.00 registration fee. Simply email me by return mail. Lunch and a generous amount of resources are provided so you only need bring yourself. 

Becky Shoaf

404-358-7760

www.sabbath-rest.com   

http://bit.ly/OGsfN2   

  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.  

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

September 14 @ Noon

     Join us at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday, September 14. Bring a picnic lunch at 11 AM to Grant Park. We'll hop in line for the zoo at noon. For more information, contact Rachel Sherron at  rachel@northsidedrive.org.  

SUNDAY, September 1 - Labor Day Weekend

  9:30 AM - Coffee with the Clergy, No Church School

11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel

MONDAY, September 2

  Labor Day: Church Office Closed

TUESDAY, September 3

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

WEDNESDAY, September 4

  7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry

  7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY, September 6

  7:00 PM - Young Adult Event

SATURDAY, September 7

  Habitat for Humanity Build

Sundays -- 9:30 AM-10:30 AM

BABIES AND CHILDREN

Nursery: (Room 100)

     The nursery at Northside Drive is a safe space where children can learn and play. Our childcare workers have many years of experience and dedication serving, loving, and teaching the children of Northside Drive. Please bring a diaper bag filled with your child's diapers, snacks, and clothes.

    Teacher(s): Maria Cox and Lynda Day

Twos and Threes: (Room 102)

     Through Church School at Northside Drive, younger preschoolers are given a place to learn, play, sing, and pray in order to grow up to be the people that God created them to be. From the earliest age, this preschool class provides a safe space for children while teaching them about God's love. Younger preschoolers will participate in Cherub Choir practice during the Church School time.

     Teacher(s): JB Gilbert and Flora Carswell

Fours and Fives: (Room 101)

     Sunday School for older preschoolers is a balanced mix of free and structured time with planned activities and age-appropriate Bible lessons. Each week the children will open their spirits and their minds to God's love for them. Older preschoolers will attend the Cherub Choir practice in the 2s and 3s Church School classroom.

     Teacher(s): Virginia Gilbert and Rotating Teachers

School Age Children: (Room 204)

     This class uses the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum designed especially for a children's Children's education program where four or more age groups are taught in one classroom. The teachers tailor their lessons to the individual children with whom they work. Students grow together through comprehensive Bible study, application of Bible lessons to everyday discipleship, and a variety of age appropriate activities.

Teacher(s): Susan Harlan and Rhonda Harris

CHILDREN'S MUSIC

Cherub Choir: (Room 102)

     The Cherub Choir is for ages 2 through Kindergarten and meets weekly on Sunday mornings from 10:25-10:50 AM. The focus of this choir is to introduce Bible songs and simple hymns to the children. The children will learn to play musical instruments. This choir sings in worship approximately eight times between the months of September and May. For more information, contact Amanda Gregg at cherubchoir@northsidedrive.org.  

     Director: Amanda Gregg

Celestial Choir: (Chapel)

     The Celestial Choir is for children in Grades 1-5 and meets weekly on Sunday mornings from 10:25-10:50 AM. The focus of this choir is to introduce elements of worship, liturgical seasons, and familiar hymns. This choir sings in worship approximately ten times per year between the months of September and May. The music is oftentimes enhanced with hand chimes or hand bells. For more information, contact Nicole Harbin at celestialchoir@northsidedrive.org.

     Director: Nicole Harbin

YOUTH

Youth: (The Conference Room)

     Youth Church School strives to be an organic spiritual experience in the ordinary contexts of church and daily life. The group integrates a wide array of topics and disciplines into a learning environment that nurtures spiritual maturity. The big picture goal: to ready students for a life of thoughtful and engaged Christian faith. The youth will also participate in the Acolyte program and lead in the worship service.

     Teacher(s): Brian Knight

ADULTS

Allen-Davis Class: (Room 116)

     This church school class is for middle-aged to senior men who are seeking an informal yet informative class experience. The class will explore the New Testament General Epistles in the Fall and selected Psalms in the Spring.

     Teacher(s): Larry McSwain

Fellowship of Parents: (Room 207)

     While open to all, this community consists mainly of tired parents who long for an hour of adult conversation about how to live out their faith as a partner, parent, and progressive Baptist in a busy and changing world. The curriculum will include Bible studies, book studies, and theological topics. The class will begin with a study of the "hard sayings" of Jesus-those difficult and meddlesome things that leave us scratching our heads or wishing he hadn't said that.

     Teacher(s): Kristofer Schleicher, Karen Perry, David Cook, and Marie Cook

Art & Soul Class: (Room 202)

     This class of mixed ages and stages emphasizes Bible study through a variety of resources. The year will begin with three lessons on the General Epistles, the conclusion of a study begun last spring. In October and November the class will study the lectionary texts through the Feasting on the Word curriculum, followed by a special Advent study. The spring semester will feature a mixture of lectionary study, Lenten focus, and intense examination of a book of the Bible.

     Teacher(s): Dan Oakley and Cathy Wooten

     Community Leader(s): Barbara Atchley

Friendship Class: (Room 205)

     In the Fall the class will begin with the study of Jude, followed by Titus, otherwise known as the "little books." The class will also learn a new spiritual practice each month beginning with Silence. Other topics will be studied such as "changing places" and the "death of a spouse." Advent and Lent will consist of special studies. Every member of the class helps to choose the curriculum.

     Teacher(s): Mary Ann Hickman

Roger Williams Class: (Room 201)

     Named for a seventeenth century Baptist champion of religious liberty, this group surveys the development of Christianity by examining the thought and faith of dozens of especially influential persons and their writings. This class will focus primarily on the book of Genesis and will utilize Bill Moyers' Genesis: A Living Conversation as the central text. Any adult-age participant is welcome.

     Teacher(s): Mary Lester