By James Lamkin

     Hardy S. Clemons is a native of Lubbock, Texas, and a 1955 graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in education. He later earned bachelor of divinity and doctor of theology degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He did postdoctoral work at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich. From 1961 to 1967 he was senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Georgetown, Texas, and for the next 21 years he served in the same capacity at Second Baptist Church of Lubbock, Texas. In 1988 he became senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Greenville, SC, from which he retired in January 2000. Active in denominational and community affairs, he has been the moderator and a member of the executive committee of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and has taught at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Rüschlikon, Switzerland. He co-chaired the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs and is the author of Saying Goodbye to Your Grief, published by Smyth and Helwys. He is a member of the Community Foundation of Greenville. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Furman in 1994. 

An article on the 2014 NDBC

Budget Pledging Campaign

by Melissa M. Bryson

     I grew up in a family who sporadically attended church. We never went to Sunday School and I had absolutely zero connection to any sort of 'faith community.' As far as I knew, our only contribution was tossing a twenty into the collection plate every now and again.

     All of that changed when I walked in the door and sat in the pew at Northside Drive Baptist Church for the very first time. Although nearly 15 years ago, I remember it well. I remember attempting to walk out of the Sanctuary after the service and kind folks with big smiles and warm hearts greeting us. I remember wondering if someone had placed a sticky note on my back without my knowledge indicating we were visitors. I knew I was home the first time I arrived.

     NDBC is a faith community where everyone can know you by name. It is a faith community where you can trust to open your heart, be vulnerable, and question your beliefs amongst caring people who are eager to help you on your faith journey as they continue their own.

     NDBC is a place "wHERE" resources are shared generously, but more importantly---graciously. Whether you teach, organize, shepherd, build, visualize, knit, plant or cook---your talents, time and resources are graciously accepted and deeply appreciated by all. As a business woman, I get how the finances of an organization work but it took my husband to teach me the importance of pledging and committing our resources to the church. We think about our pledge each year and thoughtfully consider what we can contribute. I have found my niche in this community, and if you have not done so, I invite you to do the same.  

> 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 and ask for Rose (404-237-8621). 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.

    Per the September 30, 2014, NDBC Financial Report, the church's generosity is quite noticeable. Year-to-date offerings are $515,093.76 and reflect an increase of $47,860.84 (10.76 %) as compared to $467,232.92 for the same period during 2012. The Total Revenues for September 30, was $522,454.06 for this year, as compared to $473,593.61 at the same time a year ago. This represents an increase of $48,860.45 (9.70 %) over the same time period.

     Let us give thanks to God and to the generous folk of Northside Drive Baptist Church.

     During the week of November 11, The Preschool at Northside Drive Baptist Church will hold its 5th annual silent auction. Last year this event raised over $12,000 and was attended by parents, family and friends, Church members and Church faculty. Not only is the annual auction our main source of non-tuition funding for extracurricular activities, supplies and improvements to the school, but this year we have the task of replacing $28,000 worth of toys, supplies and pageant costumes that were recently ruined by extensive water damage.

     Please help us by collecting merchandise and services for our event. Feel free to contact our Auction Chair, Lauren Carroll, at lauren@bluedoorinteriors.com or 678-662-0002. We appreciate your support!  

TRIPLE E

Howard and Hilbert Margol

Tuesday, November 12

@ 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall    

"Who Do We Think We Are?"

By James E. Lamkin, Pastor

Sunday, November 17, 2013

@ 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall

    Since NDBC is a "different kind" of Baptist Church, we will walk through our history, vision, and role in the life of God in the world. For regularly attending non-members and new members.

Artist in the Narthex

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Gloria Smathers

     Gloria grew up in South Carolina and has lived in the Atlanta area for most of her adult life. Her uncle, deaf and mute, was a gifted oil painter and his encouragement and influence inspired an early interest in painting. After finishing school and starting a family she decided to pursue this early interest and her true love, painting. She was soon drawn to watercolor and the immediacy and transparency that it affords. She found a mentor and friend in another gifted watercolorist and fellow church member, Mary Williams.

     With Mary's encouragement, Gloria began to study and work with several locally known watercolorists including Helen Schneeburger, Dolores Kennedy, Karen Bradshaw, and Marie Matthews. She also worked with several nationally recognized artists including Charles Reid, Christopher Schink, and Judi Betts. She found Charles Reid's style embodied the watercolor features she most admired and his work has been the most influential on her painting. She has worked with Charles numerous times at various locations in Europe and the United States and continues to study with him whenever possible. In addition, Gloria has studied drawing at the Atlanta College of Art and botanical art at the Taos Art Institute.

     *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.

NDBC BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, November 20 

@ 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall

     A book review of If You Don't Like the Possum, Enjoy the Sweet Potatoes by John H. Hayes will be Tuesday, November 20, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Nancy Hall-Shelton will be the facilitator and Cyndi Vander Ven the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished.

re: Gun Violence

November 20, 7:30 PM

     The Temple and Trinity Presbyterian Church are excited to co-host a screening of the documentary Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence with a discussion afterward on Wednesday, November 20, at 7:30 PM, at Trinity. The entire community is welcome.

     Pam Driesell (Senior Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian), David Bartlett (Theologian-in-Residence), Matthew Ruffner (Associate Pastor, Mission Ministries)

November 24-December 8

     Our Annual Poinsettia Altar will be in place beginning Sunday, December 16, and remain through Tuesday, Christmas Day. While altar flowers are always given to the Glory of God, it's our tradition at Northside Drive to give poinsettias each Christmas also in honor/memory/thankfulness for our friends and family. We will begin accepting Poinsettia orders on Sunday, November 24. Each poinsettia plant is only $20, and order envelopes are available in the Narthex for your use (simply fill it out & drop it in the offering plate). Or call Rose Hidlay at 404-237-8621 with the number of poinsettias you wish to give, the memorial details, and mail your check to the church office. The deadline for orders is Sunday, December 8.

Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service

In the NDBC Sanctuary, at 6:30 PM

     The congregations of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, St. Anne's Episcopal, Northside Drive Baptist, New Hope A.M.E., Northside Drive United Methodist, Trinity Presbyterian churches and NDBC will join together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

In the NDBC Narthex & Sanctuary, at 9:30 AM

     The Worship and Music Ministry Team invite you to our annual Hanging of the Green Service Sunday, December 1. This is always a special service marking the beginning of the Advent Season. The service will take place at 9:30 AM in lieu of Church School, and will be preceded by a time of fellowship and refreshments in the Narthex. During the service we will reflect on some of the Christian components of the season, and special music will be shared as we decorate the Sanctuary. Plan to bring greens from your garden (holly, magnolia, evergreens, etc.) to help adorn our sacred space.

December 7, from 9 AM-4 PM

In the NDBC Fellowship Hall

     The Northside Artist and Craft Market celebrates the talent of local artists this holiday season. We will have dozens of vendors who produce their own artwork and crafts. The vendors are small businesses with products ranging from photography, paintings, handmade garments, high-end crafts, and woodworking items.

     At this time, the Holiday Market limits exhibits to hand-crafted items only. Completed items must be hand-crafted by the vendor. Applications to sell goods at the Holiday Market must be received by November 1st. Information packets will be sent two weeks before the Market. For more information, go to  www.northsidedrive.org or contact Shannon Moore at artists@northsidedrive.org. Market vendor application.  

Preschool Auction - November 10-15 

SUNDAY, November 10

  9:30 AM - Church School

10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

12:15 PM - Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting 

TUESDAY, November 12

11:00 AM - Triple E

  6:30 PM - Personnel Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, November 13

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

  5:15 PM - Northside Yoga

  6:15 PM - Deuteronomy Bible Study

  7:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal