NORTHSIDE NOTES - December 4, 2013
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Pastoral Reflections  By James Lamkin
A Portable Christmas
I once saw a Christmas tree tied to the back of a U-Haul truck. The truck sat in a cheap motel parking lot on a drizzly night next to the gritty zoom of a busy highway.
It was a humorous, grievous, yet hopeful, contrast. With Christmas only two days away, seeing transition so closely juxtaposed to tradition, moved me to say out-loud,
"Though we are no longer where we were;
when we get where we're going,
Christmas will meet us there."
Life, and particularly the life of faith, always will be a cycle of orientation, disorientation, reorientation, as Walter Brueggeman used to say. Continually, we let go, move on, settle down, plateau off, fall away, pick up, and move on again.
One of the Bible's great messages is that there is nowhere we can go, that God is not already there to meet us. It was the message of the angel at Jerusalem's empty tomb. It was the declaration of the heavenly host flapping above Bethlehem's "sore afraid" shepherds. It was the annunciation to young Mary that the trip she had packed for, had just taken a detour.
Holy Days and holidays are good days...but they are tough days. Grief has a way of hanging on them like hats on a hat rack. And if that is not bad enough, holidays, also, can be a U-Haul truck full of family conflict.
In my premarital counseling with couples, I often ask, "So, where are you going to spend your first Christmas together?" It's like squeezing a bruise that someone else has put there. Ah, the burden of transition and tradition!
When I saw the truck and the tree years ago, I myself, was in-between times. A divorce was still raw, and a new life had not yet been imagined. The rough places were a long way from being made plain.
And yet...a Christmas tree on a truck with out-of-state plates on a wet winter's night, was a remarkably hopeful thing. At least one family or one single dad or one single mom or one single person was not going to let a stuffed truck and a long-distance move crowd-out Christmas.
"Though we are no longer where we were;
when we get where we're going,
Christmas will meet us there."
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| Northside Artist and Craft Market
 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.
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Poinsettia Orders  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. |
| Advent Combined Adult Church School
December 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 9:30 AM
Located in the Art & Soul Room (#202)
Although a book of prophecy, Isaiah is also one of the most poetic books of the Bible and is read by people throughout the world during the season of Advent. With imagery such as the lion and lamb lying down together, the holy mountain of God, and streams in the desert, the words of Isaiah are woven together with great expectations of the life to come.
Dr. Karen Massey, Dr. Steve Sheeley, and Rev. Mike Gregg will follow the liturgical calendar and utilize the curriculum Great Expectations: Studies in Isaiah to explore four word pictures in Isaiah: Peace for God's People (Isaiah 2:1-5); Hope for God's People (Isaiah 11:1-10); Joy for God's People (Isaiah 35:1-10); and Promise for God's People (Isaiah 7:10-16).
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| "Listening to the Light"
2013 Seasons of Advent & Christmas
Northside Drive Baptist Church
1st WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 1
9:30 AM - Hanging of the Green Pre-Service Fellowship
in the Narthex
9:45 AM - Hanging of the Green Service
11:00 AM - Worship: "Listening to the Light of Hope"
Friday, December 6
7:00 PM - Young Adults Christmas Party
Saturday, December 7
9:00 AM - Holiday Market: Northside Drive Artists
2nd WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 8
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship: "Listening to the Light of Peace"
6:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 10
11:00 AM - Triple E - Christmas Party
Friday, December 13
10:30 AM - Preschool Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 14
9:30 AM - Children's Choir Rehearsal & Lunch
3rd WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 15
Gaudete Sunday
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship: "Listening to the Light of Joy"
Sanctuary Choir, Children's Choirs
and the Northside Drive Ringers
6:00 PM - A Baptist Moravian Lovefeast
7:30 PM - Youth Christmas Dinner
Tuesday, December 17
7:30 PM - Choral Guild Concert
4th WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 22
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship: "Listening to the Light of Love"
Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24
4:00 PM - Family Vespers
10:30 PM - Lessons, Carols, and Communion
1st Sunday of Christmas - Sunday, December 29
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship
EPIPHANY SUNDAY - Sunday, January 5
9:30 AM - Regular Church School Classes
11:00 AM - Worship
*Chrismon Pamphlets and Buckner Daily Advent Guides are available in the Narthex and also at www.northsidedrive.org.
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| Advent Gathering Pre-Service Music
This year our Advent/Christmas season is being enriched by a ten-minute presentation of pre-service music each Sunday morning during the month of December. Please plan to come to the Sanctuary at 10:45 AM, this Sunday morning, December 8, to hear beautiful music of the season wonderfully presented by the Children's Choir accompanist, Joel Stouffer.
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Triple E: "The Rest of the Story"  Organ Music in the Secular World With Jeff Harbin, NDBC Organist Tuesday, December 10, 2013 At 11 AM, in the Fellowship Hall Jeff will continue our education about organ music, speaking about and demonstrating organ music for venues such as theatres and sports arenas, as well as for jazz, soul, and rock n' roll. Meet us in the Sanctuary for the program and Christmas carols to celebrate the season. |
 Parent's Morning OutCelestial & Cherub Choirs Rehearsal
Saturday, December 14, from 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
Lunch will be provided. Kids 3 and under need to be picked up by 11:30 AM or accompanied to the lunch. Kids 3 and up will have choir rehearsal, craft time and games. Please RSVP to Nicole Harbin, nicoleharbin@yahoo.com or 770-365-6423. We need to have an adequate count to plan for child care as well as food.
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| Gaudete Sunday: A Service of Expectant Joy
Sunday, December 15, 2013, at 11 AM
Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western Church, symbolized by the rose candle on the Advent wreath. The day takes it name from the Latin word Gaudete ("Rejoice"), the first word of the intro of this day's Mass: Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. On December 15, at 11 AM, the Northside Drive Baptist Church music ministry will present a program of Advent Lessons and Carols, featuring the Sanctuary Choir, the Northside Drive Ringers, and the Children's Choirs. This Gaudete Sunday service will consist of familiar readings from scripture, interspersed with beautiful music of the Advent season.
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A Baptist Moravian Lovefeast  Sunday, December 15, 2012 at 6 PM, in the Chapel
The Christmas Eve Lovefeast, with its lighted candles, is one of the most beautiful services in the Moravian Church. In recent years, it has made its way into the hearts of a few Baptists too! Come and join us as the Youth and others lead in a service of simple Christmas joy. We will light beeswax candles, share sweet buns and coffee, hear stories of Christmas tradition, and sing our favorite carols. And in all of that, we will anticipate the cheer of Christmas Eve. It will be here before you know it!
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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. December 15 La Parrilla For more information contact Amanda Gregg |
Missions CornerChristmas Giving During the Christmas season, Northside Drive Baptist Church provides many ways for members to brighten the holidays for those in need. Through gifts of clothing, toys, time, and money, we share Christ's love in our community and around the world. Joyous Toys Christmas Store: Donations of new, unwrapped toys are due this Sunday, December 8. They will be delivered to Buckhead Christian Ministry so that parents can begin selecting gifts for their children. If you have questions, please contact Donna McLarty. 770-433-2771 Toiletries and New Clothing (unwrapped) for The Extension and the Barbara J Crafton Center: Please bring your donations by Sunday, December 15. Contact Rhonda Harris if you have questions. 404-731-6061 Giving Tree: Morningstar Children and Family Services: Please return the unwrapped gifts by Sunday, December 15. If you have questions, contact Barbara Atchley. 770-436-0709
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A Choral Guild Concert Carol Sing - Featuring the Lovinggood Middle School Chorus December 17, 2013, @ 7:30 PM in the Chapel A festive holiday program featuring many of your favorite carols of the season lead by members of the Choral Guild and the Lovinggood Middle School Chorus. The audience will sing along as we sing all stanzas of classic carols and favorite songs. Learn about the history and background of the songs you have sung for years that are such an important part of the season. Refreshments will be provided following the carol singing. Tickets are available at www.cgatl.org for $10 or at the door for $15 per adult, $12 seniors and $5 for students and children. |
Submit Your Pledge
for the 2014 Church Budget
through any of these Ways...
> 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.
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Church Week
SUNDAY, December 8 9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School 10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice 11:00 AM - Morning Worship 12:15 PM - Children's Ministry Team Meeting 12:15 PM - Finance Committee Meeting 1:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers 6:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Christmas Party TUESDAY, December 10 9:00 AM - Preschool Liaison Meeting 11:00 AM - Triple E (Gather in the Sanctuary at 11 AM, followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall) WEDNESDAY, December 11 10:30 AM - Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study 7:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY, December 13 10:30 AM - Preschool Christmas Pageant SATURDAY, December 14 9:30 AM - Children's Choir Rehearsal & Lunch |
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A Word About Bad Weather and the Church
 As a rule of thumb, we will not cancel worship services on Sunday morning except under the most extreme weather conditions. Members are urged to use their own good judgment as to whether they should attempt to make the trip. Should inclement winter weather cause the cancellation of a service, here is the plan:
1) The ministers and the moderator will make the decision.
2) The ministers and the moderator will notify the deacons.
3) The ministers will email all those on the church's email list, and place a notification on the church's voice mail (if electricity and phone service are available).
4) The deacons will call members who need to be notified, but do not have email.
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CHRISTMAS & THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
The Church and Preschool offices will be closed Tuesday & Wednesday, December 24 & 25, as well as Wednesday, January 1.
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THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
December 8, 2013
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
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PASTOR'S
CHURCH GROWTH
TIP OF THE WEEK
Tell two friends tomorrow what you like about the NDBC e-newsletter and email it to them.
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This Week's
TENDER LOVING
PRAYER
(TLP List)
The TLP is a Diaconate ministry. Each week's list contains the rotating names of three or four NDBC senior adults.
Wilton & Martha Looney
Dene Maltbie
John Powell
Virginia Schwatel
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In addition, this week we pray for...
Gordon & Billie Davis
If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call.
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DECEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Paxton Cooper - 1
Steven Sheeley - 2
Stacie Holloway - 2
Ali Jerden - 4
Mary Lester - 5
Susan Richards - 5
Hans-Luca Davis - 6
Jeannie Hearn - 7
Syd Janney - 7
Victoria Tunon - 7
Laura Butts - 7
Caleb Younger - 7
Sarah Li - 7
Lisa Barksdale - 8
Andrew Hardin - 9
Jack Guynn - 10
Ava Grace Cook - 10
Hunter Adams - 12
Elaine Eassa - 13
David Nelson - 13
Cristy Caldwell - 19
Charlotte Dalke - 20
Brian Hendrix - 21
Mike McIntyre - 22
Carol Younger - 22
Jenn Pittman - 23
Joan McIntyre - 24
Emma Chandler - 27
Bill Jones - 28
Mary Chance - 28
Amanda Gregg - 28
Ruth Trager - 28
Jeanne Goodwill - 30
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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. |
| ROMEOS
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12 PM-1 PM.
A time to visit with friends,
tell stories and eat good food (bring your lunch money)!
Piccadilly Cafeteria
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Northside Yoga
YOGA meets on Wednesdays @ 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 visitwww.northsidedrive.org.
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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. |
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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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. |
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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
to let us know.
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