NORTHSIDE NOTES - March 12, 2014

Pastoral Reflection

By James Lamkin

"Where Your Treasure Is..."

A week ago today was Ash Wednesday; and we listened in the Chapel as Alyssa read the Gospel lesson. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," Matthew 6:21.

I thought of this "treasure text" this morning as I read the AJC story: "$600,000 in Tithes Stolen from Joel Osteen's Megachurch."

It could have been worse, the article said. Only the money from that weekend's services was in the safe. So it was only $600,000.

Several things about that strike me as interesting. You probably can guess at least seven. The eighth one is that many of us Northside Drivers do on-line giving. This way, once a month, a check comes from Liz and my account and many of yours, and goes to the church. So, there's less cash to count...but plenty of generous giving by generous givers.

Also, the story reminded me of about ten years ago when we had a Sunday afternoon break-in at Northside Drive Baptist Church. The alarm company called Nancy Anderson, our Business Manager, and she came straight away.

As she and the security folk entered the building, the would-be thieves must have scampered out the back.

They were "would-be thieves" because the burglars must not have been the brightest bulbs on the tree. When Nancy walked into the hallway, she found keys strewn all over the place. Since all sorts of people come through the building (vendors, delivery persons, transients, folk needing directions, preschool families, church members, and suspicious-looking clergy) it was obvious that the thieves knew of the Key Box.

The Key Box has about 100 keys labeled: Front, Back, Audio, Closet, Office, Desk, A/C, etc. In fact, the key that the crooks broke-off in the Business Office door was labeled: Library.

It didn't take Sherlock Holmes to get the picture. Thinking that a labeled key would make it easy to find a heaping pile of cash from the morning's offering, the thieves tried the KEY BOX.

In fact, they tried all the keys in the Key Box!

Thing is, we have no idea what those keys fit. Perhaps they fit NDBC in the 50's and 60's, or some other building. It is like a columbarium for misfit keys.

Bottom line: I think it pure genius! The burglars foolishly thought the labels were correct, took the time to read every one of them, then tossed them on the floor, and when the cops showed-up they were done fiddling, so they fled the scene.

No money was stolen; however, some damage was done to Nancy's door (probably out of frustration).

Come to think of it, the church house is not where our treasure is. Our treasure is where our heart is.

As I looked around the full room of NDBC retirees at yesterday's St. Valentine plus St. Patrick's Day Banquet...as I heard much laughter...as I saw much celebration when Gerry Humphries arrived and Gordon Davis raised his hands in victory and Linda Clark smiled...as we thanked God for the gift of this good day and these good lives...I realized where our heart is. It is not in the safe where "thieves try to break in and steal." Our hearts are with one another. Amen.

Lenten Wednesday Services

A Lenten Journey of Storytelling...

In the Chapel at 6:45 PM (Childcare Provided)

This Lenten Series will offer theological reflection, spiritual connection, scripture, song, and storytelling. The "testifier" each Wednesday night will tell stories relating their spiritual life, and how God's story connects to our stories. Come and join in the narrative of God and God's people as we walk through Lent's shadows all the way to Easter's light.

March 12 ... Alyssa Aldape (Song & Story), plus Alan Johns, pianist

March 19 .. Dr. Larry McSwain, plus Valerie Waters, pianist

March 26 .. Dr. David Bell; plus Joel Stouffer, pianist

April 2 ...... Dr. Karen Massey; plus Jenn Pittman, violinist

April 9 ...... Kurt Thomas (Song and Story)

A Good Cup of Coffee Mike Gregg 09

By Mike Gregg

I remember loving and needing coffee in my first full-time ministry position. We had a staff break room where the finest in instant "no name" coffee was brewed. Although it was my lifeline every morning, it wasn't "good" coffee.

We have "good" coffee at Northside Drive. It is good because it tastes good, obviously. It tastes good because of the Rwandan beans. It is also good coffee because a member of the church lovingly grinds the whole beans practically every week. It is good coffee because Land of a Thousand Hills helps grow good coffee trees and takes good care of farms and farmers.

Here is a good story of why NDBC buys Land of a Thousand Hills Rwandan coffee:

"I wanted to share with you a little bit about one of our farmers, who at 64 years old is still taking care of about 470 coffee trees, Rwakabuga Andrew.

Andrew is a coffee farmer from the Huro region of Northern Rwanda. At 6,250 ft. in elevation, Huro features a beautiful landscape of mountainous terrain that is perfect for growing superior coffee, which is the primary crop farmed in this area. The coffee is then processed at our Ruli Mountain coffee washing station, before it is exported to our roastery, where it is artisan roasted in small batches.

Coffee has had a deep impact in the entire Huro region. Like Andrew, who has been able to support his seven children, other farmers and families in Huro are receiving a sustainable income for their crops, children are receiving education, and hope is being found. We have had the blessing of partnering with this great community through our Ruli Mountain coffee washing station, as we continue to provide you with a better cup of coffee that is truly doing good.

As you enjoy our coffee, you are enjoying the fruit of great passion and hard work; from the farmers' hands to yours. This week as you enjoy your cup, stop and remember the amazing people like Andrew who work hard to give you their very best!"

This is good work produced by good hands. I am proud to be a part of a church that seeks to drink a good cup of coffee.

The A Cappella Choir

Thursday, March 13, 7 PM @ Dunwoody UMC

The Baylor A Cappella Choir is the premier choral ensemble at Baylor University. Selected by competitive audition, the 60-voice choir performs a wide variety of musical styles. In the fall of 2006, the choir performed for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and also performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in the spring of 2007. The Baylor A Cappella Choir has also performed for the Texoma Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the College Band Directors Association, and the prestigious National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in San Diego.

2014 Diaconate/Committee/Ministry Team/Church Moderator Nominations

The Nominating Committee is eagerly seeking church members who have time and talents to share in the on-going ministries and programs of NDBC. Please consider where you can best invest your time and talents.

The sign-up for our Ministry Teams begins this Sunday, March 16, in the Narthex following the Worship Service.

Please remember to make nominations for persons to serve on the Diaconate, Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, and as Church Moderator. Forms are available for you to make your nominations, and the form can be returned to one of the designated boxes.

All nominations are due by Sunday, March 30, 2014.

Easter Lilies: March 16-April 13 LILY

Our personal and community histories have been enriched by our family and friends, both past and present. At Easter, the Flower Ministry Team provides you an opportunity to make a tangible expression for gratitude with Easter lilies on Easter Sunday. Your $20 donation in memory or celebration of loved ones makes this memorial possible. Please sign up on the Easter envelopes provided in the Narthex, or send your money to Rose in the church office with your dedication information included. Please respond by April 13. For more information see a Flower Ministry Team member.

Kathy Harris, Chair

*U.S. tax regulations do not allow us to offer contribution credit for Easter & Christmas plants because the plants are returned to the giver.

Daily Lenten Devotional

Dr. Steve Sheeley will be writing devotionals through the Lenten season. If you would like to be on his email list and receive his musings, you may email him at ssheeley4@comcast.net. May the longings of this Lenten season lead us to the resurrected Christ.

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.

March 16 - Shane's

April 27 - Uncle Maddio's
June 15 - Zoe's
July 20 - Moe's
August 17 - Shane's
September 21 - Uncle Maddio's
October 19 - Zoe's
November 16 - Moe's
December 21 - Shane's

For more information contact Amanda Gregg at amanda_agd@yahoo.com.

A Note of Thanks

Many thanks to the NDBC Diaconate, Staff and its church members for the gifts you have bestowed upon me and my family as we prepare for my first grandchild. You all have cared for my family and me as one of your own; and I thank God for you.

Blessings,

Renee Gamache, NDBC Admin. Assist.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would like to thank you all for the cards, flowers and phone calls after my recent accident. Northside Driver's are the best!

Thank you!

Rose Hidlay, NDBC Bus. Mgr.

Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Wednesdays in 2014

@ 10:30 AM, in the Conference Room

We meet weekly from 10:30-11:30 AM, 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 Sunday. Discussion is deep and wide and lively. All are invited.

Church Council*

The next Church Council meeting will be Monday, March 17, 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, and the Auxiliary Triple E.

NDBC Book Club

March 19, from 1-2:30 PM

In the Fellowship Hall

A book review of The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig will be Wednesday, March 19, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Robbye Taylor will be the facilitator and Anne Raymond the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished.

28th Annual Women's Retreat

April 25-27, 2014

Blue Boar Inn

Robbinsville, North Carolina

SPACE IS LIMITED

For more information: Joyce Wilson (770)773-3333

joyceowilson@starband.net

Missions Corner TTWL

Touching Taliaferro with Love: June 15-20

It's time to sign up for our summer mission trip! Since 2007, Northside Drive has led a week of Vacation Bible School/summer camp in Taliaferro County, one of the poorest and most neglected areas of Georgia. Supported through individual churches and the Georgia Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, TTWL provides summer camp activities for children in first through fifth grades.

If you can tell a Bible story, direct a craft activity, lead in recreation, or guide a group of lively children from one activity room to another, then there is a place for you to share your talents and love with the children in Taliaferro County. While it's great to have volunteers for the entire week, you are welcome for any number of days that fit your work or family schedule.

For more information contact Susan Harlan, Rhonda Harris, or Barbara Atchley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andrew P. Stewart Center

Church Family,

Thank you very much for your generous contribution to the Andrew P. Stewart Center. Your gift will help ensure quality after school programming for 40 elementary school children. We are so grateful for your support and partnership and look forward to continued partnership in 2014.

Thank you,

Megan Warley, Program Director

Church Week

SUNDAY, March 16

9:30 AM - Church School

10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

12:00 PM - Northside Kids Family Lunch

5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers

7:00 PM - Young Adult Sunday Studies

MONDAY, March 17

7:00 PM - Church Council

TUESDAY, March 18

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

12:00 PM - ROMEOS

WEDNESDAY, March 19

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

1:00 PM - NDBC Book Club

5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

6:45 PM - Lenten Worship Service

7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry

7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

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.

Volume 6 - Issue 11

THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT

March 16, 2014

Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John 3:1-17

HIGHLIGHTS

Pastoral Reflections

Lenten Wednesday Services

A Good Cup of Coffee

The A Cappella Choir

2014 Nominations

Easter Lilies

Daily Lenten Devotional

Northside Kids

A Note of Thanks

Morning Bible Study

Church Council

Book Club

Women's Retreat

Missions Corner

The Andrew P. Stewart Center

Church Calendar

Birthdays

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.

Linda Clark

Aline Cofield

Bedford & Louise Davis

----------------

In addition, this week we pray for...

Gordon & Billie Davis Jack & Joey Guynn

If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call.

MARCH

BIRTHDAYS

Jim Mahaffey - 1

Jo Meeks - 1

Janet Bell - 2

Virginia Gilbert - 2

Parker Holloway - 2

Jordan Clark - 3

William Chandler - 3

Raymond Jones - 7

Ginger Cooper - 7

Laura Foushee - 7

Caroline Sisk - 12

Wendy Overton-Ervin - 14

Lora Hawk - 14

Benjamin Cadaret - 15

Aline Cofield - 16

Charley Joyner - 18

Jane Fitzgerald - 18

JL Jerden - 19

Vanessa Johnson - 19

Jim Barksdale - 20

Harper Bell - 21

Don Wamberg - 24

Dan Oakley - 26

Raj Anantaraman - 27

Calvin Dalke - 29

Walter Grant - 30

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

1715 Howell Mill Rd

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
shawl

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.

NORTHSIDE YOGA
Yoga logo

YOGA meets on Wednesdays @ 5:30 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, small towel, and wear comfortable clothing. To make a reservation for a class session, email Amanda at mandayoga@gmail.com or visitwww.northsidedrive.org.

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.

UNPLUGGED

Young Adult Dinners
at Home Every First Saturday Night at 7 PM

Saturday, April 5, at 7 PM
@ Barbara Atchley's Home

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.