Holy Week
NORTHSIDE NOTES - April 2, 2014
Pastoral Reflection
By James Lamkin
 

"A Stole, a Shawl, and a Sacramental Send-Off"

 

     Two Sundays ago we blessed Liz and let her go. The congregation surrounded Chaplain Lt. Col. Liz Harris-Lamkin and sent her to serve in the Air National Guard for a few months on the other side of the world. The "sending" meant more to her and to me and to the congregation than I anticipated. It was a picture that was worth a thousand words.

     Ken Brant had suggested a blessing service to me months ago. Then, Ruth Kramedjian reinforced the idea. Also, Becky Shoaf helped us finalize the date.

     Baptists don't have the noun, sacrament, in our vocabulary. Sacrament gives too much power to an alleged saving action or event. Rather, we speak of ordinances like the Lord's Supper and Believer's Baptism. They are symbols or signs of God's saving actions which are larger than our attempts can hold.

     However, we can say that something is sacramental. For me, the adjective adds a quality of reverence. It notes that an action or a gift has a meaning bigger than our ability to control.

     Blessing Liz on the Third Sunday in Lent was a sacramental gift to us all.

     Standing before the congregation, she wore her military stole over her shoulders. It looked like the ones Mike Gregg and I wear each week in worship. But it was not purple or white. It was not red. It was military camouflage. And sewn onto the camouflage was a cross.

     But that wasn't all. After placing the military stole over her shoulders, Susan Harlan and Gail Hermance placed an NDBC      Prayer Shawl around her shoulders.

     The power of these compound symbols surprised me: one vertical, one horizontal. One, a symbol of what she was going to go do; the other, a symbol of who is sending her to go do it.

     Then, the tears.

     The tears were extra...lagniappe, we would say in Louisiana. They made for a spontaneous anointing.

     Today Liz leaves. Gone for six months. But like McArthur, she says she will return.

     I matters to me that your embrace will follow her all the days of her deployment. It matters to me that we could all stand in awe, aware of a cruciform moment when we were shaped by something sacred. It matters to me that we are spiritually sensitive to God's presence; and that even on a routine, sleepy Sunday morning, we could be overcome by grace and held in hope and sent forth in joy.

     A sacramental send-off, for sure.

Triple E Triple E

The Revitalized Andrew P. Stewart Center

Rev. Clayton Davis, Executive Director

April 8, @ 11 AM, in the Fellowship Hall

       NDBC has a long, loving relationship with the Stewart Center in Reynoldstown. Over the years we've been one of a small number of churches and individuals committed to sustaining the Center's important ministry to children in this underserved area of Atlanta. Within the last three years, Clayton Davis has worked miracles bringing new life, vision and energy to the mission of the Center, reinvigorating its work in Reynoldstown, and even expanding its reach to the blighted Pittsburgh neighborhood. Come hear the good news of the great work being done, and the future plans for the Center as it looks ahead to its 100th anniversary.

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.

  

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

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

Easter Lilies 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.

Church Council

        The next Church Council meeting will be Monday, April 21, 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 book club

April 16, at 1 PM, in the Fellowship Hall

       A book review of My Beloved World by Author: Sonia Sotomayor will be Wednesday, April 16, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Jane Fitzgerald will be the facilitator and Billie Davis the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished.

LifeSpan Resources LifeSpan

Spring Quarter begins April 10, 2014

        For fellowship, education and fun, come join us at Peachtree Presbyterian Church on Thursdays. Brochures will be available in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall in several weeks.

NDBC Kid's Ministry,
Holy Week & Easter
 

 

Children and Youth Waving Palms

Sunday, April 13, @ 11 AM Worship Service

     Attention all children and youth! Sunday, April 13, is Palm Sunday! We want you to help us praise Jesus in worship by waving palm branches in the air! Please meet Mr. Mike in the Narthex before the 11 AM Worship Service on April 13, to get your palm branches and instructions about waving them in the service. Bring a friend to Palm Sunday!

 

Donate Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday, April 20

     The children of the church and in the community eagerly anticipate the Easter Egg Hunt each year. Please donate 1-2 dozen stuffed plastic eggs for the event (no peanut products please). You may drop off the eggs at the church office during the week or in the Children's Sunday School room every Sunday until Easter.

 

Nursery Help for Easter Sunday

     Easter is one of the best opportunities to welcome guests and their children. In order to keep our nursery safe with an increased number of children during Easter Sunday Worship, the Children's Ministry Team needs you to volunteer to be in a preschool room or the nursery. Please contact Rachel Sherron for availability and more information.

 

Children's Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday, April 20, @ 12:15 PM

Front Lawn of Sanctuary

     Invite the children of your friends and relatives to come to Northside Drive's annual Easter Egg Hunt right after morning worship. Also, please donate 1-2 dozen stuffed plastic eggs to be used for the event. You may drop off the eggs at the church office or in the Children's Sunday School room on Sunday.

Good Friday Service

 

April 18, 2014 

"Noon Until Three"

The seven last words of Christ.

Homilies presented by NDBC members.

Jada Getsay

12:05 PM, "Father forgive them..."

Becky Shoaf

12:30 PM, "Today, thou shalt be with me..."

Steve Sheeley

12:55 PM, "Woman, behold thy son!"

Clay Manley

1:20 PM, "My God, my God why...?"

Tom Vander Ven

1:45 PM, "...I am thirsty."

Cyndi Vander Ven

2:10 PM, "It is finished."

Kenneth Dean

2:35 PM, "Into thy hands..."

Holy Week @ NDBC

 

Palm Sunday: April 13, 2014

     Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday. On this day we remember Jesus' "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. The Gospel writers vary on the timing of the event and even its meaning and scope. Some say cloaks were tossed on the road, others say "leafy limbs," and John's Gospel speaks of "palm branches".

     The 11:00 AM worship service will begin with a Processional Hymn as the children, youth, choir and ministers enter waving palm branches. It is a festive day, though a penultimate one. The joy of celebrating the Christ who reigns, will soon be followed by the juxtaposed image of the Christ who has come to die. The shadow of the cross reaches all the way back to Palm Sunday.

 

Passover Seder Service: April 16, 2014

     Every spring, our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate the Passover feast. It is an eight-day celebration, begun with the Seder, the Passover Meal. Passover is one of the high holidays-the most holy of days-in the Jewish year. It marks the single most important event in Jewish history, the Exodus from Egypt. And Passover is a joyous celebration. In that event, God delivered a people from oppressive slavery, and called them to be the people that would make this God known to the rest of the world.

     Celebrate the Passover Seder Service at Northside Drive on Wednesday night, April 16, at 6:45 PM in the Parlor. Remember, this is a symbolic ceremony, not the actual meal. Please make reservations through Renee Gamache at renee@northsidedrive.org or 404-237-8621.

 

Maundy Thursday: April 17, 2014

     The 6:45 PM service of Maundy Thursday in the sanctuary remembers Jesus' last supper with his disciples. To them he gave the commandment to "love one another." Thus, Maundy Thursday is from the Latin, Dies Mandati, or Day of the Mandate. In this quiet evening service we observe a solemn communion service at the rail and own the darkness within ourselves and our need for grace.

     It is a Northside Drive tradition to end the Maundy Thursday service with The Office of Tenebrae (Shadows). There are eight scripture readings. The candles in the Passion Cross and on the Chancel will be snuffed. The service will end in darkness.

 

Good Friday, Noon Until Three: April 18, 2014

     This is the most somber of all services. One Gospel writer comments that as Jesus died on the cross, "there was darkness from noon until three." Thus, the sanctuary will be open during this time for any who want to spend the afternoon in worship and reflection.

     The Noon Until Three service contains seven rhythms focused on the seven last words of Christ (a composite from the four Gospels). Each rhythm lasts about twenty minutes and includes a tolling bell, a scripture reading, instrumental music, a brief homily, a prayer, and silence. It is "come and go" or feel free to "come and stay".

 

Easter Sunday: April 20, 2014

     What a day of rejoicing it will be! On this day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The choir offers joyous and celebrative music; and before we go, as always, there will be a congregational singing of The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.

 

Easter Egg Hunt: April 20, 2014, @ 12:15 PM  

Easter at the Greggs'

     All college students and young adults who cannot go home for Easter are invited to Mike and Amanda Gregg's home for a potluck lunch following NDBC's Easter Worship Service and Easter Egg Hunt on April 20. Bring a side item or dessert to share. Contact Mike for more information. We look forward to spending Easter together.

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.

  

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.  

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.

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

Attention College and High School Graduates

     Do you know a church or family member who will be graduating from High School or College this year? If so, we would like to announce his or her accomplishments in the next issue of the Pinnacle and as an insert in the Order of Worship for Youth Sunday. Please submit a head shot along with the graduation date, school name, type of diploma, and their next step (education or work) by Monday, April 21. You may submit electronically to info@northsidedrive.org; mail to the church at the attention of Renee Gamache; or stop by the church during business hours. (Submissions after April 21, will only appear in post-Youth Sunday issues of the Pinnacle.) 

Church Week

SUNDAY, April 6

  9:30 AM - Church School

10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

12:15 PM - Diaconate Meeting

12:15 PM - Children's Ministry Team

  5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers

TUESDAY, April 8

11:00 AM - Triple E

WEDNESDAY, April 9

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

  5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

  6:45 PM - Lenten Worship Service

  7:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

SATURDAY, April 12

  9:30 AM - Northside Kids Parents Morning Out

Volume 6 - Issue 14

THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT

April 6, 2014

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Psalm 130

Romans 8:6-11

John 11:1-45

HIGHLIGHTS
Pastoral Reflections
Triple E
Lenten Wednesday Services
Easter Lilies
Daily Lenten Devotional
Church Council
NDBC Book Club
LifeSpan Resources
NDBC Kid's
Good Friday Service
Holy Week @ NDBC
Easter at the Gregg's
Northside Kids
Morning Bible Study
Women's Retreat
Youth Sunday Graduates
Church Calendar

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.

Wilma Underwood

Helen White

Miriam Wright

Nelle Holbrook

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

 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.

APRIL

BIRTHDAYS

Chance Cooper - 1

LeAnna Anantaraman - 3

Anne Hunt - 4

Linda Long - 4

Allen Abbott - 5

Dot Clark - 5

Greg Colson - 6

Jackie Mitchell - 6

Kay Braswell - 6

Allison Dick - 6

Letty Konenkamp - 8

Jennifer Sardone - 10

Mary Schwartz - 12

Brian Knight - 12

Zach Stines - 13

Robbye Taylor - 13

Suzanne Stearns - 13

Tim Whiffen - 14

Marjorie Rives - 14

Ken Brant - 16

Liam Collins - 16

Glenn Allen - 16

Daniel Moore - 16

Dick Houston - 17

Hardy Pickering - 17

Ryan McClure - 17

Wilton Looney - 18

Claire Maust - 19

Jada Getsay - 20

Heather Bongers - 20

Theresa Goriczynski - 20

Dave Wooten - 21

Patti Clark - 21

Simon Goodhead - 21

Floyd Carroll - 23

Noah Davis - 23

Gerry Humphries - 30

CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
children's choir

The Cherub Choir

Children ages 2 through Kindergarten

Directed by Ms. Amanda

Sunday morning from  

10:25-10:50 AM,  

in the 2s & 3s Church School classroom (#102).

 

The Celestial Choir

Children in grades 1-5

Directed by Ms. Nicole 

Sunday morning from  

10:25-10:50 AM in the Chapel.  

YOUTH ENCORE!
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
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.
DINNER AND DISCUSSION
Homebrewed
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 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.

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.

 

YOUNG ADULT
20.30


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
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.

stained glass book

 

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.

wifi

Wi-Fi is available
in the educational building
as well as the Fellowship
Hall and youth area.
The network is:
ndbcwireless
The password is:
northsidedrive.

NORTHSIDE NOTES

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Northside Drive Baptist Church is affiliated with

the Alliance of Baptists and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

 

CBF logo 2   CBF logo
Renee Gamache
Northside Drive Baptist Church
404-237-8621