NORTHSIDE NOTES
May 21, 2014   
.Pastoral Reflections
By Rev. James Lamkin

"All I Really Need to Know,  

I Learned in Handbells"

 

     This past Sunday's Holy, Holy, Holy and When the Saints Go Marching In marked the end of the handbell year. The bell choir will take the summer off to give our hand/eye coordination a rest.

     As I lay down my chimes and clappers for a season, here's what I learned and relearned in handbells.

     First, only I can ring my part. A Handbell Choir is a chorus of soloists. In a vocal choir, if I can't hit a high E, the guy next to me probably can. I have a back-up.

     But there's exposure to handbells. Like the run down the musical scale this past Sunday just before we smacked the last chord. My C came on beat three. If I miss it, it's like missing a stair step. It's not illegal...but the gap brings consequences.

     I believe the Holy Spirit builds the church. You've been recruited. Only you have the unique gift of "you" to bring to the Body of Christ.

     Second, we are in this together. One of the great challenges for our church is to simply be in the same place at the same time!

     We travel during the week. We travel on weekends. We travel out of Atlanta on the weekends to survive Atlanta between weekends. We travel on Saturdays to get done what we can't do traveling during the week. We travel in our commutes to work...so it's hard to commit to another commute on Sunday.

     This being true, at least 10 minutes of each week's rehearsal is about synchronizing our calendars. What a hassle! Out of an eight member bell choir, I bet there are only five Sundays out of fifty-two, when we are all in Atlanta on the same day, much less, all in the same sanctuary at the same time.

     Given the erratic calendars we keep (and that keep us), a lot of give-and-take is required around practice times, changing performance dates, and substitutes if any are available. My hat's off to our wrangler, Paul Fletcher.

     I'm saying it takes dedication.

     So does doing one's faith. It takes a village to help us stay at the hard work of living life faithfully. We are in this together.

     Third, there is a sweet, sacred agony in grateful accomplishment. It's like the story I tell for kids every Christmas Eve where ole' Barnaby the Juggler gives what he's got to God. And against all odds (even odd jugglers) a miracle happens and the stone statue of Baby Jesus quietly applauds.

     Like the markings in a handbell score, the spiritual life takes sustainability. LV means Laissez Vibrer. Make the sound and let it linger.

     The spiritual life takes assertive action, like a Martellato Lift, when the handbell ringer decisively strikes the table, and then raises the bell so it can sing-out.

     The spiritual life requires dimensionality, like a Tower Swing where the bell is moved backward and forward while the tone modulates like the changing pitch of a passing train.

     And when the handbell piece is rung-and-done, as when one's life is said-and-done, the tone dies out, but the song remains. And whether participant or witness, I am grateful. 

No Church School &
Coffee with the Clergy

     We will not have Church School on May 25 (Memorial Day weekend), July 6 (Independence Day weekend), and August 31 (Labor Day weekend). However, the clergy will have coffee and conversation waiting for you in the Parlor (Room 207) at 9:30 AM.

Mike's Memo
by Rev. Dr. Michael Gregg

What's Up, Doc?

 

     "What's up, Doc?" I hear that phrase a lot these days, especially accompanied with a Bugs Bunny accent. My response to that question is that I'm celebrating the completion of my Doctor of Ministry degree by reconnecting with my family, hobbies, and vocational passions. I am excited, exhausted, and very relieved. Also, my heart is full of joy and gratefulness for my family, friends, and the people of Northside Drive for surrounding me with prayers and emotional support.
     Another response to the question, "What's up, Doc?" is that I'm going on sabbatical soon. It's been seven busy years since I joined the Northside Drive family and you have graciously given me the gift of a sabbatical. I will spend September 8-November 29 resting, researching, and exploring my passion for congregational coaching. The term
coaching has been embraced and adapted by the emerging edge of the Christian community and is one of the new faces of Christian discipleship. The business definition of this process would be: "...an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations."

    I wish to pursue my passion regarding the practice of congregational coaching as a template for modern-day discipleship and for my own spiritual renewal. I will do this by studying coaching methods and tending to my professional growth by visiting church leaders and congregational coaches who are using this approach to facilitate local church leadership and transformation. The benefit will be my own spiritual development, a sense of rejuvenation, an improvement of my ministerial skill-set, and the opportunity to reinvest what I've learned in the promising future of NDBC.

     So, I relish the moments when someone asks me, "What's up, Doc?" because I get to answer with an overflowing excitement and love for NDBC who has supported my educational, vocational, and sabbatical endeavors. I am grateful for your generosity and this upcoming time of renewal, refreshment and research.

Church-in-conference

NDBC Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 6:45 PM      

     This Church-in-conference is Northside Drive Baptist's Annual Business meeting for 2014. This is your opportunity to be updated on the works of the Ministry Teams and Committees of the church. Come see and hear what's going on with NDBC church ministry programs!

Summer Church School 2014
 

"What are these things we believe and why?"

June 1-August 24 @ 9:30 AM

In the Fellowship Hall      

     Does prayer change God? What do we do when evil things happen? What is the Trinity? Is Jesus human or divine? Is Humanity evolved or created?
     These are some of the difficult questions we seek to know about God. Join Dr. Graham Walker, Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, and Dr. David Bell for a lecture series asking, "What are these things we believe and why?"
Missions & Music

Summer Church School

     Join us beginning June 1, for Summer Church School! On some Sundays, we'll learn music: songs about the Bible, silly songs, and fun instruments. Then, we'll switch to missions! We'll hear stories about the Smith family in South Africa and the Green family in the United States, plus crafts and meaningful activities. If you're a child in Preschool-finishing 5th grade, come learn Missions & Music! We'll meet in room #102 next to the nursery. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel at rachel@northsidedrive.org .

Touching Taliaferro with Love TTWL

June 15-20, 2014 

     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 who participate all five days, you are welcome for any amount of time that fits your work or family schedule. For more information contact Susan Harlan, Rhonda Harris, or Barbara Atchley.      

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.

  

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.  

Global Missions (Part II)

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

     The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), formed in 1991 is theologically moderate, invested in missions, supportive of theological education (such as The McAfee School of Theology), and interactive with social issues that concern Christians today. This year, the annual, international meeting of the CBF will be here in Atlanta, June 23-27, 2014. NDBC will be leading worship on Friday, June 27, 2:45-3:45 PM. You are invited!

     The CBF engages in holistic missions and ministries to be the presence of Christ across the nation and around the world by tending to the spiritual, physical, and social needs of individuals and communities, including some of the world's most neglected people.

Field personnel like Eddie and Macarena Aldape (parents of NDBC Director of Youth Ministries Alyssa Aldape) work among the Banjara people in India. The Banjaras, who fall low on the caste system in Indian society, number between 20 to 23 million in India but are often forgotten among the country's growing population of 1.1 billion. The Aldapes-and those they partner with-have found ways to bring the Banjaras and other marginalized peoples back into society. They work to meet physical needs through their connections with several medical clinics, and they also teach English classes and nutrition and health programs.

     "The Banjara are outcasts, so when we go and meet some of their needs they are very appreciative," Eddie said. "At the same time, they are very confused because they are not used to having someone take care of their needs. We offer hope, and they begin to feel they are valuable to God. What's made the difference is the gospel. They are able to see that they do matter."

     As a contributor to CBF Global Missions, Northside Drive partners with the Aldapes and more than 130 field personnel serving in remote villages and large cities in the U.S. and around the world.

Gas Turned Off for the Summer

May 5-September 2, 2014

     As a cost savings to the church of about $9,000, the gas is turned off in the Summer and turned back on in the Fall. This is part of the summer of savings program with Infinite Energy. We will have an electric water heater for use in the kitchen during those months. 
Summer in the Chapel

Summer Worship in the Chapel

Energy, Intimacy, & Hymnody

July 6-August 31, 2014

    Energy: We are lowering our utility expenses by moving into the Chapel this summer. This expression of stewardship is environmentally responsible.

    Intimacy: The Chapel is the church's original Sanctuary built in 1954; for many members, it is coming home. Also, the space encourages a close, friendly atmosphere.

    Hymnody: The choir is taking a summer sabbatical (so as to return rested in the fall), so we will be singing new and familiar hymnody from our hymnal, The Worshiping Church.

Church Week

SUNDAY, May 25

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

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

MONDAY, May 26 -- Memorial Day

 Church & Preschool Offices Closed

TUESDAY, May 27

  9:30 AM - Preschool Liaison Meeting

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 28

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

  5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

  6:45 PM - Church-in-conference

SATURDAY, May 31

  4:00 PM - Oppel/Sheeley Wedding

PASTOR'S WEDNESDAY
MORNING BIBLE STUDY

    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.
UNPLUGGED
Unplugged
Young Adult Dinners at Home

Saturday, June 7, at 7 PM

@ Jim & Mary Lester's Home

 Sharing food and friendship that feeds 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. 

Volume 6 - Issue 21 

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

The Church & Preschool offices will be closed Monday, May 26

in observance of  

Memorial Day.

THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT

May 25, 2014

Acts 17:22-31

1 Peter 3:13-22

John 14:15-21

HIGHLIGHTS
Coffee with the Clergy
Mike's Memo
Church-in-conference
Summer Church School
Missions & Music
TTWL
Northside Kids
Global Missions
Gas Off for Summer
Summer Worship
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.

Linda Clark

Aline Cofield

Bedford & Louise Davis

 
----------------

 In addition, this week we pray for...

Jon & Janet Bell 

Jeff & Faye Brewer  

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.

MAY

BIRTHDAYS

Kate Pearson - 1

Renee Gamache - 1

John Powell - 1

Laura Seay - 1

Caroline Singleton - 2

Angeline Wamberg - 3

Nicole Harbin - 4

Irwin Ray - 5

Aidan Collins - 5

Sienna Jerden - 5

Gene Ledbetter - 6

Francie Wamberg - 7

Melissa Lester - 7

Kendall Krebs - 8

Nathan Hermance - 9

Diana Strommen - 9

Gigi Collins - 10

Josh Maust - 10

Turner Warmack - 11

Garrett Ray - 11

Randy Korando - 14

Fulgencio Ferrer - 16

Susanna Schleicher - 17

Wilma Underwood - 18

Sam Egan - 18

Judy Schneider - 19

Avi Anantaraman - 21

James Maust - 21

Beth Singleton - 23

Amy Hurst - 23

Kenneth Dean - 25

Valerie Hardy - 26

Melissa Bryson - 26

Cameron Sardone - 27

Jay Mudd - 29

Eddie Jerden - 30

Jerry Poole - 30

Sandra Prince - 30

Amy Taylor - 30

Kristofer Schleicher - 30

Josh Davis - 31

Shannon Lee Moore - 31  

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 

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

 

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Renee Gamache
Northside Drive Baptist Church
404-237-8621