By Rachel Sherron

NDBC Kids Summer Fun and Learning

     We're excited about the fun events going on with our NDBC Kids! Here's a peek at what's going on lately!

     Our kids are learning lots of neat lessons in our "Missions and Music" Summer Church School Series. Amanda Gregg fantastically leads in songs and musical instruments. Kids get to learn about God and music while building friendships with one another.

     For the first time in a few years, our Bible story lessons are focusing on missions! In June, we learned about the Smith family in South Africa. Each week, kids completed pages for their "Prayer Books" to remind them that they can serve others, too. Benjamin and Louisa Schleicher colored in their Prayer Books even after they arrived home! In July and August, we're studying the Green family and their ministry among immigrants in Houston, Texas.

      On July 26, we'll be splishin' and a'splashin' at our Northside Drive family picnic lunch! We'll cool off in water activities, then eat our picnic lunches together. It'll be a summery time of fun with kids and their families.

     The Church School Kick-Off will be here before we know it! We're looking forward to celebrating the growth of our kids with significant promotions. Mark your calendars for this event on September 7.

     Last but not least, please be in prayer for our Children's Ministry Team as we continue to evaluate our Children's Ministry. We're currently conducting parent surveys for feedback on how we're doing and how we might improve. This is a challenging, yet optimistic time of discernment for our Children's Ministry. 

By Alyssa Aldape 

     This past week the NDBC Youth Group---or as I like to call them, "NDBC Youthie Youths" attended Passport Choices Camp in Charlotte, NC. We loaded up the rental and headed north on I85 to Queens University. The three of us were a bit nervous, but excited to see what the week had in store.

     I hoped the boys would make friends, have inside jokes with other kids, and the other usual camp rituals by week's end. More importantly I hoped that it would be a week of spiritual encouragement and awakening---maybe even a surrender to ministry...but no pressure...there's always next year. ;)

     The theme for Passport this week was "Follow the Road." The youths learned what it means to be a follower of Jesus on their own roads and what it means to share the journey with others through the twists and turns of life. The kids had a great time learning new dances, making new friends, and learning more about themselves and their spiritual journey.

     Parents and other adults would be proud to know that each morning Triston and Terrell started the day with morning devotions and a bug spray/sun block combo spray down. No West Nile or Sunburn on my watch!

     If you see Triston or Terrell, ask them about their week at Passport and be sure to congratulate Terrell on making camper of the week!

     This summer we will continue our discussion on prayer as a spiritual practice and the different ways we can pray.

     In the midst of summer activities and travel, be sure to keep our youths in your prayers. Pray that they find rest and motivation to gear up for the school year ahead. 

"What are these things we believe and why?"

June 1-August 24 @ 9:30 AM

In the Fellowship Hall 

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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.

Summer Church School

June 1-August 24

9:30-10:30 AM 

     Join us for Summer Church School! Beginning July 13, we'll learn about CBF Field Personnel Butch and Nell Green in Houston, Texas. Butch and Nell live in community with international families. On other Sundays, Mrs. Amanda will lead us in fun music! If you're a child in Preschool-finishing 5th grade, come learn Missions & Music! We meet in room #102 next to the nursery. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel at rachel@northsidedrive.org .

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. 

             July 20 - Moe's   

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

     NDBC will honor the tradition of "the laying on of hands" as we ordain three new deacons. David Cook, Jane Lamkin, and Cyndi Vander Ven will be ordained during the morning worship service in the NDBC Chapel on August 10.

     As has been our tradition over the last several years, all of the congregation will be invited to participate in this time of blessing, celebration, and "setting-apart" for ministry.

Sunday, August 17, 2014, there will be a parent, child, church dedication for Sydney Eleanor Johnson and her family, Scott & Jill Johnson and big sister, Maggie, during the 11 AM worship service.

Notes from the NDBC Preschool

     Come join the fun at The Preschool with your fellow Northside Drivers! The next school year begins on August 19, 2014. Limited spaces are still available. Church members receive a discount on tuition. Interested in learning more about the program? Come to our Open House on Friday, August 15 at 11am or contact the Preschool office at 404-237-9060. Visit our website:  www.ndbcpreschool.org. 

Northside Drive Baptist Church Work Days

A copy of the complete work day schedule can be found in the Chapel entrance hallway or online at http://www.northsidedrive.org. 

     It's time to sign up! We have a wonderful leader and a topic that speaks to all busy women who spend so much time serving others; you need time away to refresh yourself, to remember God and the person God made you to be. Grab a friend from NDBC or outside the congregation or come on your own. You will be personally nourished and feel more connected than ever to the strong, faithful, fun-loving women of our church. We welcome everyone...except men. Sorry.

NDBC Women's Spiritual Retreat 2014

BE STILL AND KNOW:  

LISTENING FOR GOD IN THE MIDST OF LIFE

     We all long to be refreshed, but busy complex lives distract us from the voice of God. How can we be more mindful of God's faithful presence with us and the inherent holiness of life? Join us for our Women's Spiritual Retreat where we will have the opportunity to encounter ancient and modern spiritual practices. Explore and learn with our community of faith-filled women and on your own in an inviting natural setting. Let your sacred curiosity and grounding be enlarged as God invites holy aliveness in each person in both rest and activity, in both silence and sound. Perhaps there is a new way of LISTENING AND SEEING awaiting you.

     Our retreat facilitator, Barbara Dolan Meinert, D.Min., is a spiritual director/companion with 30 years' experience in this calling she loves. A mother of three and grandmother of seven, she feels blessed to journey spiritually with individuals and groups and to conduct retreats and workshops.

DATE: September 12-14, 2014

LOCATION: Unicoi State Park near Helen, GA (two-hour drive from Atlanta)

     Saturday -- Session two in the morning, then a free afternoon to sleep, hike, watch football, visit, shop in lovely downtown Helen...or whatever you want to do. Session three is in the evening after dinner.

     Sunday -- Breakfast, then our last session/worship and off we go.

FEE: $250 for a double, $360 for a single with all room, meals, materials, leader expenses included. Scholarships available through the Adult Education Committee. Call Mike Gregg (all confidential).  

     A $100 deposit is due now. Make your check to NDBC and mail it to Patti Clark, 3000 Rivermeade Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327. Call Patti if you have questions: 678-428-7898.