"The Soaring Spirit"

     Red spheres dotted the horizon as the children squinted, laughed, and pointed upwards at their balloons soaring into the Pentecost Sunday sky. Pentecost celebrates the birthday of the Church and it was quite a celebration. The children, youth, and their families began the Pentecost parade that morning by waving rings wrapped in red, yellow, and orange ribbons during the processional at the beginning of worship. Then the kids gathered for the Time with Children and eagerly listened as I told them about the importance of th  e color red as the symbol of a fiery spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit as God's breath into a lifeless Christian community turning it into a living Church. Then, after the worship service, we gathered on the steps at the entrance of the Narthex with our red balloons grasped in tiny hands. We thanked God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the love of Christ in our lives, and the power of God in NDBC and the Christian community. We then yelled "Happy Birthday!" and released our balloons into the warm Pentecost air. Our wonderful children are the perfect symbol for the life we experience at NDBC. Their presence in worship makes my spirit soar, just as it should on Pentecost Sunday.

From the Touching Taliaferro with Love Mission Team

   THANK YOU to the Meeks, Konenkamps, and Rhonda Harris for sharing your Lake Oconee homes with the Taliaferro County mission team. Your generosity provided tired workers with serene settings where we could revive our spirits and bodies in preparation for another day with 55 very active children. We sincerely appreciate your valuable contribution to the success of the 2014 Touching Taliaferro with Love mission trip.

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Ladies of the Church, Mission Committee Needs You!

     We would like to provide "cosmetic bags" loaded with goodies to the women at the Barbara J Crofton Center. Please bring in any new, unused cosmetic bags (Estee Lauder, Clinique, etc.) to the church by August 3. Collection basket will be in the Narthex. Gift bags will be delivered to the women on August 16. Contact Mona Stines at 404-936-8812 with any questions.

MISSION OPPORTUNITY      

"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.

Children's Summer Church School

June 1-August 24, from 9:30-10:30 AM 

     We meet in room #102 next to the nursery. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel at rachel@northsidedrive.org.

     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.

Notes from the NDBC Preschool

     Come join the fun at The Preschool with your fellow Northside Drivers! The next school year begins on August 18, 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 11 AM, or contact the Preschool office at 404-237-9060. Visit our website:  www.ndbcpreschool.org. 

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.

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

August 17 - Shane's

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. 

 NDBC Women's Spiritual Retreat 2014

BE STILL AND KNOW:  

LISTENING FOR GOD IN THE MIDST OF LIFE

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).  

Call Patti if you have questions: 678-428-7898.