by Rev. Michael Gregg  

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

     The summer Church School lecture series, "Questioning God: Difficult Doctrines of the Church," has expanded upon the challenging and energetic classes from last year's series, "The Future of the Church in a Changing World." Throughout the summer, skilled theologians, led by Dr. Graham Walker of McAfee School of Theology, have led a group of approximately fifty learners into some of the most difficult and perplexing doctrines of Christianity. We have wrestled with the problem of evil in the world, the impact of the humanity and divinity of Christ, and the expansive ideas surrounding creation and evolution. These aren't easy issues and many churches would rather not "question God." However, as an inquiring congregation, we have found that questioning our doctrines this summer has helped us build knowledge and grow our faith.

     It is important for us as inquiring minds to know what we believe and why we believe it so we can better live out and share our faith. I am grateful for the Summer Lecture Series, the knowledgeable teachers, and the really good questions being asked by inquiring church members.

"A Sight to See"

     Children wearing sunscreen-smeared faces hopped onto the church playground, eagerly plunging their hands into sand boxes. Boys jumped along playground forts in t-shirts and swim trunks. Girls ran around kiddie pools with hair pulled up into ponytails, splashing in the water.

     These images filled the air at the Kid's Ministry Family Picnic Lunch, hosted on our church grounds at the end of July. The huge magnolia tree shaded us from the bright, mid-morning, yellow sun. Eighteen adults conversed with one another as they relaxed on blankets and beach towels. Seventeen children created imaginary scenarios on the playground and with water toys.

     Breezes rustled green grasses and picnic napkins as we sat down to lunch. Some families chomped on homemade sandwiches, while others nibbled on Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. We shared brownies, cookies, and a strawberry-topped cake. After lunch, one-by-one, children popped up from picnic table seats as if they hadn't ceased their pre-lunch running.

     When the morning crept into afternoon, families drifted back home for well-earned naps. Even in their absence, their smiles and laughter lingered among the picnic tables. That day, our families gifted the church grounds with joy, friendship, and love. What a sight for that magnolia tree!

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. 

Sunday, September 7, 2014

in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM 

New Director of Children's Choirs

     Mary Lou Swann is excited to join the NDBC music ministry as Director of Children's Choirs. Growing up in North Carolina, Mary Lou sang in the children's choir program at First Presbyterian Church, Kinston. When not involved with church activities or musical theater, she could be found in the pool where she was a year-round competitive swimmer or at the piano bench practicing classic  al piano.

     Prior to being a teacher, Mary Lou enjoyed a 12-year career in marketing and sales with Disney Channel/ABC Cable Networks Group (Walt Disney Company).

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     At Northside Drive, Mary Lou will be overseeing the Cherub Choir (preschool/kindergarten), which will meet in room 103 and be directed by Amanda Gregg, and Mary Lou will personally direct the Celestial Choir (grades 1-5), which will meet in room 116. These choirs will begin rehearsing during the morning church school hour on Sunday, September 7. 

Sunday, September 7, 2014

    With the beginning of a new school year, churches and community organizations throughout the state have worked to ensure that children begin with materials needed for their classes. Northside Drive has been part of this effort. We helped provide items like paper, pens, composition books and even some book bags for the children involved in day camp and after school programs in Taliaferro County, Park Avenue Baptist Church (Grant Park area) and The Agape Center (Bolton Road area).

     The NDBC Missions Team collects supplies all year long so if you see seventeen cent notebooks, penny pencils, twenty-five cent composition books or closeouts on book bags, please consider making a purchase for Back to School 2015.

ENGAGE. ENRICH. ENJOY.     

Fall Wednesday Night Bible Study

Suffering and Glory: A Study of 1 Peter

 Led by Cyndi Vander Ven

September 10-November 19  

@ 6:30 PM, Room #202  

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.

September 14 - Uncle Maddio's

Sunday, September 28, 2014

12:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall

     Join us, following the 11 AM worship service on Sunday, September 28, for our annual anniversary luncheon. Melissa Bryson will again be catering the meal (menu pending). Cost will be $10 per person, with a $25 family cap. To make a reservation for the luncheon you may use the Welcome card attached to the Order of Worship, call the church office at 404-237-8621, or email your reservation to info@northsidedrive.org no later than Wednesday, September 24.

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      Following the luncheon we will meet briefly in the Chapel for a time of celebration and joy as we give thanks and dedicate the beautiful organ that Alan Johns has so graciously donated to the church.