November 23-December 7

     It has long been our tradition at Northside Drive to give poinsettias each Christmas in honor/memory/thankfulness for our friends and family. This year our annual Poinsettia display will be in place on Sunday, December 14. After the service on December 14, you will be able to take your memorial Poinsettia home to enjoy throughout the Christmas season. Each Poinsettia plant is $20. Order envelopes are available in the Narthex for your use-simply fill it out & drop it in the offering plate. Or call Rose Hidlay at 404-237-8621 with the number of Poinsettias you wish to give, the memorial details, and mail your check to the church office. The deadline for orders is December 7.

*U.S. tax regulations do not allow us to offer contribution credit for Easter & Christmas plants because the plants are returned to the giver.

Submit YOUR pledge FOR

THE 2015 CHURCH BUDGET

through any of these ways:

   1- You can return your pledge card by "snail mail".

   2- You can pick up a pledge card at the door of the church office, fill it out on the spot, and leave it in the envelope on the Business Manager's (Rose Hidlay) door.

   3- You can pick up a pledge card in the Narthex, fill it out and drop it in the offering plate (or hand it to an Usher).

   4- You can call the church office (404-237-8621), ask for Rose, and tell her your pledge (or even leave her a voice mail).

   5- You can e-mail your pledge to Rose at rose@northsidedrive.org.

   6- You can pledge via our website (www.northsidedrive.org) by clicking on the "Giving" link on our home page.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

In the NDBC Narthex & Sanctuary, at 9:30 AM

     You're invited to our annual Hanging of the Green Service Sunday, November 30. This is always a special service marking the beginning of the Advent Season. In lieu of Church School we will gather in the Narthex at 9:30 AM for fellowship and refreshments followed by reflections on the season and special music as we decorate the Sanctuary. Plan to bring greens from your garden (holly, magnolia, evergreens, etc.) to help adorn our sacred space.

     Parents: This will be a family-friendly service. Children will be invited to carry greenery into the Sanctuary, hang Chrismons, and gather around the tree for a special song with Kurt Thomas. Childcare will also be provided for up to age 5; however, we hope all parents will bring their children to this special service.

"Now Thank We All Our God"

     Over the next several weeks, our church's children are scheduled to participate in the worship services to offer music, vegetables, and garlands as reminders to us of the beauty of the season and of God's many blessings. As the twenty-four children of the Cherub Choir and the Celestial Choir rehearsed together recently to prepare their songs, I thought of the many things about our church for which I am grateful. Thank you, God, for these sweet children and their faithful parents who bring them to Church School and to Children's Choir each week. I also appreciate the talents of Cherub Choir leader, Amanda Gregg, and our accompanist, Joel Stouffer, who share their gifts of time and music with us. Our beautiful Celestial Choir room was lovingly offered by a group of our church men who so kindly relocated their Sunday meetings so that the growing children's choir program would have a room in which to rehearse. We love our new room! I am also thankful for the supportive staff, Church School teachers, and volunteers who help behind the scenes and during choir time. We love it when you sing with us. For the church leadership and the congregation who pray for us each week, we thank you so very much. We feel your support.

     As our children offer their musical gifts in November and December, I will continue to thank God and each of you for your support of the children's choirs at NDBC.

 by Paul Fletcher

Advent 2014 Music

November 30 - Joel Stouffer, piano

December 7 - Dixie McClure, violin

December 14 - Jenn Knight, violin

December 21 - Parker Holloway piano

December 28 - Alan Johns, organ

     Our major musical event in December will be the annual service of lessons and carols which will occur on Gaudete Sunday, December 14, at 11 AM in the Sanctuary. Featured will be familiar readings of the season from scripture, congregational participation through the singing of familiar hymns, and much music provided by the Sanctuary Choir, the Northside Drive Ringers, and our children's choirs. Our musical ensembles have been working overtime to prepare for this presentation, which is always one of the highlights of our Advent/Christmas celebration.

    The anticipation of Christmas will culminate on Christmas Eve with the presentation of two worship services in the Sanctuary. The 4 PM service will be our children's service, with our children's choirs singing and Kurt Thomas singing and playing his guitar, and the 10:30 PM service with communion will be presented in candlelight, with the Sanctuary Choir singing several selections.

"Musical Members"...New Faces and Talent

December 9 @ 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall

    We will have a musical treat for you to celebrate the holiday season. Due to uncertain schedules as we go to press, we will just have to surprise you! We can promise it will be lots of fun!

Joyous Toys Christmas Store--Buckhead Christian Ministry

Toiletries and New Clothing--The Extension

     Located in Marietta, The Extension provides support to men and women who are in counseling to overcome addiction. A home for men and another for women provides extra support to those clients who are homeless. Contributions of toiletries (hotel or regular size) and NEW clothing, towels, and blankets will help these men and women in transitional programs experience the hope and joy of Christmas. Please return the NEW UNWRAPPED items by December 7.  

     Contact: Susan Harlan 770-377-3869.

Giving Tree--Morningstar Children and Family Services

     For many people Christmas is a time filled with memories of family, bountiful meals, and cherished gifts. Imagine the holidays for a child who is removed from family and for whom family may hold few positive memories. Through the Giving Tree, we can help the children in Morningstar's residential care feel the love and joy of the Christmas season. Take a tag from the tree and return the UNWRAPPED gift to the church by December 7.  

     Contact: Barbara Atchley 770-436-0709.

     Many, many thanks to the Northside Drivers for making The Preschool 6th Annual Auction a huge success! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to fellow church member and preschool parent, Bess Goodhead, who tirelessly devoted her time and talents to the auction. We also wish to thank those church members who generously donated items and purchased items from our event. In this holiday season, The Preschool is grateful for the support of Northside Drive Baptist Church!

SUNDAY, November 23 --- Poinsettia sales begin!

  9:30 AM - Church School

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

  5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers

  6:30 PM - Community Thanksgiving Service  

                  @ Trinity Presbyterian

TUESDAY, November 25

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

  7:15 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

WEDNESDAY, November 26

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

THURSDAY, November 27

 Church/Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

FRIDAY, November 28

 Church/Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

     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.