"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like..."

     Something is wrong with my calendar. It says that Thanksgiving Day is here, November is nearly over, and next Sunday is the first day of Advent.

     Can't be! Surely, this is an error. Where did September and October go?

     Yet, 'tis true. The Holy Seasons will soon descend upon us, bringing to each of us a question: "What do I need to do to make this a good holiday season?" The question owns our responsibility for our own spirituality. We don't just sit and wait for Santa to slide down the chimney. We are not passive recipients or victims or spectators as the season's parade rolls by us or over us. We are to be watchful.

     Watch for God to come to us. Watch as God "happens" all around us. Watch for God to meet us at Bethlehem's manger, but also watch for God in Buckhead management meetings.

     The Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season is God-saturated; but if we are not watching, we are likely to plod through it distracted and disappointed. Thank God, grace will happen to us; but as the old song says, "...let every heart prepare Him room." In our watching, we prepare.

     At the starting line, the Hanging of the Green, we pray for open hearts. We set aside our blinders and our nose-to-the-grindstone modus operandi. We waken and watch and wonder and worship.

We wish one another a happy Thanksgiving; and we begin our march to the manger. We will arrive knee-deep in wonder. We will. You watch and see.

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.

     With the Advent/Christmas season right around the corner now, things are very busy in the music ministry at NDBC. Our Sunday morning worship services during this season will be blessed once again this year by ten minutes of pre-service music, provided by members of the congregation.

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

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.

"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!

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.

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.

Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 11 AM

     Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western Church, symbolized by the rose candle on the Advent wreath. The day takes it name from the Latin word Gaudete ("Rejoice"), the first word of the intro of this day's Mass: Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.  

     On December 14, at 11 AM, the Northside Drive Baptist Church Music Ministry will present a program of Advent Lessons and Carols, featuring the Sanctuary Choir, the Northside Drive Ringers, and the Children's Choirs. This Gaudete Sunday service will consist of familiar readings from scripture, interspersed with beautiful music of the Advent season.

Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 6 PM

     The Christmas Eve Lovefeast, with its lighted candles, is one of the most beautiful services in the Moravian Church. In recent years, it has made its way into the hearts of a few Baptists too! Come and join us as the Youth and others lead in a service of simple Christmas joy. We will light beeswax candles, share sweet buns and coffee, hear stories of Christmas tradition, and sing our favorite carols. And in all of that, we will anticipate the cheer of Christmas Eve. It will be here before you know it! 

     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.

2014-15 Concert Series

     The mission of Choral Guild of Atlanta is to program the outstanding choral works from all musical periods, including works that are not often performed. See George Taylor for ticket information. NDBC member ticket price is $10.

SUNDAY, November 30

  9:30 AM - Hanging of the Green Pre-service Fellowship

  9:45 AM - Hanging of the Green Service

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

  5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers

TUESDAY, December 2

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

WEDNESDAY, December 3

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

  5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

  7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry

  7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY, December 5

  7:00 PM - Young Adult Event