Holy Week
NORTHSIDE NOTES: April 1, 2015 
Pastoral Reflections 
 by Rev. James Lamkin

"Jesus, Easter, and Waffle House"

 

     Several years ago, I wrote about Jesus showing up at Waffle House on Easter Sunday.

     A week later I received a letter from the CEO of Waffle House along with an official Waffle House jacket. The following week, I got another letter, this time with a Waffle House umbrella.

     Turns out that his friends and NDBC Trustees, Wilton Looney and John McIntyre, had each sent the article to him.

     Not long after that, John crossed the Jordan. He died during the season of Easter. We still miss him. In memory of John, here is that article from long ago....

     "If heaven ain't a lot like Waffle House, then I don't wanna go." That should be country music song! Grill-sizzling ambiance, plus generous hospitality reminds me of home...and maybe of church.

I go for breakfast at Waffle House about once a month. I take my Lipitor. I bring my journal. I sit on my pew. But, why?

     First, I like being called "Hun." "Welcome to Waffle House, hun," they say at the door. "What can I gitcha, hun?" I'm asked at the counter.

     Second, I can pronounce the meals on the laminated menu; plus, it can double as a placemat.

     Third, my order is shouted-out with full-throttle twang, texture, and confidence: scattered, capped, smothered, and all the way!

     Why should employee dialogue be discrete and confidential? The slam/bam conversations season the food. It's homespun dinner theatre. When Lamkin men cook, we always do so with sound effects: a cacophony of hollering, burning, boiling, and pot banging.

     If Jesus Christ were to get himself resurrected from the dead this week, he would head straight for the double-wide, yellow-rimmed building. He would blend in with the regulars: sulking disciples, absentee apostles, burned-out preachers, a few smoky firemen, and some weary women who bear the weight of the world on their shoulders.

     Watch for him on Easter. As sure as the world, he'll be on a stool at Waffle House, nail-scarred by the wounds of life. A puffy-eyed waitress named Mary will greet him. She's cried all weekend because a good friend died.

     Years later she'll tell of this Easter. She'll tell of the stranger's fresh scars and familiar voice---the one who called her by name, "Mary." She'll tell of his stack of waffles, his cup of coffee, and a side order of bacon. Years later, when she tells the story, she'll say, "It was a lot like...communion." 

Holy Week










Holy Week @ NDBC  

 

April 2: Maundy Thursday - 6:45 PM, A Service of Tenebrae

     The 6:45 PM service of Maundy Thursday in the Chapel remembers Jesus' last supper with his disciples. To them he gave the commandment to "love one another." Thus, Maundy Thursday is from the Latin, Dies Mandati, or Day of the Mandate. In this quiet evening service we observe a solemn communion service at the rail and own the darkness within ourselves and our need for grace.

     It is a Northside Drive tradition to end the Maundy Thursday service with The Office of Tenebrae (Shadows). There are eight scripture readings. The candles in the Menorah and on the Chancel will be snuffed. The service will end in darkness.

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April 3: Good Friday - "Noon Until Three"

The seven last words of Christ.  

Homilies presented by NDBC congregants.

     This is the most somber of all services. One Gospel writer comments that as Jesus died on the cross, "there was darkness from noon until three." Thus, the sanctuary will be open during this time for any who want to spend the afternoon in worship and reflection.

     The Noon Until Three service contains seven rhythms focused on the seven last words of Christ (a composite from the four Gospels). Each rhythm lasts about twenty minutes and includes a tolling bell, a scripture reading, instrumental music, a brief homily, a prayer, and silence. It is "come and go" or feel free to "come and stay."  

 

Steve Sheeley...12:05 PM, "Father forgive them..."

Mary Ann Hickman...12:30 PM, "Today, thou shalt be with me..."

JD Granade...12:55 PM, "Woman, behold thy son!"

Alyssa Aldape...1:20 PM, "My God, my God why...?"

Karen Massey...1:45 PM, "...I am thirsty."

Dan Tatum...2:10 PM, "It is finished."

Jill Johnson...2:35 PM, "Into thy hands..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 5: Easter Sunday Worship - @ 11:00 AM

     What a day of rejoicing it will be! On this day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The choir offers joyous and celebrative music; and before we go, as always, there will be a congregational singing of The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. 

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April 5: Children's Easter Egg Hunt - @ 12:15 PM

Front Lawn of Sanctuary

     Invite the children of your friends and relatives to come to Northside Drive's annual Easter Egg Hunt right after morning worship.

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April 5: Easter Brunch at the Gregg's Home - @ 1 PM 

     All college students and young adults who cannot go home for Easter are invited to Mike and Amanda Gregg's home for a potluck lunch following NDBC's Easter Worship Service and Easter Egg Hunt on April 5. Bring a side item or dessert to share. The Gregg's address is 2346 Thomas Rd, Atlanta GA 30318. RSVP to mike@northsidedrive.org. We look forward to spending Easter together.

Northside Kids
& Easter
 

 

Donate Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt

     The children in our church and community eagerly anticipate the Easter Egg Hunt every year. Please donate 1-2 dozen stuffed plastic eggs (no peanut products) for the event. You may drop off the eggs at the church office during the week or in the Children's Sunday School room every Sunday until Easter.

 

Nursery Help for Easter Sunday, April 5

     Easter is one of the best opportunities to welcome guests and their children. In order to keep our nursery safe with an increased number of children during Easter Sunday Worship, the Children's Ministry Team needs you to volunteer to be in a preschool room or the nursery. Please contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org for availability and more information.

Dedication for Joseph Hartwell Cassata 

     Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, there will be a dedication for Joseph Hartwell Cassata and his parents, Marc & Elizabeth (Dew) Cassata, at 10:20 AM, in the Chapel. Grandparents are Hartwell & Susan Dew. 

Parent, Child, Church Dedication

     Sunday, April 12, 2015, there will be a parent, child, church dedication for David "Reid" Cook, III, and his family, David & Marie Cook, and big sisters, Ava Grace & Addie, during the 11 AM worship service.

Alliance of Baptist Gathering Schedule

Friday, April 17

   8:30 AM.....Registration Opens

   9:00 AM.....Alliance of Baptists' Multicultural Training

                      Workshop by RJM Community 

  11:30 AM.....Box Lunch and Community Gatherings

                      **Note: Friday lunch with be provided on site,

                      contrary to info on registration page

    1:00 PM.....Workshop Session I

    2:30 PM.....Break, Exhibits, Snacks

    3:00 PM.....Annual Meeting: Part I

    4:30 PM.....Worship I: Paco Rodes, preaching

Saturday, April 18

    8:30 AM.....Registration Opens

                      Children/Youth meet for trip to Berea Farm 

    9:00 AM.....Bible Study with Karen Thomas Smith

  10:15 AM.....Break, Exhibits, Snacks

  10:45 AM.....Workshop Session II

  12:00 PM.....Box Lunch, Community Gatherings,  

                      and Birthday Cake for Bridges of Hope

    1:30 PM.....Annual Meeting: Part II

    3:15 PM.....Worship II, Rusudan Gotsiridze, preaching

Sunday, April 19

    9:30 AM.....Bible Study with Karen Thomas Smith

  11:00 AM.....Worship III: Mahan Siler, preaching

Please Join Us for a Luncheon in Celebration of

Gerry Humphries' 100th Birthday!

Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 1-3 PM

In the NDBC Fellowship Hall

     We will enjoy a delicious lunch and great fellowship around the tables as we celebrate a century of life experiences, grace, and gratitude for this wonderful woman in our church family. Please bring a story about Gerry to share AND an extra written copy to hand to Gerry before you speak, so that she can enjoy every word you say.

     If you can't make lunch, come between 2:15-3 PM for birthday cake and to give Gerry your best birthday wishes. We can't wait to celebrate this incredible and sweet lady with you.

     RSVP for lunch or for cake to Renee in the church office: 404-237-8621 or renee@northsidedrive.org . Thanks! 

Serenbe Farms: Sustainable Organics

2015 CSA Sign-Up

(Community Supported Agriculture)

Chattahoochee Hills, GA

     Serenbe Farms is a 25 acre certified organic herb, vegetable and flower farm located in the Serenbe Community in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. The farm's primary goals are to grow the highest quality organic produce, to provide hands-on education and meaningful recreation for people of all ages and to give back to the community. You can find Serenbe Farms produce at the Serenbe and Peachtree City Farmers Markets, multiple CSA drop-off's from Serenbe to Atlanta and many farm-to-table restaurants-now including Northside Drive Baptist Church.

 

Purchase a Share and enjoy...

  •  Once a week distribution of freshly picked vegetables, fruits and herbs, for up to 30 weeks in the spring, summer and fall.
  •  Newsletters during the season filled with recipes, farm updates, upcoming events, and food storage tips.
  •  CSA shares will vary with the season, ranging from 4-20 pounds a week, with a minimum of 30 servings of vegetables for full shares.
  •  When you become a member of Serenbe Farms, you receive our commitment to growing the freshest, healthiest food for you and your family.

     To sign-up for the 2015 CSA season and reserve a share visit the NDBC Sustainability page on our website, or for more information you may also contact info@serenbefarms.com or visit www.serenbefarms.com.

Church Week

EASTER SUNDAY, April 5

  9:30 AM - Church School

10:20 AM - Dedication of Joseph H. Cassata

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

12:15 PM - Easter Egg Hunt

  1:00 PM - Easter Lunch @ the Gregg's

EASTER MONDAY, April 6

Church/Preschool offices closed

TUESDAY, April 7

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

WEDNESDAY, April 8

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

  5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

  7:15 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Volume 7 - Issue 13

EASTER WEEKEND
The Church/Preschool
will be closed
April 6, 2015
in observance of
Easter Monday
THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
April 1, 2015
Acts 10:34-43
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Mark 16:1-8 
HIGHLIGHTS
Holy Week @ NDBC
Child Dedication
Alliance of Baptist Gathering Schedule
Save the Date
Church Week
NN Archives
Paperless Pinnacle

This Week's

TENDER LOVING

PRAYER

 (TLP List) 

 

 The TLP is a Diaconate ministry. Each week's list contains the rotating names of three or four NDBC senior adults.

Betty Almeida

Reidar Bjornard

Ken Brant

----------------

 In addition, this week we pray for...

 

Jon & Janet Bell 

Jeff & Faye Brewer  

Gordon & Billie Davis Jack & Joey Guynn

 
If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call.

APRIL

BIRTHDAYS

Chance Cooper - 1

LeAnna Anantaraman - 3

Anne Hunt - 4

Linda Long - 4

Allen Abbott - 5

Dot Clark - 5

Greg Colson - 6

Jackie Hardin - 6

Kay Braswell - 6

Allison Dick - 6

Letty Konenkamp - 8

Jennifer Sardone - 10

Mary Schwartz - 12

Brian Knight - 12

Zach Stines - 13

Robbye Taylor - 13

Suzanne Stearns - 13

Tim Whiffen - 14

Marjorie Rives - 14

Ken Brant - 16

Liam Collins - 16

Glenn Allen - 16

Daniel Moore - 16

Dick Houston - 17

Hardy Pickering - 17

Ryan McClure - 17

Wilton Looney - 18

Claire Maust - 19

Jada Getsay - 20

Heather Bongers - 20

Theresa Goriczynski - 20

Dave Wooten - 21

Patti Clark - 21

Simon Goodhead - 21

Floyd Carroll - 23

Noah Davis - 23

Gerry Humphries - 30 

NORTHSIDE KIDS

Family Lunches  

after Church

 Join with other NDBC families for after-church lunches once a month. Everyone is invited for a time of fun and fellowship together! Watch the church calendar for dates and for more information contact Amanda Gregg at amanda_agd@yahoo.com.


YOUTH ENCORE!
 
LUNCH AFTER CHURCH
The NDBC Youth meet every 2nd Sunday after church to have lunch together. For more information contact the church office at info@northsidedrive.org
UNPLUGGED
Unplugged

Young Professional---aka Young Adult Dinners  

(Every 1st Saturday at an NDBC member's home.)

Sharing food and friendship that feeds our souls.

Join us as we unplug from our busy schedules and gather for casual dinners at the homes of members of Northside Drive Baptist Church. Bring a side item or dessert and the main course will be provided. For more information, contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. Check the Young Professional event calendar on the website, Facebook page, or in print for a full list of dates.

 
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL (aka Young Adult) SMALL GROUP

Dinner, Drinks, 

& Discussion

Every Third Sunday  

at 7 PM

The young professionals of NDBC are invited to a time of casual conversation and dinner at a local Atlanta restaurant. We will share vibrant theological discussion while exploring the pub and restaurant scene. For more information, contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. Check the young professionals event calendar for a full list of dates.

PASTOR'S
WEDNESDAY
BIBLE STUDY

 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.

NORTHSIDE YOGA
Yoga logo
with Amanda Gregg

Wednesdays @ 5:30 PM, in the Fellowship Hall


Join us
on Wednesdays, March 4-April 15, @ 5:30 PM, in the Fellowship Hall, for Yoga at Northside Drive. Participants will experience a mind-body workout that improves well being, athletic performance and mental acuity in people of all ages and fitness levels. The class format is multi-level (Beginner-Intermediate) and will accommodate varying levels of physical fitness.

     You will need to bring $13 per class ($60 for a 7 week session), a Yoga/Pilates mat, a bottle of water, and a small towel. Participants should wear comfortable, form-fitting fitness apparel. Free childcare is available in the church nursery. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amanda Gregg, Certified YogaFit Instructor at mandayoga@gmail.com.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
shawl
Led by Susan Harlan

Every 1st & 3rd

Wednesday

@ 7 PM in the Parlor

Come join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month, at 7 PM, in Room 207, the Parlor, to knit or crochet a prayer shawl. If you are not sure how, no problem, there will be plenty of people to help you get started. This group is open to anyone who would like to join! For more information call Susan Harlan at 770-377-3869.  

ROMEOS
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12 PM-1 PM. A time to visit with friends, tell stories and eat good food (bring your lunch money)!


Piccadilly Cafeteria  

1715 Howell Mill Rd 

stained glass book

 

THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS BOOK

A copy of the book is in the Narthex for previewing and the cost is only $30. To get your copy, call us at 404-237-8621 or email the church.

wifi

Wi-Fi is available
in the educational building
as well as the Fellowship
Hall and youth area.
The network is:
ndbcwireless
The password is:
northsidedrive.

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Northside Drive Baptist Church is affiliated with

the Alliance of Baptists and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

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Renee Gamache
Northside Drive Baptist Church
404-237-8621