NORTHSIDE NOTES: May 13, 2015 
Pastoral Reflections 
  by James Lamkin

"Survey Sez..."

 

     There are few markers on the road of faith these days. No common centerline, no agreed upon boundary near the ditch.

     Yet, within this spaghetti junction of religion is a great opportunity and a tremendous challenge. This is the day for Northside Drive Baptist Church to shine! And we will do so naturally, through our intellectually responsible, Bible-impassioned ministry.

     Have you seen the new survey reporting that fewer Americans identify themselves as Christians? News sources are all aflutter with the results. For those of us in "the Christ haunted South," as Georgia writer, Flannery O'Connor, put it, this is one more sign that the Apocalypse is near and Homeland Security should go to red alert.

     However, when you think about it, according to the Gospels, Jesus did not create Christians; he called followers. Even his final words were not about making Christians, but rather, he spoke about making disciples...apprentices who would give their lives to the ongoing adventure of pursuing the downwardly mobile crucified Nazarene under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

     It was a few hundred years later when definitions crystalized as the Church, Inc. systematized certain beliefs resulting in the creeds. Thus, a Christian was one who agreed to the creed. If you assented to it, you were one; if not, you weren't. And, as you know (?), until recent decades, Baptists have been non-creedal. Our movement has held that being a disciple is unescapably more dynamic and necessarily more active than tightly defined dogma.

     Though the word authentic is itself squishy, I will risk it. The most authentic congregations, I observe, describe themselves as followers of Jesus. That terminology helps humble the quest to maintain political power, moderates the leverage of privilege, and keeps faith near the footsteps of Jesus on his way to attend to the marginalized, the sick, the imprisoned, and the hungry (see Matthew 25).

     I didn't mean to get off on a rant here, but I do see these awkward, ambiguous times as the perfect time for Northside Drive Baptist Church. Let us live into who we already are: intellectually responsible and Bible-impassioned. Another way of saying it is on the NDBC T-shirt I'm wearing right now: Inclusive, Inquiring, Involved. Amen. 

Parent, Child, Church Dedication

     Sunday, May 17, 2015, there will be a parent, child, church dedication for Levon Tucker Thomas and his family, Kurt & Sabrina Thomas, big brothers, Bo & Van, and big sister, Jolene, during the 11AM worship service.

choral guild logo Choral Guild of Atlanta 

American Jazz and Contemporary

Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) - Paul Winter

Gershwin/American Medley

Sunday, May 17 @ 4 PM, in the Sanctuary (previously scheduled for the Chapel) 

     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.

Church-in-conference

NDBC Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 6:45 PM

in the Fellowship Hall 

     As required by the NDBC bylaws, the Church's annual meeting will be held at the next Church-in-conference, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2015, beginning at 6:45 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The annual meeting provides an opportunity for you to receive updates on the works of the Church's ministry teams and committees. Please come to learn more about our activities!

book club NDBC Book Club 

May 20, from 1-2:30 PM

in the Fellowship Hall

     A book review of The Outermost House by Henry Beston will be Wednesday, May 20, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Jane Jerden will be the facilitator and Marjorie Rives the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished.

Gas Turned Off for the Summer 

May 21-September 1, 2015  

     As a cost savings to the church, the gas is turned off in the Spring and turned back on in the Fall. This is part of the summer savings program with Infinite Energy. We will have an electric water heater for use during those months.

No Church School  

& Coffee with the Clergy

     We will not have Church School on May 24 (Memorial Weekend), July 5 (Independence Day weekend), and September 6 (Labor Day weekend). However, the clergy will have coffee and conversation waiting for you in the Parlor (Room 207) at 9:30 AM.

Summer Lecture Series

"How We Got Our Bible"

May 31-August 30, 2015

9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall 

     Beginning May 31, NDBC will host a Summer Lecture Series entitled "How We Got Our Bible." Do you want to know how the Bible was formed? Have you ever wondered what translation to purchase? How do we use the Bible in the 21st century? Northside Drive has invited top-tier biblical scholars and experts who will help us answer these questions.  Join  us  at  9:30  AM  every  Sunday  morning  from  May 31-August 30 for the NDBC  Summer Lecture Series "How We Got Our Bible."

 

May 31...Scripture, Canon, and Authority

                     Dr. Steve Sheeley

   Jun 7...Hebrew Scripture and Canon

                     Dr. Steve Sheeley

 Jun 14...Greek New Testament and Canon

                     Dr. Larry McSwain

 Jun 21...Translating the Bible: An Overview

                     Dr. Steve Sheeley

 Jun 28...The First Generation of the English Bible:

              Wycliffe through King James

                     Dr. Michael Morgan

   Jul 5...Holiday Weekend

 Jul 12...Translating the Bible and the History of the Church

                     Dr. Rob Nash

 Jul 19...Is That Really in the Bible:

             Private and Independent Translations

                     Dr. Michael Morgan

 Jul 26...Singing Our Lives through the Psalms

                     Dr. Michael Morgan

 Aug 2...Understanding Translations and Versions: Pre-1970

                     Dr. Steve Sheeley

 Aug 9...Understanding Translations and Versions: 1970-2000

                     Dr. Nancy deClaissé-Walford

Aug 16...Understanding Translations and Versions: 2000-Present

                     Dr. Nancy deClaissé-Walford

Aug 23...Choosing and Using a Bible

                     Dr. Steve Sheeley

Aug 30...The Bible and the 21st Century Church

                     Dr. Rob Nash

Missions & Music 

Children's Summer Church School 

     Join us on Sunday, May 31, as we kick-off our Children's Summer Church School program, "Missions and Music!"Like last summer, some Sundays will be music focused, where children will have the opportunity to sing fun songs and learn about Bible stories through singing and playing instruments. On other Sundays, children will learn about taking God's love beyond our church walls and sharing Jesus with people all over our world. We'll hear about several families and how they responded to God's call to become missionaries. We can't wait to see our Preschool-5th Grade aged children in Missions & Music this summer! We'll meet in room #102 next to the Nursery every Sunday at 9:30 AM from May 31-August 30. If you have any questions, please contact mike@northsidedrive.org.

Preaching May 31, 2015

Rev. Dr. Karen Massey

     Karen will be preaching on the last Sunday in May while Pastor James Lamkin will be participating in his nephew's wedding in Houston, Texas.

     Karen is the Associate Dean for the Masters Programs at the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University where she teaches courses in Worship, Faith Development, and Christian Education. Prior to joining the faculty at McAfee, she served as the Associate Pastor of Christian Education at NDBC, 1990-1998 and has been an NDBC member for 25 years.

Summer in the Chapel

Energy, Intimacy, & Hymnody

June 7-September 6, 2015

Summer Worship in the Chapel

     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.

God Stories

The Heart of the Bible

A Summer Sermon Series

June 7-September 6

     The Bible is a library of stories.  Even when it lists the Ten Commandments or Eight Beatitudes, each list fits within a story; and each story fits within God's Big Story of Love and Grace. Some of the Summer Sermons will include: David and Goliath, King David's Dance Fever, and How to Dust Off Your Shoes When You Get Rejected. 

     Like the rabbis say, "God created humans, because God loves stories."

TTWL Touching Taliaferro with Love 

June 22-26, 2015

Mark your calendars!

     Since 2007, Northside Drive has led a week of Vacation Bible School/summer camp in Taliaferro County, one of the poorest and most neglected areas of Georgia. Supported through individual churches and the Georgia Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, TTWL provides summer camp activities for children in first through fifth grades.

     If you can tell a Bible story, direct a craft activity, lead in recreation, or guide a group of lively children from one activity room to another, then there is a place for you to share your talents and love with the children in Taliaferro County. While it's great to have volunteers who participate all five days, you are welcome for any amount of time that fits your work or family schedule. For more information contact Susan Harlan, Rhonda Harris, or Barbara Atchley.

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

SUNDAY, May 17

  9:30 AM - Church School

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

12:15 PM - Diaconate Meeting

12:15 PM - Ad-Hoc Bylaws Review Committee Meeting

  6:00 PM - Choral Guild Concert

  7:00 PM - Young Adult: Third Sunday Small Group 

TUESDAY, May 19

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

12:00 PM - ROMEOS

WEDNESDAY, May 20

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

  1:00 PM - NDBC Book Club

 5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

 6:45 PM - Church-in-conference

 7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry

 7:30 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

NORTHSIDE KIDS

Family Lunches  

after Church

Join with other NDBC families for after-church lunches and play time once a month in the Undercroft. Everyone is invited for a time of fun and fellowship together on June 14! Watch the church calendar for more dates. To receive additional information, contact Graham Mudd.

Volume 7 - Issue 18

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

The Church & Preschool offices will be closed Monday, May 25,

in observance of  

Memorial Day. 

THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
May 17, 2015
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53 
HIGHLIGHTS
Church-in-conference
NDBC Book Club
Gas Turned Off for the Summer
No Church School
How We Got Our Bible
Missions & Music
Preaching May 31, 2015
Summer Worship
Summer Sermon Series
TTWL
Serenbe Farms
Church Week

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.

Linda Clark

Aline Cofield

Bedford & Louise Davis

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

 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.

MAY

BIRTHDAYS

Kate Pearson - 1

Renee Gamache - 1

Laura Seay - 1

Barry Ervin - 2

Caroline Singleton - 2

Angeline Wamberg - 3

Nicole Harbin - 4

Irwin Ray - 5

Aidan Collins - 5

Gene Ledbetter - 6

Francie Wamberg - 7

Melissa Lester - 7

Kendall Krebs - 8

Nathan Hermance - 9

Diana Strommen - 9

Gigi Collins - 10

Turner Warmack - 11

Garrett Ray - 11

Randy Korando - 14

Fulgencio Ferrer - 16

Susanna Schleicher - 17

Wilma Underwood - 18

Sam Egan - 18

Judy Schneider - 19

Avi Anantaraman - 21

Beth Singleton - 23

Amy Hurst - 23

Kenneth Dean - 25

Valerie Hardy - 26

Melissa Bryson - 26

Cameron Sardone - 27

Jay Mudd - 29

Jerry Poole - 30

Sandra Prince - 30

Amy Taylor - 30

Kristofer Schleicher - 30

Josh Davis - 31

Shannon Lee Moore - 31

Patti Headley - 31


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
 
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.

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 

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.

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.    
NORTHSIDE YOGA
Yoga logo
with Amanda Gregg
Join us on Wednesdays,
May 6-June 17,
@ 5:30 PM,
in the Fellowship Hall.
Participants will experience a mind-body workout that improves wellbeing, 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.
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.

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.

CBF logo 2   CBF logo
Renee Gamache
Northside Drive Baptist Church
404-237-8621