NORTHSIDE NOTES: May 20, 2015

Pastoral Reflections

by James Lamkin

"The Mamas and the Papas"

This article is not about California Dreamin' and the singing group from the 60's. (However, as I write these words, I can't get the 8-track soundtrack of Monday, Monday out of my head.)

Rather, this Pastoral Reflection is about the joyful, difficult, fulfilling, and holy work of being a young parent with young kids these days. (And, of course, we older parents don't have it easy either.) I believe NDBC is called to offer support, encouragement, and challenge to parents. Tough love, strong stands, attentive spirituality, and congregational community often wither amid the winds of an over-scheduled, anxious culture. With Mother's Day recently behind us, and Father's Day just ahead of us, here is something I came across....

Rabbi Sandy Sasso of Indianapolis has written on the spirituality of parenting. I heard her interviewed on NPR's On Being with Krista Tippet. She said, "Our society teaches our children very well to be competitors. Our society very well teaches our students to be consumers. But, we want more for our children. We want them to grow up with a sense of gratitude and graciousness. We want our children to grow up with the courage they will need for difficult times. We want our children to grow up with a sense of joy and purpose in life. These are the spiritual values of parenting that we parents want to pass along to our children."

When asked, "What language does a parent use to pass along these spiritual values?" Sasso said, "The language is story, because that's how children make sense of their world is through narrative and story. The language is also ritual and experience. The earliest spiritual experiences that children have, often come through routine and ritual repeated over and over again. When I ask children when do they feel the presence of God...they often speak of rituals or moments where they felt very close to their parents and it helped them give expression to what they were feeling."

The parameters for good parenting are vague; and our report cards are questionable; and exactly who gives the grades anyway? We parents do the best we can. But parenting is not meant to be done in a vacuum. It takes a village. It takes wise elders: men and women. For Christians, I believe it takes a congregation...one that values inter-generational relationships...like NDBC.

As the Momas and the Papas would say, This is Dedicated to the Ones We Love. God bless you parents. You are prayed for as you work on your own lives, as you give the gift of yourselves to your family, as you claim the grace of God, and as you call upon the Christian community of our church to help you grow in God.

Celebrations

We celebrate with Alyssa Aldape

on the occasion of her graduation

from McAfee School of Theology

with a Master of Divinity degree

on May 16, 2015.

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!

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. Nancy deClaiss�-Walford

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

Dr. Nancy deClaiss�-Walford

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

Dr. Nancy deClaiss�-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.

Energy, Intimacy, & Hymnody

Summer Worship in the Chapel

June 7-September 6, 2015

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."

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 24

9:30 AM - Coffee with the Clergy, NO Church School

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

MONDAY, May 25: Memorial Holiday

Church/Preschool Offices Closed

TUESDAY, May 26

10:00 AM - Staff Meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 27

10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study

5:30 PM - Northside Yoga

SATURDAY, May 30

6:30 PM - Blaisdell/Dick Wedding

NORTHSIDE YOGA

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.

Volume 7 - Issue 20

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

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

in observance of

Memorial Day.

THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT

May 24, 2015
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

HIGHLIGHTS

Gas Turned Off for the Summer

No Church School

How We Got Our Bible

Missions & Music

Preaching May 31, 2015

Summer Worship

TTWL

Birthdays

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.

Nancy F. Davis

Mary Dutton

Gerry Humphries

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

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

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.

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.

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.