NORTHSIDE NOTES: August 19, 2015
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 Pastoral Reflections by Rev. James Lamkin"Interviewing Jimmy Carter" Thirteen years ago, NDBC celebrated its 50th anniversary. The planning committee and I thought we should invite former NDBC member President Jimmy Carter. As you know, he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher here 1971-75 while he was the Governor of Georgia. In fact, we have a tribute to him in the hallway. Plus, there's another in a window in the balcony of the Sanctuary: Look for a map of the United States; then look off the coast of Florida; and where Cuba should be, you'll see a large faceted-glass peanut...in honor of Jimmy Carter. Alas, the Carter Center said he was not available to preach or to attend the anniversary celebration. I then asked if Rosalyn could come preach. Again, it was not schedulable. When Nancy Konigsmark, President Carter's Minister of Calendaring, told me the bad news, I remember asking, "You don't suppose could I come to the Carter Center and interview him, do you?" "Sure," she said, without hesitation. "Uh...and could I bring some church members and a video camera?" Again, without a pause, she said, "Of course. No problem." I picked an 80 year old, an 18 year old, and an 8 year old to ask the questions: Marjorie Alberson, Stuart Meeks, and Paige Whiffen. A few weeks before the interview, I visited with Rudy Brooks. Rudy told me that Carter had voted against building NDBC's new Sanctuary. (In the early 70's, we still met in the Chapel.) I wanted to ask President Carter about that, but I had already submitted the questions as required. I pondered just blurting it out; but the Secret Service carries handcuffs. The big day finally came. Syd Janney wrangled a handful of Northside Drivers into the Carter Center. We took our seats. Carter came in. Shook hands with all. And we started. I said, "Thank you for meeting with us." He said, "Oh sure, I'm glad to." I said, "I'll ask the first question and then turn the interview over to Paige, Stuart, and Marjorie." He said, "That's fine." I said, "President Carter would you share some of your memories of Northside Drive Baptist Church from the time you were a member?" He said, "Well, you know I voted against that building!" That's right. He said it. And he went on to say, "With prime interest at 13+% I saw it as unwise; plus, we could give the money to missions. But, it is a beautiful building." I need to watch the tape again and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. As I do, I will pray for Jimmy Carter. I know NDBC is a mixed bag of people and perspectives. Some are Carter cheerleaders; others, not. But this week, the news came that he has cancer and it has spread. I will give thanks for his good life; and I will pray that when death comes, God's mercy will accompany it. Sometimes I go in the Chapel and sit in the pew where he sat; and I say a prayer.
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 Mike's Memos by Rev. Michael Gregg
"Preparation as Prayer"
Sometimes I'm not sure how prayer works. Well, most of the time I'm not sure how prayer works. What I know, is that I have needed and coveted the prayers of my family, friends, and church during a time of illness, death, loss, and wandering in the valley.
I continuously prepare for doctor appointments, I prepare my painful body to wake up in the mornings, I prepare my medications several times a day, and I prepare a comfortable place to say my prayers every day. Preparation is a large part of my day. Now Amanda and I will prepare for a birth and funeral. I have a lot of preparation in my life. I don't have much comfort of a destination. I don't have a diagnosis for my mystery illness. I don't have solid answers to the struggles and unknowns I encounter every day. I don't understand why children suffer. I don't have answers. I also don't have answers to many of the troubles you experience as well. We travel lives of preparation rather than finished products or completed destinations.
But God is in our preparations. Prayer is in our preparations. I envision the prayers that accompanied the many church members who cooked or purchased food for my family. I envision the prayers of you who made time in your busy schedules and prepared to call, text, or email me to check on my health and cry for Amanda. I envision the prayers of you who took the time to prepare yourselves for the act of intercessory prayer for my baby boy, for me, and for others. I envision the time-consuming preparation you took to help me see the right doctors and take the next steps towards medical diagnoses. All of your preparations, your daily routines, and your passing spirit-led thoughts were prayers.
I not only thank you for your kind acts, your moments of preparation, and your fervent prayers, but I also thank God that despite my health, your health, our battles, our joys, our frustrations, and our fears, God has prepared a place for us to all be together at Northside Drive Baptist Church. For many of us, our lives ahead will be times of preparation for difficult journeys. We may never reach our destinations and that can be disheartening. We need to remember that preparation is prayer and through our prayers we are not alone in our journeys. Thus, let us overhear the words of John the Baptist, "Prepare the Way," and know that in our honest and authentic preparations, prayer abounds and Jesus walks the path with us.
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A Note of Thanks...
Dear Northside Drive Family and Friends,
Amanda and I have been in the valley. But we have not been alone. God has been with us and each of you has revealed God's good light and care. Amanda and I thank you from the deepest places of our hearts as you have helped us put one step in front of the other during this long journey. Thank you for holding our hands, for hugging our necks, for fixing us food, and for praying deep prayers. We love you...more than words can express.
With love, Mike and Amanda Gregg |
Summer Lecture Series
"How We Got Our Bible" May 31-August 30, 2015 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall Aug 23...Choosing and Using a Bible w/Dr. Steve Sheeley Aug 30...The Bible and the 21st Century Church w/Dr. Rob Nash |
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Summer Offertories
Through the rest of the summer we will enjoy musical gifts from members of the NDBC family, as they present special music during the Offertory each Sunday morning. Those who will be sharing their talents with us are:
August 23: Mary Lou Swann, piano
August 30: Alan Johns, piano
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Deacon Ordination: August 23, 2015
NDBC will honor the tradition of "the laying on of hands" as we ordain two new deacons. Parker Holloway and Jill Johnson will be ordained during the morning worship service in the NDBC Chapel on August 23.
As has been our tradition over the last several years, all of the congregation will be invited to participate in this time of blessing, celebration, and "setting-apart" for ministry.
Parker Holloway, along with his wife, Stacie, and two children: Paxton and Emma, have been part of NDBC since August 2013. He and his family reside in the Smyrna area. Parker is an anesthetist with Northside Anesthesiology Consultants, practicing throughout the Northside Hospital System.Parker grew up attending Antioch Baptist Church where he served as pianist from 1998-2005. One of the greatest opportunities he has at NDBC is to worship with and through the gift of music.
Jill Johnson joined Northside Drive Baptist Church in early 2014. She has two daughters, Maggie (4) and Sydney (2, turning 3 on August 22). Jill is a native of Irmo, South Carolina (a small town outside of Columbia) and received her BA in English from Clemson University in 2000. Jill moved to Atlanta in 2003 after graduating from law school at The University of South Carolina. She practices in the business and construction litigation group at the Atlanta law firm of Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry. In her (very limited!) free time, Jill enjoys reading, running, and traveling.
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| Barbara J. Crafton Women's Center
Mark August 26 on your calendar if you would like to participate in serving a meal at the Barbara J Crafton Women's Center in Marietta. The women's center is a place where women in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction can have a place to get back on their feet. The center has meetings for them to attend, job placement, and help with the skills needed to rejoin the workforce. Northside Drive has been a supporter of this important mission for some time. For more information contact Susan Harlan at 770-377-3869.
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 Linda Clark's 100th Birthday Celebration Come join us in celebrating Linda Clark's 100th birthday! The party will be held from 2-4 PM on Saturday, August 29, in the Fellowship Hall. For questions contact Linda Lester at 803-604-0289 or linda_lester11@yahoo.com. |
 reel: MOVIE GROUP
The NDBC Movie Group gathers to see a movie in the theater, or in someone's home, several times a year. After the movie, those who attend this group, meet for dinner to meaningfully discuss the movie. We will meet next on Saturday, August 29. Movie and discussion location TBA. Contact the Vander Ven's for more information. Location: TBD
Time: TBD (late matinee/early evening, so we can still meet after and not be out late on Saturday night)
Date: Saturday, August 29
Discussion: TBD |
Thursday is the New Wednesday!
Wednesday evening activities for the fall have moved to Thursday nights.
5:30 PM - Northside Yoga w/Amanda Gregg
(Beginning September 17)
6:30 PM - Small Study Groups w/Mike Gregg, Mary Lester, & Liz Harris-Lamkin (A three-week topical study each month in the fall beginning September 17) 7:00 PM - Shawl Ministry Every 1st and 3rd Thursday 7:15 PM - Sanctuary Choir Practice
(Beginning September 10)
Childcare is provided.
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| Anniversary Sunday Luncheon
Sunday, September 27
@ 12:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall
Come join us, just after the 11 AM worship service on Sunday, September 27, for our annual anniversary luncheon. Melissa Bryson will be catering the meal. The menu and cost are yet to be determined. Make your reservation for the luncheon by filling out the Welcome card attached to the Order of Worship, call the church office at 404-237-8621, or email your reservation to info@northsidedrive.org no later than Wednesday, September 23. |
2015 Interfaith Partnership Habitat for Humanity Build
October 10-November 21
Our build will begin later than in previous years-October 10 with the dedication on November 21. (Think cooler weather.) October 10 will be NDBC lead day when we provide both workers and lunch. As last year, child care will be provided at the church on our lead day. This year we will welcome First Baptist Decatur and Temple Emmanuel to the partnership. Sign-up sheets will be available beginning Sunday, August 30.
Day 1.........Oct 10...........NDBC Lead day
(15 volunteers to build plus volunteers for child care and lunch preparation)
Day 2.........Oct 17...........(4 volunteers)
Day 3 & 4...Oct 24 & 31...not workdays for NDBC
Day 5.........Nov 7............(4 volunteers)
Day 6.........Nov 14..........(4 volunteers)
Day 7.........Nov 21..........(4 volunteers) Dedication Day
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Church Week
SUNDAY, August 23 9:30 AM - Children's Church School 9:30 AM - Summer Lecture Series: How We Got Our Bible 11:00 AM - Morning Worship in the Chapel/Deacon Ordination 12:15 PM - Children's MT Meeting TUESDAY, August 25 10:00 AM - Staff Meeting WEDNESDAY, August 26 10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study SATURDAY, August 29 10:00 AM - Northside Kids: Morgan Falls 2:00 PM - Linda Clark's 100th Birthday Celebration |
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THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
August 23, 2015
22-30, 41-43
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
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LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
The Church & Preschool
offices will be closed
Monday, September 7,
in observance of Labor Day.
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GAS TO BE TURNED
BACK ON...
Tuesday
September 1, 2015
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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.
Dene Maltbie
Helen White
Miriam Wright
Nelle Holbrook
If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call.
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AUGUST
BIRTHDAYS
Lindy Welch - 1
Jack Isakson - 2
Sabrina Thomas - 2
Jim Lester - 3
Nancy F. Davis - 5
Helen Schroeder - 5
Andrew Schwartz - 6
Sofia Tunon - 7
Alan Johns - 7
Sue McSwain - 9
David Bell - 9
Pam Whiffen - 10
Joyce Raley - 10
Carolyn Mahaffey - 11
Fay Brewer - 12
Reid Milligan - 13
Terrell Kilgore - 15
Eliza Molina - 15
Dale Schroeder - 17
Michael Fletcher - 18
Gary McAllister - 18
Beatrice Gregg - 19
Mark Bryson - 20
Sydney Johnson - 22
Jo Hunter - 24
Susan Isakson - 24
Suzanne Barksdale - 25
Jack Fletcher - 26
Curt Tucker - 27
John Davis - 27
Elizabeth Sheeley - 31
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| ROMEOS
(Retired Older Men
Eating Out)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12 PM-1 PM (bring your lunch money)!
Piccadilly Cafeteria
1715 Howell Mill Rd
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PASTOR'S WEDNESDAY
BIBLE STUDY
Every Wednesday 10:30-11:30 AM Conference Room All are invited. |
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Led by Susan Harlan
Every 1st & 3rd
Thursdays beginning August 20
@ 7 PM in the Parlor
For more information call Susan Harlan at 770-377-3869.
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NORTHSIDE YOGA
with Amanda Gregg
September 17 thru November 18
Join us on Thursdays, @ 5:30 PM, in the Art & Soul/Fellowship Hall. Classes will be $10 a week.
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The Ministry of the Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir will resume its weekly evening rehearsal schedule, only on Thursdays instead of the usual Wednesdays, beginning September 3, at 7:15 PM, in the Choir Room. The choir will also resume singing in the morning worship on Sunday, September 13, in the Sanctuary under the direction of our new Interim Director of Music Ministries, Rev. Len Willingham. All singers are invited to join us!
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UNPLUGGED
Young Professional---aka Young Adult Dinners (Every 1st Saturday at an NDBC member's home.)
Sharing food and friendship that feeds our souls. 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 For more information, contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. Check the young professionals event calendar for a full list of dates. |
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.
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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.
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THE PAPERLESS PINNACLE
The Pinnacle is emailed as a link to the
congregation and is available on the
church website at www.northsidedrive.org.
If you would prefer not to receive the Pinnacle by
U.S. mail, please call404-237-8621 or email us
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Wi-Fi is available in the educational building as well as the Fellowship Hall and youth area.
The network is: ndbcwireless The password is: (not required)
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