NORTHSIDE NOTES: December 9, 2015
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 Pastoral Reflections
by James Lamkin
"'Tis the Season to be...Ripening"
We buried Dene Maltbie yesterday. She was one month shy of 101 years old. Her death came between Advent candle lightings. She was flanked by Hope and Peace.
As I readied for the graveside service in Historic Oakland Cemetery, I came across a quotation I'd tucked away. It was written by James Finley, a disciple of the Catholic activist, author, and mystic, Thomas Merton. The topic was Ripening.
I like that notion. It means more than getting old; it means claiming a role. There are cultures where elders occupy places of wisdom and experience. In America these days...not so much. Eldering requires a relaxing of the need to control so as to reapportion one's energy. After a lifetime of acquiring, that can be a painful pruning. Plus, healthcare issues are magnified in aging; and these can be all consuming, even as they are depleting.
However, when ripening happens, a transformation also happens. No longer is the agenda to prove oneself, but rather to express oneself. Not to grip, but to give, and to bless. Not all who grow old, grow wise; but sometimes the grace of God affords a graceful maturity.
Finley says, "As a person ripens in unsayable intimacies in God, they ripen in a paradoxical wisdom. This is the Mystery of the Cross...God is intimately hidden as a kind of profound, tender sweetness that flows and carries us along in the intimate depths of the tragic thing itself---and will continue to do so in every moment of our lives up to and through death, and beyond." Saint John of the Cross called this the windfall of delight. "When fruit becomes very ripe, the slightest wind can cause it to fall to the ground. The windfall of delight first pertains to those little promises along the way, but also to our last breath, which we know and trust will send us falling forever into the deathless depths of God."
Don't you love that? Dene Maltbie believed that: knowing and trusting that our last breath will, "send us falling forever into the deathless depths of God."
Under yesterday's bright sun, massaged by a cool wind, awash with Atlanta's autumn beauty, we stood at the rim of an Oakland Cemetery grave. We were knee deep in the holy season of Advent; and not far from us were the deathless depths of God.
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Reception for the Schleichers
Sunday, January 10, 2016
12:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall
Kristofer and Karen and Louisa and Benjamin and Susanna are moving to Ft. Worth, Texas! We celebrate with them...but grieve in seeing them go.
Kristofer was the Youth Minister at NDBC "back in the day." He has been a part of us since 1984. More than 30 years! Karen Perry has provided strong leadership to our Children's Ministry. And we have loved their kids.
Following worship on the 13th, we will gather for a light reception in Fellowship Hall to bless them as they go.
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Anticipating God...
2015 SEASONS OF Advent & Christmas
Northside Drive Baptist Church
3rd WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 13
Gaudete Sunday
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship: "Anticipating God's Joy" Sanctuary Choir,
Children's Choirs and the Northside Drive Ringers
6:00 PM - A Baptist Moravian Lovefeast
7:30 PM - Youth Christmas Dinner
Tuesday, December 15
11:30 AM - Staff Christmas Luncheon
7:00 PM - Choral Guild Concert
4th WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 20
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship: "Anticipating God's Love"
Christmas Eve - Thursday, December 24
4:00 PM - Family Vespers
10:30 PM - Lessons, Carols, and Communion
1st Sunday of Christmas - Sunday, December 27
9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School
11:00 AM - Worship
EPIPHANY SUNDAY - Sunday, January 3
9:30 AM - Church School
11:00 AM - Worship
*Chrismons Pamphlets and Buckner Daily Advent Guides are available in the Narthex and also at www@northsidedrive.org.
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Richard Willingham's Resignation
As many of you know, Richard Willingham has been our church custodian for 18 years; however, for most of this past year, he has been on medical leave. Sadly, his health is no better and can no longer function in this job. We pray for Richard and his family in this transitional time. (See his letter below.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 1, 2015 Dear Northside Drive, Please accept this letter as a formal notification that my employment has ended at Northside Drive Baptist Church. I am regret that I am leaving my position. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work in this position for the past 17 years. I've greatly enjoyed working with everyone, everyone have been so nice to me and my family and we appreciated the opportunities. I wish the church continued success, and hope to stay in touch in the future. Please continue to pray for me in my illness and my family. Love you very much... Sincerely,
Richard Willingham and family
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 Advent Adult Church School
Practicing the Virtues of Advent
Dr. Becky Shoaf
December 6, 13, 20 & 27
9:30 AM in Room #202
Amid the holiday rush, observing the season of Advent creates an inward calm. When we approach the four weeks before Christmas as opportunities for reflection on Christ's birth, and when we put ourselves in the shoes of the Israelites long ago as they longed for the Messiah to come, we keep ourselves focused on what really matters in our lives.
The church has traditionally assigned four virtues to each of the four Sundays in Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. Our lessons during Advent will explore these virtues.
May God instill these virtues in each of us this Advent, not in spite of the busyness of the season, but in the very midst of the hustle and bustle as we love God and love our neighbors.
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Gaudete Sunday:
A Service of Expectant Joy
Sunday, December 13, at 11 AM, in the Sanctuary
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 its 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 13, at 11 AM, the Northside Drive Baptist Church music ministry will feature the Sanctuary Choir, the Northside Drive Ringers, and the Children's Choirs.
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 Christmas Poinsettias (revised) Orders received November 29-December 13
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 20. After the 10:30 PM service on December 24, you will be able to take home a memorial Poinsettia to enjoy throughout the Christmas season. Each Poinsettia plant is only $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 13.
*U.S. tax regulations do not allow us to offer contribution credit for Easter & Christmas plants because the plants are returned to the giver.
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 A Baptist Moravian Lovefeast Sunday, December 13, 2015
6 PM in the Chapel
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 traditions, and sing our Christmas carols.
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 A Choral Guild Concert
"Christmas with the Choral Guild"
December 15 @ 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary
Featuring Vivaldi's Gloria
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.
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Christmas Eve @ NDBC Christmas Eve Family Vespers Thursday, December 24, 2014, at 4 PM, in the Sanctuary Do you need a Christmas Eve Service designed especially for your kids? If so, make plans to attend Northside Drive's Family Vespers Service at 4 PM on Christmas Eve. We sing kid friendly carols, have a costumed Christmas pageant, partake in family communion, and see the Pastor juggling while telling a Christmas story. Northside Drive Baptist Church has designed this unique service with the whole family in mind. Lessons, Carols, and Communion Thursday, December 24, 2014, at 10:30 PM, in the Sanctuary As midnight approaches on Christmas Eve, the world is dark. One by one, candles begin to light up the darkness as Silent Night, Holy Night resounds in the air. The Christ child is coming and the people will soon break forth with the jubilant hymn, Joy to the World! Join Northside Drive Baptist Church in a beautiful Christmas Eve service of Lessons, Carols, Communion and Candlelight. The Christmas story will be read from Scripture and the familiar carols will wrap us in the hopeful warmth of a Savior to be born. |
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Thursday Night Study Group
"What Would Jesus Say?"
January 7, 14, 21, February 4
6 PM in Room #202
Rev. Dr. Michael Gregg will lead a Thursday Night Study Group at 6 PM in the January and February weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday. The title of this study is "What Would Jesus Say?" and will guide the participants into the Lenten season. The topics include: What Would Jesus Say about the Bible? What Would Jesus Say about Poverty? What Would Jesus Say about Discipleship? What Would Jesus Say About Himself?
What would Jesus say? To address what Jesus would say, we need to discover what Jesus did say. These lessons will attempt to help us understand Jesus' teachings and apply them today.
What would Jesus say about the Bible (Matthew 4:1-11)? This lesson will explore Jesus' use of Scripture during a time of great testing. For Jesus, Scripture served as a reminder of the nature of God, providing strength in time of need.
What would Jesus say about poverty (Luke 16:19-31)? We will examine the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to understand what Jesus said about addressing the needs of others. Christians must continue to minister to the poor while addressing the circumstances that cause poverty.
What would Jesus say about discipleship (Mark 8:27-9:1)? Jesus' demanding words in Mark 8 challenge us to examine our commitment to the gospel and consider suffering and sacrifice as a part of true discipleship.
What would Jesus say about himself (John 8:39-59)? The most difficult passage in this unit deals with a conversation between Jesus and certain Jews. It is difficult to understand the message behind the sharp, contentious dialogue. Jesus presented his ministry in the context of following God's calling. Even while under personal attack, Jesus sought to focus his words on the divine will of God.
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Advent Family Devotional  by Anna Kate Wilson Director of Children's Ministries The Northside Kids Children's Ministry is providing an illustrated Advent family devotional guide to all families. We encourage your family to put the guide on your kitchen table and work on it each week with your children. It is important to learn about and follow the events and traditions of Advent. Children often get caught up in the materialistic part of Christmas. We hope our children understand that while Santa Claus and presents are a fun part of the holiday season, the birth of Christ is most important. Each week holds a new story and a new activity with coloring pages, a calendar, and games to play with the whole family. We hope you use the illustrated Advent family devotional guide and as a family, journey through the season of Advent.
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 Habitat Build 2015
From Foundation to Dedication in seven volunteer workdays! Thanks to the 30+ NDBC members who participated through child care, food, construction, and landscaping, the family will be able to enjoy Christmas in a new home. And thank you to all NDBC members who made the build possible through their gifts to the church budget.
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Dr. Steve Sheeley Daily Advent Devotions
Northside Drive member Steve Sheeley will be writing electronic devotionals through the Advent season. If you would like to be on his email list and receive his musings, you may email him at ssheeley4@comcast.net. For other Advent devotionals visit our Bible Study and Fellowship page at www.northsidedrive.org.
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Church Week
SUNDAY, December 13, Gaudete Sunday
Poinsettia Sales end.
9:30 AM - Advent Adult Church School
9:30 AM - Church School
10:25 AM - Children's Choirs Rehearsals
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
12:15 PM - Young Adult: At the Table
6:00 PM - Moravian Lovefeast
7:45 PM - Youth Christmas Dinner
TUESDAY, December 15
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
11:30 AM - Staff Christmas Luncheon
12:00 PM - ROMEOS
7:00 PM - Choral Guild Concert
WEDNESDAY, December 16
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
THURSDAY, December 17
7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:15 PM - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
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CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
Holiday Office Hours:
Dec 24 & 25 - closed
Dec 31 & Jan 1 - closed
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THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
December 13, 2015
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
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2016 PLEDGING
Submit YOUR pledge for the 2016 CHURCH BUDGET through any of these ways: + You can return your pledge card by "snail mail". + 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. + 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). + You can call the church office (404-237-8621), ask for Rose, and tell her your pledge (or even leave her a voice mail). + You can pledge via our website (northsidedrive.org) by clicking on the "Giving" link on our home page. |
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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.
Jon & Janet Bell
Reidar Bjornard
Jeff & Faye Brewer
If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call.
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DECEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Paxton Cooper - 1
Steven Sheeley - 2
Stacie Holloway - 2
Mary Lester - 5
Susan Richards - 5
Hans-Luca Davis - 6
Syd Janney - 7
Victoria Tunon - 7
Laura Butts - 7
Caleb Younger - 7
Lisa Barksdale - 8
Andrew Hardin - 9
Jack Guynn - 10
Ava Grace Cook - 10
Elaine Eassa - 13
Clay Manley - 17
Charlotte Dalke - 20
Brian Hendrix - 21
Carol Younger - 22
Jenn Knight - 23
Joan McIntyre - 24
Emma Chandler - 27
Joseph Cassata - 27
Bill Jones - 28
Mary Chance - 28
Amanda Gregg - 28
Ruth Trager - 28
Muriel Hardy - 29
Jeanne Goodwill - 30
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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 MORNING BIBLE STUDY
We meet weekly at 10:30 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
Led by Susan Harlan
Every 1st & 3rd
Thursday
@ 7 PM in the Parlor
For more information call Susan Harlan at 770-377-3869.
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CHILDREN'S CHOIRS REHEARSALS
The Cherub ChoirChildren ages 2 through Kindergarten Directed by Ms. Amanda Sunday mornings from 10:25-10:50 AM in the Room 103 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Celestial ChoirChildren in grades 1-5 Directed by Ms. Mary Lou Sunday mornings from 10:25-10:50 AM in Room 116 |
AT THE TABLE
Off Campus After Worship
(Meeting at restaurants,
at the church and
in participants' homes.)
Don't want to get up before 9 AM? Join this class of young singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to nosh on the Word in an informal setting at a local restaurant. They will gather around the table during lunch after the worship service every Sunday. This class will examine the lectionary texts, deconstruct the sermon of the day, and fellowship together with food and drink. Teachers: Andrew Hardin and Brian Knight |
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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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CHURCH MAINTENANCE SUGGESTION BOX
Rose Hidlay,
Business Manager There is now a way for church members to deal with church maintenance issues as they arise. There is a clipboard located at the Business Office entrance door. If you see something that needs to be repaired or replaced, jot it down on the clipboard. I will look into it and get it taken care of. Willie Hicks, one of our custodians, and I appreciate your input, and will work on the problems as they arise. |
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