NORTHSIDE NOTES: December 16, 2015
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 Pastoral Reflections
by James Lamkin
"Christmas as Elegant Simplicity"
That's how I described the Moravian Lovefeast this past Sunday night: Elegant Simplicity. Bread and coffee. Scripture and song.
It is a gentle service spent between the universe's smallest and largest lights: a nearby candle and a faraway star.
My thanks to all who helped make this service a gift to us all. Claire Blackwell gave a book to the church describing the Lovefeast's origins; and she shared how much Christmas Eve meant to her in Winston-Salem each year. She brought fresh buns and beeswax candles from there. The more I learned, the more I thought of the combined power of simplicity and elegance.
Ernest Campbell spoke of this. He pastored Riverside Church in Manhattan in the early 70's. An odd duck, he was a grad of Bob Jones University and Princeton! In 1960, received the Man of the Year Award from the American Civil Liberties Union for his work in civil rights. He spoke against the Vietnam War, for reparations of injustices done to African-Americans, and in behalf of the rights of LGBT persons four decades ago. He has long crossed the Jordan, but he had a love for a word well placed.
In a Christmas prayer, Ernest Campbell asked of God,
"Give us, thy people,
so susceptible to size,
so easily impressed
by worldly rank and scope;
give us, 0 God, an eye
for mangers tucked away in stables,
and an ear for truth
whose only fanfare
is the rippled intuitions of the heart."
I love that. Mangers tucked away...only fanfare...rippled intuitions of the heart.
It is not easy to trust these holy whispers. We are a people so susceptible to size, so easily impressed. Yet, we've practiced the disciplines of Advent. We've watched and waited; and soon, Christmas Eve will tip-toe near, stepping lightly with elegant simplicity.
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 Meet our newest member of the NDBC staff...Jeffrey DunkerleyDirector of Youth & Young Adult Ministries
jeffrey@northsidedrive.org
Jeffrey Dunkerley, II was born in Youngstown, Ohio and moved to Birmingham, Alabama when he was 8. He is the youngest of three and loves to be active and outside. He loves to play soccer anytime of the day, as well as ultimate Frisbee. He loves to hike and explore new areas. When the weather does not cooperate, he typically spends his time reading books or watching movies. Jeffrey's favorite movie is the classic, The Breakfast Club. It is a little harder for him to pick his favorite book, but it is between To Kill a Mockingbird, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and Perks of Being a Wallflower. He could eat Mexican food pretty much everyday. Chips and salsa are possibly the greatest snack ever. Jeffrey loves listening to music, discovering new artists, and going to concerts.
Jeffrey received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and majored in Psychology with a minor in History. He has worked PASSPORT camps for the past three summers, was a youth intern at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church 2014-2015, and is currently a student at Candler School of Theology working towards his M. Div.
The Northside Drive staff, Personnel Committee, and membership welcomes and support him in his ministry to the youth and young adults at Northside Drive Baptist Church. His first Sunday in this position will be December 20. Please introduce yourself and get to know this new staff member.
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 Mike's Memos by Rev. Dr. Michael Gregg"What to Do with Education in the Church?"
I recently emailed an article to our Children's Ministry leadership and to the Adult Education Ministry Team. This article describes the thinking and innovation happening in the area of Children's Sunday School at Riverside Church in New York. Here is an excerpt of the first couple of paragraphs.
"To capture the attention of her young charges one Sunday morning, Mandy Meisenheimer sang, danced and drew some life lessons from the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers. 'Families aren't always that loving, are they?' she asked. 'Raise your hand if your family has ever had an argument. Raise your hand if your parents have ever made a mistake.' Mrs. Meisenheimer used the class to debut a new song, marching around at times with her arms sweeping in ballerina-like movements. The three-dozen children, who ranged from first-to sixth-graders, were rapt. This is how Mrs. Meisenheimer, the children and families director at Riverside Church, leads a jazzed-up version of Sunday school, without a Bible in sight. The liberal Protestant church in Manhattan's Morningside Heights has dispensed with the didactic Scripture teaching, religious workbooks and off-the-shelf curriculum of traditional Sunday school. It is one of several churches in the area that are rethinking their approach to religious education, believing a change at the youngest ages will make it more likely that families will keep coming to church and that young people will grow up to be churchgoing adults." Most of the article says that the Sunday School techniques from 100 years ago just aren't working anymore. To find out more about this article and emerging techniques for Christian Education, follow this link. |
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Anticipating God...
2015 SEASONS OF Advent & Christmas
Northside Drive Baptist Church
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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 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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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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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.
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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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 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. |
Church Week
SUNDAY, December 20
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 - Northside Kid's Family Lunch
12:15 PM - Young Adult: At the Table
TUESDAY, December 22
10:00 AM - Staff Meeting
WEDNESDAY, December 23
2:00 PM - Church Offices Close Early
THURSDAY, December 24
Church Offices Closed
4:00 PM - Family Vespers
10:30 PM - Lessons, Carols & Communion
FRIDAY, December 25
Church Offices Closed
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CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
Holiday Office Hours:
Dec 24 & 25 - closed
Dec 31 & Jan 1 - closed
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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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THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
December 20, 2015
Micah 5:2-5a
Isaiah 9: 2-7
Luke 1:39-45-55
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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.
Mary Chance
Linda Clark
Aline Cofield
Gordon & Billie Davis
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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