NORTHSIDE NOTES: February 24, 2016 
Pastoral Reflections 
by Rev. James Lamkin

"Salvation on Stone Mountain"
 
     Since its beginnings, the Gladys Greer McComb Lecture Series has been a figurehead at the bow of the ship called NDBC. I always told Tom, "The lectures are the best of who we are becoming."
     Of course, since Tom McComb died, we haven't had one. I have missed Tom's eclectic presenters...from theologians to Egyptologists, from civil rights scholars to astrophysicists, from ethicists to authors. Obviously, this line-up was crafted by a Renaissance man. But, there's news! Due to a generous gift from Malcolm and Lea McComb, we are rebooting the series. Though the future shape is open, the first one will be this coming Sunday, February 28th, with the writer, Dennis Covington.
     I remember reading his book, Salvation on Sand Mountain, at least 20 years ago. I think it was Clyde Edgerton's review that said, "This book does an unusual thing. It breathes."
     When Dennis covered news in the south for the New York Times, he was assigned a courtroom murder case involving a snake handling preacher.
     One thing led to another; then the book came out. It spoke of his spiritual pilgrimage, as well as an understanding of religion in Appalachia. I loved it. I used it in a sermon or two.
     Turns out, Jim Lester and Dennis were schoolmates. (My thanks to Jim for cutting the deal for Covington to come.)
     Dennis will speak on Appalachian Spirituality during Sunday School, then Revelation: A Search for Faith in a Violent Religious World at 7 PM Sunday evening. Timely topic, huh? He travelled to hazardous places like Syria, Africa, Mexico, South America... and the American South, where violence and religion have a visible track record. Perhaps there is even a challenging word for Atlantans as we live in the shadow of Stone Mountain's memories, within the perimeter's intense tourniquet, and under the Gold Dome's triumphs and tragedies.
     God bless Tom. God bless Gladys. And God bless these McComb Lectures. May they have all the free-range scholarship, all the quirky distinctiveness, and all the eccentric curiosity that made Tom and Gladys McComb such a unique gift from God to us.
Glenn Allen Memorial
     There will be a memorial for Glenn Allen in the NDBC Chapel on Wednesday, March 2 at 2:00 PM.
Northside Drive Baptist Church Discernment Process on Same-Sex Marriage
   by Don Janney, Church Moderator

     On February 14, we began our series of discussions on same-sex marriage with Rev. Tom Conley, who served as NDBC's Senior Minister from 1976 to 1991. These discussions are part of a Discernment Process that responds to the NDBC Diaconate's "Statement of Self-Expression," which our deacons adopted unanimously last summer. In this statement, the deacons asserted that all members of our congregation should be afforded "the opportunity to celebrate the ritual of marriage" in our church; and to that end, the deacons expressed their hope that our church will offer the ministry of marriage to same-sex couples with the prayers and support of our congregation.
     Our church's Vision Statement affirms our belief that "God calls us into Christian community with the challenge to discern and act upon the ongoing revelation of God in our time and place." In keeping with that affirmation, we encourage all members of NDBC to engage in the Discernment Process as we ponder the Diaconate's statement concerning the marriage of same-sex couples in our church. As part of this process, we invite all members to participate in subsequent discussions, which are scheduled as follows:
   * Sunday, March 13, 2016-Dr. Diane Lipsett:
     Dr. Lipsett is Minister of Faith Formation and Education at Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC and Assistant Professor of Religion at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. She will preach during the morning worship service and will discuss biblical texts concerning homosexuality and same-sex marriage during a meal in the Fellowship Hall after the service.
  * Sunday, April 3, 2016-Congregational Discussion:
     This discussion will occur during a meal in the Fellowship Hall after the morning worship service and will cover several topics, including the NDBC Diaconate's process leading to its "Statement of Self-Expression," the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges , and positions taken by other like-minded churches regarding same-sex marriage.
     Please come and participate in these discussions with an open heart and an open mind as our congregation considers this important matter.
Lenten Evening Services
"Story, Song, & Spirit"
A Lenten Path to Easter
February 18-March 24
6:45 PM in the Chapel
(Childcare Provided)
 
February 25 - Parker Holloway, piano
      March 3 - James Lamkin, story
      March 10 - Steve Sheeley, hammer dulcimer
      March 17 - Kurt Thomas, guitar
      March 24 - Maundy Thursday Service
NDBC Youth Group 
Youth Test Limits with Island Escape
     On February 26 , pray for the youth and adults that will be braving an island with an exploding volcano. We will be participating in a simulated game at Breakout Atlanta Friday night as we test our limits to see if we have what it takes to escape. After what will most likely prove to be an exhausting adventure, we will make some food, probably dessert, and watch movies as we partake in the first lock in of the year. Over the course of 12 hours, we will play games, have fun, and get far too little sleep while doing so. For updates on how we did, ask any youth or adult that experienced the adventure on February 26-27.
Dennis Covington
Journalist and Author
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Church School at 9:30 AM in the Chapel
McComb Lecture Series at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall
     Dennis Covington is the author of two novels and three non-fiction books. REVELATION: A Search for Faith in a Violent Religious World was recently released on February 16, 2016, by Little, Brown and Company. His classic book Salvation on Sand Mountain was a National Book Award finalist and his articles have been published in the New York Times , the Los Angeles Times Magazine , Lapham's Quarterly , Vogue , and many other periodicals. He was born in Birmingham, AL, and earned a BA degree from the University of Virginia. He earned his MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, studying under Raymond Carver, and teaches creative writing at Texas Tech University.
     Covington will lead a Sunday School class at 9:30 AM in the Chapel utilizing one of his famous books, Salvation on Sand Mountain. He will focus on Appalachian Spirituality covering the trial of Glenn Summerford to experiencing a snake handling church. Covington will then talk about his new book, REVELATION: A Search for Faith in a Violent Religious World, at the McComb Lecture Series at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall. A book-signing will follow the lecture.
Where Are You in God's Toolbox?
Ruth Kramedjian
for the Nominating Committee
     We are in the season of Nominations, where we commit to tasks in our church life and prayerfully consider the nomination of self and/or others to carry out the work of God in our lives, church, and world. Our committee members will be present in the Narthex to accept your nominations for Moderator, Diaconate, Finance Committee, and Personnel Committee. We also encourage you to volunteer on the many splendid ministry teams that help bring us such great opportunities for learning and loving. You may also link to the nominating form on the Northside Drive Baptist Church website and in the Northside Notes. Consider this your invitation. I'd ask you to ponder these choices and help us complete this process by April 3.
     I have my own "toolbox" story for you. This is the last hammer that my father used and treasured. It is a symbol for me of the great servant heart that lived in my father. Hear these descriptors: Son, Husband, Father, Sailor, Saddletree Maker, Salesman, TV/Radio Repairman, Farmer, Fisherman, Collector of Tools, Carpenter, Friend. He was also: Deacon, Song Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Chair of the Building Committee, Pastor, Mission Participant.
     I believe my father lived out his mission in all of these jobs. In one of my favorite photos, Dad, in his overalls and baseball cap, stands on a ladder in a new church addition in upper state New York, oblivious to the camera, as he hammers a nail into a piece of wood.
     It is God's work---whatever the job we do. There are many jobs at NDBC, and you represent all the tools we need. We ask for your prayerful and joyous commitment.
LILYEaster Lily Orders* 
February 28-March 20
     Our personal and community histories have been enriched by our family and friends, both past and present. At Easter, the Flower Ministry Team provides you an opportunity to make a tangible expression of gratitude with Easter lilies on Easter Sunday. Your $20 donation, in memory or celebration of loved ones, makes this memorial possible. Please sign up, beginning Sunday, February 28 , on the Easter envelopes provided in the Narthex, or send your money to Rose in the church office with your dedication information included. Please respond by Sunday, March 20 . For more information see a Flower Ministry Team member.
 
     *U.S. tax regulations do not allow us to offer contribution credit for Easter plants because the plants are returned to the giver.
Triple E Triple E - REVISED
"The Bayeux Tapestry"
w/Jordan Clark
March 8 at 11 AM, Fellowship Hall
     The Bayeux Tapestry is nearly 1,000 years old and illustrates the events leading up to the conquest of England in 1066. No event in English history was more transformational than this invasion. Both Napoleon and Hitler carefully studied the tapestry as they sought to replicate the success of William the Conqueror in invading and subjugating Britain.
Missions Corner
Winter Clothing Collection
     Donations of gently worn shoes and winter clothing are needed for the homeless veterans program at Fort McPherson. Items most needed are men's shoes and boots. Other items requested (for both men and women) are coats, sweat shirts, sweat pants, jeans, hats and gloves. Donations may be left in the Narthex.
Stations of the Cross 
The NDBC Chapel
February 10-March 27
     The Stations of the Cross represents certain scenes in the Passion of Christ, each corresponding to a particular incident, of the special form of devotion connected with fifteen key events on the day of Christ's crucifixion. A majority of the images represent Jesus's walk through the streets of Jerusalem, carrying the cross.
     The Stations originated in medieval Europe when wars prevented Christian pilgrims from visiting the Holy Land. Thus, European artists created works depicting scenes of Christ's journey to Calvary to help pilgrims make a spiritual journey to Jerusalem even if they could not go physically. The faithful installed these sculptures, paintings, or images at intervals along a procession path, inside the parish church, or outdoors in order to have a devotional route in which to stop and pray at each "station."
     The object of the Stations is to help the faithful make in spirit a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death by passing from station to station, with certain prayers and devout meditations upon the various incidents of Christ's final days. The Stations of the Cross will be in the NDBC Chapel throughout the Lenten Season. Simply follow the instructions attached to the walls and walk the Way of the Cross.
Children and Youth Waving Palms
Sunday, March 20, 11 AM Worship Service
     Attention all children, youth, and families! Sunday, March 20, is Palm Sunday! We want you to help us praise Jesus by waving palm branches in the air! Please meet Mr. Mike and Ms. Anna Kate in the Narthex before the 11 AM Worship Service on March 20 to get your palm branches and instructions about waving them in the morning worship service. Bring a friend to Palm Sunday!
Donate Easter Eggs for
the Easter Egg Hunt
     The children in our church and community eagerly anticipate the Easter Egg Hunt every year. Please donate 1-2 dozen stuffed plastic eggs (no peanut products) for the event. You may drop off the eggs at the church office during the week or in the Children's Sunday School room every Sunday until Easter. 
Nursery Help for Easter Sunday
March 27 from 11 AM-12 Noon
     Easter is one of the best opportunities to welcome guests and their children. In order to keep our nursery safe with an increased number of children during Easter Sunday Worship, the Children's Ministry Team needs you to volunteer to be in a preschool room or the nursery. Please contact Anna Kate Wilson for availability and more information.

Volume 8 - Issue 8 

THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT 
February 28, 2016
Isaiah 55:1-9
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
DAILY LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
Dr. Steve Sheeley will be writing devotionals through the Lenten season.
If you would like to be
on his email list and
receive his musings,
you may email him at
ssheeley4@comcast.net .
May the longings of this Lenten season lead us to the resurrected Christ.
HIGHLIGHTS
Glenn Allen Memorial
Discernment Process
Lenten Evening Services
Youth News
Dennis Covington
Where Are You in God's Toolbox?
Easter Lily Orders
Triple E - REVISED
Missions Corner
Stations of the Cross
Palm Sunday
Donate Easter Eggs
Easter Nursery Help
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.

Gordon & Billie Davis
Louise Davis
Nancy F. Davis
 
If you would like your name placed on our rotating TLP list, please give the church office a call.
FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAYS
Levon Thomas - 24
Maggie Johnson - 25
Brett Younger - 26
MARCH
BIRTHDAYS
Jim Mahaffey - 1
Jo Meeks - 1
Greta McLarty - 1
Janet Bell - 2
Virginia Gilbert - 2
Parker Holloway - 2
Austin Chandler - 3
Jordan Clark - 3
Emily Getsay - 3
Ginger Cooper - 7
Kellan Tatum - 7
Caroline Sisk - 12
Wendy Overton-Ervin - 14
Lauren Whiffen - 15
Benjamin Cadaret - 15
Sarah Wolff Milligan - 15
Aline Cofield - 16
Charley Joyner - 18
Jane Fitzgerald - 18
JL Jerden - 19
Jim Barksdale - 20
Jill Johnson - 20
Harper Bell - 21
Don Wamberg - 24
Dan Oakley - 26
Raj Anantaraman - 27
Calvin Dalke - 29
Walter Grant - 30
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
shawl
Led by Susan Harlan
Every 1st & 3rdThursday
@ 7 PM in the Parlor
For more information call Susan Harlan at 770-377-3869.
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 

CHILDREN'S CHOIRS REHEARSALS
children's choir
The Cherub Choir
Children ages 2 through Kindergarten
Directed by Ms. Amanda
Sunday mornings
from 10:25-10:50 AM
in the Room 103
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Celestial Choir
Children in grades 1-5
Directed by Ms. Mary Lou
Sunday mornings
from 10:25-10:50 AM
in Room 116
AT THE TABLE
In the Balcony of the Narthex after Worship


Don't want to get up before 9 AM? Join this class of young singles and couples in their 20s and 30s at the big table in the balcony of the Narthex after the worship service in an informal setting for snacks and coffee. We will gather around the table every Sunday to briefly examine the lectionary texts, deconstruct the sermon of the day, and fellowship together. We will then go to lunch together after class.

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.

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
at info@northsidedrive.org
to let us know. 

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CHURCH WEEK
SUNDAY, February 28
  9:30 AM -
Church School
  9:30 AM -
Adult Church School
w/Dennis Covington
10:25 AM -
Children's Choirs
Rehearsals
11:00 AM -
Morning Worship
12:15 PM -
Young Adult: At the Table
12:00 PM -
McComb Lecture Series
w/Dennis Covington
~~~~~~~~~~~~
TUESDAY, March 1
10:00 AM -
Staff Meeting
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WEDNESDAY, March 2
10:30 AM -
Pastor's Bible Study
  2:00 PM -
Glenn Allen Memorial
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
THURSDAY, March 3
  6:45 PM -
Lenten Thursday Service
  7:00 PM -
Prayer Shawl Ministry
  7:15 PM -
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
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 | 3100 Northside Dr NW | Atlanta GA | 30305
404-237-8621 | northsidedrive.org