NORTHSIDE NOTES:  
November 17, 2016 
Pastoral Reflections 
Rev. James Lamkin

"The Serenity Prayer: Now More than Ever"
               
     Reinhold Niebuhr preached it in his sermons as early as 1934. He wrote it in a magazine article in 1951. And then the world discovered it. Alcoholics Anonymous, and other recovery movements, latched on to the prayer as a healthy approach to the realities, resources, and reckonings of human life.
     There are whispers of these famous lines long before Niebuhr; but for writing them large enough for the world to see, I say, "Thank you, Reinhold, for The Serenity Prayer."
     To my folly, I forget to pray it; but then life humbles me. I go back to Square One; and The Serenity Prayer becomes my first-grade teacher all over again.
     As the intense wind-shears of political change blow...as family members and friends see things differently...and as the rugs of religion are unravelling beneath our feet...each person is faced with large choices, such as: "What do I believe? And how will I live in relationship?"
      These questions are always important for maturing adults; but the questions are magnified in times like these.
     Of course, Christians ask an even more important question: "What does it look like for me to follow Jesus?" How you and I answer that question should and will inform every belief and every relationship.  
     I invite you to pray The Serenity Prayer with me daily...starting today...for we certainly need the wisdom and courage asked for. And by the way, the 1951 version, included grace. I need that too! A heaping helping is called for in my Thanksgiving recipe book. Here's the 1951 edition:
 
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So, that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Thank you, Dr. Niebuhr. And all God's people said, "Amen."
Pledging the NDBC 2017 Budget...
What's in Your Wallet?
by Kathy Harris
      "The last part of a man to be converted is his wallet."
    
       This is one of many quotes attributed to John Wesley and while it may be apocryphal, dollar_wallet.jpg it's got a very modern, 21st century ring to it. One of the newest cheesy corporate lingo phrases I hear all the time now is about "getting more share of the wallet". If you're not familiar with the phrase, 'share of wallet,' it is a marketing concept that refers to the fraction of the customer's wallet spent on the products or services of a particular company. For example, a customer spends $60 a month at fast food restaurants and $30 of that amount is spent at McDonald's, then McDonald's has a 50% wallet share for that customer. From the standpoint of the customer, $30 a month spent probably isn't huge, but to McDonalds that's a huge 'share of wallet.' To McDonalds it shows that this is a loyal, committed customer, whose $30 a month relationship is much more valuable to them than 30 one-time customers who pop in for something off the $1 menu. So, you could also say that 'share of wallet' is all about loyalty, commitment and relationship.
      As Northside Drivers whose loyalty, commitment and relationship to our church is evidenced by our participation in the services, programs and mission opportunities that uplift and sustain us, we share what's in our wallets with our church to ensure NDBC can continue to carry out it's mission as a spiritual force in our lives, our community and the world.  
      Fill out your NDBC Pledge Card, email Rose Hidlay or go online at northsidedrive.org and 'share your wallet'.
Submit Your Pledge for The
2017 Church Budget Throug h
Any of These Ways: 

 

      You can return your pledge card by postal 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 e-mail your pledge to Rose at rose@northsidedrive.org.

Atlanta Habitat logo  

2016 Build November 19 an d December 3, 2 016
      Mark your calendars for the 2016   Interfaith Partnership Habitat for Humanity Build. The build began October 15 with the dedication on December 3.  Contact Barbara Atchley, atchley2005@gmail.com or Geneva.Hall-Shelton@atlantahabitat.org, if interested.      
 
Festival of Thanksgiving 
      On November 20 the altar steps will be overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables which serve to remind us of the blessings of beauty and abundance in our lives. After the service, the food will, as in past years, be donated to Urban Recipe a food cooperative in southeast Atlanta. Originally serving as Georgia Avenue Community Ministry, Urban Rec ipe's primary focus is the formation of food cooperatives which give members a sense of extended family and the opportunity to work together. This ministry serves anyone in need and today there are 350 families in 7 different food co-ops. At the heart of Urban Recipe is food security, dignity, and community.
 
Christmas Giving at Northside Drive
      Although, the fall leaves are still clinging to the trees and the Thanksgiving turkey has not been purchased, it's time to plan our Christmas mission projects. As in the past several years, NDBC will be providing gifts to both children and adults though Buckhead Christian Ministries (Joyous Toys), Morningstar Children and Family Services (residential and foster care for children with special needs), and the The Extension (transitional home for those recovering from addictions). Detailed information about the giving opportunities is available in the Narthex. Questions? Please contact Barbara Atchley 770-436-0709.
Hanging of the Green &  
the first Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Art and Soul Refreshments @9:30; Sanctuary Service @ 9:45 AM                
      You're invited to our annual Hanging of the Green on November 27, 2016.  This is always a special service marking the beginning of the Advent Season. In lieu of Church School we will have refreshments in the Art and Soul Classroom at 9:30 AM.  Then, the processional will begin into the sanctuary at Narthex at 9:45 AM so that we may decorate and prepare for the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmas.  Plan to bring greens from your garden (holly, magnolia, evergreens, etc.) to help adorn our sacred space.
      Parents: This will be a family-friendly service. Children will be invited to carry greenery into the Sanctuary, hang Chrismons, and gather around the tree for a special song with Kurt Thomas. Childcare will also be provided for up to age 5; however, we hope all parents will bring their children to this special service.
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      The Festival Singers of Atlanta open their 35th season with a concert titled "A Season of Celebration" scheduled for Friday, December 2, at 8 p.m. Northside Drive Baptist Church Chapel, 3100 Northside Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 and Sunday, December 4, at 3 p.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30307.
      The program includes works by Parry, Lauridsen, Morley, Howells, Victoria, and Atlanta-based composer N. Grant Pfeifer. Concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.  For more information, check our website at www.festivalsingersofatlanta.org.
Christmas Poinsettias Poinsettias
      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 18. After the 10:30 pm service on December 24th, you will be able to take your memorial poinsettia home. Each poinsettia plant is only $20. Order envelopes are available in the Narthex for your use. Simply fill it out and drop it in the offering plate, or call Rose Hidlay at 404-237-8621 with the number of poinsettias you wish to give, and the memorial details. Then mail your check to the church office. The deadline for orders is December 9.

*U.S. tax regulations do not allow us to offer contribution credit for Easter & Christmas plants because the plants are returned to the giver.
NDBC Preschool 2016/2017 Fundraiser
      The 2016/2017 Preschool Fundraiser is up and running and we need your support!  Why we fund-raise :
  • Nice "extras" for children boy_donation_jar.jpg
  • Capital expenses
  • Teacher and staff motivation
  • Opportunity to "get involved," particularly if short on time or live far away
      We aspire for transparency and simplicity in fundraising through our Targeted Giving Program. Reminiscent of an annual fund or Kick-starter campaign, our website lists out " wish list" items available for purchase.
  • You choose where your investment goes
  • 100% of investment stays at the school
  • Fully tax-deductible
  • The only fundraiser of the year
      Our goal is 100% participation at any level and to fulfill our wish list. The program ends in 4 weeks on Friday, December 2nd.
Click here to invest in The Preschool: 
      We appreciate your support!     
     
WHERE LIFELONG LEARNING BEGINS.
404-237-9060 (phone)
404-237-1682 (fax)
Mike Gregg installed as new pastor of
Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas!  
 

Church Week
SUNDAY, November 20
  9:30 AM - Church School 
  9:30 AM - Caregivers Thank You Tea 
10:25 AM - Children's' Choir Rehearsal
11:00 AM - Morning Worship
12:15 PM - Young Adults: At the Table Class 
  6:30 PM - Community Thanksgiving Service   
  7:00 PM - Hand Bell Practice
MONDAY, November 21 
  7:00 PM - Church Council
TUESDAY, November 22
 10:00 AM - Staff Meeting 
WEDNESDAY, November 23
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study
  Church Office Closed at Noon 
THURSDAY, November 24
  Preschool/Church Office Closed
FRIDAY, November 25
  Preschool/Church Office Closed

Volume 8 - Issue 46
 
THIS SUNDAY'S
LECTIONARY TEXT
November 20, 2016
 Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Philippians 4:4-9
John 6:25-35 
HIGHLIGHTS
Pledging
Article Headline
Yoga
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.

Aline Cofield
Gordon & Billie Davis 
  
If you would like
your name placed
on our rotating TLP list, please give the
church office a call.
NOVEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Claire Blackwell - 1
Grace Collins - 1
Mary Lou Swann - 2
Laurie Nickless - 2
Sylvia Dick - 7
Rob Schwartz - 7
Elizabeth Cassata - 7
Nancy de Jonge Davis - 8
J. Gordon Davis - 9
Larry McSwain - 10
Joel Stouffer - 10
Mathilde Boekhaus -10
Emma Martin - 11
Sheila Nicol - 13
Herb Avery - 14
Kurt Thomas - 15
Tom Vander Ven - 18
Benjamin Schleicher - 19
Louisa Schleicher - 19
Beverly Allen - 20
Conda Abbott - 21
Ted Clyatt - 22
Greg Hawkins - 23
Mary Margaret von Herberstein - 23
Kristin Youngquist - 24
George Smathers - 26
Teri Rhodes - 28
Reidar Bjornard - 29
Annaleigh Gregg - 30  
Namaste Y'all! Yoga is Back!
Thursday's from 6:10 - 7:10 pm
in the Fellowship Hall
      The instructor is Shelia Cooper.  Her children are in our weekday preschool.  Free childcare will be provided in the nursery area of the building. 
$10.00 per person
ROMEOS
Retired Older Men Eating Out
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month our "Retired Older Men" eat lunch together at Piccadilly Cafeteria from 12 PM-1 PM. It's a time to visit with friends, tell stories and eat good food (bring your lunch money)! Piccadilly Cafeteria is located at 1715 Howell Mill Rd.
PASTORS WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday @ 10:30 AM
Conference Room
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 Thursday at 7:00 PM
      Come join us on the first and third Thursday of each month, at 7:00 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.
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Northside Drive Baptist Church is affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists,
the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Interfaith Power & Light.
CBF logo 2      CBF logo   
Northside Drive Baptist Church | 3100 Northside Dr NW | Atlanta GA | 30305
404-237-8621 | northsidedrive.org