January 2017 issue

newsletter

On the cover: Operation Christmas Child See page 14.

3

Ministerial Musings Letter from Dr. Gil Watson

10

Note from Student Ministries Rand Eberhard

4

Know Who to Contact Pastoral Care

10

Weekly Studies Men's Ministry

5

Dr. Gil's Celebration Dates Coming Soon

11

Listening Groups Women's Ministry

6

McDonald Memorial Library Feature Article

8

Children's MLK Weekend Sunday, January 15

8

Children's Summer Camp June 5-29

12

Methodist Youth Fellowship Christmas Shopping

8

High Impact Penguin Party Sunday, February 5

12

Murphy-Harpst Tree 162 Gifts Collected Winter MAP 2016 Thank You

8

Caregiver Appreciation Week February 12-17

13

8

VBS Save the Date June 19-22

14

Operation Christmas Child 350 Shoeboxes Collected

9

Ladies Fitness Opportunities Starting in January

15

Dr. Gil's Giving Tree A Special Christmas Blessing

9

Sports & Rec Summer Camps Summer 2017

15

Service Opportunities Get Involved This January

Wednesday Night Dinner: Time Change Hot, fresh, comfort food cooked in our kitchen. Adults $7, Children $5 You are invited to dinner and fellowship! Beginning January 11, Wednesday Night Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Please note that the serving time ends sooner than in previous seasons so be sure to arrive in time! Registration is required by noon on Mondays. If you have any questions, please contact Randy White at [email protected] or 678.298.5038.

January 11 Adults and Children: Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Salad/Fruit, and Banana Pudding

January 18 Adults: Pork Chops, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Rolls, Salad/Fruit, and Apple Pie Children: Hot Dogs and Fries

January 25 Adults and Children: Spaghetti, Garlic Rolls, Salad/Fruit, and Sheet Cake.

Make your reservation at www.NorthsideUMC.org/dinner by noon each Monday. If you would like to serve, please contact Randy White at 678.298.5038 or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you!

Ministerial Musings Dr. Gil Watson, Senior Pastor

Since we've just made it to the New Year, how was your Christmas this year? Mine was especially meaningful. At the eleven o'clock AM worship service all six of my grandchildren were in the Nativity. My thirteen year old Hamilton, his brother @DrGilWatson Henry (12) and their cousin Caroline (10) were all three wise people. Emy, my daughter held Elisabeth (17 months) and were adult shepherd and little lamb. Watson (5) was a shepherd and Sarah Mac (8) his cousin was one too. The wise men and shepherds were pretty well covered for that service. And since I read 'Twas Night Before Christmas and The Christmas story from the Bible like my Granny did for me so long ago, it somehow felt like the circle of life had come all way around.

Christ, God's Son, The Messiah in all of the books of the Old Testament. You might like to join us in the Chapel on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am; in the Chapel on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; and the men's group at 7:15am in the board room each Friday morning.

As I begin the last Bible Study I will teach at Northside, I wanted my subject to be something I haven't taught before. Now that is not an easy task. I, in these 23 years, have taught every book in our Bible. I have taught all the books in the Apocrypha. I have singled out each Gospel and all the Prophets. I have taught about the Temple, the Faith of our Fathers in the United States. I have taught about the Davinci Code and the Popes of the Roman Catholic Church. I have taught the creeds, the names of God, and Paul. I love teaching and I found a subject I have not taught. This January 18 though the second week of May, I will teach about all the references to Jesus

Blessings,

I have loved preaching Camp Meeting Worship Services for my entire ministry. We will have Camp Meeting Services under a tent in the back parking lot with the Varsity Truck to serve "what'll ya have?" after the service on April 29. In May, I will receive my last confirmation class into membership. And June 4, with doves flying in air, I will preach my last sermon at Northside. I hope you'll find the time to say goodbye since these next six months will soon be gone. I can scarcely believe it's been 23 years. Remember there is always a place for you at Northside.

This New Year Let Us Pray...

I am no longer my own, but yours.



Put me to what you will, place me with whom



Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,



Praised for you or criticized for you.

surrender



Let me be full, let me be empty.



you will.

I freely and fully

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

all things to your glory and service.

Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,

And now, O wonderful and holy God,



you are mine, and I am yours.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

Let it also be made in heaven. A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition (Contemporary Version)

Am en.

WHEN LIFE CHANGES, LET US KNOW. With the New Year upon us, we thought it might be helpful to remind our members who to contact with questions or to provide information. Our desire is to stay in close contact with one another as we worship and support each other through Christ’s love. BIRTHS, BAPTISMS, & DEATHS Dr. Ann Brightwell McCord: 678.298.6319 [email protected]

NEW MEMBERS Dr. Charles Gardner: 404.367.2348 [email protected]

WEDDINGS & HOSPITALIZATIONS Cathy Wood: 678.298.5042 Cathy [email protected]

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY WITH HOMEBOUND Dr. Ann Brightwell McCord: 678.298.6319 [email protected]

PRAYER REQUEST LIST Dr. Ann Brightwell McCord: 678.298.6319 Gayle Boland: 678.298.5070 [email protected]

PASTOR ON CALL FOR AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES Call: 404.355.6475, # 8 Dr. Ann Brightwell McCord: 678.298.6319 [email protected]

MEMBER INFORMATION UPDATES Nissa White: 678.298.5061 [email protected] 4

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Celebrate Dr. Gil's Ministry Join us in celebrating the ministry of Dr. Gil. All friends, family, and members of Northside are invited to attend the following events.

Thursday, March 23 Gil's Gala: A Celebration Mocktail of the Life & Ministry 6:00pm Cocktail Hour 7:00pm Dinner & Roast (MC Dick Yarbourogh) Faith & Arts Center Online Reservations Required (Beginning February 10) Cost: $50

Saturday, April 29 Camp Meeting Worship 1:00-3:00pm Church Grounds Varsity Food Truck Cost: Free

Sunday, June 4 Gil's Final Sunday Reception 12:15pm Faith & Arts Center Cost: Free For more information regarding Dr. Gil’s Retirement Celebrations please contact Rev. Catherine at [email protected].

curl up to a good book this winter Some may not be aware, but on the first floor of the church under the Parlor, there is a well-stocked library full of a variety of Christian books and resource materials. Take some time and go check it out this winter season.

Church Library Story The founding of our church library was undertaken by the Wesleyan Service Guild as a Thanksgiving or Memorial gift to the church in connection with the opening of the Sanctuary in November 1957. By the end of the WSCS year 195859, the Guild had fulfilled its original purpose but continued as chief sponsor, under the direction of the Commission on Education. The church as a whole provided basic furniture and equipment, and the church 6

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school included in the budget book purchases for the library. Several circles also have presented gifts to the library. The library is now funded through the unified church budget. Individuals and groups have been generous in their support, helping to build a library that is a joy to use. We appreciate all the personal gifts and memorials, which are recorded on the bookplates. What improvements would you like to see? Come into the library, use it, and tell us what you think of it.

Purpose The purpose of Northside’s McDonald Memorial Library is to provide its members with the best religious,

devotional, denominational, and Christian reference material as possible within the limits of its funding and available space. The library is primarily a Christian education institution which seeks to provide support to all ages in their search for spiritual growth and development. In addition, the library provides materials for the wholesome use of leisure time for enrichment of personal lives. Books are selected by the librarian with the help of lists compiled by religious library experts. Gifts are accepted with the right of disposal. Weeding is done to eliminate outdated information.

McDonald Memorial Library

MEMORIAL GARDEN

First Floor

Older Juvenile Fiction Younger Juvenile Fiction

Counseling

Church Records

Class Materials

Juvenile Non-fiction

Desk

Bibles Tapes/DVDs

1. Help individuals to deepen their Christian faith 2. Aid in the establishing and maintaining of a Christian home 3. Teach the history and beliefs of the United Methodist Church 4. Enable Bible students to compare several interpretations of scriptures 5. Supplement resources of work areas of the church 6. Encourage children and youth to develop strong Christian character and good moral values 7. Hold up as examples lives of great usefulness 8. Enrich leisure hours with wholesome reading material

Northside Library

Fiction

Selection Policy Materials selected for the McDonald Memorial Library should meet one or more of the following criteria:

Adult Religious Reading

Reference

HALLWAY

January 2017 |

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Know | Grow | Go

knowGod's love

in a fresh new way

Children's Ministries MLK Weekend Sunday, January 15 We will have a combined one room offering for Elementary age children (Kindergarten-5th grade) in Room 147 on MLK weekend during the 9:45 and 11:00am hours. Please note that we will have regular Nursery and Preschool offerings during the 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00am services. Children's Ministries Summer Camp Rise & Shine, Give God the Glory! Children ages 6 weeks-5 years Monday-Thursday, 8:50am-1:00pm Children’s Ministries is looking forward to an adventurous summer filled with joyous and memorable experiences, designed to keep your child learning and entertained. Campers will encounter the love of Jesus as they explore the weekly theme, incorporating bible lessons, moonwalk, indoor/outdoor movement, music, books, art, and gross and fine motor play opportunities. Weekly themes are: “Storybook” June 5-8, “Outer Space” June 12-15, and “Stars & Stripes” June 26-29. • • • • •

Choose individual days or an entire week Open to the NUMC congregation and community Free camp t-shirt Daily special entertainment and events Like our FB page to see in real time your child’s daily activities

Register starting January 16 at Children.NorthsideUMC.org. 8

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High Impact Penguin Party Sunday, February 5 | 2:00-5:00pm | Fellowship Hall 4th and 5th graders are invited to join us as we continue our "All Creatures Great and Small" theme with a Penguin Party! We will watch "March of the Penguins", play penguin themed games, and make some penguin crafts. Wear your black and white and be prepared to party like a penguin! Register at Children.NorthsideUMC.org.

Caregiver Appreciation Week February 12-17 Monday-Thursday, 8:50am-1:00pm Children’s Ministries would like to recognize some very special people who work behind the scenes to serve our congregates with children. The caregivers of Northside Church are a wonderful group of individuals who graciously give love, warmth, faith, compassion, and time to the children of Northside. Volunteer to bring goodies during Sunday Nursery (8:00am-12:30 pm), Weekdays Within the Ark (9:00am-1:00pm), and/or Wednesday Night Programming (4:30-7:00 pm). Contact Estee Lassiter at EsteeL@NorthsideUMCorg.

VBS Save the Date June 19-22 Save the date for "Maker Fun Factory: Created By God, Built for a Purpose!" Join us for a week of worship, Bible adventures, crafts, games, snacks, and more. Registration will begin Monday, March 13 and you can register online on the Children’s Ministries page. VBS requires many volunteers—if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact Rev. Taylor at [email protected].

Know | Grow | Go

Ladies Fitness Opportunities for the New Year!

Core Strength January 10-May 18 Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30-9:30am Gym | Cost $10 per class Contact Martha Kimble at [email protected].

Breath of Life Yoga January 9-May 25 Mondays & Fridays 9:30-10:30am Room 335 | Cost $10 per class

Purpose in Every Step January 6-May 17 Mondays & Wednesdays 9:15-10:30am Meet in front of the Scout Hut | Cost $25

Contact Laura Currie at [email protected].

Contact Kelley Stonis at [email protected].

Sports & Rec Summer Camps 2017 Open for children ages 3-14 years old Whether it’s sports, mission camp, art or adventure, there is a place for you! June 5-9

Mission Camp & Art Camp

June 12-15 Soccer Camp & Roller Hockey June 12-16 Ballet Camp June 26-30 Adventure Camp July 10-14 Soccer Camp July 17-21

Adventure Camp & Ballet Camp

July 24-28 Basketball Camp August 7-11 Everyone Else Back At School Art Camp Register online at SportsAndRec.NorthsideUMC.org.

January 2017 |

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Know | Grow | Go

growas a Disciple this new year

a message from student ministries

with Caroline Smith. As always, we are so thankful for our Confirmation Class teachers Herbert Short, Todd McGarrity, Robbie Jackson, Eric Curnow, Elizabeth Lyon, and staff member Kena Hawkins.

We are excited to kick off this New Year, 2017, with our students and families here at Northside Church. We built many great memories and hearts for Christ in 2016 and were blessed to journey with you.

Thank you students and families for bettering our church and community as we all shape the world for God’s glory.

Looking back into our classrooms on Sunday morning we had as many as eight schools represented our High School class. Rand Eberhard and teaching team David Smith (worship/leadership), Rosie and Chloe Kelly and Phillip and Brighton Coleman all worked to create a place where students could find hope together in pursuit of the Good News that we find in the Gospel. Our 6th grade class continues to run strong with veteran teachers Charlie Fiveash and Carle Felton. In 8th grade, Sam Cruce led the charge 10 | NorthsideUMC.org

In Christ, Rand

Know | Grow | Go

Men’s Ministry Breakfast February 11 | 8:00-10:00am Come join us for fellowship, learning, and breakfast. We will have a guest speaker who will talk about what is your mission and purpose as a Christian man.

Tuesday Men's Group Every Tuesday at 12:30pm in Room 364 Come for lunch, fellowship, and directed discussion of life and where we encounter God. Thursday Morning Men's Group Every Thursday | 7:00am | Faith & Arts Center Come on Thursday Mornings at 7:00am as Dr. Charles teaches on kicking off the new year. Enjoy coffee, fellowship, and round table discussion. Friday Morning Men's Group Fridays | 7:15am | Board Room A men-only version of Dr. Gil’s weekly Bible study, where men receive the kind of in-depth analysis that only Dr. Gil’s experience and knowledge can provide, in a fellowship based atmosphere. Friday Men's Group Fridays | 7:45am | Scout Hut A laid back time of fellowship and discussion on the Word of God and what God is doing in our lives, designed to shape and sharpen men into spiritual leaders at home and work. For more information, please contact Dr. Charles Gardner at [email protected].

Listen to the Lord Women’s Winter/Spring Listening Groups Often we hear God’s voice better when we listen attentively together. In small groups of eight women, we gather in the warmth of Sue Allen's basement, drinking in the living water of holy scripture, maturing in the habit of everyday prayer. Sipping together for one hour each month, we experience the process of God’s living water becoming a spring within us, welling up to eternal life in the earthiness of our daily lives. Winter/Spring groups meet monthly January through April on select Wednesdays (8:00-9:00am) and select Thursdays (1:30-2:30pm).

Please visit Women.NorthsideUMC.org to sign up for your personal Listening Group. January 2017 |

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Know | Grow | Go

UMW Murphy-Harpst White Christmas

Thank You for the 162 Gifts Collected!

Methodist Youth Fellowship Christmas Shopping Our Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) made Christmas fun for hundreds of children served through the United Methodist Children’s Home. The UMCH serves families transitioning out of homelessness, youth that have aged out of foster care, and children receiving care through the UMCH’s foster care program. Thank you to all the youth, parents, and staff for shopping, driving, and delivering all the gifts. 12

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Our congregation purchased gifts for 81 children and youth, 3-21 years old, served by Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center. What makes this project so special? The gifts you purchased were specifically requested by the youth. It was heartwarming to see the gifts: specific brands and colors of clothing and shoes, curling and straightening irons, colognes and perfumes, MP3 player and ear buds. Thank you for making Christmas special for these youth. For additional information about Murphy-Harpst, visit www.murphyharpst.org.

WINTER MAP 2016 In November we had the opportunity to return to 3 of the houses we worked at over the summer. The homeowners were very grateful for all we did. In all, we had 75 parents and youth that came out to support our efforts. Awesome job everyone!

SUMMER MAP 2017 Our summer dates for MAP 2017 will be June 26-29. Check the website in the next few months for more info and registration details.

Register at MetroAtlantaProject.org. For more information, contact Ben Glanton at [email protected].

Know | Grow | Go

gotherefore

and make disciples.

matthew 28:19

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thank you Northside Church for packing 350 shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. Operation Christmas Child will send over 11 million shoeboxes to 109 countries this year. Best of all, many children who receive shoeboxes are invited to participate

in a 12 lesson discipleship program. When they graduate from the program they receive a New Testament in their language. More than 7.4 million children worldwide have enrolled in the course since 2010 and 3.3 million have accepted Christ as their Savior.

350 SHOEBOXES COLLECTED 14 | NorthsideUMC.org

Know | Grow | Go

Dr. Gil’s Giving Tree For Dr. Gil’s last Christmas as Senior Pastor of Northside Church he requested we provide Christmas gifts for the west Atlanta neighborhood where he has been serving meals, Covenant House youth shelter, and his beloved friends working at the OK Café. Thank you for your generosity. Dr. Gil was able to bless hundreds of people during the holiday season.

JANUARY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE January 3

Souper Bowl

Provide Dinner at Trinity House.

Sign up this month to serve our Souper Bowl project at www.Mission.NorthsideUMC.org.

January 10 Provide Dinner at Covenant House.

January 21 Join Dr. Gil and serve lunch in West Atlanta.

January 24 Provide lunch with the UMW at the Community Kitchen.

Sign up to help serve at Missions.NorthsideUMC.org. For more information about how to get involved through service opportunities, please contact Lynette Brown at [email protected].

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GEORGIA PERMIT NO. 3787

2799 Northside Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305 404.355.6475

www.NorthsideUMC.org

Sundays in January 1/1

Epiphany Sunday “Making All Things New" Revelation 21:1-6a, Dr. Charles Gardner

@NorthsideATL

1/8

Baptism of the Lord Sunday “The Church’s One Foundation" Ephesians 2:20-22, Dr. Gil Watson

1/15

“Who will build the Church?” Matthew 16:13-18, Rev. Catherine Boothe

1/22

"You Are the Church" 1 Corinthians 3:9, Dr. Gil Watson

1/29

UMW Baby Dedication "We Are the Church" Romans 12:5, Dr. Gil Watson

one body

so in Christ we,

One service only at 10:00am | Faith & Arts Center

though many,

form

and each member belongs to all the others.

8:30am & 11:00am Traditional Worship | Sanctuary 9:45am Contemporary Worship | Faith & Arts Center 9:30am Communion | Prayer Chapel

Romans 12:5