The Pinnacle for September 24, 2021

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The Pinnacle

September 24, 2021

September 19 Livestream * Order of Worship * Scriptures

Ordained

I was ordained by Northside Drive in so many beautiful ways. There was never a formal ceremony as such. That came earlier, at Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. James Lamkin sent me a beautiful stole to honor those steps, long before I showed up here.

I was ordained when I knocked on the hospital door, peeking my head around the corner. “All right to come in?” I asked. You said yes.

I was ordained when I sat in your living room and held your hand and we prayed together.

I was ordained when I took that white stole and wrapped it around the trembling hands of you and your soon-to-be spouse.

I was ordained when I stepped forward after the last prayer at the casket and put my hand on your shoulder.

I was ordained when you turned to me in the hospital room and asked, “Would you pray for us?” and I, struggling with the words adequate to the moment, prayed.

I was ordained when you invited me to climb into that pulpit and preach on Sunday morning. I can’t remember most of what I said. Neither do you. But it mattered deeply to me.

I was ordained when you sat in my office and I stumbled with the right words and you were okay with me not knowing the words. What you wanted was just to be present with one who cared enough to stumble with you.

Jenney, Mary Frances, Joseph, and I will always carry this incredible church known as Northside Drive Baptist Church in our hearts. There is no other church like it. There are no other people like you. Thank you for ordaining me to the gospel ministry. Thank you for loving us so freely. Thank you for granting me the privilege of listening, being present, and loving.

There’s a pastoral candidate out there who is seeking ordination in the sense I’ve described. When the time comes, do not hold back. Invite them in. Open your heart. Love freely.

Go in peace. Amen.

Lemonade at the Pavilion

Sunday, October 3, following church service, please join us at the pavilion for a glass of lemonade and a time of fellowship. Our new Interim Pastor Greg DeLoach will be preaching and will join us after the service! We look forward to getting to know Greg as he leads us on this next part of our journey. Make your plans to stop by—no reservations needed.

Hospitality Committee

New Co-Director for Alliance of Baptists

The Alliance of Baptists has called Reverend Elijah Zehyoue as its next co-director following the retirement of Rev. Paula Clayton Dempsey, director of partnership relations. Elijah will begin his new role October 15, joining Carole Collins, director of operations and finance, in leading the staff team.

Rev. Zehyoue, a graduate of Morehouse College (B.A.) and the University of Chicago (M.Div.), has served as associate pastor at Alliance congregational partner Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., since 2014. He brings to the leadership role experience as a pastor, preacher, scholar, and teacher. He is in the dissertation writing phase of a Ph.D. in African History at Howard University where he studies the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and the Origins of the Liberian Civil War. An immigrant from Liberia, Elijah’s family came to the U.S. to escape the country’s civil war.

Alliance President Michael-Ray Mathews said, “In Elijah, we gain the care of a pastor, the rigor of a scholar, and the passion of a prophet." Rev. Dempsey, who has been with the Alliance since 2009 and recently preached at Northside Drive, expressed gratitude "for how the Spirit of God has been at work in the life of Elijah and in the Alliance to bring us to this moment."

The Alliance of Baptists was formed in 1987 to provide a theological home for Baptists and Christians from across many denominational groups. Throughout the Alliance’s history, the organization has worked on state, national, and global justice issues.

Barbara Atchley, Mission Chair

This Sunday in Art & Soul

This Sunday at 9 a.m. Art & Soul will continue its study of the Amy-Jill Levine book Short Stories by Jesus. The class will discuss the book's second chapter, which expounds on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Hartwell Dew will facilitate the discussion, and you are invited to join by Zoom.

Note: For those who may be interested in attending, Amy-Jill Levine will speak in Atlanta on Saturday, October 23, at St. Philips Cathedral. Her lecture on the topic "Understanding Jesus Means Understanding Judaism" is the focus of St. Philips' 12th Annual Spirituality Conference.

Church School Doesn't Have to Be Sunday School

This fall, the Adult Education ministry team is pleased to welcome two new classes, which will meet during the week by Zoom.

The Challenge of Jesus

8 sessions, beginning September 30

Carolyn Mahaffey, facilitator

This study focuses on the life's work and research of renowned historical Jesus scholar John Dominic Crossan. A series of short videos, which participants can view before meeting with the class, presents Crossan's exploration of the matrix of Jesus’ unique time and place. Drawing on scholarly texts, excavation and history, Dr. Crossan introduces us to the flesh-and-blood people who shaped the world into which Jesus was born.

The study begins next Thursday, September 30, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom (passcode 640497). Before joining the discussion, please view the introductory video. If interested, please send an email to Carolyn Mahaffey at atlantac@bellsouth.net

Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith

9 sessions, beginning September 28

Cathy Wooten, facilitator

The eight short stories and essays contained in Listening for God, Volume 2, will be the basis for group discussion in which we investigate how our lives and our faith often merge in surprising ways and places. Participants are encouraged to buy the book, but the selections can also be found in other sources.

The first meeting will be next Tuesday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Contact Cathy Wooten by email at cathy.t.wooten@gmail.com or by phone at 404-231-5673 with any questions.