STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP—VISION, Northside Baptist Church (USPS 001856) is published monthly

by Northside Baptist Church, 530 Airport Road, Panama City, Florida in-house. Management is

listed above. Postmaster: Send address changes to VISION, Northside Baptist Church, 530 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405-4096.

Periodical U.S. Postage

PAID AT

Panama City, FL 32401

DOUGLAS & SUSAN ADAMS 504 E. 26TH STREET LYNN HAVEN FL 32444

If you were to venture out west for your vacation this summer, to the Muir Woods just north of San

Francisco, you would behold one of the most incredible forests in existence: the magnificent coastal redwoods. You

would be dwarfed by the mighty sequoia trees that tower above the human eye at more than 20 stories. These trees

have endured the abuses of history and weather for 1500 hundred years, many of them at over 250 feet in height.

They evoke a sense of awe in everyone privileged enough to walk under their canopy. And yet, the majestic sequoia

trees are an enigma…they have a root system that barely goes more than 4 feet under the ground!

The strength and stability of the redwood trees are not in roots that plunge deep beneath the earth’s surface,

but rather in a connected web of roots that intermingle with the roots of surrounding redwoods. Because the

redwoods grow in groves, their roots support and strengthen neighboring trees while at the same time being

strengthened and supported. In other words, the stability and health of the mighty sequoias are found in their

dependence upon and connectedness to other trees. (Read the following sentences slowly and thoughtfully) No

tree stands alone. Each tree is bound to its neighboring trees beneath the surface. (Now in your best Morgan

Freeman narration) “Yep, there’s probably something we can learn from them old trees.”

These trees serve as a reminder of what we intend for our small group Bible study ministry (Connection

Classes) to be. Our purpose for these groups is not simply to build friendships, although we hope that happens. Our

purpose for these groups is not simply to teach the Bible, although we insist that happens too. Our purpose for these

groups is to provide a small group setting where every person in our church can grow as a disciple of Jesus

Christ. These groups will learn God’s Word together, hold one another accountable for lives that exemplify

Christ, reach out in ministry and mission, and bear one another’s burdens in prayer and friendship.

To those already involved in a Connection Class: how does your class resemble the sequoia forest? Do you

find strength in one another? How can you continue to build a small group whose purpose reflects spiritual growth

and transformation?

To those not yet involved in a Connection Class: Let me encourage you to give it a try! I assure you greater

things are waiting! Involvement in a small group Bible study is vital to our walk with Christ. When our lives are

connected to others, we find a strength far beyond our own.

See You Sunday...Luther

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Luther Stanford, Lead Pastor lstanford@northsidepc.org

Chaise Logan, Student Pastor clogan@northsidepc.org

Scooter Ward, Worship Pastor sward@northsidepc.org

Austin Rhodes, Children’s Pastor arhodes@northsidepc.org

Samantha Seaborn, Preschool Director sseaborn@northsidepc.org

Brenda Caldwell, Administrative Assistant bcaldwell@northsidepc.org

Sharon Wuttke, Financial Secretary swuttke@northsidepc.org

Heather Brewer, Church Hostess hbrewer@northsidepc.org

Jerry Street, Building Superintendent

David Lee, Custodian

LIKE us on Facebook!

530 Airport Road Panama City, FL 32405

850.785.6137

V I S I O N

Luther Stanford, Lead Pastor

West Florida Sunday School Training

August 22 @ 6 - 8:30pm First Baptist Church Panama City

Early Registration until August 9 @ $10 (August 10 - 21 @ $15)

REGISTER TODAY @ http://www.flbaptist.org/go?2014-540-3-2-1-1-1

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3

9am CClasses

10:15am Worship

4:30pm Deacons

@ ED205

6pm Worship

4

5 6pm Zumba @ FH

No Childcare

6 4pm Annex Opens

4:45pm Supper

6pm RESTORE

YOUTH @ Annex

6pm communityLIFE/WC

7 6-8pm Ladies

Paint Party @ Annex

8 9

10 9am CClasses

9am Baptism

Workshop @ ED203

10:15am Worship

4pm Stewardship

@ ED217

6pm Worship

11

12 6pm Zumba @ FH

No Childcare

13 4pm Annex Opens

4:45pm Supper

6pm RESTORE

YOUTH @ Annex

6pm Church

Conference @

Worship Center

14 15 6pm Back to School

Family Night

(1st - 5th graders)

Fellowship Hall

16

17 Promotion

Sunday

9am CClasses

10:15am Worship

and BAPTISM

CELEBRATION

11:30am Kids Parents

Luncheon Meeting @ FH

6pm Worship

18

19 6pm Zumba @ FH

No Childcare

20 4pm Annex Opens

4:45pm Catfish Supper

6pm RESTORE

YOUTH @ Annex

6pm discipleLIFE

Kickoff @ FH

6pm Adult Choir

Christmas Preview

@ Choir Room

21 11:30am Young At

Heart ( 55+)

Luncheon @ FH

22

23

24 9am CClasses

10:15am Worship

6pm Worship

25

26 6pm Zumba @ FH

No Childcare

27 4pm Annex Opens

4:45pm Supper

6pm RESTORE

YOUTH @ Annex

6pm discipleLIFE

6pm Choir Rehearsal

28

29 6pm Date Night

@ The Annex

30

31 9am CClasses

10:15am Worship

NO PM WORSHIP

———————————————————–-—NICARAGUA MISSION TRIP—————————————————————-

Dear Church Family: It’s amazing to see God work.

He works in many different ways and through many

different people; by their actions, words and deeds. During

this last month, Northside, God has used you in a mighty

way to encourage our family during our time of sorrow and

heartbreak. Thanks is just not enough for the gratitude we

feel to you for all the cards, visits, calls, food and mostly

prayers. Your love and support have been so comforting to

us. Even though we are confident Jackie and Phillip are

both enjoying the heavenly promises of our Father, our

human hearts still struggle day to day. We are so thankful

to have a church family like you to encourage, love, and

support us through times like these.

May God bless each of you...The Massey Family

Thank you for your love and support following

Justin’s departure to his heavenly home. Your

prayers, cards and food lifted our spirits and

gave us a peace that only God can provide. We

are proud to be part of God’s group of everyday,

ordinary people who come together each week

with a desire to be a church that will help you

discover hope through living, learning and

loving God and others.

Vicki & Rick McMichael

Johnnie & Robert Hoffman

The Etch-a-Sketch® Life

by Scooter Ward

When I was growing up, my parents bought me a little toy called an

Etch-a-Sketch®. At first it was a fun toy. I could draw boxes and other shapes

with it. Whenever I wanted to sketch something new, I just shook it up and down

rapidly, and whatever I had drawn was erased by the “magic sand” inside. It was a

great cure for boredom, especially while waiting for my mother to get her hair

done. However, the novelty of this toy soon wore off, and it found its place next to

all the other discarded toys - in a garage sale.

The Etch-a-Sketch is now long gone, occupying the countless hours of another

kid’s free time, but the memory of it will always linger in my mind. Now, I have

a new view of the Etch-a-Sketch® concept, in light of Scripture. Our lives as Christians are very similar to an

Etch-a-Sketch®. We doodle around and draw our little plans about life. We may think that our patterns and ideas

are perfect. We think we have figured out God’s plan for us, and what we will do for Him. Usually, that is when He

comes in, takes up our Etch-a-Sketch®, shakes it, and erases everything we have drawn. Harsh you say? Well many

times we look at the design rather than the Designer. Sometimes, that is what it takes to “walk by faith, not

sight.” (2 Cor.5:7) God must bring us to a point to where we totally look to Him.

So the next time God shakes up your Etch-a-Sketch® rejoice and remember - God is in charge of your situation,

and you can rest in His faithful love and care.

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21, NIV)

Amy and I are so very glad to finally be here with our Northside family again. We have been in

“wilderness training,” waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing and plan. Since leaving active duty in October

2011, I thought the door would open right away, but God had to prepare us and it required us depending

fully on Him. He was so faithful to provide for us ONE DAY AT A TIME. We would not have survived

without His grace and loving kindness which He showed through our dear family, church family, and

friends both here in Panama City and also in Birmingham. We could not thank each person enough for

being God’s hands and feet to us in our time of need. We are so thankful to be here in this place at this

time doing what we feel God has placed us on this Earth to do - to minister to and encourage our family

in the Lord. Also, we are thankful to be working alongside a wonderful staff. I am excited to see what

God has in store for His Church and our role in the ministry at Northside - to God be the glory!

A BIG thank you to all of the volunteers that helped me with food service for the Hope

Missions Camp in July.

Come out August 20 for our discipleLIFE Kick Off Fish Fry!!!

Wednesday night dinners are the place to be from 4:45-5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

NO RESERVATIONS Required...Heather

LUTHER’S DAILY TEXT DEVOTIONALS

Subscribe to Luther’s devotionals by texting the

phrase “discoverhope” to 24587.

Welcome Our Newest Northside Members!

Rex & Vanessa Belleville & Family

Rob & Melanie Henning Amber Hicks

Bill, Grant & Grace Kinsaul

WOMEN’S MINISTRY EVENT...MyPaintParty.com by Tana Plyler...Thursday, August 7 @ 6pm at the Annex Ok...most of us, including artists, are not going to be the next Picasso. But why does that mean you can’t enjoy and appreciate the art that you yourself CAN create. And why does it have to be intimidating or frustrating for you? It doesn't! That’s where I come in...literally...Let me show you how to step into the realm of art...one stroke at a time. YOU CAN DO THIS! And, you can have the most fulfilling and accomplished feeling about your art. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO MYPAINTPARTY! RESERVE YOUR SPOT

TODAY!!! Cost is $35 and please sign-up in The HUB.

CHURCH Conference Wednesday, August 13 @ 6pm in the Worship Center For the last 2 years we have discussed Northside’s need to start an additional Sunday morning

worship service. We have shared this need at multiple business meetings, during our Followship leadership conference, during worship services, and various committee meetings. This is not only an important step for

our Church if we are to continue to reach people with the Gospel, it’s a necessary step. Closely related is the question of the future of Sunday evening worship services. This too has been

shared on multiple occasions and in a variety of settings. To formulate our strategy for growth, we will have a “town hall style meeting” on Wednesday, August 13 in the Worship Center to consider both of these issues. Our goal is to answer as many questions as possible and address any concerns that may exist. Please join

the staff and leadership of Northside in prayer as we journey through these issues together.

NRA Certified Basic Pistol Shooting Course, Concealed Weapons Permit and Gun Safety Class Saturday, August 16 in the fellowship hall from 8am-noon. Cost is $75...Call Mike Jones @ 832-2976.

BACK To School Family Night (1st - 5th grade) Friday, August 15 @ 6pm in the Fellowship Hall

BED Babies - 5th Graders Parents Meeting, Sun, August 17 @ 11:30am...more information coming!

YOUNG at Heart (55+) Covered Dish Luncheon, Thurs, August 21 @ 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall

ADULT Choir Christmas Musical Preview

Wednesday, August 20 @ 6pm in the choir room. Mark your calendar now if you would like to join the Adult Choir for the Christmas Season! Any questions, email Scooter Ward at sward@northsidepc.org

LATE Night Date Night, Friday, August 29 @ 6pm at The Annex...more information coming!

BAPTISM CELEBRATION SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

On this day, we hope to celebrate the baptisms of as many people as possible! If you have been considering baptism, this would be a fantastic day to honor God by keeping his first command and identifying your life with

Christ. Pastor Luther will have a short “Baptism Workshop” on Sunday, August 10 @ 9am in ED203 leading up to the celebration. During this workshop, he’ll cover the basic doctrine of baptism and answer Frequently Asked Questions. Please contact Brenda Caldwell at bcaldwell@northsidepc.org or Pastor Luther at lstanford@northsidepc.org to sign up.

… KICK OFF, WED, AUGUST 20 @ 6pm

PLEASE sign-up in The HUB for the following studies:

Children Of The Day by Beth Moore...Study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Join Beth on the Thessalonian shores as

you face REAL crises; medical diagnoses, afflictions, relationships, real doubts, real concerns and real fears. Let the tide wash your eyes with fresh vision. Facilitator: Carol Schroyer @ ED100 (Ladies)

Have We Become Modern Thessalonians?...Has the Church accepted a false teaching of end times

prophecy that has caused it to become luke warm in its faith? Has this false teaching led individual Christians to

become modern day Thessalonians: neglecting the work Christ assigned us and sitting around on the tops of hills waiting for the rapture instead? This class will ask you to take a new, fresh look at what prophecy actually says, and

to test that against what we have been told by men. Bring your Bibles, a desire for God’s truth and a willingness to take a fresh look at prophecy as this class will be a journey into Scripture sure to challenge most every Christian.

Facilitator: Joe Bakanovic @ ED202 (Coed)

The Bait Of Satan by John Bevere…”The issue of offense - the very core of The Bait of Satan - is often the

most difficult obstacle an individual must face and overcome.” We are often either unaware or too proud to admit we have been offended. In either case, we become oblivious to our condition because we are trapped by Satan and tend to

focus only on our self, unable to see the damage we may be causing to others. We need to know how to escape from the trap. This study examines the causes for offense, the fruit we produce while we are in the trap, revealing the avenue of

escape from the grip of offense and how to remain free from it. Facilitator: Jeff Steen @ ED213 (Coed)

The Deacon I Want To Be by Johnny Hunt...a six-lesson, video-based study designed to inform, inspire and

motivate current and prospective deacons to grow spiritually and serve faithfully in the local Church. The lesson titles are: The Deacon and His Worthiness; His Work; His Wife; His Worship; His Walk and His Witness.

Facilitator: Donnie Sellers @ ED206 (Men)

Facilitator: Pastor Luther @ FH