Welcome Back in 1985 when the Lord began to burden my heart for the birthing of a new congregation in this area, three things from the Word of God were clearly revealed to me in regard to worship:
1 2 3
Unhurried praise and adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, Lord, and the Head of this church. This includes a regular time for breaking of bread at the Lord’s Table. Prayer and intercession as an expression of our utter dependence on our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ in all things. Bold proclamation that is relevant and instructive. Because we believe that the Bible is God’s self-revelation and therefore contains all the answers to all of man’s problems and needs, we preach it with all of its authority.
Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Founding Rector The Church of The Apostles
TABLE OF CONTENTS MINISTRIES AND BIBLE STUDIES 5
Children’s Ministry
6
Student Ministry
7
College Fellowship
8
20s and 30s
9
Small Groups
11
Women’s Ministry
13
Men’s Ministry
14
Adult Bible Classes
18
Congregational Care
Who We Are The Church of The Apostles has never been just another church. God has guided and sustained this church through a vision that was made clear to the Rector even before the church began. We conclude from this that God has something unique in mind for this church body, and we operate our ministry according to a God-given core ideology. So, as you attend Apostles, what can you expect to experience in the life and ministry of this church?
OUR VISION
Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Core Values • We are here to lift up Jesus at all times in everything we do. The Bible says that Jesus came to the earth that He might have preeminence in all things, and that includes The Church of The Apostles. This ministry is not about us. • We are constantly searching for opportunities and ways to make God’s awesome message of salvation clear to as many people as possible. We want to ensure that people have the chance to hear the message and see the heart of Jesus in a true light that is compelling and clear. • We also strive to present every person complete in Christ. The highest purpose of life on earth is to make joyful progress in our spiritual formation, which is becoming like Jesus. Therefore, all of our ministry activity here at The Church of The Apostles converges on this focal point. • Apostles is a church that is busy with Holy Spirit-directed ministry activity that is executed with excellence. We firmly believe that excellence is Heaven’s first law, and, if we cannot do ministry with excellence to the glory of God, we simply don’t do it. • Finally, we speak the truth in love without compromise. Through the Bible, God reveals Himself as the fountain of truth and love. We declare His truth in love without compromise or apology.
Sundays | 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Sundays | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
During this hour, we have Bible Classes (Sunday School), and we also have an early worship service in the chapel.
During this hour, we have our worship service in the main sanctuary. This is a time for celebration and communion, praise and prayer, evangelism and proclamation. Our heart’s desire is to lift up the resurrected Jesus in all of His saving power and glory.
The Bible classes are for our children, youth, and adults to meet for grounding, learning, connecting, and training in the wisdom and ways of the Lord. These classes center around Jesus — the living Word of God, and the Scripture — the written Word of God.
The sacrament of Baptism is practiced on the second Sunday of the month, and the sacrament of Communion is practiced on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month.
Wednesday Nights Dinner, 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. Midweek Gatherings, 6:15 p.m. Before the Midweek Gatherings, we offer a family dinner at 5:00 p.m. No reservations are needed. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., we offer programs for everyone in your family. We have Midweek Gatherings for children, students, and adults. The Midweek Gathering for adults includes a time of worship and an extended time of prayer.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
In our fast-paced culture, many families are foregoing the opportunity for serious Bible teaching of young children. The idea that the Sabbath Day is set apart from all other days of the week is what we strive to honor. How we long for our next generation to one day have memories of solid Bible teaching during happy Sunday mornings in their beloved church! One of the great blessings in our Children’s Ministry is the excellent opportunity for Bible study for all ages. The best of the best is offered. It is our belief that we have a tremendous opportunity to reinforce solid truth when children are present from 9:00 until noon and not just for one hour. Our mission in Children’s Ministry is to intentionally reach out to children with the whole counsel of God— that they might know Him and love Him. Although children do not have the vocabulary to express it, they have hungry souls that yearn after God, so it is our desire that every experience a child has in our church includes God-centered programs and activities. We want to nurture faith in each child. We believe spiritual foundations can be laid in even the youngest child in our nursery.
Sunday Mornings | 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Sunday Mornings | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Infant – Age 5 3rd Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk
Infant – Age 5 3rd Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk
First – Fourth Grade 5th Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Children gather at 9:00 a.m. for Sunday morning classes followed by an assembly, where they visit the land of “Apostlelot,” a drama depicting a hero of the faith.
First – Third Grade 4th Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Kid’s Connection is our children’s church for 1st – 3rd graders, where children have the opportunity for a time of worship and large-group teaching.
Wednesday Nights | 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. Infant – Three-Year-Old 3rd Floor | Check-in Loving nursery care, stories, and activities Four-Year-Old – Kindergarten (Catechism Club) 3rd Floor | Check-in 1st – 4th Grade (Running Church) 4th Floor | Check-in Drop-off at Room 423 and pick-up in the STS Gym For more detailed information about our ministry and classes, please visit our website at apostles.org/children.
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STUDENT MINISTRY
STS or Student to Student is the ministry for 5th-12th grade students at Apostles. We are passionate about middle and high school students loving God with their whole heart, reaching others with their whole lives, and making disciples with the whole Gospel.
“Through each of our Bible studies, worship services, teaching times, service projects, and special events, our desire is that students would fall madly in love with the Father and understand the huge plan He has for their lives.” Sunday Mornings | 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Midweek Gathering | Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Our vision for STS Sunday mornings is to create an environment where students develop and mature in their heartbeat to know Jesus and make Him known. It is our desire to see STS students equipped to live boldly for Jesus at home, on campus, and in everyday life. On Sunday mornings, this is accomplished through Small Groups.
Through our Midweek Bible studies, our hope is that students will be equipped to love God more. Every week, during Hour of Power, large group and/or small group Bible studies are offered for every grade level.
Community Groups | 3rd Sunday, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Our vision is to intentionally build community amongst our students as well as offer a welcoming and unintimidating atmosphere for students to invite
The first Wednesday of the month, our GOteams meet. This is an opportunity for students to come together and serve our ministry and the community. GOteams are based on areas of interest, our student’s passions, hobbies, and skills (Worship, Technology, Creative, Hospitality, Welcome, and more). Students can learn more about each team and sign up for more information online at stsatlanta.org/go-teams.
friends. Once a month, we meet in homes in our communities for fellowship, teaching, and discussion. Dates and locations will be announced via email and our website.
Special Events and Trips For information on upcoming gatherings (movie nights, grill-outs, etc.) and trips (retreats, conferences, mission and service opportunities, etc.), check out stsatlanta.org/events. Want to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Student Ministry? Visit our website at stsatlanta.org or call us at 404-591-2470. You can follow us on Facebook (STS Atlanta), Twitter (@stsatlanta), or Instagram (STSAtlanta). You can also sign up to receive text message updates: text “STS” to 24587.
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COLLEGE FELLOWSHIP “We desire to be a place for college students to find encouragement, joy, rest and strength in Jesus.”
Apostles’ College Fellowship is a ministry for college and college-age students. We believe that the deepest possible joy and satisfaction in life can be found exclusively in knowing, loving, and trusting Jesus Christ. We desire to be a place for college students to find encouragement, joy, rest and strength in Jesus. As a part of this, we want to find creative ways to embrace the full council of Scripture, as well as to be a community that provides an opportunity for discipleship.
We would love to meet you! If you are interested in getting involved in the college ministry at Apostles, please email us at college@apostles.org or call us at 404-591-2489. For current information on gatherings, places, and times, please visit apostles.org/students.
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20s & 30s MINISTRY
The 20s and 30s Ministry at Apostles exists to encourage young adults to intentionally connect with each other each week and to explore the things in life that really matter. Within the ministry, there are lots of opportunities to gather with peers, develop meaningful relationships, and grow spiritually.
“We seek to integrate the gospel into the daily lives of young adults in order that they might be transformed and become influencers in culture.” Primary weekly gatherings are on Thursday nights at The Church of The Apostles. It is a relaxed time of fellowship, worship, and a message from God’s Word. The message is followed by table discussion of the biblical text and key takeaways from the message. There are also a variety of social activities that take place virtually every weekend, as well as yearly retreats.
Thursday Nights 7:00 – 7:45pm | Dinner (drop-in) 7:45 | Worship (live band), message, and table talk
Man Up This is a quarterly gathering of men in their 20s & 30s. Mentoring by older men who have walked in obedience to Christ through many seasons of life can provide encouragement, guidance, and support to younger men who desire to grow spiritually. At each gathering, we will have a special speaker, and free dinner will be provided.
Genuine Wisdom This is a quarterly gathering of women in their 20s and 30s. Mentoring by older women who have walked in obedience to Christ through many seasons of life can provide encouragement, guidance, and support to younger women who desire to grow spiritually. Dinner will be provided at no cost. We do not offer childcare for this event. For more information, please visit our website at 20s30satapostles.com or contact Lauren Ezell at lezell@apostles.org or Jeremy Ezell at jezell@apostles.org. You can also download our app on the iOS and Google play stores (search 20s and 30s at Apostles).
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SMALL GROUPS Come find a place where you can connect with God and others in deeper ways. Our Small Groups are a great environment to develop authentic relationships while discussing how God’s truth intersects life. They help us in our journey of becoming more like Christ… together.
“Our Small Groups are a great environment to develop authentic relationships while discussing how God’s truth intersects life. They help us in our journey of becoming more like Christ…together.” Small Groups meet in homes every week or everyother week, featuring lively, interactive discussions on God’s Word and how we live it out. In a Small Group, you’ll share life’s challenges and joys. You’ll pray for one another and receive encouragement. Your Small Group will help you live out your faith while impacting others… together.
Multiple Locations Atlanta • Brookhaven • Buckhead • Canton Cartersville • College Park • Cumming Douglas County • East Cobb • Grant Park Henry County • Kennesaw • Lithonia • Mableton Marietta • Paulding County • Peachtree Corners Roswell • Sandy Springs • Smyrna • Tucker • Vinings
Groups
West Cobb • Woodstock
Mixed Groups • Men’s • Women’s • Young Families For more information, visit apostles.org or contact T.J. Diamond at tjdiamond@apostles.org.
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Every heart changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ
Our desire in Women’s Ministry is to provide opportunities to learn, grow, serve, and share as we walk with Jesus Christ.
Learn | Women’s Bible Study All women are invited to join one or more of the various, in-depth Bible studies that meet throughout the week.
Tuesday Mornings
Thursday Evenings
6:45 – 7:30 a.m. John: That You May Believe (Leader: Lori Harris)
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Steadfast Love: A Study of Psalm 107 (Leader: Susan Hooker)
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The Gospel of Matthew (Leader: Vicki Gillespie) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Loving Myself As God Does (Leader: Micky Land; registration available through Congregational Care at apostles.org/care) 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Precept: Revelation, Part 4 (Leader: Anne Hayes)
Saturday Mornings 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Spring 2018 study with Jeanine Dungan
Sunday Morning 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Women’s studies offered through Adult Bible Classes
Thursday Mornings 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The Gospel of John, Part 2 (Leader: Denise Nyberg) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. A Study of Joshua: Overcoming Through Submission (Leader: Charlotte Travis) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Mom to Mom (Leader: Connie Musselman; open to all women)
Grow | Monthly Meetings Community Groups are forming around the Atlanta area, designed to build authentic community. Single Hearts for Christ is a community for single women age 40+. Widow’s Network provides encouragement for widows through monthly luncheons.
Serve | Women’s Ministry provides numerous opportunities to serve our church, our community, and those beyond the walls of our city. See apostleswomen.com for details.
Share | Visit apostleswomen.com for more information on upcoming events and gatherings. Facebook: @apostleswomensministry | Instagram & Twitter: @apostleswomen
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MEN’S MINISTRY
Men’s Fraternity | 5:55 - 7:30 a.m. – STS Gym Friday Mornings Men’s Fraternity is a fellowship of men focused on developing their knowledge of Jesus Christ, enabling their walk in the Spirit, and encouraging one another in a fraternal kinship of life and purpose, seeking to grow in grace and knowledge, and seeking to reach a lost and dying world. A complimentary light breakfast is provided.
The Hub | 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. (6:45 Breakfast) Tuesday Mornings – The Commons As men, we all want to make a difference at home, at work, and in all areas of our life. But, sometimes, we get stuck. The Hub is designed for men of all ages to be equipped, encouraged, and empowered for real change. Join us for a light breakfast, challenging teaching from Ephesians, and interactive small group discussion. You’ll leave different than when you came.
The Path: Men’s Mentoring The Path facilitates mentoring relationships between men who desire to have accountability for their lives. Our primary source of guidance comes from the Bible and the Holy Spirit, but, as a reference for our mentors, we use a book called The Heart of Mentoring by Dave Stoddard. Mentoring is a process that is uniquely tailored to the needs of the young mentees. Mentors open their lives, sharing their successes or failures and, above all, what they learned from their experiences. They listen well and don’t have an agenda or want to change their mentees; instead, mentors desire to help their mentees navigate the narrow path of the Christian life. For more information, contact Mike Slaughter at mslaughter@apostles.org or 404-219-6039 (mobile) or Rhonda Saduddin at rsaduddin@apostles.org or 404-564-3152.
Men’s Small Groups Weekday Mornings Marriage, children, work, home, faith—the challenges abound. In today’s world, it’s tough to be who God has called us to be. How do we follow Him and lead others? How do we balance the demands at work with the responsibilities at home? How do we love our wives like Christ loves the Church?
“God did not intend for you to discover the answer to these and all the other important life questions by yourself. You were created to live in community with other men who are wrestling with the same issues.”
God did not intend for you to discover these answers by yourself. You were created to live in community with other men who are wrestling with the same issues. Come join other men at the church to study Scripture, apply it to real life, and sharpen your focus on Christ.
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ADULT
BIBLE CLASSES Progressive Bible Concepts Chris Kitchens Room 245
Grounding - Entry Level Classes Discover Apostles Discover Apostles is a casual and interactive session where you can get a clearer picture of who we are and where we’re headed. You’ll get your questions answered, and you’ll meet others who are also new to Apostles. Continental breakfast will be served. This class is offered on the fourth Sunday of each month beginning January 28, 2018. Please join us at 9:00 a.m. in Room 204. (This class will not be offered in December because of the holidays.) For information, contact Jo Fuller at 404-564-6673 or jfuller@apostles.org.
Membership Class John Horton and Greg Smith Room 201-203 This four-week class is offered quarterly to those interested in membership at Apostles. It is an opportunity not only to learn more about Apostles but also to learn about your spiritual gifts and the many opportunities available to serve and become involved. Completion of the Apostles Membership Class is required for church membership. The next start date is February 4, 2018. For information, contact Jo Fuller at 404-564-6673 or jfuller@apostles.org.
Have you ever asked, “What are basic Christian doctrines? Where are they located in the Bible?” This study will use Scripture to answer your questions and enable you to tie together biblical doctrines. “The Temple of God,” “Being A Living Sacrifice,” “Our Heart: Christ’s Home,” and “God’s Precious Promises” are a sampling of lessons to be studied. Come and be transformed by God’s Word.
Connecting - Community or Life Stage Classes Breakthrough Living – The Gospel of Mark James Pool Room 229 B&C Join our extraordinary, lively group of maturing Christians who love the Lord and each other and are growing in understanding and application of the Word of God. We will have a guided participatory discussion of the Gospel of Mark with an emphasis on the theme of “Be Diligent.”
Co-Ed Singles (35 and above) Danny Castellano and Brad Ost Room 607 Join our community where we gather as singles of a similar age and stage of life to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the fullness of the Lord and His provision for our daily walk. We seek these things through the pursuit of biblical truth, holy living, prayer, and an eternal mindset. Our fellowshipping together mutually encourages us to “love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24) as led by the Holy Spirit. If that kind of community excites you, please come to our class, “Romans: Going Deep With The Glorious Gospel.” We’d love to have you!
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Family Foundations
The Journey
John Whitney Room 612
Steve Peterson, Jordan Broggi, Kevin Selsor, and T.J. Diamond Room 614-615
Family Foundations is comprised largely of married couples with children from preschool to high school. The group strives to build a faith-based foundation for the development and strengthening of our individual families and church family bonds through the study of God’s Word in a sharing and participatory environment.
Women Growing in Grace Galatians and Ephesians – Free from Bondage God’s Way Linda McEntire and Muriel Cash Room 229 A Today, we’re listening to the messages of others, but we’re not learning the Bible. Many are being led astray by every wind of doctrine and cunning craftiness of men (Ephesians 4:14). We live in a time when many who proclaim Christ don’t hunger and thirst for sound doctrine… What is the problem? Mankind is in bondage. … Jesus came to set the captive free. Freedom comes from knowing truth. Truth is a person—Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). And His word is truth. …The goal of this study of Galatians and Ephesians is to know through the Word of truth the freedom that is yours in Christ Jesus—and that, by faith, you will walk in that freedom.
We’re on a journey… a journey toward Christ-likeness, a journey that takes us through the gap. This gap is the differential between where we want to be in our walk with God and where we really are. True life-change happens on this journey. This class will combine solid biblical teaching with authentic table discussions about how we live out God’s truth. We’ll explore the book of Galatians, with time for honest, application-oriented conversation about the Scriptures, as well as the challenges and joys of the journey.
Families Ministries Class Kevin Cuthbertson Room 620-623 The Family Ministries class is designed for families of every age from newlyweds without kids to grandparents. Our hope for this time is that we will mature as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and that God would use those who have walked before us to now walk beside us. Breakfast will be provided at 8:45 a.m., and class will begin at 9:15 a.m. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kevin Cuthbertson at kcuthbertson@apostles.org.
- taken from the Introduction to Free from Bondage God’s Way by Kay Arthur
Learning Study Classes with a Learning Emphasis
Single Women’s Community – Genesis
Romans - Basics and Beyond!
Laurie Graffo and Karen Moncrief Room 617
Roger Hill Room 237 A,B,C,D
“In the beginning...” The Bible is, through and through, a historical revelation. It is the account of God’s activity in history. As such, it must have a beginning. The book of Genesis gives us our historical point of reference from which all subsequent revelation proceeds. A person’s fundamental faith can depend on the understanding and belief of God’s creation as presented in Genesis. A thorough perspective of where we are now emanates from the insights God provides in His revelation of the early history of the earth and man. We will explore the truth as presented in Genesis and provide answers that debunk falsehoods that have become cultural norms.
This chapter-by-chapter study not only fully explores the basics of salvation principles but also expands beyond for us to see the rich fullness of deep, yet practical theological doctrines. We will see everything from how to live the Christian life to understanding what our relationship to Israel really is from a biblical perspective. We will understand why this book so greatly impacted Martin Luther in the Protestant Reformation yet still can influence our lives today for phenomenal spiritual growth with a biblical worldview.
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The Book of Acts Monte Johnson Room 611 An in-depth, verse-by-verse study, with application for today!
The Book of Genesis Christ from the Beginning Baker Smith Room 234 The Bible tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning and that all things were created through him. The Bible also says that Jesus is the Author of life but that his death on the cross was set before the foundation of the world, so that those who believe in him might have eternal life. Our study will examine the promises and foreshadowing of Christ’s saving work as progressively revealed in Genesis.
The Gospel of John Jimmy Goolsby Room 616 The Apostle John said, “…but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). John’s Gospel is about the biggest need in our life, to see the Glory of God revealed through Jesus Christ. Join us for this in-depth study that will lead us to be in awe of Jesus Christ and worship Him—He is all we need!
Training Classes - Developing Life Skills Life Right Side Up A Close-Up View of the Beatitudes Mike Slaughter and Tom Taylor Room 242 What does it mean to be a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven? Matthew’s gospel opens with three chapters containing Jesus’ longest recorded message—the Beatitudes, a sermon given to His disciples to articulate what the life of a Christ-follower should look like. It was a message intended to turn every expectation His closest followers had upside down. How should a disciple relate to sin? To others? To the Law? What is the nature of true righteousness? This series is designed to move you forward in living out the gospel and letting others see the beauty of Christ!
Knowing and Doing God’s Will Bobby Mitchell, Sr. Room 239 Revival in America today can lead to a fresh encounter with God. This class is a look at where we are and how far we’ve fallen and a study of God’s pattern for spiritual awakening as a country and as individuals.
The Gospel of John Mike Sessoms and Scott Mobley Room 250 Which verses quickly come to mind if asked the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” The Gospel of John contains a multitude of our favorite verses such as John 3:16, but it also records for us the clearest picture of who Jesus is. Our study will seek to unfold this record, so that each one, no matter how long they have walked with God, will reach a deeper and clearer understanding of our wonderful Savior.
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE Congregational Care is designed to extend the love and compassion of the Rector to those in our congregation. It is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in meeting the needs of our attendees. We seek to fulfill this ministry by showing compassion to those in need and providing classes to help those dealing with difficult situations such as divorce, grieving a family loss, facing financial difficulties, or restoring a broken life. We also provide personal counseling that is designed to provide wisdom and guidance to those who are going through difficult circumstances.
“We seek to fulfill this ministry by showing compassion to those in need, providing classes to help those dealing with difficult situations such as divorce, grieving a family loss, facing financial difficulties, or restoring a broken life.” Compassion Ministry
Classes
We have several ministries designed to serve our congregation. Our Stephen Ministry provides ministers who are available after each worship service for prayer and encouragement along one’s journey. Grace Touch Meals is for those in need of refreshment and encouragement. Our Prayer Ministry intercedes on behalf of the needs or difficult circumstances of our church family.
Available classes are: Divorce Care, Grief Share, Financial Peace University, Living Waters: Restoring Relational Integrity, Cross Current: Beyond Brokenness, Loving Myself as God Does and Boundaries. These various classes are designed to give helpful instruction and personal support for individuals, couples, or families who are having difficulty in dealing with these types of issues.
Counseling
For more information or to register for a class, please visit our website at www.apostles.org/care.
Personal counseling is available upon request by contacting our office at 404-564-3149.
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HOW TO CONTACT US 404.842.0200 apostles.org WORSHIP Sunday 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Midweek Gathering 6:15 p.m. ADULT BIBLE CLASSES Sunday 9:00 a.m. LEADING THE WAY with Dr. Michael Youssef PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404.841.0100 Order: 1.800.337.5323 Web: www.leadingtheway.com