THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES
MINISTRY GUIDE Summer 2021
Belong to Jesus.
Belong Together.
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WELCOME Dear Friend, elcome to The Church of The Apostles! We are honored that you have visited us today, and it is our prayer that you have been blessed by uniting with us in worship. As you may have already sensed, this church is unique in its devotion to true, biblical worship. 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:
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1 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.
2 Prayer and intercession as an expression of our utter dependence on our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ in all things.
3 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.
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OUR FOUNDING RECTOR ichael A. Youssef was born in Egypt in 1948. Dr. Youssef surrendered his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ at the age of 16. He was one of eight children with a family heritage rooted in the ancient New Testament church founded by the Apostle Mark.
n the pages that follow, you can learn more about specific ministries of our church, but most importantly, remember this: you are loved, and you belong at Apostles.
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Again, on behalf of the leadership and members of this church, welcome to Apostles.
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Dr. Youssef immigrated to Australia as a young man where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a minister, and married his wife, Elizabeth. He then earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in California and a doctorate in social anthropology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He became an American citizen in 1984. Dr. Youssef teaches with a fresh perspective as a result of his background and innate comprehension of biblical culture. He has a rich understanding of the Bible, its original languages, and biblical lands. Because of this, his messages are sprinkled with descriptive explanations of many of Scripture’s subtleties and nuances.
Table of Contents 04
You Belong Here
06
Who We Are
07
Our Mission
08 Worship
Midweek Gathering
Wednesday Night Dinner
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Children’s Ministry
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Student to Student (STS)
13
College Fellowship
14
20s & 30s Ministry
15
Small Groups
16
Women’s Ministry
21
Singles Life
22
Men’s Ministry
23
Sharing Your Faith in a Pandemic
World 24
Adult Bible Classes
28
Congregational Care
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You Belong Here Although belonging together looks much different in 2021 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, as a church, we desire to lead people to Jesus and a community where they matter and belong. We would love to walk through this journey with you either online or in-person! There are several ways you can belong to Jesus and belong together through our Sunday morning services, weekly Bible classes, and more. We hope to be a blessing to you, and in turn, you have an opportunity to be a blessing to others. For more information about how you can get connected, please visit apostles.org.
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Seven Benefits of Belonging
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Grow closer to God. MATTHEW 22:37-39; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-4 Inside a community of likeminded believers, you are encouraged to worship, pray, and learn.
For more information about how you can get connected, please visit apostles.org.
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Build lasting friendships. PHILIPPIANS 2:1-2; HEBREWS 10:24-25
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Our church is a family united by our shared love for Jesus. This commonality creates a bond that serves as a foundation for relationship building.
Be known and loved. GENESIS 1:27 No matter your story, you will be respected and embraced as someone made in the image of God.
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Be equipped. EPHESIANS 4:11-16 We teach the truth of the Bible as the primary source for spiritual growth and daily living. This truth gives us the confidence to understand and live out godly values.
Receive support when you need it. GALATIANS 6:2 All of us experience difficult times. Having a pastor, small group, and church family there to encourage and pray for you is invaluable.
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Discover your spiritual gifts.
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Be a blessing to others. PHILIPPIANS 2:3-8 We all want to make a difference. Belonging to a community opens our eyes to the needs around us and allows us to work together to make an impact for Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-7 Each of us was created uniquely by God with talents and abilities that can help others. We’ll help you discover, develop, and deploy your spiritual gifts.
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WHO WE ARE Our deeply held beliefs and highest priorities are the fundamental forces that drive our actions. he 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 accordingly.
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So as you attend Apostles, what can you expect to experience in the life and ministry of this church?
There are at least five realities which drive the ministry of Apostles: 1 Lifting up Jesus at all times in everything we do. 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.
2 Searching for opportunities & ways to make the Gospel clear to every person. 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.
3 Striving to present every person complete in Christ. 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.
4 Conducting all ministry with excellence to the glory of God. Apostles is a church that is busy with Holy Spirit-directed ministry activity that is executed with excellence. We firmly believe that if we cannot do ministry with excellence to the glory of God, we simply don’t do it.
5 Speaking the truth in love without compromise. 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.
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OUR MISSION ur mission is accomplished by unconditionally surrendering to and seeking the leadership of God the Father, through Jesus, His only begotten Son, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. We know that the greatest impact we as a church can make is to reach out to others. God has called us as a church to act as a lighthouse for those truly seeking the truth of the Gospel, not only in the city of Atlanta, but also throughout the nation and to the farthest corners of the world. Our members reach out to others locally and around the world through continued involvement and support of missions and ministries.
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REACHING THE L ST AND EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY.
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SUNDAYS J
oin us online or in person with limited seating to allow for social distancing. For more information on our offerings, visit apostles.org/COVID.
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Online or In-Person Opportunities
Online or In-Person Opportunities
Join our classes online or in-person with limited seating to allow for social distancing. For more information on our offerings, visit apostles.org.
Join us online at apostles.org/live or in-person with limited seating to allow for social distancing. For more information on our offerings, visit apostles.org.
During this hour, we have Bible Classes (Sunday School), and we also have an early worship service in the chapel. The Bible classes are 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.
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.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Midweek Gathering 6:15 p.m. We offer a family dinner at 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP at apostles.org to join us for dinner. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., we gather for a time of worship and an extended time of prayer.
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Children’s Ministry ur 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 and believe that spiritual foundations can be laid in even the youngest child in our nursery.
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Our summer session begins on Sunday, June 6. Until further notice, classes for rising 1st through rising 4th graders will take place during the 9:00 a.m. hour only. There will be no programs for children on Sunday, July 4. Upon arrival, all parents are required to sign their child(ren) into their classroom in person and answer questions confirming their child’s health.
For more detailed information about our ministry, classes, and past virtual teachings, please visit our website at apostles.org/children. 10 | apostles.org
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Sunday Mornings @ 9:00 a.m. Class + Check-In
Description
Infant – Young Toddler
Loving nursery care.
Check-in at Kiosk
Twos and Threes
Classroom teaching and activities from the Big Picture Story Bible.
Check-in at Kiosk
Preschool 4s – Kindergarten Check-in at Kiosk
First Grade – Fourth Grade Check-in at Room 423
These children will have a largegroup lesson from the Great Commission curriculum followed by activities in a smaller group. Elementary children will spend their Sunday mornings on The Young Peacemaker, teaching students to respond to conflict God’s way.
Sunday Mornings @ 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Class + Check-In
Description
Infant – Young Toddler
Loving nursery care.
Check-in at Kiosk
Twos and Threes Check-in at Kiosk
Preschool 4s (Rising Kindergarten)
Our ministry is driven by the hope and vision that our children will have one pure and holy passion to know and follow hard after God.
Classroom teaching and activities from the Big Picture Story Bible.
Preschool 4s will have a large group lesson and activities on the names of God.
Check-in at Kiosk
Rising 1st grade – Rising 5th grade
Elementary-age children attend worship with their families.
Check-in at Kiosk
Stay up to date
Website: apostles.org/children Phone: 404-842-0200 Facebook: The Church of The Apostles Children’s Ministry Instagram: @apostleschildrens
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Sunday Mornings
STUDENT TO STUDENT MINISTRY TS 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 hearts, reaching others with their whole lives, and making disciples with the whole gospel.
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Through each of our Bible studies, small groups, teaching times, and service events, our desire is to minister to the hearts of students and see them transformed by Christ. We long to see them equipped to live as followers of Christ, as lights in the darkness, that they might reach their own generation with the life-giving truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Online and In-Person Offerings Available Our vision for STS Sunday mornings is to be a place where students develop and mature in their faith. We desire to see students know Jesus and make Him known and to be equipped to live for Him at home, on campus, and in everyday life. On Sunday mornings, this is typically accomplished through small group discussions.
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 Instagram (STSAtlanta) and Youtube (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. postles’ 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. Therefore, we want to find creative ways to embrace the full counsel of Scripture, as well as to be a community that provides an opportunity for discipleship. We meet on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for Bible study and dinner in the Commons.
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For more information and scheduling changes, please contact Mark Johnston at mjohnston@apostles.org or Leah Colvin at lcolvin@apostles.org.
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2Os & 3Os MINISTRY he 20s and 30s Ministry at Apostles exists to encourage young adults to intentionally connect with one another 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.
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Thursday Evenings 7:00 p.m. | The Chapel Online or In Person Our 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. There are also a variety of social activities that take place throughout the week, as well as yearly retreats.
Our goal is that the gospel of Jesus Christ will transform our people for the glory of God and the good of those around us.
For more details and up-to-date information, please visit apostles.org/20s30s or contact us at 20s30s@apostles.org.
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SMALL GROUPS ur 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.
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Groups feature lively, interactive discussions on God’s Word and practical ways to 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.
Groups Mixed Groups Men’s Women’s Young Families
Locations Atlanta Briarcliff Brookhaven Buckhead Cherokee County College Park Cumming Douglas County East Cobb Grant Park Henry County Johns Creek Kennesaw
Lithonia Mableton Marietta North Druid Hills Peachtree Corners Roswell Sandy Springs Serenbe Smyrna Tucker Villa Rica Vinings West Cobb
COME FIND A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN CONNECT WITH GOD AND OTHERS IN DEEPER WAYS. For more information, visit apostles.org/ smallgroups or contact T.J. Diamond at tjdiamond@apostles.org.
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5
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EQUIPPING THROUGH COMMUNITY
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ll women are invited to join us for several unique offerings as we link arms with one another to explore the Word of God.
Important Please frequently refer to the church website for the latest information. Class availability and locations are subject to CDC, government, and church guidelines for COVID-19.
Sunday Women’s Community Class
Info
Leader(s)
Description
Discerning the Times: In the Church & In the Heart
Sundays
Muriel Cash
Having just come through what has been repeatedly referred to as an unprecedented year, it’s time to get our bearings as we move forward into the days ahead. It’s been a turbulent year of conflict, isolation, and conflicting (often inaccurate) information. Jeremiah 6:16 speaks to our present situation and location. We are at a crossroads and need to heed the counsel of the Lord by returning to the ancient paths. The picture here is of travelers who have wandered from the right path and need to return. The right path is the way of God’s Word and the established and eternal doctrines of THE faith. (Jude 3)
June 6 – June 27 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Room 607-610
Casey Hawley
In good times or perilous times, the one constant in your life is your Most High God. How do you protect and strengthen that relationship when the world seems to be falling apart? Whether you have experienced a personal crisis, or you are just experiencing the distractions of 2021, your personal walk with the Lord is vital to your peace, blessing, and usefulness to the Kingdom. Take a closer look at how you can offer your life up daily to be shaped, guided, and made more delightful to your Father and Defender. Learn how praying, proclaiming, praising, and remaining in His presence can help you experience the fullness of your daily walk with Him and equip you to go out each day and represent Him in a beautiful way. Jesus Himself will be our model for how to spend time with the Father. (Matthew 26, Mark 1) Join us as we follow our trusted Guide, the Holy Spirit, as He leads us forward with needed TRUTH.
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Weekday Community Classes Class
Info
Leader(s)
Description
A Study of Exodus: A God Who Rescues
Tuesdays
Charlotte Travis
Do you feel like you’re taking crazy pills as culture seems to be going off the rails? There is One who can equip and lead us through the chaos, confusion, and hardship right into clarity, simplicity, and victory. There is no God like Yahweh. Join us for a journey into the book of Exodus as we witness a God of gods who loves to rescue and a Redeemer who wants to walk intimately in our lives. As believers in Christ, we are exiles sojourning through this world. God wants to use our journeys to reveal who He is to a world that desperately needs Him. We will learn timely and important instruction for our individual lives, for the body of Christ as a whole, and most of all, we will grow in our knowledge of the Glorious One who makes clear that salvation is in Christ alone. This world is a crumbling kingdom, but the Kingdom of our God is unshakeable!
June 1 – July 27 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Commons Cost: $15
We will go verse-by-verse with optional homework for discussion as we gather to study God’s Word, fellowship, and pray. I hope you can make it, and feel free to bring friends!
God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, Jen Wilkin
Thursday May 20 – July 29 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Online (Zoom) Cost: $15
Reatha Rivera
“Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you” (Exodus 18:10). With that introduction, we enter into the story of the Hebrew people in the Book of Exodus. No longer under the protection of their forefather Joseph, the children of Israel became slaves to the Egyptians. But God was raising up a deliverer through Moses, who would lead His people from bondage to freedom so they could worship Him. The exodus of the Israelites shapes our understanding of the whole Bible - its themes reverberate all the way to Revelation. Exodus is the birth narrative of a nation unmistakably guided by the Great Deliverer. In this 10-session, verse-by-verse study of Exodus 1–18, Jen Wilkin shows us that Israel’s story is our story: the same God who delivered Israel also delivers all those He loves from slavery to sin and from service to the pharaohs of this world. He lifts our eyes to the promised land He has prepared where we dwell with I AM and worship Him as the one true God.
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Weekday Community Classes ...continued Class
Info
Leader(s)
Description
Kingdom Builders
Thursdays
Toria Peterson
Pray and Proclaim the Way: SEEKING HOPE Part 1 & Part 2
May 6, May 20, June 3, and June 17*
How do we walk alongside others who are seeking to find hope and help in the Gospel? How do we present the true
9:30 a.m. –
Gospel to those we serve? How do we stay away from
12:30 p.m.
false gospels? Join us for a time of teaching, praying in
Commons
one accord, and enjoying fellowship together.
$10 Per Session
Prepare the Way: FUTURE HOPE
Lunch Included Per Session
How can we serve our communities and our city with compassion and wisdom? How do we effectively soften
Childcare available upon request when registering
hearts so that they are ready to receive the truth of God’s Word? And how can I personally get involved in the work God is doing in Atlanta? Hear ways to serve throughout the city through gospel-centered ministries
$5 per child
and participate in service projects that will help these
Limited availability - first come, first serve
ministries effectively reach their communities.
Present the Way: PURIFIED HOPE This is the finale to the previous two sessions’ building blocks. We will reach outside the walls of the church on this day.
* Thursday, June 17 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Commons | Cost: $10 | Lunch Included
Single Hearts for Christ One-Day Retreat Class
Info
Leader(s)
Description
20/20 Vision: The Best is Yet to Come!
Saturday
Julie Van Gorp
Are you living for what matters most in life? Are your loved ones? It’s so easy to get caught up in and distracted by the temporal aspects of life that we miss out on why we were created. This teaching and the discussion time will focus on how you can live a ‘regret-free life,’ leave a legacy that will last for all eternity, and help those you care about to do the same.
June 12 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Room 620 Cost: $15 Lunch and Snacks Included
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GROW
SERVE
SHARE
Community Groups are forming around the Atlanta area, designed to build authentic community.
Women’s Ministry provides numerous opportunities to serve our church, our community, and those beyond the walls of our city.
Visit apostles.org/women for more information on upcoming events and gatherings.
Genuine Wisdom provides perspective, encouragement, and life-on-life interaction for women in their 20s and 30s. Single Hearts for Christ is a community for single women age 40 and over. Widow’s Network provides encouragement for Apostles widows through monthly luncheons.
Visit apostles.org/women for details.
Facebook: @apostleswomensministry Instagram & Twitter: @apostleswomen For more information, contact Apostles Women at 404-8420200 or bcooper@apostles.org.
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SINGLES LIFE t is the desire of The Church of The Apostles Singles Ministry to provide an authentic place within the larger church for single adults to build supportive friendships and grow in the gospel of grace. We strive to see those within our Singles community connect, grow, and serve together in the body of Christ.
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Half the population of Atlanta is single, and The Church of the Apostles has been called to reach this community with the gospel. Often the church can feel like a place only for those who are married or building their families, but the church is diverse with so many in different stages of life. Whether you’re divorced, widowed, never been married, a single parent, or busy with your career, we have a place for you to grow spiritually within an authentic, grace-centered community. We hope that every Single person at Apostles will have their need for community met through our Singles ministry. Class
Info
Description
S.A.L.T. Single Adults Living In Truth (40+)
Mike Glass
Whether you’re new to Apostles or just looking to connect with our Singles community, this gathering is for you. Join with other mid-singles ages 40+ to build friendships and grow in grace. We begin the morning with round table interaction along with some practical biblical teaching to help everyone understand how to live out the Gospel in our work, family, and friendships.
THRIVE A Mid-Singles Community (35+)
Brad Ost
Single Hearts for Christ Single, divorced, and widowed women (40+)
Jan Blakeslee
Sundays 9:00 a.m. In-Person or Online
Sundays 9:00 a.m.
THRIVE is a mid-singles class working through the Bible and sharing our lives. We would love to have you come along with us as we seek to grow toward the Lord and each other in a warm and welcome setting. Come and “thrive” in our community.
In-Person or Online
For up-to-date information, please contact Jan Blakeslee at jblakeslee@apostles.org.
Visit apostles.org/women for upcoming events and offerings.
Single Hearts for Christ is a women’s fellowship that brings single Christian women together to enjoy, enrich, and support one another. What better place to be than with a group where people know you, pray for you, and encourage you in your faith. As we see it, every single, divorced, and widowed woman has different needs, worries, hopes, and dreams; each one certainly offers a plethora of experiences, perspectives, challenges, and gifts. In Christ, we have all that we need for life and ministry. If you are 40 years old or beyond and looking to connect with other Christian women, we have an open invitation for you. Our goal is to provide a secure place for you to grow in Christ and establish friendships with other single women at Apostles.
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MEN’S MINISTRY For online and in-person class offerings, please visit our website at apostles.org/men.
“God did not intend for you to discover the answer to important life questions by yourself. You were created to live in community with other men who are wrestling with the same issues.”
Class
Info
Description
Men’s Small Groups
Weekday Mornings
In today’s world, it’s tough to be who God has called us to be. How do we balance the demands at work with responsibilities at home? How do we love our wives like Christ loves the Church? God did not intend for you to discover these answers by yourself, but to journey with other men who wrestle with the same issues. In our men’s small groups we dive into Scripture, apply it to real life, and sharpen our focus on Christ.
The Path: Men’s Mentoring
For more information, contact Mike Slaughter at mslaughter@apostles.org or 404-591-1971.
The Path facilitates mentoring relationships between men who desire to have accountability for their lives. Our primary source of guidance comes from the Bible, which is applied to our lives by the Holy Spirit. As a reference for our mentors, we use The Heart of Mentoring by Dave Stoddard and To the Heart and Back by Anson Ramsey.
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EVANGELISM
SHARING YOUR FAITH IN A PANDEMIC WORLD Sundays, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | June 6 – July 25 | Room 201-203 Dr. James Saxon, Director of Evangelism, will lead this new class entitled, “Sharing Your Faith in a Pandemic World.” The class will cover basic principles and practices of soul-winning and how these can be utilized in opportunities that arise in a pandemic world. apostles.org | 23
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ADULT BIBLE CLASSES June 6 – August 29 | 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. REGISTRATION REQUIRED for the in-person or online class. Once the in-person class registration is full, please register to join the online class. If you would like to get connected in fellowship with other believers to study the Word of God and pray, please register for a class. For more information, please contact Rhonda Saduddin at rsaduddin@apostles.org.
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Class
Leader + Room
Description
First Look Class
Mike Slaughter
Our First Look class is designed to help you better understand the mission of The Church of The Apostles. We want you to know who we are, why we are here and where we are going in the years ahead. For those who are considering membership or simply want to learn more about our church, we want you to know what it means to belong to our family.
The Commons In-Person Only
Our leadership team looks forward to meeting you and sharing how the Lord is using the ministry to make a difference throughout Atlanta and beyond. Please see the Sunday bulletin or website for details on upcoming classes. For information, contact Holly Copeland at hcopeland@apostles.org or 404564-6688.
Christianity 3-D
Glenn Rivera In-Person or Online Room 613
We encounter Biblical words such as “resurrection,” “the Kingdom of God,” “Passover,” “antichrist,” or words seemingly as simple and straightforward as “believe,” “faith,” “salvation,” or even “marriage,” but how can we be most certain of sound understanding and correct application to our lives? There is one place to turn: the rest of the Scriptures. Yes, Scripture is its own best interpreter. “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9 We must examine what the Bible has to say as a whole, looking at the various genres in which Scripture is presented to us, including narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, the gospels, the epistles, and the apocalypse. The various genres of Scripture present God’s unified revelation; therefore, we must let Scripture interpret Scripture. In Christianity 3-D, we will encounter God’s Word in its various genres, allowing Scripture to interpret itself, teaching us to understand and apply it correctly. Hence, the purpose of Christianity 3-D: Doctrine – Learn it! Discernment – Understand it! Discipleship – Live it!
Family Connection When Grace Meets Life...
Jeff Falkowski In-Person or Online Room 620-623
Everything seems to be changing around us. In such an environment, it is important to find a safe harbor to be with others. To this end, plan on meeting with the Family Connections class to strengthen the core of your life, marriage, and family this summer. While together, let’s explore the rock-solid resources of Paul’s foundational letter to the Ephesians. Here, we will look at how knowing, celebrating, and living out the Gospel has important implications on the quality of our daily life, family, and community. Come gather with us this summer to learn how to deliberately develop a gospel rhythm in our lives at home, work, and play. We’ll be glad we did!
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Class
Leader + Room
Description
Hope and Healing Summer Series 2021 “The Peace Maker”
Rand Eberhard
We are all trying to make sense of a world that is growing more hostile and isolated.
July 11 – August 29
In-Person or Online
Elise Wilkes Randy Eberhard and more Room 242
Scripture tells us: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1 “Finally, brothers, aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be one of mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 “Peacemakers are people who breathe grace. They draw continually on the goodness and power of Jesus Christ, and then bring his love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to the conflicts of daily life.” Ken Sande Join us for a Hope and Healing Series on what it means to be a true difference-maker and one that leaves hearts marked by the Holy Spirit, furthering faith, hope, and love for God’s glory.
How Jesus Ministered in Galilee of the Gentiles
Tom Taylor
How to Make the Best of Times out of Your Worst of Times (1 Peter)
Mike Slaughter
In-Person or Online Room 244
In-Person or Online Room 229 ABC
In the middle of the Gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus away from the religious center of the time (Jerusalem) and in a more commercial district (the district of Galilee). We will see how this speaks directly to us today, as followers of Christ, living every day in a Gentile world. We will start in Matthew Chapter 4 and journey to Matthew Chapter 19. In these changing times, the Lord gives us the opportunity to experience a great ministry season together. As we study 1 Peter, in July and August, we will hear again what beliefs, values, and behaviors prepare us to show and share the Gospel to a fractured and confused culture. Be Hopeful! Join us on Sunday, July 11, as the journey begins.
July 11 - August 15 S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living in Truth 40+)
Mike Glass In-Person or Online Room 617
June 6 - 27
Whether you’re new to Apostles or just looking to connect with our singles community, this gathering is for you. Join with other mid-singles ages 40+ to build friendships and grow in grace. As a single adult, it can be hard to both find and build meaningful community within the church. Each week we seek to build up our community of singles as we look at key passages in the Bible to help us practically live out our faith together. Additionally, we have round table interaction and practical biblical teaching to help everyone understand how to live out the Gospel in our work, family, and friendships.
Servant Leadership: Lessons in Experiential Discipleship
Lawrence Shaw Room 248
It is intended to encourage Christ-followers in working out a growing faith, knowing that a continued growth process leads, ultimately, to a place of surrender. When we know God intimately and know who we are in Him, this opens up a beautiful confidence and humility to be that servant leader. Similar to Jesus’ use of parables to teach, this course will feature film clips to bring lessons to life.
Sharing Your Faith in a Pandemic World
Dr. James Saxon
Dr. James Saxon, Director of Evangelism, will lead this new class entitled, “Sharing Your Faith in a Pandemic World.”
June 6 – July 25
In-Person or Online
In-Person Only Room 201-203
This course intends to present discipleship through the lens of servant leadership.
The class will cover basic principles and practices of soul-winning and how these can be utilized in opportunities that arise in a pandemic world.
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Class
Leader + Room
Description
Themes for Spanish/English Bilingual Classes
Ruben Calleiro
1. Develop cultural relationships within our church and those in our community.
In-Person Only Room 239
2. Study through the Old and New Testaments looking at how God, with the Holy Spirit, works to “harden and soften hearts” and “open and close eyes and ears.” We will look at how our ability to see and hear from God affects our daily choices and steers our walk during challenging times. 3. Learn how to grow and pray for each other in these challenging times.
Thrive: A Mid-Singles Community
Brad Ost In-Person or Online Room 615
Thrive is a mid-singles class working through the Bible. Right now, we’re in the Gospel of John and sharing our lives in community. We’d love to have you come along with us as we seek to grow toward the Lord and each other in a warm and welcoming setting. Come and thrive in our community.
35 and above What’s Really Wrong with Us and What’s the Cure?
Brian Maxwell In-Person Only Room 229 ABC
No, it’s not COVID that’s the real ailment; it’s the coarsening, flattening, and pointlessness of life. What I mean by that and God’s remedy – it’s not a vaccine – is what we’ll explore in our June adult Bible class series. Bibles required. Thinking expected. Masks optional.
June 6 - 27 Women’s Group: Discerning the Times In the Church & In the Heart
Muriel Cash Casey Hawley In-Person Room 607-610
June 6 - 27
Having just come through what has been repeatedly referred to as an unprecedented year, it’s time to get our bearings as we move forward into the days ahead. It’s been a turbulent year of conflict, isolation, and conflicting (often inaccurate) information. Jeremiah 6:16 speaks to our present situation and location. We are at a crossroads and need to heed the counsel of the Lord by returning to the ancient paths. The picture here is of travelers who have wandered from the right path and need to return. The right path is the way of God’s Word and the established and eternal doctrines of THE faith. (Jude 3) In good times or perilous times, the one constant in your life is your Most High God. How do you protect and strengthen that relationship when the world seems to be falling apart? Whether you have experienced a personal crisis, or you are just experiencing the distractions of 2021, your personal walk with the Lord is vital to your peace, blessing, and usefulness to the Kingdom. Take a closer look at how you can offer your life up daily to be shaped, guided, and made more delightful to your Father and Defender. Learn how praying, proclaiming, praising, and remaining in His presence can help you experience the fullness of your daily walk with Him and equip you to go out each day and represent Him in a beautiful way. Jesus Himself will be our model for how to spend time with the Father. (Matthew 26, Mark 1)
Zechariah
Joe Carpenter In-Person or Online Room 237 ABCD
Zechariah has been called the most Messianic, the most truly apocalyptic, and eschatological of all the Old Testament writings. Zechariah’s prophetic ministry took place in the time of Israel’s restoration from the Babylonian captivity, and his primary interest was spiritual renewal. The book gives many explicit pictures of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, and teaches the sovereignty of God in history, over men and nations – past, present, and future.
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY 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 grief, divorce, life transitions, or brokenness.
Opportunities for Growth The Congregational Care ministry offers areas of support for the person searching for hope and healing. Together, we invest in the sowing and harvesting of good seeds through biblical teaching and works of compassion. We hope that you will find your place to humbly co-labor with us in service to Jesus Christ, His church, and the community in which we live.
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Ministry
Learn More
Description
Compassion Ministry
Rand Eberhard
The pastoral staff is available to provide support, encouragement, and direction. Our Stephen Ministry provides trained “Care Givers” who are available after each worship service for prayer and encouragement. “Grace Touch” ministry is available for those in need of a meal when unexpected circumstances arise. Also, our Prayer Ministry is available to intercede and seek the Lord on behalf of the needs you are facing.
Director of Congregational Care 404-591-2475 reberhard@apostles.org
Stephen Ministry
stephenministry@apostles.org
Stephen Ministry is a unique, one-to-one, Christ-centered caring ministry. Trained lay ministers in our congregation are available to meet, pray, and walk alongside those who are experiencing struggles, hurts, or overwhelming circumstances, within a supportive, caring relationship. Stephen Ministers have completed training to best support people and meet regularly with individuals to provide confidential, personalized care. This ministry is designed to journey with you as you begin to experience hope and healing in Christ.
Christian Guidance & Counseling
Appointments
If your heart is heavy or life has become unmanageable, speaking with one of our pastoral counselors will certainly contribute to the betterment of your faith journey. We also offer Christian guidance, premarital and marital direction; as well as, skillful advice. Personal appointments are available upon request. For additional information, please contact Congregational Care Ministry at 404-564-3149.
Individual Guidance and Counseling Appointments Men, Women, and Couples
Men, Women, and Couples Brian Maxwell 404-591-1966 | bmaxwell@ apostles.org Specializing in marriage guidance and premarital counseling.
Bruce Cerbone 404-842-0200 | bcerbone@ apostles.org Specializing in blended families counseling, substance abuse counseling, and anger management resolution counseling. • Board Certified Pastoral Counselor
(Board of Examiners for Georgia Christian Counselors and Therapists, #01142526) • Certified Addiction Counselor I (GACA #3443) • ATP Certified Clinical Trauma Professional • Anger Resolution Blueprint Specialist (0069)
Jeanine Dungan 404-842-0200 | jdungan@ apostles.org Christian guidance, life and spiritual coaching, with a support focus for women. apostles.org | 29
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Volunteer Ministry GraceTouch Meals
Share the grace and love of our Lord by providing a meal and a personal contact to those in our midst in need of refreshment, care, and encouragement. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to: • Cook meals to be taken to families who have a need. • Deliver meals to families.
Prayer Ministry
Involves the expansion of God’s Kingdom through intercession for others. Intercessors may come to the church during the week and pray for the requests that have been received, or they may receive requests via email at home. For more information, contact Brian Maxwell at bmaxwell@apostles.org. Submit Prayer Requests at: apostles.org/care/intake | prayer@apostles.org | 404-591-2480.
Ushers
If you are a member of the church, we invite you to serve! Volunteers are needed once a month during the 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service. This includes passing out the bulletin, helping people get seated, assisting with communion, and helping with the offering. For more information, please contact James Saxon at jsaxon@apostles.org.
Classes | Opportunity for spritual growth and development • Register online at www.apostles.org/care. Class
Info
Description
Ending The War with Myself
Sundays
Women’s Class
June 6 – August 8
Take an upper journey with the Lord to learn all He has done for you. Take an inner journey with the Lord to discover true love in Christ. Facilitated by Ashley D. Wille, AACC, this interactive class will discuss the chapters and homework questions completed prior to each class. Micky Land’s book, “Ending the War with Myself,” will be included in the registration fee of $15.00.
12:15 – 1:45 p.m. Room 244 and Online
*In-person class will begin on June 13.
Boundaries
Mondays
Women’s Class
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. June 7 – July 26 Room 244 and Online
*In-person class will begin on June 14.
Open Hearts
Sundays
Women’s Support Group
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. June 10 – July 29 Room 244 and Online
Come discover how boundaries can help you create space for healthy relationships with God, self, and others. Boundaries define who we are and who we are not. They impact all areas of our lives – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Boundaries help us discover God’s will for our lives. This study is facilitated by Ashley D. Wille, AACC. The class cost is $15 and includes the book.
If you want inspiring, practical teaching and the support of your sisters in Christ to grow into spiritual maturity, please join us in this safe and confidential group. Together, we will grow in authenticity with God, ourselves, and others. Ashley D. Wille, AACC, leads this group.
*In-person class will begin on June 17.
Share Prayer Requests, Hospital and Illness Updates, or Birth and Death Announcements Please use the form online to submit a prayer request; share information about hospitalization, home care, or an illness; or announce a birth or a death. To submit a request or announcement, visit apostles.org/care/intake. 30 | apostles.org
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Class
Info
Description
Beating The Rat Race Solving 12 Problems Men Face
Tuesday Evenings April 6 – June 22
The challenges that men face in the world have never been more difficult. For those seeking to be Men of God, it is even more difficult. “Beating The Rat Race” is a video and discussion series from Pat Morley and Man in The Mirror Ministries.
Room 242
This 12-week study will tackle:
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Men’s Class
·
Search for meaning
·
Why do I exist
·
Broken Relationships
·
Pride
·
Fear
·
Anger
·
And much more…
Join Bruce Cerbone, Congregational Care Pastor/Counselor, as he leads twelve men in this Bible Study with video, table group discussion, and prayer. The study is free and has limited space.
DivorceCare
Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. August 17 – November 16 Room 231
GriefShare
Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. August 17 – November 16 Room 201
Hope and Healing Summer Series 2021 “The Peace Maker” July 11 – August 29
Rand Eberhard Elise Wilkes Randy Eberhard and more In-Person or Online Room 242
Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. DivorceCare is a 13-week course designed to assist, comfort and support individuals as they go through this most difficult time. The class will meet on Tuesday evenings with video, teaching, and small group discussion. The cost is $15.
Grieving the loss of a loved one, whether recently or in the past, is one of the most emotionally wrenching experiences one can go through. If one tries to deal with the varying waves of emotion on their own, the grief experience becomes even more distressing. GriefShare is a video and small group discussion course designed to assist, comfort and support individuals as they go through this most difficult time. The cost is $15.
We are all trying to make sense of a world that is growing more hostile and isolated. Scripture tells us: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1 “Finally, brothers, aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be one of mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 “Peacemakers are people who breathe grace. They draw continually on the goodness and power of Jesus Christ, and then bring his love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to the conflicts of daily life.” Ken Sande Join us for a Hope and Healing Series on what it means to be a true difference-maker and one that leaves hearts marked by the Holy Spirit, furthering faith, hope, and love for God’s glory. apostles.org | 31
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HOW TO CONTACT US The Church of The Apostles 3585 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327 P: 404.842.0200 E: apostles@apostles.org W: apostles.org
WORSHIP SUNDAY The Gathering of the Body: 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY Midweek Dinner: 5:00 p.m. Midweek Prayer: 6:15 p.m.
DISCIPLESHIP Sunday: 9:00 a.m.
LEADING THE WAY with Dr. Michael Youssef PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30325 P: 404.841.0100 Order: 1.800.337.5323 W: LTW.org
Belong to Jesus. Belong Together. 32 | apostles.org
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