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The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
August, 2017
• Prayer breakfast - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • The Mustard Seed Bookstore re-opens August 20
Dear Congregation,
• Worship Service 9:00 am, Fifield Hall
It’s August (can you believe it?), which means FPC is getting ready for an exciting Fall season filled with ministry, mission, and fellowship opportunities. Here are some highlights of what is ahead:
• Sunday School for All Ages 10:00 am • Worship Service 11:00 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour 12:00 pm
EVENTS August 4 20s/30s Braves Game 7:35-11pm. Join us as we cheer on the Braves ahsaunders@firstpresatl.org August 6, 13, 20, 27 Theology Matters: The Bible in Translation Instructor: Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio 10:00-10:50am. Fifield Hall rbonfiglio@firstpresatl.org August (various dates) Parents’ Morning Out 9am-1pm. FPC 1 or 2 days a week per child emiller@firstpresatl.org August 17 20’s/30’s Theology on Tap 7-9pm. Front Page News Midtown Third Thursday of every month elicarter93@cox.net August 11-13 Women’s Retreat at Montreat Montreat Conference Center, NC ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org August 27 End of Summer Picnic 12-2pm. Fifield Hall Come join us for food, fellowship, and fun slane@firstpresatl.org
August 27 – All Church Picnic Worship, we will have one gathering at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Sunday School Open House (Children and Youth Only), 10:00-10:45 a.m. Parents should stop in to preview their children’s classrooms/gathering space and meet their teachers/leaders for the 2017-2018 church year. Adult Sunday School, Great Figures of the Old Testament with Ryan Bonfiglio, will wrap up, 10:00-10:45 a.m. in Fifield Hall. All Church Picnic, will take place immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Stick around for great food, games and fun for the kids, and fellowship for all. New Parenting Gathering Did you know that there are 200+ children on our membership rolls six years of age and younger? Recently, I sent invitations to about 160 households of parents in this cohort who have not yet connected to a Sunday School class. We are going to start a new class for these younger families and I will be facilitating throughout the year. We begin on September 10, in B-111 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. with a six-week series entitled: “6 Dysfunctional Parenting Styles and How to Avoid them.” This gathering is open to parents with younger children so if you are interested or you know someone who might be, please email Katie Law at klaw@firstpresatl.org. Global Mission Sunday, October 1, 2017 Mark your calendar: we will be celebrating God’s global mission and our global partnerships on October 1, World Communion Sunday. A wonderful day is planned that will include worship, education for all ages, and fellowship!
See you in Worship and in the World,
Tony Sundermeier Senior Pastor
The Chimes
Pastoral Care Report
PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE
(As of July 30, 2017)
Lt. Karim Abu-Akel Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson Lt. Col. Charles Ayers PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Lt. JG Benjamin S. Bondurant Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain ABE3 Gregory Bridges AM3 Glenn Thomas Johnson HA Robert Louis Johnson Staff Sgt. Kevin Lee Lt. Wilson Mansfield McManus Major John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Maj. General Russell Sanborn Captain Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III Specialist Branton Wandera Specialist Kevin Wandera
BIRTHS: Congratulations to Mike and Nancy Glass on the birth of their new baby boy, Cooper Redding Glass, who was born on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Best wishes for Carolina and Edward Hanger V on the birth of their son, James Edward Hanger VI, who was born on July 21st and will go by Teddy. DEATHS: Our prayers are with Bob and Holly Kerr and family on the death of Holly’s mother, Lois Jensen, who died on July 16th. We offer our condolences to Michael and Katherine Mallory and their families on the death of their father and longtime member, Jack Mallory, who died on July 18th . A memorial service is planned for Sunday, August 6th at 2:30 pm. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick and Robin Lea and family on the death Robin’s father, John Franklin Wilson, who died on July 24th, in Dallas, TX. RECUPERATING: Barbara Cox, Bill McManus, Chip Harrell, Deborah Ann McCoy, Dr. George Wirth, Iris Eskew, Jim Bynum, Lillian Law, Madeline Lansing, Mary Lou Oppenheimer, Steve Fifield, Tootie Lyons If you have any pastoral concerns, please contact Pam Parrish at 404-228-7737 or pparrish@firstpresatl.org.
Jo in us ! Prayer Shawl Ministry Gathering
2nd Thursday of the month 12:15-2:00pm (or as long as you are able to stay)
In the Bride’s Room Please contact Iris Dodge, Rene Austin or Katie Sundermeier with any questions!
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The Chimes
DREAMS: A DOORWAY INTO SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
SUPPORT GROUPS & SMALL GROUPS CARE OPPORTUNITIES T H I S F A L L AT F P C
New Dream group starting in September! A dream group is like a prayer group where members respond to shared dreams as invitations to heal and deepen relationships – to move into a realm of meaning, connection, creativity, and mystery. Through dreams we can discover a sense of being in the presence of the living Spirit. Dreams speak the language of symbol and metaphor and invite us to experience where we are afraid, stuck, blocked and resistant. Like parables, dreams invite us to let go of whatever is keeping us small and limited. They invite us to open to a flow of deep wisdom and guidance - to move into the realm of relatedness, meaning, creativity, healing, and mystery. Starting September 19th, we will offer a six-week dream group to explore dreams as a spiritual practice. The group will meet Tuesday afternoons. Space limited to ten participants. If you’re interested please call Tootie Lyons at 770-805-9017, Katie Sundermeier at 404-228-7721 or Pam Parrish in the Care officeat 404-228-7737.
Cancer Support Group Designed for those living with cancer and those with a recent cancer diagnosis beginning Monday, September 11, 2017 (6 consecutive Mondays) morning (9:00-10:30am) and evening (6-7:30pm) groups available Sponsored by the Samaritan Counseling Center & First Presbyterian Church lead by The Rev. Dr. Julie A. Johnson, Spiritual Director Cost: $20 which includes book to register-click here for more information contact: Katie Sundemeier at ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org, Julie Johnson at jjohnson@samaritanatlanta.org
Stephen Ministry Training If you are interested in being a Stephen Minister, reach out to Rev. Katie Sundermeier or Rev. Kevin Knab. Dreams as Spiritual Practice New Dream group starting in September! The group will meet each Tuesday afternoons. Prayer in the Chapel Join us for silent and spoken intercessory prayer each Wednesday morning in the chapel this Fall, beginning Sept. 6 from 9:30-10:15am. Cancer Support Group Contact Julie Johnson for more information at jjohnson@samaritanatlanta.org. A SECOND Chapter: A Divorce Recovery Support Group a group is tentatively scheduled to meet this Fall. Contact Kevin Knab or Katie Sundermeier for more info. Book Group: A Second Day a group to read and discuss further mental health, depression and suicidal desperation within our faith community. Contact Kevin Knab or Katie Sundermeier. Grief Support Group “Loss and Wonder” Look for more information in September Chimes, contact Kevin Knab or Katie Sundermeier with questions or to sign up. Prayer Shawl Ministry Group meets on the second Thursdays of each month from 12:15-2pm in the Bride’s Room. Flower Delivery Ministry Team Contact Dorothy White Williams, Kevin Knab or Katie Sundermeier if you would like to be a part of this small group that delivers flowers after worship to members in need.
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The Chimes
OF SUMME D N R E
PICNIC NEED MORE CLOSET SPACE? FPC Community Ministries clothing closet is in urgent need of gently used men’s work clothes and work shoes, shirts, pants, T-shirts, work boots, tennis shoes (sizes 8 – 13), new socks and coats. Please consider donating your gently used clothing & shoes to Community Ministries in B216 of the Smith building and ask for Marie or email mwandera@firstpresatl.org for any questions. Thank you for your giving spirit!
COME-ON-ALONG AUGUST 17!
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COME-ON-ALONG TO THE BOOTH MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART Date: Thursday, August 17, 2017, 9:30 AM Place: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church Parking Lot Cost: $8 per person for docent tour of Cartersville, GA’s Booth Museum of Western Art’s New Exhibits on Creating Camelot (The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe), Ansel Adams’ Masterworks Photos, and Painting Red Rocks Country (Maynard Dixon + Edgar Payne). Self-pay lunch at Museum Cafe. Call Bruce Gregory for more info or reservations at 404-228-2263 or e-mail him at bruce.m.gregory@gmail.com.
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Get Ready for a New Church Year! Join us August 27 Come Casual to Worship and Stay for the Church Picnic! •Great Food! •Fun Activities and Games! •Reconnect with Friends!
The Chimes
In the coming days and weeks, please be thinking and praying for all of our students as they return to school, and particularly for these college freshmen as they navigate the newness:
College Class of 2021
Allie Benson – Texas Christian University Lucy Brewer – Stanford University Lilliana Campbell – Kennesaw State University Sara Grace Carmical – Emory University James Claffey – Purdue University Virginia Davis – Yale University (with gap year) Owen Downs – Cornell University Melissa Drake – University of Georgia Andrew Ferrell – Providence College William Fowler – University of North Georgia Julia Grady – University of Georgia Florida Huff – Dartmouth College Lily Jacobsen – University of Georgia Katie Pressgrove, Wake Forest University Andrew Pressgrove, Southern Methodist University Carson Race – Auburn University Tessa Richardson – Boston University Lizzy Ryan – Georgia College and State University Lane Tillman – Clemson University Gracie Tilman – University of Virginia Will Trimble – Dartmouth College Robert Warren – Washington and Lee University Thomas Woosley – Georgia College and State University
It’s August, which means unfortunately it’s already back-to-school time. For our recent high school graduates, now college freshmen, it means new schools, most likely new cities, new challenges and opportunities.
Emerging Generations is excited about a new idea designed to keep our college students, who are away from home, connected to our church, and we need your help! If you choose to participate, you will be designated a “Church Mouse” and assigned a college freshman. A “Mouse” is a volunteer from our church family who will anonymously support his/her assigned student while they are away. The Mouse can accomplish this task by sending cards or notes or small care packages and by praying for his/her student throughout the academic year. Each Mouse will follow a college student throughout his/her college experience, and each Mouse will reveal his/her identity upon a college student’s graduation. Our hope is that this program will not only keep our college students connected to the church family but also offer them one more layer of support and love during these important years. If you’d like to get this exciting new program off the ground, email Jay (jyork@firstpresatl.org) for more details and to get paired up with one of our twenty-five new college freshmen! August
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The Chimes CHILDREN & TWEENS
TWENTIES & THIRTIES
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL Our combined classes will continue through August 20 from 10-10:50am. Infants to 23mo – Room 187 2’s & 3’s – Room 180 4’s, 5’s & 6’s – Room 178 Rising 2nd – 5th Grade – Room 121 *Rising 6th Graders will begin attending youth Sunday School starting August 6 SUNDAY SCHOOL PREVIEW On August 27 children will be invited to meet and greet with their classes. During the Sunday School hour, families can drop-in to their children’s’ classrooms to see their new rooms, meet their teachers, and get acquainted!
Our twenties and thirties’ community is active and ever-growing. Whether you’re single, engaged, or married, you are welcome; we’d love to get to know you! You’re invited to the following August events:
No Sunday School on September 3. Celebration Sunday is September 10.
Braves Game: an evening at SunTrust Park to cheer on our Braves (Friday, August 4th at 7:35 p.m.)
Not a part of the Children’s Ministry Facebook page or email updates? To be added email skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org
Theology on Tap + Couples’ Group: an opportunity for all 20s/30s to explore a topic theologically over food and beverage (Thursday, August 10th at 7 p.m. at Argosy)
YOUTH BACK TO (SUNDAY) SCHOOL Sad to say, it’s time to get back into our routines. We hope you’ll take August to get back into the habit of coming to Sunday school. Rising 6th through 12th graders will meet together each week in Room 304 for a combined class from 9:45-10:45pm. YOUTH BEACH RETREAT IS BACK September 1-4, 2017 This once annual youth tradition is back! Come kick-off the year with us on the warm sands of Saint Simons Island, GA. We’ll have two full days of beach fun, recreation, surf, sand, worship and small groups. Registration is live and online at www. firstpresatl.org/connect/ youth/. YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM We’re still looking for some student leaders to join our team for 201718. Students involved in our team will have opportunities to lead their peers in the study of God’s word, plan youth activities/events, develop qualities and characteristics of leadership, and deepen their own faith. Email Jay (jyork@firstpresatl.org) for more information. MORE SIGNUPS ON THE WAY There are lots of ways to get involved in youth ministry in the coming year. Whether you want to make sure we have your favorite kinds of donuts, host a small group, lead worship, or get a free meal with Jay, be on the lookout for lots of things to sign up for in the weeks ahead. 6
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Women’s Retreat at Montreat: an inter-generational group of FPC women traveling to NC for a rejuvenating weekend (August 11th-13th at Montreat) Couples’ Group: a group of committed/engaged/ married couples that meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. (Thursday, August 24th at 7 p.m. at the Grimsley’s) 20s/30s’ Circle: a group of women devoted to creating community and studying Jesus together (Monday, August 28th at 7 p.m. at Ann-Henley’s) If you’d like to learn more about any of these events or discover how you can get involved, please email Ann-Henley at ahsaunders@firstpresatl.org.
The Chimes ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
THEOLOGYMATTERS
Short Courses for the Thoughtful Christian
Mondays | October 23, 30, November 6, 13 6:15-8:30pm For more information and to register, visit: www.firstpresatl.org/interfaith.
THE BIBLE IN TRANSLATION: A BRIEF HISTORY Sunday School Hour (10:00-10:50am) August 6, 13, 20, 27 | Fifield Hall Instructor: Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio The English Bibles that we read today are the product of a long and fascinating story. Across time and cultures, Scripture has been translated from its original Greek and Hebrew into the common language of many people groups. In English alone, there are dozens of different translations available today, from the well known KJV and NRSV to newer versions such as the Message and the CEB. How do these translations differ? What factors inform translation decisions? To what extent has the process of Bible translation shaped what the Bible means and how we interact with it? This course aims to address these and related questions about the history of the Bible in translation. • August 6 The Greek Septuagint and Other Early Translations • August 13 The Reformation and the Rise of the English Bible • August 20
From the KJV to the NRSV
• August 27 Modern English Translations and Paraphrases
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This year marks the 150th anniversary of The Temple and the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. In celebration, please join us for a series of four interfaith dialogues that explore how both congregations identify as being part of a “reform(ed)” movement within their respective traditions—FPC as a Reformed church and The Temple as a congregation in the Reform Movement of Judaism. Each Session will include a shared meal, keynote address, and guided table discussions.
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The Chimes
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 1521
Monthy Newsletter of
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of ATLANTA 1328 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-3209 HOW TO CONTACT US Phone/404-892-8461 Fax/404-228-7760 E-mail: youbelong@firstpresatl.org Web: www.firstpresatl.org WORSHIP Sunday Worship Service - 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 am WEEKLY BROADCASTS Sundays live at 9:00 am and 11:00 am On demand anytime www.firstpresatl.org/servicesonline AIB Cable Network (Smyrna Channel 22, Comcast 295) Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.
For information about private music instruction and group music, dance, and art classes, please visit us on the web or call:
ar t s THE SCHOOL OF FINE
Katie Patterson, Director (404) 228-7753 www.firstpresatl.org/sfa
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ATLANTA
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WEDNESDAYS 9-1:00, SUNDAYS 9-12:15 PM (404) 201-6442 themustardseed@firstpresatl.org
Don’t forget to take us along. Worship with us live from any place in the world.
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The Mustard Seed
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Hope you had a great summer! We open on August 20 at 9 am. Come see us to shop our new inventory and the SALE table!
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ARE YOU TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
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http://www.firstpresatl.org Sundays at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.