FPC connects
The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY Schedule
December 18 & 25, 2011 Christ at the Center
Sunday, December 18 Fourth Advent Sunday • Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Service 8:30 am, Winship Chapel • The Mustard Seed Bookstore 9:00 am - 1:00 pm • Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary • Sunday School for All Ages - 10:05 am • Fellowship Hour - 11:00 am Fifield Hall • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour - 12:15 pm, Reception Room • Nursery/Preschool Staff Christmas Lunch - 12:30 pm, Women’s Bible Classroom • Youth Musical Rehearsal 12:30 pm, Fifield Hall
Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve • Church Family Candlelight Service 4:00 pm, Sanctuary • Holy Communion and Candlelight Service - 6:00 pm, Sanctuary • Christmas Oratorio – Saint -Saëns and Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols Saint Cecilia Consort and Chancel Choir - 10:30 pm, Sanctuary
T
his Sunday, as we worship God t o g e t h e r, t h e sermon title is “What the World Needs Now – Grace.” The Scripture is from the first chapter of the Gospel of John, a very different gospel December 18 f r o m Ma t t h e w a n d Craig Goodrich to preach Luke which contain the narratives of the birth of Jesus in the Bethlehem manger. John takes a more cosmic approach, with echoes of Genesis, dramatic imagery and familiar phrases such as, “In the beginning was the Word,” “light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it,” “the Word became flesh and lived among us… full of grace and truth,” and “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Although there are no angels or shepherds or wise men in John’s gospel, these images have found their way into our life of faith and our Advent and Christmas hymns. Consider these phrases: “Light and life to all he brings,” “Word of the Father now in flesh appearing,” “He rules the world with truth and grace,” and finally “with the dawn of redeeming grace.” Can you name those hymns? On this Sunday before Christmas, the light still shines in the darkness and “redeeming grace” is what this world and every one of us needs, now and always. So let me ask you, are you open to receiving God’s grace? “Let every heart prepare Him room.” See you Sunday.
W
hen an actor like Marlon Brando or James Stewart or Meryl Streep takes over the screen in a film, it is said that they have real ‘presence. The great ones have December 25 - the ability to truly Kevin Knab to preach make it seem like they are ‘in the moment’ occurring in the movie. It is a joy to watch. At Christmas time, we speak of the real presence of Jesus on this earth. It is a fully human presence, steeped in the messiness of emotion, physical reality, and person to person interaction. Jesus existed, fully present, each and every moment he lived. And yet the writer of the Gospel of John also speaks of God’s very presence existing in this man named Jesus. Join us at 10:15 for a Christmas morning message exploring what Christmas Presence might mean for us on a practical, spiritual, and transformative level.
Kevin Knab
Sunday December 25
Faithfully,
Craig
6:30 am - Prayer Breakfast for Homeless 8:30 am - Communion Service in Winship Chapel 9:00 am - No Sunday School 10:15 am - Worship Service in the Sanctuary 11:15 am - Fellowship Hour in The Reception Room
The Chimes Care, Growth & Events
Prayers for THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE This is a list of known servicemen/women in our Church family. To add names, please call 404.228.7719.
Pray for: Chaplain Capt. Jamison Bowman ABE3 Gregory Bridges Sgt. Isaiah Bridges Lt. Col. Bradford W. Cousar LCPL Austin W.P. Eskew First Airman Kevin Lee Captain Alexandria Victoria Miller Captain John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Ensign David B. Sibley USN Commander Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III
RAINBOWS hope and healing in the face of loss ur RAINBOWS program resumes on January 5. New children may join at this time. RAINBOWS is a weekly support group program for children and youth who have experienced traumatic change such as divorce, abandonment, deployment of parent with the military, incarceration or death. Parents and guardians also meet as a group to consider what is happening in their families from the child’s point of view. This program is open to the community and there is no charge. Call Susan Anthony at 404-257-9388, or the Pastoral Care office at 404-228 7719.
O
RAINBOWS SCHEDULE Thursday evenings, Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 Dinner: 6:00 Groups: 6:40-7:45
Pastoral Care Report (As of December 7, 2011) Rehab:
Florence Inman
Hospice:
Tom Schermerhorn
Recuperating: DeborahAnn McCoy, Bob Eskew, Micah Bucklin Births: Congratulations and many blessings to Cliff and Amanda Orr following the birth of Anne Marie Orr on November 8th; proud big brother is William. Deaths: We extend our deepest sympathy and lift up in prayer: Tim Keiley & family, and Robyn Walsh & family following the death of wife and daughter, Robyn Walsh Keiley, on November 23rd; Mimi and Eben Hardie & family following the death of Mimi’s mother, Mildred “Millie” Bondurant, on November 27th; the family and friends of our long-time member, Augustus Currie Monroe, who died December 1st.
Christmas Oratorio – Saint -Saëns & Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols An elegant service of worship certain to fill your heart with the Spirit of Christmas.
DEC. 24, 10:30 pm 2
December 18 & 25
The Chimes programs & events
DEC. 24, 4:00 pm
W E D N E S D AY
@
F I R S T
December 21 & 28
W EDNESDAY There will be no Wednesday evening programs other than Choir & Youth Musical Rehearsals
W ednesday N ight C hoirs D ec . 21
5:45 - 6:30 pm 5:30 - 6:25 pm 6:30 - 7:25 pm 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Archangel Choir Handbell Choir St. Cecilia Consort Chancel Choir
Y outh M usical R ehearsal D ec . 21 6:30 - 8:30 pm - Fifield Hall
D ec . 28
3:00 - 7:00 pm - Fifield Hall
Church Family Candlelight Service A casual service suitable for the entire family. Celebrate Christmas Eve with carols, the story of the Nativity (complete with costumed angels and shepherds) and of course the traditional lighting of the candles.
away for the holidays? Worship with us live from any place in the world. http://www.firstpresbyterian.tv all three Christmas Eve Services & Sundays 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
Christmas Eve 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service Our traditional Worship Service. Featuring The Brass Quintet, Chancel Choir, congregational carols and communion. In addition, Dr. George B. Wirth will preach “What the World Needs Now – Love.” All concluding with a breathtaking lighting of the candles sung to Silent Night.
DEC. 24, 6:00 pm December 18 & 25
3
The Chimes PROGRAMS & Events First Presbyterian Youth present...
IMAGINE
A Musical Fable of Broadway
E nt) L A S ON s Prese
Wreat Christma O N S CKET Youth (G
TIntact any FPC
Co
Stewardship Season Brunch Sunday, January 8, 10:15 am, Fifield Hall
Please join us for brunch on Founders Sunday, featuring Columbia Seminary President Dr. Stephen Hayner, as we kick off the 2012 Stewardship Season. Come hear what God imagines for us in 2012!
Thursday, January 5th-7:00 pm Friday & Saturday, January 6th & 7th-7:30 pm Sunday, January 8th- 3:00 pm All performances are in Fifield Hall
All Tickets are $10 and Concessions are $2-$6 and all benefit 2012 Youth Missions.
Make plans now to enjoy Dinner & Snacks Thursday, January 5 - 7:00 pm “Dulce de Leche” Pancake Supper~featuring Milk Shakes, Pancakes & Sausage Friday, January 6 – 7:30 pm “Hot Box” Dinner~featuring homemade Italian Dinner Saturday, January 7 - 7:30 pm “Gamblers Night”~Soup & Sandwich~featuring choice of homemade soup and grilled cheese sandwich) Sunday, January 8 - 3:00 pm “Save-a-Soul” Bake Sale Concessions available every performance include: Sodas, Bottled Water, Coffee (specialty flavors available), Hot Chocolate, Hot Spiced Tea, Candy (Candy bars, skittles, starburst, etc.), and other treats!
4
December 18 & 25
The Chimes PROGRAMS & events Save the Date! Join the FPC Family as we take
“A DAY ON; NOT A DAY OFF”
w h i z
k i d s
n e e d s
y o u
TUTORS NEEDED
for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Whiz Kids is a Reading & Math tutorial program for Elementray students, sponsered by First Presbyterian (Atlanta) and Hillside Presbyterian Church (Decatur). Volunteers are always needed. Monday, January 16, 2012 Elementary Families need to contact Lauren Patrus if you are interested in participating at 404.228.7735 or lpatrus@firstpresatl.org
HAP
Y
H BIRT DAY US JES
P
Everyone else please contact Anne Drake, in Community Ministry, if you are interested in participating at 404.228.7746 or adrake@firstpresatl.org
To participate or more for more information please contact Rev. Connie Lee at (404) 228-7741 at First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta or at Hillside Presbyterian Church in Decatur (404) 289-3092. fpc_hillside@bellsouth.net.
There
are a hundred reasons to help . you only need one .
On December 25, we will hold our Annual Christmas Breakfast for persons who are homeless. Community Ministries asks that you help us in providing each person a gift card of $25.00 from any Target Retail Store. Look for the sign-up table near Fifield hall or call Mary Joe Dellinger at 404-228-7766. • A N N U A L b r e a k f as t
Preschool children are invited to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday Wednesday, December 14th 5:30 pm in Room #180 Please bring an unwrapped ‘gift’ (new hats, gloves, socks, children’s pjs, pillows, cotton blankets and baby supplies.) to be donated to the Genesis Shelter and Families First.
c h r i s t m as • c e l e b r a t i o n
December 18 & 25
5
The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary
Children e ’ h T Christmas s Pageant
Many thanks to our N/P and Elementary children for participating in the Christmas Pageant and sharing the story of Jesus’ birth last Sunday. A huge thank you is also extended to Gail Price and Laurie Campbell, our pageant co-chairs and the many volunteers who helped with the planning of the pageant! December 21 Please remember that we will not have LOGOS or Wednesday @ First on December 21, 28 or January 4. We’ll see you back on January 11, 2012! December 24 We hope you will join us for the 4:00 Family Christmas Eve service. All children are welcome and encouraged to come, but we will have childcare for children 2 and younger. December 25 Elementary families are invited to hand out gift cards at the Prayer Breakfast on Christmas Day! Volunteers will need to arrive by 7am, and are welcome to come earlier to help prepare and serve breakfast. After we finish serving in Fifield, Elementary families will have breakfast together in the Temple. Please email Lauren if your family would like to participate: lpatrus@firstpresatl.org.
youth YOUTH “WHITE ELEPHANT” CHRISTMAS PARTIES DECEMBER 18 - 5:00-7:00 PM All youth and friends are invited to attend our “White Elephant” Christmas Parties. The Middle Schoolers will party at the home of Thompson and Carson Race and the High Schoolers will party at the home of Jack, Luke, Faye Webster! We will have food, fellowship and lots of fun with our white elephant gift exchange. Everyone needs to bring a wrapped white elephant gift! Don’t miss this evening of mega-fun!!! COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE AND 2012 MISSION TRIP MEETING DECEMBER 19 - 6:00-8:00 PM All FPC College students are invited to join us for an open house on December 19. Come catch up with friends and enjoy food and fellowship! There will also be information about the 2012 College Mission Trip. Don’t miss out! D-GROUP TACKY CHRISTMAS PROM DECEMBER 20 - 8:00-10:00 PM Everyone is invited to celebrate our D-Group Program. Find your tackiest Christmas formalwear, put it on and join us for loads of fun. There will be prizes and Tacky Prom King and Queen, Prince and Princess will be crowned. You do not want to miss this event. It’s gonna be a BLAST!!! MUSICAL REHEARSALS AND “GUYS AND DOLLS” PERFORMANCES: Don’t miss the upcoming rehearsals! They are very important! Performances are January 5 at 7:00 PM; January 6 and 7th at 7:30 PM and January 8 at 3:00 PM. ANNUAL YOUTH SKI RETREAT JANUARY 13-16, 2012! Last Chance to Sign up for the 2012 Youth Ski Retreat! If you have not turned in your forms. I will not accept any more registrations after December 18!!!
Save the date January 16, 2012 Join us on Monday, January 16th, as we honor Martin Luther King, jr. about “a day on, not a day off!” Stay tuned for more details with service opportunities for the whole family! Save the date January 29, 2012 1st communion for elementary children will be during the 9:00 service on January 29, 2012. Information about this special service will be mailed soon.
6
December 18 & 25
or eady f t!! r T g n i t get . 5 heir g he “guys n ” a s J l l g o n angs The “d ows starti ter f ” h s ace! g i the b
The Chimes adult sunday school A gora Room 322
Berean Bible Class Reception Room
The Bereans were critical thinkers who, with study, became believers. (Acts 17:10-12). This year our theme is “What is the Bible?” It is God’s word, but it is also art, literature, and the most influential book ever written, and that is just the beginning. Join us Dec 18th, as Doug Allen presents an insightful discussion of the Four Gospels. We will not meet December 25. Merry Christmas!
Community Bible Study Room B415
Taught by the Rev. Charles Black and Rev. Connie Lee, the Community Sunday School Class includes First Presbyterian members and community participants.
Covenant Class Room 230
On Dec. 18 we will continue our lesson with David Drake. On Dec. 25 there will be no Sunday School class.
D iscovering G od ’ s W ord Room 317 On Dec. 18, we will attend Forum@First in Fifield Hall. Classes will not meet on Dec. 25.
Emmaus Class Room 227
On December 18th, The Emmaus Class will continue it’s study of King’s Cross with Dick Leslie leading the class. We will not meet on Christmas morning.
Faith and Life Room 218
On December 18- Faith and Life Class will have its annual Christmas Brunch. December 25- Faith and Life Class will not meet.
First Foundations Room 319
A laid-back, discussion-oriented class of couples, many in our thirties with young families.
Forum @ First Fifield Hall
On Dec. 18th, Dr. Joel M. LeMon, concludes his series on what was happening in the world during the years prior to Jesus’ birth. Join us for this intriguing study.
G alatians 3:28, Room 323
A brand new Bible Study class, we are open, inclusive, and discussion-oriented. Join us for historically informed, biblically grounded conversations about faith issues.
Internationals Room 327
On Dec. 18th, Martha Ann Stegar will tell of her adventures this year in “Untamed Iceland.” On Dec. 25th, there are no Sunday School classes. Wishing you all Love, Peace and Joy this Christmas!
urban ministry conference
doing justice
loving kindness
Meditation Group Room 320
On Dec. 18th, our class will join Forum@First with Dr. Joel M. LeMon. On Dec. 25th, there are no Sunday School classes. Wishing you all Love, Peace and Joy this Christmas!
Open Door Room 156
Started in 1953, the class remains committed to its initial goal: to join intelligent minds and strong faith. In short, as one member has described the class, one does not check one’s mind at the door when one enters the class.
Ours for Today Room B308
Throughout the year we host speakers who share their insight and perspective on parenting, marriage and the challenges facing the modern Christian family. Come Join Us!
Spiritual Living Room B202
On Dec. 18th, Class will meet at Ruth and Gil Zins’ home for brunch and singing, and Jeff Lewis will teach a lesson on the history behind various Christmas songs. We will not meet on Dec. 25.
The Upper Room Room 332
THE WORLD INTO WHICH JESUS WAS BORN The Intertestamental Period
November 27, December 11 & 18th 10:05 - 11:00 am in Fifield Hall Led by Dr. Joel M. LeMon Assistant Professor of Old Testament Candler School of Theology Emory University
serving others JAN.
12 - 16 ur o Mark y ers d n e l ca
Kevin Knab will be teaching on December 18, and all are welcome to join us for a wonderful Christmas study.
FORUM@FIRST Sponsored by FPC’s Stembler Ministry
walking humbly
J ANUARY 1 2 T H T H ROU G H 1 6 T H 2 0 1 2
In New Testament Greek, the name means “meeting place,” and we are a vibrant, conversational class that discusses a variety of topics, including Bible, theology, current events, and arts. Most of us are thirty something, and many have young children.
Mark your calendars for January 12-16, 2012 as we celebrate our ministry to the city of Atlanta. The UMC is jointly sponsored by The Partnership Ministry of Hillside and First Presbyterian and Community Ministries in co-sponsorship with the Cousins Foundation. The Conference will offer a variety of opportunities for all members of our congregations and community: the King Concert at the King Chapel at Morehouse College on Thursday evening, Dinner and A Movie on Friday evening at FPC, Tony Campolo, keynote speaker on Saturday at FPC, and worship leader Sunday at FPC, Day of Service on Monday. You are invited to share a great fellowship as we dialogue, listen, work alongside each other to be the presence of healing and hope to our beloved community. More details coming soon.
December 18 & 25
7
“New name, new logo, same great teaching.”
For information about private music instruction and group music, dance, and art classes, please visit us on the web or call: Kate Breytspraak, Director www.PSPAonline.org (404) 228-7762 www.firstpresatl.org/sfa
ar t s THE SCHOOL OF FINE
first presbyterian church of atlanta
We have beautiful ornaments, paperweights and other items specially selected for Christmas gifting.
The Mustard Seed
Wednesdays 9-1, 4:30 - 6:30 Sundays 9-1 (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com
Music for December 18 PRELUDE INTROIT ANTHEM OFFERTORY BEN. RESP POSTLUDE
Christmas Symphony - Linek 9:00 - Wind Through the Olive Trees (Cherub Choir) 11:15 - Bist du Bei Mir - J.S. Bach (Archangel Choir) A German Christmas - Tucker From Mendelssohn’s Sechs Spruche: Im Advent: Lasset uns frohlocken Weihnachten: Frohlocket ihr Volker auf Erden Still, Still, Still Hark, The Herald Angels Sing - arr. David Wilcocks
Music for December 25
r Let ou lp e h f f a st our with yion. select
PRELUDE Carols from Around the World OFFERTORY Christmas Medley BEN. RESP POSTLUDE Festival Postlude - Zipoli
The Chimes Bi-weekly 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 Communion Service - 8:30 am Sunday Worship Services -9:00 am & 11:15 am Sunday School 10:05 am WEEKLY BROADCASTS Sundays live at 9:00 am & 11:15 am On demand anytime www.firstpresatl.org/servicesonline AIB Cable Network (Comcast Channel 5; Smyrna Channel 22) Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.