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The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY Schedule Sunday, December 19 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 am, Women’s Bible Classroom • Youth Musical Rehearsal 12:30 pm, Fifield Hall • Friends of Silence - 5:00 pm, Group Counseling Room
Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve • Church Family Candlelight Service 4:00 pm, Sanctuary • Holy Communion and Candlelight Service - 5:30 pm, Sanctuary • Vivaldi’s Gloria Service of Lessons and Carols Saint Cecilia Consort and Chancel Choir 10:30 pm, Sanctuary
December 19 & 26, 2010 Christ at the Center
A
s we make our way toward Bethlehem, we have been talking together in our Advent sermon series about the names that Isaiah used to envision the coming of the Messiah: December 19 - George Wirth “For a child has been born to preach for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” On this fourth Sunday in Advent, our attention turns to this final ascription, “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2-7). The Hebrew word for peace is “Shalom,” and it means not only the absence of war but also a state of “wholeness, health, reconciliation and to be at rest” (Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible). That was the vision which God gave to Isaiah as he prophesied during those ancient days of conflict, fear and darkness for the people of Judah…and that is the same vision which Luke describes in his gospel as the angels sang on that first Silent Night to the shepherds in the hills surrounding Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth among all people!” (Luke 2:14). The vision of God’s peaceable Kingdom is one of the major themes in the Bible, and that will be the focus of our sermon this coming Sunday. I look forward to being with you in worship this coming Sunday, and hope that you will invite your family and friends to come on along as well!
Faithfully yours,
George B. Wirth
T
he Christmas story is full of songs of praise and joy, including the songs the angels sing to the shepherds. After the Shepherds go to see Jesus they December 26 - Kevin Knab go into the towns to preach praising his name. But praise does not end there. Through out the Old Testament, writings tell of how the whole of creation has a purpose. In explaining God’s grandeur, every aspect of creation has a part in praising God from the highest stars to the flecks of dust and everything in between. Psalm 148 is a creation psalm. The detail and richness of the language used in this psalm rings out like bells through the Christmas season. The peculiar language references sea monsters, waters stored above the heavens and Cedar trees. The echoes of Jesus birth reverberate after Christmas in the words of Psalm 148. Join me in exploring these connections in examining the depth of praise throughout the eons.
Kevin Knab
Sunday December 26 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 LCPL Austin W.P. Eskew First Airman Kevin Lee 1st. Lt. Alexandria Victoria Miller Captain John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Ensign David B. Sibley USN Lt. Commander Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III 1st Sgt. Antonio G. Whitfield MC2 Tyler Wilson
RAINBOWS hope and healing in the face of loss ur RAINBOWS program resumes on January 6. 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. For more information or to register, call Susan Anthony at 404-2579388, or the Pastoral Care office at 404228 7719.
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RAINBOWS SCHEDULE Thursday evenings, Jan. 7 - Feb. 25 Dinner: 6:00 Groups: 6:45-7:45
Pastoral Care Report (As of December 8, 2010) Hospitalized: Margaret Williams Recuperating: Terry Greene, Mary Busko Births: Congratulations to the following grandparents: Margy and Dan Smith following the birth of Master Zinn Gustavo Smith-Tovar, on November 22nd in Austin, TX; very proud parents are Stacey and Vincent Smith-Tovar: Steve and Norma Feagin upon the birth of Miss Evelyn Clare Feagin on December 1st; proud parents are Toby and Jennifer Feagin and big sister is Lucy. Deaths: We are sad to announce the death of our long-time member, Mr. G. Arthur Howell Jr. Mr. Howell is survived by his wife Jenny, and Mike & Marty Franchot and family. We also send our deepest condolences to Gwen Smith, Erin Woodward, Lisa Watson and Juanita Smith following the death of mother and grandmother, Sylvia Ann Woodward, on November 28th.
Vivaldi’s
“Gloria”
& 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 19 & 26
The Chimes programs & events
DEC. 24, 4:00 pm
W E D N E S D AY
@
F I R S T
December 22 & 29
W EDNESDAY There will be no Wednesday evening programs other than Youth Musical Rehearsal
No Wed. night activities Dec. 22 or 29
D ec . 22 & 29 Y outh M usical R ehearsal 5:00 - 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 5:30 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 “The Power of His Name: Emanuel.� All concluding with a breathtaking lighting of the candles sung to Silent Night.
DEC. 24, 5:30 pm December 19 & 26
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The Chimes
On Founders Day, January 9, come join the Archives Committee in the Sanctuary during the Sunday School Hour and hear Bill Lyons presenting “Sermons in Stained Glass: History and Interpretation.” There will be handouts and lots of interesting facts revealed! Bill will begin his talk at 10:15 am.
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DO YOU KNOW THE STORY BEHIND OUR STAINED GLASS WINDOWS?
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PROGRAMS & Events
Epiphany Worship Service Completing the twelve days of Christmas, Epiphany is the welcome, joyous conclusion to the entire sweep of Advent-Christmas.
Sunday, January 2 9:00 & 11:05 a.m., Sanctuary Dr. George B. Wirth preaching
Wednesday, January 5 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Reception Room Led by Revs. Hardy Kim and Kevin Knab
On December 19, 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
There
are a hundred reasons to help . you only need one .
for the sign - up table
near fifield hall or call mary joe dellinger at 404-228-7766
Founders Day, Jan. 9
• A N N U A L b r e a k f as t
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December 19 & 26
c h r i s t m as • c e l e b r a t i o n
The Chimes PROGRAMS & events urban ministry conference
loving kindness
walking humbly
Building the Beloved Community
serving others JAN.
13 - 17 ur o Mark y ers calend
Mark your calenders now for the 2011 Urban Ministry Conference. Community Ministries
T
he Partnership Ministry & Community Ministries will be working together to present the 2011 Urban Ministry Conference January 13-17. The Partnership Ministry will be sponsoring two events, Dinner and A Movie on Friday night January 14 and a Spiritual Retreat on Saturday January 15, both events to be held at First Presbyterian Church. The Conference will focus on “Building the Beloved Com-
J ANUARY 1 4 T H T H ROU G H 1 8 T H 2 0 1 0
doing justice
munity” based on Ephesians 2:14: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” • Friday’s night Dinner & A Movie will feature “Invictus” the story of how a South African soccer team became a symbol of overcoming the barriers of apartheid in the wake of President Mandela’s victory. The film, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon will be a perfect introduction to Saturday’s conference. Plan now to attend both events. Childcare will be available upon request.
Join our church members and friends from across the city as we serve God, celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday and his legacy by reaching out to others during The Urban Ministry Conference (see the article to left for complete details). Making a Difference in a Community of Need. Remembering, Celebrating and Acting through compassionate Service.
December 19 & 26
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The Chimes
E THE AV
All Church Retreat
TE
TE S
AV
DA
~ Sponsored by the Stembler Ministry
F E B R U A RY 2 5 — F E B R U A RY 2 7 Join
u s at
The Ridges Resort
Make plans now to attend the All Church Retreat, in Hiawassee, GA at the fantastic “Ridges” Resort!
E THE
Each Sunday the Marketplace will be open to sell food, candy and Jamaican goods! Come visit us outside Fifield Hall! All proceeds will benefit our Jr. and Sr. High Mission Trips to Jamaica in June 2011.
CALLING ALL ACCOMPLISHED NEEDLEPOINT STITCHERS!
We are starting a needlepoint project creating “RESERVED” caps for the pews. These caps will be used for communion services, funerals and weddings. If you would like to be a part of this project, please contact Katherine Davey or Cindy Candler. For more information call 404-687-0268. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Forum @ First
Community of Faith
DA
S
PROGRAMS & Events
December 19 & 26
Epiphany 2011
The New Year's Journey Rev. Craig Goodrich Associate Pastor, FPC Sunday, January 2 10:05 – 11:00 am Fifield Hall
THE PARTNERHSIP MINISTRY EXTENDS MANY THANKS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SOAP DRIVE TO BENEFIT THE METRO STATE WOMEN’S PRISON. AT LAST COUNT WE HAD COLLECTED MORE THAN 1500 BARS OF SOAP! OUR ORIGINAL GOAL WAS 700. SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HILLSIDE PC TO ACCOMPLISH AN OUTREACH TO OUR COMMUNITY!
The Chimes PROGRAMS & events
First Presbyterian & Hillside Presbyterian Youth present...
Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday, January 7 & 8, 2011 at 7:30 pm Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 3:00 pm n dmissio $10.00 A 8-7751 404-22
Forum@First Sponsored by the Stembler Ministry
First Presbyteri an Church of Atlant a Fifield Hall
eds All proce 2011 ur benefit o Trips! n io s is M
Our New Book Club continues with great converstation about ...
Available at The Mustard Seed
Sonia Nazario
Christ & Culture at Christmas
Led by Rev. Hardy Kim & Rev. Kevin Knab Sunday, December 19 10:05 – 11:00 am Fifield Hall
...It’s not about invading the United States or stealing social services or jobs from American workers. Enrique’s Journey is about love. It’s about family. It’s about home. ~ The Washington Post - Luis Alberto Urrea
Join us Sunday, January 23 at 2:00 pm in Decatur. Sponsored by the Hillside and First Presbyterian Partnership and Christian Education Ministries. Call Darryl Payne (404.298.5920) or Lindsay Armstrong (404.228.7713) for details.
December 19 & 26
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The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary
youth
Children e ’ h T Christmas s Pageant
Thank you to all the participants in the 27th annual Children’s Christmas Pageant. We are grateful for your role in this beloved holiday tradition, when our children lead us in worship and share with us the wonder of this holy season.
Thank you to all the teachers, parents and volunteers who helped with this year’s Children’s Christmas Pageant. A special thank you goes out to Ann Council and Gail Price! Thank you!
“Hairspray” rehearsals are in full swing! YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTIES! DECEMBER 19 – 5:00-7:30 PM All youth are invited to join us for our annual Christmas Parties. This year, the Jr. Highs will go to Reeder Meade’s Home and the Sr. Highs to Erich Smith’s Home. Since both families are in Ansley Park, we will ask everyone to be dropped off at the parties. Directions will be in the Youth Weekly Email. All youth are asked to bring a uni-sex wrapped gift (under $8) to the part for our Gift Exchange Game. Also youth are asked to bring items for “Children’s Goodie Bags” for Egleston Children’s Hospital for our Christmas Service Project. Also, we will have dinner (bring $5.00). COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 21 – 6:00-8:00 PM All College Students are invited to join us for a College Open House at Colleen Farrisee’s Home. Watch mail for invitations. We will have food, fellowship and a brief meeting about our Haiti Mission Trip on May 29-June 4, 2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with your church friends. YOUTH SKI RETREAT JANUARY 14-17, 2011 Don’t miss our Annual Youth Ski Retreat to West Virginia. All youth and friends are invited to attend. We depart Friday night and return on Monday afternoon. We will ski at Winterplace Ski Resort and stay at Pipestem Lodge. If you are interested, email Allison Per-Lee at aper-lee@firstpresat.org
December 19 4th and 5th graders serve at the Prayer Breakfast at 6:15 am. December 22 Merry Christmas No LOGOS or Wednesday night activities. Food Drive Update All the food collected during the fall food drive has been counted and weighed, and we are excited to report that 1,360 pounds of food was contributed by the nursery/preschool, elementary and weekday preschool children and families! Way to go!!
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December 19 & 26
rse all to rehea erformances e u in t n l co ep Youth wil e holidays for th 2011. h , t during ry 6, 7, 8, and 9 PM on Janua 0 - 4:30 2:3 er 19 – 1 PM Decemb 0 – 4:00 23 – 12:0 r e b m e c De :30 PM – 11:30-3 6 2 r e b PM Decem 0 – 4:00 al 0 – 12:0 3 r e Rehears b m Dece – Dress M P 0 :0 hearsal 2 -1:00-6 Dress Re – January M P 0 -8:0 3 – 1:00 January
The Chimes adult sunday school
Berean Bible Class Reception Room
On December 19, Dr. Harry R. Workman. Director of Church Relations and Advancement for Presbyterian College will deliver a special Advent message. We will not meet on December 26. Please join another class.
Community Bible Study Room B415
On Dec. 19th, join us on the 4th Floor as we continue our study of The Gospel According to John. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Covenant Class Room 230
On Dec. 19th, Hardy Kim will lead us. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Discovering God’s Word Room 317
On Dec. 19th, we will conclude our study of John Claypool’s book, Stories Jesus Still Tells: The Parables, with a lesson on Chapter 10: “The Final Judgment” (Matthew 25:31-46). On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Emmaus Class Room 227
On Dec. 19th, we’re getting festive with a Christmas brunch, warm Emmaus-style fellowship and a message from the heart by our own Tim English who will be sharing his faith story. Class to be held in our regular room. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Faith and Life Room 218
On Dec. 19th, we will enjoy fun and fellowship with our Annual Christmas Brunch. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Forum @ First Fifield Hall
On Dec. 19th, we welcome our own Rev. Hardy H. Kim and Rev. Kevin D. Knab to discuss “Christ and Culture at Christmas.” All are welcome! On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Internationals Room 327
On Dec. 19th, Margaret Blackmon, FPC member will share her recent experience in Congo. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Meditation Group Room 319
On Dec. 19th, both beginners and pros are welcome as we meet for guided meditation designed to awaken us to a greater sense of the presence of God, help us relieve stress and negative emotions, remove blocked energy from our bodies and let the healing light of God surround us. Please join us! On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Open Door Room 156
On Dec. 19th, please join us as we celebrate the season with some wonderful good cheer and hear from Lorraine Carribean about the Aging Population in America. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Ours for Today Room B308
On Dec. 19th, Dr. Martha Moore-Keish concludes her three-part series, “The Role of Christianity in Other Religious Traditions.” On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
J a n u a r y
SchedulE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
C ircle 1
Monday, January 24th at 7pm at the home of Laura Nunnally, 3180 Arden Road
C ircle 2
Monday, January 3rd at 10am at Canterbury Court
C ircle 3
No meeting in January
C ircle 6
Monday, January 10th at 10am. Contact Adele Shepherd for location
C ircle 7
Spiritual Living Room B202
Monday, January 3rd at 10:30 am at the home of Carolyn Smith, 3809 Castlegate Drive
The Upper Room Room 332
Monday, January 10th at 7pm at the home of Caroleta Garrett, 504 Ansley Villa Drive
On Dec. 19th, we will enjoy fun and fellowship with a Christmas Brunch. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas! On Dec. 19th, Rev. Lindsay Armstrong concludes her 2-week Christmas series. All are welcome. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
Young Couples Class Room 219
On Dec.19th, we’ll conclude our Advent Series. On Dec. 26th, we will not meet. Merry Christmas!
C ircle 8
C ircle 9
Monday, January 3rd at 11am at the Lenbrook Dining Room
C ircle 11
Thursday, January 20th at 7pm. See Evite for location or contact anncouncil@gmail.com
C ircle 12
Tuesday, January 11th at 7pm. See Evite for location or contact goodcaitie@yahoo.com
C ircle 13
Tuesday, January 25th at 6:30pm. See Evite for location or contact kbhamer@comcast.net
he “U had thT e Chrisst ual Suspects” mas Con cert roc kin!
Come Join Us! Contact Tanya Soderberg, tsoderberg@bellsouth.net, for information about joining an FPC Women’s Circle
December 19 & 26
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The Chimes
“Without music, life is a journey through a desert”
Music for December 19 Prelude Introit Anthem Offertory Ben.Rsp. Postlude
For information about private music instruction and group music, dance, and art classes, please visit us on the web or call: Will Breytspraak, Director www.PSPAonline.org (404) 228-7772 wbreytspraak@firstpresatl.org
Sinfonia Pastorale – Stamitz All My Heart Today Rejoices – Eberling A German Christmas – Tucker Wachet Auf (mov’t 4) – J.S. Bach Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming – Praetorius/Sandström Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella – arr. Keith Chapman
Music for December 26 The Mustard Seed staff wishes you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Wednesdays 9-1, 4:30-6:30 Sundays 9-1 (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com
Gift ing wrapp le. b availa
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.firstpresbyterian.tv AIB Cable Network (Comcast Channel 5; Smyrna Channel 22) Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.
The Chimes
The Mustard Seed
Prelude Noel X – Claude Louis D’Aquin Anthem Where Shepherds Lately Knelt Offertory Mary’s Magnificat – Andrew Ben. Rsp. Go Tell it On the Mountain Postlude Fantasy on “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – Gordon