FPC connects
The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY SCHEDULE • Prayer breakfast - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Worship Service 8:00 am, Winship Chapel • Worship Service 9:00 am, Fifield Hall • The Mustard Seed Bookstore Open 9:00 am - 12:15 pm • Sunday School for All Ages 9:45 am • Worship Service 11:00 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour 12:00 pm
EVENTS January 6 Presbyterian Women’s Winter Gathering 3-5pm. The Sundermeiers’ jbutcher@firstpresatl.org January 7 Founders Day Program 10am. Fifield Hall mgcrowder@aol.com January 20 W.A. Mozart’s Magic Flute 11am. Atlanta Opera Studio Tour jkorndoerfer@firstpresatl.org January 27 Women’s Retreat 8:30am-4pm. FPC ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org January 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7 Theology Matters: The Gospels in Comparison 7-8:20pm. Fifield Hall rbonfiglio@firstpresatl.org
J
oin us on Monday, January 15th for an annual church-wide day of service. In keeping with the spirit of Dr. King’s life and teachings, we will gather together in Fifield Hall for “a day on, not a day off.” This year we are partnering with Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable. Rise Against Hunger distributes meals to initiatives in developing countries that promote education, encourage children to attend school, improve students’ health and nutrition, address gender inequalities, stimulate economic growth and are part of the movement to end world hunger in our lifetime. Through meal packaging events like ours, Rise Against Hunger reaches
and engages thousands of people each year in the fight against hunger—including communities of faith, corporations, civic clubs and schools. We hope you’ll plan to join us for our first ever Rise Against Hunger meal packing event, where together we will pack over 30,000 meals in just two hours. We’ll have food packing and other activities for all ages, as well as childcare, and we will all share a meal together after the packing is finished. The event is free. Donations for packing supplies are greatly appreciated. Reserve your spot online at https://firstpresatl.org/mlkday.
HOLIDAYS?
PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE Lt. Karim Abu-Akel Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson Lt. Col. Charles Ayers PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Lt. 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
The Chimes
Pastoral Care Report (As of December 15, 2017)
BIRTHS: Congratulations to Ben and Julia Ost on the birth of their daughter, Beatrice Evelyn Ost, born November 19th. Congratulations to Stuart and Marjorie Armstrong on the birth of a healthy baby boy, Blake Wardlow Armstrong, born on December 10th in Charlotte, NC. Happy grandparents are Frank and Claire Schwahn. DEATHS: We offer condolences to Cliff and Amanda Orr and family on the death of Cliff’s mother, Lyn Harden Orr, who died on November 18th, in Gainesville, GA. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean Bynum and family on the death of her husband, Jim Bynum, who died on December 8th. Our prayers are with Jim and Ibby Mills and family on the death of Ibby’s father, Bill Parker, who died on December 12th. HOSPITALIZED: Patrick Kirwan, Owen Braun CONTINUING CARE: Deborah Ann McCoy, Helen Taratus O’Connor, Jerry Arnold, Ned Case, Tim English RECUPERATING: Adrienne M. Thomas, Bob Duggan, Carla Jackson, Chip Harrell, Debbie Finkle, Dom Wyant, Doug Lybrook, Liza Bryan, Nancy Ayres, Nancy Culp, Steve Fifield.
SENIOR COME-ON-ALONG JANUARY 4!
On Ramp EXPRESS
Are you thinking about becoming a member of First Pres? On Ramp Express is a one-day class about the meaning of and steps required for church membership taught by Tony Sundermeier. We will meet on Sunday, January 21, from 12:00 - 2:30. To register, please call Stephanie Lane at 404-228-7757 or email her at slane@firstpresatl.org
2
January
S H E P H E R D
A L S P I N
C E N T E R
COME-ON-ALONG SHEPHERD CENTER Date: Thursday, January 4, 2018, 9:30 AM Place: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church Parking Lot Cost: No cost for tour; self-pay lunch at Grand China Join our adventurous senior group as we tour the inspirational Atlanta classic, The Shepherd Center. As each of us ponders facing a new year, let us learn from these heroic professionals and clients how to meet challenges with faith and hope. Delicious lunch afterwards. Call Bruce Gregory for reservations at 404-228-2263 or e-mail him at bruce.m.gregory@gmail.com
The Chimes
CELEBRATE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
F P C
P R E S C H O O L
T O U R S
• FOUNDERS DAY • J A N U A R Y
7
PLEASE JOIN US Fifield Hall
10:00 am - 10:45 am
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
First Presbyterian Preschool TOURS First Presbyterian Preschool new parent tours are beginning. Tours will be conducted on January 17 and February 8. Registration began November 9. Please visit the preschool website at www.firstprespreschoolatl.org for information. To reserve your place on a tour call 404-228-7722.
The Archives and History Committee will be presenting a program of historical church stories that illustrate the goals of our Long Range Strategic Plan. These will include the creation of our Meals on Wheels program, the first live radio broadcast of a church service in the south, and our response to the 1968 funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All interested parties are invited to join in Fifield Hall from 10:00 - 10:45 am.
January
3
The Chimes
First Presbyterian Preschool will be hosting a Positive Discipline Parenting class beginning in January. The facilitators will be JoAnn Regruto, FPP Director, and Catherine Babcock, M.Ed. Both facilitators are Positive Discipline Certified Parent Educators. In this fun, interactive class we will explore different parenting styles, discuss parenting challenges, and learn some tools to help overcome those challenges and encourage responsibility, connection, communication and joy in our families. The class is scheduled for 6 Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 17 through Feb. 28 (no class on Feb. 21) from 7 - 9 p.m. There will be a fee for registration, and the class is limited to 20 parents. For more information about Positive Discipline, the class details and registration, please contact the preschool office at 404-228-7740.
ALL CHURCH BOOK CLUB
firstpresatl.org/learn/womensministries
4
January
Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner is a highly acclaimed author, professor of Christian spirituality at Duke Divinity School, and an Episcopal priest. She is also a speaker at FPC’s next TheoEd Talks on Sunday, February 25. Join us for a discussion of Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline Thursday, February 1 7:00 pm at FPC or Sunday, February 18 12:30 pm at FPC
M
ISSION TRIP
Live and share your faith
S
Cuba
March 3-7, 2018 For information contact Paul Dimmick:
RSVP jbutcher@firstpresatl.org
Global Mission at 404-228-7723 Or email pdimmick@firstpresatl.org
The Chimes
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN is pleased to invite all women of FPC to attend their
WINTER GATHERING as they welcome
Rev. Katie Sundermeier and Rev. Jamie Butcher as they speak to small group faith formation.
Saturday January 6, 3:00 to 5:00 pm Sundermeiers’ Home
PW is a vibrant and active group of women that hosts a number of weekday small groups (i.e., “circles”) as well as occasional inspirational speakers and fellowship events. RSVP and/or questions to celesta.buchanan@gmail.com or jbutcher@firstpresatl.org
Please join us Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11:00 a.m • Fifield Hall Free admission Once upon a time, Mozart wrote an enchanting fairy tale with heroes, heroines, and a daring rescue. In 2018, The Atlanta Opera Studio Tour re-imagines The Magic Flute in a new production for kids of all ages. This one hour abridged opera – sung in English – combines enchanting puppets with the talented artists of The Atlanta Opera Studio to take you on a magical mission, navigated by Mozart’s timeless and energetic score. The Concerts @ First Committee is pleased to be hosting The Atlanta Opera again for their studio tour. Their programs work to promote an enduring appreciation of opera and to create audiences for the future. This event is a great educational opportunity, and we highly encourage you to bring the whole family! Contact the music ministry for more information Katie Patterson 404-228-7753 kpatterson@firstpresatl.org
January
5
The Chimes CHILDREN & TWEENS
TWENTIES & THIRTIES 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! Meanwhile, we hope you’ll join us at these upcoming events:
A Huge Thank You to our two Children’s Chirstmas Pageant Chairs, Erin Demo and Elizbeth Harrell, as well as all who helped make this year a giant success. Winter Break Bowling Before school starts back, elementary children are invited to a bowling outing on January 2, 11am-1pm at Midtown Bowl. Register online. Parent Play Date Join us for a play date on January 3, 10am-11:30am at McClatchy Park near Ansley. Come meet other parents, swing on the swings, and enjoy some coffee and fellowship to celebrate the new year. Children of all ages are welcome. Contact Carrie Donaldson for more information. Bible Sundays During both the 9am and 11am worship services, we will present storybook Bibles to the Prekindergarten class on January 21 and NRSV Bibles to the 3rd Grade class on January 28. Contact Sarah Kate Bumgarner if you have a child this age and need more information. Children’s Choirs Singing The Cherub and Elementary Choirs will all sing in 9am & 11am worship on January 21. Tween Service Event 4th and 5th Graders and their parents will serve at the Prayer Breakfast on January 28. Meet at 6:30am in the Fifield Kitchen.
YOUTH Youth Sunday School Room 304, 9:45-10:45am As we begin a new year the world will be full of resolutions and people trying to commit to more, more, more. How can I be better, do better, look better. But sometimes we feel like we already have too much on our plates. Join us for this three week series as we reflect on the things that make us most anxious, and consider letting some of it go in the new year. High School Lock-in January 14-15, 2018 You asked for it. We’ve got it. Join us Sunday night, January 14th for our high school service lock-in. We’ll have dinner and games, movies and snacks. Monday morning we will wake up and participate in our MLK Service Day Rise Against Hunger meal packing event. Register online. Confirmation Bible and Scripture Retreat January 7, 2018 For Presbyterians and others of the Reformed tradition the Bible is the means by which Christian believers come to understand how God has been present with humanity since the beginning of time and is present in our world today. By studying the scriptures we can begin to know of God’s faithfulness, constant love and eternal goodness. Join us for our next retreat at FPC. January
New Year Kickoff Party: an opportunity to celebrate another great year of ministry together (Friday, January 19th at 8 p.m.) Sunday Brunch: a weekly opportunity to connect with members of our 20s/30s’ community after 11 a.m. worship (meet in the Reception Room after church) MLK Service Day: an opportunity to “Rise Against Hunger” with members of FPC and Hillside Presbyterian (Monday, January 15th from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Couples’ Group: a group of committed/ engaged/married couples that meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. (Thursday, January 11th at 7 p.m.) 20s/30s’ Circle: a group of women devoted to creating community and studying Jesus together (Monday, January 22nd at 7 p.m.) Theology on Tap: a monthly opportunity for all 20s/30s to explore a topic theologically over food and beverage (Thursday, January 25th at 7 p.m.) If you’d like to learn more about any of these ministries or discover how you can get involved, please email Ann-Henley at ahsaunders@firstpresatl.org.
The Chimes
THEOLOGYMATTERS
Short Courses for the Thoughtful Christian
JOIN ONE OF OUR ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
BEREAN BIBLE CLASS, ROOM 171 (Reception) COMMUNITY BIBLE CLASS, ROOM B202 COVENANT CLASS, ROOM 227 DISCOVERING GOD’S WORD, ROOM 317 EMMAUS CLASS, ROOM 156 FAITH & LIFE, ROOM 218 FIRST FOUNDATIONS, ROOM 330 INTERNATIONALS, ROOM 327
THE GOSPELS IN COMPARISON Wednesday evenings | January 17, 24, 31; February 7 7:00-8:20pm | Fifield Hall Instructor: Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio
OURS FOR TODAY, ROOM B308 THE GATHERING PLACE, ROOM 332
Matthew, Mark, and Luke each tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. While their broad contours are similar, each Gospel has its own distinctive features. In some cases, the same story is told in all three of these Gospels but in different ways and with different details. In other cases, one Gospel writer includes a story not found in the others. How do we account for these differences? Is it possible to harmonize all three Gospels into one, unified story? How do these three “synoptic” Gospels relate to the Gospel of John? This course will examine the distinctive perspectives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke and will wrestle with the “problem” of their literary and theological relationship.
G Y
M A
T
E R S
T H E O
O
T
L
January
7
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 pm
T A K E
N O T E
The Mustard Seed
WEDNESDAYS 9:00AM-1:00PM SUNDAYS 9:00AM-12:15PM (404) 201-6442 themustardseed@firstpresatl.org
!
Thank you to everyone for making 2017 a great year in the bookstore! We will reopen January 7, 2018!
us
T
he Annual Meeting of the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta will be Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The business to be conducted at the meeting will include distribution of the Annual Report and election of Ruling Elders and representatives to serve on the Nominating Committee of the church. Please plan to attend. Mary-Ellen Vian Clerk of Session
in
ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 4
Jo
P L E A S E
Prayer Shawl Ministry Gathering
2nd Thursday of the month 12:15-2:00 pm and 3rd Sunday after 11 am worship In the Bride’s Room Please contact Iris Dodge, Rene Austin or Katie Sundermeier with any questions!