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 November 2 Moms Book Club 8:00 pm. Off-site jbutcher@firstpresatl.org November 3, 17 Moms Seeking More 10:30 am, B111 jbutcher@firstpresatl.org November 1, 8 Journey Out of Suicidal Thinking 7:00 pm, Pastoral Care Suite kknab@firstpresatl.org November 4, 11, 18 Habitat for Humanity Build 7:30 am, Atlanta, GA jenniferopp@yahoo.com November 10 Best of Chopin 7:00 pm, Sanctuary kpatterson@firstpresatl.org November 12 Tween Service Event 12:30 pm, Food Pantry skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org
November, 2017 Dear Friends, On November 5, we observe All Saints’ Sunday at all three of our worship gatherings. All Saints’ Day is a time to rejoice in all who through the ages have faithfully served the Lord. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints. It is a time to claim our kinship with the “glorious company of apostles … the noble fellowship of prophets … the white-robed army of martyrs.” It is a time to express our gratitude for all who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, for prophetic voices who have called the church to be faithful in life and service, for all who have witnessed to God’s justice and peace in every nation. To rejoice with all the faithful of every generation expands our awareness of a great company of witnesses above and around us like a cloud (Hebrews 12:1). It lifts us out of a preoccupation with our own immediate situation and the discouragements of the present. In the knowledge that others have persevered, we are encouraged to endure against all odds. Reminded that God was with the faithful of the past, we are reassured that God is with us today, moving us and all of creation toward God’s end in time. On All Saints’ Sunday, we will remember and give thanks for the lives of our members who have died since November, 2016. They are...
Margaret Poer Allen
Virginia Greer Dewberry
Sue Barger Edwards
George Steele Gillis
Henry W. Grady
Martha Mitchell Griffin
Carl W. Knobloch, Jr.
Jack T. Mallory, Jr.
Patricia Sims Mallory
Margaret V. Norris
Mark P. Pentecost, III
Susan B. Phinney
Virginia H. Powell
Peyton Cater Robinson, Sr.
O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia! Blessings,
Tony Sundermeier Senior Pastor
The Chimes
Pastoral Care Report (As of October 26, 2017)
WE WILL BEGIN OUR NEW STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING CLASS IN JANUARY 2018! Prayerfully consider joining our growing new class led by Rev. Katie Sundermeier and Rev. Kevin Knab.
Class of 2018 Sandy Crowder Carol Young Pat Lummus Kim Grady Sonia Mize Julie Webster Anne Neikirk Reach out to Katie, Kevin, or anyone on the Stephen Ministry Team with any questions.
BIRTHS: Congratulations to Lynn and Jay Ricketts on the birth of twin grandsons, Thomas Halliday Ricketts and Robert Armstrong Ricketts, born to Ben and Amanda Ricketts of Memphis, Tennessee, on October 13th. Congratulations to Linda Touart, Assistant Director of the FPC Weekday Preschool, on the birth of her grandson, Jacob Maxwell Edens “Max”, who was born on October 12th. Max’s parents are Emily and Jake Maxwell and big sisters are Ruby and Annie. Best wishes for Russ and Connie Dobson on the birth of their granddaughter, Olivia Reece Allegretti, born on October 24th in NYC. CONTINUING CARE: Jerry Arnold, Ned Case, Tim English RECUPERATING: Barbara Cox, Bill Hays, Bill McManus, Bob Duggan, Chip Harrell, Gentle Lee, Helen Taratus O’Connor, Jim Bynum, Liza Bryan, Madeline Lansing, Mary Lou Oppenheimer, Nancy Culp, Steve Fifield, Joe Wesley. If you have any pastoral concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin Knab at 404-228-7763 or kknab@firstpresatl.org. or Pam Parrish at 404-228-7737 or pparrish@firstpresatl.org.
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
2
November
SENIOR COME-ON-ALONG NOVEMBER 16!
GRAD
Y HOSPITA AT L A N TA , G A
L
COME-ON-ALONG TO GRADY HOSPITAL TOUR Date: Thursday, November 16, 2017, 9:30 AM Place: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church parking lot Cost: No charge for tour or luncheon. Members of our church and other community leaders worked hard to “Save Grady,” and it is now a world-class hospital. Join us as we tour the life-saving units with the doctors who run them, and celebrate this rebirth of Grady with a festive luncheon and talk by Grady’s top staff. Call Bruce Gregory for more info at 404-228-2263 or e-mail him at bruce.m.gregory@gmail.com. Limited seats.
The Chimes
MOMS BOOK CLUB New Read: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Thursday, November 2 8 pm, Offsite - Decatur
Pick up a copy of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate and join us for the next Moms Book Club. Bring a drink to share. FPC Moms Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 8:00 pm.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
F P C
P R E S C H O O L
T O U R S
First Presbyterian Preschool TOURS First Presbyterian Preschool new parent tours are beginning. Tours will be conducted on October 25, November 16, December 13, January 17 and February 8. Registration begins November 9. Please visit the preschool website at www.firstprespreschoolatl.org for information. To reserve your place on a tour call 404-228-7722.
Contact Jamie Butcher for more information.
FPC WOMEN’S RETREAT JANUARY 26-27, 2018 “THE INNER LANDSCAPE OF BEAUTY” Saturday, January 27, 8:30 am – 4 pm, First Presbyterian Church Grounds,
MOMS SEEKING MORE A bi-weekly gathering for moms with pre-school and elementary-aged children. Lively discussion around The Longest Shortest Time with Hillary Frank- a podcast known as, “The Parenting Show for Everyone.”
Fridays- November 3, November 17 10:30 am in B111 Led by Jamie Butcher Coffee and light food provided. Please RSVP in advance for childcare.
Jeannie DuBose, Speaker Cost: $50 with scholarships available Speaker, lunch and workshops Fellowship Dinners, offsite- Friday, January 26, 7pm CHILDCARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST Interested in volunteering? E-mail Retreat Planning Team: Katie Sundermeier, Ann-Henley Saunders, Kenan Hill, Stephanie Lane, Rebekah LeMon, Connie Lee, or Jamie Butcher
SAVE THE DATE
Contact Jamie Butcher for more information.
November
3
The Chimes
Welcome new members
CONCERTS
@
FIRST
2017/18 S E A S O N
Our church family continues to grow! CONNECTIONS
Abigail and Kevin Abt began worshipping with us this summer. They are looking for their church home where they can raise their son, William Elliot, who just arrived in September. Kevin is Director of International Sales for Wahoo Fitness and Abigail is a former elementary teacher and is consulting in education at the present time. They are interested in Sunday school and Bible study. Connie Carriveau and Daniel Davenport have been visiting FPC for about two years. They were particularly drawn to the activities for their son, Arthur. Connie has already volunteered during Vacation Bible School, and Daniel attended the Men’s Breakfast in the spring. They are looking forward to getting more involved in volunteer opportunities at the church. Joel Chaney has been visiting for a few months a n d is i n t e r e s t e d i n becoming part of this ch u r ch fa m i l y. H e is interested in volunteering in the Food Pantry.
4
November
Sarah Hannah Newman and Cole Phillips found FPC after Sarah Hannah investigated our website and then visited. She was drawn to Tony’s preaching, and then they met with Tony to ask him to officiate their wedding next April. Sarah Hannah and Cole are both attorneys, and enjoy tennis in their spare time. They are looking forward to getting involved in our 20s/30s group and finding a Sunday school class. Lynn and Jesse Sladek began visiting FPC this summer. They are very interested in learning more about the church. They have two sons and are looking forward to getting more involved in children’s activities and events for families as well as finding a Sunday school class. Jesse is an Engineer with G.E. and Lynn is currently a student. Kristen Holtz and Eric Tw o m b l y h a v e b e e n visiting FPC since December of 2014. They have four children and are the owners of the research firm KDH Research & Communication. In between baseball tournaments and swim meets, Kristen and Eric find time to volunteer at school, and Kristen has already begun volunteering with the Flower Guild.
Friday, November 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Best of Chopin Charles Richard-Hamelin—Piano Ticketed Event ($20/$15, Students Free)
Sunday, December 17, 2017, 9:45 a.m. Charpentier—Messe de minuit pour Noël FPC Choir & Orchestra -Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11 a.m. Mozart—The Magic Flute Atlanta Opera Studio Tour -Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:00 p.m. Challenge the Stats Celebrating High Caliber African American and Latino Artists -Sunday, March 11, 2018, 7 p.m. Emory University Jazz Sextet -Sunday, May 6, 2018, 2:00 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Brass Ensemble
BOOK STUDY L E D
B Y
K E V I N
K N A B
7 pm Wednesdays Nov 1 and Nov 8 Second Day refers to those who have attempted suicide or have been at the brink and have made it out of the desperation into the ‘Second Day’ of their lives. This study is for 1. Persons who have thought about suicide 2. Persons who are concerned about someone else 3. Persons who need to think about reinventing their lives with hope A Second Day - A Journey Out of Suicidal Thinking By Fe Anam Avis
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
The Chimes
OS R C
SROAD
S
What Are Your Gifts? Time to assess your gifts and align your career to them? You are fortunate! We are offering a 7-session Crossroads Job Transition Course course
S’ ENRICHMEN E L P U CO W E E K E N D T Jamie Butcher & Ryan Bonfiglio Katie & Tony Sundermeier Facilitators
February 9-11, 2018
SAVE THE DATE
It’s a results-oriented study group focused toward those who are exploring job changes and seeking God’s calling in their career choice. Mark Myette, currently serving on Session, and an experienced talent management executive, will be organizing / leading this class along with other subject matter experts. Yes, it addresses the key items that most job seekers are needing help - resume reviews / rewrites, interview skills, salary questions and job search techniques. Wait, there’s more! The class will also help you assess and understand your gifts / talents, and consider alternative career directions.
Drop us a line at kknab@firstpresatl.org or www.xroads.eventbrite.com for more information!
November
5
The Chimes CHILDREN & TWEENS Canned Food Drive October 15–November 12, Sunday School classes are competing to bring in the most canned food for the Venable Food Pantry. Tween Service Event The 4th and 5th Graders will participate in a service event after church on November 12 to help sort and organize all of the collected items for the food pantry. 12:302:30pm, lunch provided. Please RSVP to Sarah Kate, skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org Hanging of the Greens This FPC Advent tradition is a fun event for all. We’ll have crafts for the kids to create ornaments for the tree, dinner, carols and fellowship for everyone! All ages welcome for this festive evening, but reservations are requested, www.firstpresatl.org/hotg CHOA Christmas Parade Let’s watch the parade together! We’ll hold a spot on the steps of the Woodruff Arts Center for anyone who would like to enjoy together. Parking available at the church. Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsals are happening each week during Sunday School. Mandatory rehearsals will occur: December 3, 9:45-10:45am - for 3’s through Kindergarten and 5th Graders December 9, 9:30-11:30am – for 1st-5th Graders December 10, 11am – Children’s Christmas Pageant Questions? Contact Pageant Chair, Erin Demo, erinmdemo@gmail.com
YOUTH Youth Sunday School Room 304, 9:45-10:45am Join us in November as we take an in-depth look at the book of Mark. Together we are going to explore the topic of discipleship within the Gospel of Mark. What does a disciple of Jesus look like in this gospel? And what do these scenarios teach us about Christian discipleship for today’s teenager? High School Habitat Build Saturday, November 4 – 7:00am-4:00pm Join us as we team up with the young adults from FPC on build day 2 of our latest Habitat project. Likely tasks will include installing roof trusses, installing windows and trim packages, installing interior framing, decking and felting the roof, installing sub-fascia and drip edge, building side porch and ramp, and begin siding. No previous construction experience is required. Email Jay to join the team. Table for 4 We’ve got a table set for four and three empty chairs. So grab some friends and join Jay for dinner and conversation. Wednesdays in November and December at 6:00pm. Dinner is free! Visit the website to sign up. Confirmation Sacraments Retreat November 11-12 our confirmands will journey to Dahlonega to explore the Reformed tradition’s understanding of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Sacraments are signs of the real presence and power of Christ in the Church, symbols of God’s action. Through the Sacraments, God seals believers in redemption, renews their identity as the people of God, and marks them for service. Together, we’ll explore how these sacraments connect us to Christ, create community, and celebrate God’s creation. 6
November
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’d like to invite you to the following upcoming events: Theology on Tap: a monthly opportunity for all 20s/30s to explore a topic theologically over food and beverage (Thursday, November 2nd at 7 p.m.) Wrestling with the Word: a weekly opportunity to engage scripture and wrestle with your faith over coffee and bagels (every Sunday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the Bride’s Room on the first floor) Habitat Build: an opportunity to serve alongside peers and high schoolers while building a home for a family who needs it (Saturday, November 4th from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) Couples’ Group: a group of committed/ engaged/married couples that meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. (Thursday, November 16th at 7 p.m.) 20s/30s’ Circle: a group of women devoted to creating community and studying Jesus together (Monday, November 27th 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
M
ISSION TRIP
Live and share your faith
JOIN ONE OF OUR ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
S
BEREAN BIBLE CLASS, ROOM 171 (Reception) COMMUNITY BIBLE CLASS, ROOM B202 COVENANT CLASS, ROOM 227 DISCOVERING GOD’S WORD, ROOM 317
Cuba
EMMAUS CLASS, ROOM 156
February 2 to 9, 2018
FAITH & LIFE, ROOM 218
We are visiting our partners at the Presbyterian and Reformed Church (IPRC) in Perico, a town 2 ½ hours from the Havana airport. Water purification, jewelry-making social entrepreneurship, education enrichment, and vision-care are the principal activities with side visits to the seminary at Matanzas and the Luyano church in Havana. Anticipated delays in obtaining visas requires us to close off registration by Nov. 13. For information contact Paul Dimmick at pdimmick@firstpresatl.org.
FIRST FOUNDATIONS, ROOM 330 INTERNATIONALS, ROOM 327 OURS FOR TODAY, ROOM B308 THE GATHERING PLACE, ROOM 332 WRESTLING WITH THE WORD, BRIDE’S ROOM
If you would like to sign up, we need you to please do 2 things... • Email Jennifer Oppenheimer at jenniferopp@yahoo.com the dates you are volunteering. • Go to the link below and sign up with Atlanta Habitat. If you go to sign up and the slots are full for that day you will be wait listed, but more than likely slots can be added.
2017 FALL HABITAT BUILD FPC is partnering with 5 other churches on this build. There are 7 slots available for FPC for each Saturday. Our 8-day build will begin October 28th and will finish up December 16th. We will not be building on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 25th), but we will be building on Wednesday, December 13th.
http://www.firstpres.atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com/ Build Day Hours: 7:30AM – 3:30PM Commit to helping for the full build day. All volunteers are needed to help clean up at the end of the workday. The build day usually ends by 3:30 p.m., but may finish up a bit earlier or later depending on weather and the number of volunteers on site. Lunch is provided.
SAVE THE DATE November
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
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
Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas! Let us help you find the best book, devotional or gift for all occasions. These are special times in our lives!
The Mustard Seed
WEDNESDAYS 9:00AM-1:00PM SUNDAYS 9:00AM-12:15PM (404) 201-6442 themustardseed@firstpresatl.org
GOD’S GIFT SHOP God’s Gift Shop, an alternative gifting opportunity Featuring short lines, no traffic, unique and memorable gifts. Look for us outside Fifield Hall before services and during fellowship hour or online at: www.firstpresatl.org/GodsGiftShop All proceeds to supplement the FPC annual budget supporting Global and Community Ministries.
Opening Nov. 19