FPC connects
The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY Schedule
November 20 & 27, 2011 Christ at the Center
Sunday, November 20
I
• 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 • Cherub Choir - 9:30 am • Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary
Nov. 20 - Craig Goodrich to preach
• Sunday School - 10:05 am • Fellowship Hour - 11:00 am Fifield Hall • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary
Sunday, November 27 • 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 • Cherub Choir - 9:30 am • Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary • Sunday School - 10:05 am • Youth Contemporary Worship 10:05 am, B111 • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour - 12:15 pm Reception Room • Hanging of the Greens, 5:00 pm, Fifield Hall
t is hard to believe that in a few days it will be Thanksgiving. I love this uniquely American holiday. I love the memories, the gathering of family and friends, the food and football, the walks and the lazy day after Thanksgiving (unless you have to work or
rush out to the sales!) I also love the story of the origin of Thanksgiving, going back to the Mayflower and the pilgrims who in 1621, after having survived their first year in the “new world” in spite of enduring extreme hardship and the loss of half of their company, decided that instead of having a day of remembrance and mourning, they would have a day of thanksgiving. And I love the fact that the first Presidential proclamation establishing a national day of thanksgiving was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, right in the middle of our Civil War. You see, the giving of thanks, the prayer of thanksgiving, need not depend on everything being “just right.” In fact, the apostle Paul writes to the believers in Thessalonica, encouraging them to, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1st Thessalonians 5:18). What are your traditions at Thanksgiving? For what are you thankful? Have you developed the habit of giving thanks in all circumstances? When we do, we begin to see all of life through grateful eyes. And when we give thanks, we allow God space to work in our lives and the lives of those around us. Come, let’s worship together this Sunday and give thanks to the Lord. The sermon is entitled “Practicing Thanksgiving.”
T
he words below are from the Presbyterian author and poet Ann Weems, leading us in the right direction as we begin the Advent season. All of us are Bethlehem Bound, Nov. 27 - George Wirth to preach so let’s open our eyes to see, our ears to hear and our hearts and homes to receive the greatest gift ever given – God’s Son, our Savior Jesus! Beginning our sermon series, I will preach from Isaiah 9:2-7 and Matthew 1:18-25: “What the World Needs Now – Hope.” I look forward to seeing you as we celebrate communion and worship the Lord!
In each heart lies a Bethlehem, an inn where we must ultimately answer whether there is room or not. When we are Bethlehem-bound we experience our own advent in his. When we are Bethlehem-bound we can no longer look the other way conveniently not seeing stars not hearing angel voices. We can no longer excuse ourselves by busily tending our sheep or our kingdoms.
Gratefully,
This Advent, let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us. In the midst of shopping sprees let’s ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts. Through the tinsel let’s look for the gold of the Christmas Star. In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos, let’s listen for the brush of angels wings. This Advent, let’s go to Bethlehem and find our kneeling places
Craig
-Ann Weems, “Kneeling in Bethlehem”
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 MC2 Tyler Wilson
Sunday, November 27, 2011 5:00-7:00 pm in Fifield Hall
It’s time to deck the halls at FPC’s 20th Annual Hanging of the Greens! We will make ornaments for the Christmas tree, start the season with dinner to savor, carols to sing, and fellowship to enjoy. 6th-12th graders will be “Hanging Out at the Greens.” The youth will have dinner and enjoy a Christmas movie in B111 Please register online at www.firstpresatl.org/events or outside Fifield Hall after Sunday School. For additional information, please facebook Holly Henson or contact Dana Rohrig at (404)687-1288.
2
November 20 & 27
Pastoral Care Report (As of November 9, 2011) Recuperating: Elizabeth Shepherd, Wally Hills, Sonia Mize Rehab: Florence Inman Births: Congratulations and many blessings to: grandparents Bev & Horace Sibley following the birth of John Holden Sibley Jr. on September 9th; proud parents are Katie and Holden Sibley; Emily (Spencer) and Walt Kopp following the birth of their son, Wyatt Louis Kopp, on October 11th; proud grandparents are Melissa Spencer and Don Spencer; grandparents Tricia & Inman Allen upon the birth of Margaret (Meg) Patricia Moore, on October 13th to Lane & Louise Moore; Anne & John Stanford, Jr. following the birth of Elizabeth Anne Stanford on October 20th; proud family includes grandparents Beth & John Stanford and great-grandmother Dr. Elizabeth Feely; Julie & Dan Lowrie following the birth of their son, Hunt Cameron Lowrie, on October 30th. Deaths: We extend our deepest sympathy and lift up in prayer: Charlsie Joye & family following the death of her husband, Clealand M. Joye Jr., on October 6th; Brenda Crayton-Pitches following the death of her husband, Stephen Howard Pitches, on October 7th; David and Johannah Plyler & family following the death of David’s mother, Dottie Plyler, on October 11th in NC; John & Ann Foster Marriner upon the death of John’s father, Winfield Marriner, on October 20th in NC; David Rife & family following the death of his wife, Elizabeth B. Rife, on October 25th; Margaret Talmadge & family upon the death of her husband, John E. Talmadge, on October 28th; the friends and family of Jean H. Smith who died October 31st.
COME-ON-ALONG DECEMBER 15TH!
COME-ON-ALONG FOR CHRISTMAS TEA! Thursday, December 15th, 3-5 p.m. At the Piedmont Driving Club Cost is $30/per person Leave 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m. Join us for Christmas Tea at the Piedmont Driving Club. For reservations call Pat Kimbrell at 404-228-7719
The Chimes programs & events
Children e ’ T h Christmas s Pageant You are invited to attend the 28th annual Children’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 11 at 9:00 AM. Please join us for this beloved holiday tradition. When our children lead us in worship and share with us the wonder of this holy season. You may purchase DVD videos and photographs of the pageant immediately following the service at a table outside Fifield Hall.
W E D N E S D AY
@
F I R S T
November 30
W EDNESDAY T he M ustard S eed 9:00 am - 1:00 pm,
4:30 - 6:30 pm Books, gifts and cards for all ages.
D inner 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Adults and Youth: $8 Children 3-12: $4
P reschool 5:30 - 8:00 pm Bible, crafts & fellowship. Childcare available. E lementary A ctivities 5:00 - 7:30 pm
LOGOS: recreation, dinner, choir, drama and art.
Y outh 6:30 - 8:00 pm B111 Youth Musical Rehearsal.
W ednesday N ight C hoirs
S O A P
NEEDED
During the month of November,
the Presbyterian Women of the
Partnership Ministry will collect bath soap for the women at
the Metro Transitional Center.
Bring soap to Rev. Connie Lee’s
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
Wednesday Night Studies & Worship 6:30 - 7:30 pm Reception Room When God Came Near Advent Worship Led by Rev. Lindsay Armstrong, Rev. Kevin D. Knab & Rev. Chris Moore-Keish
office by Wed, November 30.
CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL FLOWERS he Christmas Memorial Fund is your opportunity to share in the Christmas Memorial Flowers. The name of the person or persons you wish to memorialize will be placed on a special list in our Worship Bulletin. Attach the names to be included or return the form below to the Church with your check. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and send to the church at 1328 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30309-3902. Please print plainly. The names will be printed in the bulletin exactly as you print them.
T
– Note to se
lf
Nov
–
23
Happy Than ksgiving! No Wednes Evening Act day ivities • pick up pumpkin peiextra !!
Name of Contributor: Name(s) to be listed: Amount of contribution enclosed: $
Or r g Re iste e Onlin
iMAGiNE *
2012 Stewardship Season Starting January 8, 2012.
November 20 & 27
3
The Chimes PROGRAMS & Events rehear s al s
T
Children e ’ h Christmas Pageant
s
Pageant Christmas The Christmas Pageant
practices begin FIRST soon, soPRESBYTERIAN mark CHURCH OF ATLANTA DECEMBER 9, 2007 your calendars! • 5th Grade Rehearsals (Narrators, Advent Wreath Lighters & Prayer Readers)
Sunday, Nov. 13, 20, 27 & Dec. 4 10:15 -11:00 am in the 5th Grade classroom • Preschool Rehearsal (Rainbows, Butterflies & Stars only)
Sunday, December 4 10:15 -11:00 am in the Sanctuary (Please drop children off at Sunday School and teachers will escort them to the Sanctuary) • 2nd and 5th Grade Rehearsal Wednesday, December 7 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary (Immediately following the Family Advent Service) • Elementary Rehearsal (1st through 5th Grades)
Saturday, December 10 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary • The Christmas Pageant (All Children)
The Intertestamental Period
November 27, December 11 & 18th 10:05 - 11:00 am Fifield Hall
JOY FPC’s Annual Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 4, 2011~10:05 -11:00 am~Fifield Hall Featuring The Morehouse College Quartet
THEATRE of the IMAGINATION
Sunday, December 11 9:00 - 10:00 am in the Sanctuary
Sunday, November 20 3:00 pm, Sanctuary
p ractices H AV E BEGUN!
Join us as three Georgia Tech choral ensembles present a rare marriage of music and technology in a concert of choral music spanning the past 75 years.
• If you have any questions, please contact Gail Price at (404) 724-9570 gailanddave2@comcast.net or Laurie Campbell at (404) 228-7722, lcampbell@firstpresatl.org 4
THE WORLD INTO WHICH JESUS WAS BORN
November 20 & 27
L-R Mary Claire (MC) Allvine, Holly King (Co-Chairs of the Annual Giving Committee), Jami Moss Wise & Craig Goodrich
The Chimes PROGRAMS & events
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
ne
to ct
n M issio at FPC
T
wo
r
for the sign - up table near fifield hall or call mary joe dellinger at 404-228-7766
Connect to Mission! Join a committee or contact us to find out more about our Mission Trips throughout 2012. Rose Emily Bermudez 404.228.7733
n
n
Co
o
5
n
November 20 & 27
Co
Th
ti
s waiting
st celebra
rld i
c h r i s t m a s •
ission Celebration on November 6 was a total success because of YOU, our members. Thank you for your presence in worship and your participation during the Sunday School hour and lunch! We hope that you not only enjoyed this event, but learned about the Mission opportunities at First Presbyterian Church. On behalf of the Mission Council, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
he
Look
kfa
M
o ew
b
a re
Thank You!
ission at FPC
• ANNUAL
it starts with you
to M
Community Ministries asks that you help us in providing each person a gift card of $25.00 from any Target Retail Store.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 6:30 ~ 7:15 p.m. Reception Room
ct
starts with one person
Family Advent Service
ne
It
This year, On Christmas Day, we will hold our Annual Christmas Breakfast for persons who are homeless.
The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary
Mark Your Calendars for these Important Events! Fall Food Drive Thank you for all food items donated, we will be dedicating them this Sunday (Nov. 20th) during the Children’s Moment at the 9am service. Family Service Day Thank you to all the children and families who volunteered their time and talent to benefit this community! Looking Ahead Hanging of the Greens November 27 from 5-7 pm Mark your calendars for Caroling to the Homebound on Dec. 4th AND the Family Advent Service on Wednesday Dec. 7th.
youth “Guys and Dolls” YOUTH MUSICAL REHEARSALS!!!! Join us for our 16th Annual Youth Musical!
Rehearsals are as follows in Fifield Hall: November 20 – 12:30-3:00 PM November 30 – 6;30-8:00 PM December 3 – 4:00-7:00 PM December 4 – 12:30-4:00 PM December 7 – 6:30-8:00 PM December 10 – 1:00-4:00 PM
December 11 – 3:30-6:30 PM December 14 – 6:30-8:00 PM December 17 – 1:00-4:00 PM December 18 – 12:30-4:00 PM December 21 – 6:30-8:00 PM
2012 YOUTH SKI RETREAT NOT TOO EARLY TO PLAN AND PAY! January 13-16, 2012 Need ideas for Christmas Gifts for Youth????? Why not purchase a wonderful weekend of Skiing with our Youth Family?? Registrations will begin this Sunday for our Annual Youth Ski Retreat to Winterplace, WV. Registrations are ready and we need youth to sign up before Christmas this year! Deadline to register November 27! Base Cost is $365.00 with additions for upgrades in skiis, boarding, tubing, etc. Sunday, November 27 – Youth Events! Contemporary Worship November 27- 10:05 AM All youth are invited to join us for an inspiring time of worship! We will focus on Thanksgiving and how we can give more thanks to God for all our blessings. Join us in B111 Hanging out at the Greens November 27 – 5:00-7:30 PM Youth will gather in the Youth Room while the children are making crafts in Fifield. We will watch a Christmas movie and and have fellowship. At 6:00 PM we will go to Fifield Hall to get our dinner and take it back to B111 to eat. Cost $8.00. Reservations are required! Join us for a fun way to start the Advent/Christmas season. Upcoming Events: November 20 – Musical Rehearsal November 27 – Contemporary Worship November 27 – Hanging Out At The Greens November 29 – Youth Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
6
November 20 & 27
The Chimes
th, Nov. 27 ome to
A gora Room 322
we l c all ar e m @ F ir s t u First Foundations Room 319 join For
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.
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 Nov. 20th, as David Drake presents the second of a two part discussion of the Bible’s impact on history and history’s impact on the Bible, focusing this time on the Reformation. We will not meet November 27. Happy Thanksgiving!
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
Join us for another great class on Nov. 20th. Our lively discussions are usually led by members of the church staff and clergy. We are a great group of 3o- to 50-somethings with kids in Elementary and Youth. On Nov. 27th, we will join Forum @ First.
D iscovering G od ’ s W ord Room 317
On Nov. 20th, we will join others in Fifield Hall for a “Forum@First” on the PCUSA’s new Form of Government, led by Dr. Tom Evans, Executive Presbyter of Greater Atlanta. On Nov. 27th, we will join Forum @ First.
Emmaus Class Room 227
On Nov. 20th, Kevin Knab will conclude the two-part series on the Creation Story and Adam and Eve. On Nov. 27th, we will join Forum @ First.
Forum @ First Fifield Hall
With a new form of government and new amendments taking effect, God is doing a new thing in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and if you curious about all the changes, please join us on November 20 as we welcome Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Executive Tom Evans. On November 27, one and all are welcome for a intriguing look at what was happening in the years before Jesus was born. Starting with Alexander the Great and continuing through the era of Cleopatra, this look at history is sure to fascinate.
G alatians 3:28, Room 323
A brand new Bible Study class, we are open, inclusive, and discussion-oriented. A safe space to discuss a wide variety of issues, including sexuality, we are taught by Emory Ph.D. student Parker Diggory. Join us for historically informed, biblically grounded conversations about faith issues.
Internationals Room 327
On Nov. 20th, Queen Adams will discuss her experience with the African American delegation in reviewing the 44-year occupation of Israel and the lives of 4 million Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, & Gaza. On Nov. 27th, Frank Xie and Jing Chen of the Chinese Culture & Education Center will discuss “Falun Gong Persecution - Crime against Conscience.”
Meditation Group Room 320
Our guided meditation class will meet as usual on Nov. 20th. Everyone is Welcome. On Nov. 27th we will join Forum @ First.
The Emmaus Class will be studying the Gospel of Mark, using Tim Keller’s book, King’s Cross as a resource. These classes will be led by class members. All are welcome.
Open Door Room 156
Faith and Life Room 218
Ours for Today Room B308
On Nov. 20th, In The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain: The Surprising Talents of Middle-Aged Mind the author, Barbara Strauch, informs us that we have “the best brains of our lives: a bit slower but so much better.” Margaret V. Blackmon will share research and lots of practical ideas from the New York Times health and medical science editor. Why is education so important to our brains as we age? What are three dimensions of wisdom? What do scientists recommend we do to keep our brains the best they can be? On Nov. 27th, we will join Forum @ First.
On Nov. 20th, Rev Fahed Abu-Akel will be our speaker on the current situation in the Middle East. On Nov. 27th, we will join Forum @ First. On Nov. 20th, Graysen Walles will lead us through “Public Education and the Gospels.” On Nov. 27th, we will take a Thanksgiving Break. Plan ahead — we will host Seekers & Joiners in December!
Spiritual Living Room B202
On Nov. 20th, we will wrap up our discussion of Diagrams for Living. On Nov. 27th, we will join Forum @ First.
adult sunday school
The Upper Room Room 332
Jesus has a lot to say about money. You’ve heard the familiar verses, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” “Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.” What does this type of faithfulness look like in 21st century America? On Nov. 20 and 27, Jami Moss Wise, FPC’s Director of Stewardship and Development, will explore these and other questions as we dig into what the Bible has to say about a subject that affects us all. Join us! D E C E M B ER
SchedulE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
C ircle 1
Sunday, December 18th at 6:30 pm Christmas Party at the home of Carla Ferrell, 3636 Dumbarton Road NW
C ircle 2
Monday, December 5th at 10 am at Barbara Kiefer’s Clubhouse
C ircle 3
Monday, December 5th at 10 am at the home of Anne Bryan, 3119 Rockingham Drive NW
C ircle 6
Monday, December 12th at 9:30 am Contact Adele Shepherd for location
C ircle 7
Monday, December 5th at 10:30 am at the home of Carolyn Smith, 3809 Castlegate Drive
C ircle 8
Monday, December 12th at 7 pm
C ircle 9
Monday, December 5th at 11 am at the Lenbrook Dining Room
C ircle 11
Thursday, December 15th at 7 pm See Evite for location or contact nmpeterson@gmail.com
C ircle 12
Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10th See Evite for location or contact goodcaitie@yahoo.com
C ircle 13
See Evite for location or contact kbhamer@comcast.net Come Join Us! Contact Carla Ferrell, ferrell04@comcast.net, for information about joining an FPC Women’s Circle
November 20 & 27
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
Prelude Offertory Ben Resp Postlude
Orchestral Suite #3 in D – J.S. Bach (St. Cecilia Consort) I Was Glad – Parry Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart – Albert L. Travis
THE SCHOOL OF FINE
first presbyterian church of atlanta
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on our blessings. The Mustard Seed is thankful for your continued support.
The Mustard Seed
Music for November 20
Wednesdays 9-1, 4:40 - 6:30 Sundays 9-1 (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com
Music for November 27 Prelude Anthem Comn. Motet Postlude
Es ist ein Ros entsprunger – Brahms Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence – Bairstow Ave Verum Corpus – Mozart “Sleepers Wake” – F. Mendelssohn
r Let ou lp e h f f a st our with yion. select
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.