FPC connects
The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY Schedule Sunday, September 18 • 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 • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour - 12:15 am, Fifield Hall • Excelsis Choir - 1:00 pm
Sunday, September 25 • 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 • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour - 12:15 am, Fifield Hall • Parenting Lunch and Learn 12:15 pm, Fifield Hall • Excelsis Choir - 1:00 pm • Book Club - 2:00 pm, Home of Darryl Payne, Decatur
September 18 & 25, 2011 Christ at the Center
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ear Everybody, As we continue to make our way into another new church year, I hope you will join us this coming Sunday as we focus on the sermon theme “Stay Centered - Get Connected!” Sept. 18 - George Wirth to preach T h e o l d A f r i c a n American Spiritual written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamund Johnson which is familiar to most of us, begins this way: “Ezekiel cried, ‘Dem dry bones!’ Oh hear the word of the Lord... The foot bone connected to the leg bone, the leg bone connected to the thigh bone, (and on to) the neck bone connected to the head bone, Oh hear the word of the Lord!” Although we will not be singing that song on Sunday, the words remind us that just as our bodies are interconnected the way God made us, so too is the church interconnected in a marvelous and mysterious manner. The Apostle Paul wrote that “we are the Body of Christ, and individually members of it” (I Corinthians 12:27). The image portrayed is Christ as the Head and Center of the Body, with all the members of the church joined together through Him. Although each of us is different and unique, we are united as one people through our faith in the Lord. And unity in the midst of our diversity is a gift from God that is pervasive here at the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. So I hope that you will come celebrate with us in worship this Sunday, as we rejoice in the “ties that bind us together” and get more deeply connected to one another here at the corner of 16th and Peachtree Streets. And please invite your family and friends to come on along as well - I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Faithfully yours, George B. Wirth
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h e r e do you belong? Where is that place where you feel most at home, or who is that person with whom you feel most yourself ? Sept. 25 - Craig Goodrich to preach W h a t d o e s i t mean to “belong” anyway? We all long to be affirmed, loved and accepted as we are, warts and all. We all long to belong. In the gospel lesson for this Sunday, Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River. As he rises from the water he hears a voice from heaven saying “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). And it is in the assurance of the Father’s love that Jesus begins his ministry. In Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth he writes in the familiar chapter 13 that the love of God is the greatest gift of all, “And now faith, hope, love abide these three, and the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corinthians 13: 13. Like Jesus, our baptism tells us that we too are loved unreservedly by God and that we are also called to ministries of service. Simply put, we belong to God and in Christ we belong to each other. Maybe that is what being a “community of grace” is all about. Is it time for you to “get connected” or to reconnect? To find where you belong? I hope to see you Sunday. The sermon title is “Longing to Belong.”
Faithfully,
Craig
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
Pastoral Care Report (As of September 7, 2011) Hospitalized: Jane Carter, John Talmadge
Recuperating: Meredith Latham, Fiona Moore-Keish, Gayle Kennedy, Jean Rogers
Deaths: We extend our deepest sympathy and lift up in prayer, Clay Underwood & family following the death of her grandmother, Lida Givens, on August 25th; David & Kathy Williams, Sr. & family, David & Kelly Williams, Jr. & family, following the death of mother and grandmother, Alice Williams, on August 28th; Mary-Ellen & John Vian & family following the death of Mary-Ellen’s mother, Mary-Jane Hunt, on August 29th; Cindy & Bobby Candler, Robert Candler, & Kate & Chris Singerman, following the death of Cindy’s mother, Elizabeth Murray Hodgkins, on September 4th.
4 f your family, or any you know, has children who are dealing with loss, RAINBOWS can help. RAINBOWS is a weekly support group program for children and youth who have experienced traumatic change, usually due to divorce, abandonment or death. Parents and guardians also meet in a group to consider what is happening in their families from the child’s point of view. This program is open to the community, so spread the word. For more information, or to register, call Sue Anthony at 404-257-9388, or the Pastoral Care office at 404-228-7719.
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RAINBOWS SCHEDULE Thursday evenings, Sept. 29 - Nov. 17 and Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 Gather for brown bag supper: 6:00 pm Groups: 6:45-7:45 2011-12 session begins September 29. Groups are forming now.
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September 18 & 25
Book Club
Sponsored by Partnership Ministry & FPC Christian Education. Join us for an exciting discussion of “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.
All are welcome. Sunday, September 25 at 2pm at the home of Darryl Payne in Decatur. To register call 404-298-7741 or Darryl Payne at 404-289-3092 or email to fpc_hillside@bellsouth.net.
The Chimes PROGRAMS & events
W E D N E S D AY
@
F I R S T
September 21 & 28
W EDNESDAY M EA L S
ON
WHEE L S
has openings! Hours vary depending on the volunteer opportunity. Please call for more information. Regular and substitute volunteers are needed. Our need is great – especially for the summer months! Deliver, pack, coordinate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday For more information please call on Mon, Wed, or Fri between 9 am and 2 pm - Sandi Harsh, 404-228-7726.
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 5:30 - 7:30 pm B111
All youth are invited to join us for Fellowship, Food and Bible Study.
W ednesday N ight C hoirs
RAISING CHILDREN IN THE FAITH: A Parenting Lunch and Learn Forum led by
DAVID ALEXANDER, M.S., L.P.C. A nationally recognized specialist in child and parenting concerns.
Sunday, September 25 12:15 - 2:00 pm, Fifield Hall Lunch: $10, Lunch for non-member friends: free Child care provided. Online reservations required. www.firstpresatl.org
5:30 - 6:25 pm 6:00 - 6:45 pm 6:45 - 7:30 pm 6:30 - 7:25 pm 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Handbell Choir Archangel Choir (Grade 1 -2) Archangel Choir (Grade 3 -5) St. Cecilia Consort Chancel Choir
Wednesday Night Studies & Worship 6:30 - 7:30 pm Reception Room Midweek Worship Led by Rev. Lindsay Armstrong, Rev. Kevin D. Knab & Rev. Chris Moore-Keish
The Lay Academy 6:30 - 9:00 pm Room 156 The Gospel of John for the 21st Century. Rev. Dr. Cheryl Gosa.
Contact: Maree Durmeyer at 404.872.6040
T h e
F ine
A rts
C o m m ittee
presents a chance to See
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) Sunday, October 9
5:00 - 7:00 pm - Open House, Tour and Reception Exclusively for members of FPC hosted by MODA - our neighbors across Peachtree No charge, but reservations are required. Sign up at the Get Connected tables outside Fifield Hall or online.
Be included in our NEW Pictorial Directory! Appointments available starting Sept. 20th. Go to www.firstpresatl.org/events for link to sign ups!
September 18 & 25
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The Chimes
w h i z
k i d s
n e e d s
h e l p
make a difference 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.
End of an era! The church honors the Women’s Bible Class.
ARchives Committee
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n Sunday, October 2, 2011, the Archives Committee will honor the Women’s Bible Class and its rich history, its members, its distinguished Bible teachers, and its outstanding contributions to the Church. In November, 1951, a group of 20 women met in the balcony of the Church in order to form a Sunday School class that would provide in-depth study of the Books of the Bible. The class continued rapid growth, at one time exceeding 150 members, the largest Sunday School class in the history of FPC. Outstanding teachers during the early years were: Mrs. S.H. Askew, Miss Belva Moss, Mrs. Boling Gay, Mrs. Robert L. Hinds, Mrs. Righton Gordy, Mrs. G. Richard Moore and Dr. Eugene Randolph. Later the high teaching standards were continued by FPC members.
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September 18 & 25
For nearly 60 years, this class supported financially the Church’s causes. Just a few examples are: International Missions, Thornwell Orphanage, the Joy Gift, The Quitman Home, Camp Calvin, Columbia Seminary, and more recently the Women’s Shelter, the Samaritan Fund, Childspring, the Food Pantry, the Archives Committee and the Craddock Center. With attendance continuing to decline, the members made a decision to end the class in the Spring of 2010. Throughout the years, the Women’s Bible Class maintained its original high standards of in-depth Bible study, provided Christian community for each other, and served God through support of the Church’s many Ministries. Thus, these women will be honored on October 2 for their contributions to FPC.
The Partnership Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and Hillside Presbyterian Church of Decatur is looking for volunteers willing to donate one hour per week (Wednesdays 2:30-3:30pm) to tutoring/mentoring an elementary age schoolchild during the 2011/12 school year. This program is ideal for high school and college students who are looking for community service hours or retirees looking for a way to share their knowledge and wisdom with young people. We are also looking for an organized and highly motivated individual to help coordinate the Whiz Kids Tutoring Program. The position involves approximately 5-10 hours per week of volunteer time and includes communicating with the students, volunteers and school liaison as well as helping to prepare needed materials. If you or someone you know is interested in being a tutor/mentor or in applying for the coordinator position, please contact Rev. Connie Lee at 404-228-7741 or 404-289-3092, or email to fpc_hillside@bellsouth.net.
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The Worship Committee will host an information and appreciatiion dinner for our current usher teams.
Sunday, September 18 6:30 pm Reception Room
GET
The Chimes
Connected Online!
1. Register at www.firstpresatl.org to complete your online profile and access the members-only section of our site. 2. Facebook users: “Like” our page at www.facebook.com/firstpresatl to follow all the latest news. 3. Miss the service on Sunday? Watch live or anytime at firstpresbyterian.tv
G od told yo u WHAT?!
The Theology of Old Testament Law Dr. Brent A. Strawn Associate Professor of Old Testament Candler School of Theology, Emory University Have you ever wondered about the significance of Old Testament law? Is it all outdated in light of the New Testament or are any of those laws (613 according to the rabbis) still useful and pertinent? This five week study will provide an introduction to the theological and ethical significance of Old Testament law and
will cover such items as: the narrative setting of OT law, various legal collections in the OT (including the Ten Commandments and, yes, Leviticus!), and other matters pertaining to interpreting OT law, especially the important question of the ongoing usefulness of law for Christian faith and practice. Please join us!
Wednesdays, October 19 - November 16 6:30 – 9:00 pm, Room 156 $50 per person; scholarships available
THE LAY ACADEMY
Worship Services wednesday nights
Sept 21 Worship in the Style of Iona Led by Chris Moore-Keish 6:30 in the Reception Room Sept 28 Resonate Worship Service Led by Kevin Knab 6:30 in the Reception Room
Wednesdays September 18 & 25
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The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary Wednesday night programs LOGOS, Elementary Choir and Nursery/Preschool activities have begun!! If you need information about registering for LOGOS, please check out the Elementary page on the FPC site: http://www.firstpresatl.org/ elementary.
Mark your calendars!! Elementary Pool Party Sept. 25 11:15 – 2:00 pm Lunch in the Temple, then swimming at Ga Tech from 12:30 – 2! Meet in the Temple at 11:15 Cost: FREE!!!! Email me for more info, registration required! Please join us Join us for “Raising Children in the Faith: A Parenting Lunch and Learn” with David Alexander, M.S., L.P.C., on September 25th, from 12:15 - 1:30 pm. See page 3 of The Chimes for more information.
youth PATH OFFERING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18 AT 9:00 AND 11:15 AM. 12 youth are needed each service to take up the PATH Offering. Please email me to sign up for either 9:00 or 11:15 AM. This is a great way to serve the church and God. BRAVES GAME FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SEPTEMBER 18! The youth will go to the Braves Game on Sunday, September 18 after worship. This is a special game to raise an awareness for Breast Cancer. Watch youth email for information. Bring money for lunch and the game ($25). We will depart church at 12:15 and return about 4:15 PM. Wear Pink!
s eader L p !! rou D-G for Fall w e n p Our earing u g e r a YOUTH CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
SEPTEMBER 25 AT 10:05 AM The Youth will welcome Joe Kissack to share his story “The Fourth Fisherman.” Don’t miss out on this incredible story of how three Mexican Fisherman changed his life! Join us in B111 at 10:05 AM. “STYLE YOUR SOLE” SERVICE PROJECT SEPTEMBER 25 – 5:00-7:30 PM Youth will have a time of fellowship and paint Keds and Vans for the children of Thornwell Children’s home. Come join us for food, fun, and service. We will meet in B111. Cost is $25.00 for 2 pair of shoes and dinner. UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS: Youth attend Breast Cancer Awareness Braves Game – September 18 Confirmation Retreat – September 23-25 in Ducktown, Tennessee Youth Contemporary Worship and Youth Leadership Team Meeting – September 25 at 10:05 AM “Style Your Sole” Service Project for Thornwell Children’s Home – September 25 – 5:00-7:30 PM
Calling All Volunteers!! Both the elementary and nursery/preschool ministries need volunteers for the 2011-2012 program year. If you are interested in teaching Sunday school, volunteering with LOGOS on Wednesday nights, participating as part of the committees, or rotating on the halls please contact Katharine Hamer at khamer@firstpresatl.org for Nursery/ Preschool or Lauren Patrus, lpatrus@firstpresatl.org. for Elementary. 6
September 18 & 25
Don’t miss out on D-Groups this Fall!”
The Chimes adult sunday school A gora Room 322 In Old 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. Visitors welcome! B erean B ible C lass Reception Room The Bereans were “critical thinkers who, with study, became believers,” (Acts 17: 10-14) 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 on September 18 and 25, when Craig Goodrich will discuss his take on this interesting and vital topic. C ommunity B ible S tudy Room B415 Taught by the Rev. Charles Black and Rev. Connie Lee, the Community Sunday School Class includes First Presbyterian members and community participants. C ovenant C lass Room 230 The Covenant Class examines an interesting combination of family and social issues, church history, theology and Bible lessons, all from the perspective of today’s family. Our lively discussions are led by members of the church staff and congregation. Our members are generally age 35-55, married with children, and interact socially. D iscovering G od ’ s W ord Room 317 Discovering God’s Word is an informal, discussion-oriented class for adults of all ages who enjoy Bible study. On Sept. 18, we’ll kick off the fall with food and fellowship, and make plans for 2011/12. On Sept. 25, we will continue our study of John Claypool’s book, Glad Reunion: Meeting Ourselves in the Lives of Biblical Men and Women, with a lesson on Amos (Chapter 13, p. 123-135). Please join us! E mmaus C lass Room 227 The Emmaus Class is a place where those who wish to draw closer to Jesus Christ can learn to recognize Him in their personal experiences. Led by class members and guest speakers, we enjoy lively discussions of how scripture applies to everyday life.
F aith and L ife Room 218 Sept. 18: Dr. Joel LeMon will talk about the patterns and protocols for portraying violence against enemies in the Psalms. Joel is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Emory’s Candler School of Theology and enjoys playing the trumpet for the Usual Suspects. Sept. 25: Dr. George Wirth will speak to our class on “The Seasons of Life.” Last spring our class brought the most cans of meat for the Food Drive and won the grand prize of having George teach our class. Come join us as we celebrate our win and hear this important message which our pastor will bring us. F irst F oundations Room 319 We will be discussing Rob Bell’s latest and somewhat controversial book, “Love Wins.” Feel free to join us. F orum @ F irst Fifield Hall On September 18 and 25, Forum welcomes Rebekah LeMon, FPC’s new Director of Church Growth. Join us for an outstanding 2 week series and for the chance to get to know our newest staff member. G alatians 3:28, Room 323 A brand new Bible Study class, we won’t be meeting for Sept. 18 or 25. Instead we officially kick off on Oct. 2. Taught by Emory Ph.D. student Parker Diggory, we bring a faithful, historically informed, progressive vision to our discussion of faith issues. Join us I nternationals Room 327 The Internationals Class welcomes globally-minded individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Sept. 18: Rev. George Harjes will speak on “Scandinavia.” Sept. 25: Fr. George Maklouf of St. Elias Antiochian Orth. Church will speak on “Current Events in Palestine and Meeting of the UN.”
M editation G roup Room B320 (New Location inside Care Ministry offices - in the group counseling room)
This guided meditation class is designed to relieve stress and awaken us to a greater sense of the presence of God in our live. Beginners welcome.
O pen D oor Room 156 Started in 1953, the class remains committed to its initial goal: to join intelligent minds and strong faith. Its sessions, both lecture and free discussion, center on church history, evolution of beliefs, history of religious freedom in this country, and church in a society open to all religions. O urs for T oday Room B308 Our class is designed for parents of kids Pre-School~High School. We are an energetic group of 30¬-50 “somethings” who are seeking spiritual and practical guidance on our journey of faith. Throughout the year we host speakers who share insight on parenting, marriage, and the challenges facing the modern Christian family. S piritual L iving Room B202 For the next two months we will be discussing the book Diagrams for Living: The Bible Unveiled by Emmet Fox. Class emails will provide updates as to which chapters are being discussed each week. Please join us, even if you are unable to read the chapters in advance. T he U pper R oom Room 332 He knocked it out of the park last May with his parenting class on raising anxiety-free kids, so we have invited him back. Please join us on September 18 and 25 as DAVID ALEXANDER, M.S., L.P.C., ( a licensed professional Counselor and psychotherapist specializing in child and parenting concerns) leads us in two weeks of parenting classes. Visitors welcome.
September 18 & 25
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The Chimes
“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
The Kid’s are back in school and fall’s on its way. What better time to curl up with a good book!
The Mustard Seed
Wednesdays 9-1, 4:40 - 6:30 Sundays 9-1 (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com
y and Stop b t our u o check le on sa great and gifts ! books
Music for September 18 Prelude Anthem Offertory Ben Resp Postlude
Variations on “Lobe den herren” Joseph Ahrens Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty F. Melius Christiansen Beautiful Savior F. Melius Christiansen Three Fold Amen Cantata 29 - J.S. Bach
Music for September 25 Prelude
Offertory Ben Resp Postlude
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, BWV 1047- J.S. Bach Cantata BWV 99, “Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan” – J. S. Bach Chorale from Cantata BWV 99, “Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan” Hornpipe - G.F. Handel
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. WORSHIP Sunday Communion Service - 8:30 am Sunday Worship Services -9:00 am & 11:15 am Sunday School 10:05 am HOW TO CONTACT US Phone/404-892-8461 Fax/404-228-7760 E-mail: youbelong@firstpresatl.org Web: www.firstpresatl.org
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta 1328 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-3209 Bi-weekly Newsletter of
The Chimes
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