Alpharetta, GA November 2020 by City Lifestyle

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

Thanks for Giving HOME + DESIGN

W E LLN E S S

TR AV E L

T H E C OZ I ES T H O M E E VER

B RE AT H E . M OVE . REPE AT.

T H E B ES T FA M DA M I LY ROAD T RI P CARS

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@lifestylepubs.com

Porch decor by Candi Miller Designs

EDITOR

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com

Happy November,

Darce Richardson | darce.richardson@lifestylepubs.com

WHEN I ASKED MY THREE GROWN CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE

Molly Collins | molly.collins@lifestylepubs.com

THANKSGIVING MEMORY, THEY EACH REPLIED WITH A DIFFERENT STORY. One waxed poetic about the time we rented out a small nightclub so we could have a family jam session on the stage. A few years later, we puzzled together every table in the house to seat more than 20 shoulder to shoulder, little ones included. The kids made place cards out of 3 x 5 cards and dried flowers (my mom’s idea). When we moved south to Atlanta 10 years ago, my daughter stayed behind to finish her senior year (the graduation requirements were dramatically different here) and she stayed with family friends, my heart breaking all the way. We drove north through snowy

MARKE T ARE A ADMINISTRATOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

SENIOR ACCO UNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ohio and Michigan for Thanksgiving, spreading out across ping pong tables and

Dennis Malcolm Byron, Nicolette Martin, Ashleigh Todd

card tables and included my extended family and theirs. I sobbed my way through

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

the blessing, overflowing with gratitude and probably some guilt for having to separate from Jane. Now, those friends are closer than family.

Sunny Bailey, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Amy Dey, Michael W. Thomas

We won’t be spending Thanksgiving with anyone this year, just my husband, college-aged son and me around the table. I’ll be thankful to unplug and let my husband work his magic with a turkey on the Big Green Egg. I’ll make a pie (or three) and likely a few mini pumpkin bread loaves for neighbors.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Where ever you are this month, I trust you’ll find sweetness and joy. Give it to get it!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Xo,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Sue G. Collins, Editor

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Gather, share, rejoice, repeat. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Alpharetta Lifestyle magazine. 4

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

Proverbs 3:5-6 Alpharetta Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Alpharetta area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Alpharetta Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

A C C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S | A D U LT S & C H I L D R E N

Take care of your health this fall and book your annual physical check now.

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D R . S UDH A CH A L LA , M D FA A F P Dr. Challa and staff are dedicated to serving the community and providing compassionate care for you and your family. Board Certified in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. Both locations offer personalized care for pediatrics, adults and seniors. We accept most major insurances. Our staff speaks Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, English, Bengali and Nepali.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 20 Cheers to These Givers Our annual salute to people in our community who make giving a priority.

24 Kate Says Move! The owner of Alpharetta's newest fitness studio, Joey, shares 3 key moves.

20 24

28 Fall Finds For a Festive Home The Gibson Co. presents fresh looks for November.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Driver’s Notebook

20 Giving Back 24 Healthy Lifestyle 28 Local’s Choice 31

Faith Reflections

GOOD TIMES

Cherry Street at Halycon Celebrated 1 Year The fall menu preview at Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon doubled as a one-year anniversary for the owners, the Tanner family, staff and guests. They uncorked a new Eagle Rare Bourbon barrel-aged stout. The Russian Imperial Stout was blended with toasted coconut, vanilla beans, and sweet cherries coming out of the barrel. CherryStreetBrewing.com

The Salt Center Alpharetta Open Family & friends of The Salt Center enjoyed a soft opening celebration. The owner, Melissa, gave a toast full of gratitude to those that supported her getting open during one of the craziest years in history. Salt is a premier wellness boutique featuring a halotherapy salt room and sensory deprivation in a luxurious float spa. TheSaltCenter.com 2650 Holcomb Bridge Rd

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

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AROUND TOWN

Is someone keeping you up at night? Perhaps it’s time for a snore appliance.

Let’s Talk! 770.667.0669 | www.GolsenDental.com 3400-A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 430, Alpharetta

Check out Dr. Golsen’s piece in the March 2020 issues: JohnsCreekLifestyle.com | AlpharettaLifestylepubs.com

DR. BRANDON NAYLOR JOINS ARTHRITIS AND TOTAL JOINT SPECIALISTS Arthritis and Total Joint Specialists is pleased to welcome Dr. Brandon Naylor

its

Alpharetta

and

Cumming locations. An orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Naylor trained at the prestigious Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and he has expertise spanning complex hip and knee reconstruction, orthopedic trauma and

sports

medicine,

including

ACL reconstruction. He believes in a multidisciplinary, patient-centric approach to orthopedic care delivery. Arthritis and Total Joint Specialists has 10 office locations across north Atlanta, including Alpharetta (3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building C, Suite 290). For more information, visit ArthritisAndTotalJoint.com.

We have invested in our patients with the latest technology - Intra-oral video camera - Oral ID oral cancer light detection - Spectra cavity detecting technology - CamX Triton HD Oral Camera detects decay between teeth

DR. BEVERLY SCHULER JOINS LAUREATE MEDICAL GROUP Laureate Medical Group is pleased

Following all new health guidelines to protect the safety of our clients.

to welcome Dr. Beverly Schuler to its Alpharetta and Cumming locations. Dr. Schuler is a board-certified CONTINUED >

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

-SA anl pdh ya Srep trtia ng s

Ju st So l 4127 0N0 5es Cba its Ftle rtro yn LCn t.-

A Trusted Modern Real Real Estate Estate Professionals Experience

Helen Hernandez Helen Archer Hernandez & May Parrado Archer helen.archer@compass.com

helen.archer@compass.com may.parrado@compass.com

404-668-6621

1-833-GET-LUXE

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

AROUND TOWN physician

internal

medicine.

These services include preventive healthcare, women’s health, acute care and chronic disease management. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Georgia Campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Schuler embraces the osteopathic

AUTHENTIC, FLAVORFUL, DELICIOUS,

philosophy and takes a comprehensive approach in treating patients, emphasizing the importance of how lifestyle contributes to each patient’s

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DR GILL JOINS ATLANTA CANCER CARE Atlanta Cancer Care is pleased to welcome Dr. Harpaul "Paul" S. Gill to its Alpharetta and Cumming offices. A hematologist and medical oncologist, Dr. Gill specializes in treating patients with lung cancer, melanoma, genitourinary cancer, lymphoma and benign hematology. Through his fellowship training, he had the opportunity serve a broad patient population and gain valuable experience in treating both the medical aspects of cancer care as well as the social and psychological aspects. Atlanta Cancer is located in Alpharetta at 3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Suite 400 AtlantaCancerCare.com.

2100 Ray Moss Connector Johns Creek, GA 30022

770.674.2779 12

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

persianbasketatl.com LUNCH . DINNER . BRUNCH

ONLINE ART EXHIBITION BY UNDERSERVED CHILDREN IN AFRICA An Atlanta-based charity, Art For Art, has teamed with an international

charity to bring Atlantans a unique opportunity this fall: purchase your favorite works of art produced by talented student artists from underserved communities in Africa and 100% of the proceeds will directly support the students’ visual arts classes. The Art Exhibition continues online through November 25. On display is artwork from Africa, as well as pieces created by children in the U.S. Meet the student artists who created them, through short bios that are included with each piece. ArtForArt. world/current-exhibit.

SCHOOL'S IN SESSION Alpharetta Elementary School celebrated its new playground and field space, the culmination of an intergovernmental agreement and monthslong project, on September 25. The space serves as a student play area and, when school is not in session, is available to the public. Alpharetta High School senior Davita Verma enlisted schoolmates to collect surplus school supplies not being used during virtual learning in COVID-19, to donate to needy students with more significant challenges through her nonprofit organization, Pencils for Students. Manning Oaks Elementary School partnered with C3 Church who donated 39 computer devices to students in need of connectivity during virtual learning. C3 loaded the laptops with Windows programs for PreK-second grade students. Webb Bridge

Middle

School Assistant

Principal Carmen Hurst and School Governance Council Teressa Ruspi collaborated with the city of Milton as panelists at a mental health webinar co-hosted by the LRJ Foundation and the City of Milton.

EMPANADAS AND PASTRIES BY BELEN Warm empanadas and fresh pastries are now being made in Johns CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

AROUND TOWN

Creek at Belen De La Cruz, the eponymous shop opened nine months ago. Belen moved from Argentine in 2015 and was teaching classes, selling pastries and hosting empanada ladies nights out. “My brother gave me the push to open and we had to learn to run a business while also learning to handle the impact of the pandemic,” she says. They specialize in baked - not fried- empanadas, 10 different flavors, pastries and custom cakes. 470.359.2976 BelenDeLaCruz.com

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Alpharetta using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. 14

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

2020 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve

Family-Friendly Vehicles

TWO SOLID CHOICES FOR A FAM ROAD TRIP

THE YEAR 2020 HAS UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN AN EVENTFUL ARTICLE DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON

ONE TO SAY THE LEAST, SO GETTING AWAY WITH THE FAMILY

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AUTOMAKERS

TO SIMPLY WOOSAH, GET SOME FRESH AIR AND EXPLORE SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS. Here are two impressive autos a family of four or more will enjoy hitting the road in. Safe travels!

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

2020 BUICK ENCORE GX ESSENCE

and in 2020 they prove to stay relevant in style, tech-

Buick has done a commendable job addressing the

nology, and elegance with the all-new Corsair small

compact SUV market by attractively refining the Encore

luxury SUV. While a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter

inside and out in 2020. They also generously provide a

heart, 8-speed transmission, five drive modes, mar-

plethora of advanced safety features, 18-inch wheels,

ket-leading safety rankings, a cloudlike ride and curvy

extensive LED lighting, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

exterior gratefully come standard, numerous options are

integration and ECOTEC 1.3-liter turbo engine with a

available to upgrade this automobile. The Reserve trim

punchy response. One the major draws is the exceed-

flaunts a 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 engine peaking at

ingly popular Alexa Built-In functionality as an infor-

280 horsepower and panoramic vista roof with a power

mative driving companion without giving up a seat in

shade. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus package with a

Encore’s already roomy cabin. Coming in three trims, the

360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed

Essence comes highly recommended enhanced with

Sign Recognition, Active Park Assist Plus, Evasive

the Advanced Technology Package. The wallet-friendly

Steering Assist and Reverse Brake Assist is a strongly

31 miles-per-gallon average is certainly another bonus.

recommended option. Whatever the customization, the

Base price: $28,500

result will be more than satisfactory in the Corsair for

Visit Buick.com for more information.

you and the family. Base price: $44,830 for the Reserve model

2020 LINCOLN CORSAIR AWD RESERVE

Visit Lincoln.com for more information.

The iconic Lincoln brand has represented the American automotive sector for more than a century

2020 Buick Encore GX Essence CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

GIVING BACK ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY SUNNY BAILEY AT HISTORIC NAYLOR HALL

THANKING GIVERS

OUR ANNUAL SALUTE TO GENEROUS HUMANS AMONG US.

Peter krause Giving back: I work with a number of local non-profits, but spend most of my time with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, based in Atlanta. I serve on their Board of Directors, assist with the joint annual charity event (The Charity Golf Classic) and I “Dial for Dollars.” Pivots: The majority of our fundraising events are conducted outdoors and have been canceled which means less money for the organization at a time when every dollar counts. Events may be canceled but cancer isn’t. Therefore, we’ve had to become creative in how we continue our fundraising efforts for PBTF. We hosted a virtual auction pivoting from the annual 2-day golf event at Chateau Elan. We netted our best year ever for PBTF with approximately 300,000 raised in our 16-year history. Giving thanks: I’m thankful for family and friends – Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Around my table: I can’t say (we’ll have over 10 family and friends )…oh, and I’ll be doing plenty of the cooking. Peter resides in Alpharetta, works at J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company in Johns Creek. 20

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

Shirley E. “Bella” BorghI Giving back: I serve as the Executive Director and Co-Vice Chairman the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia. The HHCGA is a 30+ year old 501(c)(3), which has humbly served the underserved and under serviced minority populations within the Hispanic, Latino, and Hispanic/Latino Black populations in the mission of better overall outcomes as relates to all chronic diseases, behavioral sciences, access to a healthy life and access to healthcare, (cultural and linguistic expertise), non-partisan health policy and advocacy organization focused on our constituents regionally, nationally, and beyond. Pivots: COVID-19 has been a driving force in addressing complex issues such as transportation, food deserts, access to testing, accessing to vetted information, language and culturally competency, education, and overall uplift of our population through difficult and ever changing times. Giving thanks: Family and loved ones are the foundation which allows one to find gratitude, compassion, and the uplifting of others in our community. The foundation serves as a solid anchor to build upon in all other areas of your life. For that I am hugely thankful. Around my table: I will share my Thanksgiving table with my most amazing husband David who resonates unbelievable valuable characteristics and continually serves as a great aspiration, role model, and partner on my journey. Bella lives in Roswell and works in Alpharetta. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

Linda Paulk Buchanan, Ph.D, CEDS-S Giving Back: I am on the board for EDIN, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving EDucation and INsight about eating disorders. Most people don’t know that a person dies every 62 minutes in the US due to eating disorder related causes. This number is also low in that, due to misconceptions, many people with eating disorders go undiagnosed. This makes having an eating disorder as life-threatening as breast cancer while receiving only 1/25th of the funding by the NIH. As a breast cancer survivor I am grateful for all the money and research that has been dedicated to this illness but as a psychologist who treats people with eating disorders I am dismayed by the lack of such in the eating disorder field. Pivots: One way that I raise money for EDIN is by dancing in the EDIN Celebrity Dance Challenge. This year, it was virtual! I have danced in the previous two and have won both times making me the only person to date to be able to claim that honor! It is a privilege to be able to raise money in such an incredibly fun way. Additionally, I give talks to schools and other organizations and I field many calls primarily from worried parents to help them find resources. Giving thanks: Knowing a God who loves me, my husband of 36 years and two college aged adopted sons, extended family who live near by and of course, during these

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times, my heath. Around my table: That’s a huge dilemma as I have a son with a lung condition and a husband with asthma, thus, we haven’t been having family gatherings. My father just turned 85 and we had to do a drive-by parade to celebrate. It was both fun and sad at the same time. Linda recently moved from Alpharetta to Milton, works at Walden Behavorial Care in Alpharetta and her work with EDIN reaches

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inside and outside the perimeter. CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

KATE SAYS MOVE! THE OWNER OF ALPHARETTA'S NEWEST FITNESS STUDIO, JOEY, SHARES 3 STRETCHES TO KEEP US FEELING GOOD THIS MONTH.

ARTICLE ALPHARETTA LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL W THOMAS

KATE MCGILL IS THE FOUNDER OF JOEY, A NEW, BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO LOCATED AT HALCYON. The journey to Joey began when she moved back to her hometown of Alpharetta in 2017 after working in the NYC fitness scene as a finance and operations specialist. Opening her own studio is the culmination of her passion for health and wellness combined with her professional experience in the industry. Named after Joseph Pilates,Â Joey celebrated its grand opening in June of this year and has established itself as a premier fitness studio of North Atlanta. MyNameIsJoey.com 6345 Halcyon Way Suite 86 678.691.9284

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

Photo by Amy Dey

01.

BRIDGE

02.

DEAD BUG

03.

MERMAID

Your glutes and hamstrings will

Lying on your back, alternate

This is a great side body stretch

thank you. Ground through your

extending opposite arm and leg.

and hip opener. Try keeping your

heels, scoop through your pelvis, and

Keep your lower back firmly planted

hips grounded as you reach up

lift your hips to the sky.

and pelvis stable.

and over.

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

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Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

Fall finds for a festive home 2

THERE

SOMETHING

SPECIAL

ABOUT

APPROACH-

ARTICLE ASHLEIGH TODD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

2. BOWL FILLERS

ING THIS SWEET SEASON OF WARM GATHERINGS IN FAMIL-

Invite color and texture into your space with a unique bowl filler.

IAR PLACES. Your home deserves to glow with Autumn, even if in

We love them paired with your favorite dough bowl and a candle for

just simple layers of color and texture. Pair a neutral faux pumpkin

intentional decor on a console table. Or spread them on your tray to

with some prayer beads for a touch of Fall on your coffee table or

continue building out your centerpiece. $14.99

add warm candles and some Fall florals to your dining table for an

3. SIGNATURE FALL SCENT

effortless tablescape to welcome guests.

There is nothing quite like setting the tone of your space with a signature scent. At The Gibson Co., you'll find candles for every

1. TRAYS "With any tray, functionality meets design; place a tray on your

occasion, but we highly recommend Highlands as the Fall scent for your home. With spicy notes and a pine undertone, this will warm up

coffee table to organize your living room essentials along with a can-

your spaces beautifully. $16.00 - $28.00

dle and some coasters. Or, we love them on your table to use as the

4. THROW BLANKETS

foundation for your table centerpiece to add dimension. $44.99

A soft cotton throw blanket might be the perfect small touch for a dreamy fall atmosphere. Beyond the traditional living room usage,

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

we also love these laid on the end of the guest room bed to ensure extra covers to keep everyone comfortable and to add extra color and texture to the room. $56.99 5. BEADS Beads have taken the decor world by storm with their approachable and effortless

Let the CaraVita Family Care for Your Family

nature. Drape over books on your bookshelf to add interest or drape over that handy tray for color and texture anywhere in your home. $26.99 - $34.99 6. PUMPKINS It's no surprise that pumpkins would end up on a Fall decor list, but this year is all about the non-conventional pumpkin. We love these faux pumpkins that offer amazing color and texture for your Fall tablescape, front porch, or mantel. $14.99 - $16.99 7. VASES We love a good vase to anchor a space for intentional decor. With florals available to match every season, the vase you choose now can be used every season from now on. Anchor your centerpiece with a larger vase or add height to your coffee table decor with a lighter vase. $39.99 - $69.99 8. FLORALS Dried or faux florals invite the practicality of every year use without compromising on design. Style your vase with the warm toned florals for Fall and then swap out for every season following. $14.99-$17.99 9. NAPKIN RINGS Napkin rings are a simple gesture to warm up your table for friends and family, but often overlooked in seasonal preparation. We love the rustic feel of these wood

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5 Convenient Locations in:

Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell 1-800-VEIN-DOC 770-771-5260

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FAITH REFLECTIONS

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 32

Alpharetta Lifestyle | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.

“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

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