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| The Good News - This Week |
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This Sunday
Fellowship Breakfast
8:00-10:30 AM
8:30 & 11:00 AM
Preaching this week:
Dr. Oliver Wagner
Youth Group,
grades 6-12, meets at 5:30PM |
The Good News Email Information
The Good News - This Week is a publication of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church for its members
and friends.
Send your comments and suggestions to connections
@alpharettapres.com.
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Ollie's Offerings
There is nothing quite so inviting as a clean blackboard. Okay, I date myself. Perhaps I should say there is nothing so inviting as a blank word document on the computer screen or perhaps as hitting the "open" button on the inbox of a text message of your cell phone. In any case (I still confess to getting excited when I go to fetch the US mail) there is much possibility before us. Each day is God's gift to us, each moment an opportunity or invitation to act in faith. Though rapidly filling, the 2011 year is not yet full. There is much that will and can be accomplished.
In about 5th grade I would call my friends and say, "what do you want to do?" That's the question I'm asking you now.
As you make plans and chart a course, as you develop goals and respond to issues that arise in your life and in the world (and as the church does the same) perhaps the words which Jesus chose to describe the beginning of his ministry will be helpful for our reflection. After all, where he leads we are called to follow. Pursue that which is kind and true; that which is timely and lasting; that which contributes to the peace and reconciliation of the world.
Luke 4 tells us, "Jesus unrolled the scroll and found the place were it is written, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor'."
In many ways those words told people his purpose and direction. Blessings on you and the church as we seek to faithfully follow that lead. |
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Dinner for Drake House
The Drake House mission is to provide short term crisis housing, assessment, support, and empowerment to homeless mothers and their children in the North Fulton area. The Drake House provides life skills classes to the residents. Families often arrive for the classes directly from work and school. The provision of dinner for their family relieves stress and ensures that the family receives dinner and makes it to the workshop in a timely manner. APC has volunteered to provide dinner on Monday, January 31. We will be delivering meatloaf, potato casserole, green salad, fresh fruit, rolls and bottled water. We will need food for 45 people. There is a sign-up sheet with full information on the Mission bulletin board directly across from Fellowship Hall. If you have questions, call Sue White at 770-772-4667 or Sheryl Wentworth at 770-777-1229. |
New Member Class
Are you interested in membership at APC? We will welcome new members on Sunday, February 20. New member education classes will be held on February 6 and February 13 at 9:45am in the "Alpha Building" (the mobile classroom closest to the sanctuary) for any interested in considering membership. Please let Dr. Wagner or Rev. Butcher know if you would like to participate in this new member process by calling the office 770-751-0033 or email (ollie@alpharettapres.com or jamie@alpharettapres.com)
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Foster Care Support
The APC Foster Care Support Mission Team invites you to join them for their monthly volunteer day in Roswell this Tuesday, January 25. We carpool from APC at 9:30 in the morning, help sort clothing, and fill mail orders for children in foster care. We then enjoy lunch and fellowship at a nearby restaurant before returning to the church by 2:00 PM.
For information, please contact Marianna Raffensperger 770-442-3672 or theraffs@juno.com.
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Ladies' Night Out
Ladies' Night Out at Just for Giggles! Local artists lead you step-by-step as you create your very own work of art (Rosenberry Trees) on canvas that you will take home at evenings' end on Thursday, February 10. Social and set-up at 6:30pm Painting begins at 7:00pm Cost is $30 upon arrival to class. Register at www.just-for-giggles.com. Click on the calendar link. Also, e-mail pamheydinger@comcast.net. Register early as the class will likely fill up a week in advance.
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Promise Class
Promise Class Volunteers Needed - Volunteers are needed to assist the Promise Class teachers at 11:00 AM Sundays. We need volunteers for each Sunday now through May. Our Promise Class provides a safe and welcoming place for special needs children and youth. This allows their parents and siblings to fully participate in the life of our church including worship. As a volunteer, you are NOT responsible for the curriculum or activities. No special experience is required; just the ability to love children. Signup by contacting Sydney Schneider 770-664-0942 or sydschneider@comcast.net.
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Mission Thanks You
Thank you for your support of Heifer International and our mission on La Gonave, Haiti! In spite of tough times, your generous extra giving will make 2011 a year of new hope and new life to people in need and facing crises of health concerns and survival. Over $700 was sent to Heifer International and the La Gonave, Haiti partnership during the Alternative Christmas sales in December.
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Adult Sunday School
Adult Sunday School Mini-Series now in progress! Some stories in the Bible get more "air-time" than others: we drew pictures about them as kids, we sang songs about them in Sunday School classes, and we heard sermons on them throughout our lives. So familiar are these stories that we no longer wonder what they are about or how they relate to our lives of faith. In this 4-part mini-series, we will revisit some of the most well-known stories of the Bible with the hope of bringing to light some fresh perspectives on these familiar stories. The series will be led by Ryan Bonfiglio (the Rev. Jamie Butcher's husband) who is completing his Ph.D. in Old Testament and Hebrew studies at Emory University. The classes will meet in the theater beginning at 9:45 AM.
Sunday, January 23 The Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9)
Sunday, January 30 The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32)
Sunday, February 6 Jesus Calms the Wind & the Waves (Mark 4:35-41)
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 Chili Cookoff
It's time again to start practicing your chili recipes for the annual APC Chili Cookoff. This years event will be on Saturday, February 5
at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. We need chefs for the chili, judges for the tasting and a nice hungry congregation! There will be fun for both adults and children after dinner. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact Ashley Guzman at 404-285-5710 or email akguzman@comcast.net. Please sign up for this fun and filling evening by calling or emailing Ashley.
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Inclement Weather
During inclement weather, please visit the church website to find out about any event cancellations. APC and the Dayschool follow the Fulton County School cancellations for weekday activities, but for evening and weekend events, view the website at www.alpharettapres.com.
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Karate at APC
Want to try a new activity that is fun and great exercise for kids and adults of all ages? We are now offering Karate classes at APC three days a week.
Soo Bahk Do (traditional Korean Karate) offers many benefits to both the young and not so young:
· It provides a great family activity that everyone can participate
· It teaches self defense techniques that can be used by members of all ages
· It places an emphasis on avoiding conflict
· It promotes physical fitness, flexibility and endurance
· It develops Self Confidence, and fosters the development of Discipline and Respect
It this sounds like something you or your family may be interested in, please stop by one of our classes to see what it's all about or contact Dave Berry at 678-525-3859 or dbb45601@gmail.com for more information.
We currently meet in the multipurpose room on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00pm as well as Saturday's at 10:00am.
We will also be holding an open house on Saturday, January 15 beginning at 11:15am where our students will perform a brief demonstration, followed by cookies and soft drinks. Come on by!
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Save the Date
Women of APC - Mark your calendars now for the 2011 Annual Women's Retreat on Saturday, March 19, 2011, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The retreat will be held at Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church (same location as last year). The theme will be "Take a Step Back & Breathe," and our speaker will be our own Jamie Butcher. Don't miss this great opportunity to take time for yourself and spend quality time with other APC women. Registration and more details will be available in late January. If you have questions, feel free to contact Jeanne Kreiser 770-331-8607.
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 Fun Wednesday Schedule
APC Fun Wednesdays Winter/Spring, 2011
5:30 - 6:15pm Dinner 6:15 - 7:15pm Adult Program
January 26 Constitutional Questions of the PC(USA) Ollie Wagner
February 2 Guest Speaker Cris Hunt of Camp Hope
February 9 Black History in the PC (USA) Jamie Butcher
February 16 Spiritual Gifts Kelly Edwards
February 23 Women of Faith Jamie Butcher
March 2 Mission Work in Kenya Walter Dean
March 9 Ash Wednesday service (6:30PM)
March 16, 23, 30 Mark Bible Study Ollie Wagner
April 6 No FW Spring Break
April 13 Taize Service Joel Lillethun
April 20 Social/Easter Egg Hunt
April 27 Summer Travels Report Ollie Wagner
May 4 Final Fun Wednesday Concert Joel Lillethun
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Career Transition
APC Career Transition Program - With Metro Atlanta's unemployment rate still hovering around 10%, many members and friends of APC find themselves unemployed or underemployed. When those who have given up are no longer job hunting, as well as those who want full-time jobs, but still work part-time, the real total unemployment rate leaps to 16.7%.
If your organization is seeking candidates to recruit, please contact Elder Bill Harris at w.m.harris@att.net. It's possible that some of our own members could be a good fit for your opportunity. Thank you for keeping our Career Transitions Ministry and the lives it touches in your prayers. For more information, or how to be involved with this ministry, please contact Bill Harris. |
Evening with the Stars
Save the date for an evening with the stars on Saturday, March 12 from 7:30-9:30pm at APC. The youth would like you to join them for an exciting night of fellowship, entertainment and a silent/service action. We welcome all who would like to help in any capacity make this event a success. This fundraiser will support the financial commitments required for mission trips. Please call or email: Peggy Messawer 678-457-4560 or Laura Dean 770-664-6616 lrdean@bellouth.net There will be a sign up sheet for volunteers in the lobby.
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Youth Ministry News
Here are some of the amazing events for the youth this month.
Please remember it is very important to RSVP to the events that are off site.
This will help the youth advisors in planning each event. Thank you
January 23, 2011 Youth Group 5:30-7:30pm at APC
Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29, 2011 "Dream On" The Revolve Tour, Awesome music, real-life stories, drama, and a ton of fun combine for a high-energy, inspiration, encouraging 2-day weekend event for GIRLS ONLY!! We will begin our journey at 5:00 pm on Friday at APC travel to the Arena at Gwinnett and then have lock in(lock-in location to be announced) and Saturday morning travel back to Gwinnett Arena. Cost is $50. Sign up today at Kelly@alpharettapres.com or outside the youth office. Check out the event online at www.RevolveTour.com
January 30, 2011 Youth Group 5:30-7:30 at APC - Souper Bowl of Caring Night
Please invite a friend to APC!
If you have any questions, concerning Youth Ministry at APC please contact Kelly Edwards at Kelly@alpharettapres.com or 770-751-0033 |
Children's Ministry News
Our New Disciples' Village Unit has begun and runs for 5 weeks for Elementary Children titled: "The Holy Spirit and Our Spirit". Join us at 9:45am for fun, spirit- filled Bible lessons. Also Preschool Sunday school is starting its New Year with great Bible stories. Do not let your little ones miss their foundation in the faith. Preschoolers join us at 9:45am in Room 106.
Our Worship and Sacraments Class meets in room 107 and 109 for eight weeks during Kinderkirk time. The students in the class are wearing nametags in during worship. Please greet and welcome them to worship. They will be officially recognized on Sunday, March 6 at the 11:00 service.
4th and 5th Grade Winter Challenge has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 30 at Wills Park from 2-4pm. Jennifer Owens and Victoria Mynatt are the event coordinators.
VBS will be taking bids on T-shirt orders starting January 15. To get more details about placing a bid please contact Heather Wagner at heather@alpharettapres.com
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Sympathy & Celebrations
Sympathy - To Irene Millicans and her family, at the death of her husband Edwin Millicans, who died Saturday, January 15. Services were held at APC on Saturday, January 22.
Sympathy - To Carly Conlon and her family, at the death of her grandmother, Jeannie Tompkins. Services were held in Dallas, TX. |
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Sunday Volunteers
Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Haley J. and Jack S. at 8:30 & Zach and Ethan B. at 11:00 11:00 Kinderkirk volunteers this Sunday: Erika de Greef & Michelle Smith
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The Good News - This Week
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
You can visit the church on line at www.alpharettapres.com or contact the office during regular business hours at 770-751-0033.
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