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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:
Rev. Jamie Butcher
Youth Group,
NO Youth Group this week |
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
On July 15th Alpharetta Christian Theater (known to most of us as ACT1) will open with one of my favorite plays, To Kill A Mockingbird. Like many of you, I look forward to attending this moving, disturbing and delightful story of racial injustice and family life as seen through the eyes of a young girl. For those who have not yet attended an ACT1 performance in the APC theater (our original sanctuary!), here is a golden opportunity for you, your friends and family to get involved. Tickets are now being sold.
Four years ago when I was living out-of-state, looking at APC from a distance and trying to discern whether God was calling me to serve here, I remember how excited I was to learn that the congregation supported such a vibrant and creative ministry as ACT1. While most churches have youth fellowship, choirs, PW circles, Sunday School and the like, not many have a ministry of drama that engages and serves the congregation and community as actively and effectively as ours. ACT1's mission is "to use drama to persuade, inspire and proclaim the love of God with theological, moral and ethical messages that provide wholesome fellowship opportunities to our congregation and the broader community." They do that well!
Our ministry in drama allows children and youth to get on-stage and back-stage experience and provides a creative outlet for adults in the community to use their gifts and talents to build community and bring a show to life. Over the years, ACT1 has delivered some wonderful performances and enhanced our worship services with various costumes, skits and drama. All of this to say: our thanks to ACT1's board and leaders who have so faithfully developed this outreach ministry, don't miss Mockingbird!, and consider this to be your invitation to learn more about ACT1. The website is www.act1theater.com. Perhaps you'll find others shows you would like to see. You might even risk being involved with a performance-whether in the cast, set design, publicity or in tech support.
Another show that's coming in November has me equally excited (no surprise, given it's title), Oliver! |
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APC Search Committees
Please pray for APC's search committees.Our Director of Children's Ministry search committee is composed of Dianne Berry (chair), Richard Boston, Amy Erickson, Kristin Hicks and Nancy Hill. Our Organist search committee is composed of Pat Chisolm (chair), Polly Hyatt, Becky Peterson, Art Pashayan and Ted Lynam. Both search committees have already begun their work and are advertising these positions throughout greater Atlanta. We hope to have positions filled by September! |
Congregational Meeting
There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, July 10 at noon in the sanctuary for the purpose of electing 2 Deacons and 2 Elders to fill unexpired terms. |
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Ushers Needed
Looking for a place to serve? APC is looking for new ushers to serve at the 8:30 and 11:00 services. The Lord, whom we worship, is our model for ushering. He put in order our environment, welcomed us when we arrived, helped us find our place, taught us and showed by example what it means to serve others in a way that brings them closer to the Father. If you would be interested in serving, please call the church office. |
Breakfast Volunteers
Men's Sunday Breakfast Teams - Come join the fun and serve your fellow parishioners a fantastic breakfast at a great value. The Men's Sunday Breakfast Teams are looking for a few volunteers to join a one Sunday a month team. There is great fellowship and bonding with these teams, while putting out some delicious food for our familes and friends. If you would like to join us, please contact Ted Lynam 707-754-0445. |
Ladies Night Out
Take a break from the heat and join us for a game of Po-Keeno on Thursday, July 28 at 7:00pm. Hosted by Pam Heydinger and Anne Peer at 11000 Egmont Drive, Johns Creek 30022. This exciting game is like a jazzed up game of Bingo with prizes and prize stealing. Bring a prize valued at $10 or under in a brown paper bag and an appetizer to share. Friends and relatives welcome! RSVP and questions to pamheydinger@comcast.net. |
C.S. Lewis Lectures
2011 Adult Summer Sunday School - Special Announcement Don't miss this! C.S. Lewis Lecture Series A summer lecture series on the life and works of C.S. Lewis has been underway for the past three weeks. APC member and Lewis scholar Jim Motter is leading this series that is being held during the 9:45 a.m. Sunday School hour in the theater. You are most welcome, even if you have missed previous sessions.
The three major writings being reviewed in this course are:
- The Great Divorce . . . a theological fantasy on Heaven and (you know where), which Lewis considered his "Cinderella."
- The Problem of Pain . . . considered by many philosophers to be the greatest response to the question: "Why is there pain and evil?" ever written.
- The Weight of Glory . . . by any measure, one of the greatest sermons ever preached.
Due to an invitation to attend a major conference on C.S. Lewis in Oxford in late July and early August, Jim is required to change the remaining schedule of weekly sessions. The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 26: The Great Divorce (Part 2)
July 3 - no class
July 10: The Problem of Pain (Part 1)
July 17: The Problem of Pain (Part 2)
July 24: No session this week
July 31: No session this week
August 7: No session this week
August 14: The Weight of Glory
Last Sunday we reviewed the background, key influences and the setting of Lewis' The Great Divorce. This Sunday we complete our review of this theological fantasy with a discussion of the 12 episodes featuring sinful denizens of the "Grey Town," which will be followed with a summary of the books key messages and themes.
Starting on July 10, we will spend two weeks reviewing The Problem of Pain, widely considered one of Lewis' greatest books. Please note: attendees are encourage to read The Problem of Pain, in advance of the two sessions, but it is not essential.
After Jim and his son, Brandon, return from Oxford, Jim will do a final summer session on Sunday, August 14, during which he will review Lewis' extraordinary sermon, "The Weight of Glory," considered by some to be Lewis' most inspirational work. This is not to be missed! |
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. |
Youth & Child Safety Training
Required Training for Youth and Children's Ministry Volunteers who have not yet attended in Room 206 (new volunteers, please pick one session to attend and RSVP to volunteer@alpharettapres.com). Sunday, June 26 9:45am Sunday, July 10 9:45am and 2:00pm New Volunteers: Our training sessions are for all new or current volunteers who have not yet attended a required volunteer training session. Childcare is provided during the 45 minute training sessions. Volunteer training will be led by Youth and Children's Ministry staff and elders. Returning Volunteers: If you have already attended a training session in the last two years and filled out the required forms (volunteer form and background check form) you only need to fill out the signature form saying that you have read and will abide by the revised APC Child and Youth Safety Policy. This includes the Discipline Policy (see below on how to find the documents). All Volunteers: The revised safety policy is available on the APC website at www.alpharettapres.com. Go to "ABOUT APC" and find the "documents library" page. The policy and all required forms for volunteers can be found there. Please print the required forms, complete them and turn them in to "Carolyn Dillon, Volunteer Coordinator" in the church office as soon as possible. If you have questions about the process or the status of your paperwork, please contact Carolyn Dillon at volunteer@alpharettapres.com. |
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Youth Ministry News
There are great events happening over the next few months. Please take time to look over and if there is an event that you would like to participate in please let us know, especially offsite events.
June 26 and July 3 No Youth Group.
Youth Group for rising 6th graders thru 2011 high school graduates will meet for the balance of the summer as follows:
July 10 - VBS help / set-up
July 17 - Lake Lanier outing to the Molnars'
July 24 - ACT1 matinee / early dinner / Mission Sunday planning
July 31 - Mission Sunday Planning
August 7 - Pool Party at the Anton's
August 14 - Mission Sunday services at 8:30 & 11 am / Church-wide picnic
August 21 - Kick-Off and Parent Meeting
We typically meet during the summer from 6 - 7:30 pm. Dine ahead of time as we give our volunteer chefs the summer off!
Watch the bulletin, Good News, Facebook and email announcements for more details as specific events near.
Destination Unknown - Sign up for an awesome trip to who knows where? Destination Unknown will be held August 3 - 5. This trip is open to rising 6th graders through recent high school graduates. The signup sheet is on the youth bulletin board.
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
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Children's Ministry News
APC Camps in June were a success
Thank you to all the volunteers and campers that made Faith 'N Sports Camp and Faith 'N Art Camp so great. The sports campers loved the camp and did not want it to end. The art campers made creative and long lasting projects. They learned so many skills that will last for a lifetime. Our church is blessed with a lot of talented athletes and skillful artists. We were also blessed to host Camp Hollywood a wonderful week of meaningful ministry. Thank you to Carly Conlon and Sarah Provow and all the volunteers that help lead this camp for our special needs children in the Atlanta area.
Vacation Bible School is coming soon. July 11-14 is right around the corner and we are getting ready for the children. Volunteers are all set and the children are counting the days to be at APC for "Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street". Kristin Hicks, Tara Hays, and Carol Bybee have been organizing all the details behind the scenes and all 340 children are in for a wonderful week. A sincere thanks goes to volunteers who are planning to give their time and talents to such a special outreach ministry of our church. APC can be proud to serve and go the extra mile for others.
Our VBS mission project this year is the Habitat Aid Initiative; a project in Kenya that supports Kenyans as they provide safe drinking water, agriculture, healthcare, and education for their community. Children that attend VBS will be able to help raise awareness and funds for this project by collecting coins from home in recycled water bottles. The VBS 4th - 6th grade children will help raise funds by having a carwash at APC on Thursday, July 14. All donations will go to the Habitat Aid Initiative Project. For more information go to www.habitataid.org or contact Walter Dean, managing director.
NEW Sunday Schedule for Children at APC starting August 28, 2011
Parents make the commitment and see your child's faith and your joy increase.
9:30am - 10:00am (NEW TIME) Children's Choirs Practice for ages 3 - K, 1st - 5th grade
9:45am Opening Warm Ups for Elementary Sunday School in Solid Rock Theatre
* Gathering and Sharing Time for Preschoolers in Room 106
10:00am - 10:45am Preschool Sunday School Lessons and Elementary Workshops
Sunday school for children at APC is not only an educational tool for faith development but it is a fun time to spend with friends. Children and adult volunteers really enjoy the workshop rotation model that we use in Disciples' Village (Sunday school for children). The elementary children every five weeks learn a new Bible story and how to apply it to their lives. Children go with their age group each week to one of five workshops where they learn the Bible story in creative ways. This year our theme is "Hello God, Are You Calling Me?" We will explore call stories from both the Old and New Testaments.
Adults that would like to help with Sunday school for children can contact Dianne Berry, Children's Ministry Elder at dianneberry6767@gmail.com You can volunteer to assistant teach in the preschool classroom, shepherd a group of elementary children, or teach elementary children in the art, game, mission/science, storytelling, or cooking workshop. We welcome new volunteers. You do not have to be a parent of preschool or elementary children to volunteer. It is fun and heart-warming. Ask Pat Hudson, Kathy Davis, Sheryl Wentworth, or Sue White.
Children's Choirs will begin their new practice time on Sunday, August 28 from 9:30am - 10:00am. The preschoolers ages 3-5 will practice in room 105 and then move across the hall for Sunday school at 10am. The elementary children will practice in room 109 from 9:30am - 10:00am and will then be escorted to their age group's workshop. Sunday school ends at 10:45am. Parents will pick up their children from designated rooms and workshops. Maps are available in the children's ministry hallway.
Nursery care is provided on Sundays from 8:15am - 12:15pm for ages 0-3 in the nursery and red room. (all year long)
Promise Class is provided on Sundays from 9:30 am - 12:30pm for our special needs students in the Rainbow and Noah's Ark Room. (all year long)
Kinderkirk (Children's Worship Education for children ages 3 - First Grade) meets in room 108 for the 8:30am service and room 105 (Preschool) and 108 Kindergarten & First) during the 11:00am service. Children are escorted back to Kinderkirk by their Kinderkirk teachers. Parents pick up children from the designated rooms after worship.
Fun Wednesdays plans are in the making for a new enrichment program for children that involves drama, music, art, Bible study, and games. Dinner will start at 5:30pm followed by new and exciting activities for children from 6:15pm - 7:15pm. Our first Fun Wednesday will be August 24. Stay tuned for more details.
APC Sunday School Kick-Off is August 21, 2011 at 9:45am in the sanctuary. All ages will gather in the sanctuary to kick- off the year, to celebrate, and to introduce all the teachers. Age groups will be dismissed gradually. Children will walk with their parents to tour classrooms and meet teachers. Youth will meet their teachers in the classrooms upstairs. Adults will go to the Fellowship Hall to meet class faciliators, learn more about their class offerings, and fellowship with other adults. |
Sympathy & Celebrations Celebration - Congratulations to Bill Freitag & Angel Harris who were married at APC on June 24. |
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Sunday Volunteers
Serving as greeters this Sunday: Joyce Komala at 11:00
Serving as ushers this Sunday: Beau and David Armistead, Kelly Vandever, Donny Matchen at 8:30 & Stu Laubenstein, Tom Kettering, Drew Rhoades at 11:00
11:00 Kinderkirk volunteers this Sunday: Jodie Barger & Renae Force
11:00 Promise Class volunteers this Sunday: Mary Culp
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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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