The Good News - This Week

The cheating scandal which now plagues the Atlanta Public Schools is certainly more widespread than that particular school district. Around the country we will continue to hear of how test results were falsified in order to increase scores and secure school monies. Though I'm not surprised at where the "No Child Left Behind" policy has led us (tying money to test scores was never a policy I embraced) cheating is never acceptable nor excusable.

Our faith convictions assure us that "the truth is in order to goodness" and therefore matters a great deal to the kingdom of God. God calls us to stand against dishonesty, theft and lying - terming such behavior as sinful. At Davidson College we had an Honor Code that required EVERY paper or test we turned in to have this pledge and a signature at the bottom: "I pledge that I have neither given nor received help on this assignment, nor have I witnessed any violation on the part of others." I was raised in the church and a graduate of three Presbyterian schools. Among the greatest of lessons I learned from the church: be honest - true to God, true to your word, true to who you are. We believe that Jesus was "full of grace and truth" and that "the preservation of the truth" is one of the great ends of the church.

The Heidelberg Catechism (16^th century, Germany) asks "What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?" The answer reads, "theft, robbery, all wicked tricks and schemes by which we seek to get for ourselves our neighbor's goods through such means as false weights and measures, deceptive advertising or merchandising, counterfeit money, exorbitant interest, all greed and the misuse and waste of God's gifts." That old church teaching offers quite a critique of modern society!

Tell the truth. Be honest. Live with integrity. No matter what deception or mistake is in your or others' past, know that God offers forgiveness and a fresh, new start. Receive that grace. Accept that offer. Put the sin of falsehood behind you and let the truth set you free. Be at peace.

In Christian Service,

Olle Wagner, Pastor

Nominations Requested

Congregational Nominations Requested - The Nominating Committee is requesting nominations to the 2011-2012 Nominating Committee. Please submit names to the church office or in the nomination box in the lobby. Please submit nominations by August 14.

Foster Care Support

The APC Foster Care Support Mission Team invites you to join them for their monthly volunteer day in Roswell this Tuesday, July 26. 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.

Many Thanks!

A note of tremendous gratitude to all the volunteers (over 50!) who helped make this past Saturday's Presbytery meeting run smoothly. We had close to 325 people in and around the building and by all accounts the event was a huge success. Visitors commented on the friendly smiles and clear instructions they received as they entered, they raved about the warmth they felt looking at the decorations left up by the Children's Ministries from VBS, they mentioned the food served was the best spread they can remember at such a meeting. In fact, for "breakfast foods", they couldn't get enough of Ed Jones' chicken wings! Several people voiced how the choir enhanced their worship experience, especially noting the connection of the lyrics in the anthem to the preachers sermon. Special thanks to Sheryl Wentworth and David Hanselman for their excellent facilitation of the food and drink - served in not one, but two locations! APC should be very proud of our extension of the Spirit of God to our fellow Presbyterians. Surely, the Lord is in this place!

Sound Operators

The team that operates our sound system during worship is looking for some additional volunteers. Each operator normally operates the mixer-board during one worship service per month. You will be trained, and may also be called upon to be available for weddings, funerals and special events.

We are seeking both male and female volunteers, from youth to retirees. Questions? Contact Vernon Kuehn vkuehn@bellsouth.net or 404-434-4419

APC Bluegrass Sunday

On August 7 at the 11:00 service, our music will be led by "Hick's with Pick's", a bluegrass band based at Rock Springs Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. They perform throughout north Georgia and at Rock Springs, they play gospel bluegrass before Sunday School most Sunday mornings. At least once every quarter, the Hicks also play for the 11:00 worship service. Come early as they will lead us in some great gospel tunes before the service begins.

Fun Wednesday

Fun Wednesday RETURNS-August 24 and dinner is served at 5:15pm by our own Chef Doug. All that is missing is YOU. If you attend Fun Wednesday's WE NEED YOU to take your turn in the kitchen and help clean up after dinner, so grab a dish towel and meet new friends. The ideal number in the kitchen is three/four people which makes clean up move smoothly & quickly. If we all take a turn, this mission will not be a burden on anyone. Watch for the sign up sheet to be posted on the kitchen door and on the website. Any questions please contact Nancy Lofdahl at dlofdahl@bellsouth.net. Keep The Fellowship Going!

Hospitality Workshop

Taking Your Hospitality to the Next Level - Hospitality is a spiritual gift that every church must exercise and nurture. Hospitality is what makes members and visitors walk away from a church experience saying, "There seems to be a place for me there." Hospitality is inviting, welcoming, caring and sharing. Join us on Saturday, July 30 from 9 to 12 in the Fellowship Hall for workshop with Rev. Penny Hill. We will discover biblical, theological and practical reasons to extend hospitality at church. We will take a hospitality inventory of Alpharetta Presbyterian, and learn and practice practical tips for increasing hospitality. This workshop will be helpful to all members, but is a must for greeters, ushers and anyone on a welcoming or hospitality team. No RSVP necessary, contact Jamie at jamie@alpharettapres.com with questions.

Ecumenical Picnic

Please come and join St. James Methodist, Alpharetta First United Methodist, and Alpharetta Presbyterian at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 13560 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta, on August 7 at 1:00pm for the First Ecumenical Picnic.

Alpharetta Presbyterians will need to bring chairs and/or blankets and a dessert for the event.

Each church will be providing a musical group for our enjoyment and there will be games for all ages.

If you plan to attend we will need you to RSVP to Carol by Thursday, August 4, at the APC church office carol@alpharettapres.com or 770-751-0033.

School Supply Drive

APC School Supplies Drive July 16 - August 7 to benefit APC Whiz Kids Tutoring Program, North Fulton Community Charities, Foster Care Support Foundation and The Place of Forsyth.

Please consider donating any of the following supplies:

Backpacks - no wheels

3-ring binders 1" and 2"

College and wide- ruled paper

Colored pencils

Crayons - 24 piece regular

Index cards -3x5

Paper napkins

Paper cups - 5 oz

Dividers for binders

Erasers - Pink Pearl and pencil top

Folders (2 pocket) with or without prongs

Glue sticks

Hand-held calculators

Highlighters

Markers - washable

Notebooks - wide-ruled spiral

Pens - all colors

Pencils

Pencil boxes

Rulers

Scissors

Snack size ziplock bags

Plastic school supply pouches

The Mission collection bin will be in the lobby next to the School Supply Drive display. If you prefer to make a cash donation, please show "school supplies drive" on the memo line of your check. Thank you for your support. Questions-call Sue White at 770-772-4667 or email whitesbassets@bellsouth.net.

C.S. Lewis Lectures UPDATE

2011 Adult Summer Sunday School

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 six 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. The remaining schedule is as follows:

July 24: No session this week

July 31: No session this week

August 7: No session this week

August 14: The Weight of Glory

Philosopher Peter Kreeft, says Lewis's classic "theodicy," The Problem of Pain, is the greatest response ever given in answer to the singly most challenging question atheists raise against belief-the "problem of pain and evil." Last Sunday we reviewed the background and key premises of Lewis' The Problem of Pain, including his insightful description of The Fall of Man. This Sunday we complete our review of this great book by looking closely at the Aristotelian approach Lewis used to respond to the argument. In addition, we will review Lewis' profound answers to such difficult questions as:

(1) Why does God grant us free-will"

(2) Why does God permit evil?

(3) Why does God use pain

(4) Why does God allow humans to suffer? and

(5) Why is there a Hell?

After Jim and his son, Brandon, return from Oxford and Cambridge, Jim will do a final summer session on Sunday, August 14. For this closing presentation, Jim will review and provide commentary on C.S. Lewis' extraordinary sermon, "The Weight of Glory." If you have not yet read it, you can access and download a PDF copy of his sermon text on-line at http://www.verber.com/mark/xian/weight-of-glory.pdf. You need not read it prior to the review, but Jim's commentary will be more meaningful if you have.

This is believed by many to be Lewis' most inspirational work, and some experts consider this to be the greatest sermon ever preached. This one is not to be missed!

To Kill a Mockingbird

ACT1 steps back in time for the important story of To Kill a Mockingbird based on the book by Harper Lee, dramatized by Christopher Sergel. Scout Finch lives with her brother, Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus, in the sleepy Alabama town of Maycomb. Wide-eyed Scout is fascinated with the people of her small town, but from the start there's a rumble of thunder just under the calm surface of the life there. Racial tensions in Maycomb come to a head when a black man is accused of a grave crime against a white woman. As Scout's attorney father fights the case, Scout learns valuable lessons of humanity, compassion and what it means to be a good neighbor.

Performances are every Friday and Saturday now through August 7 at 7:30pm with Sunday Matinees on July 24, 31 and August 7 at 2:00pm.

SPECIAL PRICING FOR APC MEMBERS! Adults - $10, Children (under 12) and Seniors (over 60) $8. Use coupon code "APCCC" online at www.act1theater.com or call 770-663-8989.

Sign Up NOW for Disciple Bible Study

Disciple Bible Study has had another rewarding year of study and fellowship. We have preliminary plans to offer these classes next year: Disciple I (Monday morning and Sunday evening), Disciple II (as needed), Jesus in the Gospels, Christian Believer, and short term classes as interest indicates. Contact Mary Dantzler at 404-754-1763, jdantzler@bellsouth.net with questions. Registration is now open now for all classes. Materials will soon be ordered, so please let Mary know of your interest today!

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.

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 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.

Youth Group for rising 6^th graders thru 2011 high school graduates will meet for the balance of the summer as follows:

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.

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

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 K - 5^th grade: 10:00 to 10:15 AM for Preschool ages (beginning of Preschool Sunday School)

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

Sympathy - To Jamie Butcher and her family, at the death of her uncle, Larry Osborne, who died Saturday, July 16. Services were held Tuesday, July 19 in Rugby, VA.

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: Kim Dore & Ashley Guzman

11:00 Promise Class volunteers this Sunday: Kate McChesney

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.