The Good News - This Week

This Sunday is a big day in the life of our congregation. We will welcome our new Organist, Sam De Carlo, and enjoy his worship leadership for the first time. Please see the article in this Good News that introduces Sam. Thank you for graciously welcoming him into our community of faith. We give thanks to God for the gifts and service he will bring. Please join me in praying for him as he begins his work with us.

This Sunday we will also kick off our Sunday School year. Children and youth will meet their teachers and visit their classrooms after an opening exercise in the sanctuary for all ages. A great year is planned for them! After our brief time in the sanctuary, adults will have the opportunity to learn more about the many Christian education courses being offered. Information tables will be set up in the Fellowship Hall for you to learn about our Adult classes, review materials, ask questions and meet teachers. I hope you will make the commitment to be a part of Christian education so that you continue to be challenged to grow in faith and fellowship. Kick-off is scheduled for all ages at 9:45am in the sanctuary. I hope to see you then.

Welcome, Sam De Carlo!

We are delighted to welcome Sam De Carlo to the APC staff. Sam, who is a fifth grade school teacher at Morris Brandon Elementary School and has been a church musician for the past ten years, joins us as organist/accompanist. Most recently, he served in this capacity at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City. We invite all who are able to remain today for Sam's special postlude following our singing of "Surely It Is God."

Calling All Cranky People!

The 7th Annual Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin' will be held Sunday, August 28, from 2 - 4:00 PM on the Square in Roswell. For a $5 donation ($15 max per family,) guests are invited to sample a vast array of homemade ice cream brought by an army of volunteer "Crankers". All proceeds benefit "The Drake House," an emergency housing facility for homeless women and children in North Fulton County. We are looking for APC volunteers to bring their favorite ice cream creation(s) to the event. Veteran Crankers and First Time Crankers are all welcome. Please send your name, contact information and the type of ice cream you will bring, to: Gerard Ballard, gerardballard@comcast.net, 404-775-9928. It's great family fun, for a great cause!

Men's Bible Study

Dr. Wagner leads a Men's Bible Study every Monday morning from 7:00 - 8:00am in his study. Each Monday the group reads and discusses the lectionary passages for the upcoming Sunday. All men are welcome to join us for this time of fellowship, study and prayer. Bring your favorite Bible.

FW Plate FW Dinner Reservations

Fun Wednesday starts next week!!

You can now make your Fun Wednesday Dinner reservations on-line. Go to www.alpharettapres.com/dinner and follow the directions to make your dinner reservations. Please make your reservations in advance as stated in the example on the website. If you are not making your reservations on-line, you may fill out the reservation cards on the table in the church lobby. Contact person: Sheryl Wentworth sherylwentworth@comcast.net.

Dinner for August 24: Taco salad, rice, refried beans and quesadillas.

Fun Wednesday

Fun Wednesday RETURNS - August 24 at 5:30pm and dinner could be FREE. All that's missing is YOU! If you attend Fun Wednesday's we need you to take your turn in the kitchen, so become a member of a Clean-up team and receive your meal for FREE that night. We need teams of 3 to 4 people for the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, & 5^th Wednesday's through December. Please sign up on the sheet provided on the kitchen door or show your interest on the web site when you make your reservation. This mission can't continue without YOU. Any questions, please contact Nancy Lofdahl, dlofdahl@bellsouth.net. Keep The Fellowship Going!

Supper Six Is Back!

Do you recognize people you have seen before at APC, but don't know who they are? Here is your chance to get to know more members!

Supper Six at APC is a dinner program where 3 couples meet in a casual environment, usually in the Host's home, for dinner on a monthly basis. A rotating schedule is designed so that you meet with new people each month. Great for new members and long time members as well. Dinners begin in October. Register now through September 11.

There are 4 ways to join:

Full Year: October thru April

Session (A) October, November, January

Session (B): February, March, April

Or put your name on as a Substitute

December 3rd is the all participant Christmas Dinner Party.

Whiz Kids Needs Tutors

Since 1998, APC has conducted an after-school tutoring program called Whiz Kids. Tutoring is held each Monday afternoon that Fulton County Schools are in session. We meet in Fellowship Hall from 3:15 - 4:15pm followed by 15 minutes of songs and Bible stories in the sanctuary. We work "one-on-one" with each tutor helping the same child throughout the year, creating a special bond of trust and caring. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in a child's life - you will be able to see the progress as you work with your child and your pride and enthusiasm about their achievements will encourage hard work and concentration. School supplies and learning materials are provided. There will be a sign-up table at both services on August 28 and September 4. Tutors will be available to answer questions and tell you about their own experience with the program. For more information contact Sue White at 770-772-4667 or at whitesbassets@bellsouth.net.

Dinner Theater

Want to enjoy dinner while watching a funny play? Come to APC on Saturday evening, October 1, 6:30-9:00pm. Or, maybe you would rather just have dessert and watch a funny play - come to APC on Sunday afternoon, October 2, 2:30-5:00pm. Stop by the table in the church lobby starting August 28 to learn more and to select the table and seat(s) that you would like to purchase. This event benefits the Youth Ministry Mission Trips. Contact person: Sheryl Wentworth 770-777-1229 or sherylwentworth@comcast.net.

Family Retreat

Join us for Koinania at APC's family retreat in Montreat, NC, October 14-16. The Greek word for community, Koinania, points us to strengthening fellowship within the church, nurturing spiritual growth and deepening our connections to each other, creation and GOD. Registration and more will be at an information table in the lobby starting Sunday, August 14. We hope to see you there!

Guitar Lessons

Interested in learning to play the guitar? Ollie Wagner offers beginner guitar lessons to children (age 7 and older) on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:15pm beginning on August 24 and follows the Fun Wednesday dinner schedule.

If you have a guitar, you may bring it. APC also has some that you may borrow. Instructions are in a group setting and held in the choir room (next to the sanctuary). Please direct any questions or interest to Ollie@alpharettapres.com. There are no fees or charges for this music ministry.

Ladies Night Out

Plan ahead for your hectic fall schedule by stocking your freezer with a few dinners. Please join us Saturday, August 27 for the 9:30am or 10:30am session at Dream Dinners - Mansell Oaks Shopping Ctr., 900 Roswell Rd., Suite 10, Roswell, GA. Assemble delicious dinners from easy-to-follow instructions using fresh, pre-cut ingredients. Sign-up and select your meals ahead of time at www.dreamdinners.com/manselloaksga. RSVP and questions to pamheydinger@comcast.net or (770) 664-8354. Free side dish for APC ladies!

Seeing and Savoring the Psalms

Ryan Bonfiglio will lead a four-week study of the Psalms August 28-September 18 Sundays at 9:45 am in the theater.

Few books in the Bible are more cherished than the Psalms. Its evocative metaphors and penetrating imagery are so thoroughly ingrained in our Christian faith that Luther once called the book of Psalms the "little Bible."

Though ancient in origins, the psalms also provide an ever-relevant window to our most authentic praise and our most honest doubts. As such, the Psalter provides believers, both past and present, with a rich vocabulary of faith. Yet, while the psalms are dearly loved, they are not always deeply understood.

What sort of book is the Psalter and how should it be read? What types of prayers does it contain and where do they show up in our worship and liturgy? How can both psalms of praise and psalms of lament function as a vital resource in our lives of faith? By beginning to answer these and other questions, this four-week series is designed to enrich your understanding of and love for the book of Psalms. All are welcome to join us.

Open Arms Sunday

Open Arms Ministry would like to invite everyone to attend Open Arms Sunday on September 11, at the 8:30 and 11:00 services. We will enjoy the participation of our Promise Class members, special speakers and a performance by the Angel Kisses dance troupe of St. James United Methodist Church. Come help celebrate the welcome we are called to give to all members of God's family.

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

Because of technical difficulties, the APC Youth Mission Video was not available at the 11:00 service last Sunday. To view this video on YouTube, Click Here .

Sunday, August 21 - Youth Group Kick-off and Parent Meeting with dinner for youth, grades 6 - 12, and their parents at 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall.

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

We ask all parents to register their children NOW for Disciples' Village Sunday School, preschool through 5th grade, and other programs like children's choirs and Fun Wednesday. Forms can be found on the lobby table and the table downstairs in the Children's Ministry area. Forms may be turned in to the church office.

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)

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.

Nursery care is provided on Sundays from 8:15am - 12:15pm for ages 0-3 in the nursery and red room. (all year long)

Children's Choirs will begin their new practice time on Sunday, August 28 from 9:30am - 10:00am. The elementary children (K-Gr 5) will practice in room 109 from 9:30am - 10:00am and will then be escorted to their age group's workshop. The preschoolers will have music in their Sunday school room at 10am. 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.

Note that music will also be offered as part of the Fun Wednesday program for children.

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 Lisa Waldorf and her family, at the death of her mother, Sylvia Jurries, who died Tuesday, August 16. Services were held on Friday, August 19 in Michigan.

Celebration - Congratulatons to Meredith Fulkerson and Andrew MacVean who were married on Friday, August 19 in Roswell, GA.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Chip Neal and Haley Jones at 8:30 & William Jones and Alyson Curl at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Nancy Chisolm at 11:00

Serving as ushers this Sunday: Kim and Valerie Fulkerson, Sybille Johnstone, Alan Crowell at 8:30 & Ed and Pat Rea, Jeff Stewart, Ralph Pollifrone at 11:00

11:00 Kinderkirk volunteers this Sunday: Jill Norton & Shannon Pickerel

11:00 Promise Class volunteers this Sunday: Trish Kent

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.