The Good News - This Week

Our worship this Sunday will close with a remembrance prayer and choral music that will lift up that tragic loss of a decade ago and the promise of God's peace. I hope you will join us. Worship is at the center of our life together. There is strength and comfort in numbers. Solidarity and communion are blessed gifts of congregational life. A 900 member church should never fit comfortably into a 450 seat sanctuary...especially on an anniversary like this one.

This Sunday is special in another way...our worship will focus on being an "open armed congregation." That is, we have committed ourselves to being inclusive of persons with special needs or handicaps. Our promise class will lead a processional, we'll hear from guest speakers who will share their testimony and we will enjoy a time of fellowship following at a reception in Fellowship Hall. Many of you will recall how inspirational "Open Arms Sunday" was last year. This year's service promises the same. As Rev. Jamie Butcher shared with Open Arms leaders earlier this week as final plans came together, "I am looking forward to the ways the Spirit will move in this worship."

Miss worship at APC and you really miss something.

God's Peace,

Ollie Wagner

Pastor

Nominations Requested
Congregational Nominations Requested - The Nominating Committee is requesting nominations for deacons and elders. Please submit names electronically at http://www.alpharettapres.com/nomination. Names can also be submitted to the church office or in the nomination box in the lobby. Please submit nominations by September 25.

New Member Class

If you are interested in uniting with APC in membership, and learning more about the faith and life of the church, this class is for you! APC's next New Member Class will be held October 2, 9, and 16 during the Sunday school hour, 9:45-10:45am, in the theater. New members will be received by the Session and introduced to the congregation on Sunday, October 23. Please speak with Ollie or Jamie and contact Carol in the church office to express your interest in participating in this process, carol@alpharettapres.com.

Congregational Meeting

There will be a congregational meeting following the 11:00am worship service in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 18 for the purpose of electing four at-large members of the 2011-2012 Nominating Committee. The current nominating committee will be proposing the following slate of members for election: Bill Harris, Brian Moore, Louise Kennedy and Julie Jagmin.

Thank You

Thanks to all who participated in the Drake House's Ice Cream Crankin' held two weeks ago on the Roswell square. APC had a table and several scoopers to serve some delicious homemade ice cream. 3,000 people attended the event and $40,000 was raised to support this ministry which provides emergency shelter and support to homeless women and their children living in North Fulton county.

Friends & Fellowship

Second Sunday Reception is this Sunday! Visitors and members, please join the deacons after the 11:00 service in Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship. Light refreshments will be served. It's a great time to meet new people and catch-up with friends.

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 and special speakers. Come help celebrate the welcome we are called to give to all members of God's family.

STARS News

The STARS luncheon and meeting will be this Wednesday, September 14 at noon in Room 206/207. Please bring a dish to share!

Cancer Care Group

Have you or a loved one battled cancer? Have you lost a family member or friend to the disease? Are you interested in learning more about events, groups and theological resources that address this topic? Please join us for the first gathering of APC's Cancer Care Group on Sunday, September 259:45 to 10:45am, in the Alpha Building. For more information, or how to be involved in this ministry, please contact Jamie Butcher, jamie@alpharettapres.com.

Drake House Tour

Have you seen it? On Sunday, September 25 from 2:00-4:00 PM, you are invited to tour The Drake House. This special tour, set up for APC only, will show you the two key areas of The Drake House - the apartments and The Drake Center. Come see what APC supports with our financial gifts, our time and our talents. Come see where homeless women and their families are housed, supported and given an opportunity to become self-sufficient. Come tour The Drake House! Contact person: Sheryl Wentworth at sherylwentworth@comcast.net Location: The Drake House, 10500 Clara Drive
Roswell, GA 30075

Volunteers Needed

The APC information booths in the sanctuary lobby and education wing need friendly faces. If you are looking for a convenient and easy volunteer opportunity, the Communications Committee hopes you can help us on Sunday mornings. Training is brief as most inquiries are immediate, such as the location of a specific activity. Sunday School maps and other timely information will be available. Please contact Amy Rogers, amyrrogers@bellsouth.net or 770.992.8181.

APC Book Club

The APC Book Club will meet Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. We will be discussing The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. We meet the second Tuesday of every month. Next month's selection is Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. We would love to have you join us!

Family Retreat

Join us for Koinonia at APC's family retreat in Montreat, NC, October 14-16. Koinonia, is the Greek word for community, and we will explore and deepen our connections to each other. This year, the retreat committee has added additional adult programming led by Rev. Jamie Butcher. We will continue to offer fun activities for children and youth. Registration and more information is now available in the lobby and online at www.alpharettapres.com/montreat. We hope to see you there! Registration deadline is September 11 and space is limited!

Dinner Theater

Time is running out to reserve your seat for the Dinner Theater. Come see the comedy Insane with Power performed by ACT1 and treat your palate to food prepared by Chef Doug. More information at the display table in the hallway. Contact person Sheryl Wentworth sherylwentworth@comcast.net

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.

Harvest Moon Party

Make plans to celebrate the fall harvest with Earth Covenant Ministry Saturday, September 24 from 5:30-8:30pm, at its first annual Harvest Moon Party. We'll dine under the stars, enjoy a freshly prepared local organic meal and tap our feet to the rhythms of the Bluegrass Bonanza Band. The co-housing Community of East Lake Commons in Decatur is hosting us. Plan to stroll along the pathways through this eco-village that includes a small organic farm http://www.eastlakecommons.org. Come to learn more about co-housing and intentional neighborhoods. Come to celebrate and support Earth Covenant Ministry's work in Metro Atlanta. Come to connect with new and old friends on the earth-honoring faith journey. Dinner tickets are $30/person; $55/couple; $75/ Family 4-pack. For tickets, contact ECM at 678/362-7639 or RSVP@earthcovenantministry.org.

Acolyte Training

Calling all ten year olds for new Acolyte training! Come learn to serve in our worship service as an acolyte by attending either of two training sessions to be held on Sunday, September 11. Training will take place in the sanctuary immediately following the services at 9:30 (for those interested in serving at the 8:30 service) and at 12:00 (for those interested in serving at the 11:00 service). Acolytes are generally ten years old or older; however, nine year olds are welcome to attend the 9:30 training and serve at the early worship service. A parent is welcome to attend as well. Any questions, please contact Cindy Laubenstein at 678-366-0345 or cindylaub05@yahoo.com. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this important ministry in their lives and in the life of APC!

FW Plate FW Dinner Reservations

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 September 14: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, salad & dessert

Adult Program for September 14: Managing Your Money...Seeking Financial Peace

Church Library News

Multiple copies of the old red Presbyterian Hymnal are available free for the taking! They are located in the APC church library on the shelves to the right as you enter. Also, a reminder to Disciple students, circle members and Sunday School students, the church library has lots of reference and other materials to support your studies. Stop by and take a look! The library is across from the theater on the second floor of the original building.

Seeing and Savoring the Psalms

Ryan Bonfiglio will lead a four-week study of the Psalms through September 18 at 9:45am in the theater. Please bring your Bibles!

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.

College Students

Have a college student, new or returning to school? As a part of our ministry and outreach efforts to serve our college students with our encouragement, well wishes and care packages, we need to update our database. Please forward your student's updated contact information (address, email and phone) to Kelly Edwards, APC Youth Ministry Director, at kelly@alpharettapres.com.

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

Youth Ministry has launched a "New" APC Youth Ministry Newsletter, if you would like to receive this newsletter please email Allison Neal at alli-neal@comcast.net.

Connecting at Youth Group - APC Youth Group is in full swing, meeting on Sunday nights from 5:30 - 7:30 for fellowship and faith. Youth Group is a time for our middle and high school students to come together in a non-worship setting, share a meal and grow in their relationship with Christ and with each other. We encourage all middle and high school students to join us for Youth Group on Sunday nights.

This Sunday, September 11, join us from 4:30-8pm (note time change) for "Reel World Night" with the movie Soul Surfer.

Coming up ~ Six Flags on September 25. If your child hasn't yet become part of our group, this would be a great day to try it out! Cost is $20 plus food.

Middle School Retreat October 7 - 9 The Middle School Retreat to Calvin Center will take place from October 7 - 9. APC Middle School youth will join youth from other churches around Atlanta for a weekend of fun, faith and fellowship centered around this year's theme "5 loaves, 2 fish and Youth." Cost of the retreat is $45 per child.

High School Retreat November 11-13 The High School Retreat to Calvin Center will take place from November 11-13. APC High School youth will join youth from other churches around Atlanta for a weekend of fun, faith and fellowship centered around this year's theme "Serve 24." While this is a 24 hour retreat for most, APC has reserved space for Friday night as well. Cost of the retreat is $45 per child.

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 table downstairs in the Children's Ministry area. Forms may be turned in to the church office.

NEW Sunday Schedule for Children at APC for 2011 - 2012

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 have begun their new practice time on Sundays from 9:30am - 10:00am. The elementary children (K-Gr 5) practice in room 109 from 9:30am - 10:00am and are then escorted to their age group's workshop. The preschoolers have music in their Sunday school room at 10:00am. Sunday school ends at 10:45am. Parents pick up their children from designated rooms and workshops. Maps are available in the children's ministry hallway.

Note that music is also 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 are underway with a new enrichment program for children that involves drama, music, art, Bible study, and games. Dinner starts at 5:30pm followed by new and exciting activities for children from 6:15pm - 7:15pm.

Sympathy & Celebrations
Sympathy - To Scott Doll and his family, at the death of his grandmother, Dorothy L. Doll, who died Friday, September 2. A family memorial service will be held in New Port Richey, FL.

Sympathy - To Jim Ripley and his family, at the death of his father, Francis Martin Ripley, Sr. who died August 30. Services were held at Decatur Presbyterian Church.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Jack Shevlin and Anne Elise Still at 8:30 & Julia Jagmin and Bobby VanBrackle at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Sybille Johnstone at 8:30

Serving as ushers this Sunday: George and Sue Myers, Carolyn Dillon, Wilson Borden at 8:30 & Ken Bogle, Larry Prohl, Dale Carter, Dot Van Dyke at 11:00

11:00 Kinderkirk volunteers this Sunday: Amy Auffant and Heather Scott

11:00 Promise Class volunteer this Sunday: Fran Mosher

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.