The Good News - This Week

Hard times continue to take a toll on many North Fulton families. In July and August there were 2,252 families that came to North Fulton Community Charities for assistance and 244 were applying for help for the very first time. They arrive embarrassed, frightened and not knowing what to expect. One first-time applicant described her first visit to NFCC this way:

Dear NFCC,

God Bless You!!!! Recently I fell upon a difficult situation. Through a community liaison I was directed to your organization. When I arrived at the building I was distraught and embarrassed. How did I arrive at this point in my life that I needed assistance? I have always been the one who helped others. I was humbled. Your organization gave me assistance and I was treated with dignity. The volunteers were discreet and compassionate. Their work has not gone unnoticed. I am very appreciative.

Sincerely, A grateful community member

APC is an active, supportive mission partner with agencies like NFCC that provide emergency help to those in need. Our mission dollars and donations of time and talents also help Foster Care, the Drake House (which ministers to homeless women and their children) and Family Haven (a domestic violence shelter for battered women and their children). This Sunday in worship you'll learn more about the important work of these mission partners. For your prayers, participation, advocacy and generosity, thank you! To learn more about ways to be involved with any one of those agencies, please visit their websites.

In Christ's Service,

Ollie

Wellness EXPO

Mark your calendars for September 24! The APC Open Arms/Eldercare Support Group is sponsoring our first Wellness EXPO from 9:00am - 12:00pm in the multipurpose room. Information provided will include eldercare financial information, in-home care, home modification consulting, geriatric care providers, independent/assisted living options and more. Blood pressure and glucose screenings will be available and refreshments will be provided. For questions and other information, contact Ellen Adolph, hbunnies@gmail.com or 678-637-2928.

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.

Foster Care Support

The APC Foster Care Support Mission Team invites you to join them for their monthly volunteer day in Roswell this Tuesday, September 27. 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.

Property Work Day

Property Work Day, October 8 - We will be working on the grounds from around 8:00 am until... All are welcome to come and help. We will be working to beautify the Memorial Garden, spreading mulch and any other projects around the grounds we can find time for. If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Watson in the Church office at 770-751-0033.

Financial Peace

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University will be offered by Alpharetta Presbyterian Church this fall beginning Sunday evening, October 9. Financial Peace University (FPU) consists of a 13-week video curriculum-taught by financial expert Dave Ramsey-that incorporates small-group discussions to encourage accountability and discipleship. Financial Peace University is highly entertaining for everyone, with a unique combination of humor, informative financial advice and biblical messages. The class requires a commitment in terms of time and money. The class will be held on Sunday evenings at 5:30pm in the theater. This class is scheduled through Sunday, January 15, 2012. If interested, please call Ted Lynam at 678-763-0973.

Lesson 1- Super Saving (October 9, 2011)

Common Sense for Your Dollars and Cents; Proverbs 6:6-9

Lesson 2 - Relating With Money

Nerds and Free Spirits Unite!; Matthew 6:21

Lesson 3 - Cash Flow Planning

The Nuts and Bolts of Budgeting; Luke 14:28-30

Lesson 4 - Dumping Debt

Breaking the Chains of Debt; Proverbs 22:7

Lesson 5 - Credit Sharks In Suits

Understanding Credit Bureaus and Collection Practices; Proverbs 3:27

Lesson 6 - Buyer Beware

The Power of Marketing on Your Buying Decisions; Proverbs 10:22

Lesson 7 - Clause and Effect

The Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan; Proverbs 27:12

Lesson 8- That's Not Good Enough

How to Buy Only Big, Big Bargains; Proverbs 11:1

Lesson 9 - Of Mice and Mutual Funds

Understanding Investments; Proverbs 21:5

Lesson 10- From Fruition to Tuition

Planning for Retirement and College; Proverbs 13:22

Lesson 11- Working In Your Strengths

Careers and Extra Jobs; 1 Peter 4:10

Lesson 12- Real Estate and Mortgages

Keeping the American Dream from Becoming a Nightmare; Proverbs 24:27

Lesson 13- The Great Misunderstanding

Unleashing the Power of Generous Giving; Psalm 24:1

The Drake Closet

Well, time to let the cat out of the bag!! The Drake House is adding a new venture, called The Drake Closet, in an attempt to help support The Drake House operational costs. This is a resale boutique with women's clothing and accessories, located on Mimosa Blvd, across the street from Roswell United Methodist Church (RUMC). We feel we have found the perfect venue for our store, and have items in storage that we have been collecting to get started. That's where we could really use your group's help.

We are calling for volunteers; men, women and teens, to help with the new store setup on Sunday, October 2 from 1:00-5:00pm at Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell. Tasks will sorting and hanging inventory, moving inventory to The Drake Closet and assembling fixtures and display racks.

We are also accepting donations of gently used women's dress clothing on hangers, accessories and shoes. For information, pleae email thedrakehouse@thedrakehouse.org or phone 770-587-4712 x302.

Choir Notes

Advent & Christmas Choir - We invite all to come join the Chancel Choir during the months of October, November and December (Thanksgiving/Advent/Christmas). You will have a chance to sing the great music of this time of year and add your voice to the joy of the season. And it is just a 3 month commitment on your part. We will be singing for the Alpharetta Community Thanksgiving Service on November 22, the special Christmas Program on Sunday, December 11, as well as all the Sundays that make up this festive time. We rehearse Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 in the choir room.

APC Women's Ensemble - The APC Women's Ensemble will start rehearsal this Sunday, September 25, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. We sing about once a month for services. Come try us out!

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.

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 25, 9:45 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.

Haiti Partnership

La Gonâve Haiti Partnership Update

Many of you know that the Partnership (APC is a member) under the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti supports the education of children in K-6th grade in 10 communities scattered across the rural but beautiful Island of la Gonave. In addition, we support further education at the Collège Saint Françoise d'Assise situated on the church compound in Anse-a-Galets (a harbor town of about 20,000 people). It is considered an excellent high school which follows and excels in the standards set by the Haitian Ministry of Health.

Maybe you're curious about the high school known as College Saint Francoise d'Assise? Check out this web site which was jointly created by their students and Rebecca McKnight's French students at Atlanta's Westminster High School. It facilitates an academic exchange between the students in the two schools. See photos and postings about St. Francis's school orchestra or soccer team, the expectations and core curriculum. Skype enables the students of these two schools to communicate with each other and eventually facilitate joint studies of French Literature.

If you are interested in joining APC's newly forming La Gonave Haiti Partnership interest group, please contact Sydney Schneider Sydschneider@comcast.net.

Peacemaking Offering

Sunday, October 2, World Communion Sunday, APC will join Presbyterians both locally and nationally in collecting the Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering. This offering is in recognition that God's healing is offered to people of all nations and that in taking Communion we are united in Christ with one another in the work of healing and peace. We hope you will join us in this national effort. The money donated to the Peacemaking Offering will be used by ministries of the PCUSA that promote world peace.

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.

Dinner Theater

Do you know Speed Freak, Dim Bulb, Mental and Kevin? What do they all have in common? They all think they are Super Heroes in the comedy Insane with Power. Come meet them at the APC's Dinner Theater performed by ACT1 on October 1 or October 2. Reserve your seat at the Dinner Theater display table in the church hallway. Deadline is Wednesday, September 28. Contact: Sheryl Wentworth at sherylwentworth@comcast.net.

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.

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 28: Pot roast, new potatoes, vegetable, rolls, salad & dessert

Adult Program for September 28: Mission Trip to Zambia, Rev. Joe B. Martin, Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church

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

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.

Sunday, September 25 - Six Flags Outing Don't miss this great group outing. Cost is only $20 plus your food. If your child hasn't yet become part of our group, this would be a great day to try it out!

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. Registration deadline is September 23.

For more information or to RSVP contact Kelly Edwards at kelly@alpharettapres.com.

Children's Ministry News

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 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

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 practice 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.

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 5:15pm followed by new and exciting activities for children from 6:15pm - 7:15pm.

October 2 from 2:00-4:00pm Bowling Blast families with 4^th and 5^th graders are invited to meet up at Brunswick Lanes (785 Old Roswell Rd Roswell) for an afternoon of fun.

October 9 at 12:15pm Child Safety Training Following church, we will have a training session for all who have not yet attended one, and who will be volunteering with our children's or youth program.

Please take a few moments to complete our "Getting to Know You" survey! These will be distributed during Sunday School and available on our information tables. We'd appreciate your feedback to help us best serve the needs of our families at APC.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Jack Shevlin and Anne Elise Still at 8:30 & Zoe Genet and Ethan Berry at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Joyce Komala at 11:00

Serving as ushers this Sunday: Beau and David Armistead, Kelly Vandever, Donny Matchen, Marion Cunningham at 8:30 & Stu Laubenstein, Dale Carter, Drew Rhoades, Dot Van Dyke at 11:00

11:00 Kinderkirk volunteers this Sunday: Heidi Alatar & Amy Barker

11:00 Promise Class volunteer this Sunday: Kate McChesney

APC Church Officers

The Session

Class of 2011 Class of 2012 Class of 2013

Pat Chisolm-CE/Worship Dianne Berry-Children's Ministry George Bancroft-Property

Anne Dantzler-Worship/Dayschool Michelle Burton-Youth Ministry Jody Barger-Children's Ministry

Mike Marcin-Personnel Morris Estes-Finance Gayley Crockett-Fellowship/LR Plan.

Nancy Lofdahl-Fellowship Jim Gray-Clerk of Session/CE Patrick Dennis-Property/Youth

Ross Mynatt-Long Range Planning John Shevlin-Mission Stacy Guy-Membership/Commitment

Elizabeth Shevlin-Children's Ministry Jessie Prigge-Youth Ministry Nancy Hill-Commitment/Personnel

Kelly Vandever-Comm./Nominating Amy Rogers-Communications

Sue White-Mission Jean Williams-Membership/Nominating

Deacon Care Teams

Hospitality - Scott Doll, 678-984-3389, scottd@ymcaatlanta.org

Companion Care - Wendy Cory, 770-663-4141, coryswa@yahoo.com

Hospital & Recovery - Tyler Jones, 404-625-5324, tyler@mac.com

Sympathy & Celebrations, Ken Bogle, 770-355-5360, lyons26@aol.com

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 (Mon-Thurs, 8:00am-4:00pm and Friday, 8:00am-1:00pm).