The Good News - This Week

Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda - can be translated as "Church reformed, always being reformed." While this powerful Latin phrase has much to say to us as Presbyterians, I believe this phrase has specific applicability to us as a congregation.

As you are hopefully aware, APC will celebrate a 25^th "birthday" next year. In addition to celebrating APC's history and tradition, this occasion represents a wonderful opportunity for us to assess where we are (as a church reformed) and to prayerfully consider where God may be calling us to go (as a church always being reformed). Late last year, your Session approved the formation of a Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC). The immediate goals/tasks of this committee included the following:

Identify and report the "missional" desires and strengths of APC's congregation - in other words, what do we feel APC is being called to do as we embark on our second 25 years of worship, witness, and service.
Identify the church staff structure (by positions, not individuals) that would best serve and promote APC's missional goals as identified in the above objective
Assess the church's physical building structure relative to its capacity to serve and support APC's missional goals

In other words:

Where are we going as a church?
What staffing positions will best support our getting there?
Does our property need any improvements (even slight ones) to help us on our collective spiritual journey?

To answer these important questions, the LRPC respectfully requests your feedback. If you go to the following link, you will find a survey that covers a range of topics. http://www.alpharettapres.com/survey

For those who prefer to complete the survey by hand, copies will be available in the church office (Monday through Friday) and they will be available in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday. You may also request that Carol in the office mail you a copy (770-751-0033). If you complete the survey by hand, please "deposit" it in the secured mail drop slip along the church office wall under the "Church News" bulletin board. In addition, we plan to have a laptop available in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday for folks who would like to complete it at that time.

On behalf of the LRPC as well as the Session, let me make the following promises:

Your identity (whether you complete it on-line or by hand) will not be known to anyone unless you so indicate
The results of the survey will be shared (a presentation is already scheduled during a Fun Wednesday in November)
The results of the survey will be clearly reported to members of the Session for their deliberation and action
There is no pre-conceived expectation of results - if the consensus is to "stay doing what we are doing", then that will be our committee's recommendation to the Session

Please commit to providing this feedback and as APC continues to reform, let it be according to His will as we hold hands together on the journey.

Your Long Range Planning Committee members include:

Christina Appen Tyler Jones

Melody Cookson Craig Molnar

Gayley Crockett Bill Harris

Adult Sunday School

The 2011 - 2012 Adult Sunday School Offerings are:

The Present Word-a curriculum-based weekly Bible study taught by Tom Denham in the Alpha Building classroom #2.

Young Adult Lectionary Bible Study for those between the ages of 19 and 29; taught by Mary Anne Mahone in the Alpha Building classroom #4.

Crossroads-a continuing class with wide range of topics facilitated by class members in Room 210.

Faith and Values-led by Ted Lynam in the multipurpose room, the class is beginning a review of stewardship and family finances to parallel the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University series that will begin Sunday evenings on October 9 and run through mid-January.

You are cordially invited

to attend the

Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 30, 2011 as

Dr. Walter Manly Jones, Jr.

Is honored with the title of

Pastor Emeritus of

Alpharetta Presbyterian Church

Luncheon to follow

Fellowship Hall

RSVP for the luncheon to: Susan Schiltz

susan@alpharettapres.com or 770-751-0033

before October 14, 2011

Donations appreciated to offset the cost

of the Luncheon and the Gift

Fall Day of Service

Sunday, October 2 will be APC's Fall Day of Service. This year we will again be making a bean soup mix for the food pantries at North Fulton Community Charities, The Place of Forsyth and Drake House. These facilities are experiencing depleted food supplies due to increased demand. These soup mixes require only water and produce a high protein, high fiber soup. The Mission Committee will purchase the ingredients in bulk and immediately after the 11:00 service, volunteers will meet in Room 206-207 to fill zip-lock bags with the bean mix and the seasoning mix. This is a family friendly activity and we encourage you to come and bring your children. With enough volunteers, this should take less than an hour. If you cannot volunteer, please consider making a contribution toward the cost of the supplies by putting a check in the collection plate marked Fall DOS. If you have questions, call Sue White at 770-772-4667 or send a message to whitesbassets@bellsouth.net.

Peacemaking Offering

In celebration of World Communion Sunday, October 2, we join Presbyterians across the nation taking up the Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering. Please consider giving generously to support the cause of world peace. You can use the special offering envelopes in your pews, or note "Peacemaking" on your check payable to APC.

25% of the offering will be retained by APC to support local charities that work to prevent youth and domestic violence and contribute to organizations that promote the cause of peace, 25% is used by synods and presbyteries in healing and peacemaking efforts, and 50 % is allocated to the General Assembly ministries that facilitate the International Peacemakers Program and provide resources to other peacemaking and antiracism efforts of the PCUSA.

Ladies Night Out

Brighten up a room in your home with a painting you have created yourself! The artist will lead you step-by-step through painting a beautiful vase of flowers in the colors you choose. Please join us Thursday, November 10 at Creatively Yours located in Johns Creek Walk - 11030 Medlock Bridge Rd. Suite 260, Johns Creek, GA 300097. Social 7:00pm, painting begins at 7:30pm Bring an appetizer or beverage to share. Cost $25. Sign up at www.creativelyyoursinc.com and enter APC in the notes. Also, email pamheydinger@comcast.net or sign-up on the bulletin board.

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

APC will host two sessions of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University beginning October 9. Session 1 will take place during the Sunday School hour, 9:45am - 10:45am and Session 2 will take place on Sundays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. All interested participants must register and pay for the class by October 3. Please stop by the multipurpose room on Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour to register your household or contact Ted Lynam lynama@bellsouth.net or 770-754-0445 to register.

Financial 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 Drake Closet

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.

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.

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 October 5: Chicken & sausage paella, squash casserole, rolls, salad & dessert

Adult Program for October 5: Bible study on "Koinonia" (church community)

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, October 2, Youth Group meets from 5:30-7:30 PM at APC. Bring $4 for dinner in Fellowship Hall.

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.

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 Bowling Blast CANCELLED, will be rescheduled for a later date.

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. Questions or comments? Please contact Kathy Ailts at kathy@alpharettapres.com.

A sincere thank you to all who helped our "letters for troops" effort become a real success! At the request of APC member Ashley Guzman, the children of APC created more than 60 beautiful cards and pictures to add to those being collected from the day school. These will be sent as a thank you to overseas military troops in time for thanksgiving.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Jack Shevlin and Daniel Redder at 8:30 & Meaghan Bybee and Sam Moen at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Volunteers needed

Serving as ushers this Sunday: Dick and Sharon Bean, Rick Caudle, Tom Hyatt, Richard Boston at 8:30 & Steve Ludlow, Dale Carter, Duane Lofdahl, Lee Jones at 11:00

11:00 Kinderkirk volunteers this Sunday: Ashley Birnbaum & Kirsten Brannon

11:00 Promise Class volunteer this Sunday: Volunteer needed

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).