The Good News - This Week

The average gift to a church in the United States is about 1-2% of income. Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists are highest, averaging around 7%. Of mainline Protestant churches, about 50% of congregants make an annual pledge.

APC is not exceptional in this regard. Instead, I suspect we fit the average.

As we emphasize Stewardship in worship and communication over these next few weeks in anticipation of "Commitment Sunday" on Sunday, November 20, here are a few truths I ask you to consider, that we might move from average to exceptional, from typical to extraordinary:

1. We are God's stewards.

2. All blessings come to us from God.

3. God desires that those blessings flow through us to do God work in the world.

4. We are God's hands and feet in this world.

5. A faithful steward asks in prayer "God, what would you do through me?"...and then acts.

Roman Catholic Priest, Henri J.M. Nouwen, wrote "Gratitude flows from the recognition that who we are and what we have are gifts to be received and shared." My hope and prayer is that through your participation in the life and work of APC you will be greatly blessed . . . and be a great blessing to a world in need. "As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace" 1 Peter 4:10.

Food Drive

APC's Harvest Food Drive is now in progress to benefit area food pantries that serve the needy. Grocery bags with instructions will be distributed by the Mission Committee at the end of the worship service. We ask that your donations of non-perishable food items be returned in those bags by November 13. They will be delivered to North Fulton Community Charities and The Place of Forsyth the week of November 14. Thank you for your generous response to this mission effort!

2012 Slate of Officers

The following is a slate of officers for elders and deacons for the Class of 2012 to be voted on at the Congregational Meeting Sunday, November 13 immediately following the 11:00 service in the sanctuary.

Elders: Lynn Danson, Scott Doll, Molly Elkind, Jan Hughey, Stu Laubenstein, Anne Mahone, Charles Moriarty, Sarah Provow, Ferrell White, Kylie Vacko

Deacons: Heidi Alatar, Jennifer Autian, Richard Boston, Deb Carter, Steve Culp, Nell DeVore, Jeanne Goodwell, Sybille Johnstone, Bob McHugh, Amy Neal, Esther Rudge, Sydney Schneider, Eva Wardrup

APC Men's Softball Wins!

We have some winners! Congratulations to APC's Men's Softball Team who clinched the championship trophy in their division this past Tuesday night at North Park! Team members are: Tony Auffant, Ron Curl, David Neal, Ollie Wagner, Chris Owens, Richard Boston, Tyler Moore, Keith Wagner, Randy Schiltz, Tim McGowan, Ed Baginski, John Crockett and Elliot Temple. Way to go!

Words of Appreciation

To the APC family,

Please know how humbled and how grateful Jeane and I are for your kind expressions of remembrance last Sunday.

Being named Pastor Emeritus of APC is a great honor, and being with you again was a joyful reminder of our years together as partners in the worship and work of God. Thanks be to Him, to Ollie and to Susan as the principal planners, and to all who prepared for and participated in the service, the luncheon and the ceremony following, for you gave us memories for a lifetime. Surely the tie still binds our hearts and always will.

With much love,

Walter

Cancer Care Group

APC's Cancer Care Group is collecting gently used DVDs, books, teas, and baskets for holiday care packages for cancer patients. Please put donated items in the CCG basket in lobby. Deadline is November 20.

Be the Match

Be the Match! Join the National Bone Marrow Registry. APC's Cancer Care Group is hosting a bone marrow drive on November 20 following the 8:30 and 11:00 services in Fellowship Hall. Look for more information in next Sunday's bulletin and The Good News.

0.8904109589041096 Hanging of the Greens

Hanging of the Greens will be Sunday, November 20 following the 11:00am worship service in Fellowship Hall. Stay after the service and enjoy fellowship while decorating the church in preparation for the Advent season. Everyone is welcome.

Faith & Families

The typical family, no matter what its form, moves at such a frantic pace that who has time to be spiritual? Maybe we need a definition of spirituality that transcends the notion of mountaintop retreats and hermits in the desert. Christian spirituality is not a quest to find God's elusive presence but an intentional effort to recognize and welcome the God who is already present in the mundane events of our daily existence.

In this study, the first session recognizes the importance of family spirituality in the Bible and our busy lives. It contains practical suggestions for incorporating spiritual disciplines in families consisting of adults and children. The second session focuses on families made up of adults and ways they can incorporate spiritual practices to deepen relationships with one another and with God.

November 6 - Spiritual Practices for Families

November 13 - From Longing to Receiving (Advent)

November 20 - From Longing to Receiving

November 27 - No class

December 4 - From Longing to Receiving (Advent)

December 11 - From Longing to Receiving (Advent)

STARS News

The STARS enjoyed having Rev. Jamie Butcher join us on our outing Wednesday, November 2 to the Etowah Indian Mounds. The history was very interesting and several members climbed the stairs for a beautiful view of the area. We were very surprised to see large fields of cotton growing!

The Christmas Party signup sheet is posted on the STARS bulletin board. Please get your name on the list ASAP if you are planning to attend. Deadline is November 20.

We have reserved seats on Saturday, December 17 at 2:00pm for "A Very Merry Holiday Pops" with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Cost is $22. We welcome all non-STAR members to join us. See the STARS bulletin board to signup. Deadline is December 7.

Kathleen Wien

Teen Theater

92 roles, 66 books, 30 minutes, 11 kids... can they do it?? Join ACT1 Teen Theater as they attempt to cover the ENTIRE Bible in 30 minutes... or less! This fast paced romp through the Testaments will crack you up and maybe even teach you something. Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 at 7:30pm in the theater. TICKETS ARE FREE, so bring all your family and friends!! Because seats fill up fast, we recommend you reserve (free) seats at www.act1theater.com.

Thanksgiving Service

Mark your calendars! The Alpharetta Community Thanksgiving Worship Service will be held on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00pm at St. James United Methodist Church (3000 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta). This third annual community Thanksgiving celebration will include beautiful choral music and a St. James dance troupe. APC's Ollie Wagner will preach the sermon and several area clergy will share in worship leadership for this ecumenical event. An offering will be taken in support of North Fulton Community Charities.

Career Transition

APC Career Transition Program - This week the unemployment rate in Georgia rose to 10.3%. 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%. Elder Bill Harris leads efforts at APC to address the employment concerns of our congregation and needs your help. We are trying to get a handle on the reality of how many of our members are unemployed and underemployed - whether or not you currently attend the Career Transition Group at APC, if you fit either category please email Bill at w.m.harris@att.net. In addition, the job market is tight and the impersonal internet has made it difficult to get recognized among the many. If you work for or own a company, we would appreciate any information on positions to come available or contact names that would ensure a more effective outreach. We need our employed professionals to reach out and make information available that will give a fighting chance to members of our congregation who are struggling to get a sense of the real jobs versus automatic postings, and to get noticed! Please email Bill with any help you can give as we renew our commitment to serve our members in this difficult and ongoing recession.

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.

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 currently studying "Presbyterian History" facilitated by class members in Room 210.

Faith and Families-in the multipurpose room, Spiritual Practices for Families

Kitchen Talk at APC

Welcome to Kitchen Talk! In this section you will find news or information related to the activities of the APC Kitchen. There will also be links provided that will get you to reservation pages for events such as Fun Wednesday Dinners at APC Fun Wednesday Dinner reservations. If you would like to comment on something related to the APC Kitchen and/or the meals provided, please feel free to click on this link http://www.alpharettapres.com/dinner

Every Sunday morning while most of us are still sleeping, a "crew" of men from APC are already in the APC kitchen preparing food for the Sunday Morning Breakfast . As they prepare the breakfast the men enjoy time together in Christian fellowship. Each Sunday a different "crew" is in the kitchen. We would like to recognize the crews and their crew leaders for their time and talents that they give to provide us with a breakfast each Sunday morning.

First Sunday Crew: Ken Bogle (Crew Leader), Jack Brooks, Kim Fulkerson, Brian Langman, Mike Mahone, Pete Smith, Bob VanBrackle Second Sunday Crew: Steve Ludlow (Crew Leader), Walt Baxley, Jim Cash, Tim Deitrich, Jeff Ehrhardt, Robert Krenek, Bill Masters, John McDaniel, Ralph Pollifrone, Mark Redder, Drew Rhoades, Bob Rudesill, Gary White Third Sunday Crew: Dave Carter (Crew Leader), Jesus Granados, Phil Busman, Dick Cheek, Alex Edwards, Tim Chisholm, Jim Kennedy, Stuart Kiernan, Bob McHugh, David Neal, Bart Smith Fourth Sunday Crew: Rick Caudle & Ted Lynam (Co-Crew Leaders), Beau Armistead, David Armistead, Dick Bean, David Bingler, Alan Crowell, David Eastis, Dave Hanselman, Jan Hughey, Kareem Messawer, Brian Moore, Chris Owens, Eric Peterson

A Special Fun Wednesday Holiday Dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 9. Come enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner of roast turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with apples, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and other desserts. Be sure to make your reservations.

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.

Dinner for November 9: Thanksgiving dinner - turkey, dressing and all the trimmings

Adult program is from 6:15-7:15pm and topics vary including guest mission speakers, Bible study, faith discussions and music programs

Youth Ministry News

Click here to view this week's Youth Ministry Newsletter

Youth Group meets Sunday from 5:30-7:00pm

The High School Retreat to Calvin Center is November 11-13. Deadline for sign-ups is today. Click here to sign up.

Atlanta Community Food Bank - All APC Members are invited to join the Youth Ministry for an afternoon of mission work at the Atlanta Community Food Bank on November 12. If you would like to attend, please call or email Kelly Edwards.

For questions or more information, please contact Kelly Edwards, Director of Youth Ministries at kelly@alpharettapres.com or 770-751-0033.

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.

The Children's Ministry will be setting up a First Aid/CPR training for interested volunteers. The date and time are TBD, depending on the input of participants. Please contact Kathy Ailts at kathy@alpharettapres.com if you are interested in attending.

For more information, contact Kathy Ailts at kathy@alpharettapres.com.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Celebration - Congratulations to Michael and Erin York at the birth of their daughter, Vera, who was born October 20 in Clover, SC.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Isobel Still and Haley Jones at 8:30 & Ellie Agler, Ethan Berry and Julia Jagmin at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Larry and Mim Prohl at 11:00

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: Cameron Gaines & Ashley Guzman

11:00 Promise Class volunteer this Sunday: Laurie Peebles

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 Patrick Dennis-Property/Youth

Nancy Lofdahl-Fellowship Jim Gray-Clerk of Session/CE Stacy Guy-Membership/Commitment

Ross Mynatt-Long Range Planning John Shevlin-Mission Nancy Hill-Commitment/Personnel

Elizabeth Shevlin-Children's Ministry Jessie Prigge-Youth Ministry

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).