The Good News - This Week

In Medieval times, somewhere in Europe there was to be a wedding. The custom in this particular village was that everyone was invited to the weddings which were held in the town's beautiful cathedral. The only expectation of guests was that they bring some wine to share for the reception. Given that their soil and climate were ideal for vineyards and that most families bottled their own wine, this was a very appropriate way of adding to the celebration and sharing the financial burden of throwing such a large event.

On their way to the cathedral, wedding guests would stop by the town castle where the receptions were held. A large, wooden barrel was kept in the castle's banqueting hall and each of the guests poured his or her individual bottle of wine into the barrel. After doing so, they walked a few hundred paces to the cathedral for the wedding ceremony. This practice had worked for generations. Indeed, the village was quite well known for the quality of its "community wine." After the wedding ceremonies, everyone in the village made their way from the cathedral back to the castle's banqueting room for the reception. At that point it was the custom for the father of the bride to have the servants fill everyone's chalice with the wine from the common wooden barrel.

On this particular occasion, when all of the chalices had been filled and the wedding party seated at their reception table, the father raised his glass and toasted the happy couple. All of the guests cheered and clinked and sipped from their chalices. What they tasted, much to their astonishment, was not the fine wine to which they had grown accustomed, but water--pure water. Apparently, on this particular day every guest thought the others would bring more than enough wine, and so substituted water for their contribution. Each guest thought it wouldn't matter--just one little bottle of water to stretch so much wine. Because they had withheld their gifts that day, instead of a blend of wines, all they tasted was water. The wedding banquet came to a screeching halt until everyone rushed home to bring back another bottle...this time, brimming with wine.

This Sunday is commitment Sunday. Please bring with you your 2012 pledges of time, talent and treasure to be dedicated to God's glory. Don't count on someone else to do your part. Pray about what you can and will give, then joyfully come, bringing your very best.

Hanging of the Greens

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

Commitment Sunday

This Sunday we conclude our "Every Member a Ministry" stewardship campaign with "Commitment Sunday." Toward the end of the service, all worshippers will be invited to come forward to place their pledge cards in a basket. Pledge cards were mailed to member homes and will also be available in the pew racks. If you do not wish to pledge, please complete a card with words such as these:"the church has my prayers" so that you can participate in our commitment ceremony. After you place your card in the basket you will be given a gift from the church (one per family please) and then return to your pew. Before the closing benediction our pledges of time, talent and treasure will be dedicated to God with prayer.

New Officer Training

All new church officers are encouraged to attend a training session this Sunday, November 20 from 2:00-5:00pm in Fellowship Hall.

Holiday Hours

The church office will be closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving from all the APC staff!

Supper Six

Supper Six Reminder - don't forget to make your reservation for our Christmas party on December 3rd at 6:30 PM. Nancy and Duane Lofdahl will be hosting us in their home. Please email or call Lynn and Art Adams by November 28 lynnandartadams@gmail.com or 678-319-0984.

Angel Tree

Angel Tree: Come by the Angel Tree to find out how you can assist a child in need this Christmas. There are angels for every budget and interest. So far, 70 angels have been adopted. Many remain...two weeks left! You can also make cash contributions which would be used to purchase gifts. Sunday, November 27 will be the last day for angel adoptions. Contact Michelle Olsen, 770-777-0549 or Eva Wardrup, 770-354-1226 if you have any questions.

STARS News

STARS please signup for our Christmas Party on Friday, December 2 if you plan to attend and have not already done so. Also anyone who would like to join us on Saturday, December 17 for a "Very Merry Holiday Pops" performance at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The signup sheet is on the STARS bulletin board and you may leave your check in the church office or mail to me. We would love to have any church members join us for this concert. The deadline to signup and pay is December 7.

We had about fourteen members at our luncheon and meeting on Wednesday, November 9. We will not have a December meeting. Mark your calendars for the new year, January 11 for our next meeting. Also save the date for the February 8 meeting where we will have special entertainment.

Kathleen Wien

Oliver! Performances

Tickets are now available for Oliver! (By Lionel Bart, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, by permission of Tams Witmark) by ACT1 Theater.

The musical adaptation tells Dickens' classic story of an orphaned boy forced to join a band of homeless lads trained to pick pockets on the mean streets of old London. Singing favorites such as "Food, Glorious Food", "Consider Yourself (One of Us)" and "Oom-Pah-Pah", ACT1 brings the pain, laughter and redemption of this timeless tale to life on stage.

Show Dates: Every Friday and Saturday night from November 25 - December 15 at 7:30pm. Sunday Matinees on December 4, 11 and 18 at 2:00pm

Special Pricing Available for APC Members!

Use coupon code "APCCC" to get these discounted prices:

Adults: $12 each / Children under 12 and Seniors over 60: $10 each

Check out our website at www.act1theater.com, pick up tickets in the church lobby on Sundays or call the box office at 770-663-8989.

9:45 AM Service Added

9:45am worship time added at APC!

To better serve the needs and interests of young families, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church,

180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA will be adding a 9:45am worship time

to its Sunday morning schedule starting Sunday, November 27.

All are welcome to attend...tell your neighbors...bring a friend!

APC's new Sunday morning schedule will be as follows:

8:00am - 10:15am Full, Hot Breakfast Buffet ($5 adults/$3 children)

8:30am Public Worship (child care provided for ages 0-6)

9:45am Public Worship (nursery provided for ages 0-2)

9:45am Sunday School for all ages

11:00am Public Worship (child care provided for ages 0-6)

www.alpharettapres.com

Poinsettias for Christmas

You may purchase a poinsettia, in memory or honor of a loved one, to be placed in the sanctuary for our Advent and Christmas worship services. You may take your poinsettia home after the Christmas services. The cost is $11.00 per flower. In lieu of flowers (or in addition to flowers), loved ones may be honored or remembered by making a monetary gift to APC's Pastor's Emergency Fund that supports members and friends of the church going through financial emergencies. This fund will be used to help support those in need during the holiday season and into the new year. Deadline to purchase/make a donation is Tueday, December 13. Please see the table in the lobby in front of the church office to complete a form and leave your payment in the box provided.

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 theater (note new location). It costs Be The Match $100 to add a person to the registry. However, Be The Match does not charge anyone to join the marrow registry. Be The Match does welcome tax-deductible donations of any amount you're comfortable with giving to help add more potential donors to the marrow registry.

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, handbells and a reception (please bring a dessert to share). 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. Nursery care will be provided.

APC on Facebook

Find us on Facebook! That's right Alpharetta Presbyterian Church has a facebook page! You can "like" APC at http://facebook.com/alpharettapres. Look for the latest information about activities and missions of the church!

Cancer Care Group

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

APC Book Club

Love to read? All are welcome to join the APC Book Club for a holiday party at the home of Lisa McKemey on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00pm. Bring your most festive dessert or appetizer and enjoy good fellowship and a discussion of Lorna Landvik's Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. For more information, contact Katie VanBrackle at 770-777-1931.

Faith & Families

The 2011 adult Advent study, "From Longing to Receiving," is now available! Writer Patricia Tull leads participants through the Old Testament and the Gospel lectionary texts for four weeks, tracing important Advent themes of longing for God's help, anticipating God's presence among us, recognizing God's work among us, and receiving God's new gifts to us.

Each week's handout is filled with important information about the texts, yet written for personal devotional use for group discussion.

November 20 - From Longing to Receiving (Advent)

November 27 - No class

December 4 - From Longing to Receiving (Advent)

December 11 - From Longing to Receiving (Advent)

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, "From Longing to Receiving" (Advent)

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.

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

There will be NO Fun Wednesday on November 23. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

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. No Fun Wednesday this week November 23!

Dinner for November 30: Spaghetti & meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread, salad and dessert

Multi-generational program is from 6:15-7:15pm: Advent wreath making

Youth Ministry News

Click here to view this week's Youth Ministry newsletter.

Youth group will meet Sunday night 5:30-7:30pm. Our Food for Thought activity will focus on hunger in our community. All participants should bring grocery store coupons and $5. Dinner will not be served, so please eat before you arrive.

Youth Summer Mission Trip information and sign ups are available outside Kelly's office and in the Youth Ministry newsletter.

No Youth Group on Sunday, November 27. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Fun Wednesday, November 30, from 6:15-7:15pm is a multi-generational event. All are welcome to join with the children during ths time to create Advent Wreaths for companion care seekers. Additional supplies will be on hand to create wreaths to take home. Please contact Kathy Ailts, Director of Children's Ministry, if you plan to come contact kathy@alpharettapres.com.

December 1, 9:30am in Room 201, Join us as we get together for coffee and to select from "finalists" for our VBS curriculum. All are welcome; we'll make this fun!

Sunday School for preschool and elementary age children is from 9:45 - 10:45am.

Nursery care is provided on Sundays from 8:15am - 12:15pm for ages 0-2 in the nursery.

Children's Choirs practice is on Sundays at 9:30am; children will join the rest of their classes following this time.

Promise Class is provided on Sundays from 9:30 am - 12:30pm for our special needs students in the Rainbow Room.

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 Room 108 (Kindergarten & First) during the 11:00am service.

Fun Wednesdays' enrichment program for children meets from 6:15pm - 7:15pm following Fun Wednesday dinner. Activities include music, art, Bible stories, drama and games.

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

Sympathy & Celebrations

Sunday Volunteers

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

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Volunteers Needed

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: Angela Moore & Jill Norton

11:00 Promise Class volunteer this Sunday: Trish Kent

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).