The Good News - This Week

The Long Range Planning committee of APC has been hard at work developing a plan to guide our ministry into God's future. The committee is seeking to discern and cast a vision for the church that specifically addresses our mission, property and staffing needs. The long range plan will include a process for implementation and a means by which we can measure its effectiveness. Committee members are: Jan Hughey, chair, Anne Mahone, vice-chair, Christina Appen, Bill Harris, Melody Cookson, Tyler Jones, Craig Molnar, Ross Mynatt and Ollie Wagner (ex-officio).

To this point, the committee has conducted a comprehensive congregational survey, been informed by other congregations, presbytery staff, several session committees and APC staff members. The committee is currently on track to have its work completed by the end of 2012 or early 2013.

How has the plan already helped direct our ministry as we move forward?

a. By adding a 9:45am worship service (concurrent with Sunday School) as requested through the survey.

b. By establishing the following staff positions, all of which have since been filled: Associate Pastor, Director of Children's Ministry and Director of Youth Ministry.

c. By allowing for the option of on-line giving as requested through the survey.

d. By reaffirming our current mission statement, to be a "Christ-centered family of believers, committed to growing spiritually, worshipping joyfully, and sharing God's love daily."

e. And by continuing to identify major building and staffing needs and the anticipated expenses related to the implementation of those goals.

When finished with its work, the LRP committee will present its plan to the Session for comment, revision and final approval. With thanks for everyone who has given valuable input into this important process, we continue to ask for your prayers for the future of APC.

Congregational Meeting

Please attend an important congregational meeting Sunday, September 9 at noon in the sanctuary. We will be voting on improved terms of our land transfer to the City of Alpharetta. Instead of the $10,000 in landscaping previously approved, the City will now pay APC $15,000 cash. All other terms remain the same. If approved, these new terms will need Presbytery approval.

Open Arms Sunday

Parents, you may want to talk to your children about Open Arms Sunday on September 9. Our 11:00 worship service will be modified to accommodate those with developmental disabilities. Some modifications will be made to the sanctuary, motions will be added to songs, and PowerPoint illustrations will be used to supplement the message. These accommodations (along with our usual hearing augmentation system, available large print items, accessible parking, and automatic door opener) help us to be more inclusive as we worship. Some of our worshipping members may make noises, movements, talk or ask questions. We hope you enjoy the love and enthusiasm for worship they exhibit.

Kelly Edwards

The Session is pleased to announce that Kelly Edwards has been named APC's "Director of Youth Ministry." Kelly has been serving us faithfully and well for the past two years in a temporary capacity through an annual contract. Our Long Range Planning Committee has determined it best to continue with this current model of staffing youth ministry. Please extend your congratulations to Kelly and let her know how much we value and appreciate her ministry with us! Let us all keep our youth, their families and their leaders in your prayers.

Syria Support

The humanitarian needs in Syria continue to grow. More than 1.5 million people are displaced within Syria and in neighboring countries due to the political violence. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with the Synod of Syria and Lebanon and the Action by Churches Together Alliance to help meet the needs of displaced families. Presbyterians are asked by PDA to give, act and pray. Give by designating your checks payable to "APC" with DR000081 "Syria" in the memo line or by texting PDA to 20222 to donate $10. Act by using educational resources about the needs of Syria available on the pcusa.org website. Pray for the people of Syria and all affected by this crisis. Thank you for making a difference!

Usher Training

Usher Training/Service Opportunity - Immediately following the 11:00am service on Sunday, September 9, a brief usher training session will be held in the choir room. All usher team members are asked to attend, as well as anyone who feels that this vital service is something they might consider. Ushers/greeters ordinarily serve once monthly, as part of a team, and the all-aspect training led by the service captains is expected to take no longer than 30-45 minutes. If you are on a team now it is important that you attend, and if you simply are curious you are encouraged to participate as well.

Blood Drive

My name is Kyle Plunkett and I'm with Troop 429. I'm currently working on my Eagle which is the highest rank in Boy Scouts. For my Eagle Project I am hosting a blood drive on September 15 at APC from 8am to 4pm. I already have a good amount of people signed up. If you would like to sign up please email donateblood4lifesouth99@gmail.com to get a time assigned to you. Please spread the word about the blood drive. You must be at least 16 years old to donate. If you have any questions you may contact me at 678-533-8990 or email me at kyle.plunkett55@gmail.com

Supper Six

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 really 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 16.

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 1st is the all participant Dinner Party.

Dave Ramsey Classes

Financial Peace University - This highly recognized program will again be offered at APC beginning in September. Dave Ramsey and his Organization have updated the curriculum with more focus on the actions needed to bring about financial peace. The new curriculum is now nine weeks of 1½ hour classes. Class begins Sunday, September 16 at 5:30pm in the Alpha building. The cost is $89 if purchased through APC.

EntreLeadership Simulcast - Leadership training for everyone! The simulcast will be Friday, September 21 from 8:45am to 5:00pm at APC in Room 206/207. At EntreLeadership learn how to:

Become a leader people want to follow
Make big goals and reach them
Inspire your team to take sales to the next level
Thrive in time of chaos

The cost is $30 if purchased through APC.

For more information and to signup for both of these classes, contact Ted Lynam at tedlynam3895@comcast.net or 678-763-0973.

Hannah's Prayer

Hannah's Prayer Group for women longing to be mothers will meet Monday, September 17 from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 246 at Roswell Presbyterian Church. Women currently experiencing infertility or pregnancy loss, and/or exploring adoption are invited. Women wanting to support these women are also invited. Open to the public. Email hannahsprayergroup@roswellpres.org with questions.

College Students

A large number of APC members are enrolled in colleges and universities this fall. Please be sure to update the contact information of college students in your family through ACS Access on our website. We want to keep them connected to APC while they are at school and hold them in our thoughts and prayers during this formative time in their lives. You can also notify the youth ministry office of updated school contact information for your student at kelly@alpharettapres.com.

APC Dayschool

The APC Dayschool opened this week after summer break with a warm welcome to students new and old. Our dayschool currently has an enrollment of 151 students who compose 14 classes. This longstanding ministry of education and nurture serves a wide-range of young children from our community. Please pray for another safe and successful year for our dayschool and know that it isn't too late to register a child for the 2012-13 school year! Nancy Fain is our Dayschool Director and Elder Anne Mahone serves on the Dayschool Board.

Ice Cream Crankin' Update

The Drake House raised over $44,000 at last Sunday's Ice Cream Crankin' held on the Roswell Square. 3,500 people attended and APC was well-represented by folks who attended, helped with set-up and break-down, served ice cream and as a corporate sponsor. Thank you for your great support of this ministry to homeless women and their children!

Softball Team

The APC softball team has reassembled for action. Our men's team is competing in the Alpharetta Parks and Recreation's softball league. Games are Tuesday nights at North Park. The team plays this week at 7:30pm and next week at 8:30pm if you want to cheer them on.

Family Retreat

Get Ready for M-6:8, APC's 2012 Fall Family Retreat! Join APC friends and family for fun, fellowship, food and mission at Calvin Center on October 13-14. Just a one hour drive from Alpharetta, the 2012 APC Fall Family Retreat is sure to be a great time. Registrations are now being accepted at www.alpharettapres.com/retreat. Paper registrations and additional information are available on the table in the lobby. Come join us! We look forward to seeing you there! Have questions? E-mail retreat@alpharettapres.com and we'll be happy to provide additional information.

Acolyte Training

Please join us on September 16 for Acolyte Training! If you have an interest in serving as an acolyte at worship services, please join us immediately following the 11:00 service on Sunday, September 16, in the sanctuary. All youth ten years old and older are invited to attend. However, nine year olds who wish to get an early start and are willing to serve at the 8:30 service are encouraged to attend also. Acolytes usually serve once a month. Any questions, please contact Cindy Laubenstein at cindylaub05@yahoo.com

Ladies Night Out

Please join us in creating your own necklace pendant, wine warden or other glass fusion art ($15-$20). Glazed and Amused Mobile Art Studio will be at APC on Friday, September 28 from 7:00 - 9:00pm in Room 206/207. Please bring an appetizer to share. Drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to pamheydinger@comcast.net or call 770-664-8354 or sign-up on the PW Bulletin Board. We look forward to seeing you!

FIRST WEDNESDAYS

Come join us on the First Wednesday of each month for fellowship, dinner, an adult program and children's activities. For the fall we will gather on:

Wednesday, September 5 Theme for the evening is Africa.

Adult and Children's program: Ollie Wagner and Walter Dean share their "Habitat Aid Initiative" Kenya trip with slides and stories; plus, you will learn how the funds collected by children during the APC 2011 VBS were used in Kenya.

Dinner will be:

Bobotie (Traditional South African Casserole using ground beef)

Yellow Rice

Chakalaka (South African Stir Fried Vegetable Side Dish)

South African Picnic Bread

Malva Pudding (Traditional South African dessert pudding)

Children's Dinner Menu: hot dogs, tatter tots, fruit cocktail

Wednesday, October 3: Adult program will be Managing Time - finding time to be spiritual in a busy world

Dinner will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 6:30 PM with an adult menu and a children's menu. An Adult Program and Children's Activities will be from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Clean-up will begin at 7:30 PM so those volunteering to help cleanup in the kitchen and Fellowship Hall can attend the program.

Dinner Fees are: Children $4.00 per person (age 8 years and under)

Adults $6.00 per person

Reservations are required and must be made the Sunday before the First Wednesday event. There are three ways you can complete your reservation (only one is required) for First Wednesday, you may:

Complete a First Wednesday card on the info table in the hallway.
Sign up on the First Wednesday board in Fellowship Hall.
Go to the APC website and follow the link to Access ACS on the left sidebar. Then from your home page, go to available registration, then First Wednesday, then the register button at the bottom of the page.

Mark your calendars and continue to watch for information about First Wednesdays!!!

Volunteers Needed!!

Volunteers are needed for First Wednesday Clean-up on September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5. To volunteer, please e-mail lmdanson@aol.com. Remember that many volunteers makes light work for all. The more the merrier!

Come sing with us in the Children's Choir!

All children in grades K - 5 are invited to raise their voices in song with us! Children's Choir kicked off last Sunday at 9:15am. Sing songs of praise, make music with other instruments, and learn music basics during our time together. Join Ms. Holly for our morning music ministry and then head right to Sunday School!

Whiz Kids Tutoring

Whiz Kids Needs Tutors! Since 1999, APC has conducted an after-school tutoring program called Whiz Kids. Tutoring is held each Monday afternoon that Fulton County Schools are in session. We meet in Fellowship Hall from 3:15-4:15pm followed by 15 minutes of songs and Bible stories in the sanctuary. We work "one-on-one" with each tutor helping the same child throughout the year, creating a special bond of trust and caring. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in a child's life - you will be able to see the progress as you work with your child and your pride and enthusiasm about their achievements will encourage hard work and concentration. School supplies and learning materials are provided. You may signup on-line on the Whiz Kids page (there's a link on the APC Missions page). For more information contact Sue White at 770-772-4667 or whitesbassets@bellsouth.net.

Eldercare News

APC Eldercare News - So many of us have unanswered questions about dementia. What exactly is dementia? How can we help those who may be suffering? Sunday, September 9 at 12:30pm (after the 11:00 service), Thom Corrigan, an eldercare specialist from Metta Thompson and Associates, will be here to answer any of your questions. Thom brings experience from many different facets of eldercare and welcomes any questions you may have. For further information or questions, please contact Ellen Adolph at hbunnies@gmail.com or 678-637-2928.

New Lecture Series

How the Bible Came to Be: A User's Guide

Time: Sunday mornings, 9:45-10:45am, 9/2, 9/9 and 9/16

Place: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church (theater)

Instructor: Ryan P. Bonfiglio

It probably comes as no surprise that the Bible did not float down from heaven and land directly in our church pews or on our bookshelves at home. Nor would have the apostle Paul - let alone the prophets or Jesus himself - been familiar with the language or format of contemporary English editions of Scripture.

So, how exactly did the Bible as we know come to be?

This four-week, Christian Education series aims to explore key aspects of the development of the Christian Scriptures through its nearly 3,000-year history. Along the way, this series will address a variety of issues, including: (week 1) how individual books of the Bible were composed and the ways in which this process differs from our modern conception of book-making; (week 2) how and why certain texts came to be recognized as part of a fixed canon; (week 3) the history of ancient and modern translations and how various English versions such as the KJV, NIV, and NRSV differ from one another; and (week 4) how the marketing and publication of Bible editions during the past century has drastically changed the way in which Christians see and use Scripture today (week 4). While these questions often go unasked by many Christians, having a better sense of how the Bible came to be has important implications for our faith today.

About the Instructor: Ryan P. Bonfiglio is a Ph.D. candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University. He earned a Bachelor's degree at Princeton University and a Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is an instructor at Candler School of Theology and serves as a lay leader and guest preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

C.S. Lewis Series

NEW! Sunday evening C.S. Lewis lecture series. Jim Motter, an APC member and C.S. Lewis scholar, will lead a 10-week Sunday evening lecture and discussion series on C.S. Lewis' masterwork, Mere Christianity. The lectures will be held in the theater September 9-November 11, from 5:30 to 7:00pm. The public is invited.

This series is a follow-on to Jim's summer 2011 overview on the life and works of C.S. Lewis.

The series will be suited to both long-time fans who have read this book several times and to those who are reading the book for the first time. High school students are especially encouraged to participate.

Mere Christianity may be Lewis' most illuminating work, famous for its logic and imagery. Jim will provide a comprehensive overview of the book and open up hidden meaning and context, enabling even those familiar with the book to see it in an entirely new light.

Those new to C.S. Lewis will come to know why this book has often been voted the single most influential book for Christians other than the four Gospels. Don't miss this special series and invite your friends and neighbors to come with you.

About Jim Motter: Jim has been a long-time student and advocate of C.S. Lewis' works for many years. He has given lectures on Lewis at the C.S. Lewis Institute, the C.S. Lewis Foundation, the Center for the Study of C.S. Lewis and Friends, The Areopagus Christian Study Center and elsewhere. Jim and his family have been members of APC for three years.

Nominations Needed

Looking for a few good names - The Nominating Committee is requesting nominations for elders and deacons. Please submit names in the nomination box on the table in the lobby, to the church office or the APC web site http://www.alpharettapres.com/nominations

Youth Ministry News

YOUTH GROUP KICK-OFF, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 from 5:30 to 7:30pm

Youth and Parents are invited to dine together in Fellowship Hall for the start of our Youth Group year! The meal will be $4 per person or a maximum of $12 per family. There will be a short parents meeting with Scott Doll. Come join the fun, hear about opportunities and meet some new friends.

Look for the first Youth Ministry Newsletter of the school year coming soon. If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please email Allison Neal to be added to our distribution list.

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

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

Promise Class is provided on Sundays during the 11:00 worship service for our special needs students in the Blue Room.

Kinderkirk (Children's Worship Education for children ages 3 - rising 2nd graders) will be during the 11:00 service only during the summer. Preschool classes will meet in Room 101 and Kindergarten and rising second graders in Room 102.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Sympathy - To Ray Appen and his family at the death of his mother, Nancy Appen, on Monday, August 27 in Seven Lakes, NC. Services will be held Saturday in Sanford, NC.

Sympathy - To Carol Sweet and her family at the death of her mother, Hazel Baitup, on Monday, August 27 in Valparaiso, IN. Services will be held at a later date.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Jack Shevlin at 8:30 & Ethan Berry and Sam Moen at 11:00

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

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

Promise Class volunteer this Sunday: Laurie Peebles at 11:00

APC Church Officers

The Session

Class of 2012 Class of 2013 Class of 2014

Dianne Berry-Children's Ministry George Bancroft-Property Scott Doll-Membership/Youth Ministry

Michelle Burton-Youth Ministry Jodie Barger-Children's Ministry Molly Elkind-Worship

Morris Estes-Finance Lynn Danson-Fellowship/Mission Stu Laubenstein-Personnel

Jim Gray-Clerk of Session/CE Pat Dennis-Open Arms Anne Mahone-Dayschool/LRP

John Shevlin-Mission Stacy Guy-Commitment/Commun. Charles Moriarty-Property/CE

Jessie Prigge-Youth Ministry Nancy Hill-Personnel/Nominating Sarah Provow-Open Arms/Commitment

Amy Rogers-Communications Jan Hughey-LRP/Finance Ferrell White-Worship/Fellowship

Jean Williams-Nominating/Membership Kylie Vacko-Open Arms

Deacon Care Teams

Hospitality - John Hicks, 678-513-4570, hicksjc@bellsouth.net

Companion Care - Carolyn Dillon, 770-751-3799, csdillon@bellsouth.net

Hospital & Recovery - Paul McChesney, 678-234-8471, paulsmcchesney@gmail.com

Sympathy & Celebrations, Steve Ludlow, 770-722-5473, ludlowst@comcast.net

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!

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).