E-News from Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

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Weekly E-News

September 5, 2012

PASTOR'S CORNER

The key is to renew our commitment to the church as an intergenerational family, in which each person has a unique role in helping the others towards our shared goal of maturity in Christ. Adults need children and adolescents to draw out their committed love and provide concrete opportunities to care for others. Adolescents help adults reconnect with the passion of a life devoted to Christ, what he called the first love of the Christians at Ephesus. Young people need adults in their lives who are modeling a vibrant spiritual maturity. - Thomas Bergler author of The Juvenilization of American Christianity. *See also:Titus 2:1-15; Eph. 5:21-6:4; Col. 3:18-4:1; 1 John 2:12-14

Instead of lamenting the generational chasm ask God to use you as a bridge!

In Christ,

George

Week 2 - 15^th Sunday after Pentecost

Jesus replied, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:34-35.

Jesus opens wide the tent, announcing that anyone who does the will of God is part of his family. As welcome as those words are, they do set a pretty high bar: Doing God's will!

And yet, I know that Jesus asks for my efforts, not my perfection. What efforts can I make today to do God's will?

Stewardship

The Stewardship Team encourages the spiritual discipline of giving time, talent, and treasure.

Stewardship is a newly formed team that will work with Mission, Membership, and Finance to encourage deeper participation in the life of the congregation. If you are not currently serving on a Committee, please consider joining the Stewardship Team. Contact George for more information.

READINGS

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, September 9, 2012, the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

First Reading Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Psalm Psalm 125:1-5
Second Reading James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17
Gospel Mark 7:24-37

SOUL JOURNERS STUDIO

Soul Journers Studio is a joint venture between Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and Shallowford Presbyterian Church to bring art therapy to the Clarkston, Stone Mountain, Tucker and Northlake Communities.

Please call Sandra Tate 404 455 8530 to inquire further about this group and to reserve your place.

http://www.souljournersstudio.com

YOUTH SUNDAY

Youth Sunday - September 30th.

All youth are encouraged to come to Sunday School to plan/prepare for the service!

Lesson: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/revised-common-lectionary/2012/9/30/

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Clifton Night Shelter

For the past year MDPC has volunteered at the Clifton Night Shelter packing lunches. You have an opportunity to help on Monday Sept. 17 and Monday Sept. 24. It only takes about one hour there. Call the church office if you can help and we will try to carpool. You will be blessed by your service.

AMIS - Atlanta Ministry with International Students

There are over 100 students who are looking for a host to share friendship and hospitality. They do not live in your home. You are asked to:

1. Contact each other by email or phone

2. Share a meal together

3. Get together for an event..

You can email amis@peachtreepres.org for information or apply for a student friend at www.amis-inc.org. The key is hospitality and friendship.

The Stone Mountain Food Pantry

Items needed: vegetables, rice, cereal, tuna and soup. Please bring your donations to the church office or leave them in the narthex.