E-News from Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

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Weekly E-News

October 3, 2012

PASTOR'S CORNER

Acts Through Advent

Acts is the epic story of the growth of the church and is a continuation of Luke's Gospel. Both historical and biographical, it was written to inspire the saints for the challenges they faced and to encourage them in their faithfulness.

As you know, everyone is invited to join the Presbyterian Women - on the second Tuesday of each month at 10AM - as they journey through the Epistles. I have found this Bible study to be an inspiration and encouragement in my own journey.

"That is great, but what about the other Tuesdays?", you might ask.

Well, through Advent, I would like to study the Acts of the Apostles with you on the other Tuesdays at 10AM starting on October 16th. Here is the schedule:

10/16 Acts 1-3 10/23 Acts 4-7 10/30 Acts 8-10 11/6 Acts 11-14 11/20 Thanksgiving

11/27 Acts 15-19 12/4 Acts 20-24 12/18 Acts 24-28

If you are interested in studying Acts but can't make Tuesday mornings please give me a call so that we might find a time and place that works for those who would like an alternative time.

Rev. George Tatro 404.784.0382.

In anticipation of the journey,

George

INTERNS

D'Jaris Canty-Wallace, member of Rice Memorial, student at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, and under the care of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, will be joining us through May as our second intern. I am so thankful that we are blessed to serve the church as a teaching congregation and for the gifts and blessings that we receive from our interns. Please keep Hackwin and D'Jaris in prayer as they grow in their pastoral identity.

READINGS

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 7, 2012, the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

First Reading Job 1:1, 2:1-10
Psalm Psalm 26:1-12
Second Reading Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12
Gospel Mark 10:2-16

MISSION OPPORTUNITY

BOUNTIFUL BAGS

Partnership with MDPC, Shallowford Church and Indian Creek Elementary

Food Packing will be held on Thursday, October 4th at 5:00 pm in the Jim Guess Building. Please call Dil at the church office 404-292-8212 to volunteer or sign up by clicking on the link below.

Bountiful Bags - Sign Up

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

Clifton Sanctuary Ministries

Clifton Sanctuary Ministries is an emergency shelter for men 35 years and older including those living with HIV/AIDS, addictions and mental illness. CSM is celebrating 33 years of night hospitality.

Last Sunday evening, 78 men were recognized for having successfully worked to eliminate the stigma associated with being homeless. These men are now either employed, have reconciled with family, completed their GED or Job Training program, and/or receiving Social Security benefits. The overall success rate reached 70%.

MDPC is a volunteer partner in the program. Every third Monday, for an hour, a team packs 50 lunch bags. MDPCCP also participates by decorating the lunch bags. If you would like to participate or want more information, contact Doris Hoenig, 770-469-5984.

MDPC Blog

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.

Stewardship Sunday

October 14

It is when we make a commitment to the ministries of this church with our time, talent, and money. During the lunch, there will be tables in the Jim Guess Activities Building with information about the ways in which you can serve the church through: Worship, Fellowship, Christian Education, Mission, and service opportunities. I hope that you will prayerfully ask God where you might put your gifts to use in building up Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and then make the commitment to live into your calling.

Stewardship Commitment Luncheon

October 14 at 12 noon

            Please make your reservation by clicking on the link below.

Reservation Form

A Conversation on Courageous Leadership

            with Bishop William H. Willimon

Trinity Presbyterian Church:

8 am - 12 noon on November 10

Registration Information

SHALOM

Shalom is the Hebrew word for Peace

We have been so blessed as a congregation! From the Presbytery we received grants - over $6,000 - to fund Bountiful Bags and Soul to Sole Youth Intern Steven Bohn. From Columbia Theological Seminary a $2,600 grant to cover the expenses of our Congregational Intern Hackwin Devoe. Now it is our turn to show our gratitude by sharing from our abundance!

Shalom International Ministry is our New Church Development. The Session has approved designating our portion of the Peacemaking Offering to Shalom! Your gift to the Peacemaking Offering is going to have a direct impact in our neighborhood! Praise be to God who makes this possible!