The Good News - This Week

The Good News - This Week is a publication of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church for its members and friends.

Send your comments and suggestions to connections
@alpharettapres.com.

Ollie's Offerings

I loved being a Cub Scout. Hikes, art projects, cub-dad weekends, wearing a uniform, being a part of den, learning together, campfires, and developing new skills were all great gifts to me. I was a Weblo and a Boy Scout, too. My sister was a Brownie and Girl Scout. Each of my kids has had some experience in scouting and our lives are richer for it. APC is a long-time scouting sponsor so that hundreds of children and youth can benefit from all that scouting has to offer.

Last week I had the privilege of seeing a large group of scouts, their leaders and parents gathered in our multi-purpose room on a weekday night. They were engaged and excited. I saw our mayor, city staff, neighbors, church members and a host of others. Scouting truly touches the whole community. I was there to present the "God and Me" award to four scouts who had worked with me over the past two months to complete their work. That is a program we offer to scouts every year!

This Sunday at APC all scouts are invited to come uniform as part of Scout Sunday. Several of the scouts will be helping to usher, acolyte or help with readings and prayers. Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them for to such as these belongs the kingdom of God." Blessed is the church that has so many young people connected to it and sharing with it, as we certainly do at APC!

One more thing, if I may, Girl Scouts: please find me when it's time to sell those cookies.

College of Elders

Attention all ordained PCUSA Elders - The Session invites all ordained elders to a gathering of the APC College of Elders on Sunday, March 3 at 12:30pm (or immediately following the congregational meeting) in Fellowship Hall. A complimentary light luncheon will be served. Invitations will be sent our to each elder via ACS (which is a way to ensure we have your correct email address in the system!).

RSVPs are requested by February 25 via ACS, APC's website or email to Mike Marcin's church email marcinmikeapc@gmail.com,

NOTE: This is only a lunch, there is no trap waiting to volunteer you for anything or signup sheet rolled into your napkin!

Friends & Fellowship

Friends & Fellowship Reception is this Sunday. Visitors and members, please join us in Fellowship Hall immediately after the 11:00 service for a reception hosted by the deacons. Light refreshments will be served. It's a great time to meet new people and catch up with old friends.

Ash Wednesday Service

Come to our Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. We will begin our Lenten journey with song, prayer, God's word and the imposition of ashes.

Photo Directory

If you weren't able to sit for a picture for APC's photo directory, we still want to include your photograph! Please send a digital image to jamie@alpharettapres.com or drop a hard copy by the church office. The deadline for contributions is Sunday, February 10. Thank you!

If you had your photograph made during the first session January 5-6, your free 8x10s are available in the lobby on Sunday or in the church office during the week.

STARS News

The STARS will meet Wednesday, February 13 at 12 noon in Room 206/207. This group of APC Senior Adults meets monthly for a potluck lunch, fellowship, interesting programs and also takes fun trips together! Please bring a dish to share. The program will be on tax updates and reviewing deductions that you might not be aware of. All are welcome. Contact Jim and Louise Kennedy at 770-517-0193 or jakennedy2@aol.com if you have any questions.

Michael O'Neal Singers Concert

Come and travel with us through all four seasons of the year in one beautiful afternoon of music here at APC. Kaleidoscope, the newest ensemble of the Michael O'Neal Singers, will perform in our sanctuary on Sunday, February 10 at 4:00 PM. In a Kaleidoscope concert one can expect to hear many different types of music, often changing quickly from one style to another. Selections at this concert will explore the many ways poets and composers see the seasons of the year. Summer, autumn, winter, and spring will each be represented with musical selections that bring to mind the season. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the MOS website www.mosingers.com or at our door.

Come to Fellowship Island!

Tomorrow night, February 9, Fellowship Island will be welcoming guests from 6:00-8:00pm. Come for a delectable tropical meal and lots of fun games and activities. Wear your best beach or island attire...flip flops or sandals are a wardrobe staple! We'll have prizes for best dressed!

This event is a fundraiser for Family Promise at APC, a suggested donation of $5 per person will be accepted at the door. No need to make a reservation....just join us! Questions? Contact Lynn Danson.

Congregational Dinner

Ash Wednesday Congregational Dinner February 13 - Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent in the Christian Church. Our dinner will follow the very old Ash Wednesday tradition of a simple meal without meat and lavish desserts. Dinner starts at 6:00 PM. Menu: Pinto beans, roasted potatoes, cornbread and drinks. Dinner fee - Adult $6.00 and $4.00 for Children 8 years and under. The Ash Wednesday Service begins at 6:30 PM. Nursery is provided. Dinner reservations required. Make reservations one of three ways: (1) going on-line at http://www.alpharettapres.com/acs; (2) by filling out a card on the table in the lobby, or (3) by entering info on the bright lime green sheet posted by the APC kitchen door.

Faith & Families Class

The Faith and Families Sunday School Class meets this Sunday at 9:45am in the multipurpose room for a study on Valentine's Day. They will briefly discuss the history of Valentine's Day then discuss how we view the holiday as individuals as well as within their families. Beginning, Sunday, February 17 the class will begin a study of Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt by Ted V. Foote. Reading is optional as the class will focus more on the topics. They will address theological issues in a light atmosphere designed to be thought provoking both as individuals and parents.

Student Hosts Needed

The Bowling Green State University Men's Choir will be visiting APC on Saturday, March 2 to offer an exciting evening of music. The 60-voice men's choir will perform a varied concert during the evening and return to be part of our worship on Sunday morning. Members of the choir hope to stay in homes in the Alpharetta area. If you are interested in hosting students the evening of March 2, please contact a choir member or Mary Busman for more information.

Family Promise Host Week ~ March 3 - 10

Just THREE weeks until we host our first families!

Our Guests are coming! We need your help to prepare for our guests, and to provide them with love and support during their weeklong stay with us. The APC website Family Promise page has the most up to date information, please check it regularly. Click the links below to view current volunteer and donation needs:

In addition to the items on the online donations list, we are also looking for family friendly DVDs, unused travel toiletries (especially soap, lotion and shampoo), books (novels and children's books), board games, puzzles and small stuffed animals in excellent condition (preferably new).

We hope to see you tomorrow night for the Island Night event supporting Family Promise at APC! Event starts at 6pm, $5 donation per person suggested for admission. Walk-ins are welcome. Wear your best beach or island attire (prizes for best dressed!).

WANTED: Voices

WANTED: Eager voices to join the APC Chancel Choir. Prior experience fabulous but not required. Rehearsals Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00pm. Priority seating provided on Sundays! To inquire speak with your local choir member or email Mary Busman mary@alpharettapres.com.

Handbell Help

The APC Handbells are in need of a ringer to join our group on a regular basis. If you have rung before or if you can read music and are interested in learning to play handbells, we would love to have you come to one of our rehearsals. We meet on Wednesdays in the Alpha Building from 6:30-7:25pm. Our group plays in church about once a month. In addition, we are always in need of a few substitute ringers whom we can call when one of our regular ringers is unavailable. Please contact Mary Busman for additional information.

ACT1 Performance

Tickets on sale now! "Every Little Crook and Nanny," by Pat Cook. Lillie Scones is a sweet retired nanny who runs a boarding house with one resident and "a cat the size of the Louisiana Purchase." Then Stuart, an old charge of hers, rents a room. Lillie is tickled to have him around again, not knowing he is planning on robbing the bank on the corner! In the spirit of Frank Capra, this tale of a bank heist and nannies has all the classic comedy twists and surprises fit for any audiences. Performances on Fridays, Saturdays and matinees Sundays, March 1 - 15. Special pricing for APC members! Adults, $10, seniors and kids under 12, $8. Tickets available in the lobby on Sunday or call Lisa Matchen at 678-371-3079.

Job Posting

APC is seeking a part-time Director of Music to provide overall leadership for its music programs. Responsibilities include leading music for Sunday worship, scheduling and conducting choir rehearsals on Wednesday nights for the chancel choir and handbell choirs, and supervising all music staff and guest musicians. See the full job description at www.alpharettapres.com/dm.

Please email resume, letter of interest and three references to search@alpharettapres.com. Interviews/auditions will be held February 16-28, with expected hire date by the end of March, 2013.

Sunday Flowers

The 2013 Flower Donation Chart is now up! APC members and friends are invited to donate flowers to beautify our sanctuary on Sunday mornings. The flowers may be placed in memory or honor of loved ones, or to mark a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday or baptism. As many as three donors may participate on any given Sunday. The cost for each donor is $65. Our deacons take the flowers to homebound members after the service. The Flower Donation Chart is located outside the church office. Please complete a yellow form when you sign up and return it with your check to the church office.

Guitar Lessons

All children ages 7 and older are welcome to join Ollie Wagner for group guitar lessons which are held on Mondays from 4-5:00pm in the Choir Room. The lessons are free and guitars are provided. Parents are welcome to join their child in learning! To confirm your participation please email ollie@alpharettapres.com.

Career Transition

APC Career Transition Program - Recently, the unemployment rate in Metro Atlanta decreased to 8.2% as a result of 19,500 jobs that were added in October. If you would like employment assistance, please contact Elder Bill Harris at w.m.harris@att.net. If you are employed in a decision making level position, please contact Bill with opportunities in your own organization, as well as positions that might be open in other Metro Atlanta organizations.

Youth Ministry News

Do you want to have some fun??? This Sunday evening meet at APC at 4:45pm to go to Stars and Strikes in Cumming. We will have a blast bowling, playing Laser Tag and $10 game card, and of course who could forget the food, pizza and drinks included in one low price of $12. Meet your friends from church tonight and let's have some fun!!!! We will return to APC at 8:00pm, parents are always welcome to join us!

Be sure to check the youth website page for mission trip sign ups and dates of upcoming activities and events.

February 17 - Youth Group Unplugged - 5:30pm

February 24 - Youth 5:30pm - 7:30pm

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

Meeting for all parents of 5th graders: This Sunday, February 10 at 9:45am. Come and learn all about Alpharetta Presbyterian's Youth Program including: Sunday School Classes, Youth Group and this summer's Destination Unknown Trip from APC's Director of Youth Ministries Kelly Edwards.

Sunday, February 17

All children preschool through 5th grade will meet in Solid Rock Theater for fun, singing and fellowship together instead of regular Sunday school.

Club 45:

March 10 - 5:30-7:30 Dinner $4.00 Club 45 Tween Group

April 13-14 - Club 45 Retreat to Camp Calvin at the Calvin Center in Hampton, GA $30.00 per person.

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) is offered at the 8:30 and 11:00 service. Preschool classes will meet in Room 101 and Kindergarten and rising second graders in Room 102.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Sympathy - To JoAnne Roesner and her family at the death of her aunt, Patty Mogavero, on Saturday, February 2 in San Diego, CA.

Sympathy - To the Seybold family, and other friends and family, at the death of Jeremy Letalian.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Daniel Redder at 8:30 & William Jones and Allyson Curl at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Nancy Chisolm, Bob McHugh and Sybille Johnstone at 8:30 & Jack Hittle at 11:00

Serving as ushers this Sunday: George and Susie Myers, Carolyn Dillon, Wilson Borden at 8:30 & Ken Bogle, Larry Prohl, Dale Carter, Dot Van Dyke at 11:00

APC Church Officers

The Session

Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015

George Bancroft-Property Zach Berry-Youth Ministry Gerard Ballard-Mission

Jodie Barger-Children's Ministry Scott Doll-Youth Ministry/Membership John Bullock-Membership

Lynn Danson-Fellowship/Mission Molly Elkind-Clerk of Session/Worship Julie Jagmin-Children's Ministry

Pat Dennis-Open Arms Stu Laubenstein-Personnel/Nominating Tyler Jones-Communications

Nancy Hill-Nominating/Personnel Anne Mahone-Dayschool/LRP Dave McKemey-Youth Ministry

Jan Hughey-Finance/LRP Charles Moriarty-CE Adult/Property Steve Wardrup-Finance/Commitment

Mike Marcin-Communications Sarah Provow-Commitment/Open Arms Beverly Williams-CE Adult/Fellowship

Kylie Vacko-Open Arms Ferrell White-Worship

Deacon Care Teams

Hospitality - John Hicks, john.c.hicks@gmail.com

Companion Care - Janice Armistead, janice.armistead@att.net

Hospital & Recovery - Eva Wardrup, zumaland@aol.com

Sympathy & Celebrations - Jennifer Autian, jautian@hotmail.com

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).