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

One of our new members asked me, "What does our church do to help the homeless?" I was so glad for the question because this Sunday we open our doors to shelter homeless guests on our very property! Several families will be staying in the Alpha Building for the week and a host of volunteers is working hard to provide the support and hospitality needed to go with that offer. If you want to learn more about Family Promise please see the article in this Good News or the Sunday bulletin.

In addition to Family Promise, we are active supporters of the Drake House for homeless women and their children. We sponsor an "APC apartment" at the Drake House where a mother and children live while gaining the skills, financial savings and life stability needed to move toward independent living. Our mission committee coordinates our involvement there and always welcomes more volunteers to help prepare the apartment and befriend our family.

APC sponsors mission trip experiences that allow youth and adults to engage with poverty, homelessness, hunger and other challenges that God's people face. Presbyterian Women collect items to help those staying at our area's battered women's shelter and every week we collect non-perishable food items for the nearby pantry. We strive to be a tithing church by giving 10% of our donations to mission beyond APC. Occasionally, we collect special offerings in the aftermath of a disaster and always we pray for our sisters and brothers in need wherever they may be.

"What do we do?" A lot! Why do we do it? Because Jesus taught, "When you have done it for the least of these, you have done it to me."

Congregational Meeting

There will be a Congregational Meeting this Sunday, March 3 immediately following the 11:00 service in the sanctuary for the purpose of meeting as a corporation, receiving the 2012 Annual Report, receiving the 2012 year end financial report and the 2013 budget, and approving changes in the pastors' Terms of Call. Please make a special effort to attend.

Family Promise ~ Welcoming our first guests

As you read this, final preparations are underway to welcome our guests in two very short days. These are people from North Fulton who are without homes and if you haven't visited the APC Family Promise site, please do so.

We are still in need of sheets, lamps, blankets, throws, cereal, jelly and much more. If it's in your heart, do what you can. Donate your time and gently used items (yes, in some cases new items) for the interfaith outreach that is Family Promise.

Our guests will be with us until March 10. It is truly going to take a village, but at APC we are a Mighty Village. A huge thanks goes out to the congregation for being Christ's hands and feet so far as we embark on this ministry. But there's more work to be done. Please click on the links below to volunteer or donate. And don't forget to sign up for First Wednesday dinner and, as is our tradition, please welcome any new faces you see on the APC campus.

Check for updates on the APC website Family Promise page. Click the links below to view current volunteer and donation needs:

Position Opening! Our affiliate is looking for a part time case manager to screen families who are interested in being served by Family Promise and work with them to transition to affordable, permanent housing. Click here to view the job description, along with information about applying. Please share this information with anyone you know who might be interested or qualified.

Sunday Breakfast

On March 3 we will have a Continental Breakfast in Fellowship Hall rather than our regular Sunday Morning Breakfast. The Continental Breakfast will be from 7:30 until 9:30 AM. After 9:30 preparations will begin in Fellowship Hall for the College of Elders' Luncheon.

FAITH 101 Series

This Sunday, Rev. Jamie Butcher begins a sermon series called, FAITH 101: Christian Questions & Answers. Join us at the 9:50 worship service on March 3, 10 and 17 as we explore, "How do we know God?", "Who is Jesus Christ?", and "What is this about a Spirit?" While the series is geared toward new and prospective members, all are welcome to attend! An optional feedback and discussion session will be offered following the service. Contact jamie@alpharettapres.com for more information

Easter Flowers

Easter Flowers - Would you like to help decorate the sanctuary and church for Easter? Honor or remember a loved one by contributing $25 for Easter flowers. Order forms are on the table near the church office. Cash or check (make payable to APC with "Easter Flowers" on the memo line). The order deadline is Sunday, March 24. Any flowers not taken home after the 11:00 Easter service will be donated to companion care seekers.

Divorce Recovery

APC will host a divorce recovery group beginning Monday, March 11 at 6:30pm at the church. The group will be structured around the proven "Rebuilding" program developed by Dr. Bruce Fisher and will be led by an experienced facilitator. All are welcome. For more information, contact Judi Dammann at serenitydbd@gmail.com.

Open Arms Parents Night Out

The next Parents Night Out for our children with special needs and their siblings is March 16 from 5:00 - 8:00. Please register with Sarah Provow at shprovow@bellsouth.net. Please do so as quickly as possible so that we can open the registration to the public once our members have registered.

Mission Day of Service

Save the Date - The Spring Mission Day of Service will be Saturday, March 23 beginning at 8:30am. We will have a variety of mission opportunities available for all ages including: property work activities, making sandwiches for the Open Door mission, Foster Care Center activities (offsite), wrapping items for Whiz Kids, making cards for APC military and homebound members, and Med Share medical supply sorting (offsite).

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women Needs You!! During the month of March the Nominating Committee for APC's Presbyterian Women is seeking women who are interested in serving as officers for the PW year 2013-2014. The officer positions to be filled are: Vice-Moderator, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in one of these positions, contact Gail Bullock at 678-773-6993 or gbull205@bellsouth.net. Stop by the PW display in the church lobby for job descriptions of each office.

Also, the following PW committee chair positions are to be filled for 2013-2014: Membership, Spiritual Growth, Historian, Mission, Women's Retreat. If you are interested in one of these positions, contact Sheryl Wentworth at sherylwentworth@comcast.net. Stop by the PW table to see the job descriptions for each committee chair.

Family Worship Service

Please come to Family Worship Service, sponsored by the Open Arms Ministry on Saturday, March 2, 4-5:00pm in the sanctuary. Dr. Ollie Wagner and Jeff Moen with lead a brief, song-filled service to prepare for Easter followed by an egg hunt. This is an inclusive service geared toward children and families living with disabilities. For more information contact Rev. Jamie Butcher.

First Wednesday Dinner

We hope you will make your reservations for the March 6 First Wednesday Dinner that will have a St. Patrick's Day theme. Dinner menu will be: Shepherds Pie, Irish Soda Bread, Mixed Greens Salad, Apple/Oatmeal Crisp with an Irish Cream. Dinner will be from 6:00-7:00PM. Yes, a whole hour of food and fellowship in Fellowship Hall!! Dinner Fees: Adult $6.00, Children 8 years and younger $4.00. At 7:00 PM the program will begin with the Children and Youth performing a musical entitled "Seeds of Faith." It was written by Ollie Wagner and the music was composed by Joel Lillithun. The choir will be directed by Holly DiClaudio. Nursery will be provided.

Make your reservations before noon on Sunday, March 3. You have three ways to make your dinner reservation: (1) go to ACS Access with this link http://www.alpharettapres.com/acs (2) sign up on the slips of paper on the table in the lobby; or, sign up on the green sheet by the kitchen door.

Children's Musical

The children and youth musical "Seeds of Faith" will be presented on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00pm in the sanctuary following the First Wednesday Dinner and again as part of the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, March 10. This musical based upon the Parable of the Sower was written by APC staff and directed by Holly DiClaudio. All children or youth are invited to be a part of the chorus and should contact Holly DiClaudio or Kristin Hicks if interested!

Paint Recycling

Bring your unwanted, liquid paint to APC Saturday, March 16 from 9:00am to 1:00pm for the youth's green initiative. Save time and money on solidifying your paint as Atlanta Paint Disposal recycles! Help us keep your unused paint out of landfills! $3 per gallon of latex. For questions, contact Michelle Burton at youthministry@alpharettapres.com.

College Choir Concert

The Bowling Green State University Men's Choir will perform at APC on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30pm. The 60-voice men's choir will perform a varied concert during the evening and return to be part of our 8:30 worship on Sunday morning.

ACT1 Performance

Now in production! "Every Little Crook and Nanny," by Pat Cook. Crooks and cops and cats, oh my! Reserve your tickets now for this funny and convoluted tale. 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 matinee Sundays, March 1 -24. Special pricing for APC members! Adults, $10, Seniors and kids 12 and under, $8. Tickets available in the narthex on Sunday or call Lisa Matchen at 678-371-3079. And please, tell your friends and family; ACT1 is an important outreach to the community and part of our hospitality efforts at APC!

Spring Gathering

All APC women--please save the date for a Spring Gathering/Brunch on Saturday, March 16 from 9:00-11:30am in Fellowship Hall. Rev. Jamie Butcher will help us discover ways of "Nourishing Our Bodies and Souls." Please join us for brunch, fun and fellowship. Casual dress is recommended! Child care will be provided. RSVP information will be forthcoming.

Please contact Gail Bullock at gbull205@bellsouth.net or 678-773-6993 for more information.

Zambia Mission Trip

APC members and friends are invited to join with Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church's mission team for their 2013 mission trip to Luska, Zambia. The trip will run from July 16 through August 2.

Anyone interested in learning more should contact Barbara Hughes, trip leader, at 770-396-9313.

Guatemala Mission Trip

Summer 2013 Mission Trip for adults and/or families with children over 14 years old - A wonderful mission experience will be available in Guatemala this summer. Work in communities, side-by-side with volunteers and residents planting trees and building stoves. AIR Guatemala is an organization started and run by Anne Hallum, a local resident of north Atlanta. She fights hunger and poverty there through sustainable farming and education. $650 includes all expenses (except airfare) for a week you'll never forget! See www.airguatemala.org or contact Anne Hallum at anne.hallum@airguatemala.org or 386-956-4321 for more information. Weekly trips begin June 8 and end June 29. Deadline is March 15.

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.

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.

Camp Calvin

The Calvin Center is the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta's summer camp and year-round conference center. Our camp has just released information on its summer camping program and would love to serve the needs of our youth, children and their families this summer. For more information, please visit their website www.calvincenter.org or contact Kelly Edwards or Kristin Hicks.

Youth Ministry News

Paint Recycling Saturday, March 16 - Interested in handing out flyers in your neighborhood Care to help during a 8:00am to 11:00am or 11:00am to 2:00pm shift the day of the event? Contact Michelle Burton at youthministry@alpharettapres.com.

Dinner Help Needed: We offer youth dinner at youth group which is a vital part of our ministry. We need your help in by helping with cooking, set up and clean up. Chef Doug does the prep work and leaves instructions on preparing and set up. Won't you please take some time to volunteer to help serve the youth dinner. Here are some available dates April 7, 14 & 21 and May 5 &19, please contact Wendy Curl at wmcurl@comcast.net or sign up on ACS.

Mission Trips. If you haven't signed up for a summer mission trip please go to the Youth Web page and sign up today. Deadline is March 1, 2013

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 News: Our nursery is expanding. We are currently expanding our nursery to better accommodate the number of children that we have in our care. Feel free to take a look at our work in progress as you walk by this Sunday!

Easter Egg Hunt:

All children preschool - 5th Grade are invited to participate in the Annual APC Easter Egg Hunt, which will be held on the grounds outside the fellowship hall doors at 12:15 on March 24. There will be fun and activities for all!

We need donations of bagged, individually wrapped candy - place in the basket located in the hallway outside Fellowship Hall.

Club 45:

March 10 at APC from 5:30-7:30. Come join us for fun, fellowship, games and more. Dinner (Pizza) will be served. Please bring $4.00 and a friend. RSVP to kristin@alpharettapres.com by March 9.
April 13-14 Club 45 Retreat to Camp Calvin. Sign up this Sunday in class or on the sign up-sheet located on the Club 45 Bulletin Board in the Children's' Ministry Hallway. $30.00 per child.

Super Volunteer Luncheon:

All children's ministry volunteers mark your calendars to our second annual "Super" Volunteer Luncheon on March 17 following the 11:00am service. Volunteers will be treated with a selection of delicious soups, salad and bread, made for you by the members of the children's ministry committee. This is one not to miss!

VBS: Registration for this summer's VBS will begin March 15.The Epic adventure begins June 10-14. Your kids won't want to miss this one! Kingdom Rock is filled with a colossal castle, knights on horseback, drawbridges and armor. An adventure where kids learn how to stand strong for the one true King!

APP'S - Alpharetta Presbyterian Parents : Want to get to know other parents at APC with young children?!?! Us too!! Join us for fellowship and fun while we get to know each other. The evening will include camping activities, music and food. So grab your family and your APPetite and join us! April 27 from 5:00-7:00 $5.00 per adult - $3.00 per child - $20 Max. per family Nursery care available - Children's activites

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 Kathleen Wien at the death of her brother-in-law, Rev. Benjamin Adams, who died Saturday, February 23. Services were held in Dover, DE on Wednesday, February 27.

Celebration - To Brandon Cash in his transition to a new location at Just People Village in Roswell, GA on Saturday, March 2.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Aidan and Liam Distler at 8:30 & Sam Moen and William Jones 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, David and Beau Armistead at 8:30 & Steve Ludlow, Dale Carter, Duane Lofdahl, Lee Jones at 11:00

Promise Class Volunteers this Sunday: Fran Mosher at 9:45 & Bill Masters 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).