The Good News - This Week

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

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@alpharettapres.com.

Ollie's Offerings

Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo, recently decreed in a memo that Yahoo employees could no longer work from home. Some have criticized her decision for failing to put people first. Some say it reveals her suspicion that without direct accountability workers will be lazy. Others have derided her for not being mom-friendly and not understanding the limitless possibilities of technology. The debate continues. I write this newsletter piece from home where I experience fewer interruptions than when I am in the church office, so I know well the value of having some flexibility!

While many feel Mayer has moved Yahoo "back in time," I think she got it right. In many ways, I see her decision as an affirmation of what the church believes. The church is a community that gathers in response to God's command. We believe there is not only encouragement, collaboration and joy to be discovered when "two or three are gathered in Christ's name," we believe that Christ himself is present with us!

John Sullivan, a management professor at San Francisco State University, commented on the Yahoo decision that the problem with working from home is the lack of serendipity. In community ideas are shared, questions asked, collaborations are formed and decisions are revised. This is true for us! Something happens when God's people gather - whether for worship, Christian education, fellowship or service - that cannot happen when we are isolated from one another. The whole really is more than the sum of its parts. In the Apostle Paul's terminology, individual members are a part of the one body.

As CEO, Mayer has decided that Yahoo can be better if she brings all its talented people under one roof. That additional collaboration, serendipity and community could indeed make all the difference for a company that has been struggling these past few years. For the called and gathered people of God, the church, her decision is not news at all. It is, however, a valuable and timely reminder in a culture that seems ever to drift further into isolation and division.

"Do not neglect to meet together as has been the habit of some, but encourage one another."

-Hebrews 10:25

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend! Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. You don't want to miss any of our great Sunday morning events!

Children's Musical

The children and youth musical "Seeds of Faith" will be presented 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 APC member Holly DiClaudio. We hope you will join us for this lively presentation!

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!

Family Promise Laundry Angels Needed

Our first week of Family Promise hosting was a great success. Your donations, your time, your talent, all helped make our two guest families very comfortable during their stay with us. Early Sunday morning, beds and belongings will be packed into the moving truck and our families will now move to Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell.

We have one final volunteer need! There are bags of bed linens and towels in the Mission bin in the lobby. If you are able, please grab a bag or two, launder it at your convenience and bring it back to church. Our next host week will be June 16 - 23.

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.

Mission Day of Service

Please plan to join us for a pre-Holy Week day of service on Saturday, March 23. As in years past, we will plan mission projects for all ages, including some on-property projects and some off-site projects. Sign Ups are now available by visiting the APC Mission page on the church website. Questions? Contact Gerard Ballard, gerardballard@comcast.net.

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. We also are seeking volunteers and you may also contact Sarah Provow if you are able to help.

The Drake House

Update on The Drake House - The Drake House, nearing its 7th anniversary and a mission partner of APC, is a crisis residential assessment center for homeless women and children, offering immediate housing and programs designed to provide stability for the children and assist the family in working toward housing self-sufficiency. APC has partnered with TDH since its inception. On February 28, Judy Donnahoo, Elizabeth Hughey and Sheryl Wentworth attended the Annual Drake House Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. It is a wonderful evening for all who support TDH whether financially or by volunteering their time. Every year several women who have "graduated from" The Drake House attend this dinner and share stories of how their life experience brought them to TDH and about their experience while in residence. Speaking this year was a mother, along with her teen-aged daughters, who lived in the APC sponsored apartment in 2012. The mother is now gainfully employed and the family is living independently. By the grace of God lives are being changed at The Drake House. Kathy Swahn, Executive Director, reported on "The State of the Drake." We were excited to learn that during the four year Capital Campaign to relieve the debt, which APC participated in, 1.5 million dollars was raised and the debt on the two apartment buildings (16 residential units) has been settled. By June of this year, the debt on The Drake Center will be paid off and The Drake House will be debt free!

Paint Recycling

PAINT RECYCLING FOR YOUTH, Saturday, March 16 - 9:00am to 1:00pm. $3 per gallon of latex, pint cans ($1) to 5 gallon buckets ($15) accepted. Not around that day? We'll try to work to your calendar beforehand. Contact Michelle Burton at youthministry@alpharettapres.com.

FAITH 101 Series

Rev. Jamie Butcher's sermon series, FAITH 101: Christian Questions & Answers, continues this week. Join us at the 9:50 worship service on March 10 and 17 as we explore, "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 Sunday, March 24 in the theater.

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.

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, now through March 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. A $5 donation will be collected for Family Promise. Casual dress is recommended! Child care will be provided. Please contact Gail Bullock at gbull205@bellsouth.net or 678-773-6993 for more information.

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.

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.

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 - 8am to 11am and/or 11am to 2pm shifts. Donuts provided! Contact Michelle Burton at youthministry@alpharettapres.com or post to APC YOUTH group on Facebook.

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.

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 5:30-7:30pm. 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

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Robin and Edy Borden at 8:30 & Tyler and Nick Heydinger at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Steve Culp 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

Promise Class Volunteers this Sunday: Sarah Moen at 9:45 & Kari Minnich 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).