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.

O'Kelly's Korner

In the midst of our everyday chaotic lives we often don't recognize the presence of God. Its easy to get stuck in our routine and not take the time to sit and be silent with God. I invite you to take a walk out of the sanctuary and down the halls of the education wing of APC, although this may not be the silence you may need, it will be an adventure for you to see the amazing presence of God. It is a place where I see children and youth experiencing, learning, and drawing closer to God. A place that in an ordinary moment, extraordinary moments are happening. Its a place that I recognize and feel the presence of God. When I see teens eager to attend Bible study, Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Youth Group, Praise Band, prayer breakfast, or serve in Kinderkirk, Promise Class, or as an usher, it is in those moments that I recognize the delights, gifts and joy of God.

This weekend is a busy one for our Youth. We are serving our community by holding a paint recycling day at APC on Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm. Not only is this teaching our youth the importance of being kind to the environment but it is helping raise funds for our summer missions. We hope that you will bring your paint cans to be recycled. Also, this weekend our eighth graders will be journeying to the Calvin Center for the Confirmation Retreat The focus of this retreat will be their statements of faith and learning more about our sacraments. We ask for your prayers for our teens as they grow in their faith.

God is good!

Peace

Kelly

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.

Holy Week Schedule

Next Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday! Come, join us in worship as we enter Holy Week and add our "hosannas" to Jesus' triumphal parade into Jerusalem. We will also gather on Maundy Thursday at 7:30pm for a service of Holy Communion and on Good Friday at 7:30pm for a service of lights.

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 on the Mission bulletin board at church, or by visiting the APC Mission page on the church website.

Offsite projects include North Fulton Community Charities, Foster Care Support Foundation, and MedShare. Onsite projects include Whiz Kids, Haiti, Open Door, and sprucing up the property for Holy Week.

Questions? Contact Gerard Ballard, gerardballard@comcast.net.

Office Angels

Calling All Office Angels! Volunteers are needed to collate Easter bulletins on Good Friday, March 29 at 10:00am in Fellowship Hall. Please contact Carol in the church office if you are able to help.

Paint Recycling

PAINT RECYCLING FOR YOUTH - Join us tomorrow, Saturday, March 16 from 9:00am to 1:00pm for paint recycling. $3 per gallon of latex, pint cans ($1) to 5 gallon buckets ($15) accepted. Oil/alkyds accepted for a slightly higher fee per container.

Eldercare Support

Eldercare Support-"Aging in Place" is a term commonly used in the eldercare community and it refers to families being able to use a variety of resources to keep their loved ones living at home. Come and meet representatives from Sarah Care, an adult day care service, this morning from 8:30am to noon in the lobby to learn about their programs.

Property Work Day

On Saturday, March 23 you are encouraged to participate in our Property Work Day.Come ready to paint, mulch or weed between the hours of 8:30am and noon. "Many hands make light work!" By volunteering you will help APC look its best for Holy Week!

Thank You!

Thank you, David Neal! As the personnel committee begins a search for a new property manager, we are grateful to David for serving as our temporary property manager. In this capacity David is opening and locking the building during the week, scheduling facility use, doing room set-ups and helping assure that the church building and grounds are prepared for operation each day. You may reach David through the church office or by email: property@alpharettapres.com.

Property Manager

Property Manager, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church - APC is seeking a full-time Property Manager to coordinate facility use and assure it is prepared for daily operation. Competence in building maintenance, grounds keeping, basic computer and organizational skills are essential. A full job description is posted at www.alpharettapres.com. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume with three references to search@alpharettapres.com by April 5.

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.

Men's Softball Team

The APC men's softball team has swung into action this week. Fifteen players are participating on team APC. Our thanks to coaches Hans Appen and Ed Baginski for their leadership. Games are Wednesday evenings at North Park.

Long Range Plan

Last week the Session unanimously approved the Long Range Plan as it was presented from the committee. Our thanks to committee members Jan Hughey, Anne Mahone, Craig Molnar, Bill Harris, Melody Cookson, Tyler Jones and Christina Appen for their hard work.A copy of the Long Range Plan is available on the APC website in the "document library."

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 17 as we explore "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.

Spring Gathering

To all APC women - there will be 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.

Divorce Recovery

APC is hosting a divorce recovery group Mondays 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!

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. Trips available are: June 22-29 and June 29 to July 6.

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

Don't have plans tomorrow morning or early afternoon? Join us anytime from 8:00am to 1:00pm for our PAINT RECYCLING fundraiser.

Youth Group will NOT meet this Sunday.

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

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 12:15pm on Sunday, 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:

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! See the APC website www.alpharettapres.com for registration information.

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 - Sarah Bixby and her family at the death of her mother, Phyllis Heckemeyer, on Tuesday, March 5. Services were held on Saturday, March 9 in Michigan.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Robin and Edy Borden at 8:30 & Ethan and Jessie Berry at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Steve Culp at 8:30 & Jeanne Goodwell at 11:00

Serving as ushers this Sunday: Kim and Valerie Fulkerson, Sybille Johnstone, Alan Crowell, June Fortson at 8:30 & Ken Bogle, Ed and Pat Rea 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).