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

"Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of God's name and give to the Lord glorious praise!" - Psalm 66:1-2

On behalf of the session, I am pleased to announce that Drew Bowers has accepted our offer to be the new Director of Music at APC effective April 15. Drew is the Director of Choral Activities at Milton High School, a position he has held since 2007 and will continue to hold as he works with us. He will be coming to us from the Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church where he has served as Music Director since 2009. A cum laude graduate of Shorter College where he majored in music education with an emphasis in vocal and a minor in piano, Drew earned his Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University with a major in choral conduction. As a tenor soloist, he has sung in several area chorales, choirs and choruses. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Chorister's Guild and the Georgia Music Educators Association. Drew and his wife Leslie have a four year old daughter named Tucker. His first choir rehearsal will be April 15 and his first Sunday in worship will be April 19.

As we prepare to welcome Drew and his family into the life and worship of APC, please join me in expressing appreciation to our search committee: Cindy Laubenstein (chair), Stu Moring, Judy Donnahoo, Lisa Matchen, Phil Busman, Lynn Danson and Claudia Ludlow. I also want to express my deepest thanks to Mary Busman who has served so effectively and graciously as our Temporary Director of Music in this interim time period! Mary will continue to provide leadership for our Women's Ensemble in a volunteer capacity and we look forward to the gifts and talents they will bring.

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing - This Sunday we join millions of other Christians around the world and take up the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future. Donations will support ministries of disaster response - like the impact of Hurricane Sandy and other tragic events - hunger, refugee assistance and community development around the world. You may make your donation using the pew envelope or make checks payable to APC with "One Great Hour" in the memo line. Children will be asked to offer their money banks during the Children's Moment.

Holy Week Schedule

Please plan to attend the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services this Holy Week (both at 7:30 pm). These somber liturgies are an essential part of our preparation to celebrate Easter joy on Sunday, March 31.

On Maundy Thursday, recognizing that Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples on the night he was betrayed, we will celebrate communion in small groups gathered around the table. Near the end of the service, we will strip the sanctuary of all hangings and extinguish the candles. "The church remains in semidarkness, and all depart in silence, thus making the transition from the eucharistic celebration to Jesus' crucifixion and death. Symbolically, Christ, stripped of his power and glory, is now in the hands of his captors." (PCUSA website)

On Good Friday, we will hear the "seven last words of Christ" as recorded in the Gospel accounts of his crucifixion. Seven members of the congregation will offer brief homilies and seven candles will be extinguished one by one as we remember Christ's death on the cross.

Join us tomorrow for Mission Day of Service and

Property Work Day!

Visit this link to sign up for one or more service projects.

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.

Easter Morning Services

We will offer four worship services on Easter Sunday. Rev. Butcher will lead a 7:00am Sunrise Communion Service at the outdoor chapel (located behind the cottage). Refreshments will follow. Worship will be held in the sanctuary at 8:30am, 9:50am and 11:00am. (There will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday.)

Sunday Breakfast

Sunday Morning Breakfast will not be served on Easter, March 31. Those attending the Easter Sunrise Service will find coffee, juice, grapes, and pastries available at the sunrise service.

Sunday Morning Breakfast on April 14 will be a light continental breakfast due to the Annual Church Picnic following the 11:00 worship service. Stay tuned for more details about this fun-filled event.

Easter Flowers

This is the last Sunday to sign-up for 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.

New Member Class

If you are interested in joining in membership at APC, we have the class for you! APC's next NEW MEMBER CLASS will be held Saturday, April 13 from 9:00 to 11:30am. Come hear more about the faith and life of APC. We look forward to welcoming you! Please call the church office at 770-751-0033 to RSVP or email jamie@alpharettapres.com.

Foster Care Suppport

The APC Foster Care Support Mission Team invites you to join them for their monthly volunteer day in Roswell this Tuesday, March 26. We carpool from APC at 9:30 in the morning, help sort clothing, and fill mail orders for children in foster care. We then enjoy lunch and fellowship at a nearby restaurant before returning to the church by 2:00 PM. For more information, contact Marianna Raffensperger at 770-442-3672 or theraffs@juno.com.

Daffodil Time

John Lipscomb, long-time APC member, is known to many of us as "The King of Daffodils." John planted his first daffodils for his wife when they moved to Alpharetta in 1971. He has over 600 varities on his property off Providence Road all carefully labeled and categorized. John is known nationwide for his knowledge and has served as the President of the Georgia Daffodil Society. He even had a feature segment on HGTV! John enjoys sharing his beautiful farm with friends and neighbors and you can get a preview by clicking the link or typing into your browser: http://youtu.be/atkF06hQR1o to view a YouTube video.

Paint Recycling

PAINT RECYCLING - Thank you to everyone who supported our youth last Saturday. We had a large turnout for paint recycling and appreciate the funds received which will be used towards our mission trips!

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.

ACT1 Performance

LAST WEEKEND for "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 matinee Sundays now through March 24. Special pricing for APC members! Adults, $10, Seniors and kids 12 and under, $8. Tickets available at the door or call Lisa Matchen at 678-371-3079. Auditions coming in April for "Give My Regards to Broadway!"

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.

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

Youth Group at Sky Zone Night this Sunday night in Roswell from 5:00pm-7:30pm. We will meet at APC to carpool at 5:00pm. We will return at 7:30pm. Cost is $10. We must have the waiver for sky zone signed by your parents to participate. We will have extra's at church Sunday evening.

Mission Trips - DEADLINE extended to March 24. Do you want to have Fun and Serve on Mission Trips?? Now is your chance!!

Online sign ups are now active. Forms are linked in the Youth Forms section at the youth ministry web page. Trip dates are as follows (trip names are linked to more information):
*CROSS Ministries (Charlotte, NC) ~ June 2 - 7 (rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade,)
*Appalachia Service Project (Tennessee) ~ June 16 - 22 (age 14 and older)
*Camp Hope (Eatonton, Georgia/Rock Eagle) ~ July 13 - 19 (middle and high school, by application only)
*Presbyterian Youth Triennium (Purdue University) ~ July 16 - 20 (rising 9th - graduated seniors)
*Destination Unknown (Mystery Trip!) ~ July 26 - 28 (rising 6th - graduated seniors)

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

This Sunday is our Annual 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!

VBS: Registration for this summer's VBS is now in progress. 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 9:50 and 11:00 worship services 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 Suzanne Heiser and her family at the death of her father, Roy W. Shields, Sr, on Sunday, March 17. Services were held Wednesday, March 19 in Alpharetta.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Daniel Redder and Isobel Still at 8:30 & Thea and Zoe Genet at 11:00

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Joyce Komala at 11:00

Serving as ushers this Sunday: Richard Boston, Kelly Vandever, Marian Cunningham, John McPherson at 8:30 & Stu and Kyle Laubenstein, Dave and Zach Berry, Nancy Hill, Mary Rogovin, Peggy Asher at 11:00

Promise Class Volunteers this Sunday are: Mary Culp at 9:45 & Sydney Schneider 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).