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

Mission and Ministry!

The church is in the world to carry out God's mission as we are led by the power of the Holy Spirit. In his ministry, Jesus Christ demonstrated and defined that mission. He freed captives, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, welcomed the outcast, forgave sinners and invited all to live faithfully, abundantly, compassionately and in service to others. "As the Father sent me, so now I send you" the resurrected Jesus told his disciples. The church is in the business of carrying on Christ's healing work!

APC is a mission of Jesus Christ. We are engaged in ministry in many ways and places. This Sunday in the sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall (throughout the morning) you will hear stories, see images and receive invitations regarding the ways this family of faith ministers in Christ's name to a world in need. Youth will take us to Appalachia for rural home repair and faith-building conferences. Alli Neal will share with us the incredible work of "housing the homeless" right on our property and Walter Dean will share with us how our gifts of dollars and volunteer time save lives at a medical clinic in western Kenya.

A bulletin insert will be chock-full of ministry opportunities available through APC, providing contact information for each one so you can get involved with whatever interests you. The Membership Committee has made plans to fill the Fellowship Hall with display tables and informed, committed members to help us all learn what--by the grace of God--we have done, are doing and will do in ministry.

Why be a member of this Christ-centered family of faith? Whatever answer you might give to that question, I hope this Sunday you'll learn many more reasons to deepen your participation and life of faith with us.

Ministry Fair

APC Ministry Fair-August 25 is Mission Sunday at APC. In addition to learning about recent experiences APC members have had in various mission works this year, you'll also have an opportunity to learn how you can become more involved. In conjunction with Mission Sunday, the Membership Committee is again sponsoring a "Ministry Fair" from 9:15am-12:30pm in Fellowship Hall. Most of the various ministries and activity groups at APC will have information tables where you can ask questions and find out more about what each group does and how you can get involved. If you have been wanting to get involved but weren't quite sure what opportunities were available, or if you are already involved and may be looking for something new, don't miss this great opportunity to find out what our church has to offer.

For more information, contact either Mike Wasson m3wasson@yahoo.com, Sherry Krnasky skrnasky@yahoo.com, or John Bullock 770-754-447 or jobullock@bellsouth.net.

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!

Almost Done

One final step in the renovation...refinishing the chancel floors!

Foster Care Support

The APC Foster Care Support Mission Team invites you to join them for their monthly volunteer day in Roswell this Tuesday, August 27. 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.

Family Promise Host Week - Sept 15 - 22

The APC Family Promise Mission Team is gearing up for our third host week of the year. We'll need all hands on deck once again as we expect to be at capacity with four families staying on our campus beginning September 15. Please visit the links below for our current donation and volunteer needs, and check back often as they will continue to be updated:

FAMILY PROMISE DONATIONS NEEDED

FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Important note about training!

Volunteer training for anyone who will interact with our Family Promise guests is taking place at APC on Tuesday evening August 27. Please sign up in advance so we prepare materials for you. The sign up link can be found here.

Questions about Family Promise? E-mail or call Alli Neal (770.317.9628)

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer Shawl Ministry August Meeting - The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets this Tuesday, August 27 at 1:30pm. We'll gather in the upstairs lobby for an hour or two of prayer, fellowship and needlecraft. All are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Rogovin msrogovin@gmail.com or 404-386-5591.

First Wednesday

First Wednesday Dinners are starting Wednesday, September 4! The adult program will be highlights of APC's "Summer Youth Trips" presented by our youth and their adult leaders.

Time: Dinner 6:00-6:45 PM in Fellowship Hall Reservations required for dinner.

Adult Program 6:45-7:30 PM

Children's Activities 6:45-7:30 PM

Dinner Menu will be: Salad bar with grilled chicken and flank steak, assorted rolls, drinks, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Reservations can be made in three ways: Make your reservations by Sunday noon of September 1: (1) going on-line at http://www.alpharettapres.com/acs ; (2) by filling out a card on the table in the hallway, or (3) by entering info on the bright lime green sheet posted by the APC kitchen door.

Contact person is Sheryl Wentworth at 770-777-1229 or sherylwentworth@comcast.net

Acolyte Training

Calling all ten year olds for new Acolyte training! Come learn to serve in our worship service as an acolyte by attending a training session on Sunday, September 8. Training will take place in the sanctuary immediately following the 11:00 service. Acolytes are generally ten years old or older; however, nine year olds are welcome to attend the training and serve at the early service. A parent is encouraged to attend as well. Any questions, please contact Cindy Laubenstein at 678-366-0345 or cindylaub05@yahoo.com. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this important ministry in their lives and in the life of APC! Please spread the word!

Children & Youth Choirs

Sing unto the Lord a new song! Children and Youth Choirs will begin meeting on Sunday, September 8. Children's Choir (grades K-5) will meet from 9:15-9:45am before Sunday School in the Solid Rock Theater. One Voice (Youth Choir, grades 6-12) will meet in the Choir Room from 12:15-1:00pm following the 11:00 worship service. We encourage anyone interested in raising your voice in song and adding to the worship service to join us! For more information about Children and Youth Choirs, please contact Holly DiClaudio at holly@diclaudiostudios.com or by calling 770-296-2535.

Whiz Kids Tutors

Whiz Kids Tutoring needs volunteers! Since 1999, APC has been tutoring elementary students who need extra help with reading and math. Volunteer tutors work one-on-one with an assigned child one hour a week. Whiz Kids tutoring is held from October through March and meets in Fellowship Hall on Mondays 3:15-4:15pm when Fulton County schools are in session. School supplies and learning materials are provided. Volunteers from APC also tutor at Mimosa Elementary in Roswell on Monday evenings from 6:15-7:15pm. Both tutors and substitutes are needed. Please stop by the sign-up table in Fellowship Hall on August 25 where tutors will be available to answer question or contact Sue White at 770/772-4667.

School Supply Drive

APC School Supplies Drive has been extended to September 15, to benefit APC Whiz Kids Tutoring Program, North Fulton Community Charities, Foster Care Support Foundation and The Place of Forsyth. Please consider donating any of the supplies shown on the display near the door to the multipurpose room. There are lists to take with you in the envelope on the display. Please leave items in the blue Mission bin next to the display. If you prefer to make a cash donation, please note "school supplies drive" on the memo line of your check. Thank you for your support. Questions, contact Sue White at 770-772-4667 or whitesbassets@bellsouth.net.

Sunday Breakfast

Sunday Morning Breakfast is back!! APC is back to its regular schedule of worship, Sunday School classes, and activities. Each Sunday morning a Breakfast Crew will be cooking breakfast. Come join us for good food and good fellowship on Sunday Mornings. The breakfast buffet food is ready at 8:00am. The last food preparation is completed around 9:30am and placed on the buffet table. The buffet closes at 10:15am. Breakfast fees are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 8 years and younger.

Nominations Requested

Just what is an Elder? Our Book of Order says Elders should be "persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit."

And what is a Deacon? Our Book of Order defines the ministry of deacons as "...one of compassion, witness and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ..."

The nominating committee is requesting nominations for our slate of officers for the upcoming year. Now that you know the qualities we are looking for, we hope that you will share with us the names of those members who you believe have these qualities or let us know if you are interested in serving. You may send in your nominations through our website at www.alpharettapres.com/nomination; by email at nomination@alpharettapres.com or by putting the names in the nominating box in the narthex or give the name to the church office by September 1.

Adult CE Series

Roadside Religion: Forming Our Faith within Popular Christian Culture

Now - September 8, 9:45-10:45am, theater

What does it mean to be a Christian in the world today? Here in the Bible Belt, a myriad of bumper stickers, billboards, and Christian radio stations promise quick answers to this complex question. However, the version of Christianity that we find in these examples of "roadside religion" does not often mesh with what the church has proclaimed throughout the centuries. What can we learn from popular Christian culture and how can we begin to formulate our own faith perspective within this context? This adult education series will explore these and other issues, including how the Reformed tradition might respond to common (mis)conceptions about the message of the Gospel, the theology of Scripture, the function of the church, and the nature of faith. All are welcome to join us!

� 8/25 - The Bumper Sticker Bible: Reclaiming a Theology of Scriptural Truth

� 9/1 - The Drive-Through Church: Rediscovering an Embodied Spirituality

� 9/8 - Marketing the Messiah: When Evangelism meets Madison Avenue

Party Planners Needed!

APC is excited to host the Family Promise NFD Comfort Food Cookoff on November 2. This cookoff will be a team effort by the "north" host congregations (Roswell Pres, Northminster Pres, Roswell UMC, APC and Temple Beth Tikvah). Each congregation has been asked to provide one or two event planning volunteers. If you're a good party planner, please e-mail Alli Neal nealshop@comcast.net.

Presbyterian Women

Ladies: Be sure to visit the Presbyterian Women's table at the Ministry Fair on August 25! Among other things, there will be an "interested" signup sheet for the different circles, information on the Prayer Shawl Ministry and details about the brunch on Saturday, September 14. You will also find information and signup sheets for the Whiz Kids tutoring program.

Conference on Justice Issues

A Presbytery Conference on Justice Issues in Israel/Palestine will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 9:00am-4:00pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. The conference is being organized by "Joining Hands for Justice in Palestine/Israel." The registration fee is $30 per person and includes a light lunch.

To register or learn more, please contact: Rev. Fahed Abuakel, 404-441-2702 or email fabuakel@gmail.com.

Career Transition

APC Career Transition Program - In May, the unemployment rate in Metro Atlanta increased from 7.6% in April to 8.2%. After years of job losses, the Construction Industry added 1,200 jobs in May. 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

Almost time for Wild and Wacky! Youth Group Kick-off will be Sunday, September 8 from 5:30-7:30pm. Hope to see you there!!!

Prayer Breakfasts have begun. They meet weekly at 7:00am at the Starbucks in Crabapple. Come enjoy some coffee, fellowship and prayer. Open to high school students.

High School "LIVE"- This four-year strategy is built around a 36-week ministry calendar year, with each year's content connecting to topics and themes covered in previous years. The high school years represent a transformative season in the life of a teenager. These are years for students to develop greater boldness in their faith, respond to challenges from peers and adults, prepare for post-high school life, make significant choices that will shape the rest of their lives, and explore what it means to be a follower of Christ in the 21st century. This curriculum designed to help teenagers own their faith and follow the journey of a Jesus-centered life.

Middle School "LIVE"- This two-year plan follows a 36-week ministry calendar year. Lessons flow from one topic to the next, and the second year builds on the themes and truths introduced in the first year.All lessons reflect solid biblical foundations and a commitment to hands-on, interactive learning styles. The lessons feature topics, illustrations, activities, and application truths that are appropriate and tailor-made for a middle school audience. Each lessons is packed with questions that will get students discussing, debating, examining, and thinking for themselves-essential skills in helping them own their faith.

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 care for ages 0-36 months in the nursery.

Preschool Sunday School for ages 3-5 years PCUSA Wee Believe curriculum.

Sunday School for ages K - 5th grade based on the Orange Curriculum 252 Basics.

KinderWorship - Children's worship education following the Children's sermon during the 11:00am Sunday worship service.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Celebration - To Jim, Kathy and Brandon Cash at the marriage of Blair and Amanda Cash on Saturday, August 24 in Decatur, GA.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Sybille Johnstone at 8:30 & Joyce Komala and Ken Bogle at 11:00

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Robin and Edy Borden at 8:30 & Sam Moen and Kate Tweedy 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: Emily Elkind at 9:45 and Heather Wagner 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).