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

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Ollie's Offerings

For more than two years we have been following the sad news of violence and civil war in Syria. More than 100,000 people have lost their lives in that time. To add to Syria's troubles, there have been reports of deadly attacks in the eastern suburbs of Damascus on August 21 by means of chemical weapons. As the world considers more active engagement in that troubled and fragile part of the world because of those attacks, our national leaders are on the brink of authorizing a military response.

The General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), Setri Nyomi, calls all Presbyterians and member churches "to spend time this weekend in prayer for the peoples of Syria and for world leaders that they may use their power to work tirelessly to find life-giving solutions that will end the crisis." Regarding a military response, the WCRC statement says, "we call for restraint and ask that every effort be made to increase opportunities for bringing all factions to dialogue in order to achieve a diplomatic solution. Military response can only serve to increase the suffering of the peoples of Syria who have already suffered much."

I looked to our own denomination's website for a prayer or perhaps a statement and found both. The Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), made a statement calling for "the end of violence by all perpetrators" and "refraint from military intervention." Rev. Parsons quoted from a letter he received from the church in Syria and Lebanon which read, "We urge international powers to refrain from the use of power against Syria, as any strike from the U.S.A. or any other power will only multiply the suffering and the human destruction. We appeal to all who are able, by the name of the God of love, to help bring violence to an end. Help the Syrians come together and together build a new Syria."

As you pray for world and national leaders and the people of Syria in the midst of this crisis, consider these words which today also appear at the top of the PC(USA) website,

"Who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." -2 Corinthians 5:18

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!

New Member Class

Are you interested in learning more about the life of the church and joining APC in membership? This class is for you! APC's next New Member Class will be held on September 29, October 6, and October 13 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the theater. New members will be introduced to the congregation on Sunday, October 20. Please speak with any of the pastors to express your interest, or contact Carol in the church office to RSVP, carol@alpharettapres.com.

Lionheart Fundraiser

Grillin' & Gridiron - Stop by downtown Alpharetta, Saturday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. to support The Lionheart School. APC will have a hotdog stand and the UGA/USC game will be on the big screen!

STARS News

Have fun with the STARS - Join other senior adults for potluck lunches, speakers, travel, concerts and a Christmas party! Our next potluck luncheon will be Wednesday, September 11 at 12:00 noon in Room 206/207. Please bring a dish to share. Our speaker will be Dixie Pounds from the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center.

PW Brunch

Kick-off Brunch for all APC Women - All APC women are invited to a Kick-off Brunch hosted by Presbyterian Women, Saturday, September 14, from 9:00-11:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Please join us to meet this year's group leaders, enjoy a skit by Carol Strange, and participate in a question and answer session on La Gonave, Haiti with Sydney Schneider. Admission is free, but donations (to La Gonave) will be welcome. Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP by September 11 on the APC website or by contacting Esther Rudge at 770-888-2796 or jrudge5304@aol.com.

Family Promise Host Week - September 8 - 15 Corrected Dates

Thanks to everyone for rallying this week when we realized we had the wrong arrival date! We will welcome our guests on Sunday afternoon and they will be with us through Sunday, September 15. Please remember to greet our guests with a warm welcome.

As of today, we have most of our needs filled; but we could still use a little bit of help next week. Please click on the links below to see if there is anything that you could do to participate.

FAMILY PROMISE DONATIONS NEEDED

FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Questions about Family Promise? Email or call Alli Neal, 770-317-9628

Supper Six is Back

Do you recognize people you have seen before at APC, but don't know who they are? Here is your chance to really get to know more members!

Supper Six at APC is a dinner program where three couples meet in a casual environment, usually in the host's home, for dinner on a monthly basis. A rotating schedule is designed so that you meet with new people each month. Great for new members and long time members as well.

Dinners begin in October. Register now through September 16.

There are four ways to join:

Full Year: October thru April

Session (A) October, November, January

Session (B): February, March, April

As a substitute

December 7 is the all participant Dinner Party.

NFCC Needs Food!

NFCC serves over 100 families a day and their pantries are bare of certain important food items: canned meats, non-cream soups, peanut butter & jelly, dry beans, canned vegetables (not corn or green beans), and tomato products. You may place your donations in the yellow bin in the lobby. Thank you.

Calling All Ordained Elders (PCUSA)!

Mark your calendars: Sunday, September 15 from 12:30-2:00 pm for a luncheon in the APC Fellowship Hall.

The lunch is open to all Presbyterian elders, whether currently seated on APC's Session or having previously served here or in another congregation. It is an opportunity to provide fellowship for our church officers, learn about ways you can be of service to APC, and receive updates on changes facing the denomination. Please bring a dessert that serves 6-8 to share. After the lunch, we will discuss APC's Long Range Plan.

Please RSVP on the APC website or by emailing marcinmikeapc@gmail.com.

All Elders are encouraged to reply (whether planning to attend the lunch or not), in order to keep our ACS database current. Your prompt response will also help us plan appropriately for the luncheon. Any questions may be directed to Mike Marcin.

Open Arms Sunday

The APC Open Arms Ministry will be sponsoring a special church service on September 22 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary to include people with disabilities. Come help us worship God with special music, liturgy, and a sermon designed to be inclusive.

Dave Ramsey Classes

The Legacy Journey is an all-new, seven-week, biblically based class that teaches you how to truly live and leave a legacy for generations to come. This class will lead you deeper into investing, basic estate planning, purposeful living, safeguarding your legacy, and discovering the keys to generational wealth and true generosity. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small-group activities, you'll learn a biblical framework for living intentionally now so that later you'll be able to leave a legacy that will secure your family's future and make a lasting impact on the world around you. The Legacy Journey classes meet for around an hour and a half each week for eight weeks (seven weeks plus a bonus week) beginning Sunday, September 29 at 5:30 pm. Class materials are available at cost through APC.

Financial Peace University - We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! FPU classes meet for around an hour and a half each week for nine weeks beginning Sunday, September 22 at 5:30 pm. Class materials are available at cost through APC.

For both classes, contact Ted Lynam at tedlynam3895@comcast.net.

ACT1 Show & Dinner

ACT1 Theater this fall presents "Simply Complicated," a collection of three vignettes. The production will run October 4-6. The Saturday production will be held cooperatively with the Fellowship Committee as a dinner theater, and the Sunday matinee offers the show plus the possibility of a lunch and "show special" with nearby Mittie's Caf�.

Friday Show at 7:30 pm - $10

Saturday Dinner Theater, Dinner at 6:00 pm - $30

Sunday Matinee at 2:00 pm - $10; Sunday Lunch at Mittie's and a Show - $25 (Lunch at 11:30, Show at 2:00)

Call 678-371-3079 for tickets or go online to www.act1theater.com!

ACT1 still needs actors for its Christmas production, "Home for Christmas." No experience needed, and we would love to see some new APC faces on our stage! Remaining parts are important but small, and would not require an intensive rehearsal schedule. Make some time and get in the holiday spirit by calling Director Lisa Matchen at 678-371-3079.

Love to Sing?

Love to sing? Now is a great time to join a choir! It is a wonderful small group to get involved in and music reading skills are not required. A love for singing is the best and most important thing. Please email Drew at drew@alpharettapres.com for more information and how to get involved.

Guitar Lessons

Guitar lessons (grades 3 through 12) are held Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. Contact ollie@alpharettapres.com to signup.

Mission Trip

Visit Holy Innocents, Ticotelette, La Gon�ve, Haiti. APC's fall trip to La Gon�ve Haiti to visit our sister church, Holy Innocents, has been postponed from September, to October, 21-28. The estimated cost is $1,300. Travelers will have an opportunity to see a beautiful part of Haiti, learn from the lives of fellow Christians and share their faith, joy and talents. The trip agenda will reflect the interests of those traveling. If this change in schedule opens up a time for you, and God has touched your heart with interest in being a part of this work, contact Sydney Schneider sydschneider@comcast.net or 770-664-0942.

Drake Closet Donations

The Drake Closet will be opening a new store in Alpharetta and they need your donations to build inventory! Donations of new or gently-used fall and winter ladies clothing, shoes and accessories including: dresses, suits, formal wear, jackets, coats, blouses, skirts, pants, shoes, handbags and jewelry. The Drake Closet is located in downtown Alpharetta, 26 Old Roswell Street (behind SmokeJack.) Donations are accepted and receipts given Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The soft opening will be Tuesday, September 10 and the Grand Opening Weekend is October 4-5. Store hours will be Tuesday-Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. We hope to see you there!

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 3:15-4:15 pm 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 6:15-7:15 pm. Both tutors and substitutes are needed. For more information or to signup contact Sue White at 770-772-4667.

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. Please contact Cindy Laubenstein at 678-366-0345 or cindylaub05@yahoo.com with questions. 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 9:15-9:45 am before Sunday School in the Solid Rock Theater. One Voice (Youth Choir, grades 6-12) will meet in the Choir Room from 12:15-1:00 pm 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.

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. A donation bin is in the lobby. 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. Contact Sue White at 770-772-4667 or whitesbassets@bellsouth.net with questions.

Adult CE Series

Roadside Religion: Forming Our Faith within Popular Christian Culture

Final Class is this Sunday, September 8, 9:45-10:45 am, in the 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? All are welcome to join us!

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

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

All Youth, grades 6-12, are invited to WET, WILD and WACKY Youth Group Kick-off and Cookout, Sunday, September 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm. You will get messy, so don't wear your Sunday best. It is going to be a blast! Don't miss it!

If you are not a part of the APC Youth Group Facebook page, please friend request. We will be using Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and email to communicate about youth events and activities. Parents, please check Access ACS to be sure your email is current.

For questions or more information, please contact Kelly Edwards, Director of Youth Ministry 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 11:00 am Sunday worship service.

For questions or more information about Children's Mininstry, please contact Kristin Hicks, Director of Children's Ministry at kristin@alpharettapres.com or 770-751-0033.

Sympathy & Celebrations

Celebration - To David Remer who celebrated his 92nd birthday last week!

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Sybille Johnstone at 8:30 & Jack Hittle at 11:00.

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Daniel R. and Isobel S. at 8:30 & Ethan and Jessie B. 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: Mary Culp at 8:30 & Trish Kent 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 (Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm and Friday, 8:00 am-1:00 pm).