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

It's so good to see Sunday School rooms filled with youth and children as the program year begins! Children's Sunday school has gotten off to a great start with high energy and positive reviews of our new curriculum. Our high school class has had to bring in more seating to accommodate their large numbers. Confirmation class has begun for eighth graders with a group of nearly twenty and middle school students are full of energy for both Sunday morning and Sunday night church activities.

We have a great team of teachers and advisors trained, excited and on the job! I saw them in action Sunday night when I joined in for youth group. More than fifty youth were led by twenty advisors for a fun-filled evening that included games, singing, laughter, dinner and prayer. I came home with flour in my hair, egg on my jeans, water on my shirt and joy in my heart. It promises to be a great year.

For the health, vitality, direction and compassion known through an array of relationships in our youth program, we can all be grateful. Giving all glory to God, I am thankful for the support and participation of our youth, their families and the larger congregation. Faith is growing and spiritual nurture is happening in a safe and supportive relationship-focused environment. The youth program is not separate from the church but very much an active part of it for "there is one faith, one baptism and one body."

Therefore, it's with sadness that I share with you the news of Kelly Edwards' resignation from the position of Director of Youth Ministry effective September 30. Kelly has been with us for three years and has worked in youth ministry for twenty-five years. She has been a great blessing to us all and I hope you'll join me in expressing your gratitude to her for her service and add your prayers for our youth and their families in the impending transition. The Personnel Committee will meet Monday night to begin working on a plan to staff youth ministry both in the interim period and into the future. Kelly's letter to the congregation appears below in this newsletter.

I will miss having her on staff. She has been a great partner in the gospel and friend in ministry. We have much to celebrate as we reflect on her work with us and the promise that now lies ahead.

Kelly Edwards

It is with mixed emotions that I write to let you know of my resignation from Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. After three good years and many great memories with APC, I have decided it is time to be with my family. This was not a quick decision, nor one without many struggles. When does one leave something she enjoys, with people that she loves? In my case, I think it is when you believe you are hearing God more clearly and He says, "It is time". Discerning God's will is seldom a simple task. We wish for the burning bushes and the handwritings on the wall. If that is what we expect and look for, we will likely miss what God is actually doing. So, the theme of my new life and new venture is "Listen to your Life". There is much to learn when we do. Like old Abraham who heard God's voice above all other voices and somehow knew it was different, my family is on a new journey. My last day of employment at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church will be September 30, 2013. I thank Alpharetta Presbyterian Church for the amazing opportunity to share in ministry. May God continue to bless Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Kelly A. Edwards

Director of Youth Ministry

Open Arms Sunday

The APC Open Arms Ministry will be sponsoring a special church service next Sunday, September 22 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary to celebrate the way God is working in this important ministry at APC. Come help us worship God with special music, liturgy, and a sermon designed to be inclusive.

Women's Ensemble

Just a reminder that we will begin rehearsals again this week.

The schedule will be the same as last year and will meet on Sundays from 10:00-10:30 am. We are excited to tell you Mary Busman will be your leader again. Please contact Drew Bowers if you have any questions and we will see you on Sunday!

Faith & Families Class

Over the next six weeks (9/15 - 10/20), the Faith & Families Adult Education Sunday School class will present Playing for Keeps, an insightful small group discussion series authored by Reggie Joyner. From a Christian parenting perspective, the class will explore six things every kid needs over time, and will provide 18 practical ideas for anybody who wants to make what really matters, matter more! Discussion leaders are Mike and Marcia Wasson, Tyler and Lee Jones, and Hudy and Augustine Mulia. The class meets at 9:45 am on Sunday in the Rainbow Room (1st floor, across from the nursery.)

Family Promise Laundry Angels

Could you wash a load of sheets or towels for us? Grab a bag from the blue bin in the lobby, wash, fold and return to the blue bin. Thank you for helping Family Promise!

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

Divorce Recovery

APC is hosting a Divorce Recovery Group, Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning September 16 through November 18 in the Alpha building. The group will be structured around the proven "Rebuilding" program developed by Dr. Bruce Fisher and led by an experienced facilitator. All are welcome. For more information contact Judi Dammann, scout2010@me.com.

Eldercare Information

Caring for elderly loved ones involves finding the correct recipe blending safety, health, security and independence. Aging in Place is a term you may be interested in knowing if you are trying to find just that recipe for a family member. Dara MacMillan, MSW, of Prosper Home Care, will be at the APC Eldercare Information table on Sunday, September 22, between 9:30 am and 12:15 pm. She will gladly address any questions you may have about Aging in Place, as well as any other eldercare inquiries you may have. For questions about our upcoming guest or other eldercare information, please contact Ellen Adolph at hbunnies@gmail.com.

First Wednesday

First Wednesday Dinner is scheduled for October 2! We are delighted that Anne Hallum, founder and president of AIR Guatemala, will be speaking with us. AIR Guatemala a non-profit organization which implements educational programs and agro-forestry methods in Central America in order to protect water sources, prevent mudslides, reduce erosion, and provide more nutritious crops, while protecting the earth. Since 1993, AIR has trained over 2,000 farmers, constructed over 750 fuel-efficient stoves, provided 18 high school scholarships to rural teenagers, established hundreds of tree nurseries and planted over 3.7 million trees!

We hope you will join us for this exciting program. Dinner is from 6:00-6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Reservations are required for dinner. Adult program is from 6:45-7:30 pm and Children's Activities are 6:45-7:30 pm. Reservations can be made in three ways: Please make your reservations by Sunday, September 29 at noon: (1) going on-line at www.alpharettapres.com/acs; (2) by filling out a card on the table in the hallway, or (3) by entering the info on the bright lime green sheet posted by the kitchen door. For questions, contact Sheryl Wentworth, sherylwentworth@comcast.net or 770-777-1229.

Mission Projects

Our fall Weekend of Service is October 5 and October 6. On Saturday, October 5, we will have the opportunity once again to participate in the sorting of medical supplies at MedShare, www.medshare.org, at 1:00 pm. Additional information and logistics will be coming soon. On Sunday, October 6, we will be making soup packets in Fellowship Hall for NFCC immediately after the 11:00 service.

Please help us collect lightweight items for several projects at Holy Innocents Church, our sister community of Ticotelette, La Gon�ve Haiti. We will be doing a sewing project of small dolls and dresses for their children, a birth kit for deliveries, and health day. You could help tremendously by providing items for these "teach a person to fish" activities. We will start a collection bin for these items September 16 and we will sort and assemble into sewing kits during our Day of Service Saturday, October 5. Please see the web page for items needed.

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. For more information, please contact Esther Rudge at 770-888-2796 or jrudge5304@aol.com.

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 am 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.

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 both new members and long time members, couples and singles!

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.

College of Elders Lunch

Reminder: College of Elders Lunch is this Sunday, September 15 at 12:30 pm in Fellowship Hall for all ordained elders in the PCUSA. Bring a dessert to share. RSVP's were due, but late editions are welcome. Please email marcinmikeapc@gmail.com.

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 Bowers at drew@alpharettapres.com for more information on how to get involved.

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.

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.

Career Transition

APC Career Transition Program - The unemployment rate in Metro Atlanta increased from 7.6% in April to 8.2% in May. 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

Youth Group will meet this Sunday from 5:30-7:30 pm. All youth grades 6-12 are invited to attend. Dinner will be served for $4. We look forward to seeing you!!

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.

You have been invited by Wendy Curl to sign up for "Youth Dinner Volunteers." Please click here to sign up.

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.

Worship and Sacraments Class - Second Graders! It's not too late to sign up and attend this year's Worship and Sacraments Class. The class meets each Sunday after the Children's Moment during the 11:00 am service. The purpose of the class is to learn about how and why we as Presbyterians worship. Topics include, Baptism, Worship, Prayer and Communion.

Sunday School News - Please join us this month on Phobia Island as we learn about Courage - Being brave enough to do what you should do even when you are afraid. This week we will explore how Moses was able to be courageous even when things seemed impossible as we learn about Moses and the Red Sea. Moses stood strong in the face of fear and trusted God with the outcome. Our Bottom line is: I can be brave even when things seem impossible.

Club 45 meets this Sunday, September 15 from 4:30-7:00 pm. We will watching the movie "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Meet in the Solid Rock Theater (across from the Elevator). Dinner will be served for $5.00. Friends are welcome! Please RSVP to kristin@alpharettapres.com no later than Friday, September 13.

KinderWorship - We are in need of a volunteer to help out on the first Sunday of each month in our preschool KinderWorship class to help assist our littlest ones. Requirements include the ability to smile, give hugs and a love of Goldfish!

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

Sympathy - To Ed Rea at the death of his brother, Rev. Robert Rea, on Sunday, September 8. Services were held in Sarasota, FL.

Celebration - To Lee and Sarah Provow at the birth of their granddaughter, Palmer Sarah Provow, born September 10 to parents Chad and Rachel Provow.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Alice Lindsay at 8:30.

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Liam and Aidan D. at 8:30 and Kate T. and William J. at 11:00.

Serving as ushers this Sunday: Kim and Valerie Fulkerson, Alan Crowell at 8:30 and Ken Bogle, Ed and Pat Rea at 11:00.

Promise Class Volunteers this Sunday: Emily Elkind at 8:30 and Fran Mosher 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 www.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).