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

Several members have asked recently about the state of APC finances. Good question! Your giving is essential to the work of the church. Just as with managing your own home and family, the more you know about the church's finances, the better. APC member Mary Shevlin is our treasurer. She has served for many years in that elected position and is dedicated, diligent, helpful and insightful. Mary serves on our Finance Committee which is composed of about seven members, many of whom have careers in finance or business. Working with Susan Schiltz, APC's Financial Administrator, the Finance Committee reviews monthly financial statements and has oversight over all all financial procedures and accounts. It is a talented team that does a super job. Monthly, they report to the Session.

So where are we? A few summary points:

1) Our recent sanctuary, Fellowship Hall and narthex renovation cost us about $130,000 and was paid for out of reserves accumulated from previous building projects. So, while we completed the work without asking for new donations, those reserves are now gone.

2) In 2012 we finished the budget year without a deficit for the first time in many years! Committed to "eliminating deficit spending" Session set the 2013 budget accordingly. So far this year, your giving has been very strong and we are living within our means. Though summer months have not been good, they usually aren't. Between now and the end of the year we hope and pray giving will be strong so that once again we finish "in the black."

3) As per our Long Range Plan, we have taken important steps this year to strengthen and grow our ministry as we seek to live into God's call and mission. Over the summer we have hired new staff to help us with worship, small group ministry, communication and youth and children's ministries. Three very gifted and talented women are now "on the job" and making an impact. All of them are part time (15 or 20 hours a week.)

4) Though our recent "Dreams and Visions" campaign reduced our mortgage debt from $2.3 million to about $750,000, we still carry that expense as a $70,000 line item in our operating budget.

5) Your giving and stewardship are essential! In November we will be emphasizing stewardship in worship and our Commitment Committee will be asking you to prayerfully consider your intended financial giving for 2014.

May God lead you to greater generosity so that the church can sustain what has already been accomplished...and continue to grow and bear fruit to the glory of God!

Karen Attaway (left)

receives award from

Gail Bullock, APC's PW Moderator Advisor.

Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership Award

Honorary Life Memberships are a long-standing tradition in Presbyterian Women. The Presbyterian Women of APC selected Karen Attaway to receive the 2013 award for her commitment to Christ and the mission of the church, especially her ministry to women.

Karen has served as Moderator of the PW Coordinating Team and currently serves as Vice-Moderator, moving up to Moderator next year. Her roles have also included Bible study leader, PW Retreat Committee member, Retreat Worship Leader, Retreat Activities Leader, and District Leader for PW in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

Karen is an elder of APC and has served on the Membership, Christian Education, and Worship Committees. Other service to APC includes Chairmen of the Dayschool Board, VBS Planning Committee, and high school mission trip chaperone. She has served on several APC Capital Campaign Committees and she is currently a member of our handbell choir.

Her community activities include Drake House volunteer, Boy Scout Weebelos Den Leader, District Cub Scout Day Camp Director, Troop 69 Advancement Chairman, Media Center volunteer at Windward Elementary, Webb Bridge Middle School, and Milton High School, and a Band Volunteer Parent for the Milton High School Marching Band.

Our congratulations to Karen as the recipient of this award, and our heartfelt thanks for her efforts on behalf of APC and the community.

Rev. Caitlin Phillips

Rev. Caitlin Phillips will be commissioned to the position of APC Ministry Associate next Sunday, September 29 at the 11:00 service. Caitlin's family will be joining us for the celebration and a reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.

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 - $20 (new price)

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.

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.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting - The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets this Tuesday, September 24 at 1:30 pm. 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.

Foster Care Support

The APC Foster Care Support Mission Team invites you to join them for their monthly volunteer day in Roswell this Tuesday, September 24. 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.

Adult Sunday School

Be a part of an Adult Sunday School class! Three lively and interesting classes are being offered from 9:45 - 10:45 each Sunday morning. To learn more about our Crossroads, Courageous Conversations for Contemporary Christians, or Faith and Families class, and for class locations, go online to www.alpharettapres.com/CE, or pick up a brochure at our Welcome Center.

First Wednesday

First Wednesday Dinner is October 2! Anne Hallum, founder of AIR Guatemala, will be our guest speaker. AIR implements educational programs and agro-forestry methods in Central America. Since 1993, they have 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! Dinner is from 6:00-6:45 pm in Fellowship Hall. The Adult Program is 6:45-7:30 pm and Children's Activities are 6:45-7:30 pm. Dinner menu: Roasted pork with sauerkraaut and apples, saut�d red cabbage, spaetzle, biscuits, salad, apple German chocolate cake. Reservations required for dinner by noon Sunday, September 29 by: (1) going on-line at www.alpharettapres.com/acs; (2) filling out a card on the table in the hallway, or (3) entering info on the bright lime green sheet posted by the APC kitchen door. For questions, contact Sheryl Wentworth, sherylwentworth@comcast.net or 770-777-1229.

MedShare

Join APC for a day of service at MedShare on Saturday, October 5. We will leave by bus from APC at 10:45 am, stopping for lunch at Subway before arriving at MedShare in Decatur at 12:45 pm. There will be a 15 minute training session before we start sorting medical supplies for clinics in developing countries around the world. We will depart for APC at 4:00 pm.

This project is open to adults and youth (6th - 12th grade). Middle schoolers must be accompanied by a parent; high schoolers may attend unchaperoned if they have a permission note from their parent to ride the bus.

If you prefer to drive yourselves, please arrive at MedShare no later than 12:45 pm and plan to stay until 4 p.m. The address to MedShare can be found on their website at www.medshare.org.

We have reserved 40 volunteer slots for this day of service so please reserve your space by clicking here. Contact Walter Dean at 770-598-6553, wwdean@bellsouth.net with questions.

Weekend of Service

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. On Sunday, October 6, we will be making soup packets in Fellowship Hall for NFCC immediately after the 11:00 service. We will also be sorting items listed below for Haiti Partnership.

Help us collect lightweight items for projects at Holy Innocents Church, Ticotelette, La Gon�ve, Haiti. Projects include sewing small dolls and dresses for children, a birth kit for deliveries and health day. We need reading glasses, toothbrushes, small bars of soap and sewing supplies. Place them in the bin in the lobby for sorting during our Day of Service Sunday, October 6 after the 11:00 service in the Fellowship Hall.

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.

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 locations and class information, contact Ted Lynam at tedlynam3895@comcast.net.

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

This Sunday will be Small Group Night at Youth Group. We have found that a great way to grow strong in Christ is in the context of a caring, spiritual community (or small group). Small Groups are designed for each grade level 6th-12th. Each small group has two adult leaders that facilitate the group along with peers from your grade. We will be starting our new series "Serving Like Jesus". These small groups are committed to sharing life together and will thrive when each small group member (YOU) focuses on Jesus as well as the others in the group. We would love for ALL students grades 6th-12th to connect with a small group. Check out the youth calendar for meeting times. You definitely want to be a part of a small group at APC.

Parents of College Students: At an upcoming Youth Group gathering, our APC college students will be in our thoughts and actions. Could you please take a moment to send an email to dianne@alpharettapres.com with your child's college address for USPS mailings? We know that throughout these years move many times and we want to keep up with where they can best obtain mail. We will be sending college care packages on October 6, so the deadline for receiving addresses is October 3. This will allow us just enough time to compile the full list and purchase supplies needed. Church members wanting to make cookies or donate candy, please contact Scott Doll, scottd@ymcaatlanta.org.

Did you know that you could enter information yourself into the church's database, ACS? You can edit any family information and even obtain a church directory online! If you haven't checked out ACS yet, create a login using your email address at the APC website and see all of the great work the Communication Committee has done to better connect our membership.

Youth Ministry needs YOU!!! Every Sunday night at youth group volunteers serve dinner to the youth at youth group. This is a time for students to relax, fellowship and share a meal together. It is a crucial part of the ministry that needs your help by serving dinner. Chef Doug does all the prep work and leaves instructions for preparing the meal, so it is super easy and fun. It is also a great way to meet the students at APC! If you are a part of a ministry at APC that is not involved with youth, this is be a great way for your team, Sunday School Class or small group to serve the youth!! We would love for parents to sign up as well. Please contact Wendy Curl at wmcurl@comcast.net. Thank you so much!

Middle School students are collecting shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotions, toothpaste and toothbrushes to help supply local ministries with hygiene packets. Please drop your items off in the box marked 'Hygiene Packets" in the upstairs lobby. Middle School students will be putting together packets on October 6, so please have donations in by then.

F.I.S.H. (Fellowship in Someone's Home), is a new and exciting part of Youth Ministry for High School students. The first Sunday of every month the High School students will meet at someone's home for youth group. The host will provide the main course for dinner and students should bring a side dish, dessert or drinks. The students will have dinner and activities at this event. High School students will meet from 6:00-8:00 pm. This allows parents with middle school students to drop off and pick up them up from church where they will meet for Youth Group from 5:30-7:30 pm. On October 6, FISH will be held at the Gould Home, 1375 Mayfield Manor Drive, Alpharetta GA 30005. ALL High School students are encourage to attend and bring a friend!!!

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.

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.

KinderWorship - We are in need of a volunteer to help out on the first Sunday of each month in our preschool KinderWorship class to 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 Sue Blaine at the death of her mother, Hazel Winfield, who died Monday, September 9 at the age of 99. Services were held in Ohio.

Sympathy - To Julie Jagmin at the death of her friend, Lisa Roberts, who died Tuesday, September 10. Services were held in Charlotte, NC.

Sympathy - To Kristin Hicks at the death of her cousin, Monica Alexis Knight, on Wednesday, September 18. Services were held on Saturday, September 21 in Mobile, AL.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Joyce Komala at 8:30.

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Robin and Edy B. at 8:30 and Ashleigh H. and Thea G. at 11:00.

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