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.

Jamie's Jottings

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to participate in the opening skit for our Children's Ministry Sunday School. Dressed up in sports gear and coaching clothes as "Coach Saul", I had a wonderful time enacting the gospel for the younger folks. Their smiles were contagious, and their enthusiasm for the good news was great! As I re-entered the sanctuary to preach the gospel in a more traditional manner at the 11:00 service, I again encountered an expectant group. No matter their age, APC members are full of the Spirit and eager to interpret and live out their faith.

One of the great blessings of the Church is its intergenerational nature. For young families and children whose grandparents live far away, it is important to be known and cared for by older adults. For the senior population, it is a joy to witness the commitment of youth, the excitement of children, and the cries of the wee ones.

Speaking of crying babies, Ryan and I would like to share our exciting news that we are expecting a boy in mid-February. We are very excited for this new adventure; and, as always, we appreciate your prayers. I will take maternity leave for about three months, and the Personnel committee is working to arrange coverage of my ministries. I look forward to returning in my call to APC and the joys of full-time ministry and full-time motherhood. APC is a wonderful family of faith in which Ryan and I feel privileged to participate. We are excited to introduce our new family member to the wider APC family soon!

New Member Reception

The Friends and Fellowship reception is this Sunday, October 20 after the 11:00 service in Fellowship Hall. This event hosted by our deacons is a great time to welcome our new members and visit with old friends. Light refreshments will be served.

All volunteers for children and youth

If you have not yet received Child and Youth Safety Training, there will be a session on Sunday, October 27 at 12:15 pm in Fellowship Hall. RSVP to Dianne Berry, dianne@alpharettapres.com.

20's and 30's Gathering

20's and 30's Gathering-All young adults are invited to the Wagner home (185 Cobblestone Way, Alpharetta) on Friday, October 25 from 6:00-9:00 pm. Drop in when you can. We'll have food, drinks and yard games. The main course and drinks will be provided. Bring an appetizer, salad or dessert to share. Enjoy a casual time gettingto know each other. Please RSVP to Caitlin Phillips, caitlin@alpharettapres.com and let her know if you will need childcare.

Faith 101 Class

Next Sunday, Dr. Ollie Wagner begins a series called FAITH 101: Christian Questions & Answers. Join us in the theater at 9:45 am on October 27, November 3 and 10. By hearing the call stories of APC's pastors, we will explore "How do we know God?," "Who is Jesus Christ?", and "What is this about a Spirit?" While the series is geared toward new and prospective members, all are welcome to attend! Contact jamie@alpharettapres.com for more information.

Courageous Conversations

Ever wonder about what "social righteousness" means in the context of your life and the church? The Courageous Conversations Sunday School Class will be delving into those issues during "Seeking Social Justice," beginning Sunday, October 27 at 9:45 am and continuing for six weeks. Join us in the Noah's Ark Room as we look at the Biblical basis for social justice. Ask an usher or greeter for directions.

First Wednesday

First Wednesday Dinner is Wednesday, November 6. The adult program will be highlighting Foster Care Support. The Appen family will speak from personal experience about the joys, challenges and unexpected blessings they've encountered as foster parents. Marianna Raffensperger and other APC members will share stories about their volunteer work with Foster Care Support Foundation. Join us as we expore new ways of caring for children in our community.

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: Thanksgiving Feast

Reservations can be made in three ways: Make your reservations by noon Sunday, November 3: (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 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

Care Packages

Make a college student's day and help fill our college care packages! Donations needed: granola bars, micro popcorn, hot chocolate mixes, tea/lemonade mixes, instant oatmeal, ramen noodles, box mac-n-cheese, jerky, small plastic jars of peanut butter/nutella, gum, mints, tissues, toothpaste/toothbrush, post-its, highlighters, pens/pencils. Place items on the pew in Fellowship Hall. Care packages will be assembled on October 20.

Race to Rally Hope

Bring your family to the Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation's "Race to Rally Hope", hosted by APC members Brett and Nell DeVore, on Sunday, October 20 at 8:00 am for the Kid's 1K Fun Run or at 8:30 am for the Peachtree Road Race Qualifer 5K and 10K event! You can be finished in time for the 11:00 service. Proceeds from the event will go directly to scholarship funding for families all across Georgia who are unable to afford critical therapy services for their children with special needs. Register online at www.racetorallyhope.com/, or walk-up on Sunday morning to register! For more information, please contact Nell DeVore at npdevore@yahoo.com.

Property Work Day

Help spruce up the Lord's House and grounds! Saturday, October 26 from 8:00 am - noon. Bring rakes, clippers, trimmers, wheel barrows, pressure washers, cleaning cloths, furniture cleaner, etc. We'll be spreading pine straw and mulch, trimming limbs, trees, and vines, cleaning the pews, chancel, windows, and polishing the wood. Coffee, juice, and donuts for early birds. Contact Gene Casey, gene@alpharettapres.com for more information.

Parent's Night Out at APC

The Open Arms Committee is sponsoring a Parent's Night Out at APC on Saturday, October 26 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm for our children with special needs and their siblings. Please bring your parental consent forms and any necessary medications or special snacks for your child. Suggested donation $5. Volunteers also needed; no experience necessary. RSVP to Sarah Provow, shprovow@bellsouth.net

Save the date! Next Family Promise host week is 11/10 - 17.

Check the mission website page alpharettapres.com/missions for updated volunteer and donations lists (they will be posted during the week of October 20).

Young Mothers

Looking for a fun group of women in your same circumstances? Then check out Mom's Cafe! Enjoy food, fellowship and a good book. Upcoming meetings: October 22, November 5 and 12 in the theater at 9:00 am. Free childcare available. For more information, contact Meg Hardt,

meghardt@yahoo.com.

Support APC's Ambassador Girl Scout

Nicole Redder, APC member, is attempting to earn her Gold Award, the highest award given in Girl Scouts. To help her in this effort, donate your plastic grocery bags which will be given to Canine Assistants for waste disposal. Place your bags in the collection box near the Misson bulletin board in the hallway.

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, 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.

Update Your Information

Did you know that you can enter information 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 News

Youth Group, grades 6-12, meets this Sunday, October 20 at APC from 5:30-7:30 pm for small groups and college care package assembly. Bring a bag of wrapped candy or baked goods for the packages. Please bring $4 for dinner.

Youth Group signups for the outing to Cagle's Dairy Farm on October 27 are on the bulletin board upstairs and online in the monthly newsletter. Please sign up soon, as space is limited!

Youth Ministry needs YOU!!! Every Sunday night at youth group, volunteers serve dinner to the youth. 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 that is not involved with youth, this is be a great way for your team, Sunday School Class or small group to serve. Parents can sign up as well. Please contact Wendy Curl at wmcurl@comcast.net. Thank you so much!

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 Dianne Berry, Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children at dianne@alpharettapres.com or 770-751-0033.

Children's Ministry News

Join us for this year's Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 30. Dinner begins at 5:00 pm in Fellowship Hall and the festival begins at 5:30 pm in the multipurpose room. Activities will include arts and crafts, games, and treats! Wear your costume and bring a friend!

All children ages K-5th grade will be learning about Honor this October in Sunday School. Honor is letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. Just as God's honor is fueled by His love for us, we show honor back to God because we love Him. And we follow God's example when we show honor to others. Showing honor demonstrates that we see others as God sees them. Every person we meet has value to God and deserves our honor. Join us in the multipurpose room Sundays at 9:45 am.

Our Preschool Sunday School class for 3-5 year olds is growing and has moved to the Solid Rock Theater for the 9:45 hour. Come and join us as we learn all about God and God's people, through stories, songs, crafts and play.

Club 45, a 'tween youth group for 4th and 5th graders, has two activities this month:

Join us on October 27 at Cagle's Dairy Farm for food and fall fun. Arrive at APC at 2:15 pm. Children will return to APC at 6:45 pm. Entrance cost is $10 plus the cost of food. Concessions are available on site. Please RSVP to kristin@alpharettapres.com.
Club 45 will be participating with the Open Arms Committee to help with Parents Night Out for Promise Class on October 26. Club members will volunteer to help with crafts and activities from 4:30-8:00 pm. Be sure to register with kristin@alpharettapres.com and wear your Club 45 t-shirt.

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 Lynn Wiebmer, Steve and Mary Culp and Emily Culp, at the birth of Samantha Linley Smith to parents Jerry and Laura Smith on Thursday, October 10.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Nancy Chisolm at 8:30 and Elizabeth Hughey at 11:00.

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Isobal S. and Daniel R. at 8:30 and Ethan and Jessie B. 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: Fran Mosher at 11:00

Opens and Closes this week: David Neal & Hudy Mulia

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).