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

All of us have learned lessons about money throughout our lives. Right now, APC is offering two Dave Ramsey financial education courses to help adults manage their finances faithfully and well. I took one of those courses a few years back and learned a lot about the importance of family budgeting, church giving and the dangers of credit cards. Each of us has a peculiar relationship to money that probably comes as much from our life experience as from our education or belief system.

When I was 10 years old, leaving the town hardware store where I had just purchased a few Matchbox cars, I found a $20 bill on the step. That greenback found a quick home in the pocket of my blue jeans! Just imagine the packs of baseball cards I could purchase with that kind of cash!!! That was ... until I got home. When my father learned about my good fortune he told me to return to the store immediately and return the money to the cashier of the store leaving my name and telephone number. If the person who lost the $20 bill came back inquiring, that person would have what was rightfully his/hers. If no one came asking, the store would return the money to me. I wasn't happy about it, but I did it.

Honestly, that was so long ago I don't know whether I got the money back or not. What I do remember is what I learned from my father about honesty, the importance of treating money with care, and the idea of returning to someone what rightfully belongs to her or him.

At APC we collect an offering for God every week. Your gifts further the church's work in living and declaring the good news of Jesus Christ. Your gifts profess your faith. In many ways, what we give is rightfully God's...and not ours anyway. We return to God a portion of what we have. We make a sacrifice. We joyfully part with monies in order to bless the lives of others with the love of God. Why you give, what you give, and how you give matter! Where you put your treasure matters.

You may have noticed the new "giving cards" in the pews. As more and more of us give by check less-than-weekly or through the mail or by online giving, the less "cash" goes in the plates. I invite you to use the cards, as appropriate, so that this important part of our Sunday worship service called "the presentation of tithes and offers" remains just that...an important act of worship! To God be the glory.

Congregational Meeting

There will be a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at noon in the sanctuary for the purpose of electing new church officers and four at-large members of the 2014 Nominating Committee.

20's & 30's Gathering

20's and 30's Gathering - All young adults are invited to the Wagner's home (185 Cobblestone Way, Alpharetta) tonight from 6:00-9:00 pm. Drop in when you can for food, drinks and yard games. Main course and drinks provided; please bring an appetizer, salad or dessert to share. It will be a casual time to enjoy one another's company and get to know each other better. Please RSVP to Caitlin Phillips, caitlin@alpharettapres.com and let her know if you will need childcare for this event.

Property Work Day

Help spruce up the Lord's House and grounds tomorrow, 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.

New Staff Positions

Alpharetta Presbyterian Church is currently seeking to fill two new part-time staff positions -

Director of Youth Ministry and Assistant Director of Music. Please be in prayer for the members of each search committee as they fill these important positions. Committee members for the Director of Youth Ministry position are: Tom Gould, Chair, Scott Doll. Terri Stewart, Tyler Adolph, Lindsey Burton, Stu Laubenstein and McClain Baxley. Committee members for the Assistant Director of Music position are Ted Lynam, contact, Audy Mulia and additional members to be announced.

Adult Education

Check out these new opportunities for Adult Sunday School beginning this week:

Faith & Families - New Sunday School series! Join us this Sunday, October 27, through November 24 for "Married People: 4 Core Habits of a Great Marriage", an insightful small group discussion. The class will explore the 4 Core Habits of a Great Marriage: (1) Have Serious Fun, (2) Respect and Love (3) Love God First and (4) Practice Your Promise. Discussion leaders are Mike and Marcia Wasson, Tyler and Lee Jones, and Hudy and Augustine Mulia. 9:45 am on Sundays starting October 27, in the Rainbow Room (1st floor, across from the nursery.) More information is available at marriedpeople.org/participant-guide.

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.

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!

Drake Closet Alpharetta

The Drake Closet Alpharetta is now open! Consider donating gently used sweaters, shoes, handbags, etc. Or lend a hand in the store! For store hours, visit their webpage at www.thedrakehouse.org. APC is a featured partner and long-time supporter of the Drake House. The store is located at 26 Old Roswell St., Alpharetta.

Family Promise Host Week November 10 - 17

Donate~Volunteer~Serve

This month marks the 25th anniversary of Family Promise. APC is blessed to participate in this amazing mission effort that directly impacts the lives of families experiencing homelessness. Our next host week is right around the corner and we need lots of volunteers! Can't come to church? Consider preparing a dish and dropping it off for dinner one night. Please click the links below to find out how you can help, or e-mail or call Alli Neal (770.317.9628).

FAMILY PROMISE DONATIONS NEEDED FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Thank You!

Youth Group thanks the deacons and all APC members for your generous and wonderful contributions to the college care packages. We sent out 39 packages this week to our APC college students!

Breakfast Crew

Men - be a part of the Crew! The APC Men's Sunday Morning Breakfast Crews need volunteers for the first and third Sunday of each month. Help prepare breakfast for those coming to worship with us! To participate in this uplifting men's fellowship activity, contact Ted Lynam, tedlynam3895@comcast.net, 770-754-0445.

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

First Wednesday

First Wednesday Dinner is November 6. Join us for dinner from 6-6:45 pm with a program to follow. This month we'll learn more about the joys, challenges and unexpected blessings of the Foster Parents program. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast and explore new ways of caring for children within 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

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: November 5 and 12 in the theater at 9:00 am. Free childcare available. For more information, contact Meg Hardt,

meghardt@yahoo.com.

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.

Youth Ministry News

Youth Group, grades 6-12, meets this Sunday, October 27 at APC from 5:00-9:00 pm for an outing to Cagle's Corn Maze. $15 for the corn maze, hayride and dinner at the bonfire. Please contact Lisa Gould at lgould23@gmail.com if you plan to attend so we can plan on the number of drivers needed.

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!

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 Clark and Sindy Wilson at the birth of their son, Liam Dunlop Wilson, on Wednesday, October 16.

Celebration - To Quinn Dennis, son of Patrick and Brooke Dennis, on becoming an Eagle Scout.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Janice Armistead at 8:30 and Joyce Komala at 11:00.

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Edy and Robin B. at 8:30 and William and Elizabeth J. 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

Opens and Closes this week: Ted Lynam

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).