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

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Ollie's Offerings

What kind of gas mileage do you get? I'm not thrilled with the fuel efficiency of Heather's big Suburban or my old 4WD Honda. But getting to school, work and church are important to us, so we fill it up as often as needed. When I rented a small, new Nissan at the Baltimore airport this month I couldn't believe how little gas was required. It was great! Some of you now drive electric or hybrid vehicles and are topping even that. Nice to save money on fuel, I know.

I used that little Nissan to get from BWI to central Pennsylvania in order to support my family during my father's recent surgery. All went well for him, thank God. Whatever money I spent on the flight and rental car was well worth it! It was really good to be there.

Now that November is upon us, the church will be emphasizing the joy and importance of your generous financial stewardship. Why do we do this? So that APC might plan for ministry in 2014. The more you give, the more we can accomplish in Christ's service. Your giving is like fuel in the church's tank as we seek to follow God's lead and call upon us. With your giving, by God's grace, we can do much for the kingdom. Without it, we won't go.

But Christian giving isn't only about helping the church effectively carry out its mission. What you give has very much to do with how God is working in your own heart and life. "Where your treasure is, there will be your heart as well," Jesus said. Faithful Christian stewardship is about aligning your dollars with your prayers; your gifts with your beliefs, your pledges with God's promises. With regard to the offering plates, let's be united in our desire to "fill it up."

All Saints' Service

The All Saints' Day Service will be at APC on Friday, November 1 at 7:30 pm. Join us as we give thanks to God for the lives of those who have died over the past year. We will honor those who passed from this earth to join the communion of saints by conducting a special evening service of worship. We welcome you to join us in remembrance.

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.

Thank You!

Thank you to all who participated in our Property Work Day last Saturday. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Harvest Food Drive

Harvest Food Drive! November 3 - 17. Donate to our annual Harvest Food Drive this month. Grocery bags and donation request lists will be handed out after services on Sunday, November 3 and 10. Return your donation to APC by Sunday, November 17. Donations may be left in Fellowship Hall. Food will be delivered to North Fulton Community Charities and The Place of Forsyth. Questions? Contact Kelly Vandever, kelly.vandever@speakingpractically.com.

Thanksgiving Service

Alpharetta Community Thanksgiving Worship Service - 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 17. Plan to join us at St. Thomas Catholic Church (535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta) for the fifth annual Alpharetta Community Thanksgiving Worship Service which will have inspirational music and feature "Thanksgiving Reflections" given by several youth. Clergy will share in worship leadership and an offering will be taken in support of North Fulton Community Charities. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. All are welcome to attend!

Angel Tree Helpers

The Angel Tree is going up! It will be in the lobby Sunday mornings, November 17 and 24 and December 1. We need to help folks register the angels they chose. It's a simple process and a great way to say hi to old friends and meet new ones. One hour shifts available between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm. If you would like to help, please contact Judy Donnahoo, judyjo1214@comcast.net or Eva Wardrup, zumaland@aol.com.

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

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 Sheryl Wentworth at 770-777-1229 or sherylwentworth@comcast.net

Adult Education

Check out these opportunities for Adult Sunday School:

Faith & Families - New Sunday School series! Join us each Sunday through November 24 for "Married People: 4 Core Habits of a Great Marriage." We'll explore and discuss various aspects of what makes a marriage great. Discussion leaders are Mike and Marcia Wasson, Tyler and Lee Jones, and Hudy and Augustine Mulia. 9:45 am in the Rainbow Room.

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," at 9:45 am through December 1. Join us in the Noah's Ark Room as we look at the Biblical basis for social justice.

FAITH 101: Christian Questions & Answers. November 3 and 10. Join APC's pastors as we consider perennial questions, essential answers and the basic beliefs of Christian faith. This class is for new members, inquiring visitors and congregational members looking to explore the foundations of our faith. 9:45 am in the theater.

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

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.

Youth Ministry News

Middle School students will meet on Sunday, November 3 for Youth Group from 5:30-7:30 pm for an evening of fellowship and unplugged fun! Please bring $4 for dinner.

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 each event. High School students will meet from 6:00-7:30 pm. On November 3, FISH will be held at the Appen Home, 316 Lynne Circle, Alpharetta. ALL High School students are encourage to attend and bring a friend!!!

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

This month in Sunday school our theme is Wisdom. Wisdom is finding out what you should do and doing it. When we seek wisdom and ask God for it, He will give it to us. He will help us figure out the wise choice when we need to make a decision. We can find God's wisdom by reading the Bible and asking trusted Christ-followers.

The monthly memory verse is: "Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold. Wisdom is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her," Proverbs 8:10-11, NIRV. No matter how big or small the decision, God will help you make the wise choice. It might be tempting to compromise wisdom for quick and easy gain, but Solomon teaches us that choosing wisdom first is best.

VBS planning Meeting! It's that time already. Planning is beginning for next summer's VBS to be held July 14-18. All those interested in helping to plan VBS for Summer 2014 set your calendars to meet on Sunday, January 26 at 12:15 pm. All are invited!

Did you know that APC Children's Ministry has its own Facebook page and Twitter for parents? Each week we post information about the current week's curriculum that you will find useful at home with your family. We hope you will check it out and like us! You can find us at www.facebook.com/alpharettapreschildren and on twitter - @apcchildren.

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

Sympathy - Art Pashayan at the death of his aunt, Rose Stewart, on Sunday, October 20. Services were held in Utica, NY.

Sympathy - Nicole Harbin at the death of her father, Rev. Tom Morgart, on Saturday, October 26.

Celebration - To Art and Lynn Adams at the birth of their granddaughter, Darby Ellynn Adams, on Saturday, October 26. She was 8 lbs 9 oz and all are well.

Sunday Volunteers

Serving as greeters this Sunday: Larry and Mim Prohl at 11:00.

Serving as acolytes this Sunday: Sam B. and Megan W. at 8:30 and Thea G. and Hannah S. 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

Promise Class Volunteer: Kari Minnich 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/Strategic Planning Dave McKemey-Youth Ministry

Jan Hughey-Finance/SPC 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).