2013 Fall Ministry Guide

THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

WELCOME ack in 1985 when the Lord began to burden my heart for the birthing of a new congregation in this area, three things from the Word of God were clearly revealed to me in regard to worship:

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1. Unhurried praise and adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, Lord, and the Head of this church. This includes a regular time for breaking of bread at the Lord’s Table.

2. Prayer and intercession as an expression of our utter dependence on our heav-

enly Father through Jesus Christ in all things.

3. Bold proclamation that is relevant and instructive. Because we believe that the Bible is God’s self-revelation and therefore contains all the answers to all of man’s problems and needs, we preach it with all of its authority.

Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Founding Rector The Church of The Apostles

TABLE OF CONTENTS MINISTRIES AND BIBLE STUDIES 08

CHIDREN’S MINISTRY

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STS

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY

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IMPACT (YOUNG ADULTS)

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SMALL GROUPS

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MEN’S MINISTRY

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GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY

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CONGREGATIONAL CARE

FEATURES 04

THE FOUNDATION

BY MICHAEL YOUSSEF, PH.D.

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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LEADING THE WAY

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A LABOR OF LOVE

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STS@VBS

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WHAT SINGLE HEARTS MINISTRY MEANS TO ME

BY JAN REYNOLDS

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LIVING WATER FOR THOSE WHO THIRTS

THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

WHO WE ARE he Church of The Apostles has never been just another church. God has guided and sustained this church through a vision that was made clear to the Rector even before the church began. We conclude from this that God has something unique in mind for this church body and we operate our ministry according to a God-given core ideology. So as you attend Apostles, what can you expect to experience in the life and ministry of this church?

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MISSION: To reach the lost and equip saints for the work of ministry CORE VALUES:

• We are here to lift up Jesus at all times in everything we do. The Bible says that Jesus came to the earth that He might have preeminence in all things and that includes The Church of The Apostles. This ministry is not about us.

• We are constantly searching for opportunities and ways to make God’s awesome message of salvation clear to as many people as possible. We want to ensure that people have the chance to hear the message and see the heart of Jesus in a true light that is compelling and clear.

• We also strive to present every person complete in Christ. The highest purpose of life on earth is to make joyful progress in our spiritual formation, which is becoming like Jesus. Therefore, all of our ministry activity here at The Church of The Apostles converges on this focal point.

• Apostles is a church that is busy with Holy Spirit directed ministry activity that is executed with excellence. We firmly believe that excellence is heaven’s first law and if we cannot do ministry with excellence to the glory of God, we simply don’t do it.

• Finally, we speak the truth in love without compromise. Through the Bible, God reveals Himself as the fountain of truth and love. We declare His truth in love without compromise or apology.

SUNDAYS t Apostles, we have the “Gathering of the Communities” from 9-10:15 on Sunday mornings. This is a time

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when our children, youth, and adult communities meet for grounding, learning, connecting, and training in the wisdom and ways of the Lord. These communities gather together around Jesus, the living Word of God,

and the Scripture, the written Word of God. There is also an early worship service in the chapel during this hour.

At 10:30, we have the “Gathering of the Body” in our main sanctuary from 10:30-12 on Sunday mornings. This is a time for celebration and communion, praise and prayer, evangelism and proclamation. Our heart’s desire is to lift up the resurrected Jesus in all of His saving power and glory. The sacrament of Baptism is practiced on the second Sunday of the month and the sacrament of Communion is practiced on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS On Wednesday evenings at 6:15 we offer programs for everyone in your family.

The Hour of Power is our midweek serv- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 6:15 P.M. ice that includes a time of worship and an extended time of prayer. Come early at 5:00 for a family dinner (no reservations are needed) and then stay for the Hour of Power and for our great programs for children and students!

The Foundation

BY MICHAEL YOUSSEF, PH.D.

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remember watching these buildings on Apostles’ campus being built. It began with the parking deck, then the student building, then the new sanctuary. I noticed that as they were

digging to lay the foundation for the parking deck, they were digging at different depths, in different locations. I asked Billy Ivey why certain sections were going only 8 feet deep while others were going down as far as 18 feet. He responded that they had to keep on digging until they found rock, otherwise the structure would collapse. Their concern was not how deep they dug, how long it took, how much it cost, or how nice it looked. The one and only concern in laying a foundation is finding the rock. Why? Because any building that is not built on the rock is not safe and secure.

The Bible tells us the same thing about the Church of Jesus Christ. It has to be built, founded, and anchored on Jesus the Rock. Peter calls Jesus “the living Stone,” and in 1 Peter 2:5, he says we are “like living stones . . . being built into a spiritual house.” The local church is a visible, tangible, and real expression of the Body of Christ Himself.

The foundational focus of this church is Jesus, and that will not change as long as God gives me breath. But each one of us is a brick or stone that is built on top of that foundation. Can you imagine a building where bricks or stones are missing? Just think of how drafty that building would be!

We are not to be isolated believers, scattered everywhere, or scattered stones each doing his/her own thing, or even a group of individual stones piled up in close proximity.

Believers are to be connected together with other believers in caring, in responsibilities, in ministry, in love, and in witness.

Every single person here is of vital importance. Each gift that is given to you is of immense value. It is only when each of us cares for one another, when each of us ministers to one another, when each of us is connected with one another, when each of us is involved in one another’s lives . . . only then will the lifting up of Jesus to the world be of greater

“Every single person here is of vital importance. Each gift that is given to you is of immense value. It is only when each of us cares for one another, when each of us ministers to one another, when each of us is connected with one another, when each of us is involved in one another’s lives…”

Charles Spurgeon described believers who are not connected to the church as “good for nothing bricks.” After all, what is a brick or stone made for? What purpose can it serve other than being part of a building? It is by being built into the church that you become effective in serving, effective in witnessing, effective in ministering, effective in doing God’s work in the world.

impact upon the city and the world.

When the church is made up of “living stones” who are living as a loving, caring, and holy community, only then will the non-believers fall on their face and turn to God. When non-believers encounter the community of believers, when they see the members of the church loving one another, caring for one another, and serving one another, they will be awestruck with the power of God among His people.

Each one of us must commit to being an active part of the body of Christ. Please begin to pray and ask God, “How can I be an active part?”

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his fall, Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef will celebrate 25 years of proclaiming biblical Truth here at home and around the world. What began in 1988 as a small, local radio ministry is now a worldwide multi-media ministry reaching and encouraging people with the love and Truth of Christ in more than 190 countries in 21 of the most spoken languages.

Leading The Way is a ministry led by the Lord that has been supported by the prayers and contributions of so many of Apostles’ members throughout the years. Thank you.

When God gave Michael Youssef a vision for The Church of The Apostles, the Lord made it clear that the church would be a light upon a hill to Atlanta first and then to the nations—and today it is. Every week, Dr. Youssef ’s biblical teaching at The Church of The Apostles is recorded and sent to Leading The Way where it is edited and produced for national and international television and

radio broadcasts, as well as translated for THE KINGDOM SAT, Leading The Way Navigators, and dual-language radio programs. In addition, the teaching is transcribed and transformed into books, a monthly devotional magazine, Leading The Way’s website, and daily email devotionals.

In the beginning, Dr. Youssef had a vision and a desire to reach the nations for Christ, but he did not know how.

Still, he felt God encouraging him to take one step at a time, allowing the Lord to guide his steps in fulfilling the vision of a worldwide ministry. Today, the ministry has the potential to reach four billion people worldwide.

The first step was taken on a beautiful fall day in1988.

On this day, a founding member of The Church of The Apostles took Dr. Youssef to lunch and then to an attorney’s office to discuss the steps for setting up a radio ministry. In the moment, Dr. Youssef resisted because he did not feel ready for this step. In fact, when the member pressed him for the name of the ministry, he scanned the bookshelf behind the desk and spotted one of his early books entitled, Leading The Way, and said, “Well, we can call it Leading The Way.” Soon, Leading The Way was on local Atlanta radio—encouraging people to visit The Church of The Apostles.

Slowly but surely, the ministry began to grow domestically.

God continued to open doors and the radio broadcast expanded nationwide.

A few years later, Dr. Youssef received a call from TransWorld Radio asking him to consider international radio outreach—particularly in the Middle East. The same transmitter in Monte Carlo that Adolf Hitler built to spread propaganda during World War II is now being used by TransWorld Radio to broadcast the message of Christ. From this mountain, Leading The Way’s radio pro-

gram began broadcasting to millions in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East through the ministry’s first dual-language (English-Arabic) broadcast.

The show grew quickly in popularity as those who desired to learn English for business were hearing the Gospel message. Soon, other languages were being added to reach even more areas of the world for Christ.

Then, in 2000, The Church of The Apostles was in the final stages of a new building project when God began moving in the heart of a man named Ben Hayden. Neither man knew the remarkable chain of events that was about to occur. Ben Hayden, a popular television teacher, visited The Church of The Apostles with his wife. As he left the sanctuary, he received a clear word from the Lord that Michael Youssef was to take over his Changed Lives tele-

Michael Youssef and Baki Sadaka (left) recording Arabic dual-language programs. players used in remote and impoverished areas of the world. We also provide personal on-theground follow-up for believers in areas hostile to the Gospel, and physical and financial support to persecuted Christians through Help The Persecuted.

Dr. Youssef and the staff of Leading The Way would like to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness as we follow Him and lead the way for those living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. We would also like to thank you, The Church of The Apostles, for your prayers and financial support these past 25 years—recognizing and responding to the hand of God at work.

We hope you will continue to pray for and support Leading The Way as we follow God’s lead into the future.

vision ministry and the torch was passed. Leading The Way began what would soon grow to be a worldwide television ministry.

In 2009, Leading The Way expanded its outreach in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe by launching THE KINGDOM SAT television channel. Today, four short years later, THE KINGDOM SAT broadcasts on eight satellite platforms into the Middle East, Europe, North and South Africa, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. THE KINGDOM SAT reaches across borders with Gospel-centered preaching and solid biblical teaching.

In addition to the major media arms of Leading The Way, the ministry also passionately proclaims the Gospel through the internet via LeadingTheWay.org and popular social networking sites, a daily email devotional, books, a monthly devotional magazine, CD and DVD resources, and Leading The Way’s Navigator—solar powered mp3

THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

If you would like more information about Leading The Way or desire to partner directly with us, please contact us: Leading The Way PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30325 www.leadingtheway.org Phone: 404.841.0100 | Email: giving@leadingtheway.org

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2013 FALL CLASSES

Children’s Ministry And Jesus took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

– MARK 10:16 ur vision for the children’s ministry at Apostles is to reach children for Christ and to equip them to surpass us in the knowledge of God, in faith, in righteousness, in fruitfulness, and in commitment to world evangelization.

Our mission is to declare the whole counsel of God in all ministries to and among children. We take ministry to children seriously and earnestly desire to see them become mighty men and women of faith. It is our desire that they will put their trust in Christ at an early age. Our team of children’s workers joins with parents in nurturing the faith of their children.

We aim to accomplish this in a safe, God-centered, Christ-exalting environment, and trust that every time they come to this place, they will be reminded that they are a part of a bigger kingdom and in the presence of the King of kings.

We have special programs for children on Sunday mornings, on Wednesday evenings with “Running Church,” and on Tuesdays and Thursdays during women's ministry activities. Special events throughout the year are wonderful opportunities for families to work, serve, play, and worship together.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

SUNDAY 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

September 8

Infant – Age 2

Promotion Sunday

3rd Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Loving Nursery Care and Bible Stories

All children are promoted to their classes for 2013-2014 school year

Age 2 – 3 October 6, 13, 20, and 28

3rd Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Two- and three-year-old children can learn and grow in truth! This year our children will be taught over 36 lessons from the Bible. Stories of God’s creation, promise, and plan will be told along with many accounts of Jesus’ life.

Communicants Class Applications with detailed information available September 1 at children’s kiosk.

Watch for special flyers and emails announcing Christmas activities for children.

Age 4 3rd Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk The children will discover the greatness of God through His attributes. They will hear how faithful and good God is as they discover His promises through the chronological teaching of the Word of God. Stories from the Old and New Testaments will reveal God’s redemptive plan to rescue His people that they may be with Him forever!

June 9-13 VBS 2014

Special Stones Room 309 Special needs children have lessons from the Special Buddies Curriculum.

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2013-14 FALL NEWSLETTER

2013 FALL CLASSES

drama, and lesson themes that amplify what has been taught during the 9:00 a.m. hour.

Two- and 3-year-olds head to Wee Worship for songs and special skits designed to reinforce truths that are taught in the classroom. Our STS students are trained to lead the children in songs, Bible memory, drama, and puppets.

Four year-olds have their own place of worship in Kingdom Kids on Sunday mornings! Each week the children will go to chapel for worship through singing and the Word. Lively Kingdom Storytellers share God’s Word with the aid of our 3rd-5th grade students!

Kindergarten & 1st Grade 4th Floor “Jesus, What a Savior!”

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Kid’s Connection 1

A Study for Children on Redemption

Room 416

2nd Grade

Kid’s Connection 1 is a worship service for kindergarten and 1st graders that includes music, large group Bible teaching, mission moments, and small group activities.

5th Floor “Faithful to All His Promises”

2nd – 4th Grade Kid’s Connection 2

A Study for Children on the Promises of God

Room 423 3rd Grade

Kid’s Connection 2 is a worship service for 2nd–4th graders that is designed to help prepare children to participate in “Big Church” with their parents. The service includes music, an offering, Bible teaching, and small group activities. We will study “God’s Growing Church” first semester and “God’s Grace in the Law” second semester.

5th Floor In the Beginning . . . Jesus A Chronological Study for Children of Redemptive History 4th Grade 5th Floor | Visitor Check-in at Kiosk

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

To Be Like Jesus

Infant – Kindergarten

A Study for Children on Following Jesus

3rd Floor Check-in Nursery opens at 5:45 p.m.

Nursery and preschool children enjoy our laid-back midweek atmosphere with lessons that reinforce Sunday stories along with “Kid’s Quest Catechism” lessons. Children will also enjoy fun activities and playground time.

Apostlelot (2nd – 4th Grade) Children gather together at the end of Sunday morning classes for an assembly where they visit the land of “Apostlelot.” Kingdom characters (and the kids!) learn how to work through real life dilemmas. The drama presentation focuses on the lives of faithful men and women throughout history and the godly character evident in their lives.

Church members also visit and share their testimonies of God’s faithfulness in their lives.

“Running Church” 1st – 4th Grade 4th Floor Check-in: 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Elementary children enjoy this midweek time of Bible teaching and fun activities in the gym and on “the green.”

We begin this year with lessons from “God’s Wonderful Library,” which will include catechism and memorization.

The goal is that children will understand that the Bible teaches them how to love and obey God.

SUNDAY 10:30 TO NOON Infant – Age 4 Check in at Kiosk for classroom placement Preschool teachings include missions moments, puppets, THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

Come for family night supper, which begins at 5:00 p.m.

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A Labor of Love “[Jesus] took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in My name receives me, and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.’ ” –Mark 9:36-37

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he question has been asked, “Where is God at work? Find out where He is at work and join Him there.” God is certainly at work among the nursery caregivers in Children’s Ministry. Unless you have young children, you may not even know the caregivers are there, yet their presence is invaluable, and their contributions are immeasurable.

The Children’s Ministry at The Church of The Apostles employs approximately 40 caregivers, over half of whom are members of the church.

This special care-giving staff is comprised of a very diverse group of ladies from countries such as Peru, Liberia, China, and Trinidad, as well as having professional experience in fields including child care, teaching, nursing, chiropractic, art, and ministry. What each of these ladies has in common is a love for Jesus and a heart for nurturing children. The screening process for caregivers is rigorous and there is an intentional effort to hire only those who embrace our philosophy: “To reach children for Christ and to equip them to surpass us in the knowledge of God, in faith, in righteousness, in fruitfulness, and in evangelization.”

“A young child’s first experience of church is in the nursery. Caregivers teach some of the most important lessons about Jesus that children will ever receive. They teach by example, showing love-in-action to the babies and toddlers in their care,” says Laurie Chandler, the nursery coordinator at The Church of The Apostles. “As children move into classrooms that include teaching, they are settled in the church environment, and their hearts

are prepared to hear God’s Word.”

Many of the caregivers who are members of the church also teach two-yearolds. While nurturing and teaching are key roles of a caregiver, the responsibilities encompass many additional matters such as a thorough knowledge of security procedures, emergency preparedness, CPR & first-aid training, classroom leadership and management, and an understanding of child development. In addition to these tangible skills, caregivers must exhibit a spirit of humility and gentleness, as well as a spirit of submission to one another and to teaching leaders in classrooms.

An Extension of Home Laurie Chandler views the ministry of care-giving as neither babysitting nor mere child care. “I want parents to feel like this is an extension of home.”

While many caregivers are mothers and grandmothers, all who serve are experienced and capable child care providers. “It is essential that each child is known by name and that caregivers engage each child on a personal level.

It is important that caregivers love on these precious children just as they would their own children,” says Chandler. She has many examples of this type of love-in-action: One particular caregiver has brought birthday gifts for children years after they’ve been in her classroom. Another caregiver regularly sends a “We miss you!” post card to any two-year-old child who misses more than a week at church.

By ministering to children, Laurie Chandler believes caregivers also min-

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ister to parents: “Parents look forward to having a place to come on Sunday where they know they can be together.

It settles their hearts to know that their babies are in good hands–that they can actually leave them and not worry.”

The love that caregivers provide continues long after the children leave church. Many of these ladies pray for the children during the week. As they are able, some take the time to get to know the parents and understand what’s happening in a child’s family in order to know how to best serve them.

The Church of The Apostles caregivers lead very busy lives. Because they provide child care on Sunday mornings, they do not have the luxury of attending the Sunday worship service, which is a significant sacrifice.

However, the ladies have created a close-knit community together. They gather for prayer time and a devotional at 8:00 a.m. every Sunday morning.

“God is clearly at work in these ladies’ lives. Not only do they nurture the children, they nurture one another in prayer friendship, and they bear one another’s burdens. It’s a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ at work. Our caregivers exemplify service and sacrifice. Our Children’s Ministry is blessed beyond measure to have such a loving and self-sacrificing group of ladies to nurture our precious little ones. “I deeply value and appreciate each one of them,” says Chandler.

So, the next time you see a nursery caregiver–whether or not she is on the floor playing with a toddler, or rocking a baby, be sure to thank her for her service to The Church of The Apostles and to God’s Kingdom.

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2013 FALL CLASSES

STS Ministry But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – ACTS 1:8

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ur passion is to equip students to live the Gospel in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods and to share the love of Christ wherever they go. STS is an exciting place for students to grow in their relationships with God and with each other, develop a lifestyle of passionate worship of the Lord, and discover a life of ministry to

others. We have a variety of weekly activities, from small groups to large-group worship services, and from in-depth equip-

ping classes to service projects.

7th – 12th Grades: The Loft After breakfast, worship, and teaching, middle and high school students will have discussion groups led by staff and adult volunteers: NOTES: There will be NO STS on Sunday, December 22 or on Sunday, December 29 due to the Christmas and New Year holidays.

SUNDAY 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday evenings are an opportunity for STS students to fellowship and build community. Each Sunday, STS staff plans activities such as basketball, volleyball, dinner, bowling, roller skating, game nights and more. Check our STS Calendar for specific details and updates: stsatlanta.org/calendar.

SUNDAY 8:45 – 10:20 a.m.

STS Sunday morning activities start at 8:45a.m. Each Sunday during the school year, a pancake breakfast is served for 5th-12th grade students in the STS Café. During the summer months, donuts are served.

NOTES: There will be no activities scheduled for Sundays December 22 or 29, or January 5, 12, 19.

Regular STS format will start back Sunday, September 8th with our special Kickoff Service. Until then, all students will meet in The Loft for worship.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS Wednesday evenings are a special time for students to go deep in God’s Word with their fellow students and adult staff and volunteers. 5th-6th grade students experience this with large group worship and teaching. 7th-12th grade students split up into discipleship groups where they intentionally study God’s Word and pray for each other.

5th – 6th Grades: The Den After breakfast and worship, 5th & 6th grade students go to their classrooms (below) for Bible Study and Small Groups led by adult volunteers.

“Rush Hour” 5th – 6th Grade

5th Grade Girls – Room 240

6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

5th Grade Boys – Room 230 B

STS Loft

6th Grade Girls – Room 230 A

Join Mark & Anna for recreation, worship, teaching, and group discussion with adult leaders.

6th Grade Boys – Room 231 THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

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SPECIAL EVENTS & TRIPS For more information on STS events and for online registration go to www.stsatlanta.org.

STS Fall Kickoff Service September 8 9:00 a.m.

STS The Loft Braves Game Sunday, September 15 1:00 p.m.

COTA Family Picnic Sunday, September 22 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Church of The Apostles parking garage and lawn 7th-8th Grade Fall Retreat September 27 – 29 More information and online registration will be available early in August.

9th-12th Grade

7th – 8th Grade Fellowship

Fall Retreat

6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

October 4 – 6

STS Den Join us for worship, fun games, and practical teaching.

More information and online registration will be available by the end of August.

9th – 12th Grade Guys Bible Study

5th-6th Grade

6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Radiate Weekend

Brian’s Office

November 1 – 2

Join Brian for Bible study and prayer.

More information and online registration will be available by the end of August.

9th – 12th Grade Girls Bible Study 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

5th-12th Grade

The Parlor

Mother-Daughter Christmas

Join Kristin and Jenny for Bible study and prayer.

Saturday, December 7 All 5th-12th grade ladies and your moms are invited to join the STS staff ladies for a fun day of Christmas celebration.

NOTES: There will be NO STS Wednesday night activities November 27, December 25, or January 1.

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Online registration will be available in September.

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STS@VBS

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acation Bible School is one of the annual events to which our STS students most look forward. With over 700 children and volunteers participating, it is definitely an action-packed, God-glorifying week filled with countless memorable moments! Every year middle and high school students sign up to help in classrooms

as well as with drama and recreation. The STS staff is always encouraged and blessed as we witness the pure joy experienced by our students as they serve at VBS. This year was no different. Every morning our students that were assigned to recreation would flock into STS for devotions and instructions. Though they were tired, our students still served with energy and joy, as did all those involved as teachers’ assistants and those acting or singing during assemblies.

What an honor it is to be involved with students who willingly give up a week of their summer to selflessly serve God at VBS. Some of them wanted to share their thoughts on the experience:

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I have been going to VBS all of my life. Since I was old enough to volunteer, I have been a small group assistant leader, on the recreation team, and this year I helped with the preschool drama. I guess when you grow up at Apostles, you don’t want to stop doing VBS, because every year is awesome!

I also helped hang signs in the hallways that are the names of God: Jesus, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God & Everlasting Father. It is cool that the signs remain up after VBS to remind us all that God is there to help us with anything.

My favorite part this summer was when the preschoolers sang their hearts out in worship!! They sang really loud on certain parts of songs and it was really moving.

This year I was reminded how important God’s names are in helping us remember that He is with us, He is our counselor, He is powerful, and He is our Father.

I am thankful to all who work so hard to make VBS happen every year for the little kids and for us big kids!” ~SARAH GEARY

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I have served in recreation for VBS for three years now. I signed up this year and expected it to be the same as the last two years, and so I walked into it very confidently. What I found out was that there were several changes that had happened for one reason or another, and I didn’t have the greatest of attitudes at the outset. However, as the week went on, I noticed how the kids acted during their recreation time: they could care less about who was doing what for them, as long as that person was having as much fun as they were. They didn’t care about new personnel or games that didn’t work out. All they cared about was having a blast. Seeing that really helped change my attitude and helped me to enjoy the rest of the week without any thought towards whether or not some games were ‘cool’ or not and some of the other differences there were from last year. Instead, just like the kids, I was able to focus on serving others and learning more about God.” ~JONNY CRUMLY

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Women’s Ministry Equipping women to reach hearts for Christ!

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od wants you to know His purpose for your life. He desires for you, as a woman, to serve and reach others for Christ, whether you are a long-time member, regular attendee, or visitor.

Events such as retreats/conferences, the Christmas teas, and several ministry opportunities are scheduled through-

out the year for fellowship and outreach. Additionally, the women’s ministry supports women through the Heart-to-Heart mentoring ministry, Widow’s Network, the Single Moms ministry, Single Hearts For Christ (single women over 40), Quilting for Christ, Close Knit Flock, and several community service projects throughout the year.

A variety of Bible studies are offered for women weekly (daytime and evening) to encourage women to study God’s Word and develop community with other women. Fall classes will start the week of September 10. For more information, visit our website at www.apostles.org/women.

TUESDAY MORNING 6:45 a.m - 7:30 a.m DANIEL: Be Resolute: Determining to Go God’s Direction September 17 - November 5 (8 weeks) This is the study of the Old Testament book of Daniel. The study will cover 8 weeks in the fall quarter and 8 weeks in the winter quarter with an introduction and conclusion for both quarters. It is a study written by Warren W. Wiersbe whereby we interject our thoughts and wisdom into his study. We hope that working women as well as other women seeking to study God’s Word will join us. We endeavor to encourage open discussion and participation of the members of our group. We want to reach to all who are looking for a study of depth into God’s Word, as well as fellowship with other Christian women.

HEBREWS: Precept upon Precept September 10 – November 19 (11 weeks) When doubts assail you, when trials encompass you, and you are weary of running the race, there is only one answer!

It is found in drawing near to the throne of grace, to Jesus your High Priest who can be touched with the feelings of your infirmities. This study will reveal to us that Jesus Christ is superior to and preeminent over everyone and everything. We will discover the clear distinction between the Gospel, the New Covenant in Christ, and the forms, ceremonies, and patterns of the Old Covenant, which foretold the ministry of the Messiah. Hebrews will give us a great confidence in the One whom we have believed, and inspire us to live our lives to His glory.

Leaders: Carolyn Caswell & Lori Harris Room: 246 Fee: $20.00 Child care NOT Available

TUESDAY MORNING 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The study will be taught in three parts 1.) Fall 2013, 2.) Winter/Spring 2014, 3.) Fall 2014.

Leader: Anne Hayes Room: 201 - 203

MOM-TO-MOM: Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe

Fee: $30.00

September 17 - November 19 (10 Weeks) For more information, please visit www.apostles.org/children/or contact Shae Smith at ssmith@apostles.org

Child care available, $50 per family Children MUST be pre-registered for child care by August 23 as space is limited. NO WALK-INS.

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THE AMAZING COLLECTION Old Testament September 3 – November 19 (12 weeks) The Amazing Collection is a video Bible study for women taught sequentially, book by book. Each 45-minute DVD gives an overview of one book of the Bible. The main characters and theme of each book come alive with dynamic teachings, original music videos, and personal testimonies.

Each set contains a companion workbook to enhance the teaching and to encourage further study. Your spiritual walk and biblical knowledge will be greatly enriched by investing in the Amazing Collections as we study the Old Testament: Genesis – 2 Kings.

Leader: Sandra Dixon Room: 229 Fee: $20.00 Child care Available, $50 per family Children MUST be pre-registered for child care by August 23rd as space is limited. NO WALK-INS.

THURSDAY MORNING 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

A FOCUS ON CHRIST THROUGH THE BOOK OF MATTHEW September 12 – November 21 (11 weeks) The book of Matthew is a true story of a King who stepped down from His throne to save His people. There is no greater love than His. With five daily lessons per week, we will go verse by verse through the book of Matthew focusing on our King. Some ask, “What Would Jesus Do?” We need to dive into God’s Word to find out.

So we will study Matthew, listening to what Jesus says and how He says it. We will watch what He does, how He treats people, and how He handles situations. We will enjoy the view, and aim to become more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Charlotte Travis Room: 201 - 203 Fee: $20.00

ROMANS September 10 – November 12 (10 weeks) What do we do when life’s storms hit?

How do we stand in the harsh winds of illness, economic crisis, broken relationships, and death?

Jesus said, “…everyone who hears these Words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24). The Apostle Paul must have had this in mind when he wrote his letter to the church at Rome to ensure their spiritual foundation was sound–so that they were built on the rock of the words of Jesus in every circumstance. Join us as we too discover these great teachings that show us how to live.

Child care Available, $50 per family Children MUST be pre-registered for child care by August 23 as space is limited. NO WALK-INS.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

FINDING THE SECRET SUCCESS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Room: 237

September 12 – November 7 (9 weeks) The richest blessings of Christianity can only be realized through the Holy Spirit.

Fee: $20.00

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Child care Available, $50 per family

What is His work in our lives?

Children MUST be pre-registered for child care by August 23rd as space is limited. NO WALK-INS.

How can you come to know Him personally?

Leader: Vicki Gillespie

How can we unleash His power in us to Glorify God? We will use D.L. Moody’s short but profound and challenging book to transform our understanding of how to live the Christian life to the full.

Leader: Jeanine Dungan Room: 237 Fee: $20.00 Child care NOT available

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ONGOING

Single Moms

The women’s ministry at The Church of The Apostles desires to be a place where women of all ages and stages can come together to be equipped to use their God-given gifts to minister to the Church and the world. For more information, visit our website at www.apostles.org/women.

Connie Miller, Lay Leader The Single Moms Ministry offers a place for you to belong, to share similarities, and to pray with each other through a Sunday Morning Bible study class. The focus is on your spiritual growth and your heart, while your child is also hearing God’s Word in their class. Throughout the year there are luncheons and opportunities for fellowship to further encourage you through this season of life. Please contact Connie Miller at conniemiller10@gmail.com.

Close Knit Flock Anne Hayes, Lay Leader If you enjoy needlework and the fellowship of Christian women, you are invited to reach out to others with the love and encouragement of Christ. These ladies meet twice per month to knit baby hats for Cobb Pregnancy Center. They knit an average of 40 hats per month. No experience necessary. They will teach you! Contact Anne Hayes at awhayes12@gmail.com for more information.

Heart-to-Heart Group Mentoring The goal of Heart-to-Heart is to teach women to be life givers by understanding their biblical womanhood. The mentoring ministry helps women establish covenant relationships with godly women who will encourage and equip them to live for God’s glory. Each group has one to two spiritual mothers (mentors) and six to eight mentees.

Women sign up for a time and location that are convenient.

Groups meet monthly in the home of the mentors or at the church.

For more information, visit our website at www.apostles.org/women.

Widows Network The Widows Network has helped many find solace in times of grief, as well as brought a sense of connection to other women. On six Sundays a year and at Christmas there are special luncheons held to honor the widows.

There are other activities and service projects also. Please email Marion Sharp at memum@bellsouth.net.

Mom-to-Mom Mom-to-Mom is an intergenerational discipling ministry intended to come alongside mothers desiring to grow in (1) their knowledge of God’s Word, (2) their ability to apply God’s Word to their lives, and (3) their ability to apply God’s Word in their parenting. Each session will include 30 minutes of teaching and an hour of small-group interaction with mentor-moms and fellow-moms that will encourage, challenge, and build lifelong relationships. For more information, visit our website at http://apostles.org/children/ or contact Shae Smith at ssmith@apostles.org.

QFC – Quilting For Christ Julee James, Lay Leader Quilting for Christ meets the first three Thursdays of each month. No experience is necessary, as the experienced are blessed to teach others. Quilts are sewn for the Cobb County Pregnancy Center, Atlanta Union Mission, Feed My Lambs, Bridge Ministry, and orphanages. Please contact Julee James by email at juleejames@earthlink.net.

Single Hearts for Christ Jan Blakeslee, Lay Leader Single Hearts for Christ: A fellowship for single, divorced, and widowed women 40 and beyond. The Single Hearts for Christ is a women’s fellowship group that brings single Christian women together to enjoy, enrich, and support one another. Come join us by contacting Jan Blakeslee at jblakeslee@apostles.org.

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What Single Hearts Ministry Means To Me

BY JAN REYNOLDS

became a member of The Church of The Apostles on March 24, 2013. From the moment I walked in to the building, I felt like I belonged.

I am a 55-year-old widow of 18 years, and although I had been a member and small group leader in a mega-church here in Atlanta, I felt the Lord leading me to a new place. The morning of my first visit to Apostles, I had actually planned on attending another church. However, the Lord had other plans for me and He laid it heavy on my spirit.

Now here was my dilemma: I had just walked through the doors of a very large church (Apostles) for the first time. It was now time to face the single woman’s dreaded, “sitting in

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to meet someone new, expanding my circle of Christian friends. Every summer we sponsor a ladies Bible study taught by one of our own Single Hearts. This summer we studied the book of Ruth.

If your ministry interest is outreach, we involve ourselves in that too. We host several outreach events each year for My Sister’s House, an Atlanta Union Mission residence for homeless women and children. For the women, we have held praise and worship services, Christian Comedy Theatre, and Game Night. We have also celebrated with their children during our Christ-centered Fall Festival and at our Christmas birthday party for Jesus.

“God had placed me right in the middle of a group of single women! Coincidence…I don’t think so! After the worship service, this group of “Single Hearts” invited me to join them for lunch and the rest is history.” the pew alone.” As I walked down the aisle filled with fear, a very kind lady, who just happened to be a “Single Heart,” asked if I needed a place to sit. When I responded yes, she offered her seat and moved to the pew in front of me. God had placed me right in the middle of a group of single women!

Coincidence . . . I don’t think so! After the worship service, this group of “Single Hearts” invited me to join them for lunch and the rest is history.

Single Hearts for Christ is a women’s fellowship for single, divorced, and widowed women who are, as we like to put it, forty years and beyond. Our goal is to provide a secure place to grow in Christ and to establish friendships with other single women at The Church of The Apostles.

Once a month, we enjoy our “4th Sunday Lunch Bunch” for an afternoon of good food and fellowship where I continue

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If you are looking for a women’s fellowship group that honors Christ and where people know you, pray for you, and encourage you in your faith, you will find it with Single Hearts for Christ. I know that I did!

FOR CHRIST

For more information on Single Hearts for Christ WEBSITE

www.apostles.org/women/singlehearts/ JAN BLAKESLEE’S EMAIL

jblakeslee@apostles.org

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Impact (Young Adult Ministry) he Young Adult ministry at The Church of The Apostles will be deploying a new study approach on Sunday nights

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that will be called Table Talk. This model of ministry has been popularized in recent times on the mission field and has caught fire and is revolutionizing mission work around the world. The strengths of this cutting edge ap-

proach are as follows: • Active discovery learning approach verses passive listening • Spiritually stimulating, interactive environment • Community building through interaction around tables of food and fellowship • Surfaces rich biblical insights through collective study and sharing

We would love to have you join us to experience this powerful new group approach to scripture study on Sunday nights.

We provide dinner each week and will be studying the gospel of John this fall.

Here is the schedule: 6:30 p.m.

Dinner

7:00 p.m.

Welcome and Worship

7:15 p.m.

Study Passage from the Gospel of John

7:30 p.m.

Group Discussion and Interaction

8:00 p.m.

Study Summary, Worship, Announcements

8:15 p.m.

Conclusion

Please contact Rachel Felker at rfelker@apostles.org with any questions.

Small Groups They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – ACTS 2:42

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ome find a place where you can connect with God and others in deeper ways. Our Small Groups are a great envi-

ronment to develop authentic, caring relationships while discussing how God’s truth intersects life. They help us in our journey of becoming more like Christ . . . together.

Small Groups usually meet in homes every week or every other week, featuring lively, interactive discussions on God’s Word

and how we live it out. Small Group members share life with all of its joys and challenges. You’ll pray for one another and receive encouragement. Together, your Small Group will help you live out your faith while impacting others.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS *

• Atlanta • Buckhead • Canton • Chamblee • Douglasville

• Dunwoody • Henry County • Mableton • Marietta • Midtown

GROUPS

• Powder Springs • Sandy Springs • Smyrna • Stone Mountain • Vinings

• East Cobb • West Cobb • Woodstock

* New locations to be added Please contact T.J. Diamond at tjdiamond@apostles.org with any questions.

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• Mixed Groups • Men • Women • Young Adult Singles • Young Families

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Men’s Ministry Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. – PROVERBS 27:17 e have several opportunities for men to connect for growing spiritually, becoming accountable, and building

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friendships. In Men’s Fraternity we meet in a large group for a challenging lesson, and then break up into

small groups for discussion.

Small groups are a place where you can join others to grow, share, and reach out. You will grow through the discussion

and application of God’s Word. You will share life with all of its joys and challenges. You will reach out to others using your spiritual gifts. Come and find your place to belong.

We also offer men’s mentoring called The Path. This is one-on-one mentoring tailored to each individual.

Men’s Fraternity Atlanta Men’s Fraternity is a program designed to equip men to live and to lead as God intended, training men to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The church, the nation, and the world are suffering mightily from a lack of godly, masculine leadership. As traditional masculine virtues are assaulted and undermined in our modern culture, too many men either capitulate or seek satisfaction from counterfeits that are often selfish, juvenile, and destructive. We men are called to something higher, nobler, and truer. We know this, and we crave this, but too often flounder because we lack training and the fellowship of like-minded brothers.

We invite all men of Apostles and our larger community to answer this call by joining us in the STS room on Friday mornings beginning in September. We meet for a light breakfast, followed by a presentation and small group discussion. We will endeavor to conclude no later than 7:40 a.m., but you are welcome leave earlier if you need to.

To find out more about Men’s Fraternity, please visit apostles.org/men.

Men’s Small Groups Weekday Mornings Marriage, children, work, home, faith—the challenges abound. In today’s world it’s tough to be who God has called us to be. How do we follow Him and lead others?

How do we balance the demands at work with the responsibilities at home? How do we love our wives like Christ loved the church?

God did not intend for you to discover the answer to these and all the other important life questions by yourself.

You were created to live in community with other men

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who are wrestling with the same issues, and who desire to live godly lives that count for God, but have not yet “put it all together.”

Come join other men who meet here at the church on most weekday mornings to study Scripture and to apply it to real life. Share your life with other men who will help you see Scripture more clearly and who will help you sharpen your focus on Christ.

To find out more about men’s small groups, contact Rhonda Saduddin at rsaduddin@apostles.org or 404.564.3152.

The Path: Men’s Mentoring The Path is a lay ministry at The Church of The Apostles that seeks to facilitate mentoring partnerships between men who desire to have accountability for their lives. The Bible is our primary source of guidance. We strive hard not to create our own “program,” but instead to let the Holy Spirit guide in this effort. As a reference for our mentors, we use a book called The Heart of Mentoring by David A. Stoddard. Dave has worked closely with our core team, helping us fully grasp the Ten Powerful Principles of Effective Mentoring laid out in his book. The overriding theme is that mentoring is a process facilitated by a relationship.

Each partnership is unique and tailored to the needs of the younger partner. Mentors are willing to open their lives, letting the partner see how he succeeded or failed, and above all, learned from his experiences. Mentors are good listeners. They don’t have an agenda or want to change their mentoring partners. They want to help their mentoring partners navigate the narrow path of a Christian life.

To find out more, please contact Rhonda Saduddin rsaduddin@apostles.org or 404.564.3152.

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Gathering of the Adult Communities Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own gathering together… – HEBREWS 10:24, 25 e have the “Gathering of the Communities” from 9-10:15 on Sunday mornings. This is a time when our children, youth, and adult communities meet for grounding, learning, connecting, and training in the wisdom and ways of the Lord. These communities gather together around Jesus, the living Word of God, and the Scripture, the written Word of God. In order to assist you in your search for a class that is the highest and best fit for you and your family, we have grouped the classes as follows:

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Grounding: Entry Level classes for those who are new to the faith or new to Apostles Connecting: Community or Life Stage classes which promote relational connection with others of similar age and stage of life Learning: Study Classes with a learning emphasis on maturing your knowledge of the Bible Training Classes: Developing Life Skills which enable us to be wise and discerning in practical matters of life Contact Rhonda Saduddin with any inquiries at rsaduddin@apostles.org or 404-564-3152.

Classes begin September 8

GROUNDING Entry Level Classes First Look John Horton | Room 201 This is a four-week class designed to orient newcomers to the life and ministry of The Church of The Apostles.

The class covers an overview of the history, mission, vision, ministries, and facilities of our church. The First Look class is a requirement for church membership.

Please call Melanie Poole at 404-564-6673 if you have any questions. Please choose from the following start dates: September 8, October 6, or November 3.

CONNECTING Community or Life Stage Classes

Starting Point

One Anothering

Design for Discipleship (3-year curriculum) Starting Point is a conversational small group environment where you can explore and grow in your experience of the Christian faith in a safe and nurturing community. If you desire to learn more about the basics of your spiritual foundation, come and join us on Sunday mornings this fall for Starting Point. This is a class for new Christians or for Christians who have never studied the Bible, and uses a three-year curriculum entitled Design for Discipleship. This class is for the recent graduates of the Christianity Examined course.

Becoming People of Authenticity, Truth, and Grace

Year 1: Tim and Jane Holt | Room 250 Year 2: Lance and Joely Parish | Room 239

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T.J. Diamond Room 612-613 What does true biblical community look like? If the church is supposed to be a place where we can be authentic, why have we become experts at “image management”? The New Testament is full of powerful admonitions for how God wants us to relate to each other. Together, we’ll unpack many of the “one anothers” of Scripture, as well as concepts such as authenticity, love, and unity in the body. We’ll explore how truth and grace can overcome fear and pride as we pursue community the way God always intended.

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Young Adults (Impact)

Young Couples

The Life of Peter

Engaged and Young Marrieds - Love and Respect

Dave Hubbard

David and Brenda Martin

Room 610

Room 622-623

The apostle Peter was one of the most prominent disciples.

He is one of a unique few in the Bible whose name was changed by God. Peter knew both great personal failure and the greatness of God’s mercy, for Jesus not only restored Peter after he denied Him, He also commissioned him to be one of the first leaders of the church. Peter’s life teaches us that those who have been forgiven much will also be those who love much. In this character study on the life of Peter you will get to know Peter like never before.

As we shine the light on Peter’s life we will also illuminate things in our own lives that need to be examined and changed, in order to become all that God wants us to be.

When the reality of a new marriage sinks in to the routines and habits of a bride and groom, they become acutely aware that life together will be quite an adjustment from life apart. Issues such as communication, work schedules, social calendars, and household responsibilities rise to the surface. In the middle of treating those symptoms, though, is the heart of the question that fuels a successful marriage: How am I showing love to my spouse? What does the Bible teach about husbands and wives? How do a husband and wife feed the health of their marriage? This fall, we’re going to be talking about how husbands and wives perceive love differently and discover what the indispensable aspect of love is for each of them as we walk through the study, Love and Respect.

Young Families Community Class: Do You Want to Get Well

Young Families

Anthony Burnett

Parents of Pre-Schoolers - One Anothering in the Bible

Room 620 When Jesus asked the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda if he wanted to get well, there was certainly an aspect of physical healing in the question. However, Jesus was appealing to a deeper, more complete healing that we all need. Jesus was awakening a desire in the man’s heart for soul healing, complete healing that only Jesus provides. This amazing gift is true for all of us. Jesus wants to heal us and free us from the sin that cripples us. This healing allows us to live the abundant life of a soul set free.

David Watson Room 607 This fall in the Young Families Community class we’ll be looking at the “one anothers” in the Bible. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is, He answered in two parts. The first is to love God with all that you are: heart, soul, mind, and strength. We focus on that answer a lot in Bible study. But Jesus said that the second part was like the first: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There’s a responsive and communal side to our faith, our worship, even our very created existence. So this fall, we’ll look at what the Bible says about that communal side. How are we to live and act toward one another? How are we to live and act with our spouse? With our children? And what does that have to do with who we are in Christ? I hope you’ll join us for breakfast and Bible study this fall in Room 607.

Young Families Parents of Elementary Children - The Journey Robin Burrus Room 617 We are a Young Families class for married couples in their 30s and 40s with elementary children. Our Bible studies are topical studies with rich, authentic dialogue. Discussions are driven by Scripture, with emphasis placed on the truth of God’s Word experienced in the lives of those in the group.

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Parents of Teenagers (Coordinated with STS) Zack Carden Room 621 Parent to Parent is designed for parents of teenagers in the student ministry. The class utilizes topical Bible teaching, mutual encouragement, prayer, and discussion for those who seek to walk together in shepherding the hearts of their children through adolescence and into the college years.

cussing first things–like the first mention of God’s names, the first occurrence of a sacrifice, the first mention of a plan of redemption, etc. First occurrences often help us understand later occurrences in Scripture. Also, come prepared to re- experience your first love and holy fear of our Father as He begins to reveal Himself to the patriarchs and the children of Israel.

A Sampler from the Psalms Mike Sessoms

Breakthrough Living (Empty Nesters and Up) 1 Peter Craig Lemasters Room 237 ABCD Please join us for the study of 1 Peter. What a wonderful encouragement for those of us who are going through challenging times. We will reference Warren Wiersbe’s commentary entitled Be Hopeful, How to Make the Best of Times Out of the Worst of Times.

Room 248 The Psalms are an exquisite tapestry interweaving the portrait of needy man with the portrait of the sovereign and supreme Lord. A Sampler of the Psalms will look at various Psalms by each of the authors to examine how they struggled and how they found in the Lord the answer to their need as well as a cause to rejoice.

The Gospel of John Monte Johnson Room 611

LEARNING Study Classes with a Learning Emphasis

An in-depth, verse-by-verse study, with application for today!

Builders - 2 Corinthians

God’s Paradigm for Marriage and the Family

Steve Peterson

A Core Ideology for Family Life

Room 615

James Saxon

Second Corinthians is a study of Paul’s very personal letter to the church at Corinth, providing a glimpse of the grace and power Paul experienced in the midst of troubling times.

Room 516 The class will involve a thorough examination of the most prominent passages in the Bible which define God’s foundational design for marriage and family. The class approach will be driven by an in-depth study of fundamental, timeless biblical concepts in a question and answer, interactive atmosphere. The presentations and discussions will be anchored in the Scriptures and geared to the times with the aim of re-establishing God’s core ideology for the institution of the family. To find out more information on this class such as a class outline, email James Saxon at jsaxon@apostles.org.

First Things: Genesis and Exodus Lee Holston Room 246 In addition to looking at Genesis and part of Exodus chapter-by-chapter, we will spend time pointing out and dis-

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The Book of Hebrews J.C. Poole Room 229 BC It has been said that Hebrews could be thought of as a great portrait of Christ with the Old Testament as its canvas. Hebrews is important to the entire Bible as a road map to the history of redemption. There is no letter in the New Testament that tells us more about Christ and His work, revealing Christ as the key to understanding the Old Testament. We will examine the significance of Moses, Aaron, prophets, priests, and angels in the completed work of Christ. We will be encouraged as we look at the faithful men and women in Hebrews 11 and how they lived before the “founder and perfecter of our faith” came to earth.

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tion class at 12:15 on August 25 in Room 229. The cost is $39 for couples or $29 for singles.

Compass: Set Your House in Order Room 244 Orientation Required: August 25 at 12:15 p.m. in Room 229

TRAINING CLASSES Developing Life Skills Kingdom Living Here and Now Ron Ervin, Stan Carder, and Brian Maxwell Room 616 Combining over a century of pastoral ministry, Ron Ervin, Stan Carder, and Brian Maxwell invite you to join them on a new venture. This adult Bible class will address issues in the Christian’s life, using principles, purposes, and perspectives from God’s Word. Topics such as Anger, Friend or Foe, Fighting the Good Fight, and A Time to Gather will be addressed.

Knowing and Doing God’s Will Bobby Mitchell, Sr. Room 228 – Parlor Does God call us today? If God is calling, are we listening?

How do we recognize God’s voice and respond in obedience? What do we do, and how do we do it? Can I really walk with the Lord in twenty-first century America? Do I have to do it in all aspects of my life–work, marriage, family, friends, etc.? Who can help me? What is a council of advisors? How did others do it? This study addresses these and many other questions and is all about practical applications in today’s world.

This is a 10-week small group study which equips people to learn God’s financial principles as contained in the Bible, organize important financial information in one place, better manage your current finances, provide continuity for your loved ones, prepare for an economic or personal financial crisis, and plan your estate and prepare your legacy.

Class meets Sunday mornings September 8 - November 10, from 9:00 to 10:15, with a mandatory student orientation class at 12:15 on August 25 in Room 229. The cost is $35 for couples or $25 for singles.

Whose Worldview?

David Nicholas and Dal Sumrell Room 614 The lack of a godly worldview has caused the church, our nation, and the world to suffer extensively. Yet the Bible says Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty. The goal of this course is to re-discover and re-infuse God’s worldview into our personal lives. Join us as we examine the Scriptures as well as sessions from the Truth Project, and elements of our National Archives, to re-establish the foundations for the worldview and life system that God intends to govern every area of our existence. Our purpose is to help equip each of us to more effectively address current worldview issues in a very practical way that starts with our personal morality and works its way out to cultural issues and into the more far reaching implications of the government of our country.

Living at Peace

Compass: Money and Marriage

Bryan Alison

Room 236 Orientation Required: August 25 at 12:15 p.m. in Room 229

Room 205

This is an 8-week small group study which equips people to learn God’s financial principles as contained in the Bible, build a healthier marriage, improve communication on finances and resolve conflicts, get on the same page about finances, set financial and marriage goals, build a financial foundation, and prepare for a family or personal financial crisis. Class meets Sunday mornings September 8 - October 27, from 9:00 to 10:15, with a mandatory student orientaTHE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” How do we do that, and what does it look like? This training will equip you to understand and apply biblical principles in everyday life relationships at home, church, school and/or work to honor the Lord and make a difference for Christ in those places where you have been planted. You will not only grow in your relationship with Christ, you will learn how to serve others in difficult situations. Come join us and explore what God wants to do in and through your relationships.

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Congregational Care But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

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ongregational Care is continually seeking to provide opportunities that will enable every member (to agree) to live their lives more effectively. We are privileged to offer the following ministries for this fall. To register, please go to the church’s website at www.apostles.org for more detailed information, or you may contact the Congregational

Care office at 404.564.3159, or email gwiley@apostles.org.

Compass: Set Your House in Order Sundays, September 8 – November 10 9:00 to 10:15 a.m.

Room 244 A 10-week small group study which equips you to learn God’s financial principles as contained in the Bible, organize important financial information in one place, better manage your current finances; provide continuity for your loved ones, prepare for an economic or personal financial crisis, and plan your estate and prepare your legacy. There is a mandatory student orientation class at 12:15 on August 25 in Room 229. The cost is $35 for couples or $25 for singles. Class size is limited.

how broken or hopeless we may perceive ourselves, God upholds us in hope. In this Cross-centered community, God is restoring broken hearts, broken pasts, broken relationships, broken sexuality, and broken identity. Each week includes worship, teaching, testimony, and same-gender small groups. Come and experience the hope and taste the joy of overcoming strongholds, healed relationships, and intimacy with God. This 7-week class begins Tuesday, August 13. Optional course book is $10.

DivorceCare Tuesdays, August 13 – November 5 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Room 614

Compass – Money and Marriage

A 13-week course which covers many different aspects of one’s life as it is impacted by either separation or divorce.

The cost is $15.

September 8 – November 10 9:00 to 10:15 a.m.

Room 236 A 10-week small group study which equips you to learn God’s financial principles as contained in the Bible, build a healthier marriage, improve your communication on finances and resolve conflicts, get on the same page about your finances, set financial and marriage goals, build your financial foundation, and prepare for a family or personal financial crisis. There is a mandatory student orientation class at 12:15 on August 25 in Room 229. The cost is $39 for couples or $29 for singles. Class size is limited.

GriefShare Tuesdays, August 13 – November 5 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Room 613 A 13-week course support group designed to assist those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, whether recently or sometime in the past. The cost is $15.

Marriage: Our Legacy of Love

CrossCurrent

Tuesdays, September 10 – October 29

Tuesday, August 13 – September 24

6:45 to 9:00 p.m.

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Room 201-203

STS Den

The class provides a safe and FUN environment for couples, implementing God’s grace, truth, and love for marriage. Couples of all ages and those married for any length of time will benefit from leaning more about each other as

A safe and confidential place to experience grace and truth and find meaningful answers to questions you may have about your relationships or sexual addictions. No matter

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The cost of the series is $500. Applications are accepted beginning August 15. Check out the video testimonies at www.apostles.org/livingwaters.

Living at Peace Sundays, September 8 – May 18 9:00 a.m.

Room 205

well as developing friendships with other couples. This 8week class will conclude with a one-day retreat on Saturday, November 9. The cost is $125 per couple which includes all class materials and the retreat.

Financial Peace University Begins August 20 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Room 237 Do you really know where your hard-earned money goes each month or are you left wondering where it went? Do you run out of money before you run out of month?

Tired of being stressed out over money? Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is for you. This practical 9week course covers all you need to know to achieve financial security in our uncertain world. Topics include saving, budgeting, debt elimination, investing, etc. We use Dave’s entertaining DVDs, case studies, group discussions, and other timely materials in a friendly group-session atmosphere. All are welcome to this adult study. The cost is $95.00 per couple or individual. For more information, call Stan Carder at 404-564-3146 or email him at scarder@apostles.org, or you may register online at www.apostles.org.

Living Waters Tuesdays, October 1 – April 22 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

STS Loft A ministry committed to removing blocks to intimacy with Christ and working through the heart wounds, hurts, sin, and baggage we carry. In authentic, confidential community, together we pursue relational and/or sexual wholeness through our Heavenly Father’s healing presence. Each evening of this 7-month journey, we gather for worship, teaching, testimony, and prayer at the foot of the cross, and small groups focused on confession and listening prayer.

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In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” How do we do that and what does it look like? This training will equip you to understand and apply biblical principles in everyday life relationships at home, church, school, and/or work to honor the Lord and make a difference for Christ in those places where you have been planted. You will not only grow in your relationship with Christ, you will learn how to serve others in difficult situations. Come join us and explore what God wants to do in and through your relationships.

OnPath A biblically-based life and work assessment course designed to provoke thinking and foster strategic renewal, personally and professionally. The cost of the course is $70 to cover the purchase of a workbook and required personality profiles. By appointment only.

EVENTS PrimeTimers Luncheon Sunday, October 20 at 12:10 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Michael Chriszt Topic: The Federal Reserve The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. Established in 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson, this independent agency operates through 12 regional Reserve Banks. “The Fed” studies, formulates, and governs the economic well being of our nation’s financial policies.

Since every person is impacted by the decisions and policies which come from this agency, understanding of their operations is essential. We are privileged to have Michael Chriszt who is employed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as our guest speaker.

Tickets are $10 per person.

For more information, call Gwen Wiley at 404.564.3159 or email at gwiley@apostles.org. You may register online at www.apostles.org/congregationalcare.

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LIVING WATER FOR THOSE WHO THIRST

BY JOHN GRECO

T

wo thousand years ago, Jesus offered living water to a woman who was thirsty for relief from the overwhelming burden of her past mistakes and hurts. The scene is recorded in John chapter 4, but it is played out again and again in the lives of people thirsty for relief here at The Church of The Apostles. Living Waters is a ministry offering broken people healing and a fresh start through the love of Christ, the community of believers, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living Waters is for men and women age 18 and older who desire greater intimacy with the Lord, victory over sin patterns, and healing for their past hurts. The ministry’s goal is to help broken people find wholeness in Jesus so they can love God, other people, and their own selves well. The results are often nothing short of startling.

One recent participant had this to say: “God has used Living Waters to change my heart from black to a vibrant rainbow . . . I am eternally grateful to God’s servants in Living Waters for coloring my world with life. Thank You, God!” But there is no shortcut to the abundant life Jesus promised—only tried and true means of experiencing the transforming grace of God.

WORSHIP “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” – JOHN 4:23 By lifting up the name of God in song alongside other believers at each meeting, community members stand together in faith. And God is showing Himself to be trustworthy, week after week and month after month, as men and women carry their sins and struggles to the cross.

One male participant said, “Living Waters has made me realize that with God’s help, all things really are possible, including overcoming same-sex attraction and brokenness.”

Another community member wrote, “Living Waters helped me learn that not only is God on my side, but He’s given His community to serve as a family—I am not alone (and I really never was)!” So-called “self help” behavior modification can

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never bring true relief; it is only through the power of God that real healing can take place, and that’s why Living Waters is committed to remaining a place of worship above all else.

WORD “And many more believed because of his word.”

– JOHN 4:41 Each week, pastors and counselors teach God’s Word. They focus on the Gospel as the basis for recovery, but they also offer insights from the field of psychology when appropriate.

Through the teaching times, participants come to understand God and themselves better—essential steps in the healing process.

“Being immersed in real truth about who I am in Christ each week was life changing. I learned how to discern more clearly the brokenness in the ways I relate to people,” said one woman.

“Living Waters removed blocks from seeing God’s love and compassion and strength for me personally. I now find myself craving His words and presence every day.”

Every Living Waters participant also receives a guidebook containing important at-home lessons on topics related to godly sexuality, gender issues, father and mother wounds, the Cross and confession, and many others. These lessons aim to facilitate a deeper, more personal dive for community members and to supplement the teaching that takes place at the weekly meetings.

WORK “The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.’”

– JOHN 4:15 All Living Waters participants are required to enter in through a formal application process. For recovery to take place, a person must be committed to transformation, and an evaluation helps ensure that a person is ready to accept the help he or she needs.

Beth Geary, the coordinator of Living Waters, says people often walk into their first meeting like they’re wearing cement blocks on their feet. After a while though, things change. “They start re-

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“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’” – JOHN 4:10 week, time is spent in corporate and small group prayer.

Men and women confess their shortcomings, open up to Jesus about their temptations and their wounds, and ask Him to bring healing into their lives. They also pray for one another. But prayer is more than just talking to God, it’s also listening, and so a time of listening prayer is included in order for participants to hear what God might say to their injured spirits.

In prayer, men and women learn to participate in the great exchange—giving their sin and their life-wounds over to Jesus in order to receive His love and discover true joy. “I laid my shame at the foot of the cross and picked up forgiveness and freedom from fear,” shared a woman who took the journey through Living Waters this past year. Another had this to say: “Living Waters . . . was [a] safe community where my sin, insecurities, and shame were named and laid at the foot of the cross and I experienced healing, not just head knowledge.”

alizing they’re not alone in their pain and their shame,” says Beth.

“This is the first time they feel safe in their whole lives.”

One of the central elements of the program is a small group experience, where men and women (in separate groups) are given the space and support they need to deal with their deepest wounds head-on. Four to five participants share their personal struggles while two leaders listen to God and pray for each person who speaks. For many, these times are the most meaningful.

As relationships grow, cement blocks begin to crumble.

“The greatest gift the Living Waters community gave me was the actual gift of relationships, along with teaching and modeling how to enter [into] real relationship with others,” shared a recent female participant. A former participant who then served as a listening prayer leader had this to say, “Continued involvement in the community has enabled me to gain a better understanding of my struggles and also gain a better footing in the battle against sin . . . Without that continued support from godly men and women, through the Holy Spirit, I likely would have rescinded.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WITNESS LIVING WATERS Restoring Relational Integrity in Community Tuesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 October through April www.apostles.org/livingwaters

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony.” – JOHN 4:39 “The best part of Living Waters: talking and being confessional in small group, and hearing the testimonies in big group,” wrote one recent Living Waters alumnus. “I loved hearing people’s personal stories of struggle [and] growth, and that gives me hope.”

It is the Gospel—nothing more, nothing less—that is needed for people to be made whole. And so, men and women share their stories of Jesus’ victory in their lives over issues like sexual addiction, broken relationships, wounds left by a mother or father, bondage to pornography, and same-sex attraction. Every story is different, but as they are told, every soul in the room comes to realize they do not stand alone in their struggles. No matter a person’s particular wound or sin pattern, the Cross of Jesus is needed to find healing.

Living Waters is for any believer serious about spiritual growth, but is particularly relevant to those struggling in these areas: a lack of joy, poor boundaries, fear, insecurity, isolation, an inability to forgive, anger, a broken or hurting marriage, an inability to trust, self-hatred, shame and bitterness from abuse or divorce, addiction to pornography, same-sex attraction, shame from past sin, unresolved emotional pain, emotional dependency, sexual promiscuity, powerlessness to flee temptation.

If you have additional questions about Living Waters, please contact Brian Maxwell at bmaxwell@apostles.org or Beth Geary at bgeary@apostles.org.

A similar but less intensive program is also available.

CrossCurrent meets Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., August 13 through September 24, 2013. Registration (but no application) is required. Additional information about CrossCurrent is also available at apostles.org/livingwaters.

WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

– JOHN 4:14 Living Waters affirms that it is God who heals. Each

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HOW TO CONTACT US

Phone: 404.842.0200 Fax: 404.266.0656 Email: apostles@apostles.org WORSHIP

SUNDAY The Gathering of the Body 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY HOUR OF POWER 6:15 p.m.

DISCIPLESHIP

Sunday: 9:00 a.m.

LEADING THE WAY

with Dr. Michael Youssef PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404.841.0100 Order: 1.800.337.5323 Web: www.leadingtheway.org