eChimes for January 29

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The Chimes Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

SUNDAY Schedule Sunday, January 29 • Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Service 8:15 am, Winship Chapel • The Mustard Seed Bookstore Open 9:00 - 1:00 • Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary

• Cherub Choir - 9:30

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• Sunday School for All Ages - 10:05 am • Fellowship Hour - 11:00 am Fifield Hall • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour - 12:15 pm, Reception Room

reminder The Chimes is published bimonthly. In months where there are five Sundays (as in January), the fifth Sunday will be printed as a single issue. In the single issues, we will place a greater focus on editorial content and relevant points of interest.

Order the chimes online The e-chimes is a great alternative to the traditional printing of The Chimes. Help conserve our resources by switching over today. Simply send your correct email address and your mailing address to sdaniely@firstpresatl.org or call 404-228-7702.

January 29, 2012 Christ at the Center

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asked the Worship Education class (1st and 2nd graders) last Sunday why they thought we only get a tiny little bit of bread and juice for 9:00 am - Lauren Patrus Communion. We to preach were making bread, and eating grapes. So I asked them why Communion was just a snack instead of a meal. I have to confess with the bread making and other things going on, it was a little bit chaotic in that classroom so I’m not exactly sure who responded with this profound insight, but a little voice said, in a very matter of fact way: “Well, we can only have a little bit, because there has to be enough to share.” As I work on the First Communion sermon, and am considering what Communion really means and how to explain to the kids why we are celebrating, her words about sharing don’t leave me. I love the image of gathering around an infinite table, and taking just a little bit, just enough to taste and share the experience with others, but being very mindful that there are many around this table and everyone needs to have a little bit. There will always be more than enough, far beyond what we could imagine. But to approach something that is plentiful with the intention of sharing is beautiful. This is part of the sweet, deep truth of Communion that we will explore.

Lauren Patrus

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n a few years, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. While none of us can believe they are old enough to be married that long, 11:15 am - Lindsay Armstrong the entire family to preach agrees we should celebrate in high style. So, the brainstorming has begun. Will we take a trip? Have a party? Renew marriage vows? Whatever my parents decide, they have four children, their spouses, and a lot of grandchildren eager to start creating guest lists, and assembling memorabilia. We each know how looking forward to a great event adds a zest, focus and expectancy to our everyday lives. Couples getting married shop for rings, book photographers, and meet for pre-marital counseling. Expectant parents find real joy in assembling a new crib ordecorating the nursery. Holidays like Christmas have the kind of power that sends people into action. Anticipating the future shapes actions in the present. As Christians, we glimpse a vision of God’s new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21. There we read of creation being renewed, freed from pain, sorrow and death, and transformed by God. It is an event for which we yearn and wait. But it is also an event that calls us to action now. Join us at the 11:15 am worship service on January 29 as we discuss how. Faithfully, Lindsay P. Armstrong


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