FPC connects

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

The Chimes Care, Growth & Events

Prayers for THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE This is a list of known servicemen/women in our Church family. To add names, please call 404.228.7719.

Pray for: Chaplain Capt. Jamison Bowman ABE3 Gregory Bridges Sgt. Isaiah Bridges Lt. Col. Bradford W. Cousar LCPL Austin W.P. Eskew First Airman Kevin Lee Captain Alexandria Victoria Miller Captain John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Ensign David B. Sibley USN Commander Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III

RAINBOWS hope and healing in the face of loss ur RAINBOWS program resumes on January 5. New children may join at this time. RAINBOWS is a weekly support group program for children and youth who have experienced traumatic change such as divorce, abandonment, deployment of parent with the military, incarceration or death. Parents and guardians also meet as a group to consider what is happening in their families from the child’s point of view. This program is open to the community and there is no charge. Call Susan Anthony at 404-257-9388, or the Pastoral Care office at 404-228 7719.

Pastoral Care Report (As of January 19, 2012)

Hospitalized: Al Griffin Recuperating: Fran Bockman, Allison Bennett Rehab: Caroline Hooper Deaths: We extend our heartfelt sympathy and lift up in prayer: the family and friends of our long-time member, Caroline Yundt Bethea, who died January 5th.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING The Youth of First Presbyterian Church Challenge the Congregation to bring Cans of Soup January 29 through February 5, 2012. There will be containers around the church for the collection.

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RAINBOWS SCHEDULE Thursday evenings, Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 Dinner: 6:00 Groups: 6:40-7:45

SO U PER BOW L OF CARING

All soup will be donated to the Venable Food Pantry. Thank you for supporting this Service Project. Every can of soup helps people in need feel the power of GOD’S LOVE.

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January 29

Christian Education

The Chimes

W E D N E S D AY

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F I R S T

Fe b r u a r y 1

W EDNESDAY Is it just me, or do you guys keep hearing laughter?

When is a silent retreat not silent?

Oh, the Presbyterians are back!

Store and Bonsai/garden shop and Historic Barn Museum and Visitors Center. Attend any or When the Presbyterians all of 5 daily services. About the arrive! “silence part”: because silence is a vow taken by this order of CARE MINISTRY monks, silence is observed in the halls of the Guest House and in your room. Meals in the dining YTH: The annual FPC “Silent Retreat” at the Mon- area are silent, but trust me, sitastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers ting with friends while you eat is really a weekend of silence. And without conversation is truly an there couldn’t be much to do there extraordinary experience. Do be aware: in keeping with the simple for a whole weekend. way of living, the rooms are clean TRUTH: Walk into our Guest and the food is ample, but this is House meeting room anytime during waking hours, and you will not a luxury facility. Some single feel welcomed to join the laughter 2-rooms suites share a bath, and and conversations. And this year’s some rooms share a community program entitled “Forgiveness As bathroom. So wether you choose silence a Spiritual Practice” will be led or community, do come and expeby former FPC Care Minister, Dr. Trisha Senterfitt, so the atmosphere rience a weekend like none other. is sure to be full of joy and spiritual March 23-25, 2012 nurturing. Trisha will lead 4 or 5 Space is limited, so call discussions/worship meetings (atPat Kimbrell in the Care office at tendance at each is optional). Then 404-228-7719. Cost is $150.00 per you can walk the fields, woods or person for 2 nights for a lake area alone with God or with private room and 5 meals. a friend, read a book, sleep, jour Questions, call Cheslie Lachnicht at 770-509-7847. nal, or explore the new Monastic Heritage Center with its Abbey Gift

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T he M ustard S eed 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4:30 - 6:30 pm Books, gifts and cards for all ages.

D inner 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Adults and Youth :$8 Children 3-12: $4

P reschool 5:30 - 8:00 pm Bible, crafts & fellowship. Childcare available. E lementary A ctivities 5:00 - 7:30 pm

LOGOS: recreation, dinner, choir, drama and art.

Y outh 5:30 - 7:30 pm B111

All youth are invited to join us for Fellowship, Food and Bible Study.

W ednesday N ight C hoirs

5:30 - 6:25 pm 6:00 - 6:45 pm 6:45 - 7:30 pm 6:30 - 7:25 pm 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Handbell Choir Archangel Choir (Grade 1 -2) Archangel Choir (Grade 3 -5) St. Cecilia Consort Chancel Choir

Wednesday Night Studies & Worship F ebuary 1 5:00 - 8:30 pm, Fifield Hall Reclaiming the Center 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Winship Chapel Mid-Week Worship Rev. Kevin Knab

Sign-Up to Help Build Next Habitat House Construction of our next Habitat house begins Saturday, February 18th. Please contact Bill Earnest (404/351-8030 or WilliamMEarnest@yahoo.com) for more information or to sign-up.

January 29

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The Chimes

NOMINEES FOR ELDERS

Class of 2015

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Fear not God invites you to imagine!

STEWARDSHIP

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od thinks big. On our own, our vision for what could be is narrow and usually self-serving. Ephesians reminds us that God’s abundant imagination is at work within us if we allow that power to prevail. We seek assurances because this power can be so awesome that we become afraid. When the Bible says, “Fear not,” God is often asking the unthinkable. Leave your prestigious job in Egypt to guide thousands of ex-slaves through the wilderness to some “promised land”? Marry a girl who claims she is pregnant through the Holy Spirit? Treat the least powerful and most vulnerable among us as you would your Lord? Humans don’t have the capacity alone to imagine such acts. 4

January 29

Jay Bowman joined First Presbyterian in 2003 and became actively involved in both advising the Youth as well as working in the Broadcast Ministry. In addition to serving on numerous committees, he has been on over fourteen mission trips to areas such as the Gulf Coast, the Caribbean, the Navajo Nation and Latin America with the Youth. Originally from Memphis, the son of Annette and Jamison Bowman, Jay followed a family tradition, being the eleventh out of fourteen men to attend Morehouse College where he graduated in 2001. Jeff Bramlett has been an active member of

It may seem unthinkable for our community to pledge $4 million when we worry about so much in our own lives, our jobs, our families. Still, we are called to imagine the world as it could be: with a fulltime director of mission to help us serve the most vulnerable all over the world; with the funds to meet the needs of the 300 or more hungry people every Sunday morning; with enough Meals on Wheels to serve our homebound neighbors; with a new contemporary worship service on Sunday evenings during Lent; with ongoing education for ourselves and our children, reminding us of the power of Christ in this world day. God invites you to imagine too, “Fear not.” A 10% increase in your pledge last year will allow the power within us to accomplish far more than we imagine. Pledge or give online at www. firstpresatl.org. Stewardship Season continues through March 25.

First Presbyterian since 1996. Since that time, he has been actively engaged in the church, having taught adult Sunday school, served on the church growth council, helped cook breakfast for homeless guests, travelled on the family mission trip to Brazil, served on the session as an elder and chaired the Nominating Committee. Jeff and his wife, Nancy have raised four children in the church: Cynthia, Melissa, Robert and Susanna. He is a lawyer with Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP and a past president of both the Atlanta Bar and the State Bar of Georgia.

Bobby Candler is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church and is a returning elder who has accepted to serve as a Trustee Elder. He has served in numerous ways including teaching pre-school, serving on the Property Management Committee, the Annual Giving Campaign, the Nominating Committee and the Associate Pastor for Church Growth Nominating Committee as chairman. Bobby received his Bachelor of Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Emory University. He and his wife, Cindy have two grown children, Cate Singerman and Robert. He is enjoying retirement with family, travel and golf.

Webb Cochran is a lifelong Presbyterian, having grown up in the Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, N.C. In 1996, he and his wife, Allison joined our church and immediately became involved in the young adults program. Webb has had active participation in the life of our church over the years, including serving on a prior years’ Nominating Committee. Webb, who attended Emory University, works at Tenet Healthcare Corporation as a lobbyist, covering six Southern states. He and Allison have two boys, Holt, age 11 and Smith, age 9.

The Chimes

Tim English has been an active participant at FPC since joining in

2002. Tim has been involved in youth activities, including teaching high school Sunday School as well as assisting with the youth musical ministry. Tim graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in Engineering and from Columbia University with an MBA. Tim is a residential real estate developer. He and his wife, Sally have three daughters, Caroline, a Princeton graduate who teaches high school history, Ellie, a Vanderbilt graduate who works in Atlanta and Hannah, a freshman at UGA.

Pete Hasbrouck has been an member of First Presbyterian for six years. He has been involved with numerous ministries including teaching Sunday School and being a Youth Advisor. He has also been an ongoing volunteer with our Church’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity. Pete is a graduate of University of Rochester and Emory Law School. He specializes in Labor and Employment law and other commercial and civil litigation. Pete and his wife, Cathy have two children, Clare, age 16 who attends Woodward Academy and Henry, age 14 who attends Westminster. Dara Hosch and her husband, Chet joined First Presbyterian in 1997

and have been actively involved since that time. Dara has been teaching Sunday School in the elementary department for twelve years. She has been actively involved in our Church’s youth programs, including participation in four mission trips to Honduras. Dara is aware of the commitment needed to serve on Session as she has previously served as an elder at another Presbyterian Church. Dara is a pediatrician and part owner of a general pediatric practice in Marietta called Cobb Pediatrics. A native of Mobile Alabama, Dara has been married to Chet Hosch for twenty seven years and they have three sons: Harris, age 21 who attends Georgia Tech, Hayden, age 18 who attends UGA and Holden, age 14 who attends Whitefield Academy.

Madeline Miller Lansing (Youth Elder) was baptized at First

Presbyterian Church and has been active in the church ever since. She has enjoyed the annual musicals, working on the mission trip to New Orleans, staying at the women’s shelter, and serving at the homeless breakfast. Currently, she serves on the Youth Leadership Team, is a D-Group leader for 6th grade girls and sings with the youth worship band. Last summer she served on work crew at a Young Life camp (Trail West) in Colorado, and hopes to work again this summer. Madeline is a junior at Grady High School and lives in Morningside with her parents, John and Duggan, and two younger siblings, John and Elizabeth.

Margaret Murphy is a longstanding member of First Presbyterian,

joining our church in 1983. She is a returning elder, having served on session from 1997 to 2000. She has been a tireless leader of the Lay Academy, having coordinating its programs since 2000. Margaret has also served as chair of First Presbyterian’s Issues and Information Committee since 2003. For many years, she also served as a rotating teacher for the Pinetrees Sunday School Class. Since 1987, Margaret Murphy has served as a judge in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Prior this appointment, she was a partner with Smith, Gambrell & Russell. Margaret was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, graduated from Queens College prior to attending law school at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has a grown daughter, Mary Margaret.

Susan Currie Prutzman is a thirteen-year member of FPC having

moved her membership from her home church in St. Louis. During her years at First, she has been an elementary Sunday School teacher, a 13 year food volunteer for the Edna Raine Wardlaw Women’s Shelter, a 4-year coordinating team member for the Hillside/First Partnership assisting in various capacities, a liaison for the Partnership to First PW, a member of Circle 8, and has been an active Stephen Minister since 2007. Additionally,

she currently serves as a Whiz Kids tutor, coordinates First volunteers who drive families to see loved ones in Georgia prisons monthly and is a reception desk volunteer. She has been a member of the International Class since joining the church. She is a current board member of the Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta. Susan has three children and four grandchildren.

Claire Schwahn has been an engaged member of First Presbyterian since 1980. Having served on Session previously, Claire is a former chair of Church Growth Council and the Nominating Committee. She has also served in our children ministry as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Parent Council member and Co-chair of the Youth Auction. She was a founding member of the Emmaus Sunday School Class and has been commissioned as a Stephen Minister. Her most recent involvement has been coordinating the merchandising of gifts and cards for The Mustard Seed. Claire has also been a small group leader in a community Bible study for twenty years. Claire grew up as a Presbyterian in Columbia, South Carolina. She attended Mary Baldwin College and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She and her husband, Frank have two children- their daughter, Marjorie, a Rhodes University graduate who now lives in Washington, D.C. and their son, Frank, a junior at Wake Forest University. Dan Smith. Upon moving to Atlanta in 1999, Dan Smith and his wife, Margy joined our church by way of recommendation of their previous minister who was a personal friend of George Wirth. Dan immediately engaged in our Community Ministries activities which had been his long standing area of interest and commitment. He also co-chaired along with Margy the Church’s Mission Conference and has been involved with the Brazil Committee and the Tumini Orphanage in Kenya. In addition, Dan has committed his time and resources to other special needs and activities within our Church such as Prece, Whiz Kids, and the Hillside Partnership. Dan grew up in the Presbyterian Church and served previously as an elder at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. After graduation from the University of North Alabama, he served in the U.S. Army, ending his military career as a Captain developing computer systems. Dan has since retired a couple of more times as a Chief Information Officer, first from Saks Fifth Avenue and most recently from Lord and Taylor and the Hudson Bay Company. Dan and Margy have three grown children and six grandchildren. Rush Smith, Jr has been a member of First Presbyterian for eighteen

years. A returning elder, Rush has previously served on a search committee for an associate pastor and also as a member of Nominating. Rush currently serves as co-leader of the Covenant Sunday School class and is a committee member of both the Reclaiming the Center Steering committee and the Issues and Information Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta. Rush is married to Paula Gould and has four children, Spencer, Sarah, Alex and Mackenzie, ranging in ages from 16-31. He lives in Morningside and is a partner in the law firm of Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, PC.

Luke Webster (Youth Elder), son of John and Julie and brother of Jack and Faye Webster, is a junior at Grady High School. He plays on the school’s golf and ultimate frisbee teams. He has been on eleven mission trips with FPC and has been in six musical productions at the church. He is also very active in the broadcast ministry. Luke was baptized at First Presbyterian and attended the Weekday Preschool. For photos and complete information, visit us on the web at www.firstpresatl.org

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The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary

youth YOUTH CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP!! Sunday, January 29, 2012 – 10:05 -11:05 AM Join us for the first Contemporary Worship Service of the New Year! Rev. Paul Humphries will be our guest speaker! He’s the Program Director for Calvin Center. He’s a great speaker! Don’t miss out! Youth Leadership Team will meet after Contemporary Worship to plan the Spring Events. YOUTH SUNDAY PLANNING AND ICE SKATING!!! Sunday, January 29, 2012 – 12:30-4:00 PM We need all youth to join us at 12:30 to complete plans for Youth Sunday, which will be Sunday, February 12! We will practice singing our songs as well as finish making plans for offering, prayers, etc. After we finish we will go Ice Skating! Bring money for lunch ($7) and Ice Skating ($10)! Must come to Youth Sunday Planning in order to go Ice Skating!

Thank you Elementary families for serving and making MLK Day “A Day On - Not A Day Off!

YOUTH SOUPER BOWL SOUP CAMPAIGN AND PARTY!!! Sunday, February 5, 2012 – 6:00-8:30 PM Bring cans of soup for our “Souper Bowl Soup Campaign.” We will collect soup for the Venerable Food Pantry! Sunday evening we will gather to watch the first half of the Super Bowl! Parents are asked to contribute soup and salad for dinner that night! Contact Allison for more details!

Race to Nowhere Wednesday January 25– 5:00 -8:30 PM Documentary, dinner and discussion. LOGOS and N/P childcare will be extended to provide parents the opportunity to stay for the entire evening). Musical Preview Practice! Saturday January 28– 10:00 AM -12:00 PM Come learn the exciting new songs for the tenth Elementary musical - Life of the Party! First Communion Sunday January 29 PMO Parents’ Morning Out registration for the 20122013 year will begin on Monday, February 6th. PMO is available for children 23 months and younger by September 1, 2012. For more information, please visit the PMO website at http://www. firstpresatl.org/pmo or contact Katharine Hamer at khamer@firstpresatl.org or 404-201-6443. Elementary Bowling Party! Saturday Feb. 12th 11:30 - 2:00 @ Midtown Bowl! $15 for bowling, shoes and lunch LOGOS Spring Semester Starts! Feb. 15th We will begin working on our musical. Spring fee is $100. Register online at firstpresatl.org/elementary.

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Guys and Dolls –Great show for a great cause! THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL CONGREGATION! Thanks for supporting our 16th Annual Youth Musical, “Guys and Dolls.” We raised $10,000 for Youth Mission!

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Youth Parent Advisory Committee Meeting January 31, 2012 Super Bowl Party – February 5, 2012 Youth Sunday Events – February 11-12, 2012 High School Senior Banquet – February 12, 2012

The Chimes adult sunday school A gora Room 322

In New Testament Greek, the name means “meeting place,” and we are a vibrant, conversational class that discusses a variety of topics, including Bible, theology, current events, and arts. Most of us are thirty something, and many have young children.

Berean Bible Class Reception Room

The Bereans were critical thinkers who, with study, became believers. (Acts 17:10-12). This year our theme is “What is the Bible?” It is God’s word, but it is also art, literature, and the most influential book ever written, and that is just the beginning. Join us January 29 for a discussion by Sara Dieters on “The Impact of the King kames Bible.” Visitors are welcome.

Community Bible Study Room B415

Taught by the Rev. Charles Black and Rev. Connie Lee, the Community Sunday School Class includes First Presbyterian members and community participants.

Covenant Class Room 230

On Jan. 29, John Webster will be leading our class on the topic of Predestination - “Does God Know the Score of the Super Bowl?” Please join us for lively discussion and fellowship.

Discovering God’s Word Room 317

Our class is studying the Gospel of Matthew, using Thomas G. Long’s commentary, Matthew, from the Westminster Bible Companion series. On Jan. 29, we will discuss Matthew 3:13-4:11: “Jesus’ Identity Is Confirmed and Tested” (Chapter 2, p. 32-39). Please join us!

Emmaus Class Room 227

On January 29th, please join the Emmaus Class for a class led by Donna Tabaka on Chapter 11 of King’s Cross.

Faith and Life Room 218

On Jan. 29, Tom Munger will continue his discussion of the political, social, economic, religious, family and legal life of the people of Palestine during the First Century with a focus on giving a historical context to certain events set forth in the Gospels with the goal of enhancing our understanding of those events.

First Foundations Room 319

First Foundations will welcome back Kevin Knab as he continues his series on Old Testament lessons.

Spiritual Living Room B202

Please join us for discussions on various topics, primarily centering around spirituality in the second half of life.

The Upper Room Room 332

Brian Soderberg, our new scholar in residence who’s taking classes at Columbia Seminary, will complete his 2 week Bible Study on the suprisingly relevant book of Peter. Join us!

Forum @ First Fifield Hall

We continue our five week series on Poverty in America and Poverty in Atlanta with Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, Associate Professor of Theology at Columbia Seminary in Decatur.

G alatians 3:28, Room 323

A brand new Bible Study class, we are open, inclusive, and discussion-oriented. Join us for historically informed, biblically grounded conversations about faith issues.

Internationals Room 327

On Jan. 29, Shirley Rose will discuss Mission work in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

. RING P S IL UNT be D E ill N w O TP POS ew dates ced. N announ

Meditation Group Room 320

We continue our regular weekly class schedule. This guided meditation class is for beginners and pros. Everyone is welcome!

Open Door Room 156

We will conclude our two-week special reading of the play “Frued’s Last Session” presented by Jerry Peterson and Wayne Hyatt (based on a fictional meeting between athiest Dr. Frued and thoeologian C S Lewis).

Ours for Today Room B308

Poverty in America Poverty in Atlanta A five week series January 22 – February 19 Sundays, 10:05 – 11:00 am Fifield Hall

January 29th, we will complete our study of The Help with Rev Connie Lee and Darryl Payne.

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he Session has called a Congregational Meeting for February 5, 2012 at 11:15 am immediately following the one worship service that day, which will be at 10:15 am. Sunday School at 9:00 am. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the Nominating Committee’s report, to elect new elders, and to receive other reports relating to the business and life of the congregation. Childcare will be provided. William M. Earnest

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“New name, new logo, same great teaching.”

Communion Service - 8:15 am, Led by Rev. Kevin D. Knab and Mrs. Allison Per-Lee Worship Service at 10:15 am Rev. Lauren Patrus preaching Sunday School for all ages 10:05 am, Fellowship Hour- 11:00 am Worship Service at 11:15 am Rev. Lindsay Armstrong preaching Fellowship Hour- 12:15 am

For information about private music instruction and group music, dance, and art classes, please visit us on the web or call: Kate Breytspraak, Director (404) 228-7762 www.firstpresatl.org/sfa

Worship for January 29

ar t s THE SCHOOL OF FINE

first presbyterian church of atlanta

Music for January 29 We have lovely gifts for your Valentine. Come in let us assist in your selection.

The Mustard Seed

Wednesdays 9-1, 4:30 - 6:30 Sundays 9-1 (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com

INROIT ANTHEM OFFERTORY

Yesu Kewtu Ni Rafiki Do Unto Others – Wright Feed My Lambs – Natalie Sleeth Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal - Parker Christ the Appletree - Scriven

Stop by and ! say hi

WEEKLY BROADCASTS Sundays live at 9:00 am & 11:15 am On demand anytime www.firstpresatl.org/servicesonline AIB Cable Network (Comcast Channel 5; Smyrna Channel 22) Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. WORSHIP Sunday Communion Service - 8:30 am Sunday Worship Services -9:00 am & 11:15 am Sunday School 10:05 am HOW TO CONTACT US Phone/404-892-8461 Fax/404-228-7760 E-mail: youbelong@firstpresatl.org Web: www.firstpresatl.org

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta 1328 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-3209 Bi-weekly Newsletter of

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 1521

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“His hair is the color of ripe hazelnut, parted on top in the manner of the Nazarites, and falling straight to the ears but curling further below, with blond highlights and fanning off His shoulders. He has a fair forehead and no wrinkles or marks on His face, cheeks are tinged with pink…in sum, He is the most beautiful of all mortals.”

Seeking the face of Jesus Join us for our Lenten journey with Rembrandt

FINE ARTS COMMITTEE

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he quote above, is a description of Jesus sent to the Roman Senate, during Jesus’ lifetime, by a certain Publius Lentulus, according to legend. The description was considered authoritative, but was it really what Jesus looked like? Forever people have had questions about the appearance of Jesus. What did He really look like? It is the intention of the Fine Arts Committee to promote more conversations about this question as we turn our thoughts toward Easter. During our Lenten Journey, beginning Ash Wednesday, February

22, and concluding Easter Sunday, April 8, we will have the opportunity to view several paintings and drawings of Jesus and can draw our own conclusions about His face. Spalding Nix, an art consultant and appraiser, as well as a new member of First Presbyterian, has been working closely with Dr. George Wirth to select several specific pieces of Rembrandt’s work that reflect scenes from the life of Jesus as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. In addition to the sermon series illustrated by Rembrandt’s work, Spalding has engaged other art historians from the Atlanta community

to collaborate with Lindsay Armstrong during the Sunday School hour. This class will provide the unique opportunity to offer artistic as well as theological perspectives of the particular Rembrandt and scripture being highlighted each Sunday. The images of Rembrandt’s work will be exhibited throughout the church during the Lenten Season, and we hope you will take the time to view these wonderful pictures that illustrate scripture passages familiar to all of us. Don’t miss this fascinating study beginning February 22. Please join us for our Lenten Journey with Rembrandt. January 29

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The Chimes

The Wedding Ministry is pleased to announce the following weddings at First Presbyterian Church:

September 10, 2011 (@ FPC) Nicole Joyce McKinney and Andrew William Pitman September 17, 2011 (@ FPC) Margaret Alice Johnson and Justin Angermeier DeSimone October 1, 2011 (@ FPC) Lauren Janelle McCauley and Stewart Lee Smallwood October 8, 2011 (@ FPC) Lean Marie Daniel and Christopher William McKinley October 8, 2011 (off-site) Meghan Hawthorne and Andrew McConomy October 15, 2011 (@ FPC) Elizabeth Anne Fisher and Kevin John Reimer October 22, 2011 (@ FPC) Caitlin Elizabeth Fincher and Blake Rhett Zorn October 25, 2011 @ FPC) Isabella Marie Basciano and Gary Scott Storey November 19, 2011 (@ FPC) Jessica Hana Ceciarelli and Adam Heath Williamson December 3, 2011 (off-site) Peggy Dawson and George Edwards December 18, 2011 (@ FPC) Edith Kay Wells and William McKinley Warneck December 31, 2011 (@ FPC) Mitsue Hamada and Edward Douglas Watt December 31, 2011 (off-site) Lara Goodrich and Zach Ezor

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January 29

Five@First Join us in February, for a new Sunday evening worship service which promises to lift your spirits. WORSHIP

I

remember how new everything felt when my wife and I first moved to Atlanta in the summer of 2010. Every curve of Ponce de Leon offered a new park or new neighborhood or new favorite restaurant to be discovered. Our new apartment seemed full of possibility for new friends and new memories. And I felt fresh wonder as I began serving the faith community at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta for the first time that fall. God’s activity in our individual and corporate lives often unfolds with a similar sense of surprise and unexpected newness. Over the last six months, a Worship Taskforce has sought to respond to God’s action in our congregation by seeking direction for new avenues of worship to which God might be calling FPC Atlanta.

The result of this process was a decision that a new worship service should be offered that combines a focus on our rich Presbyterian heritage with a casual, contemporary worship atmosphere. As such, I am thrilled to announce that a new Sunday evening worship service—called “Five@First”—will begin here at FPC on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Five@First will be a faithful and unique addition to this congregation’s vibrant worship life. This hour-long service will be held each Sunday evening beginning at 5PM in the Reception Room and will feature a casual, “come-as-you-are” atmosphere, innovative acoustic music, and spiritled prayer and preaching. As the leader of this new service, it is my sincere hope that you will come be a part of this exciting new chapter in the life and worship of our church. All are welcome to join us as we gather to worship and encounter the living God in new and unexpected ways. Alan Dyer, Assoc. Dir. For Youth & Family Ministry/Seminary Intern

Five@First What? A new “contemporary” style worship service with acoustic music, inspired prayer and preaching, and a casual atmosphere. When? Sunday evenings at 5PM beginning Feb. 26, 2012. Where? Reception Room Who is this service for? Anyone and everyone. All are welcome! Will there be childcare? Yes!