FPC connects
The Chimes nline
Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
SUNDAY Schedule Sunday, December 30 • Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Service 8:15 am, Winship Chapel • No Sunday School • Worship Service - 10:15 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour - 11:15 pm Reception Room • Youth Musical Rehearsal - 1-6 pm, Fifield Hall
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.
December 30, 2012 Christ at the Center
December 30, “This is the Way the World Ends”
The world didn’t end on December 21st. It won’t end on December 31st. Nor does December 30 Kevin Knab to preach it end on Good Friday, when we contemplate the death of Jesus and read about thunder claps and shaking earth. Yet, in an oversimplified definition of entropy, things typically do move from order to disorder and life to death. Batteries lose power, diapers get dirty, gas gauges plummet to empty, and friendships fade. Even if the world is not ending with a bang, it sometimes seems like the world is slowly slipping away from us. Our experience is a fight against entropy.
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
Happy New Year! Am I bringing you good cheer?! The writer of Ecclesiastes has a firm grasp on the ups, downs, losses, and gains of this existence. He examines the ‘vanity’ and ‘chasing after wind’ of life that lead us to ‘eat, drink and be merry’ while we can. He acknowledges the reality of disorder. But he stares it in the face with humor and verve. Through the eyes of Ecclesiastes, alongside the depth of Christ’s Gospel, we can take the time to explore what it means to live in a world that seems to be moving toward disorder. It is my hope that we can firmly find our place in Jesus’ creative, life-affirming plans for love amidst the chaos. As we move away from worrying about how the world will end, we can participate in the ways the God’s world is still being born.
One Service only! S u n d ay D e ce mbe r 3 0 6:30 am - Prayer Breakfast for Homeless 8:30 am - Communion Service in Winship Chapel 9:00 am - No Sunday School 10:15 am - Worship Service in the Sanctuary 11:15 am - Fellowship Hour in the Reception Room
Faithfully Yours,
Kevin
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: Major Charles Ayers PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain ABE3 Gregory Bridges Sgt. Isaiah Bridges LCPL Austin W.P. Eskew Staff Sgt. Kenneth Lee Captain Alexandria Victoria Miller Captain John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Brig. General Russell Sanborn Lt. JG David B. Sibley Commander Ryan Tewell Lt. Charles C. Thompson Col. Roderick G. Turner III
RAINBOWS
Pastoral Care Report (As of December 19, 2012)
Recuperating: Susan Daugherty, Kay Whipple, Aline Henderson, Richard Felker Deaths: We extend our heartfelt sympathy and lift up in prayer, Beth Stanford, Molly Stanford Hudson, Mr. & Mrs. John Stanford, Jr., Dr. Elizabeth Feely, and other family members, following the death of Beth’s husband, Mr. John O. Stanford, on December 18th.
MONASTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT RETREAT A PR I L 10 - 12 , 2 0 13
hope and healing in the face of loss ur RAINBOWS program resumes on January 10. 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.
O
RAINBOWS SCHEDULE Thursday evenings, Jan. 10 - Feb. 28 Dinner: 6:00 Groups: 6:35-7:45
“Hallowing Every Season of the Journey: Drawing upon the Wisdom of Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila” Rev. Lynnsay Buehler, an Episcopal Priest and the spiritual director of The Julian of Norwich Center will lead the retreat focusing on the sayings and images of Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila in order that we may grow in knowing that each one of us is God’s beloved. Join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal Cost: $150.00 for 2 nights and 5 meals Reservation deadline February 10, but Space is limited so reserve your room now. Call Pat Kimbrell at 404-228-7719
with Rev. Lynnsay Buehler 2
December 30
The Chimes programs & events
Renewing Our Strength W I N G S ~ Worship ~ Invite ~ Nurture ~ Give ~ Serve
Stewardship Season Breakfast Sunday, January 13, 10:15 a.m. Fifield Hall
Featuring
The Reverend Dr. Joanna Adams Get inspired to “renew our strength” in 2013!
Transitions Please join Jim Coil, Chair of the Transition Team for a Discussion of the Congregational Survey Results and Pastoral Transitions.
W E D N E S D AY
@
F I R S T
January 2
W EDNESDAY There will be no Wednesday evening programs other than Youth Musical Rehearsal
No Wed. night activities Jan 2 J an . 2 Y outh M usical R ehearsal 4:00 - 9:00 pm - Fifield Hall
Save the Date! Join the FPC Family as we take
“A DAY ON; NOT A DAY OFF” for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 21, 2013 8:00 am Breakfast in Fifield Hall 9:00 am -11:00 am Kid friendly work projects at FPC. 9:00 am -1:00 pm Off-site projects through Hands On Atlanta
Sunday, January 6, 2013 10:05 - 11:00 am Fifield Hall
Elementary Families please contact Lauren Patrus if you are interested in participating at 404.228.7735 or lpatrus@firstpresatl.org Everyone else please contact Unetia Byrd, in Community Ministry, if you are interested in participating at 404.228.7746 or ubyrd@firstpresatl.org
December 30
3
The Chimes PROGRAMS & Events
You are being called... How will you answer? Mark your calenders now for the 2013 Urban Ministry Conference. Community Ministries
I
n Galatians 3: 28 the Apostle Paul reminds those of us who are baptized believers, that because of Jesus Christ, we have a unique relationship with each other. He tells them, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” According to this scripture, for those of us who are people of faith, the barriers that often divide us from each other, should now be erased. No longer are we to be divided by race, no longer are we to be divided by social status, no longer are we to be divided by gender but we are to live together as one family in Christ Jesus. Since we each are being called to live in this manner, our Urban Ministry Conference theme this year is: “You Are Being Called...How Will You Answer?” As we remember, celebrate and act on the life and legacy of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr., we want to focus on ways we can better live out our calling. One of the major issues plaguing our society today is the number of persons living 4
December 30
below the poverty line. This economic challenge means we have many sisters and brothers in our midst who are currently homeless. There are many different reasons people are homeless. Some work on a regular basis but do not earn enough money to support themselves and their families. Some had jobs that have been terminated. Some have mental illnesses or addiction challenges, that prevent them from maintaining housing. The list can go on & on. Through our Community Ministries, we see hundreds of people each week and many of them are homeless. Therefore, this year’s conference will focus specifically on housing. We will identify, educate and act on some of the factors that can assist us, as a community of faith, in reducing the numbers of persons in Metropolitan Atlanta who are homeless. To that end, our schedule will include a Saturday Conference event in which we partner with the City of Atlanta in bringing together service providers, other participating organi-
zations, governmental agencies and members from the faith community for an opportunity to learn, share and network with each other. We will hear from panelists and begin building collaborative relationships in order to implement a more wholistic approach in providing services to those in need. One of our key efforts will be to support an initiative to provide 100 jobs in 100 days! On Sunday, we will focus more exclusively on ways we, at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, might respond to the call. We will show an excellent movie during our Sunday School hour which will be followed up on at lunch in Fifield Hall after the 11:15 service. Of course on Monday, we will have an opportunity for many to respond to the MLK day of service. We look forward to you joining us and learning more about how we can join hands in addressing the issue of housing the homeless. For more information or to RSVP for Saturday’s conference please contact Unetia Byrd at (404)228-7746.
The Chimes PROGRAMS & events
away for the holidays? Worship with us live from any place in the world.
Tickets on sale now! • All performances in Fifield Hall
http://www.firstpresbyterian.tv Dec. 30, one Worship Service only 10:15 a.m.
First Presbyterian Youth present...
Ony FPC Yout N S T ICKE ontact a
T
E
AL S N WO h
C
Thursday January 3rd 7:00 PM
Friday & Saturday January 4th & 5th 7:30 PM Sunday January 6th 3:00 PM All performances in Fifield Hall Tickets: $10 in advance $12 at the door
Financial Peace University
Dave Ramsey’s bibically based curriculum that teaches people how to manage money.
Wednesdays, January 16 -March 20 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Limited space. Pre-registration required and available on line and at registration tables after Sunday School beginning November 25. Cost: $89.00. Scholarships available. For more information, please contact: MC Allvine, 404.520.9395 Tom Greene, 404.350.0250 Lindsay Armstrong,404.228.7713
T
he transition process is underway and work has already begun on one of our key objectives – finding a dynamic Interim Pastor to serve following George’s retirement while we look for a new Senior Pastor. At its October meeting, the Personnel Committee proposed, and the Session approved the appointment of the following members to act as the Church’s Interim Pastor Search Committee:
Florida Ellis – Chair Peter Boorn Stephanie Fields Larry Galindo Joel LeMon Eddie Newsome
December 30
5
The Chimes PROGRAMS & Events
Save the dates AL-ANON Group meeting Thursdays, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunchtime group in Midtown in room 332 All Are Welcome!
Children e ’ h T Christmas s Pageant
A look at the Fine Arts calendar by Cindy Candler. The Fine ARts Committee
FEBRUARY 7TH 2013 PREACHERS AND LEADERS Photographs from Donna and Jim Philips’ Collection In celebration of Black History Month this wonderful group of photographs, featuring many of the leaders involved in the Civil Rights movement, will be on view in the Reception Room for the entire month of February. We will join with members from Hillside Presbyterian Church for a Southern Supper and conversation with Brett Abbott, Curator of Photography at the High Museum, highlighting the photographs and the era. Space will be limited.
MARCH 21st 2013 EVENING AT THE HIGH We are delighted to continue this tradition with the High, and this particular evening, we will enjoy the works of Mexico’s most famous artists, Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera. The collection of 136 works was assembled from international museums and private collections, and Atlanta will be the only U.S. venue! In keeping with the theme, we will enjoy a Mexican dinner at First and remarks about the collection from David Brenneman, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the High Museum, before departing for the High.
Thank you to all the participants in the 29th annual Children’s Christmas Pageant. We are grateful for your role in this beloved holiday tradition, when our children lead us in worship and share with us the wonder of this holy season. And finally, A great big special thank you to our Pageant directors: Laurie Campbell and Jane Race!
6
December 30
APRIL 25th 2013 the wareHOUSE tour Join us for an elegant evening on the west side of Midtown, where we will meet Sue and John Wieland for a tour of their impressive contemporary art collection housed in a newly created 20,000 sq. ft. space. This is a unique opportunity to see the work of contemporary artists from around the world, as we enjoy a light dinner and drinks.
The Chimes
urban ministry conference
being called..
how will you
answer? JAN.
J ANUARY 1 7 T H T H ROU G H 2 1 ST 2 0 1 3
you are
17 - 21 ur o Mark y ers d calen
Mark your calendars for January 17-21, 2013 as we celebrate our ministry to the city of Atlanta. The UMC is jointly sponsored by The Partnership Ministry of Hillside and First Presbyterian and Community Ministries in co-sponsorship with the Cousins Foundation. The Conference will offer a variety of opportunities for all members of our congregations and community: the King Concert at the King Chapel at Morehouse College on Thursday evening, Dr. Joan Brown Campbell keynote speaker on Saturday at FPC, and worship leader Sunday at FPC, Day of Service on Monday. You are invited to share a great fellowship as we dialogue, listen, work alongside each other to be the presence of healing and hope to our beloved community. More details coming soon.
C O AT S
&
B LAN K ET S
NEE D E D
Now is the time our brothers and sisters without homes really need your help! Please check your closets for warm, gently used, coats and blankets for our Community Ministries Clothing Closet. For more information please contact Connie Lee at (404) 228-7741.
(Fleece is a good choice for the homeless.)
LENT SMALL GROUPS
Join in fellowship and conversation around our 2013 theme for Lent: Discerning the Will of God. 6 weeks, February - March Different Days. Different Locations. Different Times. For information or to register, please contact Joel Moore at 404.664.9004 or Lindsay Armstrong at 404.228.7713 or larmstrong@firstpresatl.org
THE ARTIST’SWAY
A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity Calling all types of Artists! Whether you paint for a living or only sing in the shower, join us for a 13 week program that will follow Julia Cameron’s best- selling book to help you rediscover and reignite your creativity. Everyone can find their inner artist. The only cost is buying the book! Contact kbreytspraak@firstpresatl.org for more information and to register. Mondays, January 14 – April 8, 6:00-7:30 pm A course sponsored by the Fine Arts Committee
December 30
7
The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary
Thank you Elementary families for giving out gifts at the Christmas Prayer Breakfast! No LOGOS or Wednesday @ First Wed. Jan. 2nd - Happy New Year! MLK, Jr. Service Day A Day On, Not A Day Off Monday January 21st - Make plans now to join us and serve in and around the church - be on the lookout for details! First Communion Sunday January 29th Contact Lauren with any questions!
youth YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE We will not have Youth Sunday School on December 30. Regular classes will resume on January 6. This is a very important day because we will begin planning for Youth Sunday which will be February 10, 2013! Please plan to attend.
“FOOTLOOSE” – YOUTH MUSICAL Our 2013 Youth Musical is “Footloose” and we want EVERYONE to be part! The remainder of the rehearsals:
December 30 - 1:00-6:00 PM
January 2 – 4:00-9:00 PM
All rehearsals are in Fifield Hall! See you on stage!
Performances are January 3 at 7:00 PM, January 4 and 5 at 7:30 PM and January 6 at 3:00 PM! Get your tickets to sell. Everyone must sell at least 10 tickets! WINTER WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY FOR YOUTH JANUARY 9-FEBRUARY 6, 2013! All youth are invited and encouraged to come to Bible Study on Wednesday nights from 5:30-7:30 PM! Bring your Bible and money for dinner. We will go out to dinner this winter! Join us and bring friends! YOUTH SKI RETREAT! JANUARY 18-21, 2013 All youth going on the Ski Retreat to Winterplace, WV, watch your email for details for the trip. We will depart Friday afternoon at 5:00 PM and return on Monday at 5:00 PM. Think and Pray SNOW!!!
Taking a peek at Christmas 8
December 30
The Chimes
Why? Why now? Remarks from the December 9, 2012 11:15 Worship Service by Rev. Craig Goodrich. Rev. Craig Goodrich
B
y now you have probably heard that next March, Andie and I will be leaving our Church. I have been called -- as of last Sunday -- to become the Senior Associate Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian here in Atlanta. Reactions have varied: from shock, to excitement for Andie and me, to perplexity, disappointment, sadness and expressions of love, to anxiety and wondering what God is doing? Some have asked, “Why?” and “Why now?” especially with the retirement of Charles Black in September and George’s upcoming retirement in May. These questions cannot be fully answered here, and in truth the answers may have yet to unfold. But I will say this, that after being here
almost every Sunday for over 20 years, 16 in the Executive Director’s office, it is time, and there is a fresh call. I begin every morning with the prayer “Here I am Lord; I am open to your leading. Use me as you will.” And for several years I have been open to receiving a new call, believing that in my mid 50’s (I am 57 now), there would be another chapter. The call to Trinity was, and still is, a surprise to me. But as best I can discern, it is true. But Why now?” I agonized about this, but came to the conclusion that there really is no “good time” to leave, and that perhaps, all things considered, this may actually be the best time. For now, this news does create more uncer-
tainty, but can’t it also make for new opportunities? To wonder about, and get excited about the unfolding discovery of what God has in store for this Church, what new leaders God will raise up and call here for a new time, for the next lap. You know, this congregation has thrived for over 160 years. You have incredible leaders among you: elders, staff and teachers. And when you add all our elders, staff, and all those working on the Transition Team, the Personnel Committee and the Interim Search Committee, the number is over 80 people. You are in wonderfully capable hands, both human and divine. So what I really want to say to you this morning is Thank you! This is not “goodbye”. That will come in March. Our time is not yet done. (There is still the Annual Giving Campaign, after all!) So not good bye, but Thank you! It is an incredible privilege and joy to serve our Lord Jesus Christ with you and to serve with this gifted staff so remarkably assembled and led by you, George. Finally, it has been overwhelming to experience the love of God here in this place and your love. That love goes deep. We love this Church and we love you, and that is why Andie and I are sad, even as we are convinced that this is the right thing for us and for both churches. It is Advent, a season of expectation, of promise and of hope. And so for now, in this time of waiting and of trusting, Andie and I say thank you and we love you with all our hearts. We ask for your prayers and your blessing. You can be sure that you will always have ours. God bless you dear friends. Rev. Craig Goodrich
December 30
9
The Haiti Mission Committee
Vitamins and luggage needed.
The Haiti Mission Committee requests that you help them collect children’s vitamins (expiration date NO earlier than January 2014) to take to the Bill Rice clinic on LaGonave). The group is also in need of usable, but no longer used by you, luggage – especially large suitcases or duffel bags. You may bring items to the reception desk at the church through Sunday, January 6. A group will be traveling to Haiti on January 11. The luggage will be used to transport the vitamins and other supplies to the island.
Winter winds are blowing–time to cozy up by the fire with a good book. Our staff can make excellent suggestions.
The Mustard Seed
Open Wednesdays and Sundays 9 - 1 through December 23rd (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com
We reopenh! t Jan. 6
Music for December 30 Prelude Anthem Offertory Bene Resp Postlude
Tierce en Taille - F. Couperin Torches – Joubert Coventry Carol – Shaw Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Noel - L. Daquin
Musicians for December 30 Allegra Whitney Soprano Heather Witt Alto Wes Stoner, Tenor Ivan Segovia Bass Wade Thomas Bass
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
The Chimes
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 1521