eChimes December 6 & 13

FPC connects

The Chimes nline

Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

SUNDAY Schedule

December 6 & 13, 2015 Christ at the Center

Sunday, December 6

Advent

Second Sunday of Advent • Prayer breakfast for Homeless Persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Worship Service 8:30 am, Winship Chapel • The Mustard Seed Bookstore Open 9:00 am - 12:15 pm • Sunday School for All Ages 9:30 am • Worship Service 10:45 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour 11:45 am • Q2, Twenties & Thirties’ group, 12 pm, Room 322

Sunday, December 13 Third Sunday of Advent • Prayer breakfast for Homeless Persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Worship Service 8:30 am, Sanctuary • The Mustard Seed Bookstore Open 9:00 am - 12:15 pm • Lecture on Vivaldi’s “Gloria” 9:30 am, Fifield Hall • Sunday School for All Ages 9:30 am • Christmas Pageant 10:45 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour 11:45 am • Q2, Twenties & Thirties’ group, 12 pm, Room 322

SUNDAYS DURING ADVENT

Second Sunday of Advent, December 6 8:30 a.m. Chapel, Communion 10:45 a.m., Sanctuary Rebekah LeMon, Preaching

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20 8:30 a.m. Sanctuary, Communion 10:45 a.m., Sanctuary Tony Sundermeier, Preaching

Third Sunday of Advent, December 13 8:30 a.m., Sanctuary, Communion Tony Sundermeier, Preaching

SPECIAL GATHERINGS IN ADVENT Lecture on Vivaldi’s Gloria Sunday, December 13, 2015 9:30 a.m., Fifield Hall Children’s Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13, 2015 10:45 a.m., Sanctuary Christmas Concert Sunday, December 20, 2015 9:30 a.m., Sanctuary Vivaldi’s Gloria Choir and Orchestra

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 12:00-12:50 p.m.

Chapel Service Carols, Soloist, and Homily by Tony Sundermeier 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Sanctuary, Younger Children and Family Service Carols, Children’s Message, and 4th and 5th Grade Liturgists

re Childca le b a va i l a 0 , 4:0 at 12:00 30 and 5:

5:30-7:00 p.m.

Sanctuary, Candlelight and Communion Carols, Choral Anthems, Orchestra, Communion, Candlelight and Homily by Tony Sundermeier 11:00-12:00 a.m.

Sanctuary, A Service of Lessons and Carols Carols, Choral Anthems, Orchestra, Candlelight and Homily by Tony Sundermeier

The Chimes

Prayers for THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE

Ensign Karim Abu-Akel Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson Major Charles Ayers PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Lt. JG Benjamin S. Bondurant Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain ABE3 Gregory Bridges Sgt. Isaiah Bridges Glenn Thomas Johnson, AMAN Robert Louis Johnson, HA Staff Sgt. Kevin Lee Lt. Wilson Mansfield McManus Captain John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Brig. General Russell Sanborn Lt. David B. Sibley Commander Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III

Pastoral Care Report (As of November 18, 2015)

Recuperating: Barbara Cox, Liza Bryan, Roland and Betty Downing, NeeNee Fortson, Avery Hannon, Barbara Hartman, Rev. Connie Lee, Randy Jones, Rena Grizzell, Judson Hall, Bill Barber, Sally Stalker, Lynn Ricketts.

If you have any pastoral concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin Knab at 404-228-7763 or kknab@firstpresatl.org., or Pam Parrish at 404-228-7737 or pparrish@firstpresatl.org.

COME-ON-ALONG DECEMBER 17TH!

Organ Renewal campaign As we approach the 25th year since its last renovation, our exquisite Sanctuary organ needs significant renewal to ensure that its 6097 pipes continue to provide beautiful music.

Specifically, the organ’s thousands of leather patches need to be replaced, the wiring connecting organ console and pipes must be updated, the control system that allows the organist to choose the instrument’s sound must be replaced, and the individual sounds of our organ need to be balanced. After much research by an Organ Renovation Task Force and consideration of multiple bids, First Presbyterian has engaged German organ builder Orgelbau Klais Bonn to complete these renovations. The work will begin in January 2017 and will take several months to complete, but with the exception of very few Sundays, we will use the Chancel organ or the Gallery organ in worship. The total cost of the project is approximately $1.3 million and we hope to raise $1.65 million in order to complete the needed work and fund a maintenance reserve specifically for the organ. Please consider supporting the renovation of this wonderful asset of First Presbyterian.

2

December 6 & 13

COA

CHRISTMAS 201

5

COME-ON-ALONG TO THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AT FPC DATE: Thursday, December 17, 2015 TIME: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church at 9:30 AM COST: $10 for Christmas Luncheon in Reception Room Join us for our Annual Christmas Celebration of Christmas Stories,Carols with Mary Archer at the piano, Bible Stories, followed by a delicious Christmas Luncheon of tender, old-fashioned ham, cranberry salad, green vegetables, sweet potato soufflé, bread, and dessert. Bring your fondest Christmas memories to share, your singing voices, and a hearty appetite.

Call Bruce Gregory for reservations at 404-228-2263, or e-mail him at bruce.m.gregory@gmail.com.

The Chimes

THEOLOGYMATTERS Short Courses for the Thoughtful Christian

This unique series of short, Christian education courses is designed to explore why theology matters in our everyday life and faith. Courses are free of charge and taught by Ryan Bonfiglio, FPC’s Stembler Scholar.

For more info & sign-up visit http://www.firstpresatl.org/theologymatters.

Course 2 Winter Session Rediscovering the Ten Commandments: Context, Canon, and Culture Wednesdays | January 6, 13, 20, 27 | 7:00-8:15 pm Instructor: Ryan Bonfiglio This series considers a number of topics related to the meaning and importance of the Ten Commandments, including their own original context, how they were interpreted by later biblical authors, and why they have had such a lasting influence not only on Christian tradition but also secular culture.

M A

T

Thursdays, December 3, 10, and 17 7:00-8:45 p.m.

(Study Goes from 7:30-8:15 p.m Hang Out Time from 7:00-7:30 and 8:15-8:45) This a great chance to focus on the meaning of the season and also meet our brand new, Director of College and High School Ministry, Jay York R.S.V.P. to Katie Law (it helps with refreshment prep!) klaw@firstpresatl.org and their address will be forwarded on to you.

What’s next?

NEXT Church National Gathering here at FPC! Faith at the Crossroads What’s at stake?

For you? For your congregation?

For your community?

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Feb 22-24, 2016

E

R S

T H E O

G Y

Hosted at the Home of Tony and Katie Sundermeier

T

L

O

HIGH SCHOOL ADVENT SMALL GROUP

We are expecting 700 attendees to meet here in February and we need your help as volunteers.

Contact Stephanie Lane at 404.228.7757 or slane@firstpresatl.org to sign up for a shift during the conference.

December 6 & 13

3

The Chimes

N E R ’ I CHMEN S E L P U CO W E E K E N D ! T AN INVESTMENT WORTH MAKING

January 29-31, 2016 Rev. Dr. Tony and Rev. Katie Sundermeier Facilitators We are looking forward to a weekend away with other couples in all different places in their marriages to grow in faith and our love for one another and to enjoy Lake Lanier with great people!

Theme: An Investment Worth Making Please contact Katie Law to sign-up klaw@firstpresatl.org or 404-228-7715 Contact Katie or Tony Sundermeier with any questions ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org or tsundermeier@firstpresatl.org Payment Information: $400 per couple Financial Assistance is available… inquire with Katie or Tony Sundermeier

4

December 6 & 13

CHRISTMAS

C o n c e rt

M u s i c a Sa c r a a t l a n t a

Sunday, DEC. 20 • 9:30Am Antonio Vivaldi - Gloria Musica Sacra Chorus & Orchestra Rolando Salazar, Conductor

The Chimes

God’s Gift Shop, an alternative Gifting Opportunity.

Featuring short lines, no traffic, unique and memorable gifts... for everyone on your list!

Look for us outside Fifield Hall, before services and during fellowship hour or online at: www.firstpresatl.org/GodsGiftShop All proceeds to supplement the FPC annual budget supporting Mission Council.

God’s gift Shop

Childspring International gift tags are now available!

They’re made by children to save children. Treat your friends and family to presents adorned with unique gift tags this holiday season. Stop by the Childspring office on floor 3 of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta (M-F, 10 to 6) or at The Mustard Seed bookstore to pick up a package!

CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL FLOWERS he Christmas Memorial Fund is your opportunity to share in the Christmas Memorial Flowers.

The name of the person or persons you wish to memorialize will be placed on a special list in our Worship Bulletin. Attach the names to be included or return the form below to the Church with your check. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and mail to 1328 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30309-3902. Please print plainly. The names will be printed in the bulletin exactly as you print them.

Visit: www.firstpresatl.org/ChristmasMemorialFlowers

T

’s

dren

Chil

tmas

Chris

ant

Page

The Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13, 2015 10:45 a.m.

Sanctuary

Name of Contributor: Name(s) to be listed: Amount of contribution enclosed: $

e Deadlin3 1 .

Dec

December 6 & 13

5

The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary

youth He’s here! Jay York, our new Director of College & High School Ministries, began serving at First Pres. on November 29th.

Make sure you introduce yourself and welcome him to our community of faith!

MIDDLE SCHOOL FRIDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP: Friday, December 18th from 6:30-9 p.m.

Join us for our last Friday Night Fellowship at the Smiths’!

HIGH SCHOOL ADVENT SMALL GROUP Hosted at the Home of Tony and Katie Sundermeier Thursdays, December 3, 10, and 17 7:00-8:45 p.m.

(Study Goes from 7:30-8:15 p.m. - Hang Out Time from 7:00-7:30 and 8:15-8:45) This a great chance to focus on the meaning of the season and also meet our brand new, Director of College and High School Ministry, Jay York R.S.V.P. to Katie Law (it helps with refreshment preparation!) klaw@firstpresatl.org and their address will be forwarded on to you.

C H I L D R E N ’ S

M I N I S T R Y

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE PAGEANT! Preschool Rehearsal Sunday, December 6th during Sunday School 9:30 - 10:30 am 2nd & 5th Grade Rehearsal Sunday, December 6th 12 - 2 pm, lunch provided All Elementary Rehearsal Saturday, December 12th 9:30 - 11:30 am Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 13th 10:45 am Worship

Save the Dates: • ALL YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY: December 20th, 9:15-10:30 a.m.

• COLLEGE CONFERENCE AT MONTREAT: January 2nd-5th, 2016 (Nadia Bolz-Weber is the keynote speaker, and if you don’t know about her yet, you’ll want to change that! This will be Jay’s first trip with us, too, so you won’t want to miss it!)

• ALL YOUTH SKI RETREAT: January 15th-18th • MONTREAT YOUTH CONFERENCE: June 5th-11th (open to rising ninth graders through rising college freshmen) • HIGH SCHOOL JAMAICA MISSION TRIP: July 28th-August 4, 2016

Twenties & Thirties From mid-September through mid-May, we meet on Sundays immediately following our 10:45 a.m. worship service to discuss relevant topics ranging from relationships to prayer to the theology of pop culture to other religions. We often head to brunch afterwards, too, so we hope you’ll join us for a time of fellowship and engaging conversation.

Meanwhile, all are welcome to join us on Friday, December 11th at 8 p.m. for our Christmas Party. Save the date and keep your eyes peeled for more details.

We’ll also head to Atlanta’s Botanical Garden on December 17th for their Garden Lights/Holiday Nights extravaganza. We’d love to see you there!

Not receiving our e-blasts? Email Ann-Henley Saunders, our Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations and Young Adults, at ahsaunders@firstpresatl.org to stay in the loop!

6

December 6 & 13

The Chimes Adult Discipleship

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERVIEW 9:30 - 10:30 am, Everyone Welcome!

Berean Bible Class, Room 171 (Reception) Age Range: Open to All, Format: Lecture based

Community Bible Study, Room B415

Age Range: Open to All, Format: Discussion based

Covenant Class, Room 227

Age Range: 40s to 50s, Format: Discussion based

Discovering God’s Word, Room 317

Age Range: 40s to 80s, Format: Discussion based

Emmaus Class, Room 230

Age Range: 50s to 70s, Format: Lecture based

Faith & Life, Room 218

Glory to God in the highest.

Come explore the biblical texts that inspired Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Ryan Bonfiglio

Age Range: 60s to 80s, Format: Lecture based

First Foundations, Room 330

Age Range: 30s to 40s, Format: Discussion based

Internationals, Room 327

through history not only as the angelic praise of the heavenly host but also as the earthly prayers of a world that longs for God’s good news of peace, love, and reconciliation.

This Advent season, come explore the musical riches of Vivaldi’s Gloria and the biblical texts that inspired it.

Age Range: All ages, Format: Lecture based

Open Door, Room 156

Age Range: 60s to 80s, Format: Lecture based

Ours for Today, Room B308

Age Range: 40s to 50s, Format: Discussion based

Q2, Room 322

Age Range: 20s to 30s, Format: Discussion based

The Gathering Place, Room 332

Age Range: 30s to 50s, Format: Discussion based

G

loria in excelsis Deo – Glory to God in the highest. It is with these words that Antonio Vivaldi begins his Gloria in D Major, which was composed in Latin in the early eighteenth century. Yet the origins of these words date back long before Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece. According to the Gospel of Luke, just moments after the young Mary had given birth to Jesus in a Bethlehem manger, a multitude of the heavenly host burst forth in song: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those he favors!” (Acts 2:15). Their praise pierced the night sky and awakened the world to the joy of a God made flesh. In bringing to a close the period of waiting we know as Advent, these words inaugurate our everlasting hope in Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world. The words of Vivaldi’s hymn – and Luke’s Gospel – reverberate

L E C T U R E O N V I V A L D I ’ S “ G L O R I A” Adult

SUND A Y SC H OOL

S u n day, D E C . 1 3 • 9 : 3 0 A m Ryan Bonfiglio and Jens Korndorfer will lecture in Fifield Hall on Vivaldi’s Gloria , in preparation for our Annual Christmas Concert.

December 6 & 13

7

The Chimes

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

Bi-weekly Newsletter of

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta 1328 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-3209 HOW TO CONTACT US Phone/404-892-8461 Fax/404-228-7760 E-mail: youbelong@firstpresatl.org Web: www.firstpresatl.org WORSHIP Sunday Communion Service - 8:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service - 10:45 am WEEKLY BROADCASTS Sundays live at 10:45 am On demand anytime www.firstpresatl.org/servicesonline AIB Cable Network (Smyrna Channel 22, Comcast 295) Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

Looking for the perfect gift?

For information about private music instruction and group music, dance, and art classes, please visit us on the web or call:

ar t s

Men’s Clothing Closet & Foot Care Ministry

THE SCHOOL OF FINE

first presbyterian church of atlanta

The Mustard Seed

Katie Patterson, Interim Director (404) 228-7753 www.firstpresatl.org/sfa

Christmas elves have filled the shop with wonderful Christmas gifts, ornaments and books.

Hurry in to do your shopping!

Wednesdays 9-1:00, Sundays 9-12:15 PM (404) 201-6442 themustardseed@firstpresatl.org

Stop by and ! say hi

We have a tremendous need for outdoor work shoes, long sleeve white shirts, black shoes and long black pants for restaurant and food service jobs.

Cold weather is just around the corner, heavy coats and caps are needed, as well.

• Share to care for others! •