eChimes May 29, 2016

FPC connects

The Chimes nline

Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

May 29, 2016 Christ at the Center

Sunday, May 29

MAY 29,

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

“All-In Relationships Can Produce Faith” Psalm 96:1-9; Luke 7:1-10

• Prayer breakfast - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall

Dear Friends,

• Communion Worship Service 8:30 am, Winship Chapel • The Mustard Seed Bookstore Open 9:00 am - 12:15 pm May 29Connie Lee to preach

• Sunday School for All Ages 9:30 am • Worship Service 10:45 am, Sanctuary • Fellowship Hour 11:45 am • Q2, Twenties & Thirties’ group, 12:15 pm, Room 322

I want to personally thank all of the volunteers and staff that work audio/video boards, cameras, and editing equipment to record, produce, and distribute an excellent product.

We give thanks to God for the vision and ministry of all of those that were there at the very beginning and for those that have carried on this ministry over the past three decades.

Our Broadcast Ministry is far reaching. We currently have four main platforms to deliver Sunday morning worship services and sermons:

Live Stream, www.firstpresatl.org or on our APP, 10:45 a.m.

On Demand, www.firstpresatl.org or on our APP, anytime…anywhere!

WSB Radio, 95.5 FM, Sundays, 7:30 a.m.

AIB Cable Television Comcast 295, AT&T 6, Wednesdays, 8:00 p.m.

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.

Thirty years ago this past April, the Broadcast Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta was born. Adding a television and, eventually, an online video and live stream version of Sunday worship/sermons has only expanded our congregation’s capacity to reach out to our members and the larger community with the Good News of the Gospel.

During any given week we have upwards of sixty people streaming our services online, four hundred watching sermons On Demand, hundreds watching on AIB, and about ten thousand listening on WSB. What an incredible outreach!

Allow me to commend to you our Communication’s Ministry Staff!

John Kabashinski, Director Lee Barineau, Publications Kia Smith, Digital Specialist

Pam Smith, Administrative Assistant Tim Haney, Tech Support Kelly Lockman, Tech Support

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.

We give thanks to God for their ministry!

Blessings,

Tony Sundermeier Senior Pastor

Simply send your correct email address and your mailing address to sdaniely@firstpresatl.org or call 404-228-7703.

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 AM3 Glenn Thomas Johnson HA Robert Louis Johnson 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 PFC Branton Wandera PFC Kevin Wandera

Pastoral Care Report (As of May 19, 2016)

CONTINUING CARE: Kathy Bess HOSPITAL: Jerry Lynn-Wesley Woods DEATHS: Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of David Rife who died on May 16th.

RECUPERATING: Alan Harris, Bill McManus, Carolyn Smith, Craig Maxwell, Deborah Ann McCoy, Doug Lybrook, Jim Bynum, Lynn Thompson, Lynne Jenkins, Mary Ginden, NeeNee Fortson, Randy Bryan, Rebecca Owens 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.

New Read:

Toxic Charity

On Ramp

by Bob Lupton

EXPRESS

Are you thinking about becoming a member of First Pres?

Book discussion every Tuesday

On Ramp is a threeONE- Dweek class about AY! the meaning of and steps required for church membership taught by Tony Sundermeier.

We will meet on Sunday, June 5, from 12:00- 2:30.

To register, please call Stephanie Lane at 404-228-7757or email her at slane@firstpresatl.org

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11:45 until 12:45 pm, Room 156

WORKING WOMEN’S

BOOK CLUB

Questions?

Contact Allison Cochran acochran@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718

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FPC Refugee Resettlement Ministry Ways you can get involved.

GREG ALLEN-PICKETT

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irst Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, in partnership with Hillside Presbyterian Church, has been involved in refugee resettlement ministry for more than 20 years. We partner with a nonprofit called New American Pathways who works with the US State Department to bring refugees to Atlanta. New American Pathways finds churches to help co-sponsor these families, furnish their apartments, and provide them a warm welcome and Christ-like hospitality.

In 2016, First Presbyterian and Hillside co-sponsored and helped to resettle an Afghan family in January.

The father of the family had translated for US and allied forces in Afghanistan. It became unsafe for the family to stay there so they resettled to Atlanta.

This family is a father, mother and two children ages 4 (girl) and 5 (boy).

In February of 2016, New American Pathways approached First Presbyterian and Hillside and asked us if we would sponsor a second family this

Sign up to help family practice English: The Syrian family started English language classes the first week of May. It would be ideal to have a person or family visit 2 hours each week to support that effort. “English at home� is what this is called and New American Pathways provides orientation classes are held once each month for interested parties. This effort allows us a great opportunity to provide a needed service and social support to the family, while building a relationship with them.

year. After prayerful discernment, we decided to take a second family.

On April 14, a Syrian family arrived in Atlanta with the support of First Presbyterian and Hillside. The family is a father, mother and 3 children ages 13 (boy), 12 (girl) and 8 (girl).

WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED Assist with providing seasonal clothing: Kids Clothing Drive: Our families have what they brought in a suitcase. Coordinating with FPC Family Ministries, we will have a gently used clothing drive.

(It was noted the kids will especially need underclothes & socks.)

Thrift Store Visits: Take the family shopping at a local thrift store in or around Clarkson where they live, teaching them to ride MARTA. This supports New American Pathways initiatives regarding teaching families to be budget-mindful and to use self-sustaining transportation.

They will be left with another change of clothes or two & the knowledge of a place to go for future needs and how to get there.

Sign up to help with transportation to interviews, doctor’s appointments, grocery store visits & for emergencies: Send an email or call Greg to learn how to help in this way.

Take the family to a park, picnic, festival or other local event: Global Mission organized a visit to a semi-professional soccer game with the family in May and will be looking for other opportunities in the coming months. We will publish those details as those events are planned and also invite you to get creative in thinking about ways to help this family get to know its community.

Help with employment or employment preparation: There will be some opportunities here, but specifics are currently undefined until we speak with the employment specialist assigned to these families.

General opportunities such as practicing interview skills & reinforcing cultural norms for interviewing such as eye contact, hand shakes, smiling.

Help us in the fall to prepare to resettle another refugee family: In September we will invite the church to prepare to receive a new refugee family. This will involve collecting furniture and goods to furnish an apartment.

Keep an eye out for this opportunity and if you are doing any remodeling, hold on to the old furniture if it is in good shape and we can use it in the fall for our next family.

For more information, contact Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett at 404-228-7723 or gallenpickett@firstpresatl.org

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WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY What: Drop In Bible Study using the Wired Word weekly lesson When: Wednesdays - 10:00am June 8, 15, 22, 29 (we will NOT meet June 1)

Where: B111 Who: Anyone who would like to drop in for a lesson - no preparation required.

Can we talk?

Join us for our first Youth and Parents Lunch and Conversations

KATIE SUNDERMEIER & JAY YORK

Register Online for the School of Fine Arts Summer Camp!

Join us July 5-July 8 for a week of fun with the School of Fine Arts. Let your imagination and your body exercise with art, tumbling music and more!

Available to potty trained children ages 3-7.

Monday-Friday 9:00am- 1:00pm July 5-July 8 “Creative Minds, Active Bodies” From painting to music to tumbling, this week has it all!

kpatterson@firstpresatl.org

ar t s THE SCHOOL OF FINE

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ATLANTA

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ear Parents and Youth of FPC, you are invited to join us for our first Youth and Parents Lunch and Conversations following worship on June 12th, 12-2pm!

Following worship, we will have lunch together where we can enjoy each other’s company – an opportunity to connect with and invest in relationships within our family of faith.

Then, we have planned several ways we can nurture meaningful conversations around important topics. As youth and as parents, so much is going on in our own lives and all around us. We want to provide a space for these life issues to be able to be explored within our church. Our conversation points for our first gathering will be centered around mental health, depression, and suicide.

For the parents, we will have Leigh Harris, Bachelor of Science: Georgia Tech and Master of Science in Professional Counseling: Georgia State University, facilitate

these conversations with us. Jay knows Leigh from his previous church in her work at their counseling center. She’s got a great bio, look her up if you’re interested!

The middle school and high school students will split into small groups and have conversations with pastors and members of First Presbyterian Church around these topics as well.

It is such a precious gift to be able to talk about life’s hardest places and biggest challenges within the family of faith. As we invest in what is most important to us, may we encourage and support one another in the process. May we share our hope and our joy, our doubts and our fears and be strengthened, by the grace of God, within the Body of Christ.

Pastoral Care, Emerging Generations, and the Samaritan Counseling Center are joining together to offer fellowship and conversations such as these.

Please RSVP to Katie Sundermeier & Jay York at: ksundermeier@firstpresatl.org or jyork@firstpresatl.org (childcare provided upon request)

The Chimes

Volunteer at Villa!

Be the change that you want to see!

Ways you can help right here at FPC.

We are currently looking for volunteer drivers.

MISSION

COMMUNITY

Soap collection for Atlanta Metro Transitional Center

P

resbyterian Women of the Hillside and First Presbyterian Partnership will be collecting bath size bars of soap throughout the months of June and July. The soap collected will be provided to the chaplain of the Atlanta Metro Transitional Center, one of two facilities in Georgia that helps women leaving prison to prepare for life “on the outside.” Soap may be placed in the Every Member Can bins or brought to the Community Ministries office in Room B216 of the Smith Building. Thank you for your support of these women in prison.

Contact Adele Shepherd at 404-218-3053 or adele@bellsouth.net to sign up to help or to get more information.

Help us deliver critical services to our guests What: Asking for your volunteer help to put a smile on our neighbors’ faces in Community Ministries; We need your help to support our Mail Ministry (sort, file and distribute mail); staff our Foot Ministry; staff our Shower Ministry and Food Pantry; and call back clients for financial assistance.

When: Monday through Friday – 12 noon – 3pm (you can pick and choose your schedule)!

Volunteering just two hours per week will put a smile on your face!

Contact Marie Wandera, Community Ministries Administrative Assistant, at 404.228.7746 or at mwandera@firstpresatl.org.

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ecome a volunteer at Villa International, “Where the world comes home.” Villa offers Christian hospitality in a safe, low-cost home away from home for international Public Health workers, healthcare professionals and others at CDC, Emory, and various Atlanta institutions.

In any given week we have from 45 to 75 international guests staying at Villa, cooking their own food in our community kitchen and relaxing in the evening with others in lively conversation.

We are currently recruiting volunteer drivers who will take a few guests in the evening to nearby shopping areas for groceries, clothes, electronics. We provide this each evening as our guests typically are here for a few weeks and do not have transportation.

Volunteer drivers need to provide a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

For more information visit the website (www.villainternational.org).

Our volunteers are often the first Americans our guests meet. Our guests are among the best and brightest their countries send abroad. They want to learn about our people, Atlanta and the US. Working with guests broadens our experience. Volunteering at Villa is more than good works; it’s good fun!

For more information, contact Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett at 404-228-7723 or gallenpickett@firstpresatl.org

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The Chimes NURSERY/PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY

TWENTIES & THIRTIES

JOIN US IN THE SURF SHACK THIS SUMMER! June 6-10 9:00am to 12 noon

Whether it’s a small group, a Bible study, a social event, or a service opportunity, here are some ways you can connect with our community.

We will sing, dance, craft, snack, and learn our way through 5 fun Bible stories!

Children ages 3 (and potty trained) through rising 6th grade.

We’ll use This Strange and Sacred Scripture: Wrestling with the Old Testament and Its Oddities as our guide.

NEW THIS YEAR - VBS AFTERCARE CAMP! 12 noon to 4 pm, every day. Registration goes live on February 14th!

Youth and parent volunteers needed as well! See you there!

NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER AND FALL FPC Parents’ Morning Out for babies and toddlers – 8 weeks to 2 years. Please contact Emily Miller for more information at pmo@firstpresatl.org or call 404-228-7712.

YOUTH YOUTH GROUP – SUMMER SUNDAYS 9:30-10:30AM In town? Join us for a combined youth class this summer in B111 as we unpack blockbuster movies, chart topping jams, and current events together.

YOUTH SUMMER SCHEDULE Be on the lookout for our schedule of summer offerings for youth.

Fellowship events, small groups, movie nights, lunches, and more.

SUMMER SMALL GROUP Beginning in June, we’ll meet every other Monday evening at 7 p.m. to wrestle with the Old Testament.

Whether you can commit to each week or not, we’d love for you to join us!

ATLANTA MOON RIDE On Friday, June 10th, we’ll participate in a 6-mile bike ride beginning at 11 p.m. in Piedmont Park. All proceeds benefit a great cause, and there’s even a festival to kick us off beforehand at 6 p.m.

Visit atlantamoonride.com for more details. When you register, make sure you join our FPC team!

Q2 SUMMER HIATUS Q2 will go on a brief hiatus before resuming again in September. We’ll still head to brunch after 10:45 a.m. worship service, though, so meet us in Fifield at 12:15 p.m., and let’s break bread together.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Did you know FPC has a women’s shelter? Or that FPC makes breakfast for hundreds of homeless guests every Sunday? Or that we recently settled two refugee families in Atlanta? Or that we’re planning events with Hillside Presbyterian Church re: racial reconciliation?

NEW YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM We’re currently looking for youth with opinions! We want you as part of our youth leadership team for the Fall as we make plans for the year ahead. Be on the lookout for applications coming soon.

Well, all of that is true, and we could use your help.

Within our 20s/30s community, we have a team of folks dedicated to serving God and neighbor who’d love to hear from you. Email Ann-Henley and she’ll connect you.

Not getting our Tuesday, Youth News???

Email Jay (jyork@firstpresatl.org) to be added so you won’t miss out.

COUPLES’ GROUP On the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m., we gather at folks’ homes, we play TopGolf, we visit breweries, and we cheer for the Braves.

If you’re engaged or married without kids, email Ann-Henley to learn where we’re headed next!

Not receiving our e-newsletters or have any questions about the above? Email Ann-Henley at ahsaunders@firstpresatl.org.

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The Chimes ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

Sunday School Offerings June 5-August 28

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G R E AT F I G U R E S O F T H E N E W T E S TA M E N T

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Each week of this lecture-based series explores the story of a prominent figure in the New Testament. Emphasis will be placed on the historical and theological background of these figures as well as the role they play in Christian thought.

Reception Room June and July • Taught by Ryan Bonfiglio

Summer is now in session!

Our summer offerings promise to inspire you.

WHO IS JESUS THE CHRIST?

This series is designed for individuals who want to dig deeper into theologies surrounding the person and work of Christ. Through presentation and dialogue, participants will grow in their knowledge of Christology and be encouraged to apply these concepts to their everyday lives.

Fifield Hall June • Taught by Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier

S P I R I T U A L P R A C T I C E S F O R T O D AY

Through lecture and discussion, this series will explore various spiritual practices, how they can nurture our faith formation, and how they can be incorporated into life beyond the walls of FPC. Fifield Hall July • Led by Allison Cochran

CHRISTIANITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

This series will look at Christianity in the Middle East from the 19th century until the present day. It will explore the history of Protestant mission movements in the Middle East as well as current issues and challenges facing Christians in this region.

Reception Room August • Taught by Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett

M O D E R N ( C H R I S T I A N ) F A M I LY

Through panel discussions and guided conversations, this series focuses on a number of issues related to parenting, faith, and the modern Christian family. Each week will offer multiple sessions organized around age-specific topics.

Fifield Hall August • Led by FPC Staff and Congregants

RYAN BONFIGLIO

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ay 22 marks the end of FPC’s regular Sunday School schedule. What a wonderful year it has been! Collectively our 12 classes have wrestled with challenging topics, dug deeper into biblical texts, examined contemporary issues in society and culture, and studied the church’s liturgy and history. On any given Sunday you could find teaching series by FPC pastors, lectures by dynamic outside speakers, and presentations by our very own congregants. This year saw the birth of a new class (Q2, led by Rev. Ann-Henley Saunders) aimed at 20- and 30-somethings, but it saw the closing of another: Open Door. Over the past 64 years, this class has studied, prayed, and shared life together, and has given us an enduring witness to the bonds of faith and fellowship that can be nurtured through Sunday School.

As much as there is to celebrate about this past year in Sunday School, there’s also much to look forward to. Our “summer session” will run from June 5 through August 28 and two options will be available every Sunday. These series will address five broad areas in Christian Education: the Bible, theology, church history, spiritual formation, and practical issues in parenting. All of the series run for multiple weeks, but each class will stand on its own. So, if you miss a week you can easily re-enter the series later or you can switch between series at any time.

Whether you currently are a member of a Sunday School class or are simply interested in dropping in on a series, please come out and join us this summer.

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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.

The Mustard Seed

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Summer’s almost here!

Time to stock up on those books you’ve been wanting to read. We will be delighted to offer suggestions.

us

We would love to have you join us.

Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 10 am in the 2nd floor Chancel Choir Rehearsal Room. Please contact Katharine Hamer khamer@firstpresatl.org • 404-228-7732.

in

Would you like to sing with the Chancel Choir this summer?

Jo

Join the Summer Choir!

Prayer Shawl Ministry Gathering

2nd Thursday of the month 12:15-2:00pm

(or as long as you are able to stay)

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

Stop by and say hi!

In the Bridal Room Please contact Katie Sundermeier or Iris Dodge with any questions!