eChimes for October 30th

FPC connects

The Chimes nline

Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

SUNDAY Schedule Sunday, October 30 • Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall • Communion Service 8:30 am, Winship Chapel • The Mustard Seed Bookstore 9:00 am - 1:00 pm • Cherub Choir - 9:30 am • Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary • Sunday School - 10:05 am • Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary • 30th Anniversary Celebration of Women’s Shelter - 12:15 pm.

Fifield Hall • Excelsis Choir - 1:00 pm • Musica Sacra Concert - 2:00 pm lunch preceeding, reception following

reminder The Chimes is published bimonthly. In months where there are five Sundays (as in July), 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.

TO UPDATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Visit our website to update your subsription, change your mailing address, or subscribe to the online Chimes: www.firstpresatl.org/echimes

October 30, 2011,

Rev. Craig N. Goodrich will preach “The Power of Grace.”

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hat is the primary source of power in your life? Where do you get your energy?

There are many powerful forces October 30 Craig Goodrich to preach at work within us, including the desire for success and security, and providing for family. Beauty, fear and love are also powerful motivators. What is it for you? If you really search your heart, what would you say truly motivates you?

There is a wonderful line in our Presbyterian Directory of Worship which provides, “The life of a Christian is empowered by grace, is expressed in obedience and is shaped by discipline.” (W-5.1104).

I love that phrase “empowered by grace,” and yet I wonder sometimes what this really means and whether it is possible to live energized and empowered by grace. What might such a life look like?

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday, a time when we look back to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther and John Calvin, among others, led a

movement in large part arising out of what they believed was a “rediscovery of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.”

But, just what is this “grace”? Simply put, grace is God’s love for us in Jesus Christ who, as Paul says, died for us “while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5: 8). It is a “one-way love”, not contingent on our response and not resulting from our initiative. Grace always comes first. It is a free gift of God. It is not something we deserve but, as with any gift, it is something that can only be received. And it is best received and most powerful when received with humility and gratitude.

Come to worship this Sunday. The sermon is entitled “The Power of Grace.”

Grace to you,

Craig

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 MC2 Tyler Wilson

Pastoral Care Report (As of October 5, 2011)

Recuperating: Dan Smith, Beverly Wesley Rehab: Florence Inman, John Talmadge Births: Our congratulations and many blessings are extended to Katie and Bob Weston following the April 2nd birth of Robert “Bo” Gabrey Weston III. Deaths: We extend our deepest sympathy and lift up in prayer: Will & Diane Pharr and family following the death of their son, William Samuel “Sam” Pharr Jr., on October 4th; the family and friends of our former member, Mrs. John O. (Tino) Gaultney, on October 4th in Nashville.

C O M E - O N - A L O N G N O V E M B E R 11 !

f your family, or any you know, has children who are dealing with loss, RAINBOWS can help.

RAINBOWS is a weekly support group program for children and youth who have experienced traumatic change, usually due to divorce, abandonment or death. Parents and guardians also meet in a group to consider what is happening in their families from the child’s point of view.

This program is open to the community, so spread the word. For more information, or to register, call Sue Anthony at 404-257-9388, or the Pastoral Care office at 404-228-7719.

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RAINBOWS SCHEDULE Thursday evenings, Sept. 29 - Nov. 17 and Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 Gather for brown bag supper: 6:00 pm Groups: 6:45-7:45 2011-12 session begins September 29.

Groups are forming now.

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October 30

COME-ON-ALONG For The Musical~Drama Performance of HEAVEN BOUND at Big Bethel AME Church DATE: Friday evening, November 11, 2011 TIME: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church at 6:00 p.m.

COST: $10/per person The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. so you might want to eat some dinner before you leave home. This is a very special evening of musical entertainment. Please call Pat Kimbrell in the Care Office (404.228.7719) to make your reservation before November 1st so tickets can be purchased. If you need a ride from one of the High Rises please call Julia Brooke (404.438.7344).

The Chimes

W E D N E S D AY

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F I R S T

November 2

W EDNESDAY 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.

And a little child will lead them.

Children as Worship Leaders Meg Granum

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t is important that we pause to consider as a congregation the roles children play in worship so that we can encourage them and help them grow into knowledgeable and affirmed members of the church.

For many churches around the world, the participation of children in worship is an issue that doesn’t receive a lot of thought. In most congregations, there is a tradition of having children present for the service, a history of having other appropriate worshipful activities outside of the main worship service available to them, or some combination therein.

Children often have set roles in a congregation – they sing in the children’s choir, serve as acolytes, they provide a hopeful innocence that reminds us all of what it is like to have unwavering faith. All of these activities are wonderful and can provide extra layers of fulfillment in worship for all who attend. Most importantly, these roles help to shape the children’s faith and

E lementary A ctivities 5:00 - 7:30 pm

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

Y outh 5:30 - 7:30 pm B111 Youth begin Musical Rehearsal.

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

understanding of the church. Through their participation in worship, they learn how to be leaders and faithful congregants.

When children stand in front of the congregation, they serve as worship leaders. Just as a minister, a liturgist or an adult choir guides worship and provides a studied, thoughtful insight into God’s message, so too do the children.

But far too often, we as adult congregants stop paying attention to the children as worship leaders. It is incredibly easy to look at their smiling faces and think solely of how cute and charming they are, and then fail to open our hearts to the message God is sending through them. It is our job to help them learn their roles as leaders in the church and to instill in them a feeling of belonging.

I encourage you to pay attention over the next few weeks to see the different ways children participate in worship and when presented with the opportunity, to let a child know how their part in worship brought Christ to your heart. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3.

6:30 - 7:30 pm Reception Room Midweek Worship Led by Rev. Lindsay Armstrong, Rev. Kevin D. Knab & Rev. Chris Moore-Keish

The Lay Academy 6:30 - 9:00 pm Room 156 God told you WHAT?!

Dr. Brent Strawn Associate Professor of Old Testament Candler School of Theology, Emory Unv.

Calling all Game Gurus

2nd Wednesday of each month 3 - 5 pm, Fifield Hall @ First Presbyterian Church You don’t really have to be a guru. In fact, you don’t even have to be good. Just stop by for a few hours of cards or other board games.

For more info contact Maree Durmeyer amdurmeyer@yahoo. com 404-872-6040

October 30

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The Chimes

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Getting things done!

FPC/Hillside Volunteers Complete their 32nd Habitat Home.

Habitat for humanity

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orking one or more of seven Saturdays and partnering with other folks from metro churches and a foundation, a total of forty eight (48) volunteers from First Presbyterian and Hillside Presbyterian finished building with the Carlas Clark family a brand new, energy efficient Habitat home located in southeast Atlanta. Those who volunteered are: Chip Bullock, Sean Bullock, Fran Buser, Sally Cobb Cannon, Sumner Case, Buster Chambers, Lynnie Chambers, Craig Clark, Michael Crawford, Charlie Cunningham, Bill Duke, Norman DuPre, Bill Earnest, Cooley Fales, Mike Franchot, Brenda Gardner, Brittain Gilbert, Dorothy Hill, Michelle Hill, Tom Gordon, Peter Hasbrouck, Russell Johnson, Lynne McCain-Sanborn, Felicia Mitchell, Alice Moore, Doug Orr, Don Piper, Susan Prutzman,

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October 30

R.A.P. volunteers, Betty Rounsaville, Randy Sanborn, Adele Shepherd, Melissa Spencer, Bill Sumner, Renee Tveraas, Terry Tveraas, Ben Wiley, Jim Wise, Blake Wood, and Vokhiwa Zipangani. Lunches on two of the Saturdays were provided by Charles Black, Mary Joe Dellinger, Harrilee Cheshire and Women’s Shelter guests.

Saturday, October 8th was the final day of construction and also the day on which the house was dedicated, highlighted by the presentation of a Bible and housewarming gifts to the Clark family.

Next year two Habitat houses will be built by FPC and Hillside volunteers. The first 2012 house will begin February 18th. If you have questions or would like to volunteer next year, contact Bill Earnest at williammearnest@yahoo.com or (404)351-8030.

Atlanta

haron Hawkins’ 62nd birthday in August was one of the most special of her life. She woke up for the first time in her own apartment after more than two years of homelessness.

Hers is a well-known face around FPC. Not only did she live in the Edna Raine Wardlaw Coker Women’s Shelter while she got back on her feet, she regularly participated in worship services and events, and volunteered in the community ministries office.

On Oct. 30, she’ll be celebrating with the congregation of FPC as the church marks 30 years of serving homeless women. There will be a program during the Sunday School hour and a celebration after the 11:15 service.

“I don’t know whether I would have made it without the shelter,” said Sharon, who plans to join FPC. The women’s shelter program—now under the direction of Mary Joe Dellinger and the Rev. Charles Black—began in 1981 when a homeless woman at an early morning church service stood up and challenged the congregation to do something for women like her. About the same time some members of First Presbyterian, led by Jerry Peterson, were troubled by the conditions for women at a downtown shelter where they were volunteering. Within a few weeks, a core of FPC staff and members had put mattresses on the floor of two Sunday School rooms, recruited volunteers, and figured out how to provide a simple meal of soup and sandwiches each night. The shelter closed for the summer of 1982, but opened again in the fall as a year-round facility. Donations of money and elbow grease from members and friends of the church made possible better quarters.

Today’s shelter on the fourth floor of the Smith Building is known by many guests as “the Ritz.” Shelter guests often feel a sense of community, not just with each other but also with the volunteers, staff and church members. “I’m glad to be getting my own place, but I will miss it,” said LaVern Holmes shortly before moving out.

Volunteers who stay overnight or provide meals seem to get almost as much satisfaction from their relationship with the shelter as do the women who live there while their lives are in transition. “The experience is one of the most meaningful things I do,” said Peter Boorn, FPC elder, executive recruiter and overnight volunteer for eight years.

The Chimes

Connect To Mission AT FPC “All are called to care for one another in daily living, sharing joys and sorrows, supporting in times of stress and need, offering mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.”

NOV 6 N ISSIO THE M ATION R CELEB E JOIN A E L P S US

Douglas Orr

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s these words from the Presbyterian Book of Order attest, Mission is a fundamental part of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of the life of this church. We invite you to learn more about all of our Mission efforts at FPC and especially about the important aspects of Community, Partnership, Service and Fellowship that ‘connect’ to make mission a vibrant and meaningful part of our church and of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

COMUUNITY - Through our international partnerships, FPC has a long-standing presence in countries including Brazil, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya and Honduras as well as a developing

presence in Cuba. Domestically, through our Adult and Youth Mission outreach, we work in communities like New Orleans, Joplin, St. Louis and Orlando. And through our partnerships in Atlanta, including the medical ministry at ChildSpring International, hospitality ministries at Villa International and The Atlanta Ministry for International Students (AMIS) and the Refugee Resettlement program, we are having a profound impact in our own community.

PARTNERSHIPS - Our Mission activities would not be possible without the on-going support of partner organizations who reside in the communities we visit and who continue to live and work in places long after we have left.

PRECE, an educational cooperative in

Brazil, the Mt. Olivet Boys Home in Jamaica, Mt Kenya Academy in Kenya and Project Homecoming in New Orleans are just a few of the many organizations that help to make our Mission activities lasting and meaningful.

SERVICE – Mission is evidence of the “Gospel in Action.” As Jesus cleansed, raised, protected and healed to allow His followers to take control of their lives, so to do we try to provide care, support, labor and aid to help those in need. Our efforts include providing building and financial aid for schools and orphanages, reconstructive surgeries to hundreds of children, funding for successful micro-finance programs, local hospitality programs for international students and housing construction and reclamation in disaster-impacted communities throughout the U.S. FELOWSHIP - Mission is as much about relationships as it is about completing work projects. The relationships we establish and cultivate, with those from other cultures and backgrounds and with our friends at First Presbyterian, stay with and nurture us well beyond our time spent on Mission. Through opportunities to work and worship side-by-side, we can see first-hand how similar we are in our shared hopes and dreams and, most importantly, in our faith in Christ and the saving grace of God. Through Mission we are often touched in ways that strengthen and empower our own faith in God. Witnessing the spirit and faith of others, who live in challenging and often dire circumstances, can be a transformative experience that shows us the power of God’s love to effect change in our lives and the lives of others.

Join us for the 2011 Mission Celebration next Sunday, Nov. 6!

Make plans now to attend!!

October 30

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The Chimes nursery/preschool & elementary

youth 2012 Youth Mission Trips!

It’s time to SIGN UP! We have finalized the 2012 Youth Mission Trips and it’s time to sign up!

June 3-9 , 2012- Sr. High Tornado Relief Trip, Joplin, MO ($350)

The Fall Food Drive has begun!

June 10-16, 2012 - Jr. High Tornado Relief Trip, Joplin, MO ($350) July 8-14, 2012 - Combined Youth Group Trip, Orlando, FL ($325) July 21-28, 2012 - Family Mission Trip, Roatan, Honduras ($1300)

t, out i ill b a s ne w no boeen Party t! e k a M allowulish trea H Joplin and Honduras Applications e h t o h g a are available through email right now! be I do not have the Orlando Applications yet!

Please sign up asap by October 30!

Fall Food Drive The N/P and elementary food drive has begun, and will continue through November 13th. All donations will be sorted and given to the FPC Food Pantry. The elementary class that donates the most food will have a party during Sunday School!

Save the Date!

Family Service Day Sunday, November 13th 11:15-1:00 Join us as we participate in activities that benefit our community and mission partnerships!

YOUTH CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP OCTOBER 30 AT 10:05 AM – B111 Youth make plans to join us for Contemporary Worship. Guest speaker is Coach Don Hart, religion teacher at Providence Christian Academy. We will also hear from our newly constituted Youth Band. This will be a wonderful time of worship and praise and fellowship.

YOUTH HALLOWEEN PARTY OCTOBER 30 – 5:00-7:00 PM All youth are invited to join us for a fun Costume Party at the Ferrell’s Home.

We will have dinner and play games and enjoy fellowship. Please let me know if you will attend so we will have enough food and transportation. Just meet at the Ferrell’s Home. Email Allison for directions and to sign up.

MISSION CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 6, 2011 Youth will be involved in the Mission Conference on November 6. We will attend the All Church Sunday School Class in Fifield Hall and the Mission Luncheon after worship. Make plans to join us.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE PROJECT NOVEMBER 6, 2011 The Confirmation Class (9th Grade) will prepare dinner for the Shelter Ladies and dine with them as part of the Mission Weekend. Plan to join us at 6:00 PM to prepare dinner then have dinner and clean up.

Times will be 6:00-8:30 PM. YOUTH MUSICAL REHEARSALS BEGIN NOVEMBER 2, 2011!!!!

This year the youth will be preparing “Guys and Dolls” for our 16th Annual Youth Musical. Everyone is invited and encouraged to be part of this fun musical. This is our largest fundraiser for our Youth Mission Trips. It’s a great way to get involved, get connected and build community. Rehearsals will be Wednesday nights in November 6:30-8:00 PM.

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October 30

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. Visitors welcome!

B erean B ible C lass 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 October 23d and 30th, as Doug Allen presents a two part discussion of the Bible in four of its multifaceted dimensions.

C ommunity B ible S tudy Room B415 Taught by the Rev. Charles Black and Rev. Connie Lee, the Community Sunday School Class includes First Presbyterian members and community participants.

C ovenant C lass Room 230 Our lively discussions are led by members of the church staff and congregation.

Our members are generally age 35-55, married, have children in ElementaryCollege, and interact socially.

D iscovering G od ’ s W ord Room 317 We will attend the Women’s Shelter’s 30th anniversary celebration in Fifield Hall.

E mmaus C lass Room 227 The Emmaus Class will be studying the Gospel of Mark, using Tim Keller’s book, King’s Cross as a resource. These classes will be led by class members. All are welcome.

F aith and L ife Room 218 On Oct. 30, Zach Young will continue his teaching on the book King’s Cross. If you missed last Sunday, that is not a problem for Zach will review before starting this week’s lesson.

F irst F oundations Room 319 On Oct. 30,we will attend the Islam discussion in Fifield Hall.

F orum @ F irst Fifield Hall For one last week, Forum welcomes Dr. John A. Azumah, Associate Professor of World Christianity at Columbia Theological Seminary. Growing up in a Muslim family and later converting to Christianity, Dr. Azumah specializes in Islam and Christian-Muslim relations. On October 30, Dr. Azumah will speak on the biblical basis for engaging with Muslims.

G alatians 3:28, Room 323 Come join us as we look at biblical texts that have been used for both inclusion and exclusion in the church and explore what it might mean to have a biblically informed Christian understanding of relationships and sexuality. The class has been formed as a safe place to engage questions of relationships, love, sexuality, and life in the Bible and faith.

All are welcome. Parker Diggory, a PhD student in Biblical Studies at Emory, will lead us.

I nternationals Room 327 On Oct. 30, join the Internationals for another wonderful program to be announced.

Sunday, November 27, 2011 5:00-7:00 pm in Fifield Hall It’s time to deck the halls at FPC’s 20th Annual Hanging of the Greens!

We will make ornaments for the Christmas tree, start the season with dinner to savor, carols to sing, and fellowship to enjoy.

6th -12th graders will be “Hanging Out at the Greens.” The youth will have dinner and enjoy a Christmas movie in B111.

Please register online by November 20, 2011 at www.firstpresatl.org/events

M editation G roup Room B320 Everyone is Welcome. You will be guided to relieve your stress, balance your body’s energy and connect more deeply with God. If you are experiencing a health challenge this is a great place to learn techniques that will help you to heal yourself.

O pen D oor Room 156 On Oct. 30, Rose Emily Bermudez will tell us of our church’s work in Jamaica.

FPC SERVICE DAY

O urs for T oday Room B308 On Oct. 30, the Ours for Today class will welcome George Wirth.

Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Fifield Hall

S piritual L iving Room B202 Anne Farrisee begins 3-part series, “Crashing Through the Crusades – Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and Islam.”

Register for FPC SERVICE DAY online

by Sunday, Nov. 6th. www.firstpresatl.org/events

T he U pper R oom Room 332 On October 30, Rev. Chris Moore-Keish is teaching one last week on the theology of U2. Join us for an intriguing and inspiring Sunday.

A Celebration of Service!

Then join us for a morning of fellowship and service.

If you are interested in taking on a leadership position, please contact Lauren Patrus at 404.228.7735, lpatrus@firstpresatl.org

October 30

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The Chimes

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

For information about private music instruction

group andrarti classes, H a i t iandM i smusic, s i odance, n T p please visit on2012 the web or call: January 13 –us20,

ar t s

If you are interested in going on our mission trip to Haiti Kate Breytspraak, Director

THE SCHOOL OF FINE

www.PSPAonline.org Please call Barb Wirth at 404-897-1381 (404) 228-7762 or Rose Emily Bermudez at 404-228-7733 www.firstpresatl.org/sfa

Worship for October 30 Communion Service - 8:30 am,

Led by Rev. John Kamau and Rev. Chris Moore-Keish Sunday School for all ages 9:00 am, Worship Service at 10:15 am

Rev. Craig Goodrich preaching Fellowship Hour- 11:15 am

first presbyterian church of atlanta

Soon leaves will turn glorious colors, the air will be crisp and the sky a vivid blue...an invitation to curl up with a good book.

The Mustard Seed

Wednesdays 9-1, 4:40 - 6:30 Sundays 9-1 (404) 201-6442 info@themustardseedbookstore.com

r Let ou lp e h f f a st our with yion. select

Music for October 30 Prelude Anthem Offertory

Ben Rsp Postlude

Sinfonia in D Major, Op. 18, No. 4 God Is Our Refuge – Johan Roman Glorious and Powerful God – Stanford Threefold Amen A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – Walter Pelz

The Chimes 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 Worship Services -9:00 am & 11:15 am Sunday School 10:05 am 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.