October 11, 2024

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Let me begin this week’s note with an encouragement for you to join me in prayer for those in Florida whose lives are being impacted by Hurricane Milton. Within the last two weeks, we have watched as neighbors to our north, south, and east have experienced the devastating loss of life and property to storms of immense power. One news outlet reported that more than 18 inches of rain fell on St. Petersburg, representing a “more than 1-in-1000 year rainfall for the area.” You have seen the images of destruction, and you know the need is great. United Methodist churches have become community centers in these days to assist in the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. I want you to know that your generous giving has made a difference. Last Sunday many of you brought cases of water, blue tarps, and black trash bags to the church to be delivered to Augusta and Valdosta. Thank you! Now, let me ask you to do two things:

  • First, offer a prayer this morning for those who have lost loved ones, for the rescue workers who are on the front lines helping folks get to safety, and for those who will be returning to homes that currently are under water. These communities will be rebuilding for years to come.
  • Second, give generously to the offering we will receive again this Sunday to help in the relief efforts. Make your check payable to Peachtree Road UMC and designate it for “Disaster Relief” or “UMCOR.” You also may give online through the church website here. Please know that 100% of your giving will go directly to those in need.

Thank you for your prayers and your financial gifts.

On Sunday we will continue our series on stewardship entitled “Living Life Abundantly.” Last week we talked about how greed can creep into our lives like an unwelcome virus and prevent us from experiencing the abundant life. We closed our worship services by gathering at the Lord’s Table and praying for contentment and to have a sense of “enough.”

We will continue the series this Sunday with a message entitled “Overcoming Jealousy.” You and I remember times in our lives when we were perfectly content until we noticed someone else had more than we had. In his play “Othello” Shakespeare referred to jealousy as the “green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” We know the power of jealousy to rob us of our peace and joy. So, how do you overcome this monster? We’ll think about the answer to that question on Sunday. The songs we sing will be very familiar (“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”), and the Chancel Choir will offer Alice Parker and Robert Shaw’s arrangement of one of my favorite traditional hymns “I Will Arise and Go to Jesus” as an anthem. Please join us in person for worship at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am or online at www.prumc.org.

Two opportunities to help you grow in your faith:

  • Last week our own Claire Bowen offered a workshop designed to teach members of our church the skills they need to have difficult conversations. We all have persons in our lives with whom we disagree and find it difficult to talk (at work, in the neighborhood, or even at church). My hope is that we can create a movement here at Peachtree Road UMC where kindness is practiced. We want this to be a safe place for difficult conversations by teaching as many folks as possible something called the 3 Practices for Crossing the Difference Divide. A second offering of the workshop is set for Sunday, November 3, at 12:30 pm. Come discover these simple practices and learn to put them into place. To reserve your spot, please click here. 
  • Are you signed up to be a part of our Kind30 initiative for October? The One Lamb Initiative on mental health invites you to take on the challenge and offer an intentional act of kindness to one person every day for 30 days. Researchers have discovered that this one simple exercise can have a life-transforming impact – upon the person offering the kindness as well as the recipient. It takes 30 days to instill a new habit in your life. To learn more and access materials and ideas, visit www.Kind30.org. 

Are you ready for the “Doves of Peachtree Road UMC” exhibit in our sanctuary? As a part of our year-long celebration of our 100th anniversary, we will install a magnificent work of art in the sanctuary the week of November 3 that will capture the spirit of our people and our centennial. Visit www.prumc.org/doves to learn more about the project and how you can sponsor a dove.

Our Annual Charge Conference is set for Monday, November 4, at 6:30 pm in Grace Hall. Our District Superintendent, Dr. Byron Thomas, will be with us as we share our progress in ministry, officially elect leaders for the year, and adopt an operating budget for 2025. This will double as our regular Administrative Board meeting for the year.

Next Sunday, October 20, is Commitment Sunday here at Peachtree Road UMC. At the close of our worship services, you will have an opportunity to renew your covenant with Christ for the next year by bringing your pledge card to the altar of the church. This is a holy occasion as we kneel at the altar and commit our financial resources to support the ministry of the church for the coming year. After the service, we will gather in Grace Hall for a delicious luncheon compliments of the church. Make your plans now to join us October 20.

Finally, let me suggest two opportunities for those looking to become better connected at Peachtree Road UMC:

  • Tour the church campus on Sunday, October 27, 10:00 am, Heritage Hall. Whether you are new or still trying to find your way around, please join us for a tour of the campus and a brief overview of the ministries and offerings at Peachtree Road. For more information, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org.
  • Tea with the Clergy on Sunday, November 10, 12:30 – 2:00 pm, Hospitality Suite. Get to know our church and ministers better at this casual afternoon gathering. Our clergy will answer questions, share their vision, and help you connect to areas of interest within the church. After conversation wraps up, those who wish to take the next step in membership may join in a brief service. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Bill