On Sunday we will begin a new series entitled “Developing a Generous Heart.” You and I know folks who have a heart problem. Maybe the arteries around the heart muscle have become clogged or they have an irregular heartbeat. Either way, they are experiencing symptoms that make life difficult. We also know folks who have a spiritual heart problem. As a result, they have a difficult time worshiping God, loving others, or experiencing joy in their lives. This month we are going to spend some time talking about developing a healthy heart spiritually:
Continue readingThe Privilege of Nurturing Faith
Earlier this week I met with a cohort of pastors of United Methodist Churches from across the country in Indianapolis. It was a good time of catching up, comparing notes, and encouraging one another. I came away grateful – grateful for the fellowship with some very gifted colleagues, grateful for what we learned from each other, and especially grateful for Peachtree Road UMC!
Continue readingCelebrating the Work of Christ
It was good to see so many of you back in church last Sunday as we kicked off the fall season here at Peachtree Road UMC. We had a wonderful day of worship and fellowship. The Grand Organ was down due to an electrical surge that fried the computer board (and unfortunately is not repaired yet), but we didn’t miss a beat in worship as the Chancel Choir, Georgia Boy Choir, and Atlanta Brassworks joined with the Gallery Organ to lead us in worship. We are so blessed to have the resources we have that enable us to experience the awe-inspiring presence of God in our worship.
Continue readingIt’s Time! Fall at Peachtree Road
My message to you today is this: “It is time.” The summer is over. Many of you have been worshiping online while enjoying time away from the city, but now it is time to press the reset button on your spiritual life and come back to Peachtree Road UMC. Sunday marks “Fall Kick-off,” and I want to suggest five good reasons to make attendance this week a priority:
Continue readingYour Place at Peachtree Road
Our Church, Our Faith, Our People
Let me begin this week’s note by thanking you for making last Sunday such a great day at Peachtree Road UMC. You showed up in great numbers as we celebrated “Heaven Sunday.” The music from the Chancel Choir, the congregation singing “When We All Get to Heaven,” and the fellowship luncheon that followed in Grace Hall made the day feel a bit like a family reunion. I am grateful to all who worked behind the scenes to make the day possible and to you for your presence. It was so good to see you in worship.
Continue readingHeaven Sunday!
Though the days have been brutally hot here in the city, summer is nearly over, and the fall season here at Peachtree Road UMC is right around the corner. I want to begin this week’s letter by inviting you to our End of Summer Celebration this Sunday morning. It begins with worship as we continue our series on Methodist Beliefs with a message entitled “Methodists Believe in Heaven.” Have you ever wondered what it’s like to arrive in heaven?
Continue readingThe Power of Blessing
I want to begin this week’s note with the announcement that Ron Greer’s new book is now available! Most of you know that Ron is the director of the Pastoral Counseling Services at Peachtree Road UMC, and he is the author of five books: The Path of Compassion, Now That They Are Grown, Markings on the Windowsill, If You Know Who You Are, You’ll Know What to Do, and his latest The Quiet House: Reflections on the Loss of a Spouse. In this helpful book, Ron offers an elegant series of personal reflections that can lead to healing even as we tend to our memories of loved ones. Ron will be offering a special forum on grief this fall, and the book will be available soon in the Dogwood Shop. Please keep your eye out for this helpful resource.
Continue readingOur Compass, Our True North
Wendie and I have returned from a stay at the beach where we enjoyed being with our extended family, spent time resting and relaxing in the sun, and made plans for the coming busy fall season. I really am looking forward to being with you on Sunday for worship. We are set to begin a new series on Methodist beliefs during the month of August that is designed to help us remember some of the basics of our faith:
Continue readingSunday Service and Mission Opportunities
Sunday promises to be a good day in worship here at Peachtree Road UMC as we conclude our “Summer in the City” services. Our theme for the month of July is “At the Movies,” and each week we are considering the biblical themes found in some of our favorite family films. We already have reflected upon The Princess Bride, ET: The Extraterrestrial, and The Little Mermaid. If you missed any of those messages, you may watch them on our website.
Continue reading