March 28, 2025
Dear Peachtree Road Family,
I hope you are well. Many of you have asked about Scott Atchison, our director of music and organist. I am pleased to report that Scott is recovering well from his recent surgery and plans to be back on the organ bench on Palm Sunday, April 13. The doctors are very pleased with his progress, and we look forward to welcoming him back to worship. I am most grateful to David White for filling in for Scott over these last several weeks. We are so blessed here at Peachtree Road UMC.
Speaking of being blessed, I really am looking forward to Sunday as we celebrate The Preschool here at Peachtree Road UMC. As a part of the 11:15 am worship service in the sanctuary, we will welcome a number of our preschool families as the children sing and give us a glimpse of the impact this vital ministry has on the lives of over 300 children. I am so grateful to Andrea Petsche and her talented staff of teachers and administrators for their leadership, and I encourage you to join us on Sunday as we celebrate this ministry with them.
I also look forward to the next part of our Lenten Journey as we continue to consider “The Way of Salvation” as outlined in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In the 8th chapter of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul asks his readers: “So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) The reality is that sometimes the challenges we face in life seem overwhelming. Paul wants us to know that, when you are on God’s side, nothing is too daunting for you. I look forward to reflecting upon that thought with you this week in a message entitled: “If God Is for Us…”
The hymns will be very familiar (“All Creatures of Our God and King” and “Blessed Assurance”), and the Chancel Choir will offer Herbert Howells’ arrangement of the 42nd psalm “Like As the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks” as its anthem. Sunday promises to be a great day to be with your friends in worship at Peachtree Road at one of our three services: 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am. If you are unable to attend in person, please worship via the livestream.
The Children’s Choirs have been hard at work preparing for their spring musical entitled “Oh, Jonah!” They are ready to present it this Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 am in the Kauffman Room of the Harp Student Center. You will be thrilled by the talent of the children and inspired by their retelling of the story of Jonah. Admission is free.
Our special Midweek Worship services at noon during Lent have been well attended so far. In keeping with our ongoing celebration of our centennial, some of our favorite former associate ministers are preaching at the Wednesday services in the Moore Chapel during Lent. The lineup features some of your favorite former associate pastors:
| April 2 – Thomas Martin | April 9 – Carolyn Stephens |
Last week, we were delighted to welcome back Beth Sanders, and this Wednesday, we will have the opportunity to hear Thomas Martin once again. Thomas currently serves as the senior minister of LaGrange First UMC. Please join us each Wednesday at noon during Lent for worship and stay for lunch immediately following in Grace Hall.
During this holy season of Lent, we as a congregation are engaging in seeking to make a difference in our community in a couple of important ways:
- Season of Service – a great way to serve others and make an impact in our community. You may find a list of projects and sign up here. Pick one and join your fellow members of Peachtree Road in being the hands and feet of Christ.
- Lenten Offering – once again this year our special giving during the season of Lent will be used to support the agencies and ministries in the Greater Atlanta area with whom we partner. As you give up a couple of meals each week, consider giving the money you are saving to this offering. If each of us gives just $20 a week or $120 for the season, it would make a tremendous impact upon the lives of others. Please give through the church website here.
Are you new to Peachtree Road UMC and looking for ways to connect? Take a Tour of Peachtree Road’s Facilities this Sunday, March 30, at 10:00 am. Meet Brittany Charron in Heritage Hall for a tour of the campus and a brief overview of the church’s ministries and offerings. For more information, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org.
Finally, next Sunday, April 6, we will celebrate Baby Day at Peachtree Road UMC. Children who were born between March 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025 will be honored at the 11:15 am service. Parents will bring their babies to the Hospitality Suite at 10:45 am, and immediately following the presentation, they are invited to a complimentary brunch and program in Grace Hall. Please register here to be a part of this special day.
I hope to see you Sunday as we journey together through the season of Lent.
Grace and peace,
Bill