November 3, 2023

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. I really am looking forward to Sunday as we begin a new series of messages here at Peachtree Road UMC entitled “We Are Grateful.” This series is designed to instill in us a spirit of gratitude: 

November 5          Revelation 7:9-17                  …for Our Saints

November 12        I Thessalonians 1:1-4 ​           …for Our Church

November 19        Luke 17:11-19                       …for All Our Blessings

We begin this Sunday with our celebration of All Saints Sunday. We will begin our services by singing one of my favorite hymns: “For All the Saints.”

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,

who thee by faith before the world confessed,

thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Those words were written by William How, a 19th-century Anglican bishop who worked in the poverty-stricken slums of London. That experience inspired him to write this hymn. The tune was composed by Ralph van Williams, one of the greatest English composers of his era. When you combine great words with great music, you have the essential ingredients for a great hymn. I have written instructions to my family that this hymn is to be sung one day at my funeral. On Sunday we have the privilege of singing it together. Later in the service, we will call the names of members of our church who have died within the last year, light a candle in their memory, and ring the church bell. Following the reading of the names, Tom Crawford will play “Going Home” and “Amazing Grace!” on the bagpipes. Here is a link to the list of those we will remember. You don’t want to miss this experience!

At the close of worship, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. You will be invited to come to the Lord’s Table, receive the bread and drink from the cup, and have an opportunity to bow in remembrance of your saints. Know this: when we partake of the bread and wine, we are celebrating our connection with all the saints through Jesus Christ. I hope you will join us for worship either at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am. If you will be unable to join us in person, please worship online through the church website at www.prumc.org. 

You also are invited to Sunday evening’s Choral Evensong for the Feast of All Saints. Both the music and text will help you remember our saints on this day. Please join us in the sanctuary at 5:00 pm for this beautiful service. 

​ Our stewardship campaign has gotten off to an excellent start. We already have received 410 commitments to the 2024 operating budget for a total of over $3.2 million. Thank you! If you have not yet turned in your card, we would love to hear from you this week. If you are in a Sunday School class, your commitment will be counted to the tabulation of the Parson’s Cup. This award goes to the Sunday School Class with the highest percentage of commitments to next year’s church budget. The competition will run through the end of November. For your convenience, you may pledge through the church app or online here.

Opportunities for Fellowship and Outreach:

  • Women Alone Together – some of you may be facing a first holiday season without a dear loved one. Grief can make the season a difficult one to navigate. To help provide support, Women Alone Together (a ministry founded by Peachtree Road UMC member Carolyn Curry) is sponsoring a workshop on Saturday, November 11, in the Hospitality Suite at 10:00 am featuring Ron Greer speaking on his new book The Quiet House: Reflections on the Loss of a Spouse. Ron will offer handles of hope to help you move forward in your life in this holy season. The cost is $15, and you may register here.
  • Let’s Get Ready for Christmas! – on Sunday, November 12, at 5:00 pm, the women of the church are invited to kick off the holidays in Grace Hall as resident pros share what is trending in food, gifts, and holiday décor for a meaningful Christmas. The evening will include demonstrations, sing-alongs, treats at the table, and gifts for purchase. Please register today.
  • Exploring Membership in Peachtree Road UMC – Sunday, November 12, at 12:30 pm in the Hospitality Suite for “Tea with the Clergy.” At this luncheon meeting, you will have the opportunity to meet with several members of our clergy staff, hear about the ministry of this great church, ask questions, and even have an opportunity to join at the end of the session. Please contact our director of evangelism and hospitality Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org for more information or to sign up. 
  • Cascade Thanksgiving Giveaway – once again we are teaming up with Cascade UMC on their annual Thanksgiving project to provide food for over 1400 low-income families. Cascade has been feeding those in need for over 20 years, and through our partnership with this great church, we have an opportunity to work side-by-side together. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful holiday project set for November 20 between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, please contact Beth Spencer at beths@prumc.org.
  • Christmas Kindness – registration is open for Christmas Kindness. Volunteer for this beloved tradition providing Christmas gifts to the community in a dignified and festive manner. Our clients are surrounded by the care of loving volunteers, who help them select and wrap their gifts. We especially need volunteers December 3, 4, and 5. Sign up here soon as spots are quickly filling up.

Finally, I remind you that this Sunday marks the return of Eastern Standard Time. Please set your clocks back one hour Saturday night so you will arrive on time Sunday for a day of worship and remembrance.  

I’ll see you Sunday as we gather in a spirit of thanksgiving here at Peachtree Road UMC!

Grace and peace,

Bill