November 11, 2022

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Last Sunday was a great day at Peachtree Road UMC as we celebrated All Saints Sunday. We called the names of 39 members of our church who have preceded us into death; approached the altar to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and welcomed 23 new persons into our membership. Hearing the Great Organ as we sang “For All the Saints” and Tom Walker playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes was just what I needed last week. It indeed was a great day!

Sunday promises to be another exciting day as we continue our series of messages entitled “We Are Grateful…” This week we consider our gratitude for the church. Those of us who have grown up in the church may be puzzled when we hear others comment, “I believe in God, but I do not believe in organized religion.” Then they almost dare us to give them one good reason to join a church. This Sunday I want us to take on that dare and give an answer. I hope you will join us in person at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am. If you are out of town, please worship with us online through the church website.

Our “Greater Than” stewardship campaign has gotten off to an excellent start. We already have heard from hundreds of our families, and I am grateful to all who have turned in a commitment card in support of the 2023 church operating budget. If you have not yet turned in a 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 the year and will be awarded in early January. For your convenience, you may pledge through the church app or online.

 Opportunities for Fellowship and Outreach

  • Turkey Drive – this week we will receive a special offering to provide a Thanksgiving meal to the families served through Agape. Your gift of $50 will provide a full turkey dinner for an entire family. You may give on Sunday by making your check payable to Peachtree Road UMC and marked for “Turkey Drive” or give through the church app or online.
  • Jingle Jam – get into the Christmas spirit early by participating in our reimagined Advent Workshop on Sunday, November 20, 4:00 – 7:30 pm, in Grace Hall and the Green Parking Lot. This free family event includes Christmas crafts, pizza dinner, and an outdoor screening of the movie Jingle Jangle with popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate. No registration is necessary, just come and join the fun! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to watch the movie.
  • Cascade Thanksgiving Giveaway – 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, please contact Beth Spencer (beths@prumc.org).
  • Christmas Kindness – registration is open for Harp’s 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. This Christmas outreach event will take place December 2-7. You may sign up online here.  

The Centennial Committee is preparing for the church’s 100th anniversary in 2025 and has commemorative ornaments for sale. To see these lovely ornaments or order one, please click here.  

Finally, in news from the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, it has been announced that we in the North Georgia Conference will receive a new bishop in January. Bishop Robin Dease, currently the senior minister at St. Andrew by the Sea UMC in Hilton Head, South Carolina, will become our new episcopal leader on January 1, 2023. She replaces Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, who has been assigned to the Virginia Annual Conference. Though I do not know Bishop Dease, I have heard great things that make me excited about our future together. I think she will be terrific! Please continue to pray for our denomination as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I’ll see you Sunday as we give thanks to God for the blessings we experience through Peachtree Road UMC!

Grace and peace,

Bill