January 19, 2024

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Have you signed up to join us in reading through the Bible together this year? Each morning we receive an email containing four passages of scripture – readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Gospels, and Epistles. These are arranged thematically. Since we are currently in the season of Epiphany, each of the assigned readings offers insight into the nature and character of God – an epiphany. Some have noticed that some of the readings from the psalms are repeating. There are only 150 psalms in the book, so these naturally are repeated from time to time. I hope you are finding this approach to reading the scriptures helpful. If you have not signed up yet, use this link to join us in this holy habit of daily scripture reading. 

On Sunday we will continue our series on mental wellness with a message entitled “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Life is to be lived in relationship. When those relationships are absent, a deep sense of loneliness can set in, and that can have a devastating impact on our mental health. This week I want us to consider how our faith enables us to overcome the loneliness we may experience and find hope and help for the days to come. In preparation for the message, please read the story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at Jacob’s well in John 4. We will sing “The Church’s One Foundation” as our opening hymn, and the choir’s anthem will be T.B. Pollock’s “Faithful Shepherd” arranged by Grayson Ives. In addition, Rontray Miller will sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” You will not want to miss this Sunday! If you cannot make it in person, please join us online here. 

I am grateful for the One Lamb Initiative for Mental Wellness team here at Peachtree Road UMC. They offer a number of opportunities during this season to help you cope but also to thrive in your life. As I mentioned last Sunday, we all are feeling stressed in these days. When you sense that this stress is affecting your mental health, don’t go it alone. Ask for help. Our One Lamb team has resources and is ready to support you. If you are in need of financial assistance to get the mental health you need, please visit www.1lamb.org and click on the “Giving and Gifts” menu tab to see the scholarship application that you can submit online. 

Here are a few opportunities being offered by the One Lamb team in the coming weeks:

  • Caring for YOU: Mind, Body, and Soul – Sunday, January 28, 10:00 am in Heritage Hall. Guest speaker Laura McConatha, former executive director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving will offer support for caregivers so they do not feel overwhelmed.
  • Virtual Experience of Dementia – Thursday, February 1, 12:00 noon. This innovative workshop is designed to give participants a taste of what loved ones with dementia are experiencing. Sign up to participate at info@1lamb.org. 
  • Sadness, Loss, Depression: A Medical Perspective – Sunday, February 4, 10:00 am in Heritage Hall. Do you or someone you know exhibit the signs of depression? Fortunately, depression is highly treatable. You are invited to this workshop led by Dr. Ben Hunter, Chief Medical Officer at Skyland Trail, as he shares his insights. 
  • Family-to-Family – a core part of One Lamb’s programming is a semi-annual offering of the NAMI Family-to-Family course which is designed to educate and support family members of those living with a mental health diagnosis. The educational value of the course is as important as the bonds built among the participants from shared experiences. For more information or to participate in a future class, contact Susan Thigpen at thigpensusan@gmail.com or visit www.namiga.org.  

For more information about these and other offerings by the One Lamb Initiative for Mental Wellness, please see the website: www.1lamb.org. 

Finally, are you new to Peachtree Road UMC and looking for ways to connect? Here are two opportunities to help you navigate this large church and find new connections:

  • Take a Tour of Peachtree Road’s Facilities – this Sunday, January 21, 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. 
  • Explore Membership in Peachtree Road UMC – next Sunday, January 28, at 12:30 pm in the Hospitality Suite. At this month’s “Tea with the Clergy” luncheon, 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 (brittanyc@prumc.org) for more information or to sign up.  

I hope to see you Sunday as we worship, pray, fellowship, and listen for the Lord’s voice speaking words of comfort to us.

Grace and peace, 

Bill