January 27, 2023

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. I also hope you are finding our emphasis on mental health this month to be helpful. Last week we discovered that our connection with God and one another can have a positive impact upon our mental well-being. According to data from the Springtide Research Institute, 76% of young people who claim that they are connected to a community of faith say they are “flourishing” in their mental or emotional health. That is encouraging news!

On Sunday we bring our mental health series of messages entitled “Journey to Wholeness” to a close. This week’s sermon is entitled “Living in Grace,” and we will consider Christ’s teaching about worry and stress. We will sing familiar hymns (“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”), hear a beautiful anthem by the Chancel Choir (“God in Thee I Seek My Salvation”), and reflect upon Jesus’ words from his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34) and their impact upon our mental health. I hope you will join us in person or online through our website.

Many of you were present last Monday evening for the conversation with Jane Pauley that our church hosted. I am grateful to the One Lamb Initiative here at Peachtree Road UMC for sponsoring this very important conversation. Building upon that event, the One Lamb Initiative is offering two more events in the coming days:

  • The Brain on Fire: Depression Causes and Treatments in Modern Psychiatry – this Sunday, January 29, Dr. Bill McDonald (Chief of Psychiatric Services for Emory Healthcare, Chair of Psychiatry of Emory Brain Center, and Chair of Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, and Jocelyn Chen (a licensed clinical social worker and a program director for the Fuqua Center for Late Life Depression) will lead a discussion about reducing the stigma and understanding the science, causes, and obtainable treatment for depression. This forum will take place in Heritage Hall at 10:00 am, and no RSVP is required.
  • Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Addiction – on Monday, February 6, 12:00 pm, Hospitality Suite, Dr. Nancy Rank will offer an informative session on a subject that affects millions of Americans each year – the abuse and addiction to alcohol and drugs. How do you know if a loved one is abusing alcohol? How do you know if a loved one has developed an addiction to drugs? Why do some people get addicted and others do not? Does all addiction begin with abuse? These are the questions Dr. Rank will be addressing, and you are given a special invitation to attend. Please RSVP to reservations@1lamb.org. Thank you.

Opportunities to Serve at Peachtree Road UMC:

  • Invitation to Join the Chancel Choir – our church is blessed each week in worship by music that warms the heart and stirs the soul. Do you like to sing? Well, this is your invitation to come and be a part of the Chancel Choir! Our choir is a diverse group of adults of all ages, musical experiences, and vocations, giving the best of their talents to the glory of God. Choir membership is a flexible commitment, including rehearsals on Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm in the church’s music suite. Come find your place in the Chancel Choir! Please contact Ruth Sommerville (ruths@prumc.org) for more information and to get connected.
  • Habitat for Humanity Build – come and be a part of construction of our 52nd home in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. Our 2023 home recipient will be the family of LaQuita Boulware, an assistant manager at a senior living facility. LaQuita is passionate about caring for others and her sweet daughter Jurnee. She will be working side-by-side with the Peachtree Road UMC team Saturdays from February 18 – April 22. We are grateful to also partner with St. Benedict’s Catholic Church for this build and encourage you to sign up for this rewarding outreach project. Remember, no experience is needed! Others will be present to teach you everything you need to know. You may sign up here.

Finally, if you love music, please mark Thursday, February 9, at 7:00 pm on your calendar. Our church is hosting the “Three Choirs Festival” in the sanctuary that will feature the Georgia State University Singers, the Emory University Concert Choir, and the Morehouse College Glee Club. Come and enjoy the inspiring music from each of these prestigious programs. There is a suggested $15 donation for the concert ($5 for students). Come and enjoy the music in our beautiful sanctuary.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we sing and pray and listen for the voice of God together.

Grace and peace,

Bill