May 10, 2024

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, the most “Methodist” of all American holidays. Quick history lesson. Ann Reeves Jarvis, a member of Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, taught Sunday School, organized other women in her church to work for better sanitation in her community, volunteered at the local hospital, and worked to support young mothers. After the Civil War, she helped organize something she called “Mothers Friendship Day” picnics. These were designed to bring people together from both the Union and the Confederacy for a meal. Ann Jarvis died in 1905. Three years later, her daughter Anna Jarvis organized a day at the church to honor her mother and other women who had done so much for the community. She ordered white carnations (her mother’s favorite flower) for every woman in the church. The event was so well-received that she began to work to establish a holiday to honor mothers everywhere. Then, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson did just that – he signed a proclamation making the second Sunday in May Mother’s Day in America. 

Just think. It all began 109 years ago in a small Methodist Church in West Virginia. I like the fact Mother’s Day started in a Methodist Church. And I like the fact that it started as a way of honoring a woman who made a difference in the lives of others. I encourage you to join us as we honor the women who have made a difference in our lives. 

In this Sunday’s message, we will reflect upon Jesus’ final words to his disciples in a message entitled “A Promise and a Blessing.” In preparation for the message, I encourage you to read Luke 24: 44-53, the account of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. We will sing two great hymns of the church (“Crown Him with Many Crowns” and “For the Beauty of the Earth”), hear our Chancel Choir join with the Georgia Boy Choir in singing Gerald Finzi’s triumphant anthem “God Is Gone Up,” and take time to honor several special women in our congregation. I hope you will make your plans to join us in person (8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am) or online through the church’s livestream here. It will be a great day!

As has become our tradition, we will receive the Wesley Woods Mother’s Day Offeringthis Sunday as well. Wesley Woods is a ministry started by Methodists in the North Georgia Conference to provide for the needs of the elderly in our communities through residential services as well as health care, rehabilitation, nursing home care, and specialized care for persons suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. People certainly are living longer than ever before, and many are outliving their financial resources. Through the years, Peachtree Road UMC has given more than any other church to this ministry. I hope you will help us to continue to lead the way by giving generously when the offering plate is passed. You may make your check payable to Peachtree Road UMC and mark it for Wesley Woods, place your cash offering in the envelope provided in your worship bulletin, or give online through the church’s website here. Thank you in advance for your generosity toward this special offering. 

Two more opportunities to hear good music at Peachtree Road UMC: 

  • Doxology Youth Choir Concert – you are invited to hear beautiful music from the Doxology Youth Choir this Sunday, May 12, as they present their annual Mother’s Day concert at 10:00 am in Grace Hall. There is no charge for the concert, and all are welcome to attend.
  • Midday Music in May – each Wednesday at 1:00 pm, you are invited to attend a 30-minute organ recital featuring the best of Atlanta’s organists. These recitals will be held in the sanctuary and celebrate The Great Organ of Peachtree Road UMC. There is no charge and you may follow this link for a schedule.

Three upcoming celebrations:

  • 50th Anniversary of the Pastoral Counseling Service (May 19) – our church has always been ahead of its time, and for the last 50 years our pastoral counselors have been promoting mental wellness in our congregation and community. Larry Adams, the founder of this ministry, Ron Greer, and Andrea DeWalt will be present to help us celebrate, and Ron will preach.  
  • Memorial Sunday (May 26) – we will bring the month to a close with a day of remembrance. We will remember and pay homage to those who have given their lives in service to our country as well as remember Jesus’ words: “Do this in remembrance of me” as we gather at the Lord’s Table to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Rev. Geoff Beakley will preach at the morning services.
  • Founder’s Sunday (June 2) – our church will celebrate the 99th anniversary of its founding on Sunday, June 2, at all three morning worship services and with a luncheon from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm in Grace Hall. The Varsity will cater our birthday celebration with naked dogs, burgers, onion rings, French fries, and frosted oranges (FO’s)! 

Finally, are you interested in becoming a member of Peachtree Road UMC? Please join us next Sunday, May 19, at 12:30 pm for lunch and “Tea with the Clergy.” You will have an opportunity to meet our ministerial staff, learn hear about our history and mission, ask questions, and discover where you fit into this great church. We already have a number of folks signed up for this month’s gathering. If you would like to take the next step in your growth as a Christian and become a member of Peachtree Road UMC, please contact our director of evangelism and hospitality, Brittany Charron, at brittanyc@prumc.org.  

I am grateful for you – your daily prayers for the ministry of our church, your faithful presence in worship, your generous gifts that support our mission, your compassionate service to others, and your enthusiastic witness to the transforming power of Christ. 

Grace and peace,

Bill