August 4, 2023 

Dear Peachtree Road Family, I hope you are well. Wendie and I have returned from a stay at the beach where we enjoyed being with our extended family, spent time resting and relaxing in the sun, and made plans for the coming busy fall season. I really am looking forward to being with you on Sunday for worship. We are set to begin a new series on Methodist beliefs during the month of August that is designed to help us remember some of the basics of our faith:
August 6II Timothy 3:14-17Methodists Believe in the Bible
August 13II Corinthians 13:11-13Methodists Believe in the Trinity
August 20Revelation 21:1-5Methodists Believe in Heaven
August 27Psalms 8:1-9 Methodists Believe in People
A little over 35 years ago, the interim senior minister of Peachtree Road UMC was Bishop Mack Stokes. He once wrote a book entitled Major Methodist Beliefs and offered these words about the Bible: 

“We United Methodists join all Christian groups in viewing the Bible as the primary source and norm for Christian belief and conduct…We read it prayerfully because we want to know God’s will and purpose for our lives.” (page 26) 

I know there are some who think of the Bible as a book that contains Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth or an owner’s manual for your life or an inerrant, infallible book dictated by God. However, we Methodists view the Bible more as a compass that points us toward our “True North” which is Jesus Christ or as a lamp that shines a light on our path. I look forward to talking with you Sunday about our belief in the Bible.  

We also will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at all services on Sunday. As you approach the altar, I pray that you will sense the presence of Christ who hosts us at his Table and the presence of all the saints. We are not alone. We are a part of Christ’s church and a transforming mission in the world. The music Sunday will be heart-warming as we sing “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and the old spiritual “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.” In addition, the Doxology Youth Choir will sing another spiritual “Go Down Moses” as well as the Communion motet “In Remembrance.” Please join us Sunday either in person at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am or online at www.prumc.org.  

Upcoming Opportunities: 

–Young Adult Mission to Costa Rica – the sign-up deadline has been extended until August 13. Peachtree Road UMC Young Adults will partner with Rice & Beans Ministry in the San Jose area of Costa Rica for this great trip led by our associate minister Josh Miles. You will be part of a vital feeding program that serves a rural population and work on a small farm that produces fresh food for nearby schools and neighbors. You also will have the opportunity to bring Vacation Bible School and a Field Day to local children. Plan to start your year with a truly warm and meaningful service opportunity. Mission dates are January 24-28, 2024. Sign up here by August 13 and make a meaningful start to 2024! Please contact Dawn Hawkins at dawnh@prumc.org. 

–Early Response Team Training Class – Saturday, August 19, 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. Learn the basic skills needed for early responders and earn an ERT badge, allowing team access to affected areas. The cost is $15 and includes the class, workbook, lunch, and snacks. You may register here. 

–Hospitality Ministry Training – are you interested in becoming an usher, or parking lot greeter? Please join others in this important ministry for a training day on Sunday, August 20. We begin after church with a barbeque luncheon and then meet in the sanctuary at 1:15 pm for a one-hour training session. Please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org for more information. 

–Father Child Camping Trip – our Men’s ministry is hosting a camping trip for dads and their children October 6-8 at Camp Glisson in the North Georgia mountains near Dahlonega. Members of Cascade UMC also will participate, and this is a great way for dads to spend quality time with their children, connect with other dads, and deepen their relationship with God. You may register here. For more information, please contact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org. 

Have you heard about the Peachtree Road Music Academy? Earlier this year, the Administrative Board approved the concept of an academy dedicated to helping members of our community develop their musical gifts. Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano, organ, violin, guitar, or even sing? This academy is designed to provide you with a tutor who can help you achieve your goal. In fact, we already have several summer students. And you don’t need to wait until our launch this fall to take your first step toward realizing your musical dreams. Visit our new website to learn about our offerings (all instruments for all ages!) and join us. We have wonderful relationships with some of the finest musicians and teachers in Atlanta and we invite you to take part in the musical community that we are building. 

Finally, are you interested in learning more about Peachtree Road UMC and possibly becoming a member? If so, I would like to invite you to “Tea with the Clergy” on Sunday, August 27 at 12:30 pm in the Hospitality Suite. We would love to meet you, share a little about the ministry of Peachtree Road UMC, and possibly help you become a member of this great church. Please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org for more information or to sign up.  

Now that school is starting again in our community, I hope you will make an effort to reincorporate worship attendance into your weekly schedule. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. 

Grace and peace,  

Bill