October 6, 2023

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. It’s hard to believe, but we have begun the last quarter of the year. Where has 2023 gone? This year our church has been focused upon the words of the psalmist: “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10) 

At the beginning of the year, I asked you to consider if your spirit’s pool was deep enough to sustain you in a time of crisis. To help you answer that question with an emphatic “Yes!” we have sought to offer the resources you need to quieten your soul, hear the voice of God, and respond in the confidence of your faith in Christ to every challenge you experience. For example, we began the year with a focus upon developing mental health in the midst of anxious times, continued in the spring with a Lenten series of messages designed to help us learn to still our souls and practice silence in the presence of God, and came out of the summer with a fall series focusing our attention upon living the Lord’s Prayer. I hope you have found this year’s emphasis helpful as you develop a spiritual reservoir from which you can draw in troubled times. 

On Sunday we will continue our series on stewardship entitled “Developing a Generous Heart.” Last week we thought about the heart as a metaphor for the soul and recognized that, just as our diet can harm our physical heart (smoking, fatty foods, sugary drinks), so there are enemies of our spiritual heart as well (envy, gluttony, greed, laziness, lust, pride, and wrath – the early church identified these as “The Seven Deadly Sins”). To develop a healthy faith, we develop a lifestyle that avoids these and embraces seeing God right. This week’s message is entitled “The Heart of the Matter” and invites us to consider Jesus words from his Sermon on the Mount: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) I hope you will join us for worship as we explore this important truth: in person at 8:45 am in the sanctuary, 10:00 am in the chapel, or 11:15 am in the sanctuary or online at www.prumc.org. 

Next Tuesday (October 10 or 10/10) is World Mental Health Day. The goal for the day is to raise awareness, mobilize efforts in support of mental health, and make it a reality for people worldwide. On Sunday, October 8, members of our One Lamb Initiative will be handing out 10/10 lapel pins and a special wellness booklet written by Ron Greer in recognition of the day. In addition, we will receive a special offering for One Lamb in support of their service to the mental health needs of our church and community. For more information, please visit the One Lamb website at www.1lamb.org. 

In addition to World Mental Health Day, the One Lamb Initiative is offering two upcoming workshops: 

  • Alcohol Facts: Abuse or Addiction – Sunday, October 15, 6:00 pm, in the Hospitality Suite. Nancy Rank, PhD will offer a presentation on this important subject and help participants recognize the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. Please RSVP by emailing info@1lamb.org. 
  • Change Your Story, Change Your Life – Sunday, October 22, 5:30 pm, in the Hospitality Suite. This workshop led by Dr. Linca Buchanan is designed to help women rethink their personal stories in a new way and find freedom for living. Please RSVP by emailing info@1Lamb.org. 

Music and Arts Opportunities:

  • St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys – on Sunday, October 8, the Peachtree Road UMC Friends of Music is pleased to present the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys in concert at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. This is one of the leading choral ensembles in the country and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. The choir performs regularly with the period instrument ensemble Concert Royal and with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York City. This evening’s music will feature Elgar, Byrd, Hancock, and more. Tickets are available here. 
  • Open Choir Rehearsal – have you ever wanted to sing with the Chancel Choir? You are invited to an open rehearsal on Wednesday, October 11, at 7:00 pm in the Music Suite. You will have an opportunity to join the Chancel Choir in the warm-up by singing a few hymns in preparation for Sunday’s service and then rehearse a beautiful arrangement of the well-known hymn “It Is Well with My Soul.” It is designed to give you the feel of what it is like to be a part of this singing community of faith. For more information, contact Scott Atchison, director of music, at scotta@prumc.org. 

Finally, next Sunday will be “Commitment Sunday” at Peachtree Road UMC. On Sunday, October 15, you will have an opportunity to renew your covenant with Christ for the next year by bringing your pledge card to the altar of the church. This is a holy occasion as we kneel at that altar and commit our financial resources to support the ministry of the church for the coming year. After the service, we will gather in Grace Hall for a delicious luncheon compliments of the church. Make your plans now to join us October 15.

It is a privilege to worship and serve with you through the ministry of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church! 

Grace and peace, 

Bill