August 30, 2024

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, I hope you are well. This holiday traditionally marks the end of summer and the beginning of the fall routine at Peachtree Road UMC. As you read these words, some of you may be making your tailgate preparations for your college football team’s opening game while others are heading to the mountains or lake for one last long weekend away. Please know we look forward to seeing you back in your place here at church very soon.

I want to begin this week’s note by looking back to last Sunday. It was a great week: 

  • The Children’s Ministry celebrated “Promotion Sunday” as children moved up a grade and met their new teachers for the fall.
  • The 6th Grade Confirmation Class held its orientation meeting, during which families learned about the exciting opportunities in store for them in the coming year.
  • The Youth welcomed students and parents to their fall open house at the Harp Center and informed them of great opportunities for engagement.
  • At our “Tea with the Clergy” gathering Sunday afternoon, we received 15 new members with 3 joining on profession of faith.

We are well-positioned for a great year of ministry, and I hope you will find your place at Peachtree Road UMC.

In worship last Sunday, we brought our series on Methodist beliefs to a close with the message “The Necessity of Union Among Ourselves.” We reflected upon Paul’s appeal to the early Christians in Corinth to avoid divisions and to be united in mind and purpose. We observed that one of the weaknesses of the church is that we too often remember the rules but forget the Ruler. I believe our ability here at Peachtree Road UMC to stay focused on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ has been the key to our vitality in the midst of turbulent times. Thank you for keeping your eyes upon Jesus.

On Sunday, Rev. Elizabeth Byrd will preach, and her message is entitled “Putting Faith into Action.” Our congregation will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at all services and singing two great hymns of the church (“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” and “Now Let Us From This Table Rise”). In addition, the Chancel Choir will offer an anthem arranged by Thomas Matthews entitled “I Will Give Thanks Unto the Lord.” It is based on Psalm 7:18 and Psalm 16:9. I hope you will make a special effort to join us at one of our services at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am or online (www.prumc.org). 

In addition to worship, please note the following upcoming opportunities:

  • Adult Bible Studies—You may register now for our fall adult study offerings, which include Sunday School, Disciple Bible Study, women’s studies, men’s studies, and other short-term classes throughout the week. We encourage you to come grow with us this season and make Bible study an important part of your weekly routine. Please check our website for offerings and times.
  • Wellness Weekly – Wellness Weekly is a new initiative designed to provide you with short, digestible content for everyday wellness. This weekly resource will include short videos, concise summaries, and bite-sized wellness content for your mind, body, and spirit. It’s the perfect place to begin taking steps toward wellness without feeling overwhelmed. Click here to subscribe and get a weekly dose of wellness content straight to your inbox beginning September 9.

Finally, this will be Oliver Brett’s last Sunday as our associate choirmaster and organist. He has accepted the position of director of music at Boston Avenue UMC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and will be moving next week. When you have a respected music program like ours and talented musicians like Oliver, you can expect other churches to come calling. While we grieve Oliver’s departure, we are filled with gratitude for his time on our staff and excitement for the opportunity he has at Boston Avenue UMC. Oliver has contributed to our ministry in significant ways and will be missed. I hope you will be present in worship at one of the services on Sunday, as we wish him well. God be with you, Oliver.

If you are traveling this weekend, please stay safe. We look forward to seeing you soon. Please let us know if we can be of help to you in any way.

Grace and peace, 

Bill