August 11, 2023
Dear Peachtree Road Family,
I hope you are well. I want to begin this week’s note with the announcement that Ron Greer’s new book is now available! Most of you know that Ron is the director of the Pastoral Counseling Services at Peachtree Road UMC, and he is the author of five books: The Path of Compassion, Now That They Are Grown, Markings on the Windowsill, If You Know Who You Are, You’ll Know What to Do, and his latest The Quiet House: Reflections on the Loss of a Spouse. In this helpful book, Ron offers an elegant series of personal reflections that can lead to healing even as we tend to our memories of loved ones. Ron will be offering a special forum on grief this fall, and the book will be available soon in the Dogwood Shop. Please keep your eye out for this helpful resource.
This Sunday’s service promises to be a great day of worship as we continue our series entitled “Methodists Believe.” This week’s message is entitled “Methodists Believe in the Trinity.” We will reflect on the fundamental way God has been revealed to us: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our text comes from Paul’s correspondence with the Christians in Corinth: II Corinthians 13:11-13:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
You will recognize that last sentence as the blessing I use nearly every Sunday at the close of worship. We will think about the power of that blessing this week. Once again, the music Sunday will be heart-warming as we sing Charles Wesley’s great hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” and a congregational favorite “Blessed Assurance.” In addition, the Chancel Choir is back after having a week off and will offer a meditative anthem entitled “Love Bade Me Welcome” written by George Herbert and arranged by David Hurd. Please join us Sunday either in person at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am or online at www.prumc.org.
Also, on Sunday we will receive a special offering for the Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers. Hopefully, you recently received a letter from me offering some history of this transformative community that reaches out to children with few or no alternatives, welcomes them, and gives them hope. Please make your check payable to Peachtree Road UMC and mark it for “Murphy-Harpst,” or give online through our church’s website and make your gift there.
Upcoming Opportunities:
- Tour of Peachtree Road UMC Campus – this Sunday, August 13, Brittany Charron, our director of evangelism and hospitality, will offer a tour of the church campus at 10:00 am beginning in Heritage Hall. This is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with this large facility and to learn more about the many ministries offered through Peachtree Road UMC. Please contact Brittany for more information at brittanyc@prumc.org.
- 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.
- Guatemala Family Mission Trip – are you interested in a post-Christmas mission trip for you and your family? Join your friends from Peachtree Road UMC December 27-January 2 as we work to build homes and provide support for families living in that country. No experience is needed. This trip fills up quickly, so register here, or contact Dawn Hawkins, our director of global outreach, as soon as possible to express your interest at dawnh@prumc.org.
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.orgfor more information or to sign up.
I am grateful for all you do to make Peachtree Road UMC’s ministry vital. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Grace and peace,
Bill