May 3, 2024
Dear Peachtree Road Family,
I hope you are well. As I write these words, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church is in its final hours. Delegates representing Annual Conferences from around the world have been meeting in Charlotte for the last 10 days to consider proposed legislation and revisions to the United Methodist Book of Discipline. As a part of their work, earlier this week, they deleted language about human sexuality that has been a part of the Book of Discipline since 1972. One way I think of this change is that it represents a return to the Methodist Church’s historic position going back to 1784.
Some of you, no doubt, are celebrating this news and see it as consistent with our church’s core value of extending warm, traditional hospitality to all. I phrased it this way in a sermon several years ago: “It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, old or young, Black or White, rich or poor, gay or straight, all are welcome here at Peachtree Road UMC.” I know others of you are concerned that this may represent a movement away from our traditional, biblical faith. And still others of you may be having both of these thoughts at the same time. You are conflicted. I know this may seem to be a confusing time. My encouragement to you today is “Be at peace.”
My mother had a saying she used in confusing times: “Please be patient with me. God is not finished with me yet.” I find that helpful. God is not finished with us yet. He is still at work in our church and in each of us. I ask for your prayers and patience as we move confidently into the future focused upon our mission to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” I will share updates with you in the very near future. In the meantime, be at peace.
Have you stopped recently to acknowledge how blessed we are here at Peachtree Road UMC? Over the last few weeks, we have recognized the babies who have been born to members of our congregation within the last year, celebrated worship with members of The Preschool at Peachtree Road UMC, confirmed the faith of 55 youth, and offered a blessing upon the 56 seniors set to graduate from high school later this month. These all are signs of a vital church!
This Sunday also promises to be a wonderful time of worship as we celebrate the ministry of Music and Arts here at Peachtree Road. Our church is known for “heavenly music,” and musicians will be spread throughout the sanctuary as we highlight their talents and contributions to our worship. The Atlanta Brassworks, Peachtree Carillon, combined children’s choirs, Doxology Youth Choir, and Chancel Choir will share music with us. If you have not heard the children’s choirs sing “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” you are in for a treat, and the service will close with the combined choirs singing William Matthias’ arrangement of “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” by George Herbert. There is nothing like being in the sanctuary to hear the music live and feel it in your bones. So, I invite you to attend and lend your voice as we celebrate the gift of music in our church. The message for the day is entitled “Sing to the Lord a New Song” and our scripture lesson is Psalm 98. Please join us in person at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am or by livestream at www.prumc.org.
Following worship, a complimentary fellowship luncheon will be served in Grace Hall. Chef Bob is preparing a meal featuring chicken piccata, herbed rice pilaf, Italian green beans, and tiramisu. Please join us for a delicious meal and good fellowship with your friends from Peachtree Road UMC. We will be serving from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Speaking of music, let me remind you about Midday Music in May. Each Wednesday during the month of May, you are invited to come to the sanctuary at 1:00 pm to enjoy a complimentary 30-minute organ recital featuring the best organists in Atlanta. Our own Scott Atchison and Oliver Brett kicked off this annual series last Wednesday. Learn more at www.prumc.org.
Also, the Peachtree Road Music Academy Spring Recital will be held this Sunday, May 5, at 4:00 pm in the Moore Chapel. You are invited to help us celebrate our students and their good work. You will hear what they have learned at this special presentation and reception. To learn more about The Academy, visit www.prmusicacademy.org.
Each week during May will be special at Peachtree Road UMC:
- Music Sunday (May 5) – as highlighted above, our musicians will be leading us on this day and sharing their wonderful talents in an inspiring service filled with beautiful music.
- Mother’s Day (May 12) – join us as we pay tribute to our mothers and the women who have nurtured us through the years. As a part of this day, we will honor the oldest and newest mothers present at each service.
- 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.
Finally, are you or someone you know interested in becoming a member of Peachtree Road UMC? Then join us for the “Tea with the Clergy” luncheon on Sunday, May 19, at 12:30 pm. This will be an opportunity for you to meet our ministerial staff, hear about our history and mission, ask questions, and discover where you fit into this great church. You even will have an opportunity to become a member of the church at the close of the session. For more information, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org.
Thank you for your support in so many ways. I look forward to worshiping with you this weekend as we celebrate the gift of music!
Grace and peace,
Bill