March 21, 2025

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Last Sunday was a fun day for my family and me. We worshiped at Athens First United Methodist Church as they celebrated their bicentennial – they are exactly 100 years older than our church. I noticed some interesting connections between our two churches. For example, they were founded in 1825, and the next year they received their first pastor, Rev. Lovick Pierce. He had a grandson who also became a Methodist preacher. In fact, his grandson, WL Pierce, became a district superintendent and served the Atlanta District. In 1925, Rev. Pierce presided over the establishment of Peachtree Road Methodist Church. Our current member, Wilds Pierce, is a direct descendent of both preachers. And, while I was preaching in Athens, our associate minister Rev. Josh Miles, a product of Athens First UMC, was preaching at Peachtree Road UMC. I saw former members of our church who now live in Athens, and even some of your children who now attend UGA in worship last Sunday. As Wendie and I drove home, I marveled at the way the history of our two churches are intertwined. It was a fun day!

This Sunday promises to be another good day at Peachtree Road. I look forward to being back with you as we continue our Lenten Journey and consider “The Way of Salvation” as outlined in Paul’s letter to the Romans. When you think of baptism, what comes to your mind? Washing away of sins? Refreshment? The giving of the Holy Spirit? All of those answers are true, according to the Gospels. However, according to the Apostle Paul, baptism is death…and the incorporation of a person into the body of Jesus Christ. We’ll think for a few minutes on Sunday about that idea and what it means for our lives. In preparation for the message, I encourage you to read Romans 6:1-14, and reflect upon these words:

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:3-4

The hymns will be very familiar (“Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” and “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters”), and the Chancel Choir will offer William Dawson’s arrangement of the old spiritual “There Is a Balm in Gilead” as its anthem. For those of you who participated in worship last Sunday, the anthem will be an echo of what you heard last week. Sunday will be a great day to be with your friends in worship at Peachtree Road at one of our three services: 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am. If you will be unable to attend in person, please worship via the livestream here.

Our special Midweek Worship services at noon during Lent have been well-attended so far. In keeping with our ongoing celebration of our centennial, some of our favorite former associate ministers are preaching at the Wednesday services in the Moore Chapel during Lent. The lineup features some of your favorite former associate pastors:

March 26 – Beth Sanders

April 2 – Thomas Martin

April 9 – Carolyn Stephens

Last week, we were delighted to welcome back Phil Schroeder, and this Wednesday, we will have the opportunity to hear Beth Sanders once again. Beth currently serves as the district superintendent of the South East District of the North Georgia Annual Conference. Please join us each Wednesday at noon during Lent for worship and stay for lunch immediately following in Grace Hall.

During this holy season of Lent, we as a congregation are engaging in seeking to make a difference in our community in a couple of important ways: 

  • Season of Service – a great way to serve others and make an impact in our community. You may find a list of projects and sign up here. Pick one and join your fellow members of Peachtree Road in being the hands and feet of Christ.
  • Lenten Offering – once again this year, our special giving during the season of Lent will be used to support the agencies and ministries in the Greater Atlanta area with whom we partner. As you give up a couple of meals each week, consider giving the money you are saving to this offering. If each of us gives just $20 a week or $120 for the season, it would make a tremendous impact upon the lives of others. Please give through the church website here. 

Finally, are you new to Peachtree Road UMC and looking for ways to connect? Here are two opportunities to help you navigate this large church and find new connections:

  • Explore Membership in Peachtree Road UMC – it’s not too late to sign up for the “Tea with the Clergy” luncheon set for this Sunday, March 23, at 12:30 pm in the Hospitality Suite. At this luncheon, you will have the opportunity to meet with several members of our clergy staff, hear about the ministry of this great church, ask questions, and even have an opportunity to join at the end of the session. Please contact our director of evangelism and hospitality, Brittany Charron (brittanyc@prumc.org), for more information or to sign up.
  • Take a Tour of Peachtree Road’s Facilities – Sunday, March 30, at 10:00 am. Meet Brittany Charron in Heritage Hall for a tour of the campus and a brief overview of the church’s ministries and offerings. For more information, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org. 

I hope to see you Sunday as we journey together through the season of Lent.

Grace and peace, 

Bill