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The ChimesN e w s l e t t e r o f F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h o f A t l a n t a

nline

SUNDAY ScheDUle

SUNDAY ScheDUle

Sunday, May 5

annual Meeting & Picnic

• Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall

• Communion Service - 8:15 am, Winship Chapel

• The Mustard Seed Bookstore will be closed all day.

• No Sunday School

• One Worship Service - 10:15 am, Sanctuary

• Annual Meeting - 11:15 pm Sanctuary

• Retirement Celebration - 12:15 pm, Fifield

Sunday, May 12 Mother’S day

• Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall

• Communion Service - 8:15 am, Winship Chapel

• The Mustard Seed Bookstore - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary

• Cherub Choir - 9:30 am

• Sunday School for All Ages - 10:05 am

• Fellowship Hour - 11:00 am Fifield Hall

• Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary

• Five @ First - 5:00 pm, Reception Room

May 5 & 12, 2013Christ at the Center a n n u a l M e e t i n g Mo t h e r’s Day

O Mn May 13, 1990 – M o t h e r ’ s

Day – we began our ministry here as pastor and people and I preached a sermon entitled “consider Your call” from the text in I corinthians 1 : 2 6 w h e r e t h e Apostle Paul wrote to those first century

christians: “consider your own call, brothers and sisters.” That will be the same title and text for May 5 as we conclude 23 years of worship, work and witness together at the corner of 16th and Peachtree Streets. On behalf of Barbara and myself and our family, we want to thank all of you for your support and love, and for the faith and friendship we share with one another in this great church! having said it many times before, let me say it again once more: “there isn’t any congregation I would rather serve than this one,” and now the time has come for me to retire. Believing that the lord has called all of us into ministry and mission, I am confident that First Pres will continue to move forward “from strength to strength” (Psalm 84). That will surely be true under the leadership of Dr. Joanna Adams, who has been called as your new Interim Senior Pastor, and who is a dynamic preacher, a caring minister, a long-time Atlanta “mover and shaker,” and a close friend to many of us. My prayers are with her and with you as a new chapter in the life of this church begins next Sunday, which is Mother’s Day, May 12, 2013 – how about that for the providence of God! The Wirths are looking forward to the weekend of May 3-5 with great anticipation. With “christ at the center” of our life together, we have good reason to rejoice – so I invite you to join us, and please bring your family and friends with you!

Faithfully and Gratefully Yours,

George B. Wirth

a y 1 2 t h p r o m i s e s

to be quite a day in the life of First Presbyterian church. Not only will it be Mother’s Day, i t will also be the first Sunday in almost a quarter of a century without George Wirth sitting in the Pastor’s

chair. In worship, we will acknowledge the sadness of saying farewell to George, even as we celebrate all that has been accomplished during his legacy-making ministry. I am confident that hope and joy will show up as well, for we will be taking our first steps together toward a new tomorrow. As your incoming Interim Pastor, I find my heart brimming with excitement over the adventure ahead. Your Pastor Nominating committee will soon be about its important work, but let’s be clear: God is calling this church to a full life of witness and service right now. let’s assume a posture of committed openness, grateful for the traditions that have formed us and at the same time open to the new. No one ever said change was easy, but we all know it is inevitable. learning how to live with change is the key that unlocks the door to the future. We who follow christ ought to be the kind of people who cannot wait to get up in the morning to see what new thing God is doing. May the Spirit of the living God be the wind in our sails, and may the light of christ illumine our way across this sea of change.

With a hopeful heart,

Joanna

May 12 - Joanna Adams to preach

May 5 - George Wirth to preach

The Chimes

M a y 5 & 1 22

PROGRAMS & EvEntS

Pastoral Care Report(As of April 24, 2013)

Hospitalized: Rena Grizzell

Recuperating: Josiah Whitfield, Brent Shannon, Bill Barber

Births: We extend congratulations and wish many blessings upon Emily

and Devereaux “Dev” McClatchey following the birth of Margaret Miller

McClatchey, on April 2nd; proud big sister is Mabel.

Deaths: We lift up in prayer and send our condolences to John Marks and

family following the death of his sister, Jiminita Garcia, on April 12th.

Prayers for THose IN MILITary serVICe

This is a list of known servicemen/women in our Church family.

To add names, please call 404.228.7719.

Pray for:Major Charles Ayers

PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain

ABE3 Gregory Bridges Sgt. Isaiah Bridges

LCPL Austin W.P. Eskew Staff Sgt. Kenneth Lee

Captain Alexandria Victoria Miller Captain John Warren Robey

Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Brig. General Russell Sanborn

Lt. JG David B. SibleyCommander Ryan Tewell

Col. Roderick G. Turner III

C O M E - O N - A L O N G M AY 1 6 t h !

Join us for this fun-filled Spring trip to tour the winery and enjoy a wine tasting.

Then lunch at one of the property’s 2 restaurants.

Call Pat Kimbrell for reservations at 404-228-7719.

COME-ON-ALONG TO CHATEAU ELAN

WINERYDATE: Thursday, May 16, 2013

TIME: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. COST: $15 per person plus self-pay lunch.

C H A T E A U E L A N

W I N E R Y

ARE YOU tRAvELInG

tHIS SUMMER?

http://www.firstpresatl.org or www.firstpresbyterian.tv

Sundays 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. this summer

Don’t forget to take us along.

Worship with us live from any place in the world.

The Chimes

M a y 5 & 1 23

PROGRAMS & EvEntS

A N N U A l M e e T I N G

S u n d a y , M a y 5

Dear members and friends of First Presbyterian,

As you know, Rev. Connie Lee served for over 12 years as the minister to our partnership with Hillside Presbyterian Church, and in 2012, she took the helm of our Community Ministries here at First Presbyterian, picking up the good work of Charles Black after his retirement. Our church is grateful to Connie for answer-ing this call and for the countless ways in which she touches this community and so many who come here each day. We are now moving to install Connie as Associ-ate Pastor for Community Ministries. In order to do so, our congregation needs to vote. To meet Presbytery requirements, we MUST have at least 25% of our members in attendance at our May 5 annual meeting so that we can give our approval and start planning for the happy event of Connie’s installation. In practical terms this means our sanctuary needs to be completely full (and possibly overflowing) to ensure the vote on Connie can be conducted. This is one of those rare cases where EACH per-son’s attendance is essential. Please plan to come to our one worship service at 10:15 a.m. on May 5 and stay for our brief annual meeting, where our business will include election of Rev. Connie Lee to be installed as Associate Pastor for Community Ministries, dissolu-tion of the call of Rev. Dr. George B. Wirth as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, and election of the Nominating Commit-tee class of 2015. After the meeting, come to Fifield Hall for a festive celebration in honor of George and Barb Wirth! See you May 5th!

See you May 5!

William M. Earnest

clerk of Session

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION fOR

G E O R G E W I R T H

AND FAMILY

SuNdAy, MAy 5THImmediately following the 11 : 15 am annual meeting which starts right after Dr. Wirth finishes preaching at the only service of the day which starts at 10:15 am

Loads of food, fellowship & fun, all completely free!

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

PLAY BALL!

Spring has sprung, the

Braves are back in town and it’s

time to start thinking about

another summer softball season

at FPC.

We will try and field two men’s teams this year in the North Atlanta Church League www.naclsports .info and could also field a co-ed team if enough interest de-velops. Games will be played at the newly renovated North-side Drive Baptist Church field. The season will run from late May until play-offs are completed after Labor Day. Practices start in late April. This competi-tive Christian league is a great chance to enjoy fellowship, exercise and fun. Please contact Jason Cherry at (404) 291-2868 or jcher-ry@fl intequipco.com to get involved. We hope you will consider joining

us this summer.

The Chimes

M a y 5 & 1 24

C h i l d s p r i n g In terna t iona l is in urgent need of Frequent Flyer Miles on any domestic or international carrier. We prefer a minimum of 35,000 miles and need up to 125,000 miles for children to travel to the United States for

life-saving and l i f e - c h a n g i n g medical treatment.

if you would like to donate, please contact

Christina Porter at 404.228.7773 or at

christina@childspringintl.org. Thank you in advance for

your generosity!

sky miles Needed

20

13

MIS

SION OPPORTUN

ITES U

SA and BRAZIL

ELEMENTARY& FAMILY MINISTRIES

Craddock Center,Cherry log, GA

May 24th – 27thAll Elementary Families!

BrazilJuly 19th – 25th

Must be age 10 by July.

Contact: Lauren Patruslpatrus@firstpresatl.org

Jesus was in a small group. I’m just saying...

IS GOD CALLING YOU TO

BIBLE STUDYTHIS FALL?

Established studies are continuing,new studies are being created.

For information or to sign-up contact:Lindsay Armstrong at 404.228.7713o r l a r m s t r o n g @ f i r s t p r e s a t l . o r g

orA l l i son Cochran at 404.728.2820o r a p c o c h r a n @ b e l l s o u t h . n e t

Mother’s DayConcertSunday,May 12th

Berean Reception Room 10:05 - 11:00 am

Sponsored by The Berean Bible Class featuring soloist:

Nancy Elton“Songs My Mother Taught Me”

Atlanta pianist, singer andformer choir member at FPC.

Accompanied byJohn Elton

All Are Welcome!

The Chimes

M a y 5 & 1 2

WedneSday night choirS6:30 - 7:25 pM St. Cecilia Consort7:30 - 9:00 pM Chancel Choir

5

W E D N E S D A Y @ F I R S T

May 8 & 15

WEDNESDAY

No Wed. night activities

til Sept. 11

FPC 2012/13 Annual Report

Available for pick-up

Church Members who would like a copy

of the 2012/13 Annual Report, may pick one up at the

Reception desk anytime during normal working

hours.

i

Al-ANON Group MeetingThursdays, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

lunchtime group in Midtownin room 332

All Are Welcome!

YYOu

ArE INvITED TO ThE

ThE PrESBYTErIAN WOMEN

& ThE MEN’S MINISTrY’S BrEAKfAST

frIDAY, MAY 17Th,

8:00 - 10:00AM fIfIELD hALL

“Hope and Fear in the Here and Now”

rEv. JOANNA ADAMS

BrEAKfAST $10.00rESErvATIONS 404-228-7702

sdaniely@firstpresatl.org

T h e P r e s b y T e r i a n W o m e n

Forum @ FirstSponsored by FpC’s stembler ministry

JESUS AS MOTHER the Gentle Wisdom oF

Julian oF norWiCh*(1342 -1412)

led by

Dr. Martha Moore-KeishassoCiate proFessor oF theoloGy Columbia theoloGiCal seminary

sunday, may 1210:15 ~ 11:00 am

FiField hall

The Chimes

M a y 5 & 1 2

YOUtHnURSERY/PREScHOOL & ELEMEntARY

6

Thank you Elijah! casT for your hard work! You put on a great show!

no morE wEdnEsday@firsT acTiviTiEs (no Logos!) until the fall.

5Th gradE rETrEaT! MaY 10th - 11th whitewater rafting! email Lauren asap to sign up!

vBs! EvErywhErE fun fair! June 3rd - June 6th!

Registration is open! www.firstpresatl.org/vbs

summEr Pmo daTEs availaBlE now Contact Margaret Evans (mevans@firstpresatl.org) for more info!

summEr mission oPPorTuniTiEs!!! Email Lauren with any questions (lpatrus@firstpresatl.org) - Craddock Center! All elementary kids and families are invited to join us in north georgia as we join with the Craddock Center and serve the surrounding communities. May 24th - May 27th. gEorgE wirTh rETirEmEnT cElEBraTion

MAY 5, 2013 All youth and families are invited and encouraged to attend worship at 10:15 AM to sit together. We will not have Youth sunday school at 9 aM that day. Youth and families are need-ed to participate in the Retirement Celebration!

d-grouP End-of-yEar Pool ParTy MAY 11, 2013 at 4:00-6:00 PM All D-Groups are invited and encouraged to attend our end of the year pool party!We will introduce leaders for next year and just have an over-all great time together.Join us at the Bennett’s Home from 4-6 PM.

middlE school farEwEll ParTy for cullEn and rachEl ann moorE MAY 18, 2013 at 1:00-4:00 PM All Middle School youth are invited to join us for a Going Away party for Cullen and rachel ann Moore! we will meet at church at 12:45 to go to Piedmont Club for a pool party! Please make plans to attend.

youTh conTEmPorary worshiP MAY 19, 2013 at 10:05 AM Join us as we welcome John Webster to share about his trip to the Holy Land! We will also have time for fellowship, prayer and singing. don’t miss out! this is the last Contemporary Worship Service of this church year.

mission TriP oriEnTaTion MAY 19, 2013 at 12:15-1:30 PM All youth going to the Navajo Reservation please plan to attend this Orientation Session. We will be working on Kid’s Club Bible study, crafts and games. We will also work on de-votions and work team activities. Don’t miss out!

no youTh sunday school on may 26, 2013!

You don’t want to miss VBS 2013 at FPC.Joined by our leader and his friendly helper, Godwin Merrifeather, our children will dance, sing, and craft their way through a week of fun! Each day they will encounter ways to love and serve God and be a neighbor to the world.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

June 3rd – 6th9:00am -12noon*Ages 3 years old by 6/1/13

(and potty trained) through 5th Grade.

*Optional Elementary Bowling OutingJune 6th, 12:00 – 2:30 pm.

REGISTER ONLINEwww.firstpresatl.org/vbs

or in person on theNursery-Preschool Hall

The Chimes

M a y 5 & 1 2

eMMauS claSS Room 227 The Emmaus Class will not be meeting on May 5th in order to fully participate in the farewell events for George and Barbara Wirth. On May 12th, David Drake will be leading us in a historical Biblical lecture- don’t miss out on his great teaching. all are welcome.

Faith and liFe Room 218We will not be meeting May 5th and all class members are encouraged to come join in the celebration for George Wirth.May 12- Of the 19 individuals who

signed the founding document to create First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 12 were women. Using his book, Atlanta In 1848, Moncure Crowder will describe what life was like for mothers in the raw, booming and essentially lawless young city of atlanta at the time our church was founded. Join us on Mother’s day as we honor the women who were the founders of our church.

FirSt FoundationS Room 323A laid-back, discussion-oriented class of couples, many in our thirties with young families. We try to maintain diversity in our topics with a combination of Bible study, modern day religious and societal trends, parenting and family issues, movie and video lessons, guest speakers, etc. our class enjoys good discussion but also likes to keep the conversation light-hearted. This is a great place to build relationships and have interesting dialogue on a number of subjects.

ForuM @ FirSt FiField Hall

In order to focus on worship, the congregational meeting and George’s retirement celebration, there is no sunday school on May 5. We’d love to welcome you on May 12 for a special Mother’s Day presentation led by Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, Associate Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary. Dr. Moore-Keish will be speaking on 14th-15th century Julian of norwich, patron of the order named after her and renown for her insights and gentle wisdom. ‘as truly as god is our Father,’ Julian wrote, ‘so truly god is our Mother.’ Join us this Mother’s day.

galatianS 3:28, Room 319Galatians 3:28 has concluded its year and thanks everyone for such meaningful study and insightful conversation. We’ll be in touch about next steps.

internationalS Room 327 The Internationals Class welcomes globally-minded individuals of all ages ~ both U.S. citizens and International students and residents. we delve pro-actively into the tapestry of diversity present in today’s world, and we strive to better understand God’s people by learning more about their history, ethnicity, culture, religious practices, and traditions. together, we explore the problems and challenges of the world, in hopes of becoming better servants of God.

Meditation grouP This year, we are meeting exclusively as a small group, meeting on Thursday evenings at the home of Dottie Hitchcock. We’d love to have you if you’re interested. please call dottie at (404) 228-7709 for further information.

oPen door Room 156 started in 1953, the class remains committed to its initial goal: to join intelligent minds and strong faith. Its sessions, both lecture and free discussion, have centered on historical settings at different stages of church development, evolution of creeds, history of religious freedom in this country, church in society that is open to all religions, and many more. In short, as one member has described the class, one does not check one’s mind at the door when one enters the class.ourS For today Room B308our class is designed for parents of kids pre-school~high school. We are an energetic group of 30–50 “somethings” who are seeking spiritual and practical guidance on our journey of faith. throughout the year we host speakers who share their insight and perspective on parenting, marriage and the challenges facing the modern Christian family. Come join us!

SPiritual living Room B202There will be no class on May 5th. Please join us on May 12th for an interesting class. Visitors are aLwaYs welcome!

the uPPer rooM Room 332The Upper Room will not be meeting May 5th and all class members are encouraged to come join in the celebration for George Wirth. On May 12th we will have a lesson in celebration of Mother’s day.

young adultS Room B303we are a new class for singles and couples in their twenties and early thirties. Join together for topical discussion, fellowship, and even some enlightening Bible Study. If you’ve never had a class before, and you’re a young adult, this one’s for you.

AdULt SUndAY ScHOOL

7

agora Room 322In new testament greek, the name means “meeting place,” and we are a vibrant, conversational class that discusses a variety of topics, including Bible, theology, current events, and arts. Most of us are thirty something, and many have young children. All of us are friendly and eager for new people to join us as we learn, laugh, drink coffee, and build friendships together. Visitors welcome.

Berean BiBle claSS Reception Room

on May 5, the Berean Class will not meet - so that everyone can focus on worship, the congregational meeting and the celebration afterwards.On May 12, please join us for a very special program for Mother’s day. atlanta pianist, singer, and former choir member at FPC, Nancy Elton, will present “songs My Mother taught Me.” Nancy will be accompanied by her husband John on the piano. all are welcome.

coMMunity BiBle Study Room B415with our new associate pastor for Community Ministries at the helm, join us as Rev. Connie Lee leads community Bible study and fellowship.

covenant claSS Room 230no class on May 5 in honor of the george wirth Celebration and the one 10:15 am service in the santuary. Please join us back in our classroom on May 12 as we welcome back Dr. Joel LeMon, Assistant professor of old testament, Candler school of theology.

diScovering god’S Word Room 317Discovering God’s Word is a small, informal class, open to adults of all ages. we welcome new people and new perspectives as we explore the meaning of faith, primarily through Bible study. Together we read and discuss the Bible and other books which deepen our understanding of Scripture and Christian living. Class members take turns leading the discussions, and everyone is encouraged to participate.

– Note to self –

So we can focus on

worship and celebrating

23 great years with George,

there is no Sunday School

for children, youth or

adults on May 5.

May 5

The ChimesBi-weekly Newsletter of

FIrst PresbYterIAn ChurCh of ATlANTA

1328 Peachtree Street, NeAtlanta, GA 30309-3209

hOW TO cONTAcT USPhone/404-892-8461

Fax/404-228-7760e-mail: youbelong@firstpresatl.org

Web: www.firstpresatl.org

WOrshIP Sunday communion Service - 8:30 am

Sunday Worship Services -9:00 am & 11:15 am

Sunday School 10:05 am

WeeKLY brOADCAstsSundays live at 9:00 am & 11:15 am

On demand anytime www.firstpresatl.org/servicesonline

AIB cable Network (comcast channel 5; Smyrna channel 22)

Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

The Mustard Seed Wednesdays 9-1:00 sundays 9-1

(404) 201-6442info@themustardseedbookstore.com

Music for May 5

Music for May 12

Prelude C. Franck - Prélude, Fugue et Variation

Anthem The Lilies White and Fair - Christiansen

Offertory Cantique De Jean Racine - Faure

Bene Resp Irish Blessing - Shell

Postlude O. Messiaen - Transports de Joie (from “L’Ascension”)

Prelude Nimrod, from The Enigma Variations - Elgar

Introit The Call, from The Five Mystical Songs - Vaughan Williams

Anthem O How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings- Vaughan Williams

Offertory Surprise

Bene Resp The Road Home - Paulus

Postlude J.S.Bach - Introduction and Fugue

Stop in for a cup of coffee and see our lovely assortment of greeting cards, jewelry, baby and hostess gifts as well as a wide array of books.

Stop by and say hi!

a strfirst presbyterian church of atlanta

t h e s c h o o l o f f i n e

For information about private music instruction and group music, dance, and art classes, please visit us on the web or call:

Kate Breytspraak, Director

(404) 228-7762

www.firstpresatl.org/sfa