July 14, 2023

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Our “Summer in the City” series entitled “At the Movies” got off to a fun start last week as we considered the movie “The Princess Bride.” Over the years I have seen it dozens of times, but I must confess there is one line in the movie that I really hadn’t given much thought to until last week. It is a line spoken by the character Inigo Montoya:

“You know, it’s strange. I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it’s over, I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life.”

As I mentioned in the sermon last Sunday, sometimes events occur in life that send folks off track. Maybe it’s a significant loss, an injustice experienced, or some form of trauma suffered. As a result, they spend the better part of life fighting and fighting. The tragedy is that even when circumstances change, they still find themselves fighting…because it is all they know. That’s the human condition, but the good news is we are not doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over. By grace we are forgiven and transformed into the image of Christ and given the opportunity to live new lives. That is the good news we celebrate each week here at Peachtree Road UMC, and the movie “The Princess Bride” helped us remember our faith.

This week we continue our “Summer in the City” celebration on Sunday morning. The three hymns we are singing Sunday are ones that I used to sing each week at Sunday School assembly when I was in elementary school:

  • There’s Within My Heart a Melody
  • Love, Mercy, and Grace
  • Grace Greater Than Our Sin

These are hymns I know by heart, and I don’t plan on needing a bulletin to sing! This week’s movie is “E.T. the Extraterrestrial.” I hope you will make time to watch the movie and familiarize yourself with this inspirational story and its cast of characters including Elliott and ET. We also will reflect upon John’s words used to describe Jesus:

“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)

You also are invited to join your friends on the front lawn of the church after each service for lemonade and cookies. I hope you will worship with us in person at one of our services at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 am or online at www.prumc.org. 

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • Peachtree Road Storybook – as we prepare for our church’s 100th anniversary in 2025, our centennial committee is rolling out the Peachtree Road Storybook. Each month, a new digital installment of our church’s story will be added to the Storybook website. July’s installment is now available and features the early years – “Building a Firm Foundation: 1925-1952.” Not only can you read highlights of foundational events, but also you can view photos, browse PDFs, and hear the voices of some members who are no longer with us. Please join us on this journey as we prepare to celebrate our centennial!
  • Peachtree Road Music Academy – we are thrilled to announce the creation of the Peachtree Road Music Academy. Earlier this year, the Administrative Board approved the concept of an academy dedicated to helping members of our community develop their musical gifts. Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano, organ, violin, guitar, or even sing? This academy is designed to provide you with a tutor who can help you achieve your goal. In fact, we already have several summer students. And you don’t need to wait until our launch this fall to take your first step toward realizing your musical dreams. Visit our new website to learn about our offerings (all instruments for all ages!) and join us. We have wonderful relationships with some of the finest musicians and teachers in Atlanta and we invite you to take part in the musical community that we are building.

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 (brittanyc@prumc.org) for more information or to sign up. 

I hope that you will continue to enjoy these days of summer with loved ones. Please pray for the ministry of your church as we pray for you.

Grace and peace, 

Bill