September 6, 2024

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Let me begin my message to you this week with a call to prayer. Earlier this week, another school shooting occurred. This one was close to home at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. We pray for the families of those who are grieving the death of loved ones, for victims who are recovering from their wounds (both physical and mental), and for those who are caring for folks in that community. I am grateful that Peachtree Road UMC’s own Rev. Beth Sanders is the district superintendent of that region and is walking with the people through this tender hour. Let us continue to pray and work for the safety of all students everywhere, especially now for our brothers and sisters in Barrow County. “Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.” 

We live in a broken world that is desperately in need of the love, mercy, and grace of God. On Sunday, we will begin a new sermon series entitled “Being Christian in a Divided World.” The goal is to learn to be peacemakers and experience peace in our own lives. You remember Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Each week we will search the scriptures and consider a faithful response to the divisions in our world:

September 8Luke 9:51-56Seeking Uncommon Ground
September 16Psalms 40:4-8 Listening with Respect
September 23Galatians 6:7-10 Living with Integrity
September 30Philippians 4:4-8United We Stand

I hope you will make an effort to attend each week as we deepen our relationship with Christ and one another. 

Now, let me make an observation. It is time. Morning temperatures this week have been in the mid-60s. The long, hot summer is coming to an end. Fall is in the air. Many of you have been worshiping online while enjoying time away from the city (and that counts if you are striving for that 90% worship attendance goal that we set at the beginning of the year), but now it is time to press the reset button on your spiritual life and come back to Peachtree Road UMC. Sunday marks “Fall Kick-off,” and I want to suggest five good reasons to make in-person attendance this week a priority:

  • The music, both congregational singing and the choir’s anthem, will be inspiring.
  • The Georgia Boy Choir and the Atlanta Brassworks will accompany the Chancel Choir.
  • New members who recently joined to Peachtree Road UMC on August 25 will be recognized through an insert in the bulletin, and more new members will be received during the 11:15 am service.
  • At the close of worship, a complimentary barbeque luncheon prepared by the men of the church will be served in Grace Hall from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
  • All of your Peachtree Road UMC friends will be there!

It is time. I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!

In addition to worship, please note the following opportunities to enrich your life:

  • Centennial Gallery – as we move into the year of our celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Peachtree Road UMC, the Centennial Gallery will open to the public this Sunday. Our archivists have been working on a display that will share the rich history of this great church: historical artifacts, commemorative quilts, and a digital experience that takes you through the decades of our church’s history. This curated space is located on the lower level of the Sanctuary, across from the Dogwood Gift Shop. All are invited to visit the Gallery on its grand opening and in the days to come to appreciate the heritage, history, and visual story of Peachtree Road UMC. By the way, check out the commemorative ornaments and paperweights available for purchase this Sunday at the luncheon in Grace Hall. 
  • Adult Bible Studies – you may register now for our fall adult study offerings which include Sunday School, Disciple Bible Study, women’s studies, men’s studies, and other short-term classes throughout the week. A good number of folks have already signed up, and we encourage you to come grow with us this season. Please check our website here for offerings and times. 
  • Opening Concert of Peachtree Road UMC’s Centennial Season – join us on Sunday, September 22, in Grace Hall from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm as we welcome Joe Gransden and his award-winning Big Band as they celebrate a century of swing. They will entertain us with classics from Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Miles Davis, Tony Bennett, and more. You may reserve your tickets online here. Don’t miss this fun night out!

Finally, let me encourage you to join us for your Mid-Week Worship Services. Each Wednesday at 12:00 noon, we offer a 30-minute inspirational service in the Moore Chapel. Our clergy staff rotate preaching responsibilities, and the special music is offered by some of our talented staff singers. There is something about being in that sacred space that brings a sense of God’s peace to my life. Also, a fellowship meal is served in Grace Hall immediately following the service. Come, spend your lunch hour with us on Wednesdays and invite a friend. 

I am grateful for your faithfulness in so many ways to the ministry of Peachtree Road UMC. I hope you will find your place here this fall.

Grace and peace,

Bill