November 15, 2024
Dear Peachtree Road Family,
I hope you are well. Have you seen the “Doves of Peachtree Road?” That seems to be a question I am hearing a lot these days. Last Sunday, we dedicated this amazing creation of art designed to help us celebrate our centennial. The doves represent the hope that came when Noah sent the dove out from the ark after the flood, and it returned with an olive branch in its beak. They also represent the presence of the Holy Spirit that alighted upon Jesus at his baptism and remained with him always. I am so grateful for the beautiful addition the doves make to our sanctuary in these days. We are now offering docent-led tours of our sanctuary, and I hope you will take this opportunity to learn more about the doves and other symbols of faith in our sacred space. In the meantime, join us for worship and meditate upon God’s good gifts of grace and hope.
Speaking of worship, we will continue our “Give Thanks” sermon series with a message entitled “We Are Grateful for One Another.” In preparation for the sermon, I encourage you to read from II Timothy 1:1-7. We will sing two great hymns of the church (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “I Am Thine, O Lord”), and the Chancel Choir will offer Benjamin Britten’s arrangement of an anthem entitled “Jubilate Deo” which is based upon Psalm 100. I hope you will join us in person at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am. If you are out of town, please worship with us online through the church website.
Thank you to everyone who gave last week to our Turkey Drive offering. Your gift will provide a Thanksgiving meal for low-income families here in Atlanta. It is not too late to give. Your gift of $25 will provide a turkey, and a gift of $50 will provide a full turkey dinner for an entire family. You may still make a gift by a check payable to Peachtree Road UMC and marked for “Turkey Drive” or through the church app or website.
I also want to thank those who have returned a commitment card toward next year’s operating budget. Your commitment really matters, both in supporting our ongoing ministries and helping to establish a bright future for generations to come. We already have heard from hundreds of our families. If you have not yet turned in your pledge, we would love to hear from you this week. If you are in a Sunday School class, your pledge will be counted for the tabulation of the Parson’s Cup. This award goes to the Sunday School Class with the highest percentage of pledges and recurring gifts to next year’s church budget. For your convenience, you may pledge through the church app or online.
And while we’re on the subject of being thankful, let me remind you of some wonderful opportunities in the near future:
- Family Advent Workshop – get into the Christmas spirit early by participating in our Family Advent Workshop on Sunday, November 24, 4:30 – 6:30 pm, in Grace Hall. Families are invited to prepare their hearts and homes for the Advent season by making crafts, participating in activities, and enjoying dinner together in Grace Hall. You may sign up here.
- Cascade Thanksgiving Giveaway – once again, we are teaming up with Cascade UMC on their annual Thanksgiving project to provide food for over 2000 people in our community. Cascade has been feeding those in need for over 20 years, and through our partnership with this great church, we have an opportunity to work side-by-side. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful holiday project set for November 25 between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, please contact Beth Spencer (beths@prumc.org).
- Christmas Kindness – volunteer registration is open for Christmas Kindness. Volunteer for this beloved tradition designed to provide Christmas gifts to the community in a dignified and festive manner. Our clients are surrounded by the care of loving volunteers who help them select and wrap their gifts. December 6-10. Sign up soon, as spots are quickly filling up.
Finally, the Presidential election may be over, but I am sure the political conversations will continue (at our Thanksgiving gatherings, at work, and amongst neighbors). The Deep Waters Bible Study Group is sponsoring a forum with Michael Wear on Wednesday, November 20, that is designed to help you think about how to be a Christian in the public square. I have been reading his book The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life. Michael is a thoughtful writer, and I find his approach to the intersection of faith and politics to be very helpful as he calls for healing over hatred and hope rather than despair. The forum begins at 6:30 pm in Grace Hall, and you may register here.
I am so grateful for you and all you do to make Peachtree Road UMC a vital congregation committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I look forward to worshiping with you Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Bill