August 2, 2024

Dear Peachtree Road Family,

I hope you are well. Wendie and I have returned from a stay at the beach, where we enjoyed being with our extended family, spent time resting and relaxing in the sun, and made plans for the coming busy fall season. I really am looking forward to being with you on Sunday for worship. We are set to begin a new series on Methodist beliefs during the month of August that is designed to help us remember some of the basics of our faith:

August 4Matthew 22:37-40Holiness of Heart and Life
August 11Matthew 28:16-20Offer Them Christ
August 18John 3:11-17 Heaven Now…and Later
August 25I Corinthians 1:10-17The Essential of Union Among Ourselves

In 1786, John Wesley, the father of Methodism, looked back upon the revival movement during his lifetime and wrote these words in “Thoughts on Methodism”:

“I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.” 

To me, this is a haunting passage. And in an attempt to keep Methodist people focused on the essentials of the faith, John Wesley’s brother Charles wrote a hymn entitled “And Are We Yet Alive.” It was sung (and is sung to this day) when Methodists gather to evaluate the past and plan for the future. It’s a good question for us to ask from time to time: And are we yet alive? We will be doing that this month in our worship beginning this Sunday as we remember Wesley’s charge to Methodists to “spread scriptural holiness across the land.” I hope you will join us each week as we consider the vitality of our spiritual lives. 

We also will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at all services on Sunday. As you approach the altar, I pray that you will sense the presence of Christ, who hosts us at his Table, and the presence of all the saints. We are not alone. We are a part of Christ’s church and a transforming mission in the world. The music on Sunday will be heart-warming as we sing “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and the old spiritual “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.” In addition, the Chancel Choir will be back and accompanied by the repaired Great Organ as they offer an anthem entitled “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy,” arranged by Calvin Hampton. Please join us Sunday either in person at 8:45 am, 10:00 am, or 11:15 am or online at www.prumc.org. 

We are excited this week to welcome Rebecca Kennedy as our new Director of Children’s Ministries. Rebecca has an enthusiastic spirit, deep faith in Christ, love for this church, and a desire to help families with children flourish in their faith. Her training in education and child development, knowledge of our program, and longevity with our church make her ideally suited for this leadership position. We are excited to begin a new season with her leadership in Children’s Ministries!

Now is the time to consider participating in a Fall Bible Study Group. As we seek to grow together in God’s grace, we find that studying the scriptures and reflecting upon them with others nurtures our faith, deepens our theological understanding, and fosters community. No matter how much or how little you already know of the Bible, spending time studying God’s word can be transformative. We are excited to offer a dynamic new season of Bible studies featuring rock-solid foundations such as Disciple Bible Study, as well as fresh new offerings from clergy and lay leaders that will challenge and encourage you! Complete class details will be coming soon. Save the date for online registration, opening August 15, and plan on gaining a deeper understanding of God at work in us this fall.

Finally, let me suggest two opportunities for those looking to become better connected at Peachtree Road UMC:

  • Tour the church campus on Sunday, August 18, 10:00 am, Grace Hall. Whether you are new or still trying to find your way around, please join us for a tour of the campus and a brief overview of the ministries and offerings at Peachtree Road. For more information, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org.
  • Tea with the Clergy on Sunday, August 25, 12:30 – 2:00 pm, Hospitality Suite. Get to know our church and ministers better at this casual afternoon gathering. Our clergy will answer questions, share their vision, and help you connect to areas of interest within the church. After conversation wraps up, those who wish to take the next step in membership may join in a brief service. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org.

Now that school is starting again in our community, I hope you will make an effort to reincorporate worship attendance into your weekly schedule. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

Grace and peace, 

Bill