elijah - North Avenue Presbyterian Church

I n s i d e e v e ry i s s u e : Upcoming Sermon Series (P. 7) Upcoming Events & News
Volunteer Opportunities (P. 6) NAPC Milestones (P. 7) Calendar & Birthdays (P. 8)
Inside
t h i s
Issue
Visiting the
State Capitol
with ACS
P. 4
April 2013 | VOLUME 59.04
Summer
Opportunities
for Your Kids
P. 5
community sing of
ELIJAH
by Felix Mendelssohn
Community
Sing of “Elijah”
by Mendelssohn
P. 6
NEWS
Palm Sunday 2013
Photo by Josh Schicker
North Avenue Presbyterian Church | 607 Peachtree Street NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30308 | 404.875.0431 | www.napc.org
“Christ is risen!” “He is risen indeed!”
These amazing words of declaration are spoken by the followers of Christ
all around the world on Easter Sunday. And we spoke them all day long
at North Avenue at our four Easter services. They are words that we
affirm not just on Easter Sunday, but on every day of the year. They are
the words around which we center our lives, as those who follow a living
Christ. In these days that follow our Easter celebration, let us trust in the
risen Christ to accomplish God’s purpose.
Over the next two months, we will conclude our sermon series on the
Gospel of Luke and move into Luke’s second book, the book of Acts.
Notice the sermon series as listed on this page (you can see the sermon
series that concludes our study of Luke on p. 7).
From My Heart to Yours
By Dr. Scott Weimer, Senior Pastor
A p r i l R e c o m m e n d at i o n
The Message
of Acts
The Bible
Speaks Today Series
by John Stott
Acts: Fresh Start
May 05—Acts 1:1-5
May 12—Acts 1:12-23
May 19—Acts 2:1-5
May 26—Acts 2:14-21
Acts: Vulnerable Community
June 02—Special Guest, Marilyn Borst June 09—Acts 2:42-47
June 16—Acts 4:23-31
June 23—Acts 4:32-37
June 30—Acts 6:1-7
Acts: Rooted in Our Story
July 07—Acts 7
July 14—Acts 7:54-8:4 with Tom Tewell
July 21—Acts 9:1-19 with Tom Tewell
July 28—Acts 11:1-18
August 04—Acts 15:1-35
August 11—Acts 16:6-10
Acts: People of the Message
August 18—Acts 17:16-33
August 25—Acts 28:23-31
2 North AveNews • April 2013
It’s so hard for me to believe that this summer will mark 16 years that
Cynthia and I and our family have been among you at North Avenue. In
many ways, it seems like only yesterday that we came to this wonderful
congregation. We want to thank you for everything that you have meant
to me and to our family over these past years. You have been faithful,
generous, loving, supportive, and truly encouraging in every aspect of
our life among you. We are deeply grateful.
As part of my call to North Avenue, a provision is made for ordained clergy
to take a sabbatical of three months every seven years. After the first eight
years, the Session granted me a first sabbatical for which I was awarded the
Lily Sabbatical Scholarship. In the summer of 2005, my sabbatical focused
on the emerging church in China, the remarkable spiritual renewal of young
people through the Taize Community in France, and on strengthening our
family for future ministry. It was a wonderful experience.
This summer, my sabbatical plans include time for rest and restoration,
reading and writing, and travel with Cynthia in celebration of 30 plus
years of marriage. During my time away, Jeff Meyers will guide our able
staff and will oversee a full summer of strong preaching and excellent
programming, with a focus on children and youth ministry (you can see
opportunities for kids and youth on p. 5). The summer preaching schedule
will include guest preachers who will greatly bless our congregation,
including our own Marilyn Borst of the Outreach Foundation, Rev. Dr. Tom
Tewell of Macedonian Ministries, and Rev. Dr. Jim Singleton, president of
the Fellowship of Presbyterians.
By God’s grace, it will be a wonderful summer for the Weimers and for
North Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Grace and peace,
u pcoming e v ents & news
April Events
What Do We Believe—And Why? (class continues) Sundays at 10 a.m. in Room 301
Come learn more about what it means to be a Presbyterian. Each week is a stand-alone lesson, so feel free to
drop in any Sunday through April 7.
First Thursday Prayer Gathering Thursday, April 4 at 11:45 a.m. in Prayer Room
Come experience a dedicated time of reflective prayer in a small community. Prayer companions will be
available afterward for individual prayer needs. Childcare by reservation with Ann Carter McDonald at
apmcdonjr@comcast.net.
Mom’s Night Out Tuesday, April 16 at 7 p.m.
Moms of all ages gather together to share a meal and mutual support and encouragement. $5 covers the cost
of food. For directions or more information, contact Alison Robson Smith at alisonrobson@mindspring.com.
Youth Modern Christian Family Conference: Almost Christian
The final part of the Youth Modern Christian Family Conference Series is on Sunday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity
Presbyterian Church. Join us for Almost Christian with Kenda Creasy Dean and Rodger Nishioka. Together we will
examine how to move from the “gospel of niceness” to a passionate faith, ridding ourselves of a shrink-wrapped
Christian identity and truly living the gospel. Kenda is a United Methodist Pastor and Professor of Youth, Church,
and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary. Rodger will speak to the youth. He is the Benton Family Associate
Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary. There will be nursery care and a separate
event for elementary kids to go to. Cost is $20 per family. You can register online at www.montreat.org/young/
modern-christian-family or pay at the door.
New Members Exploration
Interested in taking the next step toward involvement at North Avenue? Are you thinking that you might
want to join as a member? The next New Membership Exploration Class will take place on Sunday, April 14,
from 8:30 a.m.-1p.m. In addition, we will host a New Member Exploration dinner at the home of a member
on Thursday, April 11. Contact Janie Hicks at janie@napc.org for more information or to sign up for the class.
[Additional New Member Exploration Classes in 2013 will be held on September 8 and November 17.]
S ave t he Da t e !
This summer we worship together at
The Morning Service at 10:15 a.m. on
Sundays, July 7-August 11. Sunday School
will gather at 9 a.m., and the Evening Service
will continue to worship at 5:45 p.m.
the
NEW(ish)
family
c l a s s
Ministry & Mission Income and Expenses
Ministry & Mission Income
Ministry & Mission Expenses
Difference
February 2013 Year-to-date
$ 146,477 $
185,766
$ (39,289) $
258,174
347,238
(89,064)
Come study the Bible in community with other young families during the 10 a.m.
hour on Sundays at NAPC. Randy and Susie Eberhard will share their wisdom and
lead discussions in a small group environment April 7-May 19. Randy and Susie have
been married for 38 years and have raised three sons (and have five granddaughters).
Randy and Susie have been the keynote speakers at the past three national Young Life
Family camps. They have started worshiping at NAPC over the past year.
North AveNews 3
Giving a Voice
to Children in Georgia
F
ebruary 26 was Children’s Day at the Georgia Capitol, so on that cold and rainy Tuesday
morning Roxie Chess, Debbie Heller, Fiona Smith, and I went to the Capitol building to
represent the Atlanta Children’s Shelter (a NAPC mission partner) at this event.
The aim of Children’s Day was to raise awareness among lawmakers of the needs of children
and families in our state. The atrium at the Capitol was filled with tables showcasing
organizations that serve children in Georgia. Our role as representatives of the Atlanta
Children’s Shelter (ACS) was to share with lawmakers and their staff about the needs of
Atlanta’s homeless children and families. Having a cute small child (Fiona) with us helped
draw attention to our table and we were able to share information with many people of
influence in our state.
One of the most painful statistics we shared was that every
morning 13,000 people in our city wake up with no place to call
home—of these, approximately 2,500 are children.
Located in our church grounds, ACS provides free, quality day care, emotional support, and
an educational curriculum for homeless children, as well as focused social services for their
families. Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness,
including domestic violence and job loss, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter focuses on the long
term self sufficiency of the family. Since 1986, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter has cared for
almost 8,000 children and provided services for more than 5,000 families.
ACS Chapel Time: Children & Family Ministries share
the love of Jesus through a weekly chapel with the
preschool children at the ACS. Alison Smith, Betty
McKay, Kate Susong, and Roxie Chess rotate weekly to
teach a story (the same one we share on Sunday with
our Big Adventure children) as well as a special follow
up project. We have watched God use this time in the
hearts and lives of the children.
Look for a 1st Serve opportunity for all ages to be a part of the ACS 5K
and Family Festival on June 1... you won’t want to miss it!
4 North AveNews • April 2013
Photo by Connor.carey at en.wikipedia
If you would like to learn more about the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, please contact either
Roxie Chess (roxie@napc.org) or Matt Seadore (matt@napc.org). -Alison Smith
Elementary
Vacation Bible School
June 24-27, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Rising Grades K-6
Join us for an amazing week where we’ll be amazed by
God’s grace! Live (and lively!) worship, Amazing Bible
teaching, playing together, serving together, and
hanging out with new and old friends are just a few
of the experiences your kids will have at VBS.
Mission Plunge
July 15-18, 2013 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM
Rising Grades 4-5 | Cost $40
Mission Plunge Jr.
June 4-6, 2013 9:30 AM- 2:30 PM
Rising Grades 1-3 | Cost $25
Kids learn about putting faith into action
Putting on a great VBS requires lots of volunteers. and being Jesus’ hands and feet in the local
No matter what your gifts are, we can use you for a community and to the ends of the earth. Daily
few hours, a day, or the whole week! Preschool VBS is Bible Study will guide us in our call to serve others
available for volunteers’ children.
with compassion, hope, and joy. We will explore
ways we are able to join God’s great mission as
Register or sign up to volunteer online at
we explore opportunities to serve in our families,
www.napc.org/vbs by May 24.
church, community, and world. Register online at
www.napc.org/plunge by May 24.
Youth
CentriKid
July 8-12 at Anderson University in Anderson, SC
Rising Grade 6 | Cost $290 (scholarships available)
Kids take part in Bible study, recreation, track times,
and exciting worship. See details at centrikid.com.
The Great Escape
June 16-21 at Lee University in Cleveland, TN
Rising Grades 7-9 | Cost $425 (scholarships available)
The Great Escape is a week full of recreation and activities
with dynamic speakers, musicians, and others who
understand how to communicate in real ways with young
people. See details at ycmhome.org/the-great-escape/
MFuge (Mission Fuge)
July 15-20 at N. Greenville University in Greenville, SC
Rising Grades 10-12 (and Recent High School Grads)
Cost $325 (scholarships available)
At M-Fuge jump into mission and ministry with local
communities and serve people in need. See details at
www2.lifeway.com/fuge/
Sign up to go to any of these youth
camps by contacting jessica@napc.org
MISSION
community sing of
ELIJAH
by Felix Mendelssohn
Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. in the North Avenue Sanctuary
What is First Serve?
A first serve event gives an easy on-ramp to serve for
half a day with one of our mission partners. There is no
commitment beyond giving a Saturday morning away.
How often will there be a First Serve opportunity?
We are looking to have at least six Saturday first serve
opportunities this year.
Who can help with a first serve?
Each project will be different, but we are looking to be
as inclusive as possible. Many of our first serves will be
whole family friendly.
If I love my first serve opportunity, how can I
learn more about mission opportunities?
We will give you basic information about the partner
you are serving with and we will be serving right
alongside you. If you are looking for a place to give of
your time, talents, and energy, then first serve is a great
launching pad for continued service.
Now that you know about
First Serve, give one a try!
When: Saturday, April 20 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
What: We will be preparing soil and planting gardens for
widows served by our mission partner Resource Service
Ministries. The gardens will both provide food for the widow
and meet her desire to be able to tend to her own garden.
Who: We need between 16-20 volunteers. This event is
family friendly and appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Where: People will be put in teams of 4-5 people. Each
team will be given the name and address of a widow and
a time to arrive. When you arrive you will meet the widow
you are serving and receive more detailed instructions.
How to sign up: There are a number of ways you can
sign up, but you do need to sign up. You can e-mail
me at matt@napc.org, stop by our table (March 31
at Peachtree landing between 9-12), or click on the
banner on our homepage at www.napc.org. Please
be sure to sign up no later than Sunday, April 14.
What do I need to bring: When you sign up we will
give you a list of needed supplies.
What if it is rainy that day? Our makeup day will be
Saturday, April 27.
6 North AveNews • April 2013
The Music & The Arts Ministry invites you to join our Chancel Choir and
Orchestra NAPC as well as guest musicians for a free Community-Sing
Experience on Sunday afternoon, April 28 at 2 p.m. in North Avenue’s
Sanctuary. For our major work this year we will offer selected choruses
from Felix Mendelssohn’s beloved oratorio, Elijah. All choral singers in
the audience will be invited to first rehearse the music, and then to
participate in the singing of this descriptive work. Elijah depicts the
trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the great Old Testament prophet
Elijah. You’ll want to obtain a vocal score (G. Schirmer, edition) of the
work so that you will be able to do some rehearsing prior to the event.
For further information, contact Melinda Clark at melinda@napc.org
or Lisa Ellinger at lisa@napc.org.
Infant Baptism Class
Join us on Sunday, April 21 at 10 a.m. in the BMC as Rev. Megan
Johnson, Rev. Jeff Meyers, and Roxie Chess explore the mystery,
blessing, and responsibilities of infant baptism. This is a class for
people who are preparing to baptize their child, have baptized
and would like to learn more, or those just interested in learning
about the sacrament. For more information contact Roxie at
roxie@napc.org.
Have you ever wanted to tell a friend
or neighbor about your relationship
with Christ and not known where to
start? Have you been called on to
share your testimony with a group
and been at a loss? What do you say
and how do you say it?
How to Tell
your Story
WORKSHoP WITH STAN WOOD | SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Sharing your faith journey and telling other people about Jesus
doesn’t have to be scary. Come learn what to say and how to say
it at the How to Tell Your Story workshop on Sunday, April 21 at
12:45 p.m. in the Eldridge Room. Stan Wood, Executive Director at
Sower’s Field Ministries, will give us practical insights and steps on
sharing our faith in this one and half hour workshop; it is a great
opportunity for students, teachers, deacons, and elders who are
often called on to give a reason for the hope that is in them.
This event is sponsored by the Evangelism Team.
new sermon series
April 7, 14, & 21
close
encounters
of the
divine kind
eNCOUNTERS WITH DESPAIR
the road to emmaus | luke 24:13-35
ENCOUNTERS WITH DOUBT
jesus appears to the disciples | luke 24:36-49
ENCOUNTERS WITH DEATH
the ascension | luke 24:50-53
Youth Sunday
Confirmation
Sunday
Make plans to join us in morning worship
services on April 28 as we hear from our youth
and welcome some of them as new members!
Our youth band will also help lead worship in
both morning services. Come encourage and
celebrate the youth of NAPC.
M arch M ilestones
• Emily Eaton Maysilles and Ryan Ross Curtin were
married on March 9, 2013.
• Joshua Claude Bruso and Jacob Thomas Latzak were
baptized on March 10, 2013.
Are you in need of prayer? Come by the Prayer
Room located just behind the Sanctuary any
Sunday morning from 10-11 a.m. and join a faithful
group of intercessors at Living Waters. Let us pray
for your physical, spiritual, or emotional healing.
Contact I nformation
Senior Pastor
Dr. D. Scott Weimer
scott@napc.org, ext. 210
Director of Missions & Outreach
Matt Seadore
matt@napc.org, ext. 226
Assistant to Director of Music
Lisa Ellinger
lisa@napc.org, ext. 209
Theologian in Residence
Rev. Dr. Samuel Mwaniki
samuel@napc.org, ext. 211
Director of Music & The Arts/
Organist
Melinda L. Clark
melinda@napc.org, ext. 208
Administrative Assistant/
Receptionist
Bridgett Stewart
bridgett@napc.org, ext. 223
Worship Leader in Mission
Josh Schicker
josh@napc.org, ext. 236
Executive Director
of Finance and Operations
Roger Young
roger@napc.org, ext. 222
Senior Associate for
Discipleship/Teaching Pastor
Rev. Jeff Meyers
jeff@napc.org, ext. 202
Associate for Congregational Care
Rev. Frank Eldridge
frank@napc.org, ext. 247
Director of Communications
Whitney Meadows
whitney@napc.org, ext. 215
Associate for Women’s Ministry
Rev. Megan Johnson
megan@napc.org, ext. 220
Membership
Involvement Coordinator
Janie Hicks
janie@napc.org, ext. 206
Director of Children
& Family Ministries
Roxie Chess
roxie@napc.org, ext. 243
Director of Youth Ministry
Jessica Dart
jessica@napc.org, ext. 205
Administrative/
Pastoral Assistant
Andrea Henry
andrea@napc.org, ext. 201
Administrative Assistant
Kay Carlson
kay@napc.org, ext. 213
Staff Accountant
Nicole Fitzgerald
nicole@napc.org, ext. 221
Facilities Manager
Gene Wooldridge
gene@napc.org, ext. 224
Director of Food Services
Richard Slade
richard@napc.org, ext. 241
Director of Music & The Arts, Emeritus
Oscar L. Rodriguez
Become a fan on Facebook!
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www.napc.org/news
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newsletter via e-mail or via
the post office to your home
www.napc.org/newsletter.html
North AveNews 7
calendar & birthdays : A pril
R e g u l ar l y
S che d u l e d
E v en t s
S u n d ays
9 AM Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
9 AM Cherub & Junior Choirs Rehearse
10 AM Sunday School & Living Waters Prayer
Ministry in the Prayer Room
11 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
& Sunday Lunch in the Gym (also at noon)
12 PM Healing Service on third Sundays of the month
in the Session Room behind the Sanctuary
1 PM Orchestra NAPC Rehearsal in Room 301
4 PM Youth Band rehearses in the BMC
5 PM Youth Group meets on Fourth Floor
5:45 PM Evening Service in the Sanctuary
M o n d ays
Diaconate & Session Meetings on the second Monday
of the month
T u e s d ays
10 AM Presbyterian Women Inductive Bible Study
meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month
10:30 AM Presbyterian Women Circles meet on the
second Tuesday of the month
6 PM Volunteer with Basketball with the Atlanta
Mission in the Gym
W e d n e s d ays
10 AM Christian Care Outreach
1:30 PM Girls Scouts
5:20 PM Volunteer at the Community Men’s Bible Study
in Room 408 (contact matt@napc.org)
5:30 PM Wednesday Dinners ($6 per person or $15 per
family) in the Dining Room
5:30 PM ESL meets on the Fourth Floor
5:50 PM NAPC Handbell Choir rehearses in Sanctuary
6:30 PM Financial Peace Classes meets in BMC
7 PM Young Adults Small Group meets in Room 316
7 PM Wednesday Women’s Bible Study meets in Room 323
7 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Choir Room
7 PM Tuk & Tak International Soccer meets in the Gym
T h u r s d ays
9:30 AM Women’s Thursday Morning Bible Study
meets in Room 301
8 North AveNews • April 2013
April Calendar
Ap r i l 4
First Thursday Prayer Gathering at 12 PM in Prayer Room
Ap r i l 5
Finance Team Meeting at 8 AM in Room 314
Ap r i l 7
New(ish) Family Class kicks off at 10 AM in BMC
Ap r i l 8
Leadership Development Team Meeting at 4:30 PM
in Room 314
Ap r i l 9
Property Team Meeting at 12 PM in Room 406
Gateway Partner Meeting at 2:30 PM in BMC-B
Homeless Provider Network Meeting at 3:30 PM in BMC
Ap r i l 10
New Member Exploration Dinner at 6:15 PM
(see details on p.3)
Ap r i l 14
New Member Exploration at 8:30 AM in
Eldridge Room (see details on p.3)
April Birthdays
01 James Weimer
02 David Choi, Casey Creal, Clare
Draper IV, Matt Habib
03 Allyson Jones, Lee Underwood
04 Scott Hightower, Paul Kiunyu,
Erica Raut
05 Michael Bryant, Christopher Choi,
Darren Epps, Benson Karanja,
Bud Woolheater
07 Emily Bruso, Nelly Kibirech
08 Lee Burrows, Ali McWhirter,
Steve Weir
09 Gaan Akers, John Walker
10 Doris Burns, Edward Kil,
Valery Nzima Nzima, Todd Vermeer
11 Francis Githieya,
Jennifer Hightower, Chris McGourk
12 Knox Burton, Ella Creal,
Ben Hudgins, Cassandra Kirk
13 Willis Fan, Sierra Joelson
Ap r i l 17
Presbyterian Opportunities Team Meeting at 12 PM
in Room 406
Ap r i l 21
New Member Coffee at 10 AM in Eldridge Room
Ap r i l 22
Human Resources Team Meeting at 4:30 PM in
Room 316
Ap r i l 28
YOUTH SUNDAY (see details on p.7)
Community Sing of Elijah at 2 PM in Sanctuary
(see details on p.6)
Ap r i l 30
Resources Service Ministries Prayer Meeting &
Lunch at 10 AM in Dining Room
See up to date events and news
online at www.napc.org/news
14 Kim Collins, Michael Kenady,
Jay Latzak, Patrick Murphy,
Martha Rodriguez, Mike Weldon
15 Walker Dunn, Ryan Marquette,
Kelly Russell-Tutty
16 Terry Baker, Jean Dennis,
Peter Goldsmith,
Mary Frances McGourk,
Marcy Motes, Jaida Seadore,
Jerry Thomas
17 Gianna Albertini, Isis Bonsu,
Kate Buxton, Judy Graves,
Jim Willmer
18 Joe Craver, Lynn Hudgins
19 Ken Crain, Jane Going,
Rebecca Gray, Elizabeth Jones,
Stuart Jones, Jane Williams
20 Timothy Gieseking
21 J.B. Boonstra, Carolyn Handell
22 Rob Barnes, Harry Bosse,
Jake Raharja
23 Mike Johnson, Chris Massey,
Anna Grace Robinson
24 Holly Hughes, David Lee,
Pat Stevens
25 Susie Armstrong, Elliott Crain,
Abbye Dalton, Kyle Davis,
Debbie Dunn, Lori Marquette,
Charles Michael Ndonga, Ian Venn
26 Sue Haney, Tom McLeod
27 Eugene Bales, Ramona Christ,
Evie Eikhoff, Jamise Goodman,
Mickie Holton
28 Tim Dodenhoff, Meg Goodman,
Billy Mitchell, Martha Young
29 Liang Zhang
30 Alison Howell, Sara Anne Johnson,
Jacob Rogers-Martin