FPC connects

The ChimesN e w s l e t t e r o f F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h o f A t l a n t a

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SUNDAY ScheDUle February 3 & 10, 2013

Christ at the Center

February 3 Commitment sunday & annual meeting.9:00 am, Sunday School for all ages. 10:15 am, sanCtuary – One service only. Dr. George Wirth preaching “Press On!” Annual Meeting immediately to follow. See page 2 for details.

February 109:00 am & 11:15 am, sanCtuary – Youth Sunday. Come celebrate as our youth lead us in a service of worship! See page 8 for details.

Youth Sunday, February 10 – This year’s theme is “Trusting God in Transitions.”

February 3 aNNuaL MeeTING

SEE PAGE 2

FOR DETAILS

Sunday, February 3

Commitment Sunday & annual meeting

• Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall

• Communion Service - 8:15 am, Winship Chapel

• The Mustard Seed Bookstore - Open 9:00 - 1:00

• Sunday School for All Ages - 9:00 am

• Worship Service - 10:15 am, Sanctuary

• Congregational Meeting - 11:15 am, Sanctuary

• Fellowship Hour - 12:15 pm, Reception Room

Sunday, February 10

youth Sunday

• Prayer breakfast for Homeless persons - 6:30 am, Fifield Hall

• Communion Service - 8:15 am, Winship Chapel

• The Mustard Seed Bookstore - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Worship Service - 9:00 am, Sanctuary

• Cherub Choir - 9:30 am

• Sunday School for All Ages - 10:05 am

• Fellowship Hour - 11:00 am Fifield Hall

• Worship Service - 11:15 am, Sanctuary

• Elementary Bowling - 11:15 am, Meet in Temple

• Fellowship Hour - 12:15 pm, Reception Room

• Officer Training - 5:00 pm, Rm 323

• High School Senior Banquet - 6:00 pm, B111

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 02

PROGRAMS & EvEntS

T he Session has called a Congregational Meeting for February 3, 2013 at 11:15 am immediately following the one worship service that day, which will be at 10:15 am. Sunday School at 9:00 am. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the Nominating Committee’s report, to elect new elders and the Pastor Nominating Committee,

and to receive other reports relating to the business and life of the congregation. Childcare will be provided.

William M. Earnest

P L E A S E T A K E N O T E

A n n u A l M e e t i n g F e B r u A r y 3

NOMINEES FOR ELDERS Class of 2016

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor our High School

Senior Class of 2013!

High School Senior Appreciation Banquet

Sunday, February 10, 20136:00-8:00 pm

In the Youth Light House – B111 First Presbyterian Church

Dinner - $10.00

Brett Dushawn Andrews, Sr., known by most as Dushawn, has been a member of First Presbyterian since 2009, but has been active in the church since his tenth grade year of high school. At that time, he sang in the Youth Choir and played in the Youth Hand Bell Choir. More recently, Dushawn has been a faithful member of the Upper Room Sunday School Class. He currently serves on the Missions Council and has traveled with mission teams to Haiti, Brazil, and New Orleans. Dushawn was born in Orlando, Florida and relocated to Decatur, Georgia at the age of three with his family. After high school, Dushawn graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Geo Technical Engineering and is now the successful owner and operator of BD Andrews Construction Company. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Noreen, for thirteen years and they have two sons - Deuce and Bronson

Elizabeth (Libby) Baum has been a member of FPC for eleven years, having been married in the Church by Dr. George Wirth in 2001. From early 2002 until 2003, while attending Columbia Theological Seminary, Libby worked with Allison Per-Lee as her Associate Youth Director and still enjoys her time with the dynamic youth of the Church. Libby attended law school at Mercer University, graduating in 2006. In 2010, Libby and her husband, John, returned to the Atlanta area and to active involvement in FPC. Libby is currently participating in Stephen Ministry training at the Church. Libby is a graduate of the University of Richmond and is the Staff Attorney to the Honorable Chief Judge Cynthia D. Wright in the Superior Court of Fulton County. She also volunteers with the Special Olympics. John is a high school English teacher at Marist School, and Libby and John live in nearby Dunwoody with their dogs. They enjoy spending time with their extended family and friends, cooking, hiking, reading, and music.

Eric Busko is the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager for Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. He joined the firm in 2007 and is a member of Private Wealth Management’s Operating Committee. Eric was a Navy pilot for eight years, with tours as a Plane Commander / Mission Commander of the P-3 Orion and as an Instructor Pilot in Pensacola Florida. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Masters of Business Administration from University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. He and his wife have two daughters. Eric is on the Board of Governors for the Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility. He spent nine years on the Board of Trustees at Fernbank Museum and is also is a prior Board Member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Atlanta Chapter. He is a volunteer mentor for American Corporate Partners, an organization that helps transition veterans to the corporate job market.

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 03

PROGRAMS & EvEntS

For photos and complete information, look for brochures throughout the church,

or visit us on the web at www.firstpresatl.org

FEB 3 A n n u A l Meeting

Mallory Hazell (Youth Elder) is a junior at Grady High School and attended preschool at First Presbyterian. She started attending the church in the 5th grade and has been very active in the youth program. She was baptized by George Wirth in the 9th grade at confirmation. She enjoys participating in the youth musicals, youth Sunday, and other fellowship activities. Her favorite part about going to First Pres is going on the Youth mission trips in the summer, and of the ten that she has been on, her favorite place to go is Roatan, Honduras, which she has been to for the past three summers and intends to go again this year. She currently lives in Morningside with her parents, Julie and Tully Hazell, and has a sister, Alexandra.

Jeff Irby (Trustee Elder) joined First Presbyterian Church in 1980. A returning elder, Jeff, has served on the Nominating Committee, the Church Growth and Christian Education Councils. He has been through training as a Stephens Minister and has been involved with the Disciple Bible study classes. He has also served on a search committee for an associate pastor. Jeff currently serves on the Worship Council and is the liaison with Seminary Students under care of our Session. He is the current Treasurer of Childspring International. He and his wife of 31 years, Laurie, are long-time members of the Emmaus Sunday School class. Jeff grew up in Martinsville, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia. He works for a division of SunTrust called GenSpring Family Offices.

Ginger Jeffries (Trustee Elder) is a Trustee Elder returning for a second three-year term. Ginger has been active at First Presbyterian since she married

Hill Jeffries in our sanctuary in 1980. While their children were young, she chaired Vacation Bible School, the Christmas Pageant, and the

Hanging of the Greens and was an Elementary School Sunday school teacher. She treasures her four years with her Disciple Group and enjoyed leading the Annual Giving Campaign with her husband Hill. Currently Ginger works in The Mustard Seed Bookstore, is part of the Legacy Giving Committee, serves as a wedding coordinator, chairs

the Administration Council, and serves on the Personnel Committee and on the Board of Trustees. Ginger and Hill are the parents of Hartley,

a Spanish teacher and lacrosse coach and Hill III, a lawyer, both in Atlanta.

Missy Madden has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for over six years. Missy is actively involved in the stewardship committee, the landscape committee, and is currently serving as co-chair for art in the nursery. She formerly served on the nominating committee and as an usher. Missy has been a member of the First Foundations Sunday school class since joining the Church. Outside of the Church, Missy serves on the Advisory Board for Skyland Trail and was co-chair of Fernbank Museum’s annual Timeless event in 2011. Missy grew up in Atlanta, graduated from The Lovett School, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. She is a co-owner of Bellwether Landscape Architecture here in Atlanta. Missy and her husband Patrick have two young children: Andy, age 5 and Reese, age 3.

David Watson, a retired physician, has served on the Session previously. He and his wife, Gail Minnich Watson, were married in our church by Dr. Harry Fifield, and he has been a member here since 1968. He and Gail have three children and nine grandchildren. David has served as the Chairman of the Mission Council and currently is a member of that council. He has been on mission trips to Haiti and was a member of the 2012 joint Intra-faith Mission trip to Cuba. He is currently the Chairman of the Medical Committee for Childspring International and is the former Chairman of the Board of Childspring. He has been involved with Disciple classes, is a member of a long-standing Wednesday evening Bible study group (currently a Renew participant), and is a member of a Thursday morning Men’s group.

Wilson Covington is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian. Growing up, he regularly attended Sunday school and was involved in the Christmas Pageants, Boy Scouts and children and youth choirs. As a youth he participated in Sunday night activities, the yearly ski trips and three mission trips to Honduras, Arizona, and Jamaica. Wilson graduated from Pace Academy and Furman University. Upon graduation, he lived in New Zealand for a year and visited Australia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, cultivating a passion for traveling and experiencing new cultures. After returning to Atlanta in the fall of 2004. Wilson has gone on three additional mission trips: Honduras as a Jr./Sr. leader, and Africa twice as a young adult. Wilson and his wife Katie have a son Rhodes (2) and are anticipating the arrival of their second child in January 2013. Wilson works in commercial real estate.

Elecia Crowley has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1998. A lifelong Presbyterian, she grew up in Mississippi and Texas, where her father served churches as Director of Music and her mother was actively involved in music ministry as well. A cellist, Elecia has been committed to FPC’s music ministry since joining the church. She has been a member of the Saint Cecilia Consort and Carillon Choir, and has taught at the School of Fine Arts. Most recently, she co-chaired the Music Director Search Committee and was a member of the Organist Search Committee. She previously was a designate on the Church Growth Council and is a regular overnight volunteer at the FPC Women’s Shelter. Elecia holds degrees from the University of Mississippi and Georgia State University and is the Artistic Administrator for The Atlanta Opera. She and her husband Stephen reside in Ormewood Park.

Declan Farrisee (Youth Elder) was baptized at First Presbyterian and is the son of Anne and Bill, and brother to Colleen. He is a junior at Grady High School, where he plays varsity lacrosse and works on the school paper. He also plays ice hockey. He is a youth band leader, and plays guitar and keyboards. He has gone on 10 mission trips and counting, and has been involved in FPC’s musicals since 6th grade. He lives in the Virginia- Highland neighborhood.

Stephanie Fields is a returning Elder who has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1991. She is a current member of the Transition Team, Personnel Committee, Youth Parent Committee, Circle 1 and Covenant Sunday School Class. She has served as a 2nd Grade Sunday School teacher for the past four years. Since joining First Presbyterian she has served on the 1996 Olympic Welcoming Committee, Nursery/Preschool Committee, Mother’s Day Out Board, Stewardship Committee, and was the 2006 Christmas Pageant Chair and 2005 Christmas Pageant Chair-Elect. She is a graduate of Centre College, North Carolina State University’s College of Engineering, and Georgia State University’s MBA/MHA program. Stephanie is the Director of Leasing for Piedmont Healthcare. She has two children, Allie (14) and Nick (12).

Brenda L. Gardner has been a member of FPC since 2004. She is an active usher, has volunteered at the Edna Raines Wardlaw Cocker Women’s Shelter, has served as an Adult Lay Reader, has delivered flowers to homebound persons for the Care Ministry and has helped build a Habitat for Humanity home. Brenda graduated from Howard University with a B.B.A in Accounting and from the University of Florida’s Holland Law Center. She has a boutique law practice, The Gardner Law Firm. She is a past president of the Gate City Bar Association and on the Board of Directors of the National Bar Association. She is the youngest of four children of the late Norman and Letha Gardner of Brunswick, Ga.

Erik Granade and his wife Binney, residents in the Brookwood Hills community in Atlanta, joined First Presbyterian Church in 2006. Erik’s father, Charles Granade, Jr., is also a church member. Their two daughters, Grace and Eliza, were confirmed at FPC and are active members of the youth group. Having spent his entire career in the investment management industry, Erik is a portfolio manager specializing in non-US and global investment strategies at Copeland Capital Management, a Philadelphia-based firm.

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 04

Pastoral Care Report(As of January 23, 2013)

Hospitalized: Joe Brooks

Recuperating: Henry Grady

Births: Congratulations and many blessings are extended to grandparents Pam & Bo Hendee, and great-grandfather Dr. Armand Hendee, following the birth of Blythe Pamela Quigley, on January 7th; proud parents are Meg and Blake Quigley.

Deaths: We extend our deepest sympathy and lift up in prayer: Connie, Wil and Jay York following the death of mother and grandmother, Kath-ryne DeLoach, on January 8th;

Lauren Patrus upon the death of her uncle, Jimmy Holton, on January 12th; Kate and Will Breytspraak & family following the death of Kate’s uncle, Mike Daly, on January 14th; the family and friends of our member, Jeff Reeves, who died January 21st.

Prayers for THose IN MILITary serVICe

This is a list of known servicemen/women in our Church family.

To add names, please call 404.228.7719.

Pray for:Major Charles Ayers

PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain

ABE3 Gregory Bridges Sgt. Isaiah Bridges

LCPL Austin W.P. Eskew Staff Sgt. Kenneth Lee

Captain Alexandria Victoria Miller Captain John Warren Robey

Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Brig. General Russell Sanborn

Lt. JG David B. SibleyCommander Ryan Tewell

Col. Roderick G. Turner III

Circle 1 Monday, February 25th at 7pm at the home of Monica Eith, 1986 Brookview Drive

Circle 2 Monday, February 4th at 10am in the Women’s Bible Classroom

Circle 3 Monday, February 4th at 10am

Circle 6 Contact Adele Shepherd for date & location

Circle 8 Monday, February 11th at 7pm. See Evite for location

Circle 9 Monday, February 4th at 11am at the Lenbrook Dining Room

Circle 11 Thursday, February 21st at 7pm. See Evite for location or contact nativpeach@yahoo.com

Circle 12 Monday, February 18th at 7pm. See Evite for location or contact goodcaitie@yahoo.com

Circle 13 Tuesday, February 26th at 6:30pm. See Evite for location or contact kbhamer@comcast.netPr

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C O M E - O N - A L O N G F E B R U A R Y 2 1 !

Don’t miss out on this day exploring the Carter Presidential years and lunch at one of our all-time favorite restaurants.

Please call Pat Kimbrell (404.228.7719) to make your reservation.

COME-ON-ALONG TO THE CARTER LIBRARY

AND MuSEuM

DATE: Thursday, February 21, 2013 TIME: Meet at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m.

Bus will leave promptly at 10:15 a.m.COST: $10/per personLunch at Six Feet Under (self-pay)

C a r t e r L i b r a r y

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 0

W E D N E S D A Y @ F I R S T

February 6 & 13

WEDNESDAYthe muStard Seed 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4:30 - 6:30 pm Books, gifts and cards for all ages.

dinner 5:00 - 6:30 pm Adults and Youth :$8 Children 3-12: $4

PreSChool 5:30 - 8:00 pm Bible, crafts & fellowship. Childcare available.

elementary aCtivitieS 5:00 - 7:30 pm LOGOS program. Dinner, choir, rec., drama & art.

youth 5:30 - 7:30 pm b111 Youth Bible Study. Join us for food, fellowship and Bible Study.

WedneSday night ChoirS5:30 - 6:15 pm Handbell Choir6:15 - 6:45 pm Carol Choir (Grade 1 -2) 6:45 - 7:30 pm Archangel Choir (Grade 3 -5) 6:30 - 7:25 pm St. Cecilia Consort7:30 - 9:00 pm Chancel Choir

WedneSday night StudieS & WorShiP

February 6

5:30 - 8:15 pm Fifield Hall Reclaiming the Center

6:30 - 7:30 pm Winship Chapel Taize Worship

6:00 - 7:30 pm Room 156 Financial Peace University

6:30 - 7:15 pm Room 323 Renew Large Group Bible Study

7:15 - 8:30 pm Various rooms Renew Small Group Bible Study

February 13

Ash Wednesday Worship Services

12:00 - 1:00 pm, Winship Chapel The Will of God, Dr. George Wirth

6:45 - 7:30 pm, Sanctuary The Will of God, Rev. Connie Lee

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PROGRAMS & EvEntS

2013 Stewardship SeasonFirst Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

Renewing Our Strength

W I N G S~ Worship

~ Invite ~ Nurture

~ Give ~ Serve

Commitment Sunday is February 3. Pledge now at www.firstpresatl.org/stewardship.

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I NG

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P LE D G E N O W

Led by Craig Goodrich, Lindsay Armstrong and Max Miller, a group of 25 people from FPC leave on February 16 for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We’ll be gone for two weeks and appreciate your prayers.

HOLYLANDPilgrimageFebruary 15 – march 2, 2013

transition Information Web PageFor calendar of events, access to transition related documents and answers to your questions, go to www.firstpresatl/transition

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 06

Join us on February 7 at 6:30 pm, for a Southern Supper

and Conversation with Brett Abbott,

Curator of Photography, High Museum of Art.

COST $10 PER PERSON Tickets available between worship

services beginning January 20Questions 404 228-7762

Space is Limited

PREACHERS & LEADERS

Photographs from Donna and Jim Philips’

Collection

On view FEBRuARY 1-28

Reception Room

THE FINE ARTS COMMITTEE presents

a t its meeting on January 15, 2013, the Session unanimously

approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to call and appoint Rebekah LeMon as our next Executive Director upon the de-parture of Craig Goodrich, effective March 18, 2013. Rebekah has served for the last year and four months as our Direc-tor of Church Growth Ministry. She has done an outstanding job. Rebekah has also played a key role, along with Alan Dyer, in getting the “Five at First” contemporary wor-ship service started and sustained. The Executive Director is the staff person responsible for oversee-ing the administrative, financial and communications ministries of the church. It is a key strategic position serving alongside our Pastor.

Rebekah is well qualified to become Executive Director. She is a graduate of the university of North Carolina and Emory Law School and practiced law as a litigation attorney at Alston and Bird. She is also a graduate of Colum-bia Seminary, though not yet ordained. The following is reprinted from the report of the Personnel Committee:

“Rebekah possesses the unique blend of qualities needed for the Executive Di-rector position. She understands theology, strategy, process and law. She has what she has described as “a pastor’s heart and a lawyer’s mind.” She is a person who is both trusting and trusted. She has the personality, character and temperament suited for this position. She is well orga-nized and industrious. She exercises good judgment and is a very effective commu-nicator and counselor. She is compassion-ate and caring, is open to new ideas, and will generate new ideas of her own. She inspires confidence in people, is a team player, and yet is also able and willing to make tough decisions and to tell the truth as she sees it. Rebekah has ably managed the Church Growth Department and, as an attorney, managed the staffing of multiple cases. She also has extensive nonprofit experience, including fundrais-ing. While we are confident that a full search could have identified no better qualified candidate, importantly in this time of transition and the anxiety it generates, Rebekah is also already on our staff and is respected by congregation and staff alike. She is a spiritually mature person who loves First Presbyterian Church, is eager for new challenges, is excited about the transition we are in and the changes ahead, and is uniquely quali-fied to help lead us into that future.” Rebekah is married to Joel LeMon and together they have two children, James (5) and Caroline (2).

Jim Coil, Chair Personnel Committee

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Say hello to our new Executive DirectorNone other than our very own Rebekah LeMon!

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 0

PROGRAMS & EvEntS

7

Pastor Nominating Committee Meet the folks charged with leading the search for our new pastor.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Sarah Balsley and her husband Ben joined the church in 2005. Sarah has been involved with the nursery and Preschool ministries, serving for the past seven years on the preschool committee. She is now on the Elementary committee and has served on the Family Ministry committee and she has also served on the Young Adult Ministry committee. Sarah is a life-long Presbyterian, having served on a pastoral search committee for her previous church in Charlotte. She graduated from Davidson College. After graduating, she worked as a Child Life Specialist and an elementary school teacher. She and Ben have two boys, Jacob and Boyd.

Rick Bold and his family joined First Presbyterian in 2011. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Partnership Ministry, where he helped establish the Coming Home Project, which assists community members in overcoming legal barriers from prior criminal-justice encounters. Rick is a graduate of Davidson College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. While in seminary, Rick served as a graduate student minister at The Brick Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He works now as a commercial litigation and appellate lawyer at Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore LLP. Rick and his wife Robyn have two wonderful daughters, Abigail (5) and Caroline (2).

Allison Cochran has been a member of FPC for 17 years. She and her husband Webb have two sons: Holt (12) and Smith (10). She is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and was raised in First Presbyterian Church there. She is a graduate of Agnes Scott College and began visiting FPC-Atlanta while at Agnes Scott. Allison has been involved with various ministries at FPC including serving in the Young Adult Program, teaching fourth grade Sunday School, chairing the weekday preschool board, serving as moderator of PW and serving on the search committee to find our Minister of Christian Education, Lindsay Armstrong. She served as an elder on the session from 2003 to 2006.

Nancy Cunningham A native of West End, NC, became an affiliate member of FPC while attending Agnes Scott College and joined the church in 1965. She has served on our Session with our current and past two ministers: Harry Fifield, Paul Eckel, and George Wirth. Currently she is a member of the Faith and Life Class, a Disciple Group, Circle 3, and the Kenya Committee. She is married to Charlie Cunningham and they have two daughters, Laura and Kelly, and two grandchildren. For many years she was a teacher in the Atlanta Public Schools, primarily at Sutton Middle School, and is now retired.

August Durmeyer joined First Presbyterian in 2009. He is involved with Refugee Resettlement Program and currently an usher at FPC. August and his wife, Maree, have been involved with multiple church programs over years. August graduated from UAB with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and currently pursuing an MBA from Georgia Tech. He is currently a Program Manager of Airport Regulatory Compliance and Emergency Response team at Delta Air Lines. He and his wife, Maree, have two children, Christian, age 5 who attends Heritage Preparatory School and Colin, age 2 who attends FPC Preschool.

Doug Ellis is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian, having served the church as Elder, Trustee, and teacher. He and his wife Florida have led two annual giving campaigns and most recently the successful “First Things First” renovation campaign. He was a member of both the Gene Randolph and Paul Eckel search committees. Doug is a retired Textile Engineer and flies weekly missions for Angel Flight. He is active in the Boy Scouts, The Westminster Schools, The PATH Foundation, and the Atlanta Rotary Club. Florida and Doug have three daughters and eight grandchildren.

Henry W. Grady III is a Managing Director at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, responsible for the firm’s Corporate and Executive Services department. He is an active member and an ordained Elder at First Presbyterian, having chaired a pastoral search committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Christian Education Council and a successful annual stewardship campaign. He is an active alumnus of The Westminster Schools, where he was elected to their Board of Trustees. Henry graduated from Westminster with honors in 1980 and received his BBA from the University of Georgia, graduating cum laude in 1984.

Dan Latham, a native of Jackson, MS, and his wife, Meredith, joined First Presbyterian in 2009. Tom Tewell at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church married Dan and Meredith in New York City just after September 11, 2001, and it was through Tom that they were introduced to George Wirth and First Presbyterian Atlanta. A chef by trade, Dan understands the connections between the stewardship of food, land, and community. Since joining, he’s been involved with the homeless ministry breakfasts, and most recently has led the Church potluck dinner. Dan, who holds a degree in Finance from the University of Mississippi, also honed his culinary skills at New York’s French Culinary Institute. Dan and Meredith live in Northwest Buckhead with their two elementary-aged children, Sadie and Guy.

Granvette Matthews retired from Fulton County Superior Court as the Director of the Family Division and a Deputy Court Administrator. Since her retirement, Ms. Matthews has served First Presbyterian as a volunteer in Community Ministries and as a tutor and coordinator in the Whiz Kids Program, a ministry of the Partnership between First Presbyterian and Hillside Presbyterian. Ms. Matthews is a graduate of the Emory University School of Law. She earned her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Winthrop University where she graduated magna cum laude. Ms. Matthews also earned her undergraduate certificate in Social Work from Winthrop University. Ms. Matthews has two grown children, Kelly Willis and Matthew Willis.

Anne Neikirk is a lifelong Presbyterian and has been an active participant at First Presbyterian Church during her two times as a member. She and her family first joined the church in 1992 and were active until the family moved to Charlotte in 1998. During that time, she taught fifth grade Sunday School, chaired Vacation Bible School and was co-founder of the Emmaus Sunday School Class. She was also a small group leader of a community Bible Study. Upon returning to Atlanta in 2005, the Neikirks rejoined FPC. Along with her husband, Jeff, Anne co-chaired the Annual Giving Campaign. Anne rotated off the Session last June after serving on the Christian Education Council and The Stembler Committee, and co-chairing the Nominating Committee. Anne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Vice President with NationsBank prior to becoming a full time mother. With two grown children, she now sells real estate with Harry Norman Realtors.

John Rooker was baptized and has been a FPC member his entire life. His wife April joined in 2005 prior to their marriage at FPC. They have two children, Will (3) and Lola (8 months). John has been an active member of First Foundations Sunday School class since its inception, has been an usher, and serves on leadership boards for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and The Shepherd Center. John is a graduate of The Westminster Schools and The University of Georgia. John is in the commercial real estate development and construction business.

Melissa Trimble and her husband, Ed, joined First Presbyterian in 1996. She and Ed have chaired FOCUS weekend, served as Publicity Chairs for the Mission Conference, and been involved with numerous Annual Giving Campaigns. Melissa graduated from Duke University in 1990 and received a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1995. She practiced environmental law with Troutman Sanders, LLP from 1995-1999. She has volunteered extensively in the community, including on the Citizen Review Panel for the Fulton County Juvenile Court. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for youthSpark. She is mother to Will (13), Charlie (11), and Davis (5).

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 0

This year the theme for Youth Sunday is “Trusting God in Transi-

tions.” Our youth decided on this theme because they too are aware that our church is in a time of transition. They chose the theme after a lengthy discussion about what it means to trust God in all situations in life. For them this theme speaks of trusting that God is for us; trusting that God is with us and strengthens us in times of change; trusting that God tells us not to worry; trusting in God’s assurance for a future and a hope; and trusting that God is in control and never changes! I hope you will come to worship and learn more about trusting God. Seven of our High School Se-niors, Paulus Abu-Akel, Katherine Avery, Meredith Bradshaw, Madeline Lansing, Molly Orr, Luke Webster and Patrick Wise will share their thoughts

on trusting God and share their experi-ences in their own faith journeys. They will share their understanding of God as He has revealed Himself to each of them in their spiritual experiences. Our teenagers recognize that faith begins from the day we are born and it grows and develops throughout life. They will reflect on Scripture and will share some of the experiences they have had along the way. We will be inspired as we hear their stories of faith and their interpretation of Scripture. It is our prayer that all will be moved to deeper re-lationships with God as we listen to their insights. I’m convinced that we will be touched by their joys, struggles and discipleship, and we will be encouraged by their willingness to share with us how to “Trust God in Transitions.” Come worship with us open to God’s Spirit and leave enabled and em-powered to live and share the powerful Gospel message of God’s incredible love and grace.

Allison Per-Lee and Bradley Kibler Youth Ministry Team

YOuTh MINISTRY TEAM

Come worship with us!February 10, 2013Youth Sunday

yOuthnuRSERy/PRESchOOl & ElEMEntARy

8

ElEmEntary Bowling Party! SUNDAY, FEB 10TH Meet in the Temple after Sunday school, bowl-ing and pizza for $15 at Midtown Bowl, pick up at the bowling alley at 2, $15, email Lauren to register!

ElEmEntary musical rEhEarsals START WED., FEB. 20TH AT LOGOS! Special Saturday rehearsal Feb. 23rd 10am - 12pm. This is a great time to start LOGOS, join us! Email Lauren with any questions.

wEdnEsday night activitiEs Every week for infants through preschoolers - craft, Bible story, games and fun!

savE thE datE Elementary Serves at Prayer Breakfast Sunday, Feb. 17th

Elementary Bowling Party

Sunday, Feb. 10th Midtown Bowl

Meet in the Temple after Sunday school.

Shoe rental, bowling and pizza for $15!

Questions? Contact Lauren at lpatrus@firstpresatl.org

The Chimes

F e b r u a r y 3 & 1 0

Adult SundAy SchOOl

9

agora Room 322In New Testament Greek, the name means “meeting place,” and we are a vibrant, conversational class that discusses a variety of topics, including Bible, theology, current events, and arts. Most of us are thirty something, and many have young children.

berean bible ClaSS Reception Room

We will not meet February 3 due to the Annual Meeting. On February 10 we are excited to welcome George Wirth as our speaker. Please join us on this special day.

Community bible Study Room B415With our new Associate Pastor for Community Ministries at the helm, join us as Rev. Connie Lee leads community Bible study and fellowship. As always, you are welcome.

Covenant ClaSS Room 230The Covenant Class examines an interesting combination of family and social issues, church history, theology and Bible lessons, all from the perspective of today’s family. Feb 3 - Attend Forum@First in Fifield for Education in America series.

On Feb 10 - Craig Goodrich leads the discussion in our classroom.

diSCovering god’S Word Room 317Our class is studying Marcus Borg’s book, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time. On Feb. 3, we will discuss Chapter 2: “Reading Lenses: The Bible and God” (p. 21-35); and on Feb. 10, Chapter 3: “Reading Lenses: History and Metaphor” (p. 37-51). Please join us!

emmauS ClaSS Room 227 On February 3rd, the Emmaus Class will be blessed to have Craig Goodrich joining us for, as always, a meaningful discussion. For details on

February 10th, please refer to the class email.

Faith and liFe Room 218Forgiveness goes to the heart of what we believe as Christians, and nothing is more important to our life together. Yet forgiveness as a way of life can be tough. At 9:00 am on February 3 and during our regular 10:05 am time on February 10, Rev. Lindsay Armstrong will lead us in examining scriptures and having a conversation on this complex topic. Join us or you won’t be able to forgive yourself.

FirSt FoundationS Room 323A laid-back, discussion-oriented class of couples, many in our thirties with young families. We try to maintain diversity in our topics with a combination of Bible study, modern day religious and societal trends, parenting and family issues, movie and video lessons, guest speakers, etc.

Forum @ FirSt FiField Hall

On February 3, we meet at 9:00 am in Fifield Hall as we welcome Dr. Michael Rich, Associate Professor of Political Science & Environmental Studies at Emory University, as he continues his series on Education in America. No need to have been here last week. We’d love to have you. On February 10, we’re back on the regular schedule with Sunday School at 10:05 am in Fifield Hall, and we welcome Dr. Michael Rich from Emory as he continues his series on Education in America. Please join us.

galatianS 3:28, Room 319Jan 6 and 13 – Come join us for discussion and Bible study. The class is for adults of all ages and stages of life and offers a special welcome to members of the LGBT community, their allies, friends, and families. Join us for historically informed, biblically grounded conversations. We look at gender and identity, diving back into the biblical text to think about what it means to us to be men, women, and just plain people, in the body of Christ.

internationalS Room 327 The Internationals Class welcomes globally-minded individuals of all ages ~ both U.S. citizens and International students and residents. We delve pro-actively into the tapestry of diversity present in today’s world, and we strive to better understand God’s people by learning more about their history, ethnicity, culture, religious practices, and traditions. Together, we explore the problems and challenges of the world, in hopes of becoming better servants of God.

meditation grouP This year, we are meeting exclusively as a small group, meeting on Thursday evenings at the home of Dottie Hitchcock. We’d love to have you if you’re interested. Please call Dottie at (404) 228-7709 for further information.

oPen door Room 156 Started in 1953, the class remains committed to its initial goal: to join intelligent minds and strong faith. Its sessions, both lecture and free discussion, have centered on historical settings at different stages of church development, evolution of creeds, history of religious freedom in this country, church in society that is open to all religions, and many more. In short, as one member has described the class, one does not check one’s mind at the door when one enters the class.

ourS For today Room B308Our class is designed for parents of kids pre-school~high school. We are an energetic group of 30–50 “somethings” who are seeking spiritual and practical guidance on our journey of faith. Throughout the year we host speakers who share their insight and perspective on parenting, marriage and the challenges facing the modern Christian family. Come join us!

SPiritual living Room B202The members of the Spiritual Living Class study the different paths to Spiritual Living through books and other teachings. In the past we have read C.S. Lewis and Emmet Fox among others. Class discussion is ALWAYS lively and new members and visitors are ALWAYS welcome. Please join us this Sunday.

the uPPer room Room 332On Feb. 3rd, we will take a step back in time and finish our Advent series on Adam Hamilton’s The Journey. It was a great study and we wanted to squeeze in one last week. On Feb. 10th, join us for a tour of the Bible through photos from Alan Dyer’s travels through the Middle East to Jordan, Egypt, and Israel during summer 2012.

young adultS Room B303We are a new class for singles and couples in their twenties and early thirties. Join together for topical discussion, fellowship, and even some enlightening Bible Study. If you’ve never had a class before, and you’re a young adult, this one’s for you.

EDUCATION IN AMERICAA Five Week Series

Led byDr. Michael Rich,

Associate Professor of Political Science& Environmental Studies

Emory University

10:05 – 11:00 amFifield Hall

January 27, February 3, 10, 17 and 24

Forum@First

The Chimes

Unavailable at time of printing

Music for February 3

Music for February 10

Introit “Come, All You People” - Michael Hawn

Anthem “On Eagles Wings” - Michael Joncas

Offertory “All Prayed Up” - Vince Gill

Bene Resp “Go Forth and Be Blessed” - Gary Shellthe Mustard Seed Wednesdays 9-1, 4:40 - 6:30

sundays 9-1(404) 201-6442info@themustardseedbookstore.com

We

have great

Valentine

gifts!

Cold winds are blowing--time to curl up by the fire and read a good book. Stop in to browse our collection.

Bi-weekly Newsletter ofFirSt PreSBYteriAN chUrch of

AtlANtA1328 Peachtree Street, NeAtlanta, GA 30309-3209

hOW tO cONtAct USPhone/404-892-8461

Fax/404-228-7760E-mail: youbelong@firstpresatl.org

Web: www.firstpresatl.org

WOrShiP Sunday communion Service - 8:30 am

Sunday Worship Services -9:00 am & 11:15 am

Sunday School 10:05 am

WeeKlY BrOADcAStSSundays live at 9:00 am & 11:15 am

On demand anytime www.firstpresatl.org/servicesonline

AiB cable Network (comcast channel 5; Smyrna channel 22)

Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

DISCERNINGTHE WILL OF GOD

LENT SMALL GROUPS6 weeks, February - March

Different Days. Different Locations.Different Times.

Register at sign up tableson Sundays or by calling:

Joel Moore, 404.664.9004or

Lindsay Armstrong, 404.228.7713