July 12, 2010
The long, hot summer days are hopefully times of relaxation and renewal for us. We move a little slower in deference to the heat, and perhaps take the time to have a longer conversation with a friend, linger over a family meal, or maybe even take a nap! If we are very fortunate, there will be time away from the routine of work or school, and a chance to see something new in God’s great world.
Summer is also a time of preparation. For all of my adult life, summer has been the time when I planned and prepared for the coming school or church year. It requires me to think ahead, to anticipate the rhythm and flow of the seasons as they affect the people with whom I minister. I am always grateful for the slower pace of summer and the time it affords me to think beyond a given moment.
At Peachtree this summer, we have slowed the pace a bit, as is our custom, but we are also using these weeks to re-form the way we “do church” together. Our worship space is in transition, as is our liturgy. Our way of accomplishing the tasks of the church is also changing dramatically as the impetus for ministry and kingdom work is shifting toward the laity as a whole. It is an exciting thing to witness and to participate in. Everyone has the opportunity to be connected with the process of growth and change. Use these weeks of summer to prepare for the new rhythms of church life that are taking shape even now.
Grace and peace,
Alicia
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April 6, 2010
This past Saturday was the perfect weather for our annual Community Easter Festival. We had fun eating pancakes, huting for eggs, making crafts and getting to know our neighbors. As our neighborhood assembled for this celebration, something wonderful took place. There were people from all walks of life coming together celebrating their common love of family, tradition and springtime. There were spontaneous conversations, new introductions, and childish giggles. Just in time for Easter, it was evident that our neighborhood is full of life and that new possibilities for community and mission await us. We would love to have you join us as we continue to walk together in faith as Peachtree Baptist Church.
Hope to see you Sunday,
Susan
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March 17, 2010
According to the church calendar, we are in the heart of the Lenten season, the forty days (roughly) leading up to Easter. Because we live in the time post-Easter, our journey through this season can be little more than the anticipation of Easter. Because we know of the resurrection, we can choose to focus our attention on preparing to celebrate Easter morning. This is certainly a more comfortable and familiar posture for us – it is one of excitement as we look forward to the “next big thing”; however, if we are to truly travel the road like Jesus’ first followers, then this season has much more to do with uneasiness (is he really the Messiah?), discomfort (read some of Jesus sayings/instructions on the way to the cross) and uncertainty about the future.
Easter will come, but do not miss the value of wandering the Lenten road. Some questions to ponder are: Where is the evidence of Christ present in our world today? How are you willing to journey with Christ to the difficult places to bring life, hope and healing? How are you “seeing and believing” as Jesus’ first followers saw and believed?
If you are looking for a community of travelers, I hope you will consider being with us as we walk the Lenten road together, culminating with Holy Week (list of services below). Peachtree welcomes your company as we walk through life’s challenges and life’s celebrations together.
Holy Week Services at Peachtree
Palm Sunday, March 28th: Worship at 11 am, Choir Presents “A Conversation with Christ: Preparation for Holy Week”
Maundy Thursday, April 1st at 7pm
Good Friday, April 2nd at 7pm
Easter Worship, April 4th at 11 am
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February 2, 2010
February is here and that means it’s time for our first BCM food drive of the year. It is so easy to forget that there are many in our own community who are undernourished because they lack a means to provide for themselves and their families. As we partner with BCM this month, it is my hope that we will not only give, but that we will be challenged to seek solutions to end the hunger and poverty that impact so many in our community and world.
Bring one or more items needed to feed a family of four:
Cereal – 1 box
Oatmeal – 1 box
Flour – 1 bag
Sugar – 1 bag
Cooking oil – 1 bottle
Jelly – 1 small jar
Soup – 4 cans
Dried beans – 1 bag
Rice – 2 small bags
Stuffing mix – 1 box
Canned fruit – 4 cans
Peanut butter – 2 small jars
Cornbread mix – 2 boxes
Macaroni & cheese – 4 boxes
Powdered milk – 6 envelopes
Spaghetti – 1 medium box
Spaghetti sauce – 2 jars
Canned vegetables – 4 cans
Canned tomatoes – 3 cans
Canned beans – 3 cans
Canned tuna, chicken, etc. – 4 cans
Mashed potato mix – 3 packages
BCM also needs shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste,toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, shaving cream,feminine hygiene items, toilet paper and detergent.
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December 30, 2009
Here we are – another year has come and gone. Whether 2009 was a year full of disappontment or delight, it is quickly coming to an end and a new year is upon us. It’s time for us to begin again. As you and I evaluate what this new year will bring, it’s easy for us to limit our expectations to what has gone before, to assume that nothing can or will change. Assumptions can be well justified, but they can also be dangerous. The danger comes when we allow assumptions to hold us back from risking anything in order to pursue our God-given passions. Whether it be a meaningul relationship or a new career path, responding to the voice of adventure and change in our lives requires risk. How might God be calling you to something new this year? What is holding you back? May we all begin this new year with less assumptions and more expectations of how God will call and equip us for the journey ahead.
Happy New Year!
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November 29, 2009
The Advent season is upon us and as the anticipation of Christmas grows many opportunities vie for our time and attention. We may feel the need to participate in numerous holiday activities, some we go along with gladly while others are done out of a sense of duty to family, friends or tradition. If we are not careful the birth of Jesus can get covered over by wrapping paper, drowned out by Christmas music, pushed to the back of the line by holiday shopping or dulled by the overindulgence of food and drink.
Though we may feel pressured to meet certain holiday requirements it may be comforting to recognize that Jesus is coming despite our best efforts to crowd Him out. Instead of trying to control the Christmas season might it be better if we let the moments unfold as a time of preparation for the coming of God’s son. Much richness may be added to our celebration of Christ’s birth by participating in opportunities available in Christian community. We at Peachtree are a community of believers seeking to be intentional about our readiness for Jesus’ birth. In the coming days we have a several opportunities to worship and serve together. Notable times of worship are the Christmas Cantata and the Christmas Eve service. The details of these and other services can be found on the calender or by contacting the church office.
In addition to corporate worship and service the people of Peachtree have completed an Advent devotional guide. Each day contains a scripture reading and a short devotion writeen by Peachtree members. The guide can be downloaded by clicking on the following link. 2009 Composite guide
My prayer is that during this Advent season you will experience the hope, peace, joy and love that comes from Christ and that if you feel so led you choose to worship with us as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.
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November 11, 2009
This Saturday from 8am-Noon, we are hosting a yard sale in our parking lot on LaVista Road. We have invited our neighbors to join us and part of the proceeds from the sale will support our youth and benevolence ministries. There will be furniture, exercise equipment, children’s and adults’ clothing, toys and more!
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October 28, 2009
Join us this Saturday, October 31st from 4-6 pm for our Community Fall Festival! There will be games, crafts, food and trunk-or-treating. Wear a not-too-scary costume and join your neighbors for a great time together.
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October 21, 2009
The Sanctuary Choir & soloists of Peachtree Baptist Church will present a FALL CONCERT with proceeds benefitting the AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. The concert is free; there is a suggested donation of $10.
FEATURED COMPOSERS
J.S. Bach
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Knut Nystedt
Morten Lauridsen
FEATURED SOLOISTS
“Cantata 51″ by J.S. Bach
Megan Mashburn, soprano
Mark Mashburn, trumpet
“Five Mystical Songs” by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Todd Arant, baritone
Alicia Walker, conductor
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September 16, 2009
Do you need to learn or sharpen your conversational English skills? Our International Program will begin another semester of English classes this Sunday, September 20th. Classes will be held each Sunday from 4-6 pm for the next 10 weeks on the 2nd floor of our church building. There are classes for all levels and the classes are FREE. For more information, contact our International Program Director, Chris Purser at purser1973@yahoo.com.
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