THE GOOD NEWS
April 23, 2020
Daily Devotional
Be Resolute
by Blake Cherrington, APC Deacon


“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult."
Psalms 46:1-3

These days remind me of my early childhood towards the end of World War II. Yes, I really am that old. We were living near Halifax, Nova Scotia. I remember my mother carefully going through our rations book, seeing what food she was allowed to get from the store for our next meals. Some things were simply not available. It was well after the war before we saw ‘real butter’ again. Of course, we walked to the store. Gasoline was too important to the war effort to be used for the convenience of civilians.

My parents were quite contemptuous of the civilians who moaned about the deprivation and inconvenience they suffered. The young men my father was training to fly Spitfires in the skies over Europe would soon have a life expectancy measured in weeks if not days. The soldiers and sailors boarding the ship convoys assembling in Halifax harbor knew full well that German submarines were lurking in the depths, waiting to send them to sure death in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic. Yet, the people were not fearful. They were resolute. They knew that all of us, military and civilian alike, were battling evil incarnate. Our enemies must not be allowed to win no matter the cost. With faith in God, the people of that day committed themselves to ‘Live Free or Die’.

So how do we respond to the threat of COVID -19? First, be vigilant. Just like the submarines, it is a silent and unseen killer. Take all precautions to avoid infection. Second, watch out for others. Care for your friends and family, especially those who are elderly or have health problems. They are particularly vulnerable. Third, support and pray for those ‘soldiers’ fighting the battle against the corona virus for us: the physicians, nurses, aides, technicians, EMTs, first responders, and all their support personnel. Fourth, be resolute! God is our refuge and strength. He is always there for us.

Good and gracious God, have mercy on your people. Death, suffering and fear grip the lands. Let us feel your loving presence. Strengthen the medical personnel ministering to your people. Give wisdom and good judgment to the leaders of our nations. Make your people resolute in fighting the disease that threatens us and give us confidence that you are our refuge and strength in all that troubles us. Amen.
News and Notes
Property Projects
APC's Property Manager Gene Casey shared some photos this week of completed projects during the past few weeks, including the installation of three new handicapped accessible doors (two in the small lobby with the grey awning near the nursery playground; and one at the APC Dayschool entrance door in the education wing), newly painted parking lot lines, cleaned and polished VCT and stone tile floors, pressure washed sidewalks, and a new coat of paint in the choir bathroom. The church's cleaning team has used the "low traffic" opportunity to do some deep cleaning projects on our windows, sanctuary pews and chairs, choir room chairs and Fellowship Hall tables.
Church Closure
APC's Session is meeting this Friday to discuss the next steps regarding the closure of APC's buildings and property with guidance from our Public Health Advisory Team. Currently, the church is scheduled to remain closed through April 30.
"Go" Somewhere Interesting Today!
Thanks to the leaders of STARS, APC's 55+ fellowship group, for sharing a list of fascinating museums, zoos, parks and cultural attractions, all with virtual tours online. From the comfort of your couch, see the Northern Lights, tour the Taj Mahal, Buckingham Palace or the Louvre, take an African Safari, and much more. Here are the links: Virtual Tours
APC Dayschool Teachers Share Some Love
Dayschool teachers teamed up to create a photo collage containing a sweet message for their young students and their families. The message read "Hi APCDS preschool friends, we love you and we miss you so much! We hope that we will be able to see you very soon."
APC Announcements
If you have information to share in the Good News, please send it by 1 pm on Tuesday to office@alpharettapres.com.

How Can We Help You?
How can we help you? Please direct pastoral care needs and concerns to one of APC's Pastors or Deacons. You may email them directly using REALM or call the church office, 770-751-0033.
Join Your APC Community in Prayer Daily at 6 pm
Set up a prayer space in your home with a candle and as you are able, gather your family or come alone to your prayer space at 6 pm every day.   Begin by lighting your candle and then pray the Lord's Prayer so we are all praying this together, and then add other prayers as you choose. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
"APC Family" Private Facebook Group
"APC Family" is a closed Facebook group just for APC members. Posts are NOT visible to the public. "APC Family" is a place where members can share prayers, an inspirational book or poem, a funny meme or a photo of how your family is adjusting to the "new normal." It's also a place where you can reach out with a question, share information or ask for assistance and support. Simply login in to Facebook and search for "APC Family," then request to join. You may also use this link: www.facebook.com/groups/APCfamily
ACT1's Digital Balcony on Facebook
 “Like” ACT1 Theater's Facebook page, and tune in to the Virtual Balcony! ACT1 is posting videos every 2 hours from 10 am to 6 pm. S ee songs from previous ACT1 shows, bathroom karaoke, songs in pajamas, etc. Until live entertainment returns, please enjoy this diversion.
Join a Small Group.....Online!
"Faith 5 with Beverly"
Wednesdays at 2 pm
Join Rev. Beverly Markham for a time to read scripture, share together and pray together. Contact Beverly for details on how to join the meeting via Zoom.
"The 40-Day New Testament Challenge"
Do you want to grow spiritually during this time? Come along as we read through the entire New Testament in 40 days--with a Sabbath rest each week. Please email Rev. Erin Noh to join the group. 
Crossroads
Sundays at 10:30 am
Contact Dale Carter for instructions on how to join the class. Please feel free to invite your friends, family or neighbors. All are welcome. Each session is independent so you’re never lost when coming in and out of individual sessions. Currently, we are discussing: "Unshakable Hope" by Max Lucado. On Apr 26, we will discuss Chapter 12: You Will Have Power.
Faith in Real Life
Sundays, 9:30 am
Leaders: Deanna Womack and Derek Scheidt
We are using the Animate: Faith video series. All are welcome and people can join the meetings whenever they're available. Please contact Deanna Womack to join.   
Faith and Modern Life & Centering Prayer
Fridays 10 am - 12 pm (Centering Prayer starts 11 am)
Leaders : Mary Rogovin & Debbie Engler-Key
Contact Mary Rogovin for instructions on how to join the class.
APC Book Club
APC Book Club held its first Zoom meeting on Monday for a great discussion of "The Girl with Seven Names.' We decided to modify our meeting schedule for the year. We will now skip the month of May instead of July. Our next meeting will be Monday, June 1, 7 pm, to discuss Marie Benedict's "The Only Woman in the Room." View our revised 2020 schedule here.
Giving
Thank you for your faithful giving during this time! Please visit the Pledges and Donations page on APC's website for helpful information on how to set up online giving using your credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer from your bank account, or making donations via text using your cell phone.
Children's Ministry
Kids Art Needed for This Sunday!
Calling all APC kids----we need your help to make worship colorful! During this Sunday's online worship service, we will show children's artwork while the song "I Stand in Awe of You" plays in the background. Send us a colorful drawing of something that you find AWEsome about God's world. We are looking for things like nature, sunsets, rainbows, family, animals, etc. Feel free to share something that you created previously in school. Then take a well-lit, overhead photo of your artwork and email it to Katie VanBrackle before 6 pm this Friday (tomorrow). It will be fun to look for your creation during the service on Sunday! Thanks for participating.
Club 45 - Join us for a night at the Movies: April 26 at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
Watch the movie "Spiderman - Into the Universe" on Netflix before you come to Club 45. Families are encouraged to watch and discuss together. You should have received an email from Kristin Hicks this week with all the details.
 
Online Sunday School in your PJs
Join us each week for Virtual Sunday School! Look for the email from Kristin Hicks each Sunday morning with the videos link along with the parent print out to help families continue to hold Sunday School from home each week.
Stay in touch
Stay in touch this school year and receive fun faith resources that connect you to APC for the school year– Join our Facebook page! - Facebook: @alpharetttapreschildren
Youth Ministry
Youth Group
While we can’t get together in person, we are still connecting online using Zoom! Links to the meetings are sent out via email and on the GroupMe.
  • Zoom Youth Group on Sundays at 5:30 pm
  • Zoom Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
Senior Slideshow
Attention Graduating Seniors! This is the last call to submit photos for the senior slideshow on Youth Sunday (May 17). Please check your emails for more information or reach out to Anne or Kari with any questions.

Youth Sunday
Mark your calendars! Youth Sunday is on May 17! Be on the lookout for emails and messages on GroupMe about how you can be involved in this special service!

Youth Instagram
Hey, APC Youth! Connect with APC Youth Ministry on Instagram: alpharettapresyouth
Our Church Family
We continue to pray for all families who are affected by COVID-19.

Sam de Carlo 's 90 year-old grandmother, Julia Rios, who lives in New Jersey, has tested positive for the virus.
Church Business
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church
180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
770-751-0033 www.alpharettapres.com