THE GOOD NEWS
April 30, 2020
Daily Devotional
Making Sacrifices
by Dr. Oliver Wagner, Senior Pastor

“ And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But Christ offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins ."
Hebrews 10:11-12

It’s the most difficult part of reading the Old Testament—all of the rules and regulations about animal or crop sacrifice at the Jerusalem Temple. Jews ceased that practice when Rome destroyed the Temple in the year 70. As Christians, we celebrate the good news that such ritual behavior is no longer required of us—Temple or no Temple--because Jesus died on a cross.  

The latter part of the Old Testament calls for a sacrifice of “doing justice and serving the poor and needy” while the New Testament calls for a sacrifice of mercy and service from the disciples of Jesus. In the church today, we typically think of making a sacrifice twice each year…once in November when we prayerfully commit our financial pledge and again during the forty days of Lent as we journey with a fasting, praying Jesus in the wilderness of temptation. 

Sacrifice, though an old concept and practice, is very timely! What is being asked of every person in the world right now is sacrifice. We give up a little (in some cases, a lot) to gain a benefit for ourselves or others. Namely, to keep the number of infections and deaths down and move past this pandemic as quickly and safely as possible, we give up many things. We make fewer trips, do less socializing, work, learn, meet and worship from home. These are all required, necessary, and carefully prescribed sacrifices. Will there be benefit? Will the future reward be worth the present pain? We pray and trust the answer is “yes!” That’s how it works with sacrifice, especially the one Christ made for us and for our salvation.

Holy God, you seek justice, mercy, and service from us. May our careful, costly, disciplined practices quicken the coming of healing and wholeness in this world you so greatly love. Amen.
News and Notes
Church Closure - APC's Session approved the following recommendation:
In order to continue to combat the spread of coronavirus per the recommendations of public health and governing authorities, the Session is extending the closure of church buildings and property to all group and organizational use until such time the Session determines we can safely gather again. Session will revisit this decision biweekly. The advisory team requests continued prayers for all impacted by the virus in the church, community, and in the world.
Realm - Now is a great time to log in and update your photo and information in APC's online membership directory. Thanks for helping us keep our records current.

Event Cancellations: Vacation Bible School has been cancelled. Details are included in the Children's Ministry section below. APC Dayschool's summer camps have also been cancelled.
Need a Face Mask?
An APC member has donated a large number of face masks for church members who need them. If interested, please contact the church office , 770-751-0033.
Thank Your for Your Gifts
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. We will have a special offering for Presbyterian Homes of Georgia on Sunday, May 10.
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. Members can share prayers, inspiration, and humor---as well as 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
APC Announcements
If you have information to share in the Good News, please send it by 1 pm on Tuesday to office@alpharettapres.com.
Join a Small Group.....Online!
"Faith 5 with Beverly"
Wednesdays at 2 pm through May 20
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.
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.
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.
Mission Spotlight
Family Promise of N. Fulton/DeKalb

APC hosts Family Promise four times a year. In partnership with other area churches, we provide shelter, meals, and social connection for families experiencing homelessness one week at a time. Family Promise is an important mission of our church that depends on members serving as volunteers and coordinating our host weeks.

Current Needs : We need a couple more overnight volunteers for when we host Family Promise next week at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church. We are also looking for someone to serve as co-coordinator with Shannon Pickerel when Yvonne Chrimes steps down this summer after leading this effort for several years.

Read this document to learn more about our participation with Family Promise and how you can get involved!
Children's Ministry
VBS 2020
After careful deliberation, the Children’s Ministry Committee has decided due to
COVID-19 we will not be holding our regular VBS on June 29-July 2nd. We are sad we have to cancel but feel that it is the best choice for all considered. We are currently evaluating what activities we will be doing in place of VBS this summer or if we are able to do a modified version and will keep you posted. If you have already paid for VBS, we will be issuing refunds. Please contact Kristin Hicks with any questions.   
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.

Resources for Children and Parents - Covid-19
•    Time Capsule for Children---click here .
•    How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus (PBS)---click here .
•    Talking to your children about the Coronavirus (NYT)---click here .
•    Helping Children Cope with Scary News---click here .
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
NO Youth Group on 5/10, 5/24 & 5/31
  • 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! Youth are planning and will lead this special service. Check your email this week so that you can sign up to be involved—we need youth for speaking parts and to create art to be part of the 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.

We share our Christian love and sympathy with Judy Donahoo on the death of her brother last week.

Austin Marrs is in New York for surgery. He and his mother, Deb Carter , will be there for about 20 days.

Mary Dantzler is out of the hospital and is staying with her family at Lake Hartwell. She is continuing to make a treatment plan with her doctors.

Brandon Cash continues to be asymptomatic with a COVID-19 diagnosis. He is at home at Annandale Village.

We continue to pray for Florence Heimlich and Dot Rouse , who are in hospice care.

We continue to pray for Katelyn Danson , Tom Hyatt , and Nancy Hill , who are receiving long-term treatments.
Church Business
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church
180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
770-751-0033 www.alpharettapres.com
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