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EP Corner:
Windstorm, Pine Beetles, Fires and a
Story of Humility and Hope…
by Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter
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In the opening of Turning Ourselves Inside Out, authors Daye and Fennell give a great illustration that frames life with a view of hope in the midst of loss. They tell the story of three calamities that happened in a Colorado forest. The first calamity was a 1997 windstorm that destroyed a forest of pine trees. The second calamity that followed was an infestation of pine beetles that infiltrated the dead pine from the windstorm and another section of the forest. The third calamity was a forest fire that left destruction, desolation, and ash.
Windstorm. Pine beetles. Fire. Ash. It sounds like a sad story that will take years and years to replant and regrow that old pine forest. But that is not where the story ends. It turns out that life giving and nourishing mycelium was growing underneath. It also turns out that aspen was also growing under the surface. Instead of hoping for the past glory of the pine forest, out of the ground sprung forth aspen trees. Imagine the journey, watching a dead forest become an expression of new life, a new reality, and a new way of being.
All of this sounds like the story of our faith: the humility of the cross, the mystery of the grave, and the hope of the resurrection. If we look around, even in the face of death and defeat, we see signs and symbols of new mercies that appear morning by morning. It is my prayer that we will live into the hope of the resurrection at home, in our congregations, on campuses, in our offices, and every place we find ourselves in the world.
May we be resurrection people, always letting the world know that sometimes what looks like the end is just the beginning.
With resurrection hope,
ABJ
#FindingMeaning #InsideOut
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The Presbytery staff sends you blessings for a Spirit-inspired Holy Week. May the cross of Christ, the mystery of the grave, and the hope of the resurrection be with you all.
In observance of Easter, the presbytery office will be closed Monday, April 1.
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Spring Stated Meeting: Tuesday, April 30
by C. Anderson James, Stated Clerk
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The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta will meet for its Spring Stated Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, from 9:00am-12:00pm via Zoom. We will build on our 2024 theme of Finding Meaning, Inside and Out by reflecting on the virtues of hope and humility. In our worship together, Revs. Emily Choi and David Lower will be sharing a message on Romans 5:1-5. Several of our partnership groups will also share their reflections on this theme. Our virtual host churches for this meeting are Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church and Grace Korean Presbyterian Church.
In our business, we will hear from new minister members of the presbytery, get an update on the unified conversations toward financial sustainability, and receive a brief report from Clark Simmons about upcoming changes from the Board of Pensions. As we move toward the 226th General Assembly this summer, we will consider a potential overture and commission our commissioners for their important work of discernment together.
Advance registration is required for this meeting. The deadline is noon on Monday, April 29. Click here to register now. Meeting materials will be available on the presbytery website no later than Tuesday, April 16. Please contact Stated Clerk Andy James with any questions at [email protected].
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2024 Pledge Cards
by Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter
| At the end of 2023, each congregation was sent a physical mailing of their pledge card. It has come to our attention that some congregations did not receive them or have not had a chance to reply. We are asking pastors and clerks of session to check to be sure you have received your pledge card and returned it. If you have not already returned it, please send it via email to Andy Hill at [email protected] by May 31, 2024. Andy can also assist if you need another copy of your pledge card. We are deeply grateful for you generosity and for our joint ministry together as a presbytery. | |
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Clerk of Session Training
by C. Anderson James, Stated Clerk
| Clerks of session are invited to attend a training session on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00pm. Join your colleagues from around the presbytery to learn about this important work of keeping records, organizing the work of a session, and reporting the actions of the local church to the presbytery and beyond. A recording will be available if you are unable to attend. Register at the link below! Contact Stated Clerk Andy James at [email protected] for additional information. | |
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MDM is collecting Welcome Kits for newly arriving refugee families. Welcome Kits make a big and immediate difference for these newest arrivals to GA, and MDM would love to raise over 1,000 welcome kits through this effort!
Step 1: Purchase towel, wash cloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, disposable razors, toilet paper (at least 4 rolls), & bath soap.
Step 2: Assemble these into a container (either bag or box).
Step 3: Deliver to Memorial Drive Ministries - 5140 Memorial Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 - on Sunday April 14 between 2pm – 4pm.
The above delivery window is when the Welcome Co-Op truck will be available onsite at MDM to directly receive these items. MDM is not able to accept donations early or late.
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Clergy Day of Reflection: The Gift of Three
by Jane Hubbard, Congregational Consultant
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With the gift of three, reflect on your own journey through guided meditations and spending time with the Lord while walking the labyrinth, journaling and praying.
Facilitated by Aisha Brooks-Johnson, EP, and Nayoung Kim and Sharon Junn, SumTeo.
$20/person - Lunch included - Limited scholarships available
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 12
Contact: Jane Hubbard (404-200-6283)
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Join Central Outreach and Advocacy Center for In Their Shoes on April 21st
by Kimberly Parker, Executive Director, Central Outreach and Advocacy Cent.
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In Their Shoes: 10 Mile Challenge is a four week fundraising event benefiting Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (COAC). Participants of all ages, stages and skill levels commit to walk a total of 10 miles at their own pace between March 24 and April 21 while reflecting on the distance people experiencing homelessness walk each day. On April 21, we will gather together at Central Presbyterian to walk the last mile together. All proceeds benefit the COAC. If you would like to participate and/or make a donation, you can find more information here.
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Youth and Young Adult Grant Applications Now Available
by Andy Hill, Director of Finance and Property
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The Grants Committee is pleased to announce that we are currently receiving applications for Youth & Young Adult Grants. The application form is now a fillable .pdf file that can be completed without printing and scanning. (If you are unable to complete the online application, please send a request to [email protected] and a text copy of the application will be sent to you.)
The application, available here, is due by 12am on Monday, April 22. The committee will meet soon after that date to review grant submissions.
We look forward to learning about the innovative and life-changing ministries taking place in our midst.
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Morrow Presbyterian Church Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary
submitted by Dianne Hooten, Morrow Presbyterian Church
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Sixty years ago, Presbytery envisioned a Presbyterian Church on the Southside of Atlanta. Forty-four charter members began meeting in its first home on Lee Street on January 5, 1964. On April 5, 1964, the Morrow Presbyterian Church was declared a duly constituted congregation of the Presbyterian Church under Atlanta Presbytery. The first Session was elected and met on April 12th, and the late Rev. Frank C. Havlicek was installed as the first Pastor on May 10th.
We have had wonderful pastors during these years including The late Rev. Thomas M. Dews, Rev. Jerry Tabler, Rev. James McNaull, the late Rev. Moss Robertson, Rev. Dr. Earl Bland, the late Rev. Dr. Earl Stewart, and Rev. Dr. John V. Callahan, Jr. Now sixty years later, under the leadership of Pastor John we are still a strong, loving, and busy congregation serving the Morrow area with many of the same members from the early years of the church. Due to the pandemic, COVID-19, we began having online virtual via Facebook services in addition to in person services. We have people from all over the world joining us on Sundays through Facebook. Our page can easily be found by going through our church website (www.morrowpresbyterian.org).
We are looking forward to celebrating 60 vibrant years of serving God with a Homecoming Celebration the weekend of April 26-28. We will begin on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m.by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life as many of our flock have been touched by cancer over the years. On Saturday, April 27, we will gather at 4 p.m. for fun, fellowship, music, reminiscing, and a Pig Roast to raise funds for our Food Pantry that serves the Clayton County Community each week. The weekend will culminate with a special Worship Service and Reception on Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m.
We would love to have everyone join us as we celebrate 60 years of loving and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and bringing His message to the Clayton County community. You may register for any of the weekend events by clicking here. We hope to see you there!
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Mount Vernon's 70th Anniversary
by Barrett Abernethy, Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church
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Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church cordially invites our friends from the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta to join us for our 70th Anniversary Celebration. We will, appropriately, give thanks to God for reaching this milestone on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th. Today, MVPC is a thriving, flourishing congregation based in the heart of Sandy Springs. Planted by members of Peachtree Presbyterian in 1954, we have been a communally driven church throughout our ministry. This spirit continues today as we seek to embody the tagline:
Reaching Out to… Welcome. Worship. Share. Serve.
Each week, roughly 4,000 people from all walks of life venture to our campus and our 380 members are deeply committed to greeting them- whether that be to simply welcome, worship alongside, share our space, or serve them with God’s help. We are grateful for our connection in Christ and we hope to learn more of your individual stories as you join with us to learn more about how the Spirit has and continues to move us forward.
If you want to join us on May 19th, please RSVP at [email protected]. Fellowship will begin at 9am, Worship will take place at 10:30am, and Lunch will immediately follow. We look forward to seeing you all!
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Earth Care Congregations:
Druid Hills and St. Andrews
submitted by Cassandra Morrow, Congregational Consultant
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Druid Hills Presbyterian Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church were re-certified as Earth Care Congregations by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2025. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.
This status speaks to the serious commitment that both churches have made to care for God’s earth. To become an Earth Care Congregation, these congregations affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
For more information on the Earth Care Congregations program visit www.pcusa.org/earthcarecongregations or contact Jessica Maudlin, Associate for Sustainable Living, (800) 728-7228, x5626.
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Summer Children's Programs Around the Presbytery | Explore the Children's Summer Programs page of the presbytery website to find Vacation Bible School, Summer Camp, and other summer programs for children. Want to add a program to the list? Contact Miranda Segrest [email protected]. | |
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Clergy Gatherings
by Jane Hubbard, Pastor-to-Pastor Team Coordinator
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Clergy Gathering Dates for 2024
- Save The Date/location that suits you.
- Mark your calendar.
- RSVP to Jane no later than noon on the day before the gathering.
Northside - 2nd Thursdays – 12:30-2 PM - Rotate Roswell/Duluth
- Thursday, May 9 Wegman's Bayou
- Thursday, August 8
- Thursday, October 10
OTP Eastside – 3rd Thursdays –12-1:30 PM Rotate Churches
- Thursday, May 16
- Thursday, August 15
- Thursday, November 21
Southside – 5th Thursdays – 12-1:30 PM - Positano Pizza Napoletana
- Thursday, May 30
- Thursday, August 29
- Thursday, November 21
Young Pastors - 4th Wednesdays 1130-1pm Fox BBQ, Dekalb Ave.
- Wednesday, May 29
- Wednesday, August 28
- Wednesday, November 20
Decatur - 2nd Wednesdays – 12-2 PM – North Decatur PC
- Wednesday, April 10
- Wednesday, July 10
- Wednesday, October 9
For the Decatur group, Catered Lunch is by Baddabing. Please RSVP by the Friday before the gathering and pay $15 here.
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Installation of Claude George Tatro
Sunday, April 7, 3:00pm
Johns Creek Presbyterian Church
10950 Bell Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Claude George Tatro as pastor at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Johns Creek PC on Sunday, April 7, at 3:00pm. An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.
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Installation of Lyndsay Slocum
Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 2:00pm
Kairos Presbyterian Church
5855 Riverside Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Lyndsay Slocum as pastor at Kairos Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Kairos on Thursday, April 18, at 6:30pm. An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.
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75th Annual Come See Columbia Day
701 S. Columbia Dr.
Decatur, GA 30030
April 18, 9:30-1:45pm
Come See Columbia Day is a day for Presbyterian Women (and their friends) to come meet the Columbia Friendship Circle Scholarship recipient and see what classes and campus life are like at Columbia. This year, there will be a tour of Mission Haven offered as well.
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Installation of Alex Moses
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3:00pm
Northwest Presbyterian Church
4300 Northside Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Alex Moses as pastor at Northwest Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Northwest PC on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3:00pm. An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
Baccalaureate and Commencement
May 17-18
Columbia Theological Seminary will hold a Baccalaureate Service at Decatur PC and Commencement at Trinity PC, Atlanta the weekend of May 17-18. More information can be found here.
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference
Portland, OR
Sept. 23-25, 2024
Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!
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Click here to read Peace and Global Witness partnership's latest newsletter. | |
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Each month we are taking the time to pray for our churches and new worshiping communities throughout the year. Please take a moment each week to lift up the following communities in prayer:
4/7 - Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Crossroads, *Chin Presbyterian
4/14 - Dallas-Dodd, Decatur, *Convergence
4/21 - Druid Hills, Eastminster, *Church in Motion
4/28 - Ebenezer Brazilian, Ebenezer, *Crossings Community
*Denotes New Worshiping Communities
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The Presbytery Staff will never email or text you asking for money or gift cards. If seeking donations, staff will direct you to the Presbytery website or invite you to mail a check. If you have any suspicion, please reach out to one of us directly before responding! Stay safe in cyberspace! | |
Click here for CTS's Center for Lifelong Learning courses and events.
Click here for the Calvin Center's programs.
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The presbytery advertises employment opportunities within our congregations and partnerships. If you would like to browse opportunities or submit a new opening click here.
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The next newsletter will go out May 1. Articles will be accepted through April 15. The following newsletter will go out May 1. To request space for an article, email your Congregational Consultant or Mark Sauls at [email protected]. Click here to view submission guidelines.
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Top Graphic Attribution:
JESUS MAFA. Easter - Christ appears to Mary, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48389 [retrieved March 26, 2024]. Original source: http://www.librairie-emmanuel.fr (contact page: https://www.librairie-emmanuel.fr/contact).
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