Over the past week, a group of staff and lay leaders have been walking through a thoughtful, prayerful process to better understand our church’s personality, identity, and name. As we gathered with PlainJoe, the creative ministry team helping us clarify our story, we explored every angle of our church’s history, heart, mission, vision, and our future. After prayer, listening, and discussion, the group came to a unified sense that there isn’t a compelling reason to change our church’s name at this time.

Many of you participated through surveys and conversations, and your responses were an essential part of our discernment. I can’t thank you enough for the honest, heartfelt feedback you offered. You were heard, and your voice helped guide us.

This portion of the journey helped crystalize who we have been, who we are, and what makes our church so special and unique for our city and community. It gave us language for our unique personality. It reminded us of the mission God entrusted to us. It strengthened our clarity around what Mission Multiplication can and should become in this next season.

So while our name is staying the same, our clarity is growing and that clarity is going to help us as we live out our mission together.

In the months ahead, you’ll begin to see the fruit of our work with PlainJoe. Their engagement with us isn’t just about a name; it’s about storytelling and spatial design. In other words, helping us more clearly communicate who we are, both to our congregation and to our community, and creating environments that reflect the heart of our church. In God’s sovereignty and providence that mission is what we’ll be celebrating this Sunday at our combined services. We’ll celebrate all that God has done this fall through our discipleship initiative and commission us for the work of helping others take their next steps with Jesus.

I’m excited about what's ahead. I hope you are too. We have an opportunity in front of us to tell our story with greater beauty and boldness, and to step more confidently into the mission God has placed in our hands.

Thank you again for your prayers, your feedback, and your deep love for this church. The best is truly yet to come.

David Walters

Senior Pastor

Registration is Open for Our 2026

Women's Retreat!

You’re invited to a refreshing weekend away—a time to breathe deeply, be encouraged, and grow together. Through worship, teaching, and connection, we’ll explore the gift of relationships that shape our faith and strengthen our lives.

Before – Honoring and learning from the women who have gone before us

Beside – Walking with one another in friendship and encouragement

Beyond – Pouring into the next generation and leaving a legacy of faith

Come join us as we celebrate God’s beautiful design for women walking together, across generations, and in every season of life.

Serve with MADE: Volunteers Needed for Special Needs Ministry

Do you have a heart for children and a desire to make a meaningful impact on Sunday mornings? Our MADE Special Needs Ministry is looking for compassionate and dependable volunteers to assist during 11 a.m. Kids' Worship.

By serving in this role, you’ll help ensure every child experiences God’s love in a way that’s tailored to their needs. No special training is required - just a willingness to be present and offer kindness, patience, and support.

Check Out All of Our Serve Opportunities!

Jesus called His followers to a life of sharing the gospel and showing His love through serving others. On our Serve page you’ll find many ways to make a difference and get involved.

FINANCIAL REPORT

November 16: $308,320

For additional information about church finances, email Director of Finance and HR

Helen Cork.

Alpharetta First Methodist Church | amchurch.com | 770.475.5576

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The church offices will be closed Nov. 26-28 for Thanksgiving.

We are a community of faith, hope and love helping our neighbors, the next generation and the nations take their next steps with Jesus.