Ordination of MJ Kim

Saturday, December 21st, 11 A.M.
Emory University Hospital T-239
1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322

Join us as we celebrate the Ordination of MJ Kim as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament, serving in a validated ministry as a chaplain fellow at Emory University Hospital. The service will take place in room T-239 at Emory University Hospital on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. (ET).

An offering will be received to benefit the Committee on Preparation for Ministry Scholarship Fund.

Ordination of Courtney Anne Henry at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church

Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church

Join us as we celebrate the Ordination of Courtney Anne Henry at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM (ET).

An offering is to be received to benefit the Committee on Preparation for Ministry Scholarship Fund.

On behalf of the Office of Immigration Issues, Migration Accompaniment Ministries, and the Office of Public Witness we invite you to join us for:

Now What?

A PCUSA Town Hall on Protecting Immigrant & Refugee Rights Near and Far

December 11th, 2024 at 5:30 PM EST

Registration: https://bit.ly/PCUSATownHall

This zoom gathering is designed to help concerned Presbyterians discern what we can do now to prepare for the new Administration's anti-immigrant policies. We will share how the Presbyterian Church USA denominational offices are gearing up and what resources are already available.  This is also a time to share your particular concerns so that our offices can support you and your congregations in the year ahead as we seek to be faithful in the midst of potentially devasting actions for our families, our churches and our communities.

Presenters:
Amanda Craft, Advocacy Manager, Office of Immigration Issues
Christina Cosby, Mission Associate, Office of Public Witness
Susan Krehbiel, Associate, Migration Accompaniment Ministries, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Omar Salinas Chacón, Mission Specialist, Migration Accompaniment Ministries, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Kimberly Wagner to preach on ‘Day 1’

Assistant professor of preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary

The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner, assistant professor of preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary, is the featured preacher Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 on “Day 1,” with host Katie Givens Kime, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast. Hear the program in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. "Day1" has been on WSB for 79 years. 

“Advent Alertness,” the sermon for Dec. 1 explores Luke: 25-36. She says, “Advent is a time of waiting. But, as our text makes clear, it is not a time for passive waiting. It is a time of active waiting. We are to live preparing, anticipating, expecting that Jesus may show up at any moment.”

She draws the Dec. 6 sermon “Showing Up” from Luke 3:1-6. “I don’t know about you, but the minute we begin the litany, all those names at the start of today’s text in Luke, I catch my mind wandering,” she says. “The author of the Gospel takes the time to give us these names because they are actually important . . . . You see, Luke wants to make clear early on that this story he is about to unwind about Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the Most High God, is not some abstract fairy tale or some timeless myth. Luke makes clear that God is not working in abstract other-worldly time, but in the context of human, historical time—in the middle of real life.”

A graduate of Miami University (OH), Wagner earned her M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and her Ph.D. from the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University. She is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She served on the pastoral staff at Green Acres Presbyterian Church, a PCUSA congregation in Virginia. She is passionate about supporting students’ formation and helping clergy and communities navigate the realities of an ever-changing world and church. Her current writing and work focus on preaching and ministry in the midst and wake of trauma, particularly thinking about collective trauma, the role of the preacher, and the resources of our Scriptures and faith to respond to these moments. Wagner’s book, Fractured Ground: Preaching in the Wake of Mass Trauma(Westminster John Knox Press, 2023), offers guidance for preaching in the aftermath of communal trauma, including mass violence, natural disasters, and public health crises. 

The programs include interviews with Wagner conducted by Kime, who is also executive producer. 

“Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 79 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed to radio stations across America and overseas, and the “Day1 Weekly Program” is on all podcast apps. The program is produced by the Alliance for Christian Media, based in Atlanta, Ga. "Day 1"® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Alliance for Christian Media, Inc. For more information, check the program’s website, http://day1.org

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Oakhurst Presbyterian Church will host a gun safe surrender event on Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the church parking lot at 118 Second Avenue, Decatur (enter parking from East Lake Drive).

Bring your unloaded firearms stored in the trunk of your vehicle. Guns will be dismantled and sent to RAWtools to be made into garden tools. We are holding this event because we are concerned about the high level of gun violence in our State and across the country. Anyone can bring unwanted and unloaded guns to be dismantled and made into garden tools. (Ammunition is not accepted.) If you feel it is no longer safe or desirable for you to have a gun in your home, this is a way of responsibly disposing of unwanted guns without returning them to the gun marketplace. 

The event honors those killed in the Sandy Hook School shooting in December 2012, and many who die, are injured or experience trauma each day because of gun violence.  Co-sponsors of this event are: Atlanta Friends Meeting, Social Concerns Committee; Druid Hills Presbyterian Church; North Decatur Presbyterian Church, Peace & Justice Committee; Oakhurst Baptist Church; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church.  For more information please call 404-378-6284.  

1st Wednesday SACK Lunch
South Atlantic Community Knowledge

A monthly Zoom for sharing across the synod!

Join, learn and share: experience, resources, and best practices on a new topic each month.

First Wednesday SACK Lunch

• 12/4/24 Racial Justice/Social

Information: https://www.synodofsouthatlantic.org/

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/240293832066052

Supporting Older Adults in the “Third Thirty”
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network

December 3, 2 PM (ET)

Learn about the challenges of aging, how older adults can best navigate them, and how the church can provide support. Chris Pomfret, a 10-year member of POAMN and its current treasurer, will lead the webinar.

Chris observed how his parents and many others were unprepared for events that come their way in their later lives. These include decisions about where to live as they age, the importance of downsizing, and having conversations with children or loved ones about our end-of-life wishes. He wanted to help people in this “Third Thirty” period age smartly, wisely, gracefully, sensibly, and spiritually.

During the webinar, Chris will introduce an ecumenical curriculum for church organizations and/or older adult leaders to use or adapt with their congregations.

The webinar is free; registration is required.

Register: https://poamn.org/third-thirty-webinar-2024/ 

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/449824228138878/

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta requires all ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned ruling elders, including members at large, ministers serving in a validated ministry, and retired ministers serving a church in any Presbytery-approved relationship, to take the Presbytery’s Boundaries Training once every three years.

For more information about Boundaries Training and/or to register, click the button below.

#GIVINGTUESDAY IS DECEMBER 3, 2024
NCDC IS FUNDRAISING NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 3
FOR THE NCDC EMERGENCY FUND
GOAL: $10,000

At the New Church Development Commission, we walk alongside an average of 50-60 individuals each year as they discern and/or navigate what it means to start and build a new worshiping community. Most of these leaders are multivocational, meaning they have multiple jobs as their worshiping community is newly forming, low income, and/or otherwise unable to financially support leadership.

At times, leaders experience hardship and need assistance. This year alone, we have had fire destroy a leader’s home, Hurricane damage prove too costly to bear, medical challenges financially devastate , children of leaders need unaffordable basics, cars that are essential to ministry break down, etc. Financial challenges for volunteer and/or underpaid church leaders are legion.

During the month leading up to Giving Tuesday, NCDC is raising funds for NCDC’s Emergency Fund, which assists in times of need. In this Thanksgiving season, we give thanks for all that our new worshiping community leaders contribute to the life of this Presbytery and to so many people. In this Thanksgiving season, we also thank you for being there in times of need. Your support is nothing less than breathtaking and literally life-giving.

Retiree Christmas Luncheon

Monday, December 2, 2024 at 12 PM

All retired Pastors, Christian Educators, and Validated Ministers will receive an invitation with more details and registration within the first week in November.

Location:
Presbyterian Village
2000 E West Connector
Austell, GA 30106
When you arrive at Presbyterian Village, follow signs saying “Event” to the location of the lunch.

Transportation:
Bus transportation will be provided by Presbyterian Village from Trinity PC in Atlanta.
If you prefer to ride the bus from Trinity PC Atlanta, please designate when you register.
 “Presbyterian Village” Bus
Trinity Presbyterian Church
3003 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, Ga
Meet the parking lot in front of the sanctuary
Leave the Trinity parking lot at 11 am
Return from Presbyterian Village leaving around 1:45 pm

Registration Deadline: November 22

Kimberly Wagner to preach on ‘Day 1’

Assistant professor of preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary

The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner, assistant professor of preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary, is the featured preacher Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 on “Day 1,” with host Katie Givens Kime, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast. Hear the program in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. "Day1" has been on WSB for 79 years. 

“Advent Alertness,” the sermon for Dec. 1 explores Luke: 25-36. She says, “Advent is a time of waiting. But, as our text makes clear, it is not a time for passive waiting. It is a time of active waiting. We are to live preparing, anticipating, expecting that Jesus may show up at any moment.”

She draws the Dec. 6 sermon “Showing Up” from Luke 3:1-6. “I don’t know about you, but the minute we begin the litany, all those names at the start of today’s text in Luke, I catch my mind wandering,” she says. “The author of the Gospel takes the time to give us these names because they are actually important . . . . You see, Luke wants to make clear early on that this story he is about to unwind about Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the Most High God, is not some abstract fairy tale or some timeless myth. Luke makes clear that God is not working in abstract other-worldly time, but in the context of human, historical time—in the middle of real life.”

A graduate of Miami University (OH), Wagner earned her M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and her Ph.D. from the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University. She is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She served on the pastoral staff at Green Acres Presbyterian Church, a PCUSA congregation in Virginia. She is passionate about supporting students’ formation and helping clergy and communities navigate the realities of an ever-changing world and church. Her current writing and work focus on preaching and ministry in the midst and wake of trauma, particularly thinking about collective trauma, the role of the preacher, and the resources of our Scriptures and faith to respond to these moments. Wagner’s book, Fractured Ground: Preaching in the Wake of Mass Trauma(Westminster John Knox Press, 2023), offers guidance for preaching in the aftermath of communal trauma, including mass violence, natural disasters, and public health crises. 

The programs include interviews with Wagner conducted by Kime, who is also executive producer. 

“Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 79 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed to radio stations across America and overseas, and the “Day1 Weekly Program” is on all podcast apps. The program is produced by the Alliance for Christian Media, based in Atlanta, Ga. "Day 1"® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Alliance for Christian Media, Inc. For more information, check the program’s website, http://day1.org

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75th Anniversary of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta

Next month will mark the 75th anniversary of Trinity church and we have much for which to be grateful! We hope you will join us on November 17 as we worship through music, and plan to stay after our 11:00 worship service as we celebrate Norman Mackenzie’s 40 years of service here.

The following Sunday, on November 24, we will gather for a morning of thanksgiving for Trinity's history and sharing joy for God's future. At 10:00, we will enjoy a 75th anniversary video, and our 11:00 worship will echo the service of dedication of Trinity's sanctuary when it was newly constructed. After worship, we will gather as a church family for a catered luncheon in Williams Hall. Please RSVP and join us to celebrate!

Save the Date!

2025 Legislative Issues Forum
Hosted by Presbyterians for a Better Georgia
November 21, 2024
7:00-8:10 p.m. via Zoom

Come learn about the issues our legislature will consider in 2025 and how best to advocate for healthcare and housing for all Georgians!

Speakers to include: Rep. Michelle Au (D Johns Creek, physician on Public Health Committee)

Roland Behm, Esq. advocate and co-founder of the Georgia Mental Health Policy Priorities coalition.

What: PCUSA Ministry Update: Stay in the Loop!
Where: Columbia Seminary, Ellis Room (adjacent to the Cafeteria)
When: Nov. 20, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us on November 20, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a conversation about important changes happening in the PCUSA. Connect with denominational staff, mid-council leaders, and local pastors to discuss key actions from the 226th General Assembly, updates to Churchwide Special Offerings, the evolving work of the new Interim Unified Agency, and much more! This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share your thoughts—don’t miss it!

Conversations with the Clerk

Join Stated Clerk Andy James for a series of gatherings to follow up on the actions of the General Assembly and discuss other polity and procedure matters of the Presbytery!

Upcoming Conversations:

• Tuesday, November 19, 7:00 P.M.: Statistics Planning for 2025

• Monday, January 6, 2025, 7:00 P.M.: Proposed Amendments to the Book of Order

Click the link below to register for one or more upcoming conversations.

Previous Conversations with the Clerk can be viewed on YouTube > Playlist: Conversations with the Clerk.

Installation of Joseph Jumper as Associate Pastor at Shallowford Presbyterian Church

Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Shallowford Presbyterian Church

Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Joseph Jumper as Associate Pastor at Shallowford Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Shallowford Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM (ET).

An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.

Fall Music Sunday
Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta
Celebrating Norman Mackenzie’s 40 Years of Service

Next month will mark the 75th anniversary of Trinity church and we have much for which to be grateful! We hope you will join us on November 17 as we worship through music, and plan to stay after our 11:00 worship service as we celebrate Norman Mackenzie’s 40 years of service here.

The following Sunday, on November 24, we will gather for a morning of thanksgiving for Trinity's history and sharing joy for God's future. At 10:00, we will enjoy a 75th anniversary video, and our 11:00 worship will echo the service of dedication of Trinity's sanctuary when it was newly constructed. After worship, we will gather as a church family for a catered luncheon in Williams Hall. Please RSVP and join us to celebrate!

Join Peachtree Presbyterian Church as they welcome you into their newly renovated Sanctuary! Please consider attending either the 8:30am or 11:15am service as they are expecting large crowds on Sunday, November 17th.

Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with AMIS!  A vegetarian meal can be requested.  Please pre-purchase a ticket for this catered meal. Student meals will be $6, and Volunteer meals $16. We don't want cost to keep you from coming, so there is a "Pay What You Can" ticket option.  Seating will be prearranged so everyone will meet new friends from other countries and schools. 

Make your payment by purchasing a meal here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code and further information about this event. 

Volunteers will be invited to serve as conversation table hosts.
Family, friends, and international and American students are welcome, too!   

Installation of Landon Dillard as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at Shallowford Presbyterian Church

Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. (ET)
Shallowford Presbyterian Church

Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Landon Dillard as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at Shallowford Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Shallowford Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. (ET).

An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben to preach on ‘Day 1’

Chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben, chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, is the featured preacher November 10, 2024, the day before Veterans Day, on “Day 1” with host Katie Givens Kime, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast. Kibben made history as the first woman to serve as the Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Navy and the Chaplain of the U.S. Marine Corps. On January 3, 2021, Chaplain Kibben was elected by the House and sworn in by Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the 61st Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.

“Give and Take” is based on 1 Kings 17:8-16, the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. The Lord has sent Elijah to the widow to be fed. It is a time of famine in the land and she only has a few drops of oil and a handful of flour. She is able to fed Elijah and her family and her provisions are miraculously replenished.  “It feels like there ought to be some sort of mic drop here. The testimony of the widows’ faith is strong enough – significant enough – to offer a convincing testimony of blind faith, to teach us about hospitality, trust, and obedience, to reassure us of God’s … promise,” she says. “Well yes, and countless sermons have done just that. But to read this story in context is to discover a profound illustration of what it is God desires to give – not just to the widow, but all who believe in him.”

The program includes interviews with Kibben conducted by Kime, who is also executive producer. Kibben shares her experience providing spiritual care as chaplain sheltering with the U.S. House of Representatives on January 6.

In her final active-duty assignment in the Navy, Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben served as the director of religious ministry for the Department of the Navy, advising the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard on all matters pertaining to religion in their respective services. Prior to this assignment, Chaplain Kibben served as the 18th Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Chaplains.

A native of Warrington, Pennsylvania, Chaplain Kibben entered active duty in 1986 through the Navy’s Theological Student Program. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Goucher College, M. Div. and D.Min. degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Kibben served as a senior fellow, United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C. Chaplain serves on the Princeton Theological Seminary Board of Trustees and the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence Board, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

“Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 79 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed radio stations across America and overseas, and the “Day1 Weekly Program” is on all podcast apps. The program is produced by the Alliance for Christian Media, based in Atlanta, Ga. "Day 1"® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Alliance for Christian Media, Inc. For more information, check the program’s website, http://day1.org. 

In Atlanta Day1 is heard on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM on Sunday at 7:05 a.m.  

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The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta holds quarterly Stated Meetings to conduct business and join in worship together.

For more information about Stated Meetings (including links to registration, submit absence requests, download the current Commissioner Handbook, etc.), click the button below.

Some items, such as the Commissioner Handbook, registration link, etc., will be made available a couple of weeks prior to each event.

1st Wednesday SACK Lunch
South Atlantic Community Knowledge

A monthly Zoom for sharing across the synod!

Join, learn and share: experience, resources, and best practices on a new topic each month.

First Wednesday SACK Lunch

• 11/6/24 Mental Health Ministries

• 12/4/24 Racial Justice/Social

Information: https://www.synodofsouthatlantic.org/

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/240293832066052

Vote, Pray, Sing Event Tuesday, November 5

On a day of high hopes and high anxieties, our sanctuary will be open to the community 11:00am - 7:00pm as a space for contemplation, prayer, enjoyment, and rest. 

We will have prayer stations and a mix of music throughout the day, plus short prayer services at 12:00 and at 6:00pm. 

All are welcome to drop in to find peace and renewal in this sacred space. See Pastor Betsy to sign up for a one hour or longer slot to be part of hosting this event for our community.

Oglethorpe's 75th Anniversary

November 3rd

Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church
3016 Lanier Dr. NE
Brookhaven, GA 30319

Join us in celebrating 16 years of impact on refugee girls' education! On Saturday, November 2, Global Village Project will host its annual Welcome Walk. The Walk represents our commitment to making Atlanta a refuge for refugees to live, learn, and thrive. 

Over 300 people will gather to walk 4 miles from Clarkston to Decatur. Not ready to walk 4 miles? No worries! Our buses are available throughout the day to pick you up anywhere along the route and take you to the finish line celebration. Join students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and friends of GVP's mission as we seek to strengthen connections between communities. 

Walking or donating to this event is not just about covering the miles; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of our students. 

Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m - 1:30 p.m
    Registration: 9:00 a.m
    Program Begins: 9:45 a.m 
    Walkers Depart: 10 a.m
    Celebration Finish Line: 11:30 a.m- 1:30 p.m

Start Line: Clarkston Market (980 Rowland Street, Clarkston)
Finish Line: Global Village Project/ Decatur Presbyterian Church (205 Sycamore Street, Decatur)

Who can Walk? Everyone! This is a family-friendly event for all ages! Children under 6 are free. (Remember, we have a bus if you only want to walk a portion of the route!)

Learn More, Donate, Register: https://p2p.onecause.com/gvpwalk

New Elder Training, Part 1

Saturday, November 2, 2024 - 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Atlanta Good Church, 3330 Chestnut Dr, Doraville, GA 30340

If being an elder is new to you, we want you to come to this event!

Designed to onramp those who are new to being an elder and/or new to the PCUSA, this in person training will be held at Atlanta Good Church in Duluth, will offer language interpretation services, and is open to all leaders of our Presbytery. Taught by Pastors Sun Ki Jeong, Lindsay Armstrong, and Andy James, this training offers a rich blend of large and small group learning, reflection, and fellowship. It is specifically designed for church leaders who are new to being on leadership of a Presbyterian Church or who are going to be on the inaugural Session of a newly chartered church.  

RSVP by October 28, 2024 - Reservations required.

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/ZZGMTUaMt0

Installation of Rev. Emily Beaver as associate pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta

Sunday, October 27 at 11:00 am
Trinity Presbyterian Church
3003 Howell Mill Rd NW
Atlanta GA 30327

Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Rev. Emily Beaver as associate pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. The service is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 at 11:00 am (ET) at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta.

An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.