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MAY 2019 | VOLUME 69.05

B Y R E V. D R . S C OT T W E I M E R , S E N I O R PA S TO R & C Y N T H I A W E I M E R

F R O M O U R Hearts T O Y O U R S

Don Handell

Dear North Avenue Presbyterian Church Family,

I want to take this opportunity to put in writing how profoundly grateful Cynthia and I are to you for the privilege and honor that you have given us, in calling us to serve as your pastor and pastor’s family over these past

22 years. When we first entered into ordained pastoral ministry 36 years ago, we never could have imagined how good God would be to us in allowing us to serve three vibrant congregations, most especially North Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Every single week, for all these years that we have been among you, we have gathered together in our sanctuary at the corner of Peachtree Street and North Avenue for worship and spiritual nurture. From here we are sent out into the world to be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth.” From my perspective, our corner is one of the most important intersections in the city of Atlanta, a true crossroads of north, south, east, and west. I honestly cannot think of any corner in any city that is more dynamic or has more possibilities for transformational ministry and mission than our very corner.

I remember years ago, when our congregation concluded several worship services by going out the front doors of the sanctuary, down the steps onto Peachtree Street, and then prayed our way all around our block. As we walked around our block, we prayed that God would bless our church members and our church premises for the glory of Jesus Christ. We especially prayed fervent prayers for the community around us and for every aspect of our neighborhood. We have witnessed countless answers to those prayers for the well-being of our people, and for the transformation of our neighborhood for the good. From this corner, we have lived out what it means to be a light to the world that shines forth brightly with the love, grace, mercy, and justice of Jesus Christ on people from all walks of life, and from all over the world.

Throughout these past 22 years, we have seen such remarkable and phenomenal changes in our city, in our immediate midtown neighborhood, and within our own church family. Who could have guessed that the church’s steady membership growth would include a majority of new members under the age of 35, of whom 43% reflect multi-ethnic and multi-national origins? That’s just truly amazing! We are learning from one another - across the generations and across the various cultures and ethnic backgrounds of our members - how to live together, work together, pray together, and do ministry and mission together for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

One of my most important mentors once said about the ministry we accomplished together, “God could have used anyone to do what we have done, but God chose to use us, and for that privilege we rejoice and give thanks!” Quite honestly, ministry among you has been nothing short of thrilling, dynamic, powerful, and inspiring at the deepest levels of our faith and of our human capacities.

I am hopeful that my years of ministry among you will be remembered as years of faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope you will believe that I have genuinely loved you, prayed for you, and that I gave my very best to you. Cynthia and I have no doubt that you have given your very best to us and our family. You have loved our family, nurtured us in faith, prayed for us, shared in our many joys, and borne our burdens. No church could do more for a pastor and family than you have done , and we simply cannot put into words what you mean to us. With genuine love, affection, gratitude, and joy, we remain faithfully and forever yours in Christ Jesus our Lord,

1 • NAPC

(and on behalf of Christen, James, and Justin)

May 2019 • 2

Hello NAPC Family,

Scott Weimer has been a pastor, friend, confidant, and leader to the North Avenue family for almost 22 years. He has dropped everything to come to our comfort in times of need and tragedy, and he has let us be a comfort to his family in their times of need. I have heard many sermons and have been in many meetings with Scott, and I will always regard his leadership with utmost respect. Perhaps more importantly, I will always remember and cherish the special moments that I have shared with Scott and his family, such as mission trips to Honduras (see pictures), Easter Egg Hunts (see picture), and his visits to me in the hospital. These moments will be in my mind and heart forever. Even though in a few weeks Scott will no longer be our pastor, he will always be our friend.

The Transition Team would like to again share a few updates on what is happening in the pastoral transition process. Dr. Weimer’s last Sunday as Senior Pastor is now upon us. As a reminder, any Love Gift offerings are due by this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 and designated “Weimer 22.” You may place your love offering in the collection plate, mail to Roger Young at the church, or online at www.napc.org/love-offering

Celebrations – The primary celebration will be held on Dr. Weimer’s last Sunday, May 19, and will include:• 9 a.m.- Discipleship hour• 10:15 a.m.- One combined worship service• 11:30 a.m.- Reception for the Weimers

All are encouraged to be here on that day.

Prayer – We request that the congregation continue to be in prayer regularly for this time of change.

Interim Pastor Nominating Committee (IPNC) – The IPNC is nearing the end of their work and an announcement will be made in early May.

Input to Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) – Instruction on how to submit recommendations for the PNC will be shared later this month.

New information is regularly being added to the Transition page on the NAPC website www.napc.org/transition

Please address your questions and suggestions to the Transition Team at transition@napc.org or by using a connection card on Sunday. We also have a Transition Discussion at the Crossing at 10:05 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month, May 26. We look forward to hearing from you!

Transition Update

Don HandellCLERK OF SESSION

Scott with son James at Honduras Airport 2001

Scott leading service in Honduras community 2001

Scott with village baby in Honduras 2001

Scott leading a game at Easter Egg Hunt 2014

We love our SeniorsBE SURE TO WISH OUR 2019 SENIORS LUCK ON THE NEX T STEP OF THEIR JOURNE Y!

3 • NAPC

Kate BuxtonLakeside High School,

plans to attend Berry College and major in Accounting

Jenna GoodmanLakeside High School,

plans to attend Auburn University to be a Child Life Specialist

Emma HansonLakeside High School,

plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in Aerospace Engineering

Scott JohnsonDecatur High School, plans to attend Furman University and study Vocal

Performance and Political Science

Jarred LoweCristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School,

plans to attend Kennesaw State University

Kiersten TateOur Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, plans to attend Emerson

College and study journalism

Mary Wallace UnderwoodNorth Atlanta High School,

plans to attend the University ofSouth Carolina for Nursing

Cecilia Palmar-PeutzRiverwood Charter High School, plans to attend Agnes Scott and plans to study in the field of math or biology

Grace PietkiewiczChamblee High School, plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in Literature Media and Communication

Ellie RiceGrady High School, plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in Literature

Media and Communication

May 2019 • 4

" We live by Hope and Remembrance"

From the moment Dr. Rev. Scott Weimer received the call to NAPC, he embraced the good work started by Dr. Prak and many others and looked for ways to support both the wellbeing and welfare of international students and members in holistic and inclusive ways. From the beginning he took the posture of a learner and wanted to help amplify the voices and promote the leadership of those with international backgrounds.

In the last 15 years NAPC has been a denominational leader in the ordination of international Pastors, Elders and Deacons. The impact of NAPC supporting internationals stretches far beyond the four walls of the church. Many internationals who have returned to their country of origin still speak fondly of how they were received, treated, and given opportunities to participate in church life and leadership because of Scott’s generous and hospitable form of leadership.

In my home country of Kenya, many pastors who attended NAPC as seminary students became key leaders within the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, and NAPC supported their work in a variety of ways including; attending a ground breaking for the university in 1988 and making an initial contribution of $20,000; and, Dr. Weimer and a delegation from our presbytery officiated the dedication of the library and dormitories in 2003. To this day NAPC retains strong relationships with many church leaders in Kenya. There are countless other examples of how Scott has blessed and poured into emerging church leaders around the world. I am one grateful recipient and honored to call him my pastor and my friend.

Dr. Weimer has touched many lives of people both in the USA and beyond. My prayer is that God will bless him in his future ministry as continues to labor in the Lord’s vineyard.

A FAREWELL TO DR. REV. SCOTT WEIMER BY DR. REV. SAMUEL MWANIKI, THEOLOGIAN IN RESIDENCE

Rev. Dr.Samuel MwanikiTHEOLOGIAN IN RESIDENCE

Worship Reflections -SIMPLE GIFTS: FAITH AND THE ARTS REFLECTION -

We had an amazing series with “Simple Gifts: Faith and the Arts!” Thank the over 500 of you who attended the special performances from Ken Medema, Michael Kurth, Jesse Briete, and Tom Key.

- LENTEN ART PROJECT - As part of the Simple Gifts: Faith and the Arts series, several NAPC artists contributed original art which was displayed in the Reception Landing April 7-April 21. These pieces helped to creatively tell the story of Holy Week and complimented the other offerings of the series. We are so grateful for those who shared their gifts with us!

“Songs and Stories” with Ken Medema

ATTENDANCE: 82

Ken Medema concertATTENDANCE: 131

Composer Conversations with Michael Kurth and

Jesse Briete ATTENDANCE: 70

Tom Key performing C.S. Lewis on Stage

ATTENDANCE: 231

Josh Schicker Helen Keller Leigh Kershner Lindsey Fossett Emily Curtin

Gillian Horsley Heintz Gillian Horsley Heintz Shenandoah Flora Shenandoah Flora

5 • NAPC

MAUNDY THURSDAY REFLECTION We had a wonderful turnout at all our Home Groups for Maundy Thursday. Participants enjoyed fellowship, a spiritually guided service, and communion. Thank you to all of our host homes and everyone who helped develope the service.

May 2019 • 6

5:45 P.M. HIATUS After much reflection and conversation, NAPC’s leadership approved putting the 5:45 service on hiatus starting Sunday, May 5, and going through the summer. This break will provide some much needed rest for staff and volunteers as well as a period of time to envision how to use our Sunday evenings. Stay tuned for more information about all the possibilities ahead of us.

PRAYER OVER OUR TRANSITION Prayer over our Transition - Join in corporate prayer on Sundays from 8:15-8:50 a.m. in Overlook-A and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. for a “Pause for Prayer” wherever you are. Information: www.napc.org/transition

Go Opportunities NORTH AVENUE PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH HAS A RICH LEGAC Y OF MISSIONS. WE ENGAGE THE CIT Y, BEFRIEND INTERNATIONALS AND PARTNER WITH THE GLOBAL CHURCH SEEKING TO BECOME A PEOPLE OF EMBODIED PRESENCE AMONG THE MATERIALLY POOR, REFUGEES, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, AND THE CHURCH LOCALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD.

7 • NAPC

- JOIN THE NAPC COFFEE TEAM - The Coffee Team is looking for a few more people to join the team as we help to create an environment for conversation and friendship around a cup of coffee on Sundays. If you are interested in serving, please contact Kim Goldsmith, kim@napc.org

- MAY GIVING PROJECT: T-SHIRT DRIVE - Join us as we partner with The Atlanta Children’s Shelter (ACS) to collect new t-shirts from May 5-May 26 to help provide for the basic needs of children at the shelter. We will be collecting new colorful t-shirts for boys and girls that can have age appropriate graphics in the following sizes: 12 months, 2T-5T, and child sizes 6-8. Items can be dropped off in the bins located in The Reception Landing or The Children’s Ministry Welcome Area.

A special Thank You to all those who participated in our March Giving project for Midtown Assistance Center. North Avenue donated over 75 containers of laundry detergent which was a record breaking donation drive for them and a true blessing for many!

Roxie ChessDirector of Children & Family Ministries

May 2019 • 8

- MISSION MADNESS: HELP US SERVE YOU -

From Monday, June 17 - Thursday, June 20, our youth in Mission Madness are focusing on local mission work and would love to help some of our members who have cleaning or repair needs from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each day! If you are interested, please email Jessica Dart, jessica@napc.org

- YOUTH JAMAICA MISSION TRIP DONATIONS -

As our youth prepare for our July mission trip to Jamaica, help us Pack with a Purpose! We need to fill 22 new backpacks with school supplies to bring to students on the island. For a full list of items needed, please visit www.napc.org/youth-missions. Donation bins are located in The Reception Landing and in the youth area to collect the items from now through May 12. Thank you so much for partnering with us on this journey! Questions: Jessica Dart, jessica@napc.org

- 2019 CARING HANDS FUND OFFERING -On Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, NAPC will be collecting an offering for Caring Hands Fund to help support our older sisters and brothers who are residents at Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. This fund provides nursing care and other support for more than 400 of this ministry’s most vulnerable residents who have outlived their financial resources and now depend on us for a significant portion of their care.

Grow Opportunities W E C O N S I D E R I T A P R I V I L E G E A N D A N H O N O R T O S H A R E O U R L I F E, FA I T H , A N D M I N I S T R Y W I T H Y O U. T H E R E A R E M A N Y WAY S T O C O N N E C T B E Y O N D S U N DAY W O R S H I P AT N O R T H AV E N U E A N D W E I N V I T E Y O U T O E X P LO R E, C O N N E C T, A N D G R O W W I T H U S N O R T H AV E N U E.

- CINDY CIRCLE - Whether you’re 26 or 60, join us on Sunday, May 5 as the Cindy Circle presents attorney Cynthia Harrison in a conversation about wills. The unexpected happens and having a will makes it a bit easier for your loved ones to cope. A light lunch will be provided at 12:15 p.m. in Room 4101. To RSVP, contact Kay Carlson, kay@napc.org

- 2020 WOMEN’S RETREAT - Save the date for the 2020 Women’s Retreat on Jan. 31 – Feb. 2. We will be at the beautiful Forest Hills Mountain Resort in Dahlonega, GA from Friday evening to Sunday noon. To see the resort, visit www.forresthillsresort.com. More information coming soon.

- TRANSITION DISCUSSIONS -The Transition Team is working to provide regular updates on the progress of the pastoral transition. An opportunity for information is to meet members of the Transition Team in the Crossing at 10:05 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month to have an informal discussion on the transition. You can also check www.napc.org/transition and send questions to transition@napc.org. The next meeting is Sunday, May 26.

10 • NAPC

Senior PastorRev. Dr. D. Scott Weimer >> scott@napc.org

Associate Pastor for Discipleship Rev. Megan Johnson >> megan@napc.org

Associate for Congregational Care Rev. Frank Eldridge >> frank@napc.org

Theologian in ResidenceRev. Dr. Samuel Mwaniki >> samuel@napc.org

Executive Director of Ministry & Mission Matt Seadore >> matt@napc.org

Director of Children & Family MinistriesRoxie Chess >> roxie@napc.org

Director of Youth Ministry Jessica Dart >> jessica@napc.org

Director of Worship Arts & TechnologyJosh Schicker >> josh@napc.org

Director of Worship Arts & Choral Music Bryan Black >> bryan@napc.org

Director of Cherub Choir Susan Rembert >> susan.rembert@gmail.com

Executive Assistant to Worship Lisa Ellinger >> lisa@napc.org

International Student Ministry Coordinator Jason Yu Chen >> jason@napc.org

Equipping Ministries AssociateKay Carlson >> kay@napc.org

Coordinator for Hospitality & Outreach Kim Goldsmith >> kim@napc.org

Executive Director of Finance & OperationsRoger Young >> roger@napc.org

Staff Accountant Karen Dickey >> karen@napc.org

Director of CommunicationsShenandoah Flora >> shenandoah@napc.org

Director of Facilities Gene Wooldridge >> gene@napc.org

Administrative Assistant/ ReceptionistBridgett Stewart >> bridgett@napc.org

Director of Music & The Arts, Emeritus Oscar L. Rodriguez

North Avenue Presbyterian Church607 Peachtree Street, NE • Atlanta, GA 30308

(404) 875-0431 • www.napc.org

May 2019 • 11

Contact Information

• Baptism: Felix Tison Meis - Sunday, April 14

• Dedication: Ezra Daniel Bowers - Sunday, April 28

• Wedding: Brittany Lee Hickcox & Steven Rodney Knauf Saturday, April 27

In the Life MARCH 2019 2019 YEAR-TO-DATE Ministry & Mission Income $ 211,465 $ 598,545

Ministry & Mission Expenses 183,353 538,697

Difference $ 28,112 $ 59,848

Did you know that you can set up recurring gifts through our online giving portal?

Visit www.napc.org/give

Financial Report

Easter Photos

May 1 AA - High Noon Sobriety12-12:45 p.m. in Crossing-A, room 3209(Meets every Wednesday)

May 5Cindy Circle 12:15 p.m. in Overlook-A

May 19Dr. Weimer’s last Sunday, - 9 a.m.- Discipleship hour - 10:15 a.m.- One combined worship service - 11:30 a.m.- Reception for the Weimers

May 24Memorial DayChurch Offices will be closed

May 26Transition Discussions 10:05 a.m. in the Crossing

R E G U L A R L Y S C H E D U L E D

E V E N T SSUNDAYS9 a.m. Contemporary Worship

9:15 a.m. Cherub & Junior Choir Rehearsal

10 a.m. Fellowship

10:15 a.m. Discipleship Hour

11:15 a.m. Traditional Worship

12:15 p.m. Healing Service on third Sundays

4 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal

5 p.m. Youth Group

TUESDAYS10 a.m. Presbyterian Women Inductive Bible Study (Circle 3) meets on the second & fourth Tuesdays

10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circles 1 and 2 meet on the second Tuesdays

WEDNESDAYS12 p.m. AA-High Noon Sobriety

5:30 p.m. ESL

5:50 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal

6:30 p.m. Intergenerational Bible Study

7 p.m. Wednesday Women’s Bible Study

7 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

THURSDAYS

9:30 a.m. Thursday Women’s Bible Study

M A Y B I R T H D A Y S

Calendar

North AveNews (USPS 392-280) is published monthly by North Avenue Presbyterian Church, 607 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2226. Periodical postage paid at Atlanta, Georgia. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Avenue Presbyterian Church, 607 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308-2226.

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NAPC events, give online, and more! Visit www.napc.org/app.

01 Jack Tie, Jason Pruitt

02 Laura Page, Kelly Knapp

03 Melia Nagy, Emma Hanson, Catherine Gituku

04 Donna Brown, Carol Henwood, Denise Paultre-Horst, Jennifer Gray, Jermaine Ladd, Hailee Kate Pruitt

05 Sharon Clarida, Ronda Zents, Ted Yuan, Robin Hubier, Grant Kendall

06 Laura Gettler, Gabriel Rice

07 Anne Barron, Bill Armstrong, Robinson Karanja, Tingting Wang

08 Sarah Yun

09 Polly Bates, John Hinson, Carolyn Githieya, Liren Yu

10 Marcos Albertini, Tracy Anderson, Rosy Anderson, Tara Jatlaoui, Jess Barre, Sechaba Kershner

11 Chris Deetanna, Britt Hubier, Eli Goodyear, Layla Patel

12 Melissa Banzhaf, Brooke Beckert, Luke Brayton

13. Mary Ann Flinn, Bobby Wilson, John Knapp

14 Kathy Kennedy, Edouard Din, Marilyn Borst, Keziah Kamau, Danny Vincent, Timothy Coats, Audrey Zents

15 Edwin Bethea, Diane Baier, Blakely Johnson

16 Jessica Dart

17 Edie Primm, Courtney Robinson

18 Helen Davis

19 Lindsey Fossett, Rory Russell-Tutty, Fannie Bradley Hinson

20 Joe Tarpley, Sue Wieland, Aimon Deetanna, Anne Mbugua, Katie Reeder

21 Barbara Rivenbark, Christina Bryan, Gray Lindsey, Laurel Klest, Thomas Davis, Leif Johnson, Ronan Gray, Ford Crosland

23 Jeannette Ward, Darryl Lee, Veronica Glass, Katelyn Perry

24 Lauren Johnston, Elizabeth Gartrell, Brandon Burge, Carolyn Tye

26 Glenice Johnson, Steve Saggus, David Bottomley, Helga Wang, Tutu Wang, Erin Robinson, Kaylene Champagne

27 Paul Mwangi, Jesse Breite, Cooper Gray

28 Don Haney, Sithabile Dube, Bill Dixon, Ben Andrews, Sophie Zents

29 Mike Babincak, Chris Cook, Silvia Kamau, Zoe Jennings

30 Walter Gleaton, Jennifer Hogan, Leslie Rhoades

31 John Owens, Rachel Lovins, Sarah Smith, Carter Roberts