Join us for “Matters of the Common Life!” as well as the Craddock Lectures!

Join us for the final week of the sermon series “Matters of the Common Life!” as well as the Craddock Lectures!

Week of September 27

Setting the Table, Serving the City

Dear Peachtree Family,

One of the joys of being part of Peachtree Christian Church is witnessing the many ways our shared life becomes an expression of our mission: to seek and share the heart of Christ in the heart of the city. Through worship, learning, hospitality, and service, we continue to discover what it means to be a Cathedral for the City.

There are several opportunities before us in the coming days to grow in belonging, deepen our discipleship, and extend our care beyond our walls.

The Craddock Lectures and a Gift of Learning

On Monday, September 28, we will welcome Dr. Ryan Burge for the Fred Craddock Preaching Lectures. Dr. Burge will offer a set of special talks exploring significant trends in American religion. This annual lecture series honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock and reflects Peachtree's commitment to humble theology, lifelong learning, and influence with the broader church.

I also want to celebrate a wonderful expression of our commitment to From Table to Service: Peachtree has donated well over 500 books to the Craddock Center. This gift extends the work of learning and formation beyond our own congregation, sharing resources with a ministry that serves children and communities.

What we receive around the table of Christ is never meant to remain only within our walls. Through generosity, education, and partnership, we move from table to service.

Learn more and register for the Craddock Lectures.

Starting Point: A Place to Belong Before Believing

This Sunday, we will offer Starting Point at 10:00 a.m. for anyone who would like to learn more about Peachtree Christian Church, our mission and vision, and what it means to become part of this community.

Our value of Belonging Before Believing reminds us that people do not have to have every question answered or every aspect of faith figured out before they have a place at our table. Starting Point is an opportunity to take that next step—to learn, ask questions, meet others, and explore the possibility of membership and deeper participation in the life of our church.

If you know someone who is looking for a church home, curious about Peachtree, or wondering how to become more connected, please invite them to attend. For more information, contact dstone@peachtree.org.

A simple invitation can be the beginning of a meaningful journey of faith and belonging.

Stewardship 2027: Set the Table / Serve the City

Our stewardship season is here, and this year's theme is Set the Table / Serve the City.

As we look toward 2027, I want to offer you a direct invitation: Please prayerfully consider making a financial commitment to Peachtree Christian Church, and, if you are able, consider increasing your giving for the coming year. If you have not made a financial commitment before, this is an opportunity to take that step and participate more fully in the ministry we share.

Your generosity helps set the table. It sustains worship, discipleship, hospitality, and service, allowing Peachtree to continue its mission of seeking and sharing the heart of Christ in the heart of the city. Together, we are building a community where people can belong before believing, encounter humble theology, and move from table to service.

Stewardship is more than meeting a budget. It is an act of gratitude for the life we have received and a tangible expression of our commitment to one another. When we give, we invest in the church we love and in the ministry God has entrusted to us.

I invite you to make your 2027 stewardship commitment by Sunday, October 25. Take time to pray, talk with your household, and consider how your financial generosity can support Peachtree's mission in the coming year. Every gift matters, and every commitment helps us serve together.

If you have not yet made a pledge, I encourage you to do so. If you already give faithfully, please consider whether you might increase your commitment as we seek to grow our ministry and deepen our service to the city.

Make your 2027 stewardship commitment by October 25

Thank you for your generosity, your faithfulness, and your willingness to share in the work of this congregation. Together, we set the table. Together, we serve the city.

With gratitude,

Jarrod

ALSO (From Brooks):

An Update from Roots in Edinburgh

This summer, our July outreach giving supported Globalscope's Roots campus ministry in Edinburgh. When we heard from them then, they had unexpectedly lost the space for their weekly student gathering. Now they have good news: Greyfriars Kirk, a church Roots has partnered with for the last couple of years, has welcomed them into its building. They just held the first Wednesday night of the new term in their new home. Watch the video, linked below, for a short update from the Roots team, who send their thanks for your prayers and support.

Here is a link to the video they sent.

Listen Now

Upcoming Special Events

Sunday | September 27

Jesus refuses to answer on the questioner's terms. Authority in the kingdom is not credentialed; it is recognized.

We close our series on the common life with Jesus' parable of the two sons. Whose 'yes' actually carries weight in the kingdom?

Dr. Ryan Burge | September 27–28, 2026

Each year, Peachtree honors the legacy of Dr. Fred Craddock—one of the most influential preachers and teachers of his generation—by welcoming a distinguished guest to our pulpit and our classroom. Our guest preaches in Sunday worship, then returns Monday morning to lead two lectures for all who'd like to dig deeper into the craft and calling of preaching.

This year we're delighted to welcome Dr. Ryan Burge. Join us Sunday, September 27, as he preaches in worship, then come back Monday, September 28, for his lectures in Burns Hall:

Sunday, Sept. 27 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday, Sept. 28 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Whether you're a pastor, a student of Scripture, or simply someone who loves a good sermon, you're warmly invited. The lectures are open to everyone, and there's no cost to attend—we just ask that you register so we can plan accordingly.

Register at: peachtree.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3699591

Sunday, October 4 | 11 AM Service

12 PM Heritage Lunch in Burns Hall | Free

Come celebrate with us on Heritage Sunday as we commemorate the founding of our church in 1925, dedication of our Sanctuary in 1928, and acknowledge our deep spiritual roots in Scotland with the thrilling music of the Pipes and Drums. At the end of service, follow the Pipes and Drums to Burns Hall where we will all enjoy a complimentary delicious lunch featuring fried chicken! Heritage Sunday is always a highlight of our church year, and we look forward to seeing you.

Wednesdays | Oct 7 - Nov 18 | 7-8:30pm | Online

You are invited to join a seven-week workshop, reading and discussing small and delightful examples of writing in a spiritual vein while using them as models for your own spiritual reflections. For those of you who signed up for Spiritual Writing I, you’ll find new forms of writing to explore. If you didn’t take the first course, never fear! Nothing in the new class requires previous knowledge or experience. Your commitment during the sessions is your decision. You may work alongside the material (getting the most out of the sessions) or just join us and listen. You will be welcome and your choice respected. Though our time together will be short, you’ll leave with new awareness, ideas for writing as a part of your own spiritual journey, and resources for your future spiritual reading. I’m confident that you will find joy in hearing what your fellow writers think, and they will be delighted by your writing journey as well. The Psalmist says, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe” (45:1, ESV). Writing can be a tearful or joyful experience, life-changing even, and it can serve as a way to meditate, connecting to the Divine Master Writer we serve—Our King!

October 7 - Introduction to Course & Writing out of Sorrow and Despair

This course will begin in sorrow and end in joy. We know that even the most joyful of people can experience depression and sorrow. Our friends and family can often help mitigate our sorrow. Spiritual disciplines, as well, can pull us up, and in these things, we feel God working to help us. Doing something for someone else can also pull us out of sorrow. Certainly, meditation and writing can be part of our dealing with and understanding sorrow.

October 14—Poetry I

“I don’t write poetry!” The scriptures are full of poetry. With good models and a little guidance, you will find ways into poetry. It’s not about being good or perfect. Your words should connect with your thoughts and emotions, getting at matters that you value deeply—those words are more often than not very spiritual in nature.

October 21—Poetry II

We’ll continue with poetic forms that are easily accessible and hear what each other has been able to draft to this point, asking the questions, “What is working here?” and “What do we want to hear more about?”

October 28—Meditations on a Word

Selection of a word, meaningful to you, is a wonderful way to “go deep” into thinking about what matters to you. A scaffolded process will guide you into writing in this meditative form.

November 4—Writing the Parable I

Parables are an ancient way of teaching and using narrative to connect to values. Modern parables abound as well. We will explore parables from around the world and then attempt to write one of our own.

November 11—Writing the Parable II

We will share our parable drafts, receive feedback for expansion or rewrites, and perhaps look at a few other examples.

November 18—Open Mic Night!

Your chance to read some work that is going well so far, solicit feedback, or just ask for attentive listeners. Everyone will have a chance to read a selection or selections of his/her choice.

Wed | October 14 | 11:30 AM | Manuel’s Tavern

Good food tastes even better with great friends! Join us for our October Lunch Bunch as we head out for a fun, relaxed meal and lots of conversation.

We’ll gather on October 14, at 11:30 AM at Manuel’s Tavern!

Whether you’re a longtime regular or brand new to Lunch Bunch, there’s always a seat at the table for you. Come enjoy classic favorites, friendly faces, and a warm, welcoming time together. Please make your reservation on the registration page.

We’d love to see you there—let’s do lunch!

Questions? Contact Jeff Harbin
jharbin@peachtree.org

Sun | Oct 18 | 6-7:30pm | Sanctuary

Jacob wrestled with God until daybreak and would not let go without a blessing. Bring your questions, your doubt, and whatever you are carrying, and join us for an evening of music, ancient prayer, and open communion.

Everyone is invited.

Especially if it has been a while.

Sun | Oct 25 | 10am to 11am | Playground

Round up your friends and family for our annual fall celebration! Children preschool through 5th grade are invited to enjoy pony rides*, s'mores, painting mini pumpkins, and games. Youth are encouraged to help with the fun, while parents of infants and toddlers are welcome to bring their little ones to enjoy the playground. Activities will begin at 10 AM. Please check your children in at the welcome table on the playground. Invite your neighbors and friends!

*Due to weight restrictions, pony rides are limited to children under 12 years old.

Sunday | Oct 25 | Consecration Sunday | Stewardship 2027 | Set the Table, Serve the City

Your generosity sets the table for every ministry, meal, and neighbor Peachtree serves. Make your 2027 pledge at peachtree.org/give2027 by Consecration Sunday, October 25. Pledges received by then help our Board set next year's budget.

Saturday | Nov. 7 | 10am | Burns Hall

Bring your appetite and an open mind. We're firing up the griddle for a men's pancake breakfast and welcoming author Zachary Wagner for a talk drawn from his new book, Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World (Brazos Press).

Wagner is an ordained minister and New Testament scholar who completed a doctorate in New Testament studies at Oxford. His argument is that the crisis facing men is real, but the answer isn't bravado, erasure, or culture-war confusion. It's virtue: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. His talk explores what each of those looks like in a man's work, friendships, marriage, and inner life.

Learn more at Zachary Wagner .com

Order the book: Strandbooks

Come hungry. Stay for the questions. Bring a friend, a son, a neighbor, or the guy from your small group who says he's too busy for this sort of thing.

$15 includes breakfast.

Sunday | Nov 15 | Noon | Burns Hall | $5 Kids, $10 Adults, $20 to-go meals!

Join us Sunday, November 15 at 12:00 PM for one of our favorite annual fundraisers! Our middle and high school students are hosting a Spaghetti Lunch & Cake Auction to help raise money for their 2027 Mission Trip, social events, service projects, and other youth ministry opportunities throughout the year. Lunch is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and if you can't stay, you can take home a family-style meal for $20, including sauce, noodles, and bread (meat and vegetarian options available!). And, of course, no Cake Auction would be complete without plenty of delicious treats to bid on. We are looking for people who are willing to donate cakes, cookies, pies, brownies, or any other homemade baked goods for the auction. Bring your appetite, your generosity, and your competitive bidding spirit, and help support our students as they serve, worship, grow, and have fun together!

Join the Outreach Ministry Group

Want to stay connected with what’s happening in Outreach at Peachtree? Join our Outreach Ministry group on Church Center to receive updates, opportunities to serve, and information about our monthly outreach partners.

Click below to join and stay informed:

https://peachtree.churchcenter.com/groups/ministry-teams/outreach-ministry

Upcoming Recurring Events

We’d love for you to come help serve Mondays at 8am. Ready to eat at 9!

Our recurring needs are frozen breakfast casseroles (if sausage is involved we request turkey sausage), big bowls of cut-up fruit, and ground coffee. These items can be brought to church on Sunday morning and placed in the freezer in the 2nd floor kitchen. Contact Brooks Gignilliat with questions. (404) 709-0199

Sundays | 10am | Room 212

Sundays | 10am | Room 214

Our Parenting Class at Peachtree offers a relaxed, discussion-based environment where parents can connect through real conversations, shared experiences, and practical advice. Whether you're raising toddlers or navigating the teenage years, you'll find encouragement and support. We enjoy taking time to pray together, supporting one another through the ups and downs of parenting. New parents are always welcome—come join us for meaningful discussion and a deeper sense of community.

Sundays | 10:00 am | Room 217

Fellowship is the perfect name for this class, where members gather in a warm, welcoming space to learn, connect, and share in the abundant grace and blessings of God. It’s a place where relationships are built, both through the class and throughout church-wide activities, offering countless opportunities to grow together in faith.

The class focuses on helping older adults deepen their understanding of the Bible, its relevance and importance to living our Christian faith. Our lessons explore essential themes like faith, joy, love, forgiveness, and the essence of living as a community of believers. Each Sunday, a rotating team of teachers brings new perspectives, blending historical insights with contemporary reflections, sparking thought-provoking discussions and moments of shared growth.

Come be a part of this vibrant group of prime-time adults as we continue to grow our understanding of Jesus' teachings and what it truly means to live as a community of believers.

Sundays | 10:00 am | Room 218

Women of all ages are welcome to join us as we study God's word together and support each other through prayer and fellowship.

Contact Janet Speer with questions: janet-speer@att.net

Sundays | Sept. 20 – Nov. 15 | 10:00 AM

“Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus’ disciples once asked. Join us as we reflect on great prayers of Abraham, Moses, Mary and others as we seek to enrich our own prayer life.

Sundays | 10am | 1st Floor Youth Room

Our Youth Sunday School class for middle and high school students (6th-12th grade) is designed to help teens connect with Scripture in a real and meaningful way.

In this 45-minute session, we'll explore how God’s Word speaks directly to the challenges and decisions teens face every day—whether it's friendships, identity, faith, or purpose.

Through engaging teaching and thoughtful discussion, students will not only dive deeper into understanding the character of God, but also strengthen their theology and build a foundation for navigating life with faith and wisdom.

This class is a place to learn, ask questions, and grow together in a supportive, vibrant community.

Teachers: Rev. Katie Bond & Jeff Bond

Sundays | 10AM | ROOM 215

Logos Men’s Sunday School Class exercises our biblical imagination as we focus on one compelling biblical word at a time. You are invited to an intentional discussion that includes the question, “What does the Word of God mean to us?” Each month we will grapple with how the Word of God is evident in various aspects of our lives.

If you are interested in providing Sunday morning flowers for the Sanctuary altar or niches in memory of a family member, please contact Karen Upchurch for more information. karen.upchurch@gmail.com

Welcome, Volunteers!

You can help our church in numerous ways by volunteering. Here are a few current openings:

Legacy Club, Tuesdays and Thursdays, respite ministry, kbond@peachtree.org

Monday Breakfast Club, Monday mornings, outreach ministry, bgignilliat@peachtree.org

Children’s area, Sunday mornings, children’s ministry, rschulz@peachtree.org

Greeters, special events, connections ministry, dstone@peachtree.org

Please email the ministry contact for more information on how you might help.

The Legacy Club. There are more than 43 million unpaid caregivers in the US who care for a child or adult family member. The Legacy Club provides respite (a break) for caregivers and their loved ones who are experiencing cognitive decline resulting from loneliness, isolation, stroke, and dementia.

October Partner: All outreach giving this month goes to support MAC

This October, Peachtree is helping stock the pantry at the Midtown Assistance Center. For 40 years, MAC has worked to prevent hunger and homelessness among the working poor in our own neighborhood. All outreach giving this month goes to support MAC, and you can also help by bringing items their clients ask for most:

Pantry items: canned chicken, canned salmon, chili, Vienna sausages, canned soups, canned vegetables, beef stew, Hamburger Helper, rice, baked beans, pancake mix and syrup, cooking oil, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit, juice, coffee, and tea

Most needed:

Household items: laundry detergent, paper products, cleaning supplies
Hygiene items: soap, shampoo, deodorant
Snacks: granola bars, snack kits

For more information, contact Brooks Gignilliat at bgignilliat@peachtree.org.

Thank you!

NEWSLETTER

ALSO (From Brooks):

Upcoming Special Events

Join the Outreach Ministry Group

Upcoming Recurring Events

Welcome, Volunteers!