Hi friends,

From time to time, as one of the most centrally located congregations in United’s Southeast region, we have the opportunity to host special events for members from throughout the region and beyond. Tomorrow is one of those occasions. With UCG’s Southeast Regional Ministerial Conference taking place in Atlanta on October 24–27, we anticipate welcoming several guests to our combined Sabbath service.

Our congregations have consistently shown warm hospitality to visitors, just as Scripture encourages us to do (Genesis 18:1–8; Romans 12:13; Romans 16:3–5; 1 Peter 4:9). Please pray for the safe travels of those coming to Atlanta. When you see our guests, take a moment to offer a smile, a handshake, and a warm greeting. Better yet, spend some time getting to know them. In doing so, you will help make their Sabbath more meaningful and strengthen the Body of Christ.

Romans 12:4–5 reminds us: “For just as each of us has one body with many members... so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Thank you in advance for extending such a warm welcome. Here are this week’s announcements.

1. Combined Sabbath Service — October 24

Tomorrow, October 24, Atlanta and Buford will hold combined Sabbath services at Unity Atlanta, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

We will return to our respective congregations for services on October 31 and November 7.

2. Unable to Attend? Watch the Atlanta Webcast

If you are unable to attend because you are not feeling well, please join us through the Atlanta webcast. The channel password is “treeoflife” (without spaces).

https://www.ucg.org/congregations/atlanta-ga

3. UCG Atlanta Bible Study — October 27

Our next Atlanta Bible Study will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Jerold Aust will lead the study as we continue our examination of the Gospel of John, focusing on John 11.

For those joining online, the Zoom details are below:

Zoom meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83871677401?pwd=CSoupVrJ3qHxQQaq94jgeBnQZOajZ%E2%80%A6#success

Meeting ID: 838 7167 7401    |   Passcode: 857315

4. Jeopardy After Dark — October 31

Because October 31 falls on the Sabbath, and many of us will have trick-or-treaters in our neighborhoods after sunset, the Atlanta congregation will host Jeopardy After Dark at Unity Atlanta. Please join us for an enjoyable evening of fellowship. Our schedule includes:

• Sabbath services
• Dinner on your own after services
• Jeopardy at Unity Atlanta after sunset

Plan to come and be a part of the fun!

5. Feast Slideshow Photos — Deadline November 7

We would love to include your Feast photos in our post-Feast slideshow! Please upload 4–5 photos per person, with a maximum of 10 photos per family, using the link below. Thank you for sharing your Feast memories.

Upload photos: https://tinyurl.com/2026fotpics.

You may also email them to ucg.atlantabuford@gmail.com or text them to (251) 342-4329.

If you have questions or difficulty uploading photos, please contact Dr. Crystal Thomas, who is preparing the slideshow for November 14. The submission deadline is November 7.

6. Men’s Song Leader Workshop — November 14

Current song leaders and men interested in learning to lead hymns are invited to a workshop on Saturday, November 14, at Unity Atlanta, beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Congregational singing is an important part of our worship. During the workshop, we will discuss its purpose, the responsibilities of a song leader, and basic techniques for leading hymns. A musical background is not required. A sense of rhythm, familiarity with the hymns, and a desire to serve are excellent starting points.

If you currently lead songs—or are a young man in your late teens or older who would like to serve in this way—please join us. For questions, contact Charlie Graby, the workshop facilitator.

7. Atlanta/Buford Thanksgiving Covered-Dish Meal — November 14

Our annual Thanksgiving covered-dish meal will take place after Sabbath services on November 14. We hope you will join us for food and fellowship. To help us prepare, please keep the following in mind:

• Volunteer for setup or cleanup. Both men and women are welcome to help. Please use the signup link below to indicate your availability.
• Let us know what you are bringing. Listing your dish or dishes will help us provide variety and avoid duplicates.
• Label all serving dishes and utensils with your name. If you purchase prepared food, please transfer it to your own labeled serving dish and bring a labeled serving utensil.
• Take your dishes, utensils, containers, and leftovers home afterward. Please do not leave any disposable or reusable items for the cleanup crew.

https://tinyurl.com/3zndduuz

Thank you for helping make this a wonderful meal for everyone! — Scott and Crystal Thomas

8. New Event Date: Savoy Automobile Museum — December 6

Interested in a day of fun and fellowship? We are planning a visit to the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, on Sunday, December 6. Come explore the galleries and enjoy the history and design of classic automobiles.

Admission prices (as provided):

• General admission: $17 at the gate, or $15 when purchased online in advance
• Youth ages 3–12: $7
• Children ages 2 and under and active military: Free

Special promotion: Because our visit falls on the first full weekend of the month, eligible Bank of America or Merrill cardholders may qualify for free general admission through the Museums on Us program. Bring an eligible card and valid photo ID, and verify the museum’s participation and the promotion’s terms before your visit.

If you would like to attend, please raise your hand when we ask for a show of interest during tomorrow’s services.

9. ABC Calendar Fundraiser

The ABC Class of 2027 is offering this year’s Holy Day Calendar Planners! Unlike the fully magnetic calendars of previous years, the new 11 × 17-inch wall calendars are printed on premium heavyweight cardstock. They feature a larger format, clearer printing, bigger dates, color-coded Holy Days, and plenty of room to write.

Cost: $8 each

Shipping: Calendars will be shipped in bulk to local congregations in December.

Would you like to display your calendar on the refrigerator? Check the “Include Magnets” box when ordering to receive two free adhesive magnet squares for the back.

Proceeds from this fundraiser support extracurricular educational and service projects for ABC students, enriching their experience and benefiting the Church. Thank you for supporting our students!

Looking for more ABC merchandise? Apparel and accessories are also available through the UCG Apparel and Accessories Store. https://www.bonfire.com/store/ucg-apparel-and-accessories/

Questions? Email abcfundraiser@ucg.org.

10. Summary of Upcoming Events

• October 24 — Combined Sabbath services at Unity Atlanta, 2:30 p.m.
• October 24–27 — Southeast Regional Ministerial Conference
• October 27, 7:00 p.m. — UCG Atlanta Bible Study (John 11)
• October 31 — Local congregational services; Jeopardy After Dark at Unity Atlanta
• November 7 — Feast slideshow photo deadline
• November 14 — Combined Sabbath services, Sabbath School, Teen Bible Study, Song Leader Workshop, Feast slideshow, and Thanksgiving covered-dish meal
• December 6 — New date: Savoy Automobile Museum outing
• December 22–27 — Winter Family Weekend, Hamilton, Ohio
• December 28 — UYC Winter Camp begins (apply now!)

I close this week’s announcements with an update on my niece, Makayla Thomas. Earlier today, she underwent a lumbar puncture to measure her spinal fluid pressure. By indications thus far, the procedure went well. However, the next two to three days will be important in determining what steps will be needed next. Please keep Makayla in your prayers, particularly over the next several days.

That is all for this evening. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow in Atlanta. Happy Sabbath!

In love,

Philip Aust
United Church of God, Pastor
Atlanta & Buford, Georgia

Memory Verse — Ezekiel 38:1–3

“Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 ‘Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.’” (Ezekiel 38:1–3; Gog and Magog)