UCG Atlanta & Buford  | Sabbath Announcements

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Hi friends,

We are rapidly moving through this calendar year, with 2027 just around the corner. The fall leaves are one indicator that things are cooling off. Another indicator that we are nearing the end of the year is the change back to standard time this weekend. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday evening so you can enjoy the extra hour of sleep.

As I think about the passage of time, I am reminded of Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:15–16. After encouraging the Ephesians to imitate God and walk in love as Christ did, Paul urges them to walk wisely and make the best use of their time.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16

Paul offers a wonderful admonition that we would do well to take to heart this Sabbath. As we anticipate coming together for services in Buford and Atlanta, here are this week’s announcements.

1. Sabbath Services — October 31

We will meet in our two local congregations on October 31. The Buford congregation will meet at the Holiday Inn Express in Bethlehem at 10:30 a.m. The Atlanta congregation will meet at Unity Atlanta at 2:30 p.m.

2. Teen Bible Study Meeting — October 31

We will have a meeting for Teen Bible Study instructors immediately after Sabbath services in Atlanta. Those who have been contacted to assist with teaching this year should meet to the left of the stage. The meeting will last approximately 5–10 minutes.

3. 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 part of the fun!

4. 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

5. UCG Atlanta Bible Study — November 3

Our next Atlanta Bible Study will be held Tuesday, November 3, 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 12.

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

6. New Feast Slideshow Photo Link — 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 new link below. Thank you for sharing your Feast memories.

New photo upload link (Google Form)

https://tinyurl.com/ucg2026fotpics

You may also email photos 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

Signup link: https://tinyurl.com/3zndduuz

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

Locally, please contact Mr. Bob McCurdy if you want to order a calendar this year.

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.

That’s all the news worthy to print this Sabbath evening. Have a wonderful start to your Sabbath. See you at services tomorrow in Buford and Atlanta!

Happy Sabbath,

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

Memory Verse — Ezekiel 40:4–5

And the man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you. Declare to the house of Israel everything you see.” 5 Now there was a wall all around the outside of the temple. In the man’s hand was a measuring rod six cubits long, each being a cubit and a handbreadth; and he measured the width of the wall structure, one rod; and the height, one rod. (Ezekiel 40–48: The restoration of Israel)