Hi friends,

Welcome back from this year’s Feast of Tabernacles and Eighth Day! From the feedback I’ve received thus far, everyone appears to have had a wonderful Feast. I trust that Spiritual enthusiasm will be evident when we gather for services tomorrow on God’s Sabbath. 

In terms of local services, note that Atlanta and Buford will be combined this Sabbath at Unity Atlanta. The address of Unity Atlanta is 3597 Parkway Ln, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. The service will begin at 2:30 PM. 

Here are a few announcements that merit your attention this Sabbath evening.

1. Feeling ill this Sabbath? Tune into our UCG Atlanta Webcast. If you are sick tomorrow, plan to watch the Atlanta webcast online tomorrow. To view the service, enter the password tree of life (with no spaces) in the channel password box. The URL location is: https://www.ucg.org/congregations/atlanta-ga

2. Service opportunity: Volunteers Needed for a Sabbath Curtain Crew. We are looking for a team of 2–4 individuals to take on the responsibility of putting up and taking down the background curtain that appears on stage each week. This team needs to begin as soon as possible. If you are able to serve in this way, please see me tomorrow. Thank you in advance for your service.

3. Next Atlanta Bible Study: 10/21. Our next UCG Atlanta Bible Study takes place this Tuesday evening, October 21 at 7 PM. Mr. Jerold Aust will begin the Book of Philippians. We will go through the background to Paul's letter to the church at Philippi and then cover Philippians 1. Below is the information to attend the study online:

Join the Zoom Meeting here:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83871677401?pwd=CSoupVrJ3qHxQQaq94jgeBnQZOajZ…

Meeting ID: 838 7167 7401
Passcode: 857315

4. All aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! 11/16. Please join us for Fun, Fellowship, and Fall Foliage. Our departure date is 11/16/2025. Tickets are $54.56 for adults and $34.55 for kids 3-12. Two and under is free.

Please arrive by 9:15 am for our departure time of 10:00 am. The total trip time is 4 hours. We will disembark in Copperhill / McCaysville for a two-hour layover, where you can shop and eat lunch.

The address for the railway is 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Parking is free in the downtown area and certain other areas close to the Railway. There is paid parking that ranges from $5.00 to $11.00.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10ExvDKC2QP3pp9gzTb-cTQgIZK6ByqblqdY9BDcoCYE/edit?usp=drivesdk

Please see Sandy Usry if you have any questions.

5. Upcoming Sabbath School and Teen Bible Study Classes. Because the Feast of Tabernacles takes place the second Sabbath in October, our next Sabbath School and Teen Bible Study classes will be offered in November. Here are the dates for our classes this year: 11/8, 12/13, 1/10, 2/14, 3/14, 4/11, and 5/9.

6. 2025 Winter Family Weekend. Get ready to be “Fueled by Faith!” Registration for the 2025 Winter Family Weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio is just around the corner. As in previous years, registration will open in phases. Please mark your calendars for this year’s dates:

• Sunday, Sept. 21: Registration opens for Team Captains ONLY.
• Thursday, Oct. 16: Early registration opens for attendees with special needs.
• Sunday, Oct. 19: General Registration opens for all attendees.

Hotel Information. We have secured blocks of rooms at a discount rate at two hotels. Please note that hotel booking will not be available until General Registration opens on October 19.

• The Warehouse Hotel (On-site at Champion Mill): The primary hotel for the event. Please note there is a required 4-night minimum stay for all reservations in our group block.
• Courtyard by Marriott (Nearby): For guests planning a shorter stay. This hotel does not have a minimum night requirement.

Important Reminder. The group booking codes and reservation links for both hotels will be released with General Registration on October 19. Registering as a Team Captain does not provide early access to hotel booking.

As I close, I know some have returned from the Feast a bit under the weather (e.g., a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, stomach troubles, or other signs of illness). If this is you, please take this Sabbath to recover and protect others in the congregation. You may view services via the webcast and then return in person as soon as you’re well. Thank you for caring for others this way.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at services.

Happy Sabbath!

Philip Aust

United Church of God, Pastor

Atlanta & Buford, Georgia