UCG Announcements (11/7/26): Services in Buford and Atlanta
Hi friends,
From time to time, I have the privilege of announcing a baptism in our area. This week is one of those times. Last Sunday, Katie Brady of our Buford congregation was baptized!
As you know, baptism is the most important commitment we make in life. God underscores the importance of repentance and His desire for us to receive eternal life in many passages. Here are a few scriptures worth considering:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Matthew 18:12–14 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
With this wonderful news, I encourage those of you who are baptized to welcome Katie as a sister in Christ when you see her. Congratulations, Katie!
Here are this week’s announcements.
1. Sabbath Services — November 7
We will meet in our two local congregations on November 7. 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.
Reminder: We are combined for services in Atlanta on November 14.
2. Unable to Attend Services? 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 — November 10
Our next Atlanta Bible Study will be held Tuesday, November 10, 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 13.
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. Feast Slideshow Photo Submissions — Deadline November 7
Just a reminder that Feast pictures are due this Sabbath. We’ve had good participation so far, but we’d love to receive photos from anyone who has not yet submitted theirs. 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!
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.
5. 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.
6. Combined Sabbath Service & 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
7. Sabbath School & Teen Bible Study — November 14
We will have Sabbath School and Teen Bible Study classes on November 14. As a reminder, phones are not allowed in Sabbath School and Teen Bible Study. Bibles are required.
8. Savoy Automobile Museum — December 6 (New Date)
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.
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.
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.
As I close, I want to thank Jasmine Aust, Erick Sevilla, and Jon Davies (a.k.a., “Alex Trebek”) for their involvement in last Saturday night’s Jeopardy After Dark. Despite the “Troubled” group sitting in the back row (if it helps, they called out “trouble” for their answers), a good time was had by all.
Those are our announcements for this evening. See you tomorrow at services, and please drive safely.
Happy Sabbath!
Philip Aust
United Church of God, Pastor
Atlanta & Buford, Georgia
