Hi everyone,

Here’s trusting you had a positive week and are now enjoying this Sabbath evening.

Tomorrow, we are set for a combined Sabbath service in Atlanta. After a week that included the Council of Elders meeting locally to develop a new strategic plan for the United Church of God, tomorrow we will have Mr. Tim Pebworth, Chairman of the Council of Elders, and his wife Maryse at services with us. Mr. Pebworth will provide an update on the French work as well as deliver the sermon. After services, we will have our annual “world famous” Thanksgiving-themed covered dish meal. Given the events at services, my sense is that we will have a larger than normal group in attendance. Thank you for being warm, hospitable hosts as we welcome the Pebworths and other guests to our area.

As we anticipate meeting tomorrow for services, here is what you need to know this Sabbath evening. 

1. Sabbath Services in Buford and Atlanta: 11/15. We will combine for services tomorrow at Unity Atlanta at 2:30 PM. We have a covered-dish meal planned for after services. 

Want to serve tomorrow in some way? Please sign up here and note what you will bring to this meal. Here is the link to do so: https://tinyurl.com/3zndduuz

Next Sabbath (11/22), we will be back in our two local congregations.

2. Under the weather this Sabbath? Tune into our UCG Atlanta Webcast. If you are sick this week, plan to watch the Atlanta webcast online. 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

3. Next Atlanta Bible Study: 11/18. Our next UCG Atlanta Bible Study takes place this Tuesday evening, November 18 at 7 PM. Mr. Jerold Aust will go through the background on the book of Hebrews and start into Hebrews 1. Below is 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

See you there.

4. Atlanta and Buford Service Survey. After taking time to do some work behind the scenes on how to enhance our congregations, we are handing out and collecting a survey tomorrow that asks that you indicate your choice of local service. The survey requests that you provide your contact information. Then it offers a series of areas in which to serve. Please fill out the survey according to the instructions and return it to Mr. Bob McCurdy. The information will be used to develop an organizational chart for our area. Thank you, in advance, for your involvement in our two congregations.

5. Reminder: 2025 UCG Buford/Atlanta Thanksgiving Covered Dish Meal. We will be holding our annual Thanksgiving Covered Dish Meal on Sabbath, November 15, 2025. We hope you can join us after church for fellowship and food! Please take note of the following:

1. Volunteers Needed (Men & Women):
   We need help with setup and cleanup.
   → Go to https://tinyurl.com/3zndduuz and, about halfway down the page, mark that you are willing to assist.
2. Tell Us What You’re Bringing:
   Please indicate what dish(es) you plan to contribute so we can ensure variety and avoid duplicates.
   → Use the same link: https://tinyurl.com/3zndduuz.
3. Label Your Items:
   Label all serving dishes and serving utensils with your name.
   • If you purchased an item (e.g., cookies in packaging), please transfer your item to your own labeled serving dish and bring a labeled utensil (such as tongs or a serving spoon).
4. Take Everything With You After the Meal:
   Please take home all dishes, utensils, and any leftovers when you leave.
   • Do not leave containers—disposable or otherwise—on the tables. Cleanup volunteers cannot determine who items belong to or whether leftovers should be saved or discarded.

Thank you for your help in making this a smooth and enjoyable meal for everyone! Scott and Crystal Thomas

6. All aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. 11/16. 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 are 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

See Sandy Usry if you have any questions.

7. Looking Ahead to December: 12/13. As we look toward December, note that on 12/13 we will have Sabbath School and Teen Bible Study Classes and a covered-dish meal after services. [UPDATE - The covered dish meal has been pushed back to the Sabbath of 12/20 due to a conflict with the use of the Fellowship Hall] The theme for that meal is Chili, Soup, & Cornbread. And that evening, Bunco is back! Plan to stay late and join in the fun.

8. 2025 Winter Family Weekend: 12/23–12/28. Get ready to be “Fueled by Faith!” Registration for the 2025 Winter Family Weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio is ongoing. Please see below:

• 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.

That’s it this evening. See you tomorrow at services in Atlanta. Please travel safely.

Happy Sabbath,

Philip Aust

United Church of God, Pastor

Atlanta & Buford, Georgia

Proverbs 31:10-12 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. ¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. ¹² She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.