4
THE LAST WORD A newsletter connecting people, their faces & stories, to
SPRING 2009
PREACHING THROUGH ROMANS over the last year has again impressed upon me just how vital it is that the whole world should
hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It fascinates me how, in a day when communication was so much slower than today, those early churches hr
C
is
seemed to have so much contact with each other even across international boundaries.  Of course, many Christians travelled widely in those tC
hu
rch
days and would always make a point of seeking out other Christians in the places they visited. It was the universal passion for spreading the Pres
byterian
good news of Jesus Christ that drove them.  Churches that could have been inward looking were kept from self-indulgence by their desire to
see others won for Christ.  Later when the church of Ephesus lost that Gospel passion, Jesus reprimanded them severely for “abandon(ing)
SPRING
the love (they) had at first.”  He told them to “remember from where (they had) fallen; repent, and do the good works (they) had at first.” 
(Revelation 2:4b, 5a).   So serious was this that Jesus even threatened to “remove” their church altogether if they did not return to their
2009
former outgoing, passionate love for Him.
      Sometimes people ask me why I spend so much time encouraging missions and outreach in various forms.  Partly it is this same pas-
sion for the Gospel, but it is more than that.  As a pastor, I have to be very mindful that if we take our eyes off the spread of the Gospel as God’s Thoughts on Prayer
our primary reason for existence (the church is a lamp on a lamp stand, Rev 1), then our church may also be removed.  It is all too easy to
become self-absorbed and even self-indulgent if we don’t keep the same Gospel passion at the forefront of all our thinking.  You are not asking chubby, insecure me.”
God’s phone number
      So it is with special joy that I look at this time of the year when a number of our people take the opportunity to join in short-term mis-
sion work at home and abroad.  One of the mission opportunities to which our people return each year is in Sarajevo in Bosnia.  Campus —Jeremiah 33:3
Crusade works there and some are going to help for a couple of weeks and others for six weeks this summer. This is the work to which Josh
and Taylor Irby and their children are going in September.  They will be there on a permanent basis. Call on me and I will answer
      Another work in which several of our families are involved each summer is in West Virginia. There our people are involved in everything you and tell you great and
from construction work to helping with Vacation Bible Schools and backyard Bible clubs.  This of course brings to mind a number of op-
unsearchable things you do not
portunities to spread the gospel that we can take here at home..  Our own Vacation Bible School provides an excellent opportunity to reach
know.
out to other families that perhaps do not know Christ. Moms and Tots, which reaches a number of people who do not come to church, is
also carrying on throughout the summer.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
      For the rest of us, let’s covenant together to “strive in prayer” for these endeavors.  This is how Paul asked the Roman church to join him
in his mission (Rom 15:30) and this is the way we can all participate and truly reflect our passion for Christ and his gospel.  Prayer meetings
continue throughout the summer. Be joyful always; pray continu-
ally; give thanks in all circum-
~Paul Gardner stances, for this is God’s will for
Senior Pastor of ChristChurch  your baskets came through the door.”
you in Christ Jesus.
THE LAST WORD Ephesians 6:17-18
Take…the sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God. And
pray in the Spirit on all occa-
sions with all kinds of prayers
and requests…be alert and
always keep on praying for all
CHRISTCHURCH ATLANTA the saints.
sanctuary: 81 Peachtree Park Dr. NE,
Atlanta, GA 30309
editorial staff
offices: 1740 Peachtree St. NW, for the connector
Atlanta, GA 30309
Editor: Ida Bell
Writers: Ashley Baxter, Ann Robertson
ChristChurchAtlanta.org Photographers: Bobbi Jo Brooks;
phone: 404-605-0505 Kristin Timm
Graphic Designers: Ben Rupp,
Ashley Trousdale
the connector - christchurch atlanta - spring 2009
build relationships at ChristChurch Presbyterian, Atlanta, GA
It All Began With a Basket 
Good Friday, 2009, I was wrestling with the Lord, (so what else is new?) as I sensed His
still, small voice.  He was asking me to do something I felt totally inadequate and totally
uncomfortable doing.  Several women with Victoria’s Friends, an outreach ministry to the adult
entertainment industry, were going into the dance clubs to share the love of Christ with the danc-
ers by giving them beautiful Mary Mag-
dalene baskets that our church had very
generously filled.  I had been asked to go
on this outreach.
“Not me Lord.  What will I say?  Surely
“Yes, you Mary Lou,” the Lord replied.  
So with knees knocking and my heart
racing, I obeyed. Laden with beautiful
baskets we entered the dressing room of
one of the clubs.
  “We’re from Victoria’s Friends, a sup-
port group for dancers,” Victoria an-
nounced to the ladies.  As we began giv-
ing the baskets to the ladies, I was drawn
to one in particular.  She was sitting in a
chair, crying.  I went over to her, put my
arm around her shoulder, and knelt down
beside her.  
“You will never believe what just happened to me,” she said.  “ I was just out on the floor talking
to a man, asking him if God even exists, and at that exact moment you six beautiful women with
“He does indeed exist and He loves you very much,” I assured her, “and that is why we are here.” 
I was smack dab in the midst of a Divine Appointment that only the Lord God could have orches-
trated.  I was oblivious to anyone else in that small, cramped room.  It was as if my new friend, the
Lord and I were the only ones there.  What I specifically shared with her that night, the exact words,
I know not.  But the Lord gave me what He knew my new friend needed to hear and His love flowed
through me to her.
“I know some hymns,” she exclaimed and broke out in song.  “All night, all day, angels watching
over me my Lord.  All night, all day, angels watching over me.”  I joined in, and my friend and I made
a joyful noise that I am confident was heard in Heaven.  Angels WERE watching over us. 
“Would you like for me to pray with you?” I asked. 
“That would be great,” she replied.  There, literally on my knees, I claimed my friend and her
children for the Lord. 
Her break time over, she got up from her chair to return to the stage.  I invited her to come to
church with me on Easter then scribbled our church address and location on a piece of paper which
I handed to her.  Before exiting the room, she turned, looked at our team and said, “You have not
just made my day, you have made my life.” 
“You have made mine as well,” I replied. 
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, my new friend and her two beautiful daughters worshipped with
us at ChristChurch.  If all of the wonderful folks of our ChristChurch family had not made these gor-
geous baskets and covered them with prayer, this Divine Appointment would not have happened. 
Thank you, each and everyone who contributed to the 60 baskets that we handed out at three dif-
ferent clubs, for your generosity and love for the lost.   
~ Mary Lou Kauffman
the connector - christchurch atlanta - spring 2009
 2 3
DEACONS
Curtis Brown jerry wallace bria washington
Patrick Graffagnino
Harold Henry With great pleasure the session announces that Jerry Wallace has accepted the position of church The session is pleased to announce that Bria Washington will become CCP’s first “Ministry Facilitator”.  This position
Sean Henry
Holcombe Kelley treasurer.  Jerry and his wife, Sermerlyn, are among the newest members of ChristChurch and are be- is designed for a college graduate who wants to spend a year in Christian ministry while thinking through the Lord’s
Tim Larson coming well known to us all.  He comes from a financial background, having worked for the National calling for his or her life.  It is a full time position and we are excited that Bria, a 2009 Agnes Scott graduate, has
Brad Newton
Christian Foundation as well as having served as treasurer in other churches.  There is much for him accepted our offer.  Over the next year, you will see her taking part and helping in many areas of ministry.  Bria
Jeff Perkins
Mark Presley to do in the near future.  First, the normal budgeting process for 2009/2010, and, in due course, fund- has a servant heart, a love for the church, and a passion for the Gospel and outreach.   Since this position is
raising for the work on 1740 Peachtree Street will begin.  We are grateful to God for Jerry’s experience only partially funded by the church, please pray for her as she seeks further funding herself.  She is with the
ELDERS in both these areas of church finances.  Please pray for Jerry as he begins this work straight away.  He Campus Crusade team in Bosnia for six weeks this summer, before returning to us in July. (See New
Charlie Baxter replaces Beth Stephenson, to whom we are most grateful for nearly two years of faithful service in this Members’ photo page.) Matthew,
Jim Bell
Bob Fowler time-demanding role. (See New Members’ photo page.) Carter, Ian,
Chuck Francis Jack, Lucy
Rencher Gutteridge
Craig Hoffer
R YOUTH GROUP IS AWESOME!
Bill Hollberg
Pete Jackson OU
Paul Joseph
Chris LeCraw When the spring flowers are gone and the
Bill Long first warmth of the summer season is upon us, another year of youth Retreats
Chris Mardis
Trent McEntyre ministry at ChristChurch has passed.  As always, it’s been a year of
Danny McKinney weekly fellowship, seasonal retreats, continual worship, growing clos- This year we went on four seasonal retreats.  Probably the most unique this year was a gather-
Paul Quiros
Mike Riggs er with one another and above all, with Christ.  This past year has ing of eight PCA youth groups from north Georgia and Alabama out at
Randy Stair been filled with times of worship and prayer together; opening up
Doug Williams Camp Westminster.  It’s a great benefit for our teens to worship
to one other in transparency; lying under the stars and talking about alongside of other young people who share the same love
STAFF life; sitting around a campfire and jumping into the ice cold waters of for our Lord. 
Lake Lanier (in the fall!).  All in all, it’s been a great year.  I’d like to men-
Senior Pastor > Paul Gardner
Minister for Congregational Life > Pete tion a few highlights:
Various Youth
Weekly Fellowship
Jackson
Director of Music & Arts > Greg Hill The “bread and butter” of our youth ministry is the weekly meeting for fellowship
Youth Pastor > Nathan Parker
Praise and Worship Services and small groups on Sunday night.  During this time our peerless “youth volunteer
Office Manager > Robin Parten Five times since August we have devoted a whole evening to singing team” (A group of adult leaders who volunteer with the youth) meets with a
Assistant to Paul Gardner > Christy
worship songs together and praying for the needs of the church.  small group and leads the evening activities.  The meals, fun activities and
Yakovlev
Receptionist/Assistant to Pete There is nothing more satisfying than praying with our teenag- group discussions make for many uplifting and enjoyable evenings.   
Jackson > Elise Ziegenbein ers and hearing them pour their hearts out to God in interces-
Assistant to Greg Hill > Beryl Fowler Please keep all of the teenagers at ChristChurch in your regular prayers. 
Book-keeper > Debbie Serro sion (Parents – pray WITH your children!).  Truly, these have They are the next generation moms, dads, pastors, teachers, “10/40 win-
Children’s Ministry > Stephanie Holby been some of the most moving and memorable experiences
College Ministry > Trent McEntyre dow” missionaries – they are the present and future body of Christ!  Pull
College Intern > Nagib Hermes in my years as a youth director.  Left to right: Amelia, them aside and speak to them.  If you make the effort, you will be so en-
Men’s Ministry > Michael Bunch Laura, Emma, Na-
Mercy > Brad Newton couraged and blessed by getting to know our teens!  I know that I have.
Missions > John Robertson than, Tim, Charlie, ~Nathan Parker, Youth Pastor
Women’s Ministry > Jane Carter Suzanna, Ellen,
Young Adults Ministry > Gary Kirby
& Hannah Simms Julia-Kate, Kendahl,
William, John, Sally,
TITHES & OFFERINGS Carter, Sara, Andrew,
September 1, 2008 – April 30, 2009
(our fiscal year) David, Jack

annual budget for above dates:

$1,230,874
actual tithes and offerings received:
$1,207,752 Left to right: Emma,
Sally, Katie, Laura,
shortfall in giving for above dates:
Charlie Suzanna, Anna, Emma
-$23,122
the connector - christchurch atlanta - spring 2009
 2 3
DEACONS
Curtis Brown jerry wallace bria washington
Patrick Graffagnino
Harold Henry With great pleasure the session announces that Jerry Wallace has accepted the position of church The session is pleased to announce that Bria Washington will become CCP’s first “Ministry Facilitator”.  This position
Sean Henry
Holcombe Kelley treasurer.  Jerry and his wife, Sermerlyn, are among the newest members of ChristChurch and are be- is designed for a college graduate who wants to spend a year in Christian ministry while thinking through the Lord’s
Tim Larson coming well known to us all.  He comes from a financial background, having worked for the National calling for his or her life.  It is a full time position and we are excited that Bria, a 2009 Agnes Scott graduate, has
Brad Newton
Christian Foundation as well as having served as treasurer in other churches.  There is much for him accepted our offer.  Over the next year, you will see her taking part and helping in many areas of ministry.  Bria
Jeff Perkins
Mark Presley to do in the near future.  First, the normal budgeting process for 2009/2010, and, in due course, fund- has a servant heart, a love for the church, and a passion for the Gospel and outreach.   Since this position is
raising for the work on 1740 Peachtree Street will begin.  We are grateful to God for Jerry’s experience only partially funded by the church, please pray for her as she seeks further funding herself.  She is with the
ELDERS in both these areas of church finances.  Please pray for Jerry as he begins this work straight away.  He Campus Crusade team in Bosnia for six weeks this summer, before returning to us in July. (See New
Charlie Baxter replaces Beth Stephenson, to whom we are most grateful for nearly two years of faithful service in this Members’ photo page.) Matthew,
Jim Bell
Bob Fowler time-demanding role. (See New Members’ photo page.) Carter, Ian,
Chuck Francis Jack, Lucy
Rencher Gutteridge
Craig Hoffer
R YOUTH GROUP IS AWESOME!
Bill Hollberg
Pete Jackson OU
Paul Joseph
Chris LeCraw When the spring flowers are gone and the
Bill Long first warmth of the summer season is upon us, another year of youth Retreats
Chris Mardis
Trent McEntyre ministry at ChristChurch has passed.  As always, it’s been a year of
Danny McKinney weekly fellowship, seasonal retreats, continual worship, growing clos- This year we went on four seasonal retreats.  Probably the most unique this year was a gather-
Paul Quiros
Mike Riggs er with one another and above all, with Christ.  This past year has ing of eight PCA youth groups from north Georgia and Alabama out at
Randy Stair been filled with times of worship and prayer together; opening up
Doug Williams Camp Westminster.  It’s a great benefit for our teens to worship
to one other in transparency; lying under the stars and talking about alongside of other young people who share the same love
STAFF life; sitting around a campfire and jumping into the ice cold waters of for our Lord. 
Lake Lanier (in the fall!).  All in all, it’s been a great year.  I’d like to men-
Senior Pastor > Paul Gardner
Minister for Congregational Life > Pete tion a few highlights:
Various Youth
Weekly Fellowship
Jackson
Director of Music & Arts > Greg Hill The “bread and butter” of our youth ministry is the weekly meeting for fellowship
Youth Pastor > Nathan Parker
Praise and Worship Services and small groups on Sunday night.  During this time our peerless “youth volunteer
Office Manager > Robin Parten Five times since August we have devoted a whole evening to singing team” (A group of adult leaders who volunteer with the youth) meets with a
Assistant to Paul Gardner > Christy
worship songs together and praying for the needs of the church.  small group and leads the evening activities.  The meals, fun activities and
Yakovlev
Receptionist/Assistant to Pete There is nothing more satisfying than praying with our teenag- group discussions make for many uplifting and enjoyable evenings.   
Jackson > Elise Ziegenbein ers and hearing them pour their hearts out to God in interces-
Assistant to Greg Hill > Beryl Fowler Please keep all of the teenagers at ChristChurch in your regular prayers. 
Book-keeper > Debbie Serro sion (Parents – pray WITH your children!).  Truly, these have They are the next generation moms, dads, pastors, teachers, “10/40 win-
Children’s Ministry > Stephanie Holby been some of the most moving and memorable experiences
College Ministry > Trent McEntyre dow” missionaries – they are the present and future body of Christ!  Pull
College Intern > Nagib Hermes in my years as a youth director.  Left to right: Amelia, them aside and speak to them.  If you make the effort, you will be so en-
Men’s Ministry > Michael Bunch Laura, Emma, Na-
Mercy > Brad Newton couraged and blessed by getting to know our teens!  I know that I have.
Missions > John Robertson than, Tim, Charlie, ~Nathan Parker, Youth Pastor
Women’s Ministry > Jane Carter Suzanna, Ellen,
Young Adults Ministry > Gary Kirby
& Hannah Simms Julia-Kate, Kendahl,
William, John, Sally,
TITHES & OFFERINGS Carter, Sara, Andrew,
September 1, 2008 – April 30, 2009
(our fiscal year) David, Jack

annual budget for above dates:

$1,230,874
actual tithes and offerings received:
$1,207,752 Left to right: Emma,
Sally, Katie, Laura,
shortfall in giving for above dates:
Charlie Suzanna, Anna, Emma
-$23,122
the connector - christchurch atlanta - spring 2009
 New Members, MAY 2009
Emmitt Boyd became a Christian many years ago and was a member of an American Meth-
odist Episcopal Church.  He is retired and lives close to ChristChurch now. He has decided to
change his membership because of the love and attention people at CCP have shown to him.

Katherine Larson is from Cincinnati, Ohio.  She graduated from the University of Virginia
with a major in aerospace engineering.  She moved to Atlanta to work at Georgia Tech and also
discovered ChristChurch where she met Tim Larson.  They were married in January, 2009.  This
summer they will be moving back to Ohio where Katherine will begin medical school in July. 

Carla Schwartz grew up in Decatur and Tucker.  She is a graduate of Berry College with a major
in Spanish and Latin American Studies.  She hopes to connect with Latinos in the Atlanta area. 
She is employed by the PCA in the Stated Clerk’s office.
 
Blaire and Ben Smith, married since December, were drawn together through their love for
European missions.  After finishing Erskine College, in Due West, South Carolina, Blaire served
for three years in Germany with Mission to the World and returned to work in a support role at
the home office here in Atlanta.  When Ben went to Slovakia for short-term service, Blaire became
his coach.

The Wallace Family:  Sermerlyn, is a native Atlantan, while her husband, Jerry, an accoun-
tant, grew up in Missouri.  After home schooling for several years, Sermerlyn and Jerry now, enjoy
their empty nest and her preschool Sunday school children.

Their daughter, Esther, a dancer since she was three, is a junior at Agnes Scott, majoring in Asian
studies and working at Decatur School of Ballet.  Esther plans to study in China this summer. 

Lyn Wilkinson, who is from Conyers, is a graduate of the University of Georgia and sells IT
consulting.  About a year and a half ago, during a stagnant period in his spiritual growth, he was
invited to ChristChurch by his long-time friend Beth Maxwell.  Within a few months Lyn and
Beth, who had first visited the church through a Bible study led by two CCP women, had begun
dating.  They were married May 9th.  Beth, an Auburn graduate, works at a vendor management
company, and attends the Smyrna/Vinings home group with Lyn.

Bria Washington grew up in Beaufort, SC.  She is a recent graduate of Agnes Scott College and
majored in psychology.  Bria, a very gifted dancer, has performed often during worship services at
ChristChurch.

Elise and Jordan Ziegenbein grew up in Christian homes and began dating during their third
year at Covenant College.  Elise, who has played the violin since the age of three, graduated in
2008.  After she and Jordan were married in the summer, she joined him here in Atlanta, where
he is pursuing bachelor and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering.  Elise is administrative
assistant at CCP and frequently plays the violin in worship.  They are members of the Midtown
home group.
 Valentine’s Dance
Abbie Loristan & Anna Tucker
2009 Rob & Gwen Halsey

Mark Presley & Erin Fortenberry Bria Washington Jackson & Richard Henry

Pete, Paulette, & Anna Jackson

Jeanne & Harold Henry Tracy & Jeff Perkins

Jon Redding & Lisa Jones

Doug & Sarah Bell
Beryl & Bob Fowler

Betsy & Bill Long Michael Bunch, Nathan Dicks, Nagib Hermes Hal & Cathy Friesen
4
THE LAST WORD
SPRING 2009
PREACHING THROUGH ROMANS over the last year has again impressed upon me just how vital it is that the whole world should
hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It fascinates me how, in a day when communication was so much slower than today, those early churches hr
C
is
seemed to have so much contact with each other even across international boundaries.  Of course, many Christians travelled widely in those tC
hu
rch
days and would always make a point of seeking out other Christians in the places they visited. It was the universal passion for spreading the Pres
byterian
good news of Jesus Christ that drove them.  Churches that could have been inward looking were kept from self-indulgence by their desire to
see others won for Christ.  Later when the church of Ephesus lost that Gospel passion, Jesus reprimanded them severely for “abandon(ing)
SPRING
the love (they) had at first.”  He told them to “remember from where (they had) fallen; repent, and do the good works (they) had at first.” 
(Revelation 2:4b, 5a).   So serious was this that Jesus even threatened to “remove” their church altogether if they did not return to their
2009
former outgoing, passionate love for Him.
      Sometimes people ask me why I spend so much time encouraging missions and outreach in various forms.  Partly it is this same pas-
sion for the Gospel, but it is more than that.  As a pastor, I have to be very mindful that if we take our eyes off the spread of the Gospel as God’s Thoughts on Prayer
our primary reason for existence (the church is a lamp on a lamp stand, Rev 1), then our church may also be removed.  It is all too easy to
become self-absorbed and even self-indulgent if we don’t keep the same Gospel passion at the forefront of all our thinking.  You are not asking chubby, insecure me.”
God’s phone number
      So it is with special joy that I look at this time of the year when a number of our people take the opportunity to join in short-term mis-
sion work at home and abroad.  One of the mission opportunities to which our people return each year is in Sarajevo in Bosnia.  Campus —Jeremiah 33:3
Crusade works there and some are going to help for a couple of weeks and others for six weeks this summer. This is the work to which Josh
and Taylor Irby and their children are going in September.  They will be there on a permanent basis. Call on me and I will answer
      Another work in which several of our families are involved each summer is in West Virginia. There our people are involved in everything you and tell you great and
from construction work to helping with Vacation Bible Schools and backyard Bible clubs.  This of course brings to mind a number of op-
unsearchable things you do not
portunities to spread the gospel that we can take here at home..  Our own Vacation Bible School provides an excellent opportunity to reach
know.
out to other families that perhaps do not know Christ. Moms and Tots, which reaches a number of people who do not come to church, is
also carrying on throughout the summer.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
      For the rest of us, let’s covenant together to “strive in prayer” for these endeavors.  This is how Paul asked the Roman church to join him
in his mission (Rom 15:30) and this is the way we can all participate and truly reflect our passion for Christ and his gospel.  Prayer meetings
continue throughout the summer. Be joyful always; pray continu-
ally; give thanks in all circum-
~Paul Gardner stances, for this is God’s will for
Senior Pastor of ChristChurch  your baskets came through the door.”
you in Christ Jesus.
THE LAST WORD Ephesians 6:17-18
Take…the sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God. And
pray in the Spirit on all occa-
sions with all kinds of prayers
and requests…be alert and
always keep on praying for all
CHRISTCHURCH ATLANTA the saints.
sanctuary: 81 Peachtree Park Dr. NE,
Atlanta, GA 30309
editorial staff
offices: 1740 Peachtree St. NW, for the connector
Atlanta, GA 30309
Editor: Ida Bell
Writers: Ashley Baxter, Ann Robertson
ChristChurchAtlanta.org Photographers: Bobbi Jo Brooks;
phone: 404-605-0505 Kristin Timm
Graphic Designers: Ben Rupp,
Ashley Trousdale
the connector - christchurch atlanta - spring 2009
A newsletter connecting people, their faces & stories, to
build relationships at ChristChurch Presbyterian, Atlanta, GA
It All Began With a Basket 
Good Friday, 2009, I was wrestling with the Lord, (so what else is new?) as I sensed His
still, small voice.  He was asking me to do something I felt totally inadequate and totally
uncomfortable doing.  Several women with Victoria’s Friends, an outreach ministry to the adult
entertainment industry, were going into the dance clubs to share the love of Christ with the danc-
ers by giving them beautiful Mary Mag-
dalene baskets that our church had very
generously filled.  I had been asked to go
on this outreach.
“Not me Lord.  What will I say?  Surely
“Yes, you Mary Lou,” the Lord replied.  
So with knees knocking and my heart
racing, I obeyed. Laden with beautiful
baskets we entered the dressing room of
one of the clubs.
  “We’re from Victoria’s Friends, a sup-
port group for dancers,” Victoria an-
nounced to the ladies.  As we began giv-
ing the baskets to the ladies, I was drawn
to one in particular.  She was sitting in a
chair, crying.  I went over to her, put my
arm around her shoulder, and knelt down
beside her.  
“You will never believe what just happened to me,” she said.  “ I was just out on the floor talking
to a man, asking him if God even exists, and at that exact moment you six beautiful women with
“He does indeed exist and He loves you very much,” I assured her, “and that is why we are here.” 
I was smack dab in the midst of a Divine Appointment that only the Lord God could have orches-
trated.  I was oblivious to anyone else in that small, cramped room.  It was as if my new friend, the
Lord and I were the only ones there.  What I specifically shared with her that night, the exact words,
I know not.  But the Lord gave me what He knew my new friend needed to hear and His love flowed
through me to her.
“I know some hymns,” she exclaimed and broke out in song.  “All night, all day, angels watching
over me my Lord.  All night, all day, angels watching over me.”  I joined in, and my friend and I made
a joyful noise that I am confident was heard in Heaven.  Angels WERE watching over us. 
“Would you like for me to pray with you?” I asked. 
“That would be great,” she replied.  There, literally on my knees, I claimed my friend and her
children for the Lord. 
Her break time over, she got up from her chair to return to the stage.  I invited her to come to
church with me on Easter then scribbled our church address and location on a piece of paper which
I handed to her.  Before exiting the room, she turned, looked at our team and said, “You have not
just made my day, you have made my life.” 
“You have made mine as well,” I replied. 
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, my new friend and her two beautiful daughters worshipped with
us at ChristChurch.  If all of the wonderful folks of our ChristChurch family had not made these gor-
geous baskets and covered them with prayer, this Divine Appointment would not have happened. 
Thank you, each and everyone who contributed to the 60 baskets that we handed out at three dif-
ferent clubs, for your generosity and love for the lost.   
~ Mary Lou Kauffman
the connector - christchurch atlanta - spring 2009