ACP This Week - 28 August 2025

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ACP This Week

Hello ACP Family,

Please view this video message from Pastor Paul reflecting on Doxa (to praise) and the last lines of the Lord's Prayer, the subject of this week's sermon in the Teach Us to Pray: Exploring The Lord’s Prayer series.

He also highlights ACP's Rentrée schedule, including the start of Children's Worship this Sunday and the All-Church Potluck Picnic the following Sunday. The full offering of MLK Commemoration Events, retreats, Thurber Conversations, Bible studies, age-level ministries, musical opportunities, and fellowship groups appears below

This Sunday

Scripture Readings
- Matthew 6:9-13, KJV
- 1 Chronicles 29:10-14, NIV

Children’s Worship resumes during both the 11h and 14h worship services. Register your child's attendance in advance each Sunday at acparis.org/signups.

Join us for cake and coffee in the Theater during Coffee Hour following both worship services as we come together to express our heartfelt gratitude to Natalie McConnell for her outstanding service and dedication as the Interim Director of Music Ministries at ACP.

Please Support the ACP

Save the Dates

MLK Commemoration Events

Join u

s as we mark the 60th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to ACP with a series of exciting commemoration events! For information, see acparis.org. To assist or for ticket information, contact christianeducation@acparis.org.

‘Dare to Dream’ Concert,
Presented by ACP Children’s and Youth Choir, Conducted by Sara Barton:
Saturday, 4 October 17h-18h30
Conversation on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Vision of the Beloved Community,
Led by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Holmes Jr., MLK scholar and preacher:
Thursday, 9 October 19h-21h
International Jazz Brunch: Featuring Saxophonist, Ozzie Smith Jr.:
Saturday, 11 October 11h-15h
Worship Service and sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Holmes Jr:
Sunday, 12 October 11h & 14h
Dedication ceremony of MLK Commemorative Plaque:
Sunday, 12 October 12h30-13h
Celebration Jazz Concert by Grammy Nominated Jazz musician: Nathan Mitchell and other musicians:
Sunday, 12 October 17h-18h30

La Rentrée

All-Church Rentrée Potluck Picnic: Sunday, 7 September 12h15-14h (between worship services) on the grassy area of the quai d'Orsay across from the church. Bring a blanket, food and games. Paper plates, cups and cutlery will be provided, as well as chairs for those wishing them.

Get Plugged In Sunday: 21 September, in the Theater following worship services.

At this ministry fair, you can learn about our upcoming retreats, workshops, musical opportunities, Thurber Conversations, Bible studies, age-level ministries, and fellowship groups to feed your soul.

Membership Inquiry Classes: 21 September 12h30 and 15h30 in the Senior Pastor’s office and on Zoom. Interested in learning more about ACP: who we are and what we believe? We would love for you to join our membership inquiry class! Sign up at acparis.org/signups.

Mission Engagement Sunday: 28 September in the Theater following the worship services. Our Mission Engagement committee will host a ministry fair where you can learn about our ministry partners (in Paris and abroad), and how you can serve in ministry both in and outside the church. Come meet the people leading these services and get involved.

Children

Children’s Worship: Sundays 11h and 14h (resumes 31 August). For safety reasons, please register your child's attendance in advance each Sunday at acparis.org/signups. Contact childrensworship@acparis.org for more information.

Children and Youth Choirs: Rehearsals are on Sundays in the Thurber room, resuming 7 September, except during school holidays. Children’s choir (ages 3 -12) 9h45-10h45; Youth ensemble (teens) 11h30-12h30. We also have a youth instrumental and chimes ensemble (sightreading skills are necessary): 10h45-11h30. The choirs sing in church once a month. All children and youth are welcome! Contact Youth Music Director Sara Barton at ymusic@acparis.org.

Parent Support Group: First meeting: Sunday, 14 September 12h15 in the Associate Pastor’s Office. Childcare provided in G7. Sign-up at acparis.org/groups.

Children's Worship new volunteer training: Sunday, 5 October 12h15 in G7. Learn about how to get involved with our children's program. Meet our Children's Ministry Director, meet some of our team members, and find out how you can bring your talents and gifts to this vital ministry! Contact childrensworship@acparis.org.

Youth

Youth Group: Sundays, resuming 14 September, 12h30-13h45 in the ACP Catacombs (-1 level) during the school year. Light lunch is provided each week. Youth Group is for collège or lycée or middle and high school students. If you have a child in collège or lycée and you do not receive regular email contact or you are new to the community, please email Elizabeth at youthpastor@acparis.org to get on the weekly email list.

Youth Ensembles: Rehearsals are on Sundays, resuming 5 September, except during school holidays. See notice for Children and Youth Choirs above.

Adults

Finding Peace and Rest at the Fall Adult Retreat: 19-21 September at l'Abbaye de Fleury, St. Benoît sur Loire. Finding Peace and Rest through Christian Meditation and Bible Study, Led by Pastor Steve Moon. We take Sabbath time for re-creation, renewal and rest with quiet reflection and active prayer. There will be time to worship with the brothers, explore Opening to God in community time, sing and reflect, take walks, share meals, and engage in the Great Silence of the monastic life (from late evening through breakfast). Register at acparis.org/adult-retreat.

Christian Education Conversations - Woven Together through Inclusion

We continue our theme of being woven together in Christ in the rentrée. Selected Thursdays 19h-20h45 in the Senior Pastor’s Office and on Zoom.

Conversation led by Filipino Fellowship: Thursday, 18 September. Learn about the Philippines, the archipelago with its diverse ethnicities and rich culture, and the Filipino Fellowship group and how they have grown over the years. They will be sharing their goals, challenges, wins and the many ways in which they faithfully support ACP. Sign up at acparis.org/ce-conversations.
Conversation led by African Fellowship: Thursday, 6 November.
Conversation on Mission Engagement, 100 NOW: Thursday, 4 December.

BYOB: Bring Your Own Bible (Study): Wednesdays, 15 October - 5 November 19h-20h30 in the Senior Pastor’s Office and on Zoom. Gather in-person at 19h for casual conversation; the study begins at 19h30. Pastor Paul will lead this class on Christian basics and Biblical literacy, by reading through the Gospel of John. This class is open to all, but particularly for those new to the Christian faith and those who’ve always wanted to read and study the Bible - but haven't. Register to attend any or all sessions at acparis.org/byob.

Sunday Afternoon Bible Study: Sundays, following the 14h worship service, 15h30-17h in the 2nd floor Library. This study group welcomes all, wherever you are in your faith journey. We will resume on 7 September to continue our study of the Book of Acts, Chapter 10. After Acts, we plan to move on to study the Book of Judges. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Silent Prayer Thursdays: Join us for prayer in silence every Thursday evening. We will practice 25 minutes of praying together in stillness according to the method of Centering Prayer. This period is followed by the reading of a short sacred text according to the method of Lectio Divina. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for sharing. The prayer will be led by ACP staff member, Jörg Kaldewey. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Young Adults: Tuesdays, resuming 9 September, 12h30-13h45 in the ACP Catacombs (-1 level). Light food is provided. We are a diverse community of young adults ages 18-30ish from many nationalities, countries, cultures, and religious traditions, united in our common faith in Jesus Christ and desire to live out the fullness of God's Kingdom together. Email Elizabeth at youthpastor@acparis.org for more information. Follow our YA Group on Instagram for the latest updates: @acp_ya.

Au Pair Bible Study: Gathering every third Thursday, resuming 18 September, 12h30-14h at ACP. Lunch is provided. Bible study and warm space for young women (and guys!) to share, grow in faith, and create a faith-based community. Email Elizabeth at youthpastor@acparis.org to get connected to our Whatsapp group! *Please note that this study is for those working as un(e) jeune fille au pair in Paris and Ile-de-France.

Young Professionals: YoPros is a warm and welcoming fellowship for young professionals centered on the warm welcome we find in Jesus. Together, we navigate the intersection of faith, career, and life. Open to all regardless of marital or job status. We meet two Thursdays/month, 19h30-21h, 2nd floor ACP Library. One Thursday/month we will discuss “Inspired” by Rachel Held Evans; one Thursday/month, we will host a social gathering. First discussion: Thursday, 2 October. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Artist’s Collective: As a child of the great Creator, you are invited to explore your own creativity, whether that is in writing, sewing, painting, photography or some other medium. All creative types, novice to professional, are invited to join us one Sunday/month 12h15-13h45 in the 2nd floor Library for conversation (this Fall inspired by the book "The Artist's Way”); and one Saturday/month 11h-12h30 in the Senior Pastor’s Office, for a Creative Date (bring your art supplies) to work on your own art…in community! First Sunday Conversation: 19 October; First Creative Date: 8 November. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Eternal Youth Group: For those desiring meaningful conversation and community at the crossroads of life. Whether your crossroads is moving into retirement, a career or relationship transition, or simply a desire to be in deeper community, you are welcome. We meet every other Tuesday at 11h-12h30 in the Associate Pastor’s office on level -1. The first gathering is Tuesday, 7 October. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Women’s Fellowship: Meets the second Sunday of each month during the school year, resuming 14 September, 12h15-14h in the Thurber Room. All women are invited to join us for our participative discussions on a monthly-changing theme relating to everyday life and spirituality. Intended to foster new and deeper connections, these sessions explore what it means to be a woman today. It's a chance for women to be seen and heard, to get to know one another and to feel connected. Please bring snacks to share. For information and to sign up for the fall meetings, visit acparis.org/groups.

Men's Fellowship: Weekly Bible Study: Thursday mornings 7h30-8h30 on Zoom. Special Activities: Men's Empowerment Breakfast, Monthly Fellowship Lunch, a Pint with the Pastor, and our Annual Retreat. All men are warmly invited to participate in these enriching gatherings. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

African Fellowship: Meets the first Sunday of the month 13h-15h in the Thurber Room. On other Sundays, the Fellowship will meet in the Library, as well as on Zoom, 12h30-13h30. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Filipino Fellowship: Gatherings each Sunday 12h15 in either the Thurber Room or the 2nd floor Library.The Fellowship provides a place of welcome and nurture for English-speaking Filipino individuals and families living in Paris. The group shares a light meal, conversation, signing, and Bible study. Contact rebeccaburrow@acparis.org for more information. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Lay Care Ministry: This team supports ACP’s pastors by being the hands and feet of Christ in our congregation. We are trained and commissioned to engage in the ministry of care and support by coming alongside those in need. We offer prayer after worship services; prayer chain; hospital and home visits; and seasonal cards to our house-bound members. If you feel called to become part of the Lay Care Ministry team, please contact laycare@acparis.org.

Music

Adult Choir: First rehearsal: Wednesday, 3 September. Join the Adult Choir! All voices are welcome as we lead music every Sunday 11h with traditional anthems, spirituals, gospel, world music, and more! Regular rehearsals are on Wednesdays 19h30-21h in the Theater and singing Sundays at 11h with a 9h45 call time. Contact interim-music@acparis.org.

Adult Choir Open House: 27 September 9h30-12h30 at ACP. Come sing with us! New singers are welcome. Register at: acparis.org/openhouse.

Bell Choir: First rehearsal: 23 September. Rehearsals are one Thursday per month 17h-19h30 in the Theater. Join the Bell Choir! Director: Mathilde Duriez; Contact interim-music@acparis.org.

Previous Weeks' Sermons

In case you missed it, Sermon - 24 August 2025 - Lead us Not Into Temptation, but Deliver Us From Evil. Sermons are available at acparis.org/sermons. Other previous worship livestreams are available on YouTube.

ACP's services are available with subtitles in English and other languages, beginning on Tuesdays, on ACP’s YouTube channel youtube.com/c/TheAmericanChurchinParis. Click the CC button on the video to enable closed-captioning and translations.

Announcements & Opportunities to Serve

In need of prayer? If you are in need of prayer, a lay caregiver is available in the chapel on Sundays to pray with you. If you would like members of the lay care ministry team, members of the prayer chain, and the pastoral team to uphold you in prayer, you may contact us at acparis.org/prayers.

Food Box: In order to best serve our neighbors who seek help from our church, you are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to place in the box (located in reception). The box is open to anyone who is in need of food and additional supplies go to Serve the City-Paris.

Sandwich Ministry: Usually, Thursdays promptly at 17h. Our ACP sandwich ministry meets weekly to make sandwiches to help feed over 100 unhoused persons a week. All materials are provided. Join our listserv at acparis.org/sandwich.

Call for CE volunteers: Do you enjoy coming to the various learning opportunities such as Bible studies and Thurber Conversations? Interested in helping with set-up, attendance, technical assistance, etc.? Please contact christianeducation@acparis.org.

Nursery Volunteers: We need many new volunteers to welcome children (ages 0-2) in our nursery at both the 11h and 14h services! Without volunteers, we don’t have a nursery. If you would like to serve, contact Oshi Peiris at nursery@acparis.org.

Ushers and Greeters needed: It takes a team of volunteers to welcome our Sunday attendees with love, and help them feel connected and ready to worship together. Contact: welcoming@acparis.org.

Call for Docent Team volunteers: Would you like to learn about the rich heritage of ACP and share it with our members, neighbors, and the wider Paris community? Docents give tours after the 11h service on the second Sunday of every month and make open-door visits of the sanctuary possible on most Thursday mornings. If you are interested, please contact docents@acparis.org.

Audio Visual Ministry: If you’d like to be a part of our worship tech and A/V team for both Sunday services, we welcome your help. Contact: avm@acparis.org.