ACP This Week - 18 September 2025

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ACP This Week

Hello ACP Family,

Please view this video message from Pastor Paul about our Beloved Community -- in and beyond ACP -- and what leadership looks like in the community.

He highlights:

This evening's Christian Education Conversation led by the Filipino Fellowship (19h-20h45) -- Sign up at acparis.org/ce-conversations.,
The MLK Commemoration Events (4-12 October) marking the 60th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to ACP (more information below) -- many volunteers are needed, please contact christianeducation@acparis.org if you are available to help.
Next Sunday's Get Plugged In ministry fair -- find ways to breathe in God's grace.
The following Sunday's Mission Engagement fair -- find ways to breathe out, serving others.

This Evening

Christian Education Conversations - led by the Filipino Fellowship: 19h-20h45 in the Senior Pastor’s Office and on Zoom. 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.

This Sunday

Scripture Readings
- Exodus 18:14-24
  John 21:1-15
Get Plugged In Sunday: following the 11h and 14h worship services in the Theater. 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. Read about some of the opportunities below.

Membership Inquiry Classes: 12h30 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.

Docent Tour: following the 11h and 14h worship services, meet at the chancel. Guided tour of the history and architecture of the Sanctuary. Tours are also offered Thursday mornings 9h30-10h30. The docent team is looking for volunteers who would like to be a part of their team. If interested, contact docents@acparis.org.

Please Support the ACP

MLK Commemoration

MLK Commemoration Events

Join us 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! To assist, contact christianeducation@acparis.org.

‘Dare to Dream’ Concert,
Presented by ACP Children’s and Youth Choir, Conducted by Sara Barton Purchase tickets
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 Register to attend
Thursday, 9 October 19h-21h
International Jazz Brunch: Featuring Saxophonist, Rev. Ozzie Smith Jr. Purchase tickets
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 Register to attend
Sunday, 12 October 17h-18h30

Save the Dates

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

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.

LayCare Fall training, Hospital Visitation & Confidentiality: 28 September 12h15, 2nd floor Library. You are invited to join the Lay Care team in an interactive workshop led by Pastor Rebecca Burrow. This workshop will focus on the essential aspects of providing hospital and home visitations, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. All are welcome.

Young Professionals: First meeting: 2 October. 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.

La Rentrée

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 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. 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, 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.

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, 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, except during school holidays. See notice for Children and Youth Choirs above.

Adults
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 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 19h30-21h30 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, 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, 4 November. Sign up at acparis.org/groups.

Women’s Fellowship: Meets the second Sunday of each month during the school year, 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: 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 Tuesday per month 17h-19h30 in the Theater. Join the Bell Choir! Director: Mathilde Duriez; Contact interim-music@acparis.org.

Atelier Nouveau Concerts: Selected Sundays at 17h30. Free entry with a free will offering. Information at acparis.org/concerts.

ACP is searching for a new, permanent Director of Music Ministries! Our spring survey gave us your input on ACP’s music ministry, and we’ve received applications from across the globe. The search task force, led by Council members, is currently narrowing down the group of applicants. They hope to make a hire later this fall. Thanks for your prayers! Info at: acparis.org/dmm.

Previous Weeks' Sermons

In case you missed it, Sermon - 14 September 2025 - Counting the Cost: The Price We Pay for Love. 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.

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.

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.

Christian Education 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 Grace Archer 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.

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 volunteers: 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.