How can I find the church building?

Our Address: 1242 Buford Highway Sugar Hill, GA 30518

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What do Presbyterians believe?

Presbyterians trace our history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.

Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.

For more general information on Presbyterian theology and history, see "Presbyterian 101", What Presbyterians Believe, Who We Are, and A Newcomer's Guide to the Presbyterian Church.

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What is the history of this church?

Founded in 1890 with 14 charter members, Buford Presbyterian Church previously stood on Main Street in downtown Buford, Georgia. The building was destroyed by fire in 1922 and replaced in 1925 with a sturdier brick building at 170 Main Street. During the 1920's the church grew to about 60 members and was supplied by students from Columbia Theological Seminary. Membership grew slowly and a full-time pastor was not called until 1973 when the Rev. Bill Crosland was installed.

In 1974 the Greater Atlanta Presbytery purchased the current 8-acre lot on Buford Highway in Sugar Hill, GA. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held on July 10, 1983, and the congregation celebrated Holy Communion in the new sanctuary on October 14, 1984. The building underwent re-modeling and enlargement including a new sanctuary and educational space in 1996-1997. We added additional facilities in 2003 including the Fellowship Hall and additional educational space.


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How can I join Buford Presbyterian Church?

You may join Buford Presbyterian Church in one of three ways:

  1. Profession of Faith in Jesus Christ
  2. Reaffirmation of Faith in Jesus Christ
  3. Transfer of church letter

 

In a Profession of Faith or Reaffirmation of Faith in Jesus Christ, those joining are asked these questions:

  1. Is Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord?
  2. Do you trust in Him?
  3. Do you intend to be His disciple, to obey His word, and show His love?
  4. Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, giving of yourself in time, talent, and treasures, and will you seek the fellowship of the church wherever you may be?

 

A four week Welcome Class is offered quarterly for those who are interested in joining the church. There we study and discuss Christian discipleship, the beliefs, government, and history of the Presbyterian Church, as well as the worship and ministry of Buford Presbyterian Church. This Inquirer's Class is not a requirement for membership. It is, however, intended to give you a better picture of our church, to enable you to meet other visitors like yourself, and to help you explore what it means to be a Christian in today's world.

 

The Session meets at least once a month at 10:45 am in the Parlor to receive new members. Be sure to call the Church Office if you have further questions.


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When are the Sunday worship services?

Opportunities for traditional worship each Sunday are at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

 

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month at both services. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is open to all persons who are baptized in any church and who have made a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Baptized children of this faith community may also participate in the Lord's Supper.

 

Special Worship Services are also held on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve.


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What is the style of worship?

It has been said that worship means "giving the Lord the glory due his name". Worship is at the heart of any Christian community. We gather together to give thanks to God for the gifts of life and grace, for the freedom to gather together in praise and worship of God’s holy name.

 

Children and adults alike serve as active worship leaders by serving as Youth and Adult Choir members, Acolytes, Greeters and Ushers. Our worship service is one of reverence utilizing traditional music. We feel that prayer and the reading of scripture are vital to the worship service and to our individual lives.


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Are there things for by children to do during the worship services?

Child Care is provided for all worship services, church-wide activities, and gatherings.


A nursery is provided on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. through the end of the 11:00 a.m. worship service.


At the Sunday 8:30 a.m. worship service, the nursery is provided for newborn to 24 months.


At the Sunday 11:00 a.m. worship service, a nursery is provided for newborn to 13 months or walking. Toddlers up to age 3 may stay in Room A116 during the 11:00 a.m. service. Also, Children's Worship is held for ages 2 to 5 years old after the Children's Sermon in Room A115.

 

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Is this a growing church?

  • Financial Information:
    • Potential Giving Units: 258
    • Budgeted Expenses: $693,318
    • Total contributions: $616,538
    • Total Expenses: $655,777
    • Additionally, the congregation gave extra gifts to Samaritan’s Purse, Christmas boxes, the Angel Tree, the Mitten Tree, PATH offerings, and Red Barrel offerings, which are valued conservatively in excess of $20,000.
  • Membership Information:
    • Beginning Membership: 472
    • Membership Gains: 51 [Includes 7 Confirmands (Profession of Faith),12 adult Professions or Restatements of Faith, and 31 transfers from other churches.]
    • 17 Infant Baptisms
    • Membership Losses: 35 [includes 4 deaths, 12 transfers to other churches, and 19 transfers to inactive status]
    • Membership on December 31, 2006: 488
    • Average Sunday Worship Attendance: 340 [This 70% attendance is far higher than the national average of 40%.]
    • Average Sunday School Attendance: 150

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Can I schedule an event or meeting at your facility?

Our facilities are used by many outside groups who share the following characteristics:

  • The activity is not in conflict with the values expressed in our statement of mission or with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
  • The activity is not-for-profit.
  • The participants are respectful of the church property and of other groups who may be in the building at the same time.
  • The organizers understand that Church functions have priority over outside activities for using the facility.

Contact the church administrator to make arrangements.


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If I would like to get married at Buford Presbyterian Church, what is the procedure?

A wedding is one of the great services of the church. Because it takes place in the context of Christian worship, it reminds us that the good news of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love in Jesus Christ serves as the best foundation for any relationship - and especially marriage. And when a man and a woman pledge themselves to one another in the presence of God, they are asking God's help in fulfilling the covenant that they make.

 

Arrangements for weddings are made through the church office staff (770-945-6711) with assistance of the minister. Church facilities available for your wedding include the sanctuary for the ceremony, a parlor for the bride, and a kitchen and fellowship hall for the reception.

 

Anyone who is not a member of Buford Presbyterian will need to meet with the minister before a date can be reserved.

 

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Does your church operate a pre-school or Kindergarten?

From September through May, this self-funded program offers care and learning for children ages 12 months to 5 years in a loving, caring, Christian atmosphere.

 

More Information on the Buford Presbyterian Weekday School


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Copyright ©2008 Buford Presbyterian Church
A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA)