Tuesday 17 September in the Thurber Room – Meal at 19h; Presentation 19h45-21h15
Guest Preacher: Sunday 15 September

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.

Brian has been active in networking and mentoring church planters and pastors since the mid 1980’s and has assisted in the development of several new churches. He is a popular conference speaker and a frequent guest lecturer for denominational and ecumenical leadership gatherings – across the US and Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. His public speaking covers a broad range of topics including postmodern thought and culture, Biblical studies, church leadership and spiritual formation, pastoral survival and burnout, inter-religious dialogue, and global crises.

Brian’s books have been translated into many languages, including Korean, Chinese, French, Swedish, Norwegian, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. He is an active and popular blogger, a musician, and a songwriter, offering a variety of resources through his website, www.brianmclaren.net.

A frequent guest on television, radio, and news media programs, he has appeared on All Things Considered, Larry King Live, Nightline, On Being, and Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. His work has also been covered in Time, the New York Times, Christianity Today, Christian Century, the Washington Post, Huffington Post, CNN.com, and many other print and online media.

Brian is married to Grace, and they have four adult children and five grandchildren. His personal interests include wildlife and ecology, fly fishing and kayaking, music and songwriting, and literature.

Thurber Conversations are an adult community gathering and growth time that is open to all.

Sunday 15 September
After the 11h and 13h30 services in the Theater

Come and discover all the different ministries here at ACP! All of ACP’s groups, Bible studies, fellowships, and activities will be represented. You will be able to get your questions answered about the ministries in which we serve, and are also served.

Got questions about life? Try the Alpha Course

Launch party: 19 September 2019 at 19h30

Course (10 weeks): Thursdays, beginning 26 September at 19h00 in the Thurber Room

Ever wanted to explore the meaning of life or ask challenging questions about the Christian faith? Do you have a family member, friend, neighbor or colleague who is asking questions about life? If you've answered "yes" then the Alpha Course is for you!

Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, informal and friendly way. It welcomes all those big questions – and it's free!

Following the Launch Party on Thursday 19 September, the course will run every Thursday from 26 September for 10 weeks. Using the latest video talks by Nicky Gumbel (in English with French subtitles), each session starts with a meal at 19h followed by a short video looking at different aspects of the Christian faith, with topics such as How can I have faith? and Does God heal today? Afterwards there are small group discussions, where you can talk about what you have heard and ask any questions you might have.

No question is too simple or too hostile!! Whether you've never heard of God, you're someone who has recently come to faith or you have been a Christian all of your life, this course is for you! Even if you've been a Christian for many years, Alpha is a great way to remind yourself about the fundamental aspects of faith and it is also perfect to invite friends to who are seeking answers about life...so why not invite them to come along with you?

For more information, please feel free to contact the Alpha team here. Make sure that you keep up-to-date with details about the Launch Party and the course by checking the ACP website and social media channels.

Saturday 5 October

Bloom Where You're Planted is a full-day orientation seminar designed to help you make the most of your new life in Paris. Created for English-speaking expats from around the world, this seminar provides valuable insights that will enable you and your family to grow and thrive, as well as opportunities for meaningful connections with your new community in the City of Light.

The day will feature keynote speakers and focused seminars offering inspiration and information on topics such as acclimating to the culture, finding the perfect home, navigating the education and healthcare systems, creating a successful business, cooking like the French, and more!

In our extensive Exhibit Hall you will connect with organizations and businesses offering opportunities and services for the expat community. And, of course, an introduction to Parisian life wouldn’t be complete without delicious food and wine as our day culminates with a wine tasting and networking party.

Childcare and a kids program will be available for children ages 6 months to 12 years.

To find out more about Bloom Where You’re Planted 2019, click here     

Mark your calendars for the next Bloom Where You're Planted program - Saturday 5 October 2019.

Saturday 19 October at 20h

The Brilliance will perform in concert at the American Church in Paris on Saturday, 19 October at 20h.

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David Gungor and John Arndt, the band The Brilliance, will play live at the American Church in Paris on Saturday, 19 October at 20h joining an expanded string quartet and choir from our ACP community. Their eclectic songs combine symphonic, classical, pop and electronic elements to explore issues of social justice and inspire reflection and connection with others. They will perform songs from their latest album, Suite No. 1 Oh Dreamer which was inspired by the stories of immigrants known as “dreamers” in the U.S., pieces from their yet un- released album Suite no. 2 The World Keeps on Spinning and well-loved favorites such as their peace-making opus Brother. A champagne and cake reception will follow in the Theatre. Our very own Devon Graves will open for The Brilliance at 19h. Don’t miss this very special evening!

Acclaimed across the U.S. for their thoughtful, relevant, eclectic spiritual protest music, David Gungor and John Arndt cross the genres of classical and pop, electronic and acoustic, exploring the creative imagination and the power of beauty to evoke empathy that leads to Christ-like action in the world.

David Gungor is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in New York City where he also serves as a pastor at Trinity Grace Tribeca. He is married with four children. John Arndt is a classical pianist, producer and composer, and has performed all over the world in a wide variety of venues and musical styles. They created The Brilliance in 2010, crafting music that gives listeners “time and space to fully soak in the beauty that lies in every lyric and sonic nuance.”

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The American Church in Paris 65, quai d’Orsay 75007 Paris www.acparis.org/thebrilliance

Run Away: The Gospel According to Jonah
25-27 October 2019

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Why are you running? Jonah was a prophet of God (good guy). Nineveh was the hated enemy (bad guys). Isn't it nice when the world is divided up and ordered so neatly? In this great divide between good and evil, the answer to all our problems is so simple. It's THEIR fault. THEY should be punished. THEY need to change.

But what happens when the prophet of God starts to misbehave and run from God? And what happens when the bad guys do something good? Uh oh, maybe its time to move onto a different story.

Honestly, sometimes these messy stories about complex people and situations can hit a little too close to home. In fact, the Biblical prophets are quite skilled at hitting close to home. So much so that even if you don't like to run, going for a jog (far away from these irritating stories) might start to sound like a good idea.

So if we're going to run, a retreat (which literally means to run away) might be a good place for all of us.

Join us for our All-Church Fall Retreat (25-27 October 2019) led by Pastor Tim Vance. This will be a good time to get away from the city, connect with God and with one another, relax, play, eat and maybe even allow the story of Jonah to inspire deeper reflections and conversations about all our experiences of running.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Programs are being developed for children and adults.

SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER EARLY!

Cost
The retreat will cost €125 for adults, €100 for Young Adults, €140 for an adult and child, €250 for a family (2 adults and up to 2 children) and €40 for an additional child. There is an additional €25 charge if you would like a single room. The price includes all meals, 2 nights’ accommodation, sheets, and shuttle from the St. Prix station. Please do not let money keep you from joining us for this retreat. Half-Scholarships are available.

When
Friday Evening (25 October) – Sunday Afternoon (27 October)

Where
Massabielle Retreat Center, 1 Rue Auguste Rey, 95390 Saint Prix

Who
Everyone! This is an All Church Fall Retreat with programs for children and adults.

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Stewardship plays an important role in enabling ACP to continue being an Embassy for the Kingdom of God and in furthering our individual paths of discipleship. We invite you to pray about the role of giving in your spiritual growth and to join us dedicating our pledges on Sunday. You can find our pledge forms for printing here or on-line version here.