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March 2010 Grace Spoken Here Volume 11, Issue 3
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Dear Members and Friends,  |
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[March 2 - The March Wellspring is being sent to you again because of a reported problem viewing the "Summary of SSCC vision" table. Apologies for this inconvenience.]
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Where do we start? So much good news....
First, WELCOME SCHNAVIA BRONSON! She is a very accomplished young lady. We are thankful to have her come on board as our new Student Youth Minister.
SSCC is immersed in our Commitment to Mission. This issue includes articles about Mitzvah Day, SSCC Partnering with
CAC, the CAC Fun Run/Walk, Hearts and Hands, Candlelight Café and the Mexico Mission Co. Read, be joyous and be
proud!
Speaking of being joyous.....
February 7 was a day to celebrate, be entertained, play games, enjoy a delicious meal, vote on and approve our Annual Plan and Financial Budget, and look into the Vision Initiative of SSCC. Thanks to all who worked to make the Congregational Meeting
an enjoyable and informational time for family and friends of SSCC.
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| Meet Schnavia Bronson, Student Youth Minister |
Dear Family and Friends of SSCC, 
The first quote that I ever learned was "Be courageous! Dare to explore what you love and what is most important to you. Don't waste time assessing yourself as you are now. Dream and plan for who you want to be in the future." The part of this quote that hits home for me is, "Dream and plan for who you want to be in the future." This was when I realized that preparation was the key to achieving my goals and ultimately fulfilling God's divine purpose for my life.
I've always been a very ambitious person. While still in high school, I discovered my unique gifts and passion to create enriching opportunities for youth. At the age of 14, I started TOTAL Youth Outreach, Inc., a faith-based not for profit organization, in Orlando, Florida. The mission of the organization is to help youth discover and develop their God-given gifts and/or purpose in life-through mentorship, practical and biblical teachings. TOTAL has evolved to include youth services that address and provide solutions to the physical, mental, emotional, academic and spiritual needs of "at-risk" and incarcerated youth.
Modeling Christ - I believe that as a minister of the Gospel it is my responsibility to model the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. I am a Servant Leader, and as such, I am compelled by the spirit of God to operate in complete integrity, walk in patience and love, and intentionally reach out to those oppressed and believed to be helpless and hopeless. Jesus mingled and interacted with the common men and women of his day. He always sought to attend to the well-being and needs of those whom the elite of his day marginalized. This is why I am super excited about the upcoming Mexico Mission Trip. I am expecting a mighty move of God, not only in the lives of those who we will serve while in Mexico, but also for our youth.
I am delighted to partner my skills and unique gifts with this wonderful community of faith. Please know that I am forever grateful for the warmth that I have received, as well as your kind words of support and encouragement. Each and every day, I give thanks to our loving Father in Heaven for the opportunity to guide and shape the lives of His beloved youth.
I am eager to work along side each of you over the coming years!!!
With love & kindness,
Schnavia Bronson
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| Ministry Musings: Thoughts on Prayer Rev. Philip Price, Senior Minister |
 Lent is often thought of as a time of prayer and a higher commitment to
devotions. Here are some thoughts on prayer that I would like to share with you.
We are good at being busy, being distracted - jobs, to do's, plans. We are not so good at being still.
We are good at filling the air with noise, opinions and arguments, sermons and soliloquies, jokes and judgments, commands and complaints. We are not so good at being still.
We are good a finding fault, finding someone to blame, finding causes, finding friends, finding stuff, finding dreams. We are not so good at finding stillness.
In solitude we find ourselves and in that quiet notice that God is very near.
Be still and know that I am God.
Prayer is what happens when our need dances with our hope and we begin to feel the rhythm.
Prayer is what happens when our greatest fear confronts our deepest longing and we must take sides.
It is what happens when the sharp knife of pain, the crushing weight of calamity, or the dull ache of unrequited dreams suck the air from our lungs and our tears are our only gasping voice.
Prayer is being awake, alive, together.
Allow your prayers to be the music of your heart during Lent.
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| Summary of the SSCC Vision |
Several people have requested a printed summary of the SSCC vision shared at our February 7 Congregational Meeting. SSCC's vision is to:
~ Be a church that passionately embraces a mission that embodies God's love in the world
~ Bring joy where there is need and suffering
~ Celebrate, engage, train and launch partners in mission--seeking to be God's love incarnate
Growing in Faithfulness
Congregational Meeting
February 7, 2010
SSCC Vision Initiatives and Leaders
ATTRACT - attract visitors
Joanne Burgess, Scott Gregory, Amy Helton, Bryant McDaniel and Julie Squires
CONNECT - encouraging members and visitors to connect through participation in worship, education, mission and small groups
Nancy Trusty
COVENANT GROUPS - connecting through small group discussions and developing relationships that encourage faithfulness to the Christian commitments
Ellie Byrd, Betty Halford
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES - engage young families; journey with parents and children as they shape their spiritual lives
Erin Reed Cooper, Teresa Bensch, Cindy Brown, Bob Trusty
ADULT EDUCATION - provide opportunities for spiritual growth; equip adults for mission
Bryant McDaniel
SPIRITUAL STEWARDSHIP - a spiritual ministry including an Annual Campaign, Capital Fund, Memorial Fund and Legacy Fund
Scott Dalton, Larry Steinmetz, Linda Whitmire
MISSION - provide opportunities for members and friends to engage their faith in action
Nancy McDaniel
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS - seeking significant improvements upon completion of the DOT project Scott Dalton
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS - update accounting procedures and develop audited statements
Jim Armstrong
THE DAY SCHOOL TRANSITION - identify new Executive Director due to retirement of current Director; assist with transition
Erin Reed Cooper, Bob Trusty
INFORMATION SYSTEMS - support ministries through technology and training
Jim Bickelhaupt
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| Commitment to Mission |
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Mitzvah Day at Temple Sinai
 March 21 - Come Join Us!
Mitzvah means to express an act of human kindness, so join us on Sunday, March 21, 2010, as members of SSCC partner with members of Temple Sinai to make 1,200 sandwiches for the homeless. Our relationship with Temple Sinai has a long history, including when they met in our sanctuary during the Temple's renovation and remodeling a few years ago. Sandy Springs Christian Church has regularly participated in the Mitzvah Day event and we want to continue our long-standing relationship with Temple Sinai.
Look for a sign-up sheet in the Centrum or call the church office. Please contact Bob Trusty for further details.
SSCC Partners with CAC
 Through our discernment process, it was determined that SSCC desired to develop a major local mission program. Greg Peterson worked diligently with CAC to expand our existing relationship of providing financial and occasional food drive assistance to that organization. On the first Saturday of each month, volunteers from Sandy Springs Christian Church staff the Community Action Center (CAC)-a non-profit committed to addressing homelessness and hunger in our community. Jobs range from receptionist; phone in-take, screener and scheduler; interviewers qualifying applicants for assistance; staffing the thrift shop and food pantry. With the range of jobs, the training varies as well. Thrift shop and food pantry volunteers need minimal training; phone in-take and interviewers must complete procedural and computer training. One or two CAC staff members work with us, but without the dedication of the SSCC volunteers, the Community Action Center would not be open on Saturdays to serve Sandy Springs. It is a most rewarding experience. "In contrast to many volunteer jobs I have participated in, when I walk through the door on Saturday morning I am busy from start to finish and feel great when I reflect on the number of people in need that I have assisted. Some of the stories are heartbreaking. Even though it can be hard to move on after hearing some of the stories, I have to remember that Sandy Springs Christian Church is making a difference." If you are interested in joining the group of volunteers, please contact Greg Peterson, 770-452-8955. 
Join the SSCC Team and Make a Difference
Runners and walkers get ready!!! On March 27, the Community Action Center (CAC) will host its Spring Sprint 5K/2K Fun Run/Walk. SSCC will have a team and we need a team name! We have over 20 people already committed; be sure to join our team!! The race will benefit CAC Educational Programs, including camp fees for Sandy Springs children served by CAC and educational opportunities for qualifying CAC heads of households. Through our discernment process, as a church we identified and committed to partnering with the Community Action Center to help prevent hunger and homelessness and promote self-sufficiency in Sandy Springs.
The event begins at Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mount Vernon Road (Perimeter Mall area). Team sign up and registration forms will be in the Centrum. The last day to register for the Sandy Springs Christian Church team is March 17. The $20 registration fee includes an SSCC team t-shirt.
Hearts and Hands for Campbell-Stone:
Creating Connections
In March, we are initiating a new program with Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs to connect with residents who don't have friends or families in the Atlanta area. With the help of the Campbell-Stone staff, we will match each SSCC volunteer with a Campbell- Stone resident. All that is needed to participate in this program is a big heart and the willingness to develop an ongoing relationship with your adopted resident. By participating in simple activities together - a walk, a lunch, playing cards, reading a book and discussing it, or just visiting- you will get to know their life story and they will get to know you.
We will also continue to provide assistance to other residents who need help with simple chores. Our next work day is scheduled for April 10. Do you like to paint? Campbell-Stone is looking for volunteers to help paint their activity room. The painting project is tentatively scheduled for April 24th. Please contact Carol Armstrong (carolarms@comcat.net, 770-335-1296) or Barb Duren for more information and watch for sign up sheets in the Centrum.
Candlelight Café Nets $2,500 for Youth Mexico Mission Trip
Craig McDonald, Student Youth Minister  Thank you all so much for your support of this year's Candlelight Cafe!!! What a success it was! I thank God for the faithfulness of this community and its commitment to fostering leadership and spiritual development in our youth. Many say that the youth are the future church and I often look at them, smile, and say, "Yes, but they are the church today as well." Sandy Springs has a track record of honoring that.
Our preparations are in full swing for Mexico 2010! This week we'll begin our Mexico Mission Company, so please continue to support our youth through
 your resources and prayers! Make a Difference!
Mexico Mission Company Open
 Once again, the Mexico Mission Company is offering everyone the opportunity to participate in this project by purchasing parts of the Youth Mexico Mission trip. This is a magnificent opportunity for you to make a difference in many lives and to join with our missionaries as they travel to Mexico. Please see the youth at the table in the Centrum to participate. You have through Sunday, March 28 to be a part of this extraordinary mission opportunity. top |
| Fellowship Opportunity |
Tropical Talent and Trivia Night - March 13
Becky Strickland
Put on your Hawaiian shirt and bring a dish for a fun night of Talent & Trivia sponsored by the Fellowship and Scholarship teams. There will be prizes for best shirt, adult & children trivia winners.... Bring all your friends for this fun-filled evening.
The festivities will begin with dinner at 6:00 pm. If you want to participate in the talent portion, please contact Becky Strickland at 404-587-3051 or sign up in the Centrum. The meat dish will be provided. Please sign up to let us know you are coming and to let us know what you'd like to bring (salad, vegetable, dessert or other). Babysitting will be provided, but kids are welcome to participate!
Hope to see you there!!!!
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| A Note From Erin Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, Associate Minister |
 Dear Friends,
How amazing do you feel right now? Seriously. How good does it feel to be you today? Do you know that it is actually good for you to ask that question? Better yet, it's good for you to answer it! I know... some folk may criticize me for talking about feeling good during the season of Lent. These are the people who really enjoy the gloom and doom of the season, who think that self-denial is really giving themselves the punishment that they have deserved all along. I don't think we have too many of these folk hanging around SSCC, but if you are one of them, forgive me. I mean no offense. You may go back to feeling miserable. For the rest of you, I'd like to offer the reminder that Lent is a time of reflection, a curious term if you will allow it to be. After all, you are created to be a reflection! You are a reflection of God's grace, a reflection of Jesus' courage and conviction. At Lent, we find ways to be reflective, not AT God but OF God!
I have something really wonderful going on, and I want to reflect God's grace and goodness by sharing my joy of it with you. I am feeling so good about youth and children's ministry at SSCC. We have had the great joy of new families joining us for worship and Sunday school on Sunday mornings. Candlelight Café filled me with joy when there were youth serving that I didn't recognize, and others whom I have known since they were little. I am thrilled by the amazing ministry that Craig has been doing with our youth and youth sponsors. I am excited that Schnavia Bronson is joining our youth ministry team and know that it is GOOD GOOD GOOD. I am glad that there are two young people who want to be baptized this spring. I am pleased with the healthy relationship that is developing with the Day School. These things are all reflections of God's goodness. How very Lenten of us!
Blessings!
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| Where Did Our Chalice Go? |
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This is a question you may have heard--or even asked---in the past year or two. The key to answering that question is whether one is asking "where did our chalice go?" or "where did the chalice go?" THE chalice has not gone anywhere. The stylized (aka groovy or funky) chalice, which was once the local logo of SSCC, our former logo, has been replaced by our new logo of four abstract figures representing connection and openness. It has become increasingly common for churches to create their own identifying local logo while maintaining association with their national denomination.
Some people seem to have interpreted the introduction of our new logo as a replacement for any use of the national DOC chalice. Our relationship with the national denomination continues to be an essential part of our faith community. Now that our local logo is established, you will soon begin seeing SSCC use both logos (our unique local logo and the complementary national DOC chalice). You should soon see both logos in our bulletins, on our road sign and in our e-communications as a hot link to the Disciples website.
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| Babysitting Event a Huge Success |
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 On Valentine Eve, Dunlap Hall was filled with teen volunteers and children enjoying our newest Mission Initiative---a Free Community Babysitting Night. Parents of the SSCC community were invited to drop their children off and grab a valentine dinner or do some shopping before picking their children up three hours later. It was an exhausting, chaotic evening filled with squeals of delight and contentment. After filling up on a pasta dinner, kids had the opportunity to make crafts, shop the "Valentine Vault" for a treasure for their parental valentine, get their tattoo/face painted in the "Princess and Pirate Booty Parlor," or run the challenging obstacle course. Towards the end of the evening, everyone settled in for movie and popcorn. Here are two emails we received after our new Free Community Babysitting Night: "My boys had a wonderful time! I figured they would be winding down when we picked them up, but instead they were chatter-boxes! I'm so glad we did this!" (a day school mom) "I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for tonight!! My girls had a ball and couldn't stop talking about everything all the way home. They just had such a great time and of course we had a fabulous dinner. Please be sure to pass along the thank you to everyone involved!!" Julie (a neighborhood mom) Thanks to the parents and teens that helped us reach out to the community, serving primarily children of Day School families and the neighborhood. top |
| Memorial Gifts: January 2010 |
The Memorials Committee acknowledges with appreciation the following gifts:
IN MEMORY OF: BY:
Rena Ellis Joanne and Alan Burgess November 2009
Helen Bradford Joanne and Alan Burgess December 2009
Helen Bradford Leslie Wheeler December 2009
Helen Bradford Nancy and Bryant McDaniel December 2009
Helen Bradford Marilyn and Jim Torbert December 2009
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| The Day School of SSCC Adventure Camp |
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Announcing Vacation Bible School 2010 |
 Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace
July 12-16, 9:30 - Noon
Please save the date on your calendar and consider how you would like to be involved. See you in EGYPT! Contact: Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, 404.256.2582 (church) |
| Connect Opportunities |
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3/1 Learners Bridge, 12:45 pm (P)
3/2 Gamma Circle, 7 pm (P)
3/3, 10, 17, 24 Lenten Meal (6:15 pm), Worship Service (7 pm), Classes (7:30 pm)
3/4 E. Donnelly Covenant Group, 7-9 pm (P)
3/5, 12, 19, 26 Men's Fellowship, 7 am (CR)
3/6, 13, 20, 27 SSCC Garden Group, 8:30 am -12 pm (Grounds)
3/6 Christian College First Testament Class, 9:30 am-4:30 pm (121)
3/6 Outreach to Staff CAC, 9:45 am-1:15 pm
3/7, 14, 21, 28 "Beginnings" Class, 10:10 am-10:45 am (DH)
3/7 Armstrong Covenant Group 5-7 pm (CR)
3/7 ThirdAgers Chat 'n Chew, 12:00 pm (DH)
3/10 Sigma/Delta Circle, 10:30 am (P)
3/10 Sigma Delta Circle Lunch, 12 pm (CR)
3/12-14 LTQ2 (Linda's Big Canoe home)
3/13 Tropical Talent and Trivia Night (covered dish), 6 pm (DH)
3/15 N. Davis Joy Seekers Covenant Group, 10:30 am -12:30 pm (P)
3/15 Learners Bridge, 12:45 pm (P)
3/16 B. Trusty Covenant Group, 7 pm (P)
3/20 Christian College First Testament Class, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (121)
3/21 Mitzvah Day at Temple Sinai (sandwich making), 10 am -12 pm
3/22 Experienced Bridge Group, 12:30-4:15 pm (P)
3/23 Chrysalis Covenant Group, 6 pm (P)
3/27 CAC Fun Run
3/27 Christian College First Testament Class, 9:30 am-4:30 pm (121) - a new class titled
"Christian Education" taught by Rev. Landa Harris Simmons.
For info and to register go to www.ccofga.org. 3/28 Mexico Mission Trip Commissioning 3/28 PAC Meeting, 3:30-5:30 pm (120) top |
| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. For example, April contributions should be submitted by March 25. Thank you for timely submissions!
Please limit your article to not more than 350 words. Submit your articles on ministry news and upcoming events; report on past events; send pictures! Keep the congregation and others informed about our busy, vital church.
Email your contributions to Nan Woods (woodynan@bellsouth.net).
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