 June 2010 Grace Spoken Here Volume 11, Issue 6 |
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| Dear Members and Friends, | |
It's Summer! "In Town...In Church"
Begin the summer with your church family by coming to SSCC's Spiritual Stay-Cation, June 3, 4 and 5. There's something for everyone!
Outreach activities, a family style dinner provided by our own Virginia Gregory, programs for all ages, the world premier of "Come and See" (a documentary featuring the works of the Christian Hospital and School in Mungeli, India), fellowship with folks who might have a different church schedule, and more. Read more
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Inside this issue:
Women of the church and Campbell-Stone Corner Shop resident volunteers who attended the Women's Ministries Spring Luncheon were in awe of the musical talent of Mary Shehan. Rev. Linda S. Whitmire, always an inspiring speaker, gave a message on "The Ten Commandments for Living Long and Large." Make plans to attend next year; it's always a memorable fellowship event...and the food is delicious! See the recipe for "Ma Bell's Pecan Pie."
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 Pickup a registration form outside Rev. Erin's office or go online to register for SSCC's Vacation Bible School 2010.
July 12-16, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Ages 3 and up
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| Register for Stay-Cation Rev. Landa H. Simmons |
I could tell you that the bean-counters in the church office want you to register via email for Stay-Cation because it saves paper and copying costs. I could tell you that saving paper also saves trees-one ton of printing and office paper uses 24 trees, and it would be the truth. The real reason for sending Barb@SandySpringsCC.org an email right now is because it's only two days until Stay-Cation and the nose-counters need to know. And you know those nose counters. They can get downright testy about things like enough food, enough activities for the kiddos, and enough chairs. Enough already! Save a tree; save a bean counter; hey, save me from the nose counters! Register now! Email Barb, or call her at 404 256 2582. Read more about Stay-Cation here. top |
| Ruth Michels Speaking on Health Care Reform Act June 6 |
Ruth Michels | We know what the pundits and the partisans have said about the recently passed Health Care Reform Act, but wouldn't you like to hear about it from someone you trust?
Here at SSCC, most of us know Ruth Michels through her beautiful voice or her talent as a flautist. Perhaps you know her through her gorgeous children, or any one of her extended family who attend our church. What you may not know about Ruth is that she practices employee benefits law. As an attorney with Ogletree Deakins, America's third largest labor and employment law firm, Ruth has been spending the past several months reading and reviewing the new law-yes, all 2000 pages. More importantly, she has agreed to share what she knows with us, her church family.
Join us in Dunlap Hall on Sunday, June 6 at 10:00 am when Ruth will make a presentation and answer our questions about the contents of the new law. You can trust what she says; after all, she's Garrett and Drew's mom.
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| Craig McDonald Makes Jesus Smile | |
"That makes Jesus smile," Craig would say to one of the youth at SSCC as they shared a story or thought with him. That, in turn, would make the youth smile. At that moment Craig would connect with that person in a special way. As Craig McDonald's time with SSCC Youth Ministry youth wrapped up during the weekend of May 15, SSCC honored him in many ways.
Friday night at the "End of the Year Youth Family Dinner," each youth and Youth Sponsor took a moment to reflect on how they "Saw God when Craig...." (did or said something that had an impact on them). As you can imagine, this was both joyful and bitter sweet. A photo and memory book will be compiled with these thoughts along with thoughts of those unable to attend and will be given to Craig as a keepsake.
On Sunday at both services, Phil and Erin, along with the youth and congregation bestowed blessings on Craig's future while thanking him for sharing his gifts with our youth. A monetary gift from the congregation was given to Craig as a token of thanks.
What sendoff reception would be complete without 600 sandwiches? To honor Craig's passion for service, many of our youth joined our "sandwich regulars" to assemble sandwiches for MUST Ministries. Our younger youth added smiley stickers to honor Jesus' smile in Craig's name. Teenagers will actually assemble sandwiches if they can share cake and lemonade with Craig afterward.
All at SSCC thank Craig and wish the best for him as he goes forth in ministry.
 Craig and Tyler Brown
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| Greetings from Schnavia Student Youth Minister |
 It's official!!! This has been a long time coming, but the day has finally arrived for me to bring my passion, gifts and leadership to the youth ministry at SSCC. Over the past few months, I have had the awesome privilege of getting to know the youth on a more intimate level. With your support, I plan to implement an innovative approach to youth ministry with excellence and integrity; through the use of sound biblical principles and practical application. I welcome and encourage your partnership as we embark upon this new and exciting journey together. The ultimate goal is to build a foundation that will carry our youth throughout their Christian faith and development. I look forward to serving as the new Student Youth Minister, as well as building lasting relationships with this entire community of faith. Blessings, Schnavia Bronson top |
| Shower for the Haitian Refugee Apartment | | Thank you Sandy Springs Christian Church!! You did it again! On Sunday, May 16th we held an unannounced "shower" to furnish an apartment for a Haitian earthquake patient who has been receiving medical treatment at a local Atlanta hospital. Now ready to receive care on an outpatient basis, RRISA asked us to set up the apartment for the patient and one adult care giver. Necessities from $1 to $45 were displayed. Every item was sold, and many came forward with donations of furniture. Once RRISA provides us the apartment location and details on the patient, we will share the information with the congregation. Thanks for caring enough to exercise your faith!!
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| Sunday School Offerings Support Camp Balaam |
This quarter, your Sunday School offerings have been used to send deserving 3rd - 5th graders to Camp Balaam. This camp is held at our Camp Christian facility and is offered to neighborhood kids who would not have a camp experience if we didn't help out. Every $20 sends one child to camp for one day. As of May 22, we have raised $395, enough to pay for 19 ¾ days of camp. I know the kids of Wilkinson County appreciate what you are doing for them. Please keep contributing through the end of June! Watch the Centrum display to see how generous we are. top |
| Celebrating Barb Duren's 10th Anniversary at SSCC | Pastoral Assistant....In the 10 years Barb has been with SSCC, she has had more than one position title. What is a position description for Barb? How about she gets it done... with excellence!
Here is what Phil says about having Barb as part of the team. "Barb is an absolute delight to work with. She is playful, has a big caring heart, and is like a bear trap when it comes to protecting people's privacy. She has been a key part of the Stephen Ministry, handles the prayer requests and manages the pledging/offering side of our church's finances. I owe a deep measure of gratitude to the wise person who made the decision to hire Barb!"
Upon hearing of Barb's 10th anniversary, Danny Gulden shared this insight about her. "I can't believe Barb has been there 10 years already. Couple of things you need to know about Barb: She is a prankster. For many years there has been a tradition of messing with someone's office on their birthday. Various people have been accused of being the instigator of this, but the instigator is Barb Duren. She reminded us and coordinated pulling the prank. Two years ago, she managed to organize having my entire office moved into the Centrum. She is a fantastic listener. I often tell people that Barb is one of my pastors. I always enjoyed walking by her office to see who was sitting in the chair in front of her desk. Barb's ministry of care and listening has touched countless people who have come through SSCC. I always knew she was there to listen to me, share with me, laugh and even sometimes cry with me. Barb loves the church, but she loves God even more. Barb gets it! She loves the church and serves the church, but her faith is placed squarely in God. In many ways, I learned how to trust God by watching and learning from Barb."
If you've worked with Barb or if she is your friend, you know she is someone you can count on--dedicated, devoted, smart, trustworthy, and possesses wisdom we all covet. People are drawn to her because she listens with empathy and you know confidentiality is respected. We look forward to sharing the next 10 years, Barb!
A reception celebrating Barb's 10 years at SSCC will be held on June 6 following the 11 o'clock service. Please join us as we say "thank you." If you would like to contribute to a gift for Barb, please give your donation to Sharon or Nancy McDaniel by June 4. Checks placed in the offering plate should be made out to SSCC and the check or envelope clearly marked "Barb Duren gift."
Barb, always the good sport and mischief maker, dresses up in the role of a nurse to Rachel Haney. "Nurse" really describes this incredibly nurturing person. |
| ThirdAgers Event June 17 |
 Mark Your Calendars!
What: It's time for a ThirdAgers Chat 'n Chew followed by a tour of the fabulous Anne Frank Exhibition.
Where:
Lunch: Chequer's Seafood Grill at 236 Perimeter Center Parkway - across Hammond Drive from the Dunwoody Marta Station and the Perimeter Center Shopping Center at the corner of Perimeter Center Parkway and Hammond Drive. Tour: Anne Frank Exhibition in the Parkside Shopping Center at 5920 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs (in the shopping center behind Whole Foods). When: 11:30 AM, Thursday, June 17 Costs: Lunch: menu prices Anne Frank Exhibition: free Sign up today: Deadline: Tuesday, June 15. Locate the ThirdAgers sign up book in the Centrum or call the church at 404-256-2582. For questions: contact Shelton Blackburn - shblackb@comcast.net (770.977.2970) Note: If you have already visited the Anne Frank Exhibition and do not wish to tour the exhibition again, at least plan to join us for lunch. top |
| Ministry Musings: Perspective Rev. Philip Price, Senior Minister |  I've been told that our beloved planet is about fourteen billion years old. It's beyond me to imagine even one billion years, much less fourteen of them. I have difficulty remembering what happened last week. I have no way of verifying or challenging this tidbit of information, but I think they are probably right in saying that this third rock from the sun has been around for quite a while.
I've also been told that in the not too distant future (in intergalactic time) our sun, in it's final thrashing death throes, is going to expand and pretty much envelope the earth in terrifying scorching heat before it explodes and then dies. I fear that even
Al Gore won't be able to save the earth when that happens. So here we are whirling through space on a speck of dust and the whole of human existence - all the empires that have risen and fallen, all the births and funerals, all the lovers kisses and broken hearts, all the poetry, music, architecture and knowledge is but a blink of the cosmic eye. My life, a nano second on a speck of dust in an endless sea of time and space. Perspective. Somehow the things that I get myself all in a tizzy over seem somewhat less important. Somehow my indignation, frustration, entitlement, pride and opinions all seem quaint and a little silly. The things that seem so important, urgent, critical, controversial right now lose their power when looked at from the third, fourth or hundredth galaxy over. Great Spirit of the vastness and immanence, allow me to get over myself and to become lost in the wonder of being and found in the grace of curiosity. And if I have difficulty in seeing the beauty in those annoying people who don't see things my way, assure me that it is nothing that a few billion years won't fix.  top |
| A Note from Your 50th Anniversary Team
Larri Bass, Team Chair | |
Having kicked off our 50th Anniversary celebration with the Rev. Dr. J. Lynn White and Rev. Randy Johnson, we know you can't wait for more. Mark you calendars and make sure you are in town for our summer 50th Anniversary events. Continue the story with us on July 25th when Mary K. Widener, wife of the late Rev. Al Widener, will preach one of his best loved sermons. Then, join the homecoming when Rev. Herb Leslie, SSCC's first full-time minister, takes back the pulpit on August 8.
We know you won't want to miss all of the great activities on Anniversary Weekend, Sept. 18 and 19. Activities include a Gala on the 18th and a special Anniversary service at 10 am on the 19th with former General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Dick Hamm preaching on how the SSCC Story will continue.
Watch your Chalice Chat for more "Tidbits" and ways you can help with the celebration. Commemorative note card sales will continue through the summer. Make sure you get several sets; they are absolutely beautiful! Share your photos and remembrances with the 50th Anniversary Team and help make this truly a year to remember!!!
Your 50th Anniversary Team includes: Becky Kelly, Becky Strickland, Milt Hill, Shelton Blackburn, Jim Torbert, Marilyn Torbert, Martha Dalton, Teresa Bensch, Kathy Woodworth, Lynn McCahren, Larry Steinmetz, Landa Simmons, and Larri Bass.
 50 Years of Witnessing,
Loving and Serving From Our Doorsteps to the Ends of the Earth
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| Women's Ministries Spring Luncheon: A Blessed Fellowship Experience |
The Women's Ministries (Christian Women's Fellowship) Spring Luncheon was held May 15 at Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs. Campbell-Stone residents who volunteer in the Corner Shop sponsored by CWF were honored for their service. A number of SSCC member volunteers were also given thanks for their service. Proceeds from the Corner Shop go to support the outreach ministries of CWF. A program of music by Mary Shehan, a message and installation of officers by Rev. Linda Whitmire, and a bountiful lunch prepared by SSCC women were enjoyed by all. Residents, SSCC members and guests were truly blessed by the day. 2011-2012 CWF Board Officers:
Charlotte Hale, Worship;
Connie Cannon, President
Barb Duren, Treasurer & Gamma Leader;
Ann Walker, Delta/Sigma Leader;
Billie McGinley, Secretary (not present);
Rev. Linda Whitmire, guest speaker  |
Ma Bell's Pecan Pie
(recipe printed by popular demand) "Ma Bell" is the mother of Sarah Cunningham. Thank you, Sarah!
3 large eggs
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp flour (mixed with sugar)
1 c. dark Karo syrup
3 tbsp melted butter (or margarine)
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. chopped pecans
1 unbaked pie shell
beat eggs
add sugar/flour mix
add melted butter
add vanilla, Karo syrup & pecans
mix well
pour into pie shell
add strip of aluminum foil around pie shell
edge to prevent over browning; remove foil
last 20 minutes of baking time.
Cook at 325 degrees for about 50-55 minutes;
pie is done when the middle is not real shaky.
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"The Ten Commandments for Living Large and Long"
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire
John 10:10
"I came that they might have life and have it abundantly."
1. Thou shalt "Accentuate the Positive."
2. Thou shalt go with the flow.
3. Thou shalt not be a couch potato!
4. Thou shalt laugh ... a lot.
5. Thou shalt seek purpose in all circumstances.
6. Thou shalt develop thy inner life.
7. Thou shalt be truly grateful.
8. Thou shalt forgive thyself and others.
9. Thou shalt not give in to loss. Izak Perlman... "Sometimes it is given to us to make music with that which remains."
10. Thou shalt trust the Lord your God for your life is part of that which is far bigger than you.
... Paul Maves: "The wrinkling of skin and the graying of hair does not diminish the image of God in a person." top |
| Motivation/Inspiration Class at SSCC Joyce Rennolds |
Greetings and blessings to all! My name is Joyce Rennolds and I am the blond lady who has been renting space from the Sandy Springs Christian Church for several years--teaching, motivating and inspiring participants to utilize the success principles which Jesus Christ taught. I have a lively group of people who have created a lifestyle that moves them to a greater understanding of principle, who forgive themselves and others, who set goals and aspirations, who set high standards for themselves and who give thanks for all that is in their life. I am an Inter-Faith Minister, raised Catholic, later becoming the first woman elder in the Presbyterian Church in Michigan. Searching for a more practical expression of Christianity, I got involved with Unity Church of Christ and later developed Joyce Rennolds Ministries Worldwide. I am a church without walls. I have no board members. I am led by the Holy Spirit, which has taken me into Romania, UK, Egypt, Jamaica, China, Thailand, Italy, Costa Rica and many other countries throughout the world to speak, pray, heal and enjoy the culture and people. I have a syndicated TV show that is now being viewed through 8 European countries. I teach two classes a week, am the guest speaker at various churches and continue to let new doors open for me by submitting to the power of God that directs my life and my affairs. To top it off, I also speak to companies, corporations, business and industry as a key note, conference or seminar speaker. Hey, when you are walking in spirit and led, you just don't know where you are going to find yourself. Read more at www.JoyceRennolds.com. To contact me regarding the Motivation/Inspiration Class at SSCC, call 770.642.0161. top |
| Women's Quadrennial Assembly June 23-27 | Quadrennial Assembly will meet June 23-27, 2010 in Greensboro, NC. The theme this year is "Awake! Awake!"
· Awake to the Body of Christ
· Awake to the Treasure of Wisdom
· Awake to the Song of Praise
· Awake to Awaken the World!
Five women from SSCC will be joining women from the Region of Georgia to meet other women (and a few men!) from around the world. It is not too late to register! See Barb Duren for information.
Workshops are offered on a variety of topics including Disciples Women in Global Mission, Revitalizing Congregations for Ministry, Biblical Storytelling, how to use the study materials, and many others. Special events include a blood drive and pre-event Outreach projects. There are special worship opportunities every day. Please keep the women attending Quadrennial in your prayers as they travel and participate in Quadrennial. If you would like to be a part of this event but cannot attend, you may donate gently used purses or you can send a hygiene kit by those attending. For information on assembling a Hygiene Kit, go to http://quadrennial.org/QA_Events.html.
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| Our Gulfport Mission Trip is Cancelled...
Stay Tuned for Other Opportunities |
SSCC's mission trip to Gulfport, MS scheduled for June 27 - July 3 has been cancelled. The opportunity is limited to a set number of participants and the slots were filled by other churches before we had the requisite 15 from SSCC commit. The mission organizer, Disciples Home Mission, is working to establish an opportunity to do some post-flood recovery work in Nashville during the same week. If it is organized in time, we will send the six members willing to go to Gulfport and would welcome other participants! Watch the Chalice Chat for developing news. top |
| Connect Opportunities | |
ONGOING
Sundays: "Beginnings" Class, 10:10-10:45 am (Phil's office)
Youth Groups, 5-7 pm (DH)
1st & 3rd Monday: Learners Bridge, 12:45-4:00 pm (P)
4th Monday: Experienced Bridge, 12:30-4:15 pm (P)
Fridays: Men's Fellowship, 7 am (CR)
Saturdays: SSCC Garden Group, 8:30 am -12:00 pm
6/2 Caring Made Visible, 12-1:30 pm (CR)
6/3-5 Spiritual Stay-Cation, 5-8 pm
6/5 Outreach to staff CAC, 9:45am-1:15 pm
6/6 10th Anniversary Reception for Barb, 12p
6/6 Health Care Reform Act presentation, 10-11am (DH)
6/7-11 Junior 1 Camp, 3rd-5th grade, Camp Christian
6/7-11 MUST VBS & Lunch, at MUST
6/9 Prayer Group, 12:30 pm (P)
6/11-13 Camp Chrysalis, 1st or 2nd grade, Camp Christian
6/14-19 CYF Camp, 9-12th grade, Camp Christian
6/15 B. Trusty Covenant Group, 7 pm (P)
6/17 ThirdAgers Chat 'n Chew & Anne Frank Exhibition,
lunch at 11:30 am, Chequer's Seafood and Grill 6/19-20 YADA Camp, 12th grade, or 18-30 yrs, Camp Christian 6/21 Joy Seekers Covenant Group, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (P) 6/21-25 The Day School Adventure Camp 6/21-26 Chi Rho Camp, 6-8th grade, Camp Christian 6/22 Chrysalis Covenant Group 6 pm (P) 6/23-27 Women's Quadrennial Assembly (NC) 6/28-7/2 The Day School Adventure Camp Go to the SSCC Calendar of Events webpage for current information. top
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| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. Please submit contributions for the July issue by June 24. 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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