 December 2010 Grace Spoken Here Volume 11, Issue 12 |
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| Dear Members and Friends, | |
Wishing you a very merry Christmas!
Sandy Springs Christian Church has been planning and working very hard to make this another memorable experience at your church home.
Several "Invitable Events" are scheduled during the month. These are the traditional, highly anticipated events that will open your heart to this wondrous time of year.
"Christmas Giving Opportunities" offers you several suggested ways to spread love and bring joy to the less fortunate.
Don't forget to make a reservation for a box lunch on Sunday, December 12. Proceeds go to the Youth Mission Trip. Eat at church with your friends and family or take it to go.
And there is news of great things happening at SSCC beyond Christmas. Laina Orlando-Green (she and her husband, Ken, are new members) is leading an 8-week seminar on "The Power of Self-Awareness," Tuesdays, 7-9 pm, January 4 thru February 22. Sign up in the centrum or call the church office.
SSCC has joined the Perimeter Adult Learning and Services (PALS) organization. Read more about classes open to adults age 50 and older.
Don't forget to return your Adult Education Survey by December 5, and mark your calendar to attend "Prophets" on January 15.
Financial Challenge calls your attention to the need for end of the year funds to meet our 2010 budget.
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Christmas Giving Opportunities - Barb Duren |
In October we collected food donations for the Holiday Boxes for Community Action Center clients, and in November we collected gifts for the Children of Foreverfamily. The donations overflowed the collection baskets! Now, in December we have more chances to spread Christmas Love.
· Adopt-A-Child through Community Action Center. As individuals, go online at ourcac.org and follow the links for Adopt-A-Child.
· Residents of Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs - Older adults need Christmas Love also and you may donate wrapped gifts, marked "Male" or "Female." Some residents do not have families, and some do not have anywhere to go Christmas Day. The gifts you donate will bring happy smiles to men and women who receive the gifts. Suggested gifts: Rolls of quarters for laundry, books of stamps, toiletry items (not travel size), gift certificates, items you might give your grandparents. A Christmas dinner is provided for the residents who are home on Christmas Day and gifts are distributed.
· Mercy Community Church (Craig's McDonald's ministry) - Gifts for their people would also be appreciated - men's pants size 30-38 (especially jeans and work pants), warm coats, skull caps, baseball caps, blankets, hoodies, and gloves.
Also for Mercy Community Church - SSCC youth will be packing shoe boxes for the men and women at Mercy Community Church. Please help them by bringing toilet articles for the boxes: toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, soap, etc. They may be placed in the donations bin along with the gifts. All donations are needed by December 19.
· Santa's Workshop on December 12 (Dunlap Hall) gives you the fun of wrapping gifts for the children at Lake Forest Elementary School.
· Christmas Special Day Offering- December 12 & 19 - God so loved that God gave. Out of your love will you give? Help support the development of faith, the creation of community, and the strengthening of the congregations in your Region by giving to the Christmas offering this year.
So, spread Christmas Love and bring warmth and joy to YOUR heart--you will be doing work for God.
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| Order Your Box Lunch - Here Or to Go | |
Sunday, December 12 - This Youth Mission Fundraiser will get you a jumbo hot dog or hamburger, 2 sides, a dessert and a drink.
Must have a reservation - Sign up in the Centrum by December 7.
Suggested donation $7. Pick up in Dunlap Hall
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| Financial Challenge - Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
2010 Financial Update
Our yearly budget always requires a big finish. This is built into our budget as some people give once a year in December. Others catch up in December. Still others allow the glory and warmth of the season to touch their hearts and they respond with generosity.
This year is no different. To meet our budget, we must receive $104,000 in December. This is about double a normal month. Please respond with faithfulness and generosity and let's all include our church on our Christmas gift list.
Let's all do our best to help our church end the year in the black.
Thanks and Blessings!
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|
December "Invitable" Events | |
There are several fun '"invitable events" at SSCC in December. Please be sure to invite a friend to any or all of the following:
Saturday, 12/4 - Women's Ministries Christmas Communion Service and Brunch starting at
9:45 am
Sunday, 12/5 - Hanging of the Green service at 5:30 pm. Cup O' Cheer follows in Dunlap
Hall
Saturday, 12/11 - KnightSong Christmas Concert, 7:00 pm. Donations benefit the Youth
Scholarship Fund.
Sunday, 12/19 - Lessons & Carols and the Children's Christmas Pageant at both the 9:00
and 11:00 am worship services
Friday, 12/24 - Christmas Eve services at 7 and 11 pm
Read more about these events at www.SandySpringsCC.org - Advent Schedule
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| Fourth Quarter Sunday School Giving Will Support Foreverfamily - Bryant McDaniel, Adult Education | |
 Just a quick reminder that our Sunday School collections during the fourth quarter will support children that live in the Atlanta area with an incarcerated parent or parents through Foreverfamily (formerly known as AIM).
This organization works with the children, their caregivers, and extended families to ensure that they remain a family. Your support is used for programs that give these children hope and inspiration. Specifically, it supports programs that enable the children to learn positive behaviors, develop their academic capabilities and leadership skills, and plan their careers. Please log onto www.foreverfam.org/ for more info on the mission and impact of this organization.
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Ministry Musings: "Are You Ready for Christmas?"
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister |
 Are you ready for Christmas?
I was asked that question for the first time today. Ready for Christmas? I have just barely caught my breath from cleaning up Thanksgiving.
Ready for Christmas. What does that mean?
Oh, I know when people ask it, it means, "Have you bought all the gifts yet that you are going to give? Is your house all decorated and tree trimmed? Have you got your Christmas cards sent? Have you got your turkey, ham or tofurkey yet?"
If that is what it means to be ready for Christmas then, no, I am nowhere near ready.
This year I want to be ready for Christmas in a different way.
This year I think I will be ready for Christmas when I have lifted my eyes above the horizon of my busy little life and see into the drama that God sees unfolding-all the possibility of untraveled paths, the potential of unexpressed dreams.
I will be ready when I allow myself to feel the pain of God as He/She sees the suffering caused by indifference and selfishness.
I will be ready when I burn with a realization that God wants to enter into the human drama by being born in a quiet corner of my life and grow and be expressed through my living.
I will be ready when hope flickers like a candle in a deep part of me driving out shadows of tired indifference and bored self-absorption and rises with an insistent chorus of Joy to the World!
Not ready yet, but I'm getting there.
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| SSCC Joins PALS - Bryant McDaniel | |
Providing Fun Educational and Social Opportunities for Adults
 How many times have you said, "I wish I could learn more about that!"? Well, now you can by taking advantage of courses offered through the Perimeter Adult Learning and Services (PALS) organization.
Who: Adults 50 years old and older.
What: Choose between a wide variety of classes (such as book studies, fitness programs, financial planning, bridge, introductory Spanish, interfaith study/discussion, and a number of other fascinating topics taught by subject matter experts). Choose as many or as few classes as your interests and schedule allow.
When: Each quarter, PALS offers classes on eight consecutive Mondays between 9:00 AM and 3:15 PM. The next set of classes is scheduled to begin on January 10 and run through March 7.
Where: Dunwoody United Methodist Church (1548 Mt. Vernon Road in Dunwoody).
Costs per eight-week session: $40 per person without lunch, $56 per person with lunch, or $7 per person for a single day of classes.
Details: Go to the PALS website: www.palsonline.org. Or look for a bright pink winter program/sign-up on the table across from the kitchenette upstairs at church. For a brochure, call PALS at 770.698.0801.
Questions: Contact Shelton Blackburn or Bryant McDaniel.
Check the PALS schedule, invite a friend or two, and join in the joy and excitement of learning.
Note: SSCC recently joined PALS as an affiliate congregation.
SSCC members now serve on the PALS advisory Board.
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| Come See "Prophets" on January 15! | |
 Please be sure to mark your calendars to see this moving performance by Brad Sherrill live in the sanctuary at 7 pm on January 15. You don't want to miss it! There is no charge, but donations will be gladly accepted and used to support our youth on their spring mission trip.
Walter Bruggemann, the renowned Old Testament scholar and author, says "Prophets is marked by courage, imagination and a passion for truth-telling. Brad Sherrill has used shrewdness in selecting his texts, wisdom in weaving them into a compelling unity, and imagination in presenting them in contemporary ways. His performance is a faithful, evocative rendering of the prophets. Powerful."
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| Thanksgiving at Lake Forest Elementary School | |
A festive feeling of thanksgiving filled the air in the cafeteria of Lake Forest Elementary (LFE) School on Friday night, November 19. After weeks of planning, days of prepping, and hours of setting up, a special Thanksgiving dinner was served to over 370 students and families by volunteers of Sandy Springs Christian Church. While 21 SSCC volunteers were physically there that night, many additional members played key roles earlier in the week by shredding, chopping, stirring, and donating in preparation for the event.
This was LFE's third annual Thanksgiving feast but the first time the teachers were free to enjoy the party. School staff prepared turkeys and procured donations but was happy that our volunteer efforts freed them to mingle during the feast. One ESOL teacher hugged Elaine Donnelly three times throughout the evening saying what a gift SSCC provided the teachers. Carolyn Axt, Director of Leadership Sandy Springs, wrote: "...Thanks so very much for coordinating this - I know the school and the families were so appreciative. This type of event tremendously helps bond the parents to the education of their children - a key component in a child's success."
Chris Furqueron and Kaitlin Kahrs circulated among the guests speaking Spanish and finding that the kids especially loved the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. For several, this was their first Thanksgiving experience. Volunteer Cindy Brown, serving turkey wrote, "From where I was working I got to see all the huge smiles (children and parents) and the proud faces of the kids all dressed up for the special event." It would not have been possible without very generous donations from the Sandy Springs Trader Joes, The Flying Biscuit, the phenomenal organizational talents of the Torberts and the loving hands of so many at Sandy Springs Christian Church. Thanks to everyone who played a part-whether supporting it financially by attending the fundraiser cocktail party, donating a pie, or preparing and serving. While serving turkey and dressing, we also shared the love of Christ. For that, many are truly thankful.
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Don't Miss Our Children's Christmas Pageant!
Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, Associate Minister | |
Sunday, December 19, 9 AM and 11 AM worship services
 Forty years ago, Sandy Springs Christian Church found a wonderful spot at the top of a hill at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Abernathy Road. It was just the right spot to call home. A progressive, modern sanctuary was erected on this site, and since then the steeple has been a beacon of hope and peace to the surrounding community.
But SSCC was not the first people to call this land home. The history of this land is deep and rich. At the foot of the hill, Johnson Garwood once operated his ferry across the Chattahoochee. Here, long before that, the source of water at the natural springs was a life-giving force to people and creatures. And this crossroads is known to have been a busy intersection to traders, natives and settlers for thousands of years.
What if we could look back? What if, as they dig away the soil around us to continue to shape this place as a crossroads, we could hear echoes of the past - from the very ground we worship on?
Our Children's Christmas Pageant, The Trading Post, does just that. It is a fictional account of a Christmas Eve in 1832. The enforcement of The Indian Removal Act launched the atrocity that is called the Trail of Tears. In our children's story, native Muskogee Creek children meet the children of the settlers, and they trade stories of God's grace and peace. They notice that they have more in common than they have different, and they commit themselves to being a voice of peace and reconciliation to their respective tribes.
Our children (and their amazing parents) are pouring their hearts into this production. Please come and be blessed by their offering of it on December 19, at the 9 AM and 11 AM worship services! We are pleased to announce this year the collaboration of the Chancel Choir and the Children in singing two traditional Native American songs.
YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!
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| Chili Cook-off Winners Named | |
Did you know so many of our new members are great chili cooks? They swept the cook-off this year! Brent Bass returned to defend his title only to be knocked out of the competition by first time competitors Andria Owens (3rd), Gregg Worley (2nd), and Ben Spurgeon with his winning entry entitled "Ben's Buzzard Breath." With a competitive field of 14 entries, over 65 members and friends took their judging duties seriously. Intense notes were taken and it was heard that at least one person studied judging techniques on the internet before grabbing his ballot. Contestants ranged from traditional to gluten-free to southwestern chicken chili. The winning Buzzard Breath secret ingredient? Godiva dark chocolate! As Worley claimed his second place trophy, his daughters were heard cheering with pride, "Yea, daddy!!"
The evening started with the opportunity to make an Advent wreath or calendar. It culminated in a few games of Bingo-- a young friend of the Worley girls, Greg and Sam Guillory, and Larry Steinmetz winning--and there were prizes for all the kids. Everyone attending felt like a winner!!
 | | Andria Owens, Gregg Worley, Ben Spurgeon |
 | | First winner of a Bingo prize |
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Introducing Vincine Brown | |
Say "hi" to Vincine Brown the next time you're in the church office. She will be working part-time helping with general office duties and computer document recovery through the end of the year. Vincine and Sharon Hanna have known each other the last couple of years as they have managed events for a local women's charity.
Vincine is a native of Washington, D.C. and an alumna of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School for Girls. Her degree is in Natural Sciences with a minor in marketing from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is an ordained minister, African Methodist Episcopal Church. Vincine has an extensive background in education leadership and has worked in several ministry related positions, including Christian Education Teacher and Trainer at the Ray of Hope Christian Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale. She is also active in her kids' school, where she serves as room parent. Welcome, Vincine!
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Laina Orlando-Green to Lead New Study Group | |
What: "THE POWER OF SELF-AWARENESS"
Understanding Oneself Leads to Spiritual Maturity
When: Tuesdays, 7-9 pm, January 4 thru February 22
Where: Room 121
Instructor: Laina Orlando-Green
Registration: $40 (8 classes); sign up in the Centrum or call the church office. Registration and payment open through January 4 (first night of classes).
As children, we tend to adopt our parent's religious beliefs, and through the years, many will either reject, or come to rest in the comfort of the familiar. If those old beliefs go unquestioned they will lead to spiritual stagnation. Today more than ever, in our rapidly changing world, we must create a solid belief structure founded on an expanded and more inclusive perspective of spiritual truths.
In this 8 week seminar, you will gain a clear awareness of the beliefs, thoughts and emotions that comprise your Christian faith. By becoming aware of why you believe what you believe, you will be able to sift through your faith, and re-commit to the beliefs that support your spiritual growth, while gently releasing and replacing the beliefs that no longer align with your maturing faith. This turbo charging, of your faith, will be accomplished through and in-depth look at your beliefs about God, Jesus, religion, humanity, and especially about yourself. One can only know God, to the extent that one knows him or herself.
In The Power of Self-Awareness seminar you will gain an expanded perspective of human nature. And this will assist you in strengthening your spiritual nature. When you question your beliefs, through an open heart and a quiet mind, the answers will come directly from God. This seminar will serve as the foundation for a series of classes Laina Orlando will be teaching through the coming year.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be ye transformed through the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
 | | Laina Orlando-Green |
Laina is an author, speaker, coach, and creator of The Power of Awareness program. She recently joined SSCC along with her husband, Ken Green. Committed to helping others understand their potential through spiritual awakening and transformation, Laina's simple techniques and practical tools help transform weighty spiritual concepts into bite-size morsels that can be applied to everyday life.
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| Adult Education Survey: Your Input Is Needed | |
Adlt Edcation
There won't be any adlt edcation at SSCC next year withot "u." Please take a couple of minutes to fill out the surveys that are available at church, or via this link. OK, there will still be adult education even if you don't fill out this survey, but it won't be as good as it could be unless you share your thoughts.
Please put your completed survey in the offering plate, leave it in the pew with your yellow card, or place it in the box near the church office as soon as possible and no later than December 5.
If you have any questions, please contact Bryant McDaniel (w.b.mcdaniel@comcast.net or 770-952-0250) or Art Edwards (awe3@mac.com or 404-312-3111).
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| Rev. Betty Halford Retiring |
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Rev. Betty Halford
Assoc. Minister of Pastoral Care |
Knee replacements and summers in Chautauqua, NY seem to dictate that now is the time for me to retire "again." In May of this year I told Phil that I would like to cut back on some of my duties and would probably retire at the end of 2011.
After thinking and praying about it, it didn't make sense to spend 4 months away in the summer and then try to resume my duties for only two or three months, so I moved my leave date to April of 2011. It then became obvious that I must have both knees replaced and will begin with the first in early January. Because of that, I told Phil, the elders and announced at both church services November 21 that I will conclude my duties at the end of this year.
The elders plan to assume a much more active role in pastoral care. Elaine Donnelly, former leader of Stephen Ministry, will serve as coordinator working closely with the elders, Phil and Erin. Barb continues her duties as Pastoral Care Assistant in a volunteer capacity. Continue to call her with prayer requests.
Covenant Groups will fold under Nancy Trusty and her Connect initiative.
Other than when Travis and I are in Chautauqua in the summer and during the knee recovery periods, I'll be at church sitting beside you-just not up front.
Thank you very much for your love and support of me and my ministry.
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| 2011 Church Leaders Elected | |
Congratulations to the following leaders elected at the November 21 Congregational Meeting:
Elders:
Carol Armstrong, Chris Dalton, Janet Lochery, Floyd Hale, Teresa Bensch
Officers of the Congregation:
Travis Halford, President Bryant McDaniel, Vice President
Jim Armstrong, Treasurer Lisa Sutton, Secretary
Scott Dalton, Chair, Trustees Cindy Brown, Chair, Ministry Council
Trustees-At Large:
Jim Bickelhaupt, Becky Kelly, Ruth Michels
Deacons:
Libby Boone, Ruth Brown, Stuart Michels, Shirley Patterson, Elizabeth Peterson,
Greg Peterson, Rani Remus, Denise Shipman, Becky Strickland, Anne Butz,
Cheryl Chiluski, Brad Daugherty, Rebecca Daugherty, Sara Dryden, Art Edwards,
Joyce Edwards, Beth Eggleston, John Eggleston, John Gilmore, Lisa Gilmore,
Charlotte Hale, Leslie Kahrs, David Sutton, Lisa Sutton, Marilyn Torbert,
Scott Williams, Stephanie Williams, Karla Worley
Youth Deacons: Trenton Brown, Austin Michels
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| Memorial Gifts - Ann Walker |
The Memorials Committee acknowledges with appreciation your gift.
IN MEMORY OF: BY DATE
George Rawson Rev. Linda Whitmire March 2010
Phillip Steinmetz Den & Julie Sanford September 2010
Marilyn Armstrong Alan & Joanne Burgess October 2010
IN HONOR OF: BY DATE
For: Mike Crowe Friday Morning Men's January 2010
Group
IN HONOR OF: BY DATE
50th Anniversary of Joanne and Alan Burgess
Bruce & Leslie Lady September 2010
Den & Julie Sanford
Barbara Duren
Sid & Kathy Elliott October 2010
Scott & Chris Dalton
Carol & Jim Armstrong
For: Bert and Shelton Blackburn
Alan & Joanne Burgess October2010
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| In the Life of SSCC
Go to www.SandySpringsCC.org to view our monthly calendar | |
Ongoing
1st & 3rd Monday: Learners Bridge, 12:45-4:00 pm (P)
4th Monday: Experienced Bridge, 12:30-4:15 pm (P)
1st Tuesday: Gamma Circle, 7 pm (P)
2nd Wednesday: Sigma Delta Circle, 10:30 am (P)
Sigma Delta lunch, 12 pm (CR)
3rd Wednesday: Women's Bible Study, 10 am (CR)
Friday: Men's Fellowship, 7 am (CR)
Saturday: SSCC Garden Group, 8-10 am
Sunday: Youth Groups, 4:30-6:30 pm (DH)
1st & 3rd Sundays: High School
2nd & 4th Sundays: 5th Graders & Middle School
12/1 TDS Arts & Crafts Show, 9:00 am-2:30 pm
12/4 Women's Ministries Christmas Communion Worship
Service and Brunch, 9:45 am-1:00 pm (S & DH)
12/5-7 Children's Holiday Book Sale (C)
12/5 Hanging of the Green Worship Service, 5:30-7:00
pm (S),Cup O' Cheer follows in Dunlap Hall
12/11 KnightSong Christmas Concert, 7:00 pm (DH),
Youth Scholarship Fundraiser
12/12 Santa's Workshop, 8:15 am-2:00 pm (C & DH)
12/12 & 19 Hebrew Prophets Class, 5:00-7:00 pm (121)
12/19 Children's Holiday Book Sale (C)
12/19 Lessons & Carols and Children's Pageant, 9 and
11 am Services
12/24 Christmas Eve Services, 7 & 11 pm
12/24 SSCC Office Closed, 12 noon
12/26 College Age Sunday, 10 am service only
12/26 College Age Brunch at the McDaniel home after the 10 am service
12/27 SSCC Office Closed
12/31 SSCC Office Closed, 12 noon
Save the Date
1/4 thru 2/22, Tuesdays, The Power of Self-Awareness,
7-9 pm (8 weeks) (121)
1/7-9 Youth-a-Palooza
1/9 "Beginnings" class new series,10:15-10:50 am
1/9 Hebrew Prophets Class, 5:00-7:00 pm (121)
1/15 "Prophets" Performance, 7:00 pm (S)
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| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. For example, January 2011 contributions should be submitted by December 27, 2010. 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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