 February 2011 Grace Spoken Here Volume 12, Issue 2 |
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| Dear Members and Friends, |
We have several exciting opportunities for your inolvement coming up in the next few weeks.
On February 6, we start a series of adult education classes on "Community Explorations." Dr. Stan Saunders will lead the classes on February 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10:00 am in Dunlap Hall. All the details describing the scope of this series are given in our leading article, "New Sunday School Curriculum Launching February 6." This is an exciting change in the Sunday School curriculum at SSCC that should engage your curiosity. Invite someone to come with you. See you there!
Grocery bags have been decorated by PAC children. Be sure to help stock the shelves at CAC by filling the grocery bags with non-perishable pantry items and return them to the church by February 20. The children will truly learn the ministry of serving and giving when they deliver them to CAC on February 27.
The 8th Annual Candlelight Cafe is on Saturday, February 19, 6:30 pm in Dunlap Hall. This is the major fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip each spring. It's an elegant affair with delicious food and a time for fun fellowship. It's your chance to get to know the youth at SSCC.
On March 11 and 12, the 2011 Real People, Real Faith Lecture Series will be held in Dunlap Hall. Brian McLaren will be here to present a total of three lectures under the theme of "A New Kind of Christianity: Questions That Are Transforming the Faith." Information and sign up is available on the web and in the church Centrum.
Be sure to mark your calendars for our Wednesday night Lenten series of dinner, worship and classes, March 9 through April 6.
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| New Sunday School Curriculum Launching February 6 |
Each of the voyages of the Starship Enterprise began with Captain James T. Kirk giving the command, "Engage." After that, there was always an adventure-filled journey to a brave new world.
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Dr. Stanley P. Saunders
Assoc. Professor of New Testament
Columbia Theological Seminary |
We couldn't get James T. Kirk, but we could get Stan Saunders -- a professor, author, and teacher extraordinaire -- to lead people at SSCC on a pilgrimage of faith and a voyage of discovery for adult education in 2011.
He'll be working with a crew of teachers, preachers, and leaders that you're already familiar with to craft adventures you'll never forget on Sunday mornings at 10:00.
Beginning February 6th, Stan will lead a series of "Community Explorations" in Dunlap Hall. The Community Explorations will bring together people from all the existing adult classes, as well as people who have never attended any classes.
In the first few Sundays, we'll engage with Matthew's Gospel, the Sermon on the Mount, and "Finding God's Presence in Dark Days." Stan will combine presentations, discussion, and breakout sessions as we seek to grow in faith and actions.
The Community Sessions will be interspersed with smaller classes led by our current teachers and some new ones. These classes will each have a more specific focus -- like those of our existing classes, and people are invited to participate in the areas of the greatest interest to them, which may change from week to week, or remain the same for an entire year.
The first set of smaller classes will include The Lectionary (the Scripture for each week's sermon) led by Larry Steinmetz, Current Events led by Bob Roper, Theology led by Shelton Blackburn, Beginnings (for people new to SSCC) led by Phil Price, and Discovering Your Inner Spirituality led by Paul and Pat Kapphahn. Each week you are encouraged to visit the class that is closest to your greatest interest or deepest need.
Future Community Sessions will explore themes like Engaging the End of the World, Engaging the New Creation, and Engaging Empires. All the sessions will connect with the scriptures being used for each week's worship. Additional focus areas for smaller classes will include Faith in Action, Christianity and the Arts, and Our Story -- Church History and Our History.
Planning for this voyage has been going on for months and is designed to preserve the successful adult education classes from our past and combine them with an opportunity to gather together as a community with a featured speaker on a regular basis.
Whether you have a long history of being part of adult education or if you have never attended a single class, now is the time to "Engage." New ideas, new thoughts, new friends, new support, and a renewed community await. We'll see you in Dunlap Hall at 10:00 AM on February 6th.
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| PAC Collecting Non-Perishable Pantry Items for CAC |
Finding that the CAC's Pantry shelves were bare after the holidays, the PAC group was called into action!
At Sunday's PAC (Peaceable Adventurers Club) Meeting, the kids, from 1st thru 4th grade, converted 40 plain, everyday brown grocery bags into works of art. Each artist placed a note on the bag, so that potential grocery bag fillers (you, the congregation) would be enticed to fill them up!
The art included everything from painted helping hand prints to messages made of foamy letter words, reading "God Loves U" and "Please fill to here". (Our artists will be available for autographs as needed).
The PAC group sincerely appreciates your help in returning the bags, filled with non-perishable items to the Church. At our February 27 PAC meeting, the kids will go to the CAC and learn about why and for whom we collect the items. Then they will stock the shelves themselves, and truly learn the
ministry of serving and giving.
The decorated grocery bags to be filled are in the Centrum. Thank you SSCC Family for supporting CAC and PAC! Please contact Amy Frost if you have questions. Thanks. 770.789.2962
Please pick up and return decorated
grocery bags filled with non-perishable
pantry items to the church by February 20.
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You're Invited to the 8th Annual Candlelight Cafe
Schnavia Bronson, Student Youth Minister | |
You're Invited! 
Join SSCC and the Youth Ministry at the 8th Annual Candlelight Café on Saturday, February 19 at 6:30 PM in Dunlap Hall. Come and enjoy an evening of elegance and dinner prepared by the Torberts. To reserve your seat, sign up in the Centrum following the 9 AM & 11 AM worship services or call the church office! The reservation deadline is Monday, February 14.
All donations support our annual Mexico Mission Trip which is just around the corner. This year the youth of SSCC will be traveling to Tecate, Mexico, on April 2-9, 2011 to take part in this life-changing experience. Each year, we work with AMOR Ministries to build a home for a Mexican family who is in desperate need of shelter. We need your continued financial support to ensure that we have the tools and equipment necessary to make this year's mission trip a success.
For more information, please contact Schnavia Bronson at Schnavia@SandySpringscc.org.
We hope to see you at this year's Candlelight Cafe.
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Valentine's Day Gifts and Treats - February 13 | |
Searching for yummy treats and small gift items for that special someone on Valentine's Day? Well, the Youth Ministry has just what you're looking for. Visit our Valentine's Day table in the Centrum on Sunday, February 13, following the 9 am & 11 am worship services to make your purchases. Treats and gift items, for all ages, are $5 or less. All items must sell!!! Proceeds support our annual Mexico Youth Mission Trip.
Thank you in advance for your continued support! We hope to see you there.
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| Real People, Real Faith Lecture Series with Brian McLaren |
You're Invited!
What: 2011 Real People, Real Faith Lecture Series
When: Friday, March 11 & Saturday, March 12
Where: Sandy Springs Christian Church Sanctuary
Reservations Are Required
Cost:
Friday & Saturday: $30 for full lecture series (includes brunch);
add $10 for optional Friday dinner
Friday only: $15 (one lecture);
add $10 for optional Friday dinner
Saturday only: $20 (two lectures and a light brunch)
Checks (payable to Sandy Springs Christian Church) or cash only. In advance or at the door.
Registration Options
1) Via the web at www.SandySpringsCC.org; then click the featured link, "Brian McLaren Lectures," 2) Call the church office at 404.256.2582,
or 3) Sign up in the church Centrum
Lecture Series Agenda
Theme: "A New Kind of Christianity: Questions That Are Transforming the Faith"
Friday, March 11:
6:15-7:15 pm Optional dinner (reservations by March 7)
7:30-8:45 pm lecture, "Common Questions and Our Common Quest"
Saturday, March 12:
9:00 am-12:15 pm lectures
1) "The Power of Good Questions: Churches in Tension and Intentional Churches"
Brunch
2) "Leading Forward While Leaning Backward: How to Lead Change Without Creating (Needless)
Conflict"
About Brian McLaren:
Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, pastor, and networker among innovative Christian leaders, thinkers, and activists. His groundbreaking books include: A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, The Secret Message of Jesus, and Everything Must Change. Named by Time magazine as one of America's top twenty-five evangelicals, McLaren has appeared on Nightline and Larry King Live, and has been covered by The Washington Post and The New York Times.
A selection of Brian's books will be available by cash or check at the event.
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Ministry Musings: "The Good News"
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
Thy kingdom come . . . . . .on EARTH . . . 
Repent, for the kingdom of God is near . . .
This resounding theme that reverberates throughout scripture IS the gospel. God's empire is close!
It is the promise to Abraham that in his seed "all nations of the earth would be blessed."
It is the heart of the "justice rather than sacrifice or religious practice" message of Isaiah, Jeremiah and the other prophets. It is the message of John the Baptist, and of course it finds its strongest voice in Jesus.
God's empire, is close. It is as close as the giving up of anxiety and fear. It is as close as repenting from systems that cause some people to be over valued and others to be under valued. It is as close as our willingness to turn from violently enforced entitlements toward generously offered sacrifices. It is turning toward the way of the cross and away from systems of dominance.
God's empire is close! Our prayers must long for it. Our worship must inspire us to reach for it. Our teaching must show us the way and make it specific.
God's empire is within reach. This is THE good news!
Blessings,
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Communion Format Change for the 11 O'Clock Service
Janet Lochery, Worship Ministry | |
Following the changes made during the flu season last year, the Worship team has been approached by several members of the congregation with regard to the serving of communion at the 11 a.m. service. As a result of their deliberations and after discussions with the Elders, the Worship Ministry Team recommends that eleven o'clock communion be offered by intinction with the congregation moving forward rather than the current practice of passing the trays.
The following points suggest that this change should be made:
- Communion is received close to the table - members are coming to the table.
- Ministers or elders serving may offer a meaningful or personal comment to the member.
- Members are sharing the cup.
- Members are sharing the experience through the movement.
- Some members find it more personally or spiritually rewarding.
- Moving forward is time efficient.
- Logistics would be simplified.
- Due to seating patterns at the 11 a.m. service, serving often looks disjointed.
Members sometimes have to get out of their seats to pass the trays, and this distracts
from the desired meditative mood.
- Communion set up could be done more quickly without the trays and cups to prepare
for the 11 a.m. service.
- 9 a.m. deacons would therefore be able to get to Sunday school in a more timely manner.
Meditative music could be played during the movement forward and continue for a short time after everyone is seated in order to allow those who want to say a personal prayer time to do so.
Members who might have difficulty moving forward can be served by one of the deacons or elders.
These changes in the communion format have been approved and will take effect on February 6 at the 11:00 am service.
There will be no change at the 9 a.m. service.
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| Legacy Builders: Giving with Your IRA |
Have you ever wished you could stretch your dollars a little farther, or find a way to do more for the people and causes you love? If you are fortunate enough to be over 70 ˝ and have a traditional IRA, our government has again opened a window of opportunity for 2010 and 2011 to allow you to easily make your wish happen.
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 restores provisions that allow individuals at least 70 ˝ to request their IRA administrators make distributions directly to their favorite charities, including our congregation. This distribution can be counted against your required minimum distribution if you choose; it will not be counted as a taxable distribution to you; and you are allowed to make distributions to charity of up to $100,000 in any given year. In some states, making your charitable gifts through your IRA will save you state taxes, since this income will not be included in your Adjusted Gross Income. The combined impact of saving state, local and federal taxes is most dramatic for non-itemizers, who are now able to give tax-free dollars to charity, stretching their dollars by 25, 30, or even 35 percent! This opportunity can allow people to give more to our congregation at the same or reduced "out-of-pocket cost" to them. You might consider fulfilling your normal support of our operating budget with a gift from your IRA, or use this opportunity to stretch your gift to a capital campaign.
This act is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010. Because it is so late in the year, the provision allows individuals to make a qualified charitable distribution from their IRA trustee to a charity any time during 2010 or during January 2011 for the 2010 tax year.
If you are over 70 ˝, or will be before December 31, 2011, we encourage you to be in touch with us for more information. We have sample request letters for your IRA administrator and more information on how this act can benefit you, and all of the charitable causes you love, in the months ahead.
For more information, contact:
Randy Johnson, Vice President, Southeast Zone
Christian Church Foundation
(317) 713-2437 or (800) 668-8016 rjohnson@ccf.disciples.org
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Mountain Top Experience
Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, Associate Minister | |
My January trip to Costa Rica was one of the final seminar classes of my Doctor of 
Educational Ministries program that I'm enrolled in at Columbia Theological Seminary. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with some of the most progressive minds in the country- in the world- in the field of Educational Ministry in this time. Our professor for this trip was Dr. Daniel Bonilla-Rios from San Jose, Costa Rica. Our topic was Ethnic Biblical Interpretation. The course was understandably challenging, a sensitive subject to be sure, and yet such a rich, deep subject. Each of us presented a seminar class on the practices of Biblical Interpretation other than our own. I was to become the residential expert in Asian American Biblical interpretation. I learned so much in the preparation for this, and found that the Church-universal is being blessed with Asian American contributions to Biblical studies. We also had presentations on European-, African-, Latin-American theologies, and a unique look at Feminist biblical interpretation across ethnicities. As our knowledge grew, so did our commitment to become more united as Biblical scholars.
Of course, the trip was delightful. We were staying at a pastoral retreat center on the top of a mountain on the outskirts of San Jose. From my window, I could see the clouds sweep across the mountain tops, as the lights of the city twinkled in the valley below. It was like being directly between heaven and earth. We took a trip to a cloud forest at the top of a volcano, and I couldn't believe how many different Bible stories came to mind--The Transfiguration, Mount Sinai, Jesus preaching on the mount. Every moment was blessed and revealing.
I want to thank you, the congregation of SSCC, for encouraging this study program. The results of my learnings are showing in direct and indirect ways. I am grateful to be part of a congregation that enjoys new practices, such as the Christmas Pageants, and the Children's portfolios--all of which are a direct result of this program. I can't wait to tell you more about this program. In the meantime, I invite you to glance over our blog,http://dedmintravelcohort2.blogspot.com/ and review the past files!
Bless you!
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The Prophets Are Still Speaking
Art Edwards |
Amos, Micah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah all put in an appearance at SSCC on January 15th as Brad Sherrill added his voice, acting skills, and multimedia images to their teachings.
As we listened to words that have moved, inspired, and challenged  people for more than 2500 years, Brad connected their meanings to our realities.
We saw the Israelites Golden Calf reborn as the famous statue of the Wall Street Bull and watched pagan idols transformed into cell phones. Ancient heathen festivals became reincarnated as today's state religion -- football, and the homeless from centuries ago became flesh and blood as their words were spoken again by people who are homeless today.
After worshipping with the prophets, we moved to fellowship with each other around the tables set for us in Dunlap Hall by the Christian Women's Fellowship/Women's Ministry.
Brad, who is much more than just a "performer," joined our fellowship -- listening to all who had questions, comments, and ideas, as well as sharing his ministry.
In a final bit of good news we learned that the evening's offering not only covered all program expenses, but raised almost $900 to help make this year's Mexico Mission Trip a reality. Thanks to CWF/Women's Ministries, Mary Anne Posey, Barb Duren and the Invitation Team for all their efforts in making this such a successful evening.
Worship, fellowship, and mission together -- Amos, Micah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah would have been pleased.
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Adult Sunday School Giving
Bryant McDaniel | |
Congratulations.
Our giving through our Adult Sunday School at SSCC in 2010 enriched the experiences of those on our Mexico Mission Trip, those who attended Camp Balaam (Disciples of Christ), the school children we sponsored in India through Global Ministries, and Atlanta area children with incarcerated parents (supported through Foreverfamily).
In fact, during one of the worst economies in 60 years, we increased mission giving through our adult Sunday School by nearly 250% compared to 2009. These gifts were above and beyond regular pledges. They translated into almost $800 for Foreverfamily in the last three months of 2010 alone.
More opportunities are ahead in 2011.
In addition to the Mexico Mission Trip (First Quarter), Camp Balaam (Second Quarter), the Global Ministries Child Sponsorship (Third Quarter), and Foreverfamily (Fourth Quarter), we will use a portion of our Adult Sunday School collections to make special books, DVDs, and speakers available as resources for adult education.
Remember, the measure with which we give is the measure with which we will receive. Let's continue growing as we connect adult education and mission.
Please contact Bryant McDaniel if you have any questions.
Thanks again -- and in advance -- for your generous help for others!
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2011 Lenten Schedule | |
Mark Your Calendars!
Wednesdays, March 9 - April 6
Dinner: 6:15 to 7:00 pm (Dunlap Hall)
Worship Service: 7:00 to 7:30 pm
Classes: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
ˇ Rev. Phil Price
Phil will be offering a six week class on Brian McClaren's book,
"A New Kind of Christianity." (Room 201)
In his book McClaren offers ten questions that he feels are shaping the faith today. We will look at these questions and discuss them. Brian is vilified by some as one who is destroying the faith and lauded as a fresh new voice makes the faith relevant. Come and see what all the fuss is about!
ˇ Presiding Elder David B. Rhone and Rev. Erin Reed Cooper
"The Heart of A Teacher" (Room 205)
Though our gifts are varied and God gives spiritual gifts to all, the gift of teaching is a special treasure. This class is intended to nurture your teacher's heart, to encourage those who might be discerning a call to teach, and to allow you to be a student for a change! Whether you are a school teacher, a trainer, a Sunday morning teacher, a coach, a pastor, a mentor, a parent, or several of the above, you need to nurture your call and tend to your spirit. Teachers-- come and be fed! This class is being led by doctoral candidates from Columbia Theological Seminary. Elder Rhone is presiding elder in the AME church in Atlanta and Rev. Cooper is the Associate Minister of SSCC. They have enjoyed working together
in the Doctor of Educational Ministries program for three years.
ˇ Micki González and Ella Lewis
"The Songs We Sing" (Choir Room)
Come join us as we look at hymns and songs, old and new, and discuss how their words shape our understanding of the Church and ourselves in the world. We will discuss how texts are written and how tunes became attached to them. And we will sing,
accompanied by Ella Lewis!
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| Upcoming Excursion Opportunities | |
There are two events coming up that you might want to put on your calendar:
1) What: Disciples Men's Retreat
When: March 25-27, 2011
Where: Christmount Christian Assembly (Black Mountain, NC)
Guest Speaker: The Rev. Arnold Nelson, Jr.
Cost: varies from $75 to $207 for lecture, meals, and lodging
Registration: http://www.gadisciples.org/organizations/Men/Retreat/2011_Men's_Retreat.htm
2) What: Mountain Top Lectures
Guest Speaker: Dr. Robin Meyers
When: April 29-30, 2011
Where: Amicalola Falls Lodge, Amicalola Falls, GA
Cost: $75, $15 for evening meal
Registration: www.mountaintoplectures.org/ or call (706) 632-1048
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| Save the Date: 2011 Summer Camp | |
- CYF: June 6-11
- Junior I: June 13-17
- Chi Rho; June 20-25
- Balaam: July 27-30
- Junior II: July 18-22
For details, go to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia, Camp 2011.
Look for upcoming information regarding registration through SSCC.
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| Family Mission Trip to Nashville | |
Mark your calendars for June 26-July 2, 2011 and plan to join SSCC as we travel to Nashville to rehab buildings devastated in last year's floods.
Space will be limited so please let Nancy McDaniel (n.mcdaniel@comcast.net) know if you have interest in attending. Specific cost and accommodation information to follow, but we anticipate "camping" in a church and the cost (including meals but not transportation) will be approximately $200 per person. Scholarships may be available.
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| Help Wanted! | |
Do you enjoy hearing the bell choir play? Would you like to try out playing a
bell or two for awhile? Our bell choir needs a substitute for the next two and a
half months. Come and help us out! You just need to read two pitches and
be able to count to four! Contact Micki@SandySpringsCC.org.
Many thanks!
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| In the Life of SSCC
Go to www.SandySpringsCC.org to view our monthly calendar
"Invitable events" are highlighted in red |
Ongoing Groups
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, 11 am (205)
2nd Wednesday: Sigma Delta Circle, 10:30 am (P)
Sigma Delta lunch, 12 pm (CR)
3rd Wednesday: Women's Bible Study, 10 am (CR)
1st & 3rd Thursday: The Gathering, 7-8:30 pm (DH) beginning Feb. 17
1st Saturday: Outreach to Staff CAC, 9:45 am-1:15 pm
4th Sunday: PAC Meeting (3:30-5:30 pm) (120)
Friday: Men's Fellowship, 7 am (CR)
Saturday: SSCC Garden Group, 8-10 am
Sunday: Youth Groups, 4:30-6:30 pm (DH)
Events & Special Worship
2/6, 13, 20, 27 "Community Explorations" Adult Sunday School with Dr. Stan Saunders, 10 am (DH)
2/6 ThirdAgers Chat 'n Chew & Theatre, 12:30 lunch at Rocco's; 2:30 Jenny T. Anderson Theatre,
Cobb Civic Center
2/17 The Gathering, 7-8:30 pm (DH)
2/19 Candlelight Café, 6:30 pm (DH)
2/27 Laity Sunday
Save the Date
3/9-4/6 2011 Lenten Series
3/11 & 12 Real People, Real Faith lecture series with Brian McLaren
6/26-7/2 Family Mission Trip to Nashville, TN
7/7-13 General Assembly, Nashville, TN top |
| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. Contributions for the March Wellspring are due February 24. Thank you for your 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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