 March 2011 Grace Spoken Here Volume 12, Issue 3 |
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| Dear Members and Friends, |
You have been reading about them, making plans to attend, and now three big educational initiatives are right around the corner. We need you to come and hope you will invite your family and friends!
We have had tremendous interest in the Real People, Real Faith lecture series with Brian McLaren, March 11 and 12, in Dunlap Hall. If you haven't registered yet, there is still time. However, reservations for the optional dinner on Friday, March 11, must be made by March 7! This annual event is always a big success with much anticipation of information we will share.
The Lenten Series begins March 9 with dinner, worship and classes each Wednesday night through April 13. Participation offers fellowship, good food, worship, and a choice of three classes. Be sure to sign up for dinner and a class!
Our Sunday morning Focus Groups will begin on March 6. Sign up in the Centrum to attend one of five groups. Each session starts at 10 AM in the assigned classroom.
Learn more about these educational initiatives as you read through this issue of The Wellspring.
Two really inspiring recent events involved our children and youth. On January 30, Peaceable Adventurers Club children 1st through the 4th grade and several adults took food donated by the SSCC congregation to Trinity House. There they served a meal and shared fellowship with the hungry, homeless and those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Then on February 19, the youth of SSCC and adult sponsors held the annual Candlelight Cafe, the most significant project they have for promoting and raising funds for the spring Youth Mexico Mission Trip. We shared fellowship, an elegant dinner and fun entertainment--a night to remember and a night for giving thanks for your support.
Sandy Springs Christian Church is bustling with many new programs and activities. Look for opportunities to participate in the weeks and months ahead--Vacation Bible School, Summer Camp, Lake Forest Elementary School, Community Exploration classes, Nashville family mission trip, and more.
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| Lenten Series, Wednesdays, March 9-April 13 |
You and Your Family and Friends are Invited!
What: Lenten Series
6:15-7:00 pm Dinner (Dunlap Hall)
7:00-7:30 pm Worship
7:30-8:30 pm Classes
When: Wednesdays, March 9 thru April 13
Where: Sandy Springs Christian Church
301 Johnson Ferry Road, NW
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
"corner of Johnson Ferry & Abernathy Roads"
Ph. 404.256.2582
How to Sign Up
Dinner: Sign up in the Centrum for each Wednesday meal or call the church office. Donations greatly appreciated.
Classes: Attend the 6-week class of your choice by signing up in the Centrum or call the church office.
"A New Kind of Christianity" - Rev. Phil Price (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!
"The Heart of a Teacher" - Presiding Elder David B. Rhone and Rev. Erin Reed Cooper (Conference Room)
 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.
"The Songs We Sing" - Micki González and Ella Lewis (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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| Real People, Real Faith Lecture Series with Brian McLaren |
You and Your Family and Friends Are 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 Christianity, 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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Got Focus?
Bryant McDaniel |
March Focus Groups
Sundays, 10:00 AM
In our Community sessions for adult Sunday School, Stan Saunders has opened our hearts and minds to a deeper understanding of Matthew's Gospel. In the month of March, we will have opportunities to meet in small groups and focus on current events, theology, contemporary spiritual living, weekly readings from Matthew, and an introduction to Sandy Springs Christian Church.
Take a look at what's being offered, sign up in Dunlap Hall or the Centrum, and take some time on Sunday mornings in March to focus more deeply.
Beginnings Class (Phil's Office)
Facilitator - by Phil Price and Erin Cooper
This class is intended for visitors and new members who are interested in learning more about SSCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The class will discuss: how we view the Bible and its authority, Disciples history and polity, and how our faith intersects with our daily lives.
Current Events (Conference Room)
Facilitator - Dr. Bob Roper
This class will bring the Bible into conversation wish contemporary science using William Brown's new book, "The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder." Book is optional.
Lectionary Study (Room 113)
Facilitator - Dr. Larry Steinmetz
This class engages more deeply in the weekly lectionary text by asking, "What do you hear?" and "What does this mean for how I live my life?"
Theology (Room 205)
Facilitator - Shelton Blackburn
Come, study, discuss, and learn how empires - Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and Roman - influenced what we read in our Bibles today. This group will study how our Bible is a product of a peoples' resistance to empires.
Summary: We will study essays by renowned contemporary Biblical scholars who address how Biblical writings were influenced by resistance to imperial cultures which can help us better understand the texts.
Resource: " In the Shadow of Empire, Reclaiming the Bible as a History of Faithful Resistance"
Contemporary Spiritual Living (Room 201)
Facilitator - Pat and Paul Kapphahn
This class will be looking at ways to create and maintain optimal spiritual living in the 21st Century - with the understanding that there is a spiritual solution to every problem.
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| 2010 Strategic Initiative Accomplishments |
Our Top Ten of 2010!
2010 was a banner year for Sandy Springs Christian Church in many regards, including the successful celebration of our Fiftieth Anniversary! While the "regular" work of the church continued at the usual pace, there was a lot of additional, special work being done under the Leadership Team. Here is our list of the top ten Strategic Initiative Accomplishments for the year:
1. INVITE (FORMERLY ATTRACT): The creation of a "visitor" tab on the website; making "invitation" everyone's responsibility through the Faithfulness Campaign; and creating "inevitable events" promotional materials resulted in the tracking of 110 first time visitors.
2. CONNECT: 28 new members joined us as a result of 3 "meet and greets" (27 attended) and 3 "Beginnings Classes (39 attending). Creating and staffing the "Welcome Desk" after each service played a big part in sharing the story of SSCC with visitors and new members.
3. COVENANT GROUPS: Five covenant groups (41 participating) completed the initial 18 month program indicating this small group ministry launch was a success. New groups are currently forming to build upon this momentum.
4. CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES: Six baptisms brought new families and energy to the program.
5. ADULT EDUCATION: Adult Sunday School attendance is up over 5%. Several other educational programs that were offered brought additional visitors (Real People Real Faith, The Jesus Seminar, The First Testament, The Prophets). Adult Sunday School offerings increased 250% (!) as quarterly beneficiaries were identified (Mexico Mission, Camp Balaam Scholarships, Family Village Farm in India, and ForeverFamily).
6. MISSION AND OUTREACH: An emphasis on hands-on outreach work resulted in 13 new outreach opportunities and over 42 new outreach participants. SSCC earned Global Ministries' designation as a global mission church.
7. STEWARDSHIP: A Legacy Campaign was successfully launched through newsletters, brochures and educational visits by Rev. Randy Johnson of the Christian Church Foundation.
8. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Plans were developed for improvements to the parking lot and grounds to be implemented once the DOT project is complete. Work began on designing an improved canopy for the lower parking lot with anticipation the work will begin mid-2011.
9. THE DAY SCHOOL: Efforts to recruit a new, top-notch Day School Director and provide a smooth transition upon the current director's retirement are "on track" with the anticipation of hiring someone in the first quarter of 2011.
10. INFORMATION and FINANCIAL SYSTEMS: Completed several efforts to improve our information and financial systems including 2 computer life cycles replacements, the internet was upgraded, the CD burner was repaired and on-site backup was created for critical files. Some accounting procedures were updated and clarified in anticipation of a CPA review.
It is a great time to be a part of Sandy Springs Christian Church! We have much to celebrate as we look forward to even more successes in 2011. For further information on any of these accomplishments, or if you would like to be involved this year, please inquire at the Welcome Desk.
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Thank You, Nancy McDaniel!
Leadership Team |
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Nancy McDaniel |
The Leadership Team expresses sincere appreciation to Nancy McDaniel for her work on the Leadership Team as Chair of Ministry Council and for the extraordinary accomplishments as Chair of the Strategic Initiative, Mission Development. Nancy accepted the challenge by Phil Price, Senior Minister, to engage SSCC as "A church that passionately embraces a mission to embody God's love in the world." Nancy began and led this effort in 2010 while exceeding expectations in all areas of this very important work as reflected in the following:
1. Effectively worked toward objective of emphasizing "hands on" outreach projects. New projects included: Haitian patient resettlement; Community Babysitting; Initiative for Affordable Housing woodworking projects; Community Action Center Spring Sprint (recognized as largest number of participants from one organization); Lake Forest Elementary School events for students, families and staff; MUST Meals on a Mission Summer Program; Campbell-Stone Book Club; Sandwich Making for Mercy Community Church; Softball game for Center for Children and Young Adults; Dinner for Trinity House
2. Distributed ten percent of church income to local and global charities
3. Increased SSCC participation in Mission projects--at least 42 new members or people who hadn't previously participated got involved!
4. Earned "Global Mission Church" designation
Nancy, please accept our recognition or your accomplishments and our sincere appreciation.
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Ministry Musings: "Learning Where to Look for God"
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
It is a season of reflection, contemplation and a willingness to hold and behold pain and suffering.
Lent demands that we look unblinkingly at the cross. We are asked to look at it in all it's ugliness, all its repulsiveness, all it's violence until we see GOD REVEALED. When we see God in pain and death on the cross then, and only then, can we experience RESURRECTION.
Our culture tries to anesthetize us from all unpleasantness. We are encouraged to either drug ourselves or distract ourselves from all pain. I'm not talking about physical pain from operations. If you have just had an operation, I encourage you to take your pain meds. I'm talking about emotional or spiritual suffering. Too often, we cover emotional pain with a gloss of "feel good" and thereby prevent the personal and spiritual growth that could come if we dealt with the causes of the pain.
Lent takes us toward the cross where on the cross in absolute pain God is revealed. The way Matthew tells it, the curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom just as the Centurion was confessing, "surely this is the son of God." I think this is Matthew's way of saying that God isn't in the Temple; God is known in, present in pain, death and resurrection.
On the cross, pain and suffering are redeemed and become not evidence of failure and the dominance of evil, rather they become evidence of the presence of God. God joins our suffering and brings us to resurrection.
Today I am mindful of the millions of people in countries in the Middle East who thirst for liberty and who are in the midst of the pain of oppression and tyranny. I pray that the God known in pain, death and resurrection will be present to them as they yearn for a better life. I pray that our leaders will find the perfect balance between over engagement and non-engagement and be partners in the journey toward the liberation of all peoples.
On our lenten journey we discover that pain and even death are not the enemy; rather they become "God moments" where God is revealed to be with us.
Blessings,
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Helping Out at Lake Forest | |
SSCC's relationship with Lake Forest Elementary School is growing! This semester we have 7 people tutoring students one-on-one weekly and 9 regularly reading to groups of children. On March 2, we will be participating in Read Across America Day, a day of celebration of Dr. Seuss and his efforts to make reading fun. Twenty people have volunteered to read in classrooms during this celebration.
There are several upcoming events where we could really use helpers. Please contact Nancy McDaniel (770.952.0250) if you can help with:
Volunteer for A Better Sandy Springs: Saturday, April 16 all morning at the school. Improvement projects around the school likely to include landscaping, painting, organizing.
The School Carnival: Friday, April 29 at 4 pm--staffing carnival booths and selling tickets
Field Day: Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm--supervising games, handing out popsicles
Staff Appreciation Week: May 9 - May 13--preparing special treats for staff
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Choosing to Be a Legacy Builder
Charlotte Hale | |
Within the last year Floyd and I have had our wills revised. That required a lot of communication and reflection. One of the decisions we made together was specifying that we want to help provide an ongoing gift to Sandy Springs Christian Church to help ensure that some of the important current ministries continue into the future, even after we are no longer there.
We are especially interested in our church's present and future education and outreach/missions ministries and opportunities. We appreciate the opportunities for children, youth, and adults in both of these broad ministries.
We want those ministries to continue, to evolve, and to expand, so we have chosen to be legacy builders.
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Food and Fellowship Shared at Trinity House
Leslie Kahrs | |
On Sunday, January 30th, a group of 15 adults and 9 youth spent an evening at the Trinity House-Big Bethel in downtown Atlanta. Trinity House is sponsored by Trinity Community Ministries, with the support of volunteers and collaborative partners, which is dedicated to transforming the lives of people who are homeless, hungry or struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Trinity House is a residential transitional program lasting from 6 - 24 months which teaches and supports the necessary life skills to break the cycles of abuse.
Numerous members of SSCC donated delicious food which we took with us. We shared the food and fellowship with about 24 residents of Trinity House. Although we only reserved one dining room for our evening, we had so much food and willing volunteers that we were able to add a second room/meal! We spent about an hour and a half at the dinner table with these men. As both parties shared stories about their lives and of how drugs and/or alcohol has affected them, some of the men started to speak directly to us, and especially to the youth, to make different choices in their lives. Nobody thinks that "just this once" or their occasional use can turn in to an addiction that can affect their lives for 20, 40 or even 50+ years, as we learned from these men.
This interactive dinner experience is very powerful and meaningful. Providing food helps Trinity House keep its operating costs down. Hearing other people's stories nurtures the soul and humanizes a de-humanizing situation. It was a wonderful reminder that we are all God's children, we are all loved, and we can all help each other. Please consider contributing food and/or volunteering for the next dinner that is organized. You will give and receive a wonderful blessing.
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Thank You for Supporting the Candlelight Cafe | |
Candlelight Café is a very important fundraiser for our Mexico mission trip. It is not only important to support us financially, but it affords the youth of SSCC an opportunity to experience a different way of life in another country. Everyone thinks Candlelight Café is just a fundraiser but, to us youth, it is a chance for us to serve and for the church to get to know who we are. The mission trip changes everyone's life who goes on it. Candlelight Café gives us a chance to share that life-changing experience with the congregation.
On behalf of all of the youth at SSCC, I would like to personally thank everyone who came out to support us and allowed us to share our lives and experience with you.
Sincerely,
Tyler Brown
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Emma McCluskey with appetizers; the kitchen crew serving up plates; the youth serve dinner |
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Entertainment host Michael McCluskey interviews Lily Mueller and Tyler Brown while Austin Michels, Brian Goepfert, Ryan Kahrs, and Evan Bensch receive Candlelight Cafe Telethon pledges |
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Caring Made Visible Needs You!
Ray Woods | |
Caring Made Visible is looking for a few good men... and women!
Do you ever wonder, "Where is John or Jane" when you haven't seen them for a while? Are you concerned when someone in our SSCC family has an illness or other problem that can keep us apart? If so, please check out the Caring Made Visible ministry team.
We serve as caring contact persons on behalf of SSCC when one of our family or friends needs some support or contact to maintain our sense of community. Sometimes it is just a phone call or a card; other times it may require a visit or some task to help them in their time of need. If you are one of our Caring People with a little time to share, please contact Ray Woods (woodynan@bellsouth.net) or the church office to find out how to help. top |
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Another Excursion Opportunity: Basic DOC Course for Laity | |
Mark Your Calendars!
Christian College of Georgia, Institute for Christian Ministry, Non-Credit Courses for Laity
What: "Who Are the Disciples?" - Dr. Bill Gerrard, Instructor
When: Saturdays: March 19 and 26; April 2, 9 and 16.
Where: Peachtree Christian Church, 9:30 am to 12 noon
Tuition $25.00; the textbook is $10.00. Total $35.00, payable at the first class.
For further information or to receive a Registration Form, contact: Peachtree Christian Church at 404.876.5525 or Bob Harris, 1.800.235.2496
The course will include sketches of Walter Scott, Barton Stone, Thomas Campbell and Alexander Campbell in the context of 19th Century America History. Dr. Gerrard will highlight both their biographical background AND their thoughts about the matters which shaped our denomination. He will then explore with the class the application of their thought for today: "What is the theological value of our Founders for the Disciple in the 21st Century?"
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ThirdAgers Chat 'n Chew March 27
Shelton Blackburn | |
ThirdAgers!!!
Let's get together and have some great food, music, and fun. Sign up today in the Centrum or call the church office, 404.256.2582..
What: SSCC Chat 'n Chew
Who: ThirdAgers - Everyone 50+ and everyone younger who brings someone
50+
When: Sunday, March 27, 2011, following the 11:00 o'clock service
Where: Dunlap Hall
Live Entertainment: The Atlanta New Horizons Band - Our own Jim Veal is a member of this group.
Great Food: By our own Chefs Torbert
Deadline to Sign Up: End of day, Tuesday, March 22
Contact Shelton Blackburn with any questions - shblackb@comcast.net or 770-977-2970 top |
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Women's Ministries (Christian Women's Fellowship)
Barb Duren |
 The purpose of Women's Ministries (Christian Women's Fellowship) is "To provide opportunities for spiritual growth, enrichment, education and creative ministries that enable women to develop a sense of personal responsibility for the whole mission of the Church of Jesus Christ."
We were previously known as "Christian Women's Fellowship". The name was changed to reflect changes in our culture. All women are included-- women clergy, lay leaders as well as members of the groups, sometimes referred to as "circles."
We have two groups at SSCC. Both meet in the daytime at present. Gamma meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 11:00 am in Room 205. Delta/Sigma meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am in the Parlor, followed by lunch in the Conference Room. Both groups are using "New Day" magazine for the study this year, including mission study on the Congo. The fellowship in these groups invite sharing of joys and concerns, with prayers of celebration and supplication. We would like to start an additional group, meeting in the evening.
Connie Cannon is President of the Board (770.587.3126); Barb Duren, Gamma Leader (404.252.6396); and Ann Walker, Sigma/Delta Leader (770.971.9509). These women will be happy to answer any questions you have.
We have two General Meetings a year:
Spring Luncheon - May 14, 2011
In the Spring, we meet at Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs for a program, entertainment and pot-luck lunch of salads and desserts. The volunteers working in the Corner Store are honored guests. This year, Micki Gonzalez will bring our message and Mary Shehan and Valarie Boss will sing for us.
Christmas Communion Worship Service and Lunch - December 3, 2011
Our second event is always the first Saturday in December and is a Communion Worship Service followed by lunch, prepared by Chef Torberts and served by the men of the church (including the Senior Minister!). This is a very special way to begin the Christmas Season, and we have many guests.
Our only fundraiser is the Corner Store at Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs. All profit comes back to us and funds our Outreach and other expenses. The Corner Store provides gifts, greeting cards and every day necessities for the residents of Campbell-Stone at very reasonable prices. The store is stocked and run by women of SSCC, with residents volunteering to assist in sales.
We do contribute to Disciples Mission Fund with "pledges."
Some of the projects we contribute to are the Mexico Mission Trip, Campbell-Stone Chaplaincy program, Week of Compassion and SSCC Scholarship. We also sponsor monthly collection of supplies for various projects, encouraging all to participate.
If any of this is of interest to you, don't wait! Take the opportunity to participate in study, fellowship and outreach!
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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)
1st Wednesday bi-monthly: Caring Made Visible, 12 noon (CR)
2nd Wednesday: Sigma Delta Circle, 10:30 am (P)
Sigma Delta lunch, 12 pm (CR)
Prayer Group, 12:30 pm (P)
4th Wednesday: Women's Bible Study, 10 am (CR)
1st & 3rd Thursday: The Gathering, 7-8:30 pm (DH)
1st Saturday: Outreach Ministry staffs CAC, 9:45 am-1:15 pm
4th Sunday: PAC Meeting (3:30-5:30 pm) (120) 1st through 4th grade
Wednesdays: Handbell Choir, 6:15 pm (Room 202)
Sanctuary Choir, 7:30 pm (Room 202)
Fridays: Men's Fellowship, 7 am (CR)
Saturdays: SSCC Garden Group, 8-10 am
Sundays: Youth Groups, 4:30-6:30 pm (DH) high school and 5th grade/middle school
Early Risers, 8:15 am (Room 202)
Events & Special Worship
2/27-3/27 Mexico Mission Company Fundraiser, after 9 and 11 am worship
3/1 The Power of Self-Awareness, 7-9 pm (121) (last class)
3/5 Annual Spring Grounds Work Day 2011, 8:30-11:30 am
3/9-4/13 2011 Lenten Series
3/11 & 12 Real People, Real Faith lecture series with Brian McLaren
3/13 Daylight Savings Time begins
3/12 & 13 Baptism Lock-In, 7:30 pm (DH)
3/19 & 26 Baptism Class, 8:30-10:30 am (Pit)
3/19 Deacon Retreat, 10 am - 12 pm (S)
3/19, 26, 4/2, 9 & 16 Basic DOC Course for Laity, Peachtree Christian Church, 9:30 am-12:00 pm
3/25-27 Disciples Men's Retreat, Black Mountain, NC
Save the Date
4/29-30 Mountain Top Lectures, Amicalola Falls, Ga. Speaker, Dr. Robin Meyers
6/26-7/2 Family Mission Trip to Nashville, TN
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| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. Contributions for the April 1 Wellspring are due March 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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