 April 2011 Grace Spoken Here Volume 12, Issue 4 |
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| Dear Members and Friends, |
You're Invited!
Holy Week is special at Sandy Springs Christian Church
and we'd love for you to be a part of it.
Palm Sunday, April 17, 9:00 or 11:00 AM
Join in the pageantry of a palm parade. Children and children-at-heart will enjoy this service celebrating Jesus' journey into Jerusalem. Our children's choir will be presenting a portrayal of the story.
Maundy Thursday Service, April 21, 8:00 PM
The church year offers several special worship experiences, but none more beautiful and meaningful than our Maundy Thursday service. A combination of the Last Supper and the traditional Tenebrae service (a service of lessons), it takes us through the week in Jerusalem that precedes Jesus' crucifixion, both in scripture and in music. Lit with candles, the sanctuary glows with a special light. After each lesson is read, one candle is extinguished, and the service ends in darkness and quiet. Come, bring a friend, and experience this meaningful part of the walk towards Easter.
Good Friday Service, April 22, 12:00 noon
To proclaim as Lord the one hanging on a cross means that we have discarded all previous notions of God. It means that we have taken a symbol of terror, shame and punishing defeat and in joyful defiance claimed that to us this cross is a symbol of hope, love and victory. The bright light of Easter cannot be perceived except through the shadow of the cross.
Easter Sunday Service, April 24, 9:00 or 11:00 AM
Once we can perceive a God who hangs on a cross, we gain eyes that can see an empty tomb, we see Christ in the garden or on the beach or at the table. He is RISEN! He is with us! We become joy filled witnesses to God's abiding presence!
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Serving Inside Out , April 2-9
Cindy Brown |
 Our youth and sponsors are headed to Tecate, Mexico to serve the poor and God by building a home for a very needy family. While many students are headed for "fun in the sun," these SSCC youth and friends will be "gettin' it done for the Son." Best wishes to: Tyler Brown, Derrick Brown, Michael McClusky, Sarah Price, Lily Mueller, Imani Williams, Leah Price, Breanna Buchanan, Justin Stanfill and Jackie Genito.
The adult sponsors of this mission trip give up a week of work and family and dedicate themselves to serving. We are blessed and thank: Reverend Phil Price, J.R Torbert, Andy Torbert, Sarah Witherington, Bryant McDaniel, Molly McDaniel and Leslie Lady. This trip could not happen without the advance trip preparations by Jim Torbert in his borrowed kitchen, with Bryant McDaniel, Molly McDaniel and Andy Torbert helping to get everything ready in California.
Most important, the SSCC community has, once again, given a great deal of spiritual and financial help to our participants and for that we are all very thankful.
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Mexico 2011 - The Figueroa Parra Family |
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Mexico Celebration Service
Sunday, April 10 - 11:00 AM only
Cindy Brown |
Please join the celebration as our youth and sponsors return from their mission in Mexico. On Sunday, April 10, a special Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 AM.
Hear how the work of our own youth and sponsors changes lives.
See how one week can impact values for a lifetime.
Understand the importance of the support you have shown the SSCC Youth.
Believe that one little church can make a big difference.
There will be NO 9:00 AM service on April 10.
Sunday classes will be held as usual at 10:00 AM. 
After the service join the congregation and missionaries in a special Fiesta Luncheon and Celebration in Dunlap Hall. Donations will be accepted for lunch with proceeds going to the Mexico Mission Fund.
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Real People, Real Faith: Brian McLaren Lectures
Bryant McDaniel |
About 120 people enjoyed three fantastic lectures by Brian McLaren at the Real People, Real Faith program on March 11-12. Surveys indicated that everyone really enjoyed the event and that our visitors (over half the crowd) found SSCC to be a very warm and inviting church. DVD's of the lectures will be available for a limited time through the church office for a price of $10. A big thanks to everyone involved in making this such a successful event. We hope to announce the speaker for next year's lectures very soon!
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Phil Price, Brian McLaren and Bryant McDaniel share a moment together at Real People, Real Faith. |
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We had a full house for the delicious Torbert brunch
in Dunlap Hall. |
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Laina Orlando and Brian McLaren talk spiritually at a break during Real People, Real Faith. |
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April Adult Education
Bryant McDaniel |
Community Sunday School Class
April 3 and April 10, Dunlap Hall
10 AM
Led by Dr. Stan Saunders
"Salvation, the Earth, and the End of the World"
What does the New Testament say about what happens at the end of the world? Do we leave the earth and go to heaven? Will God destroy the earth? In these 2 sessions, we will begin to explore New Testament images of salvation and the end of the world, with a particular focus on the "dispensationalist" end-time scenarios such as "the rapture" that are so popular today.
- New to the Church?
- Not so new, but don't attend Sunday school?
- Attend Sunday school regularly and ready to return to the Community Class?
Join us at 10 AM downstairs in Dunlap Hall as Dr. Stan Saunders from Columbia Theological Seminary continues a series of Community Sunday School classes. The class brings together people from all the existing adult Sunday school classes at SSCC, as well as people who have never attended any classes. Join us. An extended family is waiting for you!
Sunday Focus Groups
April 17 and 24
10 AM, Classrooms as assigned
In our Community sessions for adult Sunday School, Dr. Stan Saunders has opened our hearts and minds to a deeper understanding of Matthew's Gospel. In the month of April, we will continue meeting in the following Focus Groups: Current Events, Our Theology, The Lectionary, and Apocalyptic Prophesies. Take some time in April to Focus.
Current Events (Conference Room)
Facilitator - Dr. Bob Roper
This class will bring the Bible into conversation with 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"
New - Arts Apocalypse (Room 201)
Facilitator - Art Edwards
The writer of Revelation hasn't been the only one to give us a vision of the end of the world. Musicians from REM to John Lennon to Tim McGraw to Coven to Taylor Swift to David Wilcox to Johnny Cash have all imagined the end of the world. We'll explore what they have to say in the context of John's revelation in general and the churches he describes in particular as being present in the last day.
Each session stands on its own, so come to one or come to all. It may be your last chance.
If you have any questions, please contact Art Edwards or Bryant McDaniel, or call the church office 404.256.2582.
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Your Kids Love Going to Camp!
Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, Associate Minister |
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Rev. Erin Reed Cooper |
The Georgia region has announced the Summer camp schedule at Camp Christian and it looks so great! I know summers seem so short and fill up quickly, so I want to make sure you check the appropriate dates for your kids to get to camp. We hope to take a van down to each camp, so sign up early. Find the schedule here: Camp Christian 2011
For our students rising into grades 4 & 5, we typically recommend Junior I camp as opposed to Junior II--our own Teresa Bensch is the director and our youth feel right at home with Ms. Teresa. I will be the director for Genesis Camp again this year for our rising 2nd & 3rd graders. It is only a 2 night camp and is a very good way to expose kids to the camping experience-- and I'll be there; a familiar adult always makes it easier. If your child is entering first grade in the fall, then Chrysalis camp is a wonderful experience for you to share with your child. A parent accompanies their child on this camp (and you get to stay in the air conditioned building!). Our Chi Rho and CYF campers are pros and get to have a long fun experience with the pool, the challenge course, boating, not to mention the blessing of making new friends and reuniting with old ones.
 Are you thinking, "why would I send my child to church camp when they already attend sports camp, scout camp and more?" Let me share with you that the church camp experience can solidify a young person's commitment to living a faithful life--for the REST of their life. Nearly 50% of clergy say that they first experienced their call to ministry as a child at camp, and the opportunity to expose your child to other adults and children of faith broadens their global understanding of their faith.
If you have questions about which camp is right for your child or just want to ask what things they will be doing, please talk to Teresa or me-- you'll probably get a lot of enthusiasm-- it is one of our favorite ministries! We can't wait for summer! CAMP CHRISTIAN -- HERE WE COME!
Blessings & Love,
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21 Volunteers Enjoyed Reading Time at Read Across America | |
"One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" -- SSCC gave Lake Forest their wish! March 2 was Dr. Seuss's birthday and schools around the country celebrated with the Read Across America Program. Lake Forest administrators asked SSCC to send volunteer readers to each classroom so their students could enjoy a special reading time. It gave members and friends an opportunity to dust off their old favorite books and share them with eager elementary students. Thanks to members, friends, neighbors, staff and Leadership Sandy Springs for making the day special.
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Jay Donnelly reading |
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Alice Villa reading |
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Martha Dalton reading |
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Cindy Brown reading |
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Ministry Musings: "Reclaiming Worship"
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
Worship is the central act of a community of faith.
When it is right, it shapes us, gives voice to our highest hopes, tells our story, brings us together in a profound way, gives us an opportunity to offer our gifts, gives opportunity to be ministered to by the gifts of others, and then sends us out empowered, inspired and equipped to be witnesses to the presence of God as revealed in Christ.
When it is not right it can feel perfunctory, that you are doing things just to do them--check list worship. It can be boring in that it does not connect with anything real or important in your life. It can be out of touch, using styles, forms, practices that may have been relevant in their time but have long since outlived their ability to communicate. It can offer legitimation for lifestyles and choices that should come under the scrutiny of gospel values. It can be designed to titillate or entertain rather than created to inspire, empower, convict, and bring to repentance.
Worship is a together experience. Yes, you can experience God's presence at the lake or on a golf course or in a hot tub for that matter, but none of those experiences are a substitute for gathering and remembering the body of Christ. Somehow Christ is present in our togetherness in ways that cannot be experienced any other way. From the very beginning God created us for relationship, and the reach of that togetherness expands throughout the whole biblical story until at the end all nations, all nature, experience the "glory of the Lord."
Worship is a re-orienting experience. It is a regular reminder that our highest allegiance is to a kingdom whose "builder and maker" is God. This allegiance lifts from us the obsessions and values of the kingdoms of this world and frees us to be faithful to the values of God's empire.
Worship is that experience where in the presence of God we claim our "saltiness" and we gain the confidence to lift the "bushel basket" to reveal our light.
Every generation must do the work of reclaiming worship so that it avoids the sand traps that relegate it to irrelevance and insist that worship retain it's ability to be that which inspires, empowers us as we offer ourselves into God's vision for creation, redemption and reconciliation.
Blessings,
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Ninth Annual Volunteer for A Better Sandy Springs - April 16 | |
On Saturday, April 16, we will be joining other community volunteers at Lake Forest Elementary School to work on a landscape project. Meet in Dunlap Hall at 8:30 am, and we will make the 10 minute drive to Lake Forest together. The event culminates with a lunch at Hammond Park. Be sure to sign up in The Centrum (include your t-shirt size) and be sure to wear your "Exercising Faith" t-shirt if you have one. For questions, contact Nancy McDaniel (n.mcdaniel@comcast.net).
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Legacy Builders Are Building!
Rev. Linda Whitmire | |
We are a small group...but still growing! We are a group of men and women who choose to include the church in our estate planning, some of us in significant ways, some in more modest ways. We do this because we are committed to what it means to be good stewards of our material blessings. We do this because we love the imperfect church of Jesus Christ as it seeks to grow toward the perfect grace of God. We do this because we believe in the future Jesus Christ wants for all those our church serves. We do this because WE NEED to do this for our own sakes, as well as those our gifts might benefit. We do this because we choose to build a legacy of love and commitment and service.
Will YOU join us? For information as to how to go about this, contact Linda Whitmire or Phil Price or Randy Johnson with the Christian Church Foundation (317.713.2437). Be a Legacy Builder for Christ.
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April Excursion Opportunities | |
April 8-10: Second Annual First Christian Church Atlanta Spirituality Conference.
This year's theme is "Five Faiths Explore the Sacred Path," an interfaith contemplative weekend.
We live in richly diverse religious culture. Atlanta is rapidly becoming an international epicenter of interfaith dialogue. During the weekend you will be given the opportunity to hear the stories of adherents of five major world religions. We will also share in the contemplative traditions which are at the heart of the sacred path, and which hold a key to increased tolerance, respect and peace in a fragmented world.
For more information and registration details, click here.
April 29-30: Mountain Top Lectures
Guest Speaker: Dr. Robin Meyers
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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Mark Your Calendars! Women's Ministries (Christian Women's Fellowship) Spring Luncheon |
Women's Ministries Spring Luncheon
May 14, 2011
10:30 AM, Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs
Each Spring, we meet at Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs for a program, entertainment and a pot-luck lunch. 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.
No registration fee; just bring your favorite salad or dessert.
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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 | |
Events & Special Worship
4/2-9 Mexico Youth Mission Trip
4/2 Baptism Class, 8:30-10:30 am (Pit)
4/6 Lenten Series #5 of 6, 6:15 pm dinner, 7:00 pm worship: 7:30 pm class
4/8-10 Second Annual First Christian Church Atlanta Spirituality Conference
4/10 Mexico Celebration Sunday, 11 am service only
4/13 Lenten Series #6 of 6, 6:15 pm dinner, 7:00 pm worship; 7:30 pm class
4/16 Final Baptism Class, 8:30-10:30 am (Pit)
4/17 Palm Sunday Service, 9 & 11 am
4/21 Maundy Thursday Service, 8-9 pm
4/22 Good Friday Service, 12 pm
4/24 Easter Sunday Service, 9 & 11 am
4/24 Baptisms
4/24 Easter Egg Hunt, 10 am
4/29-30 Mountain Top Lectures
Save the Date
6/26-7/2 Family Mission Trip to Nashville, TN
7/9-13 General Assembly, Nashville, TN,
http://www.disciples.org/GeneralAssembly/tabid/59/Default.aspx
7/25-29 Sun & Surf VBS
June-July Summer Camp 2011,http://gadisciples.org/Camp/C2011/Camp_for2011.htm
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)
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| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. Contributions for the May 1 Wellspring are due April 21. 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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