 May 2011 Grace Spoken Here Volume 12, Issue 5 |
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| Dear Members and Friends, |
Welcome to the "Post Easter" season! Have you become tired of hearing that we are "Post This" or "Post That" with the implication that This or That is no longer relevant? That the link between what was and what is has been severed?
As SSCC members, we strive to celebrate our links to Easter with all their meanings. This month's Wellspring is full of examples of how we entwine our mission with Christ's. Even though Jesus took an early retirement, our mission "to the ends of the earth" continues. By the way, just where is the End of the Earth?
Is it all the way to India where we hear back from two children, responding to our support in their education? I am impressed that both of them tell us that they "finish with love" in their letters to us. How very Christ-like!
Is it in Tecate, Mexico, at Lake Forest Elementary School, or maybe in Nashville, TN where we link the blisters on our hands to the nail marks on His? Is it in the breaking of bread with these people or in a multitude of Sandwich Making for MUST Ministries?
Is it in the journey of our Youth to Camp Christian or Vacation Bible School where the stories of Jesus are made more real in their lives? Whatever the time or place, we remain proud to be Easter People.
Ray Woods
Member
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| Outreach and You |
Your SSCC Mission and Outreach Team is busy fulfilling the charge that you, the congregation, have given them to be good stewards of their budget (minimum 10% of all SSCC income) and to provide appealing hands-on opportunities for participation. The team is working to create a strategic plan and priorities that will provide a focus for our hands-on projects and financial expenditures. While the following four categories do not encompass everything we will do, they do highlight our areas of focus:
~ Fight hunger and homelessness (with a strong local emphasis)
~ Provide educational enrichment & support for disadvantaged children
~ Assist those with low income and/or disabilities
~ Support selected national and global projects
In addition, we will continue to support the work of the local, regional and national Disciples Church through contributions to Camp Christian, the regional and national offices, participation in More Hands for God Day and special offerings.
So what opportunities are coming up for you?
Friday, May 13 - STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH - LAKE FOREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. We will provide lunch for the staff for the school to show our support and appreciation. If you are willing to provide cookies or brownies for dessert, please let Nancy McDaniel know.
Sunday, May 15 - SANDWICH MAKING - in The Centrum after the 11 o'clock service. We will make 600 sandwiches for the homeless served by MUST Ministries and Mercy Community Church. Great project for families.
Sunday, May 29 - PANCAKE BREAKFAST- Proceeds from the traditional Fifth Sunday Pancake Breakfast will be used for scholarships to help pay for our Nashville Mission Trip. Come enjoy homemade pancakes, bacon and sausage while supporting your friends' outreach efforts.
June 26 - July 2 - NASHVILLE MISSION TRIP - Limited to 20 participants, we will travel to Nashville to rehab a home devastated in last year's floods. Sponsored by Disciples Hands on Missions, we will "camp" at a local church, "get dirty for Jesus" during the day and possibly take a night to enjoy the sounds of Nashville. This trip promises to transform lives--ours and the Nashville natives. If you are interested in participating, contact Nancy McDaniel.
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You Are Baptized
Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, Associate Minister |
On Easter morning, we welcomed six young people into the folds of the
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Rev. Erin Reed Cooper |
congregation as they made the choice to live their lives as Christians. I couldn't even tell you the last time we baptized six people on an Easter morning. To say that it is a joy to be a part of this moment in their lives is a gross understatement. You who were with us on Easter morning, and you who are part of the Body of Christ, were a part of this holy privilege as well.
When a child is born or welcomed into the Disciples of Christ family, the congregation and the parents have a Dedication service. Affirming that this child is a gift from God given into our care, we covenant with God and the child to raise them to know Christ, to be for them a home and a place of grace and security. In baptism, the child accepts personal responsibility for the role of discipledom. We welcome these children as brothers and sisters on this day, and notice the subtle shift from young child to a person growing into adulthood.
This was an extra special year for me. I've known all six of these kiddos since they were in pre-school, and they are dear to me. One stands out, however, and I experienced baptism like never before. As I drew my daughter up out of the Waters of Life, my congregation joined in singing to her the truth about God's constant presence in her life, saying, "I was there to hear your borning cry," and I said to God, "me too." It truly felt like a moment of rebirth, or maybe from my perspective, "redelivery." Only this time, I heard all of creation crying out with me, "Hooray! Olivia is in the world!" I am reminded of Martin Luther saying each morning as his feet touched the floor, "Remember Martin, you are baptized."
I want you to remember, friends, You Are Baptized. All of creation joins in saying, "Hooray! You are in the world!" That's what being a Christian family is: celebrating that truth we affirm at birth, you are a gift from God to be tenderly loved and blessed . Thank you for the love you give my child, and all of my children.
Blessings,
 | | Children's Baptism - Easter Sunday Worship Services, April 24, 2011 |
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Fiesta Celebrates Youth Return
Schnavia Bronson, Student Youth Minister |
On April 10 the SSCC community was treated to a service that celebrated the mission of our Youth and Sponsors. The impact that this trip has on lives was very evident and once again showed how SSCC goes from our own doorstep to the ends of the earth serving those in need.
What better way to celebrate this return than a Fiesta for over 150 people. Great food was prepared by the Torbert Team and Michael Squires. We thank the generous donations to our fiesta by Trader Joes with chips and salsa donated by Los Bravos restaurant. How great to live in a community that supports our youth mission.
Pictures and a slide show gave a glimpse into this most meaningful trip and who better to share in celebration of our youth than with our own SSCC family.
Thank you to all who support our very important Youth Mexico Mission.
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You Have Got to Be Kidding!
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire |
I just read that 7 out of 10 of us DO NOT have a will!! What are you THINKING, you seven?? NO WILL? Do you not care what happens to whatever those assets might be that you leave behind? If you REALLY don't, consider leaving them to me (she said with a smile)..
...and of course, your church too! Well, maybe especially your church. There's a little child in its future that will laugh out loud at the wonderful good news that God is love; a teenager one day on Spring break in Mexico that will see that love first hand; a struggling adult that will finally understand what grace means in so complex and difficult a world...BECAUSE OF YOU...and God will smile as love shines on and on. Now, that wasn't so difficult, was it?
The Sandy Springs Christian Church wants YOU to be a LEGACY BUILDER for Christ. See Sharon Hannah or Linda Whitmire for details.
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Community Sunday School Resumes May 1
Bryant McDaniel |
Dr. Saunders continues his highly popular Community Sunday School series on May 1. Join us. An extended family is waiting for you!
Leader: Dr. Stan Saunders
Assoc. Professor of New Testament
Columbia Theological Seminary
May 1, 8, and 15
10:00 AM, Dunlap Hall
"Salvation, the Earth, and
the End of Time"
Ever wonder why all the proposed timelines for the end of the world never seem to work out? Ever wonder what time it really is? When the New Testament was being written, people had much different (maybe even richer) notions of time than we do today. During these sessions, we will work on rediscovering ancient ideas about time and explore the implications for our notions about "the last days," for modern "dispensationalist" ideas about the end, what kind of time we are living in now, and how this shapes our sense of mission as a church.
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Women's Ministries (Christian Women's Fellowship) Spring Luncheon - May 14 |
All Women of the Church Are Invited!
Christian Women's Fellowship Spring Luncheon
May 14, 10:30 am
Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs
Bring a friend or two and a salad or dessert to share. Delicious food is guaranteed!
We meet at Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs for a program, entertainment and 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 reservation required. We start at 10:30 am. See you there! Please call Barb Duren with any questions: 404.252.6396
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A Big THANKS to Shelton Blackburn!
Bryant McDaniel |
As you may have heard, Shelton Blackburn is taking a hiatus from teaching after over 40 years of facilitating Sunday School classes of all ages. He began teaching at SSCC soon after he and Bert joined the church over 34 years ago. Shelton will continue to be active here - as he has always been - leading the ThirdAgers and serving as our resident photographer. Please be sure to thank Shelton for his many years of leadership in our Adult Ed Ministries!
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Shelton Blackburn and Rev. Phil Price |
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Ministry Musings: "Sometimes All You Can Do Is Pray"
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
I'm not normally an advocate for passivity. I believe in proactive faith fueled action. I believe  that history belongs to dreamers who have acted. Leadership is about having a plan that is enacted. I have never been an advocate of prayerfully asking God to do that which God has clearly asked us to do.
But, sometimes you just don't know what to do.
Everyday we see images of violence and hope in the news. Countries that many of us would have difficulty finding on a map have been in our lives in a new kind of way as we see people in other places "yearning to breathe free." What happened this spring that caused people to find a brave kind of togetherness, to rise and risk and hope and act for a different future.
It seems to have caught the whole world off guard. This does not seem to be part of a larger plan to "bring democracy to 'those' countries." This is not a well calculated, carefully crafted, altruistic effort by well meaning folks from other lands to help, "those" people. No, this is more like an eruption like when a boiler gives way to the unrelenting pressure of the steam.
Should we "help?" This is the question that our leaders have wrestled with for Tanzania, Egypt, and now Libya and Syria. Too often our "help" has had far reaching and damaging unintended consequences. Yet, how can we just stand by passively when we see people being abused and killed by their own leaders.
Our leaders are in a difficult position. They need our prayers.
We as the church are in a "rubber meets the road" kind of position. What does it mean to "love our neighbor" when we see the news about Libya. Can we be blamed if we ask the same question that the Pharisees asked, "Well, who is my neighbor?" What does it mean to be PEACEMAKERS? How can we be proactive advocated and initiators of PEACE?
I think it starts in prayer. Maybe prayer isn't a passive stance after all.
Blessings,
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| Volunteer for a Better Sandy Springs |
The Saturday morning after torrential rains, hail and high winds crippled the area, 10 people representing SSCC showed up to work on a major landscape project at Lake Forest Elementary School. The project was one of several coordinated through Volunteer for a Better Sandy Springs. SSCC participated in this particular project as we continue to develop our relationship with the school. Working with a large number of school parents and staff over the course of the morning, bushes and grasses were dug up then transplanted, new gardens were created and new shrubs were planted. What initially appeared to be a daunting task due to the scope of the project and the muddy conditions became enjoyable and rewarding as the transformation took place. The majority of the work took place along Cliftwood Road, and you are encouraged to drive by to admire the fruits of our labors! As a reward, all workers were invited in to the school to enjoy a great lunch prepared and donated by school families and staff.
Thanks to Carol Armstrong, Delane Bickelhaupt, Peter Brown, Floyd Hale, Bryant and Nancy McDaniel, Jean Morgan, Gary Peterson, Greg Peterson and Woody Woods for exercising their faith!!
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Greetings From Karthikeyan and Thamizharsi
SSCC/Global Ministries Child Sponsorship Program | |
Dear friends,
Hi! How are you all? I am happy to write this letter. Summer started here. We celebrated Pongal on 15th January. Before Pongal we burnt all waste things. It shows that we remove all bad thinking. I like Pongal. We celebrate it for four days. It is a harvest festival. We offer this for sun god. I exercised for sports day in 26 January. We celebrated school Annual Day on 18th February. March 21st is my birthday. I am going to write Annual Exam in March. I have one elder brother and one younger sister. Brother is studying 6th, sister studying 2nd standard. I finish with love.
Your loving friend,
G. Karthikeyan
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You are encouraged to write to the children at the following address:
Ms. Vatsala Vijayakumar
Family Villge Farm
Kasam - Katpadi, Vellore 632 007
N.A Dist. India |
Dear friends,
How are you? I am fine here. I am studying preparing well for my Annual Exam. How is your health? How is your climate? We are in a hot climate right now. On 26th January we celebrated Republic day very happily. In that I participated in free hand exercise. There are four houses in this school. I belong to Paul House. Our house got 1st place in sports events. So happy that I belong to Paul House. I will keep you and your family in my prayer. I am having one elder brother, Sivakumar (?), and one younger sister, Yougalakshmi (?). My father is the driver of the bus. I like to continue my studies in this school because the school teachers are teaching well. We can easily understand their teachings. I am coming to school by bicycle. How is your job going on? Take care of your health. I finish this letter with lots of love.
Yours lovingly,
Thamizharsi D.
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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)
May Events & Special Worship
Sundays 1, 8 & 15 Community Sunday School with Dr. Stan Saunders, 10 am (DH)
Thursday, 5 The Gathering, 7:00-8:30 pm (DH)
Sunday, 8 Baptized Children Service, 9 and 11 o'clock worship services
Sunday, 13 Lake Forest Staff Appreciation Lunch
Saturday, 14 Women's Ministries (CWF) Spring Luncheon, Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs,
10:30 am
Sunday, 15 Sandwich Making, 12 noon (Centrum)
Sunday, 15 Celebration of Standing, 11 am worship service
Thursday, 19 The Gathering, 7:00-8:30 am (DH)
Sunday, 22 Senior Banquet, 5:00 pm (DH)
Sunday, 29 Pancake Breakfast, 8:30-11:15 am
Monday, 30 SSCC closed for Memorial Day
Save the Date
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 June 1 Wellspring are due May 26. 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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