 September 2011 Grace Spoken Here Volume 12, Issue 9 |
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Viewpoints at SSCC |
Dear Friends in Christ,
I've had a feeling many times over the last 20+ years of my membership at Sandy Springs Christian -- It's that feeling of "Grace". The feeling is still vivid and fresh and is one of those tingly sensations that run from your toes, up your back to your eyebrows. You see, I get that feeling every time I look at you; you are the church, the people, and the faces I love.
I remember "the feeling" when you looked at me when you welcomed me into the congregation when I was a fresh out-of- college seeker of a new church home. I remember the feeling when you watched as Kerry and I were married in the sacred space of our sanctuary. Oh yeah - and that feeling when you all looked up and gave your word that you'd help us raise Evan in the church during his dedication or as you watched as I was guided to a stool after a broken ankle so that I could serve you the Lord's Supper. Or the feeling I had when you prayed with us during Kerry's Mom's memorial service. I remember the expression on your faces when Evan was raised from the baptismal waters or the first time you entrusted me with your child in worship or Sunday school or even at their first adventure at Camp Christian.
It's the same feeling that I have now as we venture into a new endeavor together. It's that feeling of "Grace." It's the knowledge of knowing that we are the church, the people and the faces. We are hard at work making this endeavor right for our Future Story. It's the search team working to find and call the right "Future Story teller" for Sandy Spring Christian. It's the transition team that's working to ensure that the church staff and volunteers can continue our many ministries until our new senior minister is here. It's that feeling of Grace that continues to tell me our hopes, our belief, our love of Christ is strong. I am so excited about the Church we are becoming!! See you in Church!!
Love,
Teresa Bensch, Elder
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September 10 & 11 Work and Worship | |
Do you still remember the shock and horror you felt as it became apparent the planes crashing into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 was not an accident but an intentional act by a group of extremists? Do you remember the pride you felt as the country came together to honor the fallen? It has been ten years since the attacks on the Towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93. To honor those that lost their lives that day by promoting peace and understanding, members of Sandy Springs Christian Church, The Islamic Center of North Fulton, and Temple Or Hadash will come together the weekend of September 10 and 11, 2011 for work and worship.
Saturday, September 10: Everyone is invited to gather in Dunlap Hall at 8:30 AM. Volunteers may choose between our traditional Great Days of Service projects: kitchen clean up, grounds maintenance, painting panels for Hospital Art, or traveling to a work project on Robin Road in Decatur to begin rehab on a house. The house was donated to Initiative for Affordable Housing, and after it is rehabilitated it will become home for a low income or homeless family.
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3248 Robin Road, Decatur |
Sunday, September 11: Stan Saunders will lead a special Community Sunday School class at 9 AM. At 10 o'clock, we will move to the sanctuary for an interfaith service celebrating elements of Islamic, Jewish and Christian worship services. Leaders of the participating congregations will share some of their traditions including a Muslim Call to Prayer, Christian Communion and Jewish Sounding of the Shofar. Each will also share scripture from their faith tradition and talk about how the events of September 11, 2001 impacted their faith lives. At the conclusion of the service, everyone is invited to break bread together in Dunlap Hall over a potluck lunch provided by all participants. From there, those that can are encouraged to return to the house project and work from 1 to 4 pm alongside our new friends.
You are encouraged to participate in the work days, service and potluck lunch. Please sign up for the project of your choice in the Centrum. If you have any questions, contact the church office or Nancy McDaniel.
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Changes to Second Worship Service
Janet Lochery, Chair of Elders | |
CHANGES TO SECOND WORSHIP SERVICE
Effective September 18
Second Service Communion
The Elders have spent a lot of time pondering the question of the way communion is served at the 11 o'clock worship service, especially as there is a desire for the two services to be different in style so the discussion was lengthy. Each Elder was able to share their thoughts, and after much deliberation a decision was made to return to serving by passing the trays at the 11 o'clock service. The less formal 9 o'clock service will still see communion served by intinction.
Both styles of communion have an important meaning for our congregation. Coming forward for intinction symbolizes the oneness of the church, one body partaking of the one bread and one cup. Meanwhile, passing the elements symbolizes the priesthood of all believers as we are served and then serve another in turn.
If you prefer to be served in your seat at the 9 o'clock service, please let the Elders or serving Deacons know. The gluten free elements will be available at both services. At the second service they will be placed on a plate on the rail of the choir loft and served by the minister who is not presiding at the table.
Second Service to Start at 11:15 a.m.
Another matter the Elders and Worship Team have been discussing is the fact that members of the choir are not able to attend a full 45 minutes of Sunday School as they need to leave for practice at 10:30. Therefore, the decision was made to start the second service at 11:15 a.m. This will reduce the pressure on choir members and Sunday School teachers alike. It allows time for parents to collect their children from classes at 11 o'clock and have a few minutes to socialize before the service.
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Adult Education Notes
Bryant McDaniel, Chair, Adult Education Ministry | |
COMMUNITY SUNDAY SCHOOL, SEPTEMBER 4 AND 11
Stan Saunders will be leading the Community Sunday School Class on September 4 and September 11 in Dunlap Hall. The subjects to be discussed each week are "The Reconciling Church" and "Forgiveness," respectively. Please note that the September 11 class will be held at 9 AM since we are scheduled for the one interfaith service at 10 AM that day.
FOCUS GROUPS WILL RESUME SEPTEMBER 18 AND 25
- Arts' Apocalypse will be led by Art Edwards in Rooms 201/203
Just in case you missed the last session of Arts' Apocalypse (and nearly 247 of you did), it will return to SSCC's Adult Sunday School with new and improved (hopefully) material on September 18 and 25 in Rooms 201/203 at 10:00 AM.
September 18th will be a "three 'fer" (similar to a "two 'fer only 50% better) focused like a wide-angle lens on forgiveness. Carrie Newcomer will suggest that the opportunity to forgive can be a moment that divides our life into "Before and After." Rob Bell will help us think about whether forgiveness can ever mean burying the hatchet, but marking the spot. And John McCutcheon will challenge us to make the Lord's Prayer more than rote recitation.
If you have ever been blessed by someone or wanted to bless someone ("Bless his heart"), you won't want to miss September 25th when we bring together Martina McBride, Lucinda Williams, Joan Baez, Simon & Garfunkel and the Beatitudes (according to Luke) for a look at understandings and misunderstandings of what "blessed really means." We'll start class that day with a contest. Anyone who gets the "right" answer to what "blessed" means not only gets a free lunch after church with Art and Joyce, but they get to teach the class.
If you're looking for two stand-alone classes, optimized for people coming to adult Sunday School for first time, for people whose schedules make a one-time attendance the best option, or for people who enjoy connecting contemporary arts and culture to Scripture, please join us.
- Theology will be led by Kevin Mooney in Room 205.
- The Lectionary will be led by Larry Steinmetz in the Parlor.
Please come join in on the conversation!
"THE POWER OF SELF-AWARENESS" CLASS
THURSDAYS, SEPTEMBER 29 - NOVEMBER 17
Laina Orlando has agreed to lead another 8-week class on "The Power of Self-Awareness" on Thursday evenings from 7-9 PM beginning on September 29 and ending on November 17. The classes will be held in Room 121 (near Dunlap Hall).
The class is designed to give you a clear understanding of why your life is as it is - and how this awareness can bring greater spiritual maturity, a closer connection to God, and a more joyful and fulfilling life. Click here for additional information on the class.
Bryant McDaniel was one of 17 participants in the first class. He said he found the class to be very open, honest, enlightening...and fun! The cost of the class will be $75 for each participant (which covers all materials). Class size will be limited to the first 20 to register. You can enroll by signing up in the Centrum or contacting Sharon or Vincine at the church office, (404) 256-2582. top |
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Well Done, Thy Good and Faithful Servants
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire | |
The vesper room at Campbell-Stone North is that place that becomes
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Gordon and Monalea Dalrymple |
sacred space for Campbell-Stone residents, staff and families as they gather for worship, for bible study, for quiet meditation, for services of remembrance. It is the room that more than any other at Campbell-Stone houses a sense of God With Us in challenging as well as joyful times. It is a room that speaks of love and presence and hope, a room whose new name embraces those qualities in every possible way: The Monalea and Gordon Dalrymple Chapel.
The naming occurred in a quiet celebration with family and representatives of Campbell-Stone's Board on August 6 in the chapel. Monalea and Gordon were honored for their extraordinary commitment and service to Christ and his church in all its many manifestations. Their history of leadership with such organizations as Bethany college, the Historical Society of the Christian Church, the National Benevolent Association, Christian College of Georgia, and of course Campbell-Stone was recognized. Special words from all the pastors who have served Sandy Springs Christian as well as their pastor in Fort Myers, Florida, were shared by Pat Pepper, former administrator of Campbell-Stone. Gordon Hamlin, former Campbell-Stone Chair of the Board, brought words of appreciation from the greater church. Terry Baker, another former Campbell-Stone Chair, and Cliff Pepper, Executive Administrator of the Campbell-Stones, shared words of gratitude for the Dalrymples' long years of support and service at Campbell-Stone.
Special music was brought by Dr. Walt Michels, singing Liddle's "How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings" based on Psalm 84, and Angie and Janis Dalrymple singing "In This Very Room" which was the theme of the worship service and naming. Susan Shows was the accompanist. Rev. Dr. Janice J. Hume, Director of Chaplain Ministries, and Rev. Linda S. Whitmire, Founding Chaplain, added their prayers and special touch to the service.
Plaques signifying the new name were presented and received by The Dalrymples' sons, Randy, Gary, Mark and Tim, who in turn presented a portrait of Monalea and Gordon which will hang in the Chapel. Following the service, a reception and luncheon hosted by Campbell-Stone was held in the dining room, culminating in a birthday cake for Monalea.
How blessed we are at Sandy Springs to have these two remarkable people as part of our church family! How grateful we are for the recognition given them by Campbell-Stone's Board. We join that Board in saying, "Well done, thy good and faithful servants! Well done, Monalea and Gordon."
click here to view photo album
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Ministry Musings: "11 September, Ten Years Later"
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
 Ten years.
Two wars.
Increased lines at airport security and inspection protocols that can feel intrusive if not a violation of personal space.
Increased scrutiny, suspicion, vigilance.
Courage, and sacrifice from those charged with protecting us.
Billions and billions of dollars.
Loss of innocence.
Discovery of faith that transcends fear.
9/11 has shaped the modern ethos like no other recent event. It has moved many toward more rigid fixed position thinking. Lines have been drawn in many minds that further separates "us" from "them."
For others, it has inspired a renewed commitment to find ways of finding common ground, common humanity and a yearning for a future where differences aren't used to justify violence.
The Interfaith Service on September 11 will be an opportunity to remember, reflect, to reach for a common humanity and dream of a better world.
Blessings and Love,
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A Message from Andy Torbert
Interim Youth Director | |
Dear SSCC,
I want to thank you for placing your trust in me as the new Interim Youth Director. Working with youth is truly a passion of mine, and I am thrilled
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Andy Torbert
Interim Youth Director |
to be recognized by the honor of this position. I can absolutely trace the man I am today back to my positive experiences of Mexico Mission Trips, Camp Christian, and Sunday night Youth Groups. My true desire is that the youth of our church can have the same life-molding experiences that allow them to experience the Kingdom of God here on Earth. I am excited to work with a group of the most incredible, intelligent, caring, and talented youth. I am also thrilled to work with a wonderful group of sponsors, both the incredible returning sponsors, and several incoming sponsors who are graduates of the SSCC youth group and are coming full circle to serve as adult sponsors. One of my goals is that the youth of our church are welcomed in our sanctuary. This includes a feeling of connection with the congregation. I appreciate everyone's acceptance and encouragement for all of our youth. I also encourage the congregation to introduce yourselves to any youth or children in church that you do not know. Church should be a place to which our children and youth enjoy coming. Feeling known, loved, and accepted is the best way to make that happen. Thank you again SSCC for all of your love and support.
Youth Groups will start back up for middle and high school aged youth starting on Sunday, September 11. We will meet weekly from 5-7pm downstairs in the pit. I can't wait to see all the youth in just a few short days!
As Rev. Russ Peterman taught me at the closing of Youth Groups on Sunday nights, "God loves you all and so do I."
Andy Torbert
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Growing Joyful Stewards
David Sutton, Chair, 2011 Stewardship Campaign | |
2011 SSCC STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN SET FOR OCTOBER
One of my most favorite Bible verses is Galatians 5:22-23 ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Indeed, Lisa and I made a note of this verse on one of the bricks that we recently purchased for our church's new rear entryway.
The fruit of the Spirit is the harvest we receive through the practice of our spiritual life. It is the benefit we get from being engaged in worship and prayer, Bible study and fellowship with our church community. Generous giving is our shared responsibility, and is a part of what prepares us for the receiving ... i.e,. the fruit of the Spirit.
Our 2011 SSCC Stewardship Campaign is set to run for three short weeks in October. As with every year, this is a time for reflection on our work and service to our mission and goals to date, and to the work ahead. I hope that you will join me in faith, in enthusiasm, and in commitment as we look to reinvest in the future of Sandy Springs Christian Church.
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In the Beginning, It Was Simply a Local Landmark
Julie Keyser Squires | |
Our daughter's bridal shower in September will be at the nearby Williams-Payne House, best known for marking the site of a sandy spring, our town's namesake. In reading about that setting, I learned that "Before Sandy Springs was a city, it was a community. Before that, it was a gathering place. In the beginning, it was simply a local landmark, the place where a natural spring flowed out of the sandy soil." (Images of America, Sandy Springs). We can all look around, awestruck at what has grown up around the springs for more than 100 years.
I told Erin one of the greatest gifts she gave me was awareness that the site of our church was a trading post. The wooden cross that hangs above our baptistery is made from timber of the ancient trading post that long ago stood on this hill. The lay of the land, its magnetic contours and sweeps, it nearness to the river, its shaded grottos and creeks have drawn people to this location for over a century, like balls circling down a funnel. In the midst of dramatic changes, the magnetic pull and flow toward and around this hill is a strong current and a mystery.
These thoughts came to mind during church as I looked through the vaulted window at the tulip poplar tree turning yellow, its leaves shimmering shadow and light in a morning breeze. I was thinking of all the excellent leadership I have seen cycle through the church since I first visited 10 years ago on Glen's last Sunday. It seems to me that we, as congregants, naturally look for leaders to guide and grow us. In that backward decade glance, however, I saw something new.
I saw that this land-rich location, and fluid congregation, have actually nurtured, loved and grown every leader who has graced the pulpit, and then - in their own time - moved on. Is this land a natural crossroads, a place of rest, healing and fellowship? Do we need to realize this is its, and our, purpose, and adapt to that rhythm? Is the type of person drawn to this location pulled because they have a deep capacity, sometimes hidden to themselves, to give healing, service and nurture? Will the flow of people coming and going continue for another 100 years? Can we relax, let go and trust that flow to bring us our next leaders to nurture? Leaders have come and gone; the fluid congregants and this magnetic location with its vaulted rafters and exhilarating height shine on.
This summer, I am reading about the early days of our country's founding. During the nervous early days of the American Revolution, there were touch-and-go days when patriot soldiers numbered only 2,500. They were held together mainly by the charisma of and love for General Washington. Was the flow at work there, too? To inspire the people, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet that includes quotations familiar to us: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of men and women." (Washington, A Life by Ron Chernow)
I see a way for myself now. I relax into the flow and a loving God's speed to Phil, Erin and their families. I turn my face with childlike faith and eager anticipation toward the next leaders who will follow the flow to our church community.
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Medicare Workshop October 2 | |
The Outreach Committee is sponsoring a workshop on Medicare on Sunday, October 2, from 3:30 - 5:30 PM at SSCC. The workshop is appropriate for anyone who currently has Medicare, for those who will soon be eligible and for family members of people who have Medicare.
Joyce Edwards, MSW, a counselor with Georgia Cares and a member of SSCC, will lead the session. She states, " I want to make sure no one at Sandy Springs CC has to live with the costly problems I hear about every day. So many times, people miss the deadlines for enrolling in programs that would be of benefit to them only to find they have to pay penalties or cannot get the insurance coverage they would like. Sometimes people pick their Part D Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plans because a neighbor has a particular plan, only to find out that the plan doesn't include the medications they take or the doctors they see are not in the network. Other times people just don't have access to or know how to use the online tools that would help them make the best choices. In these difficult economic times, it's especially important that people know about programs available to help pay some of the costs."
Be sure to mark your calendar for this workshop.
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Thank You from Craig McDonald | |
I am so blessed to be nurtured and loved by two such amazing
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Craig McDonald Ordination Service - August 14, 2011
Rev. Dr. Janice Hume, Rev. Chad Hyatt, Rev. Ray Miles,
Rev. Craig McDonald, Rev.Margaret Leonnord
and Rev. Frank McDonald |
congregations through this ordination process. My time at Sandy Springs has been such a blessing to the journey God has called me to, and the support and love that I felt at my ordination was but a small testament of the love that I have received from this community. Thank you for supporting me on such an important day--a continuation of what has already been shown by SSCC. It was such a privilege to share the sanctuary with Mercy and Sandy Springs, and in many ways it reminds me of the painting of 'Cast Your Nets' by John August Swanson. There are so many beautiful colors and different types of sea life depicted; I looked around and saw so many people from different points of my life. Thank you for your love, gifts, and support and I look forward to continuing to see how God works in the life of SSCC.
Blessings,
Craig
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Memorial Gifts | |
The Memorials Committee acknowledges with appreciation these gifts:
Barbara Giles May 2011 by: John and Martha Dalton
Marjorie Buchanan July 2011 by: Joanne and Alan Burgess
Marilyn and Jim Torbert
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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
SEPTEMBER EVENTS & SPECIAL WORSHIP
3 Outreach to staff CAC, 9:45-1:15 PM
4 Community Sunday School, 10 AM, Dunlap Hall
5 SSCC Closed for Labor Day
10 & 11 Great Days of Service (10th at 8:30 AM) (11th 1-4 PM)
11 Community Sunday School, 9 AM, Dunlap Hall
11 Interfaith Worship Service, 10 AM service only
11 & 18 Youth Group 5-7 PM, Dunlap Hall
18 & 25 Focus Groups Sunday School, 10 AM
23-25 Women's Retreat, Norman Park
29 "The Power of Self-Awareness" Class, Thursdays, 9/29 thru 11/17
25 PAC Meeting, 3:30-5:30 PM (120)
SAVE THE DATE
Oct 1 Line Dancing & Ice Cream Social, 6 PM (Dunlap Hall) - Scholarship Fundraiser
Oct 2 Reception for Erin following both services
Oct. 2 & 9 Community Sunday School, 10 AM, Dunlap Hall
Oct. 2 Medicare Class, 3:30 PM (203)
Oct. 14 Cocktail Party - fundraiser
Oct. 16 & 23 Focus Groups Sunday School, 10 AM
Oct. 22 More Hands for God Oureach at God's City of Refuge
Oct. 23 Trunk or Treat
THE DAY SCHOOL
Sept 1 & 2 Orientation 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Sept 6 School Year Begins, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm (Monday-Friday)
ONGOING GROUPS
1st & 3rd Monday: Learner's Bridge, 12:45 - 4:00 pm (P)
4th Monday: Experienced Bridge, 12:30-4:15 pm (205)
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 Saturday: Outreach Ministry staffs CAC, 9:45am - 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, 8:30-10 am
Sundays: Youth Groups, 5-7 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 the 27th of each month, except February. February articles are due the 25th. 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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