We're Growing...Vegetables for CAC

Carol Armstrong

Have you noticed the six raised garden beds on the back side of the church education wing?

 

Those of you who know Nancy Trusty know that she has a passion for gardening.  But, it took more than passion to turn her idea of growing vegetables for the Community Action Center (CAC) into a reality. She recruited Terry Frost to design and build the structures. Terry and Bob Trusty helped her stain the wood, and Bob helped her fill the beds with top soil. She brought a proposal to the Outreach Team and they voted to financially support her with $1,000.

 

This summer, the children in our Sunday School classes planted and helped maintain one of the garden beds during Sunday School to complement the Growing in Faith curriculum.  Nancy planted the other four beds and took care of all of the beds during the week.  Another bed will be planted this fall by the children enrolled in The Day School.

 

So far, seventeen (17) pounds of green beans, purple beans and wax beans have been donated to the Community Action Center. Carrots and cantaloupes are growing.  It will soon be time to plant cool weather crops such as kale, collards, broccoli and spinach.

 

Thank you, Nancy, for shepherding this project from inspiration to fruition. If you are interested in being actively involved in the new SSCC gardening ministry, just let Nancy know; the fall planting season will be here soon.

 

Planning                                  Planting                                   Growing

 

Starting to grow                        Harvest

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September 10 and 11, 2011

"Worship is an all inclusive term for everything one says or does which is pleasing to God."

from wikipedia - Worship - Islam

WOW!  What a weekend of work and worship for the people of SSCC, Or Hadash and the Islamic Center of North Fulton.

We started early Saturday morning meeting in the Centrum for coffee and donuts before departing for our various activities. We had a room full of people including visitors from the Islamic Center. Various groups were doing grounds work, kitchen cleanup, art painting and the group I was with which went to South DeKalb to help rehabilitate a foreclosed house which will be rented to someone less fortunate.

Our first look at the house was "My, what a job." -- the kitchen with cabinet doors falling off, black mold on everything, walls, closets, doors.  Floor tiles from some bygone era to be pried from the floor and what was once a nice basement, all with no working lights. The roof and gutters were covered in leaves and pinestraw as well as a yard with overgrown shrubs.

About 20 or more people working side by side with our new friends started with buckets of clorox water, hammers and pry bars cleaning and tearing out cabinets. Within an hour it began to look like there was hope. The work continued but was less dramatic with cleaning window frames and sanding. After a nice lunch of sandwiches and chips, we were back at it and soon the painting started. Such a change when some of the dark colors became white. We were fortunate to see the most dramatic changes with the cleaning and new light fixtures, but there was still much work to be done.

Sunday morning our formal Worship service was one to remember.  In my book, it was one of the best services ever.  If you couldn't attend, you really should get a recording.

Services started with the Islamic Call to Prayer.

Rabbi Maurio Karpuj, Rev. Phil Price, Dr. Moiz Mumtaz

This is something I was familiar with from my time spent at the hospital in Mungeli, India. There you hear this played over loud speakers early every morning. Today was an opportunity to understand the meaning. This was followed by a Hebrew song taught to us by Rabbi Mario. What a good way to start the service where leaders from each faith gave very inspirational words. Then I was especially proud of the way Phil connected Communion to God more so than many Christian churches where it is strictly about Jesus. The service concluded with the sounding of the Shofar which is used in the Jewish Rosh Hashanah new year service. What a great way to trumpet our new relationships.

Lunch was delicious with everything from salmon to somosa. I even had a second helping of artichoke salad for dessert. After lunch it was back to the rehab house with new friends from Or Hadash and the Islamic Center for another afternoon of work.  Unfortunately, I couldn't help as I joined with my wife Linda's family on the 4^th anniversary of her death, but there will be more opportunities.  My belief is the true goal of religion is to "make the world a better place."  We certainly accomplished that this weekend.

Interfaith Worship Footnotes:

"We join hands in the sanctuary to form a heart-shaped circle and find our common hope while singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth...and let it begin with me." Within this love and unity, we become our very best and shape our future in Sandy Springs Christian Church's tradition of togetherness with all 'others'."  Travis Halford

"We had an interfaith service at church today and it was incredibly powerful . I'm sure many of my friends won't like it, but how anyone could argue with a diverse group of people singing and praying for peace for all people is beyond me!"  Kevin Mooney

"In 31 years at SSCC I recall rarely being moved to that extent, perfect for 9/11's 10th anniversary recognition, and I have never felt prouder to be a member of SSCC. So thank you VERY much."  Taylor Boone

"I think it was the most Christian thing we have ever done. When you think about what Jesus would want; we did it."  Cindy Brown

Worship is all inclusive term for everything one says or does which is pleasing to God.

wikipedia - Worship - Islam

"Sunday morning our formal worship service was one to remember. In my book it was one of the best services ever. If you couldn't attend you really should get a recording."  Dale Williamson

"Again, thanks for that extraordinary service!"  Joyce Edwards

"The service today was excellent and one I will long remember. Everyone came together in a way that I did not expect."  Kathy Woodworth

"I felt God in that room. It is what He calls us to do and to be."  Barb Duren

"You see, that is what made it so great. When you do things for the glory of God, amazing things happen."  Moiz Mumtaz

"It was a wonderful get together yesterday, the Sunday Service was great. Everything worked out to perfection. Again, thank you for the invitation and I look forward to seeing you soon. Let us stay in touch, Moiz"

Click here to see photographs telling the amazing story of our Interfaith Work and Worship Weekend. 

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Ray Miles, Regional Minister, has presented the Search Committee with ten potential candidates who, in his estimation, meet our requirements for Senior Minister as expressed in our Congregational Profile.

The Congregational Profile incorporated the insights from members in listening sessions, completed Feedback Forms and individual conversations into the development of a clear "portrait" of the person we are seeking. Now we are moving quickly into the next phase of the search - reviewing candidate profiles, listening to sermons, conducting interviews and sharing our perceptions to ensure that the next Senior Minister looks like the "portrait" we have all created and is as excited about the prospect of coming to SSCC as we are about calling him or her.

The Feedback Forms and conversations with the membership were very heartening and bode well for the future of SSCC.   The good news is that we are in basic agreement about what is needed. There were clear messages shared with the Search Committee that became "must haves."  

We want to share the "portrait" with you, not by a written article which cannot possibly capture the energy, passion and interest that you shared with us.   We want to share it in a fun and lively way that celebrates the community of this church and shares the sense of hope and excitement that is part of this search and gives you a "taste of things to come" at SSCC.

YOU ARE IMVITED to "A Taste of Things to Come" on Friday, October 14 from 7:00-10:00 pm at the home of Jim and Carol Armstrong, 4530 Blackland Drive, Marietta.  "A Taste of Things to Come" is a new twist on our fall get-together. In previous years, this event has been a fundraiser for outreach projects. This year, there will be no donations requested. There will be separate opportunities throughout the evening to join the Search Committee in another room for the unveiling of "the portrait" of the Senior Minister. This is an opportunity to learn what the Search Committee heard from all of you, get an update on the status of the search, and ask questions.   Please mark your calendars and sign up in the Centrum.

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Dear Friends,

What a very full time it is in the life of this congregation. There are so many moving parts; I can't even imagine how it feels to be watching it all happen around you. Please know that you are loved and prayed for in this time of transition, and remember who and whose you are!

If you'll permit, I'd like to tell you what is the hardest part of leaving Sandy Springs Christian Church. It's saying good-bye to my family's congregation. Because we're staying in town, I realize that we're in the market for a congregation to worship with.  A "rule" set by the denomination for ministers is that they give the congregation plenty of time to adjust to the change of ministers; to allow those incoming pastors the time they deserve to bond with you.  It's a rule I respect, as I would want the same respect shown me in a new congregation.  But, I ain't gonna lie; it's hard.  Mostly because, well, I know several congregations in the Sandy Springs area, and without a shadow of a doubt -- as a mother making a choice of where to worship with her family -- SSCC would always be my first choice. You are without question the most welcoming and open group of folk in town. The programs and ministries that you provide for families is the highest quality. Your theology is deep and meaningful; your worship is beautiful and moving. You are the best congregation to be a part of.  And my family and I will miss being a part of that.

But please hear this in the correct intent: You are the congregation that people in Sandy Springs are looking for. You are the congregation that people dream of and never know exists. There are a lot of people in this community who are yearning to be a part of a congregation where they can just be themselves -- broken as they may be -- and be fully loved as children of God. You will keep being that congregation. Shout it from the mountain tops (and I'll shout it from the valleys) that you are the people you've been waiting for.

Thank you for what you've meant to me and to my family for the last 6+ years. Thank you for being a place where I knew that I could be myself and offer my gifts. Thank you for receiving them. Grief is the feeling of loss of potential, and I am grieved in that sense.  But the potential for what SSCC has to offer to this place in this time is ripe as ever.  Bless you for all that you have been.  Bless you for all that you will become.

With Peace That Passes Understanding, 

Why Trunk or Treat is the Most Fulfilling Event of the Year 

Sharon Hanna 

With so many choices of how to spend our free time, experts recommend we decide by asking ourselves "How fulfilling will this event be?"  In other words, how many of the 5 areas of my life will it fulfill?  Remember the 5 areas of life are Intellectual, Physical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual.  And I submit to you that Trunk or Treat at Sandy Springs Christian Church will fulfill ALL 5 areas with one short event.  Consider these facts:

Intellectual- Major decisions to make, such as "Do I just want to wear a mask or a hat?" and "If I use this green make-up, will it ever come off!?"

Physical - Dashing to find candies and trinkets to hand out; strrrretching to decorate your car trunk; speed-walking through the church parking lot to look at all the other car trunks; and partaking in the hot dog cookout prepared by the Torberts.

Social - Fun, friends and frivolity for all!

Emotional - You'll laugh when you see how others have dressed up and decorated their car trunks.  And when you see the smiling faces of our church family kids plus the 50 Sandy Springs Mission kids who are bussed here, you'll feel your heart smile.

Spiritual - After participating, you will know you've been more than a participant.  You've been a blessing.  So come and be filled and be a filling for others.  You'll be glad you did.

We need you! 

If you'd like to volunteer to help with Trunk or Treat, here's a sampling of what we need:

• Dress-up items donated for the Mission kids.  Sharon has a list of items needed (it's accessories only, NOT whole costumes)
• Prizes donated for "Best Decorated Trunk" and "Best Costumes."  Sharon has a suggested list.
• 40 "Trunkers"!  Please sign up in the Centrum to bring & pass out Halloween goodies to the kids from your car trunk
• 8-10 face painters at the event

Please let Sharon know how you can help by e-mailing her at Sharon@SandySpringsCC.org or call the church office 404-256-2582 or Sharon's cell 770.696.8877.  It's going to be a great Trunk or Treat!

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SSCC Sunday School Giving

Bryant McDaniel, Chair, Adult Education Ministry 

Third Quarter Focus: Global Ministries Child Sponsorship

Thanks to you, our giving in the third quarter in the adult Sunday School classes will enable us to sponsor the two children (Thami: age 11/6th grade, and Karti: age 8/3rd grade) for another year of their education at The Family Village Farm in Vellore, India. 100% of your donations go directly towards supporting the children in the Global Ministries Child Sponsorship Program.  We plan to continue our giving to these two precious children in the years ahead to ensure their education through graduation.

Adult Education Notes

Bryant McDaniel, Chair, Adult Education Ministry 

All Classes 10:00 AM

October 2 - No sunday school classes.  Please join us in Dunlap Hall for a reception honoring Rev. Erin Reed Cooper.

COMMUNITY SUNDAY SCHOOL

October 9 & 16

Led by Dr. Stan Saunders (Dunlap Hall)

The Biblical conviction that justice entails the restoration of relationships has been the focus of the last Community class sessions in August and September. On October 9 and 16, we will continue our exploration of this theme in Matthew, and raise questions regarding the church's role in justice, redemption, and reconciliation.

October 9: "Is Justice Enough?"  A very quick look at the state of justice in our country, and why the Bible is not content with "retributive justice." How is restorative justice different from retributive justice? (Focus passage: Matthew 5:38-48)

October 16: "God's Just Vengeance" will focus on the troubling parable of the Wicked Tenant Farmers in Matthew 21:33-46, where Matthew sets forth the scandal of the cross in parable. Whose justice do we see at work in this story? What kind of justice does Matthew envision in the Gospel story?

FOCUS GROUPS

October 23 & 30

Arts' Apocalypse - led by Art Edwards (Room 203)

What do the Dead Sea Scrolls, a priest from the Vatican, Anne Frank, a truckers' chapel, the Holy Land Theme Park in Orlando, and Armageddon (the site; not the movie) have in common?

They are all featured by Bill Maher in the controversial DVD Religulous where he challenges, confronts, and criticizes Christianity.  Religulous has been shown in dorm rooms, on cable, and in movie theaters.  It has had an impact on people in a similar, but quite opposite way to Cecil B, DeMille's Ten Commandments  from three generations ago.  

If we are to connect Christianity (and Christians) to today's culture, we need to listen and respond to critics like Bill Maher.  That's just what we'll be doing on October 23rd and 30th.  Of course, we won't be alone.  Joining us in support and/or opposition to Maher's ideas -- and making their SSCC debut -- will be Pete Townshend, Holly Near, Cisco Houston, and Iris DeMent. 

Please feel free to join us and make your debut as well.

The Lectionary - led by Larry Steinmetz (Parlor)  

Please come join in on the conversation!

Is that you? I don't want to leave anyone out!  We are making the list; and yes, the initial list IS a short one that continues slowly to grow as one more family, then another, makes the decision:  "Yes, we want to be part of this."  So, if you have already included the church in your estate planning OR are actively in the process of doing so, YOU ARE A LEGACY BUILDER FOR SSCC.  Please make sure I have your name!  And if you choose, as one couple has, to give a gift NOW to the Endowment Fund for SSCC, rather than waiting till that future time, you are a Legacy Builder too, investing into the future for all Christ continues to call our church to do and be.

And all of you, our initial Legacy Builders, will be recognized with gratitude November 6 when we celebrate All Saints Sunday, that day in the year when we remember those who have left blessings which surround us still.  In that time of worship and remembrance, the Legacy Builders ministry of Sandy Springs Christian Church will be dedicated to the forward calling of Christ Jesus.  And we who are committed to being part of that forward calling as Legacy Builders will make our quiet witness that in this church and its future we believe.  Are you one of us?

For more information on SSCC Legacy Builders, or if you have yet to let the church know of your commitment, please contact Linda Whitmire.  Legacy builder brochures may be found on the long table outside Sharon's office.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Vincine Brown

SSCC is Going Green!  A successful partnership between the church and The Day School has everyone now participating in our recycling efforts.  Kudos to Nancy Trusty, who has been the church's recycling advocate for years and Kathy Gregory, Director for The Day School for spearheading this partnership.  The Day School has purchased indoor recycling containers for the classrooms, so they are excited and ready to recycle. Successful negotiation of a new contract for both waste and recycling allowed us to stay with our current waste provider for both services, with an expected cost savings of $1,308 in our first year. Currently, we will be paying less per month for both services than we did for just garbage service alone.

Next time as you enter or leave the church "Drop Something in the Bin." Our new Single Stream Reycling Bin is located on the Abernathy side of the church. Some things are better the second time around! 

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Go to www.SandySpringsCC.org to view our monthly calendar