 November 2011 Grace Spoken Here Volume 12, Issue 11 |
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Viewpoints at SSCC | |
It's pretty easy most every month. It is real easy in November. This is the month when we count our many blessings and give thanks for all of them. So, historically being thankful is easy in November. November has two different days for which we remember to give thanks. The first is November 11th. This is Veterans Day. It first started out as Armistice Day to celebrate the signing of the end of World War I. It was later changed by Congress to Veterans Day to give thanks for all veterans of all wars. Several years ago on a Veterans Day Sunday I asked for all the veterans in our congregation to stand. I was amazed when so many members in our church stood to be recognized. Have you said "Thank You" to a veteran?
Then, of course, there is Thanksgiving. What an easy day to be thankful. I remember one family Thanksgiving when a young Andy wanted to say the before dinner prayer. He started out saying "thanks for our family"--that was good; then "thanks for the food"--again that was OK. At that point I think he opened his eyes and began going around the room thanking God for everything he saw. We may have had the longest prayer ever until J.R. reached across the table and punched him. At that moment everyone at the table was thankful for Andy's big brother. Do we sometimes take our thankfulness for granted? Maybe we should make a list and be thankful each and every day for our family and friends, for our country and service men and women who are in harm's way, for our way of life, and for our freedom of worship.
Thank you, Lord, and God Bless America.
Jim Torbert
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Breaking News! | |
On Tuesday, November 1 the Elders and Leadership Team approved the Search Committee's nominee for new Senior Minister of Sandy Springs Christian Church. This candidate, whose name cannot yet be revealed out of respect for the congregation currently being served, received overwhelmingly enthusiastic endorsement by every member of your Search Team after much work to identify qualities desired in the best candidate for SSCC at this time. The next step is for this recommendation to be brought to the full congregation for approval. Watch your emails for a notice from President Travis Halford to inform you of the details of that process which will take place November 13.
You won't want to miss church on November 13! Remember, there will be one service at 10:00 at which Phil will give his last sermon for us and Linda Whitmire will be installed as our Transitional Minister. Following the service, we will all gather in Dunlap Hall to celebrate Phil and Linda, then at approximately 12:15 the name of the candidate for Senior Minister will be revealed and voted upon. Please plan to be there!!
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Welcome, Rev. Linda S. Whitmire
Janet Lochery, Chair of Elders |
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Rev. Linda S. Whitmire, Transitional Pastor |
Linda has been a member of Sandy Springs Christian Church for 35 years, joining after marrying William (Whit) and becoming step-mother to his five children after Whit lost his first wife. Even before she joined SSCC, she became the adult Christian Education program leader. Her leadership roles since at SSCC have been diverse including being the first female to serve as president of the congregation. The first major building renovation, adding the education and choir room wing, occurred under her leadership and the Wednesday morning Bible study, which continues to this day, was started by Linda in 1978. Linda is one of two Senior Honorary Elders at SSCC in recognition of her service both here and throughout the greater church.
Her call to ministry came out of her time with Sandy Springs. She was ordained in1992 after completing seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University where she graduated Suma Cum Laude, winning the Mary Katherine Mobley award for academic excellence and social concern. Linda's prior education includes an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University where she was Phi Beta Kappa and a Master's in educational psychology from the University of Tennessee where she graduated again as top in her class.
Prior to coming to Atlanta in 1976, she was Associate Executive Director of a ten center program in Orange County, Florida, working with drug and alcohol rehabilitation. That was preceded by serving as Director of a Youth Development Center and as an Alternative School Principal, a school counselor and teacher.
After ordination Linda established the chaplain ministries at Campbell-Stone Christian Centers and served as director of that program for nine years including three as adjunct faculty for Candler School of Theology working with their contextual education program for seminarians.
After leaving Campbell-Stone, Linda's ministry has focused on work with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia. She was the first female clergy person to be elected Moderator of the Regional Church, wrote for and served as Editor for the New Christian Messenger, and has had leadership roles in 18 of the past 22 Women's Regional Retreats, as well as serving as worship leader for six statewide DOC Clergy retreats. Her ministry includes assisting churches in transition. She has served as Interim Senior Minister for First Christian of Griffin and Johns Creek Christian and as Pastor-in-Residence for Brookhaven during the three month Sabbatical of their pastor. Currently she is concluding her role as one of the first to serve our region as a Regional Elder. She is on the faculty of Christian College teaching pastoral care.
Linda has been a popular speaker and preacher and her credits include twice being the Protestant preacher and worship leader for the annual American Society on Aging conventions and a frequent keynote speaker for national forums on aging and spirituality. She has served as speaker at six different Christmount sponsored events and preached or spoken in over half of the Christian churches (DOC) in Georgia!
We welcome Linda as she moves from the pew to the pulpit and offers her gifts to her home church as she steps into the role of Transitional Pastor for SSCC.
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Witches, Pirates and Fun -- Oh My!
Leslie Rayner, Interim Minister of Children's Programming and Administration | |
All I can say is Wow! It was wonderful to be a part of the largest and most successful Trunk or Treat event to date as my first special event at SSCC! Over 145 children and adults from the Church, The Day School, and Sandy Springs Mission participated this year. The evening of Sunday, October 23, was filled with laughter, good food, wonderful costumes, 34 really imaginative Trunks, and even a kayak.
Our parking lot and fellowship hall were overflowing with witches, warlocks, soldiers, fairies (LOTS of fairies), snorklers, spidermen, ninjas, thieves, Peter Pan, several Dorothies, hippies, football fans, astronauts, and even a Beta fish. Many of the wonderfully imaginative trunks were decked out with all the familiar themes of Halloween (witches, vampires, skeletons, cemeteries, etc.). We also had a football themed trunk, a bedtime story, a trunk filled with the 'colors of Halloween,' Alice in Wonderland, a shark's mighty jaws, a steaming cauldronand a clever buck-toothed face.
The evening started with the arrival of the SSCC and The Day School trunkers at about 5 pm. Everyone warmly welcomed the Sandy Springs Mission kids when they arrived by bus at six and pitched in to get them fed, face-painted, and costumed so that they would be ready to trunk or treat at 7. Five older girls from the Mission (the 'five fairies') volunteered to put numbers on all costumed folks and help with the costume judging. The evening wrapped up with the awards ceremony for best trunks and costumes. It was a wonderful evening of community fellowship between SSCC children and adults, The Day School families and staff members, and the Sandy Springs Mission kids and staff. Many thanks to all who donated their time, talents, and monetary gifts to make this event a rousing success!!
Prizes for Best Decorated Trunk
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1st place "Pirate Graveyard" 3rd place "Jaws" |
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2nd place "Aging in Margaritaville" 4th place "Bedtime Story" |
Enjoy more great pictures from SSCC's Trunk or Treat (click here)
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A Message from Phil
Rev. Phil Price, Senior Minister | |
There is an old gospel song that says, "We'll understand it all by and by . . ."
Sometimes life throws us a curve and we find ourselves on paths and going in directions that we hadn't planned or intended. In many ways my time with you seems way too short. It feels like we were just getting things going, just getting to know each other, and just working out how to be effective ministry partners together. . .
It is with sadness and deep deep appreciation that I say good bye to my time of ministry here at SSCC. You have challenged me and inspired me with your sense of dedication to this church, your commitment to mission, your willingness to put boots on the ground in faith matters, your thirst to discover and learn, your honesty in going beyond simple answers to explore deeper issues. It has been deeply rewarding and delightfully challenging to be your minister. I am a better person and a better minister for having spent these few years with you. Thank you!
As I have shared with you, I have been called to be the Transitional Minister at St. Andrews, a DOC church in Carrolton Texas. I am looking forward to being with them and seek to be sensitive to the spirit so that I can be the leader that they need at this time in the life of their church. I welcome your prayers as they prepare for the next chapter in their life as a congregation.
You are so fortunate to have Rev. Linda Whitmire as your Transitional Minister. She knows you! She is one of you! She is a gifted preacher, has a heart for pastoral care and will guide this congregation with a steady and loving hand. I know that you will welcome her to this position with enthusiasm and gratitude.
You will soon be welcoming a new Senior Minister! This will be such an EXCITING time! Please continue to "pray them in." You are already in their prayers, and God is at work in them preparing them for a partnership in ministry here with you. Determine right now to get the best out of them by encouraging them, supporting them and being willing partners in ministry with them.
So now, on behalf of Vicki and Ally, Luke and Sarah, I say thank you for bringing us into your lives, thank you for your generosity and your friendship. You have been such a blessing in our lives and you will be remembered with deep gratitude and fondness.
Blessings and Love,
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Transition Team Update
Janet Lochery | |
As co-chair of the Transition Team, I would like to present an update on the work we have been doing. We were charged with looking at the immediate staffing needs to ensure that the key ministries of our church are in good hands during this time of transition. Our priority was Children's Ministries and we are pleased to confirm that Leslie Raymer has been appointed as Interim Minister of Children's Programming. Effective November 14, Leslie will assume additional administrative responsibilities as part of the staff transition plan and her new title will be Interim Minister of Administration and Children's Programming through May 2012. The Elders and the Leadership Team have also approved our recommendation to establish an interim position for a Children's Program Assistant to work 5 - 8 hours a week including Sunday mornings. We hope to recommend a candidate for this position soon.
The congregation voted on October 23 to accept the call of the Reverend Linda S. Whitmire to serve as our Transitional Pastor. We are pleased and excited to have Linda shepherd us through the coming months. Please keep the Transition Team in your prayers as we look at possible staffing models and options for the future of SSCC.
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Meet Leslie Raymer
Interim Minister of Children's Programming |
Leslie Raymer is the Interim Minister of Children's Programming at Sandy
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Leslie Raymer
Interim Minister of Children's Programming |
Springs Christian Church. Leslie earned her Masters of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory in 2006 after working for many years as an archaeologist. She also has a degree in History from Furman University and an MA degree in Anthropology from Oklahoma University. She finds that her multi-disciplinary training in history, anthropology, and theology serves her well in inviting children and adults to explore the foundations of our biblical traditions and discover the role of the Bible in our modern lives.
Leslie is a candidate for ordination in the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ. Leslie has a robust history of lay leadership in the church; she is a deacon, has served on a parish council, and has been a lay delegate at association meetings. She recently spent nine months at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital as a chaplain intern and worked as a Visitation Chaplain at Campbell-Stone Christian Apartments in Sandy Springs. In 2010, she founded Companions on the Journey, an ecumenical chaplaincy and spiritual support program at Arbor Terrace and Sunrise Retirement communities of Decatur. Leslie has been involved in outreach ministries for many years including mission trips to Honduras, volunteer work with Church World Service, and working with homeless adults in Atlanta.
Leslie is that rarest of all breeds, an actual lifelong Atlanta native. With the exception of the years she was attending school in South Carolina and Oklahoma, she has lived in Decatur throughout her life. Leslie passionately enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking, backpacking, bicycling, and gardening. She spent a week this year paddling her kayak 120 miles on the Oconee River on the annual Paddle Georgia trip that is hosted by the Georgia Riverkeeper's Network. Leslie's car will often have a red kayak tied to its roof in our church parking lot.
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Mission and Outreach Accomplishments Impressive
Nancy McDaniel, Chair, Outreach and Mission Ministry | |
While not a complete list, this is an impressive list of the Mission and Outreach activities SSCC has completed in the past year and a half. This list primarily focuses on activities where we physically participated and does not include our many financial contributions made to deserving organizations. This is a compassionate and generous church!!!
~ Held a shower and completely furnished an apartment for a Haitian patient (and her caregiver) who is receiving medical treatment for injuries suffered in the earthquake.
~ Spiritually and financially supported the 3 members who traveled to India to volunteer in the Christian Hospital and School in the village of Mungeli. (3rd year)
~ Sent 10 youth and their sponsors on a life-changing mission trip to Tecate, Mexico (16th year!)
~ SSCC volunteers staff The Community Action Center in Sandy Springs on the first Saturday of every month-the only way many needy can be served if they work during the week-providing food, clothing and financial assistance
~ Tutor weekly at Lake Forest Elementary and participate in special reading programs
~ Made over 2700 sandwiches for the homeless served by MUST and Mercy Community
~ Prepared and delivered food baskets for Cobb Douglas Community Services for their holiday program for the mentally disabled. Helped with Christmas gift donations, too.
~ Paid full year's tuition for 2 children to attend school at the Family Village Farm, India
~ Helped rebuild homes and lives for 7 people in Nashville through Disciples Volunteers
~ Began a monthly book club for the senior residents at Campbell Stone
~ Prepared and fed over 350 people at the Lake Forest Elementary Thanksgiving dinner. For many guests it was an introduction to the American tradition of Thanksgiving
~ Joined with other Atlanta area DOC churches at More Hands for God day to provide a Halloween festival for homeless and low income children in downtown Atlanta (includes free medical and dental screenings; lunch)
~ Worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Muslims and Jews refurbishing a house in Decatur which will become home to a qualifying family through Initiative for Affordable Housing
~ Collected money & Christmas gifts for Forever Family-an organization that cares for children of incarcerated parents
~ Presented a free, community-wide Medicare seminar on open enrollment
~ Wrapped 380 donated Christmas gifts for children of Lake Forest Elementary school
~ Sent about 30 campers to Camp Balaam, the DOC summer camp for needy neighborhood kids
~ Provided healthy snacks for the Refugee Family Services after-school tutoring program
~ Planted and transplanted shrubs at Lake Forest Elementary through Volunteer for a Better Sandy Springs Day
~ Painted and donated two sets of panels of Hospital Art
~ Started a community garden and donated produce grown to The Community Action Center's Food Bank
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PLEASE HELP!! | |
Our efforts to serve the families of Lake Forest Elementary School a traditional Thanksgiving meal last year were so successful that we have been asked to repeat it! But this year the school has grown by 100 students and we anticipate preparing for and serving 425 dinners on Friday evening, November 18. This massive undertaking will require volunteers of all sorts! PLEASE consider how you can help! This is truly the biggest Outreach project we have in terms of the number of volunteers needed and the number of people we touch.
On Wednesday evening (11/16), we need volunteers to help pull cooked turkey off the bones (SSCC kitchen). On Thursday evening, we will begin to prepare the side dishes (SSCC kitchen). Also on Thursday, we will begin collecting the 53 pies we need donated! Will you donate a pie (or more)?? On Friday afternoon we will begin to transport pounds and pounds of potatoes, turkey, pies, cranberries, green beans and pies to the school. By 5:00 we will need many volunteers to take tickets, greet the guests, serve meals and interact with staff, students and their families. And of course, there is always clean up. Last year we were done by about 8:30 and some went to a restaurant to relax and be served by others while reflecting on what a neat experience it was.
Please consider joining us this year! The kids and their families consider this a very special, dress-up occasion and are so happy to participate. It is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our tradition of gratitude and a tangible way for many people with various skills to give back. Check The Centrum for sign ups or contact Nancy McDaniel if you are willing to help
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Our Youth Program Reaps Rewards | |
How amazing is our Youth Program? What does it say when three of our former participants choose to volunteer their time every week to serve as SSCC Youth Sponsors? What a powerful validation that the program transforms lives and makes a significant, positive impact at a crucial time in kids' lives! Catherine Armstrong, Emily Abernathy and Kristin Wolf have all agreed to show appreciation for what the program meant to them in their formative years by bringing their passion, faith and commitment to assist in leading our middle-school and high-school program this year. When asked why they were willing to work with Andy Torbert (also a product of SSCC Youth Groups) and our youth, they said:
"Being a member of SSCC's youth group was one of the most defining experiences of high school experiences. Through pits & peaks, weekly discussions, and the annual Mexico Mission Trip, not only did I grow in my relationships with peers and God, but I first began to envision my future and how I wanted to live the rest of my life. Having the opportunity to continue as a part of this group that has shaped my life so fully is a gift, and one that I accept with the hope that the current youth will gain as much from their experience as I did from mine." Catherine Armstrong
"As I've been growing in my relationship with God I've been learning how crucial and beautiful community is. I think God gave us communities so we could try to act out His love and grace together. The SSCC youth group was the first place I experienced a community with its foundation in God. When I was given the chance to be a youth sponsor I couldn't say no. I couldn't say no knowing how much of an impact this group and church can have on a young person's life." Emily Abernathy
"I wanted to give back because this Church has given so much to me. Through thick and thin the youth program provided me a safe haven. I would be robbing the Church without giving back in some sort of way, and I am blessed to be in a position to do so!" Kristin Wolf
Please be sure to thank these wonderful and generous role models when you see them.
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More Hands for God Day Outreach | |
Sandy Springs Christian Church joined other Disciples of Christ Churches at MORE HANDS FOR GOD DAY held at City of Refuge in Atlanta on October 22nd. Our volunteers prepared 600 hot dogs for neighborhood children and families to enjoy at the Halloween festival. We had ten volunteers helping to make the day special. Thanks to Greg Peterson (who coordinated our efforts again this year) and our ten volunteers!
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Janet Lochery, Leslie Kahrs and Carol Armstrong help serve. |
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Leslie Kahrs, Richard Walker and Chris Furqueron grill the hot dogs. |
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Adult Education Notes
Bryant McDaniel, Chair, Adult Education Ministry | |
All Classes 10:00 AM
Focus Group Sunday School - November 6, 20 and 27
Theology - led by Kevin Mooney (Room 205)
Starting a discussion of the book "Keeping the Sabbth" by Dr. Norman Wirzba, covering a chapter each week. It's not necessary to have the book to join the conversation.
November 6 - The Meaning of the Sabbath
November 20 - From Sabbath to Sunday
November 27 - The Practice of Delight
The Lectionary - led by Larry Steinmetz (Parlor)
Arts' Apocalypse - led by Art Edwards (Room 203)
November 6 - Into and Out of Africa
After graduating from Dartmouth, Catherine Armstrong invested a year of her life in Africa working for World Partners in Education where she was an educational consultant in Tema, Ghana. She'll be sharing what this was like in one of SSCC's Adult Education classes at 10:00 on November 6th in Room 205. We'll learn why she made this choice, what challenges she faced, and what she learned while she was there.
She'll also talk about how SSCC (and others) helped prepare her for what she did, as well as what kinds of things SSCC might do to provide others with the foundation they need to undertake this kind of challenge.
Please plan to join us in learning from -- and thanking -- someone who grew up at SSCC.
Gratitude and Forgiveness - led by Pat and Paul Kapphahn (Room 203)
November 20 & 27
If the only prayer you ever said was "thank you," that would be sufficient.".....Mester Eckhart.
What does the BYTS (the "Big Yellow Taxi Syndrome" from one of Joni Mitchell's new hits) teach us about gratitude ? We'll be looking at what Brian McLaren in NAKED SPIRITUALITY says about gratitude. What are the benefits to us? How can practicing gratitude help us achieve more joy and satisfaction in life? Jesus imples in Matthew 5:3-12 that there is reason for gratitude; we can learn Jesus' 8-fold way of happiness. We will also be looking at the power of forgiveness, including the scientific evidence for the link of forgiveness with good health. By learning and practicing some simple forgiveness tools we can begin to embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy.
Come join Paul and Pat Kapphahn, licensed psychotherapists and SSCC members, as we explore gratitude and forgiveness on 11/20 11/27.
Community Sunday School - December 4, 11 and 18
Led by Dr. Stan Saunders, Assoc. Professor of New Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary
(Dunlap Hall)
December 4 - New Heavens and New Earth
December 11 & 18 - Sessions on Sustainable Community
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Legacy Builders: LAST CALL!
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire | |
We will dedicate this ministry on All Saints Sunday, November 6. Some of you have made the decision to include the church in your estate planning, but have not begun putting it in place. We will thank you next year. But those already working toward including the church or those who have completed the process are part of our initial Legacy Builders. With gratitude for your witness, please be sure the church knows who you are. And thanks! Thanks for believing in the future toward which Christ ever calls us at SSCC. You are forever a blessing.
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The Christmas Season at SSCC | |
Mark your calendars and save the dates for the much anticipated Christmas season at Sandy Springs Christian Church!
November 27 Chrismon Workshop for New Members - after both services in the
Centrum
December 3 Women's Ministries Communion Service and Brunch - 9:45 am
gathering for Communion Service followed by brunch in Dunlap Hall
December 4 Hanging of the Green - 5:30 pm; Reception 7:00 pm in Dunlap Hall
December 11 KnightSong Sing-a-Long and Pot Luck after second service - 12:15 pm in Dunlap
Hall
Youth Christmas Party
December 18 Lessons and Carols/Children's Christmas Play - after both services
December 18 Gift Wrap Outreach for Lake Forest Elementary School - after both services in
Dunlap Hall
December 25 Worship Service at 10 am only
January 1 Worship Service at 10 am only
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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
NOVEMBER EVENTS & SPECIAL WORSHIP
Nov 2 or 3 "Beyond Baby Talk" - 11:15 am - 12:30 PM (Room 205)
Nov 6 All Saints Sunday
Nov 6 & 13 Youth Group Thanksgiving Food Collection, 5-7 pm (DH)
Nov 6, 20 & 27 Sunday School Focus Groups, 10 am
Nov 9 ICJS Training, 12-3 PM (201-203)
Nov 10 ThirdAgers Lunch and Booth Western Art Museum
Nov 11 & 12 Regional Assembly, New Hope Christian Church, Lawrenceville, GA
(website link)
Nov 12 Campbell-Stone Annual Flea Market
Nov 13 Thanksgiving Special Offering
Nov 13 Rev. Linda S. Whitmire installed as Transitional Minister
Nov 13 Reception for Rev. Phil Price, 10 am, Dunlap Hall
Nov 13 Congregational Meeting following Reception to vote on Senior Minister candidate
Nov 16-17-18 Lake Forest Elementary School Outreach; Nov. 18 Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov 20 Congregational Meeting, after both services
Nov 20 PAC Thanksgiving Food Collection, 12:30-2:30 pm (120)
Nov 23 SSCC closed at noon for Thanksgiving
Nov 24 & 25 SSCC closed for Thanksgiving
Nov 27 Chrismon Workshop for New Members, after both services
SAVE THE DATE
See "Christmas Season at SSCC"
THE DAY SCHOOL
Tuesdays Zumba Dance Class, 9:15-10:30 am (Dunlap Hall)
Nov 3 & 4 Picture Day
Nov 18 Thanksgiving Feast
Nov 23-25 Thanksgiving Break
Nov 28 Return to school
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 5th 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) Middle School and High 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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