The season of Lent reminds us that life is messy. No matter what plans we make and how well we carry out those plans, life is never perfect. It has been said that "perfect is the enemy of good." In the pursuit of perfection we lose sight of our authentic selves, lose sight of our place in this world as a child of God.

Listen to what Richard Rohr has to say: "By definition, authentic God experience is always 'too much'!  It consoles our True Self only after it has devastated our false self."

As we journey the road to Easter, one of the preparations we must make is to begin to rediscover our true self, the authentic calling places upon our lives. It is messy to come face to face with our false self, but when we find the courage to do so, we discover so much more. We discover truly who we are and whose we are.

Peace to your path,

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Over 125 members attended the recent annual congregational meeting in Dunlap Hall where we enjoyed a fantastic Torbert meal, celebrated our ministries, our people and our accomplishments over the past year, then heard about plans to "Build Our Future Together."  

Danny spoke about some exciting future plans at SSCC after sharing our updated Vision Statement:  "To be a growing community of faith distinguished by our faithfulness in the following areas:  Discipleship, Connections, and Service."  Discipleship is defined as encouraging people to learn, act, and reflect upon their faith as inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.  Connections are defined as engaging and equipping new generations for life and leadership in Christian community.  And Service is defined as helping people to discover and become involved in their personal mission.

The congregation also passed motions to approve the following:  the 2012 budget, the Legacy Fund and Policy, the extension of the Interim Guidelines, and the 2012 Nominating Committee.

Rev. Danny Gulden                                                     Bryant McDaniel

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In 1964, while I was working as a post doc at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Washington DC, I was invited by the late Howard Edwards to come to Georgia Tech for a year as a visiting professor. Claire, Paul (4), Geoffrey (1) and I arrived in Atlanta in August, 1965 and, at Howard's invitation, attended Sandy Springs Christian Church. We were welcomed as family, and joined the Church in November. We really enjoyed our stay, principally because of the people here. We were in the U.S. on visitors' visas, having come from Australia to further my career. We had intended to be away for a year, and were becoming homesick, and so returned home in 1966.

I was unable to find a university appointment "down under," and finally accepted an offer from Georgia Tech, and Claire, Paul (9), Geoff (6), David (3) and I returned to Atlanta in September 1969 (Carolyn was born in November), where we have lived ever since.

Over the years, SSCC has meant so much to us. In the beginning, while we missed being 10,000 miles from our parents and family, the church members stepped in and became our new family, and have been for over forty years. Our children were raised in the church. Our daughter Carolyn became so involved that eventually she became a Disciple minister. Paul died in a car accident in 1980, and the church brought comfort to us. No matter what the circumstances, the church has always been there for us.

And this is why we have chosen to be SSCC Legacy Builders, so that in the future the church can continue to be "family" to its members.

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The 9th annual Candlelight Café was held on Saturday, February 4th in Dunlap Hall. Dunlap Hall was transformed into an elegant restaurant with beautiful table decorations and special lighting. This was our largest crowd ever, with over 100 people attending!

The evening started with appetizers and drinks during the social hour. The Torbert's prepared a delicious meal of beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes and spinach soufflé followed by a special dessert. The SSCC youth and their friends worked hard to make this an enjoyable evening for all those attending, serving as the waiters and entertainers. The entertainment included playing of the piano, viola, clarinet and guitar as well as a bo form performance (special karate weapon) showcasing their talents.

We appreciate your support for the largest fundraiser for the Mexico Mission Trip that our youth will be involved with over their spring break: March 31 - April 7, 2012. Each year, we work with AMOR Ministries to build a home for a Mexican family who is in desperate need of shelter. Your financial support helps to cover the costs associated with the trip. Your emotional support gives them strength, courage and confidence to go out into the world. The youth thank you for supporting them in this trip which is guaranteed to change lives on both sides of the border.

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You are invited to join a Covenant Group. Please sign up at the Welcome Desk by March 11 if you would like to participate in a Covenant Group.

It is a great way to meet new people and develop friendships. The Covenant Groups meet once a month for two hours to connect with each other in meaningful ways and to grow spiritually.

Danny has recommended that the Covenant Groups use the Nooma video series by Rob Bell. Each video is 10-14 minutes of teaching which promotes discussions on the spiritual perspectives of real life situations.  

If you have questions, call or email Nancy Trusty.

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The children had a busy Sunday on February 26th! We began the day by gathering in the sanctuary at 8:15 am for a vocal warm up and final choir practice prior to the 9 am service. We had a great practice, and even rescued a lady bug. The children sang beautifully in both services, and also went to Junior Worship at 9, Sunday School after the service, and Worship and Wonder during the 11:15 service. Then everyone scattered to have lunch, practice baseball, and generally do the things that kids do on a warm and sunny afternoon.

At 3:30, we met again at church for our Project Mail Call PAC meeting followed by dinner with the Youth Group. We were joined at our PAC meeting by Dave, a member of the KnightSong singers who has just returned from Iraq (in December), and Mary and Ed Ettel, the directors of Project Mail Call. Dave shared with us what it is like to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan; he told us how very important it is to get cards, letters, and gifts of snacks/toiletries/books/dvds, etc. from home. The kids wrote 80+ cards and all of us at SSCC gathered an SUV load of goods for the Ettels to send to Afghanistan and Iraq! Thanks to all the kids and grownups who donated their efforts to this service project!! 

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The Sandy Springs charity that SSCC heavily supports financially, emotionally and physically has the same acronym but is now known as the Community Assistance Center. The new name accurately reflects the role they play in the Sandy Springs Community-providing counseling, financial assistance, food, job training, and a thrift store.

For years, CAC was only open to assist qualifying Sandy Springs residents during the week. With the economic downturn, more and more people found themselves in need even though they hold steady, but low paying jobs. It was not possible for them to get assistance without taking time off of work which is very counter-productive. In 2009, Sandy Springs Christian Church addressed this issue by recruiting and training volunteers to open the CAC the first Saturday of every month. A dedicated group, coordinated by Greg Peterson, opened the thrift shop, food pantry and counseled financial clients on the first Saturday in October of that year. It was slow the first months but as word circulated, the number of people served has steadily increased.

Now we need your help. Many of the volunteers have faithfully volunteered every month since October 2009. They deserve a respite. More importantly, there is an increase in the people being served on Saturdays. Currently, SSCC is the only organization dedicated to opening the CAC on a Saturday. We make a tremendous difference and our volunteers hear that from clients regularly. Please consider joining our CAC volunteer team for a six-month window....just 10 am to 1 pm the first Saturday of each month. The phone intake and financial counseling positions require training. The thrift shop and food pantry positions train on the job. You are likely to hear powerful stories and immediately know the difference you are facilitating. Contact Greg Peterson or Nancy McDaniel if you are interested in this rewarding volunteer opportunity.

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It's time for us to enjoy some time together. We are still in the process of nailing down the details but thought you might like an update. Here's what we are planning:

• March 22 or 29: Lunch at Chequers followed by a tour of the Passages Exhibit in Dunwoody. Passages is the largest traveling Bible exhibit in the United States
• April 29: Attend the Georgia Ensemble Theatre's production "Ring of Fire." Dinner together is definitely a possibility.
• May 16: Tour of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. Our own Paul Kapphahn has agreed to serve as our tour guide. Yes, we will eat along the way. 

Watch for additional details. Check the Wellspring, the Chalice Chat, the Connect Board in the Centrum and the ThirdAgers sign-up book on the credenza next to the Connect Board for more details.

Ever wonder who, or what, is a ThirdAger? Well, if you have reached the glorious age of 50, you are a ThirdAger. It's as simple as that. No dues!  No oaths!  No forms!  No hazing!  Join us!

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JOIN US FOR FAMILY FUN NIGHT!

Saturday, March 24

7:30-8:30 PM in Dunlap Hall

Bingo & Trivia

Bring a dessert to share!

• This is a family event but child care will be provided for those wishing to use it for very small children. 
•  Please consider bringing something from home for the prize table.
• Contact Becky Strickland with questions.
• Donations accepted to benefit the SSCC Youth Scholarship Fund.

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Thanks to the volunteers that made 600 ham and cheese sandwiches in about 30 minutes at our Outreach Sandwich Making event on February 19!! The sandwiches were donated to MUST Ministries and distributed to their hungry and homeless clients as needed. SSCC's sandwich making events prove to be one of the most popular outreach activities for a number of reasons. As people leave the Sanctuary after the second service, everything is set up in the Centrum. There is no additional preparation required, no sign ups, no training, no practice, and people of all ages can help. It is an impressive example of "many hands making light work." Our next sandwich making event is scheduled for May 20.

Information is beginning to filter in regarding our Mission Trip to Tuscaloosa. After church on Sunday, July 8 a group of volunteers will leave SSCC to travel to First Christian Church in Tuscaloosa. This church will serve as home base for our members and friends that choose to give of their time and talents to work to restore lives of Tuscaloosa residents whose community was torn apart by tornadoes in 2010. Volunteers will sleep on the floor of the church, be fed delicious meals (most likely prepared by Jim Torbert), and work hard constructing, painting and landscaping devastated properties.

As the departure date gets closer, details will firm up. The cost of the mission trip last year was $275 per person and is likely to be about the same this year. Please consider making this trip. As we often find, when we step up to help others, it is generally our own lives that are transformed. With the relative proximity of Tuscaloosa, we will once again accept volunteers for all of the week or just a few days (ideally at least 3). Please see Nancy McDaniel to get your name on the potential list even if your plans are not definite. Space is limited to 25 people.

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