 April 2012 Grace Spoken Here Volume 13, Issue 4 |
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Viewpoints at SSCC |
"Is it Church Day yet?"
As you can imagine with younger kids who don't quite have down the days of the week or the relation of one day to another or even how long a week really is, we get lots of questions about what tomorrow will bring. For simplification, Monday through Friday are generally referred to as "school days" (with the occasional soccer day, gymnastics day or softball day for after school activities). The girls call Saturday "stay at home day" although with the aforementioned sporting activities those days are rarely spent at home. The girls know that Sunday is the day after "stay at home day" and they call it "Church Day." We often get the question, "Is it Church Day yet?" In the controlled chaos that is our home in the morning, where we more resemble Army Sergeants barking at their paratroopers to "GO, GO, GO!" than a T.V. family's calm family meal, the anticipation builds when we tell the girls to finish their breakfast and get ready for church. Typically, one of the girls races upstairs after breakfast to pick out her dress and sets the theme for the others (since, more often than not, they want to match or coordinate with each other). When we get to church, the girls proudly participate in the traditions: eagerly anticipating the offering, the Lord's Prayer, singing the familiar songs and especially participating in Communion.
What is it about Sandy Springs Christian Church that creates such anticipation in our kids? A part, of course, is the expectation that we set as parents that we go to church as a family. But a larger part is the feeling of being accepted and loved that we know our kids experience. Whether it is the traditions of the worship service, the wonderful volunteers in Sunday school classes and the nursery, the PAC meetings, the pancake breakfasts - it is the loving interaction with the church body that creates the desire to return and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It is that love and acceptance, the "Grace Spoken Here," that we as adults also seek, where church is not a chore to be checked off on a list but
a weekly renewal and filling of the spaces created during the chaos of the week.
Although, the pace of life can seem overwhelming and time is valuable, we are reminded that the commitment to go to church regularly is worth it when one of the girls asks again during the week.... "Is it Church Day yet?"
With Love,
Karla & Gregg Worley
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A Note from Danny
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
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Rev. Danny Gulden
Senior Minister |
One of my favorite musicians is David Wilcox. He has written a wonderful song called "Show the Way." In many ways, it perfectly sums up the journey we take to Easter.
Love who makes the mortar
And it's love who stacked these stones
And it's love who made the stage here
Although it looks like we're alone
In this scene set in shadows
Like the night is here to stay
There is evil cast around us
But it's love that wrote the play...
For in this darkness love can show the way
The darkness of Good Friday, the darkness of death gives way to the Good News of Easter, gives way to new light and life. Love indeed shows the way. When God is involved, love always shows the way for God's will is always life.
We have a moving Holy Week in store, culminating with a celebration of resurrection on Easter Sunday. Make plans now to be a part of worship on Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
Grace and peace,
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You're Invited to Holy Week! | |
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Rev. Danny Gulden Officially Installed
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire | |
Installation is the sacred act whereby a congregation and a pastor begin their life together, covenanting to fulfill their mutual obligations to and with one another in the service of Christ. Sunday, March 18, with Reverend Karen Frank-Plumlee, Co- Interim Regional Minister of Georgia, leading us in our words of shared covenant, Rev. Danny Gulden was installed as Senior Minister of Sandy Springs Christian Church. We even installed him twice!! Repeating our sacred commitments to one another at both the 9:00 and 11:15 services, as with his wife Mary Michael by his side, Danny received the spontaneous applause of a sanctuary filled with joy.
Family members and special guests joined the festivities at the 11:15 service including the beloved Dr. and Mrs. Fred Craddock. In his sermon, Danny challenged the congregation to be co-creators with God of our church's future, not just consumers of all the church offers. He affirmed the non-judgmental voice of SSCC that many young people beyond our doors are seeking: Grace.
Following both services a reception hosted by the women of the church under the leadership of Mary Anne Posey was enjoyed in the Centrum amidst hugs and handshakes and pride in all God is setting before this church as our shared ministry with strong and gifted leadership leads us into God's future.
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Rev. Danny Gulden and Rev. Karen Frank-Plumlee |
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Team to Explore Capital Needs at SSCC
Bryant McDaniel, President of the Congregation | |
In keeping with the theme of our Congregational Meeting ("Building our Future Together"), the Leadership Team has asked Scott Dalton, Vice President of the Congregation, to chair a small team with the task of exploring various options to address the following:
- landscaping/parking lot cure/signage - once the DOT work has been completed
- aging infrastructure of the church building - roof, HVAC systems, carpeting, etc.
- potential improvements to the church property - interior design, audio/visual systems, kitchen equipment.
Research and our own personal experiences have shown that the church building and property play an important role in how people experience a church, especially on the first visit. We want to be sure that Sandy Springs Christian Church is seen as a welcoming and inspiring environment to our visitors - and that the church facilities support our vision and ministries going forward.
The team will thoroughly assess the scope of the work that needs to be done and the projected costs. They may decide to engage a consultant for some of the work, but will work within current budgets. They will then develop a proposal that will be shared with the congregation for review and feedback. It is hoped that they will be in a position to offer a final proposal/recommendation by this fall.
We will keep you updated on the progress of their efforts in the coming weeks and months.
If you are interested in participating in any way or if you should have any questions, please contact Scott Dalton or Bryant McDaniel.
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Interfaith Hunger Walk A Huge Success!! | |
We did it!! On a beautiful spring day an impressive ninety-four members and friends of Sandy Springs Christian Church participated in the 2012 Hunger Run/Walk 5K raising awareness and funds to fight hunger in the metro Atlanta area. You shattered our goal of 65 participants! There were almost 20 additional people that couldn't walk that day but supported our efforts with generous donations.
Congregation Or Hadash, The Islamic Center of North Fulton and Sandy Springs Christian Church joined together to form an Interfaith Hunger Team 161 walkers strong. United in our blue shirts proclaiming, "Three Faiths, One Team, Walking Together to Fight Hunger," we made an impressive statement among the estimated 15,000 walkers gathered at Turner Field.
There were many layers to the success of this year's Hunger Run/Walk event. Our goal for this first year was to raise awareness. SSCC's strong participation is a testament to that success. The interaction between the youth of the three congregations on the afternoon they all met to design posters was another success. Children in our Sunday School collected funds one dollar at a time and raised an impressive $159.53!! From our youngest participant (eleven month old Nate Chimera) to our oldest (unnamed!) walkers and donors our congregation embraced the event.
The children's collection, along with other SSCC donations, allowed us to make a contribution of $1659.53. Coupled with donations from the other two congregations, our Interfaith Team raised $7766. The Atlanta Community Food Bank can purchase seven times the food for each dollar donated, so the value of our Interfaith Team's contribution was $54,362!! The Food Bank estimates our efforts will feed almost 23 metro Atlanta families of four for an entire year! Well done, Sandy Springs!
To view a slideshow of the amazing Interfaith Walk response, click here
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Read Across America | |
On March 2, SSCC members and friends provided guest readers for every classroom at Lake Forest Elementary in celebration of Read Across America; a special day celebrating the joy of reading and Dr. Seuss. So...
Thanks to Danny,
who read on his fanny,
And to Ruth,
who read only the truth
Students of Carol heard stories of peril
While Alice read of a great big palace
There was Milt Hill
who read to kids sitting still
While an intriguing scene
was set by Florene
We thank Martha Dalton, who gladly read when called on
And Mary McNeal, who had great appeal
Reading by Ann earned her a new fan (or two)
The kids love Ms. Barb, treating her like a star
And finally Sharon...thank you for carin'!
SSCC says thanks to you all
We hope you'll read again in the fall!!!
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So, Have You Been Thinking About It?
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire | |
...thinking about becoming a Legacy Builder at SSCC by including the church in some way in your end of life planning? OH!! You don't want to think about that??? Planning on being raptured are you?? Well-l-l, in case that is NOT the case, please consider how you want to live into your Christian stewardship through the ministries of our church even beyond your life time.
Many of us have done this and many others are in the process of recognizing that this IS something they want to do for a variety reasons. Some because of what it says to their children and grandchildren about the importance of living into their faith; others because giving beyond self has become meaningful, even essential, to their Christian walk. And still others because they want to be sure the educational and outreach ministries of our church remain a primary focus.
There are multiple avenues for including the church: wills, trusts, IRA and insurance beneficiary designations, even gifting a specific resource such as a car or second home or stock to be sold and invested in the permanent fund of the church. Be a Legacy Builder. Make a difference. Put your thinking about it into an action plan!
Confidential, no obligations and free consultation is available through the Christian Church Foundation (rjohnson@ccf.disciples.org) which assists Disciples throughout the United States and Canada in investing in their churches through managed permanent funds. Information about how SSCC keeps faith with our investors is available through the church office. SSCC needs YOU to be a Legacy Builder for our future in Christ.
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All Women of the Church Are Invited! Experience Women's Ministries (Christian Women's Fellowship) at SSCC | |
 All Women Are Invited
to the
Spring Luncheon
Women's Ministries/Christian Women's Fellowship
Dining Room, Campbell Stone Sandy Springs
April 21, 2012 at 10:00 am
Please bring a salad or dessert to share
About CWF and Campbell Stone Sandy Springs: Two times a year we have combined meetings. The first Saturday in December is reserved for our Communion Worship Service at SSCC, with a delightful lunch prepared by the Torberts and served by the men of the church. The second meeting is the Spring Luncheon. At this meeting the volunteers who work in the Campbell Stone shop are honored, both residents and church members. The shop serves several important functions--first to serve the residents. The shop is a gathering place to shop and greet friends. Many "necessities" are stocked for the convenience of those residents who do not drive--or forget something when they go shopping. All occasions cards are available, with an excellent variety and reasonable prices. In addition, the shop stocks small gift items--beautiful scarfs, jewelry, watches, handbags and other items. All are sold at prices less than conventional stores. The profits from the sales in the shop go to Women's Ministries/CWF for expenses and donations. Some donations go to The Chaplaincy Fund at Campbell Stone, CAC, Youth Mission Trip, and Scholarship Fund among others.
 
Please come to our Spring Luncheon. Our Guest Speaker is Todd Barcroft, Administrator, Campbell Stone Sandy Springs. Learn some interesting things, enjoy entertainment by Becky and Courtney Strickland, visit with SSCC members and residents of Campbell Stone, and enjoy the food provided by all of us!
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March 29 ThirdAgers Lunch & Passages Exhibit
Shelton Blackburn | |
Well, did you miss the ThirdAgers event on Thursday, March 29? If you did, you missed a good one. Our group of ThirdAgers started with a leisurely delicious lunch at Chequers - great food, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic company. What more could you want? We then adjourned to the nearby Passages exhibit for a remarkable journey through the history of the most-banned, most-debated, most-translated, best-selling book of all time - the Bible.
By the way, you do not have to be a ThirdAger to enjoy Passages - all ages are welcome. The word exhibit does not adequately describe Passages. You can spend several hours in the exhibit, if desired, due to the extensive number of artifacts on display, the numerous interactive areas, and the various listening tracks available. You can save money by visiting any Hobby Lobby for a $3 discount coupon. If you are interested, visit the Passages website at: http://explorepassages.com.
If you are 50 or older, you are a ThirdAger. That was easy, wasn't it? And, if you are a ThirdAger, sign up for our next adventure. Watch the Chalice Chat and the Connect board for details.
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A Great Turnout and Much Accomplished at Grounds Glorification for Holy Week | |
On Saturday, March 24, approximately 30 people turned out for a diversity of grounds work at Sandy Springs Christian Church. A beautiful Spring day, fellowship, fun and hard work were shared by all. Thanks to Bryant Hodgson and Terry Frost for coordinating this very successful event. And thank you to everyone who participated. Hope to see all of you and more next year!
Click here to view a slideshow depicting a few of the many tasks completed--cutting, mulching, raking, planting, weeding, and more.
 
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Adventure Camp at The Day School | |
The Day School of Sandy Springs Christian Church
Nurturing children in Sandy Springs for more than 40 years
4 Weekly Adventure Camps to Choose From
June 11 - July 6
10 AM-2 PM, Monday-Friday
Options by Age and # of Days:
- Children 12 months to 24 months and walking by June 1 - 1 or 2 days a week
- Children 2 years old by April 1- 3 days (M,W,F) or 2 days (Tu, Th)
- Children 3 years old by May 31st - 5 days, 3 days or 2 days a week
- Children 4 by August 31, 5, or rising 1st graders - 5 days a week
June 11-15 SPLISH SPLASH BASH
June 18-22 PIRATES & PRINCESSES - Manly Men & Girly Girls
June 25-29 SNACK-O-LICIOUS (at the Kids Cafe)
July 2-6 CAMP GOES GREEN
Contact The Day School at 404.252.3950 or on the web at the_day_school@sandyspringscc.org
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Lenten Pig Roast | |
Thanks to Lazo for all his hard work roasting two pigs for the final Lenten Dinner of 2012! He had tough shoes to fill preparing the dinner as Jim Torbert was in San Diego on the Mexico Mission Advance Team. Thanks also to Jay Donnelly and Bryant McDaniel who helped out with the pig and in the kitchen.
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2012 Mexico Mission Team Departs | |
Saturday, March 31 - Sandy Springs Marta Station - the starting point for our Mexico Missionaries. Not all adult sponsors and youth are shown; a total of 20 are traveling to Mexico to build a home for a deserving family. Our prayers and good wishes go with them! They return home on Saturday, April 7. Be sure to join them in celebrating their accomplishments at a special service on Sunday, April 22. There will be one service at 10 am followed by a fiesta in Dunlap Hall.
 | | Yes, that's Andy Torbert with his head shaved -- seems to be a Mexico trip tradition. |
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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
APRIL EVENTS & SPECIAL WORSHIP
March 31-April 7 - Youth Mexico Mission Trip
April 1 & 8 - Community Sunday School, Dr. Stan Saunders, 10 am (Dunlap Hall)
April 1 - Palm Sunday services 9 and 11:15 am
April 5 - Maundy Thursday service, 8 pm
April 6 - Good Friday Journey, 12:00-3:00 pm
April 8 - Easter Sunday services 9 or 11:15 am
April 21 - Women's Ministries Spring Luncheon with Campbell Stone volunteers, 10 am
April 22 - Mexico Celebration Sunday, one service at 10 am followed by fiesta in Dunlap Hall
April 29 - Beginnings Class starts, 10 am (Danny's office)
April 29 - Pancake Breakfast, 8:30-11:15 am (Dunlap Hall)
SAVE THE DATE
May 6 - Children's Play presented at both services
May 6 - Youth End of Year Banquet, 5-7 pm (DH)
May 11 - Lake Forest Staff Appreciation Lunch
May 20 - Sandwich Making Outreach, 12:15 pm (Centrum)
May 27 - PAC Meeting, 3:30-5:30 pm (120)
May 28 - SSCC Closed for Memorial Day
July 8-14 - Adult/Family Trip with Disciples Volunteering, Tuscaloosa, AL - Space limited to 25
THE DAY SCHOOL
April 2-6 - Spring Break
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)
Children's Music Program, 9:30 am
Youth Handbells - after second service
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| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due 4 workdays before the end of each month. April 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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