 July 2012 Grace Spoken Here Volume 13, Issue 7 |
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Viewpoints at SSCC |
I was thinking recently about exactly what brings us all to SSCC. This past year has been a wonderfully new experience with my fellowship involvement and commitment to this church. I have had many conversations with members and I have been able to hear and share in some of their experiences.
What I have learned is that our journeys are all unique. We all offer this church family something very precious, very important, and very vital to the living, breathing entity that is our church. Andy Torbert spent a lot of time within our youth group at SSCC discussing the Creation story. He asked the kids what it meant for them to be made in the image of God. I believe the answer to that question is the key to unlocking a powerful reality: We as individuals are created with a bit of the Sacred within. Emmanuel. The Power that God has given each of us is exactly what we have to offer as Christians, as humans, and as serving members of SSCC in our fellowship.
Our individual gifts come together at church to create a large, beautiful, and inclusive atmosphere where love is omnipresent. What brings us all to SSCC? What is it that joins such a diverse, powerful, group of people together as one?
For me, the answer is simple. It is a marble table that sits in the center of our sanctuary. In the center of our sanctuary sits a table, not a pulpit, not a stage, or a cross, but a table. A table open and offered to all wherever they are on their faith journey. We come to that table with a bit of our Creator within and par take in a meal offered to each of us without judgment or condition. Together we come to the table hungry, and together we leave the table filled.
Kristin Wolf
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A Note from Danny
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
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Rev. Danny Gulden
Senior Minister |
It is easy to get comfortable in a church. You meet a few people, find a few things you like to do, and settle in. We often forget very quickly that we were invited and welcomed into the community. We forget the sense of hospitality that we felt the first time we entered the doors. Pretty soon, we are too comfortable.
We are called to be a growing community of faith; it is a part of our mission as a Christian community. We grow not just to add numbers, but because we believe in the change that can take place in us and through us as followers of Jesus. We have experienced something meaningful in our lives and we desire that others have a similar meaningful experience. We believe that together we can work for change and justice in our community and our world. Believe it or not, the laid back days of summer are an excellent time to invite someone to church. Routines are different and time constraints are usually lighter for people. There are many ways for a church to thrive but the most fundamental way is when you invite those not connected with a faith community. SSCC is an incredible, life-changing community and worth sharing. We share not simply to
increase attendance, but be faithful to the calling of God.
Grace and peace,
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SSCC Capital Campaign Update
Scott Dalton, Vice President of the Congregation |
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Scott Dalton |
As Danny notes in his "Grace Alive!" article below, since early March many talented and dedicated congregants of SSCC have been undertaking a complete review of our facilities and grounds through three primary lenses: attracting future members, basic infrastructure needs, and our eco-stewardship responsibilities as Christians. So that you understand the lengths undertaken to ensure the projects we are proposing are both necessary to support the future ministry of SSCC and also cost effective, I want to give you some insight into the process and the individuals involved.
Discussions regarding a capital campaign have actually been underway since early 2010 given our aging structure, inefficient building characteristics and the need to cure our parking lot and landscaping upon completion of the Johnson Ferry/Abernathy DOT project. The combination of the road project concluding by YE 2012 coupled with our selection of Danny Gulden as Senior Minister gave the elected leadership of SSCC confidence that the time for moving forward is now.
Initial scope of the project was identified in March 2012 in combination with the Trustees and Leadership Team. There are nine areas of focus for our campaign, each having its own leader and team. These individuals have been charged with evaluating needs, refining the scope of each project, interviewing potential providers of services, checking references, and obtaining estimates from the top 2 or 3 which made it through the process. They will then review their work with the Trustees and make a recommendation as to the provider they wish to select. Once approved by the Trustees, Bryant Hodgson (Chair of Trustees) will make recommendations to the Leadership Team. The cost ranges Danny provided will be refined as the work of these leaders progresses.
Sometime in August, we will unveil specific plans, drawings, pictures and presentation boards designed to help folks visualize what the improvements will look like. By then, we will also have a much tighter range of project costs and the targeted amount of funds we hope to raise. Over the ensuing weeks, we will conduct information sessions to review the plans and answer any questions you may have.
As to the fundraising campaign itself, we are currently recruiting 30-35 individuals to serve in various leadership capacities. These individuals will undergo training in August and begin their work. We will launch the campaign on "Vision Sunday" in late September.
The project areas and their respective leaders are noted below. As to eco-stewardship, Gregg Worley (who works for the EPA) is acting as our environmental consultant on all aspects of the project to ensure that improvements made, from landscaping to HVAC to building materials, are environmentally friendly.
God is calling this community of faith forward in so many ways. It is critical that our facility is able to support that calling, welcoming others into fellowship here for many years to come. Thank you for your prayerful support of this effort.
Project Area Leader
Parking Lot Ralph Bowlin
Landscape Plan Scott Gregory
HVAC Philip Rowell
Exterior Repairs/Roof Philip Rowell
Interior Renovations Nancy Trusty
Kitchen/Dunlap Hall Jim Torbert
Audio Visual Danny Gulden
Signage David Sutton
Playground Kathy Gregory
Recreation Area TBD
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Grace Alive! | |
Our Mission
Sandy Springs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has cultivated a bold and grace-filled witness in metro Atlanta for 52 years. SSCC has committed to meeting people where they are on their spiritual journey, and many have committed to this mission. We engage in ministry today in our beautiful facility because of their generosity and sacrifice. We have a beautiful campus in one of the best locations and settings in metropolitan Atlanta. The church stands now at an exciting time in our ministry in which we can move boldly into God's future. Grace is alive in this community in so many ways.
Dreaming How to Take Advantage of our Location and Building
Much time has been invested in discerning how our facility can be updated in order for us to continue to faithfully cultivate Christ's community. We have asked how we can better serve those who are here and those who are yet to come. We have wondered how our building can better reflect the inclusive welcome of God to those seeking a spiritual home. We have dreamed about how the community can better know of the grace of God that one finds in this place. We have been challenged to be better stewards of our facility and of God's creation.
Projects to Strengthen Our Ministry
It is our call and responsibility to strengthen our ministry through the following projects:
- An installation of new landscaping and a repaving of the parking lot. It is estimated that 75,000 cars pass by SSCC on a daily basis. We have a large campus and with the completion of DOT construction we have the opportunity to share God's welcome with every passing motorist. This is also a time that our property can better reflect our commitment as a church to care for God's creation. New signage which will better share our message will also be included. Cost estimate is $225,000
- A complete remodel of the Centrum, Narthex, and Parlor areas will allow us to update our most traveled areas of the building. These are our primary gathering spaces on Sunday morning outside of the sanctuary, functioning as the places where we build community. We welcome visitors and guests here on Sundays and during the week, and it is often the first impression of our building. The challenge before us is to make this space reflective of a church that is welcoming and fosters relationships. This area of the building has generally been untouched throughout the years and now is the time to provide the new look and design it needs to help build community. Cost estimate is $200,000
- Significant upgrades and replacement of our HVAC systems and parts of the roofare needed so that our building may continue to be a significant place of ministry. The roof of the sanctuary will be replaced as well as the roof over the education wing. Several of our aging HVAC systems in need of replacement. Dunlap Hall, where so much of our community is cultivated, will receive a fresh coat of paint. The kitchen will receive needed upgrades and we aim to create more storage space as well. This project will incorporate an emphasis on eco-stewardship, so that our building better reflects the way God calls us to care for creation. Cost estimate is $275,000
- An upgrade to our audio visual system is needed. SSCC has a long history of excellent and meaningful worship and an upgrade to our audio visual system is needed in order to ensure that this tradition not only continues but grows in even more creative ways. Images often tell the story about our missions and our life together. Additionally, we have the opportunity to upgrade the sound in a way which will ensure our worship experiences are rich and meaningful. New audio visual system in Dunlap Hall are also included in this project. Cost estimate is $50,000
- Our playground needs to be expanded and upgraded. We have a commitment to growing our ministries with families and expanding and enhancing the ministries of The Day School. Our playground needs to be upgraded and expanded to meet the needs of older children in both our Children's ministries and The Day School. This is also an opportunity to engage the community in SSCC by creating an inviting play space. Cost estimate for this project is $50,000
The total amount that will need to be raised for these projects is $800,000. In order to do this, SSCC will enter into a Capital Campaign this fall and work will begin in late 2012 and continue through early 2013. You are invited to be a part of Vision Sunday on September 23, 2012 for the beginning of the Grace Alive! campaign.
- As a second priority project, we would love to add a recreational space that will meet the needs of The Day School and SSCC. This project will range from something as simple as a blacktop area to a covered pavilion to a small gymnasium. This project will depend upon the generosity of the congregation and will move forward after the other projects are funded by our generous members and friends.
The goal of our campaign will be to raise as much of this as possible through a spiritual journey of prayer and sacrifice for the entire congregation.
With lots of hope,
Rev. Danny Gulden
Senior Minister
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July Community Sunday School - 10 AM, Dunlap Hall |
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Rev. Tom Edmondson |
Our own Rev. Tom Edmondson has generously offered to be our facilitator for the July Community Sunday School. We welcome Tom and hope to see you each Sunday at 10 AM in Dunlap Hall.
Jewish Origins and the New Testament
July 8 - Lesson 1: A Hebrew, an Israelite, a Samaritan, and a Jew ... Just Who Are We Talking About?
Jesus was crucified as "King of the Jews". But who are the Jews and what is their relationship to Hebrews, Israelites, and Samaritans? This lesson will attempt to bring clarity to the historical and ethnological issues bridging the OT and NT and how they enhance our understanding of the NT.
July 15 - Lesson 2: ... You May Just Be a Pharisee: Multiple Judaisms in the First Century.
Behind the scenes of the NT are a wide variety of Jewish groups that were both religious and political of differing degrees and persuasions. What do we know about these groups and how can our understanding of the NT benefit from this knowledge?
July 22 - Lesson 3: Prophecy AND Apocalyptic.
Just like the term "Jew", apocalyptic literature appears late in the OT but throughout the NT. What's the difference between prophecy and apocalyptic? Why do some people confuse the two? Have you had quite enough of the "Biblical prophecy" crazies out there?
July 29 - Lesson 4: Back to the 21st Century: What Does the 21st Century Church Have in Common with the 1st Century Church?
If the world of the early church might be called "pre-Christian", our world today might be called "post-Christian". Rather than lament the loss of status our faith has suffered, why not learn from the early church how to be the church as a minority culture in the midst of a pluralistic majority?
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Diana Butler Bass Coming to " Real People, Real Faith" 2012
Leslie Lady, Co-Chair, Adult Education | |
Sandy Springs Christian Church has invited Diana Butler Bass to be the speaker for its annual Real People, Real Faith event on September 14 and 15. She will be speaking about her new book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. In this book, she posits that we are currently experiencing the "Fourth Great Awakening" in American Christian faith. Her thesis presents us with a positive outlook for Christianity if we, as churches, are willing to participate in the awakening and embrace the inevitable changes that must be made. Our choice of church affiliation has been centered on three questions in this order: What do I believe? (Where will I find people of like mind?) How should I act? (What does that church require of me?) Who am I? (What denomination do I claim as my own?) Dr. Bass suggests that the new church participants will reverse those questions following the model of Jesus and his Disciples. First, we will decide what kind of people we want to be with - Who am I? Jesus said to his Disciples simply, "Follow me." Then we will learn to DO what needs to be done to promote God's kingdom just as the Disciples learned by watching Jesus. And, finally, we will decide how we believe. It was only after the Disciples had coalesced and begun to act, that the question of belief became important. Not only will there be new criteria for belief but spirituality and religion, once incompatible, will come together for a new synergy in Christian faith.
Whether you consider yourself "spiritual," "religious," or both, you will enjoy your time with Dr. Bass. Tickets for the event will be $30.00 which will include one lecture Friday night (6:30 PM) followed by a dessert reception and two lectures Saturday morning with "continental" type breakfast food provided. Details about how to get tickets will be forthcoming, but save the dates for this exciting event.
click here to register online
 Diana Butler Bass is a blogger for The Huffington Post and a regular commentator on religion, politics, and culture for such media as USA Today, Time, Newsweek, The Washington Post, CNN, FOX, PBS, and NPR. Her previous books include A People's History of Christianity and Christianity for the Rest of Us. Bass holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Duke University, has served on the faculty at the University of California at Santa Barbara and Rhodes College, and is a fellow at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
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Join in the Fun! - Be a VBS Volunteer
Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families |
Genesis 1:31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good...
 2012 VBS is just three weeks away, and we would love to have more teenagers, adult volunteers, and junior counselors (5th-6th graders) to join in the fun as we celebrate God's good creation by 'Going Green with God!' So far, we have 38 campers and 5 junior counselors registered for VBS. Come join in the fun July 23-27 from 9:30 to noon as we engage in daily arts and crafts projects, sing lots of fun songs, tie dye our camp shirts, make our own snacks, learn to identify trees, work with maps and compasses, take a looksee at what kinds of critters live in pond water, learn a little about recycling, and on Friday, bake our own communion bread! Each day will have an earth-focused theme and key scripture, and on Friday, we will have a cook out at the end of the day!! Please join us for worship on July 29th when Rev. Danny Gulden will be preaching on caring for our earth and we will serve our camp communion bread during worship.
Campers (age 3--potty trained to 4th grade) and can be registered online at the VBS link or you can pick up a registration card on the Connect Table in the Centrum. Tuition is $25.00 for the first child, and $20.00 for each additional sibling.
Adult volunteers, teenage counselors, and junior counselors who have already signed up -- we need to know your t-shirt sizes no later than July 10th to ensure that you have a VBS shirt the first day of camp.
Please email Leslie Raymer (leslieraymer@sandyspringscc.org) and Stephanie Williams (stephh@gmail.com) as soon as possible if you have not yet signed up as a VBS volunteer. We need to know your t-shirt size and how you would like to help. We need counselors, folks to help with art and music, story readers, snack preparer/servers, and folks to help with the outdoor activities. We also need lots of 'handy helpers' to get set up the weekend before camp. See you there!!
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Prosperous Poolside Picnic | |
Great turnout! Great weather! Great fun! Thanks to everyone who attended the Poolside Picnic Fundraiser for the Tuscaloosa Mission Trip. Jim Torbert stayed busy grilling gourmet hot dogs and everyone had a chance to choose their favorite hot dog dressings from a big variety of toppings. Some became nostalgic for a Chicago Dog or Coney Island Dog while others got creative designing a "Sandy Springs" Dog. People played pool, swam in the pool, played basketball and enjoyed each other's company while raising money for a great cause. Almost $1600 was collected and will be used for some mission trip scholarships, building materials for our Tuscaloosa projects and may also be used to help defray some trip expenses. Thanks to the approximately 75 people attending and to those
who made donations even though they were not able to attend. Residents of Tuscaloosa will benefit from your kindness.
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Update on Interfaith Hunger Walk | |
Big News!
We have been notified that our Interfaith Hunger Walk Team made the highest number of donations (not necessarily the most money, but the most participating donors) of any participating team. In recognition of that honor, we were able to direct a $750 prize to pre-qualified organizations that work to fight hunger. On our behalf, $450 was donated to Sandy Springs United Methodist Church for their weekly Sunday dinners for the homeless, $150 was donated to Sherith Israel Women's Shelter and $150.00 was donated to the kosher pantry at the Jewish Family Services Organization. Congratulations again, Sandy Springs CC for outstanding participation and generosity.
Along with this news came the final tally. $561,354 was raised for our community during the 2012 Hunger Walk!! As a reminder, SSCC donated $1660 and our Interfaith Team donation was $7766. Our goal this year was to emphasize hunger awareness rather than emphatize raising funds. I would say our congregation did an outstanding job on both!!
Mark your calendars for next year's walk scheduled for March 10, 2013.
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Future Interfaith Plans | |
We have been invited to experience a day of Ramadan with the Islamic Center of North Fulton. Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God. It is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid all temptations. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.
Plans are for anyone interested to fast on Sunday, August 5. We have been invited to the Islamic Center of North Fulton at 8 pm to break fast with them (at sundown), observe their prayer service and then enjoy a catered meal as their guests. Sign ups will be very important for this event due to the expense of the catered meal. If you are interested in experiencing this holy Islamic tradition, please sign up by the Connections Board in rhe Centrum. If there is enough interest by July 22, we will participate.
Also, mark your calendar for Sunday, November 4. Leaders of Congregation Or Hadash, The Islamic Center of North Fulton and Sandy Springs Christian Church are planning an educational event at SSCC at 5 pm. Everyone is invited to come learn about the different faith traditions centered around food: Shabbat, Eid Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) and Communion. After learning of the significance of these religious traditions, we will break bread together with a potluck meal. If you would like to help with these events, please contact Nancy McDaniel.
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"Red Letter Jesus" Performance by Brad Sherrill ... Amazing!
Barb Duren | |
On Saturday evening, June 23, the words of Jesus were brought to life in the sanctuary of Sandy Springs Christian Church, by Brad Sherrill. For ninety minutes we heard the words of Jesus, His words only, as we have never heard them before. The visual imagery drew us into the area and geography surrounding Jesus' ministry. The music added to the enchantment. Comments heard as people left the sanctuary were "Amazing!" -- "How does he do it?" --"Amazing production. He really drew us in". (Draw us in he did, interacting with the people, letting them be part of the story! ) "He is unbelievable! --"The best one yet." Our newest 94-year-old member said to Brad, " In all my life I have never seen or heard anything like this."
Performing is certainly the ministry Brad has been called to do! Brad's audio visual man, Mark Hickman does a remarkable job with the visuals and the music, matching it up with what Brad does.
Following the performance, Brad and Mark joined us in Dunlap Hall for a superb reception by Mary Anne Posey and friends. Both Brad and Mark chatted warmly with people, answered questions and asked some of their own. Exhausted as he was, Brad took time with each one, and posed for photos! Brad is a caring and spiritual man, as well as an accomplished performer. It will be a long time before we have another event as powerful as this one.
Thank you to all who supported this outstanding event. It was truly a special evening for all who attended.
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Legacy Builders
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire | |
"Grandfather! What are you doing??" the boy Huberto Pimentel cried as he watched his aged grandfather bend laboriously down on his knees and begin to dig in the soil of the back yard. "I am planting mango seeds, Huberto."
"Oh, I love...I LOVE mango! When will they bear fruit, grandfather so I can eat mango?"
"Perhaps one or two...maybe five years, son."
"But, Grandfather, that is a long time. What if you are not here?"
"Ah..." the grandfather smiled, sitting back on his heels, "In my youth, Huberto, I ate many a mango for which I did not plant the seed. This seed I plant today is for those who will eat mango after I am gone. It is important, son, do you see?"
"Of course, at the time," Huberto Pimentel confessed, "I did not. I wanted the fruit now. But as I grew older I remembered my grandfather's words. And I now understand that I have eaten of the fruit others have planted and been blessed. Now it is my turn to plant fruit that will one day bless new generations. That's why I give."
Huberto Pimentel and his wife Arlene received the Harry T. Ice Distinguished Service Award from the Christian Church Foundation, the national organization of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of which we are a part. This award is for their service and commitment to the goals of the Foundation that future generations of Disciples might be blessed by the fruit of their giving. That is what we who are Legacy Builders at SSCC are doing: planting seeds through the inclusion of our church in the disposition of our assets when our lives reach their close. Planting seeds that will bear fruit long into the future that others may eat and taste the grace of Christ's love.
Will you join with us and be a Legacy Builder for Christ at SSCC? Contact Rev. Randy Johnson at the Christian Church Foundation, rjohnson@ccf.disciples.org, for confidential and free guidance in choosing how to include your church in your estate planning.
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Katie & Bryant Gibson Begin Youth Ministry July 15
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister | |
 Katie and Bryant Gibson have been named as Co-Directors of Youth Ministries. They will begin their ministry at SSCC on July 15. Andy Torbert will continue as Interim Director until July 31 and then resume his ministry as a youth sponsor.
Katie has served as the Youth Minister at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Watkinsville for the past 7 years. She also currently served as Co-Director of Regional Ministry for the Christian Church in Georgia. Bryant has served as Youth Minister at Union Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Watkinsville. Both have served extensively at Camp Christian and in regional youth ministry. They have two sons, 2-year-old Ben and 9-week-old Cam, and reside in Decatur.
Here is a statement from their Mission and Vision of Youth Ministry completed for the interview team:
Youth ministry exists for reaching out to youth, providing them with fellowship, responding to their spiritual needs, encouraging involvement in church, and encouraging them to express their faith. Youth and adults can spend time in worship and fellowship, while creating a tight-knit community and sharing together their love for Jesus Christ.
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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
JULY EVENTS & SPECIAL WORSHIP
July 1 - ThirdAgers Event - Independence Day Concert, 3:15 pm, Roswell United Methodist Church;
dinner at Sandy Springs Diner
July 4 - SSCC Closed for Independence Day
July 8-13 - Family Mission Trip with Disciples Volunteering, Tuscaloosa, AL
July 16-18 - Chrysalis Camp
July 16-20 - Junior 2 Camp
July 23-27 - "Going Green for God" Vacation Bible School
July 29 - Pancake Breakfast 8:30-11:15 am
SAVE THE DATE
August 19 - Sandwich Making for Outreach, 12:15 pm
September 14-15 - Real People, Real Faith
September 16 - Anniversary Sunday, Diana Butler Bass preaching
September 30 - Pancake Breakfast, 8:30-11:15 am
THE DAY SCHOOL
July 2-6 - Camp Goes Green
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. August articles are due July 26th. Thank you for your timely submissions!
Please limit your article to not more than 350 words. Submit your articles and pictures on ministry news and past events. Keep the congregation and others informed about our busy, vital church.
Email your contributions to Nan Woods: woodynan@bellsouth.net
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