 SSCC Participates in CAC Spring Sprint |
| Congratulations SSCC! Together, we were the largest team at the Community Action Center Spring Sprint! People knew we were there in force wearing our new red Sandy Springs Christian Church "Exercising Faith" T-shirts. We had the fastest overall winner (Jim Bickelhaupt) and had medal recognition in almost every category-male and female and all ages. But best of all, we had the most fun. Thanks to the record-setting 38 people who signed up and participated to help the CAC raise money to fund their camp and education programs.
For those who missed the fun, start training for next year!
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| Purchase Your "Exercising Faith" T-Shirt |
...and the winner is: "Sandy Springs Christian Church...Exercising Faith"
After a two-week poll open to anyone visiting SSCC, the winning t-shirt slogan was selected by a narrow margin. Indications are that the official planned debut of the shirts for the Community Action Center Spring Sprint influenced the choice of "Exercising Faith." One of Phil's most notable quotes is "exercising faith to avoid spiritual obesity." His statement is a reminder that although SSCC encourages faith study, we also strongly encourage putting our faith into action; becoming God's love in the world. Certainly the CAC run/walk is a literal exercise, but our hope is that the shirts will be worn any time SSCC exercises faith in the community-volunteering at CAC, work days at Campbell-Stone, sandwich making, Lent dinners, yard work days, More Hands for God day, and more.
Shirts will be sold throughout the year for $10. Any profits will be used towards 50th Anniversary events. All sizes, child through adult, will be available. There is a $2 extra charge for sizes bigger than XL. Please
support the church and order one today! Look for order forms in the Centrum. top |
| The Jesus Seminar on the Road - April 16 & 17 |
We will be hosting the Jesus Seminar on the Road lectures on April 16-17
Please mark your calendars and register by Friday, April 2, to take advantage of the early registration fee! This program brings scholars of the Jesus Seminar into conversation with interested people around the world. You don't need to have a lot of Bible knowledge to participate and enjoy. Now that many of us have "graduated" from Chuck Jones' Lenten Class, we know how interesting this event is sure to be. The theme of the lectures will be "Jesus, Teller of Parables." The lectures will be conducted by two leading scholar-authors, Dr. Bernard Brandon Scott of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa and Dr. Arthur J. Dewey, a professor of Theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati. (By the way, Bruce and Leslie Lady heard Dr. Scott speak at the Spaefer Conference in Birmingham and said he is not to be missed.) The program begins with a workshop on Friday evening, April 16 from 7:30-9:00 pm. On Saturday , the program consists of two workshops from 9:30 am to noon and from 1:30-4:00 pm, with a break for lunch on your own. Cost for the full program is $60 ($50 for additional family members) if you sign up by April 2. The price goes to $75 after April 2. You can also sign up for an individual workshop for $20 (Friday) or $30 (either Saturday session). Register directly at the Westar Institute website at www.westarinstitute.org or call the church office at 404.256.2582. Should you need additional information, you can go to the website or contact Chuck Jones at cjones@npcstrategies.org. |
| A New Beginning for Craig |
Ivy Baker Priest once said, "The world is round and the place which may seem like an end may also be only a beginning." This May will bring a new beginning for Sandy Springs Christian Church and Craig McDonald as he completes his M. Div. and leaves the leadership of our Youth Program to pursue his full-time employment dream, possibly as a hospital chaplain.
While we are sorry to see him leave, we want to wish him success. Craig will be honored on Sunday, May 16, at both services. If you would like to contribute towards his graduation gift, please mark your check and get it to Barb by May 12. As Craig ends one chapter and begins another, we look forward to welcoming him back into the pew and celebrating with him.
We are pleased that Schnavia Bronson has had time to shadow Craig and will step into his role upon his departure. Please help welcome her and assist her
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| Youth and Sponsors on Mexico Mission Trip - April 3-10
Craig McDonald, Student Youth Minister |
 Friends, the time has arrived!!! We are departing on Saturday, April 3rd and flying to San Diego for our annual Mexico Mission Trip. This year we have 20 amazing partners in Christ, and we ask that you hold all of them, the AMOR staff, the congregations in Mexico, University Christian Church, and the family we will be working with in your thoughts and prayers. This is a formative time for our participants as many of them will encounter for the first time the environment in which two thirds of the world live. As we are doing our best to follow God's call for us, we ask that you pray for us and read along in our selected scriptures for the week.
Sunday: 1 John 4:7-11
Monday: Genesis 12:1-9 Tuesday: Mark 2:1-12
Wednesday: Psalm 8
Thursday: Ruth 1
Friday: John 4:1-26
Our participants include: Youth - Tyler Brown, Leah Price, Kayla Knightingale, Luke Price, Carrie Norris, Derrick Brown, Charlie Witkowski, Lilly Mueller, Sarah Price, Fred Akhile, and Cameron Gregory. Adult Sponsors - Niki Brodie, Chris Furqueron, Scott Gregory, Lauren Hill, JR Torbert, Tiffany Lanpher, Andy Torbert, Schnavia Bronson, and Craig McDonald. Advance Team - Jim Torbert, Andy Torbert and Chris Furqueron
May God enable us to do the work we have been called to do. We praise God for such a supportive and loving congregation!
Blessings on you and those you are called to serve.
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| Summer 2010 at Camp Christian |
Be A Hero - Live Like Jesus
Little cabin in the woods. Breezy summer days fishing off the dock. Bunk beds. Learning to paddle a canoe. Painting a birdhouse. A cracking campfire. Being surrounded by folks who have the objective of showing you just how good God's love can be. This is what you want your child to experience this summer. This is what they will experience at Camp Christian in Gordon, Georgia.
Whether your children are graduates of Kindergarten or High School, or anywhere in between, there is a camp program at Camp Christian that is designed to suit them. Many of the adults present as directors and counselors are familiar faces from our own congregation. Watch the centrum for more information on the camp programs. Contact Rev. Cooper with any questions. We hope you'll put camp on your summer schedule now!
Registration Information
Events are at Camp Christian unless otherwise noted.
Grade (Complete as of June 2010)
Registration Deadline is May 1
Date Event Grade Registration Directors
June 7 - 11 Junior 1 3rd, 4th, or 5th $240 Andy Campbell, Teresa Bensch
June 11 - 13 Chrysalis 1st or 2nd $165 Reeda Allen, Erin Cooper
June 14 - 19 CYF 9th, 10th, 11th, $280 Reeda Allen, Chris McCreight
or 12th
June 19 - 20 YADA 12th or 18 to 30 $45 Michael Weeks
something
June 21 - 26 Chi Rho 6th, 7th or 8th $280 Melissa Fain, Darrell Vandervort
July 16 - 18 Genesis Kindergarten, $225 for Marilyn Parks
accompanied by Adult & Child
an adult relative
(over 21) July 18 - 22 Balaam For qualifying 11th $170 Katie Hawkiins, Stephen Westbrook |
| 50th Anniversary Celebration Schedule
Larri Bass, Team Chair |
50 Years of Witnessing, Loving
and Serving From Our Doorsteps
 to the Ends of the Earth
Community outreach, a passion for mission, an enthusiasm for continuing the faith journey and a welcoming spirit are now and have always been
the hallmarks of Sandy Springs Christian Church
(SSCC). SSCC was "planted" by the Atlanta Union
of Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) on June
19, 1960 when 30 people met at 6900 Roswell Road
to establish a new church. The first formal worship
service was October 2, 1960 in a small house on the Roswell Road property.
In honor of those who have come before and in celebration of the blessings of this community of faith over the past 50 years, we are planning a number of special events throughout 2010. This celebration will not be complete without you! Mark your calendars, save the dates, and plan to be with us!
Sharing Your Story
Video interviews with SSCC members. Sign up in the Centrum. We want to know "How you came to SSCC?" and "What is your most memorable moment as a member?"
Telling the Story
April 25, 2010, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The Rev. Dr. J. Lynn White, SSCC senior pastor 1986 to 1993, will be the special guest in our pulpit. A reception will follow both services in recognition of Lynn's ministry at SSCC along with a reunion of Liturgists/Storytellers past and present.
The Story Becomes Legacy
May 16, 2010, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Rev. Randy Johnson of the Christian Church Foundation will be the special guest in our pulpit. Rev. Johnson will help SSCC launch a Legacy Campaign to ensure a financial foundation for the next 50+ years of ministry in Sandy Springs.
The Story in Service
September 11, 2010 Join the SSCC Mission and Grounds Ministries in "hands-on" service to the Sandy Springs community and the SSCC campus.
The Story in Celebration
September 18, 2010, 6-9 p.m. 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Dancing through the Ages - a celebration of the fun and flavor of each of decade of SSCC's story. Join old friends and make new ones as we enjoy live music, a video diary of the 50th Anniversary year, and historical remembrances from our first 50 years of ministry.
The Story in Action - Anniversary Sunday
September 19, 2010, special combined service at 10 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Richard "Dick" Hamm, former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be the special guest in our pulpit. We will recognize those from SSCC who have gone into the ministry as well as those who have served SSCC as Elders. A festive reception will follow the service.
Living the Story
October 3, 2010, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The Rev. Dr. R. Glen Miles, SSCC Senior Minister, 1994 to 2003, will be the special guest in our pulpit. A reception will follow both services in recognition of Glen's ministry at SSCC along with a reunion of Mexico Mission Company missionaries.
Watch for ways you can contribute to the 50th Anniversary Celebration!!!!
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| A Memorable Easter Rev. Erin Reed Cooper, Associate Minister |
How old were you in your first Easter memory? My memories of Easter are an interesting slide show in my mind. First are a few slides of transparent ribbons of green plastic, sticking to my hands by static and jelly bean sugar. Then there are a few short films of dropping Paaz pellets into vinegar, bending the copper wire egg-hook, my big brother teaching me to make two-colored eggs. I have a memory of driving into the green foothills of Virginia as the Easter Sunrise begins to break, visiting my favorite aunt, uncle and cousin. I smell lillies, chocolate, grandmother's ham, deviled eggs. I feel stuffed bunnies and lambs, the crack of the eggshell giving way under my thumbs. I hear the piercing trumpet surprise from the balcony as we stand to sing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today!" But the first feature-length film in my Easter memory bank is that sunny Sunday in April, green velvet curtains pulled back to reveal the chilly baptistry water, the feeling of the white robe sticking to my swimsuit and my legs, the minister reaching his big strong hand out to me, stepping up onto a cinder-block submerged, a hankie over my nose, the woosh of rising from the water, my mom and dad greeting me as my braids dripped on their best Easter clothes in the back of the church. A community gathered around me to celebrate that I had chosen to make the Easter story My story. Help our young people to make this Easter memorable! Blessings!
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| ThirdAgers Plan Tour of Marietta Museums |
 On Thursday, April 29, we will head to Marietta for lunch followed by tours of the Marietta History Museum, the Gone with the Wind Museum, and the Root House Museum. We will gather for lunch at Dave Poe's BBQ Restaurant. For those of you who are BBQ aficionados, Dave is the Dave of Sam and Dave's BBQ fame. Plan to arrive at the restaurant at 11:00 AM. Your Costs: Lunch at menu prices. Menus have been placed on the sign up table. Museums: $10 per person covers all three museums. Additional Information: Directions, car pooling, and other details will be provided to those who sign up. If you have questions or need transportation, please contact Shelton Blackburn at shblackb@comcast.net or 770-977-2070. top |
| Second "Beginnings" Class to Start April 25 |
The second "Beginnings" Class is scheduled to start on Sunday, April 25. This 10-week series is intended for visitors and new members who are interested in learning more about Sandy Springs Christian Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Phil Price and Erin Reed Cooper will lead the class on the following topics:
Bible Talk - how we as Disciples view the Bible and its authority
Disciples Talk - the history, polity and ethos of the Christian Church (DOC)
Faith Talk - how our faith intersects with our daily lives
The class will meet in Phil's office at 10:10 am. To register for this class, call the church office at 404.256.2582 or e-mail Sharon Hanna at sharon@sandyspringscc.org.
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| SSCC "Stay-Cation" News |
Sandy Springs Spiritual Stay-Cation proudly announces that Rev. Dale Andrews of Sandersville First will be one of our adult guest speakers during this first annual summer event for all ages. Our Stay-Cation takes place on the evenings of June 3, 4, and 5. The fun begins at 5 pm when we try our hands at wood-working, quilting, and yoga. Dinner, prepared by southern cook extraordinaire Virginia Gregory and served family style, follows at 6 pm. After dinner activities will include a Journey to India for our children and their "cottage parents," middle school, youth, and young adult study groups, as well as a wide selection of other opportunities for adults, including a two-night class on "Spiritual Formation" taught by Rev. Kathy McDowell.
More exciting details will be provided in upcoming Wellsprings and Chalice Chats. Stay Tuned for More Stay-Cation News!!
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| Sunday School Offering Update |
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As you may recall, we announced that our giving in the Sunday School classes in 2010 will be directed towards four outreach programs that have particular importance and relevance to the mission of Sandy Springs Christian Church. Our goal is for each class member to give at least $5 a month or at least $1 a week. Our focus in the first quarter was the Mexico Mission Trip. With one week left in the quarter, your contributions have already totaled over $500!! Thanks for stepping up in such a big way. Your support will go a long way in making a profound difference in the lives of our youth and the families they help on this trip.
As we move into the second quarter of the year, the focus of our giving will be to sponsor children at Camp Balaam this summer. Our contributions will help send disadvantaged 3rd-5th graders who live nearby to Camp Christian. Most of them have never attended day camp and do not have a church home. The curriculum helps teach the kids manners and self-worth. Several of our rising 11th and 12th graders have served as counselors for this camp and have been able to share the experiences of their own faith journey with the campers. So please continue to make a difference in the lives of others with your Sunday School offerings throughout the second quarter!
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| Liturgists and Storytellers Looking for New Members |
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The Liturgists and Storytellers are looking for new members. We read or tell the scripture at the regular Sunday morning services and for special services such as Maundy Thursday, Hanging of the Greens, World Communion Sunday and Pentecost. We meet once a month at the church and our next meeting is Tuesday, April 13, from 7 to 9 pm. We read the planned texts and discuss the meaning of each passage in order to better understand them and enhance the way in which we read or tell each one. Phil leads our discussions and there is usually a treat in the form of a dessert from Shelton!
We also hold two retreats a year to plan the readings for Advent and the Lent/ Easter season. These are on a Saturday and involve lunch. Yes, we are a studious but social ministry.
If you would like to join us or find out more, please call Janet Lochery at 770.579.5689 or Bert Blackburn at 770.977.2970.
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| SSCC Hosting 2010 Conference for Georgia Disciples Women |
SSCC is hosting the 2010 Conference for Georgia Disciples Women on April 24, 2010, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. The cost is $12, including registration and lunch (prepared by the Torbert Team). There are several workshops to choose from: Becoming a Mentor (Teresa Bensch), Parenting Issues (Erin Reed Cooper), and Stress Relief (Phyllis McDonald). The Spring Conference Service Project donations will go to places with an emphasis on "Breaking the Chains of Modern-Day Slavery." You are invited to bring Walmart, Target, Kroger or Publix gift cards, MARTA cards and toiletries. Also needed are diapers and baby wipes, underwear, flip flops, women's T-shirts, yoga-style pants and gallon-sized zipper storage bags.
Books and Disciples Women merchandise will be on sale. Come and join Disciples Women from the Northwest and West Central Districts for a day of sharing and learning. To make a reservation, call Barb at the church by April 16.
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| Church Grounds Prepared for Easter |
| Scott Dalton picked the best Saturday we have had all year for the Congregation-wide Grounds Work Day. Who doesn't enjoy yard work the first day of spring after bagels, coffee, fellowship and devotion? One participant was heard saying, "I can't stand yard work, but I love this church and it is such a great day to be outside! This is actually fun." Over 20 people stopped by as their schedules allowed and lent a helping hand to prepare the grounds for Easter. Their hard work is much appreciated by members, visitors and commuters. Thanks to all who participated.
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| SSCC and Temple Sinai Make 1,200 Sandwiches |
On Sunday, March 27, SSCC members joined with Temple Sinai members to participate in a sandwich-making project for Project Open Door in Atlanta. The joint project was one of many activities offered to members of Temple Sinai for Mitzvah Day, a day of annual service to the community. This was the fifth year of participation in this event by SSCC. The sandwich-making event started at 10:00 a.m. and by 11:00 a.m. approximately 1,200 sandwiches had been made. SSCC was well-represented; old friendships were renewed and new friendships made with members of Temple Sinai.
Participants included Travis Halford, Joanne Burgess, Nancy McDaniel, Chris Furqueron, Michael Squires, Dale Williamson, Bob and Nancy Trusty, Allen McCahren and Mary Robeck. Special thanks go out to Allen McCahren who delivered all of the sandwiches to Project Open Door after the event.
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| Cantare Youth Choirs Now Meeting at SSCC |
The Cantare Youth Choirs of Atlanta is delighted to be meeting at SSCC for the 2010-2011 season. We look forward to the coming year as we create beautiful music and lasting memories.
Our Youth Choir is an auditioned chorus, consisting of males and females, grades 7 and up, ages
12-21. The Children's Chorus is for children, ages 8-11, grades 3-6. The Cantare Youth Choirs are challenged with diverse literature ranging from the classics and spirituals to Broadway and show tunes. It is the goal of these singers not only to demonstrate that they can perform with technical accuracy, but to also communicate the meaning of the text with sensitivity. During our performances, we hope the audience, as well as the singer, will be entertained and inspired. Our summer music camp for children and youth will meet at SSCC during the week of June 7-11, 2010. The week culminates with performances of Broadway and Disney music for the parents! Please contact us for a registration form at www.cantareyouthchoirs.com.
Paulette Sigler, Director top |
| Hear Rachel Robeck on April 11 |
Everyone is invited to hear Rachel Robeck sing with Noteworthy, the University of Georgia women's acappella group, at a concert here at Sandy Springs Christian Church on Sunday, April 11 at 5:00 pm. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted and will go towards Rachels's trip to Ghana this summer with Operation Crossroads Africa to work on a community health project for six weeks. For more information, call Mary Robeck at 404.849.0727.
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| DOT Roadwork Continues |
The GA DOT, their contractors, and utility companies have escalated their work at the intersection of Abernathy Road and Johnson Ferry Road. Unfortunately, they can't provide timely notification of every project that could impact traffic at the intersection or access to the entrances of our parking lots. So please be aware of this in the weeks ahead and give yourself an extra few minutes to get to the church safely and on time.
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| Connect Opportunities |
4/1 Maundy Thursday Service, 8 pm (S)
4/2, 9,16, 23, 30 Men's Fellowship, 7 am (CR)
4/2 Good Friday Service, 12 pm (S)
4/3-10 Youth to Mexico
4/3,10,17, 24, SSCC Garden Group, 8:30 am -12 pm
4/3 Outreach to Staff CAC, 9:45 am -1:15 pm
4/5 Learner's Bridge, 12:45-4 pm P)
4/6 Gamma Circle, 7 pm (P)
4/7 E. Donnelly Covenant Group, 7-9 pm (P)
4/7 Caring Made Visible, 12-1:30 pm CR)
4/10 Work Day at Campbell-Stone, 9 am -12 pm
4/11 "Beginnings" Class, 10:10-10:45 am (Phil's office)
4/11 Armstrong Covenant Group, 4:30 pm (offsite)
4/11 Rachel Robeck and Noteworthy Concert (UGA Women's Acappella Group), 5 pm (DH)
4/14 Sigma/Delta Circle, 10:30a (P) Sigma/Delta Lunch, 12 pm (CR) 4/14 Prayer Group, 12:30 pm (P) 4/16 Jesus Seminar on the Road, 4-9 pm (DH or S) 4/17 Jesus Seminar on the Road, 9 am- 4 pm (DH or S) 4/18 Mexico Celebration Sunday, 10 am service only 4/18 Mexico Fiesta, 11:30 am (DH) 4/19 Joy Seekers Covenant Group, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (P) 4/19 Learner's Bridge, 12:45-4 pm (P) 4/20 B. Trusty Covenant Group, 7 pm (CR) 4/24 CWF Spring Conference, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm 4/24 Painting at Campbell-Stone 4/25 Homecoming Sunday - Rev. Lynn White preaching 4/25 Second "Beginnings" Class, 10:10 am (Phil's office) 4/25 Ending Celebration for "Beginnings" Class, 4:00 pm (Phil's home) 4/25 PAC Meeting, 3:30-5:30 pm (120) 4/26 Experienced Bridge Group, 12:30-4:15 pm (P) 4/27 Chrysalis Covenant Group, 6 pm (P) 4/29 ThirdAgers Lunch & Marietta Museums Tour, 11 am Save the Date5/16 Rev. Randy Johnson preaching 5/16 Sandwich Making 5/16 Pancake Breakfast Go to the SSCC Calendar of Events webpage for current information. top |
| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due on Thursday before the last Monday in the month. For example, May contributions should be submitted by April 22. Thank you for 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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