 November 2012 Grace Spoken Here Volume 13, Issue 11 |
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Viewpoints at SSCC |
Our family moved to the Atlanta area from Madison, Wisconsin in August of 2010 when Ken accepted a faculty position at Emory University. In Madison, we were active in a congregation of the United Church of Christ called Community of Hope. This tightly knit community provided breathing space in our busy lives and carried us through a challenging medical event. Leaving them was one of the most difficult parts of our move.
When we arrived in Atlanta, we immediately began searching for a spiritual home to ease our transition and those of our children into a new culture, pace, and lifestyle. In our search, we cared not at all about denomination but very much about theology, inclusiveness, service, and community. We visited eight churches, some of them multiple times, where we found pieces of the puzzle we were looking for but never the whole puzzle. We were discouraged... I was reviewing our experiences with my mom, a research librarian, when she came across the website for Sandy Springs Christian Church. I read our wonderful statement of theology and the next Sunday, we headed to Sandy Springs with hopeful hearts.
It was a sunny April Sunday one week after Easter - Youth Sunday at Sandy Springs. We were warmly greeted by Denny (who else?!). After spirit-filled stories by the youth who had gone on mission and a shared communion at the table blessed with language of inclusiveness, we were invited to the Mexico Fiesta lunch. Aspen & Sage were spirited away by Kaitlin Kahrs to the youth table and Ken & I were invited to share food & fellowship. We left that afternoon with big grins on our faces, confident that we had found our spiritual home.
We began attending SSCC at a time of transition but our observation of the transitional ministry and the calling process that returned Danny and his family to the community only served to strengthen our sense of belonging. Each time we participate in an activity of SSCC, it affirms our sense of "rightness"--that we are right where we belong. We have participated in youth activities, Camp Christian, Thanksgiving at Lakeside, Family Mission Trip to Tuscaloosa, scripture reading, Grace Alive, and our beloved Covenant Group.
Sandy Springs Christian Church is spirit-filled with Generosity & Grace & Gratitude. Each time we gather, my head and heart are filled with the celebratory hymn and question, "How Can I Keep From Singing?"
Blessings be,
Erika Ono
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Congregational Meeting on Sunday, December 2
Bryant McDaniel. President of the Congregation; Tracey McCluskey, Co-Chair, Nominating Committee; and Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
Please plan to attend one of two Congregational Meetings on Sunday, December 2 where the sole order of business will be to consider and vote on the ballot of nominees for leadership positions at Sandy Springs Christian Church in 2013, as required by the Interim Guidelines. The meetings will be held in the Sanctuary immediately after each service and should take no longer than 15 minutes. The listing of candidates will be available in the Centrum and in the Chalice Chat by November 16.
As the Interim Guidelines state: "By giving authority to the elected representative leadership of the congregation, it is the congregation's intent to provide for the efficient operation of the church's ministry."
Your vote is obviously important, so please join us for this short, but very important meeting!
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A Note from Danny: Moving Past Division
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
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Rev. Danny Gulden,
Senior Minister |
A few years ago I had the opportunity to hear former President Jimmy Carter speak at Emory. Someone asked him how his faith informed his Presidency. Carter answered that no matter how big or small the decision was, no matter how right or wrong it turned out to be, not a single decision was made without prayer. He didn't always make the right decision, but it was always made in conjunction with prayer. I admired his willingness to be honest with the group as he shared how incredibly difficult it was to be the President of the United States. As another election season comes and goes, we are reminded of how partisan politics seeks to bring people down rather than lift them up. I love what Mike Slaughter writes,"When a church sees one or the other party as more on 'God's side,' theology and political ideology get united in a way that creates a lens for biblical interpretation so that, without even intending it, we soon find that the political ideology becomes a way of reading the Bible."
Anytime we engage in an Us vs.Them mentality, no one wins. I am reminded of God's desire to bring wholeness to creation, creating a world where division is no more. I think it is appropriate that two days before we go to the polls, we are hosting an Interfaith Potluck Event, bringing together SSCC, Congregation Or Hadash, and the Islamic Center of North Fulton. We will be exploring the meal traditions of each faith and sharing in a wonderful meal together. I believe it makes a powerful statement of how the love of God overcomes any division that humanity seeks to create.
Jesus spoke of the coming of the Kingdom of God here on earth. Regardless of who wins the election, we must move past a sense of division and work to find a sense of unity and a spirit of hope in the love and grace of God.
Grace and peace to you,
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OUR FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT! |
Although the weather turned gloomy and brisk outside on Sunday, October 28, it certainly was warm and bright inside Sandy Springs Christian Church that day! The sanctuary was full during the one service, as was Dunlap Hall for the celebration lunch. Over 150 people were served a delicious lunch donated anonymously and prepared by Jim and Marilyn Torbert and their crew. A canvas with the "Grace Alive!" logo, painted by Courtney Strickland, adorned the wall and centerpieces by Nan Woods brought sunshine to the room. All attendees were given sunglasses in recognition of our bright future. As meals were being served, a video (scripted by Art Edwards and produced by Rabi Samuel) played sharing testimonials from several congregants about what SSCC means to them and why they believe in supporting our bright future. The dominant message in these testimonials is that SSCC is a warm, welcoming and accepting place that has become a family for many and these people hope to see the legacy continue.
The children were entertained on the "Steward-ship" captained by Chris Dalton and crew, playing games, decorating cookies and eating a specially prepared lunch. The forecasted high winds stayed calm enough for the inflatable obstacle course to become the highlight of the party for the kids.
The program concluded as Grace Alive! campaign chair Scott Dalton thanked the 40-plus people for their successful efforts in leadership roles in the campaign. It was announced that the first 25 giving units have pledged an amazing $600,000 but the final pledge tally won't be announced until November 11. You won't want to miss it!! Our future is indeed bright!
 Click here for more Grace Alive! celebration pictures
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Young Adult Group: Join Us!
Stephen Brown, Leader |
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Stephen Brown, Leader
Young Adult Group |
Starting November 4th we will be having our coffee hour in Danny's office after the first service. Please come and join us as we discuss banned questions about our faith and enjoy a box of Starbucks coffee. Also in November we will gather at Stephen and Tami's house for a friends-giving on the 17th. Friends-Giving is a time to enjoy a dinner and maybe an episode or two of Friends, and of course college football. If you have not contacted us, please give me a shout via email at sbrown.ga@gmail.com.
Don't forget to make plans to attend this year's Young Adult retreat on the 28th of December. This is a time for us all to reconnect with each other and plan for our Sunday service on the 30th. Please start thinking about how we will share our faith with the members of Sandy Springs Christian Church during this service.
I have been struggling to reach out to members of our church who would be interested in fellowshipping and studying God's word. If you know someone or you would like to have more information, please do not hesitate to email me. I am very good at responding to emails.
Peace be with you,
Stephen
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SSCC Christmas Calendar 2012 | |
Mark your calendars and save the dates
for the much anticipated Christmas season at
Sandy Springs Christian Church!
November 11 or 18 - Sign up for one of two Chrismon Workshops for New Members - between services in the Conference Room
December 1 - Women's Ministries (CWF) Christmas Communion Worship Service and Brunch, gathering at 9:45 am (Sanctuary); brunch following in Dunlap Hall. Worship Message: Rev. Linda S. Whitmire, Minister of Pastoral Care, Sandy Springs Christian Church. Tickets on sale starting Nov. 4, $10
December 2 - Annual Hanging of the Green Worship Service and Cup O' Cheer - 5:30 pm
December 8 - Parents Christmas Shopping Respite, 2:00-6:00 pm
December 16 - Youth Group Christmas Party, 5:00-7:00 pm (location to be announced)
December 16 - Santa's Workshop (benefits Lake Forest Elementary School) - Wrap gifts after each service, Dunlap Hall
December 16 - Mexico Mission Box Lunch Fundraiser, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
December 23 - One service at 10 AM, Lessons & Carols and Children's Christmas Play
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services, 5:00 or 7:00 pm
December 30 - Young Adult Sunday, one worship service at 10:00 am; Sunday School at 9:00 am
Invite your family and friends!
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Youth Group: More Hands for God Day
Katie & Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors, Youth Ministries |
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Katie & Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors, Youth Ministries |
On a beautiful October day, 15 youth and adults represented our church at More Hands for God (MHFG). We joined together with volunteers from other Disciple of Christ churches to provide a day of fun and service to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Atlanta.
At MHFG our volunteers got to help with the carnival and preparing and serving lunch to everybody. Some of our youth helped out in the carnival with painting pumpkins, playing games, making balloon animals and painting faces. Others guided the kids around to each of the carnival activities. Our adult volunteers worked in the kitchen to help cook hot dogs (donated by SSCC) and then served lunch to the kids, their parents and all of the volunteers. After the event, several MHFG volunteers took the remaining hot dogs and delivered them all over the community.
Being a part of this event was a blessing to us all. We all agreed that meeting the kids and seeing how much fun they had was the best part. Mission work is an important part of our family here at Sandy Springs Christian Church, so we were grateful for the opportunity and proud of everyone who was involved with this great event!
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Trunk 'n Treat 2012
Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families |
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Leslie Raymer,
Minister for Children and Families |
Well, this past Sunday I got to enjoy my one year anniversary of being with you all here at SSCC by being a part of our fourth annual Trunk and Treat event. Twenty-two SSCC and Day School Trunkers hosted 60+ kids from Sandy Springs Mission this year (looks like the largest group from the Mission ever)! We had face painting, bounced in our bouncy, and enjoyed a fine hotdog supper prepared by Cindy Brown and Nancy McDaniel. The evening was filled with laughter, good food, wonderful costumes, hoola hoops, and a really cool clown!!
Our parking lot and Dunlap Hall were overflowing with witches, warlocks, soldiers, fairies, knights, princesses, burglars, pirates, deer hunters, astronauts, and even the Michelien Man (aka Ryan Kahrs). Many of the wonderfully imaginative trunks were decked out with all the familiar themes of Halloween (witches, skeletons, cemeteries, etc.). We also had a campout, Hogwarts, a scene from Monsters, Inc., and Disney.
For the second year, five older girls from the Mission (the 'five fairies') acted as judges for the best trunks and costumes. 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, Day School families, 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!!
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top left: adult costume winner - Linda Whitmire
top right: youth costume winner - Barbara Rose
bottom left: child costume winner - Nathan
bottom right: decorated trunk winner - Monsters, Inc. - Becky Strickland. |
Click here for more Trunk 'n Treat pictures. top |
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A Blessing of the Animals
Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families |
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Leslie Raymer,
Minister for Children and Families |
"We worship with the creatures we love"
On Sunday evening, October 7, we celebrated our first Blessing of the Animals service at SSCC. The service was graced by the music of Bob and Nancy Trusty, who juggled their musical instruments and beagles at the outdoor service. During the service we worshiped with and blessed three cats, a hamster, a ferret, and about 15 dogs of every shape, size and color, including both a great dane and a Chihuahua! Danny declared this service 'a keeper,' so we will be enjoying worship with our furry (and maybe scaly) friends again next year!
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a happy Chihuahua Jim and Rayden |
Click here or more pictures of our beloved animal friends (family to most people).
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An Afternoon with Ella | |
Invite your family & friends!
Sign up at the Connect Credenza in the Centrum
An Afternoon with Ella
Free Solo Organ Recital
Sunday, November 11 - 4:00 pm
Sanctuary, Sandy Springs Christian Church
Reception Following
 | | Ella Lewis, Organist, Sandy Springs Christian Church |
Last month marked the 2nd full year of my tenure as organist here with the Sandy Springs congregation. "Time flies when you're having fun!" - being here is not a chore but a joy! Early each Sunday morning, I'm here in anticipation to serve our Lord with you, partaking of the spoken word, music and fellowship. The music ministry is vital and in my own way, I offer this upcoming organ recital, which I hope will be the first of many to be given to a warm and caring congregation.
It will feature the music of Johann S. Bach, Joseph Haydn, César Franck, Paul Manz, Joe Utterback, and Louis Vierne. I draw much of my inspiration and skills from the music of Bach - it is the mechanics of his music that so many times enables me to delve into other avenues of a variety of forms and the complexity of them. The sound and expanded uses of stops (reeds) and added tone colors in French organ music has drawn me continuously in its world and the jazz improvisation in compositions by Joe Utterback are represented in this set. The overall program reflects a variety of styles which will be enjoyed by all. The organ has been referred to as "the king of instruments." Indeed, it is. In my readings, I've found an inspirational quote by George Ashdown Audsley that adequately sums up my feelings for this instrument.
"The Organ - grandest instrument the hand of man has placed in music's galaxy; in which all nature's wondrous sounds are linked in golden chains of countless harmonies; responsive to the touch of man's weak hands as a giant's fingers swept its keys and called concordant voices from the depths, the diapason of the storm-struck sea, the thunder's peal, the wind's wild whistling wail, the songs of swift-winged warblers in the air, and the soft sighing of the ambient breeze. Temple of Tone art thou! The shrine supreme of sound's mysterious powers and richest gifts, God-given thought alone could have inspired the human mind to frame so grand a work; Great Organ - Monarch of all instruments!"
God now need not be misunderstood!
Ella Lewis
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Women of All Ages Are Invited! Women's Ministries (CWF) Christmas Communion Worship Service and Brunch | |
Women of all ages are invited
to the annual
Women's Ministries (CWF) Christmas Communion
Worship Service and Brunch
A fantastic kickoff to the Christmas season at SSCC
Saturday, December 1, 2012
gathering at 9:45 am
Sanctuary, Sandy Springs Christian Church
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire, guest speaker
Minister for Pastoral Care, SSCC
"The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering"
Brunch in Dunlap Hall
prepared by Jim Torbert and Crew and
served by men of the church
Entertainment by Ella Lewis
Organist, SSCC
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Child Care Available
Tickets on sale starting Sunday, November 4.
Members of CWF will be wearing "ASK ME ABOUT TICKETS" - $10.00
Invite family and friends!
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Leadership Team Adopts "Covenants of Leadership"
Bryant McDaniel, President of the Congregation
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
Prompted by a recent article from The Alban Institute, the Leadership Team at SSCC has adopted the "Covenants of Leadership" that appear below. These Covenants are intended to ensure that as we work together in addressing various issues and opportunities at the church, we continually foster an environment where our behaviors and practices are in keeping with the values and teachings of our faith.
As you will see, the covenants are positive statements that describe healthy and appropriate behaviors around which we are willing to covenant with one another.
This list will now serve as a formal written reminder to each member of the Leadership Team about the behaviors by which we are seeking to live and work together.
COVENANTS OF LEADERSHIP
The Leadership Team of Sandy Springs Christian Church
Our Promises to God
- We promise to pray, alone and together, to thank God and to ask for God's help in our lives and in our work for Sandy Springs Christian Church, and we promise to listen to God's answer to us.
Our Promises to Our Church Family
- We promise to demonstrate our leadership and commitment to Sandy Springs Christian Church by our example.
- We promise to support our ministers and staff, so their efforts can be most productive.
- We promise to try to discover what is best for Sandy Springs Christian Church as a whole, not what might be best for us or for some small group in the church.
Our promises to Each Other on the Leadership Team
- We promise to respect and care for each other.
- We promise to treat our time on the Leadership Team as an opportunity to make an important gift to Sandy Springs Christian Church.
- We promise to listen with an open, nonjudgmental mind to the words and ideas of the others in our church and on the Leadership Team.
- We promise to discuss, debate, and disagree openly in Leadership Team meetings, expressing ourselves as clearly and honestly as possible, so we are certain the Leadership Team understands our point of view.
- We promise to support the final decision of the Leadership Team, whether it reflects our view or not.
- We promise to review these Covenants and discuss our performance against them at least twice each year.
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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 AND SPECIAL WORSHIP
November 4 - All Saints Day worship service
November 4 - Young Adult Coffee Hour, following 9 am service in Danny's office
November 4 - Interfaith Event, 4:30 pm, fellowship, study and a potluck meal
November 9-10 - DOC Regional Assembly
November 11 - An Afternoon with Ella - Free Solo Organ Recital, 4:00 pm
November 11 - Santa Parade, Northpoint Mall, with Santa Dan Ross, 2:00 pm at Food Court
November 11 or 18 - Chrismon Workshop for New Members, between services
November 13 - International Dining Event, Heirloom Korean Barbecue, 2243 Akers Mill Road, 5:00 pm
November 16 - Lake Forest Elementary School Thanksgiving Dinner
November 17 - Young Adult "Friends-Giving" potluck Thanksgiving dinner at the Brown's home, 7 pm
November 18 - Youth serving at Cobb/Douglas County Mental Health Center
November 19 - Anne Lamott lecture, 7 pm, First Baptist Decatur
November 22-23 - Office closed for Thanksgiving
SAVE THE DATE
December 1 - Women's Ministries (CWF) Christmas Communion Service & Brunch, 9:45 am gathering
December 2 - Hanging of the Green Service and Cup O' Cheer, 5:30 pm
December 8 - Parents Christmas Shopping Respite, 2-6 pm
December 16 - Youth Group Christmas Party, 5-7 pm (location to be announced)
December 16 - Mexico Mission Box Lunch Fundraiser, 11 am - 1 pm
December 16 - Santa's Workshop (benefits Lake Forest), wrap gifts after each service, Dunlap Hall
December 23 - One service at 10 am, Lessons & Carols and Children's Play
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services, 5 or 7 pm
December 25 - Office closed for Christmas
December 28 - Young Adult Retreat
December 30 - Young Adult Sunday, one service at 10 am, Sunday School at 9 am
THE DAY SCHOOL
November 16 - Thanksgiving Feast
November 21-23 - Thanksgiving Holidays
December 20-January 4 - Holiday 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, 10:30 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. December articles are due November 27th. 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: nanwoods@bellsouth.net
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