 December 2012 Grace Spoken Here Volume 13, Issue 12 |
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Viewpoints at SSCC |
Listening
Listening. I spend most of my time every day listening -- whether it's to someone on the phone or in front of me. Each morning, my day begins in a listening mode -- listening for God's input.
Listening in such a way brought me to Sandy Springs Christian Church one Sunday in July and I am so grateful. My daughter, Amelia, came with me, and we were greeted with a warm welcome, gracious hospitality, and an incredibly Spirit-led and inspired worship service. What came along with that for me was the realization that I had found my new church home. Yep. Just that one visit did it. How did that happen? I listened and it was clear that this community is just as serious about listening to God's voice as I am.
Knowing where I was going helped make my leaving First Christian Church of Decatur a little easier. Just as it is hard sometimes to leave our childhood home for our first apartment, it was hard to leave the community who had called me home to Christ and nurtured me into ministry. Yet, listening to God has been a great part in all of that as well. I knew I could trust God to bring me to my first place away from home - and that is Sandy Springs.
Since transferring my membership in early September, I have begun the rich process of getting to know folks and listening to what the Spirit is whispering in my heart. I am excited and eagerly anticipating what God has in store for us here at Sandy Springs Christian Church and look forward to jumping in with both feet in January.
Daphne Reiley
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A Note from Danny: "Kingdom Work"
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
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Rev. Danny Gulden,
Senior Minister |
While most people of faith cannot agree on what exactly is meant by the coming of the kingdom of God, most agree that it means better than now. We mean a transformation of life on earth so that all people experience the fullness of God. But life so often disappoints us in ways that it is difficult to ever imagine a world that is any better than it is now.
In Chapter 11, Matthew tells us about those who have been followers of John the Baptist who seem to be a little upset by Jesus' work as the Coming One. They are confronting Jesus. They question him, 'Are you the one who is to come or should we wait for another?" Jesus responds to them "Go and tell John what you hear and what you see. The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them." Jesus is partly using words first used in Isaiah 35, where the prophet proclaims sight for the blind, the lame walking, and the tongues of the speechless singing for joy. I imagine those who first heard Isaiah's word, John's disciples, and us all saying "but things don't look much different."
Kingdom work is not quick work, nor is it very noisy work. But the voice of God calls us forward. It must have been hard for Jesus to fulfill the role of the Coming One, for everyone had his or her own expectations of how the job was to be done. We have our own expectations of how the kingdom of God will look here on earth. Advent reminds us that it is time to prepare, time to be expectant. Christ is coming, as a baby in a manger, working through small things rather than big things, through small people, not powerful ones, in local places, not cosmic ones. The babe in the manager will be born and the kingdom is among us. May our hearts be open to receive this gift anew this year.
Peace to your path,
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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!
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 $10
December 2 - 41st 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 (Cindy Brown's home)
December 16 - Santa's Workshop (benefits Lake Forest Elementary School) - Wrap gifts
8:30-9:00 am and after 9:00 am 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 and 7:00 pm
December 30 - Pancake Breakfast 8:30-9:45 am
Young Adult Sunday, one worship service at 10:00 am; No Sunday School
Invite your family and friends!
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December--A Musical Time at SSCC!
Micki Gonzalez, Director of Music Ministries |
December is always a musical time at SSCC! Whatever your Advent and Christmas favorites may be, we are sure to offer music that connects you to the expectancy and excitement of Advent, and of course, Christmas!
Starting the season with great celebration, be sure to attend the 41st Annual Hanging of the Green on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 2, at 5:30 pm. For adults and children alike, this beloved time includes reading of the Christmas story, description of traditional decorations while actually decorating the sanctuary, music by the Sanctuary Choir, Early Risers, the Handbell Choir, Brass Ensemble, Children's Choir and Youth Handbells. This is an invitable event so bring your family and friends and stay for a cup of cheer immediately following.
Each Sunday morning service will include music for the season, both congregational and choral. Lessons & Carols will be presented at 10:00 am on Sunday morning, December 23. The Children's Christmas play, written by our own Leslie Raymer with extensive assistance from the children themselves, will be part of this service as well.
Christmas Eve services are at 5:00 pm, a family and children oriented communion service, and at 7:00 pm with candlelight communion and the Sanctuary Choir.
Plan on being a part of this wonderful season at SSCC. Many opportunities for serving, for children and youth, and for celebration are available. You may be as busy and as connected as you want to be!
May you have a blessed Advent and Christmas!
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Lake Forest Shares Our Gratitude |
This is in praise of Jim and Marilyn Torbert! For three of the four years that Lake Forest Elementary School has offered Thanksgiving dinner for students and families, Sandy Springs Christian Church has planned, prepared and served the meal. The LFE Community Liaison reports the first year families didn't understand what Thanksgiving was. The second year, we served about 300 people. Now the LFE community sees this as a favorite time to bring families to school, visit with teachers and enjoy the traditional food of an American Thanksgiving. For that reason, under the guidance of Jim and Marilyn, this year SSCC served a record-setting 475 people in two hours!!
Coordinating a dinner of this magnitude, as visitors in another kitchen, is a monumental feat. Add to that the facts that the head of the kitchen at the school (who shows us how to work equipment and where things are) was unexpectedly absent; reservations grew by more than 80 the morning of the event; and that week-long preparations in the SSCC kitchen had to be done in the evening around the schedule of The Day School. The Torberts took it in stride and flawlessly served an abundant and delicious meal.
Their leadership was supplemented by a huge group of SSCC volunteers that began working in the SSCC kitchen Wednesday evening. LFE teachers cooked 23 turkeys, which were transported to the church and carved up. Onions and celery were chopped so side dishes could be prepared Thursday. Four large carloads of food were transported to LFE Friday afternoon, where our volunteers invaded the school kitchen and worked for several hours before the crowd arrived. Once the doors opened, there was a steady stream of hungry people, greeted warmly and served cheerfully.
The principal's assistant shared that this is her very favorite event of the year. For some students who have moved on to middle school, it was a homecoming with former teachers and classmates. Some parents listened as teachers shared stories of a child's recent success with pride. For many families, it was a chance to enjoy the community.
To the 33 people that contributed 63 pies, the 24 volunteers that helped throughout the week and especially to Jim and Marilyn Torbert, thank you for giving a special meaning to Thanksgiving for so many.
 Click here to see a Smilebox slideshow of the Thanksgiving meal event at Lake Forest
Elementary School.
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Three Faiths, One Table...One Big Success! | |
About 90 people filled Dunlap Hall on Sunday, November 4 to get a taste of how Jews, Muslims, and Christians celebrate their faith traditions with food. Rabbis Mario and Analia of Congregation Or Hadash explained the Shabbat tradition. With candles, Challah bread, salt and a cup they explained the significance of each element and described the sequence of the tradition. Dr. Moiz Mumtaz used a model of the Hajj to teach about the annual Islamic pilgrimage tradition and Eid-ul-Adha, their festival of sacrifice. We learned that after Ramadan, this festival is celebrated and meat (a goat or lamb) is prepared. Tradition is that 1/3 of the meat is used within the family, 1/3 is shared in the community and 1/3 is given to the poor. Members from The Islamic Center of North Fulton brought 1/3 of their meat from this practice to share with our interfaith community gathered that night. Next, the Reverend Danny Gulden explained the symbolism of the cup of juice and bread used in Christian Communion. He noted that there can be some differences in the practice between types of Christianity but that in our DOC faith, we practice communion weekly and believe the bread and juice are representative of the body and blood of Christ.
Rabbi Ellen taught us the Brich Rachamana, a Jewish song of prayer, which we sang before breaking for the potluck. Next, we heard ADHAN, the Muslim Call for Prayer and were invited to join the Muslims in their Maghrib (sunset) prayer in a separate room. After enjoying conversation over a plentiful potluck meal, we gathered to sing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and closed with a Christian blessing. It is our hope that this was another opportunity to honor our diversity, promote understanding and respect for others' faith and build friendships among us.
Our next scheduled interfaith event will be participating in the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk on March 10, 2013.
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Thanks to the SSCC Characters Who Volunteered! | |
There were witches and princesses, scarecrows and clowns and more! On Halloween day, SSCC sent volunteers to Lake Forest Elementary School to read in each of the classrooms as part of their Book Character Reading Celebration. Many of our volunteers got in the spirit by dressing in costume to add to the students' entertainment. The LFE staff and students truly appreciate that our members and friends took time to read a book or two, although it seems as if our volunteers really enjoyed it the most! Those who visited the school for the first time that day were impressed by the facility, the dedication of the staff and the good behavior of the students.
Thanks to Milt Hill, Barb Duren, Joanne Burgess, Leslie Raymer, Linda Whitmire, Sharon Hanna, Danny Gulden, Kathy Elliott, Robin Rose, Ruth Brown, Charlotte Hale, and Florene Fowler who gave of their time to read at our adopted school. We will be reading again for the national Read Across America Day (celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday) in March. If you would like to join us then, contact Nancy McDaniel.
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November 18 Service Project for PAC and Youth Group:
Douglas/Cobb Mental Health Center |
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Leslie Raymer,
Minister for Children and Families |
November 18th was a busy day for our SSCC children and youth!! The afternoon kicked off with our pre-Thanksgiving monthly PAC meeting, where seven children and three adult helpers shared a hotdog lunch and than decorated over 200 bags in an hour and a half for the Douglas/Cobb Mental Health Center's Thanksgiving food gifts to their clients. We had a great time drawing hand turkeys, decorating the bags with LOTS of stickers, and writing Thanksgiving greetings on every single bag. Many thanks to Cindy, Doug, Maggie, Ryan, Natorus, Amos, Anjali, Joshua, Kiera, and of course Mary R. for all the hard work!!
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Bryant & Katie Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministries |
The youth had a great time sorting and packing dinners for Thanksgiving at the
Cobb/Douglas Mental Health Center. This event has become an annual tradition for the youth and they look forward to making a difference for those in need around the holidays. They helped to pack over 100 dinners, while our wonderful sponsors helped to decorate more bags! Check out some pictures below:
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Our Worship Band
Micki Gonzalez, Director, Music Ministries | |
Jonathan Yaeger was the first to come to SSCC and play with Ella and others as we began forming our Worship Band. Jonathan is a sophomore at Lakeside High School and has been playing drums since he was 12 years old. He also plays trombone, not only in the Lakeside symphonic band, but also in our own Brass Ensemble. Jonathan's drum teacher is the well-known Billy Degnats who teaches jazz drumming along with traditional drum kit. He also studies trombone privately, with Robb Smith. Jonathan has been active in the Chicago Joe's Rock 'n Blues Camp community, advancing from young student who came to camp, playing in the camp's weekly jams and monthy Student Shows, to being House drummer in the jams. He plays drums for the band 38th Parallel, which recently won the Atlanta Regional Blues Challenge, affording the band a trip to Memphis in February to play in the International Blues Festival there. Jonathan is an excellent drummer, always adding just the right touches to the music at hand.
Logan Brammer, our guitarist, came to the band next. He is a junior at Lakeside High School, and also plays bass and drums. (In fact, our church's drum kit used to belong to Logan !) At the age of 13 Logan began attending Chicago Joe's Rock 'n Blues Camp, and began studying blues guitar with Chicago Joe. Those attending the weekly jams have listened as he continuously progressed in his playing over the past several years. Two years ago he joined the junior staff at CJRBC, teaching guitar, bass and drums to the campers, and also acting as the resident photographer. Logan is a member of the jazz band at Lakeside, the yearbook staff and serves as the varsity sports photographer. Logan has already made the trip to Memphis, last year winning the Atlanta Blues Challenge with the band Frets on Fire. Logan 's guitar playing is full of nuance and even an occasional musical surprise that enlivens the music he plays.
Dashiell Wakeman is a sophomore at Lakeside. He actually grew up studying and playing the 'cello, switching to bass just a couple of years ago. Dashiell (yes, named after Dashiell Hammett!) studies with bassist David Goodwin. Dashiell plays string bass with the DeKalb Youth Symphony and this fall won his audition to play with the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, beating out over 30 other players for the spot! Dashiell is another strong member of the CJRBC community, playing at the weekly jams and at the Second Sunday Shows with the band 38th Parallel (so will be going to Memphis in February,) and for the band House of Cards. Both of these bands play at various venues in the Tucker and Chamblee area of town, so Dashiell keeps busy. He also plays in the marching band at Lakeside. Dashiell is always willing to come up with a great rhythmic bass line to enhance our singing.
All of these young musicians are fantastic! When you see them, please thank them for their loyalty and enthusiasm for the music at SSCC.
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left to right: Dashiell Wakeman, bass; Jonathan Yaeger, drums;
Logan Brammer, guitar |
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Letters from Thami & Karti, Family Village Farm, India |
100% of our Fourth Quarter Sunday School donations go to Global Ministries Child Sponsorship, specifically to D. Thamizharasi and G. Kathigeyan at the Family Village Farm in Vellore, India. Read the latest letters received from Thami and Karti to our SSCC family, including Ken Ono, Erika Ono, the Walker Family, Mary Shehan and Carolyn Dishman.
Thami and Karti come from very low income families - where they would not be able to receive a formal education without our help. Your giving provides hope and opportunity for these children when they are most vulnerable. Over time, we are hoping to collect enough to provide for their education through their graduation
For additional information, go to: www.globalministries.org/get-involved/child-sponsorship/
You can write to the children c/o: Ms. Vatsala Vijayakumar
Family Village Farm
Kasam - Katpadi, Vellore 632 007
N.A. Dist. India
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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
SAVE THE DATE
December 1 - Women's Ministries (CWF) Christmas Communion Service & Brunch, 9:45 am gathering
December 2 - Congregational Meeting after each service
December 2 - 41st Hanging of the Green Service and Cup O' Cheer, 5:30 pm
December 4 - Gamma Circle Christmas Potluck Lunch for all women of the church and guests
(Claire Roper's home)
December 8 - Parents Christmas Shopping Respite, 2-6 pm
December 16 - Youth Group Christmas Party, 5-7 pm (Cindy Brown's home)
December 16 - Mexico Mission Box Lunch Fundraiser, 11 am - 1 pm
December 16 - Santa's Workshop (benefits Lake Forest), wrap gifts 8:30-9:00 am and after the 9:00 am
service, Dunlap Hall
December 16 - New Member Reception, 5-7 pm (McDaniel's home)
December 18 - Christmas Party for Staff, 11 am - 2:00 pm (Sharon Hanna's home)
December 23 - One service at 10 am, Lessons & Carols and Children's Play, no Sunday School
December 24 - Office closes at noon for Christmas
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services, 5 and 7 pm
December 25 - Office closed for Christmas
December 28 - Young Adult Retreat
December 30 - Breakfast 8:30-9:45 am, Dunlap Hall
Young Adult Sunday, one service at 10 am, no Sunday School
December 31 - Office closed for New Year's
JANUARY 2013
January 1 - Office closed for New Year's Day
January 17 - Medicare Counseling, 10 am - 2 pm (210)
January 21 - Office closed for MLK Day
January 25-26 - Elder Retreat at Simpsonwood
January 27 - Officer, Elder & Deacon Installation, both services
THE DAY SCHOOL
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. January articles are due December 24 due to Christmas holidays. 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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