 January 2013 Grace Spoken Here Volume 14, Issue 1 |
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To SSCC Members and Friends | |
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Viewpoints at SSCC |
Open Arms
Our family searched for a temple where we could comfortably worship our Lord and Savior, as well as a safe Sunday daycare where our two-year old nephew Joaquin could enjoy himself. We created a wish list of what we wanted. Our new church had to be Bible based, personal and above all welcoming to our family. We took an unusual route in our selection process. We Googled! Sandy Springs Christian Church was at the top of the list!
When our family first entered SSCC an awkwardness fell upon us as an African American family surrounded by faces unlike ours. The warmth of the congregation quickly changed our focus. I still remember my daughter Shannon saying, "Mommy everyone here is so nice!" I immediately loved the size of the church. So often a person gets lost in a "mega" church--not gaining the sense of fellowship we so passionately desired. We were met with warm smiles and literally open arms. Instantly, we knew this was where we wanted to belong. Having communion that day, hearing "all are welcome to the table" made us feel particularly special.
We returned after a year, but our good ole' fashion feelings we felt that day stayed with us throughout this disconnection process. As Eddie and I began preparing for our marriage, we came to the conclusion we wanted to be married at SSCC. We met with Rev. Danny and his pure emotions of kindness surfaced. The volunteer members that were there that day and Rev. Danny again engulfed us with open arms.
When we returned for service, now married, a few days later it felt like a spiritual déjà vu' as God's children--the community of SSCC-- showered us with an unbridled amount of overwhelming love and embraced us again. As the Word often is, the sermon was awesome and right on time!
Shortly after we became members, we vowed to follow the word of our Father in Heaven. We also made a commitment to extend open arms back to our fellow brothers and sisters of our congregation and to others who seek fellowship in the kingdom of God.
The Singleton Family
Nichole, Eddie and Shannon
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A Note from Danny: "New Year, New Opportunities"
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister |
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Rev. Danny Gulden,
Senior Minister |
"We, like Bethlehem itself, are too tiny to imagine greatness within us, but God always hides, it seems, inside of littleness and seeming insignificance. God lets us do the desiring and all the discovering." Richard Rohr
As we begin a new year, we are still basking in the glow of Bethlehem. The coming of Christ calls us into new ways of being. I would like to believe it calls us to renew our search for God's greatest desires for ourselves and the world. Shortly after the birth of Jesus, some people set out on a journey to see this newborn who would change the world. They were seeking to discover a new way of being. One of the often overlooked aspects of the journey of the Magi is that they had to return home by another way. They could not go back the way they came. They had discovered something so significant that they had to return home by another way, seeking new opportunity because everything had changed.
In the New Year, let us be open to the "other ways" that we may travel on our journeys. Perhaps there are new opportunities for you to serve, new ways to be engaged in the life of the church. I am particularly excited about our new Greeter ministry, Hospitality Hosts, which will allow us to further share God's welcome and grace with all who enter these doors. Maybe it is time to help us staff the Community Assistance Center on a Saturday. If you have been thinking about joining a Covenant Group or checking out a Sunday School class, this could be the right time.
Perhaps the secret to living out God's call is not to make resolutions, but be open to discovering what God has in store, to be open to the new opportunities God has for us as people and as a faith community.
Wishing you and yours God's Blessings and Peace in 2013. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Senior Minister.
Grace and peace,
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Grace Alive! Update
Scott Dalton, Chair, Grace Alive! Capital Campaign |
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Scott Dalton |
Thank you Sandy Springs Christian Church! As of December 20th, 91 households have pledged a total of $1,020,378 toward the Grace Alive! capital campaign! Year in and year out I am in awe of the generosity of this congregation as we serve together in ministry to God and to so many in our community, but this really takes the cake! Your faithful response allows us to move toward implementation of the various projects which formed the basis of the campaign and which we hope will help attract new people into this community of faith.
On November 29th, the project leaders along with Danny, Jim Armstrong (Treasurer), Bryant Hodgson (Trustee Chair) and Bryant McDaniel (President) met to map out approximate timelines and next steps. While we did a preliminary timeline, it is not yet finalized and may take another meeting or two before we can share greater insight into the order of projects and target completion dates. You can rest assured that we are being thorough and will be good stewards of the resources pledged by obtaining quality workmanship at the best possible price. We meet again on January 10th, so perhaps I will be able to share more information with you in the February Wellspring.
Happy New Year! 2013 is going to be an amazing year in the life of Sandy Springs Christian Church!
Scott Dalton
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James P. Johnson Stewardship Award | |
Sandy Springs Christian Church has been named the 2013 recipient of the James P. Johnson Stewardship Award by the Christian Church Foundation.
The award recognizes a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that has demonstrated leadership, creativity and integrity in answering God's call to faithful stewardship, including the faith discipline involved in the stewardship of accumulated resources. The award will be presented to the congregation during the Foundation's July 16 General Assembly dinner in Orlando, FL.
The Rev. Randy Johnson, Foundation vice president who recommended the congregation for the honor, said working with the Sandy Springs congregation has dramatically affected the Foundation's work with congregations.
"The 'Sandy Springs model' serves as a successful case study in encouraging the stewardship of accumulated resources, the use of promotional materials, the creation of a recognition society and meaningful mentoring," Johnson said. "Its innovative approach is changing the culture in that congregation, and now inspires other congregations to take seriously God's call for the church to unlock the stream of income that comes from end-of-life gifts.
"It is not difficult to imagine that there will be a tremendous future harvest because of the groundwork being done by the leaders at Sandy Springs."
Criteria for this award include one or more of the following:
Overall commitment to financial stewardship
Innovative approaches to stewardship
Support of local, regional and general ministries
Proponent of planned giving and permanent fund policies
Advocate of general mission funding
Johnson said Sandy Springs seeks to live out its mission of being a "grace-filled witness in the Atlanta area." Youth for 17 years have used their spring break to build houses in Mexico. A family mission trip each year targets areas devastated by natural disasters.
Active in interfaith efforts, Sandy Springs is one of six Protestant churches in Georgia that participates in the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies, an annual six-week Bible study between Christians and Jews. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the congregation initiated a partnership with a Muslim community and a Jewish synagogue, and have since shared in the breaking of the Ramadan fast, renovated a home for a homeless family and walked together for the Atlanta Hunger Walk.
For the last two years, Sandy Springs has been the largest giver among Georgia congregations to Disciples outreach causes, and has committed to tithe all income to outreach. In 2012, it also became a Global Mission Church.
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Children's Christmas Worship and Fun
Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families |
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Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families |
DECEMBER 8th PARENTS SHOPPING DAY OUT EVENT
Sandy Springs Christian Church Children's ministries hosted 25 SSCC and Day School children for the afternoon on Saturday, December 8th so that their parents could have time to do some shopping, share a meal, go to a 'grown up' movie, or simply take a nap at home. We had a great afternoon of outdoor activities, games, crafts, snacks, and a movie!! The proceeds of this event were donated to our Grace Alive! project. Many thanks to Andy and Jessica Jones (aided by Aidan and Eva) for making this event a success! Stay tuned for our announcement of a second Parents Afternoon Out event.
LESSONS AND CAROLS CHILDREN'S PLAY
What IS the True Meaning of Christmas?
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Our hosts |
Our December 23rd Lessons and Carols Children's Play was a great success and lots of fun. Our children's (and youth) play this Christmas asked the question - "What is Christmas All About?" The play was facilitated by Natorus Bethay and Amos Bolay, who acted as hosts for the play and invited our panel of special guests, who helped us reflect upon the importance of Christmas. Our resident experts included Mr. Expert (Ryan D.), Miss Eats a Lot (Emma H.), Miss Sings a Lot (Kiera B.), Miss Remembers Well (Anjali S.), and last but not least...Bob the Sheep (Ryan C.). Bob was able to provide us with special insights into this question, as his ancestor Frank the Sheep was present in Bethlehem where our story began so long ago. Our play was enriched by the presence of our cast of angels (Alex M, Maggie D, Bella G, Ben G.) and Atticus M and Joshua S, who played two kids who let us know in no uncertain terms that they wanted electronics for Christmas. We had beautiful music provided by the children's choir, youth handbells, and of course, Micki and Ella. We had a wonderful time listening for the voice of God's love and learning about the true meaning of Christmas from our children in play and song.
Special thanks to Becky Chimera, Cindy Dreimeyer, and Chris Dalton, who helped with the final rehearsal and shepherding the children about on morning of the play.
 Click here to view a Smilebox of captivating characters from the children's play.
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Season's Greetings from the Youth!
Bryant & Katie Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministries | |
The Youth had a very busy December! They worked hard to serve the church and others and even managed to squeeze in a little party! We started off with our Hanging of the Green service, in which the youth did a great job with readings, handbells and Hanging of the Green.
We also made cookies and delivered them to people who have to work during the holidays, including firemen, police officers and nurses.
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Youth making cookies for people who have to work during the holidays--
firemen, police & nurses |
The Boxed Lunch Fundraiser for our Mexico Mission Trip coinciding with the Lake Forest Elementary School Christmas gift wrapping was very successful. Thank you to Jim Torbert and his crew for making this possible.
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Youth helping with boxed lunches for Mexico Mission Fundraiser |
Peter & Cindy Brown were gracious enough to host the youth for a Christmas party. Over 30 youth attended and had a great time in fellowship, good food (thanks parents!) and a white elephant gift swap that included a waffle house mug, a race car, reindeer antlers for a car and a ice cream scooper the size of a bat!
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Youth Christmas Party fun and fellowship |
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A cry came from Lake Forest Elementary on Friday, December 14, "Please help us!! There are hundreds and hundreds of gifts!" The great news was that there were more gifts donated than ever. The challenge was whether or not Sandy Springs Christian Church was up to the task of wrapping more than 700 donated gifts! As always, when this congregation is asked, we deliver. It was with great pride that several truckloads of gifts were returned to the school on Monday morning, all wrapped and labeled as asked.
The gifts were donated by students at three Fulton County public schools and Marist. Lake Forest teachers identified two children in their classroom that were not likely to receive any gifts at Christmas. Those names were submitted and the social worker identified who else is in the family. From there, the LFE staff "shopped" from the donated gifts and labeled their choices so each member of the family received a few gifts. The gifts were grouped for each family then transported to Sandy Springs Christian Church for our wrapping extravaganza. Great care was taken to keep the carefully selected gifts sorted as our volunteers wrapped and labeled them, then placed them in the proper bag to be returned to LFE. While students were in class, parents were notified to come secretly pick up the gifts that miraculously appeared and keep them hidden until that special night when dreams come true. Thanks to all who played a part in this special holiday magic.
Click here for a Smilebox of the Lake Forest Elementary School
gift wrapping extravaganza at SSCC.
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Reflections on the Women's Christmas Worship and Brunch
Rev. Betty Brewer-Calvert, Director of Women's Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia! | |
On December 2, I celebrated the beginning of Advent at Sandy Springs' Women's Ministries Christmas Communion Worship Service and Brunch. This annual event always helps me to start the season in a prayerful and joyful manner. Rev. Linda Whitmire presented a delightful, thought-provoking message through her telling of the "Great Silent Grandmother Gathering." Ably assisted by Barb Duren, who helped share the story with a variety of signs and stage props, Rev. Whitmire reminded us that even simple actions, when joined together, can bring peace.
Mary Robeck provided beautiful accompaniment for favorite Advent hymns. Katie Gibson invited worshipers to partake of communion by calling us to anticipate with hope and joy the birth of the Christ Child. An offering taken for youth scholarships for Camp Christian raised $500 to help send young people to camp!
A tasty brunch prepared by the Torberts was served in the festively-decorated Dunlap Hall. The food was delicious and included a decadent dessert too scrumptious to adequately describe. Tables were served by men of the church, including Rev. Danny Gulden. Good-natured servers, delightful conversation, delicious food, and engaging music combined to make a lovely mealtime. Brunch entertainment was provided by church organist, Ella Lewis, who surprised and delighted with engaging versions of What Child is This?, The Birthday of the King, and I Wonder as I Wonder.
Millie Linville, Northwest District Coordinator on the regional Disciples Women's Commission, and first-timer at the event tells of her experience:
"I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had heard that the annual Advent Brunch was something that I shouldn't miss. I saw women of all ages sitting expectantly. What was in store? I noticed Barb hiding behind a Christmas tree on stage. What was she doing back there?
It didn't take me long to find out that we were in store for a magnificent story told by a professional storyteller. I hadn't heard this type of oral storytelling in decades. Rev. Whitmire's storytelling brought me back to my own years in storytelling competitions in elementary school. The storytelling was fabulous; and Barb's wonderful, comedic sensibilities filled my heart with the warm and gooey sensation that only the presence of my fellow Christian sisters brings up in me.
At the conclusion of the story, I was full of emotion. The powerful message of peace is something that touches us deeply. As women of faith, we ask that our eyes be open to the needs of the world and our hearts be filled with concern for all people. The story reminds me that the power of faithful women can save the world. In sharing communion with my fellow sisters, I could feel the power of our faith and longing for peace.
Leaving the Sanctuary with my heart full and hopeful for peace, I made my way to the best brunch with my newfound sisters in Christ. I'm so glad I didn't miss the Advent Brunch this year, and hope to attend again."
Thank you, women of Sandy Springs, for the lovely invitation and the wonderful reminder of the reason for the season!
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A very special thank you to our chefs--Jim and Marilyn Torbert and crew--and to our table servers--Shelton Blackburn, John Robeck, Milt Hill, Philip Rowell, Jay Donnelley, Wayne Dimmitt, Rev. Danny Gulden, Ray Woods, and Bryant McDaniel |
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Young Adult Winter Retreat
Stephen Brown, Leader, Young Adult Group |
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Stephen Brown, Leader, Young Adult Group |
We had a great time at our annual winter retreat December 28 and 29. Red Top Mountain proved to be an excellent location for us to work together preparing to lead the College Age Sunday worship service on December 30.. If you were not able to attend, do not worry; there will be more opportunities this year to fellowship together.
I am looking forward to our coffee hours along with the social event each month.This month we will be going out to eat after church on the 21st followed by an hour or so of ice skating.You do not want to miss this event. If you would like to have more information about our Young Adult Ggroup or know anyone wishing to participate, please do not hesitate to email me. I am very good at responding to emails. Peace be with you, Stephen (sbrown.ga@gmail.com)  | |
3:00 AM! Time to depart for home |
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Memorials | |
The Memorials Committee acknowledges with appreciation your gift in Memory of:
Marjorie Adams October 2012
by: Joanne and Alan Burgess
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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
JANUARY 2013
December 31 & January 1 - Office closed for New Year's Day
January 21 - Office closed for MLK Day
January 25-26 - Elder Retreat at Simpsonwood
January 27 - Officer, Elder & Deacon Installation, both services
January 27 - Congregational Meeting and Lunch, after 11:15 am service
SAVE THE DATE
February 2 - Candlelight Cafe, 6:30-8:30 pm
February 3, 10, 17 and 25 - Beginnings Class, 10:10-11:00 am (Danny's office)
February 8-10 - Regional Youth Assembly at Epworth (Youth-a-Palooza)
February 13 - Ash Wednesday, Lenten Dinner 1 of 6 (6:15-7 pm), Classes 7:30-8:30 pm
February 20 - Lenten Dinner 2 of 6 (6:15-7 pm), Classes 7:30-8:30 pm
February 27 - Lenten Dinner 3 of 6 (6:15-7 pm), Classes 7:30-8:30 pm
THE DAY SCHOOL
December 20-January 4 - Holiday Break
January 7 - TDS Open Enrollment
January 14 - TDS Open Registration
January 17 & 18 - TDS Conference Days
January 21 - Closed for MLK Day
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. February articles are due Januaty 25. 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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