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April 2013                Grace Spoken Here      Volume 14, Issue 4
In This Issue - click a topic to quick link
Viewpoints at SSCC
A Note from Danny: "Life After Resurrection"
Modern Day Giving
An Evening with John Shelby Spong
A No Cost Building Project
Silent Auction and Renovation Update
SSCC Celebrates Easter
Children: Holy Week, Easter Celebration and Baptism
2013 Mexico Missionaries Dedicated on Easter Sunday
A Lot of Hungry People Thank SSCC!!
2013 Camp Gala at Camp Christian Conference Center
Youth Events: Iron Chef and Extreme Home Makeover, Sandy Springs Style!
Read Across America at Lake Forest Elementary School
Randy's Coming!
Respect God's Creation
Making Summer Plans
In the Life of SSCC
The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines
Join Our Mailing List!
Viewpoints at SSCC

Our life has been so richly blessed by SSCC over the years. We have been coming here for about 18 years, and have seen many changes along the way. When we first began coming, we were welcomed by Glen Miles, and soon after Russ Peterman. Immediately we were struck by the warm, loving environment. After many years and three kids, there have been other ministers here, and I can't help but think of my journey in this place since my kids were born. After a bed rest-filled first pregnancy 10 years ago, this church helped us welcome our first baby boy, Ryan. I stood and cried as Russ dedicated him, thankful for the miracle of him and for the perfect moment of dedicating him in this warm, loving place. Then, 4 years later came our little Zach, and again, it was so wonderful to share that with our church. By then we had a new minister whom we loved named Danny. How special it was for us for Danny to dedicate Zach. Jumping ahead a few more years, our 3rd baby boy Nate was born in 2011. Rev. Erin dedicated him for us. How lucky we feel to have celebrated these events in our family's life with our warm, loving church

 

I have had the privilege of serving as a deacon and serving in Sunday School with the 1st and 2nd graders, and now 3rd and 4th graders. What a joy it is to serve in a place so full of love. I love being around all of the children there and they really do teach me so much.

When Danny came back, and Linda became part of the staff, I was beyond thrilled about the new positive energy in our church. I am so thankful that my boys have this place in their lives too. What a strong foundation of love for them!  And now, I will probably sit and cry as my almost 10 year old "baby" boy is baptized on Easter by Danny. Our history here is rich and runs deep. From the first years here so long ago, to experiencing the love with all three of my children, and everything in between, my heart is so full of love and gratitude for our warm, loving church.

Becky Chimera 

 

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A Note from Danny:  "Life After Resurrection"
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister

Rev. Danny Gulden,

Senior Minister

"He is not here! He is Risen!"

 

We either get Easter or we don't. In some ways, it's like a good joke that cannot be explained; you either get it or you don't. If you are looking for proof, you may be looking for a long time. The essence of faith is trust, not proof. We believe not because we can prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, but because we trust in the incredible good news that death does not have the final word.

 

Peter Gomes writes, "Easter is not just about Jesus; it is about you. He has already claimed his new life; now is your chance to claim yours." The risen Christ leaves that challenge for us. In the post-resurrection accounts in scripture, he doesn't want people dwelling on proof; rather he wants them to understand what is possible if they will only trust in the good news of resurrection. New life is much closer and more available than they think. Life after resurrection looks vastly different than life before resurrection.

 

This is the challenge that lies before us during this season of Easter. Jesus has claimed his new life. May we go forth and claim our new life.

 

Grace and peace,

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Modern Day Giving
Jim Bickelhaupt, Trustee
Corinthians 8 is one of my favorite passages when it comes to giving. Corinthians encourages us to have the desire and eagerness to give according to ability. Sandy Springs has always been a generous congregation in this way.

 

15 years ago, we got directions from a paper map. Today, almost everyone uses a GPS or an online mapping program to find their way. Similarly, how we "give" to the Church has changed greatly over the last 2000 years. It used to be gifts were in the form of grains, herbs, or other items of need/value. Today, our gifts tend to take the modern-day form of money, time, and talents. And the way that we make our pledges has changed as well. It used to be, I wrote a check each week and placed it in the offering plate. Today, I barely know where my checkbook is. I make a monthly contribution through my bank. It's set to pay automatically each month on a certain day.

 

As a trustee of the Church, I realize the importance of budgetary management in day to day operations. We see swings in giving related to times of higher attendance (the Holiday periods) and lower attendance (summer vacation time). This makes managing cash flow more challenging. But my standard giving is always the same by having this happen automatically through my bank. Many of us have electronic banking already but may not be aware that you can also give your monetary gifts to the Church this way as well. Setting up reoccurring payments that happen automatically makes it easier for you and provides a more stable stream of pledges for the Church.


Giving is a very personal matter and we each have our own preferences. Some people cherish placing a check in the offering plate each week. Others, like me, get the same satisfaction knowing I am giving generously and timely through my online payments. If you are willing, please consider setting up recurring pledge contributions through your bank. If you are unsure how to do this, there are several ways to make it happen. You may set up a private session with our treasurer Cindy Brown ([email protected]) or with Jim Bickelhaupt by emailing them or calling the church office. Or, you may contact your bank for assistance. For most banks, there is no fee for this and the Church gets 100% of the gift. 

 

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An Evening with John Shelby Spong at Sandy Springs Christian Church - Monday, May 6 at 7:00 PM

   

John Shelby Spong, whose books have sold more than a million copies, was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2001. His admirers acclaim him as a teaching bishop who makes contemporary theology accessible to the ordinary layperson. He will be speaking at Sandy Springs Christian Church on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 PM followed by a reception and book signing.

Bishop
 John Shelby Spong

A committed Christian who has spent a lifetime studying the Bible and whose life has been deeply shaped by it, Bishop Spong says he was not interested in Bible bashing. "I come to this interpretive task not as an enemy of Christianity," he says. "I am not even a disillusioned former Christian, as some of my scholar-friends identify themselves. I am a believer who knows and loves the Bible deeply. But I also recognize that parts of it have been used to undergird prejudices and to mask violence."

 

 

A visiting lecturer at Harvard and at universities and churches worldwide, Bishop Spong delivers more than 200 public lectures each year to standing-room-only crowds. His bestselling books include Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism, A New Christianity for a New World, Why Christianity Must Change or Die, and Here I Stand.

 

 

Bishop Spong's extensive media appearances include a profile segment on 60 Minutes as well as appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News Live, Politically Incorrect, Larry King Live, The O'Reilly Factor, William F. Buckley's Firing Line, and Extra. Bishop Spong and his wife, Christine Mary Spong, have five children and six grandchildren. They live in New Jersey.

 

 

Get Your Ticket Now:  SSCC members and visitors can sign up for tickets at church. The cost is $25 per person and can be paid by cash or check (made out to SSCC and marked "Spong Event").  You can bring your payment to the office or put it in the offering plate.

  

 Reserve your spot now as this event will sell out.

  

 

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A No Cost Building Project: 
Join the Conversation on April 7 or 14
Joyce Edwards, Bylaws Team

A little over a year ago, SSCC called Danny Gulden as our Senior Minister. Since then, we've seen an increase in membership, an increase in attendance and all around positive energy. We didn't get here by chance.... In the Search Process, you shared your thoughts and ideas about what kind of Senior Minister was needed at this time in the life of the church.   All of those conversations guided the work of the Search Team.

 

Your ideas are needed again. It's time to take another step in strengthening SSCC for the future. The Bylaws Team (Floyd Hale, Leslie Lady, Sid Elliott, Stuart Michels and Joyce Edwards) is reviewing and revising the Constitution and Bylaws. We're trying to figure out what governance structures, roles and relationships will encourage growth in understanding God's vision for our lives and in the meaning of faithfulness for both SSCC as an organization and each of us as individuals.

 

We need your thoughts and insights. Please come and talk with us on either April 7 or April 14. Members of the Bylaws Team will be available to talk with you in the Conference Room from 8:30 a.m to 9:00 a.m and from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on these two Sundays.

(Note: The Conference Room is on the same level as the Sanctuary right next to the elevator in the Education Wing)

 

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Silent Auction and Renovation Update
Nancy Trusty

                                          We are happy to announce that the Silent Auction raised $1071.00 to

purchase a TV for the Pit.  Thank you to everyone who participated!

 

The details of the renovation schedule for the Centrum and Parlor have changed.  Construction will begin in the next few days.  Furniture, materials and equipment have been ordered.  The first project will be the lighting, electrical and ceiling work.  The good news is that the carpet will be left in place longer than we originally planned; it will be removed and replaced in one week, instead of being taken out at the very             beginning of the project.  This will make the Centrum feel more normal                                                and less like a construction zone.

 

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Sandy Springs Christian Church Celebrates Easter

Easter was a day of celebration at SSCC!  The sanctuary was filled with palms and lilies as special music was performed throughout the services.  Thanks to the special musicians who added to our songs with the addition of brass, strings and percussion.  A powerful rendition of "You Raise Me Up" was performed by Valarie Boss, Mary Shehan and Kristin Wolf and accompanied by Bob Trusty on Viola in both services. And there were three baptisms in each of the services; these newly baptized members then played a special role in serving communion.

 

In what may become a new tradition for SSCC, an estimated 130 people enjoyed fellowship and great food during an Easter Brunch Buffet offered between services.  Pre-school and elementary school age kids hunted hundreds of eggs while waiting for the Easter Bunny to appear. Everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to all be together--both early and late service people--to celebrate the special day.  The buzz of conversation and community filled Dunlap Hall reflecting the love and grace of Easter and SSCC.  It was a special day indeed!  

 

Click here to view Skydrive photos - See a slide show by clicking the first picture, then choose slideshow. Download pictures to your computer to print.

 

  

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Children:  Holy Week, Easter Celebration and Baptism
Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families

SSCC has been graced with the smiles, laughter, and joy of our children

Leslie Raymer, 
Minister for Children and Families

during Holy Week this year. We began the week of celebration with the children leading us into worship during the 11:15 am Palm Sunday service on March 24th. During Junior Worship, we created our own Palm Sunday parade and made music with pipes, harmonicas, drums, clakkers, tamborines, and rattles!

On Easter morning, we began each service with a children's story led by Bryant and Katie and then the kids were invited to remain up front to witness our six Baptisms. We want to welcome our newly baptized members-Megan Kahrs, Haleigh Mason, Maisie Worley, Ryan Chimera, Anjali Samuel, and Joshua Samuel to participation as full members in our church family!! Megan, Haleigh, and Maisie assisted with serving communion during the 9 am service; and Ryan, Joshua, and Anjali were served communion by Danny and Linda during the 11:15 am service.

The children collected hundreds of colorful candy-filled eggs and enjoyed Easter crafts between the worship services. Many thanks to Chris, Lynn, Courtney, Emma, Alex and everyone else who made our egg hunt a huge success. Jesus is risen, Jesus is risen indeed, and His love shines forth in our children's faces. 

 

With love,

 

Click here to view Skydrive photos - See a slide show by clicking the first picture, then choose slideshow. Download pictures to your computer to print

 



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2013 Mexico Missionaries Dedicated on Easter Sunday

Our Mexico Mission participants were dedicated on this Easter Sunday during the 9:00 and 11:15 AM services.  They depart Saturday, April 6 and return Saturday, April 13.  Please keep these missionaries in your prayers for safe travel and successful work building a home for a family near Tijuana.  The youth participants are:  Evan Arnold, Zach Swint, Michael McCluskey, Justin Stanfill, Trenton Brown, Austin Michels, Bailey Mooney, Samantha French, Lindy Watkins and Eddie Rose. Adult sponsors are: Danny Gulden, Bryant Gibson, Andy Torbert, Tracey McCluskey, Teresa Bensch, Mandy Mooney, Sara Witherington and Nancy McDaniel.

  
Mexico Mission dedication, 9:00 AM service
 Photo for 11:15 AM dedication not included

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A Lot of Hungry People Thank SSCC!

We had fantastic weather as 70(!) members of SSCC joined the Interfaith Hunger Walk Team at Turner Field for a 5K walk to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger problem in our Atlanta Community.  SSCC donated $2095 to the Interfaith Team's total; $1000 of that came from the Outreach Budget.  As our three congregations joined together (SSCC, Congregation Or Hadash and The Islamic Center of North Fulton) we were 132 walkers strong and raised $10,475!!  That will feed an estimated 138 families of four for an entire year due to the buying power of the Atlanta Community Food Bank!!  Isn't it amazing how much good we did while enjoying the sunshine, fellowship and sights downtown?!  Thanks to those that walked and also to those that supported our interfaith efforts with donations.  Hang on to your t-shirts!  We plan to walk again next year!

 

 

Click here to view Skydrive photos - See a slide show by clicking the first picture, then choose slideshow. Download pictures to your computer to print.


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2013 Camp Gala at Camp Christian Conference Center
Bryant and Katie Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministry

Camp Christian hosted the first Camp Gala celebrating the 50th anniversary of Camp Christian on March 16, 2013. Over 150 people attended and the event was a great success! The Gala included both a live and silent auction with many items donated by Sandy Springs. Some of the hot ticket items included a week in Blue Ridge, an autographed Mark Richt football, fly fishing lessons with Sid Elliot and many wonderful paintings, including two by our very own Courtney Strickland (both of which were hotly contested!). To date, the total amount raised is $20,676! The money will go towards improvements at Camp Christian and money was also raised to provide scholarships for youth.

Lunch was provided by Jim and Marilyn Torbert and YAC (Youth Activities Counsel). Many of our Sandy Springs youth and adults attended and helped serve lunch and clean. If you could not make the Gala, you can still support our Camp ministries by visiting the regional website and making a donation. Thank you for all your support for this incredible ministry for our youth!   
 

 

Click here to view Skydrive photos - See a slide show by clicking the first picture, then choose slideshow. Download pictures to your computer to print.

 

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Youth Events:  Iron Chef and Extreme Home Makeover, Sandy Springs Style!  Bryant and Katie Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministry

The youth have continued the exploration of God and TV with two exciting events.

Katie and Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministries

 

For Iron Chef, the youth divided into groups and prepared 3 different dishes--an appetizer, main dish, and dessert--for our special guest judges, Jim and Marilyn Torbert. The secret ingredient was Peanut Butter which had to be incorporated in each dish. The groups were then judged on taste, creativity, and appearance. The winners were Alex McKiethen, Alex Reese, Jordan Helton and Shannon Crossley. They each received the Golden Spatula! 

   

 

 

 

 

Marilyn and Jim Torbert, Iron Chef Judges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iron Chef
 

The youth also had a chance to build houses! No, not for a family in Mexico (not yet anyway), but houses built out of cardboard and duct tape. We learned that sometimes we have to use the tools God gives us, even if that is only cardboard and duct tape. The youth did a wonderful job and created really fantastic houses! 

 

Home Makeover

Click here to view Skydrive photos  - See a slide show by clicking the first picture, then choose slideshow. Download pictures to your computer to print.

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Read Across America at Lake Forest Elementary School

Barb Duren

The first time I was asked to read at Lake Forest Elementary School, I hesitated. It sounded like something I would enjoy doing but I had never read to an entire school class previously. How would the children act? Would they sit still and listen? How would the teachers feel about a stranger coming to read to their class? I decided to give it a try because I enjoy reading to children. When my three daughters were young, reading together was one of our favorite activities

Am I ever glad I said "yes" !!  I was in for a big surprise!  Although I thought I was doing something for the children, I discovered I was doing something nice for ME!  Now I am usually the first to sign up when Nancy asks for volunteers. I have read to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children several times and have had the fun of dressing up as a Rainbow Fish and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on Character Day. On Dr. Seuss Day, I read a new (to me) book to one class and my daughters' favorite, Green Eggs and Ham to another.

The children sit on a rug, gathered around the chair where I sit, listening quietly and attentively. They respond very politely when I ask a question. Looking at their shining faces and eyes turned up at me is a gift beyond price. The teachers receive us warmly and we are thanked when we leave. We are the ones who should thank them! The children are so well-behaved and attentive that you know they have good teachers who care about them.

I cannot think of a better way to spend time or a better reward than seeing those beautiful faces. Thank you, Nancy, for giving me the opportunity to read at Lake Forest Elementary.

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Thanks to all who participated:  Florene Fowler, Barb Duren, Danny Gulden, Joanne Burgess, Carol Armstrong, Milt Hill, Janis Hill, Ruth Brown, Ann Walker, Robin Rose, Kathy Elliott and Leslie Raymer. 

Our next school-wide reading event will be in October.

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Randy's Coming!
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire

Randy Johnson, Vice President for the Southeastern Region of the Christian Church Foundation, is a gift to us from the greater church of which we are a part. He offers to each one of us the opportunity to talk in confidence about how we can leave a gift to SSCC beyond our lifetimes. It's not hard to do! The trustees at Cherry Log Christian (that's the church our beloved Fred Craddock started) decided they wanted to initiate a Legacy Builder ministry for Cherry Log as an expression of true stewardship and as an ongoing witness to the presence of God in the future of their church. So they all made private appointments with Randy to figure out how each one with their differing circumstances might do this.

On Sunday, May 5, Randy will be all ours. Contact him to claim an appointment time to talk about  how you too can include the church in your end-of-life planning. Add your witness to God's calling for our church in its future. Be a Legacy builder for Christ through SSCC!

Contact Randy at [email protected]

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Respect God's Creation

April 28 has been designated Earth Stewardship Sunday by our Disciples of Christ denomination. In support of this designation, SSCC will offer Georgia Interfaith Power and Light's (G.I.P.L.) FREE Home Energy Audit Training (H.E.A.T.) class in Dunlap Hall on Sunday, April 28!

This two hour class (1 to 3 pm) will train participants in energy conservation. Each registered participant will receive a supply bag to take home to conduct the energy tests taught during the class. Not only will you learn to save money but you will learn to be a good steward of our earth's limited resources. Sign up at the Connect Board or call the church office (404-256-2582) to register.

 

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Making Summer Plans

Save the week of July 7- July 13 for this year's Family Mission Trip. This year we will travel to Rattlesnake Ridge, Kentucky in Appalachia. Located in McCreary County, this area is often listed as the 10th poorest county in the country. The project we have chosen will require roof repairs, framing, sheetrock work, demolition, hanging windows, painting and more. I have been assured that there will be work for all skill levels if you are willing to be trained!!

Our team will stay in Elisha's Bunkhouse in Whitley City about 20 minutes from the work site. This facility can accommodate eighteen people each night. Please sign up now if you are seriously considering participating in this life-changing opportunity. As in the past, we welcome you to come for just part of the week if it is not possible to be there the entire time. If you have questions, contact Nancy McDaniel.

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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

   

APRIL 2013

April 3 - ThirdAgers Event - Lunch and tour Gibbs Gardens

April 6-13 - Youth in Mexico

April 7 or 14 - Conversation with Bylaws Team, 8:30-9:00 am or 12:30-1:00 pm, Conference Room

April 20 - Women's Spring Brunch - off site

April 21 - Mexico Sunday Celebration - one service followed by a fiesta

April 26 - Youth Lock-in begins 6:00 pm (Dunlap Hall, Pit and Kitchen)

April 27 - Youth Lock-in ends 9:00 am

April 28 - ThirdAgers Event - Hello Dolly performance at Georgia Ensemble Theater followed by dinner

April 28 - Free GIPL Home Energy Audit class, Dunlap Hall, 1-3 pm

 

MAY 2013

May 5 - Randy Johnson at SSCC

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo Creole - children's play in worship

May 5 - Youth Banquet, 5-7 pm (DH) May 6 - John Shelby Spong event, 7:00 pm  

May 10 - Teacher Appreciation Lunch at Lake Forest Elementary

May 11 - PAC Swim Party at McDaniels, 3-5 pm

May 19 - Sandwich making between services

May 19 - Youth & Children softball game, 1:00-3:00 pm

May 19 - CAC Food 'n Fun Festival, 1:00-5:00 pm, Morgan Falls

May 27 - Office closed for Memorial Day 

 

THE DAY SCHOOL

April 1-5 - Closed for Spring Break

April 22-26 - Teacher Appreciation Week, Dunlap Hall

April 25 & 26 - Clix pictures, 9 am - 2 pm

May 9 - Pocket Full of Poems, 10 AM, Dunlap Hall

May 21 & 22 - End of Year Parties

May 22 - Last day of school

May 23 & 24 - Teacher Post Planning, 8:00-3:30 pm 

 

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. May articles are due April 26. Thank you for your timely submissions!


Please limit your article to no 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:  [email protected] 

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