May 2013 Grace Spoken Here Volume 14, Issue 5
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Viewpoints at SSCC
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Take This Job and LOVE It!
Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had made a different decision about a direction you might take? My decisions to accept an offer to work in the office at SSCC and to join the church have impacted my life in ways I did not anticipate. I am richly blessed by the close friends I've made and the many opportunities I've had to be involved at Sandy Springs Christian Church. My faith has grown so much. In fact, I thank God for leading me in this new direction after my retirement from federal civilian service in 1998. After I met my husband, Woody, he took me to worship services and introduced me to Barb Duren. He told Barb she was "in charge" of me. How was I to know this simple act would put me on a path that would enrich my life, including four Youth Mexico Mission trips and involvement in Women's Ministries?
When Rev. Glen Miles offered me a part-time job in the church office in September 2001, my initial reaction was " What do I know about working in the "real" world" -- especially a church?" But the 12+ years I have worked at SSCC have been amazing--adapting to many changes in staff, having a variety of work assignments, new computer programs and technology, working with fantastic people on many projects, and sharing an office with Barb Duren (my "cellmate"). This experience has allowed me to grow in my abilities and discover new talents.
After Woody and I moved to Cartersville in 2008, I thought I would quietly go into my "second" retirement. BUT, then Bruce Lady, Chair of Personnel at the time, asked me to produce the Chalice Chat and The Wellspring when Bert Blackburn retired. Now that was scary! I will say it is challenging and stressful at times, but I LOVE doing it and am always considering ways to improve. Working from home is not bad, either. My thanks to the folks who volunteer their time to proofread the Chalice Chat and The Wellspring: Barb Duren, Shelton and Bert Blackburn, Milt Hill, Nancy McDaniel and Woody. And thanks to the staff who also proofread: Sharon Hanna, Vincine Brown, and Leslie Raymer. Not everyone proofs every time, but it takes a village!
Opportunities to be creative are a "bonus" in my work at SSCC. I love producing printed and electronic media -- and coming up with table decorations is fun!
So, I thank Woody and Barb for being by my side on this journey. Thank you, church family, for your support.
Nan Woods
Communications Coordinator
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A Note from Danny: "Generosity"
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister
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Rev. Danny Gulden,
Senior Minister
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Did you know that around 30 percent of all charitable giving in the United States goes to religious organizations? Not a bad number until you consider this: As recently as 1985, religious organizations received as much as 53 percent of all charitable giving. There are additional studies that suggest that people are more giving than ever, yet giving to religious organizations has continued to decline. What's the disconnect between people's extravagant generosity and the hesitancy to give to religious organizations?
In J. Clif Christopher's book Not Your Parent's Offering Plate, he tells the story about a man who decides to give 1.5 million dollars to build a local youth center, which would greatly impact teens. He was asked about his church involvement, and it turns out this same person was very involved in their local church, attending nearly every week. He was asked if he would ever consider giving the church a gift like he gave to the youth center. He responded, "Lord, no, they wouldn't know what to do with it."
One of the priorities we have set as a congregation is doing a better job knowing what to do with the gifts of the congregation. People don't give any more because they are supposed to; rather, they give because they hear a compelling vision and they see that vision being lived out through their gifts. People want to be a part of something that changes lives.
One of the things that I recognized during our Grace Alive! Capital Campaign was that we have a very compelling story to tell. We can tell a story about changed lives through your generosity. You are overly generous, especially when a meaningful vision for the future captures your attention. We have created a Generosity Team, led by Stuart Michels and Tony Chimera, whose task it is to help us understand and highlight the ways in which we are changing lives--the ways in which this is a transformative community of faith. This fall, you will notice that our stewardship emphasis and the way we present our budget will be different. Our aim is for you to have the opportunity to pledge towards a compelling vision in 2014.
The transformation of the Centrum, Parlor, and Narthex has begun. One of the great joys of being in the office each day is seeing what is different, what is new each day. You can see the fruits of your generosity to Grace Alive!, bringing forth something new each and every day. Some days it has been very obvious and other days not so obvious. It works the same way with every gift we give to the church. They bring forth new life each and every day, in ways both obvious and not so obvious.
As your Senior Minister, let me say "thank you." Thank you for the ways in which you are so generous. Thank you for the generosity that allows God's story of inclusive love and grace to unfold in this place.
With gratitude,
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Grace Alive! Interior Renovation Update
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As you may have noticed, the lighting in the Centrum is in place and already looks better and brighter. Upgrades to the electrical power to office spaces has been completed. We are currently waiting for the electrical inspection before the ceiling can be completed. The ceiling will go in after May 6.
All the furniture has been ordered. Some already has already been delivered to the warehouse.
The restroom renovation will begin after May 6. The construction schedule was adjusted around the Spong lecture being held here on May 6 so that the restrooms would be available for use by participants.
Audio/visual wiring for the television monitors has been completed.
Custom built furnishings are currently being constructed off-site.
Drywall construction and repair will be done to the stairway area after May 6. Painting, door repairs and trim work will begin soon.
In mid May, the Parlor windows will be replaced. During the last week of May, the new stair railing, the carpet and the furniture will be installed.
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Welcome Summer Ministry Intern: Kristin Wolf
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Kristin Wolf
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One of SSCC's Vision Priorities is to engage new generations in the life of the church, including supporting vocational discernment. As part of this priority, we are proud to partner with Columbia Theological Seminary in having an intern serve with us this summer. I am proud to share that Kristin Wolf will be serving with us full time from May 20 through July 28. Her primary focus will be on young adults and worship leadership. She also will be receiving an all around experience in areas of pastoral ministry.
Kristin is no stranger to SSCC, having been a member here for many years. She currently sings in the Sanctuary Choir and serves on the Nominating Committee. She has participated in the Mexico Mission trip as a youth and as an adult sponsor.
Kristin holds the BFA in Music Theatre from Shorter College, where she was awarded the Irene Ryan nomination from Shorter for her role as Claire in Neil Simon's "Rumors." She worked for B Street Theatre 2009-2010 as an Acting Intern and has extensive experience in educational theatre and children's theatre, directing, and stage management.
Kristin is currently completing her first year at Columbia Theological Seminary as she pursues the Master of Divinity degree. The Elders of SSCC have affirmed taking Kristin under care as she pursues ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Please welcome Kristin to our church staff as she prepares to begin on May 20.
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Remember SSCC - Be A Legacy Builder:
May 5 Community Class with Rev. Randy Johnson
Rev. Linda Whitmire, Minister of Pastoral Care
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"What Do YOU Need to Know? What Holds YOU back? What Are YOU thinking??"
"Do I really need a will?"
"I don't have big bucks to leave to the church. How could I be a Legacy Builder?"
"My children/grandchildren will need everything I can leave. So why would I take that away from them?"
"This feels like a lot of trouble. Can't I just tell my children to give the church something when I die?"
"I will probably retire closer to family and not be part of SSCC when my time comes. So why should I leave something to this church?"
"Can't I just make a gift NOW to the permanent fund? Why wait??"
Being a Legacy Builder is a big and a wonderful decision. It expresses not just our love and gratitude for this church, but our embrace of the fullness and joy of true Christian stewardship. From the beginning the goal has been to "make it the norm, and not the exception" that at SSCC we remember the church through a designated gift at the close of our lives. It is our witness to our families and
to our faith that in this church we believe. Of course the size of a gift makes a difference. But it is the combined gifts of all of us that over the years grows and returns to our church family additional resources for mission and ministry.
May 5 during the Sunday School hour, Rev. Randy Johnson of the Christian Church Foundation will be with us to answer our questions and offer insights how we can all be part of something of God and goodness in building together for the future to which Christ calls SSCC. Please make every effort to be present to welcome Randy and continue your thinking toward how you too can be a Legacy Builder for Christ at SSCC.
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The Youth Mexico Mission Trip Creed: "I got it!"
Teresa Bensch, Adult Sponsor
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"No problem, I got it!" The first time I heard those words from one of our youth, I just thought "what a nice thing to say." By the time I'd heard it 50 times, I realized that I was missing out on something. It's the Mexico youth creed, our statement of belief that lasts the entire trip. No problem, I got it--from the loading of the luggage into vans, trucks and SUVs at curb side in San Diego--to unloading and reloading after church at University Christian Church. I got it--from putting up the first tent to having to redo the 5th tent. No problem when four 5-gallon jugs of drinking water had to be filled 200 yards away so that the cooks could prepare dinner. You betcha--who wants to go with me to get firewood or I need a buddy to walk in the dark to the bano.
Listen to the things I heard in Mexico:
No problem - glad to help fill shower bags.
Oh yeah, let me sing the morning muffin song.
Here's an extra blanket; it sure was cold last night.
No problem, I'll mix the concrete, carry wheelbarrows of sand--sure thing,
I'll volunteer to put the tar on the roof.
Yes sir - how can I help? I'm pretty good with a saw.
Where do these nails go for the walls?
I didn't know much about building a house last year - but I got this now.
OK, the wire is stretched up--the next one must be down.
Staple the tar paper on the stud. Here, I can show you how.
Are you drinking plenty of water?
Stucco - OK. Show me how to put it on.
Oh, we're so glad to see you - said to the cooks as warm tubs of soapy water lay ready for dirty hands and faces.
We're ahead of schedule. The family is so happy.
Did you see how happy the family was?
Eggs for breakfast everyday - Thank you!
Is it time for seconds?
Whipped cream for hot chocolate - sweet!
Do they really make a left handed hammer?
The candy was everywhere on their new floor.
This was the best trip yet!
I can't wait until next year.
Grace is wide awake.
Teresa
Click here to view two videos from the 2013 Youth Mexico Mission Trip. Thanks to Mandy Moore for the memories.
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Kudos to Our Youth!
Bryant and Katie Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministry
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Katie & Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors, Youth Ministries
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We keep telling you how great our youth are, and you see their smiling faces on Sunday each week. But as the school year comes to an end, we thought we'd give you an inside look at some of the great things our youth have been up to!
On April 7, Jordan Helton placed first all-around in her age group in the USAG State Gymnastics Meet. She also placed first on floor. Austin Michels has maintained A's and B's in all advanced classes at Parkview High. He's also played baseball and become a valuable closing pitcher. MacKenzie Michels is a very talented lefty softball pitcher and has become a Campus Thrive leader. She was also named the 7th Grade Jr. Miss Parkview. This spring, Lindy Watkins was a member of the Sequoyah High School Track Team. She went to Region and did a PR of 14 ft.11 3/4 inches and placed 9th in Region. She jumped further than any SHS Long Jumper!
In her first year in middle school, Barbra Rose Kincaid maintained honor roll, is on the News Crew, in chorus and in band. She recently auditioned for and was asked to perform a solo on her clarinet for the spring band concert. Samantha French became a team manager for Pope girls soccer. She has also chosen to attend college early through the dual enrollment program and will be a student at KSU and Pope next year. Kim French did very well running cross country, consistently improving her times and hopes to be part of Pope's team next year. She recently tried out for Pope's advanced Orchestra and made it for her Freshman year!
As a freshman, Trenton Brown maintained all A's and B's and played on the football team. His dedication to the team is evident, as he has made it to all the 6 am weight-lifting practices!
Steven Butz has continued to make straight A's, made All-State Band, achieved the rank of Life Scout in his Boy Scout Troop, and was even invited by the Mayor of Sandy Springs to play the bugle at the Veteran's Day Celebration! This year Ryan Kahrs has been an active athlete and missionary through his school. He played on the football and lacrosse teams and spent his spring break traveling to Guatemala for a mission trip.
If you've been missing Kaitlin Kahrs this semester, it is because she has spent the spring in California as part of a joint enrollment program with her school. She's been studying art, and though we miss her, we're very proud of the adventure she's taken!
Michael McCluskey is playing Varsity Lacrosse this year and will be heading into playoffs next week, at the same time maintaining honor roll grades in honors and AP classes. Emma McCluskey had Straight A's last quarter - a goal she's been working hard on, and she did great in her second swim meet this weekend. Haleigh Mason has continued to play the viola this year, and all of the practice and private lessons really showed when she played at the Candlelight Café for us! This past weekend Eddie Rose spent time working on getting a life guard certification. He also has spent time this year keeping his grades up and participating in the theatre department.
Alex Reese has earned all A's all year and has been selected to be part of the National Junior Honor Society at Faith Lutheran School. She also has worked very hard to overcome multiple injuries from gymnastics. Sage Ono has had a successful year as a swimmer. He is currently in the top 10 in the state in his age group for back stroke! This past weekend Aspen Ono performed in an ice show, and is an accomplished competitive figure skater. She also maintains honor roll in all AP and honors classes. Evan Bensch made the freshman baseball team at Parkview High School. This is an impressive accomplishment because Parkview has one of the best baseball programs in the country! Bailey Mooney had a great time playing in the marching band this past fall and won several competitions with different competitive bands at her school.
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Our Grace Garden Is Busy!
Nancy Trusty
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Fifty-five pounds of collard greens and the kale have been harvested, bagged and taken to the Community Assistance Center. The clients waiting in line recently were so excited to see fresh greens being delivered.
The gardens are now planted with peas, beans, tomatoes and okra. The PAC children planted one of the gardens on April 7 and The Day School children planted another garden on April 29.
Check out the gardens each time you are at the church to see how it is growing!
Pictures: The Day School children, April 29
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Young Adults at SSCC
Stephen Brown, Leader, Young Adults
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Stephen Brown, Leader, Young Adults at SSCC
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Sunday Coffee Hour
Please come and join us in Danny's office for Sunday coffee hour at 10 AM. We are reading the book Love Wins by Rob Bell. Each week the lesson will be led by one of us on a rotation basis. If you would like to lead, please let me know and I will pencil you in.
First Annual Young Adult Summer Retreat
June 21-23, 2013
We will be going camping in the North Georgia Mountains at Lake Rabun. It will start on Friday evening, June 21st. We head home on Sunday, June 23rd. You are welcome to come at any time, but please let us know so we will be looking for you.
* So who can come?
Anyone who has graduated from high school to the age of 30ish. Married or single - it does not matter. Bring a friend it will be a great weekend.
*What is there to do?
- There are two gorgeous falls a short hike from the camp ground, Angel and Panther Falls.
Tallulah Gorge is right down the road.
- Also a kind person has said we are welcome to come and swim from their boat house and also use their boat. Their cabin is walking distance from the camp ground.
- There are falls at the camp ground and Tallulah Gorge is right down the road.
* Our own Rev. Danny Gulden will be our speaker on the topic of Relationships.
* How much does it cost? $20
* How do I get there?
Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552
Directions: Take I-85 north to I-985, past Gainesville continue on U.S. 23 north. Just past Tallulah Gorge turn left on Wiley Connector for 0.1 mile; turn left (south) on Georgia 15 (Historic 441) for 1.4 miles; turn right on Lake Rabun Road (County Road 10) for 5 miles. Look for the sign.
* What if I need a ride there?
If you can get to the church on Friday, we can get you a ride. Otherwise I will be more than happy to help you find one.
* What do I bring?
- Tent if you have one, but I am sure we can find an extra one if you need it.
- Sleeping stuff.
- Swim suit.
- Great attitude.
- Fold up chair for sitting around camp fire.
- And of course, a BIBLE.
* Who do I contact if I want to go?
Stephen Brown sbrown.ga@gmail.com<mailto:sbrown.ga@gmail.com>
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H.E.A.T. Class Was Great!
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"This was a lot of fun! What a great class!" Mary Robeck exclaimed as the H.E.A.T. class finished up. Everyone agreed that the class was informative and well presented with the bonuses of very valuable goodie bags to take home and free lunch! Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) coordinated the class which was presented by volunteers Tom and Mary Evans (lunch was provided by SSCC Outreach). Tom shared testimony and slides of projects he completed at their home and had personal stories with project pay back information. Everyone took home a fabric reusable bag full with a 250-page book on home projects to save money (retail $17.95), insulation, weather stripping, a faucet aerator, switch plate and outlet insulation, and a thermometer.
GIPL's goal is to empower attendees to shrink their carbon footprint. Part of the purpose in offering the class is to encourage participants to covenant together and encourage each other to complete the sensible energy-saving projects. We learned that things as simple as screwing in (the provided) outlet insulation or as involved as hiring someone to blow insulation can make a difference. Several simple ideas were given and all were encouraged to report back on what projects they complete to our new 'covenant group'.
SSCC can offer this class again in the fall if there is enough interest. The 11 that attended on April 28 all agreed it was well worth the time commitment. If you are interested in a future class, tell someone on the Outreach Committee.
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Greetings from Karthikeyan and Thamilarasi
SSCC Sponsored Children, Family Village Farm, Indiar
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Offerings collected in the adult Sunday School classes during one quarter each year are sent to Global Ministries to sponsor two children at the King's Matriculation School associated with the Family Village Farm in Kasam. Vellore. India - We will be collecting for them again in the Third Quarter this year.
You are encouraged to write to the children at the following address:
Ms. Vatsala Vijayakumar, Family Village Farm
Kassam - Ktpadi, Vellore 632 007
N,S. Dist. India
Click here to read the latest letter from Karthikeyan.
Click here to read the latest letter from Thamilarasi.
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In the Life of SSCC
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Go to www.SandySpringsCC.org to view our monthly calendar
"Invitable events" are highlighted in red
MAY 2013
May 5 - Randy Johnson at SSCC
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 - No Sunday School
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
JUNE 2013
June 3-6 - Junior I Camp
June 7-8 - Genesis Camp
June 10-15 - CYF Camp
June 17-22 - Chi Rho Camp
June 22 - Church-wide Pool Party - fundraiser for Rattlesnake, KY family mission trip
June 29-30 - Camp Balaam
June 30 - Pancake Breakfast, 8:45 - 11:00 am (DH)
THE DAY SCHOOL
May 7, 14, 21 & 28 - Zumba Class, 9:15 am (DH)
May 9 - Pocket Full of Poems, 10 am (DH)
May 17 - Field Day - 8 am - 3:30 pm
May 21, 22 - End of Year Parties, 8 am - 3:30 pm
May 22 - Last Day of School
May 23, 24 - Teacher Post Planning, 8 am - 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. June articles are due May 28. 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: nanwoods@bellsouth.net
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