Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister

I am often asked the question, "What are you reading?" It's no secret that I love to read and reading is an important part of my ministry. As summer comes around, it provides a time when many of us will have vacation or a little down time. This seems like a good time to share what I am reading in hopes you might find something you would want to read as well. Let me know. I am always up for coffee (I'll buy) and a great discussion.

This little book on the three most powerful prayers we can pray will be the subject of a sermon series in the near future. Wonderful, honest insight into a life of prayer in a way that only Anne Lamott can deliver

The subtitle of this book is "Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World." Goff was long considered a legend by his friends with some of his incredible actions done in the name of love. He finally wrote a book about it that guarantees to inspire.

Tony Kriz is the pastor of his Portland neighborhood. He has real life conversation with people he encounters that prove that God will use anyone, anywhere. His stories encourage us to open our eyes to the presence of God all around us.

If our nation's gross national income, $14 trillion dollars, was divided evenly over every household, everyone in America would be middle class. Edelman looks at the difficulties in breaking cycles of poverty and why so many remain unemployed and underemployed. A valuable read that helps us to think differently about the cycle of poverty.

What makes things popular? If you said advertising, you are wrong. Social influence is the number one factor in making anything catch with others. The number of items, products, etc. that we discuss each day without even knowing it will amaze you. A great read in terms of thinking about what makes a church catch on in a community.

Happy reading this summer!

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A packed house of people attended a lecture by Bishop John Shelby Spong at SSCC on Monday, May 6 -- and they weren't disappointed. Bishop Spong provided fascinating insights into the Gospels based on our understanding of Jewish customs and traditions. He referenced two of his bestselling books in the lecture: Liberating the Gospels and Reading the Bible with Jewish Eyes. For those who might be interested, there are a few DVD copies of the lecture available through the church office.

Guest Speaker for Real People Real Faith Announced: Nadia Bolz Weber

Everyone at Bishop Spong's lecture was also excited to hear that our guest speaker at the fall Real People, Real Faith program (September 13 &14) will be Nadia Bolz-Weber, the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver, Colorado. Nadia Bolz-Weber is a leading voice in the emerging church movement and her writings can be found in The Christian Century and Jim Wallis' God's Politics blog. There is more to come on this event, so stay tuned!

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This year, SSCC's family mission trip is to Rattlesnake Ridge, Kentucky.  Rattlesnake Ridge is located in McCreary County in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern KY.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau's five year American Community Survey, McCreary County is the 10th poorest county in the Unites States.  The average family lives on less than $12,000 annually.

We will be working through Integrated Christian Ministries repairing two homes.  There is roof repair, electrical work, framing, sheet rock work, window installation, floor repair, painting, and yard work to be done.  The families of the homes will work alongside us during day.  It is possible that there will also be work at the thrift shop, a summer lunch program or food bank or an educational facility. 

Our group will stay in a bunkhouse approximately 20 minutes from the work site.  There is room for 18 to sleep on bunks and there are two showers for the group.  We will eat meals prepared by Jim Torbert in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church in Whitley City which is walking distance from the bunkhouse. 

This is a new partnership with a whole new set of rules.  Our group will bring their own tools and talent; construction and instruction will be led by our own people.  We need prayers and support more than ever.  Everyone is encouraged to participate in the June 22 church-wide pool party to raise funds for the project building materials.  Anyone interested in truly stepping out in faith and joining this mission trip is required to either attend the June 6 meeting (7 pm in the Conference Room) or speak to Nancy McDaniel before that date.  All are encouraged to consider being a part of this amazing opportunity!!

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Katie & Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors of Youth Ministries

After having a wonderful year with our youth, we celebrated with a "Night at the Emmy's!" Our youth and parents dressed the part and looked fantastic! We had a great dinner--thank you to Jim and Marilyn Torbert for the fantastic brisket--and celebrated our youth with some special awards. After receiving awards such as "Best Chef" (Haleigh Mason), "Perfect Attendance" (Trenton Brown), and "Best Comeback" (Alex Reese), we honored one of our beloved seniors, Justin Stanfill. Lots of kind words were said, and we all agree that we will miss Justin and the leadership he brings to our group.

It was a wonderful night, but an ever more wonderful year! Thank you to all of the youth, sponsors and parents. We couldn't be involved in a better group!

Click here to view the Skydrive album, "Youth Banquet"

In the Life of SSCC

Go to www.SandySpringsCC.org to view our monthly calendar 

"Invitable events" are highlighted in red