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October 2013 Grace Spoken Here Volume 14, Issue 10

In This Issue - click a topic to quick link

Viewpoints at SSCC

A Note from Danny: "Why This Church?"

Great Day of Service: Thank You to Everyone!

Legacy Builders: Florene Fowler

How Can You Share Your Compassion?

Real People, Real Faith a Success

The Day School: "Learning Very Important Life Skills"

Third Quarter Sunday School Offerings

The Mission of a Church Choir

SSCC J.A.M. 'Jesus & Me' Kids

Youth Group Kickoff

Guess Who Has Been Selected as a "Profile of Positive Aging?"

Memorials Committee

In the Life of SSCC

The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines

Join Our Mailing List!

Viewpoints at SSCC

My Mother grew up in Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta. My Dad's sister, my Aunt Mary, was a charter member of Peachtree Christian and was very close to Dr. Burns, so my parents migrated to the Christian Church in their suburban neighborhood - Grove Park Christian, an Independent Christian Church, where I grew up.

Fast forward 30 years, and I found myself a member of East Point Christian, where I met and grew to love Florene and Don Fowler. Things change and circumstances caused me to desert the church for a while, but my "Christian" upbringing led me to search for just the "right" church.

Somehow I found my way to SSCC one Sunday, which just happened to be Glen Miles' second Sunday at SSCC. What a surprise for me as I sat in the congregation and listened to this dynamic minister who was from California and had the last name of a dear minister friend who had earned my respect and support - Glen's father.

I became a member and life was wonderful. Fast forward 15 years, when on December 23rd, my home was virtually destroyed by fire. My friend, Laura, insisted we attend the Christmas Eve service the next night, and while I was still in a fog of disbelief and fear, Merilyn Dimmitt, a new member of SSCC, came to me, put her arms around me, and told me I would get through it. She had experienced the same thing and with help from friends, family and God, she got through - and so would I.

We read her story of love and grace in Danny's Chalice Chat column of September 20th. I can only emphasize what she said, and tell you how very sure I am that God led me to SSCC and "connected me," just as he did Merilyn. I don't believe there could be another place that would love, welcome and nurture me as this church family does.

My thanks to my Aunt Mary for her influence, to my parents for their decision, to you for your love and nurturing, and to God for his guidance. You know, when you stop and think about it, He really is in control - if we just listen!

Mary Anne Posey

Quick Links

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A Note from Danny: "Why This Church?"

Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister

Rev. Danny Gulden,

Senior Minister

Adam Hamilton is a United Methodist pastor and author who lives in Kansas City. He speculates that for any church to thrive and grow, its members must be able to answer the question, "Why this church?" So for us, we must be able to answer the question, "Why Sandy Springs Christian Church?" We practiced this in the Community Sunday School class a few weeks ago, and there were some great answers. For me, this is why I feel called to serve this church.

History

It may seem strange to begin with history, but our shared history is powerful. Those who have served before me have, in many cases, had a profound impact on my life and continue to shape my ministry. To innovate with any integrity, a church must sit on a solid foundation, and SSCC has had and continues to have a powerful witness in our community and the world.

Theology

Everyone does theology, even if they don't realize it. It means "to talk about God." From "Grace Spoken Here" to all being welcome at the Table, I love the way in which we talk about God. We have a rich tapestry woven in our community of how people understand God and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I realize we don't always agree, but we continue to talk, and we continue to take the words of Scripture seriously. We are open to the spirit of God moving among us and shaping us.

Witness to the Community and the World

An image of the church as a filling station where people are filled and sent out into the world is alive and well in this place. We strive to make the world more peaceful just as we do great work in the community and the world. From Community Assistance Center to Lake Forest Elementary to our mission trips to Mexico and Rattlesnake Ridge, to our support for Disciples Mission Fund, Week of Compassion and Global Ministries, we are making a difference. I love the stories of what our people are doing day to day in their own lives to make a difference.

Commitment to New Generations

It is a gift to be a multi-generation congregation. It is becoming rarer to see a church reflect a healthy population of people in each generation. We achieve that. Our youth ministry continues to thrive and grow; our children's ministries are providing a nurturing, loving environment for children to grow in faith, and even more possibilities in front of us. The relationship with our Day School families continues to grow and has never been stronger than it is right now. We are beginning to further support parents of young children. We are also taking steps and seeing progress in making this a church that the millennial generation will not only feel comfortable and challenged to be a part of, but one where they will be eager to invite others.

People

I can think of hundreds of stories to tell about our people, about you. You simply are a grace-filled people who seek to be inclusive, challenged, and loving of one another. Your journeys are diverse, just as your sorrows and joys are diverse. Each and every week, as I look out at our congregation, I am reminded of how incredible you are. You are a beacon of hope in this world as we seek together to make the vision of God a reality. Each and every one of you embodies the love and grace of God for me.

Grace and peace,

Great Day of Service: Thank You to Everyone!

About 30 people participated in our traditional Great Day of Service on Saturday, September 7. This tradition started years ago when Congress declared September 11 as a Great Day of Service in honor of all the heroes of 9-11-2001.

Four projects were offered: Yard clean up at SSCC coordinated by Chris and Scott Dalton; Kitchen clean up coordinated by Marilyn and Jim Torbert; The Community Assistance Center coordinated by Carol Armstrong; and our interfaith efforts through Initiative for Affordable Housing coordinated by Leslie and Bruce Lady.

Those participating in the two projects on the SSCC campus had an opportunity to pay back some appreciation for the work our regular yard and kitchen volunteers provide faithfully.

Our volunteers at the CAC worked their usual first-Saturday-of-the-month positions as our efforts in the food bank, thrift shop and counseling allow the CAC to open their doors to those in need. Tamara Carrera, executive director of the CAC, says this agency is serving 51% more Sandy Springs and Dunwoody residents now than they did two years ago. Thanks to Sandy Springs Christian Church, those in need can be helped on Saturday.

Across town in Decatur, an abandoned house had been donated to the Initiative for Affordable Housing. While waiting for some touch up repairs to be completed before a formerly homeless family was given keys to move in, vandals threw bricks through the front window. The vandals then stole appliances, copper electrical wires and the copper plumbing, destroying sheet rock in the process. Now the house needs much more work before it is habitable. A long day was spent chipping and removing a large tree that had fallen across the driveway. Some electrical wires were replaced, but there is much more to be done. We worked alongside a dozen friends from the Islamic Center of North Fulton. This project will continue as time, talent and money allows. Please speak to Bruce Lady or Nancy McDaniel if you are interested or able to help with more.

Thanks to everyone who honored our heroes of 9-11 by serving.

More pictures of volunteers helping with the various projects are on the SSCC Skydrive. Click Here to open the folder. Thank you, Nancy McDaniel, for sharing your pictures.

Legacy Builders: "Insuring that in the future, many people (and little children) will receive the words and blessings of God in their lives."

Florene Fowler

For 16 years, Don and I drove past this church each Sunday morning as we traveled to our church of 46 years. The the time came for us to make a decision about distance and time. This church was so close to home and a Christian Church. We decided to visit.

Our first Sunday, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, was a memorable day in our lives - we loved everything! Glen Miles made us feel "at home." Others were so welcoming, and we were back for the Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday evening. We always felt God led us to this church. This is a place of God's grace.

Soon we were serving in several capacities. My love for 35 years prior to coming here was teaching children. This was my calling, and I answered it.

Don and I always centered our lives around our love for God and how He might use us. Legacy Builders is a way to insure that in the future, many people (and little children) will receive the words and blessings of God in their lives.

He is the Savior and it is a joy to witness to Him.

There is one other thing I am sure of -- if Don were still by my side, he would welcome and embrace giving to Legacy Builders.

God has richly blessed us. Let us pass on blessings and love.

Florene Fowler

How Can You Share Your Compassion?

October 26, 2013 will be our nation's 23rd annual MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY; the United States largest day of community service. According to Scott Pelley, of CBS News, the USA is the most generous community on Earth. It doesn't have to cost money. It doesn't necessarily require a special talent. It only takes a moment of compassion.

Please find a way to make a difference for someone on Saturday, October 26. Grab a broom, a pen, a hammer, comfort a child, lift a heart. Our children are going to brainstorm ideas during Sunday School on October 20. Everyone is encouraged to participate. On Sunday, October 27 we will record our different deeds and create a display of the creative ways we followed Jesus' example of compassion towards all mankind.

Real People, Real Faith a Success

Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister

Nadia Bolz-Weber

Sandy Springs Christian Church hosted its 9th Annual Real People, Real Faith event with Nadia Bolz-Weber as our speaker. Nadia shared with attendees her journey of faith, how her congregation in Denver is reaching millennials, and how culture change has impacted the church. Her new book, Pastrix, was released the week she was here, so she shared stories from the book as well.

Mark your calendars for September 2014, when SSCC will host theologian Marcus Borg for Real People, Real Faith.

Many thanks to Bruce and Leslie Lady for organizing and leading the RPRF event.

Thank you, Shelton Blackburn, for sharing your photos on the SSCC Skydrive. Click here to open the folder.

The Day School: "Learning Very Important Life Skills"

Kathy Gregory, Director, The Day School

Kathy Gregory

Director, The Day School

It is hard to believe that we only have been in school for less than a month. If you were to watch our morning carpool on any given day, you would see smiling faces and warm "hellos" from our tiny little friends. Our afternoon carpool is a different story - several children burst into tears at the thought of leaving their classmates & teachers and beg their mothers to let them stay for lunch. From our two-year-olds to our pre-K students, we have a school filled with happy children. I credit our phenomenal teachers for this smooth transition. They open their doors as well as their hearts to each and every child and assure them that they are loved and important - lessons to last a lifetime!

As we move into the fall, we are preparing for our Annual Art Show and Bake Sale on October 16th. Our MMO teacher, Patti Sigeti will be preparing and selling her fabulous soup in our Country Kitchen, and our wonderful moms will be selling home baked goods at our bake sale. We have approximately 30 vendors coming to market their wares just in time for the approaching holiday season. I invite you all to join us and bring a friend on October 16th from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM - bring your checkbook & be prepared to SHOP!!

At the end of October, some of our parents will see their children up on a stage for the very first time. Personally, it is a moment that I will never forget. All of our students will parade and perform in their Halloween costumes in front of their fellow friends and family members. It is so much fun to watch the children gain confidence as they move through the classes at The Day School. They learn very important life skills at a young age without even noticing it - the true beauty of a top notch education.

Kathy Gregory

Third Quarter Sunday School Offerings

Great job adults!! Once again, our third quarter Sunday School offerings are enough to pay for another year of education for Thami and Karthi, two students at The Family Village Farm in Vellore, India. Both send letters several times a year and are always sure to express their gratitude. Although both of these students live with their parents and siblings, their fathers do not make enough money to pay for their education.

Vatsala, the head master of the school, visited SSCC last May and educated us about the school, the community and our two students. They hunger for news from the United States. Please consider writing a letter to either or both of them. Contact Nancy McDaniel for details on their ages, interests and address. Our donations are making a tremendous difference in their lives! Thank you.

Click here to read the latest letter from Thami.

Click here to read the latest letter from Karthi.

Thami Karthi

The Mission of a Church Choir: Part 2 of a 4-Part Series

Micki Gonzalez, Director of Music Ministries

The true mission of a church choir is not really to allow a place for singers to show off their voices, but a place where singers learn to use their voices within a group, or ensemble, in such a way that the sum is always more than the parts. Choral singers are the threads, and the fabric they weave changes color and mood with the nature of the music they sing. It is a living model of how people in faith communities can work together to make or accomplish something that they could never do individually.

When a choir sings on its own, without the support of a keyboard instrument, the vibration of the voices sync together in such a way that it can make the spine tingle. The harmonic movement of the voices carries the meaning of the words in an intimate way that really communicates to the listeners, almost on a visceral level. Of course, it gets exciting when the organ or piano jumps in and adds yet another dimension to the sound!

At its most contemplative, choral singing can bring a sense of the Spirit to the gathered listeners that few other moments during worship can emulate. Choral singing, by its nature, is a very spiritual experience. We very often feel the Spirit moving us along as we sing together.

SSCC J.A.M. 'Jesus & Me' Kids

Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families

Leslie Raymer Minister for Children and Families

Jesus said: "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them;

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:4

For over 50 years, the nurturing and spiritual formation of our SSCC children has been a core value of the mission of Sandy Springs Christian Church. At Sandy Springs, we take Jesus' calling to 'let the children come' to heart and acknowledge that our kids are a sacred gift from God. We work through our Children's Ministry programs to surround our kids in a community of love where they will learn to joyfully connect with God and each other, and through these connections, grow in service to God and others. We are committed to enabling our children to experience the fullness of life as Jesus proclaimed: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

In recognition of Jesus' call to us to welcome extravagantly all children into the heart of our worship life, we are naming our children's group the SSCC J.A.M 'Jesus & Me' Kids. The J.A.M. Kids program is designed to provide a space where our children can learn, grow, and most importantly, feel free to ask questions through age appropriate worship, education, fellowship, and outreach experiences. The purpose of our children's ministry is to help our children experience Jesus, connect them to caring leaders, and equip them to love others as God does. Our mission is two fold:

To teach, encourage, and knit together our children and their families in love, so that they will have a rich experience of knowing Christ's love in a wonderful Christian community

To journey with our children as they gain a clear understanding of God's message through worship, instruction, fellowship, and outreach.

Over the next few months, we will be profiling our J.A.M Kids program in the Wellspring, offering everyone a chance to get to know the wonderful volunteers and staff members who work with our children.

Sunday Children's Worship

On Sunday mornings, we offer a variety of worship experiences including Bible story time in the nursery, Children's Worship during each of our main worship services, and monthly Children's Chapel. Each Sunday, children aged 3 to 11 spend time worshiping together during both the 9:00 and 11:15 AM worship services. The children gather in the Sanctuary with their parents for the beginning of our Sunday morning services, then leave for children's worship and learning activities at the end of the Lord's Prayer. The children meet their worship leaders in the Centrum and return to the Sanctuary for communion.

Children's worship includes stories from the Bible, prayers, a creative activity, and a snack. Once each month, the children participate in monthly Children's Chapel, which includes a children's sermon, music, and a communion service in which the children participate as servers. Children's worship would not be possible without the hard work of our wonderful, talented volunteers (Teresa Bensch, Stephanie Williams, Elizabeth Peterson, Lynn McCahren, and Mary Robeck) and nursery care workers (Ljijana 'Lily' Petricevic and Ashley McAdoo).

SSCC also offers our children opportunities to participate in the main worship services throughout the year. The kids bring in the light each week as acolytes, participate in the annual Hanging of the Green service, work hard each Advent season to present the Lessons and Carols Children's play, and sing in our Children's Choir during the Advent and Easter seasons. Keep an eye out as our singers start practicing in mid-October with Kristin Wolf to begin getting ready for our annual Lessons and Carols play!! Stay tuned next month, as we profile our SSCC Nursery!

Youth Group Kickoff

Katie & Bryant Gibson, Directors of Youth Ministries

Katie & Bryant Gibson

Directors of Youth Ministries

Youth Group is in full swing now! We have played games, eaten awesome food (thank you parents!) and had great discussion. Our Youth enjoyed Fear Factor: Food Edition including an egg toss, Happy Meals in a blender, and a game of Can You Top This? where youth ate crackers topped with anchovies, whip cream, peanut butter, and jalapenos.

Our youth also hosted a Youth Rally On September 29th. Over 50 youth from all over the region attended. It was a great event and a chance for our youth to connect with Disciples youth! See pictures below.

The Youth Group also has a monthly newsletter called "The Vine." We have copies beneath the Connect Board, and you can also find it online on the church website. Please check it out if you get a chance!

Youth Rally, September 29

Guess Who Has Been Selected as a "Profile of Positive Aging?"

Barbara G. Duren

Barb Duren, that's who! We received word from Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs that Barb will be honored at the October 2 Profiles of Positive Aging Gala Luncheon sponsored by the Georgia Institute on Aging.

This event pays tribute to Elders of Leading Age Georgia member organizations. A Profile of Positive Aging honors someone who has made a difference in their community, their organization, and/or our society. It is the gift of legacy. "By recognizing someone who exemplifies Positive Aging, you honor those who are standing on the shoulders of years of wisdom and positive aging experiences, who have lived life to the fullest and inspire us by their examples."

Congratulations, Barb!

Memorials Committee

The Memorials Committee acknowledges with appreciation these gifts.

IN MEMORY OF:

Bob Roper

by Suzanne Mingus Phillips June 2013

Gordon Dalrymple

by Shasta Johnson June 2013

Suzanne Mingus Phillips

Jim & Marilyn Torbert

by Sid & Kathy Elliott July 2013

In the Life of SSCC

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

"Invitable events" are highlighted in red

OCTOBER 2013

6 - World Communion Sunday

6 - Focus Group Sunday School begins

6 & 13 - Bylaws Conversations, 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM (CG)

6 - Pet Blessing, 4:00 PM

20 - Stewardship Celebration Sunday, 10:00 AM followed by lunch (no Sunday School)

27 - Youth Worship Service, 9:00 AM (DH)

27 - Trunk 'n Treat Festivities, 5-7 PM (DH, K, Parking Lot)

Trunk 'n Treat part of festivities in the Parking Lot, 6:00-6:45 PM

NOVEMBER 2013

3 - Daylight Savings Time ends

3 - All Saints Sunday

3 - Youth Trivia Night, gather at 5:30; Game at 6:00 PM

6-8 - Lake Forest Thanksgiving prep and cleanup (K)

8 - Lake Forest Thanksgiving dinner at school

10 - Stewardship Announcement Sunday

10 & 17 - Thanksgiving Special Offering

24 - Chrismon Making between services

28 & 29 - SSCC closed for Thanksgiving

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2013 - THE DAY SCHOOL

Oct 16 - Annual Art & Gift Show

Oct 30 & 31 - Halloween Programs

Nov 5 - Closed for Election Day

Nov 22 - Thanksgiving Feast

Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

ONGOING GROUPS

1st & 3rd Monday: Learner's Bridge, 12:45 - 4:00 PM (CG)

2nd Monday: Widowed Helping Others, 11:40 AM-2:00 PM (at member home)

4th Monday: Experienced Bridge, 12:30-4:30 PM (CW)

1st Tuesday: Gamma Circle, 10:30 AM (205)

1st Wednesday bi-monthly: Caring Made Visible, 12:00 PM (CR)

2nd Wednesday: Sigma Delta Circle, 10:30 AM (CG)

Sigma Delta lunch, 12:00 PM (CR)

Prayer Group, 12:30 PM (CG)

4th Wednesday: Women's Bible Study, 10:00 AM (CR)

1st Saturday: Outreach Ministry staffs CAC, 9:45 AM - 1:15 PM

4th Sunday: J.A.M Kids, 1st through 5th grade, 3:30-5:30 PM (Room 120)

Wednesdays: Handbell Choir, 6:15 PM (Music Ministry Suite)

Sanctuary Choir, 7:30 PM (Music Ministry Music Suite)

Fridays: Men's Fellowship, 7:00 AM (CR)

Saturdays: SSCC Garden Group, 8:30-10:00 AM

Sundays: Youth Group, 4:30-7:00 PM (DH) Middle School and High School

Early Risers, 9:00 AM contemporary worship service

Children's Music Program rehearsal, 9:30 AM (Music Ministry Suite)

Youth Handbells rehearsal - after second service (Music Ministry Suite)

Sanctuary Choir - 11:15 AM traditional worship service

CARE COUNSELING

1st & 3rd Thursday - Medicare Counseling with Joyce Edwards, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (PC) by appt.

2nd & 4th Thursday - Financial Counseling with Jim Armstrong, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (PC) by appt.

Every Friday - Caregiver Counseling with Daphne Reiley, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (PC) by appt.

COVENANT GROUPS

2nd Monday - Kapphahn, 1:00-3:00 PM (at Kapphahn home)

2nd Tuesday - Jeff Morgan, 7:00-9:00 PM (CG)

4th Tuesday - Chrysalis, 6:30 PM (CG)

4th Thursday - Ralph Bowlin, 7:00-9:00 PM (CR)

The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines

Wellspring contributions are due 4 workdays before the end of each month. November articles are due October 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