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December 2013                Grace Spoken Here      Volume 14, Issue 12
In This Issue - click a topic to quick link
Viewpoints at SSCC
Grace Notes: Are You Prepared?
End of Year Generosity
SSCC Hosting Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship
Intergenerational Sunday School, December 8
Advent & Christmas Events at SSCC
Youth News
Jesus and Me Kids
Where There's a Will...
Welcome New Members
An Invitation...SSCC Hosting Founders of ICM, Rattlesnake Ridge
Lake Forest Elementary School Thanksgiving Dinner
Why Sing with the Choir?
All Church Calendar
The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines
Join Our Mailing List!
Viewpoints at SSCC

Top 10 Things 

I Love About SSCC and Disciples of Christ

 

When my husband suggested that we try Sandy Springs Christian Church, I thought he was crazy. I mean, why in the world would we drive 25 miles and 45 minutes only to pass hundreds of churches along the way?  Four years later, I cannot even imagine going to church anywhere else!  Those of you, who know me, know that I'm not much of a writer.  The minutes I take at meetings have even affectionately been referred to as "seconds."  Therefore, I'm going to share with you the Top 10 things I have come to love about SSCC and the Disciples of Christ.

 

10.  Serving as a deacon with my daughter - I grew up in a tradition where the role of women in the church was very limited, and it is so refreshing to serve as a deacon with my daughter who is not only female, but also in high school.

9.  Camp Christian - My kids absolutely love attending Camp Christian each summer.  My daughter said after her first year that it was so much more spiritual than another church camp she attended in the past. 

8.  The Ministers - I have enjoyed all those who have ministered at SSCC recently including Danny, Linda, Bryant, Katie, Micki, Leslie, Phil, Erin, and all of the interns.  They have challenged me, encouraged me, and enlightened me!

7.  The Mexico Mission Trip - It has been so exciting supporting the Mexico Mission Trip and hearing the youth and sponsors share where they saw God on the trip.  However, it was not until I actually attended the trip this year that I really was able to experience it and see God for myself in this wonderful ministry! 

6.  Covenant Group - Church is about so much more than Sunday morning worship; it is about community.  Being in a covenant group has given me that much needed community at church, and I really enjoy the encouragement, accountability, and friendship this experience has brought. 

5.  Reverend Linda Whitmire's sermons and prayers - Linda always makes worship so experiential!  This is so impressive to me since I grew up in a tradition where I was told that women could not be ministers. I'm so glad Linda didn't listen if she was ever told that! 

4.  Adult Education - Before SSCC, my experience with Sunday School was having someone read me a commentary from the local Christian bookstore. However, the adult education classes at SSCC have been a great experience.  I've learned so much about myself, my faith, and even other faiths.  It's also refreshing to be able to have fruitful discussions with people with various opinions and beliefs without the fear of starting World War III. 

3.  Youth and Children - I absolutely love that my children are accepted at SSCC just as they are!  They have also really benefitted from youth group, service projects, retreats, and more!

2.  Communion - There's something about sharing at an open table each week that really makes the worship experience.

1.  The Congregation - The very best thing about SSCC is the congregation!  I am so blessed to worship and fellowship with all of you each week!  

 

I'd love to hear what you love about SSCC!

Mandy Mooney

 

[Would you like to write about your experience at SSCC?  Please Contact Nan Woods.  nanwoods@bellsouth.net or 678-721-4303]

  

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Grace Notes:  Are You Prepared?
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister

Are you prepared? I imagine this question strikes fear into many a heart. Prepared for what? Did I forget something? As we move into December, we seem to become busier and busier. In the joy of the season, we are pulled in many different directions. So busy, in fact, that we can easily forget what we really should be preparing for- the gift of the Christ child, born to a teenage mother in a crude manger long ago. Are we prepared for everything to change? Are we prepared to receive the gift of a new reality? In the season of Advent, as we prepare to receive this gift anew, our greatest fear--perhaps the greatest disservice that we can do for ourselves-- is not to be ready to be transformed.

 

Our busyness also blinds us to what type of people we are today. Our preparation is not faithful unless we are asking, "God, what can I do now, what can I do today?" As we see injustice, as we bear witness to struggles of others, do we think, "that should get better soon" or "I hope someone will do something about that." Does our busyness blind us to the needs of others?

 

Here is why being prepared is so important - Henri Nouwen calls it the VACARE DEO, room for God. While we are busy doing other things, we neglect to make room for God. If we fail to make room for God, we will fail to embrace fully the wonderful gift of Christmas.

Enjoy the season. Take in everything it has to offer. When you are asked, "Are you prepared?" be ready to say with confidence, "I am," knowing that there is room for God.

 

Blessings on your journey,

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End of Year Generosity

Dear Church,

 

Over the past 12 months, you have been a part of some amazing work in our community and around the world. Here are a few highlights:

  • Made Mission Trips to Tecate, Mexico and Rattlesnake Ridge, Kentucky
  • Provided tutors, readers, two staff lunches and Thanksgiving dinner for over 440 students and their families at Lake Forest Elementary School
  • Enhanced our Adult Sunday School offering by adding a class for young parents
  • Had full enrollment at Vacation Bible School
  • Introduced Sunday Welcome Hosts
  • Sent 50 campers, counselors and directors to Camp Christian this summer
  • Hosted nationally recognized speakers John Shelby Spong and Nadia Bolz-Weber

These are all exciting indications of a strong and vital church.  Yet another sign of our health as a church is your active participation in our programs and the growth in our overall church membership.  So it seems obvious to say that we want to continue to live into God's calling for SSCC and build on our legacy of "connecting, inspiring, and serving" in the months and years ahead. That said; we must also acknowledge that we are still in a kind of tight situation with member giving as we head into the last few weeks of the year.

 

Please be assured that your generous gifts to the church make a difference in people's lives and in the life of our community. Together, we can finish the year strong and prepare ourselves for an exciting 2014 as a church. My family and I will be making a year-end gift a matter of prayer and priority. I'm asking you and your family to confirm you are fulfilling your pledge for 2013.  I'd also ask that you consider SSCC as a place to direct any year-end gifts that you might be in a position to make.

 

As always, you can make checks out to the church, or you can go to our website, www.sandyspringscc.org and click the GIVE button.  If you choose to gift assets, the transfer instructions are:  Wells Fargo Advisors - attn: Franks Bentley, Jr. - (phone #: 770 751-8450), DTC #: 0141, Acct #: 24737423, Acct name:  Sandy Springs Christian Church.

 

Thank you for all you have done to make such a difference in the lives of so many this year. If you would like more information about your 2013 giving or about year-end giving, please contact Vincine Brown, Business Manager, at 404-256-2582 or vincine@sandyspringscc.org

 

With gratitude,

 

Rev. Danny Gulden

Senior Minister

 

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SSCC Hosting Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship

Thursday, December 12

Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship presents Song of Simeon:  A Christmas Journey

Where:  Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd NW, 30328

When: 7:30 PM, doors open at 7:00 PM

 

Be sure to take a moment to treat yourself this holiday season!! SSCC will host Will Scruggs and his 14-piece ensemble on Thursday December 12 at 7:30 pm as they perform their "Song of Simeon: A Christmas Journey." This performance will take the audience through the Christmas story with song and verse in Will's original show.  The orchestra members are all nationally and internationally acclaimed performers--having played all over the world and recorded with professionals including Natalie Cole and CeeLo Green.

 

We are fortunate to be able to host the Atlanta community to a show of this caliber in our Sanctuary.  Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors!!  Last year's recording of this show was honored by the Wall Street Journal and NPR as one of the five best holiday albums of the year!

Tickets ($15; $10 for students with id) are available on line (Click here) or you may drop a check in the offering plate marked "Christmas Concert " or "Will Scruggs."  If you have questions, including questions about ticket scholarships or group discounts, contact Micki Gonzalez or Nancy McDaniel.
 

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Intergenerational Sunday School, December 8, 10:00 AM
Art Edwards, facilitator

   

 

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Advent & Christmas Events at SSCC

 

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Youth News
Katie & Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors, Youth Ministries 
In August youth focus was on service.  We had a great time hosting a trivia night to benefit Camp Christian and raised enough money to help the camp with several projects.  We also helped Mary Robeck and the Cobb/Douglas Community Services Center pack and prepare food boxes for a special Thanksgiving distribution. It is always a fun annual event that we participate in, and we're thankful for Mary's guidance in this project.

 

In December we will celebrate the Advent season together with a
Bryant & Katie Gibson
Co-Directors of Youth Ministries
couple of our favorite events: Hanging of the Green and the Tacky Sweater Christmas Party!  We are looking forward to a month of fellowship and reflection as we prepare for Christ's birth.

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Jesus and 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

 

Well, here we are once again at the beginning of the Advent season!  I love this time of year, when we enter the annual cycle of journeying toward the celebration of our Savior's birth.  Advent serves as a reminder for me of the extravagant love and welcome that God offers to all of us through the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In the Children's ministry program, our kids begin this journey each November in service to others by decorating grocery bags that are filled by our youth group with a Thanksgiving feast that is handed out to the clients of the Cobb/Douglas Community Services Center.  


This year, we had great fun sharing lunch, and working on more than 50 bags during our November 24th J.A.M. Kids meeting.  And there is more to come!  We will be helping to wrap presents for Lake Forest Elementary on December 15th during the Sunday School hour, followed by our final J.A.M kids meeting of the year--our Christmas Party (December 15, 12:30 to 2:00 PM)!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family and are looking forward to all that is coming up at SSCC in December. 

  

top:  Becky made us a fruit turkey!  I love to color turkeys!
bottom:  J.A.M.ing in service.   Let's decorate some bags!.

       

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Where There's a Will, There's (fill in the blank)

Rev. Randy Johnson, Christian Church Foundation

Where There's a Will There's (fill in the blank)!

           

How would you fill in the blank?  From my experience, there are many great answers such as: 

Peace of mind for you and for loved ones

Love and care for family

Good stewardship

A thoughtful plan

A Legacy!

 

I often hear people say things like "I don't need a Last Will and Testament because I don't have any money" or "...because I'm so young." 

 

Do you have children or other family members in your care?  Your will directs who will care for them and how resources might be directed to provide for such care. If you don't have a will, the courts will decide. Do you have a "Significant Other" in your life?  Your will can provide care for that loved one.  It can also relieve your loved ones from having to make very difficult decisions about what they "think" or "hope" you would have wanted.  You are the best person to make such decisions and protect your loved ones.

 

None of us knows how much or how little we will have at the time of our death. I have heard many stories of people who did not think they needed a will, but died with significant resources that were squandered away because of unnecessary legal costs related to disagreements of survivors about how to settle the estate.  You can prevent such a mess with your own thoughtful plans.

 

And a will is one of the best ways you can be assured that there can be a legacy gift to support the Sandy Springs Christian Church that you have loved, appreciated and supported through the years. Adding the church among the beneficiaries in your estate will let your loved ones know the importance you placed on your faith, and be an example to others. What a special legacy that will be!

 

 

Welcome New Members!

We welcome and congratulate these new members on this step in their faith journey.

 

Vicente and Shavette Turner, daughters Blake and Elin 

November 6, 2013

no photo available

 

Vicente and Shavette Turner were introduced to SSCC through The Day School, where their daughters, Blake and Elin, both attend. Vicente is retired from the military and Shavette works for Make-A-Wish Georgia.  They chose SSCC because of its authenticity and it feeling like home.

 

Emily Abernathy

November 24, 2013

 

Emily first became involved with SSCC as a participant in the Mexico Mission Trip and has served as a youth sponsor, worship leader, and as a summer intern in 2012. She is currently an intern with Campus Christian Fellowship at Georgia Tech and plans to attend seminary next fall to pursue a Master of Divinity degree. She chose SSCC because of the way it embodies and models Christian community. Welcome Emily!

 

  

     

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An Invitation:  SSCC Hosting Founders of ICM, Rattlesnake Ridge
                           December 13
You are invited to join the Atlanta community in Dunlap Hall on Friday, December 13 as we host Barb and Hilton Duncan (founders of ICM, Rattlesnake Ridge).  The evening will be an informal, drop-in event with a chance to get an update on Rattlesnake Ridge projects and families, grab dinner for a $5 donation and to visit with the Duncans.  Doors will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 PM with formal presentations at 6:00 and 7:30. Be sure to stop by to support this ministry.  

  

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Lake Forest Elementary School Thanksgiving
Julie Sanford

Every year Den and I help at the Lake Forest Thanksgiving dinner. This year was no exception.  We look forward to it and regard it as our kick-off to the holiday season.

 

On Friday evening, November 15, we reported with pie in hand for our assignments (and in comfortable shoes of course). Den was the greeter and ticket taker along with a Lake Forest teacher.  She gave Den a very insightful history of the school.  I saw the families next as they waited in line for me to put the turkey on their tray (thus I was nicknamed "the turkey lady").

 

The joy of looking into their bright eyes and smiling faces makes serving so worth it.  The children are dressed in their best clothes and waiting for a special meal.  Many of the parents do not speak English, but they do know when you are complimenting them on their children. They just beam with pride.

 

This year was even more special when two brothers presented each volunteer with a hand written thank you note.  Their mother stood in the background looking so proud.  When she looked at me, I patted my heart with my hand and before I knew it she gave me a big hug.  A language all its own between two mothers. 

 

We thought we were giving them a gift, but it was a gift we received.

 

Click here to view pictures from the Thanksgiving Dinner.

  

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Why Sing With a Choir? 
Part 4 of a 4-part series
Micki Gonzalez, Director, Music Ministries 

Why not?  It is the original "small group" ministry.  Choral singers enjoy a bond that can only be understood by those who become part of a choir.  We are all in this together!  Can rehearsing be tedious?  Of course, but interspersed are moments of passion, of exhilaration, of humor, of reflection, even prayer.  Singers may be tired after a full rehearsal, but their spirits are refreshed in a unique way.  They have worked together, learned together, and each found their place in the fabric of sound. 

I hope these articles about choir have helped you think about it in a different way, and perhaps heightened your appreciation of what the members of a choir can accomplish.  It's not alchemy or magic; it is spirit-filled energy that brings us all close together as we raise our voices to the glory of God.  Now, won't you think about how you could become a part of our choir?  We need you.

  

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All Church Calendar

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

"Invitable events" are highlighted in red

 

DECEMBER 2013

1 - Chrismon Making between services (CR) 

7 - Women's Ministries Christmas Communion Service & Brunch, 9:45 AM gathering (S, DH)

8 - Intergenerational Sunday School, 10:00 AM, Dunlap Hall

8 - Hanging of the Green and Cup of O' Cheer, 5:30 PM (S, DH)

12 - Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship Presentation, 7:30 PM (S)

15 - Gift Wrap for Lake Forest Elementary, 10:00-11:15 AM (DH)

16 - Women's Bible Study, 10:00 AM at Linda's home

22 - Reception for Leslie Raymer, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (C)

22 - Lessons & Carols and Children's Play, one service at 10:00 AM (S)

24 - Christmas Eve Services, 5:00 PM Casual Candlelight Communion Service (S)

                                                 7:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Communion Service (S)

24 & 25 - SSCC offices closed (beginning 12:00 PM Christmas Eve)

29 - Pancake Breakfast, 8:45-11:00 AM (DH)

29 - College Age Sunday, one service at 10:00 AM (S)

31 - SSCC offices closes at 12:00 PM for New Year's

 

JANUARY 2014

1 - SSCC closed for New Year's Day

22 - Women's Bible Study, 10:00 AM (CR)

25 - Candlelight Cafe, 7:00 PM (DH) 

 

DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 - THE DAY SCHOOL

Dec 2 - TDS Preregistration begins

             Puppet Show, 10:00 AM

Dec 23-Jan 6 - Holiday Break 

Jan 7 - First Day Back from Holiday Break

Jan 16 & 17 - Conferences for all but Pre-K  

Jan 20 - Closed for MLK Day

 

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 (Campbell-Stone)                               

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)

3rd Thursday in December - 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 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, rehearsal 8:15 AM (S)

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

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

                             Sanctuary Choir - rehearsal 10:40 AM (Choir Room or 202)

 

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)

  

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The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines

Wellspring contributions are due 4 workdays before the end of each month. January articles are due December 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:  nanwoods@bellsouth.net 

 

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