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January 2014                Grace Spoken Here      Volume 15, Issue 1
In This Issue - click a topic to quick link
Viewpoints at SSCC
Grace Notes: Welcome to a New Year
Congregational Lunch & Annual Meeting February 2
Will Scruggs Fellowship Christmas Concert: More Than Fantastic
Young Adult Ministries
Lessons and Carols Children's Play
Women's Ministries Communion Worship Service and Brunch: A Newcomer's Impressions
Welcome New Member!
Holler 'N Hills Holiday Event
Wrapping Up a Little Holiday Magic
Upcoming Adult Education
Thank You from the Church Staff
Youth Ministries
Mexico Christmas Tree
75ers Celebration
All Church Calendar
The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines
Join Our Mailing List!
Viewpoints at SSCC

I thought writing about why I love Sandy Springs Christian Church would be easy.  I am 4th generation Disciple.  My parents moved to Georgia in 1968 and became youth mentors for SSCC (which was then meeting in another church's basement).   I suppose, SSCC welcomed me literally from the womb.   

 

Growing up at SSCC was very much like it is now.  Sunday School had loving adults teaching us about Jesus. There were the pot luck dinners, children's choir, the children's plays, baptism classes, youth group, Camp Christian, and the youth rally at Epworth. These are many of the same things that Haleigh and Michaela love about church today.  These are great reasons to love SSCC!

 

However, I know they are not the reasons I have never changed my membership in 44 years.  If they were, my attendance at SSCC would have been more consistent over the last 44 years.  

 

Consistency is that on Sunday someone will stand at a quietly set table.  They will remind us of another table, where those who loved Jesus gathered.  We are asked if we want to come to the table, no questions asked.   We are told that we are welcome here.

 

That is the reason I love SSCC,  because home is where they accept you to the table no questions asked.

 

Sheri Mason

 

Sheri Mason with daughters
Haleigh & Michaela
   
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Grace Notes:  Welcome to a New Year
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister
       Rev. Danny Gulden,                 Senior Minister

One of the most popular ways to begin a new year is to make resolutions. It seems everybody wants to lose weight, get in shape, become more organized, get on a budget, etc. More than 12 percent of gym members join in January as compared to about 8 percent in other months. Typically, most resolutions fall by the wayside before spring. If you have ever belonged to a gym, you know it's much easier to find an open treadmill in April than in January. We live in an instant society and we want instant results. We don't get what we want when we want it, so we slowly stop any pursuit of our goal.


A colleague recently told me that I was impatient. After thinking about it, my colleague may be right. Patience is tough to have over the long haul. It's hard to see the big picture and to persevere. I suspect it's human nature to be impatient. The book of Hebrews encourages us to "run the race before us with perseverance." In short, life is not a sprint but a marathon.

As we begin a new year and seek to live in new ways, may we have patience and perseverance. Ultimately, maybe it's better to not make resolutions, but instead list ways in which we desire transformation in our lives. Maybe it's best if we write down the places in our lives where we will intentionally seek God's leading. Imagine what would happen if we committed ourselves to being open to the ways God seeks to work in us and through us. I suspect we will be amazed at what takes place .


Peace to your path ,

 

 

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Congregational Lunch & Annual Meeting - February 2
Bryant McDaniel, President of the Congregation

Mark your calendars for the Congregational Lunch & Annual Meeting on February 2

 
Please plan to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 2 in Dunlap Hall (immediately following the 11:15 service).  The Torberts will be serving!  We will be voting on the slate of nominees for various elected positions and the budget for 2014.  And, yes, this is Super Bowl Sunday.  But we will be done in plenty of time for you to catch all the pre-game festivities!

 

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Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship Christmas Concert: More Than Fantastic!
Micki Gonzalez, Director of Music Ministries

Wonderful music rang out from the Sanctuary of Sandy Springs Christian Church on Thursday, December 12, made by 14 exceptionally fine musicians: The Will 
Scruggs Jazz Fellowship.  They came to perform their 2012 CD "Song of Simeon: A Christmas Journey," which had been rated as one of the top five of the season by the Wall Street Journal, NPR and SiriusXM Radio.  To say they were fantastic is to underestimate the experience of being there, watching and listening as they joyfully played both familiar and unusual Christmas carols wrapped in a framework of the Christmas story from Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John.  More than 180 people came to listen, clap and be thrilled.  What a memorable night at SSCC!  Thanks to Nancy McDaniel, Will and his team for helping make this wonderful event happen!  


 Click here for more pictures on Skydrive.  All photos by Vincent Tseng

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Young Adult Ministries

A group of 12 young adults spent a wonderful retreat in north Georgia over Christmas break. We spent time in fellowship, ate lots of yummy food, played fun games, had meaningful discussions, and shared communion together. It was a wonderful time to connect, recharge, and allow God to work through our group. We'd like to give Rev. Linda Whitmire a special thank you for opening her home to us for the weekend. It was truly a wonderful, spirit-filled time together!


front row:  Emily, Janet, Caroline
middle row:  Katie, Diana, Haley, Jenny, Rachel, Hannah
back row:  Bryant, Danny

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Lessons and Carols Children's Play
Leslie Raymer, Minister for Children and Families
   Leslie Raymer,
Minister for Children and Families
Our 2013 Lessons and Carols Children's play, 'A Sandy Springs

Christian Christmas Carol' was a wonderful success.  Our young actors did a great job teaching us all about Christmas Love. The kids choir was inspiring, and the angels and shepherds who joined us for Go Tell it On the Mountain at the end of the play were great! 

 

The ghosts of Christmas Past (Ryan D.), Present (Ryan C.), and Christmas Yet to Come (Michaela M.) led Ms. Scrooge (Kiera B.) on a flying visit to SSSCC on Christmas Eve, so that she could learn about the true meaning of Christmas. The Ghost of Christmas Present reminded us that Jesus is God's gift to us all, and this is the best Christmas present of all time.  The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reminded us all that God gave us Jesus so we would learn to share God's love throughout the world. Many thanks to all the adults who made our production a great success and kudos to all the kids!! 

The cast for this year's play included:

Four Narrators (Maisie W., Megan K., Emma H., Karen J.)

Three Ghosts (the Ghost of Christmas Present-Ryan C., Ghost of Christmas Past-Ryan D.,        Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come-Michaela M.)

Ms. Scrooge (Kiera B.)

The Sandy Springs Christian kids (Garrett and Andrew M., Zach C., Maggie D., Bella G.,                Avery W.)

Our Sound Crew (Atticus M., Yohan J.)

and last but not in any way least...our Angels and Shepherds (Ben G., Elin and Blake T., Ava
G., Nathan C., Pressley C.)

 

Special thanks go out to Kristin Wolf, Becky Chimera, and Mary Robeck for all their hard work helping get the kids ready for the play and choir performances.  Have a Happy New Year!! 


Children's Choir and Angels

Click here to see more pictures on Skydrive.

       

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Women's Ministries Communion Worship Service and Brunch:
A Newcomer's Impressions
Dixie Winfrey

Hello - My name is Dixie and I am a newcomer to the Sandy Springs Community. My mother always admonished that first impressions were lasting -- now I have been asked to share with you some of mine about the Women's Christmas Worship and Brunch with you. My daughter and I attended as "first timers" and these were some of those impressions:

 

...appreciation of the indoor-outdoor environment in the Sanctuary-it seemed to breathe 

...the lovely tone and quality of the music 

...delight with the message and the very articulate presenter, Katie Gibson 

...the unity of spirit in the communion service

...freshness and vitality in the Fellowship Hall, complete with the warmth of a Christmas                   fireplace setting 

...then there was, of course, the skillfully and thoughtfully prepared brunch, served by such            debonair gentlemen. Did I mention brunch featured one of my all time and seldom served          favorite desserts--gingerbread with lemon sauce!!!?

 

All of these impressions combined the realities of life. At our table it was not a setting of gaiety, but as it rightfully should have been, there was healing going on at our table--healing from the loss of a loved one, healing and acceptance of loss of physical adaptability, and healing from being re-established in one's lifestyle and community. Hence, my overall impression was one of beauty, joy, warmth and intimacy. Isn't that part of the true meaning of Christmas? Thank you all!!

 

Dixie Winfrey                                Click here for pictures on Skydrive

 

 

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Welcome New Member!
Hannah Elyse Gunter

We welcomed Hannah Elyse Gunter into the faith family at Sandy Springs Christian Church on December 15, 2013.    She transferred church membership from Watkinsville First Christian. Hannah has many connections with people who attend SSCC and grew up around many of them at church camp, Epworth, regional events, and youth groups.  To quote Hannah, "SSCC is a comfortable place to be on Sundays and is a breath of fresh air as soon as I walk in the doors."

 

Hannah is a teacher at Bethlehem Elementary School and resides in Atlanta.  She says she has an interest in Outreach or Mission Work, Children's Ministry and Youth Ministry.  Her hobbies are running, working out, coordinating weddings and traveling.

 

Congratulations, Hannah, on this step in your faith journey.

 

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Holler 'N Hills Holiday Event
Nancy McDaniel

On Friday, December 13, SSCC hosted an event to benefit ICM, the ministry established to improve the lives of the people of Rattlesnake Ridge.  It was like a reunion as the founders, Barb and Hilton Duncan, traveled from The Ridge to Atlanta and were greeted by several SSCC members and friends who spent a week in Kentucky working with the ministry.  Barb and Hilton gave a brief update and sold some Appalachian crafts and photos as guests dined on a chili dinner. The Kentucky Trio, a bluegrass band from The Ridge, performed and sold CDs.  Donations that night were over $900 and will be matched by an anonymous supporter of ICM.  Thanks to those who were able to attend the event and support ICM.

 

Sandy Springs Christian Church is committed to volunteering in Rattlesnake Ridge the week of July 6, 2014.  Save the dates!!

Barb and Hilton Duncan.

Click here for more pictures on Skydrive.

 

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Wrapping Up a Little Holiday Magic
Nancy McDaniel

"Thank you" to the dedicated elves who worked in Dunlap Hall on Sunday, December 15th wrapping gifts for families of Lake Forest Elementary School.  It is one of my favorite events of the year as Dunlap Hall is transformed into a busy workshop with wrap, ribbon and tape flying.  Helpers of all ages wrap the gifts for students identified by their teachers and social workers as not likely to receive any Christmas gifts if not for the generosity of the gift donors and the efforts of SSCC members and friends to get the specially selected gifts wrapped and labeled. 

 

The spirit of Christmas was evident as people of all ages gave of their time during the busy holiday season.  Thanks again for making Christmas happen for the unsuspecting but hopeful boys and girls!

  

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Upcoming Adult Education

Community Sunday School

January 5, 12 and 19

 

Origins of the Bible and Canon

Jeff Morgan, MDiv - facilitator

10:00 AM, Dunlap Hall

  

Jeff Morgan
Have you ever wondered where the Bible came from? It obviously did NOT drop out of the sky as a leather bound, red letter, King James translation! Rather, it is a library of religious texts written by many different people in three different languages over the course of hundreds of years. In our upcoming community class, we will be looking at how the Bible came from the stylus of ancient scribes to the screen of your smart phone or tablet. We will be looking at issues such as literacy in biblical times, text criticism, canonicity, and the so-called "Lost Books" of the Bible. Don't miss it!
 

Focus Group Sunday School

Begins January 26 and into the months of February and March.  Topics to be announced. 

 

 

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Thank You from the Church Staff

The church staff wishes to say thank you to the congregation for the very generous Christmas gifts. It is a distinct pleasure to serve Sandy Springs Christian Church, and we appreciate your generosity. We look forward to a wonderful, grace-filled 2014.   

 

left to right:  Vincine Brown, Sharon Hannah, Kathy Gregory, Leslie Raymer, Micki Gonzalez, Linda Whitmire, Danny Gulden, Bryant Gibson, Katie Gibson, Nan Woods

 

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Youth Ministries
Katie & Bryant Gibson, Co-Directors, Youth Ministries
Bryant & Katie Gibson
Co-Directors, Youth Ministries

Happy New Year from the Youth!  December brought our group lots of fun times and opportunities to share.  We enjoyed participating in Hanging of the Green, the gift wrapping for our friends at Lake Forest, and our annual White Elephant Christmas Party.  The top items at our party this year was the board game Jumanji, an Ear Wax Vac, the girly spa package, and the Kid in a Cup.  

 
We are looking forward to jumping into our Mexico Mission Trip preparations in the new year. We have a great team of around 20 missionaries ready to go!  Save the date for our annual Candlelight Cafe on Saturday, January 25th.  It will be a special night and a great kick off for our 2014 Mexico Mission Trip!






          Save the Date
          January 25,2014




 

 

             

 

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Mexico Christmas Tree 

Thank you for your participation in this year's Mexico Christmas Tree. Your donations will support our Youth Mexico Mission Trip this spring. 

 

Shelton Blackburn
Monalea Dalrymple
Rebecca Daugherty
Wayne Dimmitt
Kathy Gregory
Floyd Hale

James Hicks
Leslie Kahrs
Paul Kapphahn
Bryant & Nancy McDaniel
Elizabeth Peterson
Laura Prescott
Regina Reiter
Julie Sanford
Bob Tollman
Jim Torbert
Linda Whitmire
Kathy Woodworth

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75ers Celebration
Fran Michels

The 1938ers gathered at Fran Michels' home for food, fun and fellowship as they celebrated 75 years of memories and life!  In birth order were: Claire Roper, Fran Michels, Ruth Brown, Kathy Woodworth (left before we thought to take a picture), Dawna Abel, Billie McGinley (not present), and Joanne Burgess with Judy Edwards preparing for the Big 75 next year.....and Alice Saunders and Monalee Dalrymple there to remind us that life goes on after 75!! 

 

With joy and gratitude, the 75ers!

 

 

 

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All Church Calendar

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

"Invitable events" are highlighted in red

 

JANUARY 2014

1 - SSCC closed for New Year's Day

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

25 - Candlelight Cafe, 7 PM (DH)

 

FEBRUARY 2014

2 - Annual Congregational Lunch and Meeting  

7, 8 & 9 - Regional Youth Assembly at Epworth

26 - Women's Bible Study, 10 AM (CR)

 

JANUARY 2014 - THE DAY SCHOOL

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. February articles are due January 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:  [email protected] 

 

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