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See You in Church Sunday
Invite a Friend! Worship Services 9:00 & 11:15 AM
Focus Group Sunday School 10:00 AM
404.256.2582
Rev. Linda S. Whitmire, Minister of Pastoral Care
Sermon Series (2 of 4) - Counter Cultural: The Sermon on the Mount
"A sprinkle of Salt"
Matthew 5:13-20
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From Linda
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Rev. Linda S. Whitmire
Minister of Pastoral Care
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I'm not hugely addicted to salt, but green beans 'without' or popcorn 'just plain' does absolutely nothing for me. Jesus uses salt as a metaphor for the church in the world. Could be, without the church, the world is just so much unsalted green beans or plain ole popcorn. Could be, he means something far more potent. Even a bit frightening.
As we continue to get a taste of the counter cultural dimensions of the great Sermon on the Mount, we encounter this rather intriguing and a bit off-putting description of the church: salt and light and strict adherence to the ancient laws. When Jesus first said these words, the Sadducees and Pharisees, the curious, and the faithful would have been in the crowd. The Sadducees were a conservative and privileged lot. They would have approved his insistence on the Torah--the law-- but shocked that this upstart would say so. The Pharisees would have been miffed that he would imply others could be more obedient to the law than they. The curious would have been even more curious. And the faithful? Maybe a bit disappointed or even dismayed that following Jesus was to be so hard. Impossible perhaps?
But then I remember bumbling Peter was in the crowd, and James and John who were interested as to what privileges following Jesus might get them in heaven. As for the rest...well, that would include you and me, would it not? We who have said we follow the Christ. So how do you feel about being so much salt or even charged with being the very thing others called Jesus: "the light of the world"? As for the law, not one iota will we break? Are we trouble or what?
Do you think we could get away just being "a sprinkle of salt"??? Sunday we'll explore what being salt and light really means. I hope you will join me and invite a friend to come too.
With blessings in the shared journey,
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About This Sunday's Music
As we continue to explore the richness of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, we contemplate the Jewish concept of Law that Jesus believed in so fervently. Philip Wilby's setting of "If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments" is a beautiful and stirring reminder of the righteousness that is part of living in the kingdom of God.
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February Sermon Series
2 of 4
Counter Cultural: The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on The Mount has been called the greatest sermon ever preached. Although occupying only three short chapters in the Gospel of Matthew, the words of Jesus are crucial to understanding what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. His assumptions about life are just as stirring today as they were many years ago. Join us in February to explore just how counter cultural these teachings really are and how they challenge Jesus' followers.
February 9 - "A Sprinkle of Salt " - Matthew 5:13-20 - Rev. Linda S. Whitmire
February 16 - "The Law of Love" - Matthew 5:38-48 - Rev. Danny Gulden
February 23 - "Blueprint for Life"- Matthew 7:21-29 - Rev. Danny Gulden
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February Focus Group Sunday School
10:00 AM
Contemporary Issues - led by Pat & Paul Kapphahn -
Leslie Classroom
February 9-23 - Secrets of Spiritual Health
Learn how to be as proactive about protecting your spiritual well-being as you are about your physical well-being. Seven practical steps will be revealed. Discover your spiritual potential and how to enhance that growth.
Modern Family led by Rev. Danny Gulden - Common Ground
This group will be taking a look at how we parent beyond our capacity. How do we create a wider community for our children so that they know of God's unconditional love for all people. Topics explored will be:
- Inviting others to invest in our children's lives
- Creating a culture of unconditional love
- Building a sense of calling through everyday moments
Theology - "The Book of Judges" led by Jeff Morgan -
Danny's Office
The book of Judges forms a bridge between the stories of bondage in Egypt and the stories of the monarchy of Israel. The book is set during a time of intense political turmoil. There is constant war from without and even war from within (the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin)! Its pages are filled with stories of national heroes (such as Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson). It contains stories of love, lust, and revenge (Samson and Delilah). While the book as a whole teaches an important theological lesson, some passages are theologically troubling (the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter and the rape/murder of the concubine). Join us as we read and discuss these intriguing, puzzling, inspiring, troubling, and entertaining stories from the book of Judges.
"A Tapestry of Love" led by Daphne Reiley - Conference Room
We will explore the ways in which our connections -- spiritual and emotional -- to God and each other enhance our experience in giving care. "Caregiving" in the class will be defined broadly to include anyone who feels they are responsible for the physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual well being of another person. If we're honest with ourselves, aren't we all, then, caregivers? Come and discover a closer, more sustaining relationship with God through prayer, worship, communion, and community. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during the first class ($10). A Tapestry of Love is also available via Kindle."
Lectionary - led by Larry Steinmetz - Volunteer Office
A study of the weekly texts from the Revised Common Lectionary
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Regional Youth Assembly
February 7-9, 2014 PM
We have a great group of youth and sponsors traveling to Epworth-by-the-Sea on St. Simons Island for the Regional Youth Assembly. Our theme this year is "Shine On." Be sure to check out the March Wellspring for pictures.
YOUTH
Samantha French (YAC)
Kaitlin Kahrs
Lindy Watkins
Bridget Walker
Abby Hicks
Kimberly French
Bailey Mooney (YAC)
Emma McCluskey
Jordan Helton
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McKenzie Michels Michael McCluskey (YAC) Trenton Brown (YAC) Austin Michels Steven Butz Jared Mills Jonah Mills
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Bryant Gibson
Katie Gibson
Hannah Gunter
John Mills
Katie Rose
Caroline Dalton
Tyler Filacchione
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Reminder: Saturday, February 8 - 5 PM
Wandering to Nourish Atlanta
You are all invited to the bagging party with Wandering to Nourish Atlanta on Saturday, February 8 at 5 PM. We will be making hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, packing brown bag meals and preparing hygiene kits. Come with empty helping hands, or with items to donate. The biggest needs are for toothbrushes, small (hotel size) shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, bottled water, sandwich ziplocks, canned fruit or any individual sized lunch items. Any questions, call Nancy McDaniel.
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All Church Calendar, February 9-15
All entries in red are invitable events
Sunday, Feb 9
Focus Group Sunday School,10 AM
International Dining, Flavors of Persia, 12:45 PM
Thursday, Feb 13
Financial Counseling with Jim Armstrong, 10 AM-2 PM, (PC) by appt
Friday, Feb 14
Caregiver Counseling with Daphne Reiley, 10 AM-1 PM, by appt.
THE DAY SCHOOL Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM
Wednesday, Feb 12
Valentine's Family Night
VIP Day
International Dining Event
Sunday, February 9 - 12:45 PM
Where: Flavors of Persia, 235 Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Springs
This was formerly Flavor Restaurant - same sign is still in place, but the menu and decor have changed. Salads, sandwiches, entrees range from $5 to $14. I would appreciate knowing if you plan on joining us - but it is not critical. Please join us if you can. Milt Hill, home 770/926-0131, cell 770/241-6435 |
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Coming Up Next Week, February 16-22
All entries in red are invitable events
Sunday, Feb 16
Focus Group Sunday School,10 AM
Middle School Interfaith Outing
Thursday, Feb 20
Medicare Counseling with Joyce Edwards, 10 AM-2 PM, (PC) by appt
Friday, Feb 21 & Saturday, Feb 22
Elder & Leadership Retreat (Simpsonwood)
Caregiver Counseling with Daphne Reiley, 10 AM-1 PM, by appt.
THE DAY SCHOOL Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM
Monday, Feb 18
TDS closed for President's Day
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ThirdAgers - Mark Your Calendars!
It's time for us to gather, with friends old and new, and kick off our celebration of 2014.
Event 1: Sunday, February 23, after the second service
ThirdAgers Chat 'n Chew: Chicago's Steak and Seafood Restaurant in East Cobb
Costs: menu prices
Deadline for sign-up: Friday, February 21
Event 2: Sunday, March 16, Georgia Ensemble Theatre's production of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" followed by an early dinner at The Brickery Restaurant in Sandy Springs
Theatre: $20 per ticket. Please pay for your tickets by March 9.
Dinner: menu prices
Deadline for sign-up: Friday, March 14 - We have a limited number. The earlier everyone signs up, the better chance we have of getting additional tickets.
Sign up today: Locate the ThirdAgers sign up sheets on the Connect credenza or call the church at 404-256-2582.
Questions: Shelton Blackburn - [email protected] or 770-977-2970
A few days before each event, additional details will be sent to those who sign up .
I look forward to seeing your name on the sign-up sheets. Don't delay.
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Rev. Danny Gulden Serving on General Board
February 8-11
Danny will be away this weekend representing SSCC in Indianapolis at the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Board meets once per year and is the deliberative body that works to coordinate efforts to strengthen congregational life for mission and ministry. Former SSCC Senior Minister, Glen Miles, is the Moderator for the General Board. Please pray for this group and for traveling mercies.
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Prayer Requests
Larry & Kathleen Reese - continuing prayers for the Seaburg family
Greg & Darby Peterson - for Ann Wells
Sheri Mason - continuing prayers for Sheri; her surgery is being delayed.
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The Hunger Walk - March 9
Get your walking shoes ready! The Hunger Walk is March 9, and SSCC will be a part of the interfaith team again this year. Details to follow.
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February Outreach
Wellspring Living
Wellspring Living is an organization that confronts the issue of childhood sexual abuse. Please join our Women's Ministries during the month of February by donating money to the organization. Cash or checks accepted. For cash, label the envelope or make check payable to "SSCC" with a notation "Wellspring Living." Place your donation in the serving plate or mail it to the church, Attn: Barb Duren.
Thank you for supporting our outreach to Wellspring Living. Click here for more information about the organization.
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Care Note
Time to File Your Income Taxes?
by Jim Armstrong
click here to read this Care Note
Copies are available at the Connect Credenza.
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Lent Brings New Opportunities for SSCC
Lent, that contemplative season leading to Easter, begins Wednesday, March 5th with a simple meal and worship. In seasons past, we have then continued throughout the weeks of Lent to meet weekly for worship and study. This year, after our initial Ash Wednesday worship service at the church, we invite you instead to participate in small conversation groups, meeting each of five weeks, when and where your group decides. There will be some focus on specific bible thoughts and prayer concerns as we get to know more deeply our conversation partners.
This will be a meaningful way to journey together toward the power of holy week, including Maundy Thursday service, Good Friday stations of the cross, and the glory of Easter morning.
Click here to register on-line.
Or pull up a form to print by clicking here.
Paper registration forms are at the Connect credenza in the church.
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Birthdays
February 9-22
Happy birthday to all!
02/09 Peter Brown
02/09 Alex Hansell
02/10 Anne Bradford
02/11 Judy Edwards
02/11 Fran Michels
02/13 Dianna Gill
02/14 J.R. Torbert
02/14 Trella Walker
02/15 Jennifer Armstrong
02/16 Jim Torbert
02/16 Stuart Dalton
02/17 Tim Goepfert
02/18 Katherine Lochery
02/20 Kathleen Reese
02/21 Wayne Dimmitt
02/21 Eva Jones
02/22 Pat Kapphahn
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Thank You
A note of appreciation from Ginny Hamilton
is posted on the Gratitude board. "Thank you for all the cards, calls and food while our family endured the long journey to get me well...Sandy Springs will always be the love of church life to our family, and we thank all of you for this."
Sincerely,
Ginny Hamilton
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Quick Links
www.disciples.org - Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
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Sharon Hanna, Ministry Administrator
Sandy Springs Christian Church (DOC)
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