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March 2014                Grace Spoken Here      Volume 15, Issue 3
In This Issue - click a topic to quick link
Viewpoints at SSCC
Grace Note: The Season of Lent
Children & Youth Ministries
Adult Education at SSCC - March 2014
Choir: The Original Small Group Ministry!
Sandy Springs Christian Church Hosts Interfaith Program
Wandering to Nourish
Quadrennial Assembly 2014
A Letter of Gratitude
Memorials Committee
All Church Calendar
The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines
Join Our Mailing List!
Viewpoints at SSCC

It all started well enough.  It was a lovely Sunday morning. Doug got up early and cooked breakfast with both Ryan and Maggie right under his elbows "helping".  If you haven't tried making blueberry muffins with a 4 and 6 year old, you'll have to trust me when I tell you it can be a slow process. So slow in fact that we decided quietly that we'd skip church and just enjoy the lazy morning together.  Near to lunchtime, Maggie looked up catching Ryan's eyes and said, "Momma, what about church?".  I casually told them both that we weren't going this week, but we'd go do something fun together instead.  First there was silence, then tears, then pleas to still go because it might not be over yet.  And that is when I knew that for our children, our 'something fun together' on Sunday mornings meant driving south across the river to where my children really wanted to be.  More specifically, where they were sure to see Ms. Lilijana's friendly wave, Ms. Courtney's voice call out to them down the hall, and Mrs. Rani and Mrs. Jackie's welcome in to Sunday School.  

 

Ryan is almost 9 now and Maggie is 6.  We've come a long way since then. Now it's Mrs. Chris, still Mrs. Rani , and Mrs. Becky C. who give my children their sense of place, make them feel special, and grounds them in our faith each weekend.  We've said goodbye to Rev. Erin Reed Cooper; we've said hello, deeply came to appreciate, and wished farewell to Ms. Leslie Raymer.  Now we are just beginning our journey with Katie and Bryant Gibson and all they have to offer.  But I still know that this is where we are meant to be on Sunday mornings and where we can meet up with you to go do something fun together.   Thank you for welcoming us.

 

 Cindy Driemeyer         

 Doug, Cindy, Maggie     & Ryan Driemeyer
                  2012

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Grace Note:  The Season of Lent
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister
       Rev. Danny Gulden,                 Senior Minister

Spring Training has started and baseball players all over are working hard to get ready to play meaningful games. As people of faith, we are entering a time when we are getting ready- ready to turn around, to change our minds, to celebrate resurrection. The season of Lent is a time of spiritual preparation when we take stock so that we may be prepared for God to do something new with us. Lent is not only a time of preparation, but of transformation.

 

We emulate the 40 days that Jesus spent wrestling in the wilderness. Fredrick Beuchner describes this period as "Jesus figuring out what it means to be Jesus." Much like Jesus, we spend time figuring out what it means to be ourselves, to be authentic to who God has made us to be. Many give up something during this season as a discipline. It's a realization that we need to give up something so that we can make room for God, make room for true life.

 

I suspect that when we make room for God, we will be pleased with what we discover. Paul wrote to the church at Rome, "You are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you." For Paul, God already dwelled in us, in humanity. The words of Jesus, "You are the light of the world" are true because God dwells in us. May you discover this truth during Lent. May you be reminded of who you are and whose you are. May you discover anew what it means to be yourself.

 

Peace to your path,

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Children & Youth Ministries 
Katie & Bryant Gibson, Directors 

Youth Ministry

 

Katie & Bryant Gibson, 
Directors of Children & Youth Ministries.

Our youth had a great February!  We had a lock-in, Regional Youth Assembly, worship at Ray of Hope, Candlelight Caf�, and our middle school group even went to see Jerusalem at the Imax with Or Hadash.

middle school group at Imax with Or Hadash

 

Now we turn to Mexico!  Mexico Mission Company will open March 2 and before you know it, we will be on our way to San Diego. We are incredibly proud of all the hard work our youth have already accomplished and can't wait to share God's grace at work beyond our borders.

 

Click here for some great pictures from Regional Youth Assembly at Epworth. 

 

Children's Ministry 

 

JAM Meeting 

JAM will meet March 2 after the second service.  This month our focus will  be on Service.  We will talk to the children about what it means to be a servant for Christ and also have a project for them to work on.  Lunch will be provided.  JAM will end at 2 PM.

 

Acolyte Training 

We had an acolyte training session a few weeks ago during Sunday School to refresh the kids.  We have a sign up list in the back of the Sanctuary.  When you get a chance, please sign your children up for when you are available.  Children older than 6 years can acolyte alone.  Children who have been through the training, ages 3-5, will have a second acolyte to accompany them.  We love for our older children to help this group.

New Children's Ministry Assistant, Hannah Gunter 

Hannah Gunter

Hannah Gunter joined our team this month as the new Children's Ministry Assistant!  She has been a youth sponsor for our high school group for a year and has also been heavily involved in Camp Christian and Regional Youth Assembly. She has a Master's degree from Georgia in Early Childhood Education and is a fourth grade teacher in Barrow County.  We met Hannah many years ago at Watkinsville First Christian Church where she helped run the Children's Church program.  She will be helping the children's program on Sunday mornings as well as with JAM meetings.  We are excited to have her and know she will bring a lot to your child's spiritual journey!

Volunteer Opportunities 

As always, we are looking for volunteers.  If you are looking for a spot to help out, here are some options:  

  • Children's Worship - We have teachers assigned for each service, but if you would like to be a helper, please let us know.  You may request the service you'd like, and we will love the extra set of hands! 
  • Lunch for JAM - We are going to take care of lunch this month, but we would appreciate if we could get a family, or a group to cover next month's meal.  It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something kids will enjoy!  In the fall, we will have a sign-up, but for April, we will take volunteers. 
  • Youth Ministry Team - We are still looking for a volunteer to join our YMT that will help streamline our program and plan details for JAM and Children's worship.  Please let us know if you are interested.  We will meet quarterly, and the first meeting will be after the 11:15 AM service on March 23. 
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Adult Education at SSCC - March 2014
ADULT EDUCATION @ SSCC
 March 2014 
Check out these Focus Group Classes at 10 AM each Sunday.
 
Contemporary Class  -   
Leslie Classroom  - 
 Art Edwards, 

 

If you're looking for a Lenten Study this year, you might find it in Contemporary Class during March.  We'll be exploring just one verse, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father but by me.'" John 14:6

 

Twenty-two words and 24 syllables--that's all folks. 

Depending on your point of view, this can be a troublesome verse. God knows, it has been used for centuries as a club to beat non-Christians into submission. But it has also been used to set people free. 

I cringe at using the verse as a club, but I do believe it makes clear some of the ways that Christianity is unique among major religions and belief systems.

 

The month's classes are connected, but each one will also stand alone.  So don't stay away because you missed one.

 

March 2 - Jesus said to him, "I Am ... no one comes ... but by Me."

It's important to understand how Jesus' words in this

verse resemble a first century tweet--at least when it comes to  length. But unlike most tweets, centuries of meaning have been compressed into these 99 characters.  And they have a greater meaning for Jesus' audience than LOL -- YCBYL.

 

The problem for us is that we don't understand the meaning behind the words. For example, we'll look at why this verse is addressed to Thomas, what "I Am" means, and whether any of this makes any difference to our daily life.

 

Our music video guests will be Phillips, Craig, and Dean.  We'll also get some special commentary from Leno, Conan, Kimmel, and Colbert and enjoy some contemporary Jesus tweets.

 

The goal for class this session is that each person learns at least one thing they didn't know.  This will be harder for some than for others.

 

March 9 - The Way  

Is Jesus trying to tell us something by declaring He is "the Way" rather than by suggesting He is "the Destination?"

 

Churches everywhere measure their success by the number of people in the building on Sunday morning. But Jesus never told people to go to church.  He told them to go into the world. Maybe a church should measure success by the number of people it sends into the world to help others rather than the number of seats in the pews.

 

We'll get some support and inspiration for our journey into the world from T.S. Eliot, Eric Anderson, and a video about a Lifesaving Station.

 

The goal for this session is to get a little better sense of what 'the Way" means for us and why it matters to be on it.

 

March 16 - The Truth  

Jesus explained "Truth" to Pontius Pilot, but Mr. Pilot didn't get it. It's hard to blame him for being confused.

 

Finding "truth" is hard.  Finding "Truth" seems impossible --especially for people like us who live in a Misinformation Age.

 

Finding T(t)ruth is tough work; so we'll get some help from Carrie Newcomer--who thinks it's like eating peaches by the roadside, Dag Hammarskjold--who found Truth in a life of self surrender, and Robert Glenn's video on gratitude.

 

The goal for this session is that everyone leaves with a little more T(t)ruth than they had the day before.

 

March 23 - The Life  

Jesus calls us to serve, to suffer, and to seek.  None of those things are easy.  But He also promises "Life."

 

In this class we'll rejoice with LordSong's celebration of a dancing Jesus, Carrie Newcomer's vision of a permeable life, and Lucy Kaplansky's testimony (via Woody Guthrie) about being born again.

  

We'll also ruminate a bit on Hammarskjold's thought that, "God does not die on the day when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when our lives cease to be illumined by the steady radiance, renewed daily, of a wonder, the source of which is beyond all reason."

 

The goal for this session is that we each experience a little joy as we claim our place on the Way where we find the T(tr)uth(s) that bring us Life.

 

Modern Family - Common Ground - Rev. Danny Gulden 


 
This group will be taking a look at how we parent beyond 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
Bible Study - "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
 
Believers Sharing - led by Barb Duren - Campbell-Stone Dining Room, 
9:20 AM - Bible study using The Present Word

  

 

"Beginnings" Course 

March 9, 16 & 23

 

"Beginnings" is a 3-week series during the Sunday School hour for visitors and new members who are interested in learning more about Sandy Springs Christian Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

 

Classes begin on March 9 and continue March 16 and March 23 from 10:10 to 11:00 AM.  The course is led by Rev. Danny Gulden and meets in Danny's office.  To sign up for this session of "Beginnings," please call the church office at 404-256-2582 or email Sharon Hanna at [email protected]

 

 

  Come and Grow at SSCC!

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Choir:  The Original Small Group Ministry!
Micki Gonz�lez, Director of Music Ministry

I recently asked three choir members to share their reasons for joining the choir and what being in it brings to them.  As we have a need for new members, please read these thoughts and see if joining the choir is the right thing for you!

 

When I joined the SSCC choir it was like "coming home". There was an instant feeling of welcome. Having lived in six states over the last 15 years we've been in a lot of churches and I've never felt so much a part of the family so quickly. - Laura Adams

 

When I relocated to Atlanta from Michigan, I only knew five people in Georgia. Finding a church home was a priority, and my first internet search led me to SSCC. After visiting just three weeks, I went to my first choir practice and my life in Georgia went from black-and-white to color that very night, blooming immeasurably. I was immediately embraced by a family of soulful, generous musicians. I went from feeling awkwardly alone to having a reserved seat in the choir loft, surrounded by a happy troupe of unforgettable friends. Every day in Georgia since then has been better, fuller, richer - the synergy of music, companionship, and God's spirit was life-changing for me. - Valarie Boss

 

I have always enjoyed music.  Growing up, I played the trumpet and had some very limited choral experience in a couple of HS musicals. Since joining SSCC in 1996, I have admired the quality of our Sanctuary Choir, but it took me until 2006 to decide to join.  Why?  I guess because I did not feel qualified. When Micki first joined us in 2006, I decided to take the plunge and have enjoyed every aspect of the experience. I was put at ease immediately and made to feel welcome as a part of the group.  I have also learned a great deal from both Micki and other choir members. So if you are being pulled to perhaps use your gifts in this way of service to our congregation, I encourage you to answer that call and join us!  All are welcome! - Scott Dalton

 

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Sandy Springs Christian Church Hosts Interfaith Program
Bryant McDaniel 

Sandy Springs Christian Church recently hosted a meeting of 120 people from six local congregations as part of the "Reclaiming the Center" program sponsored by the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies.  The congregations come from three churches (Holy Innocents Episcopal, Mount Vernon Presbyterian, and Sandy Springs Christian Church) and three synagogues (B'nai Torah, Or Hadash, and Temple Sinai).  Every participant is grouped at a table with six to eight members of the other congregations for the six week program.

 

This is the third year these six congregations have participated in the program.  While the content for the discussions has been written by religious scholars from around the world, the discussions are facilitated by the ministers and rabbis from each of the local congregations. The intent of the program is: 1) to explore what we share and what is different about our religious traditions, 2) to confront sources of misunderstanding by reexamining the meaning of our religious assumptions about the other, and 3) to develop resources within our respective communities that inspire both Christians and Jews to honor the legitimacy and distinctiveness of the other.

 

The next program will take place in January and February of 2015.  We will be sure to post sign ups at the Connect Board this fall.  

 

Below are a few pictures from the event we hosted in Dunlap Hall on February 6th:

 

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Wandering to Nourish

In March 2013, Alpharetta-based, twenty-something year old Ali complained to her friend Marcus that she was having a bad week.  After the two groused for awhile, one of them realized that although they were down, they really led blessed lives.  Marcus remembered that when you throw yourself a pity party, you should do something for someone less fortunate.

 

They bought a loaf of bread, a package of bologna and made 20 sandwiches, then carried them around downtown distributing them to homeless people on the street.  Beyond nourishing these people with sandwiches, they nourished them with conversation and hope.  It felt so good that they mentioned it on Facebook.  Friends asked to join them, and it is now a monthly event.

 

Their "bagging parties" to sort donations and package them for distribution,happen once a month on Saturdays.  The following Sunday, volunteers "wander" a prescribed route in downtown Atlanta, distributing bagged meals, hygiene kits, clothing and blankets when needed, and conversation.  Last fall, they asked if future "bagging parties" could be held at SSCC as the number of volunteers has grown to over 80!! 

 

Join us on the one year anniversary bagging party: Saturday, March 8 in Dunlap Hall.  Drop by after 5 pm.  We usually finish about 7:30 or 8 pm.  As always, you may come with empty hands ready to work, or bring donations of bottled water, individual snacks, canned fruits or entrees, small (hotel-size) toiletries, toothbrushes, socks or other items you think are useful.  We are looking for volunteers willing to wash a few donated clothes before distribution.  Sometimes, people donate things that would be more appealing if they were mended or cleaned.  Contact Nancy McDaniel if you are willing to help with this ministry!

 

click here for pictures on One Drive (formerly Skydrive)

 

 

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Quadrennial Assembly 2014 is coming to Atlanta!

Barb Duren, President, Women's Ministries

June 25-29, 2014

Mariott Marquis Hotel

Quadrennial Assembly is an event where many women come to be renewed, inspired, and transformed. It is a time to be refreshed and inspired to do ministry every day everywhere. Come join us!
 
Quadrennial is every four years, in various locations--and this year is it in Atlanta! If you have attended, I know you remember what an uplifting experience it is. If you have never attended, you will be blessed by attending--messages of faith, communion with so many others, lots of fun also. There will be a variety of workshops, exhibits, service opportunities and fun places to shop.
 
Register on line (click here), or you can find registration forms and a list of workshops for you beneath the Connect Board.
 
I am a Quadrennial fan! You will be one, too. Join us!  Questions? Call Barb Duren

 

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A Letter of Gratitude

[retyped from original]

Thursday, January 30, 2014

 

To the members of the Sandy Springs Christian Church:

 

This is a letter of gratitude.  I am one of the lucky overnight guests from this past Tuesday's storm.  I slept on a pew with a blanket given to me as I entered the building.  There are likely hundreds of stories similar to mine, but it is important to let you know of two very special people, your congregants, Chuck and Laura.  These two, and I imagine there are many more like them in your congregation, live your creed of Connect, Inspire and Serve.

 

I was exhausted, scared and frustrated and the two of them welcomed me and many others in with a warm smile as if they were hoping I would stop by.  I had been in my car for 10 hours straight and wanted desperately to get home - again, as thousands of others did too.

 

The following morning as I checked for messages from my husband, Chuck popped into the Sanctuary to see if I was OK and invited me down for coffee and pancakes.  Many of us chatted, told about our families, learned about our home towns and felt just a little more hopeful.  I guess you could say the experience left us connected, inspired and ready to serve others.

 

Enclosed is a token of my family's appreciation for your kindness.  We would very much like for this to go to your Youth Programs as this is important to Chuck & Laura.

 

Again, your church was a bright spot and I don't think I will ever drive by again without smiling.

 

Most sincerely,

 

Allison Karp 

 

 

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Memorials Committee 
Ann Walker

The Memorials Committee acknowledges with appreciation the following gifts:

 

IN HONOR OF:
    Laura & Chuck Adams
BY:
Barbara B.W. Shoaf

February 2014
IN MEMORY OF:
   Whit Whitmire 
      

Cindy Brown
Sylvia & Gordon Hamlin 
Nancy & Bryant McDaniel
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Whitmire
Ray & Nan Woods

January 2014
February 2014


March 2014

 

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All Church Calendar

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

"Invitable events" are highlighted in red

 

MARCH 2014

2 - Mexico Mission Company opens

2 - Mexico Parent Meeting 

2 - Officer, Elder & Deacon Installation, both services

3 - Read Across America at Lake Forest, 8 AM-4 PM

5 - Lenten Dinner, 6:00-6:45 (DH)

5 - Lenten Classes Instruction, 6:45-7:30 PM (DH)

5 - Lenten Service, 7:30-8:30 PM (S)

8 - Wandering to Nourish Atlanta, 5:30 PM (DH, 120, 121)

9 - Daylight Savings Time begins

9 - Interfaith Hunger Walk, 1:15 group photo; 2 PM walk, Turner Field

9, 16 & 23 - Beginnings Class, 10:10-11:00 AM (Danny's Office)

22 - The Day School Silent Auction & Gala at Sibley Forest Clubhouse, 7-9 PM

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

29 - Youth and sponsors depart for Mexico  

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

30 - "Year of Engagement" Fair - 9:00 AM-12:30 PM (DH)

 

APRIL 2014

5 - Youth & sponsors return from Mexico  

6 - No Sunday School; Sandwich Making at 10 AM 

12 - Wandering to Nourish, 5:30 PM (DH, 120, 121)

13 - No Sunday School

13 - Mexico Celebration Sunday, 1 service only 10 AM (S),  followed by Fiesta (DH)

17 - Maundy Thursday Service, 7 PM (S)

18 - Good Friday Service, 12-2 PM (S)

20 - No Sunday School

20 - Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt, between services (DH)

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

25 & 26 - Camp Christian Retreat

27 - Town Hall Meeting (No Sunday School), 10-11 AM (DH) 

  

THE DAY SCHOOL

MARCH 2014 

 7-11 - Spring Break

16 & 17- Spring Hat Parade  

18 - Closed for Good Friday 

 

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The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines

Wellspring contributions are due 4 workdays before the end of each month. April articles are due March 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:  [email protected] 

 

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