July 2014 Grace Spoken Here Volume 15, Issue 7
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| Viewpoints at SSCC |
Growing up at Camp Christian, many of my friends went to Sandy Springs Christian Church. Before I regularly attended SSCC, I was part of Danny's ordination. I was blessed to be part of Sara and Andy's wedding. I also coordinated and helped make Katie and Bryant's wedding go off flawlessly. Therefore, SSCC has always had a special place in my heart. I began visiting SSCC in college. It always felt like home because many of the people who helped me grow spiritually were members there. I even drove for about a year from Athens every Sunday when Katie and Bryant started working here.
Today, I am thankful for the relationships I have that are strengthened through Sandy Springs. Some of my best friends are here at Sandy Springs. Every Sunday, the "job" I have at Sandy Springs as the Children's Ministry Assistant does not feel like a job. I look forward to walking in those doors where I know I will be accepted and people are genuinely interested in what is going on in my life. I get to work with my old youth minister and more importantly, I get to share the love and acceptance God shows me to other people.
Hannah Gunter
Children's Ministry Assistant
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Grace Notes: Failing Forward 
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister
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Jesus did an excellent job meeting people in their own context, understanding who they were and who they wanted to become. He spoke in language and used images that were relative to their experience. Many of these teachings are preserved in scripture and known as parables. He was a great storyteller, who would often begin with phrases such as "The kingdom of heaven is like" or "A man had two sons." He would use images such as a mustard seed, a rocky path, or a vineyard. These images were relative to his original audience.
Today, we have many tools at our disposal to understand the nature of God. Scripture is full of interesting stories that engage and enlighten people. There are many avenues in our culture to reflect these stories and truths, some identified as "Christian" and many that are not. The line in our world between the secular and the sacred has never been particularly wide, and we are now beginning to realize this.
Grace and peace to you,
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July Sermon Series: "Animated Faith"
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 - A sermon series that will use some of the most popular recent animated movies to illustrate how to live a life of faith that is full, vigorous, and even a little fun. This series will be not only entertaining, but hopefully life-changing.
July 6: "Wreck-it-Ralph: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself" based on Deuteronomy 30:15-20 - Rev. Danny Gulden
July 13: "Toy Story: Whose Are You?" based on Mark 9:33-37 - Bryant and Katie Gibson
July 20: "Despicable Me: Adventures in Missing the Point" based on Mark 6:45-52 -
Rev. Danny Gulden (Click here to see movie clip)
July 27: "Frozen: Fear-Let It Go" based on 1 John 4:11-21 - Rev. Danny Gulden
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Real People, Real Faith Returns September 12 & 13, 2014
Leslie Lady, Adult Education Co-Chair
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RPRF is a very special event at Sandy Springs Christian Church. Each year, we invite one of the premier leaders in Christian thought to our church to share a Friday evening and a Saturday morning with us. Previous invitees have been Nadia Bolz-Weber, Diana Butler Bass, and Brian McLaren. This year, we are excited to have Dr. Marcus J. Borg as our speaker. Please save September 12 and 13 for this exciting event.
 | | Dr. Marcus J. Borg |
Marcus Borg is the author of nineteen books, including
Jesus: A New Vision (1987)
and the best-seller Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time
The God We Never Knew (1997);
The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions (1999);
Reading the Bible Again for the First Time (2001), and
The Heart of Christianity (2003), both best-sellers. His newest books are:
Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary (2006), a New York Times Best-Seller;
Conversations with Scripture: Mark (2009),
The Last Week (2006),
The First Christmas (2007), and
The First Paul (2009).
His novel, Putting Away Childish Things, was published in April 2010.
Described by The New York Times as "a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars," he has appeared on NBC's "Today Show" and "Dateline," PBS's "Newshour," ABC's "Evening News" and "Prime Time" with Peter Jennings, NPR's "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross, and several National Geographic programs. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, he has been national chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature and co-chair of its International New Testament Program Committee, and is past president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars.
His work has been translated into eleven languages: German, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and French. His doctor's degree is from Oxford University, and he has lectured widely overseas (England, Scotland, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Israel and South Africa) and in North America, including the Chautauqua and Smithsonian Institutions.
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Grace Alive! Pavilion and Financial Update
Scott Dalton |
Last month I updated you on the various Grace Alive! projects which have been completed and those currently in queue. This month I'd like to provide you with a high level view of where we stand with respect to finances and also update you on the Pavilion.
A Little Background and Financial Overview
Sandy Springs Christian Church has been blessed by generous congregants who not only pledged $1,020,000 in the aggregate toward Grace Alive!, but who also have faithfully fulfilled those commitments in a timely manner! Your kindness has enabled us to proceed toward completion of planned projects with only a modest amount of short-term debt which we anticipate will be retired by the end of 2015, assuming complete fulfillment of Grace Alive! pledges.
As the basis of the 2012 campaign, we first identified a variety of projects...some of which were necessary to maintain or update our infrastructure...some of which were enhancements to our building and campus geared toward attracting new congregants. Rough estimates for the various projects were obtained, upon which we based a target campaign goal of $1,000,000. After a successful campaign effort, we began the process in early 2013 to shore up firm bids for the array of projects. Two of the major infrastructure projects ended up exceeding our original estimates. Specifically, the HVAC work already completed and roof replacement and exterior painting scheduled this summer. The work in the Centrum, Narthex and Common Ground areas also came in slightly higher than anticipated. In addition to those variances, we underestimated the cost of new signage which is currently in the permitting process. As the actual cost of these projects were revealed via a thorough bidding process, your Grace Alive! project team and finance director reduced funding for some of our "dream projects" such as the Pavilion and Phase II of Landscaping so that SSCC would not end up with any long-term debt. Our stewardship responsibility is to complete as much of the vision as possible and be debt free at the end of the campaign fulfillment period which is December 31, 2015.
Pavilion Update
I am thrilled to report that plans are moving forward for the design and construction of the Pavilion to be located in the wooded area behind the church, directly across from the lower level canopy. In fact, we anticipate breaking ground before the end of July!! As noted last month, this exciting project is made possible due to the generosity of an anonymous benefactor in memory of Whit Whitmire. As soon as the design is finalized, a rendering of the Pavilion will be on display in the Centrum so that you can better visualize the nature and scope of this wonderful addition to our campus. We are truly blessed by this gift in so many ways. Not only will SSCC receive an amazing new addition to our facilities, but we now find relief in the budget for remaining projects and will be able to redirect funds to completely reclaim the wooded area surrounding the Pavilion so that we essentially add new Sacred Space!
Finishing Strong
Bottom line, our Grace Alive! campaign and resulting improvements are on track and have been managed well, thanks to your generosity and faithful commitment thus far! That said, the final outcome of this effort is dependent on all of us fulfilling our pledges by year-end 2015. If you are new to SSCC since 2012 and wish to contribute to the excitement that is Grace Alive!, there are commitment cards available in the Centrum or feel free to call me with any questions you may have at 770-916-1854.
Blessings and peace to all of you!
Scott
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Take Us with You During Your Summer Travels
Vincine Brown, Business Manager
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 Please remember that any time you are away from our church on a Sunday morning, we have secure online giving. Your generosity enables us to create the quality ministry environments and programs that you and your family enjoy throughout the year. This is also a convenient way to keep your Grave Alive! commitment current.
When you are away from the church, you may securely
give your tithes and offerings online. Go to the church's website at SandySpringsCC.org, and in the Headlines box on the left, click on "Online Giving." It will take you to the page that looks like this.
Feel free to call Vincine at the church if you have any questions.
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We were blessed to have Pete French and Clint and Laura Campbell join our faith family in June. We welcome and congratulate these new members on this step in their faith journey.
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Laura and Clint Campbell
with daughter Presley
6-22-2014
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Both Clint and Laura Campbell are in sales, Clint with with Clint Dental Equipment and Laura with J. Hilburn Men's Clothing. They reside in Atlanta and come from a Methodist and Baptist church background. They have been very active in the life of The Day School, with Laura being a major part of the Playground renovations. Their daughter Presley just graduated from the Zoo Crew, and she will be in a Kindergarten class this fall.
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Pete French
6-22-2014
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Pete French joins his wife Patty and daughters Samantha and Kim in becoming part of SSCC. Pete is a firefighter with Cobb County. He has been on several mission trips with the church as well as involvement in workdays at Camp Christian.
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Baptism Congratulations
Rev. Danny Gulden, Senior Minister
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On Father's Day June 15, Bryan Mount and his son, Paden Mount were baptized. They made their affirmation of faith together. They are the brother-in-law and nephew of Rev. Danny Gulden, who performed the baptism. Bryan and Parker live in Flowery Branch. We celebrate with them on this occasion. Click here for more baptism pictures of Paden and Bryan.
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Children & Youth Ministries: Camp Reports
Bryant & Katie Gibson, Co-Directors
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Camp Christian is the place to be! This old camp slogan is fitting because camp has definitely been the place to be for SSCC children, youth and adults this summer. So far, this summer, we've sent 36 youth and children and 15 adults to various camps. Junior camp opened the season in early June, and Teresa Bensch led the "best camp ever!" We had several first time campers in this group, and after all the games they played, crafts they made and swimming they did, we think they all want to go back. Rev. Danny Gulden directed CYF camp for our high school youth. The 13 SSCC youth and adults at CYF Conference had an amazing and spirit-filled week. Chi Rho camp was the third camp this summer, and we have been told that Patty French and James Hicks, two of our youth parents who volunteered as counselors, were a couple of the favorites that week. They made sure that our middle school kids had a great experience! In its first year back, Mid Hi camp was a huge success! This camp for 8th and 9th graders was a special time for our youth to connect on a deeper level with other youth, and even though they were surprise attacked with water balloons by the counselors, we know they had a great time!
Camp Balaam is currently in progress this week, and our high school youth have been doing an amazing job counseling and ministering to the 60 campers. We will have a detailed report about Camp Balaam for the August Wellsping, but for now head over to the region's website and check out some pictures from the week, along with pictures of all of the other camps.
Thank you to everyone for supporting our camping ministries!
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Annual Church-wide Pool Party: Over $1000 Collected to Benefit Rattlesnake Ridge Mission Trip
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Sixty people braved the first hour of rain and were rewarded with comfortable temperatures and a beautiful afternoon for the annual churchwide pool party. While some swam, others gathered inside to socialize and snack. Jim Torbert grilled hot dogs and everyone found unique toppings to complement the traditional ketchup, mustard, relish and chili options. Best of all, over $1000 was collected to benefit the SSCC Family Mission Trip to Rattlesnake Ridge in Kentucky. Thanks to everyone for their generous cash contributions and for donations of tools, craft supplies and snacks for the trip.
Thirty-four people are ready to travel to McCreary County, Kentucky for the week of July 6. Once there, part of our crew will offer a day camp for the local children and serve them lunch. The rest of the group will disperse over three work sites and do home repairs. We have fun plans for the evenings including a river re-baptism, dinner at the local Dairy Bar, game night, movie night and trivia. For those of you that can't join us physically we truly feel the love and support of the entire congregation as we represent Sandy Springs Christian Church in Rattlesnake Ridge, Kentucky. Thanks for all the monetary and thrift shop donations that we have the privilege of delivering. Be sure to be in Dunlap Hall on July 20 to hear stories and see pictures of the week!
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 News from Music Ministry
Micki Gonzalez, Director of Music Ministries
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Pictures speak louder than words, especially for the 2014 Annual Choir Gathering where a farewell celebration was held to honor Warren Reed. Warren and his wife Pam are moving to North Carolina. Warren will be missed! (Click here for pictures)
Worship Band guitarist, Logan Brammer, was honored at the 9 AM worship service on June 29. He will be attending college at Young Harris. He has been a wonderful mainstay in our band, here week after week, always prepared and always adding his own creative voice to the accompaniment of our songs. We will surely miss him. (Click here for pictures)
 | | Warren Reed Logan Brammer |
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Improving Facilities and Lives in Mungeli, India
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The improvements are astounding! SSCC's relationship with Drs. Anil and Teresa Henry, who serve Mungeli, India as Global Ministries' missionaries, began in 2007. At that time, the Henrys had been in Mungeli for four years and were slowly making improvements to the hospital that was started in 1896 but had been almost neglected since the 1970s. On Sunday, June 29, about 60 people were entertained as Anil shared highlights of the improvements. (Click here to see photos.)
Today, The Christian Hospital Mungeli (CHM):
- Has gone from treating 4 patients a day to 30,000 out-patients annually
- Performs 2,500 surgeries annually; 48,000 lab tests annually
- Delivers 700 babies annually. In 2003 they had an average 10 dead deliveries per month. Due to improved care they now see less than one dead delivery per month
- Is opening the only low-cost cancer treatment center in the state
- Has implemented electronic record keeping for all in-patients
- Has grown the English speaking school (elementary through high school) from 80 students to over 600 and is building a new school
- Has added a fully-accredited nursing school, instructing 30 new students each year (3 ½ year program)
- Has begun plans for a community college
- Has added a relationship with Virginia Tech's new medical school so VA Tech's students can serve in Mungeli as their international rotation
- Has added and improved housing for guests, nurses and staff
Anil and Teresa's energy, vision and dedication to improving the lives of the people in Mungeli and the surrounding community is inspiring. Six SSCC members have been to CHM since 2009, and we are entertaining the idea of going again in February 2015 or 2016. If you are considering participating in this life-changing mission, contact Nancy McDaniel.
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ThirdAgers Celebrate Independence Day
Shelton Blackburn
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 If you are a ThirdAger (you've reached the age of 50) and didn't join our SSCC ThirdAgers on Sunday afternoon, June 29, you missed a fabulous afternoon of rousing patriotic music, videos, and readings, way too much wonderful food, and lively conversations with friends. More than 30 SSCC ThirdAgers attended the 33rd annual Roswell Patriotic Celebration at Roswell United Methodist Church. (Click here for pictures)
We then adjourned to the Brookwood Grill restaurant for dinner and animated conversations. ThirdAgers, promise yourself that you will not miss the next ThirdAgers event (to be announced). Contact Shelton Blackburn, shblackb@comcast.net if you have any questions or suggestions for future ThirdAgers events.
Have a fabulous summer!
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Church Calendar
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Go to www.SandySpringsCC.org to view our monthly calendar
"Invitable events" are highlighted in red
JULY 2014 - One Church Service at 10 AM
1-3 Balaam Camp
2 - SSCC closed in observance of July 4
3 - Medicare Counseling with Joyce Edwards, 10 AM-2 PM by appt.
5- Outreach to staff CAC, 9:45 AM-1:15 PM
6-11 Rattlesnake Ridge Mission Trip
10 - Financial Counseling with Jim Armstrong, 10 AM-2 PM by appt.
12 - Wandering to Nourish Atlanta, 5:00 PM (DH, 120, 121)
13 - Sandwich Making to benefit MUST (& honor Linda's birthday), 11-12 PM
14-16 Chrysalis Camp
14-18 Junior II Camp
18-20 Genesis Camp
17 Medicare Counseling with Joyce Edwards, 10 AM-2 PM by appt.
20 Rattlesnake Ridge Sunday
20 KnightSong Concert, 3 PM (DH)
21-25 Vacation Bible Study, 9:00 AM-12:00 P (lower level)
24 Financial Counseling with Jim Armstrong, 10 AM-2 PM by appt.
25 Family Movie Night, 6:00 PM (DH)
30 Youth Laser Show, Stone Mountain, meet at church 5 PM
THE DAY SCHOOL
JULY 2014
June 30-July 3 Adventure Camp week 4
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| The Wellspring Contribution Guidelines |
Wellspring contributions are due 4 workdays before the end of each month. August articles are due July 25. 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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