Rev. Danny Gulden

Senior Minister

Rejoice always. Pray continually.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

A New Year signals new opportunity. The turning of the calendar is in many ways a tangible sign of the promise that God is doing a new thing. It is a time to re-evaluate and make changes that will bring us closer to being the person God has created us to be in this world.

As we begin to think about what to do better in 2015, many of uswill choose time in prayer as something that will shape our life. We will work hard at creating a disciplined prayer pattern, setting aside time to be in prayer, or purchasing material that will be a guide to us as we seek to better engage in prayer. As our lives get busy, we misplace the book, or we can't find the "right" words to say. We get frustrated, discouraged, and feel as though God is one who is unconcerned with humanity.

In his letter to the people of Thessalonia, Paul challenged them to rejoice always and pray continually. This challenge has always confused and discouraged people who felt like they have neither the time nor the discipline to rejoice always and to pray continually. Fred Craddock offers this help:  "Christian faith embraces the whole of life and is not a matter of moods or giving God his part. All of life can be a joyous celebration of the presence of God and salvation. This is not a matter of how one feels but of what God has done."

Some would go so far to say that all of life is prayer. The truth is that there are no right words, universal disciplines, or formulas for prayer. The first and most important step to prayer is being open to the presence of God in your life. One must have the vision to see God everywhere and in everything. Prayer is the ongoing practice of both talking and listening to God. This may very well be what Paul means when he challenges the people of Thessalonia to "pray continually." All of life can be considered prayer; the holy is always in our midst. Begin each day with the idea that you will recognize the holy and you will find yourself filled with prayers of gratitude, thanksgiving, and true joy.

Peace to your path in 2015,

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Micki Gonzalez

Director of Music Ministries

What a night it was!  Enthusiastic fans of jazz, of Christmas carols, of great playing and of the Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship all gathered together in SSCC's sanctuary on Thursday, December 11, to hear the "Song of Simeon: A Christmas Journey," held for the second year in a row at our church.  An occasional glance around revealed intent listening, heads bobbing, feet tapping, and of course, thunderous applause after every number.  We all had our favorites: The amazing Brian Hogans on piano, the mesmerizing Marlon Patton on drums, the happiest guy on stage, Rafa Pereira on percussion, awsome Dan Baraszu ripping up the guitar, and of course, Will Scruggs himself, killing it on saxophones.

It has been a great privilege to host Will and his gang again this year.  This set of carol arrangements, written into a theologically cohesive story of bringing light into the world, is well worthy of the awards it has received, and we look forward to hearing where the future takes this outstanding ensemble.  If you missed it, the CD is available at www.willscruggs.com.

Thanks to all who helped make this event possible.  I know I've been joined by some dedicated fans to spread the word about this show.  For us, it was the highlight of the Christmas season. 

Click here to open album (photos by Vincent Tseng) 

top row:  Will with horn section, Will playing tenor sax, Brian Hogans on piano

second row:  Dan Baraszu on guitar, Marion Patton on drum kit, Rafael Pereira on percussion

bottom:  Lester Walker on trumpet

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International Dining

• Barbecue, 
• Southern meat and burgers
• Small groups dining in member homes (Eight at Eight, or a variant thereof), location within 3-5 miles of our church,
• Mexican food, are all possibilities and there are many possibilities not mentioned  

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Thanks to all the SSCC volunteers that wrapped up Christmas dreams for Lake Forest students and their families on December 14!   Gifts were donated by different charities and businesses, collected at Lake Forest, transported to "Santa's Workshop" in Dunlap Hall and returned to LFE in time for Santa to distribute them to boys and girls who otherwise would not experience the magic of Christmas.  We have many dedicated "regulars" and new members also who helped make wrapping the over 400 gifts a breeze.  Thanks again to all who donated gift wrap, time and Christmas cheer.  

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Offerings collected in the adult Sunday School classes during one quarter each year are sent to Global Ministries to sponsor two children at the King's Matriculation School associated with the Family Village Farm in Kasam, Vellore,India.  Thami and Karti

You are encouraged to write the children at:

Ms. Vatsala Vijayakumar, Family Village Farm

Kasam - Ktpadi, Vellore 632 007

N.S. Dist. India

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

"Invitable events" are highlighted in red

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