SSPC Happenings - February 25, 2022

February 25, 2022

Paul Tournier – the renowned 20^th century Swiss physician, author, and person of faith – once wrote: “There are two things we cannot do alone. One is to be married and the other is to be a Christian.” I have been thinking about those words a lot lately as I reflect on our journey together. Just as the Christian life is not one that we do alone, neither is the life or work of a pastor. And so today I want to lift-up and say thank you to all of those who have helped to form me in ministry and life over these past 8.5 years.

First up, of course, is all of you. Over the past month, many of you have made a point to say and write many kind things about me personally. It is such a sacred and humbling thing to know that my presence has had a small but positive impact in so many lives. At the same time though, I feel compelled to lift up the fact that the church is and always has been the people. You are the church. When visitors or new members talk about how welcome they feel in our pews, or when someone comments about SSPC’s involvement in the community, or when a meal is anonymously dropped off at your door after a hard week, or any other myriad examples… that is YOU. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing me what is possible when a body of believers genuinely seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ for one another and for the world in which we live. It is a truly remarkable thing!

The second group I have to recognize and give thanks for is the SSPC pastoral and staff team. To say SSPC is blessed in this department would be the understatement of understatements. Frankly, my ministry here has only been possible because of the incredible group of people I have been fortunate enough work with and alongside. SSPC’s staff and pastors are the most gifted, loving, creative, funny, faithful, and hardworking servant leaders that I know. They can take a good idea and make it better – and, equally as important, they can take a bad idea and help you see the light before it’s too late! So thank you to Annie, Kate, Frieda, Rhonda, Nat, Jeannine, Madelynne, Ada, Donna, Walter, Judy (and all of our phenomenal preschool staff!), Amy, Suzanne, Kendall, and Iris. Thank you for being not only colleagues in ministry but also friends in life.

And the last stop on this gratitude tour is my family. You know, ministry is a unique vocation for so many reasons. Not only is it one of those roles where you are never really “off,” it is a calling that by necessity requires a willingness to regularly step into the highest highs and lowest lows of other’s lives. It can be taxing not only physically but also emotionally. Simply put, without the love and support and patience of my family I would not be able to do what I do. Sam and Jack keep me on my toes and help me not take myself too seriously. They ask good questions (albeit a lot of them) and help me to never lose sight of what is really important in my life. And Erin is my rock. She is the most compassionate, kind, loving, and intelligent person I know. Her faith and strength inspire me every day to not only be a better person but also a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ. So thank you Erin, Sam and Jack – you may be last on this list but you are absolutely the first in my heart.

Friends, it has truly been the deepest joy and privilege of my life to be your pastor in this place. As we prepare to go our separate ways, my prayer is that you will continue saying “Yes” to the beautiful and impactful Gospel ministry that God is up to here at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. This is a great time to claim God’s future for our church by attending worship, inviting your friends to come with you, and praying for our congregation and its leaders. And no matter where our paths may lead us, may these favorite verses from Colossians guide and sustain us all for the journey that is ahead:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Col. 3:12-14)

See you at church. Invite a friend. Casual is fine.

Peace,

Rev. Alan Dyer

Pastor

Farewell Luncheon

A Farewell Luncheon

for Rev. Alan Dyer

Date: February 27

Time: 11:45 am

Meal: Potluck - the church will provide chicken

Please join us on February 27 for a farewell luncheon and celebration for Rev. Alan Dyer as he leaves SSPC for a new call at First Presbyterian Spartanburg.

We will greatly miss Rev. Dyer and his beautiful family here at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, but this is a time for us to practice gratitude for the love and joy he has brought us over the last 8.5 years! Come with open hearts filled with love, open minds for the exciting future of our church, and open arms for the hugs. There will be a lot of hugs!

RSVP for our Farewell Luncheon Here

Happenings & Events

RSVP here for Ron Hall Speaking Event

Season of Lent

Begins Wednesday, March 2

Sunday Worship

February 20, 2022

Christian Education

Musical Notes

Transfiguration Sunday is actually the end of the season of Epiphany and is signified by Jesus glowing on a mountaintop, showing the disciples His glory. Ash Wednesday follows on March 2, marking the beginning of a time of reflection, Lenten season. A service is planned for March 2 at 6:45 in our sanctuary for the Signing of Ashes. It is mysteriously appropriate that we are going into a time of discernment, prayer, and reflection. This is the purpose of the Lenten journey - discovering anew our faith and deep spirituality. As our journey with Alan comes to a close, our music offerings reflect our love and respect for him and for his family. The Chancel Choir will be singing a piece by Jeffery L. Ames – In Remembrance. It is a requiem piece for those that are left living in the midst of loss. It begins with the Latin –

Lux aeterna, Luceat eis Domine (Light eternal shine on them, God) and continues with these words – Turn to me and be gracious, for my heart is in distress. O God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? My tears linger at night, but joy comes in the morning light. Lord, in your infinite mercy, grant them rest, rest forevermore.

Even though this is also points toward All Saints’ Day, its reference to light is the reason that we sing it on Transfiguration Sunday, because we know what is coming for Jesus. Fred Leif will be featured on French Horn in this beautiful anthem.

The choir will also sing The Blessing of Light by Mark Sirett. The words are an ancient Scottish blessing. We dedicate this to the Dyer family.

May the blessing of light be on you, light without, and light within,

May the sunlight shine, shine on you like a fire, so friend and stranger may come and be warm.

May sunlight shine from your face, a candle set in a windowpane, like a candle set to welcome you home, and guide the lost from the storm.

And may the blessing of rain be with you, may it wash your spirit fair and clean, and reflect the blue, the blue of heaven, or a star.

May the blessing of earth be on you, soft under your feet as you pass.

The Lord bless you, and bless you kindly. – Ancient Scottish

Ending the service will be John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Hymns for the day include 475 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and 543 God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me

More musical surprises are to come at lunch after church.

Love & Gratitude, Rhonda