ONLINE WORSHIP ONLY THROUGH MAY
In an effort to continue keeping one another safe at this time, Leadership has decided to extend online worship only through the end of May. We will reevaluate circumstances for June. The building is closed during this time and all in-person activities are cancelled. The staff is working primarily from home. If you need something, you can contact a staff member directly by email or call the church office, as voicemails are being checked regularly. Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. Continue to look to the newsletter for ways to stay connected to SSCC.
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A NOTE FROM NATHAN AND KATHY - TDS TASK FORCE
"Bridging the Gap"

NOW more than ever, we can all appreciate both the challenges and blessings that come with being housed in the same building for an extended period of time. The TDS Task Force was created just under a year ago to “bridge the gap” between The Day School downstairs and The Church upstairs. The spirit of our work was aimed at building a strong future for our partnership under the same roof.

The formal purpose of The Task Force was two-fold:

  • To create a shared and strategic vision for a sustainable ministry between The Day School and Sandy Spring Christian Church.
  • To develop a system of trust, best practices and governance between Sandy Springs Christian Church and The Day School.

Our wonderful team was comprised of 9 members who represent both TDS and SSCC: Kathy Gregory, Nathan Brown, Bryant McDaniel, Betsy Robinson-Hicks, Chris Dalton, Al Burgess, Sabra Roegge, and Jen Webber. We spent a great deal of our initial time together simply getting to know one another, earning one another's trust. We bonded over drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the home of John and Floy Mills. We shared several meals together for the sole purpose of fellowship. We then began the work of more intentionally getting to know the larger entities of both SSCC and TDS.

In early Fall, TDS members were treated as “new members” during an SSCC worship service, followed by a new member orientation and tour of our greater facility. TDS returned the favor and hosted a “potential student” tour of the classrooms and learning environments of The Day School. The team was able to see the wonderful TDS teachers in action and got a true feel for the love that encompasses those halls on a daily basis.

In mid-fall we returned to the table and discussed ways to genuinely improve the relationship between TDS and SSCC. We brainstormed ideas on joint outreach projects. We are planning a TDS Sunday, on which we would worship with TDS students and teachers, praying over the new school year. We envision a party on the playground with multiple opportunities to connect the church and school community. There was excitement around the table as TDS teachers came up with ideas to honor residents at Campbell-Stone and include them in some of their performances and events. LOVE was in the air and it is our intention to keep it that way.

As January approached, we all knew that we had a daunting task at hand to tackle. The “fun” stuff was behind us and it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on creating the by-laws. Sounds overwhelming right?? Not for this team!!!

Despite the flood in our building and the trials we all faced, wiith the guidance of Lesleigh Carmichael and Sissy Wade from Ministry Architects, we researched other church/preschool relationships and governance structures, landing on a beautiful piece of work. It took several months of research, writing and re-writing to land on a document that made sense for our future. To say that it was a team effort is a complete understatement. Each member poured their time, talents and energy into their assigned section and the team, as a whole, collaborated to make it a document that we all believe is the foundation of our bright future.

During the first few meetings of the task force, we spent a lot of time trying to articulate how TDS was a “ministry” of SSCC. Bob Goff describes ministry as “joining forces - each person bringing something new - friendship and finally love.” As we reflect on the past few months and on just how much the relationship between SSCC and TDS has changed, we find comfort and truth in these words. The word "ministry" finally makes sense. The gap has been bridged…..we invite you to walk across with us.

Thank you for your prayers and support along the way. We look forward to our future, strengthened by our deepened relationship.

Peace,
Kathy Gregory, TDS Director
Rev. Dr. Nathan Brown, SSCC Senior Minister
UPCOMING SERMON SERIES
Easter Sermon Series

Resurrection
Being Easter People in a Good Friday World

The apostles did not live during a pandemic. They did, however, fear for their lives every day. Despite the challenges they faced, they found ways to live and practice their faith. Today we are doing the same. During the Easter season, we will reflect on how to be Church, from the earliest Church, through the Acts of the Apostles. Resurrection may have come and gone, but the risen Christ’s body lives on through his followers, no matter the circumstances.

Sunday, May 3, 2020
Live with Gratitude
Acts 2:42-47
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown

Sunday, May 10, 2020
Be Honest
Acts 7:55-60
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown

Sunday, May 17, 2020
Repent
Acts 17:22-31
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown

Sunday, May 24, 2020
Keep it Simple
Acts 1:6-14
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
We know you are missing the social aspect of interacting over a warm, wonderful cup of "church coffee". So we are introducing Virtual Coffee Hour after service this Sunday from 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (stay as long as you wish).

We are creating Zoom chat rooms where you can visit with other members, guests and visitors and see their faces and hear their voices. To join, simp ly CLICK HERE. If you have not previously dowloaded zoom on your computer, you may be prompted to do so. Once you join the meeting, Nathan will randomly assign folks to small groups to catch up with one another. If you don't have a web cam or a smart phone, you can simply use one of the telephone numbers and call in. Those numbers will be included in Friday's blast about worship. Look forward to seeing and hearing from you Sunday!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Betty Durham's daughter, Mary Livingston, informed Barbara Duren that Betty died Friday April 17. Betty was 102. Her birthday was April 9. You may remember Mary asked for cards to be sent for Betty's 100th birthday and we participated. Betty passed peacefully in her sleep and they had a small service for her. Betty was a long time member of SSCC and was a member of Barbara's Sunday School Class at Campbell-Stone Apartments.

We pray for our SSCC family members who serve as first responders and SSCC's own serving in the military: Jamie Price Smith, Rachel Robeck, Michelle Brown, Tyler Brown, Derrick Brown, Kevin Mooney, Jared Mills and Dalton Brown. (If we are missing someone, please let us know so that we can include their name in our weekly prayers).

JOIN SSCC! 
You can join SSCC by a simple affirmation of faith anytime! If you want to join during this virtual time, just let Pastor Nathan know and we will make that happen. He can announce it during the livestream on Sunday morning! Simply e-mail Pastor Nathan  to let him know you would like to join!
DOING MINISTRY DIFFERENTLY
FOOD ASSISTANCE IN-REACH PROGRAM
SSCC Outreach realizes that the Covid-19 crisis is directly impacting many families in our church community. If you or someone you know in our church community are facing food insecurity because of a decrease or loss in income, we want to offer some support. This program is offered for members and regular visitors of SSCC. Please privately contact Jenna Hicks so that we can provide assistance to keep your pantry full. 

For assistance please reach out to Jenna by email  jennakhicks@gmail.com  or call 404-441-1668. 
GROCERY/ERRAND MINISTRY
In the wake of Covid-19, Tim and Breijanna Dyke have offered to pick up groceries or run small errands for those among us who can't get out. If you need some assistance, but do not feel comfortable leaving your home, or would like to help Tim and Breijanna with this ministry, you may contact them at  breijney@gmail.com , 360-632-9455 or  tim.dyke@icloud.com , 513-615-4609.
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SUBMITTING PRAYER AND CONGREGATIONAL CARE REQUESTS
Due to the fact that we are holding "virtual" church service, and are not able to submit prayer requests, please use the following emails and/or phone numbers to submit your requests:
CONNECT WITH OTHERS
SSCC has subscribed to zoom for anyone who might need it to virtually meet using a video conference method. Only one group can use our account at a time. If you would like your group to use zoom to virtually meet, please contact Amy Frost via em ail (amy@sandyspringscc.org) t o schedule your group on the calendar. We can help you learn how to send an invite to your group.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
CAC NEEDS YOUR HELP
Sandy Springs Christian Church is helping an effort to assist local area families who are most vulnerable during this time. In partnership with Community Assistance Center (CAC) which is located in Sandy Springs and houses one of the largest Food Pantry programs in the Metro Atlanta area, we can help families and individuals who face financial hardships due to lost income and medical expenses.

CAC is in need of online cash donations to purchase food gift cards and most needed items not currently stocked in their pantry as well as funds to help with rent. Online donations reduce the number of human interactions as we all do our part to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. To donate to Sandy Springs Christian Church Relief Fund for CAC  CLICK HERE . For updates on volunteer opportunities and services visit CAC at  www.ourcac.org .

Food Pantry Needs:
Canned Meat, Tuna, Chicken, Beef Stew, Chili, Rice, Dried Beans, Canned Fruit, Cereal, Mixed Vegetables, Baking Mixes, Milk and Juice Boxes for kids and Plastic Bags.

You may bring donations to the CAC Food Pantry at 8607 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350. Food Donation Times:
  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
  • No Saturday hours.
MUST MINISTRIES DONATIONS
Sandy Springs Christian Church has a long standing relationship with MUST Ministries.

Food donations (see list below) are very much needed and can be delivered in the following manners…
1. Drop off at the MUST Donation at 1280 Field Parkway in Marietta, 30066, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 to 5pm or
2. Drop off at MUST Cherokee at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway, Marietta.
3. Order food through Amazon and have it delivered to the addresses above.

Monetary donations are very much needed and can be delivered in two manners…
1. Online via their website, or for those who are reluctant to give online
2. Send a check in the mail to MUST Ministries, P.O. Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061.

Please CLICK HERE o r on the picture to the right to access a flyer for more information and how you can help.
HIGHLIGHTS
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FREE YOGA CLASSES
Stacie Brooks is offering free online yoga classes during this "shelter in place" time that we find ourselves in.

Here is the information:

Free daily 28-minute yoga stretch breaks via ZOOM meeting at 2:30 pm ET: Easy Wear/Where-you-are Yoga with Stacie from Atlanta Meeting ID: 224 932 681.
Bruce Lady   05/01
Bryan Strickland 05/01
Jordan Helton  05/02
Phil McCollough 05/02
Campbell Torbert 05/03
Rachel Robeck  05/04
Joyce Edwards  05/04
Jo Ann Baright 05/05
Nancy McDaniel 05/06
Darby Peterson 05/07
James Godfrey  05/07
Frances Grant  05/08
Andrew Michels 05/09
Ryleigh McGahee 5/10
Lawrence Steinmetz 05/10
Stacie Booker   05/10
Lauren Jones   05/10
Garrett Michels  05/12
Monica McGahee  05/13
Casey Evans    05/16
Steve Butz    05/17
Jim Armstrong   05/17
Anslie Worley   05/21
Owen Janeway   05/22
Ruth Michels   05/23
Susan McCluskey  05/25
Maisie Worley   05/26
Delane Bickelhaupt 05/27
Michelle Brown  05/30
Josie Worley   05/31