A NOTE FROM NATHAN
Courageous conversation. We need it desperately, don’t we? After all, we are worn down. We are tired of talking – about COVID 19, racial injustice, political divisions, and how long all of it will last. It brings to mind Paul’s words in Romans when he writes, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” I don’t know about you, but I certainly need strengthening from the Spirit. All I seem to be able to muster these days is a sigh.
Which is the reason our courageous conversation event this weekend is so timely. As soon as we stop our dialogue, we don’t have a chance. If we are going to get through this time together, we must find ways to talk about the issues of our day. The church, in particular, must model for the world what it is to disagree and still live as the beloved community.
I hope you are planning to take part in our virtual courageous conversation two-day event, this Saturday and Sunday, November 14 -15th. The schedule and details were sent in an eblast on Tuesday. That schedule is also included in this newsletter below, along with the zoom link for our gatherings.
Saturday's session is completely virtual. On Sunday, following worship, there is an in-person option in the sanctuary for those who attend worship and want to stay. We will be following all of the same safety protocols we use for worship. Allen Hilton will be streamed into our sanctuary. Those in the pews will be able to participate live, via zoom. Otherwise, the virtual option still remains on Sunday for those who will be participating from home.
This is one of three events we plan to host over the next three years, according to our Visioning Plan. Although, given the circumstances in our world, this weekend’s event could lead us to further work, in this same spirit, in the near future.
There are not many people, let alone congregations, willing to engage such a conversation these days. I’m grateful for you, Sandy Springs Christian Church, and your willingness to come together in the spirit of unity, despite our differences, to learn how we might teach the world what it is to live not as enemies and allies, but as brothers and sisters of the one human family. Look forward to seeing you this weekend!
Peace,
Nathan
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THIS SUNDAY
WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY AND LIVESTREAM
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Courageous Conversation Sunday
This Sunday, November 15th, we will have our first Courageous Conversation event. The theme will be the task and benefits of INTERNAL Christian unity. We’ll talk a brief bit on Saturday about how that matters EXTERNALLY (A Unity Mission to the World), but Sunday will move entirely toward getting better at loving one another across our differences.
If you do plan to attend in person on Sunday, make sure to park on the side of the sanctuary in which you prefer sitting. Information about worship this Sunday is below.
November 15, 2020
"God's Plans for Our Disagreements"
John 17.20-23 and 1 Corinthians 12.4-7
Rev. Allen Hilton
You can read the scripture in advance by clicking here. Additionally, to view the bulletin for this Sunday, click here. To view the livestream on our YouTube page, click here. Recorded versions of worship will be posted to our YouTube page following worship.
We hope you will join us for in-person worship service in the sanctuary. Our team has worked on the logistics of in-person worship to comply with the guidelines which you can review by clicking on the button below. Also, if you have not already, please click on the button below to watch the video by the Leek children explaining our new safety rules.
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Courageous Conversation Virtual Zoom Event Info
We are using the same meeting information for both Saturday and Sunday's session. You can click on this link to join the Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85359593306 or you can click on the button below.
Or you can call in to the meeting (no video) by dialing 312-626-6799 or 646-558-8656 and use the Meeting ID: 853 5959 3306.
Compassion and Courage (Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Worship (Sunday 10:15 AM)
Courageous Conversation (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) - Hybrid Event (Zoom and In-Person) - Those who come to church and want to stay in person may do so. Allen will be Virtual on the screens in the sanctuary.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for Sharon Hanna Nickelson who is now in Hospice. As her long battle is coming to a close her faith remains strong.
John Gilmore has asked us to pray for his cousin Fred Jones of Columbus, Ohio. He has been admitted to the hospital with Covid. He is stable at the moment but exhausted.
Please pray for our members and their families who serve as first responders and health care workers: Dr. Tim Helton, Katie Gibson, Tracey McCluskey, and Pete French. Also those serving in the military: Derrick Brown (Army) and Michelle Brown (Navy), children of Cindy and Pete Brown. Tyler Brown (Army), son of Tami and Stephen Brown. Jared Mills (Army), son/stepson of John and Floy Mills. Rachel Robeck (Navy), daughter of John and Mary Robeck. Jamie Price Smith (Air Force) and Dalton Brown (Army) granddaughter and grandson of Barb Duren and Chaplain Kevin Mooney (Navy). 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 us know you would like to join!
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CONGRATULATIONS!
On Sunday, November 1st, we welcomed William Edward Yarber into the world at 9:59 pm at 8.7 lbs. and 21 inches long.
The proud parents are staff member, Hannah Yarber and her husband Richie.
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ELEANOR WOOD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE
The family of Eleanor Wood will celebrate her life with a memorial service on Tuesday, November 17th at 11:00 am at Sandy springs Christian church.
While they wish they could celebrate with all of you in person, they would rather keep everyone safe. They will live stream the service on our YouTube channel, and the video will remain there for later viewing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in her memory to the SSCC Choir.
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16TH ANNUAL ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
November 19, 2020, 7:00 pm.
An evening of inspiration, music and humor celebrated by people of many faiths. Please CLICK HERE to view the flyer which contains the links you need to join the virtual celebration.
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UPCOMING MOUNTAINTOP LECTURE
On Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 10:00 am, Mountain Top Lectures and the University of North Georgia will sponsor a FREE virtual lecture by Dr. Peter Enns, Biblical scholar and theologian who has written widely on Christianity, science and Old Testament interpretation. To register for his lecture entitled, "Reimagining God", simply follow this link: www.mountaintoplectures.org. All registrants will receive an email link prior to the day of the event.
If you are currently an Annual or a Lifetime Sponsor of Mountain Top Lectures or became one prior to the event you will also be invited by email link to join a separate question and answer session with the speaker shortly following the lecture at 11:15 am. You will also receive a free copy of Dr. Enns’s latest book. For those interested just follow this link to become a sponsor: (Become A Sponsor).
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THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
On Sunday, November 22, 2020, we will observe our annual Thanksgiving Sunday. Let us come together and give thanks for the many blessings of this last year, despite the challenges we have faced!
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HAPPY VETERANS DAY!
by Amy Frost
Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States in honor of the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Yesterday, we set aside a day to honor our military veterans, and we want all SSCC Veterans to know that we appreciate your service.
This past year, while coordinating and attending Foy Taff's funeral, I looked outside the windows in the lobby and noticed a group of people standing on either side of the sidewalk, silently holding American flags as Foy's casket arrived. They remained there as Anita, family and friends arrived, and until the service started.
After the service began, I had to pop out to my desk, and encountered one of the men sitting at the table, and I offered him coffee. He gladly accepted and he introduced himself as a member of the PGR, the Patriot Guard Riders. He explained that they are veterans and civilians whose motto is "Standing for those who stood for US" and that their group is honored to assist the families of veterans who have passed. They often times stand in a line simply holding flags, or escort the hearse and family to the final resting place (mostly on motorcycles with flags waving behind), fold American flags and present them to the families, and even sometimes end up as pall bearers when there are no families or friends in attendance at a veteran's funeral or memorial.
After Terry "retired", and bought a motorcycle, I gave him the information and the next thing I knew he was going on PGR Missions and had found a great cause to volunteer for. One morning I went with him and we ended up standing a flag line in the cold together. I learned that there is never a dry eye during the playing of taps, and that families are so appreciative of the PGR and what they do. I have met some wonderful people and found out how dedicated they are to making sure no veteran goes home without recognition for their service to this country.
However, that's not all they do. A few weeks ago the PGR was invited by the activities director of a retirement apartment community in Roswell to drive by and visit the residents. We rolled in, revved the engines, beeped our horns and you should have seen the looks on their faces as they welcomed us waving their American flags! Some residents even went for a ride around the property on the "bikes". We heard some great stories, and made some great memories, not only for them, but for us.
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STEWARDSHIP REMINDER
On October 26th we sent out the Stewardship Packet and information via email. In addition, we mailed a few to those who requested them.
If you need a physical packet, please email Amy@sandyspringscc.org. Otherwise please open your email and search for an email titled "Stewardship Campaign 2021" from Nathan's email address, review the documents and video and remember to submit your Estimate of Giving form indicating your pledge for next year.
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2021 LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS OPEN
The Nominating Committee for the 2021 SSCC slate of leadership positions has been assembled and wants to hear from you! Specifically, we are looking to fill the following positions on Leadership: Secretary, Treasurer, Chair of Outreach, and Chair of Worship, Arts and Education. Additionally, we will be looking for new Elders and Deacons.
If you feel called to lead at SSCC or have a candidate recommendation for the committee you’d like to share, please email Phil Leek, Committee Chair at pleek@att.net, or reach out to any of the committee members.
Nominating Committee Members: Floy Mills, Pat Kapphahn, Dottie Gill, Shavette Turner, Teresa Edens, Denise Shipman, Kathy Woodworth, and Becky Chimera.
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CHRISTMAS ADOPT-A-FAMILY INFO
Sandy Springs Christian Church is excited to partner with Families First to provide Christmas gifts to a very special and deserving family this year. Please use the "Sign-Up Genius" link below to sign-up to provide specific items (you may sign-up for as many items as you would like). Items may be dropped off in the church lobby at our Sunday Services in November or at the church office on Tues/Wed/Thurs from 9:30 am - 1:00pm throughout November. Please gift wrap and label each item with the description of the family member (For example: Girl - Age 10). All items need to be received by December 1st.
Here's a little more information on the family:
"We are a family of 7. My husband is the only one that works and I stay home with the children. We like playing soccer, volleyball, basketball, and table games together. We also love doing arts & crafts. We are struggling financially at this moment, especially with the lack of work due to COVID-19. We appreciate any help we can receive."
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A SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE
Last Sunday, SSCC celebrated our 60th Anniversary during worship. We heard from several former ministers during the service. We have one more to share with you. To help SSCC celebrate our 60th anniversary, former Senior Minister, Rev. Phil Price sent us a video message. To view the video, CLICK HERE.
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THANKSGIVING SPECIAL OFFERING
Nov. 15 and 22
The Thanksgiving Offering supports Disciples colleges, universities and theological institutions. Disciples have a long history of post-secondary and theological education. This offering provides a direct connection to 15 colleges and universities, 7 seminaries and theological programs. Gifts from this offering continue the Disciples tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the Church.
Please mark your donations (whether check or on line) with "Thanksgiving Special Offering".
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SSCC UPDATED OFFICE HOURS
As we ease back into in person worship on Sundays, we wanted to update you on our church office reopening as well.
We want to start slow and steady, so for now there will be at least one staff person in the office from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We are happy to schedule meetings to accommodate anyone who might need to meet outside of those days/hours. Just email the staff person you want to meet with and we can set it up.
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FOUND EARRING
While gathering up our aluminum can tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald house we found a very pretty Mickey Mouse Earring. It is a black silhouette of Micky with small diamond colored rhinestones. (See picture to left). Please contact the church office to claim it.
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DOING MINISTRY DIFFERENTLY |
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UPDATE FROM OUTREACH
HELPING THE CAC: The CAC has seen increased requests for food for the pantry. Let's help our neighbors, from young to senior citizens, have the food and nutrition they need for the coming weeks and months. Collection barrels will be in the Church lobby and items may be dropped off during church office hours (Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 9:30 - 1:00) or on Sundays.
The CAC Food Pantry is requesting donations of:
Canned meats, rice, pasta, and canned fruits and vegetables, small bottles of cooking oil, shortening, toilet paper, paper towels, small bottles or pods of laundry detergent, and anything that you might consider a special holiday food. There’s an urgent need for: canned tuna, sardines, and cereal.
If you have any questions, please contact Cindi McCollough via email -csbfish@bellsouth.net or cell 770-365-0365.
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FOOD INSECURITY: If you or someone you know in our church community are facing food insecurity because of a decrease or loss in income, please privately contact Jenna Hicks so that we can provide assistance to keep your pantry full. Email jennakhicks@gmail.com or call 404-441-1668.
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MUST MINISTIRES: If you would like to donate and drop off items please CLICK HERE to access a flyer that outlines the most needed items. Monetary donations are very much needed and can be done so online via their website, or send a check in the mail to MUST Ministries, P.O. Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061.If you have questions please contact Cathy Cortright at cortright13@gmail.com.
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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, feel free to reach out to Merilyn Dimmit, Congregational Care, via Merilyn@sandyspringscc.org or call her at 770-448-8784 and leave a message. Please indicate if your prayer request is confidential (for Clergy/Elders only or for congregational sharing in our newsletter).
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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 email (amy@sandyspringscc.org) to schedule your group on the calendar. We can help you learn how to send an invite to your group.
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Sonia Bratten 11/3
Marion Brown 11/5
Bill Bradford 11/6
Robyn Hicks 11/12
Joanne Burgess 11/16
Dan McBride 11/18
Mary Robeck 11/18
Clint Campbell 11/19
Leslie Lady 11/19
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Hannah Yarber 11/19
Lynn Crowder 11/22
Stuart Michels 11/23
Peter Lochery 11/24
Allen McCahren 11/24
Elin Turner 11/24
Rusty Grant 11/26
Ella Lewis 11/26
Mandy Mooney 11/26
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